After we got back to U.A, most of us were dead tired, except for Izuku and Bakugo, who got into a fight for some reason?!
Thankfully, I broke it up in time and froze them up to their necks for the night, after which Aizawa gave them their punishment, house arrest. Izuku got a lighter sentence but was still stuck in the dorms for the week as he and Bakugo worked things out.
I, for one, enjoyed the week off they gave us. I slept in most days, and then went to the gym with Shoto and Kirishima on one day, and went on another date with Sasha the next. I only got to relax for one day before we got called back to class.
Thankfully, the opening ceremony for this semester wasn't very long. I could see why Aizawa would rather give us a test on the first day compared to sitting through this. I don't know how Nezu had powered through these things for decades.
The rest of the week was normal after that. Since All Might was still not recovered, or as close as he could get, Aizawa told us we wouldn't be having our Foundational Hero studies until Thursday.
When that day finally rolled around, Aizawa let me finish taking roll before he took the podium. "Today, you will be having Foundational Hero Studies with fellow students. Come on in, guys." A trio of third-year students then walked in as Nejire's face lit up.
"Micah! Momo-Chan!" She beamed at us as Mina's gossip radar pinged. "Save it for later," Aizawa said bluntly as the blonde, Mirio Togata, started speaking. I was mentally dragged away from that by the Gacha, however.
[Gift from beyond the veil, 1x Random Gold Ticket] (BBWulf)
I should probably pay more attention to what Mirio is saying, but I can't help myself. 'Spin it!'
[Spinning, spinning, spinning, done!]
[Intermediate Total Concentration Breathing]
|Rare Skill|
Demon Slayer - You are learned in the way of the Total Concentration Breathing technique, a specialized breathing technique that allows you to increase the concentration of oxygen in your blood and activate your muscles better, giving you a superhuman physique as long as you maintain the breathing. As an intermediate, you can perform the technique well enough to actively maintain it during combat. But it can be improved with practice.
I slightly winced as the knowledge flooded my brain. I didn't let it stay that way, though, as I started using it and felt my strength rise tangibly.
I kept using it as Mirio dragged us to the changing rooms before taking us to Gym Gamma. Nejire and Momo were using this time to catch us as Sasha slid up next to me. "She's prettier than I thought. You should have sent me a picture." I shrugged. "Why take pictures of her when I have you?"
She jabbed my side with a laugh as we reached the gym. "Alright, this should be enough space," Mirio said, observing us as he suddenly locked onto me. "You, Micah, right? Mind sitting this one out?" I nodded, and he flashed me a bright smile.
Sasha joined the others as Mirio explained what was going on. "Don't break them too badly, Mirio." I hear someone mutter behind me, and I turn to see Tamaki staring around nervously. His eyes glance up and see me watching him, which freaks him out as he turns 180 to face the other way.
"Don't worry about him, Tamaki is just shy." Nejire appeared beside me, and I nearly jumped as sounds of fighting and shrill screams sounded behind me. I smile at Nejire before turning to see the carnage.
"I know you three are the closest to being pros, but man, Mirio is something else." I can't help but admit seeing the state of my classmates. Other than Bakugo and Shoto, everyone else is on the floor groaning.
Izuku and Kirishima got it worse, looking like they were about to throw up from how hard Mirio punched them. The rest of the guys had beat-up looks on their faces, as did most of the girls. Mirio didn't hesitate.
Sasha actually looked the worst out of all the girls, nearly as banged up as Izuku. "Who's the cat girl? Wait, I remember! That's Sasha!" Nejire said, and I nodded. "Yep, we started dating about a week ago."
Nejire went to harass Sasha, or at least bombard her with questions, as Tamaki's quiet voice reached me.
"A-are you, Micah? Nejire's been talking about you and someone she calls Momo-Chan." I turned and nodded at the older boy. "Yes, I'm Micah. It's nice to meet you." I said before turning, as Tamaki looked relieved, we were done talking. Poor guy.
"Not absolutely terrible. You still have plenty of room to grow." Mirio beamed at everyone as he covered himself once more before turning to me. "Now it's your turn. I never thought I'd meet someone who became a pro before I did!" Mirio said with excitement as everyone's eyes snapped to me.
"HE WHAATTT!" Everyone shouted at once. Only Aizawa didn't look surprised.
I fished around my costume for my wallet and brought it out, my hero license. Everyone stared at it in shock and awe. "How the fuck did you get that?" Bakugo said, ever elegantly, as everyone's eyes asked the same question.
"You know how I kinda killed the most dangerous villain of the century, who All Might himself couldn't kill?" They nodded, more than a few with conflicted faces. "Yeah, I'm probably twice as strong from when I did that. So I was able to strike a deal with Nezu and the HPSC to get my license early."
They all just kept staring at me in disbelief as I put my license away.
"Anyway, ready to go?" Mirio asked as he bounced on his heels. "Yes!" I shouted as I rushed him.
As expected, his clothes fell away, but I didn't let it shock me as a fireball raced towards him. Mirio let it pass through him before he fell and sank into the ground. I spread my wings and took to the air to throw him off since I knew he couldn't breathe while using his quirk.
As soon as Mirio came up for air, I descended upon him. I wasn't quiet enough, though, and he heard me in time to become impermeable as my feet passed through his chest. I pivoted as I landed to avoid a punch from him as my legs lashed out.
Mirio jumped over and kicked towards my face at the same time. I moved my hand to grab his leg, only for his foot to pass through and slam into my face.
'I forgot about that.' I thought belatedly as I rolled with the blow and took to the skies once more. "I can see why Sir Nighteye values you so much. You've come very far." I call down as Mirio grins up at me with his ever-bright smile.
We continue sparring for another five minutes before Mirio concedes. I land before him as he laughs.
"That was a great fight! I can see why you were able to keep up with All Might at Kamino. Not to mention the various quirks you have, it's very good Japan has you on their side!" I didn't bother correcting him as we shook hands.
Aizawa took that chance to make his presence known once more. "Although he could've done it differently, Mirio has shown you the benefits of our Work Studies program. I remember how Mirio struggled to control his quirk when he first joined U.A.
I can confidently say he's several times stronger than before. What you saw today was the culmination of all his hard work, tempered by his experiences working with an actual hero.
You guys are about to start yourselves, so start thinking now about who would best support your skillset to become a better hero. Dismissed for lunch."
As soon as Aizawa was done talking, I was swarmed by everyone asking how I'd gotten my Hero License already. I tried my best to calmly answer everyone while nudging Sasha and Momo over to Shoto, who was currently facing Nejire's undivided attention.
Once I finally got away, Nejire grabbed me by the arm to take a photo with Sasha as she grinned in delight. I didn't mind, but I'd rather not be photographed in my gym uniform. I did it for her, though, and she gave each of us a hug before running after Mirio and Tamaki.
"She's pretty cool." Sasha said as we walked back, "Are you ok, Shoto? Her questions can be a bit pointed." Momo asked Shoto, who still looked a bit rough after his one-on-one with Nejire.
"I'll be fine. I just didn't expect it, that's all." He huffed as I grinned, "You answered her, though, right?" He shook his head, confused as Momo sighed. "She's going to be back for more once she realizes you didn't say a word. There's nowhere you can hide."
On the way to the cafeteria, we passed Aizawa, whom I stopped to ask, "Since I'm technically a licensed her now, do I still have to go do a Work Study?" I didn't enjoy Aizawa's terrible, terrible smile. "No, you get to stay and help the other teacher sort through exam papers."