Linked Paths

Arc IV - Further [Chapter 3: In Practice]

Tōdō-sensei: {Well done. You'll get notice about the exact grade via HeCom as usual. Well, we shall move on to the next one. Take care, lil' bean!}

{Thank you, Tōdō -sensei.} My voice is shaky with all the emotions and sensations flooding me and sinking fully into my brain.

Assistant: {Congratulations from me as well.}

{Thank you...} I don't even know his name.

Assistant: {I'll have to ask you to go back to the anteroom. You can take your time there.}

I nod, albeit not sure if he's going to see this subtle reaction. My breathing has calmed down, whilst the adrenaline decomposition has my body feeling like it's filled with lead all-through. Groaning, I stand up and drag myself back to the anteroom. Drained from energy, injected with happiness.

About half an hour later, I arrive near the agreed meeting point in the U.A. park. Unnoticed by my friends, I stand at a distance. The sight of them relaxing under the green cherry tree, light conversations and typical occasionally goofing, warms my heart and brings a broad smile to my face. I can hardly wait to share the happy news about passing my exam.

My focus lands on Kacchan, who, with his trademark smirk, is listening to Denji's comments about something on his HeCom. Suddenly, my heart is beating a lot faster than before.

I want to pass the exams that still lie ahead of me not just for my own success, to prove to myself that I deserve the title of pro-hero, but to prove myself to Kacchan as well, to earn my place at his side.

Tomorrow, I will give my all too.

× Katsuki's POV ×
[25th of June, Tuesday, DR exam]

I land on the ledge of a building and annoyedly wipe the rainwater off my face. "Tch." As if it's making things better.

Of all things, my team was assigned to the 'Downpour Zone' for the exam. Operating in D-Zone means the effectiveness of my quirk is restricted to some extent. The production of my nitro-sweat requires more energy under these circumstances. Not only in general, but also because more sweat is needed to achieve the same power of my explosions as they would have without rain.

Plus, the vision conditions are shit. Non-stop rain shower combined with nightfall lighting. Woho~

I scan the area for anything unusual while the wind whistles uncomfortably past my ears.

Deku: {Uplift has spotted villains!}

And of course, the nerd was drawn into my team.

Since the body swap, our paths really have been irreversibly tightly intertwined. Even if we wanted to, we currently couldn't stay away from one another. Like a magnetic force stapling us together.

Deku: {He reports that they have a hold of civilians. I'm close, and on my way to further assess the situation with him from a safe spot.}

I hear Uplift's crowing, which means he's mobilizing and commanding any nearby companions with 'Order'.

Deku: {A crow will guide you to us.}

I activate my mic, {Stay put until we arrive at the spot. Am I clear?!}

Deku: {R-roger that.}

I grind my jaw as I jump from the ledge, making my way back on the puddle-covered street below. Damn.

You know, I don't mean to sound so assholish, but with Deku on the team, I'm under tension. I know how capable he is, and yet...it's impossible to tame the guard dog inside of me, who is fricking pronounced since I-Island. Even under exam conditions. Even with my perfect grade at risk.