The class room was silent. But not the usual kind of quiet—this was the kind that hung in the air with a weight, a stillness born from tension, concentration, and the collective sound of twenty students scratching answers onto paper.
Even the softest sounds felt loud here. The subtle creak of a desk. The tapping of a pencil against a wooden surface. The occasional rustle of a sleeve.
Izuku sat at his desk near the middle, his head bent low, pen flying across the exam sheet. His face was calm, focused, eyes scanning through the question with precise rhythm. He muttered softly to himself, recalling formulas and training concepts. He could feel the clock ticking in the back of his mind, but he was ahead of pace.
Behind him, Iida sat ramrod straight, carefully checking his answers line by line.
To his right, Ruby was scribbling furiously, her lip tucked beneath her teeth. Yang, surprisingly composed for once, tapped the end of her pencil against her chin before smirking and moving to the next section.
At the back of the room, Kaminari's face was scrunched up in deep, almost painful thought, tongue poking out as he tried to remember what an "isosceles triangle" was.
Ashido sat beside him, twirling her pen like a baton and whispering to herself as she circled multiple-choice answers, half confident, half guessing based on gut.
Up front, Yaoyorozu's expression hadn't changed since the beginning—poised, prepared, professional. Every mark on her paper was neat, clean, and confident. She was the image of grace under pressure, and yet she still gave occasional glances to ensure her classmates were holding up.
Tsuyu blinked slowly as she scanned her work, head tilting slightly like a frog adjusting its gaze. Ochako gripped her pencil tight, cheeks puffed in concentration. Blake worked in total silence, eyes sharp. Shouko appeared unfazed, writing efficiently.
Three days.
Three days of mental battles like this.
And now...
A final voice cut through the silence like the clang of a bell.
"Time's up. Pencils down."
Aizawa's dry, tired voice rang across the room, ending the pressure with one simple sentence.
A chorus of exhausted sighs followed immediately after. Pens dropped, arms slumped. Some students leaned back in their seats like they'd just crossed the finish line of a marathon.
Aizawa began collecting his papers, his ever-present sleeping bag already curled by the desk, waiting to swallow him whole once this was over.
"One person from each row, collect the test sheets and bring them to the front," he instructed, not missing a beat. "Don't mix them up. Neatly."
"Y-Yes, sir!" Iida immediately stood up and began collecting his row's papers in perfectly aligned order.
Ruby got up to gather the sheets for her row, followed by Yaoyorozu for the back. Bakugo, though visibly annoyed, shoved his paper at Kirishima, who collected for their row with a chuckle.
Once the sheets were stacked in neat piles and placed at Aizawa's desk, he gave a nod and turned to address the class one final time before collapsing into his well-earned nap.
"That's it. The written portion of your final exams is complete. You'll receive your scores by tomorrow. Now, go rest up. The practical exam begins next."
"Whew..." Mina let out a huge breath, slumping over her desk dramatically. She turned to Momo with a grin.
"Seriously, Momo—you're a lifesaver. Thank you sooo much!"
Momo flushed slightly, hands folded modestly in her lap. "Oh, it was nothing. I'm just glad I was able to help. I hope my explanations weren't too confusing."
"No way! You made math sound like a bedtime story," Kaminari said, throwing both fists into the air. "I didn't leave a single question blank this time!"
"...Even if the answers were wrong," Jirou muttered under her breath, smirking.
Kaminari's eye twitched. "Rude."
Yaoyorozu smiled gently, and despite her usual poise, allowed herself a soft, humble brag.
"Well, I've always been good with numbers and theory. I'm just relieved I didn't let anyone down."
"You didn't," Izuku said sincerely, looking at her. "You really kept everyone on track."
Natsu: So many numbers, my head hurts
Rokuro: Well that can happen when you're an idiot
Natsu: WHAT DID YOU SAY!!!
Midoriya stood up and looked across the class, eyes flickering with excitement and nerves. The mood had shifted. There was no cheering, no celebration.
Just a quiet anticipation.
His voice played internally, steady and thoughtful.
"And just like that... the written portion of our final exams had come to a close. After three days of constant studying, notes, late nights, and a few near mental breakdowns... we survived."
But the hardest part was still to come.
Now... it was time to face the practical exams."
Everyone in the room was thinking the same thing.
This wasn't over yet.
Not even close.
Timeskip:
The wind was warm and heavy with the scent of summer.
Sunlight glinted off the polished support course buildings, casting sharp shadows across the pavement of the training grounds behind U.A. High. Rows of concrete blocks, open fields, and twisting metal structures made up the expansive area—one meant for one thing and one thing only:
Combat.
Class 1-A stood gathered in the center plaza of the field, all twenty of them in their full hero costumes. Their faces were still and serious, though some couldn't hide their nervous energy. A few adjusted their gloves or stretched their arms, trying to work out the tension already building in their muscles.
Izuku stood front and center, the green lightning of his upgraded suit lightly crackling with each breath. Beside him, Iida polished his armor plates while Ruby and Blake tightened their belts and fastened weapon clips. Mina bounced lightly on her feet, her acid-proof shoes squeaking with each step. Kaminari nervously tapped his fingers together, trying not to freak out. Momo adjusted the reinforced fabric on her waist, steadying herself.
Yang cracked her knuckles with a sharp grin.
Kirishima punched his fists together with a loud clack of confidence.
Bakugo stood with his arms crossed, explosive gauntlets gleaming under the sun.
A familiar shadow moved before them.
Aizawa stepped forward from the line of teachers, his capture scarf lazily fluttering behind him as he stood tall in front of his class.
Behind him, a handful of U.A. teachers were already assembled—Cementoss, Midnight, Present Mic, Power Loader, Snipe, and the hulking form of Ectoplasm. Each stood with calm, imposing presence.
Aizawa's tired eyes scanned over them, the way a predator sizes up its prey. Then he spoke.
"Alright, you've all made it through the written exams."
He let that sit in the air for a moment. A breeze blew past, ruffling Ashido's hair.
"But if you think the hard part's over—then you've learned nothing."
No one made a sound.
"Starting now... the practical portion of your final exam begins."
Kaminari gulped. "Here we go..."
"The objective is simple." Aizawa continued, his voice cold but clear. "If you want to go to the summer training camp—then you better pass this test."
Some students stiffened. Izuku's eyes narrowed with focus.
"Fail, and you stay behind." Aizawa folded his arms. "You'll miss the most important part of your training."
"Wait—what?!" Mineta squeaked from the back. "You mean... we can actually not go?!"
Yang let out a short, nervous laugh. "Guess this just got real."
Blake frowned. "So it's not just grades—they're testing our combat readiness."
"Exactly." Aizawa nodded. "This is where we separate the capable... from the careless."
A moment passed.
Then Aizawa turned toward the other teachers, giving a subtle nod. One by one, they stepped forward.
Cementoss placed both hands on his hips, his granite body towering.
Midnight gave a playful wink to the class, already cracking her whip in her gloved fingers.
Snipe tipped his cowboy hat.
Present Mic gave a loud "YEAHHH!" before being promptly ignored.
Power Loader crossed his arms, visor glinting.
Ectoplasm's blank mask stared them down, emotionless.
Ruby's eyes widened as she whispered, "Wait a sec... all of them are here?"
Momo took a nervous breath. "Does this mean...?"
Aizawa confirmed her suspicion. "I imagine some of you have gathered information and have gained some idea of what you'll be faced with today."
Kaminari:" We'll be fighting some big old metal robots
Mina:" Fireworks, smores e!-
Suddenly Aizawa scarf began wiggling around uncontrollably and from it popped out the principal of UA causing everyone to jump back in shock.
Nezu: Actaully this years, test will be completely different for various reaons.
Class 1A: Principal Nezu!
Momo: You're changing things
Mina and Kaminari went white as ghost while most of the class sweat dropped anxious of the test ahead.
Nezu climbed down Aizawa using his scarf to reach the floor." The test now have a new focus, there'll be hero training of course, but also team work and actaul combat between actaul people. So what does that mean for you? You students will be working in pairs with your sister class and you students will be facing your teachers isn't that fabulous!?"
"We're fighting the teachers?!" Uraraka said, eyes wide.
Even Bakugo blinked in surprise. Mina's jaw dropped. Kaminari's soul visibly left his body.
Midoriya's heart skipped a beat. Fighting the teachers?
"This exam isn't just about power or who can hit the hardest." Aizawa continued. "It's about cooperation, decision-making, and real hero thinking. We're going to challenge your weaknesses. You'll be paired up into teams of two... and your task is to either incapacitate your assigned teacher—or escape from the designated arena zone."
Mineta began shaking. "O-Or escape?! But what if they chase us?! What if Midnight catches me?!"
"I'll hand you over myself," Jirou deadpanned.
"Don't think this will be easy," Aizawa added. "We know your quirks. We know your habits. Your tells. Your strengths. Your limits."
He turned, glancing toward Izuku with that ever-sharp look. "Some of you are growing too fast for your own good."
Izuku stiffened.
Bakugo's hand curled into a fist.
Aizawa returned his gaze to the rest of the class. "We're going to push you to your edge. We'll treat you like villains if we have to—because when you're out there, there won't be a safety net."
The class remained silent.
Ruby exhaled slowly. Yang looked exhilarated. Blake was calmly calculating.
Shouko simply said, "This is fair."
Deku clenched his fists. "Alright... then let's do this."
Aizawa took out a tablet and scrolled. "Your matchups and partners have already been chosen. They were determined at my discretion based on various factors including fighting style, grades and inter personal relationships."
He smirked at his students
The moment felt heavy in the air. Aizawa's words were still echoing through the training ground as Class 1-A processed what was to come.
They weren't going to face robots.
They weren't just being graded on technicality.
They were about to face their own teachers.
Every heartbeat seemed louder than the last.
But then—
"Tch... always hogging the spotlight, Class 1-A."
A new voice cut through the silence like a blade.
Everyone turned.
Just beyond the edge of the training field, another class began to approach—clad in their own hero costumes, eyes sharp, postures confident.
Class 1-B.
Leading the way, Neito Monoma carried a familiar smug grin, his tray of ego overflowing as always. Kendo followed closely behind, her expression already apologetic. Yui Kodai, Setsuna Tokage, Tetsutetsu, and the rest of the 1-B students all walked in with mixed reactions—some serious, some excited, and others wary of the test ahead.
(Ignore her wings)
"Eh—what the heck?" Kirishima blinked. "1-B's here too?"
"Kendo did tell us they were showing up..." Ruby muttered.
Minetas mouth became a waterfall as he saw Elizebth and just as he was about to say something he noticed a dark and ominous aura wrap around him like a claw holding his heart. Turning stiffly he saw Izuku glaring down at him with crimson and black eyes, and faster than the flash Mineta ran behind Sero who shook his head.
Elizabeth seeing Izuku waved happily towards him to which he waved back with a kind and gentle smile
Aizawa turned slightly and spoke without missing a beat. "Correct. As principal Nezu stated this year's exam is different. Both 1-A and 1-B will be participating—simultaneously."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the group.
"So this is what they meant when they said it was going to be harder this year," Momo said, folding her arms thoughtfully.
"Of course it is," Blake replied. "With the League of Villains on the rise, the school's adjusting their expectations."
"Let's make one thing clear," Aizawa said, cutting through the chatter. "1-A and 1-B will not be paired against each other. You're not competing—yet. But we will be pairing students into teams across both classes to test flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork under unexpected circumstances."
Monoma smirked. "Oh? Not competing? What a shame. I was looking forward to seeing Class 1-A stumble and fall like they always do when real pressure hits."
Yang raised a brow. "This guy again..."
"Maybe if you focused less on being obsessed with us and more on improving yourself," Iida interjected with a rigid frown, "you wouldn't keep failing to surpass us."
Monoma gasped theatrically. "Oh, how cruel!"
Kendo sighed and gave Monoma a swift, sharp chop to the neck, knocking him out mid-sentence. He collapsed like a plank of wood, twitching faintly.
"Sorry about him," she said, dragging him by the ankle. "He's been rehearsing that speech all morning."
Setsuna walked beside her, arms crossed behind her head. "Still, can't deny it's gonna be fun seeing who cracks first."
"Just like that," Aizawa continued, unfazed, "new pairings will now be announced—and may include cross-class teams. Prepare yourselves accordingly. "
New alerts pinged on the students' phones.
Izuku blinked as his updated matchup loaded:
"The first pairings are Momo Yaoyorozu, Yotetsu Awase, Setsuna Tokage & Shouko Todoroki against me, then we have Midoriya paired with Itsuka Kendo".
Kendo whisper shouted" YES!"
"Ibara Shiozaki, Elizabeth Liones and Katsuki Bakugo. Their opponent is".
Suddenly from the sky came a large man crashing down, infront of the students shocked gaze was All Might the symbol of peace.
All Might:" I am here.To fight"
Team 2 thoughts: We're up against All Might
All Might: You're gonna have to work together students. If you want to win
Shivers went down thier spines as All Might chuckled.
Flashback A week ago:
Inside a sleek, reinforced conference room nestled deep in the heart of U.A., the top faculty members of Japan's most prestigious hero academy sat around a glowing rectangular table. The late afternoon sunlight streamed in from the tall windows, casting long shadows across serious faces.
Present were Aizawa, Present Mic, Midnight, Cementoss, Power Loader, Snipe, Thirteen, and Principal Nezu seated at the head.
The tension in the room was subtle but thick, like the air just before a thunderstorm.
Principal Nezu was the first to speak, sipping his tiny porcelain teacup with elegance. "Now then, about the practical exam. Normally we would bring in the usual batch of combat bots and call it a day..." He paused, eyes narrowing with curiosity, "...but given recent events, I believe it's time we reevaluate what our students need most."
Cementoss crossed his arms. "You're talking about the Hero Killer incident, aren't you?"
"Among other things," Aizawa said plainly, his arms folded under his capture weapon as he leaned against the wall. "Three of our students were there, one of whom engaged him directly and survived. That should never have happened."
"But he did survive," Present Mic added, adjusting his sunglasses with a somber look. "And he won."
"Midoriya didn't just survive," Midnight interjected, flipping a page in her notebook. "He also went blow-for-blow with Americas number 1 powerhouse... the man who defeated All Might in his prime. Superman. And won. If only barely."
"That battle nearly leveled metropolis, and collapsed a brigde" Power Loader muttered. "You call that a win?"
"It is," Aizawa replied firmly. "But it's also a wake-up call."
Nezu's eyes glinted with rare steel behind his usual playfulness. "Which is why Eraser here has proposed we do something... different."
Aizawa stepped forward. "The robot simulations are too predictable. They lack real combat unpredictability, decision-making pressure, and emotional stakes. They don't teach our students how to face real villains — only machines."
"You want us to fight them?" Snipe asked, raising a brow beneath his cowboy hat. "As in, the faculty?"
"Not one-on-one," Aizawa clarified. "Teams. Groups of four students versus one pro. Even then, they'll be pushed to their limit."
"I like it," Midnight smirked. "Let's see how they deal with being overwhelmed. The real world doesn't hold back."
Thirteen looked uncertain. "Is that wise? We're talking about teenagers, even if they're promising. We have students who've barely scratched the surface of their quirks, and others who've already been through too much."
"It's because they've been through so much that this is necessary," Aizawa said flatly. "They've seen real blood. Real death. Some have already stood against monsters. If we baby them now, we set them up to die later."
"Harsh," Cementoss said, "but not wrong."
Nezu chuckled softly, setting his cup down with a clink. "Very well, then. We'll replace the robotic portion of the exam with live teacher-versus-student battles. Teams of four. Carefully balanced."
"I'll help pair them up," Aizawa said. "They'll need combinations that test their synergy, not just power."
"We'll need to monitor injuries," Power Loader added.
"And mental breakdowns," Thirteen followed quietly.
"We'll brief Recovery Girl," Nezu nodded. "But if we want heroes capable of withstanding the chaos of this new world — villains forming factions, Nomus with demon blood, alien threats from beyond the stars — we must harden them now."
Silence followed his words for a moment.
Then Present Mic raised a finger. "So who's fighting the Bakugo team?"
A pause.
Then Midnight grinned. "I'll volunteer."
"Too dangerous," Aizawa said instantly.
"Too fun," she winked back.
Everyone chuckled — even Cementoss cracked a small grin. The storm had not yet arrived, but in that room, they all agreed to prepare the next generation with everything they had. The students had seen the darkness rising. Now, the teachers would make sure they could shine brighter than ever.
Nezu clapped his paws together. "Then it's decided. This year's final practical exams... will be real."
End of flashback:
All Might looked towards Aizawa with a strained smile.
"You're paying close attention huh Aizawa"
Nezu: Now as the two classes have an uneven amount some teams will have more pairings than others, let's announce the teams in order,
First match
Eijiro Kirishima
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu (1-B)
Jurota Shishida (1-B)
Rikido Sato(1-A)
Yang Xiao Long (1-A)
Against Cementoss
Second match:
Fumikage Tokoyami (1-A)
Tsuyu Asui (1-A)
Yui Kodai (1-B)
Kuroiro Shihai (1-B)
Reiko Yanagi (1-B)
Against ectoplasm
Third match
Tenya Iida (1-A)
Mashirao Ojiro (1-A)
Pony Tsunotori (1-B)
Ruby Rose (1-A)
Against Power Loader
Fourth match:
Shouko Todoroki (1-A)
Momo Yaoyorozu (1-A)
Yosetsu Awase (1-B)
Setsuna Tokage (1-B)
Against Eraserhead
Fith match
Uraraka Ochako
Yuga Aoyama
Kojiro Bondo
Sen Kaibara
Against Thirteen
Sixth Match:
Denki Kaminari (1-A)
Mina Ashido (1-A)
Juzo Honenuki (1-B)
Togaru Kamakiri (1-B)
Against Nezu:
Seventh match
Koji Koda (1-A)
Kyoka Jiro (1-A)
Blake Belladonna (1-A)
Manga Fukidashi (1-B)
Neito Monoma (1-B)
Against Present Mic:
Eight Match
Mezo Shoji (1-A)
Toru Hagakure (1-A)
Hiryu Rin (1-B)
Kinoko Komori (1-B)
Against Snipe:
Ninth match:
Minoru Mineta (1-A)
Hanta Sero (1-A)
Kosei Tsuburaba(1-B)
Kosei Tsuburuba(1-B)
Against Midnight
Tenth match
Izuku Midoriya (1-A)
Katsuki Bakugo (1-A)
Itsuka Kendo (1-B)
Ibara Shiozaki (1-B)
Against All Might:
Nezu: To complete the exam, you'll have 30 minutes. In order to win you need to put these handcuffs( Pulls out a pair of handcuffs) on your teacher. Or you can win by escaping the combat stage
Ruby looked down at her pairing and gave a slow nod. "So, we need to work together to defeat the teachers or run away".
"Yeah but is it really okay to just jet?" Mina said, glancing between students.
Nezu: "Yep"
Present Mic: " It's gonna be much different fromt he combat training you did earlier. Cause you're up against people way better than you !"
Present mic added with exaggerated moves.
Jiro: Better? Aren't you just the announcer
Present Mic hearing this did a spit take as Midnight giggled behind him and Aizawa smirked." Hey watch your mouth girl! Show some respect !!!"
Momo frowned in thought. "This... could be strategic."
"Could also be chaotic," Blake added.
Thirteen spoke. "This time your exam will be very similar to a real battle, as strange as it is please think of us as villains."
Snipe then spoke."Assuming you come across your enemy if you think you can win against them, then fight. But if you can't"
Aizawa then spoke again" In instinces where you're outwatched, run away. Todoroki, Iida, Midoriya I'm sure you three understand. Well Maybe not you Midoriya."
Izuku chuckled nervously before feeling Kendo take his hand with a worried but supportive smile. Feeling heat rise up to his face Izuku smiled gentle and held her hand firmly.
Iida: I won't make that mistake again!
"So it's either fight to win or run to win," Izuku said, turning to All Might
All Might:" That's right, it's a test of your decision making skills. But with these rules your probably thinking your only choice is to flee. So the support course made these super clever accessories for us !"
All Might reached into the back of his belt and pulled out a massive wrist weight.
Present Mic: Behold! Ultra compressed weights !!
All Might and the other teachers placed the weights on their wrists and around their anckles.
All Might: These babies will add about half our body weight to our physics. It's not much but they will eat up our stamina and make it harder for us to move around. We had a constest for these designs and young Hatsumei ended up winning it.
Izukus eyes widened in shock, remembered Hatsumei from the sports festival and from the note that came with his new suit design.
Izuku: Wow good for Hatsumei
Bakugo: You think we need a handicap to win against you? Think again !
He growled in anger while All Might laughed and then smiled dangerously. " This will be fun"
Aizawa: Let's begin
The teams will take the practical exam in the order you were called. Team 1 you're up
Team 1: Yes sir
Aizawa: Those of you who weren't called may watch the exam from the observation room or try to strategise together as a team that's all
The teams started coming together and making up plans while a few other followed the teachers inside the building.
In the hall:
The hallway was quiet, the only sound being the gentle scuff of Izuku Midoriya's shoes against the floor as he made his way toward the observation room. His thoughts were swirling—not with nerves, but with anticipation. The practical portion of the finals had begun, and while his team would have to wait for their turn, he wanted to observe the others, study their moves, and be ready.
But just before he could open the door to the observation room, he paused—someone was standing beside it.
Yui Kodai.
She was like a still shadow, calm and unreadable. Her soft gray eyes met his, her expression as neutral as ever. She didn't speak right away. The silence stretched long enough that Izuku blinked in awkward confusion.
"...Midoriya," Yui said finally, her voice quiet and low.
"Oh! Hey, Kodai. I didn't know you were here. Are you—waiting for someone?"
"...You."
"Me?" he asked, surprised, and slightly scratching his cheek.
"I hoped... I would be on your team," she said, her tone still unreadable, though her eyes softened just a bit. "But... it didn't happen."
Midoriya gave her a warm, understanding smile. "Yeah, I get that. I thought I'd be on a team with Tokoyami or Iida again, but looks like the teachers wanted to really shake things up. Still—Kendo and Ibara are amazing. I'm lucky."
Yui didn't respond. She simply stepped forward. Without warning, she gently wrapped her arms around him in a quiet, firm hug.
Izuku stiffened for a moment, wide-eyed. His arms hovered awkwardly before slowly settling on her back. "U-Uh... Yui?"
She didn't let go.
"...I was worried," she said at last. "When you fought Superman."
Izuku's throat tightened, the memory of that impossible fight flashing in his mind—the pain, the pressure, the raw power. "I... I was too," he admitted with a soft laugh. "But I'm okay now. I made it back, thanks to all of you."
Yui gave a small nod, then stepped back. "Good." That was all she said before turning and walking toward the door.
Deku stood there for a second, stunned. He watched her go, then quickly followed her inside.
Observation Room – U.A. Grounds
The observation room was already active, the large screens displaying each testing zone. Sitting in front were Recovery Girl and Chitose Kizuki, the sharp-eyed journalist from the Public Safety Commission, currently assigned to monitor hero-in-training progress.
"Ah! Midoriya-kun," Recovery Girl greeted warmly, "glad to see you looking better!"
"Thanks," Izuku smiled, bowing. "I'm here to learn from the others until my team's match."
"Same here!" came a bubbly voice.
Izuku turned and saw Uraraka, already seated and watching the screen with rapt attention. Kendo waved from nearby, and Ruby Rose, now in her black-and-red combat gear, was sipping tea beside her.
"You're just in time," Chitose added, tapping her monitor. "The first match is starting."
Match One: Cementoss vs Team Kirishima
On the screen, five figures stood at the ready inside a wide concrete testing field.
Eijiro Kirishima (Quirk: Hardening) – Allows him to harden his entire body into a nearly indestructible state, improving his durability and strength.
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu (Quirk: Steel) – Similar to Kirishima's, but turns his body into solid steel, enhancing his raw power and endurance.
Jurota Shishida (Quirk: Beast) – Grants him a monstrous beast form with enhanced size, strength, and senses.
Rikido Sato (Quirk: Sugar Rush) – Converts sugar into raw strength. The more sugar he consumes, the stronger he gets—at the cost of stamina and focus.
Yang Xiao Long (Quirk: Burn) – Yang's quirk lets her absorb kinetic energy from attacks and reflect it back with explosive force. The more she's hit, the stronger her next strike becomes.
Before them stood Cementoss, the calm and calculating Pro Hero who was already pressing his hands to the ground.
The match began in a flash.
Kirishima and Tetsutetsu both charged, yelling out with reckless bravery, fists hardened and steel arms swinging. Yang dashed forward beside them, her golden gauntlets glowing with anticipation. Rikido popped a handful of sugar cubes and roared as his muscles expanded. Jurota, already in his Beast form, raced ahead in a bounding sprint.
But Cementoss had no intention of letting them through.
With a single touch, thick cement walls burst from the ground like a cage around the charging team.
BAM! Tetsutetsu slammed into the first wall, cracking it. BAM! Kirishima followed, driving his fist through another. Yang dodged one, only for another to rise up under her feet, throwing her off balance. Sato punched through one wall, only to face two more right after. Jurota growled and smashed through—but every hole was quickly patched by another pillar of cement.
"He's... boxing them in," Kendo murmured.
"Every time they break a wall, it just drains their stamina," Uraraka added, concern on her face.
"They're powerful, but this isn't a battle of force," Recovery Girl noted. "Cementoss is testing their tactics, not just their strength."
On screen, Jurota shouted to the others: "We need a plan! Split up, surround him!"
But Cementoss was already one step ahead. His eyes narrowed behind his rectangular glasses, and then—WHAM! The ground erupted.
Pillars of cement shot up like jaws, trapping each of the five students in separate boxes of hardened concrete.
Kirishima bashed at his, roaring, but the walls kept reforming. Yang pounded hers with a glowing fist, but the structure absorbed the shock. Rikido screamed in frustration, his sugar strength beginning to wane.
Within seconds, the battlefield went silent.
"Match over," Chitose said, adjusting her glasses. "Cementoss wins this round cleanly."
Ruby blinked, biting her lip. "He took them all down... so fast."
"They went in relying on strength," Izuku said softly. "But strength without a plan against someone with environmental control like Cementoss... it was never going to be enough."
"And now," Recovery Girl said, folding her arms, "we'll see if the other teams learn from that mistake."
The observation room fell quiet as the screen shifted to the next match. Izuku leaned forward, his eyes burning with determination.
It had only just begun.
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