Chapter 72 The Birth Of The Five Secret Guard

Everyone looked at one another, confusion evident on their faces. It was clear that no one had a solid understanding of U.A.'s Big 3.

"I've heard of them, but I don't know much," Izuku admitted, scratching the back of his head.

"Same here," Bakugo added, crossing his arms. "I just know they're supposed to be strong."

Akira, sitting silently to the side, was also at a loss. Despite being a transmigrator, his knowledge of the Big 3 was almost nonexistent. When he'd arrived in this world, *My Hero Academia* had barely reached its third season. He remembered bits and pieces of the sports festival, but anything beyond that was hazy. To him, there was no point in dwelling on a plot that had likely been changed by his very presence.

"Has everyone only heard of them?" the principal asked, breaking the silence.

Akira, along with the others, nodded.

"The Big 3 are the three most talented third-years at U.A.," the principal explained. "They're the students who are closest to professional Heroes in both skill and experience."

"The best third-years..." Izuku repeated, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

Bakugo cracked a grin, his competitive nature flaring up. "Heh. Sounds like they're worth crushing."

Akira raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Bakugo's bravado. "You're not even the strongest in our class. Maybe tone it down."

Bakugo's grin faltered, and he glared at Akira. "What was that, you bastard?"

Before an argument could erupt, Tokoyami interjected, his tone serious. "Principal, I'd like to see how our class measures up to them. It would be valuable experience."

Akira shot Tokoyami a glare. "You're really throwing me into this, huh?"

Tokoyami quickly waved his hands in denial. "No, no! I didn't mean—"

The room fell silent as the principal chuckled. "You'll get your chance soon enough. In fact, that's exactly what I wanted to discuss."

"Really?" Izuku's eyes widened with anticipation.

The principal nodded. "U.A. is planning to train the next generation of Big 3, and we've selected the five of you to participate in this program."

"Five of us?" Todoroki asked, his expression calm but curious.

"Yes," All Might confirmed, stepping forward. "After careful consideration, the principal and I decided that the five of you have the greatest potential to rise to the top. Of course, the rest of Class 1-A has incredible promise, but you five stand out. This training will be more rigorous than anything you've faced before."

Hearing this, Akira leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. *More training, huh? Well, it's not like I've been slacking.*

"But why five?" Izuku asked. "The Big 3 are, well, three."

"We decided on five because each of you brings something unique to the table," the principal replied. "And while you won't replace the Big 3, you'll be recognized under a new title: *The Five Secret Guards.*"

"The Five Secret Guards?" Akira repeated, his brow furrowed. "That's... dramatic."

"It's not just a title," All Might said, his voice solemn. "It's a symbol. You'll represent the best of U.A., tasked with protecting the peace and inspiring the next generation. With great power comes great responsibility."

All Might then did something unexpected—he bowed deeply. "Please, give it your all. The future depends on you."

The room fell silent as the gravity of his words sank in. Akira was the first to speak, his tone casual but firm. "Fine. I'm in. No objections here."

The others quickly followed suit, each nodding their agreement.

"But if we're supposed to be the next big thing, does that mean we'll face the current Big 3?" Bakugo asked, his tone laced with anticipation.

The principal smiled. "Indeed. You'll face them soon enough. Consider it a trial."

A smirk spread across Akira's face as he leaned forward, his fingers tapping the armrest of his chair. "Well, this just got interesting."