Ch.59: Their Abilities

The classroom was buzzing with the low murmur of students shifting in their seats, the scrape of chairs, and the faint scratching of pencils against paper. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting warm patches of light on the worn desks. But Kael sat still, his gaze distant and unfocused. The words being spoken by Aizawa at the front of the room floated into his ears but never truly landed.

His mind replayed the conversation he'd had with Voidflare last night. The news from Brazil lingered like a heavy weight in his chest—a villain group tearing through hero agencies, even managing to wound Stars and Stripes. It was serious. Too serious to ignore.

'Voidflare was clear about the danger. That mission… it might cost him his life,' Kael thought, pressing his fingers into his palms to ground himself. 'And what about Yumi? Her father's gonna be out there in the middle of it all.'

His thoughts twisted between worry and responsibility. He was a hero in training, but the world was already dangerously close to real battle. Kael wondered if he should tell Yumi, warn her to be ready, or maybe let her talk to her father herself.

A sudden voice cut sharply through the haze.

"Ishiro!"

The classroom quieted instantly. Aizawa's tired eyes fixed on Kael, his usually disheveled hair seeming almost severe in the afternoon light.

Kael snapped to attention, blinking rapidly. "Sorry, what was that?"

Aizawa's gaze didn't soften. "Are you even listening? I said—The USJ training facility. We're heading there soon. It's going to be serious, so you'd better be prepared."

The words hit Kael like a splash of cold water. Everyone's eyes were on him now, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity spreading through the room.

Yumi, sitting just beside him, nudged his shoulder lightly. "You zoning out again?" she whispered, a small smile teasing at the edges of her lips but her eyes searching for answers.

Kael shook his head slightly, offering a distracted grin. "Yeah, just a lot on my mind."

Aizawa cleared his throat, moving to the blackboard. "The USJ facility is a state-of-the-art training ground—simulated combat, realistic scenarios. I'll be overseeing everything, but this isn't a game. If anyone messes up, it could get dangerous."

He cast a sharp glance toward Kael and Yumi. "I'm counting on you two to help keep the class focused and organized. Don't let anyone slack or wander off."

Kael nodded, feeling the pressure settle heavier on his shoulders. "Got it."

Yumi bit her lip, glancing sideways at him. "That's a lot of responsibility, Kael."

He met her gaze, trying to offer some reassurance. "We'll manage. Just gotta keep everyone safe."

The classroom clock ticked louder in the sudden silence. The bell rang, sharp and final. Students quickly packed their bags, excitement buzzing just beneath the surface.

Kael stood, stretching out the stiffness in his legs. As students began to file out, Yumi fell into step beside him, her tone soft and probing. "Hey… what's really going on with you? You've been off all day."

Kael hesitated, weighing his words. He didn't want to cause unnecessary worry, but she deserved to know something. He chose carefully.

"You should talk to your dad," he said quietly. "Go find him after school."

Yumi's brow furrowed in confusion. "Go talk to dad? Why, what's wrong? Uh oh. Don't tell me you two got into a argument. C'mon now. You guys are way to old for that." Yumi teased as she pushed him a little.

Kael shrugged slightly, glancing toward the school entrance where students streamed out in waves. "Yeah, sure something like that. It's better coming from him anyways since he owes me an apology."

She nodded slowly, biting her lip, seeing that he was actually being serious. "Alright… I will."

They walked out together, reached the gate, the chatter of other students filling the air. Yumi gave him a small, grateful smile before turning away, purpose in her step.

Kael watched her go, the weight of everything pressing down hard. The world outside their classroom walls was changing fast. And soon, everything they were learning would be put to the test.

'I have to be ready for anything.'

…

The next day,

After the lunch bell rang and the last of the students had exited the classroom, Kael stayed behind for a moment, collecting his thoughts. The responsibility Aizawa had placed on him and Yumi sat heavy, but Kael was nothing if not organized. He knew that the success of the upcoming USJ training mission would depend heavily on how well the class worked together.

He pulled out a small notebook from his bag, flipping to a blank page. The first step: map out everyone's quirks, strengths, and potential weaknesses. With that knowledge, he could start planning formations and roles for the simulated battles.

Yumi was nearby, already jotting down her own notes, the faint cosmic glow around her fingertips a comforting reminder of her own abilities.

"Let's start with the obvious ones," Kael said, voice low but focused, as the classroom slowly emptied. "I want to know everything—how your quirks work, what your limits are, and what you think your best role is in a fight."

The first to approach was Momo Yaoyorozu, her posture calm and collected. "My quirk is Creation," she explained. "I can create any non-living object as long as I understand its molecular structure. It requires concentration and energy, so I can't create things without planning."

Kael nodded, scribbling quickly. "Good. You'll be essential for supply lines and strategic support. Maybe a long-range combat role with traps or barriers."

Momo smiled faintly. "That sounds reasonable."

Next came Tenya Iida, pacing a bit nervously. "My quirk, Engine, gives me incredible speed with engines in my calves. I can move fast, but I need to be careful not to overheat or injure myself."

Kael made a note: "Scout and rapid responder. Could also lead charges or help evacuate injured classmates."

Iida gave a firm nod. "Understood."

Then Tsuyu Asui hopped forward, her bright eyes watching carefully. "My quirk is Frog, so I can jump really far, stick to walls, and even stick my tongue out and use it as a weapon."

Kael smiled. "Perfect for mobility and reconnaissance. Could cover flanks or perform quick rescues."

Tsuyu's expression stayed serious. "I can hold my breath a long time too, if that helps."

A brief nod from Kael, then the class began to filter back one by one.

Katsuki Bakugo was next. His fiery temper was evident as always, but Kael kept his tone neutral. "Your quirk?"

"Explosion," Bakugo snapped. "I create blasts from my palms. It's powerful, but the recoil can throw me off if I'm not careful."

Kael wrote down: "Heavy artillery, front line. Use cover and short bursts to avoid exhaustion."

Bakugo huffed but said nothing.

Izuku Midoriya approached quietly, his green eyes steady despite the usual nervousness. "My quirk is Super Power," he said softly. "It gives me super strength and speed, but I'm still learning to control it."

Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, already aware of Izuku's potential. "You'll be frontline, support charge. Focus on controlled strikes and protection."

Izuku nodded, a small smile flickering.

Yuga Aoyama approached, flamboyant as ever. "My quirk is Navel Laser," he declared with a flourish. "I shoot lasers from my belly button. It's powerful, but I need to recharge often."

Kael chuckled silently. "Long-range support. Make sure to manage your energy."

He continued down the list, listening carefully to each explanation: Ochaco Uraraka's Zero Gravity, Fumikage Tokoyami's Dark Shadow, Denki Kaminari's Electrification, Eijiro Kirishima's Hardening, Mina Ashido's Acid, and so on. Each student's quirks were unique, with strengths and vulnerabilities Kael mentally cataloged.

When Shoto Todoroki finally came forward, he gave a small nod. "I have ice and fire," he said simply, his left side frost-covered, while his right side stayed neutral.

Kael paused, impressed. "Versatile, but you have to balance the two sides. Good for offense and defense."

Shoto gave a curt nod, almost as if he took his advice and threw it in the bin.

Finally, Yumi stepped beside Kael. "My quirk, Cosmic Energy Manipulation, lets me generate and control cosmic energy bursts. I can fly short distances and create energy shields, but using too much exhausts me."

Kael jotted down notes, glancing up at her with a smile. "You'll be key for defense and quick strikes. Your energy shields will keep the group safe."

She smiled back, glowing faintly with power.

Kael looked up at the empty classroom, the pieces starting to fit together like a puzzle. "This is good. We have a balance of offense, defense, support, and mobility. I'll start drawing up teams and formations."

Yumi watched him for a moment. "You make it sound so easy."

Kael shook his head, feeling the weight again. "It's not. But if we don't get it right… someone could get hurt."

He closed his notebook decisively. "We'll train hard, plan carefully, and get ready."

Yumi nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I'm with you."

As they stood together, the afternoon sun dipped lower outside, casting long shadows over the classroom. The upcoming USJ training wasn't just another exercise—it was a test that would shape their futures.

And Kael knew one thing for sure: he wasn't going to let anyone down.

…