The morning of the internships arrived with an overcast sky that seemed to press down on U.A High. In the locker rooms of Class 1-A, the air was thick with a mix of anxiety and the smell of fresh spandex. Yuta stood in front of his locker, staring at the costume case. 'Best design ever.'
The last few days had been a mix of classes, Hero lessons, and a thorough physical and Quirk examination. In preparation for the internships, he had sent in his designs for his Hero costume to have it made over the weekend.
Today he got the chance to see it.
Inner tight body armour made, fingerless gloves, a Ninja mask and a few more additions specifically made for high speed durability. He hadn't opted for anything flashy, or so he would think.
"You're awfully quiet, Akutami-kun," Midoriya said, adjusting his gauntlets. "Are you nervous about your choice?" There was also the matter of integrating into the class. Easier than he expected actually.
"Not really. I feel more disappointed than nervous actually." He turned his head back and smiled.
"Huh? Why? I thought your pick was perfect for you."
"Didn't really get the pro I wanted to intern with."
'He didn't get his preferred pro ... From Four Thousand offers?' Midoriya was thoughtful. 'Though that explains why he submitted at the last minute.'
"Is that so? Then, who exactly are you interning with?"
"Gunhead."
"Gunhead? The battle hero?"
"Uh-huh," Yuta said, zipping his bag. "Seemed like a good fit." He swung it over his shoulder. "What about you?"
"Oh! A retired pro named Gran Torino. All Might recommended him. He says he's 'old school.' but he can help me. Plus he's my only offer so .. "
"Hmm. Well guess it's my turn to ask if you're nervous."
"A little," Midoriya admitted, fumbling with a buckle. "Gran Torino is supposed to be really intense. All Might warned me about him, but he was also really vague about what to expect, which somehow makes it worse—"
He uttered, quickly changing the subject. "It's great for you though. It seems you and Uraraka will be interning together with Gunhead."
"Huh? What are you talking about Deku?"
Uraraka's voice came from behind them as she approached, her own gear bag slung over her shoulder. Iida walked just behind her.
Midoriya brightened immediately. "Oh! Uraraka-san, Iida-kun—Akutami-kun just said he's interning with Gunhead too!"
Uraraka blinked, then her eyes widened. "Wait, really?!"
Yuta nodded. "Yeah."
"That's so cool!" Uraraka beamed, practically bouncing on her toes. "I didn't know anyone else from class was going there! This is great—we can take the train together and everything!"
Yuta blinked at how fast her excitement escalated. "Uh… sure. That'd be nice, actually."
Iida adjusted his glasses with a sharp motion. "Gunhead Martial Arts ... I can see what you're going for. Frankly it is an excellent choice, Akutami-kun. The agency has a strong reputation for discipline and fundamental combat training. I'm certain you and Uraraka-san will both benefit greatly from his instruction."
"Thanks, Iida," Yuta said. "I'm sure interning with your brother will .. benefit you greatly as well."
Iida's expression carried unmistakable pride. "Thank you. I intend to uphold the Iida name with honor. Good luck, you too Midoriya."
"Train buddies," Mina called from across the room, twirling in her acid-resistant costume. "How cute! Meanwhile, I'm heading to the big city to work with someone who actually appreciates my talents."
"Your 'talents' being melting things?" Jiro muttered, adjusting her headphone jacks.
"Exactly! It's an art form."
"That's not—"
Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter. "If you're not ready in five minutes, you're walking to your internship."
Everyone froze.
Then the entire room detonated into frantic motion. Lockers slamming shut, shoes being tied, ties being straightened.
"W-We should proceed!"
"Right," Midoriya said, stuffing a notebook into his bag.
They followed the flow of students out of the locker room and down the hallway toward the main entrance.
[TRAIN STATION – 30 MINUTES LATER]
The station was crowded with the usual Monday morning rush—salarymen in dark suits, students with heavy backpacks, and scattered hero course students in their school uniforms heading to their respective agencies. Class 1-A clustered near Platform 7, a mix of nervous energy and last-minute gear checks.
Aizawa stood in front near a station pillar.
"Listen up," he began. "I hope you're all prepared. Its almost time."
Mina pumped her fist into the air. "Woo! Internship time!"
Aizawa stared at her.
She lowered her hands slowly.
He continued. "This isn't a vacation. You're there to learn, to work, and to prove you belong. Your first impressions matter. Follow instructions. Don't cause trouble. If you run into something you can't handle, withdraw and call for assistance. This is not the exam arena."
He swept his gaze, landing on Yuta.
"Everyone have their costumes?"
There was a wave of collective nods.
"Good. Remember, you don't have permission to wear them out in public yet. And don't go losing them."
Yuta stood near the edge of the group, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, watching the arrival board cycle through departure times. Uraraka stood beside him, rocking slightly on her heels as she checked her phone.
"Mind your manners with the other heroes when you get to your internships. You represent UA and this class. Don't make me regret letting you out of my sight."
Mineta raised his hand. "What if—"
"No."
"I didn't even—"
"Still no."
Aizawa turned toward the exit. "Your trains are posted. Don't miss them. Dismissed."
And just like that, he left. The group stood in brief silence.
"Was that... motivational?" Sero asked.
"I think that was his version of a 'good luck,' speech'" Kaminari replied.
"Terrifying."
Midoriya glanced at his phone, then looked at Iida and Uraraka. "My train's on Platform 3. I should probably head over."
"Mine's Platform 5," Iida said, adjusting his glasses. "I'll be heading off as well."
Uraraka smiled. "Good luck, Iida-kun! Say hi to Ingenium for us!"
"I will." Iida gave a short, formal bow. "Represent our class well."
"We will!" Uraraka said.
Iida turned sharply on his heel and marched toward Platform 5.
Midoriya watched him go, then looked back at Uraraka and Yuta. "I guess I should get going too. Good luck, you two."
"You too, Deku-kun!" Uraraka waved enthusiastically. "Don't let Gran Torino work you too hard!"
"I-I'll try!" Midoriya stammered, face flushing slightly. "See you in a week, Akutami-kun."
"Yeah. See you."
Midoriya hurried off toward Platform 3, nearly tripping over his own feet in the process.
The overhead announcement crackled at that moment. "Train to Saitama now boarding on Platform 7. Departure in five minutes."
"That's us!" Uraraka said, hefting her bag.
"Ready?"
Yuta adjusted his duffel strap. "Let's go."
They made their way toward the platform, weaving through the crowd. The train was already waiting when they got there.
Uraraka stepped on first, finding a pair of seats near the middle of the car by the window. Yuta followed, setting his bag and case on the overhead rack before sliding into the seat beside her.
"This is so exciting! I've never been to Saitama before. Have you?"
"Not really, no."
The train doors hissed shut as the engine came on.
Yuta looked at the window as the train began to pull away from the platform.
Meanwhile, several figures slipped through the doors of the car just behind theirs.
A man in a dark coat and low-brimmed hat, white hair barely visible beneath the edge.
A broad-shouldered man in a maintenance uniform, face obscured by a cap pulled low.
The train lurched forward, slowly gaining speed as the urban sprawl of Musutafu began to blur past the window. For a few minutes, the only sound was the rhythmic clack-clack of the wheels and the low murmur of other passengers.
Uraraka leaned her head against the glass, her reflection showing a mix of determination and lingering nerves. "I heard Gunhead's agency is super hands-on. Like, you get real drills every day.
"Yep. Combat classes are precisely why I signed up."
Yuta said nonchalantly.
"I see. You know, I was actually really surprised when Gunhead picked me. I thought for sure he'd only want people with physical strength quirks." She glanced at Yuta. "But why you, Akutami-kun? With your ranking from the Sports Festival, I figured you'd be interning with one of the Top Ten."
"Yeah, well Mr. Aizawa said to focus more knowledge our futures. Most of the top ten aren't really suited for me."
"Really? Not even Endeavor, Edgeshot or Best Jeanist?"
"No. What I am most lacking now is close combat skills, which is why I chose Gunhead. He's definitely weaker than them as a pro, but according to Mr Aizawa, his CQC ability is better than those pros. The only one who fits in the top ten didn't offer me an internship, so .."
"Who was that?"
"Mirko."
"The Rabbit Hero?" Uraraka's eyes widened. "Oh wow, yeah, she'd be perfect for you! But I heard she doesn't take on interns at all. Like, ever."
"Apparently." Yuta shrugged. "Aizawa-sensei said she works solo. No sidekicks, no students, nothing. Just her and whatever villain's unlucky enough to cross her path."
"That sounds... intense."
"That's putting it mildly."
Uraraka giggled, then settled back into her seat. "Well, I think Gunhead will be great for both of us. And hey, at least we won't be doing it alone, right?"
"Right."
The conversation lulled into comfortable silence. Outside, the cityscape gradually thinned, high-rises giving way to shorter buildings, then suburban sprawl. The rhythmic clacking of the train on the tracks was almost hypnotic. Uraraka had tilted her head to the side and gone silent at this point.
Five more minutes passed. Yuta who was going through a YouTube video on his phone suddenly frowned.
'What the?' His eyes suddenly felt heavy. Followed by a wave of fatigue seemingly appearing out of nowhere.
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