On the first school day after the long holiday, Kirishima left home with Ashido in tow.
As much as he would have liked to take a taxi to avoid the hassle, a student being seen riding one every day probably wouldn’t look very good.
Besides, getting a motorcycle license wasn’t an option yet—one had to be sixteen, and Kirishima was still fifteen.
He’d have to ask first whether it was even acceptable to ride a bike to school.
Ashido, who had just returned from Chiba the day before, chattered excitedly.
"Eijiro! Mom and Dad said they cried when they saw me on TV! Haha. Isn’t that weird?"
"Weird? Not really. If my troublemaking daughter showed up on TV and still managed to cause chaos, I’d be close to tears too."
"Whaaat! I didn’t cause any trouble!"
"Then who was it who couldn’t keep quiet when I said not to mention that I told you to hit me with a pipe? Who was it who, instead of waiting at the training ground as I ordered, bolted off somewhere strange and made me comb the mountains all day? And who was it that, back in sixth grade one summer, started rolling on the floor crying about wanting to see the ocean—forcing me to cancel training and take you to the beach?"
"Uh... okay, fine, but I still didn’t cause trouble on TV!"
"Just because you didn’t stir up trouble this time doesn’t mean you won’t later. Isn’t it only natural to expect you might eventually? That thought makes me want to cry."
"I won’t! Mom and Dad liked it too!"
While Kirishima was busy teasing Ashido, people who recognized them came over to speak.
"Oh? Hey, you’re Kirishima from the Hero Course, right?"
"Ah, yes. I’m Kirishima Eijiro."
"Oh! We watched the sports festival—you were awesome!"
"Heh. Brought back memories for me too!"
"My son wouldn’t stop praising you; he said he wanted to become a hero just like Kirishima."
"And the girl from your class was in the festival too—the one who made it to the quarterfinals."
Though Ashido looked visibly flustered by the barrage of questions, Kirishima simply sighed inwardly and handled it all with ease.
After signing what seemed like an endless number of autographs for everyone in their tram car and chatting away, Kirishima and Ashido finally relaxed once they arrived at school.
Once they disembarked with permission and the tram pulled away, Ashido exhaled in relief and said, "Phew. That was chaos. I remember when reporters swarmed the front gate before—Eijiro, you’re really good at handling all this."
"I’ve had plenty of practice."
"Really? When? Oh... Disneyland?"
"Something like that."
In truth, he was referring to his previous life, but Kirishima simply nodded noncommittally and led Ashido to class.
By the time they arrived, the other students were already deep in conversation.
Ashido greeted them in a bright, lively voice, "Hi! Tsuyu! Hagakure! And everyone else!"
"We’re the rest?"
The boys who hadn’t been named grumbled, but Ashido pressed on confidently, "Didn't people recognize you guys? Ever since we were on TV, folks kept coming up to me and Eijiro on the way here—though most of them chatted with Eijiro."
"Yeah! I was embarrassed when people kept sneaking glances at me too!"
"Hagakure, as always..."
Sero’s gloomy comment was nearly drowned out by another, "Some little kids even shouted 'It’s okay!' out of the blue..."
"It’s okay."
"Aaah!"
At Tsuyu’s merciless second jab, Sero clutched his head and wailed.
Just then, the door opened and Aizawa entered, greeting everyone with a polite "Good morning."
Seeing Aizawa without his bandages, Tsuyu pressed a finger to her lips and said, "Ribbit. Aizawa-sensei, you’ve taken off your bandages. That’s a relief."
"My grandmother’s remedy was a bit over the top. And more importantly, today’s Hero Studies is going to be a bit special."
At his words, the students each wondered what "special" might mean and tensed up.
Some imagined a pop quiz; others braced for a presentation.
Their guesses were dashed when Aizawa continued, "Call signs. We’re coming up with our hero names."
"Here comes the excitement!"
The students cheered, but their enthusiasm quickly faded at the sight of Aizawa’s gleaming eyes and hair standing on end.
Surveying the suddenly quiet classroom, he said, "This is related to the 'draft nominations' we discussed previously from the Pro Heroes. Official nominations start from the second and third years—once you’ve built up enough experience to be judged as immediately combat-ready. In other words, the nominations you received are an expression of interest in your potential. If that interest diminishes by the time you graduate, it’s not uncommon for them to be canceled."
"A shame, but that’s just the way the world works."
In response, Sho murmured softly.
Having grown up in a family that was practically a regional heavyweight, he was accustomed to a society that took in what it needed and discarded the rest.
His family did their best to nurture those they accepted, but they couldn’t take everyone in.
Catching on to Sho’s remark, Hagakure asked Aizawa, "So the nomination itself becomes an obstacle you have to overcome—something you must surpass?"
"Exactly. And here’s how the numbers stand."
When Aizawa pressed a button on the remote in his hand, the results were projected onto the blackboard at the front of the room.
First place: Todoroki with 4,123 votes.
Second: Kirishima with around 3,900 votes, and third: Bakugo with roughly 1,500 votes.
Below that, the number of nominations dropped off sharply.
Aizawa’s calm voice explained, "Usually the votes are more diffused, but this time all the attention concentrated on these three."
"Wow. They really drew a clear line there."
"Even the pros seem to lack an eye for talent."
After Kaminari and Aoyama grumbled, others speculated aloud, "Todoroki in first place, and Kirishima in second..."
"The rankings are the reverse of what we saw at the sports festival."
"Kirishima is kind of intimidating, isn’t he?"
"Yeah. If it were me, I’d hesitate if someone stronger than I were around..."
Kirishima simply shrugged.
He’d expected something like this.
His calm demeanor quickly quelled the others’ curiosity, and Yaoyorozu glanced at the rankings before turning to Todoroki and saying, "As expected, you’re amazing, Todoroki."
"It’s probably more due to my family," he replied nonchalantly.
Unlike Todoroki’s offhand response, Uraraka was overcome with joy at receiving nominations. She grabbed the shoulder of Iida, seated in front of her, and shook him excitedly.
"Wow! I got nominations!"
"Midoriya-kun, you didn’t get any. Was it because you fought too recklessly?"
"Hmm. I guess so, but Sho-kun, you’re the type who ends up double-crossing without even trying."
Aizawa continued explaining as the students reacted in various ways, "Based on these results, regardless of whether you received a nomination, you’ll all participate in work-study. During the USJ incident, you experienced villain battles unusually early, but now you’ll get a chance to engage in real Pro Hero work that’s geared toward meaningful development."
"So that means we have to decide on our hero names!"
"I’m starting to get excited!"
With most of the class visibly thrilled, Aizawa’s calm voice went on, "Now, keep in mind that these hero names are still temporary. But if you choose something inappropriate..."
"You’ll end up in a world of hurt!"
A high-pitched voice then cut in.
Midnight burst through the classroom door with an unmistakable flourish.
Striking a strangely sensual pose as she walked in, she said, "There are plenty of cases where a hero name adopted in school becomes your official Pro Hero name, after all."
"Anyway, that’s the way it goes. Let me check your taste in names—I’m not much for it. You define your image by choosing a name that reflects the future you want, and then you work towards it. That’s what they mean when they say 'a name symbolizes your reality,' like All Might."
After Aizawa finished speaking, each student received a sheet of paper.
They were to write down the hero name they had chosen and submit it.
Fifteen minutes later, while Aizawa dozed inside his signature yellow sleeping bag, Midnight announced, "Alright, let’s begin with whoever’s ready!"
The unexpected call for presentations threw the students into confusion.
Then Aoyama confidently strode to the front and declared in a self-assured tone, "Here I go. The Shining Hero. I cannot stop twinkling! In other words, my sparkle never stops!"
Even as the class was thrown off by his sudden outburst, Midnight calmly offered a correction that showcased her experience. "Here, it’s easier if you drop the I and say 'Can’t.'"
"That’s wonderful, mademoiselle!"
After Aoyama’s bewildering presentation ended, Ashido eagerly stepped forward.
"Alright, next up! My hero name is Alien Queen!"
"Aiming for that acid-blood hero type, aren’t you? Cut it out!"
"Tch."
"No, that idiot..."
Kirishima sighed at Ashido’s foolishness, and after she returned to her seat in disappointment, silence fell over the room.
Clearly, having two consecutive ridiculous names turned the session into an impromptu comedy routine.
Then Tsuyu raised her hand.
"Ribbit. May I go next?"
"Of course! Tsuyu!"
"I decided on it back in elementary school. Rainy Season Hero—Froppy."
"Cute! It’s friendly—a name that everyone will love!"
"Froppy! Froppy! Froppy!"
The students, grateful that Tsuyu had lightened the mood, erupted into enthusiastic cheers of "Froppy!"
With the tension eased, the presentations continued.
At just the right moment, Kirishima stepped forward and said, "I haven’t fully defined what kind of hero I’ll be yet, but I’ve decided on Champion as my hero name."
"It suits you, but that’s a heavy name. Are you sure?"
"Yes. I’m sure."
Even when Midnight raised her concern—aware of the profound meaning behind the name—Kirishima answered in a calm tone.
Champion not only signified being at the pinnacle above first place, but as a hero it also meant serving as someone’s champion and spokesperson.
It was a weighty meaning indeed, yet Kirishima internally thought that a name like that was perfectly suited for a second chance at life.
After his presentation, during which he pushed ahead with Champion, Bakugo attempted to claim "Explosion King" but was immediately shot down.
The guy threw a tantrum, complaining that Kirishima got away with it while he couldn’t—but no matter how you looked at it, Explosion King paled in comparison to Champion.
After Uraraka presented the name she’d cherished since childhood—"Uraravity"—only Bakugo, Iida, and Midoriya remained.
Iida hesitated, scribbling "Ingenium" before eventually just writing his own name.
He wore a serious expression, but his turn soon passed, and then it was Midoriya’s turn.
With a solemn expression, Midoriya stepped forward and showed his paper to everyone.
"Midoriya?"
"Are you sure? That’s a name you might carry for the rest of your life."
Despite everyone’s concern, Midoriya nodded resolutely.
"Yes. I never really liked that nickname until now. But someone changed its meaning for me, and that shock made me happy... This is my hero name!"
With pride, he held up his paper which read "Deku."
Kirishima couldn’t help thinking that most people might initially associate "Deku" with being useless before they’d ever consider its far nobler connotation, but he made no effort to stop him.
After all, if it was your own decision, you had to own it. Besides, at that moment, it didn’t really matter what others thought.
If Midoriya went on to build a legendary legacy with that name—like All Might did—then people would eventually think of "Deku" as the name of a great hero before recalling its original meaning.
Kirishima felt the same way.
He wanted people to think of him first when they heard "Champion"—not just some generic sports star image.
Even as he was lost in thought, Bakugo faced rejection after rejection.
Eventually, with only his name still undecided, Aizawa resumed the lesson.
"Now that everyone’s hero name has been decided, let’s return to work-study. The program lasts one week—and I’m talking about real, on-the-job hero work. Those of you who received nominations will be given individual lists to choose from. For those without nominations, we’ve already arranged for you to choose from among forty offices nationwide that are approved for recruitment. Each office specializes in a particular region or field."
"For example, in Thirteen’s case, the focus is more on rescue operations during accidents and disasters than on direct villain combat."
"Think carefully before you choose."
"Yes, sir!"
The lesson wrapped up as papers listing the available offices were distributed.
As Tsuyu unfolded her sheet, she said, "I’d like something in the field of water disasters! I wonder if there’s an option?"
"Submit your choice by this weekend. Choose wisely—and that’s all."
After those final words, Aizawa left the classroom with Midnight.
When class ended and lunchtime arrived, the students—having finished their meals—returned to the classroom and chatted among themselves.
Ashido slumped over her paper and said, "Has everyone decided which Pro Hero office they’re going to?"
"I’m not sure. I was thinking maybe Mount Lady’s office."
"Sho, are you choosing that for some perverse reason?"
"It’s not like that... Why would you think so?"
"Because you tricked us into wearing cheerleader uniforms less than a week ago!"
"I’m sorry for tricking you—it was just a prank. I know some of you were embarrassed, but it’s all part of the memories. Honestly, it was entirely my fault, so please just forget about it now."
"Haha. If you go that far, maybe I’ll forgive you."
While the students chatted warmly, Uraraka turned to Midoriya and asked, "Deku, have you decided where you’re going?"
Midoriya, still muttering while staring at his paper, didn’t really seem to hear her; the others, used to his absentmindedness by now, just laughed.
"Ah, sorry! I got too wrapped up in it..."
"Looks like you’re really deep in thought, Deku."
"Actually, I already decided."
"Really?"
"Where?"
"The Battle Hero, Gun Head’s office!"
Midoriya looked surprised at Uraraka’s words.
"Huh? But that rough, no-nonsense brawler? You’re going there, Uraraka?"
"Yeah. I got a nomination."
"I thought you were aiming to be a hero like Thirteen, Uraraka..."
"That’s still my ultimate goal. But after fighting Bakugo at the sports festival, I realized something: the stronger you become, the more opportunities open up. If you stick only to what you already know, your horizons narrow. Besides, while I could learn from Kirishima, I also want to pick up insights from someone different during work-study."
"Not a bad choice. Gun Head is someone I’ve been keeping an eye on, and he’s skilled. I’m not sure how good he is at mentoring, but if he nominated you, he must be confident in his own abilities."
"Yeah. Thanks for saying that! Honestly, I was worried you might not approve, Kirishima."
At Uraraka’s words, Kirishima tilted his head in confusion.
"Me? Why?"
"Well, in movies, if a disciple leaves one master for another, it’s seen as betrayal."
"Haha. That’s just a movie trope. Maybe it was that way long ago, but not in today’s world."
"Hehe. Maybe so. But what about you, Kirishima? With so many offices nominating you, it must be a chore to go through them all..."
"Hm? No, I’ve already decided."
"Huh? Eijiro, that was fast, wasn’t it?"
"No, I thought it through. Honestly, if I don’t seize this chance now, who knows when I’ll get another opportunity to see this person, so I didn’t hesitate."
"Who made you say that, anyway?"
Kirishima didn’t answer Ashido’s question; he simply lowered the paper in his hand.
There, written on the page, was one name.
Rabbit Hero Mirko.
Honestly, she was someone he’d always wanted to see at least once, but given her reputation, forging any kind of connection with her had seemed nearly impossible—he’d almost given up on the idea.
And yet, with this opportunity now presenting itself, he knew he had to seize it.
The meeting of those born under the star of battle was drawing near.
Yesssss Buff Mommy Tomboy Wife <3