After a long day of training and strengthening their Quirks, Kurmara was ready to go to sleep to rest her aching body and give her Quirks a rest. The rest of the girls, aside from Mina and Kurmara, were still awake. "Hey, I have something I want you to see," Mina whispered to her friend, who lay tiredly above her blanket. "Not now, Mina, I'm way too tired," Kurmara whispered reluctantly, her body aching, and her knuckles screaming. After she had bloodied and bruised her knuckles, she got into a physical fight with Bakugou that was luckily interrupted by their teacher. Mina huddled close to her friend, urging her to at least sit up so she could have a small conversation with her. Kurmara finally gave in and sat up, ready to chat with her friend about their hard training, their voices barely audible amidst the night's stillness. "So, now will you come with me?" Mina asked again after their chat but again, Kurmara shook her head. "No, Mina. It can wait till tomorrow. I don't want to risk getting in trouble," she replied, her voice filled with cautious reluctance, worried about the consequences of getting caught by their vigilant teacher, Aizawa.
Mina groaned in response, disappointed that her surprise might have to be postponed.
"But Kurmara, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You don't want to miss out on this," Mina insisted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She then mentioned her alternative plan of having Kirishima go outside instead, hoping it would bring Kurmara and him closer together. Blushing at the thought, Kurmara asked Mina for more details, but her friend simply smiled, teasing her with the promise of finding out soon. "I promise it's worth it, Kurmara," Mina whispered, her tone filled with mystery. As Kurmara hesitated, Tsuyu and Hagakure exchanged knowing glances, silently deciding to assist Mina in orchestrating this special moment for Kurmara. They discreetly communicated and agreed to create a diversion that would allow Kurmara and Kirishima some alone time. Seeing the opportunity, Mina continued to persuade Kurmara. "Come on, Kurmara, it's gonna be fun! And who knows what exciting things we might discover out there." Kurmara glanced at Tsuyu and Hagakure, realizing that they were trying to give her some privacy. She finally gave in, smiling at Mina's enthusiasm. "Alright, I'm in. Lead the way." Mina couldn't contain her excitement as she guided her friend towards the exit.
As they left the room, Kurmara couldn't help but feel grateful for her friends' support. Once outside, Mina turned to Kurmara with a grin. "Alright, I'm going to leave you on your own now. Enjoy your alone time, and don't worry, I'll make sure no one comes looking for you." Kurmara nodded and watched as Mina stealthily disappeared into the darkness. Now alone under the moonlight, Kurmara called out in a hushed voice, "Kirishima?" To her surprise and relief, she heard a response. "I'm over here." With a warm smile, she followed his voice until they found themselves standing in front of each other. "Kiri," she began, her voice soft and slightly nervous, "I wanted to thank you for those hairpins you gave me back at the mall. They've been really helpful." Kirishima's own cheeks turned a light shade of red as he scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit bashful. "Ah, it was nothing, really. I just thought they'd help keep your bangs out of your face so I can see your cute face better." Kurmara couldn't help but giggle at his compliment. "Well, mission accomplished, I guess." As the two of them settled into their secluded spot under the moonlight, Kurmara shifted her attention to Kirishima, a soft smile on her face.
"So, Kiri, how do you feel about today's training? It was pretty intense, right?" Kirishima chuckled, running a hand through his spiky red hair. "Yeah, it was no joke. But that's what we signed up for, right? Gotta push our limits to become real heroes." Kurmara nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. And it's not just about physical strength; we need to master our Quirks too. Speaking of which, uhm, how do you manage your Hardening Quirk so well? I'm, uh, still struggling a little with mine." Kirishima scratched his head, looking a bit bashful. "Well, it took me a while to get the hang of it. But I realized that I needed to toughen up, both mentally and physically. I guess it's about finding that unbreakable spirit within you." Kurmara admired his determination and opened up about her own challenges. "I want to tell you something before we keep talking.." She began, her heart beating fast as she'd never told anyone she had more than just her two Quirks. "Yeah, you can tell me anything. I won't tell anyone unless you say otherwise." He voiced, letting her know she could confide in him and she took a deep breath. "Okay, w-well.. I have more than two Quirks," she began and he silently urged her to continue.
"I-I have two other ones, Strength, and an Emotional Wave, and because I have those four, I have more to juggle, so sometimes it's overwhelming. I've got Wind and Water, then these two new ones, Strength and this Emotional Wave thing. They're all so different and I find it so hard to manage..." Kurmara looked down at her hands with a sigh. Kirishima leaned in, genuinely interested. "That's pretty cool, actually. I've seen you use your wind and water a few times during the training exercises. It's impressive. I think I caught a glimpse of you punching a tree earlier too. You were using your Strength Quirk there, huh? I think it's really cool that you have two more, actually." Kurmara blushed at the compliment, appreciating the encouragement. "Thanks, Kiri. But I still have a long way to go, especially with that Emotional Wave Quirk. It's the trickiest one." Kirishima's eyes softened as he reassured her, "Hey, we're all here to support each other, right? And I'm sure you'll figure it out. You've got a strong will, Hayashi." Encouraged by his words, Kurmara decided to delve a bit deeper. "Speaking of support, I've noticed how friendly and approachable you are with everyone. It makes me feel comfortable." Kirishima grinned, his own confidence shining through.
"I believe in building strong bonds with my classmates. We're like a team, and we've got each other's backs." Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as they shared stories of their training, their dreams of becoming heroes, and even their favorite foods. Kurmara was grateful for the chance to get to know Kirishima better, finding comfort in his easygoing and friendly demeanor. As they spoke, Kurmara mustered the courage to express her desire. "Hey Kirishima, I was wondering if, uhm, you could either call me by my first name or come up with a nickname for me, whatever you prefer." Kirishima nodded warmly, accepting her request with a smile. "Okay, I can do that." Just as they were about to delve further into their newfound connection, both of their phones chimed simultaneously and they looked to see a message from Mina.
Mina: Wrap it up, Aizawa patrolling!
Kurmara sighed reluctantly, realizing they had to bid each other farewell for the night. "I guess we have to head back now. See you in the morning?" Kirishima nodded, pulling her into a tender embrace before whispering, "Yeah. I enjoyed this alone time with you. Goodnight, Kurmara." The short teen watched Kirishima's retreating figure, her heart fluttering at the sound of her own name on his lips. The butterflies in her stomach danced, and she couldn't help but anticipate the morning when their connection would continue to grow.
* * *
Day three of training had arrived, and Kurmara was determined to make significant progress with her Strength and Emotional Wave Quirks. As the day began, the atmosphere crackled with energy as everyone pushed themselves harder and further than they had the previous day. Kurmara had mentally prepared herself for a challenging session, ready to test the limits of her Strength Quirk. Little did she know, Tiger had a unique challenge in store for her. "I want you to focus on tapping into your Strength and pushing this boulder from here all the way down to the bottom of that mountain," Tiger instructed, pointing to a massive boulder situated at the base of the slope. Kurmara's eyes widened as she assessed the enormous rock, realizing that this task would require not only physical strength but also mental control. She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with doubts. "But what if I get angry?" Kurmara voiced her concern, but Tiger had already begun walking away, leaving her with her uncertainty. She let out a sigh and peeled off her gym shirt, revealing her tank top underneath. The day was hot, and she could already feel the sweat forming on her skin. She approached the boulder cautiously, studying its rugged surface and massive size.
As she placed her hands on the cold, hard rock, Kurmara attempted to muster her Strength Quirk without relying on her emotions. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. This was a challenge she had to conquer with her mind, not just her physical prowess. With a focused mindset, she began to exert her strength, pushing against the boulder. At first, it didn't budge, and Kurmara felt a hint of frustration bubbling up within her. Her thoughts raced, and she reminded herself that she couldn't let anger control her Quirk. She had to channel her strength with precision, like a gentle but unstoppable force. As she continued to push, beads of sweat trickled down her forehead, and her muscles strained under the immense pressure. The boulder inched forward, but it was a slow and grueling process. Kurmara's determination battled with her frustration, and she couldn't help but feel the anger welling up inside her. "I need to do this without letting my emotions take over," Kurmara whispered to herself, her eyes locked on the boulder.
She concentrated on the task at hand, finding a balance between her physical exertion and mental control. The anger simmered beneath the surface, but she refused to let it consume her. Minutes turned into what felt like hours as Kurmara continued to push the boulder, step by painstaking step. The struggle was real, and she could feel her muscles trembling with exhaustion. But she knew that giving in to anger would only hinder her progress. "I can do this," The teen muttered through gritted teeth, her determination unwavering. She focused on her goal, imagining the boulder rolling down the mountain, and slowly but surely, she made progress. The boulder crept forward, guided by her unwavering determination and controlled strength. As Kurmara pushed herself to the limit, she realized that mastering her Strength Quirk required not just physical prowess but also mental discipline. With each push, she felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that she was one step closer to achieving the balance she sought. And so, amidst the grunts of effort and the battle against her own emotions, Kurmara continued to push the boulder, determined to conquer this formidable challenge and gain mastery over her Quirk.
Kurmara poured every ounce of her strength into pushing the massive boulder, her muscles straining, and sweat drenching her tank top. She could feel the heat of the day bearing down on her, intensifying the physical challenge before her. The boulder remained stubborn, its immense weight resisting her efforts. With each push, Kurmara grunted and groaned, her determination unwavering. She was in a relentless battle against the boulder, using every bit of her might to make it budge. Her body ached, and her breaths came out in heavy, labored gasps. But she refused to give in to fatigue or frustration. As Kurmara pushed with all her might, the boulder finally yielded slightly. It moved, albeit slowly, and hope surged within her. She couldn't help but release a triumphant shout, her voice echoing through the mountainside. It was a small victory, but it fueled her determination to keep going. Even as she saw progress, Kurmara didn't falter. She knew that the path to mastering her Strength Quirk was paved with challenges, and she was determined to overcome each one.
The boulder continued to inch forward, guided by her unwavering resolve. She pushed through the fatigue, sweat pouring down her face, her hands gripping the rough surface of the rock. Her mind remained focused, and her emotions were in check. Kurmara had set her sights on a goal, and she wasn't about to let anger or frustration derail her progress. With each push, she could feel her strength and control over her Quirk improving. It was a grueling test of both her physical and mental fortitude, but she was determined to emerge victorious. And so, with each shout and every ounce of effort, Kurmara pushed on. The boulder slowly but steadily moved down the mountainside, a testament to her unwavering determination and newfound mastery over her Quirk. Amidst her relentless effort, Kurmara suddenly heard someone cheering for her from a distance. It was a familiar voice, one that she recognized, but she couldn't afford to divert her focus. Her arms wobbled under the strain, her muscles screaming in protest, but she kept pushing with unwavering determination.
"Go, Hayashi!" the voice cheered, more urgently this time. It was the voice of one of her classmates, likely concerned about her exertion and the immense task she had taken on. But Kurmara couldn't allow herself to be distracted. Her heart pounded in her chest as she continued to pour her energy into the boulder. She could feel the sweat dripping down her face, stinging her eyes, but she blinked it away and pressed on. The boulder had made considerable progress now, but the journey was far from over. Her arms felt like they were on fire, and her body begged for a reprieve, but Kurmara's determination was unyielding. She was proving to herself and everyone around her that she could master her Strength Quirk without relying on her emotions. With another resounding shout, Kurmara pushed once more, the boulder inching closer to its destination. Her classmate's cheers became a chorus of support as they urged her on. The world around her seemed to blur as she harnessed every last ounce of her strength. She would not back down, not now, not ever. Kurmara was determined to see this through, to prove to herself and her mentors that she had what it took to control her Quirk, no matter the challenges that lay in her path.
Her determination and perseverance eventually paid off as she pushed the boulder relentlessly, and she felt it slowly grind to a halt. She strained against it, giving her all to keep it from slipping back, her muscles quivering with exertion. Beads of sweat dripped from her brow, her tank top soaked through from her intense effort. Then, suddenly, the resistance ceased, and Kurmara stumbled forward a step. She couldn't believe it had stopped moving, and she strained to keep pushing, but the boulder was firmly in place. Tiger's voice came from behind her, breaking the tension. "You've reached the end of the other mountain," he announced, and Kurmara looked up in disbelief. When she stepped away from the boulder, she saw that she was indeed at the edge of the mountain, her monumental feat accomplished. But as she moved away from the boulder, Kurmara's legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees. Her arms pulsed with fatigue, and she let out a groan, feeling the trembling in her limbs. Tiger approached her, his expression a mixture of pride and understanding.
"Don't worry," he reassured her. "Once you get used to using your Strength Quirk without your anger tied to it, you won't feel the way you do now. It's all about resolve." Kurmara nodded, accepting his words of wisdom. She allowed herself to sit for a moment, catching her breath and letting her shaky legs recover from the immense effort. The sweat on her brow glistened in the sunlight as she reflected on the progress she had made. She was one step closer to mastering her Quirk and controlling it without the need for anger or negative emotions.
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As the evening descended upon them, both Class A and Class B gathered in the forest with the pro heroes. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of excitement and anticipation as they awaited the next activity. "Now, we've filled our bellies and washed the dishes! Next..." Pixie-Bob began with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "It's time for the test of courage!" Mina finished excitedly, her enthusiasm infectious. "We're gonna test it!" Kirishima chimed in, joined by Sero, Sato, and Kaminari, all wearing eager expressions. Kurmara couldn't help but stifle a laugh as she looked at the five of them. Their enthusiasm was almost palpable. "Before that," Aizawa stepped in, causing a collective groan of disappointment. "The extra lessons group will be having class with me now." "You've gotta be kidding me!" Mina exclaimed, expressing the general sentiment of the group. "Sorry. Your training during the day wasn't good enough, so I have to use this time," Aizawa explained with his usual no-nonsense tone. "Give me a break!" The group said in unison, their disappointment evident. Kurmara sighed in relief, grateful that she had scored high enough to avoid being stuck with Aizawa for the evening.
"Okay, so Class B will be the first to be the scarers. Class A will leave in pairs every three minutes. There are tags with your names written on them in the middle of the route, so bring those back with you," Pixie-Bob explained the rules of the test of courage. "Those being scarers aren't allowed to make direct contact. Show us how scary you are with your Quirks," Rgdoll added, emphasizing the creative use of Quirks. "The class that makes the most people 'piss their pants' with creativity and imagination wins!" Tiger chimed in, though Jirou found the choice of words less than ideal. "I see! They're trying to make us refine our ideas by making us compete with each other, giving us more options for our Quirks in the process! As expected of U.A.!" Iida exclaimed, ever the dedicated student. "Now, you'll draw lots to determine your partners!" Pixie-Bob announced, and each of the students grabbed a number, the excitement building. Kurmara scanned the numbers, searching for her partner among her classmates. "I can't seem to find my partner," Kurmara voiced with a sigh as she walked over to Uraraka and Tsuyu. "Have you looked at everyone's number?" Uraraka asked, her cheerful demeanor contrasting with Kurmara's uncertainty.
"Well, not everyone. I'm sort of... avoiding Bakugou at the moment..." Kurmara confessed, her unease palpable. "Why?" Tsuyu asked, her eyes curious as she tilted her head a little. "Well," Kurmara began before being interrupted by a familiar voice. "Oi, Odd-Eyes!" Bakugou called from behind the three girls, causing Kurmara to tense up. She turned around to see the fiery-tempered boy walking towards her. "Uh, what's up?" She tried to sound as calm as she could, despite the underlying feeling of wanting to run away from him. Bakugou looked down at her hand before grabbing her number, his intense gaze never leaving her. He scrutinized the number in his hand, comparing it to the one he had before, his eyes narrowing at her. Without saying a word, he handed her back the crumpled paper before walking away, leaving Kurmara bewildered. "I guess he doesn't mind?" Tsuyu voiced, trying to decipher Bakugou's actions. "You never know what he's thinking..." Kurmara muttered, still slightly shaken by the encounter. She turned her attention to where Yaoyorozu and Aoyama were, noticing Mineta walking towards the two. "Which team are you girls?" Kurmara finally asked, trying to move past the strange encounter with Bakugou.
"We're the fifth ones to go," Uraraka told her, a sense of anticipation in her voice. "What about you, Hayashi-chan?" Asui inquired, curious about Kurmara's partner and the experience that awaited them. Kurmara looked down at her crumpled slip, her lips curling into a small smile. "Second..." she responded, a mix of excitement and curiosity building within her as she prepared to face the test of courage.