As the group continued their ascent, Kota, who had been leading the way, looked back to check on the students. He wasn't surprised to see Shoya and Ken handling the climb with ease. He had heard about their backgrounds and knew they were built differently from the others.
Kota: "Alright, everyone, keep it up! We're almost there. Remember, this is all about building your endurance and resilience. No quirks means you have to dig deep and rely on your inner strength!"
The students groaned in response but continued to push themselves, motivated by Kota's encouragement. Shoya and Ken remained at the front of the group, their expressions unchanging as they effortlessly kept pace.
Shoya: "You know 03, I wonder if Mr. Shinso has any real challenges planned for us later. Something that would actually make us work."
Ken smirked.
Ken: "I hope so. Otherwise, this is just a warm-up."
As everyone finally reached the summit, Kota turned to face the exhausted students.
Kota: "Alright, everyone, take a break. You've earned it."
The students collapsed onto the ground, grateful for the rest. Many were panting heavily, their muscles aching from the intense climb.
Shoya and Ken, however, stood off to the side, barely winded. Kota noticed their calm demeanor and felt a pang of sympathy.
Kota (thinking): "These two... I wish I could do something to help them recover their memories. But I have no idea how. And Eri... she's worried about what might happen if they remember everything."
Ken glanced at Kota, noticing his thoughtful expression.
Ken: "Is something on your mind, Mr. Kota?"
Kota quickly shook his head, forcing a smile.
Kota: "Nothing you two need to worry about. Just thinking about the next part of your training."
Shoya nodded, not pressing further.
Shoya: "We're ready for whatever comes next."
Kota: "Good. For now, just rest up."
As they settled in, Kota couldn't shake the feeling of concern for the two boys, wishing he could do more for them.
In Kota's penthouse, the students were scattered around, resting after their challenging hike. Kaori noticed Shoya standing alone, away from the others, his expression distant and troubled. Concerned, she approached him.
Kaori: "03, is something bothering you?"
Shoya sighed, his gaze still fixed on the horizon.
Shoya: "I've been thinking about why I'm really at UA. I came here to find the person who helped Beilal take 01's arm."
Kaori's eyes widened in shock.
Kaori:"What do you mean? Who would do something like that?"
Shoya's tone darkened, his voice filled with a quiet, simmering rage.
Shoya:"When 01 lost his arm to those so-called 'heroes' and Beilal, he was weakened. Beilal consumed his arm and took some of his powers. Since that day, I swore I'd eliminate the person responsible."
Kaori looked at Shoya, concern etched on her face.
Kaori:"03, we can bring them to justice. We don't have to eliminate anyone. That's not the way."
Shoya chuckled, a bitter sound that made Kaori uneasy.
Shoya:"You're a true hero, Kaori. Just like everyone says. But..."
He turned to face her, his eyes glowing with a demonic intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
Shoya:"I don't know if I can trust heroes. And as for those who hurt 01, I will make sure they pay with their lives."
Kaori's heart sank as she tried to reason with him.
Kaori:"03, what those villains did to you and 01 doesn't define who you are. You're not like them. You don't have to become a monster to fight them."
Shoya's expression hardened as he looked away, his voice cold and distant.
Shoya: "I don't care. I'm not even human in the first place. And you... you shouldn't involve yourself in this."
With that, Shoya turned and walked away, leaving Kaori standing there.
Kaori stood there, her heart heavy as she watched Shoya walk away. She couldn't shake the sadness that had settled deep within her.
"Shoya, you've changed so much," she thought, her eyes welling up with tears.
Kaori: "After everything you went through, losing your memories, you don't even remember who you were... and worst of all, you don't remember me, the woman who loved you deeply."
She clutched her chest, feeling the ache of lost love and the pain of watching him struggle alone.
Kaori: "I just wish I could bring you back, Shoya, to the person you once were… to us. I need to inform Ellen and the others."
Kaori hurried to find Ellen, Shinwa, and Izana, and when she did, she quickly explained what Shoya had told her.
Kaori: "Shoya joined UA with a plan to find out who the heroes were that helped Beilal. He wants to eliminate them for what they did to Toshinori."
Izana's face darkened with anger as he processed Kaori's words.
Izana: "Those heroes… they're connected to UA? The same people responsible for Toshinori losing his arm?"
Ellen: "Izana, calm down! We need to think this through—"
Izana: "No, Ellen! I can't stand by knowing those traitors are right here, hiding in plain sight! They ruined my brother's life, and they think they can get away with it?"
Shinwa: "We need to be smart about this. We can't let our emotions make us reckless."
Izana: "Reckless? They need to pay, Shinwa! I won't let them hurt anyone else!"
Then Suddenly an explosion echoed through the mountains.
Izana: "What was that?"
Shinwa: "Let's go check it out!"
As they stepped out, they saw a group of villains standing menacingly near the penthouse.
Floki: "Finally, you're here, Numbers. It's a shame I couldn't find 01."
Ken: "We didn't expect you to show up either."
Floki smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice.
Floki: "If I capture you both, 01 will eventually show up."
Suddenly, a powerful wave of water surged towards Floki, catching him off guard.
Floki: "What was that?!"
Kota stepped forward, his expression fierce.
Kota: "You know, damaging my private property isn't something I take lightly. You're going to pay for that."
Floki's smirk faltered as he recognized the hero before him.
Floki: "No. 7 Hero Kota… Jet Stream!"
Kota: "My wife, Eri, would be furious if any of her precious students got hurt. So, stand down!"
Floki retaliated, launching a powerful attack towards Kota, but before it could reach him, Ken intervened, using his Sukuna Kitchen Technique to nullify the attack.
Ken: "You're more annoying than anyone I've met."
Shoya cracked his knuckles, a smirk playing on his lips.
Shoya: "Looks like you're in for a beating."
Floki sneered, trying to maintain his composure.
Floki: "You think you can take on all the villains in this mountain? You're being cocky."
Just then, the lifeless bodies of the villains Floki was referring to were tossed in front of him. Both Kota and Floki looked on in shock.
Shoya: "Who said we were alone?"
From the shadows, Toshinori stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.
Toshinori: "Floki, it looks like you need to be shut down."
Floki's eyes widened in shock as he recognized Toshinori.
Floki: "01… I should have known. Even after losing your most of powers, you've only grown stronger."