The day after the fight, U.A. felt… different.
It wasn't that the campus looked any different—students still walked the halls, teachers still lectured, bells still rang—but there was an invisible tension. Every time Kael entered a room, conversations died mid-sentence. Even Class 1-A, who'd seen their fair share of powerhouses, didn't quite know how to act around him.
Aizawa noticed it, but he didn't address it. He knew forcing them to "get over it" wouldn't work. They needed time to adapt… though he doubted they ever really would.
Combat Training Day
All Might's booming voice greeted the class as they stepped onto the training grounds."Alright, young heroes! Today, we'll be doing a mock villain capture exercise!"
Kael stood apart from the group, hands in his pockets, gaze unfocused. It looked like boredom, but in truth, he'd already run the simulation in his head a thousand different ways. He knew exactly how every student would move, what every quirk would do, and how the match would end before they'd even been assigned teams.
"Kael," All Might called, trying to keep his tone light, "care to join in?"
Kael tilted his head lazily. "Sure. Might as well… it's been a while since I've played along."
The way he said played along didn't go unnoticed.
Team Assignments
By chance—or perhaps because Kael wanted it—he was paired with Midoriya against Bakugo and Iida.The moment the buzzer sounded, Bakugo charged, explosions flaring. Midoriya tensed beside Kael, ready to dash forward, but then… everything stopped.
Or rather, everyone else stopped.
The sound of explosions froze mid-boom, dust particles hung in the air, and even Midoriya was stuck mid-step, eyes locked in determination that would never land.
Kael strolled past him casually, stepping right up to Bakugo, who was frozen mid-swing. Kael leaned in, whispering almost fondly."You're trying so hard… and it's adorable."
With a flick of his wrist, time resumed. Bakugo stumbled forward, confused—his swing had somehow missed by a meter. Midoriya blinked, wondering how Kael was suddenly halfway across the room without a sound.
Small Manipulations
It continued like that the whole exercise. Every time Bakugo thought he had an opening, it closed. Every time Iida tried to corner them, he ended up a step too slow. Midoriya barely realized Kael was guiding the entire fight, subtly bending positions, outcomes, and even the building's layout when no one was looking.
By the end, Midoriya and Kael secured the "bomb" with zero effort. Kael looked mildly disappointed, like someone who'd finished a puzzle too quickly.
All Might tried to keep his usual cheer. "Team Midoriya and Kael… WIN!" But the way his eyes flickered to Kael betrayed his unease.
Aizawa's Observation
Later, in the staff room, Aizawa spoke quietly to All Might."He didn't fight. He didn't need to. He just… rearranged the board until victory was inevitable."
All Might nodded grimly. "And the students didn't even notice."
Aizawa sighed. "That's the point. That's why he's dangerous."
Kael's Thoughts
Meanwhile, Kael sat on the dorm rooftop, watching the sun dip below the horizon."Fun for a minute," he murmured, "but predictable." His gaze shifted toward the city skyline. "Maybe I should stir things up a bit…"
The thought wasn't a threat—not yet—but if anyone could feel the ripple it would cause, they'd know the world was about to get far more complicated.