Author's note:
Just to make sure people understand as I saw a few chapters back people think the Mc is emo which I wouldn't say he is he's not like Shoto who normally doesn't intract with the class he can be quiet and maybe seem only focused on his goal but remember this is a teenager with a scared past.
If you noticed he trained himself to be in control even of his emotions but he sometimes slips this is because he is a teenager to bottled things up. So he's not a emo character who won't intract with others he will and it will take time for him to get used to the rest so don't expect him to be buddy with everyone instantly but also don't think he won't intract with anyone is what I'm trying to say this is a character with room to develop that's y it's called character development
Now hope you enjoy the chapter
.
.
.
.
.
The Return to Routine
The expulsion threat had been a lie, but the reality of the rankings was not. Tsubaki's mind was still processing the results: second place, a calculated insult to his ambition. The morning following the Quirk Apprehension Test began, surprisingly, with normalcy.
When Tsubaki walked into Class 1-A, the air was still buzzing with shock and relief over Aizawa's deception.
Their morning classes were jarringly conventional. Modern Literature and English, the latter taught by the booming hero Present Mic, whose enthusiastic volume often threatened the structural integrity of the classroom. Tsubaki sat through it all, taking meticulous notes, treating academia with the same focused discipline he applied to his Quirk control.
Even if he wanted to be stronger that didn't mean he let his academics slack he was smart in and out of battle.
He found himself frequently glancing at the front of the room, not at the teacher, but toward the seat of Momo Yaoyorozu, the student who currently held the top spot. He needed data on her Quirk, Creation, and its operational limits. Understanding her superiority was the first step to dismantling it. He wanted to understand the mind of the person who was currently at the top of their class she also took the recommendation exam from what he heard so she was someone he intended to pay attention too.
Lunch Break:
When the bell rang for lunch, Tsubaki retrieved his simple bento box. He walked toward the main cafeteria, determined to execute a controlled, strategic interaction. Isolation would only prevent him from gathering necessary information.
He spotted Yaoyorozu at a table with several others: Mina Ashido (the pink-skinned girl), Tsuyu Asui (the frog girl), and Fumikage Tokoyami (the quiet student with the bird head).
Tsubaki approached the table, his posture cold but not confrontational.
"Yaoyorozu," he stated simply, earning the immediate attention of the group.
Momo looked up, her expression politely reserved. "Todoroki-kun. Hello."
"I apologize for the intrusion," Tsubaki continued, his voice low and even. "I was hoping to acquire some data regarding your Quirk, Creation, and its material limitations. Your ranking suggests a superior understanding of chemical composition. It is a necessary competitive measure."
A silence settled over the table. Mina looked confused, while Tsu tilted her head slightly.
Momo, however, offered a small, appreciative smile. "A logical inquiry, given the competitive environment. Please, sit. Though you should know, my Quirk relies more on lipid consumption than pure chemistry during combat."
Tsubaki accepted the offer, pulling up a seat. He had achieved his objective.
"So, Icicles, is that how you make friends?" Mina piped up, grinning. "By demanding their Quirk limits? That's intense!"
Tsubaki gave her a measured look. "Friendship is not the objective. Understanding the hierarchy is. But I can attempt a conventional introduction. I am Tsubaki Todoroki. It is... pleasant to meet you all."
Tsu spoke with her usual thoughtful cadence. "Kero. It's nice to meet you too, Todoroki-kun. I'm Tsuyu Asui. You're much more open than your brother."
Tsubaki's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Shoto. "We are different people."
"Ah, the quiet, analytical type," Tokoyami observed, his voice deep. "The first day proved taxing."Momo steered the conversation back to a lighter topic. "It certainly was a shocking start. I expected a lengthy welcome speech, not an immediate threat of expulsion. I suppose Aizawa-sensei is quite the minimalist."
"It was terrifying!" Mina laughed, shaking her head. "But also awesome! Did you guys think Present Mic was too loud, though? My ears are still ringing from his English lesson."
"His energy is infectious, if potentially deafening," Momo agreed. "But his pronunciation is impeccable, of course."
Tsubaki interjected, shifting the conversation to something more relevant to his immediate future. "Who do you believe will teach the specialized subjects? I anticipate a hero specializing in strategic perimeter defense for urban warfare."
"Oh, that's so analytical, Todoroki!" Mina said, taking a large bite of rice. "But yeah, U.A. has tons of pros. I bet Cementoss teaches architecture!"
Momo nodded seriously. "I suspect the hero curriculum will focus heavily on dynamic teamwork and ethical decision-making, in addition to technical skill. Our academic instructors were merely standard professionals, but our core teachers, like All Might and Aizawa, will push us to professional standards immediately."
Tsubaki felt a wave of satisfaction. This conversation was fruitful. It wasn't just about Quirk statistics; it was about anticipating the training philosophy of the entire institution.
"The most significant class will be Foundational Hero Studies," Tsubaki stated, his eyes locking with Momo's. "That is where the practical application—and therefore, the true competition—will lie."
Momo met his gaze with a spark of competitive intelligence. "I agree. We must ensure our costumes reflect maximum efficiency for those lessons. A mistake in design could cost valuable learning time."
The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the break and also cutting off the unexpected chemistry that Tsubaki had with this group. The group gathered their trays, Tsubaki having gained more valuable information than he expected. He was still reserved, but he hadn't created enemies, only rivals.
The Afternoon Class
Tsubaki entered the Foundational Hero Studies II classroom, his mind already formulating potential combat scenarios.
The door burst open.
A massive, bright yellow figure filled the frame.
"I AM HERE!" the hero roared, his voice shaking the windows. "COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORAML PERSON!"
The class exploded in pure, unadulterated enthusiasm.
"It's ALL MIGHT!"
" I guess it was true he is teaching here."
All Might strode confidently to the front of the room.
"I will be teaching Foundational Hero Studies!" All Might declared, planting his hands on his hips. "For this first lesson, we will dive right into the deepest, most crucial element of heroism!"
He held up a card with the word BATTLE written in bold letters.
"BATTLE TRAINING!"
All Might pointed toward the open gym door. "And for that, you'll need these!" A series of wall compartments slid open, revealing numbered suitcases. "A hero has to show up in style so you'll be in your hero costumes, you'll be ready for action! Prepare yourselves, students!"
Tsubaki felt the cold excitement flow through his veins again. The time for discussion was over. The time for combat, for direct application of his power, was at hand. He would prove his second-place ranking was temporary.
The Battle Training had arrived.