Here's the thing about being stuck as a cat: It's incredibly inconvenient. But giving up? Yeah, that's not my style.

If I have to claw my way—literally—into class, so be it. I'm Izuku Midoriya, not some stray, and a little thing like being stuck in a fuzzy black body won't stop me from participating in Hero Training.

So when Aizawa leaves me in the staff lounge, I make my grand escape and head straight to the training grounds.

Sure, getting there as a cat was kind of a challenge—dodging feet, avoiding angry birds, and squeezing under fences—but I made it. Now here I am, ready to show that even as a cat, I can still be a hero.

I slip into the training grounds just as the exercise kicks off. It's a team battle today, which means everyone is going all out.

Explosions echo across the field as Bakugo hurls himself at his opponents, yelling something about extras staying out of his way. Kirishima, always pumped, is grinning ear to ear, charging headfirst into the chaos. Iida is barking orders, but no one's really listening, and Todoroki—well, he's just being Todoroki.

And then there's me—slinking right into the middle of it all like I own the place.

Aizawa, standing off to the side, has his usual tired expression... until he spots me.

His eyes widen—just a flicker, but for him, that's the equivalent of a full-on panic attack.

"What the—"

Before he can do anything, Bakugo sees me, too.

"WHY THE HELL IS THERE A CAT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY FIGHT?!" he roars, gauntlet already sparking with explosions.

I casually flick my tail, meeting his rage with the most disinterested stare I can muster. You yell too much, Kacchan. Take a chill pill.

Kirishima blinks in surprise, then grins. "Aw, dude! Is this part of the exercise? A rescue mission or something?"

Todoroki narrows his eyes. "That... doesn't seem right."

Meanwhile, Uraraka floats down with a delighted squeal. "Aww, kitty! Come here!"

I dodge her easily, darting across the field with all the agility my new form allows. My paws sting with every step—thanks to all the running I did earlier—but I push through. Heroes don't quit.

Aizawa's scarf snaps toward me, but I leap just in time, landing gracefully on a stack of training equipment.

"SHI—" he starts, but quickly catches himself. 

"WHAT IS THIS CAT'S DEAL?!" Bakugo shouts, clearly at the end of his rope. He blasts toward me, but I dive between his legs with feline precision, causing him to trip over himself.

"You're slipping, Kacchan," I think with amusement, skittering away before he can recover.

"Catch it!" Iida yells, arms flailing. "It could be a safety hazard!"

"It's fast!" Uraraka shouts, still chasing me.

"Kitty! Come back!"

Aizawa looks like he's aged ten years in the last five minutes. His scarf flares out again, and this time, I let him catch me—it's a calculated surrender.

He wraps me up gently, bringing me close to his chest. His gaze meets mine, filled with exhausted disbelief.

"You're going to be the death of me," he mutters under his breath, his tone equal parts frustration and resignation.

I respond by nuzzling into his scarf and purring contentedly. This was worth every second.

My classmates are still buzzing with confusion.

"Sensei, what's with the cat?" Kirishima asks, his hands on his hips. "Is it some kinda new teaching method?"

Aizawa doesn't answer. He just sighs deeply, as if reconsidering every choice that led him to this moment.

"Training's over," he grumbles, already walking off the field with me bundled in his scarf. "We're done for today."

As Aizawa carries me away from the training grounds, I can feel the tension radiating off him. He's not mad—he's just tired. And honestly? I can't even blame him. I'd be exhausted, too, if I had to deal with me.

Still, I can't help but feel a little triumphant. I made it to class. I participated.

And, technically, I didn't get caught... until the end. That's a win in my book.

Now all that's left is convincing Aizawa to help me turn back into a human. But for now? I'll enjoy this victory ride on his shoulder—and maybe take a little catnap.

Aizawa mutters again, "You're going to be the death of me."

I purr in response.

Admit it, Sensei. You'd miss me if I was gone.