Mailin's POV

The air is crisp, and a slight chill hangs in the morning air as I walk alongside Shota toward Ground Gamma, my mind wandering over the day’s upcoming training. Shota has been working tirelessly with Hitoshi Shinso, and today would be the first time he’s going to show his progress in front of Class 1-A and 1-B. There’s a soft pride in Shota’s usually calm demeanor, and it’s hard not to feel that same sense of protectiveness and pride swell inside of me.

We’ve both seen how hard Hitoshi’s been working, and today would mark a pivotal moment for him. I know Shota’s not one for grand displays of emotion, but the way his hand briefly brushes against mine as we walk tells me everything I need to know.

Ahead of us, I catch sight of Izuku and All Might deep in conversation. Izuku's face is all scrunched up, likely still grappling with the mystery surrounding his Quirk. I can’t help but smile at the sight of the two of them—Izuku, always curious, always pushing himself forward, and All Might, ever the supportive figure in his life.

“Ah, Midoriya,” Shota calls out, his voice dry as always, but with that familiar undercurrent of sarcasm. “Getting cozy with All Might again, huh?”

Izuku jumps slightly, turning to face us, and All Might laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “Izuku was just, uh, being a little pushy about some things. Nothing major.”

I stifle a chuckle as Izuku looks a little sheepish, his face turning red. I glance over at Shota, who simply raises a brow, clearly unimpressed by their half-explanation.

“Better hurry to the training grounds,” Shota says, his tone dismissive as always. “You wouldn’t want to miss anything important.”

---

Shota’s POV

As we approach Ground Gamma, I take a quick glance at Mailin, noting the way she’s already scanning the field with that sharp gaze of hers, always ready to jump in and help. It’s something I admire about her. She balances a nurturing instinct with a fierceness that I know firsthand makes her both an exceptional hero and a mentor to the kids.

I see Hitoshi waiting near the edge of the training grounds. He’s wearing the new mask I helped him choose, and he looks ready—determined, even. The Binding Cloth drapes around his shoulders, a symbol of how far he’s come. I can sense that today will be a defining moment for him.

Class 1-A starts to gather, their winter costumes a sign that we’re getting deeper into the school year. The usual bickering and excitement fill the air, especially when Katsuki starts grumbling about Izuku's new costume modifications. I roll my eyes slightly, knowing that no matter what, there’s always going to be some level of competition between them. But it’s that drive that makes them stronger.

And then, of course, there's Neito from Class 1-B. His voice rings out, obnoxious as ever, declaring how his class came out on top at the School Festival. His arrogance is interrupted the moment I flick my Capturing Weapon, stopping him mid-sentence. “Save the dramatics for later,” I mutter, drawing some snickers from the crowd.

I feel Mailin’s presence close beside me as we gather the attention of the students. “Alright, listen up. We’ve got a special guest today,” I announce, casting a glance toward Hitoshi. He steps forward, his usual cool, calm expression in place, but I know how much this moment means to him.

“This is Hitoshi Shinso,” I say, nodding in his direction. “He’s been working with me to hone his skills, and today, he’s joining your training session.”

The students’ reactions vary—some curious, others impressed by Hitoshi’s new look and the fact that he has a Capturing Weapon similar to mine. I can hear some of them muttering about his Brainwashing Quirk, recalling how he fought against Izuku during the Sports Festival.

Hitoshi steps forward to speak, his voice steady but filled with determination. “I’m not here to make friends,” he states bluntly, his violet eyes sharp as they scan the students. “I’m here because I’m far behind all of you. But that won’t stop me. I see each of you as obstacles I need to overcome. I’ll prove myself as a hero, no matter what.”

There’s a moment of silence, but then the students applaud, even Izuku with his ever-optimistic smile. I catch Mailin’s eyes, and there’s a shared sense of pride between us. Hitoshi has come so far, and this is only the beginning for him.

---

Mailin’s POV

As Hitoshi finishes his speech, I can’t help but feel my heart swell with pride. He’s always had that quiet determination, but now, standing before Class 1-A and 1-B, he looks every bit the hero he’s training to become.

I glance at Shota and catch the way his gaze softens ever so slightly, something only I’d notice. Hitoshi means more to him than he’d ever admit out loud, but it’s there in the way Shota pushed him, challenged him, and now stands beside him, offering silent support.

As the students begin to chat amongst themselves, a small group gathers around Hitoshi, curious about his Quirk and his training. I see Izuku approach with that familiar excitement in his eyes.

“You were incredible at the Sports Festival,” Izuku says, offering a sincere smile. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve learned since then.”

Hitoshi gives a small nod, his expression neutral. “I’ve come a long way since then. You’ll see soon enough.”

I take a step forward, joining the group, and rest a hand gently on Hitoshi’s shoulder. “You’ve worked hard,” I say softly, my voice filled with encouragement. “And no matter what happens today, know that you’ve already proven yourself.”

Hitoshi glances up at me, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes. He’s not one to show much emotion, but I know he understands. Shota joins me, standing on the other side of Hitoshi, and for a moment, the three of us feel like a unit, a team—maybe even something more.

Shota crosses his arms, looking down at Hitoshi with that same quiet intensity. “Remember what we talked about. Focus, precision, and don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

Hitoshi nods again, his gaze sharpening as he prepares for what’s ahead. And as we step back to let the students begin their training, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning for him—and for us. Hitoshi’s path to becoming a hero is going to be long, but he’s not walking it alone.

And somewhere deep inside, I know Shota and I will be with him every step of the way.