The next day, I find myself standing at the back of the class as usual, listening to Aizawa speak. "You all might have won one battle, but there's yet another one to be taken," he says, wrapping up his speech. A murmur ripples through the class—somehow, they all sense that the sports festival is looming, but nobody knows exactly when.

I arch an eyebrow and cross my arms over my chest, standing straighter. "The sports festival is coming," Aizawa announces, scratching under his eye.

Mineta pipes up, "The sports festival now? Is that really such a safe option? I mean, we just got attacked by villains!" he whines.

I nearly want to rip off those strange balls on his head, but I keep my claws to myself and my mouth shut.

"Don't you know how big this festival is?" Izuku says, turning toward the small boy.

Mineta sighs. "Of course I do! I haven't been living under a rock my whole life. But still, it's dangerous. What if villains attack again when we're all gathered?"

I decide to speak up this time. "They'd be foolish to attack now. They know you're under my protection."

This makes everyone in the class turn around to face me. Aizawa sighs. "Yes, what Azure said. But also, you all know better than anyone how to handle these villains. And anyway, it won't happen. U.A. has doubled their security measures. It will be a lot safer than it has been in previous years," he assures us.

"I guess," Mineta deflates, and we wrap up the class. As we start to leave, I walk towards Izuku and smile at him, standing tall. "Thank you for speaking up for us," he whispers.

I snort. "It was nothing. You're my humans, after all." I look over his head and see Bakugo staring at us. I raise an eyebrow, and he huffs, turning away without saying anything.

I nearly bump into Sero as we head out. "Hey, what's the hold-up?" I ask.

He shrugs. "There are some students from another class standing around and blocking our way."

I hum thoughtfully before slickly navigating past the group to stand before my classmates. Yes, I said it—my humans. I've realized now that there's more than just Bakugo and Izuku bonded to me.

I look to see there is indeed a throng of students, all unfamiliar faces. "Class 1-B, I presume?" I say. A scoff rings out, and a blonde, snarky boy responds, "Yeah, what's it to you, mom?"

I shuffle a bit and stand taller. "Class 1-A is my concern. I care about who dares to threaten them," I say, staring at him—not harshly or hostilely, but with curiosity. "Who are you?"

The boy blinks. "I'm Monoma," he introduces himself with an air of self-assuredness. Suddenly, a silver-haired student steps forward, his tone brash and challenging, "Oi, just know that we'll be watching you, Class 1-A. You're not gonna win this festival, that's for sure."

I regard him with curiosity, tilting my head. "And you are?" I inquire calmly.

He raises his fist defiantly. "My name is Tetsutetsu. Remember that," he practically shouts, and I can't help but wince at the volume.

"Well then, silver one, tell your classmates to back off. I want to go home," I say softly but firmly. He blinks in surprise, and slowly, the crowd begins to disperse. I walk off, with Izuku at my heels, Bakugo following a bit farther behind. One by one, the others also trickle away.

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When we finally head home, Izuku speaks up, his voice wavering, "Th-that was very brave, Azure. Thank you." His cheeks flush with a deep crimson by the time he finishes, and I can't help but giggle.

"Oh, come on, like you wouldn't have done the same thing in my position," I say, ruffling his unruly green locks affectionately. "I care about you guys, and I won't let anyone trample you down."

I then veer off to the side, glancing back at him one last time. "Now, I'll go and hunt. Meet you at the beach, okay? I guess you'll be training with Mr. All Might."

I'm gone before he can even muster a response, slipping into the shadows with a grace that's almost second nature. The evening air fills my lungs as I disappear into the night, eager to protect my friends and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

As I stepped off the worn path, the warm sunlight casting a gentle glow over the forest floor, I surrendered to the primal urges coursing through my veins. I let my beast surge forth, like a tide of molten silver, as my skin transformed into a canvas of gray scales. The once-pale complexion now shimmered with a subtle, iridescent sheen, as if the very essence of the forest had infused itself within me.

The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as my dorsal spine began to spin, the vertebrae twisting and reforming into a majestic crescent shape. My body lengthened, the muscles rippling beneath the surface of my newly formed skin. The transformation was almost complete, and I could feel the power of the beast coursing through my veins like liquid fire.

As I finally assumed my kaju form, I let out a languid yawn, revealing rows of sharp teeth that seemed to be razor-sharp and designed for tearing flesh. My tail, now a thick, whip-like appendage, thrashed against a nearby tree with a gentle yet firm motion, as if testing its limits.

The rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs seemed to fade into the background as I stood there, basking in the warmth and freedom of my new form. The world was a vast expanse of possibilities, and I was ready to unleash myself upon it. Oops, indeed.

I lifted my snout, nostrils flaring as I puffed out clouds of steam, releasing the pent-up tension and anticipation. The scent of ripe berries wafted through the air, enticing me to follow its source. My senses guided me to a nearby clearing, where a young female bear was indulging in a fresh cluster of juicy berries. Her eyes were fixed on the succulent fruit, oblivious to my presence.

My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't help but think that these young females were always the tastiest. A low rumble escaped my lips as I began to rumble words towards her, a primal language that only another bear could understand. My intent was clear, and I tightened my muscles, preparing for the hunt.

As I entered the clearing, she looked up, her brown eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt, but it was quickly extinguished by the primal urge coursing through my veins. I leaned down, my jaws opening wide as I snapped shut around her neck, crushing her windpipe with ease.

The life drained from her body, and she slumped to the ground, her body still. Blood began to pool around her, staining the earth with a crimson hue. The scent of death and blood filled my nostrils, and I savored it, my hunger finally satiated.

I stood over her carcass, my chest heaving with exertion, as I gazed down at the lifeless body. The forest was mine now, and I was its master.

I surveyed the clearing, my gaze sweeping over the surroundings to ensure that I had not disturbed any potential cubs. The silence was oppressive, and I was satisfied that I had not interrupted any family's rest. No rustling in the underbrush, no scent of milk and cubs, only the stillness of the forest.

I tore into the bear's hide, my teeth tearing flesh and blood staining the ground. I ate in silence, savoring the taste of my prey. Time seemed to slow as I devoured the carcass, my hunger finally satiated.

As I raised my head to gaze around the clearing, I noticed the rustling of wings in the distance. I looked up, and my eyes locked onto a shape streaking across the sky. Red wings flashed in the sunlight, and a feather drifted down, settling beside me. I leaned down, my head inclining towards it, and sniffed it. The scent was unmistakable - human.

My rumble of excitement turned into a low growl as I leaned forward, nose twitching with anticipation. The feather yielded to a gentle touch, and I nipped at it with a playful nip. The smell was intoxicating, sweet and musky, and I couldn't help but let out a low rumble of pleasure.

Without thinking, I let out a hopeful yelp and reached out with my claws to snatch the feather. It floated over my massive neck, and I smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Unbeknownst to me, a pair of golden eyes watched me with a pleased smile, their owner savoring the moment of connection with this majestic beast.

The forest was quiet once more, except for the distant sound of wings beating against the wind. The air was heavy with the scent of blood and death, but also with the promise of something new and unexpected.

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As the afternoon sun began to wane, I walked back to Izu's house, my mind still reeling from the events of the day. The tree-lined path seemed to stretch on forever, but I finally reached the familiar clearing and approached the door.

I knocked, and the door creaked open, revealing Izu's curious face. But before she could utter a word, I brushed past her and into the bathroom, stripping off my clothes as quickly as possible.

The warm water enveloped me, and I let out a contented sigh as I closed my eyes. The blood that had stained my hair and skin began to wash away, carried down the drain by the gentle flow. I let out a pleased rumble as the water cascaded over my body, washing away the remnants of the hunt.

As I stood there, feeling the warmth and relaxation wash over me, I couldn't help but think about the events of the day. The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of taking down a worthy prey, and the unexpected encounter with the human scent. It was a day that would be etched in my memory for a long time to come.

And now, as I stood under the warm water, I felt myself slowly unwinding, my muscles relaxing and my mind quieting. I was a creature of instinct, driven by primal urges and desires. But in this moment, I was simply a being seeking comfort and solace in the simple pleasures of life.

The sound of dripping water and the gentle hum of the showerhead were all that broke the silence as I stood there, lost in thought.

I soon finished my bath, and I wrapped a towel around my waist, securing it with a loose knot. I stepped out of the shower, and the warm air enveloped me, drying my skin. I brushed my hair, trying to tame the tangled mess that had been caused by the blood that had clung to my locks. It was a strange feeling, having so much blood on me, and I was grateful that I had been able to wash it off.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but think about my hunting habits. In my kuji form, I would often hunt in the forest, using my keen senses to track down prey. And when I was done, I would head to a nearby stream to wash off the blood and grime. It was a ritual that I had always followed, and it brought me a sense of peace and tranquility.

But today, I had been in human form, and I had felt awkward and uncertain about how to deal with the blood. I didn't want to worry Izu or his mother, who were always concerned about my well-being. So, I had taken a bath instead, trying to erase the evidence of my hunt.

As I finished drying off, I sighed heavily. It was a relief to be clean again, but at the same time, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The hunt had been intense, and I could feel the thrill of it still coursing through my veins. But for now, I would just have to put it behind me and focus on the present moment.

I walked down the stairs, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I shed my towel and slipped into a light t-shirt and some pants that I had conjured up earlier. I took a moment to glance at myself in the mirror, making sure I didn't look too disheveled or grimy anymore. A small smile crept onto my face as I straightened my clothes and headed out the door.

As I walked outside, I pulled out my phone, a device that Izuku had shown me how to use last week. It was still a foreign concept to me, but I was getting more comfortable with it. I looked around, trying to remember where I had left my phone, and spotted it on the porch.

Just as I was about to head out, Izu's mother called out from the living room. "Oh, Azure, you're here! Good now, Izuku wanted you to go to the beach where he trains with his trainer." She looked up from her book, her eyes twinkling with a hint of excitement.

I nodded, feeling a surge of anticipation. The beach? That sounded like fun! I waved goodbye to Izuku's mother and headed off towards the coast. The sun was still high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think about what Izuku had told me about his training. He had mentioned something about his trainer being quite tough, but also very skilled. I was curious to see what all the fuss was about.

I walked up to the beach, and soon enough, I reached All Might's location. He was standing with his hands on his hips, his bright smile and gleaming eyes making him look like a beacon of energy. As I approached, he turned around, his face brightening with a warm greeting.

"Ah, young Azure! Hello!" he exclaimed, his booming voice carrying across the beach.

I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. I had heard so much about All Might's legendary training methods, but I was also a bit nervous about what lay ahead.

As I turned around, I saw Izuku hovering nearby, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of concern and curiosity. He was still practicing his Quirk, using his enhanced strength to manipulate the air around him. I could see the tension in his body as he struggled to maintain control, worried that he might accidentally break his bones.

I approached All Might, trying to sound confident. "Hmm, can I help?" I asked, trying to gauge the situation.

All Might shrugged, his grin never faltering. "Sure thing! Just don't get hurt, okay?" He said it with a chuckle, but I could sense a hint of seriousness beneath his words.

I nodded, feeling a rush of determination.

I walked over to Izuku and held out my hands, expecting him to take them. He did, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and caution. "Azure, are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I scoffed, feeling a surge of confidence. "Oh, come on! Remember what I am? My friend!" I said, squeezing his hands before letting them go.

As I did, my arms transformed into scaly, strong ones. I could feel the power coursing through my veins, and I knew that I was ready for this training session.

"Now, come at me with whatever you've got!" I said, my eyes locked on Izuku's. "If we're going to make it to the Sports Festival, we'll probably be pitted against each other. And I want to make sure that I'm ready for you."

Izu's eyes widened, and he nodded enthusiastically. He took a deep breath, focusing himself before charging at me with a fierce cry.

His Quirk-enhanced strength sent him flying towards me like a human cannonball. I raised my arms, ready to meet him head-on. Bring it on!

I sidestepped Izuku's attack, using my tail to bash him into the sand. He flew over the beach, landing with a clatter against a nearby trash can. I stood tall, my eyes fixed on him.

"Again," I called out, my voice echoing across the beach.

Izuku got up, his eyes blazing with determination. But this time, he didn't charge at me. Instead, he suddenly grew a glowing blue aura around his leg. He leaped high into the air, his hands glowing with a bright light.

He punched towards me, his fist crackling with energy. I caught his hand easily, feeling a surge of power as our Quirks clashed.

Izuku slumped to the ground, his eyes wide with surprise. I held a death grip on his wrist, leaning into his ear as I whispered a menacing warning.

"Be careful, so you don't show your opponent the strike you're going to take," I hissed, my breath hot against his ear.

I smiled coldly, trailing my tail down his naked thighs. "You'll be easily beaten with this," I sneered, my eyes glinting with confidence.

Izuku's eyes narrowed, his face set in a determined expression. He knew he had to improve if he was going to keep up with me. But I could sense that he was also fueled by a desire to prove himself, to show me that he was more than just a novice hero.

We continued to bat back and forth, exchanging blows and neither of us gaining the upper hand. But eventually, All Might stepped in, his voice booming across the beach.

"Oh, okay! Alright, you two! You'll tear this training up with each other! Heh heh!" He chuckled, patting each of our heads in turn. My hair was a bit more disheveled than Izuku's, but I didn't mind. After all, I was the one who had been using my Quirk to get the upper hand.

Izuku blinked at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You need to tell me about your Quirk," he said, his voice firm.

I giggled and patted his hand. "Sure thing, can do!" I said, feeling a bit mischievous.

I glanced up at All Might, who smiled down at me. "You both are off the chain now! I'll let you guys rest," he said, his voice booming.

He nodded at us, and we both nodded back, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. We had a lot of work to do if we were going to make it to the Sports Festival and come out on top. But with All Might's guidance and our own determination, I knew we could do it.

"So," Izuku's tone was enthusiastic as we walked back together, "what's your Quirk, really?" he asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.

I shrugged, "It's not a Quirk, I told you, I was just kidding around these things. You see, are my powers," I said, and showed him the small blue fire in the palm of my hand.

Izuku's eyes widened in amazement. "That's so cool!" he gushed, before taking out a notebook and writing it down like a scribbler. I chuckled, oh how much I was beginning to love this little vanilla roll.

If only I knew what would happen at the Sports Festival...

Izuku looked up at me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Wow, you're really powerful! I'm glad we're training together," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

I smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my fellow student. "Yeah, me too," I said, and we continued walking back to the training grounds, the blue fire in my hand still flickering with energy.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. What would happen at the Sports Festival? Would we be able to overcome our differences and work together to achieve victory? Only time would tell.