Chapter 64 - Better Together Than Not at All

The exam had ended far sooner than anyone expected, and you could feel the remnants of Gang Orca's trance slowly dissipate as you shook yourself free from the dark grip of his influence. With a deep breath, you transformed back into your human form, your wings and claws retracting, leaving behind only the weariness from the fight.

Izuku rushed over to you, his face a mix of concern and relief. "Oh, Y/N, you're alright," he breathed, his voice shaky. "I thought you had gone back to your..." His words trailed off, unable to finish the thought of what had almost happened.

You looked down at him, offering a reassuring smile as you gently patted his messy, curly green hair. "No, no one can control me, Izuku. This was just for show."

Bakugo, who had been watching from a distance with his usual scowl, grunted loudly, crossing his arms. "Well, you sure put on a damn show," he muttered, irritation in his voice. "I really thought you had reverted back to that stupid devil dragon you were."

You couldn't help but chuckle at his bluntness. "I told you, Bakugo," you said, feeling a touch of humor in your tone, "I've got control of it."

Aizawa, who had been observing quietly, finally approached the group as the others gathered around you. His tired eyes flicked over your form before nodding. "Well played, Y/N. You nearly had them there," he said, his voice gravelly but approving.

You bowed your head slightly, not one to seek praise but still appreciative. "Thank you, sensei. I tried my best."

The tension in the air lightened for a moment before the announcement came. The results of the exam were read aloud, and a wave of excitement and relief passed over your classmates as many of them were informed they had passed. But when Bakugo and Shoto's names weren't called, the mood shifted again. You exchanged a glance with the two of them, a silent understanding passing between you all.

Uraraka, her voice trembling with a mixture of concern and confusion, spoke up. "How can two of our greatest talents not pass?" Her eyes scanned the group, trying to make sense of the situation.

You clenched your fists, a feeling of frustration rising within you. "Something must have gone wrong for them," you said, your voice steady but filled with a quiet anger. You couldn't believe that two of the most powerful and hardworking people in the class had failed, not when they were so close to reaching their potential.

Before anyone could dwell on it too long, Gang Orca stepped up from behind the group, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the students. He looked around at all of you, his sharp gaze lingering on Bakugo and Shoto, then back to the rest of the group.

"That's not entirely the point," he said, his voice firm and deliberate. He turned to face you, a knowing smile on his face as he spoke again. "The two of them are strong, yes, but they don't work well with others. This whole camp, this whole exam, it's about team-building. And they didn't quite make the cut."

His words hung in the air, heavy with truth. As much as Bakugo and Shoto excelled individually, their inability to cooperate with others had been their downfall. It wasn't just about raw power or ability—it was about learning to work together, to trust one another, and to understand that even the strongest heroes could not stand alone.

A quiet stillness fell over the group as the weight of Gang Orca's words settled in. Bakugo's expression darkened, his pride clearly hurt by the reminder of his own shortcomings in this area. But even he couldn't deny the truth. Shoto, standing beside him, said nothing, but the subtle shift in his demeanor suggested he was processing the lesson, perhaps for the first time.

"You have to understand," Gang Orca continued, "The strongest heroes are not the ones who can fight alone, but those who can bring others up with them. A hero is a leader, and a leader knows when to step back and let others shine."

You couldn't help but nod, your own mind reflecting on how far you had come in learning the value of teamwork. You had grown up fighting on your own, but this camp, these exams, had shown you the importance of collaboration, of working together for a greater cause.

"I think," you said quietly, "we all have something to learn from this." You glanced over at Izuku, his hopeful expression matching your own thoughts. "We're stronger when we work together, not just when we fight alone."

Bakugo snorted but said nothing, his eyes hardening but not in anger. Shoto, too, stood silently, perhaps contemplating the lesson for himself.

Uraraka, sensing the change in the air, offered a small, encouraging smile. "We'll make sure to learn from this," she said, her voice filled with a renewed sense of determination. "No one's perfect, but we'll be better together."

Gang Orca nodded in approval, his gaze sweeping over the class as a whole. "I think you all have the right idea. But remember, heroes are made not just by their power, but by their ability to connect with others and build a team. Keep that in mind as you move forward."

As the group began to disperse, you felt a sense of clarity wash over you. This wasn't just about passing an exam—it was about becoming the kind of hero who could lead others, inspire others, and fight not just for themselves, but for the people they cared about.

The road ahead would be tough, but with teamwork, determination, and the lessons learned from this experience, you were ready for whatever came next.

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