Ah, Kyoto.

The oh-so familiar sight of the wooden structure before me brought me immense joy. My eyes wandered around the building, wondering if anything had changed since I'd last been here. I noticed a few small things, like how the little water stream now ran into a pond filled with lilies, and how smaller darts of koi fish flew across the bottom of that pond. For a hero that didn't really seem like the artsy person, Gang Orca sure knew how to decorate.

My feet stepped across the paved pathway, guiding me to the same door I stood in front of months ago, when I was a nervous wreck. I knocked once, twice on the wood and waited, eager to see the sight of my mentor's face. Excitement bloomed in my chest as I heard the sound of clicks on the other side of the barrier.

The door creaked open and I was met with the sight of Gang Orca, dressed as he was usually. A smile spread across my face as I jumped to hug him, grateful to see the pro hero again. I felt his chest rumble as laughter started to trickle out.

"Nice to see you too," he chuckled, returning the affectionate gesture. We separated and he gave me a pat on my shoulder, then let me inside, helping me with my bag. I thanked him and closed the door behind me, soaking in the scenery I'd hadn't had the chance to experience in quite a while.

We chatted about how we've both been and caught up with each other, filling the latter in on what exactly had occurred during our time off. He described an interesting bank robbery that happened about a week ago, where the villain had almost escaped the police until they had accidentally tipped off that the money was in their bag. Gang Orca also listened patiently when I described every crazy thing that had happened in UA, from the strenuous classes to the encounter with Mirio.

"Though as much as I'd love to hear the rest of your adventures," the pro hero interrupted, "I'm going to leave you to change and then you can meet everyone again in the hall." I nodded knowingly and bid him goodbye as I got the case for my hero suit out. I stripped and dressed, fiddling with the newest installments on my costume. Once I was done, I stepped out and walked to the meeting spot where'd I seen everyone last time, turning into a hallway. 

I peered my head around the final corner and found that my eyes met with the gazes of many others'. A moment of silence hung in the air before everyone in their wet-suits came rushing towards me, encasing me in a tight circle of arms.

"(L/N)! You're back!"

"It's so good to see you again!"

"We missed you so much!" I laughed and made sure to address everyone, hugging the many bodies that surrounded me. Bursts of euphoria erupted in my chest, painting the world with dusts of pink. I felt my heart melt at the sight of my old friends and couldn't resist the urge to not let go. 

But before I knew it, the minutes of reunion had ended, and Gang Orca interrupted to get to serious business. I reluctantly disbanded from the circle and listened to what the pro hero had to say.

"Alright everyone, as much as I would like to have this moment last forever, we all have important matters at hand. I'm sure that I have already assigned each group to patrol, so you all know your spots-" One of the guys raised their hand, albeit nervous about something. Gang Orca paused, turning to him.

"Yes?"

"Sorry sir, but you never told us about anything. You said you'd assign the roles after (L/N) got here." The pro hero stopped, staying quiet for a few seconds, then grinned, embarrassed, faced turning a slight shade of red. His tough facade came tumbling down, leaving a quiet and timid man behind. I didn't have a choice of not disregarding his looks, only seeing his character at that moment. It was nice to see him so laid-back and "careless" about his persona.

"I-I'm sorry for the mistake," he said, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie, "I'll make sure to remember next time." With that, he said the assignments and everybody got up and started to head out, getting their gear and tools and such. Meanwhile, I stood there, wondering where we would go. My thoughts were cut short when I felt a large hand pat my back, ushering me to the other direction where the sidekicks were headed.

"All right, kid. It's time I introduce you to some important people and show you the other part of a hero's job."

__

We entered a taxi cab, and made our way to a big stadium, one that I could've seen from miles away. Still wondering where we were and why we were here, that question was left unanswered until we arrived at the facility. I exited the cab and furrowed my eyebrows as Gang Orca led me inside, twisting down a series of hallways until we finally reached a large control room. 

Without words, Gang Orca invited me in with a swoop of his hand, holding open the door for me. I nodded and walked in, noticing a series of small screens connecting together to form a larger one, all surveillance devices of some sort. It took me a minute to focus in on the moving characters along one of the televisions, but my eyes widened as soon as I recognized the figures. Turning to Gang Orca, I was only met with a knowing smile, and nothing else. 

"We're..." I breathed, suddenly exasperated, "We're monitoring the license exam?" I was about to continue, but a familiar voice jutted out, taking me by surprise. 

"You were the quirkless one, right?" I whipped my head around to face the all-too-familiar blonde who was the moderator for the last license exam. He yawned and stepped through the door, narrowly avoiding Gang Orca's bulky frame, and took a seat on the leather spinny-chair positioned in front of all the controls. 

"I assumed Sakamata would bring you here for the internships," he mumbled, casting an awry glance at my mentor. The pro hero's chest rumbled, presumably stifling a chuckle. 

"You're sarcastic as always, Mera." The tired man cracked a smile and turned back around to face the board as Gang Orca joined both of us in front of the glowing screens. Noticing how the group of UA and Shiketsu students talked for a bit, socializing and getting to know each other, I pursed my lips, shifting a little. Why was I so uncomfortable?

We stood at stared at them until it was time for the test to start. Rushing to the door, I took one last look at the retreating figures until I disappeared around the exit. Walking with my mentor was more intimidating than I thought, especially as he was around 200 centimeters tall. I never had the guts to say anything -- he always looked mad at me, for some reason. 

"Got anything to talk about?" he suddenly said, playfully looking down, "Or has a cat got your tongue?" I smiled awkwardly and scratched the nape of my neck, thinking of a few questions that had gotten left unanswered.

"Well, why did you bring me here? I don't really understand the purpose." He was quick to answer.

"To be honest, from what I've seen, saying your skills are above-average would be an understatement. It's amazing how far you've gotten despite not having a quirk. You're quick to react to things and I think it's a great ability. I just brought you here today to see some other examples of what future heroes have to deal with, on the more... social aspect." I was still in the mist about the whole thing, but continued to follow him until we reached an open space. 

I spotted everyone gathered in the middle and was told to wait in the bleachers with some others. Noticing Eraser, Mic, and All Might sat in the front row, I decided to go and sit down with the adults spectating the event. My English teacher noticed me and gave me a loud, yet warm welcome.

"(L/N), you're here!" he shouted, gathering the attention of everyone in the gymnasium. I gave a little wave to my friends in the arena and resumed chatting with my teachers. 

"Yeah, I'm here for work studies," I chirped, taking a seat next to All Might, "Gang Orca brought me here for some experience." Aizawa hummed and leaned back in his seat, resting against the backboard of the chair. 

"You better observe well -- it's not everyday you can see these two kids do what they're about to do." Confused, I just sat and watched as the blonde announcer introduced the situation, eventually being taken over by Gang Orca and his mean facade. I couldn't hold back a chuckle of endearment, noticing the gloss over his eyes as he spoke. He took the impersonation of someone who was crass too seriously, and I could tell on the inside he was cringing at himself. 

But the real challenge was soon to start, as I heard a pair of twin doors open on the other side of the gym. I guessed that this was the challenge my classmates had to face. What was it? Robots again, or more pro heroes? I didn't truly know at the moment and was stuck, bouncing in anticipation. I couldn't help but want to be down there. 

Soon, my eyes adjusted to the light and only found themselves focused on a horde of kids streaming into the room, yelling and crashing into each other, followed by a very disheveled-looking teacher. They climbed on top of the junior heroes and started causing riots, fights that would rival even Bakugo's tantrums.

"Kids! Don't rush!" the teacher wailed, hopelessly chasing after her students. But the younguns did anything but listen, as they flooded the ground. A smile crept onto my face, curious at how the infamous hot head and indifferent son of Endeavor would handle this with the others. I glanced at the Number One pro hero sitting behind me and examined his expression. I sighed as I detected nothing different from his grumpy, mean face.

Pooh, well that's no fun.

The challenge kept on going as both Shiketsu and UA forces collaborated to solve the common problem. About halfway through, as the kids were still trying to figure things out together with their combating personalities and the trouble to kids gave them, Gang Orca made eye contact with me and motioned for me to come down. Caught off guard, I fidgeted for a bit before spotting a way down, taking the route and finally meeting up with him.

"What'd you call me for?" I asked uncertainly, my hands clasped behind my back, "Is there something I'm missing?" The hero chuckled and patted my back, reassuring me that there was nothing wrong.

"I just hoped that a closer view would benefit you more in your observations." Flabbergasted, my face flushed and I suddenly became timid at his kind words.

Ooh, my heart!

I bowed fully, staying in the bent position for a couple of seconds, unable to express how truly grateful I felt to be under such a compassionate hero's wing. 

"Thank you, Mr. Gang Orca! I won't forget this!" He grinned, ushering me to focus my attention on what was happening currently, as there would be a separate time to thank him. Intently watching the scene develop, I didn't miss a second of it, my concentration spurred on by the kindness that my mentor delivered. My irises followed everyone's movements keenly, watching as they conferred and eventually thought of a plan to wrangle the younger hooligans.

Soon enough, the kids who formerly attacked my friends were all sliding down a magnificent tower of ice with glimmers of aurora borealis painted overhead. The corners of my mouth were upturned into a wide grin as I gazed at the sight in awe. I've been so desensitized by being around them so much I'd forgotten that these students had, after all, gotten into prestigious hero academies through their skills alone. Feeling like I had gained something just by watching the students "evolve," a content feeling settled upon me. 

Even Bakugo had calmed down, and Todoroki had come out of his shell a little and entertained the pre-teens with his fire quirk. The kids were now more compliant, willing to be picked up and held, even playing games, chasing each other around. I looked up at the bleachers and found their tearful teacher nearly weeping of joy. 

After staring at her and my friends for a bit longer, the serene and comforted state I was in faded away, replaced by an emotion that made my insides churn and my chest tighten. I furrowed my eyebrows and gave a tight, close-lipped smile, somehow feeling a bit odd. Thinking for a moment, I turned away for a short breather. 

Perhaps it was like seeing the better days again, that prompted me to act in this manner. Looking at the kids, I remembered the eternal youth I used to feel -- no pressure, no nothing, really having the ability to have fun -- it was refreshing yet nostalgic. To look upon a sea of grade schoolers and watch them be happy, then experience such an uncomfortable tugging at my heartstrings was not at all predictable.

But as soon as I heard another whoop of joyous laughter echo from behind me, I unclenched my hands and realized that Gang Orca was staring. Trying to play it cool, I whirled back around and pretended like I hadn't noticed his red eyes bearing into the side of my skull. Forcing myself to relax, I turned my attention to the ceiling, which was covered with a sheer, matte glow.

My eyes sparkled with the green and purple lights up above me and I felt the tension leave my body as it was blasted with the alleviating cool of the ice structure. I kept my pupils fixed on the wavering silken patterns in the sky until I finally felt all eyes leave me. Letting out a breath, my taught shoulders sank and my muscles relaxed, letting go. 

This was nice.