chapter 17: control

Aizawa-sensei cleared his throat, his sharp gaze sweeping over each of us. His expression remained impassive, but there was an intense gleam in his eyes.

"Now that you've seen an example of what's possible," he began, his monotone voice contrasting with the seriousness of his words, "we're going to raise the stakes. The world of heroes is unforgiving. Natural disasters, major accidents, maniacal villains... Calamities that cannot be predicted. Japan is covered in injustices. Heroes are the ones who reverse these situations."

He paused, letting his words sink in. Then, with an even more serious tone, he continued:

"If you plan to spend three years here playing around, then I'm sorry to say you're wasting your time. So here's what we'll do: the student who finishes last in this quirk assessment will be judged as having no potential... and will be immediately expelled."

The shock was immediate. I saw Midoriya's eyes widen, his face visibly paling. He started trembling slightly, his fists clenched at his sides. It was clear he was fighting an internal panic.

Uraraka was the first to protest. "What?! Expelled on the first day? Isn't that a bit unfair?"

Aizawa-sensei turned his piercing gaze to her. "Unfair? Are natural disasters fair? Are accidents fair? Are villains fair? A hero's life is full of injustices. You'd better get used to it now."

I observed the varied reactions around me. Bakugo displayed a confident, almost predatory grin. Iida seemed determined, though a bit tense. Yaoyorozu maintained a composed expression, but her eyes revealed intense concentration.

As for me, I kept my expression neutral. I didn't let it show, but I felt a wave of excitement. This was the real test, not just of our abilities, but of our determination.

Aizawa-sensei continued, his tone leaving no room for argument: "If this is too much for you, you can quit right now. Welcome to U.A.'s hero course."

Aizawa-sensei called us to the first test: the 50-meter dash. I watched as my classmates prepared, each using their quirk in a unique way.

"Next," announced Aizawa-sensei. "Iida Tenya and... Kent Clark."

I positioned myself beside Iida, who was already in the starting position, the engines in his calves humming softly.

"Good luck, Kent-san," Iida said politely. "I hope we can have a fair race."

I nodded in response, focusing on the track ahead of me.

"Ready," the robotic voice of the measuring device sounded. "Go!"

The instant the signal went off, I activated my quirk. The world around me seemed to slow down drastically as I moved at an incredible speed. In a fraction of a second, I crossed the finish line.

"0.03 seconds," announced the device.

I turned to see Iida still in the middle of the course, his eyes wide with astonishment. He crossed the line shortly after.

"3.04 seconds," the device registered for Iida.

A stunned silence fell over the class, followed by a burst of surprised exclamations.

"Is that... is that even possible?" Kaminari stammered, eyes wide.

Yaoyorozu, ever analytical, commented, "By my estimate, that means Kent-san reached approximately five times the speed of sound. It's... impressive, to say the least."

Midoriya was muttering rapidly, his eyes shining with excitement. "Five times the speed of sound over such a short distance... The acceleration required is incredible! And the control to stop so precisely..."

Bakugo clenched his fists, his expression a mix of anger and determination. "Tch, big deal. Speed isn't everything in a fight."

Iida approached me, adjusting his glasses. "I must admit, Kent-san, I'm impressed. Your speed is truly remarkable."

"Thank you, Iida-san," I replied simply. "Your engines are impressive as well."

After the race, while my classmates continued to excitedly comment on my performance, I felt a pang of sadness. I kept my expression neutral, but inside, my thoughts were turbulent.

It was true that my speed impressed everyone, but I knew the truth. Compared to a true Kryptonian, I would be far behind. My quirk, although powerful, was just a shadow of what it should be.

Imagine my body as a cellphone battery that can grow infinitely. Solar energy is the electricity that charges this battery. As a Kryptonian, I have the potential for infinite evolution, but the process is much slower and more limited.

The difference lies in two main factors:

Absorption Rate: Think of it like the cellphone charger. A Kryptonian has a much more powerful "charger," capable of absorbing large amounts of solar energy quickly. My "charger" is weaker. I have a limit on how much I can absorb at once—if exceeded, my body collapses, as happened in the amusement park incident.

Conversion Rate: This would be like the speed at which the battery processes the received energy. A Kryptonian converts solar energy into power much faster. My "battery" processes this energy at a much slower pace.

Conventional training doesn't help much either. My body doesn't respond to stimuli the same way others do. That's why my focus has been entirely on control. Control to not destroy everything with a simple wave of my hand. Control to not wipe out an entire city with a punch. Control to not accidentally kill someone when I just want to knock them out.

As that villain with the glasses and hair gel once said, "The hardest power to control is stepping on an ant without crushing it." I understood that phrase well. It's exactly what I face every day.

Due to these limitations, my growth in power is a gradual and lengthy process. I can't just fly to the sun and become instantly stronger. I need time—a lot of time—for my body to absorb and convert solar energy into increased power.

After my surprising run, the other students continued with their tests. I watched closely, analyzing each one's unique abilities.

Bakugo went next, using his explosions to propel himself down the track. "3.13 seconds," the device announced.

Uraraka used her quirk to lighten her clothes, managing a time of "7.15 seconds."

Ashido slid down the track using her acid. "5.23 seconds," was her result.

Inasa, using his wind control, arrived right after Iida. "3.12 seconds," announced the device.

Midoriya, without using his quirk, ran normally, finishing in "7.02 seconds."

Todoroki created an ice ramp and slid down it, marking "4.41 seconds."

Yaoyorozu created a small cannon on her back, using it to propel herself. "5.49 seconds," was her time.

Tokoyami used Dark Shadow to push himself, finishing in "6.2 seconds."

Each student demonstrated creativity in using their quirks, adapting them to the task at hand. It was fascinating to see the diversity of powers and strategies in action.

As we neared the end, it was clear that my performance had been exceptional in all categories. However, I noticed that Aizawa-sensei seemed more interested in how I controlled my power than the results themselves.

As we gathered to hear the final results, I couldn't help but reflect on how different my experience had been compared to my classmates. For them, these tests were a chance to showcase the full extent of their abilities. For me, it was an exercise in restraint and control.

Yaoyorozu approached me, her expression a mix of admiration and curiosity. "Kent-san, your control is impressive. How do you manage to modulate your strength so precisely?"

Before I could answer, Midoriya joined the conversation, his eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, it's incredible! Your quirk seems to affect every physical aspect of your body uniformly. It's fascinating!"

I smiled lightly, appreciating their genuine interest. "It's the result of a lot of training and practice. I'm still learning to control it properly."

As we talked, I noticed Bakugo watching us from a distance, his expression a mix of anger and determination. It was clear that my presence had ignited a competitive fire in him.

The afternoon sun shone over U.A.'s training field as we arrived at the softball throw test. The atmosphere was tense, especially since Midoriya hadn't demonstrated his quirk in any of the previous tests.

Midoriya approached the throwing circle, his expression a mix of nervousness and determination. He picked up the ball, took a deep breath, and prepared to throw.

At that moment, Aizawa-sensei intervened, his eyes glowing red and his hair floating—signs that he was using his erasure quirk.

"I'm canceling your quirk," Aizawa-sensei declared, his intense gaze fixed on Midoriya. "The entrance test was too irrational. A boy like you shouldn't have been accepted."

Midoriya looked shocked. "You're the erasure hero... Eraser Head!"

Aizawa-sensei continued, his voice harsh: "Do you intend to incapacitate yourself again and make someone save you? No matter your intentions, you'd be nothing more than a burden after saving one person."

Aizawa-sensei's words weighed heavily on all of us. It was a severe reminder of the reality of hero work.

"Midoriya," Aizawa-sensei concluded, "you have no potential to be a hero."

The silence that followed was heavy. Midoriya looked devastated, but something in his eyes changed. Determination replaced fear.

Aizawa-sensei blinked, deactivating his quirk. "I've returned your quirk. Do your best on the last attempt."

Midoriya positioned himself again, holding the ball firmly. His eyes narrowed in concentration. He pulled his arm back, preparing to throw.

At the last moment, I saw a surge of energy flow through his body, concentrating in his index finger. With a shout of effort, Midoriya launched the ball.

A burst of air accompanied the throw. The ball shot into the sky like a rocket, leaving a trail of energy in its wake.

We all waited in silence for the result.

"705.3 meters," announced the device.

The class exploded with exclamations of surprise. Midoriya stood there, holding his clearly injured finger, but with a triumphant smile on his face.

"Sensei," Midoriya said, turning to Aizawa, "I can still move!"

Aizawa-sensei smiled slightly, a rare sign of approval. "This kid..."

I watched Midoriya, impressed by his strategy. He had found a way to use his power without completely incapacitating himself. It was ingenious and brave.

At that moment, I felt a desire to help. I had become quite skilled at controlling my own power. Maybe I could offer some tips to Midoriya on how to manage such immense strength.

As the class chatted excitedly about Midoriya's feat, I approached him.

"Hey, Midoriya," I called softly. "Impressive what you did there. If you want, I can give you some tips on power control. I know our quirks are different, but it might help."

Midoriya looked at me, surprised and then grateful. "Really? That would be amazing, Kent-san! Thank you!"

"DEKU, YOU DAMN LIAR!" Bakugo exploded, charging like a human missile toward Midoriya. His hands crackled with small explosions, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "YOU'VE BEEN HIDING YOUR QUIRK ALL THIS TIME?!"

Midoriya backed away, fear plastered on his freckled face. "K-Kacchan, it's not like that, I can explain!"

Without hesitation, I stepped between the two, my eyes fixed on Bakugo. "Hey, let's calm down here," I said firmly, my voice carrying an authority that even surprised me.

"GET OUT OF MY WAY!" Bakugo roared, trying to shove past me.

In that moment, I recalled how annoying Bakugo was in the early seasons. 'Looks like it's going to take a while for this guy to change.'

"Bakugo," I said, my voice low but firm, "anger won't get you anywhere. We're all classmates now. We need to support each other, not fight."

Before Bakugo could respond, Aizawa-sensei intervened, his eyes glowing red, neutralizing Bakugo's Quirk.

"Enough," Aizawa ordered, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Don't make me use my Quirk continuously. I already told you I have dry eye syndrome."

The field fell silent, all eyes on Aizawa-sensei.

"I'll announce the rankings now," he said, his monotone voice contrasting with the tension in the air.

As Aizawa listed the names, I observed my classmates' reactions. When my name was announced first, I felt nothing special. Yaoyorozu, in second place, displayed a serene smile. Inasa, in third, grinned widely, a gentle breeze ruffling his uniform.

After the announcement that the expulsion was a ruse, the atmosphere changed drastically. Sighs of relief echoed across the field, some students even laughed nervously.

As the class dispersed, Yaoyorozu approached me, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Kent-san, your performance was truly extraordinary," she said, her tone respectful. "I've never seen someone with such control over such a powerful Quirk."

I smiled, feeling a connection with this brilliant girl. "Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san. Your performance was incredible as well. The versatility of your Quirk is really impressive, but what impresses me most is the intelligence behind its use. It must require vast and deep knowledge to utilize it so efficiently."

I paused, tilting my head with genuine curiosity. "If I may ask, is it very challenging to constantly be learning to expand the possibilities of your Quirk? I imagine it requires a lot of constant study."

My tone was gentle and respectful, showing real interest in understanding her experience and the challenges she faces. I wanted Yaoyorozu to feel that I valued not just her strength, but also her intellect and dedication.

Yaoyorozu seemed surprised and pleasantly touched by my observation. Her eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she responded.

"That's very insightful of you to notice, Kent-san," she said, smiling. "Indeed, my Quirk requires constant study. It's challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Every new piece of knowledge expands my creation possibilities."

She paused, as if considering something, before continuing. "In fact, it's fascinating how different areas of knowledge interconnect. For example, understanding chemistry allows me to create a wider variety of compounds, while physics helps me design more efficient objects."

I noticed the gleam in her eyes as she spoke, clearly passionate about learning.

"That sounds really fascinating, Yaoyorozu-san," I responded, genuinely impressed. "Your dedication is admirable. I imagine that constant pursuit of knowledge must be useful not just for your Quirk, but for problem-solving in general as a hero."

Yaoyorozu nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! That's why I strive so hard. Every new learning could be the key to saving someone in the future."

She then looked at me with curiosity. "And what about you, Kent-san? How do you approach the development of your Quirk? There must be unique challenges in controlling so much power."

I nodded, reflecting on her question. "You're right, Yaoyorozu-san. Controlling such a great power comes with enormous responsibility," I began, my tone serious but maintaining a friendly casualness. "Every movement, every action needs to be carefully calculated. A careless move could, theoretically, destroy an entire city."

I paused, letting my words sink in before continuing. "Moreover, there are aspects of my power that require constant mental control. For instance, if I don't concentrate, I can hear conversations happening hundreds of miles away - imagine thousands of voices speaking in your ear at once."

Yaoyorozu listened intently, her eyes widening at the magnitude of what I was describing. "That's... incredible and terrifying at the same time," she commented, clearly impressed.

"Exactly," I agreed. "But you know, I believe being a hero isn't just about power, but about how we use that power to help others. I try to always remember that during my training."

Yaoyorozu's eyes sparkled with understanding. "That's very insightful, Kent-san. You really grasp the essence of what it means to be a hero."

I felt a wave of determination wash over me. "I hope to contribute positively to our class, Yaoyorozu-san. I want to show through my actions what it means to be a true hero - someone who not only saves lives but also inspires others to be better."

Yaoyorozu nodded, a sincere smile on her face. "With that attitude, I'm sure you'll be a great inspiration to all of us."

As we walked back to the main building, I observed my classmates. Midoriya, determined despite being in last place. Bakugo, still furious but with a fire in his eyes that spoke of ambition. Todoroki, quiet and observant. Each of them with immense potential.

In that moment, I reaffirmed my commitment. With the knowledge and experience from my previous life, I would not only become the best hero I could be but also help each of my classmates reach their fullest potential.