**Chapter 10: The First Training**
The night sky was a tapestry of twinkling stars, each one glowing faintly like distant lanterns suspended in the heavens. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the soft hum of a city that never truly sleeps. Natsu Dragneel strolled down the quiet streets, the city lights casting long shadows on the pavement as they flickered above him. He walked with a calm expression, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, while Happy sat perched on his shoulder, his wings folded neatly behind him.
The rhythmic sound of Natsu's footsteps echoed through the deserted streets, blending with the occasional whisper of the wind. Buildings stretched high above, their windows twinkling with the faint glow of life inside, while the streetlamps illuminated the path ahead, casting soft halos of light around them.
A smile crept onto Natsu's face as memories from earlier that day filled his mind. "It was a good day," he murmured, his voice low but filled with excitement. "So many different people with strange and amazing powers. I can't wait to fight them all."
Happy, observing Natsu's smile, remained silent for a moment before glancing up at the stars. "Natsu," he said, his tone thoughtful, "do you think they'll let me come along again tomorrow? It would be boring to sit at home while you're out having all the fun."
Natsu glanced at his companion, his expression softening. "I thought Aizawa-sensei or someone else would complain about you being there, but it seems like no one minds. Aizawa doesn't seem to care much either way, so I guess it's fine."
Happy's face lit up with a grin, and with a flutter of his wings, he took off into the air, hovering above Natsu's head. "Awesome! That means it's time for bed! We've got a big day tomorrow!"
Natsu chuckled, shaking his head. "Stop acting like you're actually going to study."
Happy pouted, crossing his arms mid-air. "You don't study either! You're definitely going to fail this year!"
"What did you just say?!" Natsu's voice rose in mock outrage, but the night carried on peacefully, the sounds of the bustling city fading into the background as the two continued their playful banter.
---
The next morning, the halls of UA Academy buzzed with energy. The students of Class 1-A entered the building with smiles on their faces, the thrill of the first day still lingering in the air. As they took their seats, a murmur spread through the classroom—there was one empty chair.
Kaminari, noticing the absence, leaned over and said, "That idiot Natsu. Is he seriously late on the second day?"
Kirishima, sitting nearby, chuckled. "He's probably still asleep. That's just the kind of guy Natsu is."
From the back of the classroom, Bakugo's voice cut through the chatter, his smirk wide and sharp. "All that loudmouth does is show off. But when it's time for real action, he disappears. What a coward."
The students exchanged uneasy glances but kept silent, knowing Bakugo's temper. Just then, a quiet cough interrupted the tension. All Might, the Number One Hero, stood before the class, his presence commanding and powerful. His sudden appearance had already left them stunned, and now they were eagerly awaiting his instructions.
"Since Natsu isn't here yet, we'll begin without him," All Might announced, his deep voice drawing all eyes to the front.
---
Meanwhile, far above the city, Natsu's loud voice pierced the wind. "Faster, Happy! We're gonna be late!"
"Shut up! This is your fault for oversleeping! Who oversleeps on their second day?!" Happy shot back, his small body trembling from the effort of flying at top speed. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his wings flapped furiously, carrying both himself and Natsu through the sky.
The wind whipped through Natsu's pink hair and tugged at his white scarf as they zoomed over the rooftops. Yet, despite their frantic rush, a broad smile was plastered across Natsu's face.
"Maybe you should fly me to school every day, Happy. This is fun!"
"Not in a million years!" Happy panted, clearly exhausted.
"But I get carsick on the bus!" Natsu complained, his voice taking on a teasing tone.
"Don't care!" Happy huffed, pushing his wings harder as the academy loomed in the distance.
---
Back at UA, the students of Class 1-A had donned their hero costumes for the very first time. They gathered in front of Training Ground Beta—a sprawling, deserted cityscape designed for battle simulations. The sight of the empty buildings and quiet streets set the stage for what was to come.
All Might, standing tall in front of the group, surveyed them with pride. "There's nothing like seeing the next generation of heroes take their first steps. You all look amazing!" His voice brimmed with admiration.
The students beamed at the praise, each feeling a sense of pride in their custom-made costumes. Every outfit was meticulously designed to complement their Quirks, tailored specifically for the challenges they would face in the future.
All Might's gaze lingered on Midoriya, whose costume bore a striking resemblance to All Might's own iconic look. A knowing smile tugged at the corner of All Might's lips as he whispered under his breath, "Quite the homage…"
Clearing his throat, All Might addressed the class. "Today's exercise is a Heroes vs. Villains scenario. You'll be divided into teams, with half of you playing the heroes and the other half as the villains."
Yaoyorozu nodded thoughtfully. "It seems straightforward so far."
Mineta, however, looked worried. "But we all want to be heroes, right?"
"It's just a training exercise," Iida replied, ever the voice of reason.
All Might continued, "Each team will consist of two students. I've already assigned your partners, and we'll decide whether you'll be heroes or villains by drawing lots." He gestured to two large boxes, each filled with colored balls. "One box for heroes, the other for villains."
The students leaned in eagerly as All Might read the team pairings:
- Team A: Izuku Midoriya and Ochako Uraraka
- Team B: Shoto Todoroki and Mezo Shoji
- Team C: Momo Yaoyorozu and Mineta
- Team D: Katsuki Bakugo and Tenya Iida
- Team E: Yuga Aoyama and Mina Ashido
- Team F: Rikido Sato and Eijiro Kirishima
- Team G: Hanta Sero and Natsu Dragneel
- Team H: Tsuyu Asui and Fumikage Tokoyami
- Team I: Denki Kaminari and Kyoka Jiro
- Team J: Toru Hagakure and Mashirao Ojiro
A murmur of excitement rippled through the class as they processed their pairings, but Sero's face quickly fell into a look of disbelief. He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "This idiot Natsu... I'm stuck with him? Am I seriously going to fight on my own?"
Before anyone could comment further, All Might stepped forward with the boxes, explaining how he'd randomly select which teams would play heroes and which would play villains. The first match-up was drawn: **Team A vs. Team D**—Midoriya and Uraraka against Bakugo and Iida.
The tension in the air thickened. It was a clash everyone anticipated. Midoriya's nervous glance met Bakugo's fiery glare from across the room, a silent promise of the impending battle between them. Yet, amidst all the excitement, there was still no sign of Natsu.
As the students prepared for their first combat simulation, the sense of anticipation grew. Each one of them knew this wasn't just training—it was the first test of their abilities in the real world of heroism.
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