First Impressions and First Tests

Kai's eyes wandered over the expanse of the workshop that was the classroom for 1-H. It was a dream in the form of four walls and endless shelves: mechanical components, intricate tools, half-built prototypes, and holographic displays flashing data. Every corner had a purpose, every tool a function—an inventor's paradise that made him feel as if he was home.

"Welcome to UA's Support Department!" boomed a voice that matched the authority behind it. Power Loader, the head of the Support Course, stood with his arms folded, his small figure seeming almost immovable. "Here, creativity is your strongest ally. Our work may not be front and center like the heroics over in Class 1-A, but make no mistake—every piece of gear, every enhancement, is a part of UA's reputation. Got it?"

A ripple of nods went through the small group of students. Kai glanced around, taking in the handful of other faces who were now his classmates. Just a few feet away, a girl with pink dreadlocks, steampunk-themed goggles, and a borderline feral grin was already eyeing the tools along the walls with a chaotic twinkle in her eyes.

Just beyond her, Kai noticed Shoto Todoroki sitting at his desk. His two-toned hair was pulled back into a neat bun, highlighting the stark contrast between white and red, like ice meeting flame. Unlike the others, who were buzzing with whispers or adjusting to the new space, Shoto sat still, hands clasped in front of him as he absorbed every word from Power Loader. His face was a mask of calm focus, but there was something intense about his gaze, as if each instruction was being carefully filed away. Kai sensed the determination behind his cool exterior; here was someone who wasn't just here to tinker but to master every challenge this department would throw at him.

Power Loader paced in front of the workbenches, giving each student a steady look. "Now that you're here, it's time to see what you can actually do. For today, I want each of you to come up with a simple tool or gadget. It doesn't have to be groundbreaking—just something useful. And make it functional. This isn't a test of who can be the flashiest but who can solve a problem."

Around him, students murmured in excitement, exchanging glances that ranged from thrilled to nervous. Kai's fingers itched to get to work, excitement bubbling up. A simple gadget would give him the perfect chance to test out his Tinker Tinker Fruit in a more controlled setting.

He grabbed a few items from his workbench—a broken fan, some spare wires, and a half-bent paperclip—and spread them out. Holding his hands over the parts, he felt the familiar tingle of energy flow through him, guiding the materials with a nearly subconscious precision. The fan's motor adjusted, the paperclip twisted and shaped into rotors, and the wires fused into a miniature control panel. Within moments, a small, single-rotor helicopter took form in his hands, its blades spinning in smooth, rapid circles.

As it hovered a few inches above his palm, Power Loader leaned over, eyeing the tiny device with a raised eyebrow. "Huh. Compact, agile, and stable," he said with a hint of approval in his tone. "Nice work, Sugimoto. Could be handy in the field for recon, you know."

Kai nodded, feeling a quiet thrill at the compliment, then glanced around to see what the others were working on. Across the room, Shoto Todoroki had assembled what looked like a complex cooling device, his focus absolute. He worked with calm precision, his expression thoughtful, as though every piece and function had been meticulously planned. There was no hint of the difficulty that some of the other students showed—just a quiet, dedicated approach that made Kai even more curious about him.

As the classroom buzzed with the excitement of new inventions, Power Loader called Kai aside, his expression turning serious. "Sugimoto," he began, his tone authoritative yet encouraging, "I have a special task for you today. Principal Nezu wants you to join the hero classes during their Quirk Assessment Tests. Your ability to absorb energy could provide invaluable insights into their quirks."

Kai blinked, a mix of surprise and excitement coursing through him. "Are you sure, sir? I mean, I'm sure that you have plans set aside for today, and I don't want to run behind."

"Don't worry about that, Sugimoto. Today is just for seeing where the students are in their studies so I can help supplement their shortcomings." Power Loader said. "Nezu told me about your unique situation, so as far as I can tell, you won't be needed today because your "Devil Fruit" powers help you progress quickly."

Kai nodded, though a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes. "Alright, if you think it'll help."

Power Loader smiled, his posture relaxing a fraction. "I do. Plus, this is a great opportunity for you to see the quirks in action. Absorbing their energy could give you insights into how to refine your own abilities. Now, head to the QAT field; Class 1-A should be starting soon."

With a deep breath, Kai gathered his things and left the workshop, his heart racing with anticipation. The hallways of UA were alive with students chatting and laughing, and the thrill of being part of this prestigious school washed over him. It wasn't just the chance to absorb energy from the hero students that excited him; it was the opportunity to witness the future heroes in action.

As he approached the QAT field, the air buzzed with palpable tension, charged with the energy of excitement and anxiety. Kai's heart raced, mirroring the thrum of anticipation that filled the atmosphere. Class 1-A stood gathered in a semi-circle, their expressions revealing a mix of determination and nervous energy. At the front, Aizawa loomed like a sentinel, his eyes sharp and focused, commanding the attention of the eager students.

Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter, drawing every eye to him. "This is Kai Sugimoto," he announced, his tone a blend of authority and indifference. "His quirk allows him to absorb energy and replicate abilities related to it. He's here on loan from the Support Course, so treat him well."

The eyes of Class 1-A shifted toward Kai, curiosity dancing in their expressions. He felt the weight of their gazes, each student silently assessing him, pondering what his presence might mean for their training. Some wore welcoming smiles, radiating warmth, while others appeared more cautious, as if deliberating the implications of his unusual abilities.

"Hey, Kai! I didn't think I'd see you again so soon!" Izuku called out, his enthusiasm infectious. "So that's what your quirk does! I was curious about where you got that fruit you gave me. Does your quirk…" Izuku's words trailed off, devolving into a stream of barely audible mumbles, his excitement overwhelming his ability to articulate.

Katsuki Bakugo stood off to the side, arms crossed and a skeptical expression on his face. "Just make sure you keep up," he warned, his tone sharp. "I don't want any dead weight around here." Kai scoffed and rolled his eyes, as if anything Katsuki had to say would never matter to him.

"Focus up!" Aizawa interjected, cutting through the budding conversation like a knife. His voice was firm and commanding. "We're not here to socialize. Each of you will demonstrate your quirks in a series of tests. Kai, you'll observe and absorb as needed, so be ready to take notes."

Aizawa's gaze shifted to Bakugo. "Bakugo. You placed first in the entrance exam, correct? Use your quirk to launch this softball as far as you can."