MHA : Beyond Creation

March 2nd, 23XX – Student Evaluation

Kaizen sat cross-legged on the floor of his room, a sketchbook resting on his lap. The pale morning light filtered through the curtains, tracing soft shadows on the walls. His fingers idly tapped against the paper as he studied his latest sketch—a pair of creatures designed to assist him in close combat.

"If I can't match Kaede in hand-to-hand combat, I have to find another way."

His eyes traced the penciled outlines. One creature for his gauntlets, another for his boots. He needed enhancements—something to amplify his strength, refine his agility. But theory alone wouldn't be enough. He had to test them.

Taking a slow breath, he activated his Alter. Under his hands, organic matter pulsed to life, shifting and molding itself according to his will. Bit by bit, the forms took shape. Two small creatures emerged, their reptilian bodies smooth and flexible. They slithered around his arms and legs, fusing with him like a second skin.

Kaizen pushed himself to his feet, feeling the subtle shift in weight. He took a step. Another. The boots granted a slight fluidity to his movements, but when he tried to accelerate, his balance wavered. He stumbled, barely catching himself before falling.

"Still too heavy..."

He shifted focus to his gauntlets, flexing his fingers before striking the wall with measured force. The impact was absorbed, but the pressure didn't distribute evenly.

"Unstable."

With a quiet sigh, he let the creatures detach, dissolving into wisps of organic matter. Progress, but still imperfect. And imperfection frustrated him.

That afternoon, Kaizen arrived at the gymnasium where the evaluation was being held. The students stood in a rigid line before an instructor he didn't know well—Kaito Shigarami, a former pro hero turned teacher. The man was tall, his features sharp, his gaze carrying the weight of experience. He looked like someone who valued efficiency over pleasantries.

"Today, no Alters," Kaito announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "No equipment. Just you and your body. You're going to fight like real warriors."

A wave of unease rippled through the students. Some straightened their backs with confidence. Others swallowed hard.

"You'll be judged on endurance, technique, and adaptability. And believe me—if you can't fight without your Alter, you won't survive a real battle."

Kaizen clenched his fists. He already knew this was going to be painful.

The fights began. One after another, students were called forward to face their opponents. Some held their ground. Others crumpled within seconds. Then, Kaizen's name was called.

His opponent, Daigo, was taller, broader, and specialized in brute force. The moment the match started, he charged forward.

Kaizen sidestepped the first swing, barely avoiding the impact. But Daigo was relentless. A sharp elbow strike caught Kaizen's ribs, forcing the air from his lungs.

He staggered, barely regaining his footing before Daigo swept his legs out from under him. The impact rattled through his bones.

"That's enough," Kaito declared, making a note in his book.

Kaizen gritted his teeth as he forced himself to his feet. He hadn't even lasted a full minute.

As the session ended, Kaito approached him. Kaizen stood a little straighter under the man's scrutinizing gaze.

"You think too much."

Kaizen remained silent.

"Your problem isn't speed. It's not strength. It's hesitation. You analyze too much and act too little. Combat isn't a mathematical equation—it's instinct. You either react, or you lose."

Kaizen lowered his gaze. That was exactly what Kaede had told him.

"You want to get stronger? Then stop waiting for the perfect answer. Fight. Adapt. Figure it out as you go."

Without another word, Kaito turned and walked away.

On the way back, Kaizen replayed every moment of the fight—every mistake, every word from Kaede, from Kaito. He didn't have all the answers yet. But one thing was clear.

He had to change.

His eyes flicked to his sketchbook.

"I won't create a perfect solution. I'll create a solution that evolves with me."

And this time, failure wouldn't stop him.