MHA : Beyond Creation

March 4, 23XX – Personal Training

Kaizen stood at the center of the training ground, facing a creature he had designed months ago. It was a predator built for agility—sleek, sinewy, and unnervingly fast. He had created it to observe and refine his own combat techniques, but today, he intended to test his latest enhancements.

He activated his Alter, allowing his organic gauntlets and boots to form around his limbs. The creatures latched onto him, merging partially with his skin.

— "Let's see if it works this time..."

He lunged forward. The creature reacted instantly, dodging his strike and counterattacking with staggering speed. Kaizen tried to match its pace, but despite the improvements to his equipment, he still felt a disconnect between intent and execution.

A fraction too slow. A misplaced parry. In an instant, he was slammed to the ground.

He gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling up.

— "Still not fast enough..."

Dissipating his creations, he pushed himself up, breathing heavily. He was making progress, but it wasn't enough. Not yet.

March 5, 23XX – Combat Trial Against Drones

The academy had organized a practical test to assess students in real combat situations. Kaizen and Sora were assigned to the same team, alongside three other students.

— "Your mission is simple," announced Professor Shiba, gesturing toward the training arena. "Neutralize a squadron of combat drones designed to analyze your Alters and adapt to your movements. They won't just react—they'll learn from you."

Kaizen nodded, quickly assessing the situation. He had fought adaptive opponents before, but these drones would be a real challenge.

The trial began. The drones activated instantly, slicing through the air at terrifying speed. One shot straight at Kaizen. He barely dodged, activating his gauntlets to strike back. His attack landed—only for the drone to pivot at the last moment, anticipating his move.

Meanwhile, Sora moved effortlessly, evading and counterattacking without hesitation. His combat style was fluid, almost instinctive. Kaizen noticed it immediately.

— "Tch… they're faster than expected," Kaizen muttered.

He needed to adapt. Instead of attacking head-on, he shifted his approach. Let them come to him. Observe their patterns. Adjust accordingly.

After an intense battle, the team finally managed to neutralize the machines.

— "Test complete," Shiba declared. "Some of you handled it better than others. Kaizen, you held back too much. Your equipment is good, but hesitation makes it useless."

Kaizen clenched his fists. He still had a long way to go.

After the trial, as the students returned to the locker room, a group approached Sora. Kaizen recognized them immediately—students who had seemed to have a grudge against Sora since day one.

— "Kiryuu, do you really think you belong here?" one of them sneered.

Sora raised an eyebrow, completely unfazed.

— "I don't need to think anything. I'm here, aren't I?"

— "You act like the rules don't apply to you. You never follow instructions, yet you keep doing whatever you want."

— "And?" Sora crossed his arms. "Does that bother you?"

The group tensed, ready to escalate. One of them turned to Kaizen with a smirk.

— "And you, Mori? What are you doing hanging out with this guy? Are you like him? Someone who thinks he's above the rest of us?"

Kaizen sighed. He had no interest in getting involved in petty drama.

— "I have nothing to do with this," he said coolly. "Settle it without me."

But one of the students stepped forward, openly challenging him.

— "Then prove it. A duel. You against us."

Kaizen narrowed his eyes. He could tell they were trying to bait him. But refusing would make him look weak—and that wasn't an option.

— "Fine."

The fight broke out instantly. Kaizen activated his gauntlets and boots, shifting his stance just in time to evade the first strike. He was outnumbered, but if he played his cards right, he could compensate.

The first opponent attacked, and Kaizen countered immediately, using his boots to maneuver and his gauntlets to absorb the impact. But they were too many. He couldn't predict every move. A well-placed hit struck his side, making him grunt in pain.

— "Tch…"

He needed to adjust his strategy on the fly.

Straightening up, he took a slow breath. He wasn't perfect yet, but he could already see ways to improve.

After a grueling exchange, a professor finally intervened.

— "Enough! Do you think this is some street gang?"

The opposing students backed off, throwing one last glare at Kaizen and Sora before leaving.

Sora shook his head, smirking.

— "I gotta admit, you're not bad. But you still have work to do."

Kaizen exhaled sharply, annoyed.

— "Like I need your opinion."

Sora laughed.

— "That's exactly why I'm giving it."

Back home, Kaizen dropped his bag and headed for the kitchen. Kaede was there, sitting at the table, a cup of tea in her hands.

— "You look like hell," she remarked, glancing him over.

— "Rough day."

She raised an eyebrow.

— "Tell me."

Kaizen hesitated before giving a brief rundown of his training, the drone trial, and the confrontation with the students.

— "You're improving, but you're still too rigid," she concluded. "Stop overanalyzing everything. Sometimes you just have to react."

Ryuji walked by, clapping a heavy hand on Kaizen's shoulder.

— "You've made progress. That's what matters. And next time, don't overthink—just crush those idiots."

Kaizen rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile forming on his lips.

He knew what he had to do next.