The humid air clung to their uniforms the moment the bus doors hissed open. A wall of cicadas buzzed from the trees, and the smell of fried food drifted in from somewhere downtown. The students of U.A. fanned themselves, blinking against the Georgia sun.
“Alright, brats—out!” Aizawa-sensei grumbled, tugging at his capture scarf as he trudged onto the curb. His hair was already plastered to his neck. “And remember—don’t cause problems.”
“YOOOOOO!!” Present Mic’s voice blasted like a megaphone, making a few students wince. “Welcome to the U-S-of-A!!” He threw his arms up like he was introducing a concert crowd.
Midnight clapped her hands, shades perched on her nose. “Try not to faint, dears—the heat here makes Tokyo summers feel like spring.”
And towering at the front, golden hair catching the light like a banner, was Star and Stripe herself. She grinned wide, hands planted firmly on her hips, a living embodiment of red, white, and blue. “Welcome to the land of the free, kids!” she boomed. “And tonight—you’re gonna see the heart of America!”
The students exchanged glances—half excitement, half dread.
“Ne, ne, Deku-kun!” Uraraka tugged on Midoriya’s sleeve, her eyes shining. “Do you think she’s taking us sightseeing? Like, the Statue of Liberty or something?”
Midoriya’s notebook was already out, his pen flying across the page. “Actually, the Statue is in New York, so it’s unlikely… but the cultural immersion opportunities here could be incredible! Southern regional heroes often specialize in community-focused patrol work, and—”
“Shut up, nerd!” Bakugō barked, shoving past him with his carry bag slung over one shoulder. “I don’t care about ‘cultural immersion.’ If this is training, I’m in. If it’s dancing? I’m out.”
Kirishima laughed, slapping him on the back. “Aw, c’mon, man! It’s all about being manly and giving it a try!”
Class 1-B wasn’t about to be left out of the banter either. Monoma adjusted his sunglasses and smirked. “Don’t worry, Bakugō-kun, if you embarrass yourself, Class 1-B will carry the dignity of U.A. on our shoulders. As usual.”
“That’s not happening, Monoma-kun,” Iida declared firmly, chopping his hand through the air. “Both classes will uphold their honor equally!”
“Whatever…” Kendo sighed, already dragging Monoma back by the collar before he could start a fight in the middle of the sidewalk.
Star and Stripe laughed heartily, her voice rattling the windows of the bus. “Relax, kids! No villains, no training exercises—just good ol’ fashioned American fun. First, we’ll tour the city. THEN…” Her grin widened as she leaned down, lowering her voice just enough to make them lean in. “We’re hittin’ the honky tonk.”
“The… honky what?” Todoroki asked flatly.
“A honky tonk!” Pony repeated brightly, practically bouncing on her heels. “It’s a southern bar with live music and line dancing! You’ll love it!”
“Sounds awesome!” Kaminari cheered. “Do they have fried Oreos?!”
“I hope they have ice cream,” Mina added, fanning herself with a travel pamphlet. “This heat is cruel.”
“Fried food at this hour?” Tokoyami muttered, folding his arms. “The darkness of man knows no end.”
“Cultural experience, kids,” Midnight sing-songed, already adjusting her sunglasses as if she were born for this setting. “Better keep up.”
Behind them all, All Might lingered near the bus steps, watching the bustling street and letting out a wistful sigh. “Ah… it’s been far too long…” His smile trembled just a little before he straightened up, adjusting the cowboy hat Star and Stripe had plopped on his head earlier. “YOUNG HEROES! Let’s make memories worthy of this great land!”
The students groaned, laughed, and bickered all at once, shuffling after their teachers as Star and Stripe led the way—already humming a country tune under her breath.