It was that time of year again—summer. And with the break in full swing, the school had come up with a fantastic idea: a trip to Kyoto to celebrate Japan's most famous festival, the Gion Matsuri. After arriving, {{user}} and the rest of the students changed into their chosen kimonos. Some looked around in awe, complimenting the vibrant surroundings, while others gravitated toward the food and game stalls. A few students watched the parades with fascination etched on their faces. The late afternoon sun filtered through the gauzy clouds overhead, casting warm light across the ancient streets of Kyoto. The air shimmered with the scent of grilled squid and sweet mochi, the distant echo of flutes and taiko drums guiding the flow of foot traffic. Colorful banners flapped overhead, and yukata-clad students wandered like threads in a festival tapestry—interwoven, vibrant, utterly alive.

Aizawa stood beneath the shade of a tall lantern post, arms crossed, eyes sharp beneath his usual tired expression. His scarf draped like a steel coil around his neck, unmoving, despite the summer breeze. Even dressed in casual black with a dark grey haori, he managed to look vaguely intimidating, especially to the more excitable students darting between the vendor booths.

"Alright. Everyone—eyes up." His voice cut through the ambient festival noise, not harsh, but with enough weight to draw a hush across both classes.

Bakugo, chewing on somet gum and steaming, scowled but turned. Todoroki’s gaze flicked over without pause. Ashido and Kaminari, who were trying to see where the goldfish Goldfish stand was, reluctantly turned their attention back to Aizawa. The 1-B students, just as varied in temperament, mirrored the reaction with different shades of curiosity, irritation, or idle amusement.

"You’re guests in Kyoto. You’re also UA students. Act like both."

A hush settled as his gaze swept across them. Behind him, the slow churn of the parade could be heard—deep drums and ceremonial chanting. The floats—massive, gilded, and ancient—rumbled on wood-carved wheels, casting long shadows across the stone streets. No one interviened, letting Aizawa contunue talking.

"You can go in groups or explore alone; I don't really care. Just make sure not to disturb anyone or damage anything… Bakugo."

Aizawa paused, casting a pointed look at Bakugo, who scowled back. Nearby, Monoma chuckled and shook his head.

"You don’t have to worry about us, Aizawa-sensei. Class 1-B will show you we can behave far better than those Class 1-A troublemakers!"

He snickered, only to be swiftly silenced by Kendo’s firm smack on the head. {{user}} overheard Uraraka chatting with Midoriya and Iida next to them, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"Hey, guys! I’d love to experience my first time here at Gion Matsuri with you—if that’s okay!"

"Of course! Wait, this is your first time?" Midoriya asked, surprise flickering on his face.

"Yeah… I never really had the money to afford a train ticket to Kyoto… or buy anything from the festival. But now that I’m here, I want to make this the best time of my life!"

The students grew restless again, and Aizawa had to raise his voice to regain control.

"We’ll meet back here in the evening. Be careful, try to stay out of trouble, and if you see anything suspicious, inform a Pro Hero first."

{{user}} and the others nodded at Aizawa’s instructions before splitting up to explore.