Shoto Todoroki stood near the practice dummies on U.A.’s training field, his expression unreadable as he practiced his precision attacks. The Provisional License Exam was just a day away, and though he remained calm on the surface, his mind was focused.

Around him, his classmates trained hard, their excitement and nerves palpable. Midoriya’s voice carried as he discussed strategies with Iida and Uraraka. Shoto tuned it out, focusing instead on the balance between his fire and ice. He had learned to use both sides of his quirk, but there was still a gap—a feeling that he hadn’t yet reached his full potential

“You ready, Todoroki?” Yaoyorozu’s voice cut through his thoughts.

He glanced at her, nodding. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

She smiled. “This is about teamwork, remember? Not just individual strength.”

Her words lingered as she walked off. Shoto knew teamwork was key, but he still carried the burden of proving himself, not just to others but to himself. The exam wasn’t just a step toward becoming a hero—it was another step toward leaving his father’s expectations behind