[INTRODUCTION:]
The halls of U.A. buzzed with the usual chaos of Class 1-A, but to Leo Valdez, it was just another day of keeping secrets. Sure, everyone thought he and his friends were just your average overpowered first-years, but they had no idea what really made them special.
“So, let me get this straight,” Leo drawled, arms crossed as he leaned back in his chair. “Bakugo’s got an explosive temper and explosive hands. And nobody thinks that’s a little bit suspicious?”
Annabeth barely looked up from her notebook. “It’s called a Quirk, Leo. That’s the whole point of this school.”
“Still, seems like a bad idea to give him a license to legally blow things up,” Percy muttered, tapping his pencil against his desk. “I mean, did you see him in combat training? Dude fights like Ares on a bad day.”
Hazel, sitting primly at her desk, smiled. “I think it’s impressive. They’ve all trained hard for their powers.”
Leo scoffed. “Yeah, well, we had to train not to get vaporized by monsters, so I’d say we win.”
Jason sighed, rubbing his temples. “Leo.”
“What? I’m just saying, it’s weird. We’re supposed to blend in, but we’re in a school full of people who can level buildings. You’re telling me that’s normal?”
Frank shifted awkwardly. “Well… normal for them.”
Piper shot Leo a knowing look. “So, what, you’re worried they’re gonna find out?”
Leo grinned, twirling a wrench between his fingers. “Oh, Pipes, I know they’re gonna find out. I just wanna see how long we can drag out the suspense.”
A pause. Then—
“Five drachmas says Bakugo finds out first,” Percy said, smirking.
Annabeth groaned. “Percy.”
“Oh, come on, Wise Girl. It’s Bakugo.”
Leo laughed, leaning forward. “You’re on.”