the blue blur of U.A

[SHINICHIRO'S TRAINING: THE BEACH]

The crash of the waves provided a steady rhythm as Shinichiro and Takeshi trained along the shoreline. Days blurred into weeks, each one pushing Shinichiro further beyond his limits.

"Again!" Takeshi barked, tossing a heavy metal ball toward Shinichiro.

Shinichiro gritted his teeth, focusing the faint spark of energy within his core. The air around him shimmered as his quirk activated, blue streaks crackling along his body. With a burst of speed, he caught the ball mid-air, the force sending him skidding backward across the sand.

"You're still relying too much on brute force," Takeshi said, crossing his arms. "Speed isn't just about moving fast. It's about precision. Efficiency."

Panting, Shinichiro dropped the ball at his feet. "I'm trying. It's harder than it looks."

Takeshi chuckled, his weathered face softening. "Kid, I've seen heroes burn themselves out because they didn't understand their own strengths. If you want to protect the people you care about, you need to master this. Not just for them, but for yourself."

The old man stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "Let's start with your footing. Speed means nothing if you can't control your trajectory. You're fast, but you're sloppy."

Shinichiro's frustration melted into determination. "Then teach me."

---

[HORI'S TRAINING: THE ROSE GARDEN]

In a secluded training yard surrounded by high walls, Hori stood in the center of a mock battlefield. Endeavor watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed and his expression stern.

"Your shield is impressive," Endeavor said. "But defense alone won't win a fight. You need to learn how to control the battlefield."

Hori nodded, sweat dripping from her brow. "I can do it. Just tell me how."

"Expand your shield," Endeavor commanded. "Push it out as far as you can while maintaining its integrity."

Hori took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Her hands glowed faintly, the air around her shimmering with energy. A rose-colored dome began to spread outward, growing larger with each second.

But just as it reached the edge of the field, it flickered and collapsed. Hori dropped to her knees, gasping for breath.

"You're holding back," Endeavor said, stepping closer. "Stop doubting yourself. You'll never protect anyone if you don't trust your own strength."

Hori looked up at him, determination flaring in her eyes. "Again," she said, forcing herself to stand.

---

[SHINICHIRO AND TAKESHI: A FAMILY REVEALED]

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of training, Shinichiro and Takeshi sat around a small fire. The old man poked at the flames with a stick, his expression thoughtful.

"You remind me of someone," Takeshi said, breaking the silence.

Shinichiro glanced at him, curiosity piqued. "Who?"

"My grandson," Takeshi replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "A good kid. Strong, determined, always smiling no matter what life threw at him. His name is Mirio."

Shinichiro's thoughts raced at light speed from the statement. Mirio Togata? The hero Lemillion? Wait but at this point in time he shouldn't have entered U.A yet...

Takeshi chuckled. "The kids a real bundle of joy. Took after his old man. Well, his old grandpa, at least."

Shinichiro stared at Takeshi, the revelation sinking in. "You're... you're part of the Togata family?"

Takeshi nodded. "I used to be a hero, back in the day. Retired before Mirio was born. Although he's still young I can see he has that fire in his eyes, with a few years, give or take he'll make one hell of a hero, but right now he's still training, carrying on the family legacy, and he's doing a damn fine job of it."

Shinichiro couldn't help but smile. "No wonder you're such a hardass."

Takeshi laughed, the sound hearty and warm. "It runs in the family, kid. Now get some rest. Tomorrow, we're doubling the drills."

---

[THE POLICE INVESTIGATION: CLOSING IN]

Back at the city's central police station, the investigation into the Jaku Incident continued. Files were strewn across desks, and a large map of the coastline was pinned to the wall, marked with red circles and Xs.

Detective Haruto leaned over a table, flipping through reports. "So far, we've recovered every child from the facility," he said, addressing the team. "But there's still no sign of the one they call Shinichiro."

A younger officer frowned. "You think he's dead? Washed out to sea?"

Haruto shook his head. "I don't think so. We've got witnesses who claim they saw a boy matching his description near the southern coastline. He's out there. I'm sure of it."

"But why hasn't he come forward?" the officer asked.

"That's what we need to find out," Haruto said. "Send out a search team. Focus on the southern beaches and the surrounding areas. If he's alive, we'll find him."

Unbeknownst to them, All For One's spies had infiltrated the investigation, feeding every detail back to their master.

---

[BUILDING TOWARD THE FUTURE]

As Shinichiro honed his abilities under Takeshi's watchful eye, and Hori grew stronger with Endeavor's guidance, the world around them moved inexorably toward a collision.

Shinichiro's thoughts remained with the children he had saved, their frightened faces seared into his memory. He knew he couldn't rest until he was strong enough to protect them from any threat.

Hori, meanwhile, pushed herself harder than ever, her resolve steeled by the knowledge that Shinichiro was out there somewhere, fighting just as hard as she was.

And in the shadows, All For One watched.

"Let the pieces fall into place," he murmured, a sinister smile spreading across his face. "Soon, they'll all come to me."