Friday morning arrived with clear skies and unseasonably warm weather.
Class 3-A gathered in the parking area behind the main campus building, where two buses waited to transport them to the research institute.
Ryuu arrived with Mina and Momo, all three in their hero costumes as required. The parking area was already bustling with activity as students checked in with Aizawa and claimed spots on the buses.
"Everyone's excited," Mina observed, watching their classmates mill around. "Even Todoroki looks slightly less stoic than usual."
"It's a change of pace," Momo said. "We've been focused on combat training and hero work for so long. An educational trip feels almost like a break."
"Don't let Aizawa hear you call it a break," Ryuu warned with a smile. "He'll probably assign extra homework just to prove a point."
They joined the crowd, checking in with Aizawa, who was maintaining order with his usual no-nonsense efficiency.
"Kazama, Ashido, Yaoyorozu," he acknowledged with a nod. "Bus two. Take your seats and stay seated until we arrive. I don't want to hear about anyone activating quirks on the bus, practicing combat moves in the aisles, or any other creative stupidity you might dream up during the ninety-minute drive."
"Yes, sensei," they chorused.
As they moved toward bus two, Ryuu spotted Midoriya standing slightly apart from the main group, looking uncertain about where to sit.
The green-haired student was clearly still adjusting to being part of Class 3-A's established social dynamics.
"Midoriya!" Ryuu called out. "You riding with us?"
Midoriya's expression brightened with relief. "If that's okay!"
"Of course it is," Mina said warmly, already climbing onto the bus. "Come on, we can grab the back seats before Kaminari claims them."
The four of them settled into the rear section of bus two, with Ryuu between Mina and Momo, and Midoriya taking the seat across the aisle.
The bus gradually filled with students. Ryuu noticed Kirishima and Kaminari claiming seats near the middle, already engaged in animated conversation....
Tokoyami sat alone near the front, apparently meditating. Iida was having an intense discussion with Aizawa about proper bus safety protocols.
As more students boarded, three particular girls ended up in seats near Ryuu's group, seemingly by chance.
Ochaco Uraraka settled into the seat directly in front of Ryuu, turning around to lean over the backrest with a bright smile. "Morning! Everyone excited about the field trip?"
"Definitely," Mina replied cheerfully. "Though I think Momo and Ryuu are more excited about the research than the rest of us."
"Learning about quirk development sounds really interesting though," Ochaco said earnestly. "Especially for those of us with quirks that could have practical applications beyond combat. Like, I've been thinking about how Zero Gravity could be used in construction or disaster relief, and maybe the institute has research on that kind of thing!"
"That's actually really smart thinking," Momo said approvingly. "Diversifying your skill applications makes you more valuable as a hero."
Tsuyu Asui claimed the seat next to Ochaco, her large eyes blinking calmly as she settled in. "Morning everyone. Ribbit. I'm interested in the biological research. Understanding how quirks interact with our physiology could help with training efficiency."
"See?" Mina gestured at Tsuyu. "Even Tsuyu's thinking practically about this. Am I the only one who just wants to see cool science stuff?"
"Nothing wrong with that," Ryuu assured her. "Different people get different things out of educational experiences."
Kyoka Jirou dropped into the seat across from Midoriya, her expression neutral in that way that suggested she was trying not to look too interested in the conversation happening around her.
She pulled out her phone, earbuds already in place, but Ryuu noticed she only put one earbud in. Listening to music, but also staying connected to the group.
"Is that the new Jirou-listening-but-pretending-not-to thing?" Kaminari called from further up the bus. "Classic!"
"Shut up, Kaminari," Jirou shot back without heat. Then, quieter, to the group around her, "The institute has acoustic research labs. Might be useful for understanding sound-based quirk applications."
"That's cool!" Mina said. "You could learn new ways to use your quirk!"
Jirou shrugged, trying to look casual. "Maybe. Whatever."
Ryuu caught Momo's subtle smile.
His girlfriend was definitely noticing the seating arrangements. Three girls who'd all shown interest in getting to know Ryuu better, now conveniently positioned close to their group.
Coincidence? Maybe. But Momo's knowing expression suggested she thought otherwise.
The last few students boarded, and Aizawa did a final headcount before signaling the driver.
The buses pulled out of the parking area, beginning the ninety-minute journey to the National Quirk Research Institute.
As the campus disappeared behind them, conversation flowed naturally through the back section of the bus.
"So Midoriya," Ochaco said, turning to include him in the discussion, "how are you settling in? First week at UA must be kind of overwhelming!"
Midoriya looked slightly startled at being directly addressed, but his expression quickly shifted to that earnest openness that seemed characteristic of him. "It's been intense, but everyone's been really welcoming. The training standards are high, but that's what I expected from UA."
"Plus you've got Ryuu helping you with quirk control," Tsuyu observed. "Ribbit. That must be useful having a senpai who understands enhancement-type quirks."
"It's been incredibly helpful," Midoriya agreed, his enthusiasm showing through. "Ryuu's teaching me techniques for sustainable power usage instead of always going for maximum output. It's changing how I think about combat entirely."
"Ryuu's good at that teaching thing," Mina said proudly, her hand casually finding Ryuu's. "He helped me develop new acid applications too. He's got a knack for seeing potential in people's quirks."
Ryuu felt his face heat up slightly. "I just observe and offer suggestions. Everyone's doing their own work."
"That's modest of you," Momo said with a slight smile, "but you do have exceptional analytical abilities when it comes to quirk applications."
"Speaking of quirks," Ochaco said, her curiosity clear, "Ryuu, your amplification quirk, how exactly does it work? Like, do you need to touch someone to boost their abilities, or can you do it from a distance?"
It was an innocent question, born of genuine curiosity, but Ryuu noticed how several people nearby quieted slightly, interested in the answer.
"Physical contact," Ryuu explained. "My quirk, Resonance, requires skin-to-skin touch to function. When I'm in contact with someone, I can feel their quirk's energy signature and amplify it. The longer I maintain contact, the stronger and more stable the amplification becomes."
"That's fascinating," Tsuyu said thoughtfully. "So it's a support-type quirk that requires close coordination with allies."
"Exactly. Which is why training with partners is so important for me. I need to understand how different quirks feel, how they respond to amplification, what the safe limits are."
"Have you amplified many different quirks?" Ochaco asked.
"A fair number during training exercises. Everyone's quirk feels different. Enhancement types like Midoriya's have this rushing, explosive quality. Creation quirks like Momo's feel more structured and precise. Elemental quirks like Mina's acid have this flowing, malleable sensation."
"What about Zero Gravity?" Ochaco asked, then seemed to realize how that sounded. "I mean, hypothetically. If you were to amplify a quirk like mine, what do you think it would feel like?"
Ryuu considered the question seriously. "I'd guess it would feel weightless, maybe like floating or falling. Quirks that affect external objects usually have this reaching quality, like extending yourself beyond your body's normal boundaries."
"That's a really poetic way to describe it," Ochaco said, her eyes bright with interest.
"He does that," Mina said fondly. "Gets all philosophical about quirk theory."
"It's not philosophy, it's practical application," Ryuu defended, though he was smiling. "Understanding how a quirk feels helps me amplify it more effectively."
"I'd be interested in hearing how you'd describe sound-based quirks," Jirou said, apparently abandoning her pretense of not listening. "Since, you know, sound is vibrations and energy transfer and all that technical stuff."
"Sound quirks are interesting," Ryuu said, happy to engage with the topic. "They'd probably feel like rhythmic pulses, waves of energy with specific frequencies. The amplification would be about increasing the amplitude and range while maintaining the frequency precision."
Jirou nodded slowly. "That actually makes sense. Amplifying volume without distorting the sound quality would be key."
"Exactly."
Momo was watching the interaction with that same subtle smile, her hand giving Ryuu's a gentle squeeze.
When he glanced at her questioningly, she just shook her head slightly, her expression warm and knowing.
The conversation continued as the bus rolled down the highway, topics flowing naturally from quirk theory to hero work to more casual subjects.
Ryuu found himself genuinely enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Ochaco's cheerful energy, Tsuyu's calm directness, and Jirou's tsundere deflection of genuine interest created an interesting dynamic that complemented Mina's playful warmth and Momo's thoughtful engagement.
About an hour into the trip, Kaminari twisted around in his seat to address the back section. "Hey, anyone else think it's weird that we're doing a field trip right after Midoriya's assessment? Like, shouldn't he be doing more basic training before we do class activities?"
"The field trip was scheduled weeks ago," Iida called back from the front of the bus. "The timing is coincidental, not intentional!"
"Plus it's not a combat exercise," Momo pointed out. "It's an educational visit. Low-stress environment for Midoriya to interact with the class."
"Still feels fast," Kaminari said, but he didn't push the point.
Midoriya looked slightly uncomfortable with the attention. "I hope I'm not disrupting any established class dynamics. I know transferring in as a third-year is unusual."
"You're fine," Mina assured him. "UA's weird like that. People transfer, new students show up, class compositions change. We adapt."
"Besides," Ochaco added, "you seem cool! And anyone Ryuu's willing to train with must be serious about hero work."
"Thanks," Midoriya said, visibly relaxing. "That means a lot."
The bus passed a highway sign indicating they were forty-five minutes from their destination. Outside the windows, the urban landscape gradually gave way to more suburban and industrial areas.
Ryuu found himself feeling content despite the long drive. The easy camaraderie, the interesting conversations, the presence of Mina warm against his side and Momo's hand in his, all of it combined to create a sense of belonging that he'd come to value deeply at UA.
"Hey Ryuu," Jirou said suddenly, her tone carefully casual, "your quirk's amplification, is there a limit to how many people you can boost at once?"
"Not sure," Ryuu admitted. "I've never tried amplifying more than two people simultaneously. The concentration required increases with each person, and there's the physical limitation of maintaining contact with multiple people at once."
"Could you amplify a whole team if you were all holding hands or something?" Ochaco asked, genuinely curious.
"Theoretically? Maybe. But the practical applications would be complicated. Combat situations don't usually allow for everyone to maintain physical contact. Plus I'd need to manage multiple quirk signatures simultaneously, which could be mentally exhausting."
"That's a training challenge worth exploring though," Momo said thoughtfully. "Team amplification could be incredibly powerful in the right circumstances."
"Could be dangerous too," Tsuyu pointed out logically. "Ribbit. If one person's amplified quirk goes out of control, it could affect the whole group."
"Valid concern," Ryuu agreed. "Which is why I'd want to work with people I trust completely before attempting anything like that."
"Trust is important for any team coordination," Midoriya said, his analytical nature showing through. "But especially for support-type heroes whose quirks directly interact with allies. You need to know your partners will use the amplification responsibly."
"That's why we train together," Ryuu said. "Build that trust and understanding gradually."
The conversation continued, topics flowing and shifting as the miles passed.
Ryuu noticed that Mina and Momo seemed perfectly comfortable with how Ochaco, Tsuyu, and Jirou were naturally gravitating into the conversation circle.
Eventually, the bus pulled off the highway, following signs toward the National Quirk Research Institute.
The facility came into view, a massive modern complex of interconnected buildings set on sprawling grounds.
The architecture was sleek and functional, with large windows and clean lines that suggested cutting-edge research and technology.
"Whoa," Kaminari said from his seat. "That place is huge!"
"The institute employs over three hundred researchers," Momo said, apparently having done her homework. "It's one of the three major quirk research facilities in Japan."
As the buses pulled into the visitor parking area, Aizawa stood up at the front. "Listen up. The institute staff are expecting us, but that doesn't mean you get to run wild.
Stay with the group, follow the tour guide's instructions, and remember that you're representing UA.
Any behavior that embarrasses this school will result in detention and extra assignments. Are we clear?"
A chorus of "Yes, sensei" echoed through both buses.
"Good. Grab your things and line up outside. Keep the noise down and look like you actually want to learn something."
Students filed off the buses, forming into a reasonably organized group in the parking area. Ryuu stuck close to Mina and Momo, with Midoriya hovering nearby.
Ochaco, Tsuyu, and Jirou ended up positioned near them as well, the informal group that had formed on the bus naturally staying together.
A woman in a white lab coat approached from the main building, her professional smile welcoming. "Class 3-A from UA High? Welcome to the National Quirk Research Institute. I'm Dr. Yamada, and I'll be your guide for today's tour."
"Thank you for having us," Aizawa said with more politeness than he usually showed. "My students are eager to learn about your research."
"Wonderful! We've prepared a comprehensive tour covering several of our research divisions." Dr. Yamada gestured toward the main building. "If you'll follow me, we'll begin with a brief orientation before moving into the facility proper."
As the class followed Dr. Yamada toward the entrance, Ryuu felt a flutter of anticipation. Whatever they were about to learn, whatever they were about to see, he had a feeling this field trip was going to be more significant than anyone expected.
He just hoped that significance would be the good kind.