Reiji stood before Endeavor's Hero Agency, the towering structure radiating an aura of dominance, much like its owner. After selecting this internship, he had expected harsh training, but more than that, he wanted to see what the Number Two Hero could offer him.
Inside, sidekicks and pro heroes moved with purpose, each carrying out their respective tasks efficiently. Reiji walked through the halls, paying no attention to the murmurs surrounding him. He already knew he was a subject of interest. After the Sports Festival, his name had become one of the most talked about in U.A.
His golden eyes locked onto Endeavor, who stood near the training hall, arms crossed, watching him approach.
"You're here," Endeavor stated, his deep voice carrying over the sound of crackling flames from nearby training rooms.
Reiji smirked. "Obviously."
Endeavor didn't waste time with pleasantries. "This internship isn't about showing off or proving anything. It's about refinement." His sharp eyes narrowed. "Your flames are strong, but strength alone means nothing if you can't wield it properly."
Reiji shrugged. "I haven't had much trouble so far."
Endeavor's fists ignited. "That's because your opponents were children."
Reiji's smirk didn't fade, but his muscles tensed slightly. He could already tell—this training wasn't going to be easy.
The first day of training was brutal.
Endeavor didn't start with techniques or strategies. He started with endurance.
Reiji was thrown into a heat-resistant chamber, where the temperature steadily increased as he was forced to maintain his flames. The goal was simple: Burn without burning out.
"Control the temperature," Endeavor instructed from outside the chamber. "If your body collapses from your own flames, you'll never be able to outlast an enemy in a real battle."
Reiji clenched his jaw, sweat forming on his brow as he maintained his Hellfire, trying to resist the urge to simply let it rage out of control.
Minutes passed. Then an hour.
His vision blurred, but he refused to collapse.
[Hellfire is mine to command. Not the other way around.]
Finally, after nearly two hours, Endeavor deactivated the chamber.
Reiji stumbled out, his body burning with exhaustion.
Endeavor observed him for a moment before nodding. "Not bad."
Reiji chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "That sounded dangerously close to a compliment."
Endeavor ignored the remark. "Tomorrow, we start combat training."
Reiji's smirk widened. That was what he had been waiting for.
The second day of training brought something different.
Instead of more endurance drills, Endeavor led Reiji to an open training field behind the agency.
"Attack me," Endeavor ordered.
Reiji didn't hesitate.
A burst of Hellfire erupted from his feet, propelling him forward at high speed. His fist ignited, aiming straight for Endeavor's chest.
But before the strike could connect—
BOOM!
A massive surge of flames engulfed the area, stopping Reiji's advance mid-charge.
Endeavor stood firm, his fire overpowering Reiji's instantly.
Reiji gritted his teeth, skidding backward.
[So this is the difference between us.]
Endeavor's flames weren't just stronger. They were more controlled, more refined. There was no wasted movement, no excess energy.
"Your technique is lacking," Endeavor said, his voice as sharp as his flames. "You're fast, but your attacks are reckless. Your fire bends to your will, but you don't know how to use it efficiently."
Reiji exhaled, letting his flames settle. "Then teach me."
Endeavor's eyes narrowed.
He took a step forward. "Then let's begin."
Training under Endeavor was unlike anything Reiji had experienced.
The exercises weren't about power—they were about discipline, control, and efficiency.
For hours, Reiji was forced to condense his flames, shaping them into precise, sharp attacks rather than overwhelming bursts of raw power.
At one point, Endeavor demonstrated by forming a concentrated lance of fire, launching it forward like a sniper shot, piercing through multiple reinforced barriers.
"This is control," Endeavor stated.
Reiji, watching closely, analyzed the movement.
He had to change his approach.
[Less brute force, more precision.]
He raised his hand, focusing his Hellfire into a narrow point.
But—it wavered, flickering too much.
Endeavor observed. "You're trying to force it. Let it shape itself naturally."
Reiji exhaled, adjusting his breathing.
A moment later, his flames sharpened.
The sidekicks watching from the sidelines exchanged glances.
"He's adapting fast," one of them muttered.
"Yeah… but let's see if he can keep it up."
As the week progressed, Reiji's Hellfire techniques evolved.
Instead of wild bursts, his attacks became more calculated, more deliberate.
By the fourth day, he had successfully learned how to form Hellfire blades, shaping his flames into lethal, refined edges.
By the sixth day, he had begun experimenting with Hellfire chains, similar to Scorpion's kunai spear but modified for his own style.
Endeavor noticed the changes.
"You learn quickly," he admitted.
Reiji smirked. "I aim to impress."
Endeavor crossed his arms. "Tch. Don't get cocky."
But Reiji could see it.
The No. 2 Hero acknowledged him.
And that, in itself, was progress.
At the end of the week, after a full day of training, Reiji stood on a rooftop, overlooking the city.
He clenched his flaming fists, feeling the difference in his control.
The system notification appeared in his mind.
[System Update: New Skill Unlocked]
[Skill: Blazing Chain (Inspired by Scorpion's Kunai Spear)]
[Description: Summon a chain engulfed in Hellfire to pull enemies toward you.]
Reiji exhaled slowly, a faint grin forming.
That was more like it.
But this was only the beginning.
End of Chapter 21.
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