Mineta stood outside the Musutafu Community Training Center, a modest three-story building nestled between a convenience store and an apartment complex. Unlike U.A.'s gleaming facilities or the flashy private gyms that catered to pro heroes, this place was designed for everyday citizens developing their quirks—affordable, accessible, and decidedly unglamorous.
Perfect for someone still building their foundation.
After his success at the underpass three days ago, the System had recommended expanding his training environment beyond his bedroom and the local park. He needed specialized equipment, variable terrain, and most importantly, exposure to how others used their quirks.
[Ultimate Training System] Environment Analysis: Community Training Center Rating: B- Equipment Quality: ADEQUATE Training Potential: MODERATE TO HIGH Recommendation: Optimal for current development phase Special Note: Social integration opportunities available
The "social integration" part made Mineta nervous. His confidence had grown, but he wasn't delusional—he knew how others saw him. The perverted midget. The class joke. The kid with the useless sticky balls.
Not anymore, he reminded himself. That's the old Mineta.
He adjusted the strap of his gym bag and pushed through the entrance doors.
Inside, the center bustled with activity despite the early hour. A mix of middle and high school students occupied various stations—some lifting weights modified for quirk users, others practicing controlled quirk activation in reinforced booths. The air smelled of rubber mats, cleaning solution, and faintly of sweat.
Mineta approached the front desk where a bored-looking woman with scaled skin was scrolling through her phone.
"Excuse me," he said, surprised by the steadiness in his voice. "I'd like a day pass, please."
The receptionist looked up, her reptilian eyes widening slightly as she took him in. Mineta felt a small surge of satisfaction at her reaction. The physical changes from his training were subtle but noticeable—his posture was better, his shoulders slightly broader, his expression more focused.
"First time?" she asked, sliding a digital form toward him.
"Yes." He filled out the information quickly.
"Quirk type? We need to know for liability purposes."
"Emitter. Adhesive secretion."
She nodded and tapped something into her computer. "You'll be in Zone C for today. Here's your pass and a facility map."
Mineta thanked her and studied the map as he walked deeper into the facility. Zone C was dedicated to agility, mobility, and what the map labeled as "Non-Destructive Emitter Practice." Perfect.
The zone consisted of a large open space with various obstacles—climbing walls of different textures, suspended platforms at various heights, balance beams, and rope courses. About a dozen people were already training, their quirks creating a fascinating display of controlled chaos.
[Ultimate Training System] Training Environment Assessment: Multiple Vertical Surfaces: EXCELLENT for adhesive practice Height Variability: OPTIMAL for swing training Observation Targets: 3 mobility-based quirk users present Recommendation: Begin with vertical surface traversal
Mineta set his bag down in a designated storage cubby and approached one of the less crowded climbing walls. He rolled his shoulders, feeling the pleasant tension of muscles that had grown accustomed to daily strain.
Start simple, he thought. Master the basics before showing off.
He plucked a sticky ball from his head and compressed it between his fingers, manipulating its density as he'd been practicing. The System had shown him that his quirk wasn't just about producing sticky spheres—it was about controlling adhesive properties.
With careful focus, he flattened the ball slightly and pressed it against the wall at chest height, then did the same with another ball slightly higher. Using these adhesive points, he began pulling himself up the wall in a controlled climb.
[Ultimate Training System] Quirk Usage Analysis: Adhesive Density Control: 32% efficiency Placement Strategy: IMPROVING Energy Conservation: SUBOPTIMAL Recommendation: Focus on minimal adhesive for maximum hold
Mineta adjusted his technique, using smaller amounts of adhesive with each new placement. By the time he reached the top of the twelve-foot wall, he was using barely half the adhesive he'd started with.
"Not bad," came a voice from his right. "But you're working way too hard."
Mineta turned to see a tall boy with black hair hanging upside down from the ceiling, suspended by what appeared to be tape extending from his elbows. The boy wore a simple workout outfit—black shorts and a white tank top that revealed impressively toned arms.
Mineta immediately recognized him as Hanta Sero, the tape-quirk user who would eventually become one of his classmates at U.A.—assuming this timeline followed the original path.
"What do you mean?" Mineta asked, genuinely curious despite his surprise.
Sero flipped himself upright with casual ease, landing on the platform beside Mineta. "Your quirk's adhesive based, right? You're using a start-stop climbing method, but with sticky powers, you should be flowing more."
Mineta blinked. It was strange receiving quirk advice from someone who didn't know him—someone who was seeing him not as Mineta the pervert, but just as another quirk user.
"Flow?" he asked.
"Yeah, like this." Sero shot a line of tape to a distant beam, gave it a quick tug to test its hold, then launched himself across the gap with athletic grace. Mid-swing, he released that line and shot another to change direction, maintaining momentum as he navigated the obstacle course. His movements were fluid, efficient, and clearly practiced.
When he returned to Mineta's platform, he wasn't even breathing hard.
"See? Continuous motion. Your quirk's different from mine, but the principle should be the same."
[Ultimate Training System] Tactical Observation Alert: Movement Technique Analysis: VALUABLE INSIGHT Potential Application: Continuous Adhesive Motion Learning Opportunity: HIGH Recommendation: Engage and study
"That was impressive," Mineta said sincerely. "I'm Minoru Mineta, by the way."
"Hanta Sero." The taller boy grinned, extending a hand. "You prepping for hero school too?"
Mineta hesitated only briefly before nodding. "U.A.'s the goal."
"Same here! This place has good facilities for cheap. I come here three times a week." Sero looked Mineta up and down with a thoughtful expression. "Your quirk's interesting. Those are... sticky balls?"
In his previous life, Mineta would have made a lewd joke or felt defensive about his quirk's apparent simplicity. Now, with weeks of System-guided training behind him, he saw his ability differently.
"Removable adhesive spheres," he said, plucking another from his head. "I can control the stickiness to some degree. Been working on different applications."
"Mind showing me? I'm always looking for new movement techniques."
The request was so genuine that Mineta couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Someone was actually interested in his quirk for practical reasons.
"Sure. I've been developing something I call 'Sticky Ball Ricochet.'"
Mineta moved to a small open area with various angled surfaces—walls, ramps, and platforms designed for quirk users to practice controlled emissions.
He plucked a sticky ball from his head and held it between his fingers, concentrating on its properties. The System had helped him discover that he could slightly delay the full activation of the adhesive effect—a key component to making the ricochet work.
"The trick," he explained to Sero, who watched with genuine interest, "is controlling when the adhesive fully activates."
[Ultimate Training System] Skill Activation: Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 5.3% Proficiency Adhesion Timing Control: ACTIVE Strategic Targeting: ENGAGED
With a practiced flick of his wrist—the motion he'd drilled hundreds of times in his bedroom and the garage—Mineta launched the ball at a wall panel. It struck at a precise angle and, instead of sticking immediately, bounced off toward a metal post. It hit the post, ricocheted again, and finally adhered to a target pad several feet away.
"Whoa!" Sero's eyes widened. "That's actually super cool! I thought they'd just stick immediately on contact."
"They normally do," Mineta said, unable to keep the pride from his voice. "I had to learn to modulate the adhesive activation timing. There's a fraction of a second where I can keep them from fully engaging their stickiness."
"So it's like... delayed stickiness?" Sero leaned closer to examine the final stuck ball. "That's way more versatile than I thought."
Mineta nodded. "I'm still improving the control. Right now I can manage about three bounces before the adhesive fully activates."
To demonstrate, he plucked another ball and threw it with careful precision. This one bounced off the wall, then a floor panel, then the ceiling, before finally sticking to the back of a training dummy.
"That's some serious accuracy," Sero said, clearly impressed. "You must practice this a lot."
"Every day," Mineta admitted. "The angles have to be perfect, and I have to focus on maintaining the right adhesive delay through each impact."
[Ultimate Training System] Social Recognition: Peer Appreciation: SIGNIFICANT Confidence Boost: +0.4 Skill Validation: ACHIEVED
Sero scratched his chin thoughtfully. "You know what this reminds me of? It's like you're combining my tape mobility with Snipe's accuracy. Very tactical."
The comparison to a pro hero—even in this casual way—sent a surge of pride through Mineta. He'd never considered his quirk in those terms before.
"Want to try something?" Sero suggested suddenly. "Let's set up a target course. I'm curious how your ricochet shots handle varying distances and obstacles."
For the next hour, they collaborated on creating increasingly complex target scenarios. Sero used his tape to suspend targets at different heights and angles, while Mineta calculated ricochet paths to hit them.
With each successful shot, Mineta felt his confidence grow. The System constantly updated his proficiency ratings:
[Ultimate Training System] Skill Progression: Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 7.1% (+1.8%) Trajectory Calculation: 8.4% (+2.2%) Environmental Adaptation: 6.5% (+1.7%)
"Man, that's crazy precise," Sero said after Mineta landed a particularly difficult three-bounce shot around a barrier. "How do you calculate those angles on the fly?"
"Practice," Mineta said, though the truth was more complex. The System helped him visualize potential paths, highlighting optimal angles until his brain began recognizing the patterns naturally.
"Hey, you should try combining it with movement," Sero suggested. "That's where this could get really hero-worthy."
"What do you mean?"
"Like this." Sero used his tape to swing himself to a platform, releasing mid-arc to land in a crouch. "Imagine firing those ricochet shots while moving. You could attack from unexpected angles, keep villains guessing."
The idea struck Mineta like lightning. He'd been so focused on stationary accuracy that he hadn't fully explored mobile applications.
[Ultimate Training System] Concept Integration: New Application Potential: "Mobile Ricochet Tactics" Compatibility: HIGH Development Priority: RECOMMENDED
"That's... brilliant," Mineta admitted. "I need to work on my mobility first, though."
Sero grinned. "That's where I can help. Your quirk's different from mine, but the principle of momentum and trajectory is the same. Want me to show you some basics?"
For the next hour, Mineta pushed himself harder than he had in any training session before. Sero was naturally athletic and had clearly been honing his tape-based mobility for years. He swung, flipped, and soared through the obstacle course with an ease that Mineta could only envy.
But what Mineta lacked in experience, he made up for in analytical thinking and adaptability—traits the System had been cultivating in him since day one.
[Ultimate Training System] Training Progress: Physical Exertion: 87% of Maximum Safe Limit Skill Application Attempts: 34 Successful Executions: 21 New Technique Foundations: 3 Overall Efficiency: RAPIDLY IMPROVING
By observing Sero's fluid movement style, Mineta began developing his own approach—one that played to his quirk's strengths. Instead of trying to match Sero's long tape swings, he created adhesive points that he could use as pivot points, practicing quick movements from one to another.
"That's pretty good," Sero commented during a water break. "You're getting the idea. It's all about efficiency of motion."
Mineta wiped sweat from his brow. "It's different with my quirk since I have limited range, but I'm seeing how I can adapt the principles."
"That's the right attitude. Hey, have you tried incorporating your ricochet technique into movement? Like, firing shots while swinging or changing position?"
Mineta's eyes widened. "I hadn't thought of that. The timing would be incredibly difficult."
"But imagine how effective it would be," Sero said, gesturing excitedly. "You could launch surprise attacks from any angle while staying mobile."
[Ultimate Training System] Advanced Application Alert: Integrated Technique Potential: "Ricochet Mobility" Skill Requirements: Sticky Ball Ricochet I (10%), Swing Training I (15%) Strategic Value: EXCEPTIONAL Difficulty: HIGH
"I'd need to practice a lot more before attempting that," Mineta admitted. "But it's definitely something to work toward."
Sero nodded approvingly. "That's what training is for. Speaking of which, want to run the obstacle course again? This time, try incorporating some of your ricochet shots at the markers."
As they prepared to run the course, Mineta felt something strange—a sense of camaraderie he hadn't experienced before. Not pity, not reluctant inclusion, but genuine peer interaction based on mutual respect.
"Hey, I've got an idea," Sero said as they climbed back to the starting platform. "What if we design a combined challenge? Something that requires both our quirks to complete?"
"What did you have in mind?"
Sero gestured to the far end of Zone C, where a section was designated for custom training setups. "We could create a rescue scenario. One of us sets up obstacles and traps, and the other has to navigate through to rescue a 'civilian'."
"And then switch roles?" Mineta asked, already mentally designing areas where ricochet shots could be critical to success.
"Exactly! Best time wins." Sero extended his hand. "You game, Ball Man?"
Mineta grasped the offered hand firmly. "You're on, Tape Guy."
As they began setting up their challenge course, with Sero offering suggestions and Mineta providing tactical refinements, the System flashed a notification:
[Ultimate Training System] MILESTONE ACHIEVED "Social Integration: Peer Recognition" completed First Training Partnership Established Reward: +1.7 Charm New Skill Tree Branch Available: "Collaborative Tactics"
For the first time since receiving the System, Mineta felt like he was not just improving himself, but building something else—a connection, a rivalry, potentially even a friendship. The kind of bond that real heroes formed during their journeys.
By the time they finished their competition (Sero won the first round, Mineta the second), both boys were exhausted but exhilarated. The challenges had pushed them to improvise and adapt, forcing creative applications of their quirks that neither had considered before.
"Same time Thursday?" Sero asked as they gathered their belongings, the training center's afternoon announcement signaling closing time.
Mineta nodded without hesitation. "I'll be here. And I'll have some new ricochet patterns ready."
"Looking forward to it." Sero bumped fists with him. "You know, when you first came in, I thought you were just another kid with a random quirk. But you've got real potential, Mineta. That ricochet technique is seriously impressive—I've never seen anything like it."
The compliment struck deeper than Sero could possibly know.
"Thanks," Mineta said simply. "See you Thursday."
As Mineta walked home, his muscles pleasantly sore and his mind buzzing with new ideas, he pulled up his stats:
[Ultimate Training System – Stats Panel] Stats: Strength: 6.3 (+0.2) Agility: 6.5 (+0.3) Dexterity: 8.7 (+0.5) Endurance: 6.9 (+0.4) Intelligence: 11.8 (+0.3) Charm: 8.4 (+1.7)
🪄 Skills Panel: Quirk Proficiency: 15.2% (+1.2%) Strategic Thinking: 15.1% (+0.9%) Swing Training I: 12.3% (+2.6%) Basic Manipulation: 7.8% (+1.3%) Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 7.1% (+1.8%) Basic Trap Design: 9.1% (+1.5%) Terrain Adaptation: 7.4% (+2.4%) Charm Proficiency: 6.7% (+1.3%) Social Awareness I: 5.8% (+1.5%) Confidence Posture: 24.3% (+1.8%) NEW Collaborative Tactics I: 2.1% (UNLOCKED)
🌲 Skill Tree Progress: 🔗 Mobility Tree: [Basic Balance] → 41% (+6%) | [Swing Training I] → 12.3% (+2.6%) NEW BRANCH [Mobile Ricochet Tactics] → 0.5% (UNLOCKED)
🧠 Tactical Tree: [Basic Strategy] → 24.5% (+1.7%) | [Environmental Analysis] → 14.8% (+2.3%) [Basic Trap Design] → 9.1% (+1.5%) | [Terrain Adaptation] → 7.4% (+2.4%) NEW BRANCH [Collaborative Tactics I] → 2.1% (UNLOCKED)
🕷️ Sticky Arts Tree: [Basic Manipulation] → 7.8% (+1.3%) | [Variable Adhesion] → 4.9% (+1.7%) [Adhesion Timing Control] → 3.4% (+1.1%) NEW CONCEPT [Ricochet Mastery] → 1.2% (UNLOCKED)
✨ Charm Tree: [Social Presence] → 5.8% (+1.5%) | [Confidence Posture] → 24.3% (+1.8%) [Visual Appeal] → 9.4% (+1.3%)
The System flashed a final message:
[Ultimate Training System] CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT UPDATE "The Tactician's Presence" Requirements: ✓ Confidence Posture 20%+ (Current: 24.3%) ✓ Visual Appeal 9%+ (Current: 9.4%) Sticky Ball Ricochet I 10%+ (Current: 7.1%) - 71% COMPLETE
Arc Progress: "Bonds of Adhesion" - 20% Complete Next Milestone: "Rivalry in Ropes" - DUE IN 3 DAYS
That night, Mineta lay in bed staring at the ceiling, replaying moments from the day's training. The way Sero had shown genuine interest in his quirk. The surprise in his eyes when Mineta demonstrated the ricochet technique. The excitement of combining their talents in the challenge course.
For the first time, he was seeing a glimpse of the future he wanted—not just becoming stronger or more skilled, but becoming someone who belonged in the world of heroes. Someone who could form bonds based on mutual respect rather than fear or manipulation.
Mineta closed his eyes, already planning adjustments to his daily routine to incorporate what he'd learned from Sero. He needed to improve his ricochet accuracy while moving, and there was that intriguing concept of combining mobility with precision shots...
The System's artificial voice echoed in his mind:
[Ultimate Training System] Daily Review Complete Overall Progress: EXCEPTIONAL Notable Achievement: First Peer Partnership Tomorrow's Focus: Mobile Ricochet Development Sleep Quality Required: OPTIMAL
As he drifted off to sleep, one thought remained clear in his mind: Today, he hadn't just trained his body or his quirk. He'd begun training something equally important for a hero—the ability to connect with others.
Tape meets adhesive. And something new begins to form.