Hayze (Narrating): On a bright and beautiful Wednesday morning, we scattered across the region to begin our internships with pro heroes. Now is an excellent time to explain how heroes can protect a country as big as the United States. Here is a map of all of the major cities in the country:

Hayze (Narrating): As you can see, there is a vast distribution of cities across America. One would look at a map like this and think that the most powerful and famous heroes want to be in the North East because of the cluster of major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, while also being near Baltimore, Washington, and Pittsburgh. This may seem like a good idea, but the problem is then you’d have too many heroes working in a small area of the country, which could create problems when southern cities are under attack. This second map will illustrate the problem perfectly:

Hayze (Narrating): This map represents population density across the country. Even though there are many major cities in the North East, the distribution of people is only slightly denser than that of the South East and Eastern part of the Midwest. So how can heroes be positioned to protect all of these areas equally? The government decided to pick a city in the center of that huge red blotch on the second map. That city would become the Center of Hero Operation, with two smaller Centers being established in the North East and Northern California. The location selected was Music City itself, Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee is tied with Missouri for having the most states bordering it with 8, so positioning the Hero Center there makes it easy to protect as many states as possible for the central heroes. U.A. was built in Nashville as well. Placing the school close to the Center of Hero Operation makes it easy to supply the Hero Workforce with fresh and talented new heroes. Our internships grant us the opportunity to work with heroes all around the region, as this is where we’ll be working as professionals someday. It also will give us a chance to familiarize ourselves with areas of the country where we may be working someday. I, however, don’t get this luxury. I’m heading to the small town of Etowah, Tennessee, by train to start my internship.

Hayze walks off the train with a backpack and a briefcase with his hero costume inside of it. He looks around the small train station.

Hayze: (Principal Ewing said this guy had Top 10 hero potential. So what would make a guy with that bright of a future want to drop everything to live out in the middle of nowhere? I guess I’ll have to ask…)

Hayze leaves the train station and strolls through the quiet streets of the small town.

Hayze: (I really hope this guy’s training is worth it. Ewing made it sound like I won’t be having a usual internship, so I hope I don’t fall behind the rest of my class.)

Hayze pulls a card out of his pocket with an address on it.

Hayze: (The principal didn’t really give me too much information about this guy, all I know is that he knows about my quirk’s origin and that he was a big shot at one point. What isn’t adding up to me is why he would want to train me… The impression I got from the principal is almost like it had something to do with my quirk and not really me, but why would he think I need special training? Hm… I guess I’ll have to find out.)

Elsewhere, Justus is outside his home with a backpack and a briefcase with his costume inside. He checks his watch.

Justus: (I probably should have expected this…)

A few more seconds pass.

Justus: (Screw it, I’m going inside to wait-)

Suddenly Colossus slams down into the pavement doing a hero landing.

Justus: *sighs* Of course…

Colossus: *pained grunt* Oh god, why do I do that? It’s so bad on the knees…

Colossus looks at Justus, who is staring at him blankly.

Colossus: Are you ready for your internship Justus!

A few seconds of silence pass.

Justus: You know you’re late, right?

Colossus: There was a bank robbery! I had to stop and save the day! …but then I lost track of time signing autographs and-

Justus: *sighs* It’s fine, let’s just go.

Colossus: Shouldn’t we stop inside so I can see your m-

Justus: I think you and I both know that’s a bad idea.

Colossus: Yeah… you’re probably right about that… So I guess we’ll head to my agency, you can suit up there, and we’ll go on our first patrol.

Justus: Okay, there’s just one problem.

Colossus: Oh… what’s that?

Justus: How are we supposed to get there?

Colossus: What do you mean? I always just jump from rooftop to rooftop.

Justus clears his throat.

Colossus: Oh… right… we can just walk then!

Justus: Fine… how far away is it?

Colossus goes quiet.

Colossus: Lovely weather today, huh?

Justus: How far?

Colossus: 18 Miles.

Justus takes a deep breath.

Justus: Guess we better start walking then…

Justus begins walking down the street.

Colossus: (Already off to a rough start, I see.)

Aaron is standing in a field as two men in military attire set up some clay pigeon throwing machines.

Aaron: (This looks fun.)

A large man approaches Aaron. He has a massive tank cannon attached to his back alongside two more miniature cannons on each of his forearms. A third man in military attire accompanies him.

Military Guy #3: Okay, Mr. Big Tank, it looks like we’re ready to begin.

Big Tank: Okay… uh, what was your name again?

Aaron: Sir, Aaron Zamora, sir.

Big Tank: Not that one, your hero name! You’ll be going by that while working with me. And drop the formality; it’ll drive me crazy.

Aaron: Howitzer.

Big Tank: I like that; it brings the boom, you know? Anyway, if you’re gonna be my intern, I gotta test you on how good you are with all that firepower in your arms. I can’t have no scrub in my service. The task at hand is simple: you’re going to shoot clay pigeons, and I want you to hit every single one.

Aaron: What’s the catch? That sounds too easy.

Big Tank: I like the confidence. Think you got what it takes?

Aaron: I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.

Big Tank smiles.

Big Tank: That’s the attitude. We’ll start with 20 targets at once; I want all of them blown to bits.

Aaron: What are my weapon restrictions?

Big Tank: Your imagination.

Aaron gets a big smile on his face. Big Tank steps to the side with his assistant.

Big Tank: Pull!

The throwers shoot 20 clay pigeons into the air; Aaron promptly changes his right arm into a SMAW launcher and shoots a rocket, blowing all of the pigeons into smithereens.

Big Tank: I like this one.

Kevin steps into a workshop, machine parts are scattered all around, and the room is barely lit.

Kevin: *calling out* Is anyone home? I’m supposed to meet with Gundam for my internship.

A loud noise startles Kevin. It was the sound of a toolbox falling on the ground.

Voice: Ow…

Kevin: Huh?

A scrawny guy with noticeable bags under his eyes gets up slowly. He looks up and sees Kevin.

Gundam: Oh hey… My intern is here. Do you mind going in the freezer and grabbing an ice pack? That toolbox sure hurt.

Kevin: (So this is Gundam… His quirk: Genius, he’s so bright that he was able to develop the world’s first-ever robotic combat suit that he uses to fight crime.) Uh… sure?

Kevin opens the freezer.

Kevin: (Was he sleeping on the floor?)

Gundam lies down on his couch. Kevin walks over and hands him an ice pack.

Gundam: Thank you… it’s Kevin, right?

Kevin: Yessir.

Gundam: *groans* Sorry, I was busy working on new engine thruster upgrades last night, and I guess I dozed off *yawns*

Kevin: Oh, it’s alright, Mr. Gundam. I’m just glad I got an offer from such a high-ranking hero.

Gundam: Please don’t tell me the only reason you picked me is that I’m the number 7 hero. I mean, it’s okay if you did. I understand; it’s just uninspiring.

Kevin: No, sir, I picked you because you’re the polar opposite of me. You fight using a suit of armor, while I fight using nothing but my fists. But, at the end of the day, we’re both classified as strength heroes, so I just want to learn from a different perspective, you know?

Gundam sits up.

Gundam: Alright, that’s a good reason. Give me that briefcase, please.

Kevin: Sure.

Kevin hands Gundam the briefcase. The genius opens it and examines the costume.

Gundam: There’s an empty room down the hall; you can stay there, go relax. I have work to do.

Kevin: Uh, shouldn’t we be doing hero work, though?

Gundam: Not yet. Your costume isn’t to my liking; I’m going to make some upgrades to it before we start patrolling the city.

Kevin: Alright… if you think that’s best.

Gundam: Trust me, it is.

Gundam closes the briefcase and walks over to his workbench.

Kevin: (He’s not what I expected, but he’s a top 10 hero for a reason, and I can’t wait to see why.)

Silver enters a dojo where a man in a ninja outfit is meditating.

Silver: You’re Black Hollow, right?

The man doesn’t answer.

Silver: (Is he meditating or sleeping? I can’t tell…) Uh sir? I’m Silver. I’m here for the internship.

The man opens his eyes, startling Silver.

Black Hollow: Take a seat.

Silver looks around.

Silver: I’m going to assume you mean on the floor?

Black Hollow nods, Silver sits on the floor in front of him.

Black Hollow: Tell me, Mr. Verdugo, why did you choose to complete your internship with me? Please answer honestly.

Silver: My early exit in the Sports Festival has humbled me, especially the ending.

Black Hollow: I saw the fight. I’ll be honest, I was rooting for your opponent.

Silver: I was arrogant, and it cost me. But my loss showed me that my fighting style is incomplete. I’ve relied on my quirk to act as my offense and defense for so long that I’ve ignored other aspects of combat. Most importantly, my physical fighting capabilities. Given Hayze’s level of exhaustion, my punch should have been able to knock him out regardless of his healing quirk, but I wasn’t strong enough, and that’s my fault. I chose you for my internship because you’re the best martial artist hero there is, and I want to learn from you to improve myself. That’s my goal.

Black Hollow: But why do you want this?

Silver: I’m sorry? I don’t think I understand the question.

Black Hollow: You want to improve your strength, that’s understandable, but what I want to know is why you want to get stronger?

Silver: Isn’t that obvious? I want to be a better and more well-rounded hero.

Black Hollow stands up and looks down upon Silver.

Black Hollow: You say it’s obvious, but I need to be sure that you’re worth my time.

Silver: I understand.

Black Hollow: Good, now please stand.

Silver: Y- yessir.

Silver stands up; the two face each other.

Black Hollow: Alright, I have just one more question for you.

Silver: Ask away, sir.

Black Hollow: You mentioned the end of your match in the Sports Festival and your opponent’s exhaustion; why did you throw away your final two dust containers?

Silver’s eyes widen.

Black Hollow: To me, it looks as though you already had reservations about your physical prowess, but you were too proud to admit that to yourself, so you had your opponent show you.

Silver breaks eye contact with Black Hollow.

Black Hollow: I thought so.

Silver: I knew I was weak physically, but you’re right… I let my pride keep me from devoting myself to fixing that problem.

Black Hollow: I will teach you, but you need to learn to control your pride, or my teachings will be worthless.

Silver: Yessir, I won’t let you down.

Black Hollow: Good, now let’s begin.

Black Hollow disappears, startling Silver.

Silver: (Where did he-)

Black Hollow reappears behind Silver, swiftly knocks him off his feet, and throws him to the ground.

Silver: *groans*

Black Hollow: My quirk allows me to become invisible. Your first task will be learning how to counter this maneuver, good luck.

Wes arrives at a prison.

Wes: Maybe I put the wrong address in my phone?

Suddenly a man with massive hands puts his hand on Wes’ shoulder; Wes turns and looks at him, shaking like a leaf.

Man: Hello.

The man is wearing spiked arm and leg pads, a chest plate, spiky hair, and a hockey mask. Oh, and jeans.

Wes: H- H- H- H- H- Hi…

Man: You must be the intern from U.A.?

Wes is surprised.

Wes: Uh… yeah, I’m Wes…

Man: Hello, Wes, I’m Fearmonger.

Wes: The name fits.

Fearmonger: You’re gonna have a fun time here; follow me.

Fearmonger and Wes enter through the prison gates and enter the facility.

Fearmonger: I’m the warden around here. I gotta keep these inmates on their best behavior.

Fearmonger stops at a window overlooking a fenced yard with many prisoners inside it.

Fearmonger: Technology to restrict quirks isn’t readily available, so it’s the job of heroes like us to keep these inmates in line.

Wes: Wait, so they can just use their quirks willy nilly?

Fearmonger: Yeah, but none of them have quirks above C-rank. The only way they could bust out of here would be with a lot of teamwork.

Wes: Okay, and what’s stopping them?

Fearmonger starts laughing.

Fearmonger: Me.

Wes: Right… dumb question.

Fearmonger: Trust me, not a single one of these slime balls would dare cross me.

Wes: Yeah, the name really establishes that. Anyway, if you don’t mind me asking… Why did you give me an offer? You were literally my only one…

Fearmonger: Well, I wanted an intern, but I knew nobody was gonna willingly do an internship at a prison, so I had to choose someone I knew wasn’t gonna get any other offers, so I picked the kid who willingly blew himself up for a tie.

Wes: (DAMMIT!) So it’s not, because you wanted me in particular…

Fearmonger: Nope.

Wes: *groans*

Fearmonger: Besides, it’s still better than getting no offers, am I right?

Wes: Yeah… that is true…

Fearmonger puts his hand on Wes’ shoulder.

Fearmonger: Are you ready to help me rule this prison with an iron fist?

Wes: You know what? I think I’m coming around to this idea.

Fearmonger: That’s the spirit! Now let’s go clog the prisoner’s toilets.

Wes: Woohoo!

Zach is standing on a rooftop. He looks over the edge; the building is 20 stories tall.

Voice: *from afar* Are you ready for this?

Zach turns around. A man whose skin is made entirely of metal approaches him.

Zach: Sorry, Metallus, I’m a little confused why we’re on a rooftop right now, so uh… mind filling me in?

Metallus: We’re starting with a basic yet fundamental lesson of being a city-based hero. You see, we’re both reliant on our legs to get from place to place; no flying for us guys. So, to effectively patrol the city for evildoers, learning how to jump from rooftop to rooftop is essential.

Zach: I guess that makes sense.

Metallus: Don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it looks. The more important thing is learning the best rooftop routes to quickly get from place to place. The faster we’re on the scene, the quicker we can take down the bad guy.

Zach: Yeah… I get that, but uh… aren’t we kind of doing a little trial by fire here? I’ve jumped from trees before but-

Metallus: Well, that’s all the training you need; it’s just a little more advanced. Here let me show you.

Metallus starts walking backward toward the edge of the building.

Zach: Uh… sir!

Metallus: It’s okay, Zach. I’ll try my best to explain everything I’m doing.

Zach: Sir, I really think you should-

Metallus: Zach, it’s okay. I’ve done this a million times!

Zach: But-

Metallus: No buts, mister! Alright, this really doesn’t need much explanation, but I’ll do as much as I can, just simply use your momentum to propel you forward, and most importantly, don’t look down!

Zach: But sir-

Metallus starts running and jumps off the building.

Zach: That direction is the street!

Zach hears a loud thud followed by a car alarm.

Zach: Oh boy…

Metallus: *from afar* I’m okay…

Alexis walks down the sidewalk next to a big building with a man dressed as a cowboy.

Alexis: So uh... Mr. Gunslinger?

Gunslinger: Yes, Ms. Alexis?

Alexis: Oh, you don’t have to call me that.

Gunslinger: Well, then you should drop the Mr. too, just call me Gunslinger, you are my intern for the next week after all, we might as well get acquainted with each other.

Alexis: Yeah, right, um… What are we doing?

Gunslinger: Patrolling.

Alexis: Really? Here?

The big building is a Stop & Shop.

Gunslinger: It’s grocery day! And everyday living is part of being a hero!

Alexis: Well, okay then…

Voice: *from afar* Help me!

Gunslinger and Alexis look to see a masked man with literal brass knuckles taking an Old lady’s purse and running.

Alexis: Oh my god, that’s so cliché.

Gunslinger: Cliché, yes, but it’s still a crime!

Alexis: I mean, seriously, it’s like 10 in the morning. Why would you mug someone right now?

Gunslinger: Don’t worry, Alexis, I got this!

Alexis: And at a Stop & Shop of all places!

Gunslinger whips out a revolver and aims it at the robber, his pupils turn bright red, time slows down from his perspective, he fires a single shot at the back of the robber’s calf, the bullet hits the robber, he falls to the ground in pain holding his calf.

Criminal: AHHHHH!

Gunslinger: Gotcha!

Gunslinger’s eyes return to normal, and he holsters the gun. He and Alexis run over to the criminal; Alexis returns the purse to the old woman.

Old Woman: Oh, thank you so much!

Alexis: Oh, don’t thank me, it was all Gunslinger.

Old Woman: But you’re a hero, aren't you? So I can thank you for being out here making me feel safe.

Alexis: Oh uh… yeah, I guess you can, thank you.

Gunslinger restrains the criminal.

Criminal: Damn! Weeks of planning down the drain!

Alexis: This took weeks?

Gunslinger: It was clever, I'll give you that!

Alexis: No! No, it wasn’t!

Gunslinger: But you made one fatal mistake!

Alexis: One?

Criminal: What was it? What could it possibly have been!

Gunslinger: You let me shoot you!

Criminal: Dammit! The one thing I didn’t account for!

Alexis: You didn’t even check for nearby heroes! A guy in a cowboy outfit sticks out like a sore thumb!

Gunslinger: Alexis! You’re getting too harsh!

Alexis: No, I’m not- oh my god, he’s crying.

Criminal: *sobs*

Gunslinger: Hey, it’s alright she didn’t mean it!

Criminal: *sniffles* Yes, she did!

Alexis is dumbfounded. Later a single police cruiser arrives and arrests the criminal. A cop is talking to Gunslinger with Alexis behind him.

Gunslinger: Will that be all, officer?

Cop: Yeah, that should be good. Thank you for your help, Gunslinger.

Gunslinger: All in a day's work.

The cops drive away with the criminal. Gunslinger turns his attention to Alexis.

Gunslinger: So how was that for our first takedown together?

Alexis: Not what I expected…

Gunslinger starts laughing.

Gunslinger: Ain't that the truth.

Alexis: I don’t think you understand what I mean.

Hayze arrives at the base of a trail leading up a mountain.

Hayze: (There’s no way this is it, right?)

Hayze examines the address on the card. Suddenly Hayze’s phone starts ringing. He grabs his phone and looks at the number; it says no caller ID.