Chapter 1
Getting into U.A was something she never thought would happen, sure she was smart with the uses of her quirk but still. Entering the most famous school for their hero course, only the top heroes came from this building. And that's what she wanted to be - one if the best of the best - now this was the first step towards that path.
Standing in front of the gate was surreal to her, as if it was a dream. But it was real - here she is wear her U.A uniform, grey skirt with a white button up short and loose red a deep breath before pulling up her matching grey hoodie and walking towards the school. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail and placed on the left side of her neck, letting it rest on her chest. Making her look slightly intimidating, she didn't know these people and didn't really want to interact with people she might not even be in her class.
Making her way up the stairs her dark blue eyes started looking for her class 1-A. Coming to a stop to a large door with the class number painted on the front, her hand went to slide the door open. Seeing that the class was decently sized with 20 desks in near rows. Quickly finding her seat next to the door, she noticed that some students already sitting at their seats.
One was a boy with red and white hair on his head. A burn on his right side where a blue colored eye was looking at her, she stared back and nodded in greeting before turning her dark blue gaze towards other classmate. A bird? A boy? Well he certain looked different and memorable to say the least, his eyes were closed waiting for the class to finally start.
With a sigh she sat in her seat, rummaging through her bag before pulling out some headphones and slipping them on to drown out any and all outside noise. Music always helped her calm down when in new situations she felt nervous with, and one by one more students began to file in the classroom.
"Don't put your feet on the desk!"
"Huh?"
Looking over to see what could possibly be louder than her music she moves one of the headphones aside to listen in on what is happening in the other side of the classroom. She sees two boys speaking rather loudly at each other, one standing with great posture - dark blackish blue hair with glasses. While the other boy was seated with dusty blonde hair with a open mouth smirk and sharp slanted eyes.
"Don't you think that's rude to the U.A upperclassmen and the people who made the desk?" said the one with glasses, making strong hand motions.
With a bellow the blonde answered. "Nope! What junior high did you go to, you side character?"
'Really, side character? Who does this guy think he is?' She thought, pausing her music and paying full attention to the situation.
"I attended Somei Private Academy. My name is Tenya Iida."
"Somei?! So you're a damn elite, huh? Looks like I'll have fun crushing you."
Looking away quickly so not to draw attention to her herself, she let out a tiny laugh before tuning back into the conversation.
'Well this might be interesting, nice way to start off the school year.' Amused at what was going down.
"Crushing"?
With a startled motion, the boy - Tenya Iida steps back. "That's cruel. Do you truly aim to be a hero?"
The bickering stopped as both boys turned their attention to the door, spotting something that seemed important. Following their gazes, she also turned to see what was so important to stop her entertainment.
In front of the door was a freckled face boy with wide eyes and messy dark green hair standing in the doorway. He looked pretty shy and didn't seem like he was used to all the attention he was getting from the class.
"Oh, um.."
Moving with purpose, Iida began marching towards the timid boy by the door. "Good Morning! I am from Somei Private Academy. My name is-"
"-I heard!" His voice sounded unsure and filled panic as if trying to defuse a dangerous situation.
"My name is Midoriya. It's nice to meet you Iida-kun." Hands placed in front of him with his posture slightly slouched. Like wanting to shrink away from the uptight student.
"Midoriya-kun, you realized something during the practical exam, didn't you?" Iida's voice seemed more serious, with his arms stripped to the sides of his body.
"I had no idea..I misjudged you! I hate to admit it, but you're better than me."
"Oh, that curly hair! You're the plain-looking one!" Another voice broke into the conversation between the two boys, a girl by the looks of it.
She had brown hair shaped in a bob with side bangs that were a bit longer in the front sides of her face. From what she was saying it seems that they have met during the practical exam and was happy to see that she was in the same class as Midoriya.
Shocked by the girl, said boy turned and gasped seeing who it was behind him.
"You passed, just like Present Mic said! Of course you did! Your punch was amazing!"
"Oh, well, um, it was thanks to you going to speak with him directly that I, uh-" his face was a deep pink and hand moving to the back of head, scratching his head bashfully.
"Huh? How did you know about that?" The girl stopped waving her arm in a punching motion when hearing him mention about speaking with Present Mic.
"Oh, uh, that's because…
"I wonder if today's just going to be the entrance ceremony and orientation? I wonder what our teacher will be like? Aren't you nervous?" Her bubbly attitude was something refreshing and sweet to see.
"Go somewhere else if you want to play at being friends." A low tired voice said.
Midoriya looked behind the girl and spotted what just spoke, seeing his expression it looked like he saw a ghost walking around. On the ground there was a man wrapped up in what seemed to be a blanket or sleeping bag, his eyes looked as if he hadn't seen sleep in days - and his face was a bit sunken in.
"This is the hero course." Unzipping the bag a bit and reaching down to get what looked like a juice pack of something and sucking the remaining liquid out before standing.
The sound a the sleeping bag unzipping fully was heard and the man kept talking casually as if what he was doing was an everyday occurance. "Okay, it took eight second before you were quiet. Time is limited. You kids aren't rational enough."
Finally freed from the bag, the class got a better look at the man. He was kinda thin with black pants and a black long sleeved shirt. He had what looked to be a scarf or bandages wrapped loosely around his neck and greasy black hair that ended at his shoulders.
"I'm your homeroom teacher, Shota Aizawa. Nice to meet you." His voice dull and lifeless.
There was a gasp that rang throughout the classroom in disbelief, there was no way that his guy was going to be our homeroom teacher - hell, let alone a teacher.
"It's kinda sudden, but put this on and go outside onto the field." the entire class looked at him questioningly before doing what he asked.
Slowly and unsurely, the rest of the student began to make their way to the locker rooms to get changed into their P.E uniforms and heading to the field where Aizawa would be waiting for them.
A Quirk Assessment Test. That's what they were there for. No entrance ceremonies or tours of the school. It was straight into fray.
"If you're going to be a hero, you don't have time for those kinds of things. U.A's selling point is how unrestricted its school traditions are. That's also how the teachers run their classes. You kids have been doing these tests since junior high too, right?" Lifting his hand to show a small device displaying stats.
"Physical fitness tests where you weren't allowed to use your quirks. The country still uses averages taken from the results from students not using their quirks. It's not rational. Well, the Ministry of Education is slacking.
Bakugo, you finished at the top of the practical exam, right? In junior high, what was your best result for the softball throw?"
The ashen blonde boy that was Aizawa was speaking to was the same one who was talking about side characters and crushing elites. Surprised by this question he answered in a bored tone to the teacher.
"67 meters."
"Then, try doing it with your quirk."
Tossing the ball towards Bakugo and directing him to stand within a circle. Making sure to mention that he could whatever he wanted as long as he stayed within the circle, Aizawa backed away to a safe distance to make sure that the full power of Bakugo's quirk could be shown.
After doing some quick arm exercises to warm up his muscle Bakugo seemed ready and willing to throw the ball. With a confident step planting his front leg firmly into the ground he readied up his pitch, showing perfect form before his face completely changed into a manic expression.
Letting out a crazy shout "DIE!" the ball flew out of his hand with a huge explosion propelling it high into the sky, the heat of the blast was massive and caused shockwaves through the air.
"Know your maximum first. That is the most rational way to form the foundation of a hero." Aizawa said and lifted up the the small device showing just how far Bakugo's pitch launched the ball.
705.2 meters.
Everyone was shocked by the result, some exclaiming in disbelief while others seems to get excited by the fact that they could use their quirks during this test.
"705 meters? Seriously?"
"What's this? It looks fun!"
"We can use our quirks as much as we want! As expected from the hero course!"
"It looks fun, huh?" Aizawa spoke in a flat tone, the students quieted down to hear what he had to say. From what his tone implied, it seems like he wasn't happy with the excitement that some of the class was expressing.
"You have three years to become heroes. Will you have that kind of attitude the whole time? Alright. Whoever comes in last place in all eight tests will be judged to have no potential and will be punished with expulsion." An evil smirk went across his face after making that statement.
He seemed to like seeing the panic go across some of the students faces, their worried expressions replacing the ones of joy and excitement.
"We're free to do what we want about the circumstances of our students. Welcome to U.A's hero course!"
"Last place gets expelled?! But it's the first day of school! No even if it isn't, that's unfair" It was the bubbly girl speaking up against the rule.
"Natural disasters, big accidents, and selfish villains. Calamities whose time or places can't be foretold. Japan is covered with unfairness. It's heroes who are the ones that reverse those situations. If you wanted to go talk with your friends at a restaurant after school, then too bad. For the next three years, U.A will be doing all that it can to give you one hardship after the next. Go beyond. Plus Ultra. Overcome it with all you got."
Looking around the rest of the class, some of them had shocked faces, others calm and reserved - but the rest had the look of determination to make their dreams of becoming heroes possible. Ready to show the world that they have what it takes to become the best of the best, and with that small speech over Aizawa began the exam.
First Test 50 meter dash
Students were lead to a 50 meter track ready to test their sprinting speed and how fast that can go with the use of their quirks. At the end of the track was a small tripod with a robot camera able to track the time which the students finished, first up was Iida and a frog like girl.
"Get Ready..get set.." A sound of a pistol shooting up marked the start.
In a flash Iida surged forward leaving a trail of dust in his wake as he raced towards the finish line.
3.04 seconds
Iida skidded to a stop before turning around after hearing the results.
Tenya Iida. Quirk: Engine.
5.58 seconds. His opponent's time.
Next up was the sweet bubbly girl and a boy with a tail.
"I'll lighten up my clothes and shoes."
Ochaco Uraraka. Quirk: Zero Gravity.
After hearing the pistol sound off she ran as fast as she could down the track, the boy with the tail beating her time of 7.15 seconds.
Now it was her own turn, she liked this one. She was always more of a sprinter than a long distance runner to be honest with herself, moving to her block right next to the girl that was next to her. The person beside her that pink skin with horns coming out of her head and her eyes were black except for her yellow irises.
"On your mark.."
Moving her long hair back she took a deep calming breath and exhaled, closing her navy eyes in order to focus a bit more. Hoping her nerves weren't going to get the best of her, heart pumping loudly. She always hated taking tests, no matter what form they were - never liking being in the spotlight, but now she had to shine in order to stay out of last place.
"Get set.." And the pop rang through the air, now she activated her quirk. Her body vanishing into the ground until nothing remained but a black shadow. Said shadow dashed towards the finish line - moving as if it had a mind of its own.
Izumi Toshihara. Quirk: Night Touch. She can control and manipulate shadows to her will.
Upon passing the end the shadow stopped before rising and returning to her physical form. Hoping to hear a good result she turned and waited to hear the robotic voice call out her time.
4.25 seconds.
'Not bad, wish I was faster though.'
With that part out of the way Izumi made her way back over to the rest of class that had finished with the dash, waiting to see the rest of the others results. Looking to see who was up next she saw two people she knew the names of. Bakugo and Midoriya, the former looking a bit concerned and pained - the sound of the pistol shot signalling the start.
"Explosive Speed!"
A familiar scream cried as he ran forward with his arms behind him, only to suddenly start a chain of exploding bursts launching Bakugo forwards at high speed. It was impressive to say the least and creative use of his quirk as well, he passed the finish line with 4.13 seconds as his result.
Katsuki Bakugo. Quirk: Explosion.
Running at a fairly normal pace behind the explosive boy was Midoriya, his form seeming tired and ragged for doing a full sprint. He finished with 7.02 seconds, he had his hands on his knees panting trying to get as much air as possible. Izumi noticed that his hands tightened on his knees as if struggling with something, she wanted to go over and check up on him but decided against it. She didn't know him, and while he seemed pretty nice that doesn't mean that she should offer him some advice. Turning around and making her way towards the next test she sighed, she just wanted this day to be over with so she could go home.
Second Test Grip strength
This test was pretty much easy, just standing in one spot and grip a machine to test how much strength she had. Shadows swirled around her arms before solidifying and taking to form of huge claws - she turned her attention to the small machine that was given to her.
'150 kg. Not too bad either I suppose.'
"Wow! 540kg? What are you a gorilla?!"
'Seems like my result is pretty lackluster compared to that number.' She thought as she smiled to her herself before letting out a tiny chuckle.
Third Test Standing long Jump
Izumi was up first this time, taking her place at the start of the sand pit she summoned her shadows - having the inky blackness twist and form on her lower back just above her hips to form small wings. Not huge to the point of them overshadowing her body, but just big enough to where she could lift herself up off the ground and propel herself forward some distance in a single jump.
'Come on, please work and give me some distance.' And with that thought in mind she launched herself quite the ways, she barely manage going passed the sand pit before her feet making contact with the ground.
She then heard the loud of explosions making there way to her location and they were coming quickly. Moving to the sides in a few steps she saw Bakugo fly past her, his explosions once again helping breeze past. Seeing his position in midair made her want to laugh out loud at how stupid it looked, her eyes reaching to see where he landed. But knowing how he handled Iida telling him not to put his feet on the desk, she thought it would be best if she didn't try to bother him - let alone laugh at him.
Waiting for the next person to do the standing jump was once again Midoriya, who was already in the sand just barely past the robot recording the entire class' results. He landed hard on his feet before fall back onto his butt.
Fourth Test Repeated side steps
This test was just plain dumb, there was nothing she could really do with her quirk to help her with this one. Luckily, she was quick and moved effortless from side to side until she ran out of breath - which was about 7 minutes in. Going over to a quiet spot and sitting down to rest and see what the others would do with their own quirk abilities on this test.
One student was racking up those side steps like it was the easiest thing on the planet. A boy with what looked to be purple balls on his head - he was able to pop them up and they would stick together, becoming super bouncy. With those he was able to bounce side to side without any effort at all.
Fifth Test Ball Throw
Uraraka was up and she seemed pretty confident about her ability on this test, after touching the ball with a pink glow she girlishly threw the ball into the air. The ball kept going and going and going until it could no longer be seen, Aizawa lifted up his device to show the class and it was infinity?!
"That's amazing! She got infinity!"
It seems the last one up for the ball throw was Midoriya, it looked like he was struggling with the exam the entire time. Not putting out some amazing results compared to the other students - it was the time to prove himself in front of everyone. Standing in the circle with the ball in his hand preparing to throw, his freckled face was strained with worry and stress - perhaps he also had problems with performing under pressure.
'If he can't act under the pressure of a simple exam, how is he going to act when he needs to fight and save people?' Izumi's thought seemed harsh but it was true. The world is a stressful place to live in, let alone a regular life as a civilian. Heroes are the ones that people turn to when dangerous situations are happening - they needed to be clear minded and rational.
"It doesn't look good for Midoriya-kun if he continues like this." Iida expressing his concern for his classmate with a stern look on his face.
Beside him stood Bakugo and Ochaco. "Huh? Of course not. He's a quirkless small fry, you know." The former spoke as if he wanted the whole class to hear about Midoriya's "quirklessness".
"Quirkless?! Are you not aware of what he did during the entrance exam?"
"Huh?"
After a small pause Midoriya clenched his teeth and began to lean back - his arm outstretched behind him, getting ready to throw the ball as hard and as far as he could. It was the moment of truth for him, to prove to the world that he wasn't useless, that he CAN BECOME A HERO!
46 meters.
Everyone looked surprised at the low score, he looked as if he was going to use his quirk but nothing happened. His face full of shock and confusion before standing upright to a standing position and began to mumble to himself. The sounds of unwrapping could be heard, as Aizawa started to speak up.
"I erased your quirk."
Turning around to face the homeroom teacher Midoriya gasped and stood in surprise as he saw the scarfs beginning to float and flow in the air. His teacher's normally greasy lifeless hair seemed to fly up around his face and his eyes glowing red, glaring straight at him with annoyance.
"That entrance exam was not rational enough. Even a kid like you was accepted."
"You erased my quirk?" A light of recognition his eyes as he finally pieced everything together.
"Those goggles...I see! You can erase people's quirks just by looking at them. The Erasure Hero: Eraser Head!"
"Eraser? I don't know him." The class began to making noise trying to figure out just how their homeroom teacher truly was. They have never heard of him before, so he couldn't be that well known right? Finally one of them spoke up from the crowd.
"I've heard of him. He's an underground hero."
Aizawa's glowing red eyes narrowed as he glared down at the green haired boy. "From what I can tell, you can't control your quirk, can you? Do you intend to incapacitate yourself again and have someone else save you?"
"Th-That's not my intention-"
His bandages quickly wrapped around the young student's shoulders and began to bring him closer to the darkly dressed man. His face full of fear and terror as he was finally brought right in front of the man's face. Leaning down lower to the young man's level Aizawa's voice deepened in tone.
"Whatever your intention, I'm saying that's what those around you will be forced to do. In the past there was an overly passionate hero who saved over a thousand people by himself and created a legend. Even if you have the same reckless valor, you'll just be decked and turned into a useless doll after saving just one person. Izuku Midoriya. With your power, you cannot become a hero."
And with all that said the bandages around the student's shoulders retreated back into its normal form and Aizawa's hair fell into its' regular mop like style. His stance relaxed and his eyes ceased glowing red, closing them before turning around and walking away from the teenager.
"I've returned your quirk. You have two turns for the ball throw. Hurry up and get it over with."
'Ouch, that's brutal. Even I wouldn't say that out loud without being prompted to.' Izumi felt bad for the boy. Just being called out in front of the class like that must be so humiliating and frustrating, she knew from personal experience.
Her heart went out to Midoriya, but she also knew that the man had a point. What was the point of being a hero when trying to save someone would not only harm you but the other person as well. It just didn't really make any sense, sure you would be doing the right thing - but still. With a sigh she closed her eyes not wanting to see the boy's face, he had his dream crushed in front of him and others. That was always painful to watch. Taking a moment to calm down from the tense air around them all she looked back to see Midoriya standing in the circle again - getting ready for his second throw.
His true Last Chance.
"It looks like he received some advice."
"Probably just telling him that he's expelled."
A shadow was casted over his eyes as his lips moved, speaking to himself. He looked like he was giving up - they way he was standing was as if he were a man defeated. Drained of all hope and life. Suddenly as if a flash of light, his green eyes widened and he moved to throw the ball. Eyes determined, focused - ready to show the world that he was a hero and he was willing to fight to make that goal reality.
As the ball left his hand it created huge shockwaves throughout the air, kicking up dust and small pebbles that littered the ground around him. The entire class stared in shock and disbelief at the sky, trying to come to terms with the fact at what just happened - the ball..just rocketed to the blue horizon. When the ball finally touched the ground the results came in. 705.3 meters.
"Mr. Aizawa. I can still move!"
Fist clenched, teeth biting on his bottom lip and eyes wobbling in pain - there he stood. Strong and ready to continue, holding down his tears of pain and face filled with determination.
'He's filled with strength and ballsy enough to chase his dreams despite what others may say to him.'
Izumi's eyes softened a bit from their normal hard blank stare as she looked at the teenager facing the teacher. A small smile made its' way across her lips, but on the inside she really wanted to laugh with joy with how the way things turned out - this Izuku Midoriya. She knew he had what it took to become a hero, the attitude to pull off anything he could set his mind to.
"Izuku Midoriya. You seem like a good person, I hope we can become good friends in the future." Speaking more to herself than to anyone else around her. Her smile still staying on her face the entire time.
