Late
First day and he's almost late to his class.
He's too used to getting up later since he took up an online course.
He relaxed once he found that he has some time to spare before the opening ceremony.
He found his class, 1-A after some searching and opened the door.
Iida was bickering with Bakugou, whom he noticed, is in this class too.
The rest of the students are minding their own business but his eyes lit up when he saw a certain insomniac.
"Shinsou! You made it!"
Well, he's probably jumping but he was just happy that his advice had been working and Shinsou made it here.
He's actually kind of mad at the social stigma the civilization of quirks give to society. Quirkless people are alienated and considered almost disabled, those with quirks that seem bad are considered villains. It's just unfair.
Why does society have to judge people based on their quirks?
Shinsou was surprised at his call but greeted him anyway. "Oh hey, Midoriya. And yeah I did. It was a surprise but... I'm really here."
"This is kind of suddent but what's your quirk? I never got to know it." Izuku asked, ignoring the screams of a certain explosive boy.
"If you don't mind... it's brainwashing."
"Brainwashing? That's pretty effective on field you know."
"Are you even listening to me Deku!?"
"Oh, hello Bakugou." He nonchalantly greeted and continued talking to Shinsou. "Anyway, you can really go for interrogation and it's good for information gathering! You can get enemies to reveal information to you without them knowing what you did! Oh! It can also work in a rescue situation too now that I think of it, you can use it to get the civilians to calm down and follow along the orders to get them safe."
"Well, I never considered that. But those seem like viable ideas. Though I already see the merit of using my quirk for the last point there."
"Don't you fucking ignore me-"
"I'm not ignoring you, you're just being rude. Ask nicely and maybe I'll give you some attention, Kacchan."
"Why y-"
He was expecting Bakugou to explode when Shinsou drawled. "Hey Kacchan."
"The fuc-"
Bakugou went still. Shinsou commanded. "Go back to your seat and calm down."
Bakugou blankly followed the command.
Izuku looked back at Shinsou. Blinking, and then just nod. "Oh, thanks! That works too."
Shinsou seemed surprised at the statement. "You're not scared?"
He shrugged. "Why would I? A quirk is just a quirk regardless of it's abilities. It depends on how people want to use it. Besides, that's already heroic enough. Stopping an aggressive person to stop attacking someone. "
Iida now approached him and Shinsou. "I must agree with Midoriya-kun! Forgive me for prying, but I agree that what you have done is certainly heroic! Nothing to be afraid of!"
A group of their classmates soon started gathering around the three of them and went talking.
"Had to listen in but that was awesome! Stopping that guy from literally exploding!"
"Yeah that was ripping!"
He can see that Shinsou was overwhelmed by it all. Izuku only gave the insomniac a smile.
Izuku left the forming crowd to give Shinsou some time to be acquainted with the rest of the class.
Then he saw the nice girl from the exam looking at him and he noticed her eyes lit up.
"Ah! You're here!"
Present
Uraraka Ochako was very happy when she caught eye of her savior in her new class.
The boy with bandaged hands, sort of plain look with a messy green mop of a hair.
She never get to learn his name at all back then. Which left her quite ashamed by the end of the day because she know what kind of person he is but not his name.
She was doing quite well enough until the zero pointer bot showed up.
She was afraid, what should she do?
She was shook out of her fear when she heard the boy shout at the participants nearby.
"Run now before it attacks again!"
They all obliged, but she failed to escape on time.
She tripped on a rubble that was caused by the zero pointer's attack earlier and at the next moment, it was raining robots.
Robot parts to be exact.
When the parts soon settled on the ground, her eyes saw a hand.
"Are you okay?"
She was about to nod when she looked at him, seeing the injuries he had obtained and the blood flowing out of his forehead. Her breath hitched at the sight of it. "Y- you're bleeding and badly hurt!"
The boy just waved it off with a smile. "Oh, this? It's nothing, but can you stand?"
She feebly nodded and stood up with his help.
It was then that Present Mic's voice rang around the field and she was sure she heard the boy mumble. "Oh it's over... oh well..."
And he fell to the ground, caught by a guy with glasses who used his quirk to catch the boy and started shaking his shoulder's.
He's still alive, thankfully. To her relief and the glassses guy's.
She stood silent as Recovery Girl carried him away but her mind went thinking of his final words before he passed out.
How many points did he get? Did he get any at all? If he didn't then did he just sacrificed his attempt on getting points to save her and the other participants?
So that led her to meeting Present Mic after the written exams are over, asking if she could ask for a request to give this boy another chance to take the exam or take some of her points because she's truly indebted to him for his heroism.
Present Mic rejected but also said not to worry because he'll make it in regardless of what he did.
Which gave her a sense of relief, but also doubt because she wasn't sure how much of it was the truth.
So she was really happy to see him in her class. Arriving at the time this explosive hot head blonde boy called him Deku and watch the rather hilarious banter between them.
"You made it just like Present Mic said you would!"
That seemed to catch his surprise, as he part his mouth wide before speaking. "Wait... you're the one that requested Present Mic to give me another chance?"
She nodded. "Yeah, you seem pretty nice and cool! Also, thanks for saving me back then!"
"Ah, no problem!"
Then a voice interrupted them.
Bystander
Aizawa Shouta broke the friendly atmosphere as he introduced himself as their homeroom teacher and gauged their reactions as he tells them to get ready to head to the training grounds, wanting to test if the children this year would be able to be fully grown heroes.
But through it all, Aizawa kept his eye on a certain green haired student that the principal had briefed during the last month.
Midoriya Izuku. AKA the kid who got involved with the underground.
By all accounts, he would have been considered a villain just for that, but it's rather sketchy.
Despite being part of it, Leopard never participated in any accounts of villainy with his recorded and known actions, thanks to Nighteye's information gathering, are all in that arena he was involved in.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Yet he never told anyone about the ring until Nighteye found the location with intern Toogata Mirio.
So he isn't exactly a hero either by a margin during his days underground since he still held the status of civilian, so calling the kid a vigilante would be a stretch.
Rather, he would preferabbly be called someone on the middle of the grounds of black and white morality.
A neutral. Or to be precise, a bystander.
He didn't actively take part in actions of villainy but never acted in heroism either.
But he has to admit that the boy got potential if he was crowned the king of the arena at twelve.
There is a reason he got recommended to U.A even if it was, unofficially, a parole.
He already saw how Midoriya treats his peers, sure he is affable, but only time will tell if he would return to the underground and it'll take time for Aizawa himself to be able to believe and deem the kid as potential hero.
Impressed
Midoriya asides, the other kid he plans to keep an eye on is Shinsou Hitoshi. He read over the files that he was called as villain due to the nature of his quirk by people around him yet here he is, joining U.A.
Meaning that he is serious about wanting to be a hero.
He sees how the kid used his quirk to get participants away from the scene when the zero point bot started attacking from the exam's footage and he takes being able to find an alternative use to a quirk being a good point.
But he has yet to see if the kid is physically capable of surviving the hero course department.
So he can't be too biased just because he likes Shinsou's determination to prove others wrong. (Plus the fact that Aizawa had been very impressed at Shinsou's actions from the footage)
He left as soon as he was done explaining, exhaling a sigh.
Assessment
After hearing the details of the quirk assessment test, he simply watched and stayed quiet while his classmates are excited at the thought of being able to use their quirk as much as they want.
Then Aizawa sensei decided to threaten them with expulsion in case anyone ranked last and he got worried about Shinsou.
After all his advice, Shinsou may just have to fail because, from his insomniac appearance, he had a feeling that Shinsou isn't strong, physically.
He wasn't sure how much of Aizawa sensei's threat of expulsion is credible but he doesn't seem to be lying.
So before the assessment started, he went over to Shinsou. "Shinsou, I'm not sure if you want to hear it but, good luck. No hard feelings, yeah?"
Shinsou returned his encouragement with a nod. "You too Midoriya."
He nodded back.
When the assessment started, he took the opportunity to observe and see his classmates quirks and how they do.
Some are doing well, some don't.
He doesn't really get too worried about Iida or the nice brown haired girl, whom he learns is Uraraka from the letter he got about his acceptance.
When it's Shinsou's turn, he was actually surprised that Shinsou was able to run fast, outspeeding Uraraka's record by one second. He guessed that Shinsou must have taken some physical training as preparation for heroics, given that due to the nature heroics, there needs to be physical abled people for actions like rescuing and fighting.
His turn came last, paired with Bakugou.
Of course Bakugou would have used his quirk to win this mock race but he see's no need to use Enmity or One For All when he's used to jogging as his routine for six years now.
Next comes the grip strength test, getting 91 kilograms. He doesn't think he has the pleasantries to hear out everyone's results though he heard one student getting 540 Kilograms. Mezou Shouji.
The standing long jump test was something he probably won't succeed unless he used his quirk, but Enmity is strength enhancement and he's not really that tired or injured yet and using One For All, when he hasn't come up with ways to use it without breaking his fingers makes it a no go so he didn't use his quirk at all.
The sideway jumps had been a breeze, since it's one of the things he had been doing and it's almost natural like fighting.
And then there's the ball pitch.
When his turn comes, he was about to throw when Aizawa sensei called him.
"Midoriya, try not to hold back."
That sentence caught attention of his other classmates, he himself, on the other hand, blinked. "Yes?"
Aizawa sensei frowned. "I noticed you haven't been using your quirk at all Midoriya. So if you can use it, then your results will be more accurate."
Ah, this is going to be a pickle. Oh well.
He nods anyway and punched himself once. Hearing the chorus of gasp from his classmates.
Twice.
Thri-
He felt something holding his right hand back from punching himself the third time, looking to see a long cloth, he followed the line of the cloth to see it was Aizawa sensei's scarf and then it hit him.
Aizawa sensei is underground hero, Eraserhead.
He resisted himself from fanboying.
Sure he's less of a fanboy now but he still has his moments.
"What are you doing." He glared at him.
"...You said I should use my quirk, and my quirk needs me to actually be injured to activate."
He can hear murmurs from his classmates at that statement. Aizawa sensei relented at that and let go of the scarf holding his right hand.
Punching himself one last time and took the ball on his hand. Throwing it.
There was a blast of wind following the ball and he's sure there's a sound of something cracking, the ball landed and formed a tiny crater around it.
He blinked. "Ah. I overdid it."
And that was when his classmates started commenting.
"Yo, what the heck! He made a crater!"
"That quirk looks tough but the condition to activate it makes it pretty scary."
"But damn, he made a crater! How tough is he!?"
Aizawa read the result. Smiling, though with how tired he looks, he might as well be smirking. "2 kilometres."
The rest of the assessment had been easy in comparison.
Result
Aizawa sensei gave the results in a holographic chart.
He was sure he heard Bakugou gawking at where he was but he could care less about it as he searches for Shinsou's name, he's 19th, almost teetering to last and barely passing.
Then Aizawa mentions lying about the whole expulsion thing. To the surprise of everyone else but a tall girl with a spiky ponytail, Yaoyorozu Momo. Who commented. "Oh come on, use your brains! Of course it was a ruse!"
He added his own opinion. "Still, he doesn't seem to be lying earlier."
"He must have put a convincing act then." She compromised. Then looked at him. "I see why you have been recommended to enter U.A as well, Midoriya-san. You placed third."
He blinked. Huh. So he's third.
He then looked back at the list. Yaoyorozu was placed first and in second place, is Todoroki Shouto.
Yaoyorozu's comment got his classmates (Sans Iida) wondering, and Shinsou especially, asked, voicing the class's questions. "You're recommended?"
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Well, yeah. Sort of. I personally requested to take part of the exams like everyone else instead. So..."
Shinsou snorted. "For someone recommended, you seem to be selling yourself short." Adding. "It's not a bad thing. I guess. Sometimes, people are so up there they act like jerks to people below them."
He smiled at that. "I can see where you're coming from. I understand the sentiment."
Before the rest of the class can actually ask more, Aizawa sensei cut them off, saying that he'll be handing the curriculum handouts later and gave him a slip to get to Recovery Girl to take care of the bruises.
But as he left, he had a nagging feeling that someone is glaring daggers at him but dismissed it.
Outrunning
Bakugou Katsuki was pissed that Deku was placed third while he entered in fourth.
How the fuck was Deku this strong? Improving his quirk in the span of six years to the point of close mastery is just impossible. Sure, Bakugou may have mostly used his quirk based on instinct, but even he knows that he needs more improvement while Deku doesn't seem like he needs anymore of those except maybe, finding an alternative way to activate that quirk without making it look like he has a death wish.
But one thing's for sure.
It's clear that whatever happened in between the five-six years he left the neighborhood, Deku has completely outrun him in every aspect.
And that thought infuriated him even more.
That the once weak Deku is now far stronger than he is.
Learning and improving his quirk with the help of the Ishikawa's his ass.
He needs to know the full truth.
But he knows he's not going to get an answer from Deku anytime soon. Their friendship is all in tatters, and this Deku is not the same crybaby weakling as the one he remembered in his memories.
He knows now that Deku, at the moment, is in no mood to listen to him so even if he wants the truth, Deku will aggravate him through sarcasm to avoid the topic altogether.
All that is left is to wait for the right time to get his answer.
He knows that he himself is clearly, impatient. But being impatient right now isn't going to do him any favors in finding the truth about what the hell happened to Deku in between the six years he was gone from the neighborhood.
So for now, he'll wait.
Name
The rest of the first day had been anti-climatic and peaceful.
Izuku was about to head home when he hears Iida approach.
"Midoriya-kun, how are your bruises?"
"It should be fine, they sting, but tolerable."
"Ah, that's a relief. You had me worried for a moment when you punched yourself earlier!"
"Ahaha, sorry about that."
"Oh there you are." Both of them turn back to see Shinsou coming over to them.
"Ah, you're Shinsou-kun, right?"
Shinsou nodded. He decided to ask. "Say Shinsou, do you actually start going to gym or something between the entrance exam and the start of U.A's curriculum? No offense but you don't seem athletic."
"So I've heard." The insomniac shrugged. "I started doing physical exercises when I got the letter of acceptance into heroics. I know it's not going to be easy so it's best to get prepared."
"I see! That's quite admirable Shinsou-kun!" Iida comments.
He offered. "I can think up of some exercise schedule to help you out, if you'd like."
Shinsou blinked. "Really?"
"Yeah, I practice boxing to take full advantage of my quirk so it's like second nature. I don't see why I shouldn't help."
He then started talking about possibilities. Mumbling. "But you're sort of like an insomniac so maybe you should take yoga exercises in the morning and the night since they're healing stretches. Oh, for a martial art style, how about Aikido? Since you don't seem strong and the principle of Aikido is to turn the opponents energy against them so it would have worked great. But maybe when you get better physically, you can go for a martial arts of your choice, like Taekwondo or-"
Shinsou cleared his throat.
He stopped, and scratched the back of his head in embarassment. "Ahaha, sorry about that. I like to analyze and think of ways to improve someone's quirk. I get off tangent sometimes."
Shinsou snorted in response. "Huh, who would've thought." He nods at him. "Still, I appreciate the help."
"It's quite admirable Midoriya-kun! Not only are you strong, but you are clever as well!"
"Heyy!" They turned away from the conversation to see Uraraka calling for them.
"You're infinity girl!"
"Ah! You're Iida Tenya-kun, Shinsou Hitoshi-kun and..." She turned to him. "Midoriya Deku-kun!"
...Uh. "Deku?"
"Eh? It's not? I heard in the morning that the Bakugou kid called you that."
Ah, so that's what it's about. He clarified. "Well, it's a demeaning name by Bakugou because my name, Izuku can be read as Deku."
Uraraka's mouth formed a wide "Oh". "Sorry! I thought it seemed cute! Like it gives a "I can do it!" vibe and pretty heroic!"
"Ah, no problem, really!" Izuku reassured her. Really, it's the first time someone thinks of his nickname in a positive light so he felt rather flustered.
"Oh yeah, what is your relationship with Bakugou anyways?" Shinsou wonders.
"Yes! I'm wondering as well, Midoriya-kun!" Iida adds, accompanied by Uraraka's nod.
Izuku's throat hummed in thought. Before deciding to say. "We used to be friends as kids, but Bakugou let's praise get to his head when he got his quirk and I didn't really find out the circumstances of how my quirk activates till I'm eight and after that... it's complicated."
He clarified, seeing their confused looks. "Before I found out the condition to activate my quirk, I was deemed quirkless by everyone else in our neighborhood and is sort of his punching bag. It took me moving out with a host family who volunteered to help me with quirk training at nine to get better from all the bullying and can talk back to him right now."
Not a complete truth. But truthful enough. He'd rather avoid mentioning the underground ring.
Uraraka puffed her cheeks. "Bakugou's mean! Hmph!"
"Indeed! His actions are prospeterous! That is not what a hero should do!" Iida pushed his glasses to the bridge of his nose, his free hand motioning while he's doing so.
Shinsou shrugged. "Well, his loss then. You're a decent nice guy regardless of your quirk or because you're perceived quirkless for it before."
"I must concur with Shinsou-kun! You are a humble, heroic person!"
"Seconded!"
Hearing the support, he can't help but chuckle. "Thanks you three. I appreciate it."
He then looked at Uraraka.
"Well, Uraraka-san, I don't think I would mind you calling me "Deku" since you think of it in a positive light..."
Uraraka smiled and soon they walked to the station, talking about mundane but comfortable topics.
His first day in U.A doesn't seem too bad.
New term of college just started for me, which means slow progress in trying to update and work on future middle ground chapters. Do bear with me if updates are late.
Shinsou took the spot meant for Mineta so Mineta won't appear... or will he?
Despite the drawbacks of Enmity, here are my reasons to have Izuku placed third:
1: Due to the nature of her quirk, Yaoyorozu would need lots of training and studying to fully utilize her quirk, hence why she's placed first like canon. This Izuku only has experience of five years and yet to come up with alternating ways that doesn't truly harm him to activate Enmity and there's the issue of One For All.
2: In raw power, Todoroki is the only person whose power is on par with this Izuku since the power brought through activation of Enmity can be equal to Todoroki's own, but even more so when Izuku is even more cornered. But injuries that Izuku takes for Enmity to activate is Izuku's very own Achiles Heel, since he'll succumb to those injuries before he can finish the fight. So Enmity can be impractical. Hence why Todoroki is still placed second.
3: Bakugou could be able to beat Izuku through instinct, but he lacks this Izuku's experience otherwise.
I try to adapt at least one chapter showing the events of one arc but it depends on whether the arc is long or short. And some dialogues are kind of skipped over, because I don't want to make this a complete rehash of canon so things that had been the same are going to be glossed over unless stated otherwise through the narrations.
Thanks again for all the Follows and favorites! See you next chapter!
- torinokomachi
