*Midoriya's P.O.V*
So here I am... the belly of the beast. I told Himiko that I'm going to be away for a little while and will be back before lunch most likely. But here I am... U.A.
"Alright Young Midoriya, Principal Nezu would like to speak with you." All Might said as he nudged at the door, "I'll be out here."
He probably wants to maintain his hero form for as much as possible. But still, I should question it to not look suspisious, "Why? Shouldn't you be in here to listen to what he has to say?"
"Principal Nezu specified that he wanted to see you alone." He explained.
"... Okay, see you soon." I said as I walked inside and closed the door behind me.
"Ahh, Mr. Midoriya. Glad to see you made it." Principal Nezu said.
Stay calm... be polite, "It's an honor to be here sir." I said with a bow.
"Ahh none of that, after all I am going to be your principal in the upcoming months is that right?"
"That's the plan at least. I don't know the aspects of the exam. I'm more than confident I will do well on the written portion, but the practical exam is a shot in the dark."
"I see... and how do you know there was a practical exam?"
"You're the national school. And the teachers also need to guage a student's Quirk to see how they can improve them. Almost all of the kids in Japan don't train their Quirks, just figure out how to use them, and as such the teachers in U.A need to teach them how to train their Quirks." I explained.
"I see... but what if a Quirkless student wants to attend U.A? Wants to be a hero? What would you say?" So a interview... interesting.
"Well that depends."
"On what?"
"What kind of combat training do they have? Or what kind of rescue or medical tactics do they know? Do they workout and if so how often a week?" I listed off, "It's good to dream, but if you don't do anything to achieve those dreams... then they're just dreams. A Quirk is just an extra muscle students need to train. However if they don't have said muscle, then that saves them time to work on other aspects like combat and rescue training. But that's just me."
"Interesting take... I have the same sentiment." Nezu stated, "But one last question. I, as the Principal, am in position to offer one student a 'Recommendation', say I offer it to you, what would you do?"
"Once again... it depends. Are the recommendation exams and normal exams on the same day?"
"How do you know there are exams for the recommended students?"
"Even with the 'recommended' status, there will surely be students who get in on recommendations, whether it'd be junior high excellence, or hero connections. Either way, there will be plenty of students in on recommendations. So there has to be a way to narrow it down to a small ammount, because there are still the normal exams with students to look through. So I'll ask again, are the recommendation exams and the normal exams on the same day?" I asked.
"No, they are a week apart." Nezu answered.
"Then I'd take it." I said, "Because if I fall short, then I could just take the normal exam. Because it's safe to assume that the recommendation exam isn't easier than the normal exam. And there will be students there who equal or exceed my current skill level... for now. But if you were to offer me a recommendation no strings attached... then I'd be a fool to decline an opportunity with little downsides."
"Little? There are no downsides to taking the exam." Nezu pointed out.
"Principal Nezu I have a philosophy."
"Oh?"
"That philosophy, is that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I.E each action has one or more benefits and one or more consequences. For example, taking the recommended exam. I don't know what the exam entails, so I'm speaking generally here. But the benefits in taking the exam is that it's essentially an extra life. If I fail I can try again for the normal exams. However the downsides is that I'll be worn out from taking the exam, as well as I might get injured during the exam."
"Not to worry, we have Recovery Girl as our esteemed nurse."
"Okay, but that doesn't removed my fatigue, even more so with Recovery Girl's Quirk that drains my stamina for faster healing. So while I have more opportunities, the fatigue I most likely will deal with will be a downside." I explained.
"Adequet." Principal Nezu explained, "Well that concludes our time together for the time being Mr. Midoriya. The recommendation exam is on Feburary 3rd at 6:00 sharp."
"I won't be late." I said with a bow and I turned towards the door... then I stopped, "But first... permission to offer a request?"
"Depends... what is it?"
...
...
"Is it possible to make U.A a boarding school?"
...
*All Might's P.O.V*
I dropped off Young Midoriya at his home with both his and Young Himiko's training regiments. I'll visit them tomorrow, for now I want to hear what Principal Nezu has to say.
"So?" I asked as I deflated and sat across from him.
"He's level headed and extremely analytical. He noticed the bait question of the recommendation and acknowledged the benefits and consequences of taking it. Most students would jump on the recommendation, but he hesitated and looked at it from another angle. He's also confident but not over confident. He doesn't view things in absolute, he knows the question marks he has in his future here." Principal Nezu analyzed, "All and all? I like him, and believe he will be a prime candidate for One for All. However... he's suffering inside, I can tell from his eyes."
"I know that... his Quirk is called 'Pain'. If he is in physical or emotional pain, he gets stronger and faster, he blew a slime villain away with one full powered punch." I explained.
"I don't know what he is going through... but it's not my place to question it. But do keep an eye on him."
"... I will Principal." I said.
"Then you may leave, you still have 2 and a half hours on your time limit." Principal Nezu pointed out.
"Understood sir." I said before walking out.
...
...
He's right, I need to keep an eye on Young Midoriya.
...
*Midoriya's P.O.V*
"Did you get it yet?" Himiko asked.
"Not yet. But be patient, I'm sure he's getting closer to offering it to me."
"How can you be so certain?"
"He's training me for a reason. And I've been giving it my all for all of his tests. If I wasn't a worthy candidate, then he wouldn't be wasting his time with us." I explained, "For now, we need to focus on training and studying. Our goal is to pass and attend U.A together, so don't fall behind on your studies."
"H-Hey! What makes you think I'm the weakest mind here?!"
I shot her a look, "I'm tutoring Eri right now... on Calculus. And you're working on Geometry because you said and I quote, 'It's too hard'."
...
...
"Fine, I'll study." She conceded.
"Excellent."
...
The up and coming months have come and gone. We decided to not deal with any Quirk stealing for now and focus on training Eri's Quirk, she's come a long way and figured out the timing of her Quirk. Along with that Himiko and I have been training as well as studying. Besides I stole a lot of Quirks from the Mafia, and luckily their Quirks were leaked online so I know what they do. And besides... I'll have plenty of Quirks to take once I enter U.A.
As we were training, All Might has popped in every now and then to see our progress, and he seemed impressed... excellent. Anyway to help her out on the practical I showed Himiko some hand to hand combat, because... much to her dismay, she can't bring knives into battle.
"B-But Snipe uses guns, why can't I use knives?" She whined.
"Stop complaining, you can use knives whenever you want after the exam. And have you updated your Quirk Registration forms?" I asked.
"Yes, 'Blood Transformation'. You?"
"All Might helped me out with that. We are good to go."
"So what's the schedule here?" Himiko asked.
"My test is tomorrow, and yours... potentially ours, is a week later." I explained.
"So I'll watch her tomorrow, and you'll take my place next week?"
"Yes. I also asked if Nezu could make U.A a boarding school, and he said he would consider it."
"God I hope so, we're running out of money. And we could just sell this house, we barely use the other rooms anyway."
"Right, but that's not right now. What's right now, is getting ready for U.A." I stated as I glanced at the clock, 7:45. "For now let's get some sleep."
"... It's not that late." She pointed out, "So... maybe we can... you know? Go beyond, Plus Ultra?"
"... After we pass our exams."
She blew out a raspberry.
"Fine you meanie."
...
I made it to the exam area... well, we made it. Himiko and Eri insisted I bring them with me to cheer me on. The begging was starting to annoy me, so I brought them along. But something is... off.
"Where is everyone?" Himiko asked... yes. It's, rather barren for an exam. I have two theories on why there aren't any students here. One the recommendation exam was more exclusive than I thought... or two.
"We were told to come earlier than the exam time."
"Excellently put Mr. Midoriya." That voice, Nezu. "Though this exam is secret, I can allow these spectators inside."
"So any particular reason why I'm here earlier than intended?" I asked as I saw Nezu with All Might.
"Well, Young Midoriya, I have something I would like to tell you... in private." I think I know where this is going.
"... Himiko, Eri? Mind going inside?" I asked.
"Yeah, come on Eri." Himiko said as she led Eri inside.
"So where is this meeting taking place?" I asked once they left.
"Of course... follow me."
...
"So what is this about?" I asked as we headed into an empty room within the stadium.
"Ahh yes... before we get to that, there is something I need to tell you." All Might said before he transformed with a loud 'Poof'. I knew about this form... but to see the contrast first hand is shocking. "I know this seems shocking. The Symbol of Peace is actually this frail skinny man. But it's the truth..." He said before pulling up his shirt. Revealing a disgusting wound, "Pretty gross right, I got this in a big fight 5 years ago. My respritory system is basically destroyed, and I lost my whole stomach. All the surgeries have pretty much worn me out... and it can't be fixed." 5 Years huh... no, I don't think Eri is ready for that yet, but I'll keep that in mind, "Because of that, I can only do hero work for about 3 hours a day. After that... this is what I look like."
"But why tell me this?" I asked.
"Because I deem you worthy of my power... My Quirk is yours to inherit." This is it... but play dumb Izuku just to be safe.
"... Okay I am completely lost now." I muttered, which made All Might laugh... and spew out blood as a result.
"There are a few things you should know about my power. It's called One for All. To put it simply it's a stockpile Quirk that gets stronger every time it's passed down. It's been going on for eight generations and you will be the 9th." All Might explained, "But I'm getting ahead of myself." He said before walking a few steps towards me and raising his finger towards the ceiling, "Now listen well Young Midoriya, this is your choice... DO YOU WANT TO ACCEPT MY AWESOME POWER OR NOT-PLARGH!"
...
...
He spit blood all over my face.
"S-Sorry." He apologized as I wiped the blood off my face.
"But a Quirk that can be passed on... that's a major anomaly. But I digress... why me?" I asked. "I'm certain there are other students out there with powers greater than mine, and more deserving."
"Hence why I've been training you for the past 9 months." All Might said, "It was to test your determination, your grit, and your intellect."
"You see Mr. Midoriya, all of these tasks All Might has given you were tests. Granted the trash test was supposed to take longer in his mind, but I digress. You perservered in more ways than one." Principal Nezu pointed out.
"From your Junior High endeavors to right now, life has thrown numerous curve balls at you, and you smashed them all out of the park. Most kids would just give up, but you powered through, you intend to take life by the horns and accomplish your goals." Oh how right he is... "And as such, I deem you worthy of my Quirk, One for All... if you want it that is."
...
...
Go for the kill Izuku.
"If you two trust me that much... then I accept."
"No reluctance... just how I imagined it would go." All Might said before he buffed up and plucked off a hair, "Now eat this!"
"... Repeat that?"
"To inherit my Quirk you need to injest some of my D.N.A that's how it works!"
"That should have been said during your explanation!" I yelled... no, swallow it Izuku, it's right there. One of the three hardest parts of your plan is right there, take it.
I grabbed the hair... and swallowed it. Never in my life did I want to throw up as bad as now.
"Now the hair will digest in about 2 hours... hence why we had you come 3 hours earlier than when the test actually started." All Might explained.
"So do we just wait till then?" I asked.
"Yes, that's about all we can do right now." All Might answered.
"Then I'm going to buy some mouthwash."
...
After alleviating my mouth of the taste of bad hair products I felt something bubble inside me, an immense power surged throughout my body.
"That's it, One for All!" All Might exclaimed.
... I did it, I got it.
"W-What do I do with it?" I'm in complete awe at the sheer power of it, and now it's mine.
"We test it out. We still have an hour before students are expected to arrive-"
"Is that a good idea?" I asked, which made All Might pause, "If what you said about it was true, then I have eight generations worth of power in my body. If I just use it with little to no idea how to use it, then I'll just eliminate myself from the exam."
"He makes a fair point All Might." Principal Nezu stated.
"Ghh! I-I was just testing him, a true test of being a hero is to know when to bring your guns out!" We'll roll with that sure.
"Either way, I shouldn't use this power until I'm done with this exam. Then we can test it." I said as I began walking towards the door, "Either way, I should leave, it would be suspisious if I was seen with the Number 1 Hero and the Principal of U.A."
"Valid reasoning, we shall see you soon Mr. Midoriya." Principal Nezu said.
I nodded and headed outside. Phase 1 is complete... and now.
It's time for Phase 2.
...
Hmm... so far none of these recommended students pique my interest. Doesn't ultimately matter anyway, all that matters is what their Quirks ar-
"So these are the recommended students? What a waste of slots." That arrogance, Endeavor, "You can beat these students easily Shoto." So that's his son... I keep my eyes on him.
"OKAY!" And here's the proctor, Present Mic, "Come this way for the written exam y'all!" Alright, here we go.
...
...
It was laughably easy.
"Excuse me, Present Mic?"
"Do you have a questi-"
"No, I finished. What do I do now?" I asked.
"... W-We have an hour until the next section begins. I guess... you can wait outside if you so desire?"
"Then I'll leave this to you." I said as I walked out of the examination hall.
Now... where is Himiko and Eri?
...
"Oh Izuku!" Himiko exclaimed as she and Eri were sitting underneath a tree, "How did the test go?"
"I'm certain I aced the written portion, we have an hour before the actual practical starts." I explained, "I wanted to look for you so we can wait."
"Was the test easy?" Eri asked.
"Yes, it was extremely easy. In fact I think you two could have got all of them right if you were given the same test." I said.
"I wouldn't go that far..." Himiko muttered, "So what are we going to do?"
"Well I don't know about you... but I plan on napping for the hour." I said while laying down on the grass.
"Me too..." Eri said as she climbed on top of me.
...
...
"Oh what the heck?" She asked as she scooted over to lay next to me... all that's left is to set the timer for 30 minutes...
And let the world go on by.
...
...
...
"Hmm..." I muttered to myself as I glanced towards my phone... 3 minutes left until the alarm is supposed to ring. I glanced onto my chest to see Eri sleeping away, she has grown into quite the heavy sleeper after staying with us for a year. Still... I should let her sleep.
I disabled the alarm and nudged Himiko... who turned to nap on her stomach. She's lucky the grass is dry. "Himiko?" I asked while nudging her awake... she didn't even stir. "Himiko." I said slightly louder... still nothing. These two... fine, I have one more thing to try. I gently moved Eri so I can sit up, and then I raised my hand up and...
*SLAP*
"OW-MMPH!" She yelled out but I placed a hand over her mouth.
"Quiet... you'll wake Eri." I said as I let go of her mouth.
"You slapped my ass... I didn't know you were into that kind of stu-"
"You didn't wake up, you two are the heaviest sleepers in the world. It was either that or hitting you on the head-"
"Ass it is." She said instantly.
"Now let's go, we have 30 minutes until the practical starts." I said as I carried the sleeping Eri.
"Wait... can you even bring her?" Himiko asked.
"Principal Nezu said you two could come, so as far as I'm concerned I can." I said as I nudged my head towards the U.A building, "Nezu told me where it is. Follow me."
"Right."
...
"Ahh there he i-"
"If you so much as yell and wake her up I'll be very upset." I threatened.
"U-Understood." Mic muttered.
I nodded and looked around, there's the son of Endeavor, but there is a tall muscular boy, a girl with a black ponytail, a girl with green hair, a guy with odd teeth... and the rest aren't very distinguishable.
"Alright..." Present Mic said with a mellow voice, "Now that the written exam is over, you have this practical and an interview with our esteemed Principal."
... Wait, I already had an interview? No... maybe this will be a different interview.
"You will split into groups of 6, and will partake in a 3 kilometer race. However, you won't be able to finish just by running, so use your Quirks however you deem fit." Mic said as I was in line with my group. I'm not with the son of Endeavor, nor am I with the other distinguishable students... this should be simple.
"Himiko, take care of Eri." I said as I handed her off.
"Right." She said as Eri moved to nuzzle into her chest.
"Ready? Begin." Present Mic said.
...
...
Too easy.
*FWOOSH*
"Finished." The podium said as I stood across from it.
*FWOOSH*
"Do I need to wait for the others to finish?"
"Gaah!" Mic yelled... I can forgive that one. Luckily Eri didn't wake up. "H-How did you... complete this in less than 5 minutes?"
"My Quirk, it makes me stronger and faster the more pain I'm in... that's all I will say on the matter." I said as I walked back over to Himiko.
"You always run like you're running out of time." Himiko commented.
"... Comes with the job."
...
"Mr. Midoriya..." Principal Nezu started, "I have already interviewed you, but this is a tradition."
"And I respect that." I said as I sat across from him. Himiko and Eri are outside.
"But I still have some more questions to ask you. Now... why do you want to be a hero?"
"I'm surprised you didn't ask me that back then." I commented, "But I want to be a hero to protect them. They might not look like it, but they suffered, much like I have. I lost everything, but so have they. They have had everything stripped from them. So it's my job to protect them."
"Aww... love you too Izuku!" They were listening the whole time... excellent.
"Haha." And now Nezu is laughing at me, "Well it would seem they value you as well."
"Yeah..."
"Anyway moving on. You blazed through that exam rather quickly Mr. Midoriya, I must ask... how intellegent are you?"
"I study on my off time." I started, "Not to brag, but I mastered Calculus, well versed in Chemistry, fluent in 3 languages excluding Japanese, they being English, French, and Latin. I also know some utility languages like Sign, Braile, and should the need come up Morse Code." Leaving out the fact that I learned all of that from All for One during my training.
"Exquisite. And how would you rate your analytical skills?"
"On a scale of 1-10? 10. In this field, analyzing the terrain and the enemies Quirks could be the difference between life and death." I explained, "It doesn't matter the Quirk, if you don't have a attack plan that isn't just attack, then you're as good as dead."
"I see... now last question." Nezu started, "We have approved of your pitch of a boarding school for U.A and they will be ready in 4 days. However you stated you owned a home... what will you do with it once you move in?"
"We haven't thought that through yet, Himiko and I threw out the idea of selling the house, but we know next to nothing about real estate." I explained.
"I see, well that is all I would like to ask you. I wish you luck on your future endeavors... and I expect you to move your stuff into the dorms in 4 days."
...
...
"So does that confirm I made it in?"
"Correct. I graded your test during the remaining hour, you didn't miss a single question. Not to mention you finished the practical in a matter a minutes. I would be a fool to not accept you. Congratulations."
I stood up and bowed, "Thank you sir."
"It's not a problem... and remember, 4 days." He reiterated as I exited the office. Himiko and Eri stood up and walked towards me.
"So?"
"... We need to move our stuff into the dorms in 4 days."
*End of Chapter*