A.N. Hey guys! First things first, new chapter! Yay!
Ok, now that that is out of the way, I want to apologies for the level of angst in this chapter. This will not be normal for my stories, so if you want to skip ahead to the trial, fell free, though you will miss some important pieces of the back story. Also, sorry, but no practical exam this chapter. In fact, I am going to take a great deal of time getting the practical exam right. This is a big moment for Midoriya.
I should also mention that I will try to keep my A.N.s to a minimum, as I can be rather long winded. Sorry about that, but I think you will find this information interesting/useful, so here it is.
Next, Izuku does not have ANY quirks… yet. He may inherit All for One at some point, but I am going to make him do as much as possible without any powers. That's kind of the point of this story, the whole 'rise of the Quirkless and downtrodden' thing. He will almost certainly pick up Himiko Toga (Blood Morph), Kyoka Jiro (Earphone Jack), Mashirao Ojiro (Tailman), Minoru Mineta (Grape Head), Hitoshi Shinso (Brainwash), and Mellissa Shield (quirkless) as allies due to their 'useless/villainous' quirks and quirklessness, maybe a few others as well. He will have several gadgets he relies on, but it will mostly be his own awesomeness and kung-fu! Now that I have gotten the mandatory Kung Fu Panda riff out of the way, I will go ahead and give you his three main gadgets, and the seven primary skills I have designed for him. I am not sure if he will use all of these actively throughout the story, or if I will add more, but they were a major part of the character I designed. Feel free to P.M. me if you have any ideas. Lord knows I could use the help.
GAGETS:
Subspace: A storage unit with near-unlimited space that can shrink down anything All-Might-sized (a little smaller than three smart cars, or slightly larger than one sports car) or smaller and story it weightlessly and spacelessly. It is implanted in Izuku's wrist (think spider-man web shooters), but has a max range of twelve feet. Anything stored in subspace is in suspended animation. The larger an object pulled in, the longer the reload time (about four seconds per twenty pounds, so he can nearly instantly switch between suits). Izuku primarily uses this to store all twelve of his costumes and his weapon, and nothing else. He can also use it to switch out said costumes and weapons with no time between uses. (Think Erza Scarlett's Requip without the glowing nudity.) Further skills, upgrades, and stored items TBA.
Auspix: A rather common upgrade for most heroes to have, usually called SightUp, this chip is typically attached to the outside of the neck at the top of the spine, near the skull, and is used to heighten senses to improve tactical awareness. Izuku's model is slightly different form the common models in two ways. First, his model is implanted IN his neck, fused to his spine right at the base of the skull. This makes it nearly impossible to detect, and completely impossible to remove, at least without killing him. The second difference is that, instead of heightening his senses, it just heightens ALL nervous traffic, including pleasure, all of his senses, and pain. This also allows him to generate mild electrical currents through his nerves, but this ability is mostly useless (feels like a perpetual static shock). Further skills TBD.
Sonix: A hugely typical device, with higher-grade models being accessible to heroes, the police, the military, and even sports professionals, this device creates a mild sound-based shield around the target, redirecting shrapnel and various other small projectiles. The higher-grade versions can also be used to redirect and put out fire, protect from large-scale attacks, and even guard against low-level pure-energy attacks, however, this is not the best description for Izuku's model. One of the most basic designs, Izuku's would mostly be used as a low-level debris deterrent, but, due to interfacing between it and his Auspix and martial arts training that allows him to control the electrical output from Auspix, he is capable of directing the shield. He can limit its coverage while making the covered area extra protected, project the protection onto others, and even collect the soundwaves under his feet to improve movement speed and increase jump distance, or around his fist to create devastating shockwave punches. He can also create a sonic cannon blast with it, but it isn't exceptionally dangerous, only useful for damaging non-living, rigid items (stone, metal, concrete) items with earthquake-like damage at a fifteen-foot range. Device manifests as a small control box implanted near the sternum, and multiple nodes around the surface of his body to transmit the sound. Any alterations to its usage by Izuku cause the device to require a cooldown time before it is reused, the stronger the use, the longer the cooldown. That being said, it can be used to stop a full clip from a 0.20-caliber gun with only a 0.5-second cooldown. Possible powerup TBD, but unlikely.
All of these items are viewed as normal, even basic gear. It is Izuku's proficiency at meditation, his intelligence, and his self-control that make them so special, as well as a few minor interactions between them, like using Auspix to interface with Sonix. The only item of any real interest is the Subspace unit, and that is only because Izuku sprung for near-infinite space. All the rest is all his ideas, effort, and skill.
Next: Abilities: As of yet, he has seven. I am highly tempted to make it twelve, but honestly, these seven should be good enough. If you can think of any you think I should add, PM me.
True Sight: The ability to rapidly analyze and react to surrounding situations, often going far enough as to prioritize enemies by level of difficulty, reveal mostly-hidden things (concealed weapons, invisible people, secret doors, snipers/ambushers), and reveal the motivations of and visible people/creatures. True Sight uses ALL senses, so if a target is only invisible, he can still detect them.
Iron Will: The ability to entirely ignore the negative effects of pain. Pain still registers, but without any distractions or negative side-effects. Also makes him highly resistant to psychic-style attacks.
No Sweat: Also called Second Wind, this ability allows the user to ignore exhaustion, hunger, thirst, or lack of sleep for as long as possible. Must be activated, but when it does, user can continue until they drop dead, literally. User does have the ability to keep track of his/her physical well-being, but any issues are negligible as long as they stop in time. Produces muscle trembling, cold sweats, and temporary exhaustion. Side effects duration directly correspond to skill's usage time.
Evil Eye: In essence, this is a Ki attack. The user channels all of his blood-lust, anger, displeasure, will to dominate, etc. into a look, facial expression, or posture. All targets, even friendly ones, can be affected, but the reaction depends on the strength of the users will, the range, and the strength of emotion. User must center themselves in the emotion or emotions they want to project with NO distractions. Effect of the ability depends on the emotion used (rage produces fear, blood-lust brings paralyzing terror, displeasure produces desire to please, will to dominate brings submission, etc.).
Spirit Breaker: A dubious skill at best, it is actually two previous skills combined and altered to create a new skill. User will use True Sight to determine how the target thinks, activate a minor Evil Eye, then proceed to use the target's own fears and doubts to crush their will. The easiest way to make the effects short term is to mentally attack the opponent with full force, then immediately knock them unconscious. Then, the Spirit Breaker will only affect them as much as a bad dream, horrible in the moment, manageable later. However, if the effect is more subtly applied, it can lead to self-doubt, phobias, insanity, despair, and even suicidal depression. Thankfully, all negative effects can be cured with decent counselling. What is commonly less-known, however, is that this ability has a very powerful flip-side, where a positive emotion is used instead of a negative one, and this can as effectively, if not more effectively, change a person's life for the better. It can also be used to create feelings of false hope and over-confidence in powerful people, both allies and enemies, so great care must be taken in using it. Can be used on self.
Maximum Effort: The ability to turn off the body's inbred limiters and access the full capabilities of your strength, speed, skill, endurance, etc. While this can have some massive upsides (boosted running speed, the ability to punch through walls, etc.) without proper training, using this skill can be vastly damaging, if not fatal. Overuse, even common use, of this ability is VERY dangerous. It is not recommended to try this ability unless you have top-of-the-line healers and trainers on hand, nor is it recommended to use this ability unless you have no other options. Side effects may include massive exhaustion, focusing difficulties, stress to the heart, brain, or other organs, temporary insanity, and massive damage to limbs, ligaments, joints, muscles, bones, veins, etc.
Blindside: A simple, albeit hard to learn, skill that makes it so that a person's motions are filtered out by the subconscious filters of other people's brains. While more commonly used in areas such as street magic and pick-pocketing, this skill has massive applications in fighting. After all, you can't block a punch if your brain can't even register that you are getting punched. Useless against machines. Useful against people-controlled machines.
Izuku will also be very strong and fast, but these are the basic pieces you will need to know to pick up on where the story is going.
Now, on with the story:
I am… the Magician."
"The Magician? You don't look like a magician. You look like an assassin!"
Midoriya laughed. "I know, it doesn't really make sense if you don't know what I am talking about. See, I specialize in sleight of hand tricks and misdirection to keep my opponents guessing, the use a specialized martial art that I created around the twelve primary elements to defeat them. Currently, I am in the outfit for the element Shadow, but unless you are familiar with me or my fighting style, it doesn't really make sense up front; and since my fighting style is proprietary and I am not a hero yet, that means no-one gets it. I am actually expecting to have to explain that multiple times a day for the next several years, at least, just because of how confusing it is. Its even worse, though, because each of my suits looks nothing like the others, so I'll have to do the explanations for twelve people, instead of just one, and it will get even worse if I have to change my outfits at all!" he suddenly realized he was babbling, and being rather rude, and instantly tried to make up for it. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I tend to babble when I get nervous. Bad habit. I'm afraid I'm competing anonymously, so I can't give you my name at this time, and I'd ask yours, but I wouldn't want to get your name and not give you mine."
"It's no big deal. Kyoka Jiro is my name. What's your quirk, then?"
"I'm afraid that falls under the 'anonymous' part, but I can talk about my support gear, if you like. Also, is your mother Mika Jiro, of the Tokyo Jiros? I'm a fan of her music, and I actually had one of the Tokyo Jiros make my weapons, especially my katanas: Honō no Hashi (Flame's Edge.), Namiutsu Mizu (Rippling Water), Kamikaze no Kami Sori (Razor of the Divine Wind), Kanpekina Chitsujo no Ha (Blade of Perfect Order), and, of course, the one on back, Mangetsu no Shita no Kage (Shadow under the Full Moon)."
"Wait, my family made you several katanas. I thought we quit make katanas for anyone outside the family!"
"Yup."
"Then how did you get them. Did you steal them?"
"Nope."
"Then… you must be…! Did you lie to the elders? They said you were quirkless!"
Izuku reached over and clamped a hand over her mouth, looking around to make sure no-one else was listening. When he realized no-one was paying them any attention, he released her mouth and sighed. "I guess I set myself up for that. I'm kind of surprised you've heard of me. Yes, I am… that. But I want to keep it a secret until the end of the test, at least. I have spent my whole life building up to this moment, but I'm so concerned that I will bring shame on my family and my senseis that I am doing it (mostly) anonymously. The only people who know I am here are the parts of the support company I worked for that set this up, Principal Nezu, and now you. Not even my mom knows I am here."
Jiro looked up in awe, embarrassment, and concern. "What are you doing here. You could get killed! This exam is for future heroes, not fanboy nerds!" As soon as she said, she mentally slapped herself, knowing she had gone too far. His posture stiffened, and all of the good humor that had been evident in his voice before, even during his desperate attempt to keep her from blabbing his secret, instantly bled away, and was replaced with brittle politeness. "Yes, well," he said, looking away, "Send my greetings to you mother and her family if you get the chance. I have to go get a seat and prepare myself for the upcoming trial. I hope you do well. Don't forget to show your best. It wouldn't do to bring shame on your family or teachers." With that minor rebuke, he turned and walked away, not even giving her a moment to respond.
She started to walk in to the auditorium, cursing her big mouth. If one-tenth of the stories she heard from the Tokyo family were true, she had just gravely insulted a nice, honorable, and very deadly young man. He had earned five katanas from a family that swore they would never make another weapon for anyone who wasn't their kin, he had showed them the secrets to the mono-molecular blades (and sheaths for said blades. Turns out, it is REALLY hard to make a sheath for a blade that can cut through almost anything.) that had eluded them for centuries, and he had impressed her family with his skills at single combat against their best warriors enough that they had blood adopted his whole family as cousins so they could present him with the weaponry he had earned from them without breaking their oath! She would probably have to find a way to make it up to him, but honestly! What was he doing here? A quirkless would be little more than a hindrance in the hero program, no matter how good they were! She cursed again when she realized something he had said: "All my weapons." How many weapons had he earned?! She knew she had made a big mistake, she just hoped it wouldn't be her last.
-MYA—MHA-
Izuku started his meditation breathing techniques. He was fine with her skepticism, after all he was skeptical himself, and he knew what he could do. He didn't even mind the blatant anti-quirkless bigotry. Honestly, it was something so ingrained into the cultures psyche that no-one, not even his mother, not even himself, was completely free of it. But she had called him a 'fan-boy nerd'. As soon as she had said it, all of the times Kacchan had bullied him with that exact same phrase had surfaced in his mind, which brought up every time he had been bullied, which brought up his own uncertainty, and he once again found himself battling his insecurity in the form of a mild panic attack. Thankfully, he was rather good at dealing with them by now. He knew he might have given her the wrong impression walking away like that, but if he had kept talking, he would have probably melted down then and there. He would have to explain later, if he got the chance.
Deku used his Iron Will to begin focusing on more recent, and pleasant, memories then the minor horrors of his childhood. All things considered, Kacchan's bullying, while harsh, had been almost non-existent since they both hit thirteen. He hadn't stopped, per say, but it was almost entirely verbal now, and there was very little fire in it. That year, one of the students at their high school had been accidentally killed in an act of bullying. He and Kacchan had run into each other right after the funeral. It was at a student-hosted wake, of sorts, and both of them had had a bit too much to drink (a mistake they never intended to replicate. Honestly, between the taste and the hangovers, why would anyone ever drink?) so, much to their surprise the next day, they had ended up taking long into the night. It had turned out that both of them were friendly with the boy, and they hadn't even realized the other even knew he existed. Bakugo had told 'Deku' about his insecurities, how he was worried that, even with his awesome quirk, he would 'burn out' and end up more worthless than he thought Izuku was. Izuku responded by telling 'Kacchan' why he wanted to be a hero so bad, starting with his father's death after a supervillain attack, then going in to how much he had obsessed over All Might, turning him into a father-figure in a delusional world he had struggled with until he turned six. He spoke about how he wanted to show the quirkless that they were not worthless, and show the world the judging someone based on their quirk was a bad idea. To this, Kacchan heartily agreed. He said that he wanted to prove his capabilities as a warrior and a hero, only to make everyone hate him due to his bad attitude so that people would see that a good quirk wasn't necessarily a good person. He spoke of how he let the attitude down around his house and his closest friends, but of how scared he was that this would make him worthless as a person. All in all, it had been very cathartic, even if it didn't change their relationship very much. Deku had sent Kacchan to his Capoeira instructor to help him with mobility, and Kacchan had told Deku the names of several books that could help him with his pursuits, books that specialized in helping a person determine what type of image they wanted to project, and when, and how to project that image. But, when it came right down to it, Deku wasn't comfortable around Kacchan, and Kacchan wasn't comfortable around him. They were just to similar to hit it off well, and to different to work well together.
Once in the auditorium, Deku started to look for a good seat. As was fitting for his current costume, Darkness- Magician's Secret, he decided he would sit in a dark corner, as far away from the podium as possible, with a clear line of sight to the main door and the stage entrance. Many of the students who saw me start shaking and getting nervous. He was really hoping he didn't destroy any potential heroes' future chance with his appearance, but he knew in the back of his mind that if they couldn't take this, they probably weren't ready to learn how to be heroes. Then something strange happened. Kacchan came in, looked around, saw him, tried to look as if he didn't by turning his head quickly away, did a double-take, and then causally walked over to sit done next to Deku. Deku was shocked. It wasn't like there weren't other seats, and this wasn't anything like how Kacchan normally acted. He always chose a chair in the middle of the room, and would make a huge production of it, making sure that everyone saw him. This time, he moved to the back quietly and quickly, and sat down next to Deku like he was sitting next to a well-known acquaintance.
"Your leg is bouncing, Deku."
Izuku froze. He leg had been bouncing. He started to try to deny it. "W-w-what do you…"
"Aw, can it. You told me you were going to be here, and I've known you since we were three. You really think a mask is going to throw me? I thought it might be you outside, but I wasn't sure enough to try to talk to you, and then that cute girl walked over and started to speak with you. I guess your dumb costumes are good for something, even if it is only picking up babes. Now that I think about it, that is probably one of the best reasons I have ever heard for wearing one! Then, I come in here, and there you are, leaning back, rocking slightly, with leg bouncing, same as always when you are nervous about a test, even though you have studied enough. Seeing that probably did more to help my nerves than anyone else's help combined! If you can treat this a like just another test, so can I!
Despite himself, Deku found himself smiling again and relaxing. Some things never changed, and it looked like Kacchan was one of them. "I hope they put us in the same arena, then I will be finally able to show you how wrong you are. Just a chick-magnet, indeed! I will beat you down in the field of combat for saying such things!"
Kacchan snorted, and both boys chuckled quietly for a minute, then got down to examining the information packets. Though there was no instruction sheet explaining the tests, it was pretty obvious form the information provided what they were to expect. The writing portion would be the easiest, with tests in calligraphy, Japanese history, economics, and math, as well in English (the world's foremost entertainment and tourism language), Mandarin Chinese (the language of business), and hero law. The practical exam seemed to be video-game-like, with robot-slaying as the biggest part. Izuku wondered if there was a proper behavior section, and resolved to be his most 'heroic' just in case. He shared his concern with Kacchan, and the two of them started reviewing the subjects they would be tested on, as well as discussing the possible sizes and weaknesses in the design of the robots they would be facing, and trying to figure out the scoring structure for the practical. Despite no real friendship between the two, their knowledge base was similar enough, yet different enough, that the conversation went smoothly and they both learned something from it.
Suddenly, Present Mike, probably one of the most famous heroes in Japan for his radio show and one of the most well-known teachers at U.A. came out onto the stage. He tried to be up-beat and get the crowd pumped up, but for some reason, most likely nerves over the coming exams (and the assassin in the back row), he failed miserably. To Izuku's and Kacchan's complete LACK of surprise, he then went into detailing the upcoming day. The only surprising things were the unmentioned robot, and the guy who was so nervous that he interrupted the teacher to ask about it right before Present Mike was probably going to explain that very thing, and how he ended up looking like a robot spoke, with his off-hand going up and down in a karate-chop-style motion "Excuse me, sir, but you said there were three types of villains, while the information packet clearly says there are four. Is this a typo? If so, I must say that as an applicant, I am seriously disappointed with the documentation the premier hero academy in Japan, possible the world has provided us. Also, to the masked figure in the back corner, are you a hero trainee or an aspiring villain? Your clothes do not inspire confidence in your peers."
Kacchan sneered, and would have answered harshly and crassly, but Izuku placed his hand on his arm and stood up, projecting as menacing an aura as he could pull off without using Evil Eye or Spirit Breaker. He slowly made his way down the side aisle, until he was standing where everyone can see him. Looking the robot-boy in the eye, he activated True Sight to learn more about him, all while slowly reaching his right hand up and back in the general direction of his katana handle. Everyone in the room, even the pro-hero, froze and started to shake as the room filled with tension. With a sudden cough, Izuku scratched the back of his head with a sheepish gesture while releasing the pressure in the room. "Actually, I am trying to go incognito. I have such a high standard to live up to, and I was so worried about failing miserably today and bringing dishonor on my family, I went with my most bad-ass costume in the hopes of bolstering my confidence. Sorry if I spooked you." With these words and a nervous chuckle, Izuku bowed at the waist while scanning the room behind his mask. He smiled as he saw most of the applicants were now much more relaxed, including robot-boy. After all, the kid was only acting the way he was because he was worried about living up to someone else's standards.
"Yes, well, try and remember that all of your actions reflect on this sacred campus we are all trying to attend." Ok, so maybe he hadn't relaxed a lot, but at least he wasn't still making that ridiculous flapping gesture. "I return to my original question, Mr. Present Mike Sensei, but now that I think about it, you were probably about to address that very concern, I apologize for interrupting, please continue." With a ninety-degree bow that looked somewhat painful, he sat back down and adjusted his glasses. As Izuku made he way back to his seat, he chuckled to himself. That boy had so much to prove, he had desperately looked for possible flaws in the teacher's presentation, not to mention all of the students, in order to make himself feel better. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but, if he got in, his nerves and desperation to prove himself would have to go into his file under the 'To Fix' category. It wouldn't do to have him accidentally getting someone killed, accidentally dying, or, worse still, killing in an attempt to prove himself. But that could wait until later. Today, it was test time.
He was just about to let his true sight slip, when he saw another problem. A deep frown developed on his face as he realized the problem he had accidentally created, and he had to instantly get to work trying to find a solution before he inadvertently ruined someone's life.
-MYA—MHA-
Jiro was not comfortable, or relaxed, or even ready. She had been ready at some point this morning, but one thing after another had hit her confidence until she was on the edge of a nervous breakdown. It had all started with a shoelace. It hadn't even been on the pair of shoes she was wearing today, but as she walked past a pair of sneakers in the entry hall of her parent's home, she had tripped over them and broken the lace on one of her mother's favorite shoes. Superstition aside, she had accidentally damaged one of her mother's prized possessions, by tripping over it, in the biggest day of her life! That was at least two strikes, maybe three.
Then, there was the assassin at the gate. She had really screwed up big time talking to him, but she was only just starting to understand how much she had screwed up. A quick message to her mother had been the first clue. She hadn't known why she felt so compelled to talk to her mother about him, but she knew better than to ignore her instincts, so she had asked for information about him, stating that she thought he was there. The next indicator of how badly she had screwed up, was the fact that her mother had answered immediately. Her mother NEVER answered immediately, thinking that it made her look to eager. Then, there was the answer itself.
Kyoka: Mom, I think our recently adopted cousin is here. You know, the special case? Could you tell me everything you know about him so I can be sure? Also, what should I do if it is him?
Mika: What?
Mika: DO NOT MAKE HIM ANGRY!
Mika: Or upset, or displeased, or annoyed! Don't even make him confused. Mind your manners, be polite, and DO NOT SPEAK UNTIL YOU ARE SPOKEN TO.
Mika: If he needs anything, get it. If it costs anything, pay for it. If there are any problems, take care of them. And if you are tested in the same arena, STAY OUT OF HIS WAY! It would be better to fail completely than to bug him in the slightest. Pray that doesn't become necessary, and ABSULUTLY give up before ANY possible fights with him. It would be better for you to never achieve being a hero then to end up dead during the tests.
That was not AT ALL what she had been expecting. She knew he was dangerous, but her mother, who only bowed to the very heads of their clan, was basically telling her to enslave herself to a quirkless! How strong was this guy?!
Sadly, she gotten her answer. Most of the other applicants who saw his little intimidation show had thought any fear was their own nerves talking, and had laughed at their own insecurities making this sheepish, nervous teen into a nightmare in their minds, but a few of them (all martial artists, and the pro hero teachers) knew better. That aura he had been projecting had been pure lethal intent, and his further acting had made it obvious that he had been releasing it on purpose. That he had been doing it to then act the fool to make others relax and underestimate him, proved that he was very, VERY dangerous indeed. And she had insulted him so bad, he had indicated she would bring shame on her family! She just hoped he wouldn't kill her for the insult, and that, if he did, he would be satisfied with just her death.
With these thoughts running through her head, she had forgotten why she was even here today. After all, what did the upcoming tests matter, when she wasn't going to survive the night? She began to ponder what final messages she would send to her mother and father, wondering if they would even want to hear from her after what she had done.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, her body moved on auto-pilot when Present Mike Sensei had told them to go to the testing center for the written exam. She also didn't notice when her 'auto-pilot' led her to a small side-office on the way to the testing center until she found herself sitting in one of its chairs. Confused, she was about to get up and leave to find her way to the testing center, when the office door closed behind her. Fearing the worst, she leapt up and whirled around…
…to find herself staring Death in the face.
"She froze. Was this it? Would she die right here, in a tiny office, in U.A. High's testing center?
He didn't say anything, just started reaching up, and back, and she instantly slammed her eyes shut, flinching back. After ten seconds of just standing there, tense as a bowstring, nothing happened. Their was no shink of a sword being drawn. The only sounds reaching her ears were the rustling of fabric, a few footsteps, a click as something hard was set on the desk, a creak, and a somewhat sad sigh. She slowly opened her eyes…
…and saw nothing. Confused, she turned around, and there, in the chair behind the desk, sat one of the cutest boys she had ever seen. And not cute as in hot either. He was like a teddy bear. Green, fluffy hair that looked good enough to pet, a super-innocent face, and the largest, shiniest eyes she had every seen. She instantly blushed and looked away. This was the super-powerful warrior that had amazed her clan? He looked like a plushie!
"Please don't call me a plushie."
At the sound of his voice, she blushed bright red. It was ADORABLE. At the sound of his words, however, she froze, and clapped a hand over her mouth. Had she said that out loud?
"No, I'm just really good at reading people. Most times, its not that precise, but the members of your clan all called me 'Plushie' as a nickname, so it was really easy to guess what you were thinking."
If it was possible, she would have blushed even deeper, but as it was, she had frozen up entirely. They called a noble, well-proven, super-strong warrior 'Plushie'?! how did that work.
Izuku chuckled at the confusion written all over her face. "I can be quite dangerous if you set yourself up against me, but at heart, I ain't a fighter. I'm just a guy that wants to make the world a better. One of the younger girls at your family's main compound took a strong enough liking to me to decide I needed a nickname, and, well, 'Plushie' stuck."
She looked up with suspicion evident in her eyes, and she went to ask a question, but once again, he was already answering her.
"Yes, I am acting a bit; but what I am saying is true, I'm just playing my turns of phrase up a bit. Quite clever of you to notice. Most people don't. I normally play up the, for lack, but not desire, of a better term, 'Plushie' angle to convince people I am worthless, because if I can prove my worthwhile I look weak and insignificant, I will be far more effective and memorable in the long run, than if I look powerful, and do the same. I have huge goals, and I need little tricks to make sure I can achieve them."
"How huge?" Jiro was quite pleased to finally verbally contribute to the conversation, but the speed at which he answered convinced her that he already knew the question was coming.
"Eh, number one hero. And yes, that is without a quirk. I want to show the world that your quirk doesn't define you, and that the quirkless aren't worthless. I want to make it so that the only things you get in life are those you earn, not just in Japan, but in the whole world."
"You're insane," she replied bluntly. "but, then again, you have pulled off the impossible before. My mom seems to be terrified of you."
Izuku chuckled. "With the stories she's probably heard, without meeting me, I can believe it. I'll try to make her acquaintance soon to help her get over her fear. Plus, maybe I can get an autograph! Honestly, though, unless you are evil, threatening someone's life, or physically trying to stop me from my goals, you don't need to fear me, and even then, I try not to hurt you. And speaking of which, I wanted to apologize about earlier. I didn't really care about what you were saying. Truth be told, I have heard it often enough that I am used to it, but the truth of the matter is that, when you said 'fanboy nerd', it reminded me of how I had been bullied when I was younger, and brought my own self-doubt to the surface. I had to meditate for a few minutes to keep myself from having a panic attack."
Before he could continue, Jiro cut him off. "I gave you a panic attack?! I am sooo sorry. I was just freaking out so much about today that I spoke without thinking. Are you going to be ok? Is there anything I can do to help? I know…"
Izuku interrupted her with a self-depreciating chuckle. "No, no, no, this is all wrong. I am supposed to be apologizing to you, not making you apologize to me. I must be doing something wrong"
Jiro blushed. Izuku smiled, and she knew two things. One, she was ready for the tests again, and that had been one of the main reasons for this visit. Second, she had a HUGE crush on this kid. Mentally slapping for thinking that, she blushed even deeper, prayed that he couldn't read her mind right now, and said: "Thank you. As you are well aware, I was freaking out about having insulted you and was winding up to blow these tests. Thanks for helping me get my head on straight."
'Oh, my God,' she thought 'He BLUSHED! He is so cute!' Blushing (and crushing) even deeper herself, she stood up as Izuku re-arranged his mask they both made their way out of the office to the testing room.
-MYA—MHA-
The academic tests were a technicality. Sure, Izuku was more than willing to take them, but he wouldn't have had to if he had gone under his real name. After all, Izuku Midoriya got honorable mentions from all of the twelve schools he had taken academic tests from, as well as being one of the top one hundred scorers on the academic test this year in all of Japan for his grade. Still, they helped him. For one, his perfect or near perfect scores would be a huge help in getting him in to U.A. High. But, far more importantly, he was capable of relaxing during the testing period. He had nothing to worry about but questions he knew the answers to, and more than enough time to answer them. Yes, he was careful to pay attention so he didn't mess anything up, but he really, REALLY knew his stuff. Almost nine years of rigorously training both his mind and body prepared him quite well for everything he had to do today, and these tests help him remember that.
Or maybe they were just there to help him de-fluster. She was CUTE. She had seen what he had been trying to do, and wasn't mad, or freaked out, or… something. God, she was CUTE. He slapped himself (earning several odd looks, and making him blush. Thank God for masks) and tried to refocus on the test. Then, he realized he had finished it ten minutes age. He blushed deeper, groaned, and let his head hit his desk, ignoring the glaring people around him, after a few minutes, he let himself refocus, got up, walked to the front, turned in his tests (after only a little more than half an hour. All the tests were supposed to take three hours.) and made his way out. Next up, the physical exam. Time to prove his worth.