Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia, or anything related to it. All properties belong to their respectful owners.

Chapter beta'd by: Kylekatarn77

A.N: Last chapter was a big milestone, not only did the story reach 10 chapters, but it also broke the 50k wordcount. As you can tell this chapter and story should now be beta read, I will continue to write the best I can and keep a twice weekly posting. If I feel the pace doesn't give me enough time or I experience burnout I will slow it to once a week. Personally, I think the quality of my grammar and sentence structure has been greatly improved from this.

Bakugo and his reactions were also met with mixed reviews as I expected. This chapter should help with that slightly, but I wont hold my breath he's a tough character to get just right. If you wanted to talk about him more or felt I was completely off send me a PM and we can chat, otherwise enjoy.

Two weeks passed almost in a blink for Izuku, but he was rather distraught. He looked down at his hands and was disappointed by how slow his growth had been. In truth, he understood, he had been in a critical growth period when developing his Quirk with Miruko. After all, he had just begun to understand how One For All worked, even though an entire two weeks had passed.

In double the amount of time he'd had with Miruko, Izuku had made almost no progress. He kept up his skills and worked on innovative ideas and moves, but he had seemed to stagnate. Whether it was because he didn't have anyone like Miruko to push his abilities as she had or something else he felt upset by his growth. Time was his friend, he was only sixteen after all, but it was also his enemy.

All Might had pulled him aside during the build up to the finals and told him his time limit had dropped to around 45 minutes. The reality of what it meant to hold his Quirk became more apparent every day. The Hero All Might was nearing the end of his career, deeper though it meant that he was closer to having his own confrontation with All For One.

Izuku was beginning to understand just how deep that rabbit hole really went. A man who had lived through the impossible for over a century. The great evil that hid in the shadows, and the torchbearers destined to fight him. It was a weight that was crushing upon Izuku's back, but he still stood tall. Even so, the reality of what it meant was becoming more apparent.

His conversations over the phone with Rumi were what helped him the most to stay focused. They shared almost everything now, and it surprised him just how easily he told her things and trusted her. It didn't take any effort and felt so natural to just share everything, the fact that she in turn did the same brought him warmth. And to his shame, his feelings for her had only grown stronger.

Izuku didn't think they would go away just because some distance had been placed between the two. He had hoped they would lessen and not bother him though, instead they had grown, and she occupied his every vacant thought. As he looked at the large assembly of Heroes and teachers however, he placed his thoughts of her aside.

They had gained knowledge beforehand about the exams from class 1-B and the ever cheerful Itsuka, but that had instead only made Izuku question the presence of all the teachers.

Over the two weeks they had spent as a class during the study sessions, Izuku had also suggested they practice their Quirks and teamwork together. As it was privately owned property and Momo had more than enough space, they had group Quirk sessions too.

Izuku finally had his chance to truly nerd out with the rest of his class over their abilities. With his increased confidence Izuku had jumped right into various weaknesses, strengths, and applications for all his classmates. The sessions helped to bring the class together better, but also increase their abilities and dynamic.

Behind that, it had also allowed Izuku to really grasp his classmates. All the time they spent together outside of class let them be their true selves; as such, they all grew closer as friends. Before, they had already made their own small groups of people that clicked together. Those were still present as some people got along better with others, but they had together moved their relationships as friends and a group forward.

Izuku had noticed a few things however, like how Momo had slowly gotten her confidence back in small doses. When he had asked her about it discreetly when they were separated from the others during a session, she had slightly broken down. She rambled much like he did about her weakness and doubts while comparing herself to Shoto. He had taken it all in, and then very brutally-which he had learned from Rumi-told her it didn't matter.

She was her own Hero; yes, she had weaknesses, but they all did. He told her that it didn't matter both she and Shoto had gotten in with recommendations. It just proved they were both excellent Heroes and on their way to being recognized. After he told her to just be the best Hero she could be, Momo had wiped her tears and fiercely hugged him, at that point the rest of class had seen, and an interesting rumor briefly popped up.

He tried to help each of his classmates as best he could, and in the meantime work on fully restoring his relationship with Katsuki. They had 'kissed and made up' as others would tell them, but it was still a road to recovery. The distance and conflict between them couldn't be erased overnight, but it was well on its way.

His biggest issue, however, was that Izuku still struggled in his own mind about his personal take on the ideology of Stain. They weren't the same, but he also agreed with the concept of the beliefs, that's why his biggest struggle was his classmates. Each had their own dreams, beliefs, and goals they wanted to reach, and he believed they were all good reasons.

All but one.

It pained him to think it, but in Stain's own words in a manner of speaking, Minoru Mineta was 'unworthy', or rather a 'fake'. He hated that the thought had come to him, but despite believing in the better side of everyone, Izuku couldn't find it in him. Izuku believed much like Ochaco's dream that it was about the reason and spirit behind the goals; after all she wanted money for others, not herself.

What All Might had believed in, what Rumi had strengthened, what even the Hero Killer had acknowledged. Izuku's selfless spirit of a true Hero, the nature of selflessness and self-sacrifice. He didn't fully understand it himself. Deep down though, he knew that Mineta didn't have it. Izuku could see the potential and future of all his classmates in his mind, all of them except him.

The reason behind it being he could see absolutely no earnest desire for his chosen profession in any of his actions. When he had asked the boy about his goals for the future, he had been truthful and completely open about it, saying he wanted to be popular so he could get with lots of pretty women. He understood it was a goal like any other, but his feelings and the looks his other classmates gave the boy told him it would never be a heroic one.

His thoughts were set aside as Izuku faced the teachers and listened to their explanation for the exams. All the students of 1-A were shocked to hear the test was no longer against robots as they believed, but their teachers. However, they began to panic as the principal started on some chuckles that sounded slightly sinister.

"You all grew much faster than we thought. The original exam would have placed all of you together as a class against robots. With the state of things as they are with your growth, and the audacity of recent Villain attacks things have to change." Nezu released even more mad chuckling before he was able to gather himself.

"Pairs of two students will be against a single teacher in separate locations. Each pair will be an equal distance from a gate, but aside from your teammate you have no way of knowing who your opponent is. At each gate will be one teacher- are you paired against an easy opponent, or a difficult one? There's no way to tell, ku ku, do you charge ahead or look for other methods? I can't wait to see, but one parting word of advice though students." He drew in a breath and was quite serious with his delivery.

"If you fail, remedial courses are obvious, but how you fail, not as much so. Take this any way you want but also understand its importance; know your weakness and accept it with grace. That will be all, you will be directed to your starting places. However, make no mistake, though the teachers will be disadvantaged with their weights we are taking this quite seriously." Izuku tried to ignore the gleam in his eye and listened for the teams, as Nezu went over the rest of the rules for the test.

He managed to gather a guess towards the meaning of the test by the pairs he watched being placed together. Each had similar abilities or weaknesses. When he was placed with Katsuki, they grinned to one another with a light fist bump. His other classmates were still baffled even after two weeks that they had transformed their relationship. When a loud hearty laugh was heard behind them the entire class turned.

"You didn't think we intended to make this easy to pass, did you? I'm what you would call the secret boss! HA HA HA, be prepared my young eggs, for I Am Here!" Izuku trembled slightly as he took in All Might in his full glory. True he had lessened his fan boy tendencies, but from an objective standpoint it only made him realize how terrifying All Might as an opponent was.

He had nearly double, perhaps triple the weight restrictions placed on him compared to the other teachers, but he knew it wasn't enough. Also, the way he kept his gaze locked on Izuku and Katsuki slightly unnerved him. As he released a deep breath, he readied himself while thinking about how to pass the test and make sure all his classmates did too.


The teams had been given five minutes once in place to discuss strategy and how they wanted to proceed. Izuku talked with Katsuki about how he believed it was best to adapt to the situation once it presented itself. They knew each team was an equal distance from a gate, but they didn't know how far, nor what direction the gate was, or what teacher they would be paired to.

"I say we just need to defeat whoever gets in our way, doesn't matter who it is. If we run into anyone then we just defeat them." Izuku laughed lightly at Bakugo's words, but he knew what he meant. Just as they finished their conversation, the large siren went off signaling the start. Once it did Izuku immediately felt complete dread shoot through his spine.

His only warning was the sudden wind pressure that whipped around him before a large explosion was heard. He knew it didn't come from Katsuki however, he was right next to Izuku and they were both blown backwards off their feet. Izuku shot out Blackwhip and attached it to multiple surfaces as he anchored himself down and caught Bakugo.

As quick as it came the wind died down, but in its wake was a destroyed city and his worst nightmare. Before the two stood All Might, and no words were spoken as he stood vigilant watching and waiting for their moves. Immediately his first thought was to flee and escape as he believed there was no hope or other option. He took a deep breath and looked beside him.

Katsuki was shaking in nervousness, but also joy as evident by the large grin on his face. Izuku thought the situation over with deep inspection, he knew running was an option, but given their presented opponent it wouldn't matter. All Might would instantly catch them if they both fled, they weren't fast enough.

He would also immediately defeat one and then catch the other if they separated. His thoughts went to Miruko and questioned what she would do. A chuckle came out as he knew her answer- she would tell him to kick it until it stopped moving, with a wide grin on her face. She would charge fearlessly and fight until she couldn't fight anymore, much like Katsuki in that regard.

The situation as it was though, he also believed it was the only answer they had. It was only a test, but he also understood it was meant to symbolize the real world; they would never know when, or from where a Villain would attack. All Might remained rooted to his spot and he could only guess he wanted them to make the first move. Izuku turned to look at Katsuki, who was also looking at him with a brow raised.

"Together?" Izuku asked, he knew they were friends again, but he didn't know how far that stretched yet. Katsuki seemed to think it over for a moment before he nodded his head.

"Together." He answered. They charged as one towards All Might, who grinned wide and gestured them forward in challenge.


Listen All Might, we had to make this slight change in the test because of Midoriya. Everything will still mostly be the same, but it's obvious his experience in Hosu as well as his work study has changed him. We can all see that clearly; his ability and confidence have skyrocketed.

Toshinori was inclined to agree with that fully as he watched the two boys charge him. He knew they had both greatly grown from the beginning of the year, but he had also gotten his job from Nezu and Aizawa. He couldn't help but think on their thoughts as he dodged the first attempted team attack.

Initially I had put them together solely for the fact they can't get along. They have managed to get over that it would seem, though they still have issues. All Might you are the greatest obstacle for both, but their test will be different from the others. To win they need to lose no matter what.

I believe that what Aizawa is trying to say All Might is that they are both quite assured of their abilities. For both to keep growing they need to show true teamwork, that's step one. How they will be judged however, is by their defeat. No matter what don't hold back, they both need to face a total and utter defeat at your hands. Whether they pass or fail the exam will all be based on their actions afterwards that we will closely monitor.

'Teach them a new meaning for victory huh, they make that seem like it's so easy. These youngsters are scary I say, crazy strong doesn't do them justice.' Despite his inner conflict Toshinori grinned wide. He was certainly feeling slower, but it wasn't enough to stop him from out classing Katsuki and Izuku. The baseline was there, but their teamwork was patchy at best in his eyes.

'It's going to push my limit close, but Nezu also said he wanted it dragged out as much as possible. Guess I should start fighting back a bit.' He surged forward and delivered a swift punch to Katsuki that made him lose his lunch. Izuku was quick to grab him and retreat out of his line of sight.

All Might knew where they were, but by not chasing unless they got too far away, he gave them time to think. The more ways they came up with to fight him and he crushed would back them into a corner and force a deeper introspection once they failed the test. A small smile of mirth came across him, the way Aizawa and Nezu wanted him to confront the boys was slightly harsh, but he also understood.

They surged around the corner from their hiding spot and All Might noticed they were circling him from the front and back. He tracked them both with his eyes, as he did they engaged in close combat again with Izuku throwing admirable punches and kicks while Bakugo fired explosion after explosion. When he surged at Bakugo again and blasted him away, he caught Izuku in the corner of his eye.

Izuku had One For All surging lots of energy through him as he used Blackwhip like an anchor. His eyes widened when he caught one of Katsuki's grenade gloves on the boys arm. With no words but a subtle look of apology in his eyes Izuku pulled the pin. All Might was hit point blank with a full force explosion. There was minor discomfort caused from a few singes and the shockwave had his ears ringing, but he also smirked as they charged in right at him.

"You fired the blast in the same direction I already destroyed, that's smart thinking. I believe I taught you that lesson on day one, I'm proud you remembered. Perhaps it's time I teach you a new lesson." All Might grinned wide as he destroyed both boys grenade gauntlets in a moment and then slammed both into the ground.

"Team 2 Asui and Tokoyami pass." He looked down as Katsuki coughed dirt out and sucked in needed air for his lungs.

"They're broadcasting that stuff, seriously?" All Might grinned at his words before he picked him up by his arm and he dangled in the air. He looked almost like a ragdoll, but the fire in his eyes told him his fight was far from over.

"Just because you broke my gauntlets doesn't mean I can't use that attack you know. They are just there for me to use it safely, I'll keep firing and using them until you can't move anymore." Bakugo reached up his free hand and went to release a blast in his face. Before he could All Might smacked the hand up and the blast went off in the air doing no damage.

"You should have already learned that lesson from Young Midoriya and the way he's progressed. If you injure yourself and can no longer keep fighting or reaching out to save people, then why did you even show up?" He glared hard with his eyes practically glowing blue as he crushed Bakugo's wrist until a snap was heard and then kneed him hard in the chest. Katsuki bounced several times before All Might turned to find where Izuku had gone.

"Team 4 Yaoyorozu and Todoroki pass. Team 7 Jiro and Koda pass." Just as the announcement was made All Might fell to a knee as a quiet blast of air hit the back of his knee. As he turned to the location Izuku was in front of him with a kick charged for attack, with a brave half smile on his face he released it. He brought his arms up to block the kick and was mostly successful as only a small amount of wind pressure whipped around and cut his cheek.

With his vision clear again, he watched Izuku hide away with Katsuki once more. All Might coughed lightly, and a small dribble of blood landed on his fist before he wiped it away. He bent down and stretched his legs a bit before he pursued the two students he had been tasked with.

'These weight's really are slowing me down. I almost couldn't block that kick from Midoriya. He's certainly gotten faster, but I didn't think I had gotten that slow even with the weights.' All Might pondered for a moment.

"Team 6 Ashido and Kaminari fail." The smirk he had was almost sinister, he couldn't help but think that the defeats were beginning.

'Guess it's time for another lesson in defeat.' With a quick push he shot off and was immediately upon Izuku and Katsuki, who looked shocked but jumped into a defensive stance. They were quickly broken out from the stance as he swiped Bakugo's legs before he could react and grabbed Izuku's head which he smashed against a wall. He was surprised when even through the pain he hadn't dropped his hold on One For All.

"Team 8 Shoji and Hagakure pass." All Might pulled Izuku from the wall and held firm to his head, while below his foot he had Katsuki pinned to the ground by his chest. They were both still conscious despite the clearly great pain they were both in.

"Time for my last lesson of the day boys. Bakugo, victory is important, but perhaps you should look deeper into what victory should mean to you. Fists don't always stop your Villains, sometimes your words are more important.

"Midoriya, you have improved a great deal, its time you think about why you are growing. For what reason you are becoming a Hero. You have always said it was your dream and goal to save people. Don't take this the wrong way, but ask yourself why. With that said it's about time you both had a nap." All Might gave a swift but powerful chop to their necks. Once they slumped the siren went off.

"Team 10 Bakugo and Midoriya fail." He gave a brief sigh before he slung the boys over his shoulders and headed for Recovery Girl's on-site tent.


Izuku was in deep thought over the words All might had imparted to him. Counting him and Bakugo, eight students had failed the exam, nearly half the class. That made him feel slightly better, but it also hurt just as much. He wanted to consult Rumi at first, but he believed it was like the train back from Hosu again.

Any answer he came up with would have to be his. They had finally been told that their break off was instead meant to be a training camp to increase Quirk growth. It still hurt when Aizawa told them results on who failed and passed would be revealed at the end of the week and before they were set to leave. Dread filled his thoughts, but Izuku took his thoughts on All Might's words very seriously.

From the quiet and subdued mannerisms Katsuki had exhibited after the fight he knew he was taking it seriously as well. He had asked himself the same question All Might had asked over and over. What type of Hero did he want to be, what were his goals, his reasons, but most importantly, why? For what reason did he want to be a Hero; he wanted to say to save people and help them, but it somehow didn't feel whole.

Izuku had passed his thoughts onto his mother during one of their dinners, and she had informed him that she had no answer. Some people wanted to be doctors or pilots when they were children, but eventually they moved onto other dreams when they lost interest or thought it unachievable. He had never truly wavered though; yes, Izuku had stumbled and tripped along the way, but he had always wanted to be a Hero.

Nothing he could do would stop his thoughts as they ran rampant all over. During one restless night after he had texted Rumi he dreamed of the first user of One For All. Just a normal dream, not one of his Quirk induced visions, and he once more found a unique perspective. Heroes weren't around back then, not in the same sense as the modern day, but the ideals and morals were still there.

It wasn't the "job" of a Hero itself that made them who they were, but rather their beliefs and ideals. The first user had never chosen to have his power thrust upon him and all the responsibility that came with it. He had instead taken what he had been given in life and used it to make a better world. Greatness was thrust upon him in a manner of speaking, but he had risen to the occasion rather than crumble under the pressure.

Izuku had experienced it during the festival as well, he had felt that glimpse into what it meant to stand at the top. Almost as though a physical weight of responsibility had been placed upon his shoulders, and it was heavy, so very heavy. He took a deep breath, and as the final day of the term closed in, he found himself sitting across from All Might in his office.

"What can I help you with Young Midoriya?" All his thoughts, doubts, and worries had accumulated into one sole thought that bothered him more than anything about his current goal. The only person who could answer the rough question he really wanted to know was his idol.

"All Might, have you ever failed to save someone?" His ultimate doubt, what plagued him from every corner of his mind. What if he failed, what would he do, what could he do?

"Of course, all the time. After all there are people right now in danger somewhere in the world, I'm sure. I don't want to get philosophical, but the world is a big place young Midoriya. The most important thing and what I always try to follow is saving everyone I can reach; if your hands can reach them, then they can be saved." Izuku took the advice and thanked All Might as he walked off back to the rest of his day.

It passed agonizingly slow as his thoughts persisted. Two days remained before the semester was over and they were off for their training. Results had yet to be revealed and it pricked at the back of his mind harder each day. He knew he had passed all the written courses, but with the failure he had received on the practical he was worried. Without knowing how it was weighted Izuku could only hope he passed.

Bakugo had been quiet and reserved the entire time, as had much of the class. With the figurative weight and pressure of their test results and what it would mean they couldn't help but be tense. Conversation had been light, and as the final day arrived they held their breath and waited for Aizawa to come into the classroom. Once the door opened and he walked in ever the same, the quiet atmosphere was almost palpable.

"You all already know that each of you is going with us on this training camp. I will start with this; everyone passed the written tests; I'm surprised but proud of your improvement. Let's get right into who failed and who passed overall." Aizawa's hair seemed to levitate as he activated his Quirk for emphasis.

"Aoyama pass, but only by the skin of your teeth, reflect on why that is. Ashido pass, you might have failed the actual practical, but you showed improvement on what we were looking for. Make no mistake though, it was by the smallest margin, just like Aoyama. If it was up to me you'd both be taking the remedial classes." Mina threw up her hands in a cheer as a small glimmer of hope passed through the rest of the class.

"Asui pass. Iida pass. Uraraka pass, but like Aoyama since you were paired with him it was barely. Ojiro pass. Kaminari fail, so you'll be joining me for remedials. Kirishima fail. Koda pass. Sato fail." The tension returned with almost three failures in a row as the class grew quiet. Denki looked absolutely devastated since Mina had passed, but Kirishima and Sato seemed to understand their failure.

"Shoji pass. Jiro pass. Sero fail- true you got a bad match up, but you knew your opponent's abilities. In the real world that's far less likely to be the case. You more than most need the extra classes. Tokoyami pass- you had a great partner, but much personal work is still needed. Todoroki pass- you're strong, but don't over rely on that, I'm sure you learned your lesson." Izuku took in a deep breath, for he was almost up to the chopping block. Inside though, he knew the truth of what was to come.

"Hagakure pass. Mineta fail- just like Sero these remedials are very much needed for you. Yaoyorozu pass. And then finally the last two, the troublemakers. Bakugo and Midoriya, you both passed, rather well to my knowledge." Katsuki looked shocked, but Izuku was absolutely floored.

"But Sensei, why?" The class looked at him in silence, wondering why he would try and question a passing grade. Aizawa only smirked with a wicked gleam in his eye.

"You and Bakugo were purposely placed against All Might, do you really think your test was graded the same? I shouldn't have to say this, but I will. The fact alone that you asked why you passed should be your answer." Izuku took the words in, at the base he understood it. These tests were made to make them acknowledge their weaknesses and confront them; they had been given unwinnable odds against All Might. Even so his thoughts lingered on his winning failure.

'I don't feel like I passed. This victory doesn't feel earned.' He nodded to Aizawa, but he slumped into his seat, distraught.

A.N: This chapter puts us one step closer to the bigger story and changes I have in mind. Tell me what you thought, and I can't wait for what's to come in the next chapter, I hope to thoroughly make you all question what I could possibly be doing. Look forward to a big twist, this chapter and the last to me symbolize the closing of the first arc.

Izuku has grown and struggled mentally, emotionally, and physically. His resolve has wavered on what his goal means, but he can only come back stronger for it. Also, if you enjoy my work and feel like supporting me please check out my Ko-fi under the same name holliswriting.