Chapter 36
Let's Get Our Licenses

"Why are you here..." Darby gaped, staring into the unexpected person."I thought you were still getting treatment."

"I am." Takashi responded without missing a beat."Although they say I've done remarkable progress, I'm still not fully prepared to go back to the outside. However, they deemed this an important event enough for me to be allowed to take it. Under close supervision, of course."

"T-t-that's good..." Darby muttered, relieved to finally see his friend back.

Takashi noticed this a chuckled in amusement."Though I have to admit, I haven't gotten any stronger since our previous fight. Mostly because I've been training my mind a lot. I went on a spiritual journey, you could say. I learned a lot about myself. My flaws, what makes me tick, my regrets, etc. But enough about me. You seem to be struggling here yet you haven't gone all out."

"All out...? If you're talking about Chaos Mode, I can't really use it this early in the exam. I can't risk my stamina getting zapped right out of me. I've made progress and it's definitely more usable than before...but I still don't want to gamble on it."

"Makes sense." Takashi agreed, a hand on his hip."Well, technically I already passed the test. But I don't mind giving you a hand with these guys. They have beef with me. Well, I guess it's more appropriate to say their leader has beef with me and the lackeys want their senpai to notice them."

"You fucker!" Adachi sneered."You have no idea what you're talking about, you criminal!"

Takashi remained quiet as he rambled on.

"Yeah, we've got something to prove. Now more than ever, in fact. You brought this grace to Guren-sama and Salazar-sama. Even my brother. If I can't beat the scum of society, then can I ever catch up to them?"

"Scum of society..." Takashi whispered to himself.

"You are not worthy enough to be a hero." Katsuga continued after him."You, who betrayed his own friends just for his lust of power. I used to think you were an alright person. Unlike these two, I'm not in this for paltry rivalries between families. I'm here because after witnessing your performance in the Sports Festival, I felt disgusted towards you. How a spoiled child like you thinks he deserves everything because his family has status. But I also felt conflicted..."

"Conflicted?" Takashi inquired.

"Right. You were different from the rest. Usually, someone from a higher family joins our school. It's where the wealthy families go to. But you didn't. You went to U.A because you wanted to be a hero, despite how you acted. That drew me into you. But when you confessed all of your crimes after All Might stepped down, that was the last straw. Why would someone who had everything just drop it and want something bad for them? This fight will give me that answer."

Takashi nodded slowly, turning to Kabeyama."And you?"

"I'm just here because I need to pass." He shrugged, not giving any major explanation.

"I heard you all." Takashi splayed his arms to his side."And I can't disagree with any of your reasons to want to fight me. You're right. I am a despicable criminal who betrayed his friends. For all intends and purposes, I should be locked away right now. I...deserve no forgiveness." He smiled sadly, glancing at his palm encased in his gauntlet."I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I'm weak. And funny enough, I never won a fight in my life. Question is...can you beat this loser?"

"I've heard enough out of you!" Adachi dashed over to Takashi with his sword out.

"Wait, don't!" Katsuga tried stopping him, but Adachi was already in the air.

Takashi simply rose his hand and fired a neon blast at his stomach, sending him crashing against a traffic light far away.

"Adachi is not good against me, someone who specializes in long-distance." Takashi explained, eyeing the other two analytically."You too, Katsuga. Even if you use your Quirk to extend your range, you can't keep up with me."

Katsuga swallowed the lump in his throat."True enough. But I'm not the main star of this fight." Katsuga punched the floor, creating a zipper underneath Takashi, catching his feet. He touched his arm, creating a zipper around it as he punched the air, sending his fist flying at him.

"Watch out, Takashi!" Darby jumped in front of him, creating a Black Umbrella and blocking the fist. However, the sound of a zipper unzipping caught him off guard. His barrier opened up as he was met with a fist against his chest, creating a zipper across his body and opening in half."What the fuck! I can't move!"

"Ghost Kamikaze Attack!"

On cue, six ghosts appeared flying at Darby with Kabeyama's balls.

"Nice try." Takashi pointed with his finger at the first ghost."Macro Bullets Fire!" He shot a total of six neon bullets from his finger, piercing through every ghost and causing them to explode.

"Now, to end this." Takashi turned to Darby, watching as the zippers in his body began to disappear."Let's go all out. We'll finish this fast."

"Fine." Darby groaned, feeling his body ache in some parts. His hair and clothes began to change as a white light engulfed his body. Once it dissipated, he was in his Chaos Mode.

"Why did your sweater and robe changed color?" Takashi asked, perplexed.

"I'll explain later." He deadpanned, focusing on his enemies."Ready?"

"You known for a power-up form, it lacks aesthetics. You need to scream. Like this." Takashi rose his hands to she side as he began powering up. The neon began covering his body. The neon began intensifying, mimicking a flame. He took a deep breath, adopting a maniacal smile momentarily before going back to his regular expression. His appearance had changed slightly. He had a neon shroud for clothing, which constantly radiated flickering flames of neon, and his clothing and hair continuously billow upwards as if caught in a strong breeze. He also had dark markings over his eyebrows and lower eyelids.

"That form!" Darby exclaimed as images of his fight came flashing in his mind.

"Overclock Stage." Takashi turned to him with a sly smile."At first, I could only use this back when I took the Trigger. But after some mental training, I was able to use this form at will."

"K-Katsuga...what do we do?! What can we do?!" Kabeyama turned to his partner in desperation.

"Tch! Back-" A total of 10 Black Spheres went flying at them, causing them to get on the defensive. Katsuga cursed himself as he felt his body being hit from every angle. In the opened up bridge, they had nowhere to hide.

Kabeyama wasn't doing any better either. He tried summoning his ghosts, but the velocity of Darby's attacks made it impossible.

Adachi, on the other hand, was being blasted by Takashi, who threw balls at him after he was knocked out, disqualifying him.

"And that's that." Takashi announced with a laugh as he stared down at the fallen opponents."Not that I was expecting much. For second years, they leave much to be desired. Shall we go back?"

"Wait..." Adachi grumbled as he tried sitting up."You bastard...don't think you'll be getting away with this..."

"Maybe not," Takashi responded without looking back. He began walking away, beckoning Darby to follow after him, leaving the second-year student crying out and cursing in the air.


"Here." Darby said as he offered Takashi a bottle of water.

Takashi looked at it meekly before shrugging, taking the bottle, and muttering thanks.

Darby observed as the other contestants who had won give them a side-glance every now and then. It didn't take him long to figure out they were looking at Takashi.

"You said you wanted to know why I was here? Well, I basically told you everything already." He began, taking off his helmet and revealing his unkempt hair, which took Darby by surprise since he was always making sure it was properly combed. He reached for his utility belt and pulled out a pair of glasses, putting them on."It's been quiet, really. With all the time I had for myself I usually stayed alone, thinking. These glasses..."

Darby watched as Takashi rubbed the glasses he was wearing."They're a reminder of my sins. When The Baron offered me power, I thought I had to have it. I took all that hate in my eyes, where I was blinded. Funny. I had sight but no vision. Dad's gone because of my foolishness. All the stares are nothing compared to what I made everyone feel."

Darby remained silent, not knowing what to say. He thought he'd be able to talk to him if they ever met again, but now, he wasn't so sure."It's not your fault. You didn't know better. We never know better. I kept blaming myself for Ashe-san's death, but everyone helped me realize there was nothing I could do. Life is like that. Sometimes things happen and we just have to deal with them. We're gonna bring that bastard down. For everyone, he's hurt. And us getting our provisional licenses is just the first step." He offered him a fist.

Takashi stared back incredulously."You really are beyond my comprehension, you know." He shook his head, giving him a fist bump."It's funny. Our roles have switched. Before, I used to stand at the top. Or at least, I thought I was."

"That thing you said to them back there...You never won before. You meant it?"

"Yeah." He put his hands behind his back."All the fights I've been in so far, I've taken nothing but defeat. I don't count Tetsutetsu because that was a fluke. When it mattered the most, I never won. Meanwhile, you keep winning and winning. You've surpassed me and you proved that when you defeated me. It made me realize...that I'm not special. Far from it. I'm all bark but no bite. And to be honest, that's okay. It is who I am. I accepted myself and I will improve in what I can. Because heroes always strive to be better. And considering I was a villain until recently, I have much to prove."

"I'm sure you will." Darby grinned."You have plenty of potential, don't forget. You've stopped training when you were young and made it this far like that. If you apply yourself, I'm sure you'll get even stronger. But I'm not going to sit around and watch you do that alone. I'll make sure to keep you alerted so you don't lose track of who you are now."

"Thank you..." Takashi said, barely above a whisper. But Darby heard him. He smiled putting a hand on his shoulder."I don't know how I'll face our classmates. I know they'll feel repulsed for having me as their peer. And Itsuka..."

"Dude, are you kidding me? We all miss you!" Darby exclaimed, nearly shouting."We moved in together and are living on the school campus. We all decorated our rooms and stuff and we even had a little competition to see who had the coolest room. We decided to hold one again later when you come back. And until then, we've been cleaning your room to make sure it's spotless." He calmed himself as he stopped talking, giving a toothy smile."You're part of our class. Nothing will change that. Class A isn't complete without you."

"Even though I betrayed everyone's trust?" Takashi spoke emotionlessly.

"They are willing to give you a second chance." Darby replied with confidence."Everything will be fine."

"I sure hope so." Takashi trailed off, noticing Todoroki watching someone else from afar. He followed his gaze, realizing he was watching one of Shiketsu Students momentarily."Anyway. Let me go talk to Todoroki for a moment."

"Todoroki passed?! That's great!" Darby cried out in glee."Wait a moment...him and Todoroki? That's an odd pairing. Those two barely interacted together."

"Yo." Takashi approached Todoroki, putting his mask back on."Told you I'd come."

Todoroki glanced over his shoulder."You passed, as expected. How are you feeling now that you're outside?"

"I'm fine. I really missed regular food, you know?" Takashi chuckled, making Shoto form a small smile."The food they serve in the hospital is no good, I don't know how your mom and Haruka-san do it every day. Still...it was nice. Mami-san helped me a lot. And you going over to visit your mom and bumping into me kept me in touch with the reality outside."

"You did that on your own effort." Todoroki shook his head."I didn't do anything special."

"By the way, who is that?" Kachidoki pointed at Inasa, who was distracted babbling to another examinee.

"He keeps giving me weird glances." Todoroki supplied."I think I did something that might have offended him."

"Doubtful. You aren't the type to just piss people off." Takashi offered."Regardless, don't pay much attention to him. You should focus on passing and getting your license."

"Right. Same to you." Todoroki nodded as he walked away."Take care of yourself, Kachidoki."

"You speak as we'll never see each other again." Takashi brushed his comment off. Without anything else to do, he walked by a vending machine, arms crossed. He felt the stares people were giving him but chose not to care. He could just go and hang out with Nishikawi, but he knew his other classmates would probably show up. He knew they could pass. But he wasn't ready to meet them yet.

About a few minutes later, he noticed a certain group of girls entering the room with their heads down. He noticed Adachi walking up to them but they quickly shot him down in an instant. Amused, he decided to wait for his opportunity to speak to one of them. Once he heard the vending machine operating, he moved away from it

"Seems you've been having a rough day, Sai-san." Takashi greeted his old friend, his mask covering his expression from being shown. Saiko Intelli stared back in disbelief, dropping her can of tea to the floor and covered her mouth.

"Ta-kun...? You're here? But I thought you were-"

"Yeah, locked up in a psych ward. It's all true. It's not as bad as you might think." He leaned back on the machine. He studied her appearance from head to toe."Not looking so good. Are you all right?"

"What do you think?" She spat, letting the venom in her voice send chills down his spine."I was made a fool. And not only that, my own overconfidence cost us the exam. We all failed. Go on. You can make fun of me."

Takashi frowned, not used to seeing the proud, arrogant Saiko Intelli look so down and depressed."I'm not laughing. To be honest, I'm probably the last person that can judge you. After all, it wasn't long ago when I let my own pride get the better of me and caused me to lose everything. My own desire for supremacy and victory is what blinded me and because of that, I lost sight of what's important."

"If you're trying to make me feel better, you can stop." Saiko huffed, wiping a few of her tears away."I'm just so frustrated with myself. I was supposed to have calculated every move, every possibility, every action. And yet, I lost..."

"You can't measure people with only calculations." Takashi picked up her can and handed it to her."We're humans. We're meant to be stupid and emotional. You might be able to increase your IQ and make the perfect plans, but you have to take into consideration other things too. You didn't lose because you were weak. You lost because your opponents were strong and were ready to make sacrifices. I know you can do better. Just try again next year."

Takashi put his hand on her shoulder, but she instead buried her head in his chest."There won't be another."

"What do you mean?"

"I was...betting everything on passing this exam. If I failed, I would have to marry Rafael Salazar."

"Wait, what?!" Takashi pulled her back, flabbergasted by the sudden news."What are you talking about? What do you mean you're marrying Salazar?"\

"Yes. It's an arranged marriage." She confessed between tears."My father said it would benefit our family tremendously. The Salazar family are known for their industries in copper industries back in Portugal. My father hopes they can become business partners and expand overseas. For that to happened, Rafael and I must get married. Of course, I was against the idea. I want to become a hero."

"A hero?" Takashi's eyes slightly widened.

"Yes. I wanted to prove to myself and to my father that I could be one. I bet everything on this exam but because of my overconfidence, I screwed things up for everyone in my class." Her voice began breaking down the more she talked. Takashi put a supporting hand on her shoulder, gently patting her back."This might sound selfish of me...but I always thought that maybe you would be the one to save me. Ever since we met that day..."

"Me?" Takashi gasped."Why me? I'm nothing special compare to Salazar."

"Oh?" She hummed in thought, shaking her head."Look at me. How pathetic, crying to you. I really sunk low, didn't I? Forget everything I said." She took a step back, releasing herself from their embrace."You have your own life now. Now more than ever, you need to focus on what's important for you."

"What are you talking about, Sai-san!" Takashi pressed on."This is important too! You don't want to get married to Salazar, do you?"

"Who knows." She trailed off, giving him her back."Maybe something good will come out of it. Thank you for listening, Ta-kun. Maybe this is the last time we'll ever meet. After our marriage, Rafael and I will be going to live in Portugal. This is goodbye." She bowed her head before heading out to her group of friends.

Takashi thought of saying something to her but opted against it. He might regret it, but he had nothing good today. And why would she take him to face value? To everyone, he was nothing but scum. A retched villain who betrayed his friends and the people he loved for power.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed class A gathering up, or the ones that had passed. Judging by their appearances, they weren't aware of his presence there.

"Darby didn't talk. Weird." He shrugged, making sure that his helmet was covering his face."This going to be one awkward exam, that's for sure."


"Tell me why I have to sneak away from the others and come team up with you?" Darby narrowed his eyes accusingly at Takashi, who was probably unaware of this due to his mask."

As they made their way through broken-down buildings, they kept an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. As their second exam, they had to take part of a rescue mission.

"I told you, I'm not ready to face the others yet." Takashi sighed, shaking his head."Besides, you were the one to look for me, remember? I assume you have some questions?"

"Well, yeah. If you're saying you're not ready to face the others, then why did you come to me? We kinda fought to the death, remember?" He pointed out."If anything, you and I have the most delicate history amongst our classmates."

"Oh." Takashi hummed to himself."Well, that's actually a lot simpler to explain than you might think."

"Yeah? I'm listening."

"I guess you won't leave it alone until you hear the truth. Fine. Thing is, I had my eyes locked on those guys from back there."

"You mean the guys from Jojo Academy?" Inquired Darby, shuddering at the memory of his close call against them.

"Yup." Takashi nodded."To be honest, I wasn't expecting for them to target you the way they did. I was going to take them out myself later on, but this caught me by surprise. Want me to be straight with you? I was planning on leaving you there." He gazed at Darby, who was staring in disbelief at him."Remember back then in the forest? What I said to you?"

Darby stopped walking for a moment, remembering that horrible night.

"When the hell did I ever say I was friends with you lot? We are just classmates, that's it. No one is obligated to be friends with each other? Bonds? For what? In this world, all that matters is prestige and power. I don't trust anyone but myself. Want me to be honest? All of our experiences together? They didn't mean shit to me. I've taken more meaningful shits in my life than you."

"I wanted to see if I had truly meant those words I said when you were chasing me in the forest. Ever since I was locked away, every night, I would cry myself to sleep thinking about that. At first, I thought that I meant those words. I was so convinced that all that matter was my revenge against my father. But when I fought you...I started seeing just how low I had sunken. I, who was supposed to be an elite student, turned out to be a coward who accepted borrowed power. And funny enough, I lost to you, someone whom I thought was a loser but trained to the point where you outclassed me with your own strength."

Takashi halted his march, inspecting their surroundings. They were in an area with collapsed buildings, presumably an area imitating downtown."That's why I observed your fight. I wanted to see if I cared enough to intervene and help you. When you were about to be eliminated from the exam, my body acted on its own and I just...went along."

"So you do care after all." Darby beamed, a bright smile on his face."I knew you wouldn't just straight up abandon us! Then let's hurry up and go help the others! I'm sure they'll be happy to see y-"

"It's better if we leave it for now. I don't want to shock them in the middle of such an important exam. It's better if we wait it out." He proceeded to give a slight grin."Then I'll come out and explain it to them."

Before Darby could reply they heard a scream in the air. Both boys nodded to each other and jumped over the rubble. They reached a building with its entrance collapse. It was about 6 stories high and stood in a crocked manner, threatening to fall. A man was on the floor with the lower half of his body buried in the rubble.

"There are...more people...u-u-under..." The man was gasping for air."Can't...feel...my legs..."

Darby took a nervous step back, but Takashi gave him a pat on the back."Calm down. I doubt they'd put real civilians in this. He must be fine. Anyway, our mission is to save as many civilians as possible."

"Alright then," Darby said as he finished meditating, his hair colored was now red, showcasing his Chaos Mode.

"Going all out?" Takashi observed with amusement.

"It's the last exam, so there's no need for me to keep preserving my energy." He glanced down at his clothes."Plus, I'm going to need the extra abilities I get from this. Something wrong?"

Takashi continued staring, the memories of his fight against Darby in that form present and the feeling of every punch still aching in his body."It's nothing."

"Alright! Rest assure, sir! We will get you out!" Darby ran over to the man, causing him to narrow his eyes. A ball of neon was shot at Darby's feet, causing him to trip and fall face-first.

"Calm down, Darby." Takashi chided him."Take a look. Some of the rocks that are on top of him are actually acting as a support to the structure. Meaning if we do one wrong move, the whole place will come down crashing."

"Makes sense." Darby scratched the back of his head sheepishly."Okay then, what's the plan?"

"Can you make those black hand thingies you did when we fought?"

"Yeah?"

"Okay. Our plan revolves around you picking up the rubble on top of him. Of course, you're going to make a move that will cause some of it to crumble. That's where I come in. I'll be shooting and evaporating anything that comes down your way. This is about us trusting each other."

Darby seemed hesitant but looked back at the trapped civilian."If I can't do this in a simulation, no way I'll be able to do it in real life. Okay, I'm trusting you." Darby walked slowly towards the victim, manifesting his 10 Black Spheres.

Takashi rose both of his hands, bending his knees slightly she took aim above them.

"Okay sir, I'll need you to lay down and don't move too much. But before I do anything..." He squatted down near the man's ear."You are not...really injured, are you?"

"It's all good, kid." The man whispered back, breaking out of character."My Quirk keeps me protected against things like these. I'm not in any danger."

With a nod, Darby combined 5 Black Spheres in each arm to form Black Arms and used them to begin to lift the rubble off of the man. Thankfully, since the arms were not part of his body, he didn't have to physically lift the rocks, however, he still felt the weight in them and was glad that his Black Arms were strong enough for the job.

Meanwhile, Takashi was eyeing the building like a hawk, making sure no danger ever came close to Darby. Whenever Darby would remove a key piece of the structure, rubble would threaten to fall on top of him. But Takashi made sure to blast and disintegrate them before they ever made contact with him. It was a tedious task, to say the least. Darby was taking forever, due to his insecurity. He kept wondering what he would do if he somehow messed up. With that in mind, he made sure to take his time and be gentle when placing down the rocks aside.

Once the man's legs were free, he shot Takashi a thumbs up."Sir, can you feel your legs now?"

The man shook his head slowly. Darby frowned, deciding to not take any chances."We're gonna have to carry him back. But I don't think holstering him over our shoulders will work."

"Agreed." Takashi nodded as he approached them. Suddenly, he heard something from above. Apparently, the building decided it was a good idea to collapse now out of all times."Darby!"

"On it!" Darby's Black right Arm turned into a Black Shield, covering them, from the falling debris."Shit! It's heavy! The whole place is gonna collapse on us at this rate!"

"Right. Let's make this quick." Takashi began firing a neon beam from his finger around the man, making sure to avoid making direct contact with him."Alright. Once I'm done with his, you'll have to grab the cut area and carry him out of here."

"J-just hurry!" Darby stammered as he struggled with the weight."Using one arm for this is fucking ineffective!"

"Hey! Stop rushing me!" Takashi snarled as he finishing his work."Okay. Grab him and switch with me!"

Darby slowly grabbed the platform where the man was laying and lifted it up. He began walking away, recalling the Black Shield back, and broke into a sprint. As the shield disappeared, Takashi entered his Overclock Stage and fired a neon beam towards the rubble, disintegrating the majority of it. Before the rest could fall on him, he blasted the ground and launched himself out of danger.

"You okay?" Darby asked in concern as he jogged.

"Yeah." Takashi sighed, turning off his form."Anyway, we should carry him back to a safe zone."Think you can defend us until then?"

"That is what I'm good at." Takashi admitted, a sly smile gracing his lips."Good thing I chose you to be my partner. Normally, my Quirk isn't that great for rescue. All I can do is blast things away and that's not necessarily a good trait to have to rescue civilians. I'm all about action."

"I see. Well, it's a good thing I used Chaos Mode then. I have better control of my Quirk, and I'm powered up. And with your precision and power, we can pretty much do everything. How are you feeling, sir? Fortunately, my Black Arms aren't totally connected to my body, so even if I'm running, sprinting or jogging, you won't feel anything other than the feeling of flying on top of a cloud."

"Or a rock." Takashi reminded him."However, it was a good idea to do that. We don't know the condition that he's in. Had we tried moving him ourselves, we might have made the situation worse. Possibly, hurt him more. However, we did take a pretty big gamble. Even if my precision is high, there was still a chance I could have missed something. Or for you to lift the wrong rock."

"Right." Darby nodded in understanding."But sometimes for heroes, that's not a luxury they can have. They have to work their way around things, even though the results won't be as they had hoped."

Eventually, they reached the safe zone some students had created to protect the injured. Darby gently placed the platform down as a girl with brown-haired rushed to their side.

"What is his condition?" She asked as she checked over the man.

"Building collapsed and he almost made it out, but his legs were trapped underneath rubble, preventing him from running. He says he doesn't feel his legs so we made sure to not move him too much, in case there was also internal damage." Takashi explained the situation.

The girl narrowed her eyes at him momentarily, before shaking her head."Understood. We'll try to move him to a softer area to rest. Put him on the right over there."

"Got it." Darby nodded, crabbing the platform again using his Black Arms and making his way.

"I recognize you." The girl glared at Takashi."You are Takashi Kachidoki, aren't you?"

"Don't know what you mean, ma'am." Takashi shrugged, playing it off.

"I was there during that day at Yokohama." She folded her arms."I saw you being carried by that boy just now."

Takashi remained silent, prepared for any harsh words that may come his way.

"I don't know why you're here or why he's with you. But right now is not the time for that. I just want you to know that I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of what you've done before, show me that you are willing to be a hero."

"Right." Takashi nodded."Thank you for your kind words. I was expecting some kind of insult, really." He made his way over to Darby, who was being helped to carry the man down on what it looked to be cotton candy, presumably someone's Quirk.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes, Tak-I mean, Greedy Nova." Darby corrected himself."He should be fine. He passed out, but maybe that's a good thing."

"Just Nova is fine, Shinjitsu." He rose a hand. Darby's eyes widened at that."I'm done with that life, remember?"

Just then a sudden explosions began going off everywhere around them. The students began to panic, but an unexpected person came in.

"Everyone, calm down! This is all part of the exam!"

"Deku!" Darby exclaimed in surprise.

"A villain has completed another large scaled attack." Mera's voice came through the speakers."The terrorists have appeared and started their persuit. Hero candidates are to continue their rescue while suppressing the newly arrived villains.

"Shit." Takashi clicked his tongue."Now things have gotten complicated." He stared off into the distance, noticing the person leading the villains."It's Gang Orca. Fuck. I'll go hold them off. You guys stay here and protect the civilians."

"Wait, are you crazy?!" The girl from before tried to stop him.

"He's right." Shindo rushed ahead of them."Get everyone to safety! Get them as far away from the villains as possible!" He bent down, touching the ground and using his Quirk to destroy the flooring underneath the villains, causing them to lose their footing. However, Gang Orca appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye and used an ultrasonic wave to paralyze him.

"A single hero to fend us off?" Gang Orca shook his head."You are underestimating me."

"Well, fuck it!" Takashi screamed as he splayed his hands out, adopting his Overclock Stage, and blasted himself at the "villain". Before Gang Orca could attack him, he blasted himself higher in the air and pulled his arms back as he began charging neon in his hands.

"Stardust Shower!" He screamed as with one swift motion, shot countless neon beams at the villains. The henchmen were unable to protect themselves and received his attacks head-on. Gang Orca, on the other hand, was moving around fast, evading the incoming attacks.

Takashi clicked his tongue, noticing that he was using a lot of neon for nothing. He noticed Todoroki creating an ice wave, but Gang Orca neutralized it with his supersonic wave.

"Yo, Todoroki!" Takashi landed next to him.

"Kachidoki?" Shoto blinked in surprise."What is that?"

"Long story short, I'm using my neon to enhanced my strength and speed. But it drains my neon reserves rapidly. Whatever we do now, we have to do this fast." He glanced up at the sky, noticing the young man from before."That's the guy who was giving you the eye."

"Yeah. I'm trying to ignore him." Todoroki huffed in annoyance."Why don't you help with the first aid station instead?! Your Quirk would be good for that! We'll take care of him!"

Takashi noticed Inasa refusing to listen and sighed. He spread his arms to the side, creating a total of 24 spheres of neon flying around him."24 Sacred Envoy Apocalyptic Bullet-HUH?!" Takashi's jaw dropped as he saw wind changing the course of fire.

"Why did you use your flames?!" Inasa demanded."The heat makes the wind rise up!"

"You ruined my shot on purpose, didn't you?" Todoroki's emotions were getting the better of him."Using your wind to blow away my fire!"

"He's right." Takashi said, his hands on his hips."No way you didn't do that on purpose. We told you to go to help others."

"I don't want to hear that from a villain." Inasa bellowed at him."I know what you did. You are no different from him or Endeavor!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Takashi spat on the ground."What does Endeavor have to do with any of this?"

"Hatred is all you two know." Inasa glared daggers at them."One is Endeavor's son, and the other is Vermillion Ray's son."

"The fuck?!" Takashi's growled."Don't you dare bring my father into thi-" A grey liquid was shot and covered Takashi's right arm."What the hell?!"

Todoroki created an ice barrier, protecting them from the incoming attacks."No good. It looks like it's hardening on you."

Takashi tried moving his arm to no avail."Shit. I can't fly with one arm."

"Your cold-blooded fathers...they taint the image of what a true hero is! A hero is someone full of passion that inspires others! With the fire burning in their hearts! They care!" He glanced at Todoroki in the air."It was a shock to meet your father because his gaze showed insatiable hate towards the entire world! At the entrance exam, I knew who you were immediate. When I said hello, your eyes were the same as his."

Takashi gritted his teeth."This is stupid..."

"On the other hand, Kachidoki, you are even worse than your father. He gave the impression of being a true hero. I looked up to him! Only for him to turn out to be a man who caused his child to become a villain! And you have the audacity to be here today, taking this exam!"

"I know..." Takashi lowered his head."I know."

"Don't listen to him, Kachidoki." Todoroki said."We're nothing like our fathers. He doesn't really know us or who we are."

"I know! I know I'm horrible!" Takashi used his free hand to blast himself in the air, only to end up doing circles without control."Even still, I can't deny what he saying about me! I did what I did on my own volition and I will make amends for it! For that, I have to pass this exam!" He fired a neon blast at Gang Orca, who simply blocked it with his Quirk.

"Finally, someone taking the initiative." He sounded impressed."But with only one arm, what can you hope to do?"

"This!" Takashi created a neon scythe and landed in front of the henchmen. They readied their guns, but Takashi was too fast for them. He cut their weapons, making them unable to shoot at him while also keeping them at bay. Since he couldn't use his right arm and he had his scythe in the left, he had to fire neon from his feet as he kicked at the henchmen who approached him from behind.

"Takashi!" Darby shot his Black Spheres are them in a spinning motion, clearing out a great section of their area.

"Why are you here?" Takashi panted, turning off his Overclock Stage mode.

"I figured you guys would need help." He glanced over his shoulder, noticing Gang Orca easily overpowering the combined efforts of both Todoroki and Inasa."This is bad. We gotta buy the civilians more time to escape."

"What do you suggest?" Takashi huffed, shooting any nearby henchmen that were still standing.

"I'll throw you at him! Give me your hands!"

"Wha-"

"Just do it!"

Takashi gave him his hands and Darby immediately grabbed him with his and began spinning him around."We call this Neon Spin Wheel!" Darby announced as he threw Takashi at Gang Orca. The neon user readied himself, engulfing his body in as much neon as possible for one final attack.

"Hold him still, Midoriya!"

The green-haired teen gasped in surprise but nodded nonetheless.

"Where did he come from?" Gang Orca's attention was now divided. On one hand, he had Midoriya and on the other Takashi, who was coming at him full speed.

"Take this! Valhalla Sm-" The alarm went off, causing Takashi's neon to flare up and die down, crashing against Gang Orca's chest and falling on the floor.

"Yeah, so at this time, all of the H.U.C members who were deployed have been rescued from the distraction zone. It might seem anticlimactic, but with this, the provisional license exam has concluded. After we tally the scores, we'll announce the results in the arena. Anyone injured, go to the infirmary. The rest of you are free to change clothes and wait wherever you'd like."

"Seriously..." Takashi groaned, feeling his energy completely gone by now."Jerks...I put everything I had into that attack..."

"Kachidoki-kun? Why are you here?" Midoriya offered a helping hand, which he reluctantly accepted."I thought you were...well, you know..."

"I wasn't going to announce myself to you guys like this." Takashi explained, wrapping around Midoriya to use as support."Anyways...now that I am here, I suppose I have no choice but to face the others..."

"You don't have to do it yet." The All Might fanboy told him."Maybe wait after they announce the results?"

Takashi seemed to ponder at that, letting himself off Midoriya."Fine. I guess I can at least give you guys a moment of peace."

"You know it's not like that..." Midoriya trailed off.


"I can't believe I scored below you." Darby scowled as he pushed Takashi forward."A freaking 80. What did I do wrong?"

Takashi continued resisting but to no avail. He glanced up at his provisional license, still not processing the fact he had earned one."Dunno. Maybe because you were going to slow. Maybe that whole building would have collapsed had you taken any longer and then what? Don't worry. What's important is that we passed. I got a 90 myself."

"See? That wasn't so hard." Darby beamed, patting his back as he continued pushing him."Now come on, the others are waiting for you."

"I really don't think this is a good idea..." Takashi glanced down at the ground."I don't even know if I deserve this license. Not a month ago I was prepared to kill anyone on sight just to fulfill an impossible dream. Now here I am, trying to save them. What a joke."

"Hey, you've earned that." Darby chastised him."Keep your chin up. Seriously, you personally did a whole 180. The old you would have been boasting right now. I don't think that's a bad thing. You are trying. But stop bring yourself down like that."

"It's just how it is." Takashi lamented."I betrayed everyone's trust and here I am, thinking I have any right to be with them again."

"You'll be surprised. Right guys?"

Takashi's eyes widened as his classmates began surrounding him from all sides. He had expected them to glare at him and just tell them how much they hated him. He didn't expect Iida to give him a nod, or for Uraraka and Mina to engulf him in a hug.

"Why...?" Takashi stammered as he saw Kirishima and Kaminari ruffled his hair. Yaoyorozu simply smiled at him and Jiro shrugged.

"Welcome back." Todoroki said from the side."I think you and he should break the ice already."

Kirishima jerked his thumb at Bakugo, who was leaning against the bus. He clicked his tongue."I hope you aren't as lame as you were before."

"Sorry about the arm." He shot the sarcasm back."But why are you guys...just welcoming me? I literally almost killed some of you."

"Technically, you only tried to kill Nishikawi." Sero threw that comment out in the air casually.

"Smooth." Mineta cringed at the taller teen.

"Besides, if Nishikawi, who fought so hard to bring you back despite what happened, forgave you, who are we to judge you?" Tokoyami voiced his opinion."Still, if you trying to make amends, then that means you care."

"Yeah! And you are like totally awesome!" Hagakure cheered."I know you can put your power to good use!"

"Indeed." Shoji nodded.

"You are one of the most talented students in our class." Yaoyorozu started."I might have failed you before, but I promise I won't do it again. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be there. Kendo's been worried, you know?"

"Itsuka? But I-"

"Just stop being so stubborn. We care about you." Asui slapped him on the back of his head with her tongue."We decorated your room a bit. Ojiro cleans it every now a then."

"I'm sure you wouldn't like the dust." Ojiro rubbed the back of his neck.

Takashi's eyes were watering uncontrollably, but he wouldn't allow them to see him in that state."I seriously cannot comprehend any of you."


Somewhere in the city

"I've had the best time of my life today." Toga smiled from ear to ear as she answered her phone. On the other line, Compress reprimanded her. As she entered the alley further, she noticed a silhouette sitting on top of a dumpster.

"There you are. You took forever to get here, mom." A young man wearing black skinny jeans, a black shirt, a white jacket with black strips going down the side of the arms, yawned as he stretched. He had shaggy black hair and a mask white mask with a happy face drawn on it with a black marker.

"Aw, Q-chan! You waited for me!" Toga squealed as she rushed over to him and hugged him, pressing his face against her chest.

"Mom! I told you before!" He pushed himself away."I'm calling myself Adamas! Q sounds dumb, and honestly, I need a cool name, don't you think?"

Toga pouted, grabbing him by the ear and pulling it, causing him to yelp."No backtalk to your mother, young man. Are you in your rebellious state already? Children grow up so fast these days~!"

"Yeah, okay. Anyway, are you okay? You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"I know you know the answer to that." Toga patted his head."You were looking out for me, weren't you?"

Adamas folded his arms."Obviously. What if they found you out? I would have to jump in and rescue you."

"Even if it meant having to fight multiple heroes?" She quirked a brow.

"For you mom, I'll do anything." Adamas shrugged."So don't worry. If you're ever in danger, let me know and I'll be there."

Toga giggled at his demeanor."Oh, you are a good boy, Adamas-chan. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful son."

Adamas chuckled at her response, deciding to keep quiet for a bit before asking his next question."So...did you get it?"

"Oh? Yes, I did! I got Izuku Midoriya's blood!" She announced rather loudly."But don't worry. It's not what you think it is."

"I wasn't." He huffed, putting his hands in his pockets."Anyway, I should probably get going. Dabi said he needed some help in recruiting new members. Must be hard to have to look for quality instead of quantity."

"Then I won't keep you any longer." Toga leaned closer to him."Want to give mommy a goodbye kiss?"

"Goodbye, mom." Adamas jumped from one wall to another, eventually reaching the rooftop of an apartment.

Toga sighed, shaking her head with her never-fleeting smile."That boy. He really is in his rebellious phase."


"Really? What a waste of effort. Doing all of that just for a convenience store register?" Accelerator looked in disgust at the villains that were combined with the parts of their burning car."Really, why am I here?"

"You decided to butt in." Overhaul glanced back at his brother."As I recalled, you have missions of your own, don't you?"

"Tch! Don't think you're so tough just by beating a bunch of nobodies, Kai." Accelerator snapped, adjusting his matching mask that resembled his brother's."We're out in the open, you know? Aren't you afraid someone will recognize us? We're already in hot shit as is."

"That's because you're too narrowed-minded." Overhaul drawled, almost sounding bored."For an assassin, what you did the other day was far from it."

"Shit got complicated, okay? Look, stop changing the subject!"

"I think what little Tai here means to say is that you should cut him some slack, Overhaul." Chrono offered from above."Seriously, he's trying to act more like you because he looks up to you."

Overhaul scoffed at that."Yeah? Could have fooled me. He's too immature. That is why he's not even in charge of his group."

"You motherfu-"

"Hey!"

The group of masked Yakuzas immediately turned to see a man wearing a black and white mask."Wanna join our group?"

Overhaul and Accelerator looked at each other, confused."Guess this is where we draw the line."


And with that, we're almost done with season 3. I have so many things planned for season 4 and I want to make sure to make it as enjoyable as possible. You'll like it, trust me. On that note, I want to see what are your guys' opinion on these recent chapters. I haven't gotten a review in a while so I'm kinda curious what are your opinions on the story so far. I welcome everything.