Chapter Forty - The Final Exams I

The day had finally come for the practicals of Class A's Final Exams.

Izuku made sure to be well rested, knowing his aches and grogginess from the training over the past week wouldn't suffice as an excuse. As he got out of bed and stretched his arms, Izuku looked at the new creation he had made the night before, lying on his desk in pieces. He sighed and slid it into one of the desk's drawers.

I can focus on my Support work after this is all settled…

The transition into the Hero classes wasn't easy at all. Thanks to his work at the Sports Festival, his fellow classmates were mostly supportive of him, but having no Quirk still left him lagging behind them occasionally

This had gotten Izuku into the thought process of creating a device that was small and compact and easily wearable. Perhaps something that he could always have, so it was as if he had a Quirk at all times. Of course, such a thing was just a pipe dream, so he pushed it to the back of his mind for the time being—

Well, he tried to, at least. Before he left, Izuku snatched the device back from the drawer, pocketing it as he hurried off to school, grumbling to himself as he was very conflicted in his thoughts.

I can't make Aizawa sensei mad about me creating things when I'm supposed to be training, but also I can't let my classmates get too far ahead of me—

"But what can I do about that? I started with Support and now it's like I'm having to choose between that and Hero work, but why can't they both exist at once—"

"DEKU!"

Izuku gasped, sliding to a halt. He had been muttering his thoughts out loud as he briskly walked through the school gates. Behind him, he saw a concerned Uraraka approaching.

"You were muttering a bunch— Did you not sleep much last night? I can kinda relate to that with the exams today," the girl spoke with a nervous chuckle.

"N-No, I'm fine… Just a lot is on my mind I guess," Izuku responded, giving a reassuring smile.

"Ehh? Well, if you say so…"

When they joined their classmates, almost everyone was surprisingly happy and ready to go, even those like Kaminari and Sero whom both dreaded anything test related.

"That study sesh at Yaoyorozu's completely invigorated my mind! The practical is gonna be a sinch," Kaminari exclaimed.

"Is it really going to be the robots from the Entrance Exam? That makes this super duper easy then," Mina said excitedly, throwing some punches into the air.

Momo was a bit more collected, responding with, "I agree but… We should still be well prepared."

"Those hunks of metal aren't that bad," Hanta Sero chimed in with a smirk. "I'm sure we can beat them even easier now!"

Izuku was intrigued by the stories of the Hero Course's Entrance Exams, and how everyone made light of it. He recalled his struggles during the Support Exam, and decided to try and avoid becoming a part of the conversation, not wanting to try and explain it all.

"Hey! Midoriya! What was the Support exam like?"

Izuku jumped a bit as Mina suddenly pointed him out, and everyone looked to him in interest.

"A-Ah, well… It'd take a little while to explain—"

Luckily for him, the door slid open and Aizawa arrived. Everyone was quick to disperse and go to their desks as he approached the front podium.

"We're ready to begin. After changing into your costumes, we'll head down to the city training centers ," their teacher spoke.

Everyone excitedly hurried to snag their Hero suit briefcases and go to get changed. Izuku's mind was still a jumble of many different thoughts as he got suited up, doing some stretches and feeling out the suit he had been training with for the past week with Aizawa.

Izuku had gotten the feel for it all now, the way the suit enhanced his movement with small bursts of air, and got small tweaks done when needed. The entire training with Aizawa was a big wake-up call for him, and really showed how much he needed to improve his combat awareness, and now was the time to truly show it off.

"Wow Deku! I've never seen your Hero suit," Uraraka had commented when everyone gathered up again.

"O-Oh, I've never seen all of yours either," Izuku spoke as he blushed slightly at her tight-fitting pink-and-black costume. It wasn't entirely true— They had seen the Hero Class' costumes during their Support studies, but seeing them in person was a totally different experience.

"It's a little bit more tight and curvy than I had originally wanted," Uraraka pointed out sourly.

Izuku chuckled and looked around at everyone else. For the most part, their costumes were what he could remember— Except for Todoroki.

I'm pretty sure his original costume had a sort of ice design, Izuku thought. Now, the boy was dawning something much more simple, the navy-blue outfit looking almost like casual clothes if it wasn't for the utility belt at his waist and other such adornments.

"Ah Midoriya, I see you've upgraded," came Iida as he approached.

"Y-Yeah, it's much better now," Izuku responded.

"I hope you've gotten even better at combat too," the class rep said with a warm smile. "But don't think you can match me this time."

Uraraka was a bit confused by their banter, not knowing the context, but didn't say anything about it as the class headed out of the main school building.

U.A was an absolutely massive campus, containing several city-sized training grounds. As they reached the one they were designated for their training, they found a line of people formed, waiting for them.

"Hm…"

"What are all of them doing here?"

"Must be here to watch us kick some robot butt!"

Ahead of the students, were several of the teachers of U.A. They included: Ectoplasm, Cementoss, Power Loader, Midnight, Thirteen, Present Mic, Snipe, and Aizawa.

W-Why are they all here…? Izuku gulped as the students stopped, facing down the teachers.

"Today is the practical portion of your Final Exams, if you wish to attend the training camp, you should do your best," Aizawa began to explain, "Of course, you can fail this test. And I'm sure you've all gathered information beforehand and have a general idea of what we'll be doing."

"That's right! Beating the crap out of robots like in the Entrance Exams," Kaminari exclaimed.

"It's a test of courage! For sure," Mina exclaimed as well.

"Too bad!" A new voice emerged, and Aizawa's scarf began to rustle. Suddenly, Principal Nezu popped out of it. "For various reasons, the exam will be different this time!"

Everyone was shocked, with both Kaminari and Mina feeling defeated that their information turned out incorrect.

"Eh… Changed…?" Momo looked worried.

"From now on, we want to focus on person-to-person combat and Hero work," the animal Principal spoke as he slid down Aizawa's scarf to the ground. "And we'll be stressing teaching methods that are closer to actual fighting!"

So it's not as simple as we thought, that's just like U.A! Izuku thought, trying to dispel any other thoughts from his mind to focus on what was at hand.

"You'll all be forming a team of two to face off against one of the teachers here," Nezu continued to explain.

"A-Against the teachers?!" Uraraka looked around after her outburst, seeing that everyone else was equally as shocked.

Aizawa continued on with, "In addition, the pairs have already been hand selected by us, using my own discretion and knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses and personal relationships."

Their teacher turned his gaze towards where Momo and Todoroki were standing. He smirked a bit, making them feel a bit unsettled.

"Yaoyorozu and Todoroki will be a team… And they'll be facing me," Aizawa stated.

"In addition, Midoriya and Bakugo will be a team," Aizawa continued.

Both boys were instantly taken back by this, but it was about to become even more shocking to them.

"And their opponent will be—"

Someone flew down from the sky, landing hard before them. Everyone watched as the tall, powerful symbol of peace, All Might, stood from his landing, his usual big smile on his face.

"I will do it," the #1 Hero said proudly, though at that moment, he looked almost menacing to the two boys chosen to oppose him.

"All Might….!" Both Izuku and Bakugo exclaimed in unison.

All Might chuckled a bit and held out a hand towards the two of them.

"Work together and defeat me, you two," the Hero spoke firmly.

Izuku and Bakugo exchanged a glance, then looked away from each other, feeling unsure about such a thing.

"Originally, Shirui would have been paired with Bakugo here," Aizawa explained, "But Midoriya fills that role just as well."

"The hell's that supposed to mean," Bakugo grumbled.

Having to face off against All Might… Is that even fair?!

Izuku looked from his idol to Bakugo, who scowled as their gaze met.

This… This might be my toughest challenge yet!

Shirui was sitting up intently, watching the TV screen that had been set up nead the foot of her hospital bed.

I wish I could be there right now…!

The girl's right arm was no longer bandaged for the first time since she was admitted. There were only small scars along it that held any signs of the decay that the villain's attack had caused. Likewise, her face held similar markings that otherwise couldn't be noticed unless someone peered closely at her.

They didn't let her leave yet to participate in the Final Exam, but they would allow her to watch. Aizawa had told her that her own exam would be a bit different, but that it was important to see her classmates' potential.

Since all of the exams were being held at the same time, Shirui could flip between them— but she instantly started to change to try and find the one she wanted to see most, then gasped slightly.

"All Might..?" The red-haired girl gazed at the screen, sitting up to make sure she was seeing correctly.

Izuku and Bakugo were standing far apart on the screen, still stretching and preparing within one of the city-sized training zones. Another smaller part of the screen showed All Might, who was standing with a huge grin as he awaited the cue for the exam to start.

If Midoriya is there… Does that mean I was supposed to be a part of this team?

Trying to think of how that would even be fair, Shirui then had to wonder how it was fair for a Quirkless boy to do it. She took note of his suit, which looked very refined, and could only wonder what exactly he would do.

The Sports Festival showed how strong you can be, so don't let me down, the girl thought, feeling as pumped as she did watching Izuku battle against Todoroki. Though, something else worried her, as she saw the look of disdain on Bakugo's face.

Well… I guess it all depends on that boy right there, too…

The Exam included two parameters in order to pass:

One — they could make their way through their assigned course to an end goal within a certain allotted time. Of course, the teacher opposing them was acting as a villain, and would try to stop them.

Two — They could use handcuffs on their opponent, which would symbolize their capture. This, of course, meant facing the Pro Heroes head on, which was a terribly disadvantageous, but offered a second means of victory, at least.

In order to make it a bit more fair, the Pro Heroes wore weights that were heavier depending on their size, to help limit their mobility. Whether this could truly impede somebody like All Might, it remained to be seen, and everyone was highly skeptical about it.

Izuku stood, having done some stretches to loosen himself up. He glanced to his right, where Bakugo looked as angry and determined as he had ever been.

Kacchan… I hope you realize how much we need each other for this, Izuku thought, unable to put it into words.

The two had fought in the Sports Festival, and also battled the Hero Killer together — However, Izuku was unsure if Bakugo truly felt any different towards him, if he respected his abilities despite his Quirkless nature.

As if hearing his thoughts, Bakugo turned to him suddenly, startling Izuku a bit.

"I'm gonna take All Might down," the spiky-haired boy stated confidently. "Don't get in my way."

Izuku sighed, expecting such words, but hoping for something better— However, Bakugo wasn't finished, and Izuku could tell. Soon enough, after a brief pause and a scowl, Bakugo continued:

"If it comes down to it, at least be a good distraction for me, like with that guy!"

Knowing that he was referring to Stain, Izuku was a bit surprised that Bakugo would ever consider him to be a part of the current effort. Izuku grinned and nodded.

"I got it. But.. Don't forget, we can also make it to the end—"

"Nope! I'll take All Might down and show everybody just who I am," Bakugo retorted quickly.

Izuku couldn't help but chuckle, which only drew a scowl from Bakugo as he looked away from him, which was a big difference from how he might've treated Izuku before when he might've yelled or attacked him.

Kacchan, you've opened up, even if it's just a little!

A rumbling noise began to rattle the entire city at that moment, making the two boys focus ahead of them. They watched as a cloud of dust and debris was flying their way at an alarming speed, and before they could react, it was upon them, threatening to blow them away.

All Might must've sent this..! Izuku and Bakugo struggled to hold their footing, sliding backwards.

"Flow," Izuku spoke into the metal guard that surrounded his mouth. This command kicked the suit's system into analyzing what was happening and acted accordingly. It had only a few functions at this time, but Izuku knew one would work out, as it could feel his footing being lost and the force of the wind blasting against him.

There was a loud CLUNK noise, and Izuku felt himself stopping suddenly. A metal rod had shot out from the back of the suit where the sleek new Flow unit was, hitting into the ground to brace him. Bakugo was still struggling though, leaning forward and using his hands to try and stop, but he kept sliding backwards—

Luckily, it was soon over. The street for as far as they could see was now covered in dust and debris from the signs and other such things that had once been around like in a normal city.

Then they saw him, the tall, powerful figure walking towards them through the remaining dust of the attack.

"What's wrong, Heroes?" The voice of All Might was firm and booming, and he finally emerged into full view, his wide grin looking more

menacing from their point of view than inspiring like it usually was. "I am a Villain, and I will destroy you and this entire city!"

Those words rang out through the city and shook the two boys to their very cores, even if they both did their best not to show it. Before them was the #1 Hero, the strongest person they'd ever known who was meant to protect everyone he could, but now he was tasked with stopping them.

"Flow," Izuku whispered, the rod retracting. Nearby, Bakugo got back up to his feet, both watching their opponent warily.

"If you won't come to me," All Might spoke loudly. "Then…"

The Pro Hero tensed up to move. The two boys readied themselves, but All Might was upon them in a flash. Izuku looked over in horror as Bakugo was punched hard in the stomach, sent tumbling backwards, the boy spitting up.

"Kaccha—!" Izuku's exclamation cut off as as All Might's eyes turned to him. He gasped and pushed off, running forward to try and go the way All Might had come from.

If I can make it to the goal—

The #1 Hero was upon him quickly, grabbing his leg in mid-step and flipping him upwards. Izuku gasped, trying to maneuver in mid-air as he had been practicing for months, but it didn't matter as All Might slammed him into the ground hard, cracking the pavement beneath him. Izuku let out a gasp as air escaped him, staring up at his idol, whose strong hand was pinning him down.

"You'd run away from your friend, Hero? Leave him to die?"

Izuku couldn't respond for a moment, watching as All Might lifted his hand, clenching a fist as if ready to strike again— However, Bakugo suddenly flew in, his hand reaching forward to send an explosion at All Might. The Hero was able to move to the side, and was poised to strike at the boy, but Bakugo was quick to follow his dodge, holding his hands close together.

The explosions between his hands expanded into a bright, blinding light that cascaded over the area. Izuku closed his eyes, but it was still nearly blinding through them. All Might was surprised by this assault, having to allow his eyes to adjust as he came to a halt, taking a step back.

"I'll be the #1! All Might," Bakugo exclaimed loudly. All Might struck out towards the boy had spoken, but this was just what he had wanted.

Using an explosion to hurl himself over All Might quickly, Bakugo then sent a flurry of explosions down upon him, a wicked grin on his face as he did so. On the ground nearby, Izuku had to act quick as he knew he would be endangered being so close to the assault. A bit dazed from the blinding light from before and the hit he had taken, the green-haired boy quickly rolled out of the way and got up to his feet, bracing himself against the force of the explosions.

Kacchan's really going all out! I should—

Before Izuku could act, he saw All Might's hand shoot out from the smoke of the explosions, grabbing hold of Bakugo's arm before tossing him into a nearby building, the crater from the boy slamming into it nearly collapsing the structure.

"Man, these things are making this harder than I thought," All Might spoke as the smoke was clearing, fiddling with the heavy bracers he was wearing as a penalty to himself. Besides a couple of small scuffs on his suit, he seemed to be perfectly fine, smirking at Izuku. "Not that I'm even breaking a sweat against such weak Heroes."

All Might was too good at playing a powerful, cocky villain. It was incredibly scary, but Izuku had to remind himself that, in the end, he wouldn't die here.

This is nothing compared to those times..!

Faced against almost certain death at the hands of the villainous Kurogiri and the Hero Killer, there was no way this current situation could make him stop fighting.

"Overclock," Izuku spoke. It was soft, but All Might had taken notice, the Hero coming in to strike.

With a loud WHOOSH, Izuku ran to the side, avoiding All Might's oncoming punch. He then started to run forwards, the Flow unit of his suit starting to make a loud whirring noise as it went into overdrive, increasing its functions by nearly tenfold as it shot air bursts from various locations on the suit to match his movements and increase his momentum naturally.

Much like when Izuku had fought Todoroki, there was a time limit to when the device would overheat and need time to recover when it was overclocked. This would give him about thirty seconds or a little more, depending on his actions during that time.

As Izuku expected, All Might was rushing to him quickly, so there wasn't any real chance of escaping. He thought about his recent training with Aizawa, which, albeit cut short due to the encroaching exams, resounded within him.

Don't stop moving, don't stop analyzing, just don't stop fighting!

Izuku spun on his heel, facing the oncoming Hero. This seemed to surprise All Might, but he didn't stop, ready to strike as his grin widened more.

The boy took a step back, as if bracing himself. Once the large man nearly hit him, Izuku ducked in far, suddenly kicking off and flying right between All Might's legs in a blur. He slid across the ground for a moment, nearly tumbling and losing himself, but Izuku managed to get up to his feet and quickly jump into the air, heading towards the building where Bakugo had been thrown into earlier.

CLUNK! Something hard slammed into Izuku, sending him flying away like a swatted fly, seeing that it was a broken stop sign before he hit the ground hard, and started to stand— Until All Might suddenly landed near him, slamming a piece of iron fencing over him. Izuku gasped as the Pro Hero pushed it into the ground deep, Izuku's head and arms pinned between the fence bars. It was scary to think that the #1 Hero could've easily skewered him, even though All Might would never do such a thing.

"How about you just stay here until time runs out," All Might said, dusting his hands off, satisfied.

Suddenly an explosion sounded from the building Bakugo was inside of, which finally resulted in it collapsing as the violent-tempered boy flew towards them.

"All Might…!" His voice was raspy and growling with anger.

"One to go," All Might said confidently, smirking at the oncoming opponent.

No! Kacchan, we can't take him alone! Izuku thought frantically. We can't run unless we help each other either! I—

There was a blinding explosion, stopping Izuku's thoughts in their tracks, as smoke and bright light plumed through the street.

To Be Continued

Next Chapter: The Final Exams II