Class 1-C

Hitoshi wanted to slam his head on the wall.

After he received Yuuei's acceptance letter, Hitoshi naively thought impossible. He thought that maybe because it was All Might that greeted him in his hologram message that he'd be slotted in into the hero course. He saved so many people back in the exam that he hoped it was enough to at least get him in one of the two hero classes. Unfortunately, he failed to consider other factors, such as the actual villain points that held much more weight than lives saved and helped.

Hitoshi glared at the door of General 1-C, where heroic dreams came to die, and cursed the optimist that so desperately clung close to his heart. Things would be so much easier if it just died and he didn't need to go through this recurring cycle of heartbreak over and over again. He could hear people from the other side of the door, as well as other freshmen within the wing file in their respective classrooms and... mingled. Hitoshi had his hand on the door, still reluctant to enter and start this new chapter of his life.

This wasn't what he had planned at all.

He never planned to be thrown in the class filled with failed hero candidates that somehow managed to thread through a very narrow needle during practical's and landed themselves in general studies. It was disgraceful. Yes they were technically not the hero course, but it was insulting to anyone that had applied for the hero course and was instead granted admission into the school either way as a member of its regular high school. There were still opportunities in the future to move up, Hitoshi knew that, but as of the moment he wallowed himself in dark thoughts that ridiculed himself.

Past, forgotten fears about first impressions also started to grow at the pit of his stomach. He was suddenly worried that his quirk would once again be judged; and this time would be different. His quirk would be judged by people studying in a hero school. It was utterly shameless. A villain in a hero school, he could almost hear it being said in real life.

A loud, high pitched, shrill scream broke Hitoshi from his thoughts and kicked his instincts into high gear. He barged into the room, eyes scanning for trouble until he spotted a girl with straight, hip length, black hair, holding up a severed eyeball toward a completely horrified boy with flaming red-orange hair. She cackled, visibly amused as she insisted on making the fire-head look at the detached eyeball.

The boys hair spurted pale white flames as the eye brushed his hand. His entire body shook and he slapped the eyeball away with a shrill shriek. "MY EYE!" the girl screamed as the organ flew towards a trio of girls nearby.

They shrieked as the eye dropped on someone's head, and the smallest of the group with grayish-brown, feather-like hair, wearing very round glasses, smacked it away with a rolled magazine in disgust. The black-haired girl ran after her eye as it bounced and rolled off under the table.

Another student with messy raven locks nonchalantly picked it up and rubbed it clean on his uniform. He flashed a sharp toothed grin at her and handed the eye back. Hitoshi turned away from them when the raven haired boy let out an impressively long tongue to battle the creepy girl's quirk. The fire head fainted, unable to stomach both their horror-esque quirks at the same time.

Hitoshi sat himself at the very corner of the room, far away from anyone present in the room and busied himself with his phone. He occasionally looked around when a new student entered and made themselves comfortable with the others. A few groups had already started to form among them, but Hitoshi didn't bother to remember which was which. He didn't plan to stay in this class for long anyway. Once he had the chance to prove himself, he's certain to leave them all behind and move up.

He did it before in middle school, he can do it again.

Despite everyone's general eagerness to get to know each other, none of them seemed interested in approaching Hitoshi in his corner. He caught a couple of them look his way before they whispered amongst themselves. Hitoshi clicked his tongue, reminded of his earlier years how baseless gossip and horrible first impressions basically killed off any chance he had to be seen in any positive light. He hardly knew anyone here and he could already sense the cycle repeat itself. On one end, he wasn't surprised. It was to be expected, yet at the same time, he earnestly hoped that Yuuei would be different. Too bad it didn't.

He turned away from the class and simply waited for time to pass until a well-built man middle aged man, with a striking square jawline, neatly kept black hair, and piercing silver eyes walked in with a black notebook on his hand. The students scrambled to get to their seats, and the teacher greeted them in a gentle yet husky voice. "Alright everyone, settle down. I am Awaseru Giro, your homeroom teacher. I'll save the pleasantries for later because of the opening ceremonies, and I do not want to be reprimanded for not following like last time." He mumbled something incoherent to himself before continuing, "I know we've only just started, but I don't want any unnecessary complications while I handle this class, so let's begin with some ground rules. Number one!"

A number of students fumbled on their seats at his tone. "You are to report to class, on time, every day for home–" as though on cue, the back door slid open to reveal familiar face. Hitoshi's eye twitched when he recognized the unmistakable dark skin and blond hair. Of all the fucking –

"Ah," Awaseru-sensei sighed as he read the persons name on his notebook, "Natsuaki Fumei was it? So kind of you to demonstrate breaking our first rule while I explained it. Take a seat before I make an example of your first offense."

Fumei bashfully apologized and quickly slot himself on the empty seat beside Hitoshi, who hid behind his hands when the former's eyes lit up in recognition.

"Silence shall be observed during class hours unless you are asked to speak or participate," he said. "If you have anything important to add, you raise your hand. You respect me and your classmates at all times. And I will not, absolutely will nottolerate discrimination above all. Contrary to what the majority of you may believe, your quirks allowed you to step inside this institution as one of its finest. Heroes or not, you are all young people with potential. If you so much as think of your classmates as anything less than yourself because of their quirks, intelligence, or skills, then you are giving me every bit of reason to kick you out of this class. Am I understood?"

The class shared unsettled looks, but said nothing against it. Hitoshi has had his fair share of bouts with authority, and maybe a part of him may want to continue that, but he also didn't want to lessen his chances of moving up to the hero course because of disciplinary sanctions. It'd be best if he stuck to Awaseru-sensei's good graces. After all it shouldn't be too hard if he learned to keep his head low when he needed too and only raise it up when he had to be noticed. As for the other matter... Hitoshi found himself not caring if he followed the rule or not. If people deserved his respect and recognition, then he will give him that. If they didn't then he wouldn't apologize for being a dick to them.

"I said," Awaseru-sensei reiterated, "Am I understood?!"

"Yes, Sensei!"

"Good," Awaseru-sensei flashed them a quick smile. "Line up for opening ceremonies, and once that's over with, change into your tracksuits and see me in the field for a physical exam. I understand that your middle school prevented you from using your quirks during these tests, but it should please you to know that you enrolled in Yuuei. We're not that primitive. We breed heroes and productive citizens of the country. We will not stunt your growth and prevent you from learning more about your quirk if it can help you grow. I expect you to be able to manage them well. You will be allowed to use your quirks, within reason, during the periods I will allow you to use them, to prepare for the sports festival."

The class' mood suddenly shifted from awkward to determined in a snap. The sports festival was the best way for hero students to be scouted by the Pros, and for Hitoshi and the rest of failed hero candidates, this was their last shot at becoming a real hero.

Hitoshi followed after his class toward the changing room and picked out the last locker for himself. The further he was from everyone, the better. A physical test was nothing new, but using their quirks alongside it was. To anyone that relied on their quirk for physical prowess, this would be to their advantage, but for Hitoshi whose quirk only improved his persuasiveness rather than his physical strength or skill, it made no difference.

However, he still felt the need to stand out. If they were being allowed to use their quirks despite being in general studies meant that Awaseru-sensei was already studying them, perhaps even grading failed hero candidates if they deserved a second chance. Regardless of whether this was true or not, Hitoshi didn't plan on messing up twice. He needed to get past this hurdle so his plan can get back on track.

While recalled which activities were mandatory in such tests and thought of a way to stand out, he felt a finger poke his cheek. He instinctively slapped the hand away and glared at the dark-skinned boy from the practical exam.

Fumei studied his face with eyes like the sun, bright and inquisitive. "What are you -" His question was suddenly cut off by Fumei grabbing Hitoshi's arms and running his eyes through it as though looking for any sign of self-harm. Hitoshi pulled himself away from the blond and spat venomously. "The fuck are you doing?"

"Just checking," the smaller male said with a shrug. "The last time I saw you, you looked ready to die. Not that the blast would kill you, the worst it could do is leave a nasty burn scar, which would be a shame really." Hitoshi narrowed his eyes at the unsaid compliment as the blond continued on, "I figured you're the type that doesn't let a loss like that slide easily and maybe you've gone lower. The circles have definitely gotten worse. If you're trying to imitate raccoons, I don't think its a good look for you."

Hitoshi inhaled deeply and tried to control his breathing. It was too early in the day, and the school year to get pissed. Why was he even talking to him? Didn't Hitoshi leave an obvious enough impression the first time they met that he wasn't interested in being acquainted?

"Oh, hey, whoa. You're turning red now. Is that - natural? Hey!" he called for everyone else in the room who were none the wiser about their dispute. "Does anyone know if this guy's quirk has something to do with his face? Because it's starting to make me concerned."

"Will you shut up?" Hitoshi hissed through clenched teeth.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch tha -'' Fumei's words fell out of his mouth as a cloudy haze filled his mind and his eyes stared off into the distance.

"Shut up. Leave me alone."

Fumei's mouth clamped shut at the command and he turned around to leave. Everything was going as smoothl until Fumei crashed into an orange haired boy wearing a rather large pair of headphones. He hit his elbow on a bench and screamed, "FUCK!" He cradled his arm close to his chest as his senses returned to him, and looked around, confused "What the... How did I...?"

The orange haired kid knelt to their level and signed something. Fumei frowned, not able to understand and the former sighed. "Sorry. Didn't see," he said almost whisperingly in the shortest but fastest way possible.

"It's... fine? I wasn't... really sure how I..." Fumei dismissed their worries and glanced over to Hitoshi, who avoided his gaze. The blond hummed to himself and promptly walked back to Hitoshi. He leaned down on the lockers opposite Hitoshi and asked, "So... your quirk do that?"

Hitoshi pursed his lips and slammed his locker shut. Fumei jumped back as Hitoshi towered over him. "I told you to leave me alone."

"Yeah, funny," Fumei chuckled. "I remember you saying that, but I don't remember actually doing it."

Hitoshi harshly bumped Fumei's shoulder on his way out to silently cue the latter that he was no interested in prolonging this conversation further. Unfortunately for him, Fumei was either really persistent or he simply didn't bother reading social cues and continued to follow after Hitoshi. "Aw, come on. You know what mine is already. I deserve to know yours before everyone else does."

Hitoshi stopped, once again glaring at the shorter male. "You think I owe you anything?"

"Well," the blond shrugged. "I did say my act of kindness is kind of insurance."

Hitoshi clicked his teeth. "Last I checked, dropping pounds of metal over helpless people wasn't an act of kindness."

"It got you enough rescue points though didn't it?"

"I didn't get into Yuuei because of that," Hitoshi said. "I'm here because I deserve to be."

The fair-haired boy hummed, thinking otherwise. "The written exams are just formalities. It's those rescue points you got because of me that really helped."

"So what do you want me to do?" Hitoshi snarled. "Kneel and say thank you? Don't make me laugh. You jumped around like it was all a game. You didn't care if people got hurt or not."

"No one died. Plus, is'not like anyone ever will, it's a school exam. If someone got hurt really bad that'd be on Yuuei's name, so does it really matter?" Fumei shrugged. "We got in! And I saw you cleaning up after me with a few others, so really neither of us of here lost. We both win!"

"You-" Hitoshi cursed, appalled and almost raised a fist at the blond, unable to hold his own temper at bay, thankfully a lanky bald-headed Caucasian male wearing dark rectangular shades grabbed his arm before he could pull it back.

"OKAY! How about we all calm down for a moment and relax? We're all friends here."

"I know we are," Fumei said with a pout. "M'just not sure Sir Raccoon here thinks the same."

"What did you just call me?"

Fumei grinned, teasingly. "You heard me, raccoon eyes."

Hitoshi tried to pull his arm off the bald headed student, but was surprised on the firm grip keeping him in place. He didn't look like he packed a lot of muscle under that tracksuit, so where was all this strength coming from?

"Well I don't know if you've noticed... uh? Fumei was it?" Fumei nodded and the bald student continued, "It doesn't seem that he wants to be your friend. Truth be told, a couple of us chickened out back in the room when we saw him too. No offense, but you don't look all that approachable."

"None taken."

"Well I'm not like all of you, I know him from the exams."

Bald head sighed, "Yes I see that but... how do I -" he fumbled with his words. "Your methods - or well your sentiments don't come across as friendly either." Fumei tilted his head, confused. "You're... uh... claiming you had a hand in his admission to Yuuei and now want to be his friend?"

"I did, and yes, isn't that how it works?"

"He didn't," Hitoshi corrected him before the other got the wrong idea.

The bald student laughed nervously. "Well, regardless, uh - I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name."

"Shinsou."

"Right! Shinsou doesn't owe you anything. Even if you do want to be friends. That's his choice to make, and we can't force him to do anything he doesn't want to."

"Oh… I get it," Fumei nodded in understanding. "He's shy! Hey, hey, Shinsou you don't need to be shy around me! I like you the way you are."

Hitoshi and the other student sighed. Hitoshi really did not like this guy. He can't tell if this was an elaborate rouse to make him hate him the other student or what, but whatever it was, it's working. He wanted him gone.

"Maybe," the bald boy laughed. "But perhaps we should just give him some space before trying again?"

"I'm not here for friends," Hitoshi said. "That includes him, and you. Now leave me the hell alone."

Hitoshi stormed out of the changing room before either of them could say anything against his declaration. He joined the class pooling near the center of the field and once again stayed at the very back as to not catch the attention of anyone else. Dealing with one annoying peer and another law-abiding one was enough for the day. Fumei and his new acquaintance joined them shortly after, looking to be in much higher spirits than when Hitoshi left them.

"This would be the second time you're almost late Fumei," Awaseru-sensei said. "I hope you don't make a habit out of it." Fumei bashfully turned away from the class' eyes as sensei continued. "For everyone else, don't follow in his footsteps if you know what's good for you. As I said earlier, we'll be doing a quirk test today. I expect you to be responsible with them. Clear?"

They silently nodded in compliance, and Awaseru-sensei looked over the heavy air hanging over the class. He closed his book and pushed his hair back. "I see a bit of introduction is warranted. It should ease all of your nervousness to know me a bit, I suppose. My quirk is called Inquiry. It allows me to analyze quirks the moment they are used before me. I don't remember what I see the moment it's active, so I have to write it down on this," he waved his book, and suddenly it made sense that Sensei never parted with it since they've met. "It's only applicable to use once per individual for an entire year, so I make sure to use it when most appropriate. Once I do, I use what I've discovered to mold the potential that I see bleeding through my notes."

Awaseru-sensei scanned through his class and his attention lingered a bit on Hitoshi before it focused on Fumei completely, who was now talking to a pink-haired kid.

Hitoshi instantly felt his animosity towards the fair-skinned student rise. Regardless of how annoying or socially inept Fumei was, he's shown great mastery over his quirk during the practical exams, maybe more if Hitoshi heavily considered how confident, bordering on arrogant, he was the entire time.

"I've had the pleasure of working for, and with, heroes as a recruiter for top Hero agencies in Japan and overseas. You can say I have this 'looking for the diamond in the rough' business down to art. So, how did I end up here? Washed-up in Yuuei teaching general studies, instead of the hero course? Because I've spent years working for the industry and every year, the heroes that come all disappoint," he said with an exhausted sigh.

"Every year we have thousands of heroes graduate dreaming to make a name. Not all of them reach the top, which is understandable but the moment they have a taste of hardship, they run away! Sign up for some secondary, hobby-job like modelling or acting career instead of saving people and making the world a better place," Sensei rambled on. "Or - or - choose to take jobs they'll do to rise in the polls! Don't get me started on the ones that disappear from hero duties because they couldn't make it to the top 2,000. Bunch of attention-hungry weasels, the lot of them –"

No one was brave enough to remind him of the test and simply let him blow off steam. He went, ranting for a few more minutes, until bald shades raised his hand in attention. Awaseru-sensei blinked, then coughed to regain his professional stance. "Personal feelings aside, I'm one of the few people with the power to see if you have what it takes. I've always said that, that practical exam was unfair. If Principal Nedzu allowed me to draft a more stable exam, there wouldn't be so much wasted potential –" he stopped himself before he could go off into a tangent again.

"However, I have to give credit where it is due. The exam has its purpose. It is meant to see who's prepared for hero work, and those not quite there yet. Don't be disheartened, if you've been sorted here as a hero course applicant. This isn't the end for you. They were just more prepared for it than you. We've given you a secon chance, so make sure not to waste it. The last door of opportunity is only a few months away, and passing through it won't be easy. I won't make it easy, your classmates won't make it easy, and the other departments certainly won't either," Awaseru-sensei reminded them.

"I will be evaluating each and every one of you today, so be sure to give it your all. I won't be able to do so again till next year. I won't tolerate slackers in my class, so regardless of your ambitions, I expect Plus Ultra performances from all of you today. Not everyone can be a hero, but I can at least teach to have the heart to be one. Understood?"

The class erupted in cheers even though they've been reminded that the path to being a hero would not be an easy one. Awaseru-sensei didn't tell them it was impossible and that gave them hope. It gave Hitoshi hope.

Hitoshi thought it was naïve of him to believe the words of someone who wasn't even a hero himself, but for all it was worth, Sensei's words made him believe that he could reach his goal no matter what. As long as he tried and kept his heart in the right place, he'd definitely make it through.