Coco: I'm back and with the first chapter of the Provisional Licensing Exam! There's really not exactly a lot of action in this chapter. Just really the beginning of the exam. But next chapter expect some fighting and some ultimate moves. I'm mostly going to be focusing on my OCs during this entire thing, so I'm pretty sure I'll actually be cutting out a lot of what actually happened in canon. At least what happens during the first part of the exam. But we'll see. Like, if you want to see that bonus episode that was thrown in that wasn't part of the manga-I think (sometimes it's hard to remember XD), I can. I thought about adding Hachiro to Momo's group and writing him in that episode. I do some times feel like I don't spend a lot of time on him compared to my female OCs, so if you're interested, let me know, and I'll write him into that episode. Might even turn into a feature chapter. Like, who knows? XD

Now, enough of my rambling. Let's get to it!

More time passed and before the students knew it the day for the provisional hero licensing exam arrived. Finally, it was time.

'This is it,' Ayano thought to herself as she stood outside the National Dagoba Arena with her classmates.

They had just stepped off the bus and had the suitcases containing their costumes in hand. Her free hand gripped Katsuki's as the blonde was looking around in a bored manner.

"Uggh, I'm getting kind of nervous," Kyoka complained.

She wasn't the only one feeling the nerves building up in their stomachs like little butterflies. Many of the others looked nervous as well. Then some of them looked excited to get started while the rest wore calm expressions. Ayano herself was feeling pretty nervous. She even gripped Katsuki's hand a bit tighter as a way to try and calm her nerves. Katsuki glanced down at her to see her bothered expression as she bit her lip.

'Calm down,' He thought to her. 'You're getting worked up for nothing, idiot.'

Ayano nodded as she tried to remind herself that she could do this. She was ready. Though despite feeling a bit better, her grip didn't relax on Katsuki's hand.

"I wonder what they're going to make us do," Minoru said then sighed. "Ahh, what if I can't get my license?"

He then jumped as Aizawa, who had been in front of his students, bent over in front of Minoru.

"Mineta, don't ask if you can," Aizawa told him. "Say you will."

"Yeah, sure!" Minoru said. "I've so got this!"

Though despite his words, he still looked nervous as hell. Aizawa stood back up to address the rest of his students.

"If you can pass this test and get your provisional licenses then you novice eggs will hatch into chicks." Aizawa told them. "You'll be seen as semi-pros. I expect your best."

"Alright! I can't wait to be a heroic chicken!" Denki said looking stoked.

Beside him, Eijiro raised up his fist looking even more excited than his dark-blonde friend if it were even possible.

"Let's call out the usual, you guys!" Eijiro called. "On my mark! Go—!"

"Plus Ultra!" Eijiro, a few of their classmates…and some stranger…shouted.

Ayano and the others looked at this newcomer curiously as he stood with a wide grin on his face.

"You know, it's pretty rude to barge into other people's huddles like that, Inasa." A purple-haired boy said from behind the smiling boy.

Ayano took in the boy while noticing others with them, and they were all wearing uniforms that looked familiar to her for some reason.

"What?! Pardon me!" Inasa said then literally slammed his head into the ground as he bowed to them. "I—am—so—very—extremely sorry!"

His actions had some of the U.A. students jumping back in shock. Ayano knew that had to hurt. He didn't even hesitate to hit that pavement with his head.

"Who is this guy?!" Denki asked. "I don't trust his enthusiasm."

"It's a bit much…and that's coming from me." Hachiro said.

Ayumi—another one usually beaming with energy—nodded in agreement as she partially hid behind Shoto.

"Hey, look at their uniforms," Kyoka said.

Everyone looked to see what she meant and as Ayano took another look, she finally realized why the uniforms looked so familiar. It was Shiketsu High.

"There in that famous school on the other side of Japan," Hanta said.

"U.A. in the East and Shiketsu in the West." Katsuki added.

They were the only other school in Japan with a hero program that rivaled U.A. Ayano had actually thought about going there once as its structure and prestige had interested her, but in the end, she had decided U.A. would be better for her. And she feels like she made the right choice. She and the others then jumped when Inasa snapped back into an upright position.

"I wanted to say it just once—Plus Ultra!" Inasa said. "See? I really love U.A. High School! I am extremely honored to compete against such incredible students! I'm so looking forward to it!"

Ayano just blinked up at the guy as she wondered if he even realized that he was bleeding.

"Oh, blood," Inasa's classmate commented as she too noticed it running down his face.

"Let's go," The purple-haired boy said as he started walking towards the steps that led into the arena.

Inasa quickly followed after his classmates while picking his hat off the ground as he went.

"Yoarashi Inasa," Aizawa murmured as the Shiketsu students got farther away.

"You know that guy, Aizawa-sensei?" Toru asked.

The others were curious as well since their sensei looked a bit troubled by the boy's appearance. Or maybe troubled wasn't the right word. But he definitely seemed interested.

"Indeed," Aizawa said. "He's strong. He's the same year as you all, and received the top scores of students admitted through recommendations. But for some unknown reason, he turned down his acceptance to U.A; went to Shiketsu."

"Wait, he's…our age?" Izuku asked.

"Interesting," Konan said. "I look forward to seeing how he performs in this exam."

Katsuki smirked as he was curious himself. The top student admitted through recommendations. That meant he had to be better than Shoto. Katsuki wondered if he'd end up crossing paths with the guy during the exam. He wanted to test himself against the so called best of the other schools.

"Hold on, isn't anyone else confused here?" Hanta asked. "This guy says that he loves our school, but he turned down his chance to enroll when it was offered?"

Seemed weird to him and didn't make much sense. Hanta had been excited to try out for U.A. and when he got his acceptance letter, he hadn't hesitated to finish the enrollment process.

"Yeah, what a weirdo." Mina said.

"Maybe, but he's the real deal." Aizawa warned his students. "Keep an eye on him."

"Eraser!" A voice suddenly called out.

And before all his students, Aizawa Shota lost his composure for a split second as he flinched with his eyes widening. This had many of them doing a double take to make sure they weren't seeing things. They then followed Aizawa's annoyed line of sight to the one who had called out. Ayano saw a green-haired woman walking their way with a large smile on her face.

"I'd know that scowl anywhere," The woman said as she continued making her way over to Aizawa. "I saw you on TV and at the Sports Festival, but it's been a while since we've been this close in person."

Aizawa's eye just twitched at her words as he didn't seem happy at all to see this woman.

"She looks familiar," Izuku murmured.

Not to Ayano. She had no idea who this woman was, or how she knew their teacher so well.

"Let's get married," The woman, who finally stopped in front of Aizawa, said as she gestured between them.

"No," Aizawa shot her down without hesitation.

Mina squealed at the seen as the woman, who didn't seem upset by Aizawa's refusal in the slightest, turned her head and laughed.

"You're a real laugh riot, buddy." The woman said.

"As usual, you're impossible, Joke," Aizawa said.

From beside Ayano, Izuku gasped with his eyes lighting up. It was the same expression he wore whenever he was about to start fanboying.

"Oh, that's Ms. Joke the Smile Hero!" He exclaimed. "Her quirk is Outburst! She forces the people around her to laugh, which affects their ability to think. And keeps them from being able to move. Her fights against villains are always full of insanity!"

So, basically, she was the polar opposite of their grumpy, does things logically teacher. They do say opposites attract, but it doesn't seem as if Aizawa agrees with that as he looked truly annoyed just to be near the woman.

"Come on, imagine it!" Ms. Joke said to Aizawa as she gave him a thumbs up. "If I was your wife, you'd have a future full of constant laughter!"

"That sounds like an actual nightmare." Aizawa retorted without missing a beat.

Once again Ms. Joke turned her head to let out many loud rounds of laughter from her mouth. The smile on her face never fading.

"It seems like you two are close," Tsuyu commented innocently.

Ms. Joke turned towards the U.A. students while putting her hand next to her mouth as if she was about to tell them a secret.

"Our agencies were near each other," She explained then clasped her hands together. "As young heroes striving to make a difference in the world, a mutual love bloome—!"

"No, it didn't." Aizawa cut her off.

"Ha! I do miss your quick retorts!" Ms. Joke laughed. "You're my favorite person to tease, Future Husband."

Aizawa's eye continued to twitch as Ayano wondered why Ms. Joke was even here. Unless pro-heroes would be part of this exam or allowed to watch like the Sports Festival. Or Ayano supposed that perhaps Ms. Joke was a teacher herself of young heroes-in-training.

"So, Joke," Aizawa began as he tried to change the subject. "If you're here then that must mean…"

"That's right," She said then turned towards a group of students heading in their direction. "Over here, everyone! This is U.A."

Some looked excited to see the U.A. students, but Ayano narrowed her eyes at the dark-haired male leading the group. Something about him seemed off.

"Second Years from Ketsubutsu Academy. This is Class 2," Joke introduced. "They're my students."

She said this proudly as the dark-haired boy leading the group stepped in front of Izuku. He grasped the boy's hands with a big friendly smile on his face.

"Hey, I'm Shindō!" He said. "Seems like U.A. has had a lot of trouble this year. Must have been tough for ya."

"Uh, yeah," Izuku replied uncertainly.

Shindō nodded then moved onto Denki whose hands he also grasped within his own.

"But even so you're all aiming to become Pro-Heroes despite those hardships." Shindō continued then took Kyoka's hands into his grip. "It's wonderful! Hearts full of fortitude! I believe that's what every hero in the world needs to have!"

Ayano frowned at this boy while knowing how he's acting and the words coming out of his mouth didn't match his thoughts. She knew it was like an invasion of privacy and two wrongs don't make a right, but she didn't like how he was trying to fool them with this overly nice persona.

"He's too nice." Izuku said.

"This charming pretty boy is going to steal our girls." Denki fretted.

Kyoka rolled her eyes at the blonde as he looked truly worried that at any second Shindō was literally going to whisk all the girls of Class 1-A away.

"And, Bakugo, Ishida, it must have been hard for you two." Shindō said. "What with the whole kidnapping incident."

Ayano frowned even more as she subconsciously gripped Katsuki's hand even tighter. Katsuki narrowed his eyes at the older student as he moved slightly in front of Ayano. Though he let her keep a hold of his hand.

"You both have exceptionally strong wills, don't you?" Shindō continued as he held out his hand to Katsuki. "Today I'm going to do my best to learn from you. I really hope you both don't mind."

Katsuki, who set down his case, smacked Shindō's hand away as there was no way in hell that he was shaking this weasel's hand.

"Stop pretending," Katsuki said. "What you say doesn't match the look in your eyes, and if you even thought for a second you could fool her, you're even more of an idiot than I thought."

He glanced over his shoulder at Ayano who wasn't hiding her frown as she looked at Shindō. Despite the hostile expressions he was getting, Shindō smirked.

"Hey, you two, chill," Eijiro said. "Ishida, you're usually not so rude."

"Sorry, I just don't like dealing with people who hide their true intentions." Ayano said. "I wouldn't take any of his niceties or flattery to heart."

Ayano's classmates blinked curiously as they looked between her and the smiling Shindō.

"We're nothing but competition to them, so don't be fooled." Ayano said then walked forward with Katsuki walking along with her.

Aizawa called the rest of the students to order as he told them to get into costumes before orientation. They followed his instructions as Ms. Joke studied U.A. who didn't seem the least bit wary of her kids or their friend's warning.

'Do they not know?' She wondered.

She then looked back to Katsuki and Ayano. They were the only two who could tell Shindō was putting on a false front. The others hadn't been suspicious of him at all despite what was to come for their class.

'They definitely don't know,' She realized. 'Eraser must not have told them.'

After changing into their hero costumes, all those participating in the exam were led to a room where the orientation was meant to be held. Ayano knew there would be a lot here for the exam, but she didn't realize how many until they were all crammed into a room with each other. Ayano and everyone then looked forward as a few men came onto the stage at the front of the room.

"Okay then," The light-haired man at the center of the stage began. "Let's do this exam thing. I'm from…uh, the Hero Public Safety Commission. Name's Mera. My circadian rhythm is so screwed up…ah, man. I've been swamped lately, and I haven't gotten much rest. We're too short staffed…I'm so tired…With that confession, I'll now begin orientation."

Ayano sweat-dropped while feeling bad for the man. He was so sleep-deprived he was probably saying things he shouldn't to them. She doubts his employers would want to know he's complaining about their organization being short-staffed to the point the workers can't get a proper rest. But, hey, she can't blame the guy. She'd most likely complain too if she was in his shoes.

"So, about the content of this license thing," Mera continued. "Basically 1,540 examinees compete in a free-for-all exercise or whatever we're calling it this year."

Well, that explanation couldn't get any vaguer in Ayano's opinion. She hoped he tried to give them more details. Or perhaps someone more coherent should give the man a break and explain the exam for him.

"See…we've got a lot of Pros around," Mera said. "And since Stain was arrested, many people have expressed doubts about the status of heroes in society. But when you really think about it, getting paid makes sense. If you're going to risk your life to save someone, why shouldn't you ask for a reward, huh? That's just the way the world works—God, I could use a coffee—Anyway, whether they're in it for compensation or out of a sense of duty, we've got too many heroes working together in the streets these days to keep villains at bay. Honestly, the between when an incident begins and when it's resolved is ridiculously short. You are all here trying to receive your provisional licenses, so you be swept up in this tiresome mess yourselves pretty soon. Those of you who don't have the speed frankly just won't cut it. Which is what you'll be tested on."

The large screen behind him then came to life to show the words 'Number to Pass 1st Test—100 People.' And just reading that put a small knot inside Ayano's stomach.

"The first 100 students to fulfill the requirements will pass today," Mera said.

His words, of course, sent a stirring through those gathered. They were told before this that half of them will pass, but it seemed as if the stakes have been risen.

"Well, the world can be pretty crappy," Mera said as he tried to straighten his posture. "I suppose I should say something about luck. So, anyway, here are the basic rules."

He pulled out what looked like a small circle object and an orange ball into his hand. The screen behind him changed again to show a person with those circle objects placed on their bodies.

"The examinee will put three of these targets on his or her body," Mera explained. "They can go anywhere you want as long as it's an exposed area, so no soles of the feet or armpits. Each of you will also have six of these balls."

Said balls appeared on the screen only to fade into one that hit one of the targets.

"The targets are programmed to light up whenever they've been touched by the balls." Mera continued. "If all three targets light up, you're out. Oh, and the person who lights up your third target will get credit for your defeat. You get through this round by taking down two people. Got it, good?"

It was pretty straightforward. Just be faster than those around you who are competing and take them out before they take you out. However, teamwork would probably be another important factor. Trying to rush and do things on your own can probably put you in a dangerous situation. Ayano knew that if all of her classmates were to pass that they'd need to work together. Even if in smaller groups, none of them should really go off on their own. While some might be fine going solo, it was better off to at least have some kind of back up.

"What else?" Mera murmured as the men with them started walking down the stage with boxes in their hands. "I guess we'll start passing out the targets and balls. Then you'll have a few minutes to get situated after we open."

"Open?" Shoto wondered in confusion.

His question was soon answered as the room around them literally started to pop open as the walls and ceiling pulled apart from each other. As they fell to the ground, Ayano looked around in surprise to see they were in the middle of the arena that had been converted with several different terrains around them. It made her think of the U.S.J.

"I'm sure each of you have different terrains that you like or would want to avoid." Mera said. "Use your quirks well and do your best…or not, whatever."

Many just stared around them thinking it all seemed like a bit much. Ayano could almost agree with them, but she was too eager to start the exam to really give it much thought.

"Yes, I know," Mera said. "It makes for a great reveal, doesn't it? And for what? Some much sleep lost for this. Hopefully some of these kids are fast and we can get this over with. Until then I'm going to rest my eyes."

Ayano sweat-dropped hoping the man got a nap because he definitely seemed like he needed it.

Ayano moved with her class after everyone had been given the equipment they needed and had the targets in place. They were then given a brief time to prepare for the exam, so many were quick to spread out. Some even headed for the different terrains set up.

"Everyone!" Izuku called out to his classmates after they paused in the middle of the exam field. "Stay close together! We'll fight them as a group."

Ochaco nodded in agreement, and it didn't seem as if too many wanted to disagree with Izuku's plan. However, there were…some.

"Tch, yeah, right," Katsuki scoffed then started taking off on his own. "This isn't a field trip!"

"Idiot," Eijiro called after him. "Wait up!"

Ayano wasn't surprised to see Katsuki go, but at least he had Eijiro watching his back. And Denki it seemed like as well as the electric boy was chasing after the two. Even as the others called out for them, they kept moving.

"I'm going on my own too," Shoto, who was already moving away, said surprising many of the group. "It's hard for me to use my power safely when a big group is around."

He then took off running, and he really was on his own as no one chased after him like Eijiro and Denki went after Katsuki. However, Ayano felt that Shoto was one of those few who wouldn't need backup. He'd probably pass on his own just fine.

"I'm heading out solo too, my peeps," Ayumi said as she lowered her visor over her eyes. "Hard for me to hit top speeds if I'm worried about my friends in the way, ya know?"

She was gone after that with only a whip of wind being left in her place to show she had even been there to begin with.

"But Todoroki! Jinsoku!" Izuku protested.

"Midoriya, there's no time!" Minoru reminded him. "Let's go!"

Izuku still seemed a bit concerned for their classmates, but finally gave in as he followed along with the group.

"Kind of surprised you didn't go with Bakugo, Ishida." Hanta said as Ayano, who was using her telekin-board to keep up with her classmates, moved next to him.

"We might be dating now, but I don't see why that means we have to follow each other around." Ayano said. "We both have different paths in mind on how to pass this exam. I see things safer by staying together as much as possible. Katsuki sees differently. You didn't see him calling for me to follow him, did you?"

Hanta shook his head while guessing Ayano had a point. Katsuki always kind of did his own thing anyway, so he doesn't see why he even questioned it to be honest.

"I don't think it was a good idea for them to go off on their own though!" Izuku said from the front of the group as they kept moving forward.

"How come?" Minoru asked.

"Think about it," Izuku urged. "Everyone already knows what powers we have."

Honestly, Ayano had forgot to even think about that, but Izuku was right. Every examinee here whether they were classmate or not knew about their quirks.

"They did research?" Ochaco wondered.

"I see, the Sports Festival," Tenya said in realization.

His words reminded everyone that their quirks have already been shown to their competition. Meaning they were all at the disadvantage.

"The other schools have probably already figured out the same way to win as I have." Izuku said. "This is going to end up being a battle between schools. With that in mind, first they'll most likely gang up on quirks they know."

"Meaning we'll be their first targets," Ayano summarized while already feeling the thoughts of the opposing students lying in wait. "Get ready. They're ready to pounce."

The buzzard then went off throughout the arena for the exam to begin. And as soon as the students were given permission to start, Ayano and her classmates were confronted head on by a large group.

"I knew it!" Izuku said.

"I saw you on TV," Shindō, who was one of the attacking students, called out. "That power of yours also destroys your body. Well, I can't say I'm above taking advantage of that!"

He and his comrades then sent forth a volley of those orange balls right at Class 1-A. Despite the balls being hurtled at them, Izuku kept moving forward. He used his shoot-style to kick the balls away as the others avoided the balls as they needed to. Ayano, who deactivated her board to stand on her own two feet, raised her hand stopping all the balls sent her way. She let them fall harmlessly to the ground after she dropped her hand.

"We've got this, you guys!" Izuku called. "Let's show them what U.A. can do!"

"Yeah!" The others called back.

After the first volley was sent and stopped, the attacking students paused. Obviously, they were taking a moment to think of their next move.

"None of our attacks are landing." One of the students from Ketsubutsu—Makabe Shikkui—said as he twisted four of the balls between his hands.

"I guess we shouldn't be surprised that U.A. won't go down without a fight." Shindō said.

As he spoke, he caught Ayano narrowing her eyes at him, which had his smirk widening.

"Maybe not, but we have a plan." Shikkui said as he opened up his hands to reveal the balls, he had in them were now stone-like. "All done!"

He threw them down to his classmate—Toteki Itejiro—who caught them in his hands with ease.

"I'll take it from here," He said as he started to move his arms around. "Just try not to be jealous when I end up finishing ahead the rest of our class. But I'm sure you mind since I'll be reducing enemy numbers with this elegant attack. Target: Lock on!"

He then threw the balls, but instead of going up they went straight into the ground. Making them impossible to track.

"Where are they going to pop out?" Izuku asked.

"Get back," Kyoka said. "I'll handle this."

She then hooked her jacks into her new wrist amps that she slammed into the ground once she was knelt down. She sent her heartbeat through her jacks and using her new ultimate move—Heartbeat Distortion—she cracked up the ground before them. Forcing the balls that had been sent underneath to pop out into the air.

"She's breaking the ground apart?!" Itejiro exclaimed as he and his classmates had to try and keep their footing. "It won't help!"

The balls despite being knocked up into the air came sailing down towards Minoru who panicked. However, he was saved by Mina's Acid Veil before they could reach him. As they were stumped again by Class A's defenses, Fumikage tried to his Black Abyss to attack Nakagame Tatami of Ketsubutsu Academy. However, he missed thus leaving the two opposing schools in a deadlock. This wasn't getting them anywhere.

"Looks like the students are still in a stalemate," Mera's voice came over the speakers. "Not a single one has passed yet. Oh, and don't worry, students, I'll keep you updated with an announcement every time a few students move onto the next round."

That man still sounded so tired. The students couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He's so dedicated to keep going like this. Ayano then stiffened as she heard Shindō's thoughts.

"Shindō is getting ready to attack," Ayano said. "Brace yourselves! The ground is about to be unstable!"

Her warning came a bit late as the ground started shaking violently. The ground started splitting apart and even lifting up from underneath Ayano and her classmates. She tried to lift herself up in the air with her telekin-board, but as she was going up a flying rock hit the board and broke it into three pieces. She felt herself falling as she heard the others scream while they were separated.

'So much for sticking together,' Ayano thought.

Coco: And with that we have made it to the end of chapter 65. I hope you enjoyed reading, and I hope you're looking forward to the next one. Until then, guys~