Disclaimer: Boku no Hero Academia characters and plot events belongs to Horikoshi Kohei.

To Be a Hero

our provisional licenses

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"82 people have passed. There are 18 spots left... We will be at capacity soon."

Hearing Mera's announcements was nerve-wracking because the number of total spots dwindled while the number of students from U.A. to make it didn't seem to increase. Everyone can only sit and wait anxiously. The minutes ticked... Then, a group of six walked through the door and Shiro and the others were more than relieved to see that it was Midoriya's and Bakugou's group.

Sero, Kaminari, Kirishima, and Uraraka trickled in while sharing stories of the opponents they had to face. Bakugou stomped by them with a gruff look on his face and it was apparent from the accompanying confused look on Midoriya's face that the two had some kind of exchange right outside of the waiting room.

"Ochaco-chan! Midoriya-chan!" Tsuyu greeted her two close friends as the others gathered around.

"I'm glad you are all safe! I was so worried," Momo added.

"Yao-momo!" Kaminari grinned and waved. "We're safe. You guys sure are quick!"

"We only got here a while ago, Aisaka and Todoroki were here first," Shoji replied as he passed them some drinks. "There's 12 of us now."

"Nine more to go," Todoroki calculated.

Meanwhile, Shiro looked at Bakugou who stood apart from the others and stepped towards him to figure out what he was brooding about. "I half expected you to finish this test earlier me. Did your group encounter someone strong? Or have you lost your edge?"

"Tch," he picked up an apple from the refreshment table, "As if. I was up against Slanty Eyes from Shiketsu who talked big because he thinks he knew us and shit. I destroyed him at the end."

Shiro whistled softly at his words. Things that came out the blonde's mouth could be so vulgar and those who didn't know him would definitely misunderstand it. Some would argue that harshness would prevent him from becoming a good hero, but even his cutting words had righteousness to it. Of course, it was also due to this kind of misunderstanding that people underestimated his intelligence, his loyalty to his friends, and his ability to stay true to his heart.

"Those guys from Shiketsu are something else," she motioned towards the Wind Quirk user at the other side of the room, talking as boisterously as usual. "I was able to complete the test right as he took out over a hundred people. Passing by taking out two of his targets looked like a lucky punch on my part."

Bakugou narrowed his eyes over at the male in question, "How'd Baldy end up at the same place as you? Is he a stalker now, too?"

"Doubt it, and it's not important right now. He's seriously strong and he already has a bone to pick with Todoroki-san. You should be careful around him, with your big mouth and all."

"Tch! I'll show him he's barkin' up the wrong tree," he took a large bite out his apple. "I'll kill him for for thinking he can get friendly with one of us. You should stay away from him."

"When did you become so protective..." Shiro paused with her arms crossed. "Over me?"

Bakugou nearly choked on the piece of apple on the way down and he glowered at the smirking girl who knew exactly that she was riling him up. His eyes ticked with irritation but he smirked as well, "I just hate people runnin' their mouth. Don't let it get to your head, Pigtails."

He didn't deny the fact at all and that surprised the girl.

"You're a complicated guy, Prickhead."

"And I'll fucking keep it that way."

"I'll figure you out sooner or later."

"Bite me."

"...Five left! They just keep coming! In the final minutes, U.A. came together and pulled off some great combos to pass!"

Mera had been counting down the last few examinees and it was only now that they all got the good news that those that have been passing in succession were from class 1-A. They could see what was happening from the single large screen in the room, and they were all cheering for the rest to make it.

"Four left!"

Shiro was counting in her heart as the numbers trickled down while Bakugou stood silently. Three of their classmates still need spots.

"Three left! Oh, we've got one from Shiketsu High right now, so two left!"

Inasa could be seen turning his head side to side with excitement in wondering which one of his teammates had passed as well. Everyone was tensely waiting, hoping. One more... And then...

"Zero!" Mera's re-energized voice yelled out as the buzzer beeped loudly to signal the end of the test. "One hundred people have filled up the spots! The end! Whoo-hoo!"

Shiro grinned in relief as the rest of the class gathered. Everyone in U.A. passed!

"What?! Shishikura-senpai failed?!"

"You're too loud!" Nagamasa chided the Wind Quirk user from across the room and it garnered many of their attentions. "It's because that violently passionate guy went ahead of us and fought alone! Setting aside that you're a first-year, Yoarashi... Camie! You should know better!"

The name was familiar in Shiro's ears and she took a look. The blonde girl with plump lips pouted at the reprimand from Nagamasa and looked away uninterested as Inasa tried to say something to her. Shiro idly wondered if the male was really still trying to pursue the matter with her and hoped this Camie can give him some proper advice to put an end to it.

Camie suddenly drew her eyes on the silver-blue haired girl and looked at her oddly before smiling and turning back.

What was that...?

"For all hundred of you who passed the first test, please watch this," Mera directed everyone's attention back on the large screen in the middle of the room. The structures that were built tall for each area in the first test was on display, and then suddenly, explosions went off one after the other to destroy it all in seconds.

This is over the top as well, Shiro frowned lightly but watched on. It's a total disaster zone now!

"The next test will be the last one. We will have you all undertake rescue exercises as bystanders in this disaster site. It's to test how well you can carry out suitable rescue procedures."

Everyone was listening and watching the screen carefully now as the hired 'people-in-need-of-rescue' rose from among the disaster. This test will be as real as the hero experience can get.

A bell rang.

"Due to heavily damaged roads, the first group of rescue workers have been delayed! Until they arrive, the heroes in the area will lead the rescue efforts. Remember we are scoring your rescue based on points and if you have more points than the benchmark at the end of the exercise, then you pass," Mera's voice droned from the top as the anteroom shook and fell apart much like the first room after the break. "Save as many lives as you can. Well, then..."

The students of U.A. were ready as they waited for the signal. There were no clear directions for this exercise except to rescue, so they must follow their training as much as possible.

"Start!"

This is just like the incident during the internship, Shiro assessed the area and activated her Quirk to locate victims and unstable structures to be careful around. Having experience and knowing what to expect made going into this exam easier, but there were always unpredictable elements that can skew things around. Adaptability and control was thus crucial.

The rest of her class weren't far behind with helping other victims. Unlike the last test, moving in such a large group and working together to save one victim at a time would be a waste of manpower. The fact was quickly realized, but of course Bakugou had beat them to the punch because he ran off with just Kaminari and Kirishima again. Shaking her head, the girl quickly reached a half-demolished building where a few people were trapped and calling out from the darkness.

"Help us! We're scared!"

It's hard to see and the building is unstable so I can't get to them without some help... Shiro looked around and saw that Aoyama and Mineta were behind her. Perfect!

"Aoyama-san, can you—"

"Too dark? I'll light up the future with my twinkles!" the blond haired male was already aware and activated his Quirk from below.

Shiro turned to the smaller boy next with a trusting nod. Mineta was smart enough to understand the situation immediately and started working on sticking his spheres on the fallen rubble together so that the structures around the building can be stabilized as Shiro went in to get the crying 'children'. Despite their differences and her apprehension towards his perverted tendencies, he was still a reliable classmate when it came down to the wire.

With one child on her back and another who was bleeding with scrape wounds in her arms, she quickly jumped out of the building and located the first-aid station that people from Ketsubutsu Academy had set up. She ran towards it and the male with dark shaggy hair who introduced himself to her and Bakugou waved her over.

"How is the victim?" Shindo asked professionally; he was as pleasant as ever. Shiro set the first boy from her back on the ground before handing the injured one to him and listed off her observations.

"He has several surface level wounds from fallen debris, but no broken bones or head trauma."

"We'll send him over to the right side," he nodded and was just about to move when explosions went off around the area and the ground began to shake. Shiro reached out and covered the first boy protectively.

"What's going on?"

"Look, over there—!"

From within the smoke emerged a familiar black silhouette of a large man. She drew in a breath as the vision became clearer.

Gang Orca stood with all his glory as he ordered his lackeys to charge forth towards the heroes with a familiar projectile attachment on their arms. The Pro Hero locked eye contact with Shiro for a moment as a smirk grew on his villainous face, making her sigh with reminisce.

Now isn't this a welcoming reunion.

"Villains have appeared and started their pursuit! Hero candidates at the scene should continue their rescue efforts while also suppressing the villains," Mera announced casually. The chaos was just beginning and there was no time to waste!

"Get everyone to safety!" Shindo shouted and charged towards the group of villains. "Get them as far away from the villains as possible!" He forced tremors from his Quirk onto the ground and made the earth crack. "I won't let them get close!"

"Shindo-san, watch out!" Shiro hurled forward and grabbed the male out of the way just before Gang Orca showed up in front of them and produced a wave of his hypersonic waves intending to paralyze. After rolling forward with Shindo, she gave a pointed look at the Pro Hero. She was likely the only examinee here who actually had experience with Gang Orca's abilities and how he moved about and she will use it in her advantage.

"Not bad," Gang Orca smirked. "At least one of you didn't underestimate us. But that's not enough without any backup!"

A thick trail of ice shot forward towards the hero just as he was about to make the next move and forced him to divert his attention. Todoroki had come to the premise and was quick to use a single motion to immobilize half of the lackeys. However, a gust of wind also picked up from around them and Shiro saw that Inasa was in the premise, too.

They weren't planning on working together and their Quirks only clashed.

"They're fighting each other at a time like this," Shiro muttered when she realized the tense situation between the two who obviously did not get along.

"What the hell are those two first years even doing...?!" Shindo's pleasant attitude had taken a change and she realized that this must be what his true self was, but there was no time to dwell and she gave the male an urgent look.

"We have to stop the lackeys from coming closer. Can you use your Quirk again?" she asked as the male scoffed with an 'of course!' The wind and fire embers kept dispersing around them and it was difficult to move, so they had to lay low. "Watch out for their cement guns, they harden quickly."

"What are you going to do?"

Shiro focused her attention ahead of her with a glower, "I have to help these idiots before Gang Orca actually kills one of them."

Todoroki glared at the Wind Quirk user with the feeling of frustration rising up his body once again. Every time he tried to use his fire against the Pro Hero, Inasa would use his wind at the same time and disperse the flames. They didn't work together—or rather, they couldn't work together.

"Just what is your deal?!" he shouted over at the larger male. "If you hate my old man, it has nothing to do with me. I'm not the same as him."

The cement guns that Gang Orca's lackeys were aiming managed to hit Todoroki's shoulder as he blocked the others with a sheet of ice. It was infuriating that he'd even have to explain anything to Inasa. When it came down to it, the male was just someone who hated Endeavor and was projecting his hate. I don't have time for this. I'll just focus on the exam. I've already overcome my relationship with my old man...

But even as he tried to convince himself of that, there was a fire that was lit within him and it continued to grow stronger. It wouldn't stay buried. The flames in his right side blared and he aimed it towards Gang Orca, intending to finish the test without paying anymore attention to Inasa.

No... There's still some hate towards him...

"You and your dad are the only heroes I won't accept no matter what!" Inasa shouted and deployed another strong tunnel of wind down towards the same direction. "That's all!"

Gang Orca scoffed internally. The two were at each other's throats and making it easy for him to bring them down. They're strong individually, but with them fighting like this when there are villains around... It's no good. He moved to take Inasa down first with his hypersonic wave before turning to Todoroki, "You reap what you sow!"

"You two are seriously..." An angry feminine voice cut through the commotion and the heterochromatic male's eyes grew in surprise as Shiro grabbed him with her ribbons and threw him out of the attack's away. "A BUNCH OF IDIOTS!"

There was not a moment to lose because as soon as he crashed into some rubble, the lackeys were aiming their cement guns towards Shiro who exposed herself out in the open to help him. Inasa was incapacitated due to the deafening waves but all around them, his classmates and other examinees were doing their best trying to keep the villains at bay.

Look at us, all this time... Competing with each other in vain... Todoroki gritted as he tried to pull himself out of the debris. His right shoulder was complete encased by the hardened cement and it was arm to move. Gang Orca had changed directions and started heading towards Shiro who was busy dodging the cement guns.

We really are idiots who caused so much trouble... So if you at least feel the same way...! he faced Inasa as he fire Quirk activated. Heat will cause the wind to rise. From the bottom...

I have to do this...! Inasa saw what was going on and understood the male. Because we've caused trouble for Aisaka-san and everyone else! He willed his body to produce the strongest wave of wind possible and it shot towards Gang Orca before he could reach Shiro.

The Pro Hero was surrounded by a ring of fire carried by vicious wind, giving Shiro enough time to get out of the area to rescue others. He smirked internally, commending the ruby eyed girl to be able to snap her friends out of it and saving them in the process. Now that Todoroki and Inasa's abilities were working together, it was finally starting to look like a real battle.

"Boss is trapped by a spiral of flame!"

"Isn't this bad? The boss is like an orca, so he's super weak to drying out!"

"Forget this, stop the flames—"

"You should worry about yourselves!" Shiro jumped out from the smoke and knocked out multiple lackeys at once to prevent them from reaching the rescue team or go back to Gang Orca.

"Smash!"

Midoriya had come with backup as well to take out the other lackeys. Shiro had spent some time with the lackeys and they were nice people in reality, but this was an exam so she couldn't go easy. Still, she gave them a sheepish wave before running off. "Sorry!"

The smoke and flames were still blooming heavily behind her so she couldn't see what was happening, but things were starting to look up. With the rescued people safe, the exam would be finished at any moment now. It's up to them now, but...

"You better hang in there, Todoroki-san, Yoarashi-san!"

As quickly as it came, the exam was over.

It was fortunate that the causalities were kept at the minimum, with the most important task being completed without too much of a struggle. Because of this, the battle between Gang Orca and the students were put to a halt as well—though everyone was glad.

"Now, I will announce the results," Mera stood on the platform in front of the mass of students. He explained the scoring criteria fully before the large board behind him flashed and a chart of names appeared. Taking into account of the mistakes made each person was scored and compared to a threshold. Those who passed that threshold will receive their provisional hero license.

Mistakes... Shiro gulped and focused on the top section of the board for her name. She didn't think she did anything majorly wrong, but the H.U.C. were tough and there was that last bout where she jumped into the middle of the field to stop a certain two idiots from doing more stupid things. Ai... Aisaka... There!

Her name, displayed in all its glory, was there. A relieved noise left her lips and she celebrated with the rest of her classmates. They had all seen their names as well and were rejoicing. All of them except...

"It's not there!" Bakugou's face was murderous as he glared at the offending board that didn't have his name. Todoroki, too, stood motionless as he gave the board a blank look.

"I didn't pass after all..." Inasa lowered his student cap with shame. He walked up to the male with heterochromatic eyes and bowed until his head hit the ground. "Todoroki! It's because of me that you didn't pass! I am sorry!"

Todoroki didn't harbor any hard feelings, not after all that's happened. He had come to realize how he had acted in the past through this and he was determined to change it. The perception of him as Endeavor's son wouldn't change in other's people's eyes any time soon, but he was here to pave his own way. "Don't worry about it," he told the apologetic male. "I realized some things thanks to you confronting me directly, too. We both caused some trouble for others back there, but I was the one who started it."

"Both of them didn't pass? Our top students..." Mina gasped softly.

"You need to rethink your word choices, Bakugou," Kaminari chided, knowing that the blonde had lost all of his points from yelling at the H.U.C. (even though his assessments on each situation was dead on). Mineta crept up behind Todoroki with his hands wiggling evilly.

"The hierarchy's collapsing...!"

Shiro slapped the boy's hand away with a warning look and turned to Todoroki, "You alright?"

"Yeah..."

"Aisaka-san!" Inasa had gotten up from his first bow only to slam his dead on the ground once more in front of her. "Thank you for letting us come to our senses and saving us! You are right, I am an idiot!"

"What's this?" Mina whispered to Tsuyu with wide eyes. "He's always groveling at Shiro-chan's feet. Maybe he's some type of masochist?"

"It fits..." Mineta was letting his imagination of Shiro being a dominatrix run wild. "If she brings out a whip right now...!"

This time, the boy was nearly punted by an irritated Bakugou who was still not over his failure on the exam. Everyone else in the class knew that his irritation would only grow tenfold if an idiot was brave enough to lewd the girl that he likes.

Oh, Mineta...

Meanwhile, Shiro tried to get the Shiketsu male to rise because it was a bit embarrassing for her to have other people witness his eccentricity, but she was also relieved in knowing that those two made up and can own up to their mistakes. "I didn't really save you," she confessed while scratching her cheek. When she had gotten to the scene there was only time for her to save one of them, and she had naturally went to Todoroki without a moment's hesitation. "Gang Orca's hypersonic waves hurts like hell... Are you alright?"

"I'm happy that you're worried about me!" Inasa was grinning hard with his face tinted pink. "My brain felt like loose spaghetti but I am fine now!"

"That doesn't sound fine...?"

"More importantly, I have something to say to you!"

Again? He was tenacious, which was a good trait to have, but Shiro wondered when the male would get it that she wasn't interested. "Yoarashi-san—"

"You are right that I should've focused on the exam more. I failed today, but I will try my hardest to catch up and get my provisional license. So don't worry, I won't come to you until I am worthy! And Todoroki," he turned to the other male with determination in his eyes. "To be honest, I still don't like you! But we are on the same boat, so let's make the best of it! I won't lose to you!"

Mera was announcing overhead that those who failed would still get a chance to get their provisional license after all by attending extra training classes and then taking an individual test. Heroes were needed more than ever now, so they wanted everyone to continue to work hard. Those words were not lost to the ones who failed and they will strive to gain that recognition.

Bakugou was glaring from the sidelines but Todoroki took the Shiketsu male's words to heart. "Yeah, same here," he nodded seriously. He wasn't planning on losing either.

They're a bunch of idiots, for sure... Shiro sighed internally and let the issue go. The day's events was over, and they all came out of it with some growth. Yet there was always more to learn.

'Camie' slipped away from the group of Shiketsu students as others were getting ready to leave the exam grounds. She didn't belong there, after all. With a blushing smile, the morph slipped away from her skin as she walked down the alley and revealed who she really was.

It had been an eventful day for Toga Himiko as well.

Ring! Ring!

She picked up her cell phone as Mr. Compress's voice connected through the other line, asking where she was since she hadn't checked in yet.

"I had the most wonderful time. Can you tell Tomura-kun that Shiro-chan passed the exam? Her and all her friends are real heroes now... Aw, I want to be her friend, too."

"If you're done, then come back quick. You know he doesn't like to wait."

"Eh," Toga gushed as she peered at small vials in her hands. There were two in total, and each contained a drop of blood. "Tomura-kun's gonna be happy."

When the students of class 1-A got back to the dorms, it was getting late in the evening. Everyone was exhausted and hungry, and thankfully Eraserhead had the good sense to allow the cafeteria to deliver food to the dorms as soon as everyone finished showering.

"Aizawa-sensei...!" Mina and Kirishima, along with some others, were moved to tears upon seeing the dining table filled to the brim with piping hot containers of food. Their homeroom teacher clearly loved them so much, even if he was currently giving them an annoyed glower at the moment. Without a moment to waste, Iida demanded that they all thank the teacher properly before digging in.

"THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!"

Shiro was watching from the back and she could see a small smile surface on the man's face while everyone else was busy bowing. It made her chuckle because she knew Aizawa was only acting hard when in reality he was a soft parent to all of them. It didn't take words to know that he was extremely proud of his students' performance during the exam.

And in knowing that, Shiro can hold her provisional license proud as well.

Grabbing a plate, she went to pick out some things before it was all taken by her excited classmates. Lunch Rush always outdoes himself with the quality of food, and the selection today was mouthwatering as usual. She eyed the pile of spicy chicken wings and went to grab it when another pair of chopsticks stopped her tracks.

Her eyes flew towards the culprit. Bakugou was looking back at her and a scowl appeared on his lips. "This one's mine, so back off," he growled.

Shiro didn't back down, "I saw it first. Don't be a sore loser."

"Hold on, guys!" Kirishima tried to get between the two to smooth over the situation. "There's enough for all of us!"

"Not according to Mr. Grumpy over here who doesn't like to share," Shiro retorted, causing the blonde to glower at her. It took a second before she gave in, seeing that he was probably having it rough with not getting his provisional license and all. He seemed to be frustrated over something else too. She let go of the wing and turned away with a small pout. "You're fortunate that I'm a decent person."

"Ha...?" Bakugou scoffed before he dropped the piece onto her plate and went to grab a new one without making it a bigger deal. "Just eat this one and shut your mouth."

"It's rare to see them both tone down like this," Tsuyu commented after everyone blinked incredulously. "They would normally be more at each other's throats. Maybe even declare a eating contest."

"Don't give them any ideas Tsuyu-chan," Kaminari whispered. "We need to eat, too!"

Of course, what was going on between the two was truly that they were understanding each other more. Being apart of a tough villain situation together, they've become way past the stage of unnecessarily antagonizing each other. Furthermore, they've even learned each other's tells pretty well at this point. As they separated and continued to eat, there was something nagging at the back of Shiro's mind.

Something else is definitely bothering him.

Dinner went by peacefully and everyone hung out in the common living area for a while more before turning in for the night. It was still quite loud around them with all the chattering, but Shiro caught what Bakugou said to Midoriya in passing.

"Go out front later. Let's have a talk about your Quirk."

"It's probably better if you don't do this."

The blonde paused his steps on his way towards the front door. Shiro was leaning on the kitchen island with a cartoon of juice in hand. It was later in the night and everyone else was in their rooms and fast asleep. She had come down to grab a drink, but most importantly she knew what the implications of the blonde's words were to Midoriya when she heard it.

"So what's this? Are you trying to stop me?" Bakugou asked without looking at her.

"You know I can't even if I wanted to," she replied and pushed herself off from the table edge. Her ruby eyes watched the male's broad and unmoving back. She was the only one aside from Midoriya himself who knew about All Might's condition and how he had named the boy his successor before the battle with All For One, but she should've known that Bakugou would've caught on early as well. Although All Might never gave her a definitive answer on his true relationship with Midoriya, she knew their powers were connected somehow. And knowing this too, Bakugou would want to confront his childhood "friend" about it. "But I just know that it won't simply be a 'talk' with you and Midoriya-san. So what are you trying to accomplish?"

"Tch. That's between me and Deku."

Shiro sighed as silence engulfed them. The male always acted so strong, so it was frustrating when he won't let anyone else in. Looking away, she was sure Midoriya was on his way down soon if he were to hold the blonde up to his request.

"Alright then," she threw the empty juice box in the trash and then headed towards the elevator to the girl's side. Before she went up, she looked back at him, "Just know that I'm always here. You know, if you need someone to talk to."

Bakugou's eyes followed her until the elevator doors closed.

It's been a while, hasn't it? Living through a historical moment (I'm from the US lmao we're a mess) has been challenging, to say the least. I'm coping though, and feeling much better! I left off the previous chapter in a sorta boring spot, so picking it up with this chapter took some work (I love the exam but writing it out is a pain, haha). Hopefully, I'll get my groove back and update more since it's getting to the good parts!

If I still have readers, please let me know how this chapter went & how you guys are doing! We'll get through this together :)