A/N: One of the aspects of the original version of this chapter that helped to instigate my revision was the fight between Bakugou and Midoriya. While it remains, I have changed the entire scenario surrounding it and some of the consequences.

Edit finished 4 August 2018. Beta provided by Kylekatarn77.

Chapter 4

And jab! The young man's fist flicked out from its resting place near his face. Instead of hitting his opponent's jaw, it was deflected with a forearm block. There is only one reason my attack was slow and it did little damage. "Erasing my quirk gets more and more annoying each time you do it, Aizawa. I'm past the point where I can fight without ruining my arms."

Aizawa took a step back and brushed away his flowing hair. His eyes returned to their natural dark color as he rubbed his left shoulder. "It beats being hit by your quirk-powered punches, Midoriya. I'm surprised you haven't broken any of my bones yet. When All Might told me he wanted you to test twenty percent in combat, I thought he was joking. I was under the impression that you were training to control a quarter of your strength before beginning to use it in combat scenarios."

Izuku grinned, rubbing at his sore knuckles. Over two years had passed since he had his first major breakthrough using and controlling One for All. Although it had taken a few days for his body to truly adapt to the power, he had been thankful that his arms and legs no long snapped like dry twigs. Only Recovery Girl was more thankful that he had control over his quirk's power, since there had been times when her healing quirk just wasn't enough to fully heal him before he went home. With U.A. High's Entrance Exam in ten months, he felt a little nervous. I may have all of this power, but it's hard to keep up appearances as quirkless Izuku amongst my peers. Things would be easier if I could just tell them that I have an overpowered quirk that took time to emerge without accidentally destroying my body. Worse, Kacchan is aiming to go to U.A. and I can't imagine him not getting in.

"I have until February to reach quarter power," Izuku said. "The sooner I reach it, the better control I will have at U.A. Plus, All Might is trying to convince Nedzu to make you my homeroom instructor, even if you've failed 154 students from the heroics program and any familiarity would look odd."

Aizawa frowned and raised his arms for combat. His black eyes turned red and Izuku felt the block on his quirk. "Let's continue, Midoriya. Standing around chatting is illogical and won't get you to your goal. Technique will help you better control your quirk and use it effectively and efficiently."

Izuku withheld rolling his eyes as he returned to a fighting stance. When he had reached ten percent several months ago, Aizawa talked All Might into teaching him hand-to-hand combat. He had initially protested the idea, but when he was shown pictures of Toshinori winning the few martial art tournaments left from his years before becoming All Might, he had jumped straight into training.

It's difficult, but this is just another part of becoming a hero, Izuku thought as he shuffled towards Aizawa. The older hero's quirk was beginning to wear off until he blinked. One for All flowed through Izuku's body and he closed the little distance between them during the blink. His power fled just before the blow could land and Aizawa's binding scarf stretched and looped around his arm, pulling it back enough to make the shoulder ache.

"You can do better than that, Midoriya," Eraserhead said, his disappointment clear and full on his tongue. "Even knowing how someone's quirk works can backfire. From time to time I blink while in combat as a way to trick my opponents and draw them into a trap." He released the scarf and Izuku fell to his knees, suddenly tired. "We're done for today. Wash up and go home. Make sure to keep strengthening your body. All Might called me earlier and told me to tell you that the beach has a dozen couches on it. Not sure where they came from, but U.A. did get a new set for the teacher lounges."

Izuku nodded, faintly aware that the couches on the beach Aizawa spoke of were likely the old U.A. ones. He had not only continued to clear the section he had first been tasked with, but over time he had begun to cover more and more of the beach until cleaning every inch was upon him. With a roll of his shoulders, all of the soreness and tension built during the training session flushed through him from where it had built up. He stepped into the changing rooms and shed the close-fitting workout clothes he had worn. His nose twitched as their rank scent passed over him, but soon enough he was stepped into the shower. It hissed and a stream of warmth washed over him.

Izuku Midoriya reflected on how much had changed since he was ten and quirkless. He had shot up like a weed in the past month and he was confident he'd be taller than All Might one day, minus the odd bangs that flipped up whenever he entered his heroic form. His shoulders had begun to widen, but they were nowhere near ready to hold and balance the impressive network of muscles his mentor showed off whenever he could. Even though it was expected, it still hurt to watch All Might's power shrink as his grew. The Symbol of Peace operated for only three, maybe four hours every day, and his time was in a precarious slide. He remembered how his growth and Toshinori's decay were described as two fires, one growing while the other shrank. It was heartbreaking, knowing that his mentor couldn't help as many people as he once could, but that energy instead was thrown into training Izuku.

He washed himself, thinking on how even his school life had changed. While things had been normal for most of the years since acquiring a quirk, the sight of Katsuki's explosive quirk was a reminder of the fact that as much as things changed, some things in life were constants.

It seems odd, wanting him to become my rival. Whenever I listen to All Might talk about his encounters with Endeavor, it feels natural to think back to how things once were with Kacchan and how I hope things can be. Hopefully things will change when we're at U.A. Neither of us will settle for less. Izuku finished up, an embarrassing shriek bursting from his mouth when the water went from steaming hot to frigid cold in a moment.

He left the training facility, glanced towards where his school was in the distance and shook his head. Until U.A.

"Calm down, all of you!" the teacher shouted. Heavy bags hung under his narrow, bloodshot eyes. "Now that you're third years, it's time to seriously think about your futures." He shook a pile of papers in his hand. "I should hand out these future career forms, but I know you'll all write down that you want to be heroes and forget to put anything else down." The class shouted and cheered. Izuku was tempted to roll his eyes at the display. Maybe half have quirks that would make for viable heroes and most of them would struggle to break away from those with similar quirks. "I know, I know. You all have such wonderful quirks, but please stop using them in school."

A harsh and taunting voice cut through the jumbled voices. "Don't lump me in with these losers, teach!" Bakugou Katsuki leaned back in his chair, feet resting on his desk. His grin was smug and arms crossed. "None of them have a quirk worthy of being a hero, like mine."

Katsuki grinned and laughed as their classmates yelled at him. The teacher used his quirk to raise his voice over the commotion. "Ah yes, Bakugou. If I remember correctly, you've been aiming for U.A. for years." The boy nodded and grinned as more jeers were sent his way.

"I aced the mock exam. I am clearly the only one that's U.A. material!" Katsuki sneered at his loudest detractors. "Just you all watch. I'll surpass All Might and become the greatest hero of all time! Nobody will beat me."

"Oh," the teacher said, less ignoring Katsuki than remembering something else. Izuku sighed, already knowing what was about to be said. "You're not the only one going for U.A., Bakugou. Midoriya's name is written down, but that's to be expected from his HRLT results."

The room went quiet as a dozen and half pairs of eyes turned on Izuku. Katsuki slowly stood, his back towards Midoriya.

"That's correct, sir," Izuku said. He straightened in his seat, defying the quirkless image he had yet to break. Now's as good a time to break it. The silence continued for a moment longer before the class broke out into laughter. All but Katsuki, who finally turned around. Here it comes.

Katsuki slammed his hand on Izuku's desk, just like he had years ago. "I didn't know that U.A. offered a sidekick course. It's not like someone without a quirk could succeed in the hero course and I can't see you entering any of the other courses for those…incapable of becoming a hero." He leaned in, his quirk smoking against the desk. "If you really think you're worthy, show me what makes you think you can get into U.A. after school. Maybe at that weird run down place you go to."

Izuku froze, certain that his shocked look not only pleased Katsuki, but also spark a new series of rumors and whispers about him. While they had died down after his success on the HRLT, those students in middle school who hadn't been in the same primary school as him reignited them anew, trying desperately to determine what his quirk really was until even they had to admit he was quirkless. At least they don't know what he said. I may have to lose anyone curious enough to follow me to the facility.

"Fine," Izuku finally said. "If you're so concerned, meet me there after class. Alone and with no followers," he added.

The rest of the school day passed in a rush, if Izuku was willing to ignore the pointed glares from Katsuki and the curious frowns of his classmates. When the bell finally rang, he quickly threw his bag over his shoulder and slipped out of the classroom. The walk to the facility went by in a haze, although when he looked at his phone after arriving, he figured that someone had tried to follow him, if only for a couple minutes.

Bakugou arrived a few minutes later, teeth gritted in frustration. They entered together and Toshinori and Aizawa were surprised to see the two boys together.

"Who is your friend, Young Midoriya?" Toshinori asked, shockingly wary.

"We aren't friends," Katsuki said, pushing past Izuku. He stuck a thumb back at the green haired boy. "I just don't think he's worthy to go to U.A."

Toshinori frowned and crossed his arms. "And what makes you think you can judge who is and isn't worthy to attend U.A.? I happen to be close friends with several of the instructors and from what they've told me, I believe Young Midoriya here as an excellent chance at entering U.A. Of course, I should mention that they are the ones allowing us to use this facility."

U.A. would be insane to allow All Might's successor to attend a different school though, Izuku thought as Katsuki snorted.

"I'd say the biggest issue is that he would be a liability. Even if he could get past being quirkless, I couldn't trust him to guard my back in a fight."

"And how could we change this opinion?" Toshinori asked.

Katsuki grinned, fierce and vicious. As the towering smoke plume of an explosion rose from his right hand, he said, "Let us fight. If he can hold his own against me, I'll keep quiet. Maybe even change my opinions about Deku."

Izuku judged from Toshinori's puzzlement that not a single word about his obnoxious nickname had gotten to him. They exchanged a long, meaningful look before the older man sighed. He nodded and walked away from the discolored sparring area. The two boys walked over to it and once inside, white panels near the edges of the area flicked up.

"Remember that this is a spar and not a real fight," Toshinori said after a few moments. "You'll be fighting until either one of you gives up, is knocked unconscious, or ejected from the ring. You may begin."

The instant the words left Toshinori's mouth, Katsuki blasted forward. Izuku stepped back, arms raised into an instinctive position. I'll need to get Aizawa something nice after this. The blond then used a second series of explosions to launch above his opponent, grinning from the shocked expression. With gritted teeth, Izuku dodged an explosion aimed at his head, throwing a punch he knew wouldn't connect with Katsuki, but instead create shockwaves to disrupt the other boy's flight.

The shockwave knocked them both back and while it took several seconds, Katsuki was able to regain his balance in the air. Izuku was already airborne, streaking towards him as he drew an arm back. With thunderous explosions, Bakugou launched himself so he could strike at Midoriya's exposed side, once he threw his punch that is. The green haired boy clicked his teeth as his opponent burst away from his blow, but then used it to spin himself so his legs, still coursing with One for All, could strike Katsuki.

The kick connected and they both fell out of the air. Izuku landed on his hands before rolling onto his back and then springing to his feet. Katsuki was already getting onto his feet. The green haired boy lunged, narrowing the power of One for All into fine strands. He pulled them from his legs and into his arms. There was a long moment as they stared at each other, nearly nose to nose, before Izuku surprised Katsuki with a blistering jab to his face. Sent flying, the blond tried to use his explosions to reorient himself and return, but instead sent him further from the ring.

His landing was rough and as the two boys panted, Toshinori said, "Midoriya Izuku is the winner."

When Inko Midoriya received a call from Toshinori, she couldn't think what he could want. While she knew exactly where her son went to train, she hadn't been there in years. As Aizawa – the Pro Hero Eraserhead, as Izuku liked to remind her – led her inside, up a staircase, and into an office, she was surprised to find Katsuki Bakugou, that rude boy her son had known for as long as he could remember, there with Izuku and Toshinori. More shocking was the bandages marring Katsuki's frowning, contemplative face. A few minutes later, Mrs. Bakugou entered, a frown just disguising her kindling fury.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Mrs. Midoriya, Mrs. Bakugou," Toshinori said. "I'm afraid that your sons got into a…confrontation this afternoon. As you can see, Katsuki ended up being hurt in the midst of their conflict. Given that I have been helping Young Midoriya with his…difficult circumstances, I am very disappointed in what occurred this afternoon." Seeing the hero's frown increased her concern. "They've both agreed to wait until you arrived to talk."

Bakugou spoke first, loud and angry. "I want to know where he got that quirk from. I know he didn't have that quirk when we were kids."

"It was a gift." Izuku's voice was small and he appeared to be trying to make himself look even smaller. "The quirk I have was given to me by its previous…vessel. She died shortly after the…the transfer."

Inko frowned. She remembered Toshinori telling Izuku about his predecessor, but that had been years ago when he had been curious about who had One for All before him. All Might inherited it from a woman, she thought. Did they agree to make her the one who gave it to him?

"As if anyone would believe such a blatant lie," Mrs. Bakugou shouted. Inko vaguely remembered the woman being generous, but that was years before either had a son. "This brat fucking took advantage of the system and hid his fucking quirk. I want to know how he got away with it and why he would need training from a walking skeleton like you, Mr. Yagi"

"Please, Mrs. Bakugou," Toshinori said, hands held up. "Part of the reason I was asked to work with Young Midoriya is because I knew the woman who passed hers to him. Plus, there have been rumors for years about quirks that can be transferred or stolen. Whether you believe me is for you to decide, but it sounds like you won't. He has admitted to me about the problems he has had with your son and I must say that the fact things got this out of hand speaks volumes about whatever issues have formed between these two boys." He sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I would recommend that they avoid each other as much as possible, or at the very least just not speak to each other. What punishment your son's face for their actions today is up to you. Just know that I will be telling my friend at U.A. about this. What impact it has upon their admittance or placement, I cannot say. Otherwise, I suggest you head home for tonight." He turned to Izuku. "Tomorrow's session will be canceled."

Izuku's head hung as he walked home, side by side with his mother. While being able to prove to Katsuki that he was no longer that quirkless kid he could kick around felt nice, seeing just how easily he could injure someone, how easily his quirk could get the best of him, filled him with remorse and regret.

"I'm disappointed with how you used your quirk today, Izuku," his mother said. Her hands fidgeted and her eyes couldn't rest on him. "I…I understand you've had problems with Bakugou for years, but seeing the outcome of how you went about handling your problems with him worries me. While he did start it, you never should've gone as far as you did. And this is all made worse because I knew Toshinori was preparing to recommend you for U.A.'s heroics program. While he may still do so, I know he is more concerned about you and your future as a hero than he has been in years."

"I…" Izuku's voice disappeared. He wasn't sure how to respond. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I held back and only used fifteen percent…"

"And your power is still dangerous," Inko said. They stopped before their apartment building. "But, I am proud that you stood up for yourself." She turned her son to face him and smiled. "Just promise me you'll do better."

Izuku nodded, relieved. That conversation stuck with him as the months past. While Katsuki now gave him a wide berth, the explosive boy glared at him even fiercer than he had before. Their school was awash with rumors about what had happened, yet the only truth was that he had a quirk when before he hadn't. At least they don't know how long I have had it.

And then February arrived. U.A. High's Entrance Exam loomed over Izuku as he broke through the threshold All Might had set for him, but made a request before Toshinori's final discussion with the principal about his acceptance.

"I have spoke with Nedzu about the recommendation," Toshinori said, early on the day of the Exam. The two One for All users sat on the seaside beach where they had first built their relationship as mentor and mentee. "While he was concerned about your incident last year with Bakugou, he has accepted my recommendation for admission into U.A. High's Heroic Program. He has also decided to allow you to take the Entrance Exam like most students. I understand that since your fight with Bakugou you have been considering taking the Exam to test yourself as a hero." He turned to Izuku and smiled. "I must admit that your decision to do this makes me proud to be your mentor. Plus, the other heroes are excited to see you in action. When they heard that my recommendation wanted to take the Entrance Exam, bets began changing hands. Just remember that you won't be eligible for anything that is based upon the Exam scores. You have, by all accounts, already been accepted." He smiled, proud, and then coughed up blood, covering his mouth.

Izuku watched the waves crash against the clean shore. "We should both get going then. Today is the day."

Toshinori nodded and expanded into All Might. "Yes it is, Young Midoriya. I'm excited to see what you have learned about being a hero!"