Once Izuku and Luna landed to the ground, All Might and Tarot Chariot released impressive smiles while Katsuki, Selene, and Aizawa looked on in an utter mix of surprise and astonishment.
"Are you and your wife okay, All Might?" Izuku asked as he and Luna ran up to All Might and Tarot Chariot. "That was close."
"We're fine." Tarot Chariot assured.
"Yeah." All Might said.
Kaminari and Kirishima approached Izuku.
"Dude, Midoriya, what was that?" Kaminari said. "You and Luna swooped in and wasted that rock."
"I aways thought you were more of a puncher, Midoriya." Kirishima said.
"I am. Or, I was." Izuku explained. He lifted up his left leg and showed off his brand-new soles. "It's these new soles. Hatsume suggested them, and I think they'll really up my game. Plus, Iida's been showing me how to use my body better, so my fighting style has changed. I've only just figured out what direction to go in. I still have a lot of work to do. Nothing I'd call an ultimate move yet."
"I dunno. Based on that kick, I'd say you're further along than you think. So, you should be ready for this test." All Might argued.
Diana, Selene, and Aisha approached Luna.
"Damn, Luna. That was amazing." Aisha said.
"Yeah, you and Midoriya's ultimate moves were incredible." Diana agreed.
"It must have taken a lot of practice for you to perfect that move." Selene said.
"It was frustrating at first, but I really got the hang of it in the end. Plus, you and Chariot's advice helped me utilize my ultimate move." Luna explained. "But I still got a lot of work to do."
"I couldn't agree more." Tarot Chariot agreed as she walked up to her daughter. "That's one big step for mastering your Quirk, but you should have complete confidence for this test coming up."
Then, Aizawa moved toward All Might.
"Hey, All Might. It's dangerous in here. You should be careful." Aizawa warned.
"Yeah, I know." All Might said. He looked up at Katsuki. "Sorry for the scare, Young Bakugo."
Katsuki looked down at Izuku and Luna, who took notice. Without saying a single word, he released an explosion and stormed off.
"You watch yourself, All Might!" Katsuki roared.
Watch yourself, huh? All Might though with a sigh. He lifted up his left arm and looked at his hand. I guess it only makes sense. To everyone else, I'm a weakling now. Someone who needs to be protected.
Luna then noticed that none of her friends have made any modifications with their hero costumes.
"You're not going to change your costume?" Luna said.
"Honestly, after seeing how everyone here had made changes, I don't see the point in adding anything to my costume." Selene said.
"And why not? We're awesome just the way we are." Diana said.
"Yeah, what she said." Aisha said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"That's enough, Class A."
Luna, Diana, Selene, and Aisha turned their heads to the opening entrance, seeing the arrival of Vlad King and Class 1-B.
"Class B is scheduled to use this training room every afternoon." Vlad King said.
"Class B?" Luna muttered.
"Oh, joy." Diana grumbled.
"Eraser, get your kids out of our way." Vlad King demanded.
"You're not trying to kick us out early when we have ten whole minutes left, are you?" Aizawa questioned.
Monoma then stepped forward, wearing a sleek black suit with free watches attached to his belt.
"Hey, did ya hear? The license exam has a 50 percent pass rate. That means your entire class might fail." Monoma taunted.
I keep on forgetting how much this guy hates us. Luna and Selene sighed.
Diana and Aisha glared at the laughing Monoma.
"Wanna take him out?" Diana asked intimidatingly.
"Yeah, let's crush him." Aisha said threateningly.
"That's why we won't be in the same location." Aizawa said. "Our classes applied to different spots."
Monoma stopped laughing for a minute.
"There are two exam days in June and in September. And the tests are held in three different places. E don't want students from the same place fighting. We split you up." Vlad King explained. "Each school has at most one class at a single location."
Monoma let out a small, relived sigh.
"How sad we won't be able to fight each other directly." Monoma said with a smirk.
"It's official. This guy's mental state is literally beyond repair." Diana commented.
Luna, Selene, and Aisha nodded their heads in agreement.
"Very few first years in the country try for a provisional license." Aizawa said. "In other words, the test will be made up of students who've trained longer than you, and with Quirks you don't know about. Ones that are powerful. The actual content of the exam is a mystery, but you can expect that you're going to have a rough time. Try not to get hung up about that, but keep it in mind."
"Yes, sir!" Class 1-A students nodded.
Later that night, the girls relaxed together in the Heights Alliance's common area.
"Does it have to be this hard?" Mina groaned.
"Well, it's not called intensive training for nothing." Hagakure said.
"That's true, but it's strange to think there's only a week left before the exam." Yaoyorozu said.
"Momo, how's your ultimate move coming?" Hagakure asked Yaoyorozu.
"There's something I really wanna do, but my body just isn't ready yet." Yaoyorozu replied. "I need time to develop my Quirk and improve my general endurance.
"How about you, Tsu?" Hagakure asked Tsuyu.
"I've perfected a move that makes me even more froglike than before. I'm sure even you'd looked surprised, Toru." Tsuyu answered.
"And you, Aisha?" Hagakure asked Aisha.
"I have been working on a move that might be a sneaky advantage on the battlefield." Aisha responded.
"What's your story, Ochaco?" Hagakure asked.
Uraraka didn't respond. She kept sipping her juice box with drifting stare as if she was lost in thought.
"Hey, Ochaco?" Tsuyu called, tapping her finger on her friend's arm.
Uraraka immediately yelped in surprise, causing her to snap back from her wandering mind.
"You seem a little tense." Tsuyu said.
"No, it's nothing. Everything's going awesome." Uraraka assured. "I'm just getting started."
All the girls looked at Uraraka with blank faces.
"At least, that's how I'd usually be." Uraraka said. Her cheeks flustered with pink blushes. "This thing is, recently my heart's been all stirred about something."
"It's love!" Mina beamed.
Uraraka then blushed harder.
"What did you say? Glove? Shove? Dove?" Uraraka asked with a panicky face. "Never even seen one—what's that?!"
"So, who is it?" Diana asked. "Midoriya or Iida? You're always hanging out with those two boys."
"You've got it all wrong." Uraraka said.
Uraraka covered her embarrass face with her hands, which unknowingly activated her Quirk and she began floating above her friends.
"That's not it, I swear!" Uraraka said.
"She's floating." Mina said.
"Which one? Or someone else?" Hagakure asked.
"Yeah, come one, spill." Diana said.
"Yeah, out with it." Jiro smiled. "You know we're not gonna give up until we know."
"It's gotta be Midoriya." Aisha grinned. "I mean, you have been spending a lot of time with him than you are with Iida."
"I swear, it's no one!" Uraraka said. "Besides, it's not like I event know anything about dating."
"Girls, come on. Let's not be nosy about this." Selene said.
"It's not good to force an investigation." Tsuyu pointed out.
"They're right. More importantly, it's late." Yaoyorozu agreed as she stood up for her seat. "We should call it a night."
"Ugh! No!" Mina complained. "I wanna hear everything! You can't just spring a bit of romance on us and expect me to go to sleep!"
"What romance?" Uraraka said.
Uraraka turned her head to the nearby window and caught the sight of Izuku practicing his kicks outside while channeling One For All Quirk throughout his body. She began staring at him affectionately as if she silently admired his determination to get stronger with his Quirk.
But what Uraraka didn't know is that Luna noticed her blushing face with a smile.
On a bright, sunny morning, today's the first day of the Provisional Hero Licensing Exam. All Class 1-A students stood in front of the exam location. A large modern indoor building arena with a suspension roof design known as the Takoba National Stadium.
"Ugh, I'm getting kind of nervous." Jiro groaned.
"I wonder what they're gonna make us do." Mineta said anxiously. "Ugh. What if I can't get my license?"
Aizawa unexpectedly bent down towards the startling Mineta.
"Mineta, don't ask if you can. Say you will." Aizawa said.
"Right. Sure. I've so got this!" Mineta said determinedly.
Aizawa lifted himself upwards and looked at the rest of his Class 1-A students.
"If you can pass this test and get your provisional licenses, then you novice eggs will hatch into chicks. You'll be semi-pros. I expect your best." Aizawa announced.
"All right. I can't wait to be a heroic chicken." Kaminari said with a smile.
"Let's call out the usual, you guys." Kirishima said, clenching his fist with determination. He paid no attention to a tall, muscular man sneaking up from behind. "On my mark. Go Plus..."
"Ultra!"
Everyone turned their heads to a very tall, well-built man. He has dark brown buzzed hair and black eyes. He wore a white collared shirt, dark blue pants, and a blue and orange uniform hat.
Behind him were the rest of his classmates from Shiketsu High School.
"You know, it's pretty rude to barge into other people's huddles like that, Inasa." A purple-haired male student said.
"What? Pardon me." Inasa said. He straightened his stance and instantly slammed his head into the ground in front of the Class 1-A students. "I am so. Very. Extremely. Sorry!
"Who is this guy?" Kaminari questioned. "I do not trust his enthusiasm."
"Hey, look at the uniforms." Jiro said.
"They're from that famous school on the other side of Japan." Sero said.
"UA in the East, Shiketsu in the West." Katsuki said.
Of all the hero courses out there, the one at this elite school actually rivals UA's. Izuku thought in awe. Shiketsu High!
"I wanted to say it just once. Plus Ultra! See, I really love UA High School!" Inasa said eagerly. "I am extremely honored to compete against such incredible students! I'm so looking forward to it!"
"Let's go." The purple-haired male student said, walking away to the building.
"Inasa Yoarashi." Aizawa said.
"Do you know that guy, Mr. Aizawa?" Hagakure asked.
"Indeed. He's strong." Aizawa nodded.
That earned surprising gasps from his Class 1-A students.
"He's the same year as you all and receive the top scores for students admitted through recommendations. But for some unknown reason, he turned down his acceptance to UA and went to Shiketsu." Aizawa explained.
"Whoa. So, you're saying he's around our age?" Luna said astonishingly. She then turned her head to a surprised Aisha and a silent Shoto. If he had the top scores for those with recommendations, then it's possible that he might be even better than Todoroki and Aisha.
"Hold on. Is anyone else confused here?" Sero asked. "This guy says that he loves our school, but he turned down his chance to enroll when it was offered?"
"Yeah, what a weirdo." Mina said.
"Maybe, but he's the real deal." Aizawa warned. "Keep an eye on him."
"Eraser? I'd know that scowl anywhere!"
Aizawa stiffened with an annoyed expression at the sound of that female joyful voice. He turned his head and saw a young woman approaching him with an unwavering joyous smile. She has a strong, athletic build with seaform green hair that reaches just past her shoulders with an orange bandanna around her head and dark green eyes with bright pupils. She wore a sleeveless navy-blue shirt with a high collar buttoned up all the way to her chin, a black corset adorned with yellow smiley-face pins and a white V-shaped belt, and a puffed green and orange pinstriped shorts. She also wore padded yellow gloves with golden plates over her knuckles and lower fingers that stretched in orange-striped tubes down her lower arms with thick metal cylinders over the top.
"I saw you on TV and at the Sports Festival." The woman said. "But it's been a while since we were this close in person."
Aizawa stared at the woman with his twitching face.
"She looks familiar." Izuku said to Luna.
The woman stopped in front of Aizawa.
"Let's get married." The woman smiled.
"No." Aizawa said.
The woman suddenly laughed.
"Ha, ha! You're a real laugh riot, buddy." The woman said.
"As usual, you're impossible, Joke." Aizawa mumbled.
"Oh, that's Ms. Joke! The smile hero!" Izuku said happily. "Her Quirk is Outburst! She forces 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!"
"Come on, imagine it!" Ms. Joke smiled with a thumb-up. "If I was your wife, you'd have a future full of constant laughter."
"That sounds like an actual nightmare." Aizawa said.
Ms. Joke erupted another laughter.
"It seems like you two are close." Tsuyu noted.
"Our agencies were near each other." Ms. Joke said. She released an infatuated smile on her face. "As young heroes striving to make a difference in the world, a mutual love bloomed."
"No, it didn't." Aizawa said flatly.
"I do miss your quick retorts. You're my favorite person to tease, future husband." Ms. Joke declared.
Aizawa closed his eyes with a sigh.
"So, Joke. If you're here, then that must mean…" Aizawa said.
"That's right." Ms. Joke said. She turned towards a group of approaching students from behind. "Over here, everyone! This is UA!"
Three Ketsubutsu Academy students looked very excited to see UA's Class 1-A students. A tall, muscular male student has black shaggy, unruly hair and warm brown diamond-shaped eyes. He wore a plain gray polo shirt, dark brown trousers, and brown shoes. A pale, curvaceous female student has short, ash blonde hair styled with two longer clumps spiking out on either side of her head and a single, chin-length bang on the right, small rectangular blue eyes, and large pointed teeth. She wore a plain gray polo shirt, dark brown skirt, and brown shoes. Another female student has a petite body with medium brown skin, curly dark red hair assorted into many small braids, and thin, somewhat dark brown cat-like eyes. She wore a plain gray polo shirt, dark brown skirt, and brown shoes.
"Oh, whoa. It really is Class A." The black-haired male student said excitedly.
"Wow, that's so amazing." The ash blonde-haired female student said with a cheerful smile. "I've seen them on TV before."
"Second years from Ketsubutsu Academy. This is Class 2." Ms. Joke said. "They're my students."
The black-haired male student then immediately grabbed Izuku's hands.
"Hey, I'm Shindo!" Shindo introduced. "Seems like UA's had a lotta trouble this year, musta been tough for you."
"Uh, yeah." Izuku said.
Shindo moved onto shaking every hand of the Class 1-A students.
"But even so, you're all still aiming to become pro heroes, despite those hardships." Shindo said. "It's wonderful." He winked at the Class 1-A students. "Hearts filled with fortitude. I believe that's what every hero in the world needs to have."
Talk about being over friendly. Luna thought.
Shindo then looked at Katsuki.
"And Bakugo. It must've been hard for you, what with that whole kidnapping incident." Shindo said. "You have an especially strong will, don't you?" He then outstretched his hand. "Today, I'm gonna do my best to learn from you. I really hope you don't mind."
But instead of shaking it, Katsuki slapped Shindo's hand away.
"Stop pretending." Katsuki said. "What you say doesn't match the look in your eyes."
Shindo's friendly face slowly changed into a determined one, which was something Luna immediately took notice in silence.
"Hey, man, don't be so rude!" Kirishima shouted at Katsuki. He looked back at Shindo. "Sorry, he's just like that."
"It's fine." Shindo assured. "It proves how tough his heart is."
Katsuki grunted in annoyance.
"Hey, Todoroki, Rozu! Can I have your autograph?" Nakagame said. "You two were so cool at the Sports Festival."
"Uhh…" Shoto spoke.
"An autograph from us?" Aisha asked.
"Seriously?" A long black-haired male student said. "Stop fangirling."
"I'd be happy to sign something for ya." Mineta said as he came up from behind Nakagame.
Luna then turned her head and watched Celia walking up to her.
"I think you and I are gonna have a lot of fun in this exam. Just you and me." Celia said with a friendly smile. "Can't wait to see what you got."
"Um...okay." Luna said with a confused face.
"Hey, get your costumes and head to orientation. There's no time to waste." Aizawa said.
"Yes, sir!" Class 1-A students nodded.
All the students from different school dressed in their hero costumes and assembled into a large, rectangular room.
"OMG. This crowd is insane." Diana said.
"You can say that again." Luna agreed.
"Okay then. Let's do this exam thing." A masculine voice spoke exhaustedly with a microphone.
A lanky middle-aged man stood on a podium. He has beige, messy chin-length hair and small black eyes. He wore a formal black suit with a white undershirt and a loose tie, black pants, and black shoes.
"I'm from, uh, the Hero Public Safety Commission. Name's Mera." Yokumiru introduced. "My Circadian Rhythm is so screwed up." He moved slightly to shake off his tiredness. "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."
Luna, Diana, Selene, and Aisha looked at Mera with expressions.
He has no shame on hiding his exhaustion. Luna, Diana, Selene, and Aisha thought.
"So, about the content of this license thing." Mera said. "Basically, 1544 examinees compete in a free-for-fall exercise or whatever we're calling it this year. See, we've got a lot of pros around, and since Stain was arrested, many people have expressed doubts about the status of heroes in society."
Luna silently figured that Stain's convictions is still affecting the entire region of Tokyo. Just because most Pro Heroes seek justice and protecting the innocents doesn't mean that there are other pros who secretly pursue fame and fortune.
"But when you really think about it, getting paid make 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." Yokumiru continued. "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 time 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'll 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 why that's what you'll be tested on. The first 100 students to fulfill the requirements will pass today."
Everyone looked completely shocked upon hearing what Mera just said.
"Wait, what?!" Diana exclaimed. "He can't be serious!"
"I know a lot of thing's been happening lately, but come on." Aisha said.
"This also means any of us will get less than 10% on getting a license." Selene said.
"Well, the world can be pretty crappy. I suppose I should say something about luck." Yokumiru said. "So, anyway, here are the basic rules."
The large screen above Mera displayed an outline of person silhouette with three disc-like targets on the head, the left shoulder, and the right side of the waist.
"The examinee will put three of these targets on his or her body. They can go anywhere you want as long as it's in an exposed area, so no soles of the feet or armpits." Yokumiru explained. "Each of you will also have six of these balls. The targets are programmed to light up whenever they've been touched by the balls. 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 out two people."
So, this is kinda like the Entrance Exam. Except it looks much harsher. But instead of robots, we're going against other students from different high schools. Luna thought.
The staff members began approaching the students with cardboard boxes.
"What else? Uh, I guess we'll start passing out the targets and balls." Yokumiru said. "Then, you'll have a few minutes to get situated after we open."
"Uh, what does he mean open?" Aisha questioned.
Suddenly, the entire room started to shake and unfold two walls wide open. All the high school students looked around in a complete mix of shock and surprise. They're literally standing on the enormous arena where their first phrase of the test will begin. The entire arena featured a wide spread of forests with a waterfall and a large lake, two large mountains, a large bridge, city buildings, and an industrial site.
"I'm sure that each of you have different terrains that you like or want to avoid. Use your Quirks well and do your best." Yokumiru said. "Or not. Whatever."
Izuku looked slightly stunned by the arena while Luna's eyes widened in disbelief.
This is so unnecessary. Izuku and Luna thought.
"Yes, I know. It makes for a great reveal, doesn't it? And for what? So much sleep lost for this." Yokumiru muttered. "Hopefully some of these kids are fast and we can get this over with."
With no hesitation, all the examinees began splitting up and heading towards different terrains.
Izuku and Luna exchanged knowing nods before immediately turning to their classmates.
"Everyone, stay close together." Izuku said.
"We'll fight them as a group." Luna said.
Uraraka and Selene nodded in agreement.
"Got it." Iida said.
"Yeah, right. This isn't a field trip." Katsuki said.
Katsuki walked off on his own.
"Idiot. Wait up!" Kirishima said as he followed after Katsuki.
"Kacchan!" Izuku yelled.
"Kirishima!" Iida shouted.
"I'm going on my own too." Shoto said as he began departing away from his classmates. "It's hard for me to use my powers safely when a big group's around."
"Todoroki!" Izuku shouted.
"Listen, Midoriya, I know splitting up is a bad idea for them right now. But we have to get moving." Luna said. "Bakugo, Kirishima, and Todoroki can take care of themselves."
Izuku nodded. He, Luna, and the rest of their classmates began running forward on their way towards one of the large mountains.
"I don't think it's a good idea for them to go off on their own, though." Izuku said.
"How come?" Mineta asked.
"Think about it. Everyone already knows what powers we have." Luna stated.
"They did research?" Uraraka questioned.
"I see. The Sports Festival." Iida said.
"And because of that event, our Quirk strengths, weaknesses, and fighting styles were broadcasted across Japan." Luna added.
"She's right. The other schools have probably figured out the same way to win that I have. This is going to end up being a battle between schools. With that in mind, first, it's likely they'll gang up against Quirks they know." Izuku explained.
"Does that mean?" Mina said.
"Don't tell me." Jiro said.
"The first test will now begin." A feminine computerized voice announced.
Then suddenly, a large squad of Ketsubutsu students jumped out of nowhere.
"We knew it!" Izuku and Luna said.
Shindo's eyes focused directly on Izuku.
"I saw you on TV." Shindo said. "That power of yours also destroys your body. Well, I can't say I'm above taking advantage of that!"
Shindo and his Ketsubutsu classmates began throwing their orange balls at the U.A. students.
Izuku charged forward and jumped up in the air. He concentrated his One for All: Full Cowl through his legs, catching an orange ball with his left leg and swinging it away that created a strong shockwave and blew the first round of balls away with a gust of wind. Luna surrounded her entire hands with bright pink energy and fired a machine-gun barrage of pink energy bolts onto every incoming balls in her sights.
Tokoyami's upper body was enveloped by Dark Shadow, who stretched his large arms and grabbed some of the balls with his hands. Aisha soared in the air and seized the balls with her psychokinesis. Uraraka's Zero Gravity allowed herself to float into the air, avoiding the incoming balls that was coming in her direction. Sero unleashed long lengths of his tape and apprehended several orange balls while Mina melted some of the balls away with long whips of acid. Yaoyorozu already created three large shields to defend herself, Tsuyu, and Hagakure while Diana protected herself with a force field in her yellow aura. Iida swiftly zoomed past the incoming balls. Selene created nine planets orbiting around her, releasing one planet forward one by one and firing a strong blast of stellar energy that deflected every incoming ball in her way. Mineta unleashed his long whip of Pop Off Spheres and captured all the balls aiming towards him.
Shindo looked surprised to see all UA students weren't affected by an ambush of their ambushing scale.
"Oh?" Shindo said with an impressed smile.
Izuku looked at his Class 1-A classmates.
"We've got this, you guys! Show them what UA can do!" Izuku declared with encouragement.
"Yeah!" Class 1-A students cheered with defensive poses.
Enjoy and review.
