(A/N: Warning for swearing for a Bakugou pov this chapter. Also brief mentions of canon suicide baiting though only once in the paragraph starting with [The explosive teen stared at him in confused shock. ...] )

...

Before they all knew it, it was nearly the end of the second week before the exams. On Thursday night, Izuku took a break from studying to watch a live interview with Midnight and Mt. Lady on the topic of costume regulations and how they affected Quirk use. He couldn't help the blush from seeing the debut version of her Hero costume which had been quite controversial at the time, inspiring legislation to be passed to regulate costume requirements related to skin exposure.

At least it had been a bit more protective than the one she had worn in her third year at UA. Izuku, ever the curious boy, had looked up his teachers' costume records to see how they changed over time. Aizawa's had been a progression of jumpsuit alone to the addition of his scarf and then the goggles from his friend. Who Izuku felt kind of guilty looking up but it was nice to have a face to go with the name. It was sad to think that Shirakumo Oboro was gone but from his picture he seemed like a good guy when he was alive.

Present Mic had always sported his hair in some kind of spiked fashion and progressed through various speaker systems over the years, but the radio DJ theme ran throughout his costumes. Midnight however…well, could you really call that a costume? It was barely an outfit in his opinion. A trench coat, choker, sunglasses, boots, belt that barely covered her around her hips, and padded patches over her breasts. The rest had been bare skin giving no protection at all.

Her debut version was an improvement of sorts. A corset around her torso, a harness that extended from her neck to her waist, and her glasses exchanged for the thinner mask she wore today. Allowing quick access to her Quirk but again no protection. While he questioned her current costume as well for that same reason, at least the ultra-thin fabrics kept accidental exposure to her Quirk to a minimum while allowing her to access it quickly as well.

But she had a point that for certain Quirks, clothing could be more restricting than helpful. Like with Momo who needed access to her skin to use her Quirk much like Midnight did. When the interview turned into a bickering match between Midnight and Mt. Lady instigated by the younger Hero, Izuku stopped the video and went back to studying.

Summer was in full gear come Friday morning and it wasn't even summer break yet. The heat and humidity were high and the cicadas were as loud as ever. It made wearing a beanie to school difficult, but Izuku would rather have a peaceful commute than worry about hat hair. His green curls were always such a mess anyway. The day went by fast through their morning classes and before they knew it, it was lunch time.

One more week to go until finals, Izuku thought as he put away his things.

He had managed to wrap up the last of his counselling sessions yesterday. He was pleased he finished in three weeks' time while also working on Nezu's assignment, training, and studying for the exams. Let's just say he looked forward to the short break before the summer training camp. Which Aizawa reminded them of at the end of class along with the repeated threat of summer school hell upon failure before he walked out.

Kaminari and Ashido immediately started freaking out being the lowest ranking in the class. Well, more the electric teen grabbing at his head in shame while the acidic girl tried to laugh off her worrying. Tokoyami seemed concerned as well having scored below the middle on their midterms. Mid-range test takers like Satou and Kouda were also a little worried. The amount they had learned between the midterms and finals was quite drastic in comparison.

"Ashido-san, Kaminari-kun, it's going to be okay," Izuku said, trying to reassure them. He wasn't sure how he ranked in this class but he was pretty confident in his academic abilities. "There's still time to study. Then that way, we'll do our best and pass our exams so we can go to the training camp together."

The greenet gave them a determined smile with fists clenched in the spirit of 'we can do it!'. Tenya, ranked second in the class, backed him up confident that they would make UA and their teacher proud. Shouto, ranked fourth, did as well though was blunter about it as he didn't think it should be difficult if one just paid attention in class. Let's just say they weren't encouraged by the higher-ranking students' words.

"Please don't worry about it so much," Momo spoke up, the top-ranking student meeting them with a kind smile. "I could help you study and catch you up on the important topics, if you'd like."

Ashido and Kaminari were ecstatic at her offer.

The creation girl nodded before her mood turned suddenly glum, confident in the written portion but not so much the practical. But then again, she had given what she had discussed with Izuku some thought. About being more flexible and using someone's Quirk against them. She would just have to be more creative when she fights. Black eyes met curious green, concerned at her reaction. She gave him a reassuring smile that she was alright which he returned in understanding.

Others seemed interested in her offer. Jirou was having issues with quadratic functions, classical Japanese was giving Sero trouble, and Ojiro felt he was falling behind a little. They all asked if Momo would be willing to tutor them as well much to her surprise. Her enthusiastic acceptance was adorable causing those watching to smile endearingly. Shouto and Izuku shared a glance happy to see their friend so excited, instinctively linking their hands together.

Momo was eagerly already planning a study session at her house over the weekend. Which must be pretty fancy since she wanted the great hall to be prepared as the perfect spot. Shouto and Tenya were unphased but the rest were all thinking 'damn'. The class vice president asked for everyone's tea preferences wanting to please everyone. She had a momentary tea fangirling moment which Izuku was sure Nezu would have enjoyed.

Her enthusiasm was kind of overwhelming, determined to reform them into model students over the weekend. It sort of came off as humble bragging, but her bouncy energy was so adorable no one cared.

...

Well…most people didn't care. Katsuki at the front of the room scowled down at his desk being reminded that he had placed third in the midterm exam. Not coming out on top once again.

He didn't like that his extras went to Ponytail for help instead of him. It was as if he didn't know enough or something. Which was wrong because he knew plenty having made studying a part of his routine to become the best Hero. Brawns needed to be paired with brains to be most effective. Something he had been trying to instill in Shitty Hair before the Sports Festival. Before his suspension.

Angry red eyes looked up in search of the redhead, meeting a similar shade except filled with concern. They hadn't really spent any time with each other since before his suspension started. Katsuki wasn't allowed his phone and only limited internet access enough to do homework. He's also been avoiding the others for a while now, needing space.

Now he felt he had more space than he knew what to do with. It was as if his extras had moved on leaving him behind. But that wasn't entirely true because Katsuki had been the one to walk away first. Isolating himself out of anger and apparently self-pity. At least according to the therapy mutt.

It was something they talked about during some of their sessions once teachers began to notice him sitting alone. The Hero had concerns as it was out of character for him and had wanted to discuss it. Katsuki hadn't wanted to because it dealt with feelings and all that shit, but he hated to admit that talking about it did kind of sort of help.

In the beginning, the explosive teen believed that they were doing it to him because other than the bullshit with Deku, it had never been his fault. However, the mutt called that into question of if his fri-extras had said or done anything to hurt him in any way. The answer was no, they didn't. They simply didn't approach him anymore after Pinky outed him to the class.

No one asked him about it which he was relieved about at first, but now no one asked him anything. The teachers did from time to time in class and during training whoever he sparred against would do so at least semi-willingly. But other than that, no one tried to interact with him. Which was fine because Bakugou Katsuki didn't need friends.

'Are you sure?'

…no, I'm not, he thought with a sigh. Thanks for making me admit that, fucking Jiminy Cricket of a conscience.

Okay, so maybe he missed having the others around. Just a tiny infinitesimal bit. It was like when he got back to class. The isolation during his suspension had been annoying as it was too quiet. The noise of his extras was like white noise, easy to tune out but needed to break the silence. However, by his own choices, he lost that.

It sucked to admit it as he saw it as a weakness but he couldn't deny it either. Katsuki didn't like being alone anymore. It was isolating and annoying and he just didn't like it one bit. That sour gut feeling of guilt welled up whenever he would catch himself watching Deku at his own table happily interacting with his friends. Thinking about how isolated he had made the Quirkless nerd growing up while trying to force him to understand his personal truth. Allowing a pang of longing for his own extras to start to grow.

But Katsuki didn't know how to fix it. He was the one that walked away and assumed that the others would follow. That's what had happened before UA. Him doing his own thing and the others following as they should. But not here. No, he left and they let him. Left him alone and did their own thing. Which was fine he guessed 'cause it had given him time to fucking breath for once. His extras could be so exhausting at times, but they were still his…right?

Oh, fuck this.

He could do this. Katsuki was the one to walk away and he was going to be the one to come back first. Take initiative and make it happen. Just like a Hero would. With this thought in mind, he sent a challenging look towards Shitty Hair silently asking what he wanted to do. A quick glance at Ponytail then a questioning quirk of his brow.

Hair-For-Brains stared at him in confusion before suddenly getting it. His eyes widened in understanding before giving a shrug paired with a shake of his head. Katsuki was surprised since he knew the other boy ranked on the lower range. The blonde's eyebrows furrowed in thought before glancing down at his own notebook then looking back up. He quirked his brow again but in offering this time.

Again, Shitty Hair looked at him in surprise not expecting the offer. Katsuki continued to stare him down to show he meant it. The redhead then gave him a small smile and a nod in agreement from across the room. The explosive teen returned it without a single word spoken as he turned back to his desk. It would be awkward, yes, to meet up with one of his fri-extras again, but it was a start.

The class finally broke up for lunch and Katsuki trudged ahead alone. He got his food and found a table not expecting anyone to join him. However, to his surprise, movement caught his eye and he looked up to see Shitty Hair standing before him.

"Hey, man," the redhead said with a small awkward smile. "Mind if I sit here?"

The blonde studied him for a moment before letting out a huff as he said, "If you want."

"Thanks," the hardening teen said, smiling with a flash of teeth as he sat down.

They sat in silence for a while as they ate. There was a tension in the air that neither had the nerve to break just yet. More focusing on eating and getting used to being next to each other again. Katsuki feeling awkward after making himself admit he didn't like being alone. The other boy still unsure if he could be friends with an ex-bully but had seen how determined he was to be a Hero. More subdued than before but still powerful and strong.

Time dragged on and eventually Kirishima couldn't take it anymore as he asked, "So, how've you been, Bakugou?"

"Fine," Katsuki drawled as he poked at his food.

"That's good," the other said awkwardly. "Finals are coming up. You think you're gonna be ready?"

"Of course, I will," the explosive teen insisted, feeling a bit more at ease having an actual conversation again. "The written test I'll kill and the practical I'll blast to pieces."

Where he will prove that Deku's 'advice' was not worth his time and there was nothing wrong with his gear or costume. So what the gauntlets got in his way. They allowed him stronger explosions so he wanted to keep them. A part of his carefully thought-out design for his Hero costume. Katsuki was going to kill the practical and finally prove he was the best.

He was also too pissed off and lonely to even want to consider the shitty nerd's suggestions. Still wanting to help him even after all he's done. Like how Shitty Hair still wanted to sit with him even after finding out what had happened that landed him in detention. Willingly spending time with him after avoiding him for weeks. Katsuki wondered why but also didn't want to say anything to make his fr-extra leave him alone again.

Kirishima, ignorant to his thoughts, oddly chuckled at his declaration, feeling it was kind of nice to hear some old Bakugou again.

"Wish I had your confidence," the hardening teen commented. "The practical maybe, but I'm kind of worried about the written."

"If you didn't have so much crap in your hair," the blonde snarked on instinct. "Maybe you could get something through your thick skull."

His words caused the redhead to grimace which then made Katsuki scowl down at his plate. Shit. Did he manage to fuck this up already?

"In the classroom," Kirishima said, wanting to confirm what happened. "That was you asking if I wanted to study with you, right?"

Fiery red eyes shot up in shock that he hadn't forced the other boy away. That he was still there sitting with him, still talking.

"Yeah," Katsuki answered, swallowing nervously which was weird. "What of it?"

Do you want to?

"I'm up for that," the redhead replied with a nod before his brows furrowed in concern. "Though I do have some questions about…"

Kirishima trailed off, not sure how to phrase it exactly.

"About what, Shitty Hair?" Katsuki pressed though he had an idea already.

"About you and…," the hardening teen started but trailed off with a sigh. He took a steadying breath before staring eye to eye with him. "Did you really bully Izuku?"

He would have been surprised at the first name basis with the nerd, but he was distracted by the judgement in the other teen's red eyes. The kind that Katsuki did not like at all. He had seen it in the eyes of his teachers, his parents, Inko. It hurt, a lot. And now it was coming from his fri-extra. His best extra. They had gone into battle together and came out semi-victorious. Had fought fiercely against each other in an all-out fight. This was his extra, his…friend. This was Kirishima.

Katsuki looked down with eyebrows furrowed in shame as he said quietly, "…yes."

Their conversation was quiet so no one else could hear, but even at this volume, the tension between them was suffocating.

"Why?"

A single word in question. Soft and sad. Katsuki fought hard and fierce and yet that single word hurt more than a punch from All Might himself would.

"Because…"

The blonde paused to clear his throat as well as his head. He didn't want to mess this up.

"Because I had to teach De-the nerd a lesson he refused to learn. That he couldn't be a Hero without a Quirk. Otherwise, if he tried, he would just end up dead."

Which was true. Deku was Quirkless therefore more vulnerable because he didn't have a Quirk. Yeah, sure, he could fight with his stupid gadgets and whatnot but he wouldn't have them all the time. And sure, he could also fight others during their Quirkless sparring but again, that wasn't how it was out in the world. Life was full of danger in their Quirked world. Despite how much the shitty nerd pisses him off, Katsuki never wanted him to die due to his own recklessness.

He kept his focus on his plate, not wanting to see his friend's reaction just yet because there was more.

"At one point I thought he had started to look down on me. Seeing himself better than me and my strong Quirk, but he said he never did and instead looked up to me. Which in hindsight I can see since he had always followed me like a puppy no matter what I did to him. But that thought fueled my anger towards him and I would lash out."

Something Hound Dog had helped him figure out over the last few weeks. It had taken time for him to admit even that to himself but it was true. Deku trying to be a Hero without a Quirk confused him and pissed him off. Couldn't understand that the shitty nerd didn't realize it was impossible. Pushing the explosive blonde with the need to 'teach' him more.

"I bullied him because he's Quirkless. Quirkless and wanting to be a Hero anyway. I was angry at him for a lot of things and it drove how I acted towards him. But even if I had been wrong about him looking down on me, I still needed him to realize that he couldn't be a Hero. Not without a Quirk. Because in the end, I just don't want him to die."

Katsuki fell silent letting the words hang in the air. They were true back then and still are now to a degree. Even if Deku was proving he wasn't entire useless in a fight as he had thought, there was still that threat lingering in the unknown of the future. One misstep, one wrong move and it would be curtains for him. The teachers may be allowing the Quirkless teen to live out his fantasies, but no matter how much he trained or how many gadgets he made, it didn't change the fact he was weaker than everyone else. Weak and vulnerable while pursuing one of the, if not the, most dangerous of professions.

Deku couldn't…no, actually Katsuki didn't want him to become a Hero. There was just too much risk for him. To many variables that could go wrong no matter how prepared the shitty nerd tried to be. Better to keep his Quirkless ass out of the way and safe than stick his nose in other people's dangerous business. Because while being Quirkless might not actually mean it was impossible, but a Quirkless Hero very much certainly was not a good idea. Though apparently only Katsuki could see that but couldn't do anything about it.

Guess he would just have to keep an eye out and save the stupid nerd's ass when the time came that he got in over his head.

There was a long pause as Kirishima processed his explanation before saying, "…dude. That's messed up."

"I know," Katsuki sighed dejectedly, picking at his food.

He hated that he knew that now and not back then. That he should have handled it all differently but hadn't known how. Had taken cues from how others like his mother, teachers, and classmates interacted with him and turned them against the Quirkless teen. Which turned out to be very wrong and filled him with a mixture of emotions feeling pissed off and regretful. Not a fun combination.

Kirishima studied the explosive teen before him. He had changed so much in just a few weeks. He was still an asshole with how he talked to him. Calling him mean nicknames and all that, but there was an element of remorse as well which was weird. In a good way though. Seemed that Bakugou was able to feel regret.

"So, what are you doing to fix it?" the redhead asked curiously.

"Huh?" Katsuki let out, red eyes snapping to fellow red.

"What are you doing to fix it?" Kirishima repeated. "It's clear you regret it, right? So, fix it like a man. Make it right."

The explosive teen stared at him in confused shock. Make it right? But how? Katsuki royally fucked up here. Acted as a Villain rather than a Hero. Bullied and suicide baited his childhood friend. Belittled and beat him mentally and physically all because Katsuki saw De-the nerd as weak which he was in comparison to himself. But with recent events, he couldn't deny what he saw with his own eyes. That the Quirkless teen was proving he wasn't as powerless as he had thought. Though kicking ass didn't change that he was still more vulnerable than others.

But how could he fix things between himself and Deku? More than a decade of crap was a lot to come back from. Honestly, he had no idea what he would do. It had only been a month and Katsuki had a taste of his own medicine. He had made the nerd isolated in the past and now he made himself alone not liking it one bit. Was being judged by teachers, parents, and classmates for something he himself enacted with no thoughts of the consequences. Katsuki never expected this to be his UA experience.

"I…I'm not sure," the blonde admitted, poking at his food again. "How can you fix this?"

Another question was if he wanted to. Deep down past the repressing anger a part of him did. Along with memories of catching beetles and exploring the woods. Of playing Heroes together and always beating the bad guys. Until it had all been ruined by a pinkie toe joint. But did he deserve to be forgiven for all he had done? As they were, they were essentially out of each other's lives and could just stay that way. Ignore each other as he was ignoring the shitty nerd's shitty notes.

"Honestly, I don't know either," the redhead replied, earning the other's attention and gave him a sad but supportive smile. "You messed up, but you're admitting that you did. That's good. Progress. I was kind of worried that you wouldn't."

Shitty Hair rubbed him head much like Deku does. Only this time Katsuki didn't find it annoying for some reason.

"I've been kind of confused on what to do with all…this," Kirishima admitted, sheepishly looking at him. "I don't like bullies…"

The blonde flinched, legit flinched.

"…but I also see a lot of potential in you to be a great Hero."

Fiery red eyes stared at him confused by the contrasting comparison.

"Honestly, dude, I want to be your friend, but I can't be friends with a bully."

"Looks like we can't be friends then," Katsuku huffed, abandoning his food to slump back with his arms crossed. "I am a bully after all."

"You were a bully," the hardening teen stressed, making the explosive teen stare at him curiously. "But now you admit that was wrong. Which to me seems that you want to change. To be better. Not a bully, but a Hero instead. Isn't that right?"

The blonde scrutinized his face, searching for any deception, but Shitty Hair held his gaze with red eyes filled with determination. Strong, sturdy, and rock solid like his Quirk.

"…yeah," Katsuki muttered with a hesitant nod.

"Good," his extr-friend replied with a toothy smile. "'Cause I can so be a friend with a Hero."

The hardening teen held out a fist towards Katsuki. The explosive teen stared at it for a second not entirely believing this was happening, but it was. Shitty Ha-Kirishima wanted to still be his friend. Still wanted to become Heroes together. Katsuki wasn't going to be alone.

He fist-bumped his friend and said, "Thanks…Kirishima."

The use of his actually name filled the redhead was so much happiness and pride. This time his smile was beaming with warmth and sunshine while still looking sharp as ever with his shark like teeth.

"Thanks, Bakugou," he grinned. "Let's train hard to be the best manliest Heroes together."

Katsuki simply nodded before going back to his food. A slight blush dusted his cheeks as a weird fluttering feeling tickled his gut. Both of which he chalked up to the super spicy curry he was eating. Not at all because of the puppy dog of a human being sitting with him, loyal and true. No way in hell. The blonde distracted himself by shoveling more food into his mouth.

...

On the other side of the cafeteria, Izuku and his friends were theorizing what would be on the exams. They were all worried not knowing what they would be up against. Well other than Mei who was excited to see what new challenges she would face in her own exams. As for the Hero Course students, all they knew was that they would have a comprehensive written and practical exam of everything they had learned this year.

Izuku wasn't super worried about the written portion. Even if they hadn't been in 1-A since the beginning of school, his passion for knowledge about Quirks and Heroes made him feel prepared. Though he wanted to ask for his friends' notes just to see what wasn't covered in General or Support classes. That way he would know what to help Hitoshi study so they were both caught up.

As for the practical, Ochako and Tsuyu were listing the different kinds of training they had been doing. Combat and rescue exercises along with basic training. Thankful that the first and last one Hitoshi and he had experience in though not so much rescue. But then again, considering how their trip to the USJ had been interrupted and the only other rescue training Class 1-A had was All Might's assessment, to be honest the two transfer students weren't that far behind their classmates. The only difference with Hitoshi was that he didn't experience the first Villain attack.

However, none of this got them any closer to figuring out exactly what they would be tested on or how. All they could do was study hard and stay as physically fit as possible throughout the coming week. Their group brainstorm was interrupted with an elbow suddenly leaning gently but firm on Izuku's head.

I gotta work on my situational awareness more, the greenet thought as he glanced up to see Neito staring challenging at his friends.

"Look who we have here," the cocky blonde sneered, still leaning on the Quirkless teen as he scanned the table. "Wannabes from Class 1-A. Do you really think you deserve to chat so casually with the first-place winner of the Sports Festival? The Hero who took down the Hero Killer?"

Ochako and Tenya looked offended by his taunting words, Tsuyu upset, Hitoshi and Shouto appearing indifferent but very much not internally, and Mei eyeing a potential new baby test dummy.

Izuku on the other hand let out a sigh as he nudged the blonde's arm off as he said, "Could you not, Neito-kun? None of us are better than the other. We're all trying to be Heroes same as you."

"True but it always seems those in 1-A can't help but crave being the center of attention," the copier accused. "The USJ. Rumors that there were other interns from 1-A caught up in the mess in Hosu. It's almost as if they like being attacked. Asking for it even."

Okay, that's going too far.

"I was there, you know," Izuku said, suddenly standing up to face the antagonizing boy.

"What? In Hosu? No duh," Neito replied, confused since it was caught on video.

"I didn't mean there," the greenet said with a shake of his head. "The USJ attack. I was there too."

The usually manic blonde stared at him in shock. Not many knew that Izuku was there expect for those involved and his mother. Well, there was also Chizome who he told personally when the Villain came to check on him. Then there was Shigaraki and Kurogiri but they didn't know it was him specifically. Just a voice over the PA system giving out 'cheat codes'.

"You…you were there?" Neito breathed out, unsure what to think. His recently declared friend was the closest he got to the attack that happened at the USJ.

"Hiro was there," Izuku confirmed as the blonde swallowed nervously. "I was supposed to be there to observe their rescue training and potentially give advice for improvements. But instead of learning to rescue others through training, we had to rescue ourselves against real Villains. How exactly is that 'asking for it'?"

"Well, I, uh…" the copier wavered under the intense stare of the shorter boy.

"This is why I talked to you about antagonizing 1-A," the Quirkless teen said, green eyes glaring into pale blue. They were friends sure but he didn't need to be a jerk to his other friends. "I know you have some kind of beef with 1-A, but that doesn't mean they actually think they are better than you. So, stop being an ass just because you feel inferior. I already told you you're not. You are just as powerful as them in your own way."

They stared off, the greenet refusing to look away and the blonde feeling like he couldn't. Neito could feel the disappointment radiating from Izuku, not liking it one bit. It soon became too much and the copier cast his gaze down in shame. As he did so, Izuku noticed the class rep of 1-B, Kendou Itsuka, approaching who he had met only as Hiro. She paused in surprise at the sight of her class's resident crazy boy acting like this.

"I'm sorry," Neito quietly said as green eyes connected to pale blue filled with regret. "I really am, Izuku."

The Quirkless teen studied him for a moment to assess his sincerity and saw no sign of his usual mask. With a nod he silently accepted his apology. Izuku still figured this wouldn't be the last time Neito challenged their class but next time perhaps he won't be so insensitive about it. No one asks to be a victim no matter what the situation.

"We're okay here, Kendou-san," Izuku said, returning his gaze to her with an assuring smile.

The orange haired girl had to shake herself out of her surprised stupor before saying, "Glad to hear. I apologize if he bothered you."

Despite just apologizing, the copier clicked his tongue in irritation for being called a bother. Izuku gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder. Neito's eyes widened in surprise briefly before giving the greenet a small grateful smile. People didn't typically want to touch or be touched by him, some thinking his copying as stealing. But at least with Izuku, there was no such fear. Not because he was Quirkless but because he genuinely meant the comforting gesture.

Those around them were confused by the entire interaction. Shouto in particular felt a sharp pain in his heart for how close Izuku was to the other. He didn't know why but he didn't like it.

"We're fine," Izuku insisted as he turned back to her. "Was there something you wanted, Kendou-san?"

"Oh, yes, actually I was kind of listening to what you were talking about earlier," Kendou replied, remembering what she wanted to say after taking care of whatever mess Monoma found himself in again. "You're worried about the final practical coming up, right? I don't think you have to be so much. I heard from one of my friends a few grades up that we'll be facing robots in combat like the entrance exam again."

Robots? Again?

Izuku wasn't sure that was right. It didn't seem practical to have them fight the same kind of opponent over and over. Sure, it could serve as a base to judge their growth but it could also leave them with less experience from new challenges. Besides, to be honest, having to face them during the Obstacle Course was enough for him.

One would think the teachers of UA would want their students to gain as much experience in different scenarios as possible. Because how would they learn to fight new opponents if they always went up against robots? Wouldn't it be more practical to fight another person? Robots followed their programming but people could be unpredictable.

Plus, there's the combinations of Quirks that countered each other. Kind of like what Nezu has had me…no. No way.

Izuku had finished his assignment from Nezu early enough to give him plenty of time to study. Reviewing all his notes from class as well as train for the coming practical. But surely his mentor didn't actually have Izuku involved in the planning of the final exams. It was just an analysis exercise. Hypothetical. Pairing his classmates and peers with the teachers they would be challenged the most by to find ways to improve their training…right?

Because they couldn't seriously think of actually having the students fight the teachers who are trained professionals. They would lose for sure going one-on-one against Pro Heroes!

"Are you okay, Izuku?" a voice called out, breaking him from his thankfully quiet freak out.

The Quirkless teen became aware of Neito holding him by his shoulders staring at him in concern. He looked around to see the others also looking worried at his sudden mood change. Izuku blushed at the attention and their concern for him. It was nice but he was now the center of attention. Again.

"I-I'm fine," Izuku muttered as he took his seat. Instantly Shouto took his hand under the table and the greenet shot him a grateful smile.

"Right…," Kendou said though not looking convinced. "Well, we better be going. Sorry to bother you and enjoy the rest of your lunch."

She then grabbed Neito by the back of his shirt and dragged him away though he didn't put up much of a fight. Green eyes watched him go and the copier mouthed one last 'sorry' before turning away. Izuku just knew their friendship was going to be rocky with their differing personalities, but he was still willing to try.

His friends were still worried but turned back to their food and talking about other things. For this he was grateful. But Shouto, ever the blunt one to do as he wants, squeezed his hand to get his attention.

"Are you really okay?" the bi-color teen asked, heterochromatic eyes filled with concern.

"I'm fine, Shouto, really," the greenet assured, moving their hands to interlace their fingers. "Do you have any plans this weekend?"

Shouto smiled at the action and talked about how he would mostly be studying and training. It had been actually really nice living on campus these last few weeks. He could study when and where he wanted whether in his room or the common room. It also allowed him the opportunity to study with his friends and classmates who were staying in the dorms as well. They could even train together or on their own at their leisure rather than the strict schedule his father had forced on him for years. He also was allowed to leave campus in his free time to visit his mother.

It was nice to hear that Shouto was happy being away from Endeavor. He had more freedom and people around who cared about him. Of course, there were hiccups now and then as they were a handful of teenagers. Living under one roof with some for the first time like Shouto, but those that were more experienced were happy to teach them the ways of 'adulting'.

When lunch ended, they returned to class and got ready for another afternoon of training. With his counselling sessions done, Izuku joined them as well giving his all in the various matches he had. Each opponent had their strengths and weaknesses that he was much more familiar with. It allowed him to even out the match with both sides having advantages and disadvantages. While also doing his best to distract himself from the lingering suspicions that Nezu's assignment wasn't entire what it had seemed to be.

When the day was done and they returned to class to prepare to go home, it seemed the rumor of fighting robots had already been passed on to the rest of 1-A. Kaminari and Ashido were much more relaxed at the information, excited even, that with robots they could let loose and not worry so much about their lack of Quirk control. Others were also more confident thinking that the written test was going to be the bigger obstacle now. But Izuku still doubted it would be that easy while at the same time not wanting to think of Nezu possibly manipulating him like this.

"Why are you idiots so excited?" Bakugou suddenly called out, shocking everyone as he had been pretty quiet these last few weeks.

"Bakugou," Eijirou called out in warning as he walked in with the explosive blonde.

But Bakugou seemed to brush him off though they shared a look that calmed the redhead down. Irritated red eyes then turned back to yellow as he growled, "So what if it's robots? You need to learn to control your Quirks more. No way can you be Pro Heroes if you don't push yourselves to be better. Got it, Dunce Face?"

It was angry like typical Bakugou and yet there wasn't as much bark as before. He was even giving advice in a vague but critical way. Kaminari seemed cowed while also shooting a glance at Izuku who gave a shrug and a nod to agree with him. The electric teen let out a sigh knowing they were both right.

Fiery red eyes followed the interaction but didn't address it as he turned to Ashido and said, "Same for you, Pinky. Get control of your Quirk or people could get hurt."

"But their robots," the acidic girl countered, confused.

Bakugou shot her a deadpan look while muttering 'moron' under his breath. Eijirou heard him and knocked him with his shoulder. The blonde merely rolled his eyes until they fell on observing green. The Quirkless teen was openly staring at him surprised at how different and yet not he was. Still gruff and blunt as ever but calmer than he had ever seen him.

Izuku was waiting for the act to end, for Bakugou to return to the bully he once was and yell at him while using his Quirk. That was how their last real interaction with each other had ended in the prep room. Since then, they had been keeping their distance, barely sharing glances much less this current stare off. Those around looked between them knowing at least a little of their past.

However, Bakugou surprised them all by looking away from Izuku and staring every one of them as he said, "I didn't win the festival like I said I would, but I have another chance. In these upcoming finals, we'll be getting individual scores. New challenges and new ranks. Then we'll know where we currently stand and who is the best."

The explosive teen challenged every one of them especially those he lost to in the past. Shouto and Momo from the Quirk Assessment test. Shinsou from the semi-finals. And of course, Izuku himself who came out on top all without a Quirk and went on to get notoriety in Hosu. Out there in the real world. Without another word the blonde left as the rest stared after him. Even Aizawa cracked an eye open from his sleeping bag noticing the progress he was already showing.

It would be interesting to see what results came from the coming finals.

...

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