ZEUS SMAASH!
After spending a while chatting with my new friend Iida, Estelle emerged and scanned the area, her gaze landing on me. With a hint of confusion in her expression, she made her way over. As she approached, I noticed Iida gaping wide-eyed beside me. "Everything okay, Iida?" I asked, despite our recent encounter, he preferred I use his first name.
"Y-yeah... it's just I didn't..." I interrupted him, guessing his thoughts, "Expect her to be so attractive?" He shook his head, "No, not that... I wasn't expecting her to look American." That's when Estelle came within earshot, interjecting into the conversation. "Something wrong with Americans?" she quipped in flawless Japanese, arms crossed.
"Not at all. I've heard people come from all over the world.. I just didn't expect to meet someone from so far away," he replied in near-perfect English, earning a smirk from Estelle. "I'm just messing with you. Seems my boyfriend has found another victim, huh?" She shot me a mischievous grin that reminded me of Annabeth. What on earth did those two gossip about me?
"She's joking, I'm just a little danger proned is all, although sense coming back to Japan I haven't had an accident thankfully." I explained, eliciting a confused look from the blue-haired teen. "What do you mean sense you got back to Japan?"
"My dad is American, while my mom is Japanese. I haven't met my dad, but my mom shared stories about him. Long story short, I was raised here in Japan and went to America for training with my half-brother on my dad's side." That seemed to baffle him even more. "An ancestry DNA test, my mom thought it might be a smart way to connect with my dad's family. It so happened that my middle school organized a trip to the same city where my half-brother lived." That lie seemed to have worked, the less mist used on mortal minds the better in my opinion.
Glancing at Estelle, I asked, "Ready for lunch?" She nodded eagerly, grabbing my hand and pulling me along. I offered Iida a silent apology, and from his nod, it seemed like he understood.. or at least, that's how it appeared to me.
After our lunch, we were ushered into a colossal auditorium for the explanation of the practical exam. Seating was organized by schools, but since Estelle and I studied abroad, we found ourselves in a separate area designated for American schools. Tablets were provided to aid those not yet proficient in Japanese, translating the instructions into English. It was a thoughtful touch, catering to the international attendees.
The exam itself was well-known for typically involving battles against robots. It struck me as somewhat impractical, not every quirk was suited for combat, and some might excel in other areas. I started murmuring about the uses of certain quirks against robots when Estelle elbowed me sharply in the ribs, snapping me out of my distracted thoughts.
"THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT ROBOTS, EACH ONE IS WORTH DIFFERENT POINTS BASED ON HOW HARD IT IS TO DEFEAT THEM! THE ONE POINTER BEING THE EASIEST, BEING SLOW AND HAVING TO GET CLOSE TO ATTACK! WHILE THE THREE POINTER IS MUCH FASTER IN COMPARISON AND HAD MULTIPLE LONG RANGE AND CLOSE RANGE ATTACKS SO DO BE CAREFUL IN FACING OPPONETS THAT ARE STRONGER THEN YOU!" President Mic's booming voice echoed through the auditorium. I struggled to contain my excitement at being in the presence of someone I admired so much. Just as I composed myself, Iida, the familiar blue-haired teen, stood up with a raised hand, waiting to speak after President Mic acknowledged him.
"SIR ON THE PANTFLIT YOU HANDED OUT CLEARLY SHOWS FOUR ROBOTS, IF THIS IS A MISTAKE BY THE NUMBER ONE HERO SCHOOL IN JAPAN YOU SHOULD BE QUITE ASHAMED." President Mic just nodded silently while Iida spoke, once he finished it was his turn to speak, "THATS NO MISTAKE, THERE IS A FOURTH ROBOT! HOWEVER, ITS JUST THERE TO GET IN THE WAY, THERE IS NO REAL POINT IN DESTROYING IT AS IT'S WORTH ZERO POINTS! JUST LOOK AT IT LIKE AN OBSTICAL TO BE ADVOIDED!" Iida seemed satisfied with his clarification and bowed before retaking his seat.
President Mic then elaborated on the mock cities where the test would occur. After the instructions, we were instructed to change out of our school uniforms into gym clothes. Those of us from abroad were provided with attire representing our respective countries, Estelle and I ended up wearing USA flag shirts with navy blue track pants. Once changed, we regrouped at designated buses as we were headed to different mock cities for our tests.
Giving Estelle a tight hug, I held onto her shoulders, imparting some encouragement. "You're going to ace this test, destroying those robots. This is nothing compared to all the training you've undergone. Show everyone that your hard work has led to this moment."
Determination flickered in her eyes as she pecked my cheek, causing a blush to rush to my face. "Focus on yourself before worrying about me, but thank you for the pep talk anyway." she said before boarding her bus. "Hey kid, better rush to your bus, we're leaving any minute now." The bus driver advised me, prompting me to sprint to my bus just in time for the driver to close the door behind me, once again making it seem like I was late, which, in this case, was partly true.
There were multiple busses leading to the mock city where my test was taking place so I was shocked by the amount of people there were. As I was stretching I noticed a brunette girl, visibly flustered and attempting to regulate her breathing. Deciding to offer some help, I approached her, gently tapping her shoulder to get her attention.
"Hey, feeling a bit stressed? Want to know a trick I use to unwind?" Her initial surprise at a stranger's tap shifted to a willingness to seek help.
"If it could help, sure." Her smile was faint, portraying a lack of confidence. "Breathing like you were can work, but I find it more effective to reframe tests as training or a game. It tricks our brains into releasing different chemicals, reducing stress. It might not have an immediate effect, but it could help when dealing with those robots," I explained, offering her an encouraging smile.
"I was expecting something more complicated, but I can totally do that!" Her demeanor now exuded excitement, nerves seemingly evaporated.
"Glad I could help, Good luck out there, by the way. Hope to see you in class," I said before hurrying toward the giant gate leading to the mock city. I dashed through the opening even before it fully revealed itself, prompting complaints from those behind me about cheating until President Mic intervened. "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GO!" His voice spurred the mob of students to follow, only to discover all the robots already dismantled.
Though I couldn't use Vortex, I could wield water as weapons. Gathering moisture from the air, I crafted multiple tridents, wielding one while the rest hovered around me. Launching them in various directions, I swiftly took out several one-pointers concealed near the entrance. "Four," I counted, darting deeper into the mock city in search of tougher opponents. Discovering a trio of two-pointers surrounding a single three-pointer, I hurled the trident in my hand, expanding it upon impact and causing an explosion that took out the three-pointer and the nearby two-pointers. "13," I announced, maintaining my pace and aiding those overwhelmed or overconfident. I persisted until I amassed 57 points, stumbling upon a purple-haired kid cornered by a two-pointer and destroyed it saving him.
"Names Izuku Midoriya, can I ask why your looking at me as if I just insulted your mother by saving you?" I extended a hand in goodwill, but he swatted it away.
"I hate people like you, with flashy quirks thinking the rest of us need saving," he retorted. His words wiped the smile off my face, catching his attention.
"I wasn't always this strong you know? I was once thought quirkless, so that logic doesn't work on me. I helped because you were cornered without a weapon. I get it if your quirk doesn't work on robots, and it's frustrating, but getting help isn't something to be ashamed of." I fashioned a nearby street sign into a sharp sword, lightweight yet potent, and tossed it at his feet.
"Use that for the test. Can't promise you'll rack up enough points for the heroics class, but at least you'll have a shot."
Inside the bustling judging room, cameras filled every corner, capturing the tests in various mock cities. Midnight, with an excited smile, watched the green-haired kid's actions intently. "That boy is crazy strong, creating weapons out of thin air!"
"Remind me to keep her away from the new students," Cementoss remarked to the other teachers, eyeing Midnight. The room buzzed with discussions among the educators, analyzing each student's abilities.
"Unfortunately she is the Modern Hero Art History teacher, required for the first-year students," Eraser Head added with a resigned sigh.
"He truly is remarkable. His quirk seems quite versatile with multiple abilities," Nezu, a tiny animal nestled within Eraser Head's capture scarf and the UA Principal, chimed in.
Curious about the green-haired boy's quirk, Cementoss inquired, "What's his quirk? At first, I thought it had to do with water, but now he's fashioning a sword from a street sign."
"It says here it's called 'Godly Nature.' It grants advanced water manipulation, minor terrakinesis, and a strength-enhancing ability... although the terrakinesis is limited to touch," Midnight explained, reading from the file on the boy named Izuku Midoriya. "He's a late bloomer, recently awakened his quirk. But his proficiency with that trident suggests extensive prior training."
"Yes he is quite remarkable, he also lived in America for two years and finished middle school early despite being Dyslexic and having ADHD... Want the kid Izawa?" Nezu spoke to Eraser Head. Eraser Head remained silent, fixated on the boy's movements. His proficiency hinted at a level of training that didn't align with a typical untrained child. "If I take him, does Vlad get the explosive blonde?" Eraser Head pointed to the monitor displaying Bakugo, navigating the mock city with intense efficiency, obliterating robots ruthlessly.
Nezu hummed in contemplation. "No. You get both of them," he declared, settling back in his chair and sipping his tea. "Now, let's see how they handle the Zero Pointer, shall we?" Before anyone could respond, he pressed the red button on his chair's armrest, initiating the next phase of the test.
"71... That should be a good amount of points," I mumbled to myself, attempting to steady my breathing. The exertion was unlike anything I've experienced since training with Percy. Taking a moment to sit on the curb of the mock city, I leaned back, arms propping me up. My thoughts drifted to Estelle, wondering how she was faring in her own test site. While observing the other students in my vicinity, I couldn't help but wonder about what she might be facing.
The tranquility of my moment was abruptly shattered by the earth's rumbling, not an earthquake, but resembling one. Panic ensued as students scattered in the opposite direction. My attention was drawn to a colossal robotic hand seizing the side of a ten-story building. Turning to leave with the others for safety, I hesitated. Falling debris from the colossal robot's impact on the buildings posed a risk. It didn't take long to confirm my fears: a familiar brunette trapped beneath the rubble, before thinking I took off in the face of danger. As I'm sprinting to the danger I run past Iida and see his head flick around to me out of the corner of my eye but I refuse to slowdown.
As I got closer I noted I wouldn't make it in time, if only I could activate the strength of One For All. I felt a peculiar warmth blossoming in my chest, reminiscent of the first time I wielded water, but more comforting, more empowering. Lightning crackled around me, I noticed how lightning seemed to be dancing around my body. This was it! A sensation I'd longed for, One For All! Yet, before I could make use of it, a colossal shadow eclipsed me... a giant fist hurtling downward. "Shi-" I barely muttered, right before the robot could make contact I was moved out the way of the fist by a certain speedster.
"Thanks for the save Iida. I'll hold the Zero-Pointer while you assist the girl," I declared, meeting Iida's determined gaze.
"Good, because saving you drained all my speed. I need a breather before I can zip around like that again," he panted, turning his attention to the girl in distress, I could hear him reassuring her as my focus returned on the opponent in front of me.
"Look here Zero-Pointer!" I taunt the robot to get it to focus on me. I tap back into that comforting feeling and my body once again gained the lighting around me. I take off running making it follow me to an empty area, now that we were alone I didn't have to hold back the strength that I can feel coursing through me.
Using float in tandem with 5% of One For All I took off into the air, stopping directly in front of the Zero-Pointers head. Gathering water, I fortified my right arm before channeling 100% of One For All into a titanic punch. "ZEUS SMAASH!" The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, shattering every window in the vicinity. Descending, I admired the colossal crater in the robot's head, that's when I became painfully aware of the shooting pain in my right arm. I didn't even need to look at it to tell that it was broken, I gathered some water to put over my arm to slowly begin to heal some of it before Recovery Girl could give me a whack on the head with her cane.
Eraser Head stood there, eyes fixed on the monitors displaying Izuku Midoriya's astounding feat. "That kid has some serious power," he murmured, a mix of concern and admiration in his voice. "It bothers me that he broke his arm, but he also showed precise control over his strength... a problem child indeed." He shook his head with a heavy sigh, pondering the implications of such raw ability in one so young.
As he turned to leave, Power Loader's despondent expression caught his attention. The disappointment in seeing his ultimate villain bot obliterated by a mere child weighed heavily on him. "Izawa, we need to discuss the scores," the principal's voice interrupted, trying to tether Eraser Head to the task at hand.
Eraser Head paused, hand on the doorknob, and glanced back. "Trust me, I know what's necessary," he retorted, already moving towards the exit. He shut the door before any further argument could ensue, leaving the room to fetch the much-needed coffee machine and supplies.
"He's not wrong, though. That kid's strength... it's something else. Thank goodness he aspires to be a hero," Midnight chimed in, breaking the mounting silence with her thoughts.
"Indeed, his potential is staggering. I doubt even All Might could face him if he truly unleashed his full power without restraint," Cementoss added, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and concern.
"True, quirks are evolving, becoming more potent and perilous. Individuals like him, wielding immense strength, just their mere existence could deter crime, much like All Might did," Midnight pondered, the weight of the changing dynamics not lost on her.
"However, with villains becoming bolder, forming groups, and their quirks growing stronger, we need heroes more than ever. Our duty at UA is to nurture these heroes of tomorrow," Nezu declared with an air of unwavering authority, refocusing the team on their task at hand. "Enough of focusing on that one boy. There are numerous other students who deserve attention. Let's get back to work grading, distributing points, and giving every deserving student their chance."
The room realigned, each member of the staff diving back into their duties, reviewing scores, and ensuring every student had the opportunity to shine.
HELLO READERS! So this chapter is slightly shorter then my normal, I fit in everything I wanted in this chapter and then some so I really don't want to add to much into something that already feels full if that makes any sense to any of you. As for what took this chapter so long to come out, Holidays people, I wanted to enjoy Christmas and the New Years. So I finished the chapter that I had half finished so that you don't think I died.
I got a few reviews that seemed to enjoy this writing style change so I'm going to try and make it the usual but do expect bits and pieces that are like the old one as I enjoyed the simplicity of basic looking dialogue. If you didn't then let me know and I will refrain as much as possible to. I might be writing the story but in the end your the ones reading it so if there's something you don't like about my writing style either say it now or forever hold your peace.
Currently going into past chapters and changing things to fit this style more with no change in events of course, just letting that be known incase you feel like rereading the from the beginning later on. For every new chapter I will go back and make changes to past ones to improve them without changing too much.
One last thing, I want to know if you guys would like to have me select reviews to respond to inside author notes. I see other authors do it and I want to be able to interact with you all.
Until Next Time - YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR