Chapter 13: Results

U.A

A day after the examinations

Within the halls of U.A, a meeting took place. A large number of teachers gathered together in the monitoring room. Discussing and grading the students that had earned enough villain points and the other hidden rescue points.

At the center and framed high upon the wall, a large screen showed the scores tallied and earned by the students. Going through each student profile,

Underneath the screen, principal Nezu stood on a podium and changed the slide to each of the student profiles with a click of a button.

This year's intake of new students is quite promising, both public and recommended. Nezu thought to himself, grinning ear to ear.

On the screen, showing 1st place, two student names stood prominently.

Bakugo Katsuki and Midoriya Izuku.

"Haha! Looks like we got quite the listeners for this year! Two! Two of them!" Present Mic, laughing boisterously at the results as he raised two fingers in excitement like a proud parent.

"Yup, quite the spunky group aren't they? All that energy, this year is going to be quite the handful~" Midnight, the R-Rated heroine, followed up as she held her arms together.

"On one end, we have a student that has no rescue points but an impressive number of villain points. Then the other, little villain points but rolling in rescue points."

"The latter managed to take down the gimmick fully, but wasn't he damaged by his attack? Almost like he's unused to it."

"Don't sweat the details, I like him!"

"We'll have to account on how to properly train him if it wasn't for Recovery Girl-"

On and on, each discussion went about the arrangement, planning, class placement. Every aspect of the student is scrutinized before planning and adjusting their curriculum as best as they can to allow the student's potential to flourish.

Nezu listened carefully, adding his thoughts here and there to smoothen the process or propose alternatives.

"Next on the list is…" A click of a button changed from the top ten students to the top twenty. Moving from student to student until they reached one particular student that Nezu had been awaiting the most.

Himiko Toga.

That sparked a new round of discussion amongst the staff, this time it was a much different atmosphere compared to the previous excitement and cheer.

"So that's her? The one that's suspected of collaborating?"

"A quirk that allows her to transform into that person if she ingests enough of their blood?" Present Mic saw that detail and raised an eyebrow, it wasn't the most unusual quirk but requirements were...out there. To say the least.

Aizawa simply glanced through it without a word, studying and noting any irregularities together with Vlad King.

"Records for her grades, attendance and club curriculum are all perfect. No discipline problems either."

"Nothing of note?"

"A normal girl on all records, nothing unusual according to her teachers and peers." Midnight spoke aloud, a finger on her chin as she studied more of her files.

On cue, Nezu stood up from his chair and broached the topic.

"As you all no doubt heard by now, Himiko Toga did indeed disguise herself as Tatewaki Kurono," Letting that statement settle among them before continuing. "And she might have the intentions but Himiko's actions alone have little proof that she was collaborating. "

Some of the staff shifted in their seats, furrowed brows, and questioning looks came.

"Isn't she skirting the rules a bit then?" Present Mic said, recalling Himiko Toga's behavior during the briefing. He had chalked it initially to just the nerves but now, it looked to be intentional.

All so one other student can easily slip past their notice. Wouldn't work but it certainly was daring.

Present Mic then turned to Midnight. "Whatcha think? Kayama?"

"Her quirk doesn't allow many choices, so it makes sense." Midnight pointed out before bringing both hands together as she leaned forward on her table. "It might be an excuse, but it's a solid one."

"Covered her tracks well, huh?" Present Mic shrugged at that as he threw both hands at the back of his head. A sentiment that can be seen among the other staff.

"If I may, to shed information on this." Nezu slid into the conversation, directing all attention to him. "As you know, Examinee 42567 or Kurono Tatewaki was late due to a series of mishaps."

A few nodding heads and affirmative looks came while others kept a neutral look.

"It's revealed, after some investigation and interviewing him...he's utterly unfortunate!"

That had nearly everyone blinking momentarily as they did a double-take. More so when Nezu listed the numerous events that Kurono went through. Only two people didn't, Ectoplasm and Eraserhead.

"- And due to their friendship, it seems that Toga did this independently without his knowledge." Moving from the joke, Nezu reached the end of his thoughts. "Therefore, I conclude that she did it out of misguided help rather than intentional cheating."

"I'm sure many of you will criticize this decision but we're educators first and foremost." He truthfully said to them and lowered his head. "To guide and help those who need them, especially those that err off the path. That is why I decided to accept her."

"And if it's misplaced, I shall take full responsibility for it."

The weight and meaning of those words, while spoken casually, were enormous. Everyone maintained their silence, air thick with tension.

That is until a loud clapping sound dispelled it.

"Well, that's that then!" Present Mic said with a laugh, grinning and adjusting his sunglasses. "If our principal said so then it's alright!"

"A student off the beaten path, being given another chance? My, my, it's certainly my favorite kind of story." Midnight followed suit, all tension changed into a much more relaxed and upbeat atmosphere.

Nezu's shoulders relaxed and he stood straighter.

"Eraserhead, Vlad, it looks like I'll have to rely on the both of you." Turning towards the two teachers in charge of the first year, the former only sighed and rubbed the back of their heads while the latter nodded gruffly.

"How troublesome."

1 week after the exams

Toga household

Here it is. Ojiro looked and walked forward like a robot, fingers gripping a letter harder than he should. It was heavy and from the motions of the content, felt like a small solid chunk of metal.

Yet it contained perhaps one of the most important chapters of his life. Eyes glanced left and right constantly, hands tightly pressed against his chest for fear of losing the letter.

The neighborhood that they're in was thankfully quiet and calm. No threat of a villain or normal crimes. The only noteworthy sight here was the encompassing electrical wires that sprung out like a web from utility poles.

Next to him, a pair of shuffling feet can be heard as his friend joined him in his pace. Eyes glanced to the side as the pink-haired seemed to stare off into space.

Idly, Ojiro wondered how Kurono is much more composed than he is.

Then again, maybe not. His tail pulled Kurono to the sides, the latter narrowly avoiding a lamp post to the face if he had continued his path.

After the fiasco died down when they found him safe and sound, the realization that Kurono missed the practical exams dawned upon them.

It was the most crucial part of the examinations. Not attending for it might as well have been a death blow to enter the heroic course.

No doubt, Kurono must be feeling in the dump. Ojiro muttered to himself with a nod, feeling a tinge of sympathy.

Ojiro was half-right, while Kurono was indeed worrying, it wasn't about U.A.

Rather, it was on how to solve the conundrum with Toga.

Him being late was one thing, Toga doing that was another which led to a huge problem. No doubt, there will be a huge mark now in her academic record.

Anywhere else, even in his previous life, that would have been a crippling blow. Let alone now, in Japan, and in a top school.

Toga was lucky that she got away with a stern warning only.

He appreciated it, he really did. But goddamn was it the dumbest thing she did to date.

"It all worked out...at least? "Crona muttered as they looked upwards to the sky but was nudged downwards, tongue clicking in annoyance.

Only because Nezu was there. Kurono responded, rubbing the back of their head.

If he wasn't, she can kiss her academic life goodbye. Same with ours, we have to do something.

"B-but what?" Crona shuffled his feet, eyes downcast and hoping for an answer.

They're met with nothing but silence, thoughts rapidly flying inside of Kurono as the latter rapped their fingers before biting his lower lips.

Fuck if I know.

"We're here." Ojiro broke their train of thought, reaching a simple-looking house. The metallic family nameplate of 'Himiko' hung upon the wall, next to the gates with a doorbell. The former was already pressing it while his tail gently pulled Kurono back.

The two-story house was a relic of the era before Quirks arrived, many of such neighborhood houses like these remained scattered and then refurbished since it didn't cost a lot to rebuild.

Ding dong!

Barely a second passed before the door was flung open and a blonde figure dashed forward towards the gate.

"You arrived! Come on in!" Toga's feet barely made any sound as she opened the gate and gestured to them to come in before she rushed next to Kurono, grabbed his hand, and forcibly dragged them inside.

"W-Wait! Hold-!" Kurono nearly fell flat onto his face as he struggled to keep pace with her, leaving Ojiro behind as the latter slowly closed the gate. Shaking his head and sighing all the way.

Ever since that day, Toga had been close to gluing herself next to him. Even going so far as to bride him by asking his help to always be with Kurono in case anything happened.

She didn't really need to go that far… Ojiro idly thought in between closing the door and then taking off his shoes. Trotting ahead, the wood creaked underneath his feet but that was nothing compared to the louder thudding noises like bricks hitting the floor that he felt from afar.

"Oh, Mashirao?" Himiko's father popped out from one of the rooms as he slid the wooden door to the sides. Giving a bow to him as Ojiro did the same.

"Good afternoon, uncle."

"And you too, sorry for my daughter bothering you-" Her father laughed it off with a wave of his hand before looking away in resignation. "I hope things go well for her."

"Don't worry, it will, sir. At the very least, she'll definitely make it into the general course." Ojiro smiled and assured him, noting the increase of gray and white in the hairline.

"Haha, that would be good. At least that way, she'll avoid trouble…It was quite the surprise when they called us."

It must be rough for her parents. Ojiro shared a sympathetic look with him before Toga zipped out further down the hall, a basket of mandarin oranges in hand as she waved to him and shouted loudly. "Come on, Ojiro!"

"You better get going." Her father gestured to him, prompting the latter to give a final bow and making haste towards Toga. The latter entered the guest room first as Ojiro followed seconds later and closed the sliding paper door.

Just like the exterior, the interior design was all very old-fashioned, the scent of wood, tatami mats, a single lightbulb lamp with a long string switch, and a kotatsu table that had been placed in the middle.

Already, Kurono took his place near the kotatsu that faced the corner. A steaming teapot and cups filled with tea as Toga completed the set by placing the basket in the middle. She then sat opposite of Kurono and gestured to Ojiro to sit on her right side.

"Are you all ready?!" Toga said as she quickly repeatedly slapped the short wooden table, legs crossed to one side. Almost like a child waiting to unwrap her present as she pulled her letter out.

"Sure, sure." Ojiro nodded and did the same, followed by Kurono who placed his letter on the table before his left hand moved to grab an orange and proceeded to peel it open.

Toga's eyes hone onto Kurono, smiling as she alternates her gaze to him and the letter. The latter didn't notice until he was halfway through his orange where they noted the pervading silence and Toga's attention on them.

Kurono then glanced towards Ojiro, who shook his head and urged him to go first.

Fine, let's get this over with. Crona? Kurono sighed inwardly as he placed his orange aside and reached for their letter.

Without much fanfare, Crona proceeded to tear open their letter in half right down the center. Letting a golden hexagonal metal fell onto the table, clattering loudly which drew Toga's and Ojiro's full attention.

Bro, you could have just opened it normally.

"...Oh, sorry?" Crona mumbled, they hadn't even used that much strength. An eye roll could be seen from Kurono when Crona looked into the reflection from the surface of their tea.

Gingerly, they picked up the device, bringing Ojiro and Toga to scoot closer for a better look.

"A holographic device?" Ojiro muttered.

Should be a button somewhere.

"This?" Crona spotted a slight indent.

The moment they pressed it a holographic image burst out, taking them by surprise and resulting in them dropping the device.

A second later, it showed Nezu in his suit and a large whiteboard behind him.

"Greetings, Tatewaki Kurono! This is Nezu! I hope you haven't been in any accidents since we last met!"

That's one way to start. Kurono raised an eyebrow as Crona nodded to that.

"Well, without further ado, allow me to get right to the point! As you no doubt guessed since you weren't called for a resit examination, your grades were sufficient for the written exams."

They let out a sigh of relief, and from the corners of their ears, so did Toga and Ojiro.

"That being said,"

The room went deathly quiet at that, hanging onto every single word and bated breath as they waited for Nezu to continue as the latter paused for a second or two.

Those seconds however seemed a lifetime before he continued and was excruciatingly unbearable.

"Your absence in the practical exams usually would mean you won't get into the heroic course."

Those words sting, even if they knew it was bound to happen.

Well, obviously. After all, they didn't even make it to the practicals. Crona looked downwards, shoulders slumping down and making themselves look even smaller. Kurono simply bit down and ground his teeth.

All the good cheer that Toga had also left her at that, Ojiro shared a sympathetic look and placed a hand onto Kurono's shoulder.

Though Ojiro's brow soon rose alongside Kurono's own when they realized a single detail.

Usually?

"But as pointed out, this is U.A! We do not do things halfway!" Nezu then excitedly turned to the side as a screen came down. Then it flashed a video of an old woman who was in a thoughtful look.

"Ah!" Crona and Kurono's eyes widened when they recognized her. "It's that grandma!"

"I remember that little dear. Polite and helpful too, even helped this old bag of bones to her home!" Nodding and smiling as she looked at the camera. "But isn't he a bit too old for those first errand programs? Or is this a new show-"

It didn't stop there as it transitioned, showing the pro-hero Ingenium. His helmet was currently held underneath his arms but he was dressed in his full armor, almost like he's preparing to leave. A stoic and serious face that faced the camera this time.

"Ingenium!"

Did they interview him to get an answer? Crona and Kurono stared incredulously, unable to believe the sheer amount of effort and lengths that U.A went through.

"I can't condone his action as a professional, it's dangerous for a civilian to step in without the proper training and knowledge. He could have easily made things worse."

Crona grimaces at that, Ingenium criticism sending them in a downcast. They just wanted to help…

On the other hand, Kurono accepted it though he felt indignant and wanted to speak back out but realized it was pointless. Holograms don't reply back anyways.

"But he did the right thing, kept to the side while helping others within his limitations. That, I can respect." Ingenium's demeanor changed as he grinned before leaning to the side and addressing someone next to the camera. "He made it in time, right? My little brother is also taking the test, and I hope he becomes friends with him!"

The screen finally went to a final shot, a young girl with black hair, two buns, and large eyes looking at the camera.

"I remember, he saved my friend and me too." She replied with a large smile and hands together. "He was amazing, like a real pro-hero. I want to be like him and my sister when I grow up, ribbit."

"…I can't handle such praises." Crona felt an intense heat and blood rushing to their face at that compliment, rubbing the back of their head and body shifting awkwardly to the sides. Desperately wishing for a hole that they can bury themselves in.

Much to Toga amusement who patted their head, even Ojiro could only smile at that.

"Thus, in light of your actions despite not being in the practical exams, we are happy to accept you in the heroic course!"

What? Kurono dumbly said, unable to believe what he just heard as the rest of them also snapped upwards to Nezu's words.

"But of course, if you feel uncomfortable...Well, the general course is more than happy to receive you, and rising from there is possible. The choice is yours."

The video then paused itself before another holographic screen popped out, showing the words of reply and decline. A clear cut of choices is available to them.

Kurono's brains and thoughts barely needed prompting at such an obvious choice. His left hand shot out and pressed the reply option. Ojiro's eyes boggled open as Kurono didn't hesitate a single bit.

Even Crona was flabbergasted at how decisive it was, the latter briefly thinking if it was okay to accept such a gracious offer before having that choice made for them instantly.

It then asked for confirmation on the accept option, and so he tapped it again before the background went green for a moment before the video resumed.

"Ah, so you accepted? You're quite bold." Nezu continued as he raised a paw to mask his mouth from grinning. "It would seem that I was correct in my assessment, as usual."

That seemed to be addressed to someone else as a hand appeared on the screen, gesturing for Nezu to get on with it.

Clearing his throat, Nezu looked straight towards the camera and smiled. "Then on behalf of U.A, allow me to welcome you to our school."

"Your hero academia." He emphasized before smirking and giving a final nod as the video ended.

So cool. Ojiro admitted as the last images of Nezu flicked off. Toga pretty much glomps onto Kurono and celebrates his admission, going so far as to even shower him in the mandarin skin peels in place of confetti.

After seeing Kurono's own admission to the heroic course, there was nothing but happiness for his friend who had worked hard in order to get into it.

Yet it also brought a wave of mixed emotions. His own inadequacies came to the front as doubts on being admitted into U.A rose like a tide.

What if he didn't make it?

That thought clung onto him like an anchor and weighed him down mentally, his eyes drawn to the letter and realizing his fingers were trembling as well.

I can do this. He steeled himself and moved to open his letter…

"Me next!"

Right up till the sound of paper being torn shocked him as he turned towards the source. Toga already opened and placed the device in the middle of the table, fingers quickly running all over the surface before she found the button.

Ojiro barely got a word in before the holographic recording of Nezu filled the room once again. Though, unlike Kurono's video, this one had the principal in a more neutral expression.

"Ah, Himiko Toga? It's been a while, hasn't it?" Nezu bowed before adjusting his glasses. "For your acceptance, the staff had quite the discussion. Especially with your actions."

"I shall not mince words, what you did was very close to the line. Even if you meant the best, know that such an act would have resulted in you being disqualified, blacklisted, and placed in your permanent record." Letting those words sink in for Toga as Ojiro glanced at her uncomfortably, even Kurono gave Toga a look as his left eyebrow twitched.

If Toga cared, she didn't show any outward indication of it. Opting to only look straight at Nezu and keeping a neutral expression, all smiles and cheer earlier gone.

"...Helping others is a noble thing, but you must take into consideration the methods." Taking his glasses off, wiped them, and then put them back on. His paws lingered on the one vertical scar across his eye a moment longer before moving it to the back. "After all, your dear friend would've been caught up in it. I'm sure he'll forgive you but will you forgive yourself for troubling him?"

That struck a chord in Toga as her shoulders slump at that, mouth opened, showing her two fangs before falling silent. Her gaze went to the sides in shame and her lips tightened.

"Nevertheless, I have faith in you." Nezu continued, finally smiling and letting a similar screen fill up the background. "Your intentions might be in doubt but as they say, action speaks louder than words!"

There, displaying prominently, was her.

Or rather, her disguise of Kurono. Drawing attention from the actual Kurono sitting to the sides, watching much more intently now. Ojiro also paid attention since they're assigned to different testing grounds.

The way Toga moved was a perfect mirror of Kurono. Body posture, attacks, and even the way they stood idly or in thought, nearly everything was replicated down.

If Ojiro didn't know better, he really would've believed that it was Kurono. From the corner of his eyes, he could surmise that Kurono shared the same conclusion.

Indeed, the two were captivated by Toga mimicry, the style that they developed, coordinated, and painstakingly trained for 15 years was performed flawlessly by someone else.

That's amazing, she's fighting exactly like us. Kurono idly thought but Crona tilted their head.

"It's close but not perfect," Crona muttered, able to discern finer details from experience. Noting the weaknesses and openings that could've been exploited.

Our weakness too.

"True." Crona bashfully nodded when Kurono pointed that out, refocusing themselves to the video as Toga was seen teaming up with another girl that seems to grow mushrooms.

Unknown to both Crona and Kurono, Toga managed to catch onto their conversation. She felt a mixture of pride and elation flaring in her chest as she managed to replicate the two fighting styles perfectly that she got praise for!

"Your total villain points came up to twenty, but we also have rescue points! Awarding those who assist or help one another!" Nezu's words quickly snapped her out of it.

There it is. Kurono hummed, knowing the scoring points system well ahead. Good thing he had shared this with the two of them.

It all culminated into a climatic end, as Toga dove into a building before a tidal wave of mushrooms sprouted uncontrollably. Absolutely smothering the street, robots, and even parts of the building.

"Wow!" Ojiro's eyes widened, clearly not expecting that from such a simple quirk.

"Neat right?" Toga smirked, recalling Komori who looked so cute when flustered as they helped one another.

In fact, she didn't have the time to appreciate Komori's looks but now, seated and time aplenty. It allowed her to truly appreciate the moment. The cooperation, teamwork, and just simple...camaraderie?

Yes, it was that. The same feeling she gets when doing something with Kurono and Ojiro. Especially when other people tried to compete with them during the three-legged race. Ah, the sheer looks of disbelief when they left everyone in the dust, it was great!

"Ne, do you think I can be friends with her?" Toga rested her head with both hands and asked idly.

"Maybe," Ojiro said.

"Definitely," Kurono answered off-handedly before a brief tilt to the right side. A minute gesture that didn't escape Toga's notice. The scaredy-cat had swapped with the kind one as they turned towards her. "It-It will be good, making friends is good."

Smirking at that encouragement, Toga felt much more at ease. Of course, she can, after all, she made two friends that'll go through thick and thin together. Besides, this means she can have more people to love!

"With this, the judges award you with another twenty-two rescue points! Coming up at forty-two points!"

That is a heck of an unlucky number. Kurono and Ojiro both winced inwardly at that number. Toga simply brushed it off with a shrug. Crona was the only one who felt left out at that.

"Welcome to U.A. Your hero academia." Nezu smiled and nodded towards her. "I look forward to seeing you be a great hero."

"After all, a strong building requires a strong foundation. Wouldn't you agree?" With that, the recording ended.

"...Was that a wink?"

"It's a secret." She mischievously replied to Kurono while crossing her arms and turning away slyly.

"W-Well, I guess it is my turn," Ojiro muttered those words out forcefully. Pressure mounting on his shoulders now as two of his friends managed to get in.

It would be absolutely cruel if he was the one that didn't get in.

Opening it normally, and playing the video. All three of them sat through the introductions once again, seeing how Ojiro fared.

Nodding, grimacing and then the sensation of utter giddiness came when his points were announced.

"Yes!" Ojiro threw both his arms upwards into the air. A great weight lifted from his shoulders.

A total of fifty-three! Forty of those are villain points and the rest are rescued points but it was more than enough to get in, Ojiro feeling particularly proud as he managed to score decently!

The orange peel rained down on him, pelting him harder than necessary but Ojiro was too happy to care about that. He got in! He got in!

"Nice! Haha!" Toga enthusiastically said, brushing her eyes a little in between her laughter. Her mirth rubbed off the rest as they too couldn't help but be happy.

"Congratulations." Kurono smiled and offered a fully peeled mandarin orange to him. One that Ojiro eagerly took and bit into it, the sweetness tasting like amphora in his mouth.

"Looks like all three of us really made it...I'm, I'm glad, so glad." Ojiro said in between bites, mellowing out and straightening his legs. Repeating his words to confirm that it was true.

"Yup." Kurono agreed as they took a sip from their tea, this time his left hand lifting it up as their right rest to the sides.

"Hmm," Toga laid her face flat on the table and arms outstretched, making herself comfortable and nearly bumping against Ojiro's legs. Then a small grin crept upwards and giggled, catching her friend's attention.

"You know...That was a very ordinary video introduction."

Oh, come on. Ojiro nearly choked when he heard that.

"True, it's refreshing actually." Kurono immediately followed, before their voice wavered and they sheepishly shrank their shoulders inwards. "I-I mean, I wish mine was normal…I can't handle such an exciting video."

Not helping, Kurono, not helping. Ojiro gurgled inwardly.

I wanted to do a Slice of Life chapter but considering how long it took for me to pump this out, alongside me just wanting to dig into the U.A as soon as possible. I'll put the SoL aside for future arcs instead.

P.S Updates will slow to a crawl now instead of the weekly updates.