I know what I have to do. Part of me wants to stick it to the press, but this isn't the time or place. This is the start of my hero career, and I've got to set the best first impression possible.

"I don't want anyone, the media or otherwise, thinking I haven't earned my accomplishments," you answer your father's question with determination. "Besides, statistics and public opinion heavily influence the Hero Billboard Chart. To become a top hero someday, I need to earn it on my own. And if you're so insistent on me becoming Ms. Principal, wouldn't it harm the reputation of U.A. for me to just get handed the title without the public seeing me put in the work? I have to take the Traditional Entrance Exam."

"Those are all good reasons," Nezu nods with a cheeky smile. "I'm glad that you see things my way, then. Not that your initial idea was bad per se; it just shows you have a bit more growing up to do, my dear."

"Then I'm taking the exam with you," Himiko declares.

"That is probably for the best. Without Kazuha conducting the formal interview, I have trouble believing that any of our faculty members would allow you to be admitted."

Himiko gasps. "Bu-but they know me!"

"Nepotism isn't always the key to success. Sometimes, a reputation can go a long way."

"Then does that mean the staff doesn't like me?"

"No, merely that they have yet to see the heroic spark in you, that you're following my daughter only because of your close relationship, not from any ambition to do good yourself."

"But that's not true," Himiko denies. "I want to follow in Mommy's footsteps."

"And that can be an admirable goal. However, it's ironically a weak reason the recommended exam is designed to weed out. We don't want students who are becoming heroes because it is the family business. I know many candidates who are taking the traditional exam rather than getting in through recommendation for that reason, such as Tenya Ida of the Ida family, a long line of heroes."

"I'm going to prove to you I deserve to be in the hero course," Himiko declares. I won't let you separate me from Kaz or let my Mom down."

"I bet you'll do just that. Though you might want to take your remedial courses more seriously."

"Following classes in another language is tough," Himiko pouts. "And you expect me to keep up with my Japanese studies?"

"The curriculum wasn't all that different, Himiko," you point out. "Sure, it was hard work, but the fact that work is hard is not an excuse. Less than one percent of the population succeeds in becoming pro heroes, despite it being most children's dream. It takes a certain fire."

"Why are you agreeing with him?" Himiko huffs. "You two never agree!"

"You might have a powerful quirk now, Himiko, but that doesn't mean what we plan to do for a living isn't dangerous. It's been a few years, but every hero program, including Yuuei, has had students die during their internships or hero-work studies. Do you remember Eraserhead?"

"Mr. Grump?"

"Sure," you giggle before reminding yourself of the circumstances you're about to bring up. "Well, back when Aizawa was a student here, one of his friends, who went by the hero name… Cloud… uh…."

"Loud Cloud," Nezu corrects, his tone dark. "That happened right around when you and Horie got adopted. He… was crushed by some rubble when protecting some kids. An honorable death for any hero… if he wasn't only a boy himself."

You nod in thanks as you continue. "The same thing could happen to us or our classmates. We aren't invincible. It's why Horie here is so important. Imagine a Japan without a Recovery Girl?"

"That… would be bad," Horie grimaces, causing the actual Recovery Girl to frown.

"Enough," Chiyo says. "You don't need to scare Himiko into finding her motivation. If she's cut out to be a hero, she'll find it in the entrance exam or not at all. Plenty of people's motives for becoming a hero were less than extraordinary. Plenty of the greatest heroes have even admitted that they only became heroes because they could and had the strength to do so. You hold the career on a pedestal, but we're like any peace officer. We just use quirks as our weapons rather than guns."

"True," Nezu doesn't argue. That is certainly a way to describe our field — one I disagree with, but accurate enough."

"Of course you don't," Chiyo smirks. "For as much as you disagree, you are one of the pillars of the current society, Nezu."

"As if you aren't?"

"I don't play politics," Chiyo denies.

"Sure you don't."

"Can't we just enjoy dinner without the bickering?" Akia pleads.

Horie quickly puts a whole shrimp in her mouth. "Mhmm… my compliments to the chef…. whoever they are."

"Yeah," you agree. "The cook could rival Lunch Rush."

You take another bite. "Wait a second. You said this was from a food truck, Mom."

Chiyo flinches, almost speaking up, but Akia takes the call first. "That's what I said, yes."

You keep chewing before laughing. "Well, either that's a lie, Lunch Rush opened a side business, or someone might threaten his job soon."

The comment causes everyone to chuckle.

"Akia is right," Nezu concurs. "We haven't had a family dinner like this one in several months. Let's do our best to enjoy it, regardless of who cooked the meal."

"So you don't deny it tastes like Lunch Rush's cooking?" Horie jumps in, lifting everyone's moods.

There will be plenty of time to help Himiko figure out what it truly means to be a hero. Besides, an existential crisis when you're dead exhausted does not sound like a good combination. I just hope that my hero academia doesn't turn out like Eraser Head's. To lose classmates like that?

…

No, I refuse. I'll do everything in my power to ensure that doesn't happen because that's what being a hero means to me.

Well, unless they're a giant asshole. Like, as large as Yu's at full size!

Then they can go fuck themselves.

Getting back into the swing of things over the last several months has been bittersweet, knowing that high school will soon be over and you'll be moving on to college life. Yet that mix of dread and excitement doesn't prevent you from spending as much time with Natsumi and Sayaka.

"What's your cup size?" Sayaka flirts. "I'm thinking about getting you a bra as a gift for getting into U.A."

"Very funny, Sayaka," you roll your eyes. "Besides, I'd rather have your quirk. It seems rather practical."

"Maybe," Sayaka puts her index finger in her mouth. "But only if you use it on me."

"Really? That's low."

"You can't deny that it would be, like, fun?"

"I-is gathering quirks really the best thing we could give you?" Natsumi frowns. "I guess my gifts gonna suck in comparison."

"Don't worry, Natsumi," Sayaka cheekily smiles. "You might be quirkless, but that makes you the quirky one in our friend group."

"Thanks?"

"You shouldn't be thanking her for insulting you," Himiko tilts her head. "At least, I think that's how this is supposed to work."

"It is," you confirm for Himiko. "Apolgize, Sayaka."

"I'm so sorry, Natsumi. How can I make it up to you? Maybe by sucking your -"

"Nope," you cover Sayaka's mouth. "Don't finish that statement."

Sayaka spits into your hand. "Ugh! You girls are such prudes. Even now that you're eighteen, I bet you haven't -"

"We have," Himiko brags, failing to anticipate the floodgates that would bring up.

"What was it like? Who topped? Wait, that's silly. Obviously, Kazuha did."

"Can we please not talk about our sex lives?" you beg.

"Right, that wouldn't be fair to Natsumi. She doesn't have one."

"Now I remember why we didn't hang out when Kazuha was gone," Natsumi sighs. "Though at least I'm able to keep a boyfriend. Zayasu's so sweet."

"He's also like a six out of ten," Sayaka grumbles. He was too nice for my tastes. He couldn't even spank me right."

Natsumi has to take a second to process it. "Please tell me it was before…."

"It was. I went out on a date with Zayasu, we had sex, and then I convinced him that he'd be better with a girl like you. I knew you liked him, so I bribed him to date you instead. Consider it a belated graduation gift."

"I wish I didn't know that," Natsumi dips her head. "Firstly, I didn't even graduate, I'm a year below you, remember? And second, why didn't you keep him! He's such a catch!"

"If they're not good in the sack, they're not worth my time," Sayaka shrugs. "And I like it rough."

"Shouldn't we be saving this for Truth or Dare?" Himiko wonders aloud. "If we give away all our truths, we'll have to take dares."

"That's the point," Sayaka snickers. "Anyway, when is that friend of yours coming? We've been waiting for almost an hour."

"Knowing Pony, the first thing she did after landing was head for the electronics district… or get lost trying to find it. Either is possible."

"She's half Japanese, right?" Natsumi considers. "Musutafu is a pretty large city."

"Akia was supposed to get her while we were in school."

"That was over three hours ago!" Sayaka crosses her arms.

"I didn't hear anything from Akia, so I assume that either Pony's flight got delayed or Akia's got her."

As you continue to chat, or, in Sayaka's case, complain about everything, it does not take long for you to hear a knock at the front door, which opens, revealing your closest friend from the United States.

Getting up, you jog over to give Pony a hug. "Hey, girl! It's great to see you."

But you must stop when you notice her struggling with two giant bags. Akia holds back a laugh as she drags the horse girl's suitcase.

You do your best not to make a comment, but you can't help yourself. "Wow, Pony. You're gonna be here for the next four years, and you already did enough shopping for all of them."

"Not… even… close," Pony huffs, dragged down by the weight of all her new anime memorabilia, all of it unofficial, considering the creators of those franchises were long since deceased. "If I don't become a hero, I'll become a reseller."

"Wow," you smirk. "What lofty ambitions you have."

Putting the bags down, Pony finally returns the hug.

"How have you been, Kazuha?" Pony asks. "Are you and Himiko ready for the entrance exam?"

"More than ready," you reassure her. "And things have been the same here. What about back in the States."

"That sounds nice," Pony agrees. "I haven't had as much time to talk with Marianne, Manny, Deven, and Lee lately. I've been working hard to take the exit exam."

"That's what you said on the phone. Though you never said anything about Ralphie."

Pony frowns. "Ralphie dropped out. And not on a technicality like I did to attend college a year early."

"That's unfortunate," you admit. "But you should be proud of yourself. Sure, Himiko and I were placed in the junior class, but that was more because Japan only had three years of high school in Japan due to how our school system is organized. You actually had to skip a year."

"I have to get in," Pony says, worry in her face. "I've come so far; I can't fail now."

"You won't," you reassure her. "You've got two weeks before the exam, and you're free to use the facilities as long as you're here."

"Really?" Pony is surprised. "Aren't those only for students?"

"As far as I'm concerned, we already are. We just have to flaunt our stuff a little bit. So using the gym when our upperclassmen aren't isn't a big deal."

"I-if you're sure," Pony agrees, still hesitant. "I'm looking forward to it. I think I've gained a few pounds."

"From all the takoyaki you had on the way over," Akia interrupts. "You shouldn't keep the other girls waiting."

"Ah," you remember. "Yeah, I should introduce you."

"Pony!" Himiko waves. "Why are you staying in the hallway?! Come in, come in!"

"You heard Himiko. Akia's got this."

Akia puts her hands on her hips. "Seriously? Do I have to do all the heavy lifting? You're the ones trying to be heroes."

Instead of answering, you ignore your Mom, take Pony by the arm, and drag her in to meet the rest of your friends.

Sayaka quickly appraises her. "I'd tap that."

"Excuse me?" Pony blushes. "Can you repeat that?"

"Nice to meet you, hottie," Sayaka purrs. "My name's Sayaka Tamaki. You know, I haven't ridden a horse before, but I'm willing to learn."

"It's best if you ignore her," Natsumi recommends. "She'll leave you alone once you tell her you're straight and you ignore her. Sayaka hates that more than anything."

Pony nods limply, trying to hide the red of her face.

"My name is Natsumi Okumura," Natsumi offers her hand, which Pony takes. "Pony Tsunotori."

Pony looks around. "Where's Horie?"

"She couldn't make it tonight," Himiko explains. "She's preparing for the examination. She's really hoping Recovery Girl will let her be part of the medical staff."

"I was hoping to see her," Pony admits.

"There will be plenty of time for that over the next few days," you smile. "I mean, you're staying with Horie."

"I am?" Pony tilts her head.

"We don't have a spare bedroom," Himiko says with a toothy grin. "We converted my old room into an office for us to do our school work. Sure, a futon would fit, but a bed is probably more comfortable."

"I'll have to thank Horie-Chan for hosting me," Pony bows her head.

"What are we waiting for?" Sayaka impatiently complains. "That's it! If you aren't playing truth-or-dare, we're playing strip poker!"

"I think this is when I excuse myself," Akia excuses herself. "Have fun."

"I totally will," Sayaka says.

Natsumi shrinks in place. "I swear, if you don't end up in an… adult film or magazine, then I'll eat my own foot."

"You can keep it then," Sayaka smirks. "Guess who landed a gig?"

…

"That makes too much sense," you deadpan.

"Seconded," Himiko raises her hand.

A bead of awkward sweat pours down Pony's face. "I don't even know you, and I have to agree; I'm not very surprised, Sayaka-Chan."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Sayaka winks. "Don't worry; I'll also be on the U.A. cheer team. Just don't tell your dad about my nightly activities."

"He won't hear it from me," Himiko says as she pets Violet, who licks her chin.

'We'll see," you tease Sayaka. "It's pretty rare you give us blackmail."

"Eh, if you do rat me out, then it's, like, your loss," Sayaka puts her tongue out.

I know that all of us are going in different directions in life. Natsumi is planning on entering the business course when she graduates, Horie's becoming a field medic, and Sayaka is doing… Sayaka things. But I'm happy that we're still able to meet like this.

If I don't see much of Sayaka and Natsumi moving forward, I'm happy about the time I spent with them. But now is the time for the next chapter for all of us.

February 26th, 9:30 am.

The morning of the entrance exam has arrived, and you couldn't be more excited to show these newbies why they'll be bowing down to you soon enough.

You stand proud as you watch over the applicants and make yourself visible to the news media by waiting at the entrance.

To my knowledge, Himiko and I are the only people from our school who will be trying out. But I wonder if I'll recognize anyone else?

You don't have to wait long to learn the answer.

Peering into the distance, you see a short boy with a lightly freckled round face, his green hair looking like an unkempt mop. While most would describe him as plain-looking, something about him catches your attention.

He's… familiar.

The green-haired boy covers his mouth, seemingly deep in thought, talking to himself as you hear a voice speak up from behind him.

"Outta my way, Deku!"

Deku turns around, allowing you to get a good look at the young man, slim yet muscular. His sandy blonde hair is spiky, his bangs barely hiding bushy sharp eyebrows, and piercing red eyes, a perpetual scowl on his face.

"Don't stand in front of me, or I'll kill you and turn your corpse into ash," he threatens 'Deku.'

Deku raises his hands in defense, clearly afraid of the newcomer, and steps aside. "M-morning! Let's both do our best, Kaachan!"

This appears to be enough to appease 'Kaachan,' who sticks his hands back into his pockets and brushes past 'Deku' without another word.

"Hey," one of the nearby students whispers. "Isn't that Bakugo? The guy who was attacked by the sludge villain? He's the real thing!"

Bakugo glares at you as he approaches. "What the hell are you looking at, scaly?"

"I already don't like you," you spit at him. "But good luck today. With an attitude like that, you'll need it."

Bakugo's eyebrows furrow visibly pissed off. "I'll kill you."

"You might not want to do that," you warn him. "I'm the principal's daughter, after all. Lay a finger on me, and he'll ensure you never set another foot on campus."

Bakugo scoffs.

"Whatever, scaly."

"It's Kazuha Chiba-Shuzenji."

"Katsuki Bakugo," he murmurs as he makes himself scarce quickly, clearly unsure what to do with you the moment you brushed off his threat to kill you.

Typical.

Looking back toward Deku, you see him trip. You have no time to react as the girl next to him reaches out her hand, touches his backpack, and suspends him in mid-air.

"Are you alright," the auburn-haired girl with pink cheeks reminiscent of a blush questions Deku.

Deku, on his end, freaks out momentarily before she helps him to his feet.

"It's my quirk," she apologizes. "Sorry for using it without asking first, but it'd be bad luck if you fell, right?"

He doesn't respond as she smiles at him.

"Aren't you nervous, too?"

"Uh…."

"Let's do our best," she says, waving her back to him. "See ya around."

Deku begins freaking out, not that the girl, her hair bobbed with two long bangs, notices.

"Nice catch," you nod at her as she walks past you.

"Thanks," she chirps. "My name's Ochaco Uraraka."

"Kazuha. Good luck today, alright? Not many people would do something like that."

"Deku just seemed like he needed help," Ochaco reasons.

"There's about two hours for you to explore the school and get some breakfast," you inform her. "Most of the applicants are gathering in the mess hall."

"How do you know that?"

"Oh, I live here," you shrug.

"That's so cool. You could be, like, my own personal tour guide!"

"Maybe later. Got someone I gotta meet first."

"I understand," Ochacko nods. "Bye."

Calming down from his stupor, Deku seems to have noticed the two of you, his eyes widening.

"Kauzha?!"

Raising an eyebrow, you examine the boy again, only for the pieces to click.

"Izuku? Is that you?"

"I should be asking the same," he marches up to you with a skip in his step. "It's been so long!"

"How do you even recognize me?" you interrogate him. I… well, don't look like I used to."

"I saw you on the news," Izuku smiles. "When you were on T.V. during the I-Island incident? I know most people aren't keeping track of international events, but that was such a big deal. And I was so surprised, too. Wasn't your quirk something to do with adrenaline?"

Not wanting to give away your secret so quickly, you decide to reflect. "It's a long story. But what about you? Last I heard, you didn't have a quirk."

"It's a… long story," he says, mirroring your answer, clearly nervous. "I was a late bloomer."

You can tell there's a bit more to the story but decide not to press it.

"Well, it's great to see you again," you tell him.

"Yeah," he agrees, the awkward tension growing as the two of you realize you haven't met since you got adopted. "I… missed you."

"Tell your Mom I appreciated what she was willing to do. It's just…."

"Don't blame yourself for that," Izuku refutes. "We were just happy to know you found a permanent home. And from the sounds of it, you've been pretty busy."

"I can't wait to tell you about it."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"You scared about the exam?"

"Yes," he says. My quirk is… volatile, and I'm not quite sure how to use it effectively."

"Could I help?"

"I-I don't know," Izuku admits. "Though… I am a little hungry. I've always dreamed of going to U.A., and you've lived here for most of your life. Perhaps you could show me around?"

I haven't seen Izuku in so long. This could be an excellent opportunity to catch up with one another, and maybe we can help one another during the exam. But the media haven't shown up yet, and there are still a lot of applicants who will be making their way in during the next hour or so. Maybe I can become acquainted with them? But I also promised Himiko and Pony I'd meet up with them if I could before the exam, and Ocacko also asked me for assistance. Maybe Izuku and I could meet with her?

Ugh, I only have so much time. What do I do?

DECISION POINT: What Will You Do Before The Exam?

A - Stay Out Here And Wait For the Media And Other Applicants To Arrive

B - Go Find Himiko and Pony to Come Up With A Game Plan For the Test

C - Have Breakfast With Izuku and Ochacko Before Showing Them Around To Calm Their Nerves