Authors Note - Answer to reviews and questions at the end
{Location change, POV, Time, etc.}
"Normal Speech"
'Thoughts'
[Spells/Items]
Chapter 6: Quirk Apprehension Test
{Location: U.A. Training Grounds}
{POV: Izuku Midoriya}
"What? A quirk assessment test?" The words rippled through the group like a shockwave, echoing the disbelief etched on every student's face.
Midoriya's stomach sank. His wide eyes darted from face to face, each expression reflecting some mix of confusion, concern, or outright dread. Standing beside him, Ochaco Uraraka voiced the collective unease. "But orientation… we're gonna miss it!"
Her words hit Midoriya like a reminder of the normal high school experience he'd never really had. Orientation was supposed to be a chance to meet classmates, bond, and settle into the flow of school life. 'Wasn't it?'
Midoriya's thoughts spiraled. 'What kind of school skips orientation for something like this?'
The answer came in the form of their teacher, Shota Aizawa. The disheveled man regarded them with the same bored expression he'd worn since his abrupt introduction, though his voice carried an edge that cut through the murmurs.
"If you really wanna make the big leagues, you can't waste time on pointless ceremonies," Aizawa said flatly.
The students collectively gasped. Midoriya felt his heart rate spike as the weight of those words sank in. 'Pointless ceremonies? This is U.A. High School! Isn't orientation important?' he thought in panic.
Aizawa's tone didn't waver. "Here at U.A., we're not tethered to traditions." He crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping across the group. "That means I get to run my class however I see fit."
"Huh?" "Uhh…" Confused murmurs filled the air as students exchanged bewildered glances. The usual rules of high school didn't seem to apply here, and it was throwing everyone off balance.
Aizawa reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek phone. The screen lit up, displaying a list of eight different physical tests, each with a detailed breakdown. Without missing a beat, he continued.
"You've been taking standardized tests most of your lives," he said, holding the phone up for the group to see. "But you've never been allowed to use your quirks in physical exams before."
Midoriya's breath hitched. The implications were staggering. 'Quirks… in physical exams?'
Aizawa's expression turned slightly sharper, though his tone remained calm. "The country's still trying to pretend we're all created equal by not letting those with the most power excel." He paused, letting the statement sink in. "It's not rational."
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Midoriya's thoughts whirled. 'Not rational? Is he saying the system is flawed? That quirks should… define our success?'
"One day," Aizawa added, his voice carrying a note of dry amusement, "the Ministry of Education will learn."
His gaze shifted then, pinpointing two figures standing slightly apart from the group. "Satoru Suzuki," Aizawa said, his tone carrying a subtle challenge. "You managed to get the most points on the entrance exam, as well as your brother. So the both of you will go up." He gestured toward the older Suzuki sibling. "First, you, Satoru. Then Pandora."
All eyes turned to the Suzuki brothers. Midoriya found himself staring too, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He'd seen their performance during the entrance exam, Satoru's chains, Pandora's transformations. They were on another level entirely.
Satoru stepped forward, his calm, deliberate movements exuding an air of quiet confidence. Beside him, Pandora grinned, his golden eyes shimmering with amusement as he clapped a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Mein Bruder," Pandora said, his voice carrying a playful lilt. "Let's show them what it means to be at the top."
But before Satoru could respond, Midoriya's attention was drawn to a figure standing a few feet away. Katsuki Bakugo's expression was twisted into a furious scowl, his hands twitching at his sides. Midoriya could see faint sparks crackling at Bakugo's fingertips, a telltale sign of his growing frustration.
Bakugo's crimson eyes burned as they locked onto the Suzuki brothers. His lips curled back slightly as he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the people nearby to hear, "Tch… I'll show them all."
The quiet venom in his voice sent a shiver through the group around him. A few students exchanged nervous glances, stepping slightly away from him. Even Kirishima, who had been standing relatively close, scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to diffuse the tension. "Uh, Bakugo, man, maybe chill a bit? It's just the order…"
"Shut it!" Bakugo snapped, his voice sharp but quiet enough not to draw Aizawa's attention. His eyes didn't waver from the Suzuki brothers, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Midoriya couldn't help but feel a knot of unease tightening in his chest. 'Kacchan… he's taking this personally.' He swallowed hard, glancing at the Suzuki brothers again. Satoru appeared unaffected by the tension, his crimson eyes focused only on Aizawa. Pandora, on the other hand, seemed entirely aware of Bakugo's hostility. The younger Suzuki sibling's grin widened, and he cast a glance over his shoulder, his golden eyes meeting Bakugo's glare for the briefest of moments.
"Ah," Pandora mused softly, his voice just audible enough for those nearby. "It seems we have admirers."
Satoru shot him a quick, unreadable look, as if to urge him to focus. Pandora, however, seemed delighted by the rising tension, his mischievous grin never faltering.
Midoriya's anxiety deepened as Bakugo muttered something inaudible under his breath again, his fingers curling into fists. The air around him felt charged, as though he were moments away from exploding.
"Bakugo-kun," Iida whispered urgently, leaning toward him. "Please restrain yourself. This is an assessment, not a competition."
But Bakugo didn't respond, his fiery gaze fixed on the Suzuki brothers as Satoru stepped into position.
"Let's begin," Aizawa said curtly, his tone brooking no argument. All eyes turned forward, though Midoriya couldn't shake the feeling of tension hanging heavy in the air, most of it radiating from Bakugo. 'This… isn't going to be easy,' he thought, clenching his fists nervously.
As the group's attention shifted entirely to Satoru Suzuki, Midoriya felt the tension in the air grow even thicker. Even with Bakugo's simmering hostility behind him, it was impossible to look away from the older Suzuki brother as he stepped forward, clutching the ball Aizawa had handed him.
Aizawa, standing to the side with his arms crossed, regarded Satoru with his usual dispassionate expression. "Go on. We don't have all day," he said, his voice sharp enough to cut through the murmurs of the students.
Satoru held the ball in his hand, his expression calm and composed. The quiet confidence he exuded was almost unnerving, as if he already knew exactly how this would play out. He took a few deliberate steps forward to the designated line, the sun casting a faint shadow over his face.
Midoriya's heart pounded. 'What's he going to do? How far can he throw it? And those chains…'
Without a word, Satoru glanced down at the ball, then slowly raised his gaze skyward. His crimson eyes narrowed slightly, calculating something only he seemed to understand. Then, with a single graceful motion, he extended his free hand, and the air around him shimmered faintly with an ethereal energy.
The chains appeared almost instantly, half a dozen glowing, spectral links materializing around Satoru in a dazzling, intricate dance. They coiled and uncoiled with an almost predatory precision, their otherworldly hum sending chills down Midoriya's spine. The sight alone was enough to draw gasps from the surrounding students.
"Whoa," Kirishima muttered, his eyes wide. "That's insane…"
Satoru remained calm, his movements deliberate as one of the chains wrapped around the ball in his hand. The energy from the chain pulsed faintly, almost as if it were alive. He stepped into position, his gaze fixed on the horizon, and drew his arm back.
Time seemed to slow for a moment as Satoru launched the ball into the air. The chain attached to it snapped taut, glowing with an intense energy as it propelled the ball forward with impossible force. The air itself seemed to ripple as the ball shot upward, its trajectory almost vertical at first before it arced high into the sky.
The explosion of sound that followed was deafening. A sonic boom rippled through the field as the ball tore through the atmosphere like a comet, disappearing into the distance. The sheer force of the throw caused a faint gust of wind to whip through the crowd, making several students shield their faces.
Midoriya stared, slack-jawed, as the ball finally began its descent far, far beyond the visible range. Aizawa's phone beeped as the measurement came in, and the entire group turned to see the number displayed on the screen.
1,602.4 meters.
The silence that followed was almost deafening, broken only by a few stunned gasps.
"No way…" Kaminari whispered, his voice trembling. "That's insane! Over a kilometer and a half?!"
"Did he just… break physics?" Mina asked, her tone a mix of awe and disbelief.
Pandora's applause rang out, slow and deliberate. "Ah, mein Bruder," he said with a grin, "ever the overachiever. Such a humble display."
Satoru stepped back, his expression as composed as ever. "It's within expectations," he said simply, his crimson gaze flicking briefly toward the other students before returning to Pandora. "Don't get distracted."
Behind them, Bakugo's sharp growl cut through the whispers. "Tch. Show-offs," he muttered, though the crackling of his palms betrayed the anger simmering beneath his words. Sparks flared around his clenched fists as his crimson eyes locked onto Satoru.
"I'll show them," Bakugo hissed under his breath, his tone venomous. "I'll show them all."
Kirishima, catching the growing hostility, leaned toward him nervously. "Hey, Bakugo, maybe just-uh-take it easy, man. It's just the first test, no need to-"
"Shut up!" Bakugo snapped, the sparks flaring brighter. His glare burned hotter, his lips curling into a snarl. The students nearest to him shifted uneasily, their attention bouncing between him and the Suzuki brothers.
Midoriya swallowed hard. 'Kacchan... he's not going to let this go,' he thought, his stomach twisting as he glanced at the escalating tension.
Before anyone could act further, Aizawa's voice sliced through the noise, cold and razor-sharp. "Pandora, you're up."
Pandora stepped forward with his usual grace, but Aizawa's eyes lingered on Satoru for a moment longer, his expression unreadable. The quiet scrutiny was palpable, and then he spoke again, his voice lower and more deliberate.
"Satoru," Aizawa said, narrowing his gaze, "that was... interesting."
There was a flicker of something in his tone, a mix of curiosity and unease. Satoru met his gaze evenly, crimson eyes unflinching.
Unbeknownst to the students, Aizawa had reflexively activated his quirk during Satoru's display, his instincts honed by years of combat kicking in. Yet, to his frustration, it had done nothing. No faltering, no disruption, just an eerie, unaffected aura. Aizawa's quirk had brushed against Satoru and slid off like water on glass.
"You're not… what you seem," Aizawa muttered under his breath, almost too quiet to be heard, but his sharp eyes betrayed his suspicion. "Chains, power, composure, you're hiding something. But I'll find out what it is." His words were laced with a quiet intensity, more a promise than a statement.
The students exchanged puzzled glances and hushed whispers, their curiosity swirling in the air like static. For most, Aizawa's tone carried little more than authority, but for Satoru, it resonated differently. The subtle weight behind their teacher's words did not escape him. Though his composed exterior remained intact, the undead overlord silently took note, his mind already processing the implications.
The whispers began to fade as Aizawa's voice cut through them, sharp and unyielding, commanding the group's attention. "Pandora, you're up."
The statement was simple, but his gaze lingered on Satoru, even as he addressed Pandora. It wasn't just a glance, it was a calculated, piercing look, as though Aizawa were trying to unravel something hidden. His tone, though measured, carried an unmistakable undercurrent of suspicion, one that didn't go unnoticed by the students.
Pandora, stepping forward with his usual theatrical grace, paused just long enough to register the odd atmosphere. His golden eyes flicked between his brother and their teacher before he gave a light laugh, dispelling some of the tension. "Ah, but of course," he said with a bow, the ball now resting lightly in his hands. "It would be my pleasure."
Despite Pandora's dramatic entrance, the air remained heavy. Aizawa's gaze never fully left Satoru, and though the teacher's attention had shifted ostensibly to the younger Suzuki sibling, the undercurrent of his words seemed to suggest otherwise. The other students exchanged uncertain glances, their own curiosity piqued by the unspoken tension.
"Good luck," Satoru said to Pandora, his tone calm and steady. But as he stepped back, he felt the weight of Aizawa's lingering scrutiny. It wasn't overt, Aizawa wasn't the type to give himself away so easily, but the subtle shift in his demeanor spoke volumes.
Pandora, ever attuned to the mood and as if he knew what everyone was thinking. Flashed another grin to the group. "Prepare yourselves, my dear Klassenkameraden," he declared, his playful tone cutting through the unease. "This will be quite the spectacle."
As Pandora approached the line, the chains of tension seemed to loosen slightly, though not completely. Satoru remained still, his crimson eyes fixed ahead, even as he internally turned over the significance of Aizawa's reaction.
Midoriya couldn't shake the unease creeping into his thoughts. His gaze flicked between Satoru and their teacher, noting the subtle shift in Aizawa's demeanor. The normally stoic instructor's eyes lingered a moment too long on Satoru, a shadow of something unspoken crossing his face. 'Is he… wary of him?' Midoriya wondered, his breath catching as his heart began to pound. 'He's acting like he saw something, or maybe… sensed something. But what could it be?'
The tension in the air was palpable, and Midoriya's chest tightened as he felt the silent undercurrent between the two. He tore his gaze away, focusing on Pandora as the younger Suzuki brother stepped into the spotlight, his golden eyes shining with excitement.
Pandora stood behind the line with the ball in hand and took a step back, his movements deliberate, theatrical, and dripping with flair. His golden eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, and his smile radiated pure confidence. He held the ball aloft as though it were a precious relic, then turning to face the crowd with a dramatic flourish.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Pandora declared, his voice carrying effortlessly over the murmurs of the students. "You have witnessed brilliance. Now, prepare yourselves to witness… perfection."
Midoriya blinked, completely unsure of what to expect. 'Perfection? What does he mean by that? What's he going to do?'
Pandora turned back toward the field, his free hand pressed to his chin in a thoughtful pose. "Now, the question remains… what form should such perfection take?" He clapped his hands together, the sound crisp and sharp, before spinning on his heel to address the crowd once more. "I believe I've found the answer. After all, what better way to dazzle you all than by embodying the spirit of a true hero?"
Gasps rippled through the group as Pandora's body began to shimmer, an otherworldly glow enveloping him. His silhouette warped and twisted, his limbs elongating, his form growing broader. Then, with a burst of golden light, his transformation was complete.
When the glow faded, Pandora stood tall and imposing, his form a near-perfect replica of Endeavor, the Number Two Pro Hero. His flaming beard crackled and burned, his muscular frame radiating power. Even his piercing glare was eerily accurate, sending chills down the spines of those watching.
"What the-!?" Kaminari exclaimed, his jaw dropping. "He just turned into Endeavor?!"
"That's… insane," Mina muttered, her wide eyes fixed on Pandora.
"..."
Midoriya stared, his thoughts racing. 'How is he doing this? Is his quirk mimicry? But it's more than that… he's even got the flames!'
But as he watched more closely, a detail began to tug at his mind. 'Wait… the flames. They're bright, but not as intense as the real Endeavor's.' His analytical gaze locked onto the crackling fire surrounding Pandora's body. 'Endeavor's flames are practically blinding, almost overwhelming in their heat and light. But these… these feel just slightly… muted.'
Midoriya's mind churned, piecing together the odd discrepancy. 'Could it be that his quirk can't copy at full power? Maybe it's limited somehow, like, he can only replicate up to a certain percentage of the original's abilities.'
Pandora flexed his fingers, causing a fresh burst of flames to ignite around him. To the rest of the class, it was an awe-inspiring display of raw power. But to Midoriya, the difference was clear. 'It's still incredible, but… not quite Endeavor.'
Pandora's golden eyes glimmered beneath the fiery visage, catching the faintest shift in Midoriya's expression. For a moment, their gazes met, and Pandora's grin widened, as if he knew exactly what Midoriya was thinking.
"Ah, my dear classmates," Pandora said, his voice booming with exaggerated grandeur. "Shall we set the bar even higher?"
With a flourish, he wound back his arm, flames coiling around the ball like a fiery serpent. The air grew warmer as he crouched slightly, every muscle in his form tensing in preparation. Then, with explosive force, he launched the ball skyward, a spiraling comet of flame trailing in its wake.
The ball soared high, streaking through the sky like a blazing star before disappearing from view. A faint ripple of heat washed over the group, making several students step back instinctively.
Aizawa's gaze lingered on Pandora, his hair floating as his quirk activated. His sharp eyes narrowed further as he felt the familiar pull of Erasure, and then… nothing. The flames didn't sputter, the transformation remained, and Pandora's display of power continued unabated. His grip on his quirk tightened for a moment, his mind reeling. 'Not again… How? First Satoru, and now him?'
He quickly masked his reaction, forcing his expression back into neutrality. This time, however, no one seemed to notice, their focus fixed entirely on Pandora's demonstration, except for one.
From the back of the group, Todoroki's mismatched eyes burned with restrained anger as he watched Pandora's fiery display. His fists clenched at his sides, his body rigid with tension. The near-perfect imitation of Endeavor, the flames, the stance, even the aura of power, made his blood boil.
Midoriya, standing a few steps away, caught the shift in Todoroki's demeanor. His analytical mind immediately locked onto the subtle cues: the clenched jaw, the tightened fists, the way his left side seemed to radiate a faint chill. 'Who is he? And why does he look so upset? Does he have something against Endeavor?'
Todoroki's voice was quiet but filled with venom. "That's enough."
The words cut through the murmurs of the class, drawing a few curious glances. Todoroki stepped forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Pandora's flaming form. "Don't think copying him makes you impressive," he said coldly.
The class fell silent, the weight of Todoroki's tone hanging heavily in the air. Pandora turned, his fiery visage dimming slightly as he regarded Todoroki with a curious expression. "Ah," he said, his voice calm but edged with intrigue. "Todoroki-kun, isn't it? You seem rather… displeased."
Todoroki's mismatched gaze burned into Pandora. "You don't know what he's really like," he said, his tone icy. "So stop pretending to be him. It's insulting."
The tension between them was palpable, a sharp contrast to the playful atmosphere Pandora had cultivated moments earlier. Midoriya's heart raced as he processed the interaction. 'Why does he care so much about Pandora using Endeavor's form? Is he… related to Endeavor? That would explain why he's so upset.'
Pandora extinguished his flames entirely, reverting to his original form. He gave Todoroki a slight bow, his golden eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and something deeper. "I see I've struck a nerve. My apologies," he said smoothly. "No offense was intended."
Todoroki didn't respond, his jaw tight as he stepped back into the group. His glare lingered on Pandora for a moment longer before he turned away, his posture rigid.
The beep of Aizawa's phone broke the heavy silence. He held it up, showing the number displayed on the screen.
1,532.8 meters.
Pandora, undeterred by the tension, gave the group a dramatic bow. "Thank you, thank you," he said, his tone light and playful. "I aim to please."
The crowd erupted into murmurs, a mix of awe, disbelief, and excitement.
"No way…" Kirishima muttered, his eyes wide. "That's, manly doesn't even cover it. That was legendary!"
"He just-he just threw that ball farther than most people can even imagine," Jiro said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "And he did it like it was nothing."
Midoriya, however, found his gaze drifting back to Todoroki, who stood apart from the group, his expression unreadable. 'There's definitely something personal here. But what? And what does Endeavor have to do with it?'
Beside him, Bakugo's growl cut through the whispers, low and dangerous. "Tch… flashy tricks," he muttered, though the sparks dancing around his palms betrayed his frustration. His crimson eyes burned with fury as he glared at Pandora. "I'll show him what real power looks like."
The tension between Bakugo and the Suzuki brothers was almost tangible now, crackling like static electricity. Midoriya swallowed hard, his unease growing. 'Kacchan's not going to let this go… and this is only the first test.'
Aizawa's voice cut through the tension like a cold wind. "All of you need to know your maximum capabilities," he said, his tone sharp and commanding. For the briefest moment, his gaze lingered on Pandora and Satoru, a flicker of something unreadable in his usually impassive eyes. "It's the most rational way of figuring out your potential as pro heroes."
A ripple of excitement swept through the group as Aizawa's words sank in. A few students exchanged eager grins, while others murmured about how cool the test was shaping up to be.
"So this looks fun, huh?" Aizawa's voice dropped into an icy drawl, slicing through the growing energy like a guillotine. The entire class froze, their excitement evaporating in an instant.
Gasps and murmurs followed as Aizawa continued, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "You have three years to become a hero. You all think it's going to be games and playtime?"
The tension was suffocating now. Midoriya felt the weight of Aizawa's words press down on him, and a cold sweat began to form on his brow. He wasn't alone; several students shifted uncomfortably, glancing nervously at each other.
"Idiots." The single word struck like a blow. "Today, you'll compete in eight physical tests to gauge your potential. Whoever comes in last has none and will be expelled immediately."
"HUH?!" The collective outburst from the group was deafening.
Midoriya's heart plummeted, panic setting in as his mind raced. Expelled?! Right now? I only just got in! I don't even have full control of my quirk yet, how can I possibly keep up with everyone?!
Aizawa's voice cut through his spiraling thoughts, calm yet razor-sharp. "Like I said, I get to decide how this class runs. Understand?" He scanned the group with a piercing gaze, stopping a second before continuing. "If that's a problem, you can head home right now."
Midoriya felt his stomach twist into knots, not noticing the teacher's lingering gaze on the Suzuki brothers. 'A huge test on the first day of school? What the crap am I gonna do?!' His hands clenched into fists as his mind raced through worst-case scenarios.
Ochaco stepped forward, her voice filled with disbelief. "You can't send one of us home! I mean, we just got here!" Her face was flushed with indignation. "Even if it wasn't the first day, that isn't fair!"
Aizawa's eyes narrowed, his tone dropping to something far colder. "You think natural disasters are fair? Or power-hungry villains? Hm?" He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the group. "Or catastrophic accidents that wipe out whole cities?"
The students froze, their protests caught in their throats. Aizawa's gaze swept over them, his voice unyielding as he continued. "No, the world is full of unfairness. It's a hero's job to combat that unfairness."
Midoriya felt a shiver run down his spine as Aizawa's words sank in. The gravity of what it meant to be a hero, of the expectations placed on them, loomed larger than ever.
"If you wanna be a pro, you're going to have to push yourself to the brink," Aizawa said, his tone unwavering. "For the next three years, U.A. will throw one hardship after another at you." His expression didn't soften, but there was a glimmer of challenge in his eyes. "So go beyond. Plus Ultra-style."
The class was silent, every student frozen in place, digesting the sheer weight of Aizawa's statement.
"Show me it's no mistake that you're here," he finished, his voice hard as steel.
The students gasped collectively, the intensity of Aizawa's challenge sending a ripple of determination through the group. One by one, their expressions shifted.
Iida adjusted his glasses and took a measured sip of water, his stance firm and ready. Bakugo swung his right arm in a loose arc, sparks dancing at his fingertips, his crimson eyes burning with competitive fire. Ochaco clenched both fists in front of her, her face set with newfound resolve.
Midoriya swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand taller. 'I have to prove I belong here… no matter what.'
Aizawa glanced over the group, his expression unreadable. "Now then," he said, his tone sharp. "We're wasting time by talking. Let the games begin."
His eyes flicked to Bakugo. "Bakugo. You're up."
Katsuki Bakugo stomped forward, his crimson eyes blazing with unrelenting fury. The sparks crackling in his palms intensified as he clenched his fists tightly, his jaw set with determination. All eyes were on him as he approached the line, and the murmurs of the crowd grew quieter, replaced by a charged silence.
Midoriya could feel the tension radiating off of Bakugo, the weight of his frustration at not just one, but two students surpassing him. 'He's not going to just throw it like last time. Kacchan… he's going to try something else.'
Bakugo stood at the line, his expression dark and focused. He glanced at the ball in his hand, his fingers tightening around it as he considered his options. The memory of Pandora's theatrics and Satoru's effortless dominance burned in his mind, fueling his resolve. He couldn't let them outshine him. Not here. Not ever.
He took a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling. When he looked up, his fiery glare swept across the group before settling on the empty horizon in front of him. His lips twisted into a determined snarl.
Instead of immediately winding up for a throw, Bakugo crouched low, his muscles coiling like a spring. The sparks in his palms flared brighter, and then his quirk ignited fully, a series of controlled explosions rippling out in bursts around him. The ground beneath his feet cracked slightly, and the air filled with the acrid scent of smoke and burnt dust.
"What's he doing?" Kaminari asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
"Looks like he's using his quirk differently this time," Jiro observed, her eyes narrowing. "He's building momentum."
Bakugo shot a quick, sharp glance toward the group, his glare daring anyone to comment further. He rose from his crouch, gripping the ball tightly in both hands now. Sparks continued to burst intermittently around him as he took a deep, measured breath.
And then he moved.
With a fierce roar, Bakugo ignited his quirk, an eruption of controlled explosions propelling him into a spinning motion. Flames and sparks spiraled around him as he twisted his body with calculated precision, building momentum. Each burst from his palms sent shockwaves through the air, the raw power creating a deafening crack that echoed across the field.
At the peak of his rotation, Bakugo released the ball with a guttural yell, "DIEEEEEEE!" A final explosion erupted from his hands, amplifying the ball's speed and sending it hurtling into the sky like a rocket. A trail of smoke and embers followed its ascent, the sheer force of the launch leaving the air around the circle charged with static.
The students shielded their faces instinctively from the residual heat and force, their stunned expressions mirroring the intensity of Bakugo's throw. All eyes followed the ball as it rocketed higher and farther, a blazing testament to his unrelenting aggression.
"Whoa!" Kirishima's jaw dropped. "That's… insane!"
"How much force did he put into that?" Mina muttered, her eyes wide.
Midoriya's heart pounded as he followed the ball's trajectory. 'He combined his speed, momentum, and explosions to boost the throw. That's… genius.'
The ball finally began its descent, landing with a faint thud far in the distance. Aizawa's phone beeped, displaying the result.
1,380 meters.
The number hung in the air like a thunderclap, leaving the class momentarily stunned. For a moment, there was silence as the weight of Bakugo's performance sank in.
"That's insane!" Kaminari shouted, breaking the silence. "He almost matched the Suzuki brothers!"
"Almost?" Mina interjected, her eyes still wide. "That's way farther than most of us could even dream of throwing."
Bakugo stood at the line, his chest heaving from exertion, a triumphant smirk etched across his face. The fading smoke from his explosions swirled around him, creating a fiery, almost intimidating aura. His crimson eyes burned with pride, but there was a flicker of frustration as his gaze shifted to Pandora and Satoru.
"Not so flashy now, huh?" Bakugo sneered, his voice filled with satisfaction, though the undertone of disappointment was impossible to miss. Despite his incredible throw, it still wasn't enough to claim victory.
Pandora, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, tilted his head and chuckled softly. His golden eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and intrigue. "Oh, Bakugo, such passion! You've truly outdone yourself," he said, his voice dripping with theatrical admiration. "Quite the performance. Bravo!"
Satoru remained silent, his calm, stoic demeanor unchanged. He gave Bakugo a single, measured nod, his expression unreadable. Internally, he realized he hadn't even noticed the action, it was reflexive, a subconscious response to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Midoriya's thoughts raced as he replayed Bakugo's technique in his mind. 'He didn't just rely on brute strength this time. He used his quirk strategically, combining it with his momentum and control. That's… that's incredible.'
Despite his admiration, a knot of anxiety twisted in Midoriya's stomach. 'If Kacchan is pulling off moves like that, what chance do I have? His fingers curled into fists, determination flaring in his chest. I have to keep pushing forward. I can't let myself fall behind!'
Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter, his tone as flat and uninterested as ever. "1,380 meters. Impressive use of quirk and technique." He tapped at his phone, logging the result. "Next."
Bakugo walked back toward the group, his head held high and his smirk still firmly in place. As he passed by Pandora and Satoru, he shot them a smug look. "Guess I'm not just 'flashy tricks,' huh?"
Pandora gave a small, playful bow. "Touché, Bakugo. Touché."
Satoru's eyes remained fixed on the horizon. "We'll see how consistent you are," he said softly, his tone neutral but firm.
The tension between them was palpable, but it only fueled the competitive energy crackling through the air. As the next student stepped forward, Bakugo leaned back against the railing, his smirk unwavering.
Midoriya shifted nervously, his heart pounding as Aizawa called out the next few names. Each student stepped up, displaying their quirks in unique and sometimes spectacular ways. The ball flew farther and farther with each turn, and the pressure on Midoriya mounted with every impressive performance.
'What am I going to do?' he thought, his palms sweating. 'I can't use my quirk without breaking something… but I have to show I belong here.'
Aizawa's voice cut through his anxious thoughts. "Uraraka. You're up."
Ochaco stepped forward, her face a mix of excitement and nervousness. She picked up the ball, cradling it in her hands for a moment as she adjusted her grip. The murmurs of the class quieted as everyone turned their attention to her, curious to see what she would do.
"You got this, Uraraka!" Iida called out encouragingly, earning a grateful smile from her.
Ochaco took a steadying breath and planted her feet. She stretched her arm back, preparing to throw, and then released the ball with a sharp flick of her wrist. As the ball soared into the air, she tapped her fingertips together and activated her quirk.
The ball shot higher and higher, its ascent seemingly endless. The group watched in stunned silence as it disappeared into the sky, vanishing entirely from view.
"Did she just-?" Kaminari started, his voice trailing off.
Aizawa's phone beeped, displaying the result. His face remained as stoic as ever, though there was a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Infinity," he said simply.
The class erupted into cheers and gasps of astonishment.
"Whoa! That's insane!" Mina exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"Way to go, Uraraka!" Kirishima added, giving her a thumbs-up.
Ochaco turned back toward the group, her cheeks flushed with pride. "Heh… thanks, guys," she said sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.
Midoriya stared in awe, his thoughts racing. 'Infinity?! She turned such a simple throw into something so extraordinary!'
Even Bakugo, who had been lounging smugly against the railing, raised an eyebrow at the result. "Tch. Cheap trick," he muttered, though the faintest hint of grudging respect flickered in his eyes.
As Ochaco returned to the group, Midoriya couldn't help but smile. 'That was amazing. She's showing everyone just how creative quirks can be.'
Aizawa cleared his throat, bringing the class's attention back to him. "Impressive," he said curtly. "Now, no time to waste. Midoriya, you're next."
The color drained from Midoriya's face as all eyes turned to him. 'Oh no. It's my turn. What do I do?' His legs felt like jelly as he stepped forward, gripping the ball with trembling hands.
"I believe in you, Midoriya-kun," Pandora said suddenly, his golden eyes warm with encouragement. "Show us the strength we all saw during the exam."
Midoriya blinked at him, startled. "Pandora…"
The younger Suzuki sibling gave him a playful grin and a small wave. "You've got this."
Midoriya's gaze shifted to Satoru, who stood nearby with his arms crossed. Though he didn't say anything, he gave Midoriya a slow, steady nod. The simple gesture carried weight, like quiet approval.
A spark of determination flickered in Midoriya's chest. 'They believe in me… I have to believe in myself too.'
He swallowed hard and stepped up to the line, gripping the ball tightly. 'I have to make this work. Somehow.' His heart pounded as he stared out at the horizon, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.
Midoriya tightened his grip on the ball, his fingers trembling. It's now or never, he thought, his determination hardening. This is my best chance to use One For All.
Behind him, Iida crossed his arms, his expression sharp with concern. "If Midoriya doesn't shape up soon, he's the one going home."
Bakugo, leaning against the railing with his arms folded, scoffed loudly. "Huh? Of course, he is. He's a quirkless loser!"
Iida turned to him, his gaze incredulous. "Uh, he has a quirk."
"What?" Bakugo's head snapped toward Iida, his usual scowl deepening into confusion. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Did you not hear about what he did in the entrance exam?" Iida replied, his voice firm. "Midoriya scored well, using his quirk to save Uraraka-san and destroy a giant robot!"
Bakugo's eyes narrowed as he processed this, his fists clenching. "Tch. No way."
Before Bakugo could say more, Pandora interjected with a wide grin, his golden eyes sparkling. "Oh, Bakugo-kun, have a little faith! Midoriya-kun is full of surprises. It's always the quiet ones you need to watch, ja?"
Satoru didn't speak, but his steady crimson eyes met Bakugo's for a moment before he shifted his gaze to Midoriya. He gave another small nod, silent but firm.
Yuga, standing nearby, struck a dramatic pose with a hand on his chest. "Oui! Such tension, such suspense! Young Midoriya shall dazzle us with his brilliance, I'm certain! The spirit of heroism burns brightly within him!"
"Go, Deku!" Ochaco called, her voice light but encouraging as she pumped her fist in the air. "You've got this!"
The supportive voices swirled around Midoriya, but he didn't hear them. He was too deep in thought, his heart pounding in his chest. Mom…
The echo of his mother's voice reverberated in his mind: Izuku.
He closed his eyes for a moment, drawing in a shaky breath. 'Mom always believed in me, even when no one else did. I can't let her down. I can't let myself down.'
His mind sharpened as the noise of the world fell away. He stepped to the line, the ball heavy in his hand. 'This is it. I have to use One For All, but just enough. No injuries this time. I have to control it.'
Aizawa's neutral voice snapped him back to the moment. "Whenever you're ready, Midoriya."
Midoriya's heart thundered, but he steadied his breathing. He set his feet, clenched the ball, and focused all his willpower on the energy coursing through him. He could feel One For All swirling within him, waiting to be unleashed.
Midoriya felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him as his grip tightened on the ball. 'It's now or never,' he thought, his resolve hardening. 'This is my chance to prove I belong here.'
In the background, All Might's voice echoed faintly in his mind, his words from that fateful day carrying him forward: 'Young man, you too can become a hero.' Midoriya clenched his jaw, pulling his arm back as power surged through his body, ready to channel One For All.
'I can do this!' he screamed in his mind, but just as he was about to unleash his power, a strange sensation washed over him, like a switch had been turned off. He released the ball with nothing more than a weak throw, and it flopped to the ground, barely rolling to 46 meters.
Midoriya gasped in horror, his face falling as his classmates murmured in confusion. "Uh… what gives?" he stammered. "I was trying to use it just now."
"You couldn't," Aizawa's calm voice came from behind him, drawing everyone's attention. The bandages around him began to float, moving as if alive. His crimson eyes glowed, and his hair lifted slightly from the energy of his quirk. "I erased your quirk."
Midoriya's breath hitched as realization struck. "You… erased it?" His eyes widened as he recognized the goggles and bandages. "Those goggles… I know you!" he exclaimed. "You can look at someone and cancel out their powers. You're the pro hero, Eraser Head!"
The class erupted in confusion.
"Erasure who?" Kaminari asked, scratching his head.
"Never heard of him," Mina added.
Satoru's calm voice cut through the chatter. "I've heard of him. He's a pro hero who works under the radar. Specializes in stealth and quirk negation."
Aizawa glanced at Satoru for a moment, his crimson gaze unreadable. Midoriya's eyes briefly shifted to Satoru, the memory of earlier during his demonstration flashing in his mind. Aizawa's hair had risen then, too, but nothing had happened. 'He tried to erase Satoru's quirk, Midoriya realized. But… it didn't work. Just like with me right now.'
The thought sent a chill through him. 'What kind of quirk doesn't respond to Erasure?' Midoriya's mind raced trying to find answer, but he was pulled back to the moment as Aizawa's eyes flickered.
"You're not ready," Aizawa said, his voice low and sharp. "You don't have control over your power."
Midoriya gasped, his mind reeling.
Aizawa stepped closer, his bandages unfurling and wrapping around Midoriya's arms. They pulled him forward until they were face to face. "Were you planning to break your bones again? Counting on someone else to save your useless body?"
"N-No! That's not what I was trying to do!" Midoriya stammered, his voice trembling.
Aizawa's eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer. "No matter your intentions, you would be nothing more than a liability on the battlefield." His voice turned icy. "You have the same reckless passion as another overzealous hero I know. One who saved a thousand people by himself and became a legend."
Around the corner, All Might flinched, his eyes wide as he whispered, "That's me…"
Aizawa's tone didn't waver. "But even with that drive, you're worthless if you can only throw a single punch before breaking down. Sorry, Midoriya. With your power, there's no way you can become a hero."
Midoriya stared at him, stunned, his breath trembling as Aizawa released him from the bandages.
"I've returned your impractical quirk," Aizawa said, stepping back. "Take your final throw. Hurry and get it over with."
The students murmured behind them.
"I wonder if Aizawa-sensei gave him some advice," Iida mused aloud.
Bakugo smirked. "Probably told him to start packing."
Meanwhile, Yuga turned to Ochaco, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. "I am here for you, my chéri."
Ochaco tilted her head in confusion. "Wait, who are you again?"
Satoru and Pandora remained silent, though their expressions were unusually serious. Unbeknownst to the others, their enhanced senses had caught every word of Aizawa's scolding. Pandora's playful smile was absent, replaced by quiet contemplation, while Satoru's crimson gaze lingered on Midoriya, unreadable.
Midoriya, lost in thought, tuned out the noise around him. 'I only have one shot at this. I can't mess it up.'
His hands clenched into fists as his mind raced. 'I still can't control my power. But I can't just give up, either. I have to try something! No matter the consequences.'
An idea suddenly struck him, and his eyes widened. 'Wait… maybe I don't have to use my whole arm.' He adjusted his grip on the ball and focused on his fingers. 'If I channel One For All into just two fingers… I can keep the damage minimal and still pack enough power to make this work.'
Midoriya crouched slightly, his trembling fingers tightening around the ball. His gaze locked onto the horizon, not just at the distance but at the immense weight of what it represented: his dreams, his struggles, and the unwavering belief of those who had supported him.
Green lightning began to crackle faintly around his hand as he channeled the energy of One For All. The world seemed to close in around him, muffling every sound except the steady rhythm of his pounding heartbeat. Behind him, Aizawa watched intently, his sharp eyes narrowing. His muscles tensed, his scarf twitching slightly as if preparing to spring into action. But he paused, the boy's stance catching his attention. This wasn't desperation. This was something else. Something calculated.
"You've always had the heart of a hero," All Might's voice echoed in Midoriya's mind, the memory of his mentor's pride shining through. "Prove it now. Not to me, but to yourself."
"You're stronger than you think, Izuku," his mother's gentle voice whispered, the sound wrapping around him like a warm embrace. "You've always been my hero."
"Show us what you're made of, Midoriya-kun," Pandora's voice chimed in, filled with playful encouragement but underlined with genuine belief.
Satoru's silent nod replayed in his mind, steady and grounding. It carried no flair or flamboyance, just quiet confidence, and it was enough.
"You can do it, Deku!" Ochaco's cheerful call rang out, her fist raised high in solidarity.
The fire within him surged brighter with every memory, every voice. His heart swelled with determination. They all believed in him, and for the first time, he believed in himself.
'I have to make this count,' he thought, his jaw setting with resolve. 'I can't let them down. I won't let them down.'
Midoriya shifted his stance, planting his feet firmly on the ground. His grip on the ball tightened as he adjusted his plan. He couldn't risk an all-out throw, his body wasn't ready for that yet. He needed precision, not brute force. The energy of One For All crackled brighter, green lightning dancing along his arm as he concentrated it into two fingers. The surge of power was immense, but he focused on containing it, shaping it.
'This is different from before,' he thought. 'I have to think like a hero, not just act like one.'
Instead of pulling his arm back for a full throw, Midoriya crouched lower, his body coiling like a spring. He visualized the path of the ball, imagining the force needed to propel it to its maximum potential. His fingers hummed with power, ready to release.
He took one last deep breath, and as he exhaled, everything clicked into place. 'Now.'
With a fierce flick of his two fingers, Midoriya released the ball. The energy of One For All exploded outward in a concentrated shockwave, rippling through the air as the ball shot forward. It wasn't just raw power, it was precise, refined, and deliberate. The ground beneath him trembled slightly from the force, but Midoriya remained steady, his focus unshaken.
The ball tore through the air, a streak of motion climbing higher and higher. The class stood frozen, their eyes wide as they tracked its trajectory. The green lightning that accompanied the throw faded, leaving behind nothing but the sound of the wind as the ball soared farther than anyone had expected.
Finally, it began to descend, landing with a faint yet decisive thud far in the distance. Aizawa's phone beeped, displaying the result: 1,380.8 meters.
The silence lasted only a moment before the class erupted into cheers and exclamations.
"He beat Bakugo by just 0.8 meters!" Kaminari shouted, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief.
"That's so manly!" Kirishima added, grinning broadly.
"..." Bakugo said nothing as his mouth was open in absolute shock.
"Ja, ja, the quiet ones always surprise you, don't they?" Pandora quipped, his grin wide and gleaming. He gave Bakugo a teasing bow. "Perhaps next time, Bakugo-kun."
Satoru said nothing, but his gaze lingered on Midoriya, the faintest hint of approval crossing his otherwise stoic face.
"Ah, magnifique!" Yuga chimed in, twirling dramatically. "A performance worthy of the grandest stage!"
Ochaco pumped her fists into the air, her grin wide. "You did it, Deku! That was amazing!"
Midoriya lowered his hand, panting slightly as the pain in his fingers pulsed faintly. Sweat dripped from his brow, but he didn't care. He stared at the result, his heart swelling with relief, pride, and something else, hope.
'I did it,' he thought, tears prickling the corners of his eyes. 'I really did it.'
Midoriya straightened slightly, his legs trembling but firm beneath him. He turned to Aizawa, meeting his gaze with newfound determination. The green lightning of One For All had faded, leaving behind only the resolute spark in his eyes.
"You see?" he said, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "I'm still standing."
Aizawa raised an eyebrow, his expression neutral but betraying a flicker of something else, curiosity? Respect? His scarf shifted slightly as he crossed his arms, observing the boy before him. "This kid..." he muttered under his breath, the corners of his mouth twitching as if considering a smirk.
From his hidden vantage point, All Might gripped the edge of the building he was hiding behind, his wide grin nearly splitting his face. 'Young man,' he thought, the pride in his chest swelling like a tidal wave. 'I was worried about you, but you're doing a great job.'
All Might's inner monologue continued, his mind racing with admiration. 'You knew you had to use One For All, but not at full power, or you'd be out cold. So instead, you thought it through, calculated it, and managed not only to stay standing but to minimize injury to yourself while maximizing the throw.'
His grin widened as he chuckled silently. 'What the heck, young Midoriya? How did you go and get so cool?!'
The air around the training ground buzzed with excitement. Cheers erupted from the class as the reality of Midoriya's feat sank in.
"He actually did it!" Mina shouted, her eyes sparkling with awe. "He beat Bakugo!"
"That was insane!" Kaminari added, pumping his fists. "Midoriya really pulled it off!"
Even Iida, typically reserved, adjusted his glasses and nodded approvingly. "Impressive work, Midoriya. Truly a display of both intellect and determination."
Ochaco beamed, her enthusiasm contagious. "Deku! That was amazing! You're incredible!"
Midoriya could barely register the noise. His heart pounded as he basked in the moment. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged.
But the moment of triumph didn't last long.
Bakugo still standing frozen, his crimson eyes locked on the display reading 1,380.8 meters. His face contorted in disbelief, the cheers around him sounding muffled and distant.
"What the hell was that?" he muttered under his breath. His fists clenched as his body trembled, not from fear but from unrelenting rage. Sparks erupted from his palms as his face twisted into a snarl.
"DEKU!" he bellowed, his voice shaking the ground with its fury. "You bastard!"
Midoriya turned just in time to see Bakugo charging toward him, his right hand raised and sparking dangerously.
"Deku!" Bakugo roared. "Tell me how you did that, or you're dead!"
Midoriya's eyes widened in terror as he stumbled back, his arms flailing. "W-Wait, Kacchan! It's not what you think! I swear-!"
Before Aizawa could step in, something metallic glinted in the air. Chains, glowing and ethereal, snaked out of nowhere, wrapping around Bakugo's arms and torso. The fiery boy was yanked to a halt mid-sprint, his body immobilized as the chains coiled tighter.
"What the hell?!" Bakugo thrashed and struggled, sparks bursting from his palms. "Let me go, you bastards! Why the hell are these chains so strong?!"
Satoru stepped forward, his crimson eyes calm but unwavering. His hand flicked slightly, and the chains responded, tightening just enough to stop Bakugo's movements without causing harm. "Calm yourself, Bakugo," he said, his voice steady. "My quirk isn't just for attack or defense. It's also for apprehension. You won't break free unless I let you."
Pandora, walking alongside his brother, smirked and clasped his hands behind his back. "Mein Freund," he said with an exaggerated sigh, "you must learn to channel all that passion of yours into something… productive, ja?"
"Shut up, you freak!" Bakugo snarled, still struggling against the chains.
Satoru's gaze didn't waver. "You're only wasting your energy. Settle down, or I'll have to apply more force."
Bakugo growled, his rage boiling over. "I don't need some fancy chains to teach me discipline! Let me go!"
Pandora tilted his head, his golden eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, but wouldn't that be terribly boring? This way, we can all enjoy your tantrum without any unfortunate explosions."
The class watched in stunned silence, the scene unfolding like something out of an action movie.
"Those chains are incredible!" Kaminari whispered, his jaw dropping.
"More like terrifying," Mina added, shuddering slightly. "Satoru doesn't mess around."
Yuga, as dramatic as ever, struck a pose. "Behold the dance of discipline and fury! Such passion! Such restraint!"
Ochaco leaned closer to Midoriya, her voice low and worried. "Are you okay, Deku? That looked scary."
"I… I think I'm okay," Midoriya replied, still catching his breath. His eyes darted to Satoru and Pandora. "They… they stopped him. Just like that."
Aizawa's voice cut through the tension. "Enough."
His red eyes narrowed as he glanced at Satoru, then at Pandora. The chains released Bakugo instantly, retracting into glowing wisps before disappearing entirely. Bakugo stumbled slightly, his fists still clenched, but he didn't make another move.
Aizawa stepped closer, his expression as impassive as ever. "If you can't control your emotions, Bakugo, you'll never be ready to handle real pressure. Keep that in mind."
Bakugo glared at Aizawa but didn't respond. His hands still sparked faintly, but the fight in him seemed to simmer down, at least for now.
Midoriya exhaled a shaky breath, relief washing over him. He glanced at Satoru, who gave him a subtle nod, and at Pandora, whose grin was both reassuring and mischievous.
"You're full of surprises, Midoriya," Pandora said with a wink. "Keep it up."
Aizawa let out a low sigh, rubbing his temples. "This isn't a soap opera. We're done with the theatrics." He turned his sharp gaze to the rest of the class. "Heroes don't get to pick and choose when they push through. Injured or not, the job doesn't stop. Take this as a lesson: the world won't wait for you to recover. We're continuing the tests."
The murmurs among the students settled as Aizawa gestured for them to gather back into formation. Midoriya, still nursing his injured fingers, gulped but nodded to himself. He would endure this. He had to.
50-Meter Dash
"First event: 50-meter dash," Aizawa announced, holding up his tablet. "Line up in pairs and show me what you've got."
The students broke into murmurs of excitement and nervousness as the track unfolded.
"Uraraka and Asui, you're up first," Aizawa called.
Ochaco took her place on the starting line next to Tsuyu, her nerves evident in her clenched fists. "Let's do our best, Tsu!"
"Ribbit," Tsuyu replied with a small smile.
With the starting signal, the two girls took off. Tsuyu leaped forward with incredible speed using her powerful legs, crossing the finish line in 5.6 seconds. Ochaco, using her zero-gravity quirk to lighten herself, managed an impressive 7.2 seconds.
The other students followed, each showing their quirks' versatility. Iida, with his engines roaring, clocked in at a blazing 3.04 seconds, leaving everyone in awe.
"That's ridiculous!" Kaminari exclaimed, staring at Iida's time.
"Man, what a beast!" Kirishima added.
Midoriya stood off to the side, his injured hand tucked close to his chest. He knew his turn was coming, and he wasn't sure how he'd manage to match everyone's performances.
When it was finally Midoriya's turn, he was paired with Satoru. The stoic Suzuki brother stepped up to the line with calm confidence, his chains humming faintly around him like a protective aura.
"You ready, Midoriya?" Satoru asked, glancing at him.
Midoriya gulped but nodded. "Y-Yeah."
"Then let's give it our all."
The signal blared, and they were off. Satoru's chains propelled him forward, giving him a time of 4.9 seconds. Midoriya, though trailing behind, dug deep and pushed his legs as hard as he could, managing a respectable 7.8 seconds.
"You're holding up," Satoru said as they walked back. His tone was neutral, but there was a trace of approval in his eyes.
Grip Strength Test
For the grip strength test, the students took turns squeezing a device that measured their power. Some results were unexpected, as a student named Shōji Mezō 540 kg made everyone gasp, while Mina's acidic touch left the device steaming. Bakugo shattered his meter with an explosive spark, his grin smug as ever.
Midoriya, still nursing his injury, struggled to maintain a decent score. He managed to squeeze out a modest 56 kg. It wasn't impressive, but it wasn't the worst either.
"Keep at it, Midoriya-kun," Pandora chimed in, clapping. "You're improving step by step."
Standing Long Jump
The standing long jump was a display of mobility and creativity. Iida, with his engines, cleared the distance with ease. Tsuyu leaped effortlessly like a frog, and Ochaco floated gracefully across the platform, earning a round of cheers.
When it was Midoriya's turn, he focused on his legs, channeling the faintest hint of One For All. With a burst of energy, he managed to launch himself farther than he'd expected, clearing the gap.
Repeated Side Steps
The repeated side steps were a grueling test of agility. Bakugo, fueled by his anger, darted back and forth with near-blinding speed, scoring one of the highest counts. Kaminari's electric bursts gave him an edge, though he nearly tripped over himself a few times.
Midoriya's legs burned, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through. He wasn't the fastest, but he was determined not to fall behind.
Ball Throw (Other Students)
The ball throw continued, with each student showcasing their creativity. Kaminari, a student with an electricity-based quirk, though its drawback often leaves him temporarily dazed, infused his throw with an electric charge, causing the ball to arc wildly before landing at 482 meters. Yuga, ever the showman, added a dramatic sparkle to his ball with his quirk, though it ultimately landed at a modest 240 meters.
"Magnifique, no?" he said with a flourish, though no one seemed overly impressed.
Ochaco's earlier throw to infinity remained the highlight, leaving everyone in awe.
As the tests concluded, Aizawa tapped on his tablet, and a hologram projection appeared in front of the students. The scores for all eight tests lit up on the screen, and the ranking system displayed each student's total performance.
Midoriya's heart pounded as his eyes scanned the list. His name was at the very bottom. Dead last.
His chest tightened as a wave of despair washed over him. His legs felt weak, and his mind spiraled with thoughts of failure. 'I'm at the bottom… I'm going to be expelled. After all this hard work, all the sacrifices…'
Images of his mom's smiling face, All Might's encouragement, and the belief of everyone who had supported him flashed through his mind. He felt a lump form in his throat. 'I'll have to go home and tell them I failed. That I wasn't good enough.'
The sound of Aizawa's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "And I was lying," he said plainly, his tone dry and unbothered. "No one's going home."
The class froze in stunned silence, their wide-eyed stares fixed on Aizawa.
"WHAT?!" the collective outburst echoed, reverberating through the training ground.
Aizawa raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly. "That was just a rational deception to ensure you gave it your all during the tests. A little pressure works wonders."
The silence returned, but this time it was accompanied by a series of blank stares as the realization sank in.
"Wait, WHAT?!" Kaminari shouted, throwing his hands in the air. "You mean no one was ever getting expelled?!"
"I'm surprised the rest of you didn't figure that out," Momo Yaoyorozu said, crossing her arms and glancing at her classmates. "It seemed obvious from the beginning. I suppose I should've said something earlier. My apologies."
Kirishima blinked. "Wait, what? You knew?!"
"Indeed," Momo replied, her expression calm and composed. "It's only logical. U.A. isn't in the habit of wasting potential."
Pandora, ever theatrical, placed a hand on his chest and added with a playful grin, "Ah, but of course, some of us recognized it from the start! It was a test within a test. A delightful bit of misdirection, ja? Classic psychological tactics. Magnificent!"
The students turned to Pandora with varying degrees of incredulity.
Satoru, standing beside him, nodded silently, though his thoughts were elsewhere. 'Wait… did I know that?' His crimson gaze remained steady, his nod merely an automatic response as his inner thoughts churned. 'No, I definitely didn't notice. But I'm not going to let that show now.' He kept his composure, letting Pandora soak up the attention while he maintained his calm, collected façade.
"Y'all could've said something!" Kaminari exclaimed, his voice full of exasperation.
Mina crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "Yeah, seriously! We were out here thinking this was life or death!"
Ochaco, still processing, looked at Midoriya, who was staring at the hologram in stunned silence. "Deku… are you okay?"
Midoriya blinked, his gaze shifting to Ochaco. "I… I think so?" His voice was shaky as relief started to seep in, but the weight of his emotions still lingered.
Aizawa sighed and rubbed his temples. "Enough whining. You all pushed yourselves, and that was the point. Heroes don't get to slack off when lives are at stake."
His gaze shifted briefly to Midoriya, who was still clutching his injured hand. "Even if you're hurt, the world won't stop. Remember that."
The class quieted, the gravity of his words sinking in. Even Bakugo, still fuming over his close loss to Midoriya, said nothing, though sparks still danced at his fingertips.
Aizawa adjusted his scarf and glanced at the group. "That's the end of class. Head back to the classroom, pick up a syllabus, and read it over before tomorrow. Things are only going to get harder from here."
The students exchanged glances, some relieved, others groaning at the mention of more preparation.
"You'll have three years of this. Challenges, pressure, and moments when you'll think you can't push any further. But if you want to be heroes, you'll go beyond. Plus Ultra, right?"
The class nodded, their determination reignited.
As the hologram faded and the students began to disperse, Pandora walked up to Midoriya with a gleeful smile. "Midoriya-kun, you were magnificent today! Truly, a spectacle worthy of song!"
Satoru stood nearby, his arms crossed. "You have a lot to work on, but you've proven you can adapt under pressure. That's more important than raw strength."
Midoriya's chest swelled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said, his voice earnest.
Ochaco, standing nearby, gave him a big grin and a thumbs-up. "You did great, Deku! I knew you had it in you!"
Iida adjusted his glasses and nodded. "Well done, Midoriya. Your strategy and perseverance were commendable."
Bakugo, however, stalked past with a low growl, not sparing Midoriya even a glance. "Tch. You got lucky, Deku," he muttered under his breath.
As the class began walking back, Aizawa approached Midoriya, pulling something from his pocket. He handed Midoriya a small pass with a curt nod not before glancing briefly at the Suzuki brothers walking away.
"Take this and go have the old lady fix you up," he said, his tone flat but not unkind. "Things are going to be tougher tomorrow when your actual training begins. Make sure you're prepared."
Midoriya stared at the pass, then looked up at Aizawa. "Th-Thank you, sensei."
Aizawa gave him a long look before walking away, his scarf trailing behind him.
Midoriya clenched the pass in his hand as he watched the others move ahead. 'I managed to make it through the first day,' he thought, his emotions swirling. 'But there was so much I completely failed at. I've still got a whole lot to learn if I'm going to achieve my dream.'
As he took his first step toward the nurse's office, his resolve burned brighter than ever.
Authors Note - Hey Guys! I know It was only Midoriya's POV this time BUT I wanted to give yall how our favorite Overlord and his dramatic creation look from an outside perspective! Very interesting and as you you guys may have noticed, with them both now in the class, the timeline is subtly shifting as you read In this chapter and the previous one. Kirishima is introduced more, Bakugos conflicts with Satoru in the classroom, Fumikage(the bird-looking student) is wary of Satoru, Todoroki now has a disdain for Pandora during the test, Bakugo & Izuku both get higher scores on the test due to the Suzuki Brothers influence and presence. And more if you haven't noticed! It's been very interesting and exciting writing all these scenes and changes now happening to the mha anime timeline! And I cant wait for yall to keep reading and see what else starts to change! Now lets move on to the reviews and questions!
Also the words in bold are my answers to your reviews guys!
CriticaofRandomness - "inb4 they get the suspicion of being the traitors" Whaattt do you ever meannn? *gasp*
E - too long of a review to copy and I didn't want to up the word count just because of a review so just going to say I did fix the name Satoru Suzuki throughout the chapters! Also about you saying his choice to be in life school being strange well I intended to explore a more humanizing side of Momonga-sama being in a new world where his usual tactics and mindset might not immediately work. That being said, I could've used a more buildup or explanation on that and I might look into the future of maybe adding that in the earlier chapter but as for now It'll stay as is. Your idea of him working as a vigilante or testing the waters in the underground before fully committing to school life is pretty interesting so I'll look more into that for future chapters!
For'Sleep 3rd - "...I be honest... I don't like it when Momonga is care or befriend Izuku" WELLL who says they will stay friends!
m92322918 - "What is the purpose of a super power if you don't use it? I was hoping to see Ainz use tigh tier spells like reality Slash call greater thunder and others and Pandora mimic the other supreme beings forms ." Well if he used reality slash, a LITERALL 10th tier spell THAT IS BASICALLY THE POWER OF GODS! it would be too overpowered and broken to use during the entrance exam. As well as greater thunder since he can only have one quirk because it would be too much suspicion if he starts using all type of spells and powers. Momonga-sama would rather not have the whole world coming after him for his power or accidentally starting a religion like he did in the novels hahhaha
Jpx0999 - "for the sake of plot and narrative reaons its INEVITABLE the secret about what ainz and pandora are will come out eventually,the only question is how and when later into the story?soon? will it be a good thing? a bad one? who knows but OverlordFanficMaker" Exactly my Overlord reader! Only I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXTTT MUAH HAHAHHAA
Anoynim - "I would like translation for Pandora please x). Also the part of"how can he be better than the original it's like he know better than them? " It's like a racial trait lmao xd and also Pandora is highly intelligent by default. Anyway I can't wait to see Pandora transform into a character like Shoto and make his ultimate to freeze with a 2km radius like in the final arc or something when he transform for the first time lol. Or just transform into momo and finally have imagination and creativity to use her quirk correctly (perfect versatility quirk) and also enable creation of rare yggdrasil material to make scrolls or magic items (potions/hyper rare metals... Etc) golds to make summoning mercenary npc. Data crystal to make equipments or upgrade them (maybe not but the possibility is here). Just the fact that he can create a lot of common material without limit (food) is OP" Yes I will add translation at the end of chapters in the future ones! AND DRUM ROLLLL, YOU GUESSED RIGHT ABOUT THE RACIAL TRAIT AND HIM BEING A SMARTY PANTS! And to add to your exciting guesses only time will tell!
0bama - "Good chap. Aoyama and PA was a duo I did not expect to work so well" Thank you man and I thought the same thing but when you realize both of there obsessions for dramatic flair, then it all comes together.
Some1call4MR-E - "..." Your review was really long where you talk about the standards about the amount of people within the classroom well dont worry! I already removed two characters within the classroom. Mineta and Koda. Also yes his role model is All Might but now with the Suzuki brothers in play he has two more role models to look up too and push him to go BEYOND PLUS ULTRA!
Solidox - "These are quick updates, man! Another good chap, happy to see more :)" Of course man! and happy to see everyone enjoying them!
antonioranza - "AHAHAHAHAHAH Top story may friend please continiu this project" AHHAHAHAAH YES MY FRIEND I WILL CONTINUE PROJECT!
Lordylen - "I love this going great so far." Thank you man! Means a lot to me!
KHARAKI TAKAN - "Interesting read, also been a neat read. Poor Mineta and Koda. Though. Koda has such a unique ability. I understand dropping Mineta due to his personality and his quirk is meh." Very interesting indeed, and yeah those two were the ones I decided to remove the story due to Mineta being Mineta and also Koda literally not coming out in the manga for over 100 chapters :/ so not much of significance he adds in the original story.
zakan chapter - "Great chapter!" WELL YEAH MAN!
KHARAKI TAKAN - "Sweet chapter." WELL YEAH MAN! x2
Jpx0999 "i can already see it,shota try to deactivate susukis quirk only for it to fail even tough it is CLEARY a emmiter type" WELLL If your reading this review it means you saw what happened in this chapter lol
Solidox - "Peak so far. Ein Meisterwerk das mir den Tag gerettet hat! Man I can't wait! How you keep pumping these chapters out is also astounding. Also, since Pandora can read thoughts, I wonder how you'll implement that in certain scenarios. Good work!" Natürlich, Mann! My secret is my pure fire-burning obsession with Overlord and of course, coffee! and well if your here at the end then you probably saw hints and there of Pandoras mind reading throughout this chapter!
weirdgirl332 - "I really like how you are not just retelling canon with Ainz and Pandora shoehorned in. Like, them being there is causing people to react different while still advancing the story. And him just skimming an important paper that he should have read more carefully is so in character that I just had to laugh" I love it too! I see so many fanfictions where they only add in the characters without actually changing the timeline or plot and just go through the story with them as basically glorified background characters and it hurts my writer's heart!
Weebsweb - "Thanks for the chapter! Dark Shadow probably senses the bone daddy's dark aura." OF COURSE, ONLY THOSE WHO DWELL INTO THE DARK ARTS ARE ABLE TO SENSE THE ABSOLUTE POWER OF AURA OUR UNDEAD OVERLORD SEEMS TO RADIATE!
Authors Note - Well that is the end of the reviews and questions guys! Now I gotta focus a little more on my other fanfiction because I'm getting to immersed in writing this one haha and If you have any more questions about the characters or anything in general, just write a review and ill answer them every 2-3 chapters!
ALSOO just wanted to throw out there I will be going on a trip for a while out of country so I might not upload a chapter for a MAX of 10 days maybe less If I get some writing time over there but If not then 10 days starting now! So I apologize for that in advance since my upload schedule has been 1-2 days for each chapter but besides that peace out guys Ill catch you in the next chapter!
Authors Note - I made a DISCORD so yall could join if you want to become a beta reader, send in reviews, or just get updated on upcoming chapter!
Gb9hmzqk Just copy paste those letters into discord and you'll join through the invite!