- .My Hero Academia: 180 degrees. -
33. Where All Might worries about Midoriya, Uraraka runs into someone from her past, Twice argues with his clone, and Bakugo faces a barrier preventing him from taking the exam.
Toshinori stood before the large tinted window, watching the expansive field where the UA entrance exam trials would begin in just a few minutes. The sky was clear, but the atmosphere was thick with tension. Eager students, some with bright dreams and others with fears masked as determination, were preparing for what would be their first major challenge.
As his eyes scanned the grounds, his mind drifted to a recent memory in Hatsume's workshop.
—Young Midoriya's shoes and gloves need to be able to withstand high levels of power — Toshinori had said with a serious tone that conveyed his concern — Don't spare any materials; I'll handle the costs later.
—Don't worry, All Might — Hatsume had assured him with a confident smile, pushing up her goggles to reveal a spark of excitement in her eyes — If Midoriya's going to be your successor and I'm his go-to mechanic, we'll guarantee his safety and success, no matter the cost.
Hatsume's confidence was unwavering. Though Toshinori felt relieved, he still bore the weight of his responsibility — not only for Midoriya but for what he represented: the future of heroes.
His mind then wandered to another recent memory, this time at the temporary residence where he had invited young Todoroki for a meeting. Todoroki had reluctantly agreed, though his cold expression and obvious distrust were clear the moment he arrived.
—I should warn you, what I'm about to tell you may surprise you quite a bit — Toshinori had said, trying to prepare him — Are you sure you don't want to sit down?
Todoroki looked at him with indifference.
—I'm fine — Todoroki replied, seemingly doubtful that he could actually be surprised.
I'm certain Midoriya is his secret son. Now he just needs to explain why he abandoned him and where he's been all these years, Todoroki thought, hardening his expression and adding: And the nerve he has to smile at Midoriya that way.
Toshinori could sense Todoroki had his suspicions about his relationship with Midoriya, likely forming his own theories. Perhaps he thought there was some hidden bond between them. But what he was about to reveal would go beyond any theory Todoroki might have had.
—Alright, here goes… In reality, I am... — Toshinori's frail frame inflated in an instant — All Might!
The transformation was so sudden that Todoroki, in a rare moment of surprise, narrowed his eyes and slightly parted his lips. All Might held his heroic pose, waiting for more than just an initial shock, but Todoroki simply stood there, staring.
—Well, say something… — insisted All Might, maintaining his imposing stance.
Finally, Todoroki recovered his composure, covering his mouth.
—This explains… why you wanted to help Midoriya — Todoroki mused — After all, you're a hero who wants to help everyone.
—Yes, though to be honest, you were partially right — said Toshinori, relaxing his stance and stepping closer to place a hand on Todoroki's shoulder — My interest in young Midoriya goes beyond just my duty as a hero. I'll tell you everything, so you can understand me and help me with what's to come.
A soft hum brought him back to the present, pulling him out of his memories. Gran Torino's familiar voice sounded through the communicator in his ear.
—Hey, feeling nervous, Toshinori?
—I must admit, just a bit — he replied, his voice lower than usual — Young Midoriya will likely use One for All for the first time during these trials. And, though I trust him, I can't help but feel uneasy.
—The boy's smart — replied Gran Torino — He's adaptable and will learn to face whatever comes his way. That makes him strong, whether you believe it or not.
—I know — said Toshinori, rubbing his chin — but my biggest fear is that he might hurt himself. One for All is a vast power. Though his body is ready, and I've tried to guide him with care, I can't help but worry.
Gran Torino let out a short laugh.
—You sound like an overprotective parent, Toshinori.
Toshinori smiled slightly, recognizing the truth in his words.
—I suppose you're right. But I can't help it. He's more than just a successor to me… he's someone I truly want to protect.
There was a brief silence on the other end before Gran Torino, with a softer voice, added:
—I also… hope he doesn't get hurt.
...
30 Minutes Before the Exam
Uraraka gazed at her reflection in the train window, watching the blurred scenery rush by as the carriage sped along. The worry etched in her furrowed brow and tense lips was hard to miss.
No way! I overslept on such an important day!, she thought, closing her eyes and pressing her hands together in front of her face, trying to find some calm.
The train was unusually quiet that morning, with only the soft clattering of the tracks breaking the silence. She hadn't even had breakfast. Her parents were still sound asleep, enjoying their first day off after a grueling week at their new jobs. She couldn't blame them, of course, but it didn't change the fact that she was dangerously close to being late for the UA entrance exam.
Suddenly, her mind drifted to her conversation on the phone with Deku the night before.
—From what I've researched, considering the number of applicants and UA's acceptance rate, it's likely they'll put more weight on individual performance in the practical exam we know about— Deku had said, his voice serious and analytical as always. —So if we happen to see each other… maybe it's best to pretend we don't know each other to avoid being separated.
His words had sounded strange at the time, but now she understood. The exam would be a test of their personal skills, and any hint of familiarity or teamwork could be seen as an unfair advantage. Still, deep down, she hoped she'd spot Deku at some point. Just seeing him always gave her that extra boost to give it her all.
The train shook slightly, pulling her from her thoughts. She suddenly felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.
—Excuse me… —a soft voice called from behind her.
Her heart skipped a beat at the sight.
—D-Deku?!
But as she looked closer, she saw the confused face of a boy with black hair instead of the familiar green she'd expected.
—Huh? Me?— the boy took a step back, clearly taken aback by the way she'd called him—. Has someone actually called me that before? I guess I can be a bit clumsy, but…
Uraraka blinked several times, realizing her mistake. The boy in front of her wasn't Deku, although the resemblance was uncanny. She looked him over more closely, and suddenly, something clicked in her mind.
—S-Saito?! —she exclaimed, her voice full of surprise. He looked just too much like Deku.
—Oh, what a relief! Seems like you mistook me for someone else —he smiled, flashing a grin—. Yes, it's me, Saito.
—Sorry, I… I was really distracted —she quickly said, shaking her head to clear the memories that were threatening to flood her mind, especially that one of Toga, disguised as Saito, leaping off the school rooftop.
—I noticed. That's why I hesitated to approach. You seemed like you were deep in concentration—Saito crossed his arms—. I never got the chance to talk to you after… you know, when my parents transferred me to another school. But you're Uraraka Ochako, right? The friend of… that girl.
She nodded slowly, still trying to process the unexpected twist her morning had taken. How was it possible that, on such an important day, right before her exam, she'd run into Saito?
The train continued on, but the world around her felt like it had slowed down a bit.
...
One Hour Before
Twice stood beside Dabi when he felt his phone vibrate with an incoming call.
—Hold on a sec— he said, moving aside to answer.
—Sure —Dabi replied, not even glancing at him, his eyes fixed on the horizon as if he couldn't care less.
Twice brought the phone to his ear, feeling a bit curious.
—Hello? —he asked, expecting a familiar voice on the other end.
—Hey— a female voice responded, sounding relaxed but with an unsettling calmness that immediately put Twice on edge. —How are you?
—Is it you? —Twice's tone shifted, a mix of surprise and annoyance— I knew it was you!
—Yeah, it's me —his clone of Rei Todoroki replied just as calmly.
Twice's reaction was instant. He took a step back, trying to hold back the mix of shock and irritation flooding through him.
—You wanna tell me what the heck you've been up to?! You've been off the grid for days! I have no way of knowing what you're doing if you don't check in, and you haven't even replied to any messages! I was seriously worried!
On the other end, the clone let out a tired sigh, as if she was used to Twice's rants.
—That's exactly why I'm calling now. Listen, I'm going to be direct. I... I don't want to do this anymore. I'm tired of it all.
Twice blinked, confused.
—Tired? Tired of what exactly?
—The thing is, I've been having dreams lately that…
—Dreams?! Who gave you permission to dream?! Only the original has permission to dream!
—Let me finish! You're just stressing me out with all that yelling!
Twice could hear her chewing on something on the other end. Maybe a granola bar.
—Are you eating?! You don't need to eat! You're just a clone!
—Well, I've been doing it, and it feels good! And that's what I wanted to talk about. I'm done reporting to second-rate criminals every day. And besides, I already have everything I need and always wanted: Money, a nice Japanese-style home, a family that loves me, and, well... maybe some other things...
Twice narrowed his eyes, trying to process what he was hearing.
—Other... things? Oh no! Don't tell me you fell for Endeavor! I told you on that call that that was where I draw the line!
—Endeavor?! No way! That's horrifying!
—Well, at least we're on the same page there —Twice sighed, briefly relieved— You know very well I have a reputation to protect, and we can't have it getting around that my clones seduce heroes just to get information!
—I could if I wanted to! You're not the boss of me!
—What?! Are you saying you actually want to be with someone?
—That's... none of your business.
—You're out of your mind! —Twice calmed down a bit before adding— Is it... Endeavor's daughter? She's kinda cute... I saw in a magazine she's getting married soon, but... —Twice's voice rose again— With the body you have, she'd be your daughter, and that'd be really sick even for us! Why did you tell me that?! Now I won't be able to get it out of my head! You know this affects me worse than a normal person!
—It's not her! And it's really none of your business what I want! I just wanted to make it clear that you can't count on me anymore. I'm out.
—You can't decide that! You're my clone; you have to obey me!
—I don't want to. And I'm warning you, if I see you around here, I'll have to kill you. No one's taking away what I've got.
—Idiot! If you kill the original, you disappear too!
—Well, from what you told me back then, you're not even sure that you're the original.
Twice froze, his mind spinning as if his thoughts were crashing into each other with no coherent way out. He stammered, but no words came out sensibly. The clone had hit a sensitive nerve.
—Damn it! —Twice hung up angrily, frustrated.
He turned quickly, only to see Dabi watching him from nearby, wearing his usual indifferent look.
—Everything okay? —Dabi asked, his tone as detached as ever.
Twice scratched his head, still trying to process the conversation he just had.
—Um... Did you, uh... hear all of that?
—Yep. Looks like you're gonna need someone to help you take down that clone of yours.
Twice looked at him, surprised by the offer. Dabi wasn't the type to offer help without reason.
—Really? You'd do that for me?
—Sure. That's what friends are for...
Twice managed a small, nervous smile. Even though the situation worried him, knowing he wouldn't have to face it alone gave him a bit of relief.
—But... what about Shigaraki?
—Don't worry. We'll be back before he even notices we're gone.
...
Present
Izuku and Bakugo were seated on a long, metal bench right in front of the closed doors of the medical office within the facility. The air smelled strongly of disinfectant, and the distant echo of footsteps reverberated through the hallways. Each held a small piece of cotton over their arms, covering the spot where blood had been drawn. It was a minor detail, but Izuku couldn't shake the discomfort of sitting there in silence next to Kacchan.
—Why the hell do I always have to run into you? —grumbled Bakugo, scowling hard as he stared at the floor. Despite his fixed glare, he shot a quick glance at Izuku out of the corner of his eye, as if looking for any excuse to get even more annoyed—. And that damn new system! Blood and urine tests without warning! —he growled in irritation—. What the hell is that new principal thinking?
Izuku, with a nervous smile, tried to lighten the thick tension in the air. He carefully removed the cotton from his arm, wishing their atmosphere could be more relaxed—. Well, if we'd been warned, maybe… —he paused thoughtfully—, if someone had something to hide, they could've brought fake samples, like in the movies, right?
Bakugo let out a scoff, turning his gaze away as if Izuku's very presence only worsened his irritation. Before he could fire back with something laced in venom, a small robot bearing the UA logo floated over to them, its lights blinking in steady, mechanical pulses.
—Katsuki Bakugo? —said the robot, its voice metallic and precise.
Bakugo lifted his head, irritated—. Yeah, that's me —he replied in his usual tone of frustration.
—As part of the selection process, we've reviewed all applicants' school records —the robot continued in its monotone voice—. We found a report against you for bullying. Under the new policies set by the principal, I'm sorry, but you are not allowed to continue with the UA entrance examination, and you are requested to leave immediately.
Bakugo's body went rigid, springing to his feet as though he'd been electrocuted—. What kind of crap is this?! —he shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. Disbelief marked every movement as he clenched his fists.
—Please remain calm —said the robot, unaffected by Bakugo's anger—. Heroes must maintain an impeccable record from a young age. The cost of repairing the public image of heroes each year is astronomical. The Hero Association cannot afford to take risks with new heroes, no matter how well they scored on the written exam.
As it spoke, the robot printed a sheet from its mechanical chest, extending it toward Bakugo. He snatched it angrily and began to read through it quickly, his eyes narrowing with each line. Finally, he crumpled the paper tightly in his fist, turning it into a ball of crushed paper.
—If you're not willing to face the consequences, don't commit the offense —the robot concluded, preparing to turn and leave.
—Wait! —Izuku stood up suddenly, his heart pounding. He couldn't just let this happen—. That report... —his eyes widened with a flash of realization—. Was that report filed by... Inko Midoriya?
Bakugo froze, turning his head slowly toward Izuku with a mix of surprise and anger. The robot stopped in its tracks, its lights flashing rapidly as if processing the question.
—She's my mother —Izuku insisted, his hands trembling as he pulled out his student ID card—. Here's my ID! I'm Izuku Midoriya! There was a misunderstanding between Kacchan and me a while back, but we sorted it out. My mom... she's just overprotective. She worried too much at the time, but Kacchan and I... —his voice shook— We've always been childhood friends!
The robot scanned Izuku's ID, its lights blinking in a rhythmic pattern as it analyzed the information. Seconds passed slowly, filling the air with unbearable tension.
—This request cannot be processed. For further information... —began the robot, when suddenly a deep, tired voice interrupted.
—Let it go —the voice came from behind them, and both turned to see Principal Aizawa approaching, his hands in his pockets and his usual drowsy expression—.Earlier, during the interview, I noticed that this kid —he gestured lightly toward Izuku— isn't the type to let himself be bullied easily. He's probably telling the truth. It was likely just a problem between friends… who also happen to be rivals, isn't that right, Katsuki Bakugo?
Bakugo avoided his gaze, clenching his teeth, his pride and frustration holding him back.
—Understood —said the robot, backing away slightly—. Although, what's the point of programming me if you're just going to make your own decisions anyway? —it added in a mechanically sarcastic tone before turning and retreating, its lights dimming as it went.
Aizawa lingered for a moment, observing them with his usual neutral expression, though there was a subtle warning in his gaze.
—Make sure you don't cause any more trouble —he said firmly before leaving, leaving them alone once more.
The silence that followed was so heavy it seemed to envelop them. Izuku stared at the ground, struggling to find something to say after what had just happened, but his thoughts were a tangled mess.
—You and I both know we haven't been friends since we were four —Bakugo muttered suddenly, his voice low and full of a resentment that seemed to have been simmering for a long time.
Izuku pressed his lips together, feeling the weight of that truth, but he tried to stay calm—. I know… We're not friends, Kacchan. But —he looked down at his feet— I had to say it like that to make it believable.
Bakugo shot to his feet, his hands shoved in his pockets as he looked at him with a mix of anger and disdain.
—Did you want me to owe you a favor or something? I never asked you to help me! —Bakugo snapped, his voice growing louder—. You didn't help me! I still think you're a quirkless, clueless failure!
Bakugo's words hit Izuku like an invisible punch, but he held his ground, his voice cautious—. I didn't want you to owe me anything, Kacchan… I just… didn't want to see you lose your dream. Not over something that happened so long ago, and because... —he swallowed—, because I want you there, too, to show you that I can make it.
Bakugo looked at him for a moment longer, his eyes full of restrained fury, before he turned abruptly and walked away, his footsteps echoing loudly in the empty hallway.
Izuku stood there alone, watching the path where Kacchan had disappeared. He knew he'd done the right thing, but he couldn't shake the feeling that, once again, he had failed to understand or connect with him.
Though something Aizawa had said made him smile now.
Earlier, during the interview, I noticed that this kid isn't the type to let himself be bullied easily.
He was genuinely glad he no longer seemed like someone who could be easily victimized.
—That's great! —he said to himself with a big smile.
...
Author's Notes.-
Your comments are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.