Izuku was the first student to enter Nezu's office. Alongside him were two men he met in the police station. The principal put aside his papers to greet his student.
"Am I a bear? Or rat? A dog? Wrong! I am the principle."
"Hello, everyone."
"Hello, young Midoriya. How do you like this shcool?"
"Less people look at me the wrong way compared to my previous one, so I would sat this is an improvement." Izuku tried to lighten up the mood.
"I have summoned you here because of unique circumstances regarding your quirk. This... gentleman from HPSC came in and informed me about the quirk repossession program they are about to start."
"So soon?" Yagi was surprised. "It's barely been a week since the incident."
"You'd be surprised how fast officials do their job when there is a right incentive. Midoriya."
"Y-Yes?"
"As core part of the program, you will be extracting their quirks to let our researchers study possible side effects."
"Speaking of side effects, what happened to that goop fellow?" Toyomitsu wondered.
"He was quite flabbergasted to a have quirkless body and very eager to get it back. Still, they haven't found evidence of long term damage in the few hours he was in that state."
"That's reassuring, I suppose."
"And at the same time, frightening." Toshinori looked at Sato with suspicion.
"We are also extremely interested in practical applications of quirk transfers. Heroes would be a lot more efficient and flexible if they could use other quirks depending on the situation."
"Which is why they are asking UA heroics course to participate in their program." Nezu picked up. "They want to test the grounds with people mixing and potentially combining their quirks."
The blond man tried to best not to cringe at these words.
"But why did you bring me here?"
"You will have to periodically visit Tartarus, extract quirks and try your best to convince other people to use them. We can't exactly force them to do it, so we are telling you this now so you have to prepare."
"I don't know. It feels like we are putting the kid under too much stress." Tasishiro commented.
"I'll... I guess I can try. Toshinori-san, what do you think All Might would do?"
"Hmm. Let me think..."
"Jesus. I hope I'm not prepraring the rise of the new All For One!"
"I think he would prioritise being as helpful as possible. If heroes can save more lives with your help, then you probably should provide it." Blond man answered.
"I think it's best you try to use your Collection during the practical lessons more. Let them get used to the idea that quirks can be moved around." The principal spoke.
"Why not just give the quirks to already estbalished heroes?"
"For now it's better to test the waters in a safe and controllable environment. UA has Eraserhead and Recovery Girl, so chances of unforseen consequences getting out of control are at their lowest here."
"Alright."
"Splendid. I'll come back in a few days to pick up and start the first stage. Until then, goodbye."
Yagi volunteered to lead Izuku to the dorms, while Fatgum brought Katsuki to the room to discuss his apparent behavioral issues.
On their way to the dorm, Toshinori handed over the signed photograph.
"You father asked me to get this."
"Thank you very much!" The biy basically ripped the photograph from the man's arms.
"You are welcome."
"Toshinori-san, how does it feel working with All Might? You must feel honored."
"It's not as exciting as you think. He just offloads all the paperwork on me while doing all the hard stuff like combating the villains. Not that I blame him, of course. I knew what I was signing up for."
"All Might. Why did he decide to take up teaching?"
"Well, he is not getting any younger. Sooner or later he will have to retire. Might as well use his vast experience to teach you zygotes how to handle yourselves."
"I can't begin even begin to imagine what would happen if he were to retire."
"Don't think about it too much, young Midoriya. You have your own problems to worry about."
"Right. By the way, why are you here in person?"
"I will be teaching as well. Mostly boring stuff like hero laws and paperwork filling. Most beginning heroes can't afford outsourcing and have to do everything themselves."
"Makes sense. What is your quirk?" Midoriya subconsciously pulled out his notebook.
Yagi coughed out blood.
"Oh my God! Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I'll need to visit Recovery Girl later." He wiped his mouth with a sleeve. "As for my quirk, I don't have one."
"Oh, I'm sorry for asking then. It must be an unpleasant topic for you."
"I got used to it eventually. I may not be a hero, but I'm still trying my best to help the world around me."
"Inspirational! No wonder All Might hired this guy."
"Do you think All Might will like me?" Boy sounded hopeful.
"After seeing you go out of your way to save an innocent life? I have no doubts."
"Thank you! Hey, maybe I could give you one of the quirks from the villains."
"Heh. How ironic."
"I'll pass. Those quirks would be more useful on actual heroes in the making."
Everyone has already chose a room and moved their belongins, so only two boxes were left. Izuku picked up his and moved towards his room. After setting things up, it was time to learn more about his classmates. A few of them were playing cards in the living room, others were exericising outside and the rest were still doing their own thing within their rooms. Midoriya decided he might as well start with the players.
Itsuka, Daigo, Camie and Ochako were playing Texas Hold em with plastic chips. The green head asked them if he could join. Several rounds went with no real progress for any of them.
"So, how did you guys do in the practical tests?" Kendou tried to spark on a conversation. "Not meaning to brag, but my fists made short work of the robots. Bet."
"So did the Diver. Call."
"That's lit, guys!" Camie said in excitement. "I had to work my butt off to get through this stupid test, and even then I was almost last. If not for rescue points, I'd totes be out of this course. Fold."
"No wonder she looks so athletic."
"Yeah, I noticed how this test favors quirks with combat applications." Ochako commented. "I had to work hard too. Calling."
"Couldn't you just remove the robots' gravity and let them crash down?" Blond boy asked.
"I had the same quesion." Izuku commented as he contemplated whether to call or quit.
"I suffer from nausea when affecting heavy objects or myself. Half of my points came from rescue."
"Fold." Midoriya nonchalantly put his notebook on the table and started jotting down. "Her quirk has a mass limitbutIsuspect..."
"Wow, the you aren't even trying to be subtle." Red head said.
"Kinda creepy NGL." The illuionist tapped her cheek.
"Oh? Sorry!" He immediately put it away. "I was just thinking about ways to work around Uraraka's issue."
"I'll have to write this later."
4th card was added to the flop.
Bakugou loudly barged into the building carrying his box. He threw particularly spiteful looks and Brando and Midoriya before leaving to find his room.
"What's with angry pomeranian?"
"I bet he's angry I scored higher than him today, ha ha!"
"He's been praised a lot when we grew up and he doesn't like when someone steals the spotlight from him."
"He's going to be a fun guy to be around, isn't he?" Red head sighed.
"Like I was saying, I've been thinking about ways to circumvent the weaknesses of Zero Gravity." Izuku threw some chips as intitial bet. "Have you tried to affect an object partially? Like only removing the pull from half of an objects mass?"
"It depends on the object in question." Uraraka responded. "I can do it on things comprised of smaller pieces put together, like a buttons on a shirt. However, if the object is technically a single piece, be it a coin, then it's all or nothing"
"Interesting."
"At least your power looks cool." Kendou checked. "Mine is a textbook example of boring but practical."
"It certainly beats boring AND impractical." Daigo stood up and pushed all of his chips into the common pool before sitting back down. "All in."
Everyone was surprised.
"What about you, hot stuff? So far your quirk looks cool but functions like a basic punch guy." The fawn haired girl folded
"I do not see my quirk as invincible or infalliable, but it gets the job done."
"Guess that means we are in the same boat." Karateka frowned in frustration. "AA! Take it!"
The boy snapped his fingers, causing the Diver to appear above the table and scoop the chips.
"You guys are waaay too easy." He smiled.
Iida entered the room looking exhausted. He saw the poker players and started berating them about gambling.
"Chill, dude. We're just having fun." Camie pouted.
"Yeah, it's not like we are betting actual money." Ochako looked at her awesome cards.
Annoyed Tenya walked away, commenting that they should have been training like him.
"Jesus, why can't this guy be like his brother?" Daigo asked as he put the inital few chips.
"Hold on a sec. You know Ingenium?" Camie folded instantly.
"Not in person, but his sidekicks visit my orhpahange every month. They always tell us how he's an upbeat and lively guy. I guess apples fell at opposite sides of a tree."
"I raise!" Uraraka rdid just that.
"Guys, this may be is a dumb question, but why do you wish to be heroes?" Midoriya reluctantly called.
"My dad always said I should be strong to be able to protect people close to me, but I think he was thinking small. I should be strong so I can protect anyone who can't fend for themselves. My martial arts skills and my quirk mix perfectly for this. Fold"
"Standard stuff for me: money, respect, adoration." Brando threw away his cards. "I guess garbage is bound to show up right after a great high."
"Pops works in police, and I always wanted be like him. He told me I should be a hero since my quirk is fire. I hope to bring changes that let officers like him use their quirks in the line of work. Fold." Utsushimi sounded uncharacteristically serious.
"That is so noble!" Space girl poked her fingers together. "My family... was never well off. I want to be a hero to make sure they have a good life and retirement they deserve. Check."
"There is absolutely nothing wrong with that." The blond said. "People don't really give a damn about motives. They only care about results."
"Yeah, yeah..." Midoriya called.
"Does this mean the two of them wouldn't be heroes if they had more money?" He contemplated for a second.
Second and third round went with more bets and calls. Green head kissed his lucky dime for good fortune. It was time for a showdown! Both Izuku and Ochako had a straight, but his was higher.
"Sweet!" He pulled the chips with Attraction, which took a lot more time than just using two hands.
Third game started with Camie.
"You know, guys, I've been thinking. That Shinsou dude looks a noodle. How did he manage pass the practical test?" She wondered.
"Are you mad because he scored higher than you?" Ochako asked while calling.
"I'm not salty, ok? Just curious."
"Present Mic told everyone that using quirks against other participants is prohibited." Izuku called too.
"This means brainwashing others would have been cheating. Call."
"Note to self: ask him about it later."
"It's only cheating of you get caught" Daigo laughed. "Eh, what the hell! All in!"
Everybody bar Camie folded. Another showdown! The girl had a flush but the boy had quads, taking all of her chips away.
"You though I was bluffing? Sucks to be you!"
"Phooey..."
Author's note: I've decided on two quirks Izuku will get first. Do you have ideas for a third (emitter) one?