Chapter Seven

Izuku Gojo strolled casually through the bustling corridors of UA High School, his new uniform crisp and his backpack slung over one shoulder. His white hair flowed smoothly, contrasting starkly against his blue round sunglasses that hid his eyes but not his confident smirk. The other students parted as he walked by, some whispering, others just staring at the new kid who had caused such a stir during the entrance exam.

Izuku's mind buzzed with excitement and a bit of nervousness, but he masked it well with his usual swagger. Reaching the door to Class 1A, he didn't hesitate. With a dramatic push, he flung the doors open and strode inside as if he owned the place.

"Hey guys, meet the future NO.1 hero!" he declared, his voice echoing in the spacious classroom. For a moment, there was a stunned silence as every pair of eyes turned towards him. Izuku felt a trickle of sweat form on his brow, but he didn't let it show. He stood tall, basking in the attention.

Then the whispers started.

"Is he the boy from that day?" someone near the front murmured.

"Yeah—Izuku Jojo or something. He broke the entrance exam record," another voice chimed in.

"No kidding, did you see how he just casually took down the Zero Pointer? He was like 'Hollow Purple—'"

"He didn't even break a sweat!"

"That move was insane."

"I heard he destroyed it with a single attack!"

The murmurs continued, growing louder as more students joined in. Izuku's smirk widened. He loved the attention, the awe in their voices. This was exactly what he had been aiming for.

But then, his eyes landed on someone: Katsuki Bakugou. His childhood friend, though Bakugou didn't know that. They had grown up together, but circumstances had separated them, and Izuku had taken on a new identity—Satoru Midoriya was now Izuku Gojo. Bakugou's intense gaze locked onto him, eyes narrowed, analyzing. There was no recognition there, just curiosity and a hint of annoyance.

Izuku ignored the stares and found a seat directly behind Bakugou. As he settled in, he noticed a tall boy with a robotic expression and glasses standing near Bakugou. The boy had been scolding Bakugou before Izuku's grand entrance, but now his attention shifted to the newcomer.

The boy with glasses adjusted them with a precise movement, then walked over to Izuku. "Hello, I am Tenya Iida. I apologize for having bad thoughts about you in the entrance exam," he said with a slight bow. "I misjudged the situation during the entrance exam. I thought helping others would be foolish, but it turns out I was the one who was mistaken."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by the formal apology. "No worries, Iida," he replied, waving his hand dismissively. "We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them, right?"

Iida nodded, looking somewhat relieved. "Yes, indeed. Thank you for understanding."

As Iida returned to his seat, the murmurs in the classroom began to die down, but the atmosphere remained charged with curiosity and excitement. Izuku leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head, looking every bit as relaxed and confident as he wanted to appear.

Bakugou turned around slightly, glancing at Izuku over his shoulder. "You better not get in my way, Jojo," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

Izuku grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it, blondy," he replied smoothly. "But don't be surprised if I end up surpassing you."

Bakugou's eyes narrowed further, a spark of anger flashing in them. "We'll see about that. And don't call me that. Name's Katsuki Bakugou."

Izuku leaned back, feeling the thrill of the moment. Bakugou's challenge echoed in his ears, but there was one thing he couldn't let slide. Leaning forward, he tapped Bakugou on the shoulder.

"It's Gojo, not Jojo," he corrected with a smirk. "Get it right, if you're going to be competing with me."

Bakugou's eyes flared with irritation, but he didn't get a chance to retort. The classroom door creaked open, and a girl with short brown hair and a bright, earnest expression stepped in. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on Izuku. A wide smile spread across her face as she hurried over to him.

"Hey! Gojo-san! You saved me during the entrance exam!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude. She stopped in front of his desk, her hands clasped together in front of her chest. "Thank you so much! I don't know what I would have done without you."

Izuku's confident facade softened slightly. He remembered her now—the girl trapped under the rubble, the panic in her eyes until he had stepped in. "No problem," he said, shrugging as if it were nothing. "Just doing what any future hero would do."

The girl blushed slightly, her admiration clear, extending a hand. "It's nice to know that you are a classmate."

"Same here," he replied, shaking her hand firmly.

As they exchanged pleasantries, the rest of the class watched with interest. Some of the whispers started up again, this time more approving.

"That's the girl he saved, right?"

"Yeah, I heard he was incredible during the exam."

Izuku couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. He'd come here to make an impression, and it was clear he had succeeded.

Just then, the door creaked open again, and the classroom was engulfed in a stunned silence. A caterpillar-like figure appeared at the entrance, inching its way inside. It was a bizarre sight, and everyone stared in bewilderment.

"What the heck is that?" someone whispered from the back.

"Is that a failed-lab-test-subject?" another student murmured, eyes wide with confusion.

"Is this some kind of hero test?" a voice speculated.

The whispers grew louder as the caterpillar moved further into the room. Suddenly, a zip down the middle of the creature opened, and a man with tired, half-lidded eyes stepped out.,

"Good morning," he said, his voice carrying a hint of irritation. "I'm your homeroom teacher Shota Aizawa and I am disappointed in you all for not noticing me earlier."

The room fell silent, the students exchanging nervous glances.

"You took ten seconds to settle down after I entered," Aizawa continued, his gaze sweeping across the room. "That's also disappointing. As aspiring heroes, you need to be more aware of your surroundings and ready to act immediately."

Aizawa reached into the caterpillar suit and pulled out a stack of gym uniforms. Without warning, he tossed one directly at Izuku, who caught it with ease, though he couldn't hide his surprise.

"You," Aizawa said, pointing at Izuku. "And the rest of you—meet at the training ground in ten minutes after changing into these gym uniforms."

The students scrambled to catch the uniforms as Aizawa threw them, each one more eager than the last to prove they could meet his expectations. Izuku glanced at his new uniform, then back at Aizawa, who was already turning to leave.

Ochaco, seated nearby, leaned over and whispered, "I guess this is how UA keeps us on our toes."

Izuku nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, and I'm ready for whatever they throw at us."

Bakugou, overhearing their exchange, scoffed. "Don't get too cocky, Gojo."

Izuku just smirked in response. "Wouldn't dream of it, Bakugou. See you out there."

The students of Class 1A gathered at the training ground, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. Aizawa stood before them, his expression as unreadable as ever. He let the silence hang for a moment, ensuring he had everyone's full attention before he spoke.

"Today, we will be conducting a quirk assessment test," Aizawa announced, his voice carrying authority. "This test will determine your abilities and where you stand among your peers. Let me make one thing clear: if you come in last, I have the power to expel you from this school. And I will do it."

A murmur of shock rippled through the students. Expelled? On the first day? The pressure was immediate and intense.

"For the first test," Aizawa continued, "we will be doing a ball throw. You'll use your quirks to see how far you can throw this ball. No stepping out of the circle."

He picked up a metallic ball and tossed it to Izuku. "Gojo, how far could you throw this ball in middle school without using your powers?"

Izuku caught the ball effortlessly, his blue sunglasses glinting in the sunlight. "I didn't go to a normal school," he replied, his smile gone for a moment. "There was no ball throwing test." 'There was only honing this body and fighting people all the time…'

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Fine. Then throw it now, with all your power, but do not leave the circle."

Izuku stepped into the circle, his overconfidence on full display. He turned the ball over in his hand, feeling the weight of it. The rest of the class watched in anticipation. Izuku smirked, his mind racing with possibilities. This was his moment to shine, to prove his worth right from the start.

.As Izuku confidently stepped into the circle, preparing to demonstrate the extent of his power, his mind raced through the intricate mechanics of his Cursed Technique, Limitless. With a smirk beneath his blue sunglasses, he tapped into the fundamental principles of spatial manipulation and energy control, honed through years of training and experimentation.

As he grasped the metallic ball in his hand, he visualized the intricate dance of negative points and singularities, envisioning the convergence of infinite series that would propel the ball beyond conventional limits. With a swift motion, he released the ball, simultaneously channeling his quirk's power into the space between himself and the object.

The air around him seemed to warp and bend as Izuku's quirk took hold, reducing the distance between the designated negative points to infinitesimal levels. This induced an exponential acceleration, akin to the gravitational pull near a black hole's event horizon, as the ball plummeted into the depths of manipulated space.

Simultaneously, Izuku infused the ball with additional energy, amplifying its kinetic force beyond what was physically possible. The combination of spatial manipulation and energy control created a perfect storm of propulsion, propelling the ball with unprecedented speed and force. A flash then there was a moment of silence before there was a loud boom.

The ground shook for a moment— those with long hair had been left with mesdy and untamed hair due to the air pressure and shear force behind it.

As the ball soared through the air, leaving a trail of shimmering energy in its wake, the handheld counter machine in Aizawa's hands beeped incessantly, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the force unleashed by Izuku's quirk. The numbers climbed higher and higher until they could no longer be contained within the confines of finite measurement, finally displaying the symbol of infinity.

"Infinity…" Aizawa was shocked— although he concealed it masterfully. Not even Thirteen could do it…

The students of Class 1A stood transfixed, their eyes wide with wonder and disbelief. The sheer magnitude of Izuku's demonstration left them speechless, their minds struggling to comprehend the scientific marvel unfolding before their eyes.

With a satisfied grin, Izuku turned to face his classmates, his confidence unshaken.

Whispers of awe and admiration echoed across the training ground, mingling with the sound of the beeping counter machine struggling to quantify the limitless power unleashed by Izuku's quirk. Some exchanged incredulous glances, their respect for Izuku's abilities growing with each passing moment.

Among the crowd, Bakugou and Todoroki stood, their expressions a mix of shock, envy, and begrudging respect. Bakugou's jaw clenched, his competitive spirit ignited by the undeniable display of power before him. He couldn't deny the impressive feat Izuku had just accomplished, but it only fueled his determination to surpass him.

Todoroki, usually composed and aloof, found himself equally stunned by Izuku's demonstration. The sheer control and mastery of his quirk were unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Despite his stoic demeanor, a flicker of uncertainty crossed Todoroki's features as he contemplated the implications of Izuku's unparalleled abilities.

As the test continued, the weight of Izuku's demonstration lingered in the air, casting a shadow over the rest of the assessments. Bakugou and Todoroki couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy, their minds consumed by thoughts of how they could possibly measure up to such a formidable opponent.

The students of Class 1A stepped up one by one, eager to demonstrate their quirks and prove their worth as future heroes. Ochaco Uraraka, with her Zero Gravity quirk, displayed remarkable finesse, effortlessly launching the ball in the infinity. Tenya Iida, fueled by his Engine quirk, propelled the ball with incredible speed and precision, leaving a streak of motion in his wake. Momo Yaoyorozu's Creation quirk proved invaluable as she fashioned a makeshift catapult, launching the ball with impressive force born of her strategic mind. Eijiro Kirishima's Hardening quirk allowed him to send the ball ricocheting off his hardened palms with formidable strength, a testament to his unwavering resolve. Tsuyu Asui, with her Frog quirk, leapt gracefully into the air, sending the ball sailing through the sky with the powerful muscles of her amphibious legs. Denki Kaminari's Electrification quirk crackled with energy as he unleashed a surge of electricity, electrifying the ball and propelling it with a dazzling display of power. Shoto Todoroki's Half-Hot Half-Cold quirk created a powerful blast of ice, propelling the ball with unparalleled force as he showcased the full extent of his abilities. Katsuki Bakugou, true to his explosive nature, utilized his Explosion quirk to launch the ball with a deafening blast, leaving a trail of smoke and echoes in his wake.

Next was the one on one race.

The tension crackled in the air as Izuku and Bakugou faced off in the one-on-one 50-meter race, their classmates lining the track, anticipation hanging thick like a fog. With a confident smirk, Izuku adjusted his blue sunglasses, his white hair gleaming in the sunlight as he prepared to showcase his speed and agility.

As the starting signal rang out, Izuku exploded off the starting line with lightning-fast reflexes, his Limitless quirk propelling him forward with unmatched velocity. With each stride, he effortlessly closed the distance between himself and the finish line, his movements fluid and precise.

Meanwhile, Bakugou surged forward with explosive bursts of energy, his fiery determination driving him to push himself to the limit. But despite his formidable speed and power, he found himself unable to match Izuku's effortless grace and agility.

With a burst of speed that seemed almost supernatural, Izuku surged past the finish line in less than a fraction of a second, leaving Bakugou trailing behind in his wake. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Izuku's victory became apparent, his classmates marveling at the sheer speed and precision of his performance.

As Izuku basked in the glow of his triumph, Bakugou's frustration boiled over, his expression contorted in a mixture of anger and disbelief. He had given it his all, pushing himself to the brink, yet he still found himself bested by Izuku's seemingly unstoppable abilities.

With a clenched jaw and narrowed eyes, Bakugou watched as Izuku celebrated his victory, his competitive spirit burning brighter than ever. He knew that he would have to redouble his efforts if he ever hoped to surpass Izuku and claim the title of the number one hero. But for now, he could do nothing but seethe with frustration and determination, vowing to one day rise to the challenge and claim victory for himself.

Others display the unique abilities of their powers.

As the students of Class 1A gathered around the grip test machine, Izuku approached with a thoughtful expression, his mind already racing with possibilities. While his classmates prepared to showcase their physical strength, Izuku saw an opportunity to demonstrate the power of his Limitless quirk in a different light.

With a focused gaze, Izuku extended his hand towards the machine, his blue sunglasses hiding the intensity of his concentration. Drawing upon the principles of physics and spatial manipulation inherent in his Cursed Technique, he began to analyze the structure of the machine, identifying its weak points and vulnerabilities.

With a precise application of his quirk, Izuku manipulated the space around the machine, subtly altering its molecular structure and weakening its integrity. As he gently applied pressure to the handle, the machine groaned under the strain, unable to withstand the invisible force exerted by Izuku's power.

The gauge on the machine flickered uncertainly before finally shattering into pieces, unable to register the magnitude of the force unleashed by Izuku's Limitless. The display screen blinked erratically, unable to comprehend the scientific marvel unfolding before it.

As the dust settled and the results were tallied, Izuku's classmates watched in awe, their murmurs of disbelief echoing across the training ground. While some may have expected Izuku to rely solely on physical strength, his ingenious use of physics and spatial manipulation had once again set him apart from the crowd.

Among the students, there were whispers of admiration and curiosity, as they marveled at Izuku's ability to think outside the box and approach challenges from a different perspective. Even Bakugou, though he may have been frustrated by Izuku's unconventional methods, couldn't deny the brilliance of his classmate's approach.

Among the students, there were others who came close to matching Izuku's impressive feat. Mina Ashido, with her Acid quirk, demonstrated surprising strength as she squeezed the handle with a grip that left imprints in the metal. Her classmates cheered her on, impressed by her unexpected power.

But it was the boy with six limbs, Mezo Shoji, who truly stole the show. With his Dupli-Arms quirk, he extended his multiple limbs to grip the handle from all angles, applying pressure with a force that rivaled Izuku's own. The machine groaned under the strain before finally giving way, the gauge soaring to unprecedented heights.

As the grip test concluded, the students shifted their focus to the next challenge: the Repeated Side Steps. This time, it was a chance for agility and speed to shine, and the students eagerly lined up to take their turn.

Among them was Mineta, his signature purple hair bouncing with each step, his demeanor oozing with confidence as he stepped onto the designated area. "Watch and learn, everyone!" he declared, his voice dripping with

With a smirk, Mineta began to perform the side steps with remarkable precision and speed, his agility and coordination on full display. "Ha! Not bad, huh?" he exclaimed, his grin widening as he effortlessly navigated the course.

However, as Mineta's performance continued, his commentary took a turn that left his classmates feeling uneasy. "Hey, ladies, check out these moves! You're looking at the future number one hero right here!" he called out, his remarks laced with innuendo.

Whispers and murmurs broke out among the female students, their discomfort palpable. "Did he really just say that?"

"Ugh, he's so creepy."

"I wish he'd just focus on the test."

Despite his skill and agility, Mineta's behavior soured the mood, and no one felt inclined to praise him for his performance. Instead, there was a collective sense of unease and discomfort, with many of the girls exchanging wary glances and shifting uncomfortably on their feet.

As Mineta finished his run and stepped off the course, he looked around expectantly, awaiting the praise and admiration he believed he deserved. But to his surprise and dismay, the only response he received was a lukewarm acknowledgment from his classmates, their expressions guarded and unimpressed.

"Um, nice job, I guess," one of his classmates with earlobes muttered half-heartedly, her discomfort evident in her voice.

Though he may have excelled in the challenge, Mineta's lack of awareness and respect for his peers left a sour taste in their mouths. And as the next student stepped up to take their turn, the focus shifted away from Mineta, his moment in the spotlight overshadowed by his own inappropriate behavior.

Finally the tests were over and it was time for the results.

As the digital board displayed the rankings, tension filled the room. Each student held their breath, eyes glued to the screen, anxiously awaiting their fate.

01. Izuku Gojo

02. Katsuki Bakugou

03. Shoto Todoroki

04. Momo Yaoyorozu

05. Tenya Iida

06. Eijiro Kirishima

07. Fumikage Tokoyami

08. Ochako Uraraka

09. Tsuyu Asui

10. Denki Kaminari

11. Mezo Shoji

12. Mina Ashido

13. Kyoka Jiro

14. Yuga Aoyama

15. Mashirao Ojiro

16. Koji Koda

17. Rikido Sato

18. Hanta Sero

19. Toru Hagakure

20. Minoru Mineta

Relief washed over some, while others couldn't hide their disappointment. For Mineta and Hagakure, the news was especially nerve-wracking as they found themselves at the bottom of the list. Mineta's usual jovial face was downcast, and Hagakure's invisible form seemed to radiate anxiety.

Aizawa stepped forward, his expression as impassive as ever, adding to the tension in the room. "The test results are clear. You've all given it your best. But remember what I said at the beginning of this exercise: those who come last will be expelled."

Gasps echoed around the room. Mineta and Hagakure's faces fell further, and a few of their classmates exchanged worried glances.

Just when it seemed like the worst was about to happen, Aizawa dropped a bombshell. "Or at least, that's what I wanted you to believe."

Confusion swept through the room, followed by a collective sigh of relief. Mineta and Hagakure's expressions morphed from despair to confusion, and the tension in the room lifted.

"You see, it was a logical ruse to make sure you all pushed yourselves to your limits," Aizawa explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

The students were left dumbfounded by the revelation. Iida, ever the stickler for rules, stepped forward to voice his concern. Aizawa shrugged off the critique, unfazed by the disapproval

"In the world of heroes, you won't always get a warning. This was a lesson in dealing with unexpected stress," Aizawa said, his words carrying weight.

Mineta and Hagakure let out deep sighs of relief, their shoulders visibly relaxing. Hagakure laughed in relief, while Mineta grinned, relieved that his time at UA wasn't coming to an abrupt end.

Aizawa waved off their gratitude. "Don't thank me. Just remember this feeling and let it drive you to improve. Dismissed."

With that, the students filed out of the room, their minds buzzing with the realization that in the world of heroes, unexpected challenges were just part of the job.

As the day drew to a close and the test concluded, Izuku found himself lost in thought, mulling over the whirlwind of events that had transpired. The adrenaline of the day's challenges had finally begun to wane, replaced by a heavy sense of contemplation. His mind wandered back to the pivotal conversation he had with All Might the previous night, a discussion that had left him both shaken and determined.

It was late in the evening, and the city was cloaked in darkness. Izuku had been summoned to a secluded corner of UA High School, where Toshinori Yagi, the Number One Hero known to the world as All Might, awaited him. The look in All Might's eyes was grave, a stark contrast to his usual boisterous demeanor.

"Young Midoriya," Toshinori began, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "You are intimately aware of the fact how Nursery treats their recruits."

Izuku, or rather Satoru, remained silent. Memories of his time at Nursery flooded his mind – the harsh training, the relentless drills, and the endless experiments. He had been tortured there for years, subjected to inhumane treatment in the name of becoming stronger.

"There is a reason why they go so far in their… training methods," All Might continued, his tone carefully measured. "A detective friend of mine has been investigating the organization deeply. There have been some troublesome discoveries…"

Izuku raised an eyebrow, his Rikugan gleaming with curiosity and a hint of dread. The idea that there was more to Nursery than he had known was both unsettling and intriguing.

"They were not just training you," All Might revealed, his eyes locking onto Izuku's. "They were harvesting you and everyone they had."

Izuku felt a chill run down his spine. "Harvesting us? What do you mean?"

All Might took a deep breath, his expression somber. "We believe that All For One is alive because they were harvesting powers—"

Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief. "But I killed him. I was sure of it…"

"No, he is definitely alive," All Might interrupted gently but firmly. "We have reason to believe that he has been orchestrating these events from the shadows, continuing his twisted experiments and gathering strength."

Izuku's mind raced as he tried to process this revelation. "So that means… everything I went through at Nursery, all the pain and suffering… it was all part of his plan?"

"Yes," All Might confirmed, his voice heavy with regret. "And there's more. Your mother's piece of consciousness, probably—"

Izuku's heart skipped a beat. "she can be saved—"

Lost in his thoughts, Izuku was startled when he heard his name called from behind. Turning around, he was greeted by the sight of Ochako and Iida, two of his classmates, approaching him with warm smiles.

"Hey, Izuku!" Ochako called out cheerfully, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "We were thinking it would be nice to walk home together since we're classmates now!"

Izuku's surprise quickly gave way to a genuine smile as he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that sounds great! It'll be nice to have some company on the way home."

Iida nodded in approval, his glasses glinting in the fading sunlight. "Indeed. It's important for classmates to support each other, both in and out of the classroom."

As they walked home together, Ochako and Iida couldn't help but comment on Izuku's performance during the test.

"Wow, Izuku, you were incredible out there!" Ochako exclaimed, her admiration evident in her voice. "I mean, breaking the grip test machine and finishing first in the rankings? That's seriously impressive!"

Izuku chuckled, his overconfident demeanor shining through. "Well, what can I say? I'm just naturally talented," he replied with a smirk, adjusting his sunglasses with a flick of his hand.

Iida, ever the voice of reason, felt the need to interject. "While it's important to acknowledge your strengths, Izuku, it's also important to remain humble and recognize that there's always room for improvement," he said, his tone gentle but firm.

But Izuku waved off Iida's concern with a dismissive gesture. "Oh, come on, Iida! Why be humble when you're as amazing as I am?" he retorted, his confidence bordering on arrogance.

Ochako couldn't help but giggle at Izuku's audacity, shaking her head in amusement. "You really.., Izuku. Always so full of yourself," she teased affectionately.

Izuku grinned, taking the teasing in stride. "Hey, confidence is key in the world of heroes! And besides, with a quirk as powerful as mine, it's only natural to be a little overconfident," he declared, puffing out his chest proudly.

As they continued their walk, Izuku's narcissistic tendencies remained as evident as ever, his unwavering self-assurance serving as both a source of inspiration and amusement for his classmates. And while his confidence may have bordered on arrogance at times, there was no denying the undeniable charm and charisma that drew others to him, even in the face of his larger-than-life ego.

TBC