In the analysis room, the teachers were gathered, observing the results of the practical exam. All eyes were focused on the impressive score of the first-place candidate, Katsuki Bakugo, who had racked up 117 villain points and 60 rescue points, totaling 177 points.

"It's been a while since we've seen a genius like this."

"Indeed. To think he managed to surpass Endeavor's record..."

On the screen, multiple images of Bakugo during the exam were displayed. Without the distraction of monitoring multiple candidates at once, the teachers could now analyze every detail of his movements. Each explosion he created seemed stronger than the last, and his efficiency and combat strategy were simply impeccable.

"It's rare to see someone with such a perfect balance between raw power and decision-making."

"Did you see how he destroyed the zero-pointer?" another added, gesturing toward the footage of Bakugo obliterating the giant robot. "I believe Katsuki Bakugo was holding back during the exam."

"I agree. His combat skills are already on a professional level," a third teacher remarked.

At the back of the room, a man with long, dark hair and tired eyes silently watched the footage of Bakugo rescuing Uraraka. 'Problematic...'

"Hey, we can't forget about third place," one of the teachers interrupted, momentarily shifting the focus from Bakugo to Izuku Midoriya, who had scored 9 villain points and 70 rescue points.

"The kid who broke his arm?"

"Yeah. He spent most of the exam helping others, prioritizing rescue over combat. And when he finally used his quirk… he ended up severely injuring himself."

"Hmm... it's as if his quirk isn't suited for his body."

'...Even more problematic.'

"I can't believe we have two students from our school enrolled at U.A.!" The principal of Aldera Junior High School exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as he looked at Bakugo and Izuku with pride. "This is a historic milestone for our institution!"

He then turned to Izuku, who was visibly nervous, shifting in place and avoiding direct eye contact. "It's truly an incredible achievement that you made it, Midoriya. Congratulations!"

"Th-thank you," Izuku replied, trying to stand firm.

"And you, Bakugo," the principal turned to him, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "We always knew you would go far, but breaking Endeavor's record? That's extraordinary! The whole country is watching you now."

"Tsk."

The principal, either ignoring or not noticing Bakugo's lack of interest, continued, now with a tone that was almost pleading: "We hope you won't forget to mention our school when talking to the media, right? And who knows, maybe you could make a special appearance here in the future?"

"Go fuck yourself."

Izuku's mouth dropped open, shocked by Bakugo's blunt and vulgar response. He quickly glanced at the principal, who was visibly stunned, unsure of how to react to his student's brutal reply.

"K-Kacchan, I-I don't think talking to the principal like that was right," Izuku said, trying to keep up with Bakugo's fast pace as they left the school.

"And did I ask what you think?" Bakugo shot back without looking over his shoulder.

"N-no," Izuku murmured, staring at the ground.

After a few minutes of silence, Bakugo abruptly stopped and turned to face Izuku, his expression filled with frustration. "How long are you gonna keep following me?!"

"S-sorry, Kacchan!" Izuku quickly said. "I just wanted to thank you. If it weren't for your tip… I wouldn't have passed."

Bakugo remained silent for a moment, but his expression darkened even further. 'This… is bad', he thought, clenching his fists.

The exam was supposed to be Izuku's first real victory with One For All, a crucial moment in his journey to becoming a hero. The moment he would use his power for the first time and enter U.A. through his own merit, his own courage, and his sacrifice to help others.

But instead of building the confidence he would need in the future, Bakugo saw Izuku giving all the credit for his success to him. 'Shit, this isn't how it's supposed to be!' A knot formed in his stomach, frustration growing at himself for letting things reach this point.

Thinking fast, Bakugo stepped forward and grabbed Izuku by the collar, yanking him close with force. "Listen here, you damn nerd. I didn't help you. I just wanted to use that brain of yours, the only thing worthwhile about you, to clear things up for me. You don't owe me shit, got it?"

With a rough shove, he pushed Izuku backward, sending him crashing to the ground with a dull thud. "I don't know how a Quirkless extra managed to get into U.A. I don't even care. Just don't put your little trial on my tab."

Izuku sat on the ground, listening to Bakugo's words. "K-Kacchan…" he muttered weakly. 'That's a lie. I know you're just too proud to admit you helped me.'

Taking a deep breath, Izuku stood up, swallowing his fear. "Kacchan, I followed you because I wanted to thank you."

"Hã?!"

"BUT MORE THAN THAT!" Izuku shouted, his fists clenched and tears streaming down his face. "I wanted to tell you that someone believed in me and said I could become a hero! That's why… that's why…" He inhaled deeply, his voice growing even louder. "One day, I'm going to prove to you that I can be a hero! Not because you or anyone else helped me, but because I'll become strong enough to reach that dream on my own—JUST LIKE YOU!"

Bakugo stood still, staring at Izuku with an expression caught between surprise and irritation. 'Tsk, making me worry over nothing.'

Without a word, he turned around and started walking away, leaving the green-haired boy behind.