Smoke was swirling in the air as you laid down on the cement battleground. Your Kinetic Plating surged red, littered with cracks as it was beyond its limit.

In the moment Todoroki sent a blast of flames at you, expanding the cold air and creating an explosion, you were seemingly down for the count as your Quirk was breaking.

(Y/N): It's your fault...

Horrible, yet familiar voices rung in your ears at your defeat.

(Y/N): *quietly* Shut up...

???: What... What are you saying?

(Y/N): It's your fault! It's your fault, Dad, that I'll never catch up and be a Hero!

(Y/N): *quietly* Don't say that...

???: (Y/N)... Think about this-

(Y/N): What's there to think about!? You ruined everything!

(Y/N): *quietly* You did that yourself...

You clenched your fists as energy started surging around you. The cracks in your Quirk were beginning to mend.

(Y/N): I hate you...

You punched the cement beneath you, remembering the exact words you yelled at your Dad after failing the entrance exam.

(Y/N): ...And I'll never become a Hero because of you!

Suddenly, the streak in your hair, glowing red from being at its limit, started shining brighter, and extending further into the air above you.

(Y/N): ...Yet look where you are now.

Slowly, you pushed yourself up off the floor, calling out to your opponent and ready to continue fighting. The overflowing kinetic energy shone through the dust and smoke as the audience held its breath. You slowly approached Todoroki as this... sudden burst of energy barely held itself together. It didn't make sense to you... but it didn't matter. You had to prove that you weren't the same, weak, and childish person you were before. To pretty much everyone. Bakugo... Shinso... Your Teachers... Your Dad... and most importantly....

Yourself.

Unfortunately, you couldn't hold this burst up for long, as your plating began breaking apart once more. Exhausted, tired, and straight up frustrated, you collapsed in defeat right next to Todoroki, staring in shock of the fight that could've been.

Words of encouragement drifted hopelessly in your head, as you were tearing up in the process of passing out.

Midnight: (L/N) is unable to continue! Todoroki moves on to the finals!

And then: Nothing.

———————————————-

Suddenly, all the way in Farbanti City, a screen showing off the battle between two Heroes is switched off, showing a trio of Villains in its reflection. The "unofficially named" RGB-Crew because of their colours.

The white haired boy Angelo sharply inhaled as he slowly looked over his shoulder at his boss.

Angelo: So... not the best first impression.

Standing behind the couch Angelo rested on, Discord looked down at him and sighed.

Angelo: L-Listen, I said that (L/N) kid is gonna be a great addition, and I still stand by that! Just give em another shot or something-

The masked Villain, however, chuckled as he interrupted Angelo.

Discord: I've seen enough. I'm satisfied.

Angelo: O-Oh! Great!

Discord: Still... that doesn't change the fact that he's still in the Hero Course, and supposedly devoted to it through and through...

Kusatta: Yeah. He'll try and stop us if we tell him what we want from him.

The top dog Villain began pacing back and forward, pondering over the potential recruitment.

Discord: Angelo... you were previously in U.A's Hero Course a few years back, weren't you?

The red-haired Villain turned towards Angelo in surprise, as it was her first time hearing that.

Angelo: *sigh* Yeah? So what?

Discord: The Pro Hero studies... they always follow the Sports Festival, correct?

Angelo: ...You're not saying we reach him through that, right?

Kusatta: It's too unreliable. We'd have to find out what Hero he'd be studying under, travel to said place, and convince him to join some shady guy in a mask to "save" the world, all in the span of a week.

Angelo: *sigh* Unfortunately, it's the best option we've got. Provisional licenses aren't handed out until the second year, so getting another opportunity where the students are disconnected from U.A is gonna be near impossible.

Discord: Yeah... you're right. It's a shame, really. (L/N) really would've been a great addition.

Suddenly, the phone inside Discord's jacket rings, as the Villain immediately picks up and walks to the other side of the room to talk to the caller.

Discord: Alright, what did you do?

???: *through phone* Agh, why's that your first reaction to me, buddy? Listen... I've got a bit of an idea for you, boss.

As the skull masked Villain talked to the person on the other end of the call, Angelo slumped back into the couch.

Angelo: Quick to leave, huh? Who's he taking to?

Kusatta: *rolling eyes* Probably Pasternak or something. You don't have to pry into everything.

Both Kusatta and Angelo waited in silence as their boss kept talking to the other end of the phone call. But then, the wire littered Villain quickly shot her gaze at the lazing white haired boy.

Kusatta: ...You never said you were in the Hero Course.

Angelo: Didn't you just say not to pry into everything!? Well- *sigh* Yeah... A few years ago. I was a second year in U.A when I ditched it all.

Kusatta: But why? Seems like a wasted opportunity to me.

Angelo: ...It just became hard for me to associate myself with the Heroes of today. They're just... filled with demons.

Kusatta: Demons?

Angelo: Demons that never look beyond your Quirk. I just... became tired of just dreaming of being a tool, especially after-

He stopped himself from going on any longer, before sighing.

Angelo: I don't care how "Heroic" my Quirk might be... I'm more than that. And I'm sure the same is said for everyone else.

Kusatta suddenly looked down at her open hand. The red wires that sprouted from her skin flashed in sync with her heart beat...

And she hated it.

Kusatta: Yeah... We're all more than our Quirk. That, is why we're here.

But then, as quickly as he left, Discord returned to the group, chuckling to himself.

Discord: Well well well, maybe both your ideas weren't so original.

Kusatta: Eh? What are you saying?

Discord: I'm saying that I know how to reach your number one wanted recruit.

Before he could get questioned further, Discord turns to leave.

Discord: Pack your things. We're going on a small trip. Meanwhile, I've got to prepare a little cover story to sweeten the deal for our offer.

Kusatta: N-Now hold on! How can you be so sure all the sudden!? What were you told!?

Discord: I'll explain in a bit. What's important now is that we make a sweet enough deal to tempt a Hero to help save the world for the better.

Angelo: Geez, you don't have to be so cryptic with your words. Just say what the final goal is, please!

Kusatta: Hey! It's not his fault! The writer introduced us way too early, showed us off way too frequently, and is trying to keep everyone invested and interested in us long enough until our own story arc!

Angelo: ...What?

Kusatta: I- I mean- Don't be so rude!

Discord: ...I have no idea what either of you are on about, but we should focus our attention on how to greet this... Kinetic Hero. If he wants to save the world...

Let's help him do just that.

Timeskip

Slowly, light started pouring back into your sight, as you blinked your eyes rapidly. You passed out, obviously. But for how long?

Suddenly, a cane was swung towards your face, clashing against your Quirk, yet startling you wide awake.

(Y/N): WHAT THE FU-

???: Oh good! Your Quirk is working again!

Startled from the surprise attack, you quickly sat up and realised where you were. The bright room you were in, and the bed you were just laying in, all lead to the conclusion that you were in Recovery Girls temporary office.

Slowly turning your head in fear, you look down at Recovery Girl, gripping her cane like a weapon.

(Y/N): H-Hey there... You wouldn't be the type of person to beat up someone who was just unconscious, would you?

The medic only smiled as she gripped her cane more tightly.

(Y/N): O-Oh, you would. Uh...

Recovery Girl: Oh calm down, dear. That was just to make sure your Quirk was still working as intended after that fight of yours. It's been broken three times today, and there's been concern that it could lead to some... problems.

(Y/N): ...And you tested that on whether I could withstand a cane to the face.

Recovery Girl: Well, you can't argue with results, can you?

(Y/N): I... guess, yeah. Oh! When you say... concerns. What do you mean by that?

The Hero said nothing. She only pointed her cane past you, and towards the seat beside the bed you were in. Your eyes widened in surprised, seeing who it was.

(Y/N): *in head* Her? I thought she...

Recovery Girl: She arrived nearly instantly after you did. Never left your side for some reason, and scared off some students from both Hero Classes, all until she fell asleep.

(Y/N): I... I guess I'm just surprised she'd go this far for me...

Sleeping in the chair, with her body stiff as if on constant guard...

...Was Nokogiri.

(Y/N): ...Despite hating pretty much everyone.

Recovery Girl: If I'm being honest, I tried kicking her out of here to let you rest, but... she kept refusing to leave your side.

(Y/N): That's... uncharacteristically sweet of her.

Recovery Girl: ...With enough vulgar language to get me fired if I repeated it.

(Y/N): Aaand that's more like it.

As you looked at her sleeping figure, you noticed something off. Her posture was like she had never relaxed her body whatsoever. She was stiff, somehow expecting the worst, even in her sleep. It's like she's never let her guard down. You'd think she'd sleep with her eyes open or something.

Suddenly, her eyes started flickering open from all the talk beside her. Her emerald eyes quickly shot towards you in concern, only to see you smiling smugly.

Nokogiri: ...The fuck are you all smiley about?

(Y/N): Oh you know, the fact that you're actually a decent person!

Nokogiri: Eh!? Decent!? You think I'm JUST decent!? I'm way fucking better than that!

You then raised your arms wide open in excitement, causing Nokogiri to flinch back.

(Y/N): Course you are! I had a feeling there was a heart of gold-

Suddenly your Quirk flared up, as Nokogiri, what else, punched you in the face to shut you up. Your eyes darted to the fist connecting to the plating on your face, down towards Nokogiri, who was... blushing from all the praise?

Chuckling, you lightly pushed her fist away from you.

(Y/N): Y'know what? I'll take whatever affection and care I can get.

You then smile brightly at Nokogiri.

(Y/N): Thanks. It means a lot that you're here.

The orange bangs of hair covered her face, but Nokogiri still looked away.

Nokogiri: ...Drop dead.

Timeskip

It was a quick check up after you woke up. Recovery Girl made sure your Quirk was still working properly and as intended, especially after... whatever that was. And after all was said and done, you were sent on your way out.

Walking through the quiet halls, you and Nokogiri remained in silence. With your arms behind your head, you exhaled as you looked up at the passing ceiling.

(Y/N): Now that everything's over, bronze seems kinda cool for a medal. Gotta count for something.

Nokogiri: It won't seem so cool when you see Bakugo again.

(Y/N): Oh right... the war declaration. *sigh* Shit. I could just see the smug look now...

A comically out of place thinking cloud only there for a single jokes purpose manifested over your head, as you pictured a poor and cartoonish drawing of a certain angry gremlin.

Bakugo: OH!? DIDN'T YOU SAY YOU'D WIN!? I AIN'T SEEING YOU AT THE TOP OF THE PEDESTAL!? YA SHOULDA STAYED OUT OF THE HERO COURSE BEFORE YOU EMBARRASSED YOURSELF!!! HA HA HA!!! DIE!!!

You quickly swat the daydreams away as you turned towards the Scottish girl.

(Y/N): A-Anyway! Was there anything I missed? Nothing that important I hope.

Nokogiri: Well... you missed the next match, obviously. So the final match should be happening right now. But that's it.

???: You're not gonna tell him about how you kept screaming for me to leave?

Nokogiri: Oh yeah, and there was also this- Wait...

Nokogiri stops in place, as do you. You lightly smile as you recognise the voice, but Nokogiri on the other hand... was just pissed as she looked to a figure just leaning on the wall beside them.

Nokogiri: What the hell are you doing back here you green and toothy piece of shit!?

Waving awkwardly at you two was Tokage the Hokage, who quickly tagged along with you and Nokogiri.

Tokage: H-Hey. Didn't think that you'd still be this... aggressive.

(Y/N): You must be new around her. You get used to it.

Nokogiri: Still! What do ya want!?

Tokage: Oh? I'm not allowed to show genuine concern for a friend? He withstood a colossal explosion, and nearly continued fighting right after! I thought he died or something!

(Y/N): ...Really?

Tokage: Well... no, but it was a good enough reason for my class to think I don't have favouritism!

(Y/N): *le gasp* I'm your favourite!? WOOO!!!

Nokogiri: *glare* Your favourite, huh?

Tokage: *nervous chuckle* O-Oh... I didn't think that sentence through properly, did I?

(Y/N): *shrug* Pretty much. At this rate, I'm surprised you haven't asked me out on a date yet.

The lizard girl wheezes to herself as you started chuckling at the joke. This, however, is what we call foreshadowing. In the midst of all that, you instinctively activated your Quirk, as you "unexpectedly" got whacked in the head from Nokogiri.

(Y/N): ...You could make a compilation of every time you've hit me in the head.

Nokogiri: I hit you because you can't just say that!!!

Tokage: Aww! You sound like you're hurt by missing out! Maybe you'd like to join us-

Suddenly, someone ran past you in a hurry. Their footsteps echoed in the hallway as they ran further down, getting confused looks from the three of you.

Nokogiri: Was that... Iida?

(Y/N): Seemed like something urgent... You think something happened?

Nokogiri: Whatever. Shouldn't concern us.

But as you watched Iida run further down the hall in a hurry... a feeling of dread suddenly washed over you for some reason. His face seemed... stressed and upset.

Tokage: I know it's not really my business, being in another class, but... you think something ha-

Suddenly, a loud blast was heard from behind all three of you. From the battlefield outside. Light flashed from the exit as dread washed over the lizard girl's face.

Tokage: What the- Oh no... OH NO! I DID NOT JUST MISS ANOTHER MATCH LIKE THAT!

The Hokage known as Tokage ran off towards the outside, followed by you and Nokogiri. Only by stepping out to see the fight conclude did you realise..

You missed the final match.

Laying on a pile of shattered ice was Todoroki, outside of the arena. Steam rose from the arena as everyone watched Bakugo run across the arena, yelling... something, before grabbing the unconscious Todoroki by his collar. This, however, prompted Midnight to quickly activate her Quirk: that being creating a gas that puts people to sleep.

Everyone watched in silence as the umpire made the final judgement.

Midnight: Todoroki is out of bounds! Which means, Bakugo wins!

The crowds cheered in echoing praise. And under any other circumstance or victor, so would you. But instead, you just glared at the knocked out Bakugo.

He got exactly what he wanted... right?

Tokage: Huh. I'm honestly surprised Todoroki didn't put enough holes into Bakugo to make a Spongebob cosplay. Eh, (L/N)?

The recommended student, however, noticed the glare on your face, directed down to the arena.

(Y/N): Winning the Sports Festival stood for a lot of things... proving Bakugo wrong was one among many. Seeing as he's won though, and became the supposed top of the Hero Course...

Unexpectedly, you began cackling to yourself.

(Y/N): *chuckle* I know exactly who to topple now.

Calming down a bit, you look up to the sky with a smile.

(Y/N): Although for now... Bronze doesn't seem so bad.

Tokage: *laughs* At least you got a medal in your first couple weeks in U.A! Nice going, Kinetic Hero!

As you and Tokage celebrated your near victory, Present Mic went on to properly declare Bakugo the winner of the Sports Festival.

However, beside you, Nokogiri was eyeing you sharply. More specifically, the streak in your hair.

Nokogiri: *in head* I don't know why you didn't bring it up whatsoever when you woke, but...

The Scottish girl remembered clearly of that... state of yours. Where your Kinetic Energy overflowed, and put Todoroki into shock with its mere presence. Was it a Quirk awakening or something? Were you just holding back the entire time? It bugged her, for reasons unknown...

Nokogiri: *in head* What the hell was THAT move?

Timeskip

Fireworks lit up the wide blue skies, as most of the first year curriculum of U.A gathered in the centre of the stadium, all for the grand finale of the festival: the medal ceremony.

Midnight: All of the first-year events for this year's U.A Sports Festival have been completed! And now we will begin the award ceremony!

Fireworks go boom, and sparkles go off, as the podium of the tournament winners raises from the ground. As the fog smoke screen clears, everyone witnesses the top four students in the Sports Festival.

Taking up the third place podium was both you and Tokoyami, as you both only made it to the semifinals. The shadow Quirk user kept his distance to the first place spot, while you were constantly grinning and telling yourself not to laugh.

Second place went to Todoroki, but he just stood there doing nothing, not giving me anything interesting to write about. So make sure you cut this part out until you think of something funny to write here.

And lastly: First place. Chained up and muzzled was the ferocious Bakugo, flailing about in rage for... winning? Yeah, you found out the reason from Tokoyami and Dark Shadow moments ago, but it was still a hilarious yet confusing scene that you struggled not to laugh.

Tokoyami: He is like a man eating fiend.

(Y/N): *in head* don't laugh don't laugh don't laugh don't laugh don't laugh

But then, with the raise of her hand, Midnight called out to the stadium.

Midnight: Now, we will award the medals! The presentation of the medals will, of course, be by this man—

Suddenly, an echoing and familiar laugh rung through the many ears of the stadium. A large distinguishable silhouette rose atop the stadium itself, as the crowds cheered in anticipation. Leaping from the rooftop was the one and only Number One Hero of Japan: All Might!

Midnight/All Might: *talking over each other* Our very own hero, All Might!/I have brought the medals here!

Landing before you, All Might turned his powerful gaze towards Midnight, who was realising her mistake.

Midnight: I talked over you...

As that whole disaster quickly resolved itself, the powerful Hero was handed the four medals.

Midnight: Now then, All Might, please present the medals, starting with third