WebNovels

Chapter 252 - 6

All Might breathed in the cool spring air as he made his way to Dagobah beach. He was on his way to meet with the boy he was training. He smiled proudly at what his protege accomplished this year. From getting control of his quirk to breaking out of his shell and making a friend. Truly, young Midoriya had come a long way.

Now they were about two days out from the exam and the boy seemed to be full of more surprises. As All Might entered the beach he was stunned into silence. There was not a speck of trash left on the beach. The last of it was neatly piled into the truck, the piece formed into perfect cubes ready for delivery to the dump.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"

Out on the beach, he could make out the massive figure of the Hulk, his fist up roaring. He noticed his hero approaching and turned with a cocky smile. All Might stood in complete shock.

"Wow kid, you managed to clean the entire thing. Holy stinking-"

The old hero then buffed up

"-super crap!"

"Heh. Hulk smashed garbage!"

"That you did big guy! That you did!"

All Might then removed his jacket and got into the sand circle that had become the staple of their beach days.

"I believe it's time for one last spar!"

"Hulk was hoping for that!"

Both titans stood at their ends of the makeshift ring, both ready to spar and work off smoke steam. They both charged, palms colliding as they fell into a classic test of strength. A position they were both familiar with. With two grunts the test broke, wind pressure snapping out from the titan's strength. Green eyes met blue as the two waited for the other to move.

Hulk, ever the aggressive one, moved first. Rearing back his giant green fist he started to release a flurry of blows onto the hero. All Might crossed his arms and blocked them, causing the Hulk to grunt and cease his attack. Jumping back slightly, the Hulk observed his opponent looking for an opening. They circled each other and All Might gave a smirk. It was time for some taunting.

"What's the matter? Out of steam?"

"Grrr…"

All Might then charged forward and the Hulk reacted with a mean left hook. The hero ducked under and clasped his hands behind the monster's head in a half nelson hold. The Hulk attempted to headbutt, but the hero held his head like iron. Hulk growled, getting angrier.

'Hulk! His weak spot!'

Hulk smiled at that suggestion. Rearing his elbow, he let loose a mighty blow of his own to the hero's right side. All Might painfully coughed up smoke blood as his grip weakened. Hulk smirked and grabbed the hero's head, tossing him over his shoulder to the other side of the makeshift ring. All Might grabbed his side as rose back up to a fighting stance.

"Nice use of a weak point! Well done!"

"Heh. Hulk pay attention!"

"Ha! That you did!"

All Might zoomed forward, his fist drawn back prepared to land a mighty blow. Now it was the Hulk's turn to dodge. He let the punch past him, taking a step back. Quickly, the Hulk grabbed All Might's outstretched forearm and twisted. All Might's back arched slightly as the beast gripped harder. The hero tried to black with his free hand, but the goliath was faster and let loose some savage strikes at the hero's unprotected abdomen.

All Might grunted in more pain. He finally got his guard up and caught the green giant's fist. Clenching, the two found themselves in a more awkward test of strength. Eventually the both let go, grunting as they did. They breathed heavily, but All Might still had some gas left in the tank. Moving fast, he started to unleash a flurry of blows. The Hulk could not dodge in time so put up his arms in defense.

As the Hulk took the blows, his anger started to rise. All of his hero's lessons came to the forefront of his mind. While the beast and his other half had learned many things and were grateful for it, the anger of loss was still there. Izuku felt it too, so he let up control for just a bit. The Hulk breathed even heavier before thrusting his arms out, breaking All Might's combo. His green skin crackled with energy as his brow furrowed with anger. All Might smiled at the challenge and readied himself.

"Smash!"

Green energy crackled along his legs and with speed and power that could match the No.1 hero the Hulk's mighty fist made contact with the hero's forearms. All Might gritted his teeth and tried to steel himself, but the power was too great and he found himself pushed back a couple of feet. He was just about to counter attack when something unexpected happened.

The Hulk had ceased his attack and stepped back, a happy/cocky grin on his face.

All Might looked down and gave a smile of his own. His foot was out of bounds. The Hulk had won.

"HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!"

With a hearty laugh he rose to meet his student.

"Well done, Young Hulk! You've finally bested me!"

"Hulk did good?"

"Excellent!"

Eventually the hero and his student both powered down and were now just sitting on the beach, enjoying the morning sun drinking some water. Neither could believe it. Not only did Hulk finally win his spar, but Izuku had finished the beach clean up with some time to spare. Proudly, the mentor placed a hand on his student and smiled. Izuku returned the smile with a bright one of his own.

"Nicely done once again my boy. You've come a long way in more ways than one."

Izuku looked down at his fingers. It was true, the exercises did their work and now he had a healthy athletic body.

"Yeah. Thanks again, All Might!"

'Not so puny now, but still not Hulk strong.'

Izuku shook his head playfully and returned his attention to All Might.

"With you in control of your Quirk, the training, and studying you've done, you'll ace U.A. entrance exam!"

"The exam…Oh right!"

At the reminder of his wonder of a year, he was reminded of something that was today. Retrieving his phone, he sent a quick text to his best friend.

'Good luck on the recommendation exam!'

'Thank you, Midoriya. I'll try my best!'

Smiling at his text, he looked back to All Might who was look at him with a smile.

"Friendships are important too. They can go a long way in hero work."

Izuku knew that there were plenty of teams like the Wild Wild Pussycats and others. Friends banding together to fight crime. The thought of doing that with Momo brought a light feeling to his heart, causing a light blush and a feeling of weightlessness. All Might noticed and his smile took a cheeky expression.

"And sometimes those friendships turn into something more…"

Izuku's blush went full nuclear as he waved his hands.

"Like we've both said so many times! We're just friends!"

'Besides, she deserves a guy better than me…'

'Hm…'

All Might gave a chuckle at the wonder of Izuku's youth as his gaze returned to the beach. His expression grew serious as he took in the incredible work.

'The boy has shown great heroism, strength and conviction. He is worthy.'

The hero stood up, looking down at his student. The wind and sunrise gave him a heroic and epic backdrop to the news he was about to share. Izuku looked up, in slight confusion at the serious air his mentor was now radiating.

"My boy, I think it's time you know the true nature of my quirk."

Izuku's eyes went wide as he was stunned into silence. In a split second he had his notebook in front of him, head going down as he started one of his mumble storms.

"All Might's Quirk!? It's been subject to debates for years! From simple strength ones to even the more complex! I've always-"

'Mumbling annoying… All Might literally tell puny Midoriya right now…'

Izuku put attention back to his mentor who gave a chuckle at his excitement. He returned to his serious mood after a while as his blue eyes met green ones. He raised his hand and bright colors came forth, lighting his face up.

"The name of my quirk is One For All."

"One For All?"/'One For All?'

"It is a quirk that enhances physical abilities and pushes them beyond their limits. An ancient power from the dawn of quirks. Meant to bring hope and justice for all of mankind. A power that makes it so one hero can stand for all of humanity."

Izuku listened with extreme attention, his green eyes wide with wonder. Said eyes grew wide as his mentor pointed to him

"And you, my boy, have proven worthy of such power!"

His wonder immediately turned to confusion at that proclamation. All Might gave a laugh at his confusion and explained.

"Like I said, this power came from the dawn of quirks. My mentor gave it to me and now I'd like to offer it to you."

"Me?! You think I'm worthy?!"

"Yes young man! You've gained control of a difficult quirk, you've got a strong body to control the power and you're a very heroic and selfless young man! You're the perfect choice."

Izuku gasped at that before shutting his mouth. He brought a hand to his forehead and ruffled his curly green hair. Nervously he looked back at his mentor.

"I'm sorry, but I have to respectfully decline."

All Might tilted his head, a look of understanding, but also questioning on his face.

"I'm honored you think I'm worthy of such power. But I just got control of my quirk and adding more power to that. I don't want to risk it."

"You don't trust yourself?"

"More like the other guy."

'Grrr…'

"Don't get me wrong, I like having him now, but when I transform it's like trying to microwave an egg. It takes a lot for me to keep it from exploding. As for Hulk…"

'Don't need it. Hulk strong on own.'

"Yeah…So I have to once again respectfully decline."

"I see. Worry not my boy, the offer still stands. For what it's worth I think you'll be a great hero regardless."

With a pat on the back, All Might observed the boy. While his mental health was on the upswing, the hero knew years of trauma didn't just go away. He saw it when he brought up his quirk and when he mentioned dating Momo. The boy in some part of himself still thought he was just a mindless monster. A ticking time bomb about to go off.

Well he'll have to do something about that.

Eventually, since clean up was done, the boy had to make his way home. All Might looked on and got out his phone. Dialing, he brought the device up to his ear.

"Hello. This is Toshinori Yagi, the secretary to All Might. I need to schedule a press conference."

Izuku gazed up at the entrance of U.A. The school of his dreams. The entrance exam was upon him and he was ready. He felt his own phone vibrate as he looked down to it. He smiled when he saw.

'Good luck on your test Midoriya.'

'Thanks Yaoyorozu!'

'I look forward to seeing our results.'

'Me too!'

Izuku felt his heart warm at his friend's message. Results for both exams came at the same time so they agreed to open them together. He blushed at the implications. It was like a date. Shaking his head he looked back forward. Everyone was counting on him. All Might, his mom and Momo. Thinking about them gave him strength. Resolution filled him as he began his approach.

"Deku."

The greenette turned around and found the red judgmental eyes of his once friend turned bully. They had barely interacted since the Sludge Villain, both too busy training. Though they didn't know the other was training as well. His own green eyes glowed slightly as he glared.

"Kacchan."

'GRRRRR…'

The two teens stared at each other before Bakuguo scoffed and walked passed. Izuku calmed himself before he felt the hope of his future dreams return. Smiling and thinking once again about the people who helped him here, the boy took a step forward to his dreams.

Right before an errant stone caused him to trip.

'Well we've had a nice life.'

'See you on other side.'

However, before the hero hopeful hit the ground, he found himself floating in place. Before he could question the wonder, he noticed a cute brown hair girl with blush marks on her round cheeks standing over him. Her hand was out and he could see pads like cats on her finger tips.

"Sorry. You looked like you were in trouble, so I used my quirk on you. Hope you don't mind."

Izuku shook off his surprise.

"No problem at all. Thanks for catching me."

"Yeah, it's bad luck to fall before a test. Just trying to help."

They both shared a smile before the girl waved and was off.

"Well see you at the test, bye."

"Sure."

'Heh Puny Midoriya talked to girl.'

'Well, I guess being friends with the most beautiful woman on the planet helps.'

'What?'

'Nothing! It's test time, let's focus!'

Izuku shook the blush off as he tightened his book bag. Now it was the time to seize his dream. He could do this. A surge of happiness and confidence filled him as he crossed the threshold.

The surge of happiness was slightly ruptured when he found himself at the briefing for the combat portion of the exam. He sat next to Bakugou and the two traded glares before taking their seats. The test was easy, perks of having a beautiful genius with a scientist dad and a library full of worldly knowledge. He smiled remembering their study dates, before blushing at the word and shaking his head. Focus. There would be time for that later.

'I'll get into U.A. Then I'll be good enough for her.'

'Already likes puny Midoriya.'

'It's called a code of honor Hulk.'

'Hmph.'

Returning to the real world and ignoring Bakugou's questioning angry look, the lights at the center of the exam hall illuminated. At the center he suppressed a fanboy moment at seeing who their presenter was. Granted he knew U.A's staff was pro heroes, but he could still be excited. Their presenter was none other than radio host, hero and DJ extraordinaire: Present Mic the Voice Hero.

"What is going on listeners?! Can ya make some noise?!"

Silence was his response.

"Ouch! Tough crowd! Well little listeners, you've made it halfway through! Your favorite Dj is here to give you the skinny on the combat you'll be facing soon!"

Behind the hero a screen lit up showing a mock cityscape as well as four silhouettes. Izuku remembered that these were robots as told by Mr. Yaoyorozu, but they looked more animal like than his human looking ones. Just with the shadows he could tell they were packing serious heat.

"Check it! You'll be facing three faux villains in an urban combat scenario! Each one is worth one to three points depending on its level! Rack up those scores and show us what you're made of!"

'Good! Hulk get to smash!'

'Just be mindful of the other examinees.'

Izuku looked down at his card to read where he was going when he heard a scoff next to him. He looked over to his blond bully questionably.

"We're in separate areas."

Izuku read his card and then Bakugous. It made sense, can't have people who know each other help or sabotage chances.

"Damn. Was really hoping to show the monster up."

'Like to see Puny Kacchan try!'

As his eyes glowed, the boys were quickly interrupted by another examinee. He was a tall boy with blue hair and glasses.

"Excuse me! There seems to be a mistake! You mentioned three villains, but the presentation and our forms list four. If this is a mistake on official U.A. documents it is unforgivable and a disgrace! And you!"

All of a sudden the boy turned to Izuku, a judgmental look on him.

"You've been mumbling this entire time! It's distracting! If you are not here to take this seriously then leave!"

Izuku's death glare went from his bully to this new guy. His eyes glowed more intense as the glasses student's anger faded with a slight whimper. Izuku took a deep breath to calm himself, but he didn't let up the glare. Like a storm brewing.

"Hey kids, leave it for training! As our examinee pointed out, there are four villains! However, that last one is worth zero points and is more like an obstacle you have to avoid!"

"I see! Carry on!"

Mic gave a laugh at the student's enthusiasm. He turned to the crowd once more waiting for more questions. When none came he smiled and raised his hand pointing to the crowd.

"Now if there are no more questions, let's get the party started! I'll leave you listeners with this quote! Napoleon Bonaparte once said: A true hero is one who overcomes life's misfortunes! So go out there and Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!"

With high spirits and determined expressions, the students began their journeys to their testing sites. Izuku clenched his first and nodded.

'It's time. We'll Go Beyond!'

The imposing doors of U.A.'s Battle Site B loomed over the hero hopefuls. Izuku gazed up determinedly, dressed in his work out gear. Everyone around him was doing last minute exercises or talking the time away. It was a tense atmosphere. Izuku breathed deeply, mentally preparing himself.

'Okay, you remember what to do in the exam Hulk?'

'Smash bots. Not other people.'

Smiling with confidence, Izuku continued his pre-battle focus. His breathing was even and controlled. He then noticed the brown haired girl from before. She seemed nervous, though doing her own calming techniques. However, they seemed to not be working as her nervous eyes betrayed.

Izuku felt some pity and moved to give her a pep talk, hoping to repay the save from earlier, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Turning with one hell of a death glare with his eyes beginning their glowing, he made contact with the glasses student from earlier wearing what he assumed were his training outfit.. The glare did its job as he retracted his hand with a scared expression.

"Um…She seems to be calming herself. You should leave her alone and let her focus."

"And what exactly are you doing to me?"

The boy stammered at the greenettes comment, stepping back with wide eyes. The boy's angry aura was unnerving for the glasses boy.

"Are you sure you're here to be a hero?"

If the death glare from before unnerved him, the second one put all doubt away causing the rigid boy to retreat. Others who noticed the interaction backed off as well, not want the angry boy's ire. Izuku didn't even reply and found the brown haired girl again. However before he could offer any words of comfort, the giant doors opened.

Izuku's eyes became determined. In an instant he stripped off his top and let anger flow through him. The interaction with the glasses boy helped the transformation and soon the examinees were met with a green muscular being that towered over them.

"RAH!"

With the grunt of a roar, the Hulk was off. Jumping into the foray as everyone stood stunned at the puny boy's transformation. An announcement from their radio host chaperone snapped them out of it though.

"The big guys got the right idea! There are no countdowns in real life! Move listeners! Move!"

So the entrance exam had begun and the hero hopefuls jumped in.

To say the Hulk was excited was an understatement. He had the chance to not hold back and show what he was made of. Wildly running through the fake city, his green eyes scanned for an opponent. He was looking forward to the U.A. robots, especially after Mr. Yaoyorozu hyped them up when he trained with them.

All of a sudden a scorpion-like machine, almost as big as the giant himself, skidded to a halt in front of him. The tail was a laser and quadruped blades for feet with a number two imprinted on its chassis. A single red eye was at the center of its low head. It glowed red at the sight of it's adversary and pulled back one of it's blade claws ready to strike.

The claw struck like a mighty sword, but the Hulk grabbed the strike and with a grunt pulled the blade from its body. The robot let out an electronic growl and started to charge its laser beam. The beam fired and the Hulk caught it with his palm before throwing it aside and charged at the bot.

Jumping up the Hulk landed and grabbed the tail, ripping it from its place and tossing it aside. With another stomp, the bot was destroyed and the Hulk let out a satisfied grunt of victory.

'So that's two points for us.'

"Heh. Hulk stronger than 2-Pointer."

With multiple skids and clanking of feet. The Hulk soon found himself surrounded. There were more two-pointers, but the other two were there too. There were bots that had torsos with giant arms with singular wheels under them with ones painted on them. The others looked like lumbering turtles with dual missile launchers and number threes painted on them. The bots let out electronic screams as they began their assault on the green goliath.

The three and two pointers launched missiles and laser beams, respectively, intent on hitting the green giant. The one ;pointers revved up and started to zoom around the beast.

Hulk blocked the range assault, crossing his green arms to negate most of the damage. The slight pain annoyed him and he cleared the smoke with a swipe of his hands and with a roar. Two one pointers zoomed around him, their light machine gun fire pelting him. Green eyes wildly scanned around looking for an opening.

He found it and grabbed the first by its arm. Swinging it, he caught the other one in an explosion, damaging the one in his hands. He then threw it directly at the ranged squadron. Some dodge, but one two pointer wasn't fast enough and was destroyed along with the thrown one pointer.

The robots regathered as Hulk gaze a hateful stare at the small army. Two more two pointers clanked up and attempted a pincer attack.

"RAH!"

He swiped with a back hand and knocked one down, destroying it and catching the other one. As it futilely tried to hit with its metal legs, the Hulk firmly grasped it with both hands and tore it two. He threw to pieces at a one pointer that tried to get close, causing another explosion.

A three pointer knew this was going nowhere and scanned its environment. As others started to advance it found a police car nearby. Clanking over, it grabbed it and threw it at the giant.

The Hulk had just smashed another one pointer with a mighty punch when he heard the sound of metal flying. Turning he noticed the car coming towards him. The Hulk caught the vehicle with a grunt, surprising the remaining bots. It was then Hulk got an idea.

"Puny robots! Cars can't hurt Hulk!"

Breaking the car in half, the Hulk attached both hands to his fist making a pair of metal boxing gloves. Smashing them together, he charged into the army of bots. Many one pointers and two pointers were destroyed as he made a path of robot carnage on his way to the three pointer that threw the car in the first place.

The three pointer, conveying what could be read as worry, started to launch another barrage of missiles. The Hulk reacted quickly, bringing the left glove up to protect himself as he charged. The glove was destroyed, but the distance was closed as the Hulk stomped on the front of the three pointer. With a grunt he smashed with his right hand on the rest of the bot repeatedly until the right glove was scrap metal along with the three pointer.

Arms out and brandished at his side as he clenched his fist, the beast of a hero roared in victory.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

With a high spirit and one more smash on his robot pedestal, the Hulk ran off. Eager to find more bots to smash.

In U.A.'s observation room, the staff of the school watched all the tests with intense attention. All were taking notes on hi-tech tablets and commenting on the many quirks on display.

"~The fires of youth are always a delight to see!~" A sultry voice commented.

"Indeed. The new generation certainly isn't lacking in spirit or creativity," a somewhat gravelly voice agreed.

"Reckon we'll see a mighty fine assortment from these zygotes," a somewhat southern voice said.

"Of course! Some use raw power, whereas others tend to gain information or induce status effects. Truly humans never cease to surprise me." an intelligent voice said.

Gazes lingered on certain screens, but the ones that had the teacher's attention were two very active combatants. The intelligent voice let out a chuckle at these two examinees who were racking up points like no one's business. One screen was of the Hulk, battering down another three pointer while using a one pointer as a shield.

'So this is the boy who gained All Might eye? Interesting…'

The other screen was of Bakugou, who was currently grinning wickedly atop his own wreckage of robots.

"This boy certainly wasted no time! So brutal, the bots we made might be due for some upgrades," a deep intelligent voice commented, looking at screens through his metal mask.

The intelligent creature from before gave another little chuckle as he looked back to the screens. The teachers were in awe of these two powerhouses.

"~I must say, the green giant certainly has my spirit flowing! Such power and spirit! What do you think All Might?~"

At the mention of the new faculty member, who had remained quiet since the test began, the others looked at him hoping for some input. His skeletal mouth smiled as he watched his unknown student get down to business. Not just at his secret student, but at the other examinees as well. So much young talent.

"Looks like I have some competition!"

Everyone let out a laugh at the Symbol of Peace's comment. All accept one, a scraggly teacher with unruly hair dressed in black. He let his tired expression flickered to the Hulk's screen.

'No question, he has control, is strong and has better technique than that showboating oaf…'

The intelligent voice let out a sinister chuckle, looking at the watch on his wrist.

"It's about that time! Power Loader if you please"

At his command, the support course teacher pressed a button on the control panel. Now it was time to test the mettle of these young heroes.

The Hulk had just ripped the head off his latest three pointer and crushed it between his palms. Wiping his hands, he looked out into the fake cityscape. He looked out at the chaotic battlefield and saw what some fellow examinees were up too.

He saw the nice brown haired girl from before. She was touching multiple robots, making them float before bringing her hands together causing them to fall and be destroyed. She had a queasy look and sweat on her brow, but a nervous confidence as well.

"That's at least 10 points," She panted, wiping the sweat before continuing her test.

The Hulk noticed others as well. A boy shooting a laser out of his belly button. A red head whose body seemed to increase in some form of durability. There was a yellow headed boy electrocuting some and as well as some robots that seemed to turn off by themselves, only to notice tufts of sir moving, indicating some form of invisibility.

He noticed the rude glasses boy destroy a two pointer with a fast and strong kick to its back. He could see the smoke that emanated from tail pipes in the boy's calves.

"That should bring me to twenty-seven!" he grunted.

Hulk scoffed at the scene before him, meanwhile his other half was currently abuzz at seeing so many quirks.

'If only I had my notebook! So many quirks! I'll have to wait to get home. Got to memorize! So cool!'

"Hmph, Hulk stronger than most quirks! Some smash robots good…"

The glasses boy stretched as he saw the green goliath looking towards him. It unnerved him.

'What is this boy's problem? Is he here to sabotage others? What's his angle?'

The boy's eyes went wide as he saw the giant grab a light pole and swung it near him like a bat.

'What is he doing!? I can't dodge! I've already pushed my engines to their limits! Is he insane?!'

As he closed his eyes, he heard the crushing of metal and the falling of rumble. Turning, the glasses boy found a one pointer embedded into the wall by the goliath as the giant tossed the post to the side.

"Engine boy need to watch back."

As the Hulk walked back to find more opponents, the blue haired boy was gobsmacked.

'He saved me!? Why? I'm another obstacle in his way! A contestant!'

He put a hand to his chin.

'Is there a secret to the test? Some sort of second test?'

As the boy pondered, the Hulk looked around. The robots seemed to slow down. Many were destroyed and students seemed to be on their last legs. Even he was starting to feel the burn. These bots were a lot tougher than the ones made by the Yaoyorozu's. An announcement flared throughout the arena.

"Last call listeners! The test will be ending in one minute!"

'Looks like the test is ending.'

"It's okay. Hulk had fun! Got to smash! Should get in!"

However, before either could switch places, the ground began to shake and rumble. The fake city trembled as buildings moved. The shocked test takers stood stupefied when a giant robot as tall as a skyscraper descended upon them. It's cruise ship size arms knocked down the buildings in its way and its mighty treads brought it forth to wreak havoc.

'That seems a bit overkill!'

While most examinees had started to clear the area, the same surprise and scared feeling filling them as it did Izuku, the Hulk stood his ground. A childlike grin was on his face as he prepared to roar and jump at his new opponent. Only for his mental partner to hold him back.

'Hulk, no! That's the zero pointer, we won't get any points for destroying it.'

"But…"

'We should focus on small fry and try to scrounge up some more points in the time we have left.'

"But…But…Big Robot!"

'Sorry big guy, but maybe we'll get to fight them in training.'

Hulk grunted and kicked a nearby car, causing it to dent and fall on its side. Huffing, he began to turn when a tiny voice stopped him.

"Ouch!"

It was the floating girl from before. Some rubble had fallen on her leg and she was stuck. She went to try to apply her quirk, but rumbling stopped her. She saw the massive treads of the zero pointer coming near her along with its path of destruction. She looked around for help, panic setting in. The zero pointer knocked the building near her down in a show of power. The rubble fell towards and she grimaced and waited for the pain.

Only it never came. Opening her eyes, she was stunned at the incredible display in front of her.

The Hulk had witnessed her plight and his body moved on its own. Now he had his arms outstretched, the weight of the collapsed building supported on his back. He grimaced in anger and with a grunt and a yell he tossed the rumble aside, stopping the zero pointer in its path. A tense silence filled the air as he looked up at the ginormous bot hatefully. Before he did anything, he looked down at the girl.

"Float girl okay?"

The girl was stunned, but made the effort to nod yes.

With a nod, the Hulk turned back to the zero pointer. Its red eyes targeted him as it swung its ginormous metal arm down, intent on crushing the green giant. The Hulk stood his ground and outstretched his hands. As the bot made contact, the ground beneath the Hulk cracked and rumbled. The bot pushed down, getting the giant on one knee. However the progress soon halted as those watching noticed a green glow. The Hulk grimaced in anger and solidified his grip. The metal crushed as the Hulk pushed back with a roar.

"RAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Rearing back a glowing fist, the Hulk punched into the giant metal arm. An explosion rang out as another quickly followed. Going all the way up the zero pointer's arm, cecimating it. Fiery scrap rained down as the Hulk bent his knees ready to jump.

"Big robot not strong! Hulk strongest there is!"

With that declaration, the giant leaped up with great speed. He was soon above the zero pointer.

"Hulk-

He then brought his mighty green fist together and with all his strength brought his fist down on the robot's big square head.

"-SMASH!"

With his fist meeting the top of the bot's head, it crumpled like a soda can. The zero pointer was turned to scrap metal with violent force. The other examinees looked on in awe at the power displayed in front of them.

With a resounding crunch, the Hulk landed on the remains of the giant bot. He stepped down and found the gravity girl. Gripping the rubble, he removed it with great care. He offered her a hand up which she accepted. She grimaced in pain as she bounced on one leg, but she still gave a smile to her rescuer.

"Alright dearies, the test is over. Line up so I can have a look at you." an old voice commanded as it approached.

It was a short old woman with a syringe-like cane. She was dressed like a cross between a nurse and a superhero and she was just that. Many looked at her with questioning eyes, luckily one examinee explained her presence.

"She is Recovery Girl mon ami's! She is the reason U.A. can put on a test like this!" the examinee with the shiny belt and disposition stated.

"That's right, though that doesn't excuse reckless behavior."

As the woman slightly reprimanded those who had pushed themselves too hard, she noticed the gravity girl leaning on the green goliath's arm.

"Let me have a look at her sonny."

Hulk nodded and brought her to the healer she gave her a once over before her lips extended and kissed the girl on the cheek. The girl was able to stand on her own, much to her amazement.

'So that's Recovery Girl in action? So cool!'

The old nurse then gave her some gummies before turning to the Hulk. She looked him over before nodding. She dispensed some gummies and gave them to him with a smile.

"You look fine, but your energy is probably low. Take these."

She then looked at the aftermath of the Hulk's test and gave a weary smile.

"I get the feeling you're going to be like a certain oaf I know. But all in all, nice work."

"Thanks!"

While the rest of the examinees were calming down, the engine boy from before pondered the scene he just witnessed.

'That brute saved her! He saved me! Why risk the exam?'

Looking at the giant, who was transforming back into the ornery boy, a thought occurred to the hero hopeful.

'Was there a secret to this test? Did he figure it out?'

Questions like that were for another time. For now the hero hopefuls knew the test was over. It was up to the staff now and their performances. Only time would tell who would be a hero and who would not.

Within the observation room the staff gathered were in awe of the incredible display of not only power, but also heroic bravado. Two thoughts from opposing heroes were thinking similar thoughts. The titan of heroics and the scraggly shadow.

'You're gonna go far kid! I knew you were hero material!'

'Well now, the beast has talent and the heart, but does he have the drive?'

Amidst the cheers and awe, the entire staff had but one thought. This, combined with what they saw in the accommodation exam, was going to be one incredible year.

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