That evening, inside U.A. High School's conference room.
"This year's students are exceptionally strong. Two examinees even managed to defeat the zero-point robot."
Because of the practical entrance exam, a large group of U.A.'s faculty members had stayed late to review footage and data.
At the front of the room, a massive screen displayed the rankings and detailed scores of every student.
"Yes. Defeating a giant robot head-on like that—forget freshmen, many students can't manage that even after a full year of enrollment," said Principal Nezu, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"One of them is Midoriya Izuku. He stepped forward to save an injured girl and destroyed the robot using a Quirk that closely resembles All Might's."
"The other is Igarashi Masata. His Magma Quirk is terrifying even from a pro hero's perspective. Not only did he destroy the robot with a single punch, he partially melted it using extreme heat. Watching it sends chills down your spine."
"This examinee named Midoriya Izuku," one teacher said slowly while replaying the footage of Izuku's fall, "possesses overwhelming destructive potential, but the risk involved is extremely high."
"However, his mindset and actions align perfectly with those of a professional hero. He's clearly a talent. And if the side effects of that All Might–like Quirk can be controlled…" The teacher paused, then glanced sideways. "Wouldn't you agree, All Might?"
"H–Huh?" All Might froze for a split second before quickly responding. "Ah—yes! I greatly admire that young man's spirit!"
As he spoke, he instinctively ran a hand through his blond hair, as if trying to conceal something.
"Well done, Midoriya boy!" All Might thought excitedly, flashing a broad grin. "What kind of hero course would ever reject someone willing to sacrifice himself to save others? Keep going like that! U.A. is your Hero Academy!"
"Then there's this other examinee…" Another teacher brought up Masata's footage. "Igarashi Masata. His registered Quirk is Magma. Frankly speaking, it's a natural disaster–level ability."
"Not only that—his combat instincts and reaction speed are astonishing. In my opinion, he already possesses strength comparable to an average professional hero."
"This is supposed to be a student who's just about to enter high school?" the teacher added in disbelief.
"And his physical fitness is absurd," another instructor chimed in. "Falling from that height without any injury—his body rivals those with Physical Enhancement–type Quirks."
"Yes. And he clearly has the spirit of a hero. He could have stayed in a safe position, but he chose to act. He might come across as arrogant, but that's understandable given his youth," Midnight said with a smile.
Praise and discussion about Masata filled the conference room.
All Might, however, frowned slightly.
"A powerful body… comparable to Physical Enhancement?" he muttered internally. "I hope I'm just overthinking it… Magma Boy."
As the footage showed Masata landing calmly after the explosion, All Might's brow gradually relaxed.
"How could someone with eyes that firm—and actions like that—ever be connected to that man?" he thought. "From now on, I'll personally keep an eye on this Magma Boy."
On the massive screen, the top-ranked results appeared:
Igarashi MasataKill Points: 82Rescue Points: 70
"This place is huge! Where the hell is Class 1-A?!"
Today was the official first day of classes at U.A. High School.
Masata and Yaoyorozu Momo had arrived early in the morning. Masata, volunteering confidently to lead the way, had promptly gotten lost.
"I'm telling you, Hundred," Masata complained, spinning in circles, "U.A.'s defining feature is that it's ridiculously big—no matter where you go!"
"That's exactly why an idiot who only thinks with his muscles shouldn't be leading," Yaoyorozu Momo snapped, grabbing the back of his jacket and dragging him forward. "Follow me."
Before long, the two arrived at the door labeled Hero Course – Class 1-A.
"See?" Masata said smugly. "I told you—everything here is huge!"
Pushing the door open, they found more than a dozen students already seated inside. Seats were arranged according to student numbers.
Without lingering at the entrance, Masata and Yaoyorozu Momo located their seats and sat down.
"Oh! It's you!" An excited voice rang out immediately. "You're the magma guy who punched the robot during the exam!"
Masata turned to see a cheerful, red-haired boy with sharp eyes waving enthusiastically.
"Yeah, that was me," Masata replied politely. "My name's Igarashi Masata. Guess we're classmates?"
"Kirishima Eijiro!" the boy announced loudly. "A man of passion and hard spirit! You too, Igarashi! Let's fight together for the rest of our lives!"
"Ohhh!!! A fellow muscle brother!" Masata's eyes lit up. "That's right—men should believe in their muscles! You'll see more of me soon!"
Yaoyorozu Momo, sitting a short distance away, watched the two of them bonding instantly and felt black lines appear across her forehead.
For some reason, she could almost see a blazing sun and roaring waves behind the two idiots.
Just then, another student entered the classroom.
Bakugo Katsuki, wearing an expression like he wanted to murder someone.
"Tch. I'm in the same class as this magma bastard?" he sneered upon spotting Masata, slumping into his seat and propping his foot on the desk.
"Hey! Isn't that little Bakugo?" Masata exclaimed happily, patting Bakugo on the shoulder. "We meet again!"
"Get your hand off me, magma bastard!" Bakugo snarled. "You wanna fight?!"
At that moment, a bespectacled boy approached Bakugo.
"Oh! Another familiar face!" Masata laughed. "You're the glasses kid who spoke up during the briefing, right?!"
"Please do not put your feet on the desk," the boy said sternly, pushing up his glasses. "And my name is Iida Tenya, not 'glasses kid.'"
"Huh?" Bakugo scoffed. "What middle school did you crawl out of, four-eyes? Some elite place?"
"I graduated from a private prestigious middle school," Iida replied, chopping the air with his hand.
"Prestigious?" Bakugo grinned dangerously. "Sounds like the kind worth crushing."
"Cr–Crushing…?" Iida stiffened. "Is that really something an aspiring hero should say?!"
"Is this the legendary clash between a model student and a delinquent?" Masata muttered, enjoying the show—until he noticed a familiar green-haired boy peeking nervously through the classroom door.
"Even Bakugo's childhood friend made it in?" Masata chuckled. "This class is going to be fun."