Yeah... I made this when I saw the UA exam part. I was so excited for it too to see the introduction of other schools and heroes to an extent. I made it when I was still a bit too engrossed in MHA lol. Anyways, have a taste of the first part.
Provisional Hero License Exam Part
“Mouse Bear. Tell me about the hero exam.” Garou asked, sitting right before Principal Nezu as he barged in without warning.
“…may I ask the sudden interest in… our customs?” Nezu asked wondering what Garou wanted this time. It had become a daily routine, Garou coming in and demanding things from U.A like they’re his employees or something… slaves at worse.
“One… my disciple always wanted to see how Heroes get their ‘licenses’. Two, I abhor the idea of a license. Three, I am curious on how the kids will be tested.” Garou informed with his usual abrasive tact.
Nezu rubbed his furry chin with his paw as he considered Garou’s newest request.
“Well usually all of the nearby hero schools come together and we participate in a variety of activities. The activities all have some basis in the kind of tasks you may perform as a hero. Think of it as a driving license. We simply make sure the children are capable enough.”
“I want to inspect the exam personally,” Garou demanded, with genuine curiosity.
This sudden declaration shocked Nezu. He was under the impression that Garou had no interest in such things.
“Well… I suppose we can have you watch. Just try not to terrify the children too much?”
“No promises,” Garou replied.
“I want to see your world’s definition of heroism with my own eyes in detail… and to see if the tests are up to par with my standards.” Garou informed.
Nezu did not let the word ‘standards’ go.
“I trust that you won’t be taking part? That you’ll merely be a bystander and watch?”
“I will test them if I see the exams or them are lacking,” Garou said otherwise. Nezu was afraid of this. He’d need to make some calls. Whatever they could come up with would pale in comparison to Garou’s ‘tests’.
“So, where’s the exam taking place? I will need to bring my disciple as well.”
And he would need to inform them of the disciple.
On the day of the Provisional License Exam, the classes of U.A gathered for the busses ready to leave, their spirits burning with determination to pass the exam and obtain their licenses. However, whatever fire was burning in their hearts was doused the moment the students of U.A saw Garou standing on the side, with his disciple in tow. They were waiting next to the bus meant to take them to the exam location. What were they doing here?
Everyone stood there awkwardly as Garou and Ghin stood there, unaware of the atmosphere they had created.
Kirishima scratched his head and nervously laughed.
“So uhh..what are you two doing here? You’re not… taking part are you?”
“We’re watching!” Ghin replied with his usual smile.
“And making sure the tests are to my tastes,” Garou added with an authoritative tone.
Everyone shivered as they heard this. No one wanted to undergo another one of Garou’s ‘tests’. They were more like a form of cruel torture only the devil could come up with than anything else.
“Anyways… I always wanted to see how heroes are raised here. A school of heroes is still something alien to me.” Garou added, giving the classes the impression of a tourist for a moment there.
Izuku nervously cast a glance or two over to the Hero-Hunter and his young disciple. They both stood there casually as if they were students or the teachers of U.A.
“Alright, Class. Stop gawking at them and get on the bus.” Aizawa called out to the class.
One by one, they filed on to the bus. They kept eying Garou and Ghin however. They were completely unpredictable. Everyone kept a slight distance from Garou when getting on the bus. After all, no one wanted to end up sitting next to the Incarnation of Fear and Death himself.
“…” But by pure chance, Izuku sat next to the Hero Hunter and his disciple. How did this happen? Other than Izuku being one of the last ones getting onto the bus. And everyone else clamoring for seats that are ideally distant from Garou. Izuku could feel their sympathetic gazes on him.
“Big Bro, how will you test the others if the exam sucks?” Ghin asked Garou as they started the conversation to kill time.
“Depends. The main idea is for them to ‘escape the Demon Lord’ or something. I don’t know.” Garou replied, not caring if the other students were listening in.
“Like taking them all on or something?”
“That’s the idea.” The class could not ignore that.
Izuku could only sit there and listen to these two planning on how there were going to beat his class. They were quite the sight, casually talking about such topics, while in other people’s presence.
“Can I join in on that? I want to test my skills on different people!” Ghin requested as he flexed his small muscles.
“Eh, Depends… hm, might have to give them some chance of passing at least.” Garou muttered as he continued thinking on how to test the other schools.
Izuku finally raised one shaking finger as he attempted to add to their conversation. If he could spare his friends even the smallest amount of pain, it would be well worth it.
“U-um… M-mr. Garou…”
Instantly, the duo locked their eyes on Izuku. Izuku flinched at the speed they turned their attention to him.
“What is it, courageous coward?” Garou asked.
He had already begun speaking. He couldn’t back out now. Only something worse would await him then.
“Well, m-maybe you could challenge p-people from other schools.”
He mentally sent out a silent apology to the other schools that would be taking part.
“Hm? Oh no, I don’t need to test you all twice. You’re all good if that’s what you’re wondering.” Garou replied, his answer surprising all of Class 1-A to their relief.
The entire bus let out an audible sigh of relief and then caught themselves as they all realized Garou had heard them. They froze up, waiting.
“Unless you all wanted to be tested again. Would you all prefer me to test you all personally this time?” Garou asked with a wolf-like grin curled up.
Aizawa was listening in on the conversation as well, feeling a little sorry for the other schools. And amused by the reactions of his class in response to Garou’s ‘offer’.
“Didn’t you test them yourself last time?”
Aizawa shouted from the front of the bus, making sure everyone could hear.
“That was my disciple. I never tested them personally,” Garou shouted back before turning to the scared pups.
“So, do you want to be tested?” Garou asked the class with a sadistic grin.
The Eraser Hero waved a hand nonchalantly. His hand was in the aisle, so everyone could see.
“Oh well. Never mind. If you think it’ll help them improve, then, by all means, go ahead.”
““““EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!!!!””””
Several cries of alarm and worry came from the students. Sero shot up out of his seat, a worried expression on his face.
“Come on, Teach! Don’t make us do that again!”
“One time is more than enough!” Ashido followed.
“No! I don’t want to be tested again!” Mineta shouted as he cried crimson tears of blood.
“Please, don't do it! Pleaaaaaaasssseee!” Tooru pleaded with her cute tone hoping to appeal to Garou’s humanity.
Garou smiled at their reactions. This was too much fun. Before they could continue, the bus stopped, as it was time to leave, as they arrived at the exam area.
“Alright, time to go, class. Stop bothering the death-walker and his junior and prep yourselves. You all have exams to do.”
The silver duo waited to leave the bus first, with the class begging Garou to rescind the test behind him. He casually ignored them as he drunk their suffering like fine wine, enjoying every last drop of it.
“Please have mercy on us!” Kaminari pleaded from behind.
“I don’t want to die!” Sero followed.
“Quiet.” Garou then replied when he sensed the presence of others.
“Do not speak my name so casually from now on,” Garou warned the other students, as he glared at them. They all cowered as the fear sealed their lips shut.
“Good. I want this to be a surprise. Depending on your actions, I might or might not test you all. Do you all understand?”
Class 1-A nodded furiously in sync without hesitation. Garou smiled at their compliance. Aizawa grinned at how much the class feared the man to the point of absolute obedience. At least they’re much more motivated than every other school. Ever since they had faced Ghin, they had all realized how valuable their collective teamwork was. And how much a mistake it was to antagonize Garou in any way.
The car park the bus had stopped in was filled with numerous other coaches, all with students coming out of them. 1-A could feel all eyes on them as they stood there. A few looked over to Garou. They could see him carefully analyzing the other students. It was a hunter’s stare, no, an experienced predator’s. Some of them shivered before his sharp, piercing gaze licking over them, tasting them.
Aizawa stepped out of the bus and stood in front of the class. He coughed loudly to gain the class's attention.
“Ahem. Now everybody now that we’re here w-”
He was abruptly cut off by a cheery female voice calling out.
“Eraseeeer!”
A female figure steadily grew larger as she ran towards them. The class looked at the approaching figure with interest.
The silver duo turned their attention to the woman walking towards them, the larger of the two cast a sharp scrutinizing gaze, scanning her from head to toe.
He saw a young woman of average height and build with greenish hair and wearing a jubilant smile. A bandana wrapped around her head and a sleeveless tank top donned her upper torso. She wears vertically striped pants, slightly baggy, resembling part of a clown's attire. Around her waist are three smiley faces decorated.
“Weak,” Garou muttered. Everyone about this woman screamed amateur.
She came to a stop in front of Aizawa, looking at him with a large smile on her face.
“It’s been so long!”
1-A could almost physically see their teacher recoil. A clouded expression came over his face as he appeared to shrink away. Garou did not let this sight go.
“Friend of yours?” Garou asked as his devious desire to troll surfaced.
Aizawa turned his head to Garou, a dejected look on his face.
“No.”
“No? Ah, you’re so mean, Eraser!”
The woman laughed as she gently slapped his shoulder.
“Ah!”
Izuku’s sudden exclamation made a few other students jump around him. They were all still slightly tense from the bus ride.
“That’s the Smile Hero! Ms. Joke! She can make anyone laugh with her personality! Her Quirk can force others to laugh, and incapacitates them by dulling their thoughts and motors! The way she takes down villains was crazy too!”
Izuku seemed to have shifted over to his obsessive side, especially when it comes to heroes.
“Why would someone rely on such a useless Quirk like that?” Garou commented, interrupting the mood.
Ms. Joke turned to look at the man that had shattered the atmosphere, her eyes widened upon casting her gaze on him. Her instincts screamed at her. This person was dangerous, seeing a dark shadow of a horned demon larger than life itself, as large as the sky. But what was he doing with Aizawa and UA’s class 1-A?
“What? Is there something on my face?” Garou asked as he pointed at himself.
While her instincts were warning her, she kept her smile and her energetic personality going. She wasn’t the Smile Hero for nothing.
“Ah! I’m sorry! Are you a new teacher for UA?”
She approached the dangerous man.
“Nope. A special guest though. My name is Bang, and this is Ghin.” Garou said as the boy appeared from behind Garou, tilting diagonally as he waved hello at the older woman.
“Haha. Hey little guy.”
She waved at the young boy hidden behind Gara. She continued to smile as she considered this figure before her. He seemed so casual. What was his purpose for being here?
“Is that your kid?”
Aizawa seemed to suppress a chuckle as he turned away and covered his mouth.
“...no. He's my little brother.” Garou replied. He made a mental note to sock the mummy later on.
As Garou was speaking, four students walked up behind Ms. Joke, looking at Class 1-A with excitement in their eyes.
Aizawa had stopped his attempted laughter and noticed the approaching students.
“Oh. You brought your class?”
The four students strolled up, waving as they went. Some of 1-A waved back. The approaching students noticed the strange man standing near their teacher. They shivered under his fierce gaze.
“And they are?” Garou asked as his eyes licked their figures, scanning them like he’s sizing up his prey.
Ms. Joke extended a hand towards her class, introducing them to 1-A.
“This is my class from Ketsubutsu! Kids! Come over here and meet your competition!”
She waved them over as the two groups eyed each other up.
“Waaahhh, it's Yuuei!”
“It's them in the flesh!”
Then Garou turned his gaze at the other boy standing behind the group, muttering something about the high pace education of U.A for allowing freshman to attend for the hero license exam, but stopped upon feeling Garou’s gaze on him, his body recoiling on instinct.
“Is he part of Yuuei?” The dark-haired boy at the vanguard asked their teacher. They do not recognize him from the live sports festival. Plus… something about this guy does not sit well with them. They do not know why.
The darker haired boy walked up to Garou, extending a hand out in a friendly gesture. His face was the epitome of friendliness.
“We didn’t see you during the Sports Festival! My name is Shindo! Are you a third-year student?”
Garou stared down at the boy, inspecting him for a brief second before scoffing upon seeing the true face behind his amicable mask.
“You are a poor hunter,” Garou commented.
“You treat your prey lightly. You are too concerned with what's ahead than what's in front of you. You will fail this test.” Garou informed solemnly.
The boy’s hand remained outstretched as he narrowed his eyes and glared up at Garou. His lips had pursed and an uncomfortable atmosphere had been created as the boy stood there, staring at this mysterious man.
“Word of advice. Grasp the ‘vision’ to foresee what lies ahead and you might pass the exam.” Garou added as he walked away. He had to meet the staff there before they begin the test, according to the mouse bear.
Everyone watched as he walked away, slightly confused about his words. Only Aizawa wasn’t as confused. When you’re around Garou, you expect to be surprised and confused.
“Wait up, Big Bro!” Ghin shouted as he ran up to Garou, leaving the students of Tetsu baffled by what just happened.
Class 1-A could only remain silent, as they gave the dark-haired boy awkward smiles. How could they tell him that he tried to greet the Hero Hunter himself?
Within the meeting room where the higher-ups discuss and organize the exam for the students of U.A, two new faces sat at their table. One they never expected to see in the flesh, and another… an addition they could not foresee.
Garou, the Hero Hunter, now greeted them with his presence in his human form. And all of the men in suits could not hide their agitation in front of his fierce eyes.
“So, you're the guys that plan the tests? Tell me. What kind of test you guys have in mind?” Garou started the conversation before the atmosphere became too awkward. His voice sounded too human for the suits. They expected a monster, not a man in this shape and form.
One of them fidgeted in their seat as they responded. Everyone was informed of how high the Hero-Hunter's standards were. They had to increase the difficulty of the exam, or else… the man himself will intervene. They were informed of Garou’s tests from Nezu, and they must say that even they could not bring themselves to up the difficulty to that level.
“Well, due to some… suggestions, we have made the exam more difficult.” One of them nervously replied.
They were hesitant to divulge, putting the safety of their students ahead of their own.
“Too vague. Give me the details. I want to judge for myself.” Garou asked… no, more like demanded.
“Well, we were planning on adding more enemies during the initial exam stage.”
One of the suits nodded in response and stroked the underside of their chin. They were all aware that anything that seemed too ‘lax’ would be ripe for Garou to pick apart. They must stall Garou as much as they could, for the students’ sakes.
“I do not know what you mean by enemies, but I want details. Do you have any papers regarding the foundation of the exam I can look into?” Garou asked again.
The suits paused upon hearing Garou’s request. They were still slightly hesitant to give over such details to Garou. They did want some students to pass after all. If Garou had his way, there could very well be no passes this year. More heroes were needed after all.
“Any problems you would like to address? I know you're all afraid of me, but don't let that stop you from speaking your minds.” Garou asked.
They still remained silent, unable to speak up.
“...hah… look, I'm not here to hurt you. Well, unless you want to pick a fight that is… I will not lash out or anything. I promise.” Garou sighed as he relaxed his posture.
One of the suits stood up, nervously holding a small stack of papers. His hands shook slightly as he approached Garou. He held out the papers for Garou to take.
The Hero Hunter graciously took the papers in hand… as he read through the papers.
“Hmmm… you know, where I come from, heroes are more valued for their strength and combative capability. What's with these… rescue operations?” Garou asked the suits, with genuine confusion as he finished reading it for a few seconds before reaching for another paper.
“Heroes often take part in large-scale rescue operations. I believe you might already be acquainted with one Hero rescue group. The Pussycats?”
“Yes… though it's strange. The heroes I know were loved for their strength more than rescue capabilities.” Garou replied as he continued reading.
“You have people that are actually being paid for playing the victims? And… wow.” Garou uttered, quite impressed.
“Seriously, so many ways to grade how a person should be rescued. I'm impressed.” Garou complimented, surprising the suits.
A few of the executives sank down into their chairs slightly as they expressed their relief at the Hero-Hunter’s appreciation. They had been expecting the worst.
“Huh, and a surprise villain attack as well in case their grades are not dropping as you expected. Hmmm, though I question this scenario a little, it is no different than monsters appearing out of nowhere to eat them.” Garou continued commenting.
One of the executives adjusted himself in his seat as he turned to face Garou.
“Well, we thought it might be necessary to have the students rescue civilians and fend off villains at the same time.”
“Hmm, I am more concerned with the students’ combat capabilities though,” Garou replied as he turned up from the paper.
“I am very disappointed that none of the schools focused on their overall strengths. From what I've seen in U.A, they lack the fundamentals. They have no idea how to fight since overspecialization of Quirks can only push them so far,” Garou informed.
The suits all exchanged a look as they thought about Garou’s suggestion. It does indeed hold merit. They all nodded in agreement.
“Understood. We will begin implementing martial arts courses as an additional imperative for the schools.”
The executive steepled his hands.
“Although it might be difficult to find so many new teachers.”
“No matter. It does not have to be exclusively martial arts. You see… what I want, is to instill the essence of combat into their minds. I want to teach them the meaning of a fight.” Garou leaned onto the table, resting his elbows on the hardwood as he clarified. His words peaked their interests.
One of the directors rubbed his chin as he thought about it. Garou’s ideas are certainly ones that could be useful. The rise in crime and villains required more combat-focused heroes. Or at least, more heroes with combat training.
“Wouldn’t the parents have some issues with us putting their children into life-threatening situations?” Another asked, his fear dwindling the longer they discuss with Garou, the group gradually easing up to him. Garou revealed himself to be more human than they thought.
“That is the problem with inducting heroes from young. The parents fail to realize their children will inevitably risk their lives in the end. At least we are preparing them for the worse to come instead of handing their lives to fate.” Garou refuted with his views.
“I am merely suggesting forcing the students in situations where they will recognize their mortality, that their Quirks will not be enough to ascend to the ranks of heroes,” Garou explained.
Silence filled the room as the Hero-Hunter’s words sunk in. What he spoke was true as upcoming heroes will inevitably encounter life-threatening scenarios sooner than they can imagine. In order to deal with the surge of villains, they’ll need their own surge of heroes. All eyes turned to Garou.
“...I sincerely apologize for us all, Garou. When we heard you were coming, we expected a brute… we never took you as an enlightened man.” The leader of the suits bowed respectively before Garou, surprising the others around him.
“...I get that alot. So don't worry.” The Hero Hunter waved his apology off.
“Also, I had an idea to spice up the exams a little. Well, some ideas.”
“I am going to make them regret ignoring the fundamentals.” His lips slowly curled into a vicious smile.
A shiver passed through the room as they heard his words. The suits mentally apologized to the examinees in their minds.
“What do you have in mind?”
“I’ve decided. First, I want to change some parts of the exam into something more combat oriented. And second, I’m going join in on this exam and give them all a good wake-up call.” Garou’s smiled widened to his cheeks, his teeth showing through his lips.
“When are you going to take part? During the rescue portion? Or the initial start?”
“I will leave the rescue portion to this Orca since a person of my level will inevitably fail them all. I decided to partake the initial, on the later stages. Oh, and my disciple will join in as well.” Garou suggested.
This is exactly what everyone had been dreading. However, now that Garou had made up his mind, there was nothing that could possibly convince him otherwise. They had no choice but to comply with his choices.
One of the suits pulled out his phone and began quickly speaking into it. He appeared to be making sure there were enough medical staff on standby. They’d definitely need them.
Garou and Ghin watched from the stands of the circular arena, sitting next to Aizawa as they waited for their turn. Garou was impressed by the architecture of the stadium, of which could be described as a literal citywide coliseum. Ghin was jumping up and down on his chair, anxious to fight the students.
“How much money did the suits put into making this place?” Garou asked the dry-eyed teacher very impressed with the place.
“Well, they need to make sure that the testing ground is suitable enough for the students.”
Aizawa sat there in his hero outfit, his voice slightly muffled by the scarf wrapped around his mouth.
“I am more concerned where they get all the money to build all this though…
“Anyways… I will join the exam. They will regret not practicing their fundamentals.” Garou informed with mischief.
Aizawa only continued to stare down into the arena. His face was unreadable.
“You’ve already tested my class. Will you be going easier on them?”
“Hell no. I never tested them personally. I am going to enjoy myself.”
As Garou said that, the cube of metal opened up, the walls unclasping and falling apart, revealing the students within the metal cube as they get ready for the exam.
“Ah, it’s starting.” Garou smiled, waiting patiently in anticipation.
“Eraser! Hey, Eraser!”
The familiar voice of Ms. Joke echoed throughout the stands as Aizawa and Garou watched her run towards them.
“Were ya waitin’ for me?”
“No.”
Aizawa’s response was quick and dismissive.
“Hello again, woman.” Garou greeted.
Ms. Joke’s bright, vibrant smile now pointed at Garou as he greeted her.
“Oh! Hey! Great to see you again!”
She took a seat next to Garou and leaned forwards, so she could see Aizawa and Garou.
“So what are you doin’ up here?”
“Waiting.” Garou tersely replied.
“What are you waiting for?” She asked curious of his purpose here.
“For when I and my disciple join in and test the students.”
Her smile faded as she heard this. Was this guy some kind of secret part of the exam? If so why had he come with 1-A?
Aizawa extended a hand towards ‘Bang’ as Ms. Joke looked at him with suspicion clearly in her eyes.
“I’d like to introduce you to Garou. More commonly known as the Hero-Hunter.”
Ms. Joke paused for a moment, before breaking out into laughter at what Aizawa said. However, an undercurrent of nervousness ran through her laugh.
“Yo.” Garou greeted again, this time his monster form as he transformed without a sound in front of Ms. Joke.
Her laughter abruptly stopped as she looked at the figure everyone knew. The monster that broke All Might single-handedly. A shiver passed through her as she looked at the monstrous figure. However, Aizawa seemed to have raised one of his hands to his face and was massaging the bridge of his nose.
“You love scaring everyone don’t you?”
Garou instantly reverted to his human form.
“What? I had to show proof. What better than to show my dark side?” He childishly defended himself.
Aizawa cast a sympathetic glance over at Ms. Joke for a moment, before going back to sighing and massaging the bridge of his nose in a sign of resignment.
“Make sure that you don’t scare the kids senseless. It’d be good if some students passed.”
“There’s the difference between scaring them and being downright evil, you know?” Garou retorted.
Ms Joke looked on dumbfounded at this casual exchange between the two.
“Wha-... How do you-... Have you been working with the Hero-Hunter?”
“Give her the short explanation.” Garou said to Aizawa.
“…Alright. You see, long story short, All Might managed to convince him to turn a new life and, with the convincing of his landlord, managed to strongarm him into working with us against his will.”
“I will break you a thousand times for that, you know?” Veins popped in Garou’s head upon hearing Aizawa twisting the story to his liking, painting Garou in a bad light. Eraserhead only smiled behind his scarf.
“Well I’m not exactly wrong…”
“Are you trying to piss me off?” Garou asked.
“To be quite fair, I find it much more amusing than tormenting my class.” Aizawa gave Garou a cheeky grin.
“Plus, if you hurt me, you will never hear the end of it from your landlord, hehe.”
Garou clicked his tongue as he visibly grinded his teeth.
“So you’re… really the Hero-Hunter?”
Ms Joke could only ask the only question on her mind.
“Should I turn back into my monster form for proof?” Stopping his grinding, Garou asked her his tone still full of irritation.
She wildly shook her hands in front of her face as she indicated that she really didn’t need to see that again.
“Not again. Once is enough for anyone.”
“Hah. Wimp.” Garou then turned to the arena, as battle finally erupted from all sides. Like small crowd of ants battling for their right of survival in a ant farm.
“Oh?” However, what surprised Garou the most, was that the students of other schools decided to… gang up on the students of U.A.
Garou frowned upon seeing this.
Aizawa took notice of the frown.
“Is that even allowed?” Garou asked pointing at the students attacking U.A.
“It’s like interschool competition. Most of our classes Quirks were also showcased during our Sports Festival.”
“And that is cause enough for them to stoop so low? They disappoint me.” Garou informed as his frown turned into a snarl.
The Eraser Hero merely shrugged in response.
“Well it makes sense to eliminate the most well-known and successful school first.”
“They will not improve in the slightest. Already the start of the match and they failed my expectations.” Garou chided. Aizawa took note of Garou’s high value of self-improvement. He had had plenty of experience however, with Garou’s extreme expectations.
“You only accept the best huh?”
Aizawa snidely replied, but a part of him knew that Garou did only accept the best in heroes. And he could see why. They were to be the best of people, capable of defending those who needed it and stopping those who needed to be stopped.
“I will not just yield and let some half-ass hero make his way up. It's infuriating if this is all the hero world has to offer.” Garou growled as he glared at the students fighting down below. As he’s looking down, Garou notices several side doors in the arena open as numerous kinds of robots rush out, towards the students.
1-A was in the midst of heavy fighting, attempting to fend off numerous different classes gunning for them specifically. They were all momentarily distracted by a loud whirring and mechanical thudding. It was a sound they all knew well.
Their eyes landed on the shapes of seemingly countless robots rushing at every student in the vicinity. This took every student by surprise. They had enough to deal with whilst they were attacking each other, but adding another group of opponents?
“That’s only the first part!”
The tired voice of the announcer came over some intercom nearby as a tremendous whirring sound filled the arena, almost deafening everyone’s ears. 1-A raised their hands to their ears to block out the sound.
“What now?”
Seemed to be everyone’s thoughts as their eyes were all drawn to the source of the noise. They looked up, only to see the roof closing in. A echoing thunk signalled the roof closing. The arena was plunged into pitch darkness.
“What the hell?”
“This is too much! We’ve only just started!”
“Aiiiieee! I’m afraid of the dark!”
Dozens of voices sounded out as everyone had stopped attacking and were now attempting to figure out their bearings.
“Another thing! Due to some interesting suggestions, we decided to test your senses.”
Then, the lights flashed on, the artificial lights in the ceiling dawned spotlights down on the arena, lighting the arena somewhat. However, the amount of lighting was inadequate, shadows covering some places where the light cannot reach.
“Fair warning. The light will flicker on and off from time to time. Oh, and the robots have night vision. I wish you all good fortune, examinees.” The announcer, Mena, informed with a tone of excitement despite his exhaustion as the students perused their new surroundings. He must say, he never thought that Garou could suggest such an interesting scenario.
The students all stood there, frozen for a moment, before the thudding and grinding of the approaching robots roused them all to their senses. More than a few were juggling between the choice of targeting other students, or the robots.
“Targets located.” The robots mechanically announced as the lights silently flickered off, darkness flooding the arena at the speed of light.
“Beginning assault.” The students heard the robots spoke before screams erupted in the darkness, screams of fellow students being taken down. The students already made up their mind. The robots take priority. The students that had been attacking U.A had turned their backs on their prior targets and now faced the swarm of mechanical opposition.
The sound of metal bending, sparking and breaking now filled the arena. What had once been a tense atmosphere of eat-or-be-eaten, had turned into one of mutual survival.
A few cries rang out as the lights flickered back on, disorienting the students since their eyes just adjusted to the darkness, throwing off their control and their timing.
Class 1-A grimaced at the level of difficulty, as they rubbed their eyes from the sudden light.
“Ahhhh…” Izuku had a good idea who ‘suggested’ these ideas in the first place.
It wasn’t long before most of 1-A had realised who was directly, or indirectly, responsible for such an extreme ramping up in difficulty. A certain, silver haired figure immediately came into mind for all of them as they all grimaced. If he had been making suggestions, they might as well all resign themselves to the hospital.
“At least he isn’t taking part!”
Kaminari’s snarky voice shattered to combat-intense environment.
“Shut up! You'll jinx us, fool!” Jiro shouted as she lodged her earphone into Kaminari’s left eye.
“Aaaah! What did I do!?”
He cried out in pain as he rolled on the ground in an exaggerated fashion, clutching his poked eye.
“Cursing us with another one of his ‘tests’! He will do it if he heard you!” Jiro retorted as she quickly eyed her surroundings, wary of Garou.
“Uh, besides, we weren’t supposed to mention him at all remember? His orders.”
Izuku wisely reminded everyone of the exchange that Garou had with them. Well, it wasn’t much of an exchange, more of a threat on their lives if they mention him at all. This promptly shut everyone up. Besides, they had an army of robots to deal with, along with their competition.
To defeat their competition, they must take each other down in combat, each wearing mechanical badges that each and every student must hit. Each and every student wore six badges, and if they were hit in the heart, they are out instantly. Everywhere else hit three times, they were out. Only a hundred students were allowed to pass this this year. However, the robots don't seem to care and just decided to harm the students anyways.
Over near 1-A, the furious fighting had cut the number of robots down quite significantly. A large number of robotic corpses lay at the feet of Izuku as he adjusted his gloves. He looked around the environment and saw countless robotic bodies and limps strewn around the area. His eyes narrowed as he realised that there were no other students, other than 1-A students, nearby. He hadn’t noticed when they had left, but they had.
He looked over at his friends, and he could see Tokoyami looking around, a look of mild concern in his eyes.
“It appears that the other students have left the area. From what I can hear, we seem to have been in the heaviest part of the robots deployment.”
The rest of the class perked their ears up. Just like Tokoyami, they heard nothing except the sound of distant crashing, clanking and shouting. What had happened clicked in their minds.
“Those bastards! They left us here to the wolves!”
Kirishima clenched a first as he shouted angrily.
“I do believe that the other students left us here to deal with the worst of it, and then they’ll come back to finish off while we’re tired from the fighting.”
Tokoyami’s words rang through each and everybody’s minds. Frustration and anger began to build up. Even after they had been forced to halt their assault on 1-A, the other classes had still found a way to weaken their opposition without even lifting a finger. It was absurdly underhanded.
“Fair warning.” Mena announces again.
“In the next few seconds, we have a surprise guest taking part. Two actually. If one of them deems you worthy, you will pass the initial test with flying colors. Defeat the other, same thing, except your entire class that lands the finishing blow will pass.”
Any momentum 1-A had been making, stopped abruptly as they heard the message over the loudspeakers. Even Bakugou and Todoroki, who were both on their own, halted their actions, Bakugou grabbing the scruff of another student his fist already ready to punch his face. They all froze in shock and fear.
There could only be two possible people capable to test all over one thousand students at once. The class shuddered as they realised. This was going to be a bloodbath.
Kaminari hurriedly turned back to his classmates, worry in his eyes.
“A-alright so… anyone got a plan?”
No response came. When it came to those two, no plan could be good enough. The only possible way to beat him was to possess overwhelming strength. But considering even All Might fell short of that level, no one present held even a sliver of a chance. They had barely managed to contain his rabid disciple. And that was with every member of their class.
But Todoroki was absent, so they would need to improvise heavily. They all knew that in order to pass this exam, they’d all need to pass Garou and Ghin. They couldn’t do that physically.
1-A steeled themselves for what was to come. When faced with the silver-haired duo, they knew what to expect. They knew that they could never win. But they’d have to resist and show their unbreakable wills. That was the only possible way. With this knowledge, 1-A had an advantage over their rival schools. And so they began to plan for their arrival. But suddenly...
The lights flickered off, darkness flashing the surroundings again as all students halted their activities. The Robots even stopped their assault on the students, confusing the students even more as the robots moved away from a certain area.
Inasa Yoarashi, the user of the wind, watched from the top of a building, looking down on the warzone with confusion. He can use the wind to sense the positions of his competition and the mechanical obstacles hindering their paths to success.
When the lights flicked back on… two new faces entered the area. Inasa’s eyes widened, his eyes bulging out of his sockets when he saw him.
“?!”
He shouted from above, his voice the cross of a man and squawking chicken the moment he saw the human monster. Not only that, he couldn't even pick up his position with his Quirk. It was as if he was never there in the first place… or the wind was afraid to even touch him. It was strange seeing the wind diverge from his path without even touching the dark entity standing below him.
The students standing on the streets failed to even notice him, or his smiling apprentice standing with a haughty huff and his hands on his hips. Their focus was mainly on defeating the other students from other schools.
It took a moment, but students around him began to notice his sudden arrival. Some costumes seemed to be uninformed as to who he was. Others were clearly aware of the identity of the dark figure standing inanimately in the midst of the chaos. Those that knew started stepping backwards, their voices stuttering and their legs shaking.
“Hey! Who are those two?”
A sudden shout came from one of the students. No one knew who he was, but they could see he was confused. He clearly did not know the danger he was in.
“T-t-that’s… h-him…”
One of his fellow students extended a trembling finger towards the sudden arrivals. He was very obviously terrified. His teeth shattered under his visor along with the others students, regardless of shape and size.
“What do you mean? Who are you?”
The oblivious student now approached the monstrous man donned in a demonic costume, an indignant tone demanding answers. The demonic man stared at the ignorant student, his eyes gleaming crimson at him as if stating his death was ensured from his insolence.
“You are a fool and not worth my time.” The man responded as he turned his sights above, looking at Inasa with a fierce, terrifying gaze.
Inasa shivered under such an intense gaze. He felt like the gaze alone could easily destroy the building beneath him. And probably the earth next as well.
“I am Garou. I am Fear.” Garou introduced himself to the students beforehand.
“And my test begins now.”
Ghin started to frown a little when none of the students took notice of him. He wanted to complain, but he couldn't ruin Garou’s moment there.
“[Ahem… everyone. Excluding those who are facing them now, we had a special guest today deciding to partake in your exam. Now, I am aware that you all will overreact at the mention of his name, but please calm down. The one who volunteered for this exam was the very same man who took down All Might himself.]” Mena announced through the speakers, his voice radiating exhaustion and insomnia as always.
Many students had frozen in fear at the reveal of Garou’s presence, the chaos stilled with petrified costumes of all colors and shapes around the battlefield. A dark and oppressive air filled the arena as many students resigned themselves to failure. Some students even passed out, the terror being too much for them to handle. The sight of costumed student bodies collapsing like a puppet with its strings cut was a sight to behold for Mena and the spectators. There was no record of students fainting in fear, ever in history.
However, a few students remained unaware. Different kinds of attacks came from a variety of directions. Rocks, spikes, fists and more flew towards the Hero-Hunter. A sudden attack from a jet of steam and the two invaders had been obscured in a thick veil of steam.
The students aware of Garou’s identity watched the others attack the Hero Hunter without hesitation. They stepped back away in apprehension, afraid that their fellow students sealed their fates.
When the haze died down, the invaders were…. Untouched. Unaffected by their attacks, as if they were invulnerable to all manner of harm. Not even a single scratch on their persons, even the boy. The students who attacked them were stunned at the result.
“[As for this part of the exam, the infamous Hero Hunter decided to test you all for your worth. The goal to win against him is to prove your worth, not defeat him.]” Mena continued his announcement as soon as he could before the student’s self-esteem dropped to the point of no return.
That still did not raise many of their spirits. There was only one group of people who knew what Garou valued. The rest would be in for a tough time.
“[Also, the man had brought his disciple. Defeat him in combat, and your entire school will pass. The same goes for the first school that passed the Hero Hunter’s test.]” Mena continued.
“[That includes all the classes of your school taking the exam in the other areas as well.]”
Several students gained a sinister glint in their eye as they stared at the young boy stood next to Garou. Numerous plans from different groups were being formulated to separate Garou from the boy and take the easy win.
“How should we do this?”
“Separating the boy from the monster is the most difficult, but we can do this. Otherwise…”
Hushed whispers danced around the scheming students.
“You all have no shame.” Garou commented, drawing their attention to him.
“Picking on someone younger than you to pass. Have you all no decency?”
The numerous mutterings abruptly ceased as they heard Garou’s loud declaration.
‘How could he even hear us from here?’ Was one of the most common thoughts going around. Whilst everyone had begun thinking about what further abilities Garou may possess, Inasa was still watching from above, shaking slightly. He had several ideas for what to do from here, but he wasn’t even sure any of them would faze the Hero Hunter.
“Ghin, you can have them. Don't shame my name.” Garou ordered as he disappeared, vanished from the scene as he left the boy alone. The examinees blinked when they processed Garou’s disappearance.
“As for you.”
Inasa froze when he heard Garou’s voice from behind.
“I will be watching.”
He quickly whirled around, his cape fluttering as he did so. His eyes were wide as he turned around, only for no one to be there. Inasa gulped heavily. He knew that Garou had been behind him. How had he got up here without him noticing? A shiver of fear travelled up and down his body. The Hero Hunter had proved to be more monstrous than his imagination could allow. He grinned slightly, even though his body still shuddered with anxiety.
“Prepare to die!” The boy much younger than them shouted as he pointed his finger at his newest ‘victims’, trying to appear as menacing as possible despite his small body. However, with his small stature and innocent appearance, it had the opposite effect than he intended.
Numerous students began to surround Ghin, glaring at him. They were all tensed, combat ready. Quirks were all prepared in order to deal with the young boy in front of them.
“I am your greatest fear!” The boy raised both his hands in the air, to try to appear scary again as he pouted.
Chuckles emerged from the now gathered crowd. This kid had to be what? Eight? Ten? There was no way he could pose a threat. Maybe he was only brought here because he’s Garou’s kid or something?
“Don't look down at me and fight!” He cried as he prepared his stance, and stomped back on the ground.
*BAM*
The ground cracked under his stomping foot, webs of cracks spreading from the small crater, as the boy prepared his stance.
The crowd stopped chuckling and looked at the young boy with shock in their eyes. The ground still rippled with aftershocks of his stomp.
“My name is Ghin! Disciple of The True God Slayer Fist! I am here to test you all on behalf of my Sensei and break your bones in his name!” Ghin shouted with fighting spirit, emitting a aura that actually appeared menacing for once, as Ghin ran towards them with the intent to slaughter.
The crowd began to falter as they saw the speed that the young boy was rocketing towards them at. The assembled students braced for the impact and prepared for combat.
Screams and cries of pain were heard in the distance, reaching Class 1-A’s ears as they turned to the ruined buildings of the arena.
“It's starting…” Izuku muttered.
Just as Izuku stared off in the direction of the yelling and screaming, he became acutely aware of about a dozen or more approaching students. One by one, the rest of 1-A all began to notice the oncoming opponents. Narrowing his eyes, Todoroki recognised the familiar students of Ketsubutsu.
“Yo, UA. Think you're safe after the robots? Think again.” Shindo of Ketsubetsu waved his hand, greeting UA with a smirk on his face.
“Leaving us to do most of the fighting? Seems pretty cowardly.”
Kirishima glared at the smirking student, frustration evident on his face. Running off and letting your opponent tire themselves out seemed so… dishonorable.
“Don't blame us for playing dirty. The Hero Hunter is here. We must be quick or none of us will pass.” Shikkui, the blue skinned mutant, pointed out.
“If any of us have a chance of winning against the Hero Hunter, we can’t all be fighting each other. It makes it too easy for him.”
Uraraka kept her entire body prepared for the inevitable fight. Be it with the students of Ketsubutsu or Garou and Ghin.
“In the end, it is still a test to see who the first one hundred will pass. In the end, we must keep our best interests at heart, don't you think?” Shindo grinned as his Shikkui finished kneading the balls in his hands, stiffening them with his Quirk and tossed him to Itejiro Toteki.
Seeing the movements from the opposing school, Class 1-A all began to take up their own respective stances. Quirks were prepared as a tension began to build up in the air.
In fierce combat, the boy started beating on the class, punches and kicks deflecting and breaking Quirks as well as student bodies. Ghin just finished choking the life out of a mutant examinee whose body size was larger than average for his age, a giant compared to Ghin, yet his small hand gripped the mutant’s throat until he watched him pass out, and threw his body aside like garbage, his body landing before the other students as he looked at the others students with his now fierce gaze.
The examinees had drastically underestimated the strength of their opponent. The level of strength this young kid had was absurdly unrealistic. No child should have his level of strength. Or speed, as the child dashed towards them with eyes of ferocity.
Meaty thuds and cracks echoed out from amidst the grouped up students. Ghin ducked, weaved and struck effortlessly. Not a single strike reached him due to his speed and smaller size. Not only that, the boy’s reflexes and defense was impenetrable, knocking aside any solid projectile weapon thrown his way. A voice from above the students came down, its powerful tone carrying a single simple message.
“MOVE!”
A tremendous gust preceded a ear-splitting cracking and shattering. Everyone cast their eyes over to the area the voice came from. A shadow towered over them as the building nearby shook. Everyone instantly knew the danger they were in. Students begun scooping up their fellow classmates and fled to a reasonably safe distance.
The building continued to shake and tremble and before long, only one figure stood in its projected path. The shadow of the building only grew as the supports gave way under the powerful winds, sending the building toppling forwards, on top of the young boy.
“I AM SORRY! BUT PLEASE DON’T GET BACK UP!”
The same voice shouted over the crumbling of the building. However, this wasn’t an order, it was more of a plea. The source of the wind remained floating in the air, observing cautiously as his makeshift weapon fell towards his target.
The building crashed on the boy much younger than him, seemingly crushed him under its colossal weight.
His black cape fluttering in the air, Inasa watched as the building rumbled and cracked apart upon landing, throwing up a huge cloud of dust. He floated there waiting… until he witnessed something break free from the now tilted sheer walls of the building, a circular hole cut out as roughly cut slabs of stone were pushed out, a small silver-haired head popping out of the carved hole of the building’s remains.
“Who did that?! I will break every bone in that guy’s body if that’s the last thing I’ll do!” The boy shouted in the air as his head darted left and right, searching for the culprit.
The culprit remained in the air, staring down. He was mildly shocked, but he was also not surprised. He’d need something more. He began to float up higher, to get out of the range of any potential jumping attacks while whistling nonchalantly to himself, trying to be as inconspicuous as he could.
Meanwhile, at a distant bridge…
“Your Quirk’s disgusting.” Garou said as he stared at another one of Shiketsu, Seiji Shisikura, his narrow eyes trembling at the sight of Garou who shrugged off his flesh mound attacks like they were bugs to him.
“If that is all you can do, I will be very angry.” Garou warned as he looked at the various meatballed examinees surrounding Seiji, the ones he downed with his Quirk. He never knew that such a Quirk even existed. That's the strangeness of Quirks, the unpredictable powers it can grant.
“Guh… I do not know why those above even allowed you to participate our exam, demon, but no matter. I bear the dignity and flag of our school. I shall not waver even before you, Hunter of Heroes!” He kept up his refined manner of speaking, not stuttering, despite being very intimidated by bestial figure before him.
“You have pride, I give you that.” Garou’s voice then resounded from behind Seiji without warning, very very close.
‘Fast!’
Seiji whipped around to face Garou, hand outstretched to touch him. If he could just touch him…
But the moment he turned his head, he found Garou’s claws threatening to tear his eyes from the sockets.
“Good reaction. You know what you're doing, but your judgement is subpar.” Garou praised.
“Tell me. Do you have anything that can deal with a foe much faster than you?” Garou asked, his fingers dangerously close to scratching the eyes from Seiji’s sockets.
Sweat trickled down Seiji’s forehead as he stared down the point of the fingers pointed at his eyes. He gulped heavily, an indicator of his nervousness.
“I’ll have to concede that I am not prepared to fight faster opponents. That, I believe, is where my classmates are needed.”
“Hmmm. Honest as well. Not bad,” Garou said.
“However, right now you are lacking. Are you trying to be a burden to your school?”
Sheiji’s eyes narrowed as he clenched his teeth, still staring at the claws dangerous close to his eyes.
“...I would rather resign than to be become a burden! Do not belittle my sense of duty, Garou!” Seiji shouted at the hero hunter, defending his pride.
“Good words, but still needs improvement. However, why did you reduce your foes into… this?” Garou inquired as he pointed at the mounds of flesh.
“When you could've passed for yourself?”
Sweat trickled from Seiji’s brows. He did this to show the difference between his school and the rest of the fodder, to support the current mindset to cull quality from quantity, to cultivate the best of heroes from the rest of the riff raff. However, he was not sure what to say to the Hero Hunter, as a slip of words would lead to his defeat, and the shame of his Shiketsu High.
Satisfied, he retracted his claws from Seiji’s eyes.
“You passed my test. But… word of advice. Work on your shortcomings. Your classmates will not always be there for you. Remember that, or you will become a burden in the end. And refine your pride, never let it decay into arrogance. Accomplish that, you will become a great hero.” Garou said as he turned his back and walked away, leaving Seiji stunned by his unexpected words.
As the form of Garou vanished in a blink of an eye, Seiji stood there for a few seconds, before collapsing onto his knees. The shape of Garou seemed to flicker and he was gone.
“Hah…” Seiji had never felt this scared before in his life… though he was glad that he managed to impress the Hero Hunter somehow. He thought he would fail in the end, considering his impression of the man who defeated All Might and the top pro heroes with contemptible ease.
Seiji let out a heavy sigh as he wiped his brow clean of sweat, his anxiety lifting and his relief settling in.
“I never felt so scared in my life…” Seiji uttered, as his badge blinked green, beeping in confirmation of his passing.
“[Congratulations, Seiji, you have passed. Proceed to the waiting room for the next stage.]” The automated voice resounded from the badge.
“[The first that passed is Seiji of Shiketsu under Garou’s approval.]” An exhausted announcement from Mena later followed, surprising every examinee, including Shiketsu themselves.
“...” Seiji let out a self-directed mocking laugh. He did it… he passed the first half of the exam… he smiled upon realizing that he had earned the Hero Hunter’s approval. He felt proud of his achievement… yet, he was confused on Garou’s reason for passing him.
“Will he answer if I ask, however?” Seiji thought aloud. He would have to reevaluate the Hero Hunter.
“Ehhhhhhhh?!”
Various students paused upon hearing this. Shocked that someone like him actually allowed a student to pass. The fact that every student weren’t all immediately knocked unconscious, or dead, was a shock. No one actually believed the Hero Hunter had any modicum of mercy. The news of a examinee passing reignited their hope, their morale raised even higher.
“Ehhh, really?”
Ghin heard the announcement, surprised that his Aniki actually approved someone to pass. He was so surprised that he looked away from a large yellow costumed student with big hands he was choking in his grip, his hand squeezing his windpipe to the point of near popping.
“Ack… stop… I'll… die.” The examinee begged Ghin to let go, only for the boy to squeeze tighter, knocking him out before he tossed his body aside like garbage.
Across the rubble strewn battlefield was Class 1-A. The standoff with Ketsubetsu had ended with essentially a stalemate, with 1-A choosing to make a tactical retreat. However, no matter where they were, they could still hear the echoing cries and shouts of the silver-haired duo’s ‘victims’.
“Whaaat? Them first? That's so unfair!”
The moaning voice of the frustrated Mineta struck a chord with his class. As they all climbed rubble and rocks, they all agreed with him. They had all already been tested and they passed first way before Shiketsu. Why did Shiketsu get to pass first?
“Don't tell me they survived ‘that’ better!” Sero gritted his teeth. How else could they pass so fast?
Izuku led the way, a firm look on his face. His eyes were locked forwards.
“They must have proven their spirit directly. All we can do is try to do the same.”
As the class of 1-A forged ahead, Izuku thought back on their plan. It would depend entirely on who they ran into first. If it was Ghin, they might have the slightest chance of victory. If they ran into Garou however, they had no chance. They would have to remain on their feet no matter who they met first.
The sound of voices grew closer and closer as they trekked on. There must have been a ton of robots that 1-A fought for the rest of the students to get this far away.
“-passed? I thought Garou would fail everyone.” They heard a familiar voice, one of the first that left the group at the start of the test.
As they crested the top of a hill, they noticed a familiar figure crouching at the top.
“Bakugou?”
1-A all paused for a moment, surprised to have met up with the explosive Quirk user. Quickly, Bakugou raised one finger to his lips, shushing the entire class. As he glared at them, he used his other hand and pointed down the other side of the hill.
On the other side of the hill, they saw the familiar, dark figure of Garou choking the life out of a examinee with six spider legs on his back.
“You are scum.” Garou said before he casually tossed the boy aside. His victim, however, flew so far that he crashed into a building, and broke through the wall.
Class 1-A all watched silently, caution and fear creeping into their hearts. Whilst Garou was probably aware that they were watching him, they couldn’t be sure. Each and every student could tell how potentially dangerous this situation was as they all crouched down, obscuring themselves slightly behind the peak of the hill.
“You are all unworthy of my time. It is better if I clean the stadium of unwanted fools playing hero.” Garou addressed the crowd as he turned to the rest of the students, his ultimatum being death for them.
“...What do we do now?”
The hushed voice of Iida whispered to the rest of his classmates. They couldn’t attack Garou head on. In fact, they could probably not even attack him at all.
Then, the lights in the room flickered off as more robots were sent into the chaos from the deploying entrances. The class remained still as Tokoyami used his Dark Shadow to help retaliate against any attacker it sees in the dark, fully empowered without the light.
However, screams of pain and agony came from the area Garou was in, painting a vivid, painful imagery of their fate dished by the hands of The Incarnation of Death and Fear himself.
Then, when the lights flicked back on, Garou was nowhere to be found. Only the beaten bodies of his victims left on the ground as proof of his presence there. Then more screams erupted from afar, few of them screaming Garou’s name out of fear.
“…Garou is gone.” Izuku sighed. It was beyond terrifying. He felt like one of the characters in a horror movie, helpless and prone to death at every corner.
However, every single member of 1-A all half-expected the lights to go out again and for Garou to suddenly appear directly in front of them. It was like he was controlling the lights.
A group of students approached the scene of the crime left by Garou, loudly discussing the subject of the Hero Hunter. They all seemed to pause at seeing the numerous bodies on the ground, before continuing their conversation. As Izuku narrowed his eyes to look at them, he recognised them.
“Hey! It’s Ketsubutsu!”
The rest of Class 1-A looked at the group of students, eavesdropping on their conversation with mild interest.
“Garou is doing work. He will come for us, Shindo.” Itejiro said as his head darted left and right, half-expecting Garou to appear around them.
“So scary… we are gonna die.” Tatami Nakagame, a girl with oddly spiky hair behind her and sharp teeth, uttered with chattering teeth.
“He passed a Shiketsu. I’m surprised that they managed it. I wouldn’t be shocked if U.A were next to pass.”
The familiar form of Shindo, in his hero costume, stood amongst his classmates. His tone was impassive, but had an hostile undertone to it.
1-A’s ears all collectively perked up at the mention of their school. It’d be interesting to see what these other students thought of them while they were in a private conversation.
“How did they pass? We should observe how Garou tests his students if we can.” Shikkui Makabe suggested. His skin was rough and rock-like, almost like a carapace. He has no visible hair, nose or ears, with his jagged mouth outlining his jaw area.
“Too risky. We can only assume that it was something other than their combat power.”
Shindo rubbed his chin as he appeared to be contemplating.
“Garou is stronger than all of us. This means that he found something else satisfactory. We can only guess what it might be. Teamwork, determination, friendship. We don’t know.”
“Do you think Garou will tell?”
Shindo only continued to rub his chin further.
“I don’t think he’ll so easily spill his secrets. I’d say we’d have to find it out ourselves.”
“What will you do if he appears right here and now?”
“Well I don’t think he would. But if he did…”
Shindo’s eyes crossed over everyone in on the conversation. His gaze passed over Tatami, Shikkui, Itejiro, Garou…
Wait. Garou? Shindo performed a double take as his eyes widened, seeing the tall, demonic figure stood casually standing in their conversational circle. The other three tracked his line of sight, only for their heads to stop at the sight of Garou standing so close to them.
“Yo. Mind if I join your little cabal before I test you all?” Garou asked, his tone so casual and out of place, it was surreal.
“EHHHH?!??!?!”
With eyes bulging out his sockets and jaw hitting the floor, Mineta couldn't help but shout at the sight of Garou appearing, like a phantom. No, like the boogieman of heroes. And he was just here before as well.
The little circle of students recoiled and all turned to face Garou, who didn’t react when their attention turned to him.
“Ah-ah…” Izuku and the rest of 1-A following him shuddered. Bakugou, however, gritted his teeth at the sight of Garou again.
The Ketsubutsu group, on the other hand, screamed.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~!!!!”
The four screamed with all of their soul into it, their voices reaching every corner of the grand arena and the ears of their competition. Not a single soul did not hear their screams and not shudder.
The four trembled before the demonic figure, their courage and resolve instantly died out like a flickering flame of a candle. Their legs quivered, jittering uncontrollably as cold sweat poured from their brows.
“W-w-where? H-How?”
Tatami stammered out, vividly terrified as her legs grew weak and her sharp teeth chattered. Shikkui and Shindo were stiff as statues, fear gripping their limbs into inactivity.
“I just walked in. You were so engrossed in your chatter, you didn't notice me.” The demon casually informed with a surprisingly human tone.
‘Lies.’
Izuku and the rest of Class 1-A retorted in unison. He just ‘teleported’ in like usual. Right now, the class was witnessing Garou messing with Ketsubutsu.
A grim thought passed through 1-A. Garou certainly knew 1-A was there. He was probably just messing around with Ketsubetsu first. Then he’d come for them.
“How would you like to be tested? Instant hell, or slow painful torment?” Garou asked. The four swore that Garou was smiling, despite his demonic face looking like it was about to eat them.
“Please, take your time. And by that, prepare yourselves like your lives depend on it or else.” Garou added with a strict, heavy ultimatum.
Tatami, Shikkui, Itejiro, and Shindo all took a step back as they simultaneously shivered in sheer terror. Fists clenched white and teeth chattered as they could see the monster Garou in front of them. How had he even got here so fast? This arena is so expansive as well!
Seeing them cowering before his presence, Garou frowned.
“Is this all you can offer, poor hunter?” Garou asked.
Hearing this familiar voice took Shindo back. A lightbulb went off in his head as he made the connections.
“No way… you?” Shindo uttered dumbfounded from the revelation.
Garou was that man that had been with 1-A after the buses had arrived. No wonder he had been so hostile. He had sensed his ulterior motives immediately. And that would mean that young boy was his disciple.
“So you finally connected the dots. Tell me…” Garou asked as he circled around the four, his gaze sharp and contemplative, a predator sizing up his prey.
“Are you all worthy?”
Crouching, Shindo stuck his hands into the ground as he stared at the Hero-Hunter with determination. The man before them was either their ticket to victory or their pathway to hell. And he would be damned as to give up without a fight.
“Don’t look down on us! Shikkui, Itejiro, Tatami!”
The ground trembled and shook as Shindo activated his quirk. His classmates shook from side to side, trying desperately to keep their balance. The earth cracked and broke, creating large craters and fissures, as the land reformed itself from the man-induced earthquake.
1-A struggled even more to hold onto the hill they were on, trying their best to not fall off and tumble to the bottom. However, the land under them splintered, walls erupting from the earth and separating them as they split apart into groups. The scale of Shindo’s attack was ridiculous as his Quirk affected a very large portion of the arena itself.
The ground under Garou shook and cracked, breaking apart into slates as the Hero Hunter remained unfazed, his balance undaunted.
“Is that all?” Garou asked, not impressed in the slightest.
“Not yet! Shikkui! Itejiro!” Shindo shouted as they went to work.
“Leave it to us!”
As if on cue, Shikkui tossed his kneaded stone towards Itejiro, who immediately tossed the stones in all directions. Be it from above, the left, the fight, and even underground as the projectiles curved their trajectory as they headed towards their target, The Incarnation of Death and Fear itself.
“Hoh?” The Black Demon actually sounded impressed from their teamwork as the flight-altered stone flew towards him from all angles.
“Not bad.” He said the moment the last stone projectiles erupted from the ground, all of them about to strike his visage. Before the kneaded stones immediately shattered to dust and pebble before they could even touch his skin.
The students of Ketsubutsu all watched with varying levels of frustration and shock at seeing their attacks and tactics so pitifully ineffective.
“Wha-...”
Tatami seemed just as shocked as her three other classmates. Still, they kind of expected this. That none of their attacks would be effective.
“I must say, this is the second time I’ve seen anyone brave enough to face me despite the fear swelling in their hearts. Tell me, do you all have any more cards in your sleeves against a mighty foe?”
“.....”
Shindo could only stand there, gritting his teeth as all of their powers and coordination was rendered moot. The kneaded orbs had done less than nothing and even the tremendous shaking he had unleashed had affected Garou in the same way a small breeze might.
“You… why are you even here?”
“Good question.” The Black Demon responded.
“But enough about me. Tell me, what about you? You wish to be heroes, yet you believe this is enough to pass? What were you hoping for? A miracle?” Garou asked back as he circled around his prey.
“... You already passed one student. All we could do was guess why and try to do the same.”
Shindo could hear the steps of Garou circling around them. He couldn’t help a shiver passing through him.
“Oh, it’s not that easy. There is no answer sheet to this test. It depends on what I see in you all in the end. What you all can offer.” Garou, however, didn’t make it easy for the four even with his words.
“...All we can offer is doing our best to try and beat you. Even if it amounts to nothing.”
Shikkui kept his eyes on the circling form of the Hero Hunter, waiting for him to leap in and take them all out. There was no way they could stop him.
“Oh, the test is not about victory over me. But something else. Tell me, why did you all forsake yourselves on an ignoble path? Why did you rely on numbers against one class for victory?”
“You’re talking about 1-A?”
“Heroes don’t abuse the weak, nor should they abuse the vulnerable. Why did you do it?” Garou asked, his tone a severity that can cut souls from the body.
“...It’s an exam. A competition.”
Shindo could feel a dangerous atmosphere settle in around them. His body shuddered once again, faced with Garou’s scathing words.
“Don’t treat it as if it’s different in real life. You think it is a game? This is not a competition, but a test to reflect your worth as heroes. You all failed my expectations the moment you ganged upon Class 1-A.”
The four students all tensed up, hearing his obvious disapproval. They were expecting to now be knocked unconscious at any moment.
“...Then why is the exam so competitive? You speak as if we can ignore the fact that only a hundred can pass. You’re not even an examinee, yet you lecture us on our methods?”
“The competition is one obstacle that heroes should not focus on. It is the lesson behind it. Did you target them because it was necessary? Or… because you don’t believe you can be heroes?” Garou asked, now prying into their souls.
“They were the biggest threats. It made sense to get rid of them first.”
Shindo glared over at Garou as he desperately attempted to defend himself.
“Hahahaha, no. You are wrong.” Garou’s tone turned darker.
“It is because you're all weak. You don’t know how to stand your ground as heroes. You knew you don’t have the same spark as them, nor are you confident to stand against the evils as well. You are afraid, a coward.”
“That guy… My students try so hard to get to where they are!”
Ms. Joke watched a nearby screen, showing the camera footage of the Hero Hunter circling her students. Whilst she was frustrated for the dismissive way Garou treated her students, she couldn’t help worrying for them. Especially considering who they were facing.
“...Garou’s definition of try is very different than ours. His mindset is far more disciplined than anything our curriculum could come up with. Take a look at his disciple. He is Quirkless yet look at him.” Aizawa said as he pointed at the screen of Ghin fighting ninjas in uniforms, with said ninjas running away from the little boy.
Ms. Joke said nothing, but merely kept her eyes on the footage. She could feel hints of anxiety making their way into her heart. She just hoped her students were strong enough to at least resist the Hero Hunter.
“...Garou is testing your kids, if you're wondering.” Aizawa pointed out upon seeing her biting her nails out of nervousness.
“... What is he looking for?”
She didn’t really know much about Garou. Therefore, she had absolutely no idea what Garou was even testing them for.
“He doesn't care for talent or how good Quirks are. In fact, he hates Quirks to a degree that he wishes to destroy our notion of Quirks. What he is looking for is potential.”
“Well… I know that my students have some potential.”
She had hope in her students. If there was anyone who knew how much her students had trained and suffered, it was her.
“Not that kind of potential. A purer form of potential, one up to his standards. Fair warning, he already lost hope in your class the moment they decided to partake the U.A. hunting. He hates heroes abusing their numbers apparently, highly valuing individual worth.”
She said nothing in response, continuing to bite on her nails through her gloves. She could feel almost overwhelming concern for her students.
“You are a coward, you have no confidence in your own power.” Garou continued berating his prey verbally.
The students of Ketsubutsu recoil as if struck. They struggled to find any words that they could even say in their own defence.
“I do not value those who rely on numbers to win. I would crush you right here and now, throwing your bodies into the skies until you crash down a puddle of meat and gore. But I caught some hope at least, but it is dwindling with each question you fail to answer. Tell me, why did you participate in abusing your numbers against U.A.?” Garou asked again, demanding answers.
“... They were the ones with the most potential. We were just curious to see their limits.”
Shindo attempted to find some way of persuading the demanding, frustrated Hero Hunter. They felt as if he could strike at any moment and they would have no way to fight back.
“You have one last chance to answer. Tell me, why take the easy route?” Garou asked again for the last time.
Gulping heavily, Shindo shared a glance with his other teammates. Clenching his fists, he turned back to the demonic, terrifying form of Garou. His arms were trembling, knowing that there was only one way out of this.
“... Because we were jealous. UA gets so much of the attention. But no one pays attention to how much the other schools work! It’s always about them!”
“Hmmmm…” Garou stopped, staring at his prey. From what they could see, the World-Ending Demon was… content with the answer.
“So you're finally honest.” Garou said with a tone of satisfaction.
“But in your jealousy, you allowed it to lead you astray. Was it that strong to forget what a Hero is?” Garou asked.
“We’re all capable to be Heroes. But it’s always about UA.”
Shindo stared down at his feet, his clenched fists trembling. His gritted his teeth in frustration.
“Ahhh.” Garou nodded, listening to their problems in understanding.
“And have you found an answer to that problem?” Garou asked, questioning their methods.
“... If we can prove that we’re better than they are, then maybe someone will pay some attention to the other schools.”
“But using numbers won't prove yourself to others. A swift victory will not always reveal one’s worth. You just want to see them fall without revealing the ugliness within to the world. No, you're too afraid to stand out and took the easy path.” Garou, however, struck when the iron was hot.
“If we hesitate, then some other school would take up our place. How do you think we could even try to stand out?”
Raising his head, Shindo stared directly at Garou. His three teammates all stood besides him, staring at the Hero Hunter as well.
“Not here, you will. No, no one can expect to stand out with an audience like this.” Garou said pointing at the spectators’ seat.
“Where else are we supposed to show how the other schools are just as important?”
Shindo was desperately dueling with Garou, their words clashing in the air.
“Who said it was easy in the first place?” Garou’s eyes lit crimson.
“Nothing is easy. Don't fool yourself that it is easy. You blind yourself to the call of glory to the point of overseeing the burdens of being a hero. An oversight I do not tolerate.”
With a defiant glare, Shindo met Garou’s demonic gaze, shuddering slightly as he did so. His fists were now white, he was clenching them so hard.
“... So are you going to ‘finish us off’ then?”
“No.” Garou denied as he circled around them.
“Tell me, once you do manage to accomplish your dream, what will you do?” Garou asked with warning.
“Then people will realise that Heroes don’t need to come from the biggest, most famous school. They can come from anywhere.”
Despite the two black pits of Garou’s eyes, Shindo stared into them regardless.
“Hoh, good words. But your actions were wrong in the end. Regardless, I am satisfied.” Garou turned around.
“You passed. Congratulations.” Garou said as he held a cellphone in one hand, and pressed the button.
“[Ketsubutsu, passed. Please head towards the nearest exit.]”
The familiarly tired voice of the announcer blared to life from the nearby speakers. The four students of Ketsubutsu nearly feel to their knees as the tension was lifted from the air.
Slowly, the four teammates all began to make their way to one of the many exits. But before Garou disappeared completely, each one of them took one last, defiant look at him. Even now they could feel the fear emanating from him.
“Well, pups. Did you enjoy the show?” Garou’s voice spoke from behind the students of UA spying atop the hill.
Instantly, all of UA whirled around towards the source of the familiar voice. They barely even saw him move at all. Shivers passed through the group collectively.
“Normally, I don't give tests twice. But, I am curious. How will you all survive the onslaught?” Garou asked as he raised his hand high in the air.
1-A all tensed up and readied themselves for Garou’s oncoming attack. Even with each and every one of them against him, there was no way they could stand against the Hero Hunter.
“I wish you luck.” He said as he swiftly punched the ground, mimicking the power of Shindo’s Quirk, but this time on a much larger scale.
If Shindo’s Quirk could create an earthquake, Garou could create an apocalypse. The shaking caused by Garou was incomparable in relation to Shindo’s. The entire area exam rumbled, the ceiling lights turning on and off, the ground splitting with cracks all over, and the land reshaped by Garou’s whim.
Mena and the other exam inspectors bounced up and down in their seats from the shaking, Aizawa and Ms. Joke was not left unscathed as well as they vibrated in their seats along with the rest of their fellow spectators.
“Ah!” Ms. Joke nearly fell off her seat, but managed to grab ahold of Aizawa before she did fall.
“Whoa there!” Aizawa instinctively grabbed her back, holding her close until the tremors died down.
“[Garou! Are you trying to sink the building down to Hell?! Have some moderation!]” Mena shouted through the announcement speakers.
As for Class 1-A, they had it worse.
“Whoa?!”
“Seriously!!!”
“How is this guy Quirkless?! I still can’t believe it!!”
The moment Garou plunged his hand into the earth, the following tremors and quakes knocked every member of 1-A off the hill they perched as they rolled down the slope. They all knew Garou was both fast and strong, but was there no limit to the applications of his power? It seemed too unfair.
They were all separated from each other, sprawled amidst the ruined dirt. Rubble was strewn haphazardly around and trees were all over. It looked like an entire forest had been uprooted by the vicious tremors.
Sprawled over the dirt, Izuku was the first to rise to his feet, followed by Kirishima, then Uraraka. The rest of his class slowly rose to their feet, the occasional aftershock causing them to stumble and waver.
“This… This is crazy.”
Sero said the words that echoed through everyone’s minds. It looked like they had walked into ground zero of natural disaster. A nearby voice drew their attention. As they looked towards the source, they saw Garou stood by a huge, broken crater.
“Let’s see how you all fare divided against the world. Show me your worth, heroes.” Garou bid farewell as he disappeared from the scene.
1-A stood there frozen. The only noise was the crumbling of dirt and some nearby buildings. They remained completely still, poised to react to Garou’s voice or any hint of movement.
A few moments before the fracturing…
In the midst of chaos and shattered earth, Ghin sat atop of the bodies of another school after destroying them with his bare hands.
“I feel… strange.” Ghin felt something tingling from his back, but he couldn’t describe it. The more he fights, the more tingly it is. What was the feeling?
“Meh, must be my imagination.” Ghin shrugged as the ninjas under him started groaning as they tried to recollect themselves.
There was the sound of groaning surrounding the silver-haired boy. Dozens upon dozens of examinees and would-be Heroes littered the ground, bloody and beaten.
“And to think I used to look up to them.” The boy expected more from next generation of heroes. But all he received were… failures. There were none that could challenge him. None that could push him to his limits. No good heroes. Their failure only strengthened his faith in Garou’s philosophy on power and Quirks in general, and the boy’s hate for Quirks as well.
“Urrgghhh…”
The groaning voice of one of the many examinees sounded out from one of the nearby piles of unconscious students.
“I’m bored.” Ghin pouted as he leaped down from atop the pile in search for new prey to destroy.
From behind a nearby piece of rubble, Ghin could sense a presence hidden from sight.
“Ohhh. This is new. Someone that can hide their presence this well is refreshing.” Ghin smiled.
There was a slight shift in the presence behind the rock, almost in shock. Clearly the hidden figure heard Ghin’s compliment, wondering if they had actually been found out. There was still no movement however.
“Yay! More prey!” Ghin shouted now running towards it with glee.
Hearing the footsteps, the figure leapt over the rubble and into sight. It was obviously an female examinee, with her costume consisting of a black catsuit and knee-high boots. Her eyes locked onto Ghin, seeing him as the only approaching figure.
Immediately, the examinee tensed herself up and prepared for the boy’s attack. She had heard the speakers announce the arrival of the Hero Hunter and, surprisingly, a student of his. From the dozens upon dozens of unconscious students surrounding the boy, it was clear this was the ‘apprentice’ of the Hero Hunter.
However, just at the silver-haired boy was poised to strike out at her, the entire earth shuddered and shook with some tremendous force. The girl struggled to keep her balance as the ground cracked and broke apart under her feet.
“Noooooo!” Ghin shouted as the ground cracked apart, separating her and Ghin. He was not happy for that. In the distance, Izuku could be seen falling from the sky for some reason, landing some distance away along with other random students.
“...Tch.” Ghin grew bored immediately, his balance undeterred from the quake as he left to take down the other prey that landed nearby.
The girl could hear the footsteps grow more and more faint. Evidently the young boy had found a new target. Making use of the tremors and the shaking of the arena, Toga chose to quickly leave. The area became too dangerous to stay, especially with the Hero Hunter roaming around. Until she caught sight of Izuku.
As they picked himself up and dusted himself off, Izuku glanced around, trying to find out where exactly he was. His head still spun from the fact that he had been catapulted into the air. He couldn’t even see his classmates around him, leaving him completely on his own.
“... Hello?”
Izuku cupped one hand around his mouth, shouting out into the air. He couldn’t even hear his friends. Glancing around, Izuku could only guess which direction he had come from. The arena lights flashed once again, sending the entire arena into darkness.
After a brief moment of pitch blackness, Izuku could feel something collide with his shoulder. As the lights flickered back on, Izuku’s eyes struggled to adjust so quickly. However, he became aware that there was now a girl stood before him. Using one hand, he began to check the area where he had felt the collision. He could feel the familiar shape of one of the three balls they had been given, stuck to one of his three points.
“Oops oops. That's no good.”
Izuku stared over at the girl, seeing a large smile on her face. He was on his own and had to fend for himself. There was something about this girl that unnerved him however...