Chapter 6: Aftermath off the Rails!
Sci-FI FREAK: Yeah Ben isn't gonna be catch any breaks. Don't worry but for now Rex public debut will sorta be in the USJ/Sports Festival. I'll use that explanation for when Ben explains his Quirk or has too but for now he will probably dodge the question.
Rexzilla: Ben will get his alien force aliens gradually like each form like how he got new aliens from classic but he does have an alien force alien that he unlocked a while back you will see during the Entrance Exam! Leave you're guesses on who you think it is! Yeah Ben will be Jirou and other girls.
Ben and Rex will both be in ths same class! Mostly friendly rivals.
Fan-Thom: Ill keep that in mind!
GUGK: You will get your answer to All Might in this chapter.
Maximum Rhapsody: The class C thing wont exactly work those characters will be part of the story but wont be tied to UA. Most of those things you mentioned about villains will be tied into one another eventually I dont have much off a plan but hopefulky it will be fleshed out.-Regarding his secret ID and the consequences USJ will be like an Oh shit moment for the villain on how dangerous Ben, and AFO is keeping very close eye on Ben. No th e Saturdays won't be involved. I haven't really decided on being able to cure EVO for the Omnitrix yet
Dino Might: Hero name? Ben 10. And his secret ID went out the window so...
MechAlien: Eh yes but you will that on AO3 or Wattpad with the picture of the alien and the introduction.
QuestionDude:That was a slip up from Ben, which Izuku won't really think too much on it. And Overlord? Uh... Don't worry about that for now.
CryptidWorld: I think I'll go more into the USA and everyone's reaction during the sports festival but for now not too much just Japan.
Ben sat in the cold, sterile interrogation room, the harsh lighting bouncing off the metal table in front of him. His wrists were cuffed—thick, reinforced cuffs that clinked softly every time he shifted in the chair.
The walls were bare, save for the two-way mirror. Ben could feel eyes on him from behind the glass.
He leaned back in his chair, glancing around at the featureless room. "You know," he said dryly, "this really isn't necessary." His gaze flicked toward the mirror knowingly. "I'm sure you've got better things to do than babysit me."
He exhaled heavily, shoulders slumping. "Ah, man," Ben muttered.
The door creaked open with deliberate slowness. In stepped a tall, sharp-eyed figure in a tan overcoat and black suit, green tie tucked neatly in place.
Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi.
He studied Ben for a long moment before stepping inside.
Ben blinked at him than chuckled nervously. "Can we nkt have the silent treatment? I mean, I did save everyone. Y'know... the exploding train?" He gave a weak grin. "Little credit—"
Before he could continue—
"Let him go."
The voice was soft but firm, cutting clean through the room.
Ben blinked as the small figure of Principal Nezu walked in, calm and composed, ears perked. Despite his size, the room seemed to shift around him.
"Principal Nezu!" Ben perked up. "Uh... hey..."Ben offered sheepishly, giving an awkward smile.
Nezu regarded him with a soft, almost wistful look. There was warmth there, and no small measure of pride… though, beneath it, a glimmer of concern
Tsukauchi's jaw tightened. He straightened his posture, voice low and firm. "Principal Nezu… with respect, this is official police 's jaw tensed slightly. " The scale of what he can do... how long has he been here? How many Quirks has he shown?" His voice sharpened. "Abilities like his..Tsukauchi's eyes narrowed. ".. is beyond anything we've documented."
Nezu met his gaze evenly. "Detective Tsukauchi, this young man risked his life to save hundreds today. He is a guest in our country and under my personal protection. You know the limits of your authority here."
Tsukauchi's frustration finally broke the surface. "His Quirk registry lists him as Quirkless—Quirkless—until five years ago, Nezu. Five years ago. No one just develops a Quirk that advanced—one capable of mimicking multiple abilities—by coincidence. And now, suddenly, he turns up here, in Japan… where you-know-who once operated?"
Nezu gave a slow sigh, shaking his head. "Detective…"
"And on top of that," Tsukauchi pressed, voice hardening, "he's applying to U.A. Of all places. Especially when All Might—" He caught himself, eyes flicking toward Ben, who gave an awkward smile. "...when you-know-who's successor will also be attending. I
He straightened. "Principal Nezu, I must insist. You can't ignore the timing. You can't tell me this isn't suspicious."
"No," Nezu cut in, "This boy is under protection—by the United States government, by myself, and by very powerful people who will not take kindly to a teenager with diplomatic immunity being detained without cause. "
He tilted his head slightly. "While I admit his recent... vigilantism is not without concern, may I remind you: in Japan, a person must commit repeated unlawful acts—acts that cause direct harm or substantial property damage—to warrant detainment. To my knowledge, Benjamin Tennyson has done no such thing on our soil."
Nezu gave a calm smile. "I would advise you, Detective... release him. Before this grows into a far larger issue than either of us would prefer."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Ben swallowed nervously, shifting in his seat. "Ben glanced between them, frowning. "Okay, seriously... can someone explain what I'm being accused of here?"
Nezu gave him a small glance, tone light but layered. "It is nothing you need concern yourself with, Tennyson." His gaze shifted back to the detective, unflinching. "Now please let go of Tennyson."
"Tch."Tsukauchi stepped forward, unlocking the cuffs with a click. "You're free to go," he said gruffly. "But don't think for a second this is over. We'll be watching."
Ben rubbed his wrists, standing up. "Yeah… figured as much," he muttered under his breath.
Nezu gave a small nod. "Tennyson—let's be on our way."
"Yeah... good idea," Ben muttered, glancing once more at Tsukauchi's intense stare.
The two of them walked toward the door, with Tsukauchi silently watching from behind, the detective's mind clearly working through the strange series of events that had unfolded.
Outside the room, Nezu pinched the bridge of his snout with a tiny paw, sighing as he began pacing in the hallway. The soft clack of his claws echoed lightly off the polished tile.
"Honestly, Benjamin," Nezu began, voice calm but edged with exasperation, "rescuing an entire passenger train while in full view of civilians, news cameras, and multiple pro heroes... admirable in intent, yes—but terribly admirable in intent, has unfortunately brought—"
Ben walked in behind the chimera, his shoulders slouched under the weight of dozens of curious stares. The officers in the station whispered among themselves, their eyes darting between him and Nezu.
"—unwanted attention," Nezu finished, glancing back at him with a pointed look.
Ben rubbed the back of his neck, nerves clear in the sheepish chuckle that escaped him. "Yeah... sorry about that. It's just—there wasn't time to think, y'know? That thing was gonna blow. People were trapped. I was the only one fast enough to do something."
Nezu came to an abrupt stop, turning to face him. "Noble... but reckless. Intent alone is not enough, Benjamin. A hero must act with both heart and foresight."
Ben winced a little. "Yeah... lesson learned." He shifted awkwardly. "Sooo... uh... scale of one to ten—how deep am I in it?"
Nezu tilted his head, his beady eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Tell me, how many forms do you currently possess?"
"Uh... about twenty-two?" Ben said hesitantly.
"Multiply that by two," Nezu said with a slight smirk.
Ben blinked. "Oh..." His shoulders slumped further. "Aw, man..."
"Yes, 'oh' indeed," Nezu replied, his tone turning serious as he continued walking. "Do understand, Benjamin, Japan has very strict laws regarding Quirk usage, especially when it comes to heroics. Without a license, what you did today could have easily been interpreted as vigilantism. And in this country, vigilantism is synonymous with villainy in the eyes of the law."
Ben frowned, his usual confidence faltering. "I get it one more acts of unlawful heroism and I can kiss my hero career good bye."
Nezu nodded solemnly. "Precisely. One more incident like this, and your chances of ever obtaining a Hero License here—or anywhere else—will evaporate. You would be forced to give up heroics entirely."
Ben clenched his fists, the thought of abandoning his dream hitting him like a punch to the gut. "I get it... I really do. I'll be more careful. I promise."
Nezu's expression softened slightly. "Do not despair just yet. You are still eligible to take the Entrance Exam for U.A.'s Hero Course. If you pass, you can train under our guidance, and perhaps we can smooth over the... complications of your current reputation."
Ben let sigh of relief."Thought how strict you guys were you would have rejected me before I had chance."
"True," Nezu interrupted. "And believe me, there are many who would prefer to see you deported rather than sitting in a classroom. However, the situation you intervened in—the bullet train, the armed villains, the near destruction of Endeavor's agency—has put the Hero Public Safety Commission in a rather awkward position."
Nezu adjusted his tie, a wry smile creeping onto his face. "The HPSC would much rather the public focus on you as the 'hero' who saved lives than on the glaring security lapses that allowed villains to smuggle such an arsenal into the country in the first place. You've unwittingly become a convenient distraction."
Ben let out a dry chuckle, the irony not lost on him. "Great. I'm the PR stunt."
Nezu gave him an approving nod. "Precisely! But consider this a blessing in disguise. This is your chance to prove yourself, Benjamin. Use it wisely, or risk losing everything."
Ben looked down at his Omnitrix, his determination hardening. "I won't screw this up."
"That is the attitude I hope to see," Nezu said with a pleased nod, his small smile reflecting a mix of encouragement and mischief. "Now, I trust you're preparing well for the upcoming exam?"
Ben gave a confident grin, crossing his arms. "You just saw me save a whole train of people. I think my actions speak for themselves."
Nezu chuckled lightly, the sound polite yet knowing. "True, but heroism isn't just about ability—it's also about adaptability and foresight. Speaking of which..." His tone shifted to one of cheerful caution. "I would strongly recommend we take the back exit."
One officer snorted as he walked by, a mocking grin on his face. "Kid, if you've got any brains, you'll stay inside. Can't believe you're that Ben Tennyson. America must be losing it if some teenager could take down their top heroes."
Ben ignored the snide comment, stepping fully outside—only to be immediately bombarded by a barrage of camera flashes.
FLASH! FLASH! SNAPSNAPSNAPSNAP!
"Wha—ugh! What the hell?!" Ben flinched, throwing up an arm to block the lights. His voice nearly drowned in the rising wave of reporters.
"BEN TENNYSON! OVER HERE!"
"Ah, yes," Nezu said calmly, stepping up beside him, completely unaffected by the media attention. "The media has been... quite insistent since hearing of your exploits. I believe you've become quite the celebrity overnight."
Vrrrrrmm... A sleek black car pulled up beside them, its engine humming smoothly.
Nezu gestured to the door. "Come, Benjamin. Let's make our exit before you accidentally start another press frenzy."
Ben awkwardly raised a hand, trying to wave at the reporters, but the overwhelming noise and shouting made it impossible to respond. He stumbled toward the car, his face flushed as he followed Nezu, who somehow navigated the endless reporters with perfect ease. Once inside, Ben let out a long breath of relief, the car doors muffling the snap of cameras.
...
Across the street, Detective Tsukauchi stood silently with a lanky man whose skeletal frame seemed to stretch awkwardly under his thin clothing. The man's sharp, sunken eyes tracked the car as it pulled away.
"So," the skeletal man said, his voice dry and contemplative, "what did you manage to dig up on him?"
Tsukauchi frowned, his brow furrowing as he crossed his arms. "Not much, unfortunately. I couldn't properly question him. Since he's an American citizen, he has diplomatic immunity, and Principal Nezu pulled rank. I wasn't able to press him on anything."
The skeleton man hummed thoughtfully, his hollow eyes fixed on the retreating car. "Do you think he's connected to... Him?"
His voice dipped slightly, the weight of the implication hanging between them like a dark cloud.
The detective's jaw tightened as he considered his words carefully. "I don't have any evidence to suggest it, but... his abilities are unlike anything I've seen before. We know All For One wasn't the only Quirk user capable of amassing multiple abilities, but this kid..." He shook his head. "Even with no proof... I can already tell that kid is going to be a problem. From a few hours ago, he's already shown he won't abide by the laws if it comes to it."
The man let out a long, slow breath, his skeletal hand tapping lightly against his arm. "Extraordinary doesn't even begin to describe what I saw him do. I've been doing this for decades, and I've seen all sorts of strange Quirks, but his... it's like it doesn't belong. I'm not foolish enough to jump to conclusions, but..." His voice trailed off as his gaze grew darker. "I can't ignore the feeling I get when he's around."
Tsukauchi nodded before sighing."First Naruhata now this."
...
To say Ben Tennyson had become a national icon would be an understatement.
He was an international phenomenon.
Across televisions, streaming feeds, and news apps, one headline blazed:
"MYSTERY VIGILANTE REVEALED: BEN TENNYSON — THE BOY WITH THE WATCH!"
Screens blared across Japan—stations flipping between networks, social media feeds buzzing, YouTube clips surging in the millions—
"BREAKING NEWS: A long-standing mystery may finally be solved! Five years ago, ten strange, heteromorphic vigilantes appeared in America—vanishing as quickly as they came—"
The screen jumped to shaky phone footage:
— Four Arms grappling with Kevin Levin atop the Golden Gate Bridge, the red titan tossing him clear across traffic.
— Heatblast soaring over a raging California wildfire. His fiery arms extended outward, redirecting burning trees away from trapped civilians.
"—Don't worry! I'm here to help!" the alien form shouted, voice distorted by static as it swooped past a stunned firefighter
Upgrade fused into a police car, steering it safely away from a runaway truck before ejecting himself mid-jump.
Stinkfly carrying four construction workers off a collapsing building.
Cannonbolt shielding a crowd from falling debris during a bank explosion.
Wildvine wrapping up robbers in botanical binds.
Ripjaws diving into toxic water to save a trapped diver.
Ghostfreak phasing into a wall to pull a child out of a burning room.
News anchors debated:
"How many forms does he have?"
"Early reports suggest at least ten distinct transformations—but sources say that number could be much higher."
"Could this be an advanced Multi-Morph Quirk? Or a composite Quirk?"
A respected Quirk analyst weighed in:
"We've never seen this level of versatility in a single Quirk. Some speculate it's a mutation-type with extreme adaptability—combined with a sophisticated support device,"
—the camera zoomed in on the glowing green Omnitrix strapped to Ben's wrist.
#'Bro's got at least 10 forms. How busted is that Quirk?!'
#'That thing on his wrist—must be some crazy US tech helping control it.'
#'He's gotta be running a hybrid Quirk Support Item build.'
#'Top Hero material, calling it now.'
...
When Ben got home, he wasn't too surprised to see missed voice calls from America—his family had clearly been trying to reach him.
What did surprise him was the sudden video call that lit up his TV the moment he flopped onto the couch.
The screen flickered — and there they were. His parents' stern faces filled the frame: Sandra with her arms crossed, a look of exasperation practically burning a hole through the screen; Carl standing behind her, rubbing his temples and muttering under his breath; and just off to the side, Lt. Steel, back ramrod straight, jaw clenched, eyes cold.
"Two days," Sandra began sharply, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Two days, Benjamin Kirby Tennyson. You've been in Japan for two days— and already you've landed on every major news network!" Her glare narrowed. "What were you thinking?!"
Ben winced, sitting up straighter on the couch. "Uh... surprise?"
Carl let out a deep sigh. "Do you have any idea how many calls we've gotten from the embassy? A bullet train, Ben! A bullet train! What were you thinking?!"
Sandra threw her hands up. "Honestly, I'm just relieved no one's suing us. Yet."
Ben tried to offer a weak smile. "To be fair… I didn't wreck the train or anything—"
"Benjamin." Sandra's voice had that don't-push-it edge to it.
"Alright, alright!" Ben raised his hands in surrender. "I get it. I messed up. But what was I supposed to do? Just stand there while those villains blew the whole thing sky-high?"
That softened his parents' expressions, but only slightly. Their disappointment lingered beneath their stern demeanor.
Then Steel finally spoke, his tone flat and clipped, like a drill sergeant who'd seen too much. "Intent doesn't erase consequences, Tennyson." His eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea what kind of diplomatic headache you've caused? You think Japan's hero commission was thrilled to have an unlicensed teenager running an unsanctioned op on their turf?"
He shook his head. "You're lucky Nezu's pulling weight for you right now. Frankly? You've just put yourself under more scrutiny than ever. One wrong move — and you'll be on every watchlist from here to Washington."
Ben bristled at that but managed to hold his tongue.
Steel exhaled sharply, crossing his arms. "That said, I'm not the one you need to hear this from. I'll let him take it from here."
The screen shifted, and Grandpa Max's familiar face appeared. Ben's heart sank further.
"Grandpa?"
Max sighed, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Hello, Ben." His tone was calm but heavy with disappointment. "What were you thinking, kid?"
Max leaned forward, his expression firm. "You're right. I probably would've. But here's the thing, Ben: you're in Japan now. This isn't Bellwood. It's a country full of pro heroes whose job is to handle this kind of thing. For once in your life, you've got a chance to take a step back and just be a kid. No Omnitrix, no fighting villains. Just Ben Tennyson."
Ben opened his mouth to argue, but Max raised a hand to silence him.
"But—"
"No buts, Ben," Max interrupted. "You've spent enough of your life throwing yourself into danger. How about you spend a little time doing what other teenagers do? Make some friends. Go on a date. Hit the books. You've got the rest of your life to play hero, but you only get one chance at being a kid. Don't waste it."
Ben grumbled.
"Do you understand?" Max's voice sharpened, brooking no argument.
Ben sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "…Understood."
Max's gaze softened again, though his tone remained firm. "Good. Now keep your head down, stay out of trouble, and focus on the entrance exam. You've got a chance to do things the right way this time. Don't waste it."
The screen went dark, leaving Ben staring at his reflection in the TV. He let out another sigh and muttered to himself, "Aw, man…"
...
Ben slumped on his bed, phone in hand, as the bright screen lit up his tired face. The headline blared in bold letters: "High-Speed Heroics: Ben Tennyson Stops Disaster."
He groaned, already regretting his decision to open the video. As the news clip played, a polished reporter in a crisp suit appeared on the screen, speaking with the kind of forced enthusiasm that made Ben cringe.
"Yesterday afternoon, a bullet train carrying over 1,200 passengers was hijacked in a shocking act of villainy," the reporter announced. "The culprits, reportedly linked to the infamous Overlord, threatened a catastrophic end. However, in an incredible turn of events, an unexpected hero emerged to save the day—American teenager Ben Tennyson."
Ben winced as the screen cut to shaky footage of him mid-rescue, zipping around as XLR8. It was a little blurry, but the Omnitrix's green glow and the alien's unmistakable speed were all too clear.
"An outstanding revelation," the reporter continued, "Ben Tennyson, a 15-year-old teenager from America, has been linked to a long-lost vigilante group. For five years, this group, identified by a blackand white symbol resembling an hourglass, operated across the United States before mysteriously vanishing from the public eye. But that mystery has been solved."
"Eyewitnesses describe the scene as something straight out of a movie. Tennyson, using what appears to be a transformation transformed into the infamous vigilante XLR8."
"While his actions may be deemed heroic by some," the reporter's voice continued, "many others, including local authorities, view his methods as reckless. His history as a vigilante, coupled with his apparent disregard for the law, raises concerns about whether or not he should be allowed to pursue a career in heroism."
Ben groaned, tossing his phone onto the bed and burying his face in his pillow. He peeked at the screen again, only to see the rescue video had hit over 100 million views overnight.
"Wow! Over 100 million views already?!" Izuku exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as he leaned over Ben's shoulder to see the screen. He was practically glowing, his energy infectious. "That's incredible, Ben! You saved so many people, and now the whole world is seeing it!"
Ben glanced at him with a half-smile. "Yeah, lucky me..." he muttered, the sarcasm heavy in his tone.
Kyoka, lounging on a beanbag in the corner, had her earbuds loosely hanging around her neck as she scrolled through her phone. She smirked, flicking her thumb across the screen. "You should totally check out the comments, Tennyson. 'Damn, that kid is fast,' and—oh, here's a good one—'Holy crap, he's all those vigilantes?!'" She looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Guess the internet's already figured you out."
Izuku and Kyoka had managed to get in touch with Ben and had come over to discuss his sudden rise to fame. Surprisingly, Kyoka wasn't nearly as flustered as Izuku was about being at a friend's house. While Izuku was buzzing with nervous energy, glancing around the room like it was a shrine to heroics, Kyoka lounged casually, her demeanor as unbothered as ever.
Ben groaned again, covering his face with his hands. "Great. That's exactly what I needed."
Kyoka chuckled, resting her chin on her fist. "Honestly, I don't get why you're complaining. You literally outran a bomb on a train. Most people would be milking this for all it's worth."
Ben groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Most people aren't already on a government shit list. If I screw up again, I can kiss my hero career goodbye before it even starts."
"Hey, look on the bright side," Kyoka said with a shrug. "Didn't Principal Nezu say you've still got a chance to prove yourself? That's gotta count for something."
Ben nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, I just have to pass the Entrance Exam and not mess up between now and then. At least they've managed to keep my apartment's location a secret, so I'm not dealing with paparazzi outside my window."
"Can't believe you live here by yourself," Kyoka said, glancing around the apartment. "Lucky."
Ben snorted, leaning back on his bed. "Can't say I've been missing my parents nagging me, that's for sure."
Izuku, standing awkwardly near the kitchen, glanced at a small pile of dirty dishes on the counter. "Uh... speaking of living on your own, are you, um, managing okay?"
Ben followed his gaze and waved dismissively. "What, the dishes? I was gonna get to those... eventually."
"Eventually, huh?" Kyoka teased, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like you're settling into the bachelor lifestyle already. Next step: pizza boxes everywhere and laundry on the couch."
Ben protested"Hey, I like to keep it somewhat clean. I'm not a total slob."
"Debatable," Kyoka quipped, earning a chuckle from Izuku.
Ben rolled his eyes. "So, you're planning on going to U.A. too?"
Jirou flinched slightly, her cheeks tinged a light pink. "I... I mean, yeah... kinda nervous about it," she mumbled, fiddling with her earphone jacks as if the motion could calm her nerves.
"Really? How come?" Ben asked, not bothering to look up from his phone. "Isn't it just a bunch of robots we gotta smash? Sounds simple enough to me."
Jirou deadpanned, narrowing her eyes at him. "Right, says the guy who outran an exploding train and took down a whole car full of villains like it was nothing."
Ben smirked, glancing over at her. "What can I say? Chaos keeps life exciting." He leaned back in his chair, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "But seriously, don't stress it. Just hit them hard and fast. Easy."
"H-How do you know it's going to be robots?" Izuku asked suddenly, his wide, curious eyes locking onto Ben.
Ben raised an eyebrow, finally setting his phone down. "Did my homework," he replied with a shrug. "Checked some forums. The exam's designed to favor people with Quirks that can blow stuff up or hit hard. If your Quirk isn't flashy or destructive, you're gonna have a rough time. A lot of people don't make the cut because of it."
"That's... kinda unfair," Jirou muttered, crossing her arms and tilting her head thoughtfully.
"Totally is," Ben agreed. "Like, I read about this guy who could shut down people's nervous systems. Super OP, right? But even he failed because he couldn't do squat against the bots."
"Robots, huh?" Jirou murmured, spinning one of her jacks in her fingers. "If I concentrate my heartbeat enough, I could probably short-circuit them."
Izuku cupped his chin, muttering as if the gears in his head were spinning out of control. "If it's robots, then I need to increase my training before the exam." He whipped out his phone, his eyes glued to the All American Dream Plan saved in his notes. "If I could do twice as much—twice the sprints, push-ups—then I'll have to ask Mom for more food to build muscle... If I do all that, maybe I'll get my Quirk in time for the exam, and I should pass relatively easily."
Ben, sitting cross-legged on the couch, raised an eyebrow at the whirlwind of words spilling from Izuku's mouth. He leaned back, still scrolling through his phone. "Sounds like you're putting all your chips on that Quirk of yours," Ben remarked casually.
"H-Huh?" Izuku froze mid-mutter, clutching his phone. "I-I mean, you just said people with non-flashy Quirks don't get in, so..." He clenched his fist, his voice lowering. "Being able to use my Quirk is the only way I can pass..."
Ben glanced at him, his expression unreadable, then shook his head and went back to scrolling. "Dude, if you're banking everything on your Quirk, you're setting yourself up for failure."
Izuku stiffened like he'd just been hit with a bucket of cold water. He looked down at the floor, his hands tightening into fists as Ben continued.
"You know why most people fail?" Ben asked, setting his phone aside. He gestured lazily with one hand, his tone turning sharp. "Because they all rely too much on their Quirks. The second their powers don't work the way they want—or don't work at all—they're done. They freeze, they panic, and suddenly, it's like they're Quirkless. They might as well have handed in the towel the second they started."
Kyoka, who had been quietly observing, tapped one of her earphone jacks against her arm. "I can kinda see that. A lot of people probably don't bother coming up with backup plans if they think their Quirk can carry them."
"Exactly," Ben said, nodding toward her. "Take someone with a mental Quirk, or one that doesn't wreck stuff. They get out there, see the big bots, and think, 'Welp, my Quirk's useless.' Then they just flounder. Happens all the time."
Ben let out a dry laugh, leaning forward. "Trust me, coming from a guy who used to have a 10-minute time limit on his powers and had to fight as a regular guy when they ran out... you don't wanna be the one standing there with no clue what to do when things go wrong."
Izuku's eyes widened as Ben's words hit home. He looked back at the plan on his phone, suddenly noticing how much of it revolved around building up his body just to activate his Quirk. There wasn't much about what to do if his plan fell apart.
...
[Next Day; Dagabah Beach]
Izuku was on the beach, the sun beating down as he dragged a rusted washing machine across the sand. His body was drenched in sweat, his muscles burning with each pull, but he refused to stop. As the machine groaned and scraped against the ground, his mind churned with thoughts of Ben's words.
"You're setting yourself up for failure if you only rely on your Quirk."
The memory made Izuku grit his teeth, his grip on the rope tightening. Was Tennyson right? he thought, his brows furrowing. Will One For All really not be enough to get me through the exam?
He yanked harder, his feet digging into the sand for leverage. The washing machine lurched forward, leaving deep tracks in its wake. The weight seemed to echo the doubts in his chest, growing heavier with every step.
Ben's incredulous expression flashed in his mind. "Wait, you're not even training for combat? How are you gonna handle close quarters if your Quirk doesn't work?"
The question had haunted him all night. Izuku had scrolled through forums and articles, looking for any clues about the exam's format. There wasn't anything about hand-to-hand combat being a focus, but there also wasn't any guarantee his strategy would work.
He reached the staircase and stopped, panting heavily as he leaned against the machine. His chest heaved, his sweat-drenched shirt sticking to his skin. If I can't activate One For All in time… if I can't control it… His fists clenched. No. I'll make sure it's enough. But even if it's not, I'll find another way.
Izuku straightened, his resolve hardening. He grabbed the rope again, his legs trembling but steady. With a sharp exhale, he began pulling the washing machine up the stairs, his determination outweighing the fatigue.
As Izuku dropped the washing machine with a loud thud, All Might approached him, his trademark grin practically shining in the afternoon sun. "Good job, kid! You're making excellent progress. At this rate, you'll be ready to receive One For All by the Entrance Exam!" His booming laughter echoed across the beach.
Izuku forced a small smile, wiping sweat from his brow. Sure, I'm getting closer to receiving One For All, he thought, but the excitement he'd once felt had dimmed. The words "by the Entrance Exam" echoed in his mind like a warning bell.
I'll be getting One For All on the day of the exam? The realization hit harder the more he thought about it. He wouldn't have a chance to train with it, wouldn't know how to activate it, let alone control it. All Might's confidence was reassuring, but the cracks in Izuku's plan were glaring.
And then there was Ben's voice ringing in his ears: "Dude, if you're just gonna use your Quirk, you're setting yourself up for failure."
Izuku's stomach twisted with doubt. He'd been so focused on gaining the power that he hadn't thought beyond it. I don't know how to fight. I don't even know if I can use One For All properly when the time comes. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. This is a terrible idea.
"Young Midoriya?" All Might's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Izuku turned toward him, hesitating.
"A-All Might…" His voice came out quieter than he expected. He stared at the sand for a moment before finally meeting his mentor's gaze. "Will One For All… be enough to pass?"
All Might's smile faltered, his expression softening with concern. "Is something troubling you, Young Midoriya?"
Izuku swallowed hard. "I-I just… uhm…" He hesitated, his mind racing. Finally, he blurted out, "Maybe we can adjust the American Dream Plan?"
All Might raised a brow. "Adjust it? How so?"
"I-I mean, maybe we could add something… like combat training? Or more than just muscle-building exercises?" Izuku said quickly, the words tumbling out in a rush. His hands fidgeted as he spoke. "If I'm going to get into U.A., I-I can't just rely on One For All. What if I can't use it during the exam? What if I don't even know how to make it work?"
All Might's eyes widened slightly. "Where is this coming from, Young Midoriya?"
Izuku hesitated again before lowering his gaze. "I-it's just… Tennyson… He said something about powers only taking a hero so far." He looked back up, meeting All Might's gaze with a nervous but determined expression. "I think he's right. If I don't know how to fight or handle myself without a Quirk, then… then I won't make it, even with One For All."
All Might was silent for a moment, studying Izuku with an unreadable expression. Then, a wide grin spread across his face. "That's a very mature perspective, Young Midoriya." He rested a hand on Izuku's shoulder, his tone both serious and encouraging. "Adjusting the plan is a fine idea."
"Though if you want some combat exercises, I could incorporate those into our sessions," All Might said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "It'll require some adjustments to the schedule, of course." He paused, his trademark grin dimming slightly. "But with my busy schedule, we might want to consider looking into a martial arts school for additional training."
Izuku's eyes lit up as an idea formed in his head. "A-actually, I might know someone who can help with that..." His thoughts drifted to Ben and the way he had taken down Kacchan and his cronies with such ease. If anyone knew how to handle themselves in a fight without relying on a Quirk, it was him.
...
"You want me to teach you how to fight?" Ben asked, raising an eyebrow as he carried a grocery basket through the aisle. His tone was incredulous, though not dismissive.
Izuku jogged slightly next to him, his arms and legs weighed down with training gear. Sweat dripped down his brow, but he didn't seem to care. He was still brimming with excitement from the new regimen, eager to push himself further.
"Do you have to do that?" Ben asked, nodding toward the weights as he caught a few curious glances from passersby. A small group of girls giggled as they walked by, whispering to each other while occasionally glancing back. Ben gave them an awkward wave before turning back to Izuku.
"Y-yes!" Izuku said eagerly, completely ignoring the stares. "The way you handled Kacchan and his friends... you didn't even use your Quirk! You have to know some combat techniques."
Ben shrugged, tossing a bottle of juice into his basket. "I mean... yeah, I know a thing or two. But I don't exactly teach."
"But you could!" Izuku insisted, his green eyes practically glowing with determination. "I know I've still got a lot to learn, and if I'm going to get into U.A., I need more than just muscle! Plus," he added quickly, "my All—uh, I mean, Toshinori-sensei said he wouldn't mind if you trained with me. He even suggested adding combat training to my schedule."
Ben paused, glancing at Izuku as he considered the idea. "Toshinori, huh? The guy seems pretty serious about your progress." He scratched the back of his head. "I guess I could teach you some basics. It wouldn't hurt to have a sparring partner either."
Izuku's face lit up with excitement. "Really? You'd do that?"
"Yeah, sure," Ben said, though his tone was casual. He smirked slightly as he added, "But don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're new at this."
"I-I wouldn't dream of it!" Izuku said quickly, his enthusiasm unwavering.
Ben chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed another item off the shelf. "Alright, then. Let's get this shopping done first, and we'll figure out a time to start. But fair warning: you'd better be ready to put in the work."
Izuku nodded eagerly, his mind already racing with possibilities. 'With Ben's help, I'll definitely be ready for the Entrance Exam!'
...
Rex stood at the gates of U.A., the towering building before him radiating a mix of awe and intimidation. Anxiety bubbled beneath the surface, but he shrugged it off with a lopsided grin, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. "Alright, no big deal. Just another day being awesome," he muttered, feigning confidence.
As he stood there, a girl with raven-black hair tied into a spiky ponytail strolled by, her posture regal and composed. Beside her walked another girl of average height, her striking dusky green eyes and long, moss-green hair giving her an almost ethereal appearance. The two seemed engrossed in conversation, their footsteps steady as they approached the gates.
Rex straightened, glancing their way as they passed. His smirk grew a little sharper, a glint of mischief flashing in his eyes. "Alright, time to make my mark," he murmured to himself. Stepping through the gates with a swagger in his stride, he tilted his head back to take in the full grandeur of U.A.
"Thrill me," he said under his breath, his signature cocky grin firmly in place.
Chapter 7: Chp 7: Rex vs the Recommendation Exam
StormWolf50: Yes Rex will also have a bunch of ladies for all thee I might limit them to just three for each or Izuku two depends on how the story develops.
Sci-Fi FREAK: Uh I'll see for now it will probably be just what they from the show maybe during Hosu arc I'll change it up.
Rexzilla: You'll see the new alien in the next chapter. Mina yep. Also Momo for Ben. Rex you'll see.
GUGK: Rex will probably be Generator Rex
CryptidWorld: I'll keep that in mind.
Fan-Thom: The book 1 refers to that it will be the first book this will probably end around the first movie of mha.
Maximum Rhapsody: 22 students. Everyone has nanites like in Generatir Rex technically anyone can become an evo anytime. Plumber training won't be implemented.
Rex sat slouched in one of the auditorium seats, his arms crossed over his chest as his foot tapped rhythmically against the floor. The room wasn't nearly as full as he'd expected-this was the recommendation exam, after all, and only a select few were here. Most of the students scattered around and wore polished uniforms that screamed high-end schools. Rex stood out with his more laid-back appearance, his jacket unzipped, and a cocky smirk teasing his lips despite the nerves swirling in his gut.
He let out a low whistle, his eyes flicking around the room. "Okay, Rex. This is it. Your shot at a halfway normal high school life. No Providence, no Six breathing down your neck," he muttered under his breath. Then, his gaze landed on a girl sitting a few rows away, her dark moss-green hair catching the light as she shifted slightly in her seat. Her sharp teeth flashed in a casual grin as she laughed quietly with another student.
Rex's lips curled into a grin, his nerves momentarily forgotten. Okay, maybe not just normal... Maybe even better than that. His inner thoughts trailed into a dreamlike haze. Get through this, make the cut, and maybe score some points with a total babe while I'm at it.
His daydream was rudely interrupted by the sound of the auditorium doors creaking open. Rex blinked, straightening slightly in his seat as a new student entered. The boy was taller and more composed than anyone else in the room, his black-and-white middle school uniform pristine, with the school name embroidered neatly on the blazer. But what really caught Rex's attention-and everyone else's-was the kid's striking appearance.
His hair was a bold split of white and crimson red, parted perfectly to avoid obscuring his sharp eyes. Even more striking were those eyes themselves-one a deep turquoise, the other a muted gray-brown.
A wave of murmurs rippled through the room, growing louder by the second.
"That's Shoto Todoroki..."
"The son of the Number 2 Hero? No way!"
"Of course he's here. He probably doesn't even need to try to pass."
Rex rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. Practically every girl in the room seemed to melt the second Shoto Todoroki walked in. Even the moss-haired girl, who'd seemed cool and collected earlier, had joined the chorus of dreamy sighs.
"Wow... He's so hot..." one girl murmured, her voice barely above a whisper but loud enough to make Rex cringe.
The moss-haired girl leaned forward, her sharp teeth visible as she gave Todoroki a cheeky wink. Rex raised an eyebrow, his irritation growing when Todoroki barely acknowledged the attention.
Instead, the guy walked calmly past the swooning crowd, his face completely unreadable, which only made the girls swoon harder
As Todoroki made his way to the back of the auditorium, Rex's eyes were drawn to yet another admirer.
A tall girl with a strikingly mature build stood nearby, her long black hair tied into a sharp, spiky ponytail that bounced slightly as she turned to follow Todoroki's movements. Her dark, sharp eyes widened slightly, betraying her usual composed demeanor as she seemed awestruck.
Rex groaned quietly, slumping back in his seat. Great. He's got the tall, elegant ones hooked, too. He watched as the black-haired girl's gaze lingered on Todoroki for just a moment longer before she regained her composure, shaking her head slightly as if trying to focus.
Meanwhile, Todoroki sat down at the far back of the room, deliberately choosing a seat farthest from the growing crowd of admirers. He didn't so much as glance at anyone as he settled into his seat.
Present Mic burst onto the stage with his signature energy, his voice booming through the auditorium like a shockwave. "ALRIGHT, RECOMMENDATION STUDENT CANDIDATES!" he shouted, throwing his arms wide open. "ARE YOU READY TO SHOW US WHAT YOU'VE GOT?!"
A few murmurs rippled through the crowd, some students nodding hesitantly, while others exchanged uneasy glances. Present Mic didn't seem to care about their reactions, his grin as bright as ever as he continued.
"FIRST UP, YOU'LL START WITH A WRITTEN TEST!" he announced, pacing across the stage. "YEP, THAT'S RIGHT! YOU CAN'T JUST HAVE MUSCLE AND QUIRKS TO BE A HERO-YOU GOTTA USE THAT BRAIN POWER TOO!"
Rex slumped in his seat, groaning softly. "Oh great, a test. My favorite," he muttered sarcastically. He could already feel the headache forming.
Present Mic pointed dramatically toward the students, his voice rising even louder. "ONCE YOU'RE DONE FLEXING THOSE BRAIN MUSCLES, YOU'LL MOVE ON TO THE REAL FUN-A RACE!"
The room perked up at that, a buzz of excitement replacing some of the earlier nerves. Present Mic grinned, clearly pleased with the shift in energy. "YOU'LL BE RACING SIX AT A TIME THROUGH A THREE-KILOMETER-LONG OBSTACLE COURSE! AND HERE'S THE KICKER-YOU CAN USE YOUR QUIRKS TO GET THROUGH IT!"
Rex sat up straighter, a spark of interest lighting his expression. "Now that sounds more like it,"
Present Mic didn't stop for a second, his words rapid-fire as he explained. "YOU'VE ALL BEEN ASSIGNED NUMBERS! CHECK YOUR TICKETS TO SEE WHERE YOU'LL BE LINING UP!"
Rex glanced down at the small card in his hand, flipping it over to reveal a bold "27" printed on it. He smirked. "Lucky number, I guess," he muttered, tucking the card into his pocket.
"And here comes the twist!" Present Mic leaned forward dramatically, as if sharing a secret. "AFTER THE OBSTACLE COURSE, YOU'LL HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH OUR VERY OWN PRINCIPAL NEZU!"
The announcement drew a mix of reactions-some students looked thrilled, while others shifted nervously at the thought of sitting down with U.A.'s mysterious, highly intelligent principal.
Rex leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a wry grin on his face. "An interview with a talking mouse? Sure, why not." he quipped, earning a glance from the moss-haired girl nearby.
"You talk a big talk hope you can back it up." She said with a toothy grin.
Rex smirked."Oh trust me I can."
Present Mic clapped his hands together, drawing their attention back to the stage. "ALRIGHT, CANDIDATES! LET'S SEE IF YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE HEROES! GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!"
...
Ben stretched his arms above his head, the warm sun casting long shadows on the trash-strewn sands of Dagabah Beach. Beside him, Izuku mirrored the motion, his movements more precise, as if trying to perfect even a simple stretch. A skeletal figure watched them from a distance, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.
"You're absolutely sure about this?" Ben asked, rolling his shoulders. His tone was casual, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
Izuku nodded, his expression serious despite the faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Yeah. Plus, no one really comes here, so you'll be able to train without anyone noticing your... uh, Quirk. Since, well..." He trailed off, motioning toward the mountain of garbage still littering most of the beach. "It's not exactly a tourist spot."
Ben wrinkled his nose, glancing around at the mess. "Yeah, no kidding. This place is a dump."
Izuku's shoulders slumped, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Pretty much."
Toshinori, who had been observing silently, finally spoke. His deep, gravelly voice carried a note of encouragement. "Don't sell yourself short, young Midoriya. The progress you've made is remarkable. Compared to when you started, this beach is almost unrecognizable."
Ben glanced around, his skeptical frown softening. Most of the beach was clean, the sand smooth and golden under the sun. Only the remaining 25% still showed the chaos of piled debris, but the difference was undeniable."Okay I'll give you credit."
Izuku winced but straightened up quickly. "That's why I'm working hard! By the time the entrance exam comes, this beach will be spotless!"
Ben cracked his knuckles, his gaze sharp as he looked at Izuku. "Alright, Izuku, let's get started," he said, his tone calm but firm.
Izuku jolted slightly, his nerves getting the better of him as he gulped. "O-Okay..." he replied, stepping forward hesitantly.
"Alright, put 'em up," Ben said, motioning with his hands.
"W-What?" Izuku blinked, confusion crossing his face.
Ben raised an eyebrow. "I'm guessing you haven't been in many fights before," he said matter-of-factly. He paused, then added, "Or at least not ones that weren't, uh... one-sided." His tone softened, but the implication was clear-he'd guessed Izuku's history of being bullied.
Izuku's shoulders slumped slightly as he nodded. "Y-Yeah... not that many..." he admitted in a barely audible whisper.
Ben sighed, his tone turning brisk. "Okay, on the count of three. One, two-"
Before he even finished, Ben darted forward. Izuku's eyes widened in shock as Ben closed the distance in a blur. Instinctively, Izuku froze, his body stiffening as Ben threw a swift punch. The strike stopped just short of Izuku's face, but before he could react, Ben hooked his foot behind Izuku's ankle and swept him clean off his feet.
With a loud thud, Izuku hit the sand. "Gah!" he gasped, wincing from the impact.
Toshinori, watching from a distance, winced as well. "That was... quick," he murmured under his breath, his brows furrowing in concern.
Ben, meanwhile, straightened effortlessly, flipping back onto his feet with practiced ease. "First thing my Grandpa taught me about fighting," Ben said as Izuku struggled to push himself up, sand clinging to his arms. "Don't let adrenaline control you. Stay calm, or you're already done."
Izuku managed to stand, brushing himself off, only to catch another punch aimed squarely at his face. His reaction came too late, and Ben's fist connected-not hard, but enough to sting.
"Ow!" Izuku winced, clutching his nose as his vision blurred momentarily.
Both Ben and Toshinori winced in unison. "Alright," Ben said, taking a step back, his tone less harsh. "First rule-relax. Tensing up like that just makes you a bigger target."
Izuku rubbed his nose, trying to regain focus as he shifted into a shaky fighting stance.
"Good. Now, breathe. Slow and steady," Ben instructed, his voice more measured. Izuku's heart was still pounding in his chest, but he forced himself to inhale deeply, then exhale. The tremor in his hands started to lessen.
"Hips square to your opponent," Ben continued, demonstrating as he pivoted slightly. "Let them make the first move. Watch their balance."
Izuku nodded, adjusting his posture.
"Now, when they go off balance, that's when you strike. Use your feet, your body. Don't just rely on your arms." Ben raised a hand, gesturing for Izuku to throw a punch. "Come on, hit me. Right here."
Izuku hesitated for a moment, then launched a punch. It was awkward, but Ben caught it in his palm with a loud smack.
"Better," Ben said, nodding approvingly. "But you're still telegraphing too much. Keep it compact, quick. Try again."
Izuku nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. This time, his punch was faster, sharper, and Ben grinned as he blocked it again. "Boom! Yeah, like that."
Toshinori watched silently, his lips curving into a small smile.
Ben raised his fists, his expression focused but calm. "Alright, you got the basics down?" he asked, his tone steady.
Izuku nodded, though his nervousness was still evident. "I-I think so..." he stammered, trying to shake off the doubt creeping into his mind.
Ben smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Good. Let's see if you can keep up." Without another word, he surged forward, kicking up a spray of sand as he closed the distance.
Izuku's eyes widened in panic, his heart hammering against his ribs. As Ben launched a punch, Izuku forced himself to take a deep breath, his mind racing to process the movement. He managed to sidestep just in time, narrowly avoiding the blow.
Toshinori, watching from the sidelines, grinned as he saw Izuku roll behind Ben with surprising agility. "Atta boy, Young Midoriya," he muttered to himself, a flicker of pride in his voice.
Ben pivoted quickly, creating some distance between them. "Not bad, kid," he said, his tone edged with approval. "But don't get cocky—"
Before he could finish, Izuku charged forward, determination gleaming in his eyes. Ben's smirk faltered as Izuku closed the gap, his movements more confident now. With an unexpected burst of strength, Izuku grabbed hold of Ben and, in a fluid motion, threw him over his shoulder.
The move mirrored the one Ben had used on Bakugou when they first met, and Ben couldn't help but notice the parallel as he hit the sand with a grunt. "Oomph!"
Ben lay there for a moment, staring up at the sky in disbelief. Then, with a small laugh, he propped himself up on his elbows. "Okay... maybe you are starting to get it," he said, shaking his head.
Izuku blinked, looking down at Ben with wide eyes. "D-Did I do that right?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and excitement.
Ben dusted himself off as he stood, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, you did," he said, giving Izuku a quick nod. "Though in the exam probably don't want to freeze up, you're moves are pretty easy to read but I guess that won't matter to robots."
After a couple of hours of sparring, Izuku began to find his rhythm. His movements were less hesitant, and his reactions became quicker, but the gap between his and Ben's fighting capabilities remained hilariously obvious. Even with Ben going easy on him, his natural aptitude for combat—honed through experience and instinct—shone through. It was clear Ben didn't rely on a Quirk to dominate in a fight; his skills were sharp and adaptable.
It didn't help that Toshinori decided to crank up Izuku's difficulty by making him wear weighted bands on his wrists and ankles. "This will build your muscles while you train!" Toshinori had declared, grinning enthusiastically. To keep things balanced, Ben was also given weights, though his reaction was far less enthusiastic.
"Seriously? I didn't sign up to be a human dumbbell," Ben muttered, strapping the weights on. Despite his complaints, he adjusted quickly, his natural fitness far exceeding what one would expect from someone his age.
Ben used the weights to challenge himself, pushing through each movement with deliberate effort. "Alright, Midoriya, let's go over the basics again," he said, clapping his hands. "Start with your stance. Feet shoulder-width apart—yeah, like that. Keep your weight balanced. You're not a statue; stay light on your toes."
Izuku adjusted his posture, his breathing steady but labored from the added resistance.
"Good. Now, when you throw a punch, it's not just your arm doing the work," Ben explained, demonstrating a slow, precise jab. "You twist your hips and shoulders into it. Power comes from the ground up. Try it."
Izuku followed Ben's example, mimicking the motion. His first attempts were stiff and awkward, but after a few corrections from Ben—adjusting his footing, relaxing his shoulders—the punches started to flow more naturally.
"Nice! Now, remember, your punches should come back as fast as they go out. No hanging your arm out there like a target," Ben instructed, weaving between Izuku's strikes to show him the importance of speed and defense.
After a while, they moved on to basic defense. "Alright, hands up. Keep your guard tight," Ben said, tapping Izuku lightly on the forehead to remind him. "You've got to protect your face, man. If you can't block, you're gonna eat punches for breakfast."
Izuku nodded, focusing as Ben threw light, controlled jabs toward him. At first, Izuku flinched and overreacted, but with patience, Ben guided him into proper blocks and parries.
By the end of the session, Izuku's body crashed into the sand, drenched in sweat, his limbs feeling like lead. He groaned, every muscle in his body aching from the intense workout.
Nearby, Ben panted as he leaned on his knees. The weights Toshinori had added were doing a number on him as well, but he managed a grin as he straightened up.
"Not so bad," Ben said with a grin, brushing some sand off his jeans. "Though I can't say I'm a big fan of the weights. They're kinda ruining my vibe."
Toshinori chuckled from where he stood. "Yes, but they'll increase your muscle density. You're quite an adaptable young man," he said, observing how Ben had quickly adjusted to fighting with the added resistance.
Ben shrugged casually, stretching his arms overhead. "Thanks, I guess. Though I'm not sure I'll ever get used to this kind of training." He tilted his head toward Izuku. "So, you really do this every day?"
Izuku nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Y-Yeah... I have to. I need to get stronger if I want to pass the exam."
Ben plopped down onto the sand with a sigh, leaning back on his hands. "Well, since you're basically heading into the exam Quirkless, you might wanna come up with a solid plan."
Izuku blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "A plan?"
Ben nodded, cupping his chin in thought. He wasn't entirely sure why he was helping Izuku like this. Maybe it was because he'd been in Izuku's shoes before—Quirkless, underestimated, but determined. There was something about the kid's relentless drive that made Ben feel a strange sense of kinship.
"Yeah, a plan. Look, you're not gonna outmuscle anyone, at least not yet. But you've got a sharp head on your shoulders. You should use it."
Izuku blinked again, his expression growing more curious. "U-Use my head?"
"Exactly," Ben said, gesturing with his hands as he tried to explain. "You're going up against bots, right? Figure out their weak spots. Exploit them. Use their own bodies against them if you can."
Izuku's eyes widened in realization. He pulled out his Number 13 notebook from his bag, flipping through the pages rapidly as Ben continued.
"Look at it like you're analyzing a hero," Ben said, pointing at the notes. "You study their strengths and weaknesses to figure out the best way to beat them, right? Same thing here. Treat those bots like sparring partners—watch how they move, find openings, and use their weight and momentum against them. Trust me, it works."
Izuku's mind raced as he furiously scribbled notes into his journal. "T-That makes so much sense! I-I can do that!" he said, his excitement bubbling to the surface.
Ben smirked, leaning back with a satisfied shrug. "There you go. Just keep your head in the game, and you might actually stand a chance."
Toshinori smiled softly, watching from afar. "Young Midoriya, it seems you've found yourself an excellent mentor," he murmured.
...
[With Rex]
Rex stood on the track field, hands in his pockets, eyeing the other students around him. Beside him stood a stoic Shoto Todoroki, his mismatched gaze fixed ahead, and a tall, broad-shouldered boy with a buzzed haircut and an infectious grin.
"HI! I'M INASA YOARASHI!" the tall boy boomed, his voice brimming with excitement as he extended a hand toward Rex. "Man, isn't this amazing?! The energy, the people—ah, it's so exciting! I can't wait to give this everything I've got! Let's all go PLUS ULTRA!"
Rex blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sheer enthusiasm radiating off the guy, before letting out a small chuckle and shaking his hand. "You're a fun guy, huh? Got enough energy to power a city."
Inasa beamed, his eyes practically sparkling. "Thank you, my new friend! I always try to approach every day with passion! It's the best way to live life, don't you think? Oh, the possibilities! The challenges ahead! It's all just... so EXHILARATING!"
Rex gave a lopsided grin, unsure whether he was impressed or overwhelmed. "Yeah, you definitely don't hold back, huh?"
"No, sir, I don't!" Inasa replied, nodding fervently. "There's nothing worse than holding back your true self! Everyone here is striving for greatness, and I want to give them my absolute best! Even if it's just making a new friend!"
As Rex was processing the sheer hurricane of words, the boy standing on his other side caught his attention. He was pale, with angular eyes and mid-length spiked beige hair. But what really stood out were his teeth—large, jagged, and protruding over where his lips should have been, giving him an unsettling, skull-like appearance.
The boy turned slightly, noticing Rex's glance. "What? Something on my face?" he asked flatly, his voice as sharp as his appearance.
Rex raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Nah, just taking in the crowd. You've got a memorable look, though."
The boy snorted. "Yeah, I get that a lot. Not exactly a compliment, but I'll take it."
Inasa leaned forward, inserting himself into the conversation without missing a beat. "Memorable is great! It means you stand out! A unique appearance can be your first step toward leaving a lasting impression on the world!"
The pale boy shot Inasa a side-eye. "You're loud."
"Thank you!" Inasa said cheerfully, completely missing the insult.
Rex stretched his arms over his head, the sound of his knuckles cracking cutting through the chatter. "Not too sure that's a compliment, amigo," he said with a smirk. "So, we're basically just racing through this, right?"
The pale boy nodded, his voice as sharp as his appearance. "Yeah. This is our shot at the top school in the country. The Recommendation Exam's not something just anyone gets to take. We're the lucky few."
Inasa grinned, his enthusiasm practically radiating from him. "Exactly! This is UA High! The school that only accepts the best of the best—and from those, it'll shape us into something even greater!" As if to emphasize his point, a gust of wind began to swirl around him, ruffling his uniform.
Rex adjusted his goggles with a cocky grin. "Bueno, hope you don't mind eating my dust, hombre," he said.
The pale boy pressing into the dirt like a predator ready to pounce. "We'll see about that," he muttered.
Shoto Todoroki, standing stoic as ever nearby, let frost creep up his arm, the cool mist adding to the tension. Present Mic walked onto the track, a pistol in hand, his usual booming voice calling for everyone's attention.
Off to the side, a group of girls taking the exam wandered over to watch, whispering among themselves as they eyed the competitors.
Rex couldn't help but notice Setsuna Tokage among them—the moss-haired girl with a sharp grin and an air of mischievous confidence.
When her dark-green eyes locked onto his, she smirked, flashing her teeth. Rex froze for a split second, feeling heat creep up his neck. He quickly looked away, muttering under his breath in Spanish, "Dios mío, concéntrate, Rex."
"Alright, get set!" Present Mic called out, raising his pistol high into the air.
Rex took a deep breath, the faint hum of machinery beginning to buzz within him. Blue circuitry lit up, crawling across his body like veins of energy, pulsating with power.
Todoroki stood motionless beside him, frost creeping across his arm and spreading to the ground beneath his feet. Beside them, Inasa's grin widened as the wind picked up around him, whipping at his uniform.
"Ready!" Present Mic's voice boomed, the tension thick in the air. Everyone stilled, breaths held.
"GO!"
The crack of the pistol split the air. Todoroki moved first, a sheet of ice forming beneath him as he glided forward, riding it like a wave. Inasa wasn't far behind, blasting himself forward with a controlled gust of wind that propelled him like a human jet.
"Whoa! Look at that start!"
"Inasa's keeping up with Todoroki!"
Rex, however, stayed rooted to the spot for a moment longer, inhaling deeply as the sound of mechanical parts shifting and building filled the air. The circuitry on his body flared brighter before his legs morphed into the Rex Ride—an orange, sleek hover motorbike. The transformation finished with a loud thud as the bike settled into place.
The spectators murmured, some gasping in surprise.
"What is that?"
"Did he just—?"
Rex grinned, gripping the handlebars as the engines roared to life. Dust kicked up beneath him, swirling in a wild cloud as the bike hovered inches off the ground.
"Thrill me," Rex muttered, his smirk widening.
And then he was off.
Like a bullet from a gun, Rex shot forward, the shockwave from his speed blowing back nearby competitors and sending a burst of dust flying into the onlookers. The deafening roar of his engines drowned out the chatter as he surged ahead, his speed nearly blurring him from view.
Inasa and Todoroki barely had time to react as Rex closed the distance. Todoroki's ice shattered under the sheer force of Rex's momentum, causing him to stumble slightly. Inasa, caught in the turbulent wake, wobbled mid-air before recovering.
"What the—?!" Inasa exclaimed, squinting against the dust.
Rex gritted his teeth, leaning forward as his bike's engines screamed, propelling him faster.
Rex swerved through the obstacle course, weaving effortlessly between obstacles as the finish line came into view. His engines roared louder, pushing the bike to its limit as he rocketed forward.
"22.4 seconds!" Present Mic's voice rang out, cutting through the stunned silence of the crowd. "Number 27 is in first place!"
Rex skidded to a halt just past the finish line, his bike throwing up a wave of dust as he stopped. In one fluid motion, the transformation reversed, his legs returning as he stood casually, stretching his arms above his head with a cocky grin.
He held up his hands as if calming an imaginary crowd. "No, no, hold back your applause," he quipped before giving an exaggerated bow, like an actor basking in a standing ovation.
Present Mic stood frozen, his mouth agape. "That's… that's a whole new record!" he finally exclaimed, his voice practically cracking from excitement.
From the sidelines, Setsuna leaned against a post, arms crossed as she watched with an amused smirk. Her sharp green eyes glinted as she muttered, "Not bad, motorhead. Not bad at all."
A few minutes later, Todoroki and Inasa crossed the finish line, Inasa barely beating Todoroki by a fraction of a second.
"By a hair, number 41 takes second place!" Present Mic shouted.
The crowd murmured in amazement as Mic added, "And that's three minutes faster than the average competitor! These guys are incredible!"
Inasa threw his arms into the air, grinning like he'd just won first place instead of second. "Yeah! Plus Ultra!" he shouted.
Todoroki, on the other hand, walked quietly past away finish line, his head lowered slightly in quiet frustration. Inasa jogged up to him, still grinning ear to ear.
"Hey, Todoroki! You were amazing out there, man! You're, like, just as cool as Endeavor—"
"Shut up," Todoroki cut him off sharply, his tone as icy as the frost creeping up his arm. He didn't even look at Inasa as he brushed past him. "I wasn't competing with you. Don't get in my way."
Rex, still catching his breath from his own run, watched Todoroki storm off, his expression turning uncertain. That look on Todoroki's face—it wasn't just frustration from losing. There was something deeper, something heavy and simmering under the surface.
"Talk about a cold shoulder," Rex muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
...
Once everyone had finished the race, Rex noticed a shift in Inasa's demeanor. The hyper-enthusiastic boy, who had been all smiles and energy, seemed to carry a different air whenever Shoto Todoroki was nearby. There was something in the way Inasa glanced at Todoroki—disgust, disappointment, and perhaps even a hint of reluctant acceptance.
Rex wanted to ask him about it, but there wasn't time. Everyone had to proceed to their interviews with Principal Nezu and the panel of judges.
Rex found himself dozing off in his chair, his head bobbing as he let out light snores.
"Number 27," a woman's voice called out, startling him awake.
"T-That's me!" Rex said, snapping upright, his heart skipping a beat. He rubbed his eyes and hurriedly got to his feet, following the woman down the hall. As he blinked the sleep away, he got his first proper look at her.
His jaw nearly hit the floor.
Nemuri Kayama, better known as Midnight, walked ahead of him. Tall, curvaceous, and confident, she exuded a presence that was impossible to ignore. Her sky-blue eyes, framed by long lashes, gave her a playful yet commanding look. Her long, spiky purple hair cascaded down her back, and the beauty mark beneath her left eye only added to her allure.
And then there was her costume—if you could even call it that. The black leather leotard, the thigh-high stockings, the crimson accessories that glimmered as she moved—it was exactly how it looked on TV, maybe even more striking in person. Rex couldn't help but gawk, his mind racing.
The Midnight. The R-Rated Hero. THE Midnight.
"Uh…" He realized his mouth was hanging open and quickly shut it, feeling heat creep up his neck.
Midnight noticed and let out a soft, amused chuckle. "You've got a little drool on your face, kid."
Rex immediately wiped at his mouth with his sleeve, his ears burning. "Ah—uh—lo siento—I mean, sorry! I was just, uh… didn't mean to…" he stammered, completely flustered. Great. I finally meet one of my favorite heroines, and I look like a drooling idiot. Perfect first impression, Rex.
Midnight smirked knowingly, one hand resting on her hip as she glanced over her shoulder at Rex. "Relax, you're not the first one to get all flustered in my presence." Her voice was smooth and teasing, her sly grin tugging at her lips. "Trust me, boys your age always get hot and bothered when I'm around. Can't really blame you, though."
Rex scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks burning. "Y-Yeah, well… kinda hard not to, considering you're, uh…" He hesitated, the word "sexiest" flashing through his mind, but he swallowed it down. But quickly realized how in appropriate it would be."You're… one of the most beautiful heroines."
Midnight's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Beautiful, huh? That's cute," she said, her tone dripping with playful mockery. "But let me guess… you were thinking of a different word, weren't you?"
Rex stiffened, his face flushing deeper. " "I-I didn't mean it like—"
Midnight laughed, waving him off. "Relax, I'm just teasing." She turned and gestured toward the interview room, her eyes still glinting with amusement. "Just make sure you're giving the judges that attention, not me. Though I won't blame you if your eyes wander a little."
Rex mumbled under his breath in Spanish, "Dios mío, dame fuerza…"
Before he could recover, his attention shifted to a familiar figure leaning against the wall near the interview room. Six stood there, his arms crossed, his usual stoic demeanor unshaken.
"Six!" Rex exclaimed, relief evident in his tone.
Midnight's expression shifted instantly, her sultry grin growing wider as she straightened up, one hand resting on her hip while the other brushed her hair back. "Well, well… if it isn't the infamous Six." Her voice turned smoky, and she trailed a finger along her bottom lip. "The most dangerous man alive… I wonder how dangerous you'd be in someone else's hands."
Six didn't even blink. "Not interested," he said flatly, gesturing for Rex to follow him. "Let's go, kid. Let's get this over with."
Rex, trying not to burst out laughing at the exchange, quickly jogged over to Six's side. Midnight sighed dramatically, leaning back against the wall with a mock pout.
"Such a shame," she said, more to herself than anyone else. Her gaze lingered on Six as he walked away. "The quiet, brooding ones are always the most fun to break in…" She smirked, her flirtatious demeanor returning as she watched them disappear into the room.
...
Rex stood in front of the U.A. teachers, his gaze darting nervously over the panel. He recognized a few of them—Vlad King, Thirteen, Snipe, and the diminutive yet imposing Principal Nezu seated in the center. Near the end of the table, a man with messy black hair and a scarf slung around his neck, labeled Aizawa on his nameplate, stared at him with a tired yet piercing gaze.
"Okay, Number 27, please introduce yourself," Nezu said, his tone polite but focused, ignoring the imposing figure of Six leaning silently against the corner of the room.
Rex glanced at Six, who gave him a small, encouraging thumbs-up. Taking a deep breath, Rex stepped forward. "Uh, hey... I'm Rex. Rex Salazar."
The teachers began flipping through the papers in front of them. As they skimmed his file, the atmosphere shifted. The room grew noticeably quieter, and Rex felt his stomach twist as the teachers exchanged glances—some skeptical, others outright astonished.
Snipe leaned over to Nezu, whispering something that made the principal nod slightly in confirmation. The whispers between the teachers grew louder, a buzz of concern and curiosity filling the air.
Finally, Aizawa leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Rex, his expression unreadable but heavy with suspicion. The murmurs died instantly as he spoke. "You're an EVO?"
Rex's heart sank. That word always carried weight. EVOs were monsters—mutated creatures that destroyed cities, fought off entire hero teams, and needed specialized organizations like Providence to handle them. Most people saw EVOs as nothing but threats.
Rex swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet Aizawa's sharp gaze. "Yeah," he said, his voice steady despite the knot tightening in his chest. "But I'm not like... you know, those EVOs."
Aizawa didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as if assessing every word Rex said. The silence in the room was suffocating.
Snipe broke the silence with a sharp question. "So, is that why you're here, Six? To make sure this kid doesn't go out of control? Make sure you'll do what you usually do if he turns rogue?"
The room went quiet, the weight of the implication hanging in the air. Everyone knew Six had a reputation—he'd killed EVOs with the precision of someone who had done it countless times before.
"No," Six said flatly, his voice unwavering. "I'm his bodyguard. My job is to keep Providence's... secret weapon safe."
The teachers exchanged skeptical glances. Secret weapon? That wasn't exactly a claim people took seriously—rumors of Providence's mysterious weapon had circulated for years, but no one had ever seen it. To hear Six confirm it was almost laughable.
"Your secret weapon... is a teenager?" Aizawa asked, his tone flat and incredulous.
Six met Aizawa's stare, his expression unreadable. "Yes."
The room grew tense, and Rex could feel every pair of eyes on him. Ecto-Plasm and Nezu seemed to study him intently, both unconvinced. They were all clearly skeptical, not just of Six's claim, but of Rex himself.
"And how, exactly, is this kid your secret weapon?" Aizawa pressed, his voice still unamused.
Thirteen nodded slowly. "Yeah, it does sound... a little far-fetched."
Vlad King chuckled, shaking his head. "Is this some kind of trick? You're telling me you're here to let a kid into the school as part of some... publicity stunt?"
Six remained unfazed. "Nezu," he said, turning to the principal, "I'm assuming you have an EVO in containment?"
Nezu gave a small nod. "We do," he confirmed, his tone as calm as ever.
Before anyone could respond, a low, guttural growl echoed through the room, growing louder by the second. A team of robots dragged in a massive reinforced cage. Inside, the EVO roared and thrashed, its sheer presence commanding attention.
It was a towering, 14-foot beast, a monstrous blend of bull and humanoid features. Dark, leathery skin stretched taut over its muscular frame, jagged stone-like plating jutting from its shoulders and limbs. Two massive, glowing horns curved menacingly from its head, radiating molten energy. Crimson eyes burned with primal fury, and razor-sharp teeth glinted as it snarled. Muscular arms ended in claws, while its powerful, digitigrade legs, tipped with hooves, struck the ground with deafening force.
The EVO thrashed against the cage violently, shaking the walls and forcing the group on guard.
"Rex," Six said calmly.
Rex nodded, stepping forward without hesitation.
"Kid, stop!" Aizawa barked, his scarf shooting toward Rex in an attempt to restrain him.
In a blur, Six's blade flashed, cutting the scarf cleanly. Aizawa glared at him, his voice cold. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Relax," Six replied coolly, sheathing his weapon. "The kid knows what he's doing."
Rex inhaled sharply, steadying himself as he approached the raging beast. The teachers watched in stunned disbelief as he reached out, pressing both hands against the EVO's side.
their attention was forced back to Rex as he stopped just feet from the snarling beast. Rex inhaled deeply, holding his hands out toward the creature. "Alright, big guy. Let's get you back to normal," he muttered under his breath.
Blue circuitry-like patterns began to spread from Rex's hands, crawling onto the EVO's massive frame. The beast roared louder, thrashing against its cage as the transformation process began. Rex grit his teeth, the strain visible on his face as the beast resisted. The teachers watched, frozen in shock as the EVO's horns began to shrink, the glowing molten energy dimming until it vanished. Its massive body began to contract, the stone-like plating peeling away like shattered armor.
The teachers widened their eyes as the beast's hulking frame shrank and its monstrous features dissolved. Moments later, a disheveled, unconscious man collapsed onto the cage floor, fully human.
Rex staggered back, panting heavily as he wiped sweat from his brow. The silence was deafening as the group stared at the scene in utter disbelief.
Aizawa and the other teachers stood in stunned silence, their eyes locked on the scene unfolding in front of them. Midnight quickly shot to her feet, her expression one of complete shock.
"H-Hes human..." Midnight gasped, her voice a hushed whisper as she tried to process what she was seeing.
The room was heavy with silence, the enormity of what they were witnessing sinking in. A cure for EVOs... and it came in the form of a teenage boy.
Nezu was the first to break the silence, his voice calm yet filled with curiosity. "How are you able to do that?" His gaze shifted between Rex and the now-human EVO, his mind working overtime to grasp the full scale of the revelation.
Rex clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their skepticism. "Instead of letting my nanites turn me into some monster, I tell them what to do," he said, his voice steady and confident. "And I can do stuff like this."As he created his Smack Hands.
"We can't send Rex out into the field," Six said, his voice calm but firm. "We already have enough backlash as it is. People won't accept the idea of Providence using a teenager—without a license, no less—to fight monsters. The PR nightmare would be... problematic." He paused, his expression unchanged. "That's why Rex will attend U.A. He'll graduate, and in time, he'll become a hero in the public eye."
Rex stood next to him, arms folded, his expression more confident as he nodded.
Six turned his gaze to the teachers, his eyes unwavering. "I trust you'll consider this carefully. It's not a decision to take lightly."
Rex nodded again, stepping forward as Six gestured for him to leave.
"Come on. Let's go." Six's voice was final.
"H-Huh?!" The teachers were caught off guard, unable to process what had just happened.
Thirteen, still stunned, protested, "Hold on, the interview isn't over!"
Six looked over his shoulder, his tone cold and commanding. "Yes, it is. You have all the reasons you need to accept him. Don't make the stupid decision."
The teachers were silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Six's statement hung in the air as he turned toward the door.