Having barely made it to UA the morning after a wild night with Quinn, Sleepy Taiko walked down the hallway until he came across the tall door to 1-A. «Looks like this is where I'm headed.» Immediately at the door, he was met by the same groggy, bespectacled guy who'd asked the question at the presentation.
— Oh shit...— Taiko realized with full force that this bespectacled monster would be in the same class as him. A weak parody of Ingenium, his older brother.
— We haven't met yet. Good morning! — the bespectacled guy bowed sternly.
Peeking into the classroom, briefly glancing at it, Taiko realized he was one of the first to arrive. There were still 20 minutes left.
— Taiko Garaki, — he offered his hand, urging him to leave.
— My name is Tenya Iida.
— Wait... Iida? Your older brother Ingenium? — Taiko feigned surprise, causing the scar on his face to contort.
— Many people know our name!— Iida pompously adjusted his glasses. — As expected from the first-place winner. Honestly, I thought you'd be angrier.
— Judging by appearances, — Taiko yawned, glancing around the class. They were among the first to arrive. While Tenya was simply punctual and clearly afraid of being late (a perennial problem in the Iida family, hence the speed), Taiko had arrived early out of habit, back from practice. The strict teacher and his painful blows with his staff for being late still created a phantom pain in his backside. He found a use for Tenya, who didn't know what to do, while suppressing a smirk. — You know what... I'd be very grateful and all that if you could find a coffee machine. I hope you know where.— Taiko waved his arms, half-asleep, slowly pushing Tenya, who was outraged by such impudence, out the door.
— But...— he didn't have time to finish, as the door closed automatically.
— Goodbye.— He lay down at his desk and took a nap. — No favors for the younger brothers of cool heroes.
An unknown amount of time later, Taiko opened his eyes to the noise in the classroom. More and more students of varying appearances began to enter. Tenya greeted them all politely at the entrance, a glass of coffee in his hands.
— What a cutie. — Taiko stood up and walked toward Tenya, but a red-haired boy with a spiky hairstyle blocked his path.
— Are you Taiko Garaki? — The boy's gaze betrayed a serious, inner challenge that only he could understand, and Taiko interpreted it as aggression.
— Problems? — Taiko snapped at the sudden obstacle in his path.
— N-no! — the student stuttered. His gaze lost its former confidence, but the fire in his eyes remained. — My name is Eijiro Kirishima, the whole first year has heard about you! And a little more about Izuku.
— Oh, you said Izuku?— Tenya interjected. — The entrance exam isn't as easy as it looks! — Tenya began his tirade, waving the coveted cup of coffee. Taiko tried to grab it, but Tenya desperately ignored it. — The whole point of the exam was sincerity and compassion!
— Yeah, you think I, the one who placed first, am going to listen to these tales about the chivalric code built into the exam? Gimme the damn coffee already. — He finally snatched the cup from his hand and sucked on it harder than he sucked on Kuinn's lips.
— Then what do you think they meant by 'first place'?
— I'd also like to hear it!— Eijiro chimed in, along with several other students he hadn't met yet.
— No need to look for anything extra. I was told to do this, and I did it to the best of my ability. It's simple.
— But...
— Tenya, just relax, my friend, — Taiko said after a sip of coffee, placing a hand on his shoulder. — No need to worry about it,— Taiko mumbled, still half-asleep.
A familiar figure entered the classroom—Ojiro.
— You finally made it in, and you look a little sleepy.
— Well, that was an unusual night. Sit somewhere nearby, my seat is over there.— He pointed to the front row seat by the window.
— Usually, the top students sit in the front row to get the teacher's attention, right?— Ojiro took the second seat in the middle row.
— Contrary to popular belief, that's a stereotype about top students!— Tenya added, adjusting his glasses.
— You're fun, I might even like it,— Taiko said quietly, sitting at his desk and sipping coffee.
As soon as the girls entered the classroom, they stole the boys' attention, leaving Taiko alone with his cup of coffee.
— Did he take first place?— the frog girl pointed curiously, asking the boys.
— It's rude to point,— came a voice from somewhere near Taiko.
— Sorry, sorry. My name is Tsuyu Asui, but you can just call me Tsuyu. — The girl peered into his face with interest, trying to find something, as if there was something interesting besides his stupid scar and his eye, blackened by a past trauma.
— You know my name,— Taiko said, his voice regal and humorous, taking a sip from his glass. But he suddenly flinched, remembering how he'd made the same gesture as Grimm during the broadcast. «Yes...those were the days. I was quite the actor back then.»
— That's true, Taiko,— she confirmed, along with the girls who introduced themselves as Momo Yaoyorozu, Mina Ashido, Kyōka Jiro, and the invisible girl, Toru Hagakure. — He scared me at first,— the girls discussed among themselves. — But it seems he's not bad, even funny.
Taiko heard this out of the corner of his ear and chuckled.
The number of students only increased, and everyone turned their attention to the first-place winner, peacefully drinking coffee. Until Katsuki Bakugo arrived...
— Where is he?!— A loud, angry shout rang out in the hallway, suddenly interrupting their peaceful coffee drinking. That tone boded ill.
«Someone needs to be calmed down...» Taiko grabbed his empty cup to throw in the trash on the way, and to see what had happened.
...
Before Izuku even entered the classroom, many first-years came out into the hallway and watched as Kacchan yelled at Taiko, preparing to engage in a fistfight.
— How the hell did you even get ahead of me, you pathetic piece of shit!
Taiko's patience was reaching its limit. His insolence and arrogance were so great that he thought he'd already taken first place. «It's a free country, but there are still boundaries of decency that shouldn't be violated. Now this primate's shouting had attracted neighboring classes. Gods, how I hate being the center of attention...»
— And Deku's in my class too! That's awesome! — Katsuki approached Izuku. — How the fuckin quirkless idiot can pass to 1A class?! — but an empty coffee cup suddenly flew at the back of his head. The students around him whistled and gasped.
— You! — Katsuki turned and recklessly flew straight at his attacker. — Kacchan, leave him alone!— Izuku shouted after him.
Taiko grabbed the blond's fist, surprising him, and with a single knee to the stomach, knocked the wind out of his lungs. He doubled over on the floor.
— Shut up!— Noticing the assembled crowd, who flinched at Taiko's stern gaze, he raised his stern, deep voice, addressing everyone. Some looked at him with respect, others with fear. Quite is everywhere. — No one dares violate discipline! You're at the prestigious UA Academy, not the port of Osaka. So act accordingly!— He turned and walked back to class. Katsuki became an example to the others of how not to behave.
— And you have to teach such obvious things...— Taiko grimaced in disgust.
— Kwa...it wasn't even the first period before something happened,— Tsuyu reported.
The blond-haired teen from Class 1B laughed so loudly it could be heard. — Second place! You're offended! Take that!
As soon as the crowd dispersed, including the red-haired girl and the rest of Class 1B, Izuku tried to offer Katsuki a hand to help him up, but he only pushed him away, growling under his breath. A few moments later, he dusted himself off and wandered into the classroom to take a seat, already silent and glaring at both Izuku and Taiko.
«This is the first time Kacchan has been humiliated like this.» Izuku wasn't happy about it, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he was glad the blond had been taught a lesson. Green-haired Izuku began to respect Taiko-sama. At the entrance, Izuku was met by the cute girl Ochako Uraraka, who made him blush like an idiot, as well as Tenya, who recognized Izuku's display of strength during the exam. They were especially surprised when Aizawa appeared in a sleeping bag, introducing himself as Their teacher.
Exchanging glances with Taiko, this time without a cup of coffee.
— It took you eight whole seconds to shut up. You kids are completely irrational. I'm your homeroom teacher, Aizawa Shoto. This is unexpected, but put on this uniform and follow me." He pulled out a UA tracksuit from his sleeping bag.
...
— Basic Quirk Test?!— the class shouted, already outside.
— What about the entrance ceremony? What about introducing us to everything?— Ochako asked.
— If you want to be a hero, you don't have time for such distractions. The difference at UA is that the school has discretion, and the same goes for the teachers. At your schools, you passed the standards without regard for your Quirks. Apparently, the Ministry is inactive. Bakugou, how far did you throw a ball in middle school?"
— 67 meters.
— Then try it now, using your Quirk, just don't go outside the circle.
Katsuki stood in the circle, warming up, glaring at Taiko.
— Die!!!— he threw the ball, giving it a boost with his Quirk.
— Find out your current limit...— he glanced at his phone. — ...This is the most rational path to development. This is Plus Ultra.— He showed the result to the class.
— 705 meters!?!
— Sounds fun.
— You can use your Quirks! As expected from the Hero Course!
— Fun... then... Then whoever shows the lowest result will be considered hopeless and will be expelled from the course.— A slight sneer came from Aizawa, but everyone assumed it was just coming from such a serious teacher. Only Taiko and Momo wasn't surprised, though Aizawa did have a reputation for being a disciplinarian.
— So, the demonstration is over, now the real test begins.
50m Run
The first pair was Tenya and Tsuyu. The bespectacled one sped up very quickly, clocking 3.4 seconds, while Tsuyu clocked 5.58. Taiko considered this the fastest time in the class. Tenya really is a natural here, having inherited the same Quirk as Ingenium. Could Taiko be faster? Probably not, since his Quirk is far from speed-based. It's destructive.
Taiko and Shoto Todoroki came out right after the others.
— Endavour's son? So here's the first meeting with the recommendation sheet. Daddy helps, of course, but he's not here.— A few chuckles were heard from his classmates.
Shoto's cold face betrayed no emotion, the scar on his face indicating he wasn't the most beloved member of the family. There were indeed many myths surrounding this family. But his eyes began to betray disdain for Taiko because of his words. Shoto decided to forcefully ignore them. Taiko only smirked slyly, his slight attempt at provocation having failed. «Looks like he's been training a lot, just like me.»
Taiko didn't use his Quirk, or indeed any other way to increase his speed. Everyone was curious to see the first-place finisher's Quirk, but not this time.
— Don't underestimate him.— Aizawa was also curious about how else Taiko would use his Quirk, so he watched closely, as did All Might, who was watching. This test should test not only their limits but also their ingenuity, but it seemed Taiko wasn't planning on using the "Staff," and why would he at 50m? This ability creates a powerful and destructive weapon, and doesn't grant the user any properties other than visual ones. However, don't assume he'll perform any worse here without his Quirk.
Getting ready, Taiko tensed his leg muscles, stretched out, planted his foot firmly on the floor, and hovered above the ground. He barely moved now; only his breathing could be heard, accelerating for the burst. The breathing technique helped saturate his muscles with oxygen for a quick start. The signal rang out with a powerful burst. Taiko broke free first, accelerating very quickly. The main secret to a powerful sprint and short-distance running is: leg swing, quick leg change, and accelerated breathing beforehand. Take a longer stride and no one will catch you, especially if you have a slight HalfNomu blood boost.
— In 4.68!— Eijiro shouted, earning a reproachful look from Aizawa.
— Never underestimate people who rank first not because of a strong Quirk, but because of their training, ingenuity, and resourcefulness.
— You mean he wasn't using his Quirk just now?
— Yes,— he answered, stunning the class.
The next test is grip strength.
Thanks to HalfNomu blood, he was able to bench 235 kilograms, which is also one of the best results. The tailed one shook a little more, Taiko only grinned.
Standing long jump.
— Hm.— Taiko considered how to use his Quirk, but it seemed he was out of options. The Staff Quirk is exceptionally destructive, after all.
— Whoa, was his hair glowing, or was it just me?
— What's his Quirk?
— Taiko's Quirk summons a staff, so he can't use it in any other way in the current tests. Right now, he's only relying on his physical abilities,— Aizawa replied.
Many in the class started talking, confused as to how someone could take first place with a simple staff. But Izuku, Momo, Tsuyu, and a few others had more or less come to the same conclusion. There's something else behind this power, more than just excellent skill.
«With each test, Izuku's spirit has been noticeably weakened by the success of others. He can't control the power of his Quirk, so he's performing among the worst. Last time, his Quirk broke his limbs. What will you do this time?» — Taiko wondered.
Everyone was trying to give it their all, but Izuku held back from using his Quirk for fear of hurting himself. His physical abilities were also pretty poor. Many compensated for their weaknesses with Quirks, but Izuku couldn't use his because he'd hurt himself. Only Taiko didn't even use his Quirk permanently, like the mutants did.
Throwing the Ball
Izuku came out first, attempting to throw the ball with his Quirk. Contrary to his expectations, he managed a normal throw.
— What?— he said. — But I used...
Aizawa's patience ran out, and he erased Izuku's Quirk.
— This test was irrational.
— You erased my Quirk?— Izuku realized. He recognized Aizawa as the Erasure Pro Hero. — Those glasses... right!— You can erase a Quirk just by looking at someone. Eraser Head!
— I've never heard about him,— a voice burst from the crowd of students.
— I've heard of him. He works in secret,— said Tsuyu.
All Might was watching from around the corner. "He doesn't like publicity much, he says it bothers him. That's right, young Midoriya, we don't get along very well."
— Judging by what I've seen, you can't control your Quirk. Are you planning to become useless again and hope to be saved?"
— That's not what I want!
— Regardless of your intentions, I'm only talking about what others will have to do. In the past, there was a hero who was driven by passion, who saved thousands of people and became a legend,— he said, referring to All Might. — Even if you're just as reckless, you'll turn into a useless doll immediately after saving one person.— Midoriya Izuku, with your strength, you won't become a hero. The tension eased, and the strong bands stopped holding Izuku. — I've returned your Quirk to you, you have two tries to throw. Hurry up and finish this.
The class began to whisper.
— Looks like they gave him some advice.
— They're probably telling him he's expelled,— Kacchan added.
— Hey, Monkey-san, do you know where the coffee machine is?— Taiko asked from a distance, completely nonchalant.
— It's my first day here, how would I know?— the tailed boy replied, mentally wondering, «Monkey?!»
— Why are you asking him if I made the coffee?" Tenya approached.
— I don't know, I wanted to ask the tailed one. By the way, you run really fast, Tenya; I had to work really hard.
— Thanks for the confession, but I'm still far from perfect. Hey, why is your hair suddenly turning white?!
— Forget it. I can't control it.
Izuku came to his senses and decided to throw the ball. It seemed like some massive amount of calculations were happening inside him. Is Bro about to unleash a nuclear explosion?
Swinging hard, Izuku activated and concentrated his quirk on his fingertip at the last moment. The ball flew off, breaking the sound barrier.
The class was surprised, and Katsuki's jaw flew off with the ball.
— 705 meters.
— What a coincidence,— Taiko thought. — Did he really throw it the same distance as Katsuki on purpose to annoy him?
— Teacher, I can still move...— Izuku looked confidently at Aizawa, having broken only his finger instead of his whole arm.
— That kid...— Aizawa grinned.
The result made Taiko laugh, attracting the attention of the neighbors.
— That was a good one, wasn't it? Explosive asshole. By the way, that's a cool hero name, it would suit you.— Unfortunately for Taiko, his playful joke went over Kacchan's head. Katsuki couldn't even think to respond, trying to figure out how Izuku could have hidden his Quirk all this time...
— Hey, Deku! Bastard, tell me what's going on?!— Katsuki couldn't resist and ran toward the stunned Izuku. He was stopped by the strong bandages Aizawa controlled.
— What the... are these bandages so strong!?
— It's a grappling weapon, made of carbon fiber woven from metal wire from a special alloy. Damn it, don't make me use my Quirk, my eyes are drying out. Next, Taiko.
— Teacher Aizawa, do you know where the coffee machine is? Considering your sleepy appearance, you're an expert on coffee, no?— Taiko stepped into the circle, smiling. Aizawa's eye twitched at his words.
— I'll give you the test afterward, but for now, don't even think about giving in.
— They're already talking so calmly...— Ochako remarked.
A few seconds of thought as Taiko tossed the ball. — Ha! I know how.
Aizawa looked questioningly, expecting another trick with Taiko's quirk. «He still keeps his Quirk active. He gets very tired after deactivating it.» He waited for the staff to become heavy, then one strand of his hair suddenly turned white, like a signal.
Tossing the ball, Taiko held his breath, his gaze focused on a point far ahead.
— Forward,— he said softly, swinging his staff. Like a baseball player, he hit the ball with all his might.
For the first hundred meters, the ball literally "cut" through the air, without losing a bit of speed. Only toward the end did it lose its momentum and fall somewhere in the park.
— Too bad. Expecting such a cool result as 'infinity' like Ochako's is pointless. Incidentally, her infinity is also relative; after a while, the ball will likely lose its energy and cease to be weightless.
Result: 142.4 meters
Seeing the result, Taiko exhaled. His hair stopped turning white, returning to its usual black color.
— Excellent, Next. — Aizawa smiled, as some of the students had figured out how the staff worked. It seemed to grow heavier as Taiko's hair changed color.
Uraraka took note of Taiko's words.
Having completed the remaining tests, it was noticeable that Izuku couldn't give it his all due to the pain from his broken finger. Taiko ultimately placed fourth overall, though not first in several other areas, such as the 50-meter dash and the high jump. And Izuku placed dead last.
«I didn't pass... Unlike me, Taiko-san always carries himself so confidently and dignified. Is this really the end?»
— I lied about being expelled from the course; it was a ploy to get you to give it your all,— Aizawa concluded.
— What...?— Izuku, speechless, was ready to bid farewell to the academy.
Shoto Todoroki, who had placed third, stared intently and studied Taiko. They were both the strongest and on a completely different level from the others. Katsuki Bakugou doesn't even count, as his impulsiveness and aggressive nature are his greatest weakness.
— Your lesson plan is in class. Lesson is over. Midoriya, go see the old lady in the infirmary.
All the students went to change while Taiko followed Aizawa.
— Why did he go after Teacher Aizawa?
— Taiko asked about coffee, didn't he? What were you listening to?
— Coffee? Seriously?
All Might stood around the corner of the building, wearing a strange outfit. A striped orange jacket with a purple tie. This was the first time Taiko had seen All Might up close. He exuded strength and confidence, but not as intensely as before.
— Aizawa, you're such a liar,— All Might began.
— Oh, All Might, you've been watching. You've been spying this whole time? I'll watch it in my spare time.
— A trick? A rational cunning? Last year, you expelled an entire class of students. Without a second thought, you kicked out everyone you deemed hopeless. Perhaps you also sensed Izuku's potential?
— Also? It seems you're a bit supportive... Is this how a teacher should behave? His potential wasn't zero, that's all. I will always expel the hopeless.
— So you do things your way, Aizawa... We don't get along very well, after all.
Taiko watched the entire altercation until All Might turned his attention to him.
— Oh, Taiko... I can't wait for our next lesson.
— Are you somehow related to Izuku? I noticed he has a strange quirk, as if he'd developed it only recently. Such uncontrolable and powerfull like yours quirk.— A creepy eye stared at All Might, making him sweat. Taiko prayed to the gods that neither Izuku nor All Might were related to that damn AFO bitch. He needs to know what's going on. He was doing just fine without the influence of AFO and Kyudai. If they tried to interfere again with the home and their small family built so meticulously by Taiko and Kuinn, then Taiko...what would he do? He was weak compared to AFO. Too weak and helpless. He remembered himself a few years ago, with a fairly powerful Quirk, defeating a couple of Nomu and fighting AFO. Even then, he was far from his equal. His peak power had long since faded into oblivion, and he couldn't even fully control that damn staff.
«Then there's no point in getting involved in this intrigue. I. Don't. Want. To. Know. I just want to live peacefully with Kuinn... i am Fuckin weakness slave and worm.» He felt sick of himself and hastened to forget about it.
— Sorry, but I have to go now,— All Might said goodbye and ran off somewhere.
«All Might's favoritism towards Izuku is also very strange. Why, out of nowhere, does some random kid get attention from the top one?» Taiko followed Aizawa.
To say Taiko was disappointed with the test would be an understatement. There were no complaints about the organization of the test or Aizawa. It's crucial to learn about one's strengths and weaknesses, and it's significant that such an event is held on the first day of school at the academy. Much respect.
Taiko was disappointed with his performance. In all the tests, he used his Quirk only once. This wasn't bad, even average, but there was no talk of the Quirk's versatility.
«I could have used the Quirk at least one more time, for example, in a long-distance jump. I could have used the staff as a jumping pole and propelled myself further than I demonstrated this time; the staff is light for me, weighing only one kilogram. But my weakness after the first use kicked in, and even the remaining tests I performed at the limits of my physical capabilities, barely holding back from fatigue.»
To sum it up, the test showed each student their weaknesses and potential quirks, and they are still far from being pro heroes.