Chapter 21: No Rest for the Driven
The U.A. entrance exam was over, but Izuku Midoriya refused to let the dust settle. Results wouldn't come for a week too long to sit idle when the top spot loomed on his horizon. Dawn broke over Musutafu, painting the sky a soft pink, and Izuku was already out, pounding the pavement on his five-kilometer run. His tracksuit clinging to a frame leaner and stronger than ever. Exam's just the start, he thought, breath steady as he rounded a corner. I collected a solid 100 points and saved two guys from the Zero pointers, but U.A.'s the real test. Gotta push harder.
Back home, he hit the empty lot near his house a patch of cracked concrete and weeds perfect for Quirk drills. He started with telekinesis, lifting a pile of loose bricks five, then ten spinning them in a slow orbit. Sweat beaded on his brow as he added fire, conjuring a thin spear of flame, weaving it through the gaps. Fine control's the key, he thought, narrowing his focus. The spear sharpened, edges glowing white-hot, and he split it two rings now, circling the bricks like fiery halos. One brick wobbled, then dropped thud and he cursed under his breath. Close, multitasking's tougher with precision. Again. He reset, lifting the bricks, shaping a tighter ring it was a success this time, ten seconds steady before snuffing the flames. Better, he grinned.
Next morning, his run took him through a quiet park, sneakers slapping wet grass. A tall figure loomed ahead glasses glinting, posture stiff Tenya Iida, jogging in a pristine tracksuit. Him, Izuku thought, anime memory flashing: Engine Quirk, stickler for rules. He slowed, catching Iida's eye, and raised a hand. "Uh, hello Iida-san, right? From the exam?"
Iida stopped, turning sharply, a crisp nod. "Indeed. I am Tenya Iida. You're Midoriya-san, correct? Practice Center B, your performance was notable." His tone was formal, almost mechanical, glasses fogging slightly from exertion.
"Yeah, that's me, Midoriya Izuku," Izuku said, keeping it polite. "Didn't expect to see you here. Training for U.A. already?" Guy's intense, bet he irons his socks.
Iida chopped the air, a habit Izuku recognized. "Naturally! U.A.'s standards are uncompromising only constant preparation ensures success. Your Quirk display was impressive, fire and telekinesis, yes? A potent combination." He paused, eyeing Izuku. "May we speak informally? This setting permits it."
"Sure, go for it," Izuku said, grinning. "You too can drop the '-san.' So, what'd you think of the exam? High bar, huh?"
Iida adjusted his glasses, relaxing a fraction. "Extremely so! The robotic villains tested agility, strategy and U.A. demands excellence in all fields. I scored adequately 35 points but I must refine my approach. You, however your 100 points! It is Remarkable efficiency."
Izuku shrugged, smirking. "Thanks, I went all out, then chilled. Gotta say, you're so… tidy about it all. What, you polish your engines every night?" He chuckled, testing the waters.
Iida blinked, then frowned. "Tidy? I maintain discipline, order is essential! My Quirk requires upkeep, yes, but polish? Preposterous!" His voice rose, indignant, and Izuku laughed.
"Relax, Iida I'm just messing with you. You're so stuck-up, it's hilarious bet you'd salute the robots if they asked." He's fun to rile up, Izuku thought. Straight-laced, but solid.
Iida huffed, but a small smile tugged his lips. "Your humor is… unconventional, Midoriya. Still, your skill speaks volumes. U.A. will challenge us both. I look forward to it." He nodded, resuming his jog with a crisp, "Good day!" Izuku waved, grinning as he ran off. what a good guy, but he needs to loosen up, though.
Later that afternoon, Izuku ducked into a convenience store for a water bottle, cap low as he browsed. A soft "Oh!" caught his ear Ochaco Uraraka, round cheeks pink, fumbling a candy bar at the register. Her, he thought, anime memory kicking in: Zero Gravity, the bubbly one. She glanced his way, eyes widening. "Hey! you're from the exam, right? Center B?"
"Yeah, I'm Midoriya Izuku," he said, stepping up, formal at first. "Uraraka-san, I think? Saw you floating those bots, It was pretty cool." She's perkier up close also kinda cute.
She beamed, waving off the cashier's change. "That's me. Uraraka Ochaco! You were amazing flying around, smashing everything! I got 28 points not much next to you." She laughed, sheepish. "Um, can we skip the formal stuff? Feels weird after that chaos."
"Deal," Izuku said, relaxing into a grin. "Thanks your drop trick was slick, though. Lift and smash you stole my move, huh?" He winked, grabbing his water.
Uraraka giggled, clutching her candy. "Maybe a little! You made it look easy, I'm so nervous about results, though. Waiting's killing me! You?"
"Nah, I'm good," Izuku said, popping the cap. "Did what I could, 100 points should stick. You'll make it too 28's solid for ten minutes." She's got heart, he thought. Nervous, but she's determined U.A.'s her shot.
Her eyes sparkled. "You're so chill about it! Hope we both get in I will see you there, maybe!" She waved, bouncing out, and Izuku smirked, sipping his water. Wholesome, bet she's a riot in class.
At home, evening settled as Izuku squeezed grip trainers in the living room, 50 reps per hand, telekinesis floating a dumbbell for extra burn. Inko peeked in, apron dusted with flour, worry creasing her brow. "Izuku, sweetie. you're still at it?" she said, voice soft. "Exam's done isn't it, take a break, okay? Those grippers look intense."
He paused, setting the dumbbell down with a thought, smiling at her. "I'm fine, Mom this keeps me sharp," he said, flexing a hand calluses rough from months of work. "It's not just about U.A. I'm aiming for the top. So I can't slack off now."
Inko sighed, stepping closer, hands twisting her apron. "I know you're driven, but you have to look aafter your body, you're still my boy. I worry you'll push too hard. Rest a little, please? For me?"
Izuku stood, crossing to hug her he's taller now, her head barely reaching his shoulder. "Promise I'll rest when I need to," he said, voice warm. "Top hero's a long road I gotta stay ahead. Don't stress it. I've got this." She's the best, he thought, squeezing her gently. She worries too much, but it's why I push for her too.
She hugged back, sniffling a bit. "You're so stubborn just like your dad," she said, pulling away with a shaky smile. "Alright. just don't skip dinner the katsu's almost ready."
"I wouldn't miss it," he grinned, resuming his grips as she shuffled off. Top spot's mine, he thought, fire sparking in his palm, a tight ring, steady and bright. The dumbbell lifted again, orbiting slow and controlled perfectly.