Animals and Insects

Yūto pov

click... click... click...

The quiet tapping of Principal Nezu's claws against a ceramic mug echoed throughout the U.A. staff lounge. The atmosphere was calm, but the weight of what was being planned hung heavy.

"Thank you all for coming," Nezu said, ears perked, voice chipper as ever. "This year's recommendation exam will be... different."

A dozen of U.A.'s top faculty filled the room — Aizawa leaned against the wall, arms folded; All Might sat beside Cementoss; Midnight spun a pen through her fingers. Even Thirteen, Snipe, and Hound Dog were in attendance, sitting in a loose semicircle.

"We're raising the bar this time," Nezu continued. "Seven students. All highly recommended. Some even potential top-ten candidates within their first year. It's only fair we test them accordingly."

He gestured to Power Loader, who hit a switch on a remote.

whrrr — A projection screen unrolled, displaying a digital blueprint of an enormous multi-zone arena: crumbled city ruins, deep forest, an industrial yard, rocky wastelands, and in the center — a dome-shaped metallic facility labeled Jail.

"Each teacher will patrol a designated zone," Nezu explained. "You may only engage when a student enters your area. You're not to hunt."

"More like raid bosses," Present Mic chuckled.

"This test will evaluate them in combat, teamwork, rescue, adaptability, and control," Aizawa said, eyes narrowed. "Not just power."

"And they'll be able to score points in several ways," Ectoplasm added as two clones materialized beside him.

Destroying robots: 1 point.

Disabling or capturing a fellow student: 2 points.

Capturing a teacher: 5 points.

Students placed in the Jail may be released if another student activates the dome's unlock panel.

"Alliances are allowed. Friendly fire is allowed. Strategy will matter." Nezu nodded, tail flicking.

"Weighted gear for all teachers, right?" asked Midnight.

"All Might will wear the same weights he used last year. The rest of you will be restricted proportionally. We want resistance, not domination."

Then the screen shifted — a slideshow of the seven students.

[1] Ren Sakamoto

Quirk: Shadow Fold — Allows manipulation of shadows. Ren can travel through shadows, store objects in a personal shadow dimension, summon weapons formed from shadows, and use shadows for short-range teleportation. Weak to intense light.
Family: Distant nephew of Pro Hero Phantom Veil (Hero Rank #18), known for stealth and infiltration.
Recommended by: Phantom Veil
Notes: Recently moved to Musutafu. Strong in close-quarters combat, unpredictable.

[2] Momo Yaoyorozu

Quirk: Creation — Can create non-living matter from her body's lipids. Requires detailed knowledge of the object.
Family: High-status business conglomerate.
Recommended by: U.A. Board of Advisors
Notes: High intellect. Top marks in mock rescue and support trials.

[3] Shoto Todoroki

Quirk: Half-Cold Half-Hot — Controls ice from the right side of his body, and fire from the left.
Family: Son of Pro Hero Endeavor (Rank #2).
Recommended by: Endeavor, accepted under U.A. override policy.
Notes: Exceptional raw power. Emotional temperament under review.

[4] Inasa Yoarashi

Quirk: Whirlwind — Full control over wind pressure and movement.
Family: Civilian. No hero ties.
Recommended by: Hero Public Safety Commission
Notes: Incredible range. Slightly unstable emotional reactions.

[5] Juzo Honenuki

Quirk: Softening — Can soften any solid surface he touches. Can deactivate effect at will.
Family: Civilian background.
Recommended by: Pro Hero Backdraft
Notes: Strategic and intelligent. Best among underground rescue trials.

[6] Setsuna Tokage

Quirk: Lizard Tail Splitter — Can separate her body into multiple controllable pieces.
Family: Civilian
Recommended by: Pro Hero Kamui Woods
Notes: Excellent in stealth and recon applications.

[7] Yūto Aizawa

Quirk: Insectoid Morph — Allows transformation of body parts into insect traits (wings, claws, armor, etc). Must consume the insect beforehand. Communicates with insects. Transformation drains stamina based on complexity.
Family: Adopted son of Shota Aizawa (Eraserhead)
Recommended by: All Might
Notes: Tactical, lethargic personality. Despite low outward effort, combat tests show top-three capability. Close ties to faculty. Monitored for burnout risk.

When the screen dimmed, the room was quiet.

"That's a heavy roster," Cementoss muttered.

"More than last year by far," added Snipe.

"They'll all get in," Midnight said confidently, "but let's see who earns it."

Aizawa's eyes lingered on Yūto's profile. He said nothing, but his jaw tightened slightly. Don't coast, kid. Make them work to place you in the top.

"Six days," Nezu said, standing. "Prepare your zones. Prepare yourselves."

ding... ding...

The countdown resumed, red numbers burning into the top of the screen.

6 DAYS UNTIL THE RECOMMENDED EXAM.