**Chapter 2: The Entrance Exam Rules**
UA Academy, the most renowned school in Japan. Even with prestigious academies known for producing geniuses in various fields, UA Academy is the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the word "academy." While there are many other hero academies, UA is the most famous, having produced the world's most celebrated heroes, like All Might, Endeavor, and many others known not only in Japan but worldwide.
Today was an important day at UA—Entrance Exam Day. Boys and girls from all over Japan flocked to the campus, hoping to test their luck and prove themselves. The academy grounds were buzzing with energy, filled with people from different regions, each dressed in a variety of styles. Some had plenty of luggage, while others carried little. For those living in the city, getting there was simple, but some had traveled from neighboring cities early in the morning. Yet, the real challenge was for those who came from distant places, having traveled the day before and rented rooms just to ensure they made it on time for the exam.
The students, from all walks of life, moved with focus toward the academy. However, many couldn't help but glance with pity at two figures.
One was a boy with pink hair, looking nearly unconscious, being helped by a boy with green hair. The green-haired boy had draped the pink-haired boy's arm around his neck, muttering, "Come on, Natsu-san, at this rate, we're going to be late."
Natsu's face had taken on a bluish hue, the result of enduring a long bus ride, and he could barely walk, even with Midoriya's help. He murmured faintly, "Sorry... and thanks for everything."
Midoriya sighed, continuing to drag Natsu slowly toward the auditorium where the exam rules were to be explained.
By the time they arrived, the lights were dimmed, and the presentation had already begun. Quietly, they slipped into the last row of seats in the large, lecture hall-style room. Once seated, Natsu finally opened his eyes and muttered, "Finally, some rest. I think I'm starting to feel better now."
Midoriya shot a serious look at the presenter and whispered, "We need to pay attention to the rest of the briefing. This is the UA entrance exam. If we miss the explanation, who among the other competitors would help us out when we're all rivals?"
Natsu, still looking dazed, watched Midoriya with curiosity. The anxious boy from earlier seemed to have a different demeanor now that the situation was serious. Natsu slowly lifted his head and gazed at the stage.
On the platform stood a man with yellow hair and sunglasses. It was Present Mic, one of UA Academy's teachers and the announcer for the entrance exam. He was explaining the rules with his usual enthusiasm.
"In each training ground, there are four types of robots: the one-point robot, the two-point robot, and the three-point robot. The more points a robot is worth, the stronger it is. That means the three-point robots are the most challenging. As for the fourth type, the zero-point robot, I suggest you avoid fighting that one! It won't give you any points at all."
Natsu stared blankly at Present Mic, his face showing confusion as he struggled to grasp the explanation. Meanwhile, Midoriya had already pulled out a notebook and was jotting down notes, prompting Natsu to ask, "Hey, is this something you need to write down?"
Without looking up from his notes, Midoriya replied, "The explanation might be simple, but I need to note down anything important."
"Simple?" Natsu asked, then smiled and said, "Oh yeah, it's real simple..."
Midoriya stopped writing, glancing at Natsu with suspicion. "Just to be safe, let me ask you this—did you understand the exam rules?"
Natsu grinned. "All I gotta do is smash those stupid robots, right?"
Midoriya sighed heavily. "That's the level of intelligence we're working with here, huh... But whatever, too much information will just confuse you. Just smash every robot you see, and don't worry too much about how many points they give. I think you'll do better if you fight with that kind of freedom."
Just as Midoriya finished his sentence, a boy with blue hair and glasses, sitting in front of them, turned around as the lights came back on. "First, you two came in late, and now you're disrupting the rest of us with your chatter. You both lack proper decorum," the boy said, his tone stern.
This was Tenya Iida, who looked at Midoriya and Natsu with a serious expression. The other candidates were already leaving the hall since the presentation had ended, and Midoriya quickly bowed his head in apology. However, Natsu, still composed, responded with a straight face, "What are you apologizing for? If this glasses-wearing nerd loves studying so much, why's he sitting in the second-to-last row?"
Iida looked at Natsu with a calm expression. "What do you mean by that? Was anything I said incorrect?"
Natsu smirked. "Not exactly. But your 'rules' don't apply to the back rows. If you wanted better focus and hearing, you should've sat up front. Back here, it's just idiots like me."
Iida adjusted his glasses and said, while turning to leave, "In that case, I'd better stay away from both of you before I catch any of your idiocy."
Midoriya was visibly worried, but Natsu just watched Iida walk away calmly, muttering, "Can I smash him during the exam?"
"Of course not!" Midoriya exclaimed.
Right after that exchange, the candidates headed to the locker rooms to change into their combat gear and then proceeded to their designated exam areas. Since Natsu was already wearing his combat-ready outfit, he was one of the first to arrive at the entrance to Battle Center B. After a few minutes, the rest of the participants gathered at the gate.
Among those present at the same exam site as Natsu were Ochaco Uraraka, Yuga Aoyama, Tenya Iida, and Midoriya Izuku. All of them were preparing for the most important test of their lives.
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