In the end, Shinso Hitoshi chose to team up with Midoriya Izuku.
With the wistful looks from Class A students, Midoriya could only smile awkwardly… after all, he was closer to Shinso Hitoshi, though that wasn't really his fault, was it?
Besides, since this was a mixed team-up with Class A and Class B, Shinso Hitoshi wasn't the only popular pick—Class A's Todoroki Shoto was just as in demand.
Actually, Todoroki was even more popular. Both the boys and girls in Class B wanted to team up with him. The guys thought—Todoroki's powerful, calm, and cautious; he's like a pro gamer in an online game, and this is the perfect time to latch onto a strong player!
The girls, on the other hand, thought—Todoroki is not only cool but handsome too, and his father is Endeavor, the number two hero. This Class A prince charming is right here, so they had to seize this rare chance to get on his good side.
After being surrounded by a bunch of Class B students, Todoroki was a little surprised but kept his calm and picked the teammate that best suited him.
"I didn't expect Todoroki to actually ask me to team up!"
Class B's Shiozaki, whose Quirk allows her to control the vines growing from her head to capture enemies, was chosen. Though she's often seen as a saintly figure in Class B and isn't usually into "princess-like" thoughts, Todoroki's offer was a bit hard to ignore.
"Your vines… are like Midoriya's wires. I thought about how we could work together."
Shiozaki's heart fluttered a bit, only to have Todoroki's straightforward words snuff it out.
Meanwhile, the other students gradually found their teammates:
Kirishima and Tetsutetsu, the two hot-blooded guys, formed a team. As Present Mic had mentioned before, they really were meant to get along.
Takeyama Urei teamed up with Class B leader Kendou Itsuka, as their Quirks both involve enlarging themselves, so they had a mutual understanding.
Uraraka Ochako paired up with a Class B girl with horns on her head, whose Quirk worked like a "horse," helping Ochako address her mobility issues.
Ojiro Mashirao teamed up with a boy named Kamakiri, whose Quirk, "Solid," could form air into protective barriers, making them a good support team for each other.
…
When all the Class A and Class B students had finally formed their teams, only two were left—Bakugo Katsuki and Monoma Neito.
"No one asked Kacchan to team up?!"
Midoriya Izuku was surprised, and Shinso Hitoshi quietly explained to him:
"Monoma is always badmouthing Bakugo in class, calling him an egotistical brute with an aggressive Quirk. Plus, Bakugo does act that way, so, you know…"
"Right… but did no one ask Monoma either?"
Midoriya was confused again. He'd heard that Monoma Neito's Quirk was "Copy," which actually made him quite powerful. If they teamed up, they could be twice as strong.
"It's kind of complicated. Bakugo always says Monoma's Quirk is annoying, and Monoma's always picking on Class A anyway, so no one really wants to team up with them," Ochako whispered to Midoriya, filling him in since he was often between the Hero and Support Classes and wasn't always up-to-date.
...
Bakugo, disliked by all of Class B, and Monoma, disliked by all of Class A, were glaring at each other like fierce dogs.
Just then, their homeroom teachers walked over. Aizawa Shouta gave Bakugo a knock on the head, and Vlad King did the same to Monoma, then both teachers announced:
"You two are teaming up!"
"Why do I have to team up with this annoying jerk?!" Bakugo yelled.
"Oh, come on! Teaming up with this ego maniac is the worst thing ever!" Monoma shot back.
Both teachers promptly gave their problem students another smack on the head.
"Either team up or fail, your choice!"
...
Reluctantly, the two were forced into a team by their teachers, both glaring at each other like they were mortal enemies.
After everyone had been assigned teams, it was time to introduce their opponents for this practical exam. When the third-year seniors arrived and the teachers announced the matchups, Midoriya Izuku was horrified!
"Mirio-senpai?!"
"Hey, Midoriya~~!"
Midoriya and his teammate Shinso Hitoshi would be facing none other than Togata Mirio. Midoriya immediately wanted to hunt down whoever decided these matchups—this was way too cruel.
"Mirio-senpai... could you maybe go easy on us?"
"Of course not!" Mirio answered cheerfully, giving a thumbs-up and flashing a big smile. "A real hero always gives it their all!"
"This isn't the time to be so strict!" Midoriya thought, feeling a headache coming on as he tried to figure out a way to handle Togata Mirio. Thankfully, he glanced at Shinso, his partner this time.
Luckily, Mirio-senpai's "Permeation" Quirk wouldn't affect Shinso; as long as there was an opening, they'd be fine!
Moreover, with Mirio here, it meant all three members of U.A.'s Big Three were participating in this practical exam.
Todoroki Shoto and Shiozaki were teamed up against Hado Nejire, their beautiful and powerful senior. Meanwhile, Bakugo and Monoma's team would face Tamaki Amajiki, the senior who looked cold and intimidating but was actually shy and reserved.
...
After all the other teams were matched with seniors, Aizawa-sensei went over the rules for this practical exam.
"This battle will be point-based. First, if you defeat or capture your opponent, you'll earn 100 points."
"If one of you escapes the battle area, it's 30 points; if both escape, that's 60 points."
"The exam lasts 30 minutes, and if you manage to hold out until time runs out, you'll get 30 points."
"To pass, you need at least 60 points. Got it?"
Aizawa-sensei's meaning was clear—there were three ways to pass this exam: defeat your opponents, escape together, or have one person escape while the other holds out until the end.
"Are they letting students make their own plans based on their opponents' Quirks?"
Midoriya Izuku thought about it. Facing someone as strong as Mirio-senpai, it would be tough for two people to escape together.
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