The teachers' lounge at UA High buzzed with a mix of anticipation and amusement as the faculty gathered to review the footage from the practical entrance exam. Screens on the walls displayed a series of monitors, each playing scenes of the applicants showcasing their quirks. The faculty sat around the room, drinks in hand, ready to analyze and discuss the potential of this year's batch of students.
At the center of it all, Principal Nezu watched with his signature smile, his paws resting on the table. Mr. Aizawa sat slouched in his chair, eyes sharp despite his relaxed posture. Present Mic was animated as ever, while Midnight leaned forward, clearly enjoying the spectacle. Among them were two new faculty members: Bob Parr, known as Mr. Incredible, and his wife Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl, both relatively quiet as they settled into their roles at UA.
The footage shifted to highlight Yuta Okkotsu, the boy whose performance had already sparked intrigue. On-screen, he moved with calm efficiency, dismantling robots with precision. The final scene showed him summoning his spirit, Rika, to manifest a crimson spear that pierced through the zero-pointer with devastating power.
"That kid's got presence," Present Mic said, breaking the silence. "I mean, did you see that spear? Took down the zero-pointer like it was nothing!"
Midnight tilted her head, clearly impressed. "That Rika spirit of his… it's powerful but also unsettling. It's almost like a quirk with its own personality."
"Not just powerful," Aizawa interjected. "It's controlled. He didn't waste any energy, didn't showboat, and most importantly, didn't panic. For someone his age, that's rare."
Helen nodded thoughtfully. "He has a kind of discipline you don't usually see in kids fresh off the street. If he keeps that up, he's going to make waves."
"Still," Bob added, his tone casual, "I'd like to see how he handles real teamwork. Strong as he is, quirks like that can easily overwhelm others in group scenarios."
Principal Nezu chuckled. "Indeed. Yuta Okkotsu is an interesting one. His quirk—manifesting that spirit to create powerful tools—is bound to raise eyebrows. I suspect we'll be hearing his name quite a bit as the year progresses."
The footage moved to other notable performances. Bakugo Katsuki lit up the screen, blasting through robots with raw power and ferocity.
"Bakugo is… relentless," Midnight said, a small smirk on her face. "There's no questioning his strength."
"Strength isn't his issue," Aizawa muttered. "It's his temperament. He'll burn out or alienate his allies if he doesn't learn to rein it in."
Next up was Ochako Uraraka, who floated several robots into the air before using a combination of Zero Gravity and clever positioning to create a chain reaction that toppled multiple enemies at once.
"She's got great instincts," Helen said, leaning forward slightly. "Smart use of her quirk and good adaptability. I like her."
Eijiro Kirishima appeared next, charging headfirst into a group of robots with his Hardening quirk, taking hits without flinching as he smashed through the mechanical opposition.
"He's got the right attitude," Bob said with a grin. "Tough, dependable, and fearless. Definitely hero material."
"Agreed," Nezu chimed in. "Kirishima has the makings of someone the public will love—he's relatable, and his quirk has a strong visual impact. He just needs a bit of polish."
As the conversation continued, Nezu tapped a file on the table. "Speaking of impressive performances, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate our newest recommendation student, Dash Parr."
Bob and Helen shared a proud but reserved smile.
"He passed the recommendation exam with flying colors," Nezu continued, his voice full of admiration. "His speed was unmatched, and his tactical thinking demonstrated maturity beyond his years."
"I'm not surprised," Midnight said with a smirk. "With parents like you two, it's no wonder he's so exceptional."
"Dash worked hard for this," Helen replied, her tone modest but firm. "We just gave him the tools—he did the rest."
The footage transitioned to a candidate: Azula. The monitors displayed a compilation of her performance—graceful movements paired with devastating precision. Her quirk, a combination of fire and lightning manipulation, was used with deadly efficiency. Robots were dismantled almost instantly as bolts of lightning found their marks and flames consumed mechanical foes with surgical accuracy.
Midnight let out a low whistle. "Now that's a performance. She's like a professional combatant already."
"She doesn't just fight," Aizawa observed. "She calculates. Every move is deliberate, and she wastes nothing. That level of skill isn't natural for someone her age."
Helen frowned slightly, crossing her arms. "She's clearly trained. Intensely. But there's something… unsettling about her technique. It's ruthless. Too ruthless."
"Nezu," Bob asked, leaning back in his chair, "what's her story? She doesn't strike me as your average candidate."
Nezu's smile widened, but his tone grew more serious. "Azula is… unique. She's not Japanese—her roots trace back to a small but politically turbulent European nation. Last year, that country faced a military coup. The official government, overwhelmed and on the brink of collapse, handed the task of suppressing the rebellion to Azula. And suppress it she did."
The room fell silent as Nezu continued.
"Official footage from the battlefield shows her using her quirk with terrifying precision. Entire battalions were neutralized under her command. She achieved complete victory, but it wasn't without controversy. The fact that she was underage raised significant questions across Europe. Many viewed her as a dangerous weapon shaped by her environment."
"And now she's here," Aizawa said, his voice flat. "Why?"
"I believe she's seeking a hero license to escape the weight of European politics," Nezu replied. "Here, she can operate without her past constantly looming over her. Of course, we must be cautious. While her potential is undeniable, so are the risks of someone so… volatile."
Midnight leaned back with a thoughtful expression. "Well, one thing's for sure—she's going to be interesting to teach."
"She's strong," Helen agreed, "but strength without balance can be dangerous. Let's hope she's here to grow, not just prove something."
As the footage ended, the teachers exchanged their final thoughts.
"This year's batch is… intense," Aizawa remarked. "We're going to have our hands full."
"Agreed," Nezu said, his voice cheerful once more. "But that's what makes this job so exciting. These students have incredible potential, and it's our job to ensure they reach it. For better or worse, UA will be the forge where they're shaped into heroes—or something else entirely."
The room quieted as the weight of that responsibility settled over them, the monitors now dark but the impressions of the day lingering in their minds.