Kairo sat at the dining table, his mother placing a warm breakfast in front of him. The scent of freshly made rice and miso soup filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere. Today was the day—the results of the U.A. Entrance Exam would arrive. Across from him, his mother, Rika, watched him with a soft smile, though her eyes held a knowing glint.
"You're nervous," she said gently.
Kairo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "A little. It's not every day you wait to hear if you got into the top hero school in Japan."
Rika chuckled. "I know you did your best. That's all that matters."
Just as Kairo was about to respond, a knock came at the door. His breath hitched. His mother stood, walking over and retrieving a sealed envelope from the mail slot. She turned to him with a smile. "It's here."
Kairo stood up immediately, his hands slightly trembling as he took the envelope. Without another word, he hurried to his room, shutting the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, he carefully tore open the envelope and pulled out a small metallic disc. As soon as he placed it on his desk, a holographic projection flickered to life.
"Young Kairo Ryūzaki!"
Kairo's eyes widened as the image of All Might appeared before him, his booming voice filling the room.
"I know you've been waiting for this moment! So let's not waste time—congratulations! You have passed the U.A. entrance exam!"
Kairo felt a rush of relief and excitement surge through him. He listened carefully as All Might explained the breakdown of his performance.
"You scored 72 combat points for taking down multiple pointer robots using your versatile applications of shockwaves. You displayed not only power but also adaptability. However, what makes a true hero is not just strength—it's the will to protect others. And that's why… you also earned 35 rescue points!"
Kairo's eyes widened. Rescue points? He hadn't even considered that aspect during the exam.
All Might grinned. "A hero isn't just about fighting villains. It's about saving lives. And you, young man, have shown the heart of a true hero! Welcome to U.A. High!"
The hologram flickered off, leaving Kairo sitting in stunned silence. He had done it. He was in.
For a few seconds, he simply stared at the device, processing the reality of what had just happened. Then, without warning, a huge grin spread across his face. He was going to U.A. High.
Bursting out of his room, he nearly startled his mother. "Mom! I got in!"
Rika gasped, then immediately pulled him into a warm embrace. "I knew you would, Kairo. Your father would have been proud."
Her words sent a familiar pang through his heart, but this time, it was accompanied by a sense of determination. He clenched his fist.
I'll become strong enough so no one else has to lose the people they love.
The next day, Kairo met up with Kenta and Mei at a café. Kenta, as usual, had a confident smirk. "Guess what, guys? I got in!"
Kairo chuckled. "I had a feeling you would."
Mei, sitting across from them, gave a small smile. "I made it too."
Kairo's heart felt warm seeing them both here. The three of them had made it through, together.
"We're really doing this," Kairo said, staring at the U.A. acceptance letter on the table.
Kenta grinned. "Yeah. We're gonna take the hero world by storm!"
Mei nodded, her eyes shining with quiet determination.
Kairo smiled, gripping his letter tightly. This was only the beginning.