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No one left behind

The wind ruffles at his hair as he stands there. Eyes focused on the tall building in front of him. Yuei was the number one hero school in the world.

There, right in front of him was a tall, imposing gate. Everything he ever wanted since he was born stood behind that threshold. Just within his reach.

His dreams, for once in his life, were just within his grasp.

Taking a step forward, he strode into the campus. Eyes wide and full of wonder as he looked at the people bristling around him. Taking in their anxiety-riddled faces and their excited steps.

He was too distracted it seemed. For the next thing he knew, he had tripped over a stone of some kind. The ground getting closer to his face at an incredible speed. Still, he didn't let himself fall. The skills within his body immediately activating and making up for his loss of balance.

The odd thing, however, was the hand that was just inches away from his shoulder as soon as he straightened up.

"Oh! It seems you don't need me after all!" Looking towards the owner of said hand. He realized that a girl was talking to him. Her outstretched hand must mean she wanted to help him.

"Ah yeah! Thanks though, I almost didn't make it there." He smiled sheepishly, his hand coming up to rub at his neck.

"That was so cool! The way you just stopped your fall! How did you do that?" The excitement in her voice was palpable. Yet, before he had the chance to answer, a bell rung. Signaling the start of the exam's ceremonial explanation. "Ah, we have to go! Good luck on your exams!" The brunette waved wildly as she took off into the building.

"You too!"

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After that, the time went by pretty fast. To his surprise, Yamada was the one to explain the exam. His appearance gaining a standing ovation from the examinees. Some of them, not having seen him in the past two years. Nonetheless, all of them were excited to see him up and about.

It felt weird seeing him in his hero costume. He was used to his SAO gear. The half-bun he'd always have instead of the spiky hair reminiscing of an exotic bird.

He was happy for his friend though. It seemed, despite the two-year gap in his hero career. He still had some devoted fans.

After the explanation, they were all directed to their respective training grounds.

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After asking Aizawa, it turned out that he wasn't allowed to bring his sword. The entrance exam only allowed for support items that were vital in the use of a person's quirk. Since he had other useful combat skills, he supposed that it was fair. He was still legally quirkless after all.

He didn't see Bakugou anywhere in the group of people crowding the training ground's gate. Small mercies he supposed. He didn't want to have to deal with the hot-head today.

However, one familiar brunette stood to the far side of the group. He contemplated talking to her again. Maybe ask for her name. Still, he supposed he should leave her prepare for the exam. He didn't want to distract her. He knew better than anyone the importance of a clear mind before a fight.

His hesitation must have been evident, however, if the tall blue-haired bulky guy's scolding was of any indication. The guy just walked up to him and started reprimanding him for wanting to distract the girl.

He was about to explain himself but the buzzer, signaling the beginning of the test interrupted him. It seemed to be happening a lot today.

Not waiting a second longer, he launched himself into the training field. Easily surpassing the rest of the group. Kids who, until now, didn't know what it meant to stop hesitating. Didn't understand the importance of every second in a fight. One moment of hesitation could mean certain death. One millisecond of doubt could cost them everything.