With a little assistance from Rumi I was set to attend the next U.A exam. It was still a while off so I figured I’d try to get Rumi’s help in one of the few areas that adaptation wouldn’t help me: Technique.

I sparred with her at every available moment, she still had me on the ground almost instantly but I was slowly forcing her to use different tactics. I’d gotten my reflexes to superhuman levels but forced my body to disable them for the spar.

If I just relied on my power… well I could probably still get through the issue if I’m honest… but I wanted to learn! That and being around Rumi had maybe made me a little battle junkie too.

By the time I had to set off for the exam I still couldn’t beat Rumi in pure skill. I may be faster, stronger and tougher but she could still knock me on my ass every time, it really did wonders to keep me humble… mostly.

I currently had Rumi’s old bag in front of me with everything I’d need while doing the course (and for the apartment I was staying in). I finished with the final item- the now old and outdated pad Rumi gave me.

I’d been waiting for this chance for 9 years… around 8 of them had been spent in this forest, in this house. I didn’t realize until now how attached I’d become to this… home…. How attached I’d become to a life without wondering if every day was my last, to not needing to work for every scrap or breath of fresh air.

I made my way down the polished wooden hallway, the orange glow-sticks strung along the ceiling lending the place a warm atmosphere as the sounds of softly running water and natural ambience calmed my nerves.

It was heaven but… I knew I could make a difference, change the world for the better… and if some of the fights were fun along the way? Then that was just a bonus! I donned a grin mirroring Rumi and made my way out the door.

Rumi gave me a tear-filled send off-“If you get anything other than number 1 I’ll come down there myself!”-not!

“Good to see how much you care!” And I pulled her into a hug… she grumbled but didn’t pull away.

While she was close I also got a little emotional- “Thanks Rumi, I don’t think I could’ve made it so far alone, you’ve been the sister I always wanted!”.

She stiffened up for a moment before responding- “You needed someone and I happened to be available, I’m not very good at sentimental crap but just know the feelings mutual…….. That said, if you tell anyone I said that I’ll throw you in a volcano!”

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“Hahahaha! Don’t worry, I’m not planning to ruin the rep of my awesome sister! You’re tough as nails and hit ten times as hard! I’d know!” I let her out of the hug and while she did look embarrassed she couldn’t hide the pride my words had brought out.

I said a final farewell and set off for the train station.

Train station… ya know I didn’t consider how hard using a train would be when just sitting down had my head scraping the roof. That and the stares… one of them even called security on me!

One minor detainment later and I’d made my way to Musutafu! Rumi had scoped out the place I was staying beforehand- an apartment complex owned and run by a family with mutant quirks (not that they didn’t accept other people but most of the tenants were also mutated).

I was more than happy when I reached my door and saw I wouldn’t have to duck to enter. Everything had been supersized! I had a little snicker thinking of Rumi entering this place and being at eye level with the sink.

Tomorrow was the big day! It was only very early morning so I decided to get a hang of my surroundings, not like I badly needed sleep anyway.

Shopping center: check, massive food court: check, local gym: check, police making sure I’m not here to rob the joint: check.

Bases mostly covered I started a short jog along the sidewalk near the beach… is someone working out at this hour? Why does that seem familiar?

I peeked over, ah that's why… Shit! I don’t wanna fuck with the plot yet! I’d looked over to see the iconic duo working out… well mainly Midoriya. I’m big but I don’t make much noise, let's just back out of here.

I got a reasonable distance away (1km) before calming down and walking normally. Who the hell uses a public beach for a secret workout?! Yeah it’s dirty but all it takes is a random person showing up to ruin everything!

“Hello young man!” seems I wasn’t far enough…

I turned around to see All Might looking up at me- yes up, I was a tall boi. At least he doesn’t think I’m a villain- “Oh uh, hello sir” Yeah great start, I guess sounding as flustered as I feel is what would usually be expected when meeting the #1 hero.

“Don’t worry young man, so long as you’re not a villain I’m no threat to you! I’ve been informed who you are anyway! However I’d like to ask you to keep my and young Midoriya’s training a secret- this isn’t a threat but it would be very much appreciated!”

He’s pretty intense- “Ah, don’t worry about it- Rumi trained me too so I’m kinda in a similar situation-”

“Mirko trained you?” Was that sweat I saw rolling down his forehead?

“Yeah, she didn’t want to fight me so I had to beg her before she’d allow a spar” Even though I could see her wanting to go all out she always held herself back… I can’t wait to get stronger and give her some good fights!

“She didn’t want to fight you?!” All Might asked with his jaw dropping.

“Well she’s practically my sister… what are you trying to say?” I squinted my eyes at him.

He took a second to compose himself before saying- “Nothing bad I assure you, but I’m pretty sure you’re aware of her… enjoyment of battle? Every time we’ve met she’s asked for a spar… EVERY TIME!”

Ah yeah that sounds like something she’d do, so that's what I said- “Yeah that sounds like her… how’d you spot me by the way?”

“Your mouth” my mouth? Seeing my confusion he elaborated- “you don’t make much noise but your mouth is constantly glowing” oh yeah… I forget that sometimes.

Now feeling sufficiently embarrassed I bid farewell to All Might and promised to keep my lips sealed about him and Midoriya. I still had most of the day to while away but decided to just set an alarm and sleep through till tomorrow… don’t wanna mess with any more plot points by accident.