Final Exams Arc

The **Final Exams Arc** (期 (き) 末 (まつ) 試 (し) 験 (けん) 編 (へん) , *Kimatsu shiken-hen*?) is the nineth story arc in *My Hero Academia* and the nineth story arc in the U.A. Beginnings Saga.

Class 1-A participate in their final exam, the End of Term Test. However, in a surprising twist, they must face their teachers in combat, with Izuku and Katsuki needing to put aside their differences and face against their idol.

## Summary

### The End of Term Test: Stress, Fear, and Loathing

Time has passed since the end of the workplace training. It is now the final week of June and there is one week left until the end of term test.

In Class 1-A, everyone is talking about the end of term test; Denki Kaminari and Mina Ashido admit that they have not been studying due to the many events that have taken place throughout the semester, to which Fumikage Tokoyami agrees. Rikido Sato notes that the end of term test will be more difficult than the mid-term tests. Minoru Mineta smugly remarks that there is also an exercise test, sarcastically saying that it will be tough (only because he does not have low grades), much to Mina and Denki's annoyance. Izuku Midoriya (who placed fourth) encourages Denki and Mina to do their best because he wants to go to the forest lodge with them; Tenya Ida (who placed second) also encourages them while Shoto Todoroki (who placed fifth) remarks that if he had just attended classes normally then he would not have such low grades, to which Denki asks Shoto to mind his words. Meanwhile, Momo Yaoyorozu (who has the highest grades in the class overall) says that she can help them with studying, although she is not confident about the exercise test; Mashirao Ojiro, Kyoka Jiro, and Hanta Sero ask for her guidance which makes Momo blush with pride and gratefully decides to help them. Eijiro Kirishima notes that Momo is being virtuous, to which Katsuki Bakugo angrily reminds him that he is also virtuous, saying that he will tutor him until he bleeds (since he has the third highest grade in the class).

In the lunchroom, Izuku, Tenya, Shoto, Ochaco Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui, and Toru Hagakure eat at a table, discussing how they will perform in the end of term test; they have high hopes about the written tests but not about the exercise test since they do not know what it is. Then, Neito Monoma bumps into Izuku, causing him to apologize. Neito notes that Izuku, Shoto, and Tenya had an encounter with the Hero Killer: Stain and as a result has caused Class 1-A's popularity to rise even more. Neito remarks that his class will one day get into such danger, sarcastically saying that it will be scary and they will get hurt. Suddenly, Itsuka Kendo hits Neito onto the floor and reprimands him for making fun of Izuku, Shoto, and Tenya's encounter with the Hero Killer. Itsuka apologizes for Neito's behavior. Itsuka says that she heard them talking about the exercise test; she reveals that the exercise test is a battle simulation fighting against robots just like the Entrance Exam. Izuku is shocked that she has knowledge about the exercise test, to which Itsuka says that she gained the knowledge an upper-classman. On the floor, Neito criticizes Itsuka for revealing the knowledge on the exercise test, as he wanted to use that hidden knowledge to forestall Class 1-A and defeat them. Itsuka drags Neito away and hits him again, reminding Neito that they don't detest Class 1-A.

Back in class, Izuku reveals the content of the exercise test to the class, much to Denki and Mina's happiness. Mezo Shoji notes that they are happy because they do not have to adjust their Quirks for real-life opponents. Katsuki says that he does not care about who he will be fighting in the exercise test since he will just blow them away. Still angry, Katsuki confronts Izuku, saying that Izuku is starting to get on his nerves. Ochaco wonders if Katsuki is referring to Izuku's recent movements during the Foundational Hero Studies. Katsuki says to Izuku that he does not want the same hollow result like the Sports Festival. Katsuki says that they will determine who is the better man by their grades, Katsuki remarks that he will show the power gap between them and defeat him. Seething, Katsuki says that he will also defeat Shoto as well. Katsuki angrily walks out. Eijiro notes that Katsuki has not been agitated in a while, to which Fumikage says that Katsuki's animosity is getting the better of him. While Katsuki walks through the corridor, Shoto notes that Katsuki has become worse.

Throughout the final week before the end of term test, all of Class 1-A is studying hard; Momo has formed a study group with Kyoka, Denki, Mina, Mashirao, and Hanta where she helps them study by lecturing them. Class 1-A writes the end of term written test which they all pass.

### Practical Test Plot Twist: Class 1-A vs. U.A.'s Teachers!

Now, the day of the exercise test has come. Class 1-A is outside with many U.A. teachers. Shota Aizawa says that without a doubt they have some knowledge on the exercise test, to which Mina and Denki exclaim that it will be fighting against robots. Suddenly, Nezu jumps out of Shota's scarf and reveals to Class 1-A that they will not be having a battle simulation against robots for their test exercise.

Nezu explains that the recent surge of villains has caused the school to increase the quality of their training methods in order to increase the students' battle experience; Nezu says that from now on, U.A. students will be having battle simulations similar to real life battles; Class 1-A will be the first students who will have real-life battle simulations. Nezu reveals that Class 1-A's test exercise will be forming pairs and facing one of U.A.'s teachers in combat, shocking Class 1-A. Nezu states that Class 1-A's pairs and the teachers they will fight have been decided. Shoto and Momo will be paired together and face Shota in combat for their exercise test. Shota says that Izuku and Katsuki will be paired together, much to their shock. Izuku and Katsuki become more surprised to learn that they will be facing All Might in combat for their exercise test. All Might tells the duo to cooperate together to defeat him.

Shota says that the ten teams will be transported by U.A.'s buses to an uninhabited training city area where their exercise test will take place. The remaining Class 1-A pairs are shown: The Principal versus Denki and Mina, Thirteen versus Yuga Aoyama and Ochaco, Present Mic versus Koji Koda and Kyoka, Ectoplasm versus Fumikage and Tsuyu, Midnight versus Hanta and Minoru, Snipe versus Mezo and Toru, Cementoss versus Rikido and Eijiro, and Power Loader versus Tenya and Mashirao.

Class 1-A and the U.A. teachers arrive at the uninhabited city; Class 1-A form their respective pairs and the pairs go with their assigned teachers to their designated areas. Every U.A. teacher explains the test exercise win conditions; each pair must either handcuff their assigned teacher or one of them must escape the battlefield. The two optional win conditions must be accomplished within 30 minutes. By accomplishing one of the win conditions, the pair will win and pass the test exercise. The U.A. teachers will also be using super compact weighted bracelets (courtesy of Mei Hatsume) to handicap themselves. Recovery Girl, monitoring the test exercise, begins the test.

### The Practical Test Begins!

Ectoplasm multiplies and creates four clones of himself that surround Fumikage and Tsuyu. Ectoplasm says that all of the U.A. teachers will not hold back.

Shoto asks Momo to create random objects in order to distract Shota because the test depends on who finds who first. Shoto informs Momo of their plan: he will fight Shota while Momo makes an escape. Shoto tells Momo not to get separated until then.

Seeing that they are at a disadvantage, Fumikage orders Dark Shadow to throw Tsuyu onto the next floor which it does. Tsuyu grabs Fumikage with her long tongue and throws him onto the next floor as well. Ectoplasm comments on their nice synergy.

In the monitoring room, Recovery Girl remarks that the ability to communicate and work well with anybody is a vital Heroics skill.

Katsuki decides to fight All Might in order to handcuff him while Izuku suggests that avoiding the fight with All Might and escaping is a better course of action. Katsuki ignores Izuku's suggestion and begins going toward All Might. Izuku tells Katsuki that the idea of him beating All Might is ludicrous. Katsuki smacks Izuku onto the ground, Katsuki angrily orders him to stop talking while Izuku says that he is talking because he wants them to pass. Izuku and Katsuki get into an argument, Katsuki declares that he can pass the test himself and didn't need Izuku's help in the first place while Izuku says that Katsuki's bad anger is the reason nobody likes him. Suddenly, All Might throws a punch which devastates the area Izuku and Katsuki are in which causes Izuku to fall down. All Might decides that its time for him to enter the battlefield.

### Izuku and Katsuki vs. the Symbol of Peace: All Might's Overwhelming Power!

Izuku is shocked at the level of All Might's power despite being handicapped. All Might declares to the duo that he is a villain and collateral damage means nothing to him. All Might charges at the duo. Feeling All Might's pressure, Izuku tells Katsuki that they have no chance of winning and should run away. However, Katsuki refuses to run away. Katsuki uses Stun Grenade against All Might which distracts him. Katsuki charges at All Might, but the Symbol of Peace grabs Katsuki's face, stopping his advance. Katsuki launches a flurry of explosions against All Might. However, Katsuki's Explosions do not faze the Symbol of Peace. All Might slams Katsuki down onto the ground. All Might turns his attention to Izuku who was planning on avoiding him. He questions Izuku on his decision to escape. Izuku activates One For All: Full Cowl, wondering why All Might's words reminded him of the Hero Killer. Izuku jumps away from All Might, but Katsuki has also leapt towards him at the same; the duo collide in the air as a result. After the recoil, Izuku begs Katsuki to escape with him as they have no chance of winning. Angry, Katsuki still refuses to escape, saying that he will win because that is what a Hero does. Izuku remembers Katsuki's past: that he admired All Might as a hero because he always won in the end regardless of the situation he was in.

Izuku tries to convince Katsuki otherwise but to no avail. Suddenly, All Might appears in the air wielding a guardrail; All Might pins Izuku on the ground, then punches Katsuki in the stomach before he can attack, greatly injuring him and sending him flying backward. All Might approaches Katsuki and says that he understands his jealousy of Izuku's sudden growth. All Might tells Katsuki that what he is currently doing is a waste and must grow his willingness to borrow other peoples' strength. The weakened Katsuki struggles to get up and tells All Might that if he must rely on other peoples' strength, then he would rather lose. Disappointed with Katsuki's decision, All Might prepares to finish off Katsuki. Katsuki tries to move but to no avail. Suddenly, Izuku activates One For All: Full Cowl and breaks free of the guard rail; Izuku charges and punches Katsuki out of harm's way. Izuku grabs Katsuki and leaps into an alley to escape from All Might.

### The Origin of Katsuki: The Worst Wonder Duo's Teamwork!

While running, Izuku tells Katsuki to not say that he would rather lose, asking Katsuki to use his strength before giving up and reminds Katsuki that he is the kid that never gives up on winning. In their childhood, Katsuki managed to defeat 4th graders (despite only being in Grade One) and says that the Number One Hero always wins in the end. From behind a tree, Izuku witnessed Katsuki's victory and he admiringly looks at Katsuki.

All Might chases after Izuku and Katsuki. Suddenly, Katsuki appears from behind and attacks All Might with an Explosion which distracts All Might. However, one of Katsuki's Grenadier Bracers is missing. Suddenly, Izuku appears behind All Might with Katsuki's missing Grenadier Bracers equipped on him. Katsuki yells at Izuku to commence his attack; Izuku aims the Grenade Bracer at All Might and releases the grenade pin.

Izuku releases the grenade pin and blasts an immense Explosion at All Might at point blank range. After the Explosion is finished, Izuku and Katsuki dash towards the exit. All Might easily takes the explosion, only coughing up a little blood. All Might is impressed with the duo's strategy; All Might notes that while their relationship will not improve immediately, Izuku and Katsuki's cooperation with each other in this practical test will be a great leap forward for them in the future. All Might decides to chase after the escaping Izuku and Katsuki, declaring that he will give it his all.

### Momo and Shoto vs. Eraser Head: Momo Rises to the Occasion!

Meanwhile, Momo is creating Russian dolls and informs Shoto what she is creating. Momo is impressed with Shoto for being able to not only think of a strategy against Shota but also have the judgment to make quick decisions on the best course of action. Shoto tells Momo that it's normal, Momo admits that even though she is a recommended freshman she is the only one that hasn't shown any noteworthy results.

Suddenly, Shoto realizes that Shota is nearby, causing Momo to apologize for talking too much. Out of the blue, Shota appears from above, hanging from telephone wires. Shota comes down and Shoto leaps into action, trying to attack Shota but misses. Shoto orders Momo to run away to which she does. Shota wraps his cloth around Shoto and then suspends him in midair from telephone wires, tying Shoto's bonds to a telephone pole. Shota admits that he had always planned on capturing Shoto. However, Shoto points out his teacher's flaw, that he can break free from his bonds by using fire or ice. Shota tells Shoto that he can break free but warns him to watch out when he drops. Shota throws caltrops (spikes) underneath Shoto to act as a deterrent for Shoto. Shoto compliments his teacher for a nasty counter. Shota tells Shoto that his strategy's responsibility is lopsided, commending him for giving Momo consideration but points out that he should have discussed his strategy with her a little more.

Momo is running away from the battlefield. While running, Momo is conflicted and confused on what course of action to take and is unable to decide if escaping is the best option or going back to help Shoto. Shota appears in the air and launches a cloth at Momo which wraps around her arm. Momo tries to break free, she realizes that her Quirk hasn't been erased. Momo creates a bracelet from her bandaged arm, allowing her to break free, Momo continues to run. Shota notes that Momo keeps comparing herself to Shoto because he has what she lacks: confidence.

Shoto is still hanging suspended from the telephone wires, thinking about what Shota said. Suddenly, Momo appears and apologizes to Shoto. Momo is unable to decide what to do; rescue Shoto or escape. Shoto apologizes to Momo for not taking her ideas into consideration and sees that Momo has something in mind. Momo says she does but it wouldn't work if Shoto's plan fell flat. Shoto encourages Momo to put her plan into action, telling her that he voted for her during the Class President election. Shoto's encouragement fills Momo with confidence; Shota appears above Momo, preparing to attack her. Momo tells Shoto to close his eyes and she throws up into the air the Russian dolls she created. The Russian dolls open up to reveal flash grenades in them; the flash grenades create a brilliant light that causes Shota to avert his eyes, preventing him from advancing and using his Quirk at the same time. While Shota is distracted by the light, Momo releases and frees Shoto from the telephone wires; Shoto lands safely onto the ground. The confident Momo declares to Shoto that she does have a plan to prevail over their opponent; Shota smirks.

### Momo's Last Resort!: The Wonder Duo Defeated?!

Momo declares to Shoto that she thought of her plan from the start. Shota jumps onto a rooftop for safety. Not wanting them to get the upper hand from his lapses of inactivity, Shota launches cloth against Shoto and Momo. Momo and Shoto avoid Shota's attack and Shoto counters by trying to use fire; however, Shota erases Shoto's Quirk. Momo tells Shoto that they must hide for now and escape from Shota's line of sight. Momo and Shoto begin retreating with Shota not too far behind. Momo explains to Shoto that for her plan to succeed they need time, asking Shoto to keep confirming if he can use his ice side because she wants Shoto to unleash his huge ice glacier attack like at the U.A. Sports Festival. Shota is about to catch up, however, Shoto notices that Shota is about to blink. Shoto uses Giant Ice Wall, creating a humongous ice pillar that completely eclipses Shota. With the Heaven-Piercing Ice Wall blocking his view, Shota stands by.

Momo uses the opportunity to create her closest approximation of Shota's Capturing Weapon. After creating a catapult, Momo explains her plan to Shoto to which he has no complaints. Shota is still on stand by, thinking what to do next. Suddenly, Momo and Shoto run while cloaked. Shota attacks the concealed Momo and Shoto with his capturing weapon. However, it is revealed that what Shota captured was a mannequin Momo was holding. Shota jumps away while Momo fires her catapult, launching her Capturing Weapon at Shota which surrounds him. Momo then orders Shoto to shoot heat along the ground which he does. Momo asks Shota if he knows what nitinol alloy is: it is an alloy that returns to its original shape when exposed to heat. Momo explains that the Capturing Weapon that she launched in the air which now surrounds him is made of nitinol alloy. Shoto's fire attack causes Momo's Capturing Weapon to wrap itself around Shota, binding him. Afterward, Momo and Shoto handcuff Shota, which allows them to pass the practical test.

Shoto notices the ease of Momo's plan, to which Momo says that it wasn't easy because she slipped up when firing the catapult which would have allowed Shota to prevent her from going through with her plan. Momo asks Shota if he was deliberately making it seem that he was caught by their trap. Shota explains that he didn't and because he couldn't see Shoto he could not decide if he was going to use fire or ice and decided to retreat. Shoto concludes that Momo's plan came down to time after all, Shoto thanks Momo for making the plan prevail. Momo is happy that her plan prevailed and is about to cry tears of joys. Shoto wonders what is wrong and advises Momo that there is a pressure point on top of her foot to ease any pain, to which Momo tells Shoto that nothing is wrong.

Recovery Girl broadcasts that Momo and Shoto are the first team to clear the exam. Meanwhile, Minoru is struggling against Midnight due to Hanta falling asleep. Present Mic uses his loud voice to keep Kyoka and Koji off guard. Annoyed by Present Mic's loud voice, Kyoka tells Koji to command the nearby animals to attack but Koji is unable to due to Present Mic's voice making the animals wild and as a result, any command he gave would be useless.

All Might praises Izuku and Katsuki for working together to try and defeat him. However, All Might tells the defeated Izuku and Katsuki that working together is only the pre-requisite of the practical test; an injured Izuku is being held in the air by All Might while Katsuki is pinned down by All Might's foot.

A minute ago, Izuku and Katsuki are running towards the escape gate after blasting All Might with an immense explosion. Izuku spots the escape gate and notes that if one of them passes through the escape gate they pass the practical test. While running, Izuku isn't able to see All Might and wonders if he fainted, to which Katsuki admonishes Izuku for thinking that way. Katsuki tells Izuku that if All Might catches up he will launch Izuku using his bracer. Suddenly, All Might appears before the two, asking Katsuki what he plans to do after that, shocking Izuku and Katsuki. Before the young heroes can react, All Might crushes Katsuki's Grenadier Bracers into pieces, telling the duo that the weights are forcing him to use only a minuscule of his strength; All Might proceeds to pin down Katsuki with his foot and dangles Izuku in mid-air.

### Katsuki Makes One Last Stand!

Back in the present, Recovery Girl announces that Shoto and Momo are the first team to pass the exam. All Might is surprised to learn that his colleague, Shota, has been defeated. All Might smashes Katsuki into the ground with his foot. Katsuki finally understands that All Might is far too overpowered for him to stop and realizes that All Might is truly the strongest Hero and the world's most sky scrapping wall. Izuku tries activating One For All: Full Cowl but All Might stops him and throws him onto the ground. All Might decides to finish off Izuku and Katsuki.

Suddenly, Katsuki gets up and launches a big explosion against All Might, which distracts the Symbol of Peace. While All Might is distracted by the light, Katsuki grabs Izuku and throws Izuku towards the escape gate with an Explosion. To prevent Izuku from escaping, All Might uses New Hampshire and blasts himself into Izuku which crushes Izuku due to All Might's great weight and sends him tumbling down. Katsuki chases after All Might, Katsuki tells All Might that the Grenadier Bracers were to help him use his maximum Explosions without risk and admits that he was a fool for thinking that he could win without taking risks. Katsuki uses a huge Explosion against All Might (similar to the Explosion in the Sports Festival) and tells Izuku to escape; Izuku struggles to get up. Katsuki decides to sacrifice himself to hold off All Might so that Izuku has time to escape; Katsuki uses another huge Explosion against All Might. However, although the great Explosions have distracted All Might, the Symbol of Peace is still unscathed.

### Izuku Saves the Day!: The Wonder Duo Pass!

Izuku gets up and prepares to activate One For All: Full Cowl so that he can leap towards the escape gate. Not allowing Izuku to make an escape, All Might prepares to attack Izuku but Katsuki intercepts All Might's attempt. Izuku successfully activates One For All: Full Cowl and begins his escape while All Might smashes Katsuki into the ground. Izuku sees that Katsuki is in trouble. Despite being greatly injured, Katsuki yells at Izuku to escape and bites All Might's hand. All Might ignores Katsuki's desperate attempt and tells Izuku that he won't allow him to escape.

Surprisingly, Izuku does not rush towards the escape gate, instead, Izuku rushes back to help Katsuki. While rushing to help, Izuku remembers All Might's words; that when times are scary and uncertain, you face it all with a smile. Izuku smiles and punches All Might in the face. While All Might is suffering from slight recoil, Izuku grabs Katsuki who has fallen unconscious. Izuku rushes towards the escape gate with Katsuki in tow. All Might shrugs off Izuku's punch and watches him escape. All Might understands by now that Izuku is the type of person to save somebody; All Might notes that whenever Izuku tries to save somebody, there's never a wall in his way.

Izuku passes through the escape gate along with the unconscious Katsuki in tow, which allows Izuku and Katsuki to pass the practical test.

After Izuku and Katsuki pass the practical exam, All Might carries them to Recovery Girl's tent to be healed. Recovery Girls scolds All Might for not restraining himself during his battle with Izuku and Katsuki. Recovery Girl asks All Might to take Izuku and Katsuki back to U.A. to recover. However, a conscious and healed Izuku requests if he can stay and watch the remaining fights as he would like to observe and analyze the other Pro Heroes and his classmates. Recovery Girl allows Izuku to watch the remaining fights. While All Might leaves carrying an unconscious Katsuki in his arms, he notes that Izuku will be extraordinarily strong one day. All Might walks out of the tent and notes that whenever there is a wall in front of Katsuki, he laughs at it.

### The Practical Exam Continues!: Class 1-A Versus their Weaknesses!

Izuku and Recovery Girl watch the remaining fights. Recovery Girl comments on Fumikage and notes that he has brittle defense and struggles against numerable opponents which causes him to become pressurized; she also analyzes that Tsuyu is a person who is usually calm while under pressure in combat and can help Fumikage deal with his pressure, allowing Fumikage to help her with his full strength, to which Izuku agrees with Recovery Girl's assessment, having been reminded of Tsuyu's calm and level headed attitude at the U.S.J. The fight between Fumikage and Tsuyu against Ectoplasm continues with Fumikage being overwhelmed by the sheer number of Ectoplasm's clones. Suddenly, one of Ectoplasm's clones appear before Fumikage. However, Tsuyu smacks it away with her tongue. Fumikage and Tsuyu manage to make it past Ectoplasm's clones and reach the vicinity of the escape gate where the real Ectoplasm is waiting. Ectoplasm compliments the duo for outrunning his clones but asks them if they can deal with his next attack. Ectoplasm uses Forced Internment Giant Bites, a move that creates a giant clone of himself. Fumikage and Tsuyu are unable to escape and the giant clone munches them which traps Fumikage and Tsuyu in its ectoplasm. Unable to do anything, Fumikage orders Dark Shadow to escape as it is now the only way they can obtain victory. Dark Shadow proceeds to the escape gate but Ectoplasm kicks Dark Shadow away. Tsuyu comes up with a plan and decides to regurgitate something, telling Fumikage to not look so that Ectoplasm does not notice them. Dark Shadow struggles against Ectoplasm. Fumikage recalls Dark Shadow to collect the item Tsuyu has; Dark Shadow collects the item and goes back to fight Ectoplasm. Dark Shadow attacks Ectoplasm with its claw while Ectoplasm blocks it with his kick. However, Ectoplasm's leg is chained by a handcuff. Tsuyu explains that she regurgitated a handcuff since her stomach can store and eject objects and gave it to Dark Shadow so that it could handcuff Ectoplasm with its claw. As a result of Ectoplasm being handcuffed by Fumikage and Tsuyu's last desperate team strategy, they pass the practical exam.

Meanwhile, Denki and Mina struggle against Nezu who has commandeered a wrecking ball and uses it to block off the roads leading to the escape gate. While using the wrecking ball, Nezu drinks a cup of tea, noting that making decisions are rudimentary for him. Nezu sees that Denki and Mina have not noticed his simple strategy and begins laughing maniacally. Izuku wonders if Denki and Mina will be all right and Recovery Girl comments that Nezu was toyed by humans in the past and as a result whenever he is in battle, his true character shows.

Izuku and Recovery Girl watch the battle between Kyoka and Koji against Present Mic; Izuku notes that the challenge revolves around sound and how they will be able to beat a Quirk that cancels out the sound. Kyoka and Koji manage to get a little closer to the escape gate but Kyoka notes that Present Mic will be at the escape gate and that no matter what option of victory they choose, a standoff is inevitable. Present Mic uses his loud voice again, Kyoka notes that they cannot get any closer as long as Present Mic is using his Quirk. Kyoka sees an ant and comes up with an idea, she asks Koji if he can control bugs but his terrified reaction indicates that he doesn't like bugs. Present Mic uses his loud voice one again, Kyoka tries to counteract with her Earphone Jacks but the sound of her heartbeat doesn't do anything against Present Mic. Present Mic continues using his loud voice against Kyoka and Koji who are unable to handle it. Out of options, Kyoka asks Koji if he can control insects to which he approves. Kyoka uses her Earphone Jacks to break a rock which reveals dozens of insects, much to Koji's terror. Kyoka tells Koji that she understands his phobia but using the insects to attack Present Mic is the only plan she can think of because their opponent is too strong. Kyoka encourages Koji to follow through with her plan. After seeing Kyoka's bleeding ears, Koji is ashamed that he is running away from this fight and realizes that he can only continue being at U.A. by overcoming his fear. Koji musters up the courage and commands the insects to attack. At the escape gate, Present Mic sees that time is nearly up. Suddenly, dozens of insects crawl on Present Mic who realizes that the insects traveled to him by moving underground: a place where a sound is ineffective. Present Mic is paralyzed by fear, allowing Koji to run through the escape gate while carrying an injured Kyoka with him, thus they pass the practical test.

Izuku is glad to see that his classmates are passing one by one, but Recovery Girl points out that Minoru is running away, which surprises and intrigues Izuku.

Eijiro and Rikido keep smashing their way through Cementoss' cement walls, but the more walls they destroy, the more walls Cementoss keeps creating to keep them at bay. Cementoss tells Eijiro and Rikido that their weakness is drawn out battles and advises the duo to push their strength to the limit. Meanwhile, Tenya and Mashirao manage to pass their practical exam.

Elsewhere, Ochaco and Yuga reach the escape gate but before they can go through it, Thirteen creates a Black Hole, causing the duo to hold onto a guardrail. Yuga fires his Navel Laser from his knees (thanks to his hero costume) at Thirteen but the attempt fails as Thirteen easily sucks away the lasers. Ochaco tries to think of a plan, causing Yuga to surmise that Ochaco is thinking about what Izuku would do. Yuga then asks Ochaco if she loves Izuku, which shocks Ochaco and makes her blush, causing her to let go of the guardrail out of embarrassment. As a result, Ochaco gets drawn towards Thirteen.

Mezo and Toru manage to pass their practical exam. Izuku and Recovery Girl watch the events unfold and focus on the practical test between Minoru and Hanta versus Midnight. Minoru is continuing to run away from his opponent while Midnight is sitting at the escape gate with a sleeping Hanta on her lap, much to Minoru's jealousy. Recovery Girl notes that Minoru will have a difficult time surviving in U.A. because he does not have a specific goal to overcome.

Meanwhile, Ochaco faces Thirteen directly as a result of her being drawn to her due to her black hole. Ochaco uses her combat skills learned from Gunhead and manages to handcuff Thirteen, allowing her and Yuga to pass the practical test.

### Minoru vs. Midnight: Minoru's New Goal!

Minoru overhears that everyone is passing and begins questioning why he wanted to become a Hero in the first place. Minoru says that he wanted to become a Hero in order to be admired and become cool. Suddenly, Minoru is whipped by Midnight who has decided to chase after Minoru. Minoru tries speaking but stops when he realizes that the moment he opens his mouth, he will become susceptible to Midnight's sleeping gas. Minoru continues running away and admits that his experience in U.A. has changed his perspective about his reasoning for becoming a Hero; he now wants to become a Hero not to be admired but to become a cool Hero. Midnight criticizes Minoru for running away.

However, Minoru tells Midnight that his cowardice and his lack of courage was all part of his plan to lure Midnight away from the escape gate and Hanta, all in the name of becoming a cool Hero. Minoru charges at Midnight with Hanta's tape wrapped around his mouth to prevent him from inhaling Midnight's sleeping gas. As Midnight whips at him, Minoru uses his move Grape Rush (which involves throwing his sticky substance from his head at the opponent while running towards them), Minoru's move hits Midnight, causing Midnight to become stuck in place which allows Minoru to run past her. Izuku and Recovery Girl praise Minoru's plan for luring away Midnight from the escape gate and then sticking her in place with his Quirk so that the sleeping gas wouldn't reach him. Midnight is also impressed with his plan, as Minoru takes off the tape, grabs Hanta and drags him out of the escape gate with him, allowing them to pass the practical test.

### The Practical Test Ends: The League of Villains Prepares for a Comeback!

Recovery Girl announces that time is up and the End of Term Test is over. The only students from Class 1-A who were unable to pass were Eijiro, Rikido, Denki, and Mina.

At the League of Villains hideout, Tomura Shigaraki is looking at a picture of Izuku. Tomura disintegrates the picture after the same man from the hostess bar brings in two visitors, a boy and a girl who expressed interest in joining the League of Villains.

The two visitors meet with Tomura face to face. However, Tomura isn't pleased with his visitors due to them seemingly being types he despises the most and orders Kurogiri to send them away. Kurogiri asks Tomura to be patient and listen to what the visitors have to say because they were scouted by the broker who produces quality results. The broker tells Kurogiri that he wants his service charge one way or another; the broker also agrees with Kurogiri about letting the visitors have a chance to introduce themselves. The broker tells Tomura that the girl is a suspect on the run for serial blood draining murders. The girl introduces herself as Himiko Toga and explains that life is difficult and as a result, she desires to make the world an easier place to live in. Himiko wants to become someone great like Stain and excitedly pleads Tomura to let her join. Tomura is unimpressed with Himiko. The broker introduces the boy as someone who hasn't committed any great crimes but believes in the Hero Killer's ideals. Instead of introducing himself, the boy wonders if the League of Villains actually follows a cause; Tomura is taken aback by the boy's lack of manners. The boy tells Tomura he goes by Dabi and will reveal his real name when he needs to, Dabi explains that he will be the one to fulfill the Hero Killer's ideals.

Tomura becomes angry at Himiko and Dabi for constantly talking about Stain, finding them to be no good and prepares to attack the boy and girl. Himiko and Dabi react by preparing to defend themselves. As the three clash, Kurogiri uses his mist to warp Dabi, Himiko and Tomura's attacks away from each other, which stops a potential fight. Kurogiri tells Tomura that expanding the Villain Alliance is necessary in order to achieve his wishes, now that the spotlight is on the League of Villains and asks Tomura to not reject Dabi and Himiko's help. Kurogiri reminds Tomura that if he doesn't make use of any help they are offered, then everything left to them will disappear. Understanding Kurogiri, Tomura storms out of the room in silence. The broker comments about Tomura being too young. Kurogiri asks the broker to wait a few days for their reply regarding Dabi and Himiko's registration into the League of Villains, Kurogiri comments that Tomura understands what needs to be done and he is sure Tomura will understandingly accept Dabi and Himiko.

### Class 1-A's Shopping Trip; An Unexpected Izuku Fan Appears!

At U.A. in Class 1-A, Denki, Eijiro, Rikido, and Mina are crestfallen that they will not be able to go to the forest lodge due to failing the practical test. Shota enters the classroom, informing Class 1-A that some of them have failed and as a result, all of them are going to the forest lodge. Shota reveals that the consequences for failing the practical test were a logical ruse to bring out their full potential, which shocks Denki, Eijiro, Rikido, and Mina. Shota tells Class 1-A that no one failed the written test but Denki, Eijiro, Rikido, Mina and Hanta failed the practical test. Shota informs Class 1-A that the forest lodge trip is a boot camp and those who failed the practical test will receive harsher training at the lodge. Shota hands out lodge guides to Class 1-A; the class sees that there are many items on the list that they don't have. Toru suggests that Class 1-A go shopping together in order to get the items they need for the boot camp.

The next day, most of Class 1-A outside of Katsuki and Shoto go to the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall, a shopping center that caters for all needs. Most of Class 1-A split up to go and buy their specific needs, leaving Ochaco and Izuku alone. Izuku asks Ochaco what she plans on buying and tells her that he plans on buying heavy wrist weights. Ochaco says that she requires bug repellent, however, she begins blushing as soon as she looks at Izuku. The blushing Ochaco runs off on her own, finding it hard to believe that she actually has a crush on Izuku.

Izuku is now alone. Suddenly, a hooded man asks Izuku for his autograph after recognizing him from the Sports Festival. The hooded man puts his arm around Izuku and admires Izuku for running into Stain during the Hosu incident and living to tell the tale, telling Izuku that he is cool. The hooded man is in disbelief that he would meet Izuku *again.* Izuku breaks into a sweat while the hooded man clutches around Izuku's neck with his four fingers. The hooded man wonders why they met again, attributing it to destiny or fate and tells Izuku that the last time they met was during the League of Villains' attack at the U.S.J. The hooded man reveals himself to be Tomura Shigaraki. However, this time he doesn't have his signature hand on his face; the unmasked Tomura invites Izuku to have tea with him and smiles wickedly.

A few minutes before meeting with Izuku, Tomura is confused about why Stain's ideology has inspired so many people and is unable to understand why his own methods (similar to Stain's) have not worked.

Back in the present, Tomura is holding Izuku's neck and tells him to calm down. Tomura tells Izuku that he just wants to have a chat with him and threatens him with disintegration. Izuku warns Tomura that if he attacks him, then a Hero will jump out of the crowd, but Tomura threatens the safety of the crowd. Relenting, Izuku asks Tomura what he wants to talk about.

### Izuku and Tomura's Meeting; The Renewed Creed of Evil

Izuku and Tomura sit in a plaza. Tomura explains to Izuku that he hates many things. However, what he truly despises above all is the Hero Killer Stain. Izuku tells Tomura that Stain was one of them, but Tomura reveals that Stain was never apart of the League of Villains, to begin with and that the media and society merely speculated that Stain was apart of the League of Villains. Tomura explains that everything he has done up until now has been undermined by Stain's fame, but the problem he has difficulty in understanding is that both of them were simply destroying things they didn't like in order to change the world, but Stain has still gained recognition and fame while he continues to be undermined. Tomura asks Izuku what the difference is between him and Stain.

Meanwhile, Ochaco has stopped running. She feels guilty about running away from Izuku and feels bad for making him confused. Ochaco decides to go back and apologize to Izuku, noting that her great friendship with Izuku isn't becoming love.

Back in the plaza, Izuku answers Tomura's question, Izuku tells Tomura that he doesn't understand or accept his actions whereas for Stain, he doesn't accept him either but he does understand him. Izuku explains that he understands Stain because both of them were inspired by All Might and started their journeys because of him. Izuku says that Stain didn't destroy because he wanted to, he destroyed in order to try and change the world for the better according to his ideals. While he doesn't agree with Stain's methods, Izuku respects Stain for living according to his ideals and never giving up on them. Tomura feels exhilarated as he now understands why Stain and Izuku irritate him; it's because of All Might. Tomura is annoyed that he had the answer around his fingertips and didn't realize it sooner. Tomura also understands why he hates the current society as well, because they are all living happily and grinning like All Might. Tomura thanks Izuku for chatting with him.

Suddenly, Ochaco appears and wonders who Izuku is talking to. Izuku tries to tell Ochaco to run. However, Tomura lets go of Izuku and apologizes for interrupting their shopping. Tomura begins leaving and warns Izuku to not give chase. However, Izuku asks Tomura what All For One's ultimate goal is. Tomura gives Izuku his answer; that he doesn't know and doesn't care. Disappearing into the crowd, Tomura tells Izuku to take care of himself because the next time they meet, he will kill him. Ochaco calls the police.

While walking out of the shopping mall, a happy Tomura notes that he does have a creed and an ideal from the very beginning. Tomura decides on his renewed creed; that every deed he commits will be for creating a world *without* All Might and exposing what "justice" truly is. Tomura leaves, happy that he understands that all his hatred is because of All Might.

## Story Impact

* Due to the increase in villains, Nezu has implemented a new training method for U.A.: Battle simulations for U.A. students will now be similar to real life battles, allowing students to gain greater fighting experience.
* Due to Stain's defeat, the League of Villains gain several new members: Dabi, Himiko, and Shuichi Iguchi. Furthermore, his ideologies have inspired many.
* Tomura Shigaraki is seen without his hand covering his face for the first time.
* Katsuki and Izuku are partnered together for the first time when fighting All Might. However, Katsuki refuses to work together with him due to his own arrogant belief he can win all by himself. However, All Might points out that his rage and hatred of Izuku is out of jealousy due to his vast growth rate. After Izuku punches him in the face when Katsuki stated he would rather lose than accept his help while pointing out how foolish his beliefs are of refusing help, Katsuki reluctantly accepts help. From then onward, Katsuki begins to accept the concept of teamwork.
* Eijiro, Rikido, Hanta, Mina, and Denki fail the final exam.
* Due to the wounds from Nomu during the U.S.J. Incident, Shota's Quirk now takes longer to reactivate after each usage.
* It's revealed Shoto was one of the students who voted for Momo for class president. This helps her regain her confidence.
* As pointed out by Yuga, Ochaco has developed feelings for Izuku. She attempts to deny this.
	+ However, by the Provisional Hero License Exam, Ochaco finally acknowledges she has developed feelings for him.
* A brief glimpse of Tomura's past is shown: when he was young, he presumably lost his father, as the hand covering his face may belong to his father.
* After his talk with Izuku, Tomura now has resolved to make a world without All Might, finding the resolve Stain was telling him he needed to find.
	+ Because of this, All For One says that he believes Tomura could be his successor.

## Quirks Introduced

* **High Spec**: Nezu's Quirk grants him a high level of intelligence that surpasses that of humans.
* **Anivoice**: Koji has the ability to control and command animals.
* **Clones**: Ectoplasm has the ability to create clones from the ectoplasm he shoots out from his mouth.
	+ It should be noted that this Quirk was used briefly in the U.S.J. Arc in the anime.
* **Voice**: Present Mic has the ability to raise the volume of his voice.
	+ It should be noted that this Quirk was used briefly in the U.S.J. Arc in the anime.
* **Sugar Rush**: Rikido has the ability to transform his sugar into power.