Wu Xuan wasn't entirely certain he would be joining U.A. High.
While his physical dominance was absolute, he had zero confidence in his written test scores. However, remembering how Izuku Midoriya had managed to get in despite his own unconventional performance in the original story, he figured U.A. likely prioritized practical combat and raw potential above all else.
As the four candidates walked out of the school gates together, Shoto Todoroki peeled away without a single word, heading toward his home.
"WU XUAN! YAO-CLASSMATE! LET'S MEET AGAIN IN TEN MONTHS! BY THEN, I WILL BE EVEN STRONGER!!!" Inasa Yoarashi bellowed at the top of his lungs.
Wu Xuan picked at his ear, grimacing. The guy was incredibly irritating, yet he didn't seem to have any intention of leaving just yet. In the original timeline, Inasa had withdrawn from U.A. because of his sheer loathing for Shoto Todoroki.
If it were me, Wu Xuan thought, I wouldn't run away. If I hated Todoroki that much, I'd just beat him until he was the one who dropped out.
Momo Yaoyorozu pursed her lips, about to say her goodbyes to Wu Xuan, when a voice called out from behind them.
"Hey! Young Wu Xuan!"
Momo turned to see a man in a gold-striped suit, thin as a skeleton, jogging toward them with a folder in his hand. It was All Might in his diminished state, though Momo didn't recognize the Symbol of Peace in this fragile form.
"Here. These are the autographed photos we agreed on." All Might handed Wu Xuan the two signed pictures and a thick information packet.
"Hero Costume Design Data?" Wu Xuan read the title of the packet aloud.
All Might explained, "Before enrollment, every student must submit a Quirk Report and a 'Needs' form, right? That's so the support department can develop the battle suit for your new life as a hero. The school checked, and it seems you haven't submitted yours yet."
"Oh?" Wu Xuan raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips. "You talk like I'm already a lock to pass."
All Might chuckled. "Actually, based on your first-place finish in the physical test, your enrollment is basically a done deal." With a wave, the skeletal man turned back toward the school. "See you at U.A. then!"
Momo blinked, watching him go. He's so thin... is he a teacher too? She then turned her gaze to the costume sheet and the autographs in Wu Xuan's hand. She smiled slightly. "Wu-kun, I didn't realize you were such a fan of All Might."
It was often said that the idol reflects the fan. She figured that if he admired the Symbol of Peace, he must harbor a secret desire to become a beacon of hope himself.
Wu Xuan just grinned. He couldn't exactly tell her he only needed the photos to settle a "debt" with two girls he'd spent the night with.
After parting ways with Momo, Wu Xuan met up with Haruko and Saori to deliver the promised autographs. The result was a night of thorough celebration that completely washed away the irritation of the day's boring exams.
Wu Xuan's only living relative in this life had been his maternal grandfather, a former hero. Though he had passed away, Wu Xuan still received a monthly stipend from the Chinese Heroes Association. It was enough to live on, but for a teenager who enjoyed the finer, more carnal pleasures of life, it wasn't nearly enough.
That was the main reason he'd intervened in the bank robbery earlier—partly to test [The World], and partly because he really wanted that ten-million-yen reward.
A week later, Wu Xuan sat in his modest apartment, staring at the costume design sheet. His first thought was to replicate Dio Brando's iconic outfit. But after careful consideration, he decided against it. He didn't think he could pull off the open-crotch pants or the overly flamboyant bodysuit in a professional setting. While he didn't mind being seen by women, he wasn't interested in a public indecency charge during his first week of school.
After filling out his requirements, he decided to walk to U.A. to hand the form in personally. It was late afternoon, nearing dusk, by the time he hit the streets. He chose to walk specifically to see if he'd run into any "idiots" like the bank robber. If he could find a villain before the police or Pro Heroes arrived, he might be able to turn a quick profit.
As he passed a narrow, lightless alleyway, a faint, muffled cry of pain caught his ear.
Wu Xuan stopped in his tracks. Again?
"Hehehe~ Little sister, your skin is so smooth," a voice rasped from the shadows. "I bet the blood looks so pretty when it flows from a fresh cut, doesn't it?"
"Mmm! Mmm-mmm!"
The cry rang out again, sounding as if the person was trying to scream for help through a gag. This time, Wu Xuan was absolutely certain. He knew that voice.