Chapter Text
There's only a handful of candidates left for consideration. Aizawa scans through the next application. He's not kept count this year, though it feels like this has gone on longer than usual. Too many applicants submitting too many additional documents.
He doesn't stop the yawn that escapes. No one acknowledges it.
Students completing U.A.'s General Entrance Exam weren't required to submit recommendation letters, yet that didn't stop plenty from including one or more from previous teachers, administrators, or family acquaintances. Kayama is reading one such letter when she breaks the room's comfortable silence.
"Reject Examinee 69." She folds the letter close and slides it back into the folder. She wastes no time in sliding the whole thing away from her.
69... Which student was that? Aizawa raises an eyebrow in question. There's a hint of disgust in Kayama's expression. Must be bad to garner that response.
She clarifies her stance. "That letter of recommendation was a list of behavior infractions."
That's different. Kid must not have checked what their reference wrote in advance.
Kan pulls the packet towards him. He must not start with the letter because he comments on the kid's practical exam score first. Kayama's expression hardens. Aizawa suspects he knows what he'll find on that list of infractions.
"Kan, if you may?" Principal Nezu's outstretched paw is context enough. Kan hands the folder over. The room falls quiet as Principal Nezu reviews the application. No one makes a move to return to the work themselves. Finally, "Yes, I must agree with Kayama's assessment. These transgressions outweigh any potential this student's quirk may offer. Perhaps another program may benefit him more."
"You don't mean here?" Kayama says.
"All students deserve a chance at a new start," Principal Nezu replies. Kayama's clearly not pleased, but she waits for the other to finish. "Perhaps General Studies? Or Support? An opportunity to improve and grow beyond such immaturity."
Aizawa doesn't miss Kayama's huffed, "perversion," at Nezu's use of 'immaturity.' That confirms his earlier suspicion.
"Kid only applied for the Hero Course," Kan says.
"There's other schools," Aizawa reminds them. His mouth's dry. He needs a glass of water.
"True," Nezu nods. "I suggest we table any final decision for the end. We're in agreement he will not be admitted to this year's Hero Course."
Aizawa glances at Kayama and sees as she finally sits back in her chair. Satisfied? Relieved? Both? Doesn't matter. The previously building tension has dissipated, regardless.
They continue their reviews.
Eventually, they reach the end. There's one application left: the last candidate from this year's Recommendation Entrance Exam.
Aizawa doesn't touch it.
Principal Nezu opens it first.
"Were you going to mention you recommended someone?" he asks, tone casual.
"Present Mic recommended him, too." Aizawa closes his eyes. Oh, to be home and asleep.
"Hmm... Yes, his scores are sufficient. Though, I must insist he be assigned to your classroom if accepted."
Aizawa doesn't disagree.
It's another hour before they finally wrap up. Aizawa yawns as Nezu announces their work is done. The others head out first. Aizawa leans back against his chair. He rubs his eyes, a temporary respite.
The hero classes would be slightly larger this year, with so many worthy examinees for consideration. Instead of the previous years' eighteen, this year both he and Kan would have 20 students. 20 new names, faces, and quirks to learn.
Aizawa shuffles through his papers, then stops to read through his complete roster. He regrets it immediately.
He can already feel a stress migraine starting.