"D-Darling," the man whimpered, scrunching the handkerchief he gripped tightly within his grasp. "This'll be our Ko-tan's first ever shinkansen. E-Ever."

"Yes, dear. I know."

He let out another sob, blowing his nose noisily and making people pass by give them odd looks. "B-But, darling! She's never took a shinkansen before."

The dark haired woman next to him sighed tiredly and patted his head. "Yes, dear. That's right."

"B-But, darling! Even I've never been on one."

"Yes, dear. I know."

The brunette who stood before them just wished for the ground to hopefully swallow her up and away from her sobbing father's woe. She internally groaned and took another glance at her phone to see she would need to board in less than a few minutes. Putting it back into her pocket, she turned back to her parents and despite the cold weather, she could feel her hands sweating and balled them up into fists. "I need to head off now, it'll be here any minute."

The dark-haired woman smiled gently at her, still patting her crying husbands head. "Good luck, Zenko. Do your best, I'm sure you'll be fine."

"P-Please don't get yourself hurt, Ko-tan!" her father howled making her eye twitch and glance nervously at the bystanders.

"I should probably be the one telling you that, but thanks, Dad. I'll see you later." As they were stood by the gates, she quickly swiped her card allowing her to go through.

"M-Make sure to phone us when you get there!" he yelled. Giving them both a final smile she returned his wave, although less wildly before finding the shinkansen. After taking a seat, she couldn't help but tap her feet nervously, thoughts sprinting through her mind every second as the train sped out of Sendai. Today would be the most important day ever to her. She had trained herself relentlessly for this in every way she could, her Quirk and herself. 'But was it enough?' she anxiously pondered.

Zenko had wanted to be a hero ever since she could remember. But due to her father's worry or rather over-worry, she had been too afraid to voice out her grandiose dream of becoming something citizens like them relied on. She sighed, resting her head against the clear glass and letting her eyes flutter shut.

"Oh look at Ko-tan, darling! Isn't she adorable!"

"Yes, dear. Very adorable."

"Darling, you didn't look, come on!" whined the voice from across the room. Rolling her eyes, the woman tucked stray inky hairs behind her ear and turned her attention fully to the sight she had been subjected to for who knows how long. Her husband was gleefully sat on the floor with his legs crossed, his eyes gleaming down at the scowling child next to him and she couldn't help but snort.

"Dad, I'm trying to do my homework." deadpanned the small brunette.

"Really? Well, aren't you golden!" He paused, his almond-shaped eyes twinkling. "Can't I help?"

"For the fifth time, Dad, I said I don't need help."

"Leave her alone, dear." the dark-haired woman says, placing the rinsed plate within the rack. "You're interfering with her learning."

A gasp came from the man's lips and he glanced down where the small brunette stared blankly back at him. "Am I?! Sorry, Ko-tan I didn't realise…"

"It's not that serious, Dad." Zenko sighed, though there was a hint of a devious smirk playing on her lips. "But, Mum is right. What's gonna happen now that you've wasted loads of my time? Don't you want me to have a good future?"

"What're you saying?!" he spluttered, jumping up from the seat had taken on the floor. "Of course I would never-oh." Zenko giggled at his suddenly calm expression and his wife couldn't help but shake her head chuckling as she turned back to the sink, grabbing another dish.

"You're so gullible." the brunette snickered.

As if snapped out of a trance, he shook his head and once again beamed. "Did you hear that, darling?! She used a big word! Where did you learn that, Ko-tan?" The girl in question could only scowl in response, ignoring him and returning to her book. Just as she was about to note something down, the television caught her attention as an emergency broadcast flashed across the screen.

"Breaking News! The infamous Tricky Trio have returned once again, this time in Sendai where our correspondent Kishamoto-san is currently at." The screen cuts to a shot of the aforementioned reporter stood far away from where the recurring explosions occurred but close enough to see the villains themselves who wore brightly coloured fits.

"...As you can see," the man begun. "They have caused some damage to the surrounding area and have climbed upon Kamei Arena and currently have a family of hostages captive in a floating car!"

"That's pretty close-by." Zenko's father muttered frowning at the screen. "Where did you put the remote, Ko-tan?" She gripped the device in question under her yellow skirt and kept her focus upon the scene.

"Ah - oh no! It looks like they're about to drop the car and there doesn't appear to be any heroes on the scene at this moment in time!"

Her father rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Of course they aren't." She shot him a glare which he failed to notice and she lightly huffed. Though she had to admit that this time, there wasn't a hero in sight. She sighed and looked down at her workbook just about to hand the remote over when-

"But wait!" the reporter started and her gaze darted to the television, eyes glinting. "Over there-"

"HAHAHAHAHA!" She let a gasp escape once she spotted the yellow-haired hero who had appeared out of the sky, landing right next to the villains with his signature grin and his hands on his hips. "Well, what do we have here?" he bellowed cheerfully and she could see the three villains shaking. "It seems to me that you are committing some dastardly deeds. TEXAS SMASH!" With one mighty blow, the offenders laid before him as he held the small car and cheers broke out across the scene. "It's all fine now! Why? Because I am here!"

"That's All Might for you!"

"There's a reason why he's the number one hero!"

"I LOVE YOU!"

"HAVE MY BABIES-"

"Alright, that's enough of that for today." Zenko blinked, suddenly realising the screen she had been staring at had just turned blank and noted her father who stood by the television. "It's almost time for bed so make sure you get your homework done." And with that, he began to walk away until she called out.

"Dad?"

He ceased his steps and turned his gaze to her with an eyebrow raised in question. "Yeah, Ko-tan?"

The small girl took a deep breath and fisted her skirt between her small hands. 'If I don't say it now, when will I?' She looked up from her hands, stared straight into her father's identically pea-green eyes and says-

"I wanna a hero."

At first, his expression had not changed in the slightest, but after seeming to process what she actually said his eyes widened open. "HUH?!" he exclaimed loudly and staggered back. "What do you mean you want to be a hero?!"

"Dear, it means she wants to be a hero." His wife replies, not taking her eyes off the dishes.

He shot a look back at her. "I understand what she said, darling, but I want to know why!" He takes a few steps towards Zenko and kneels in front of her, firmly placing his hands on her shoulders. "Haven't you seen all the trouble they cause for us normal citizens, Ko-tan? And don't you know how much danger you'd be in as a hero? It's a risky job." he groused. She couldn't meet his scornful eyes and felt her palms sweat as she clutched her skirt tighter. Maybe she shouldn't have brought it up after all…but-she returned her gaze to his.

"Isn't it a risky job because heroes are willing to save people who can't do that for themselves?"

Her father gaped at her. "What's that supposed to mean, Ko-tan?" he spluttered. "Anyway, weren't we talking last week about how you're going to come and work in my shop? That would be much safer…"

She lowered her eyes once again and lightly scowled. "Yeah, but what's the matter with me wanting to be a hero? I don't wanna be a florist my whole life."

"I'm not saying you have to be," he said. "Even though our Quirk is most suited to that, I'm sure they're other jobs you could find. But you're only nine right now, so you don't have to worry about it yet." He smiled but she saw it failed to reach his eyes as he softly ruffled her hair and stood. "I think it's time for bed now, Ko-tan."

Zenko felt herself jump when something touched her shoulder and swiftly turned to her right to see an elderly woman in the seat next to her. "I'm sorry for startling you, dear, but would you be able to help me off at this stop?"

Minutes later, after helping the wobbly elderly off, she gave Zenko a sweet with a 'thanks' and was on her way. It wasn't until then Zenko had realised how big Tokyo was and couldn't help but gape at her surroundings in awe. It was the first time she had stepped into a city other than Sendai and she was surprised at how bright Tokyo actually was. As she went on her way she was even able to spot a few heroes on patrol, at least a lot more she would than at home. There was also a lot more different looking people, she noted to herself, seeing a person walk past with the head of a horse. She kept her hands in her pockets, afraid anyone with eagle eyesight would be able to see how tightly clenched they were.

Before Zenko even realised it, she found herself outside the most difficult school to get into in the entire country – U.A. High. She couldn't help but gape at the humongous windowed building for a few moments before she shook her head. It looked more intimidating than she had imagined it to be. But if Zenko thought the outside was domineering she certainly wasn't prepared when she saw the thousands and thousands of students sat in their seats. She audibly gulped taking a look around the auditorium and its massive capacity. She knew there would be a lot of people wanting to join U.A's hero course, but not this many.

She took a deep breath and began to search for her allocated seat put on her ticket. Thankfully, she found her seat rather quickly next to someone who had spiky vines for hair. It seems as if she had just made it in time as the once dark room light up with spotlights. She could see the light shine onto the stage, where a man with spiked mustard yellow hair stood. 'Isn't that Present Mic, the Voice Hero?' she questioned herself.

"For all you examinee listeners tuning in, welcome to my show today! EVERYBODY SAY HEY!"

'Yep, definitely him.' She deadpanned and let out a tired sigh.

"What a refined response! Then I'll quickly present to you the rundown on the practical exam! ARE YOU READY?! She awkwardly peeked around when no-one had answered yet again. "YEAH!" Present Mic answered himself.

After the presentation finished, Zenko changed out of her uniform into more appropriate clothes. 'It'll be fine' she assured herself as she jumped off the bus. 'Just think of it as a video game, Present Mic even described it was like Super Mario Bros.' That was when she bumped into someone that knocked her out of her thoughts. "Ah! sorry about-"

"Watch where you're going, shortass!" Freezing up, she ends up having to look straight up to see the face which held immense murderous intent. His eyes were a bloody red and his ash-blonde hair was extremely spiky. 'Is he a villain in disguise? He kinda gives off that vibe.' she pondered to herself as she watched him tense as he petulantly stomped away from her, growling to himself. It was only then when she dared to look at the gates of the battle centre and she blanched. 'Why is it that everything at U.A. is so big?!'

She peered around at the others that had been assigned here, spotting some interesting people - there was even a boy who appeared to have grapes for hair. Shaking her head, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, attempting to calm the nerves that were running rampant through her and tightly clutched the small pouch that clung to her small hips. 'Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in-'

"Okay, start!"

"Huh?" Her eyes snapped open and she whipped her head towards where the voice had come from, barely able to see Present Mic on top of a tall building.

"What's wrong? There are no countdowns in real fights! Run, run! The die has been cast you know!" And with that, Zenko found herself sprinting into the cityscape along with everybody else. 'What's my plan? Where do I go first-'

"OUTTA MY WAY!" came a sudden yell from right beside her. She squeaked and found herself ducking out of the rampaging blonde's way, who appeared to be...exploding away?

"What a psycho..." She shook her head once again, she needed to focus on the exam. She quickly took a right into an alleyway only to immediately find a one-pointer continuously walking around in circles, making her frown. 'Are they supposed to be easy or stupid?'

However, she quickly confirmed it was the former as it's gaze suddenly locked onto her, making her flinch. "Target acquired." it droned as it began to slide its way towards her. Alarmed at its surprising speed, she hastily kneeled onto the ground below her and smacked her hands upon it wincing at the impact.

"Wisteria floribunda!"

At once, clusters of purple burst from the ground and shot towards the mechanical fiend and bound it firmly. Zenko was swiftly back on her feet and clenched her hands tightly and watched as the vines follow her movement and crushed the one-pointer.

Wakuribana Zenko. Quirk: Botanica - The user is able to create and grow plants from any surface and is able to manipulate them.

Letting out a relieved smile for her first success, she hurries out of the alley on the hunt for another battle-bot. She hadn't expected for that to have gone so well. However, before she can relax and dwell on it-

"Target acquired."

Startled she turns around to see around three two-pointers surrounding her and squeaks before flinging her hands onto the wall next to her. "Euphorbia milii!"

The user can only do this if they say the latin name of the plant.

Soon enough the three robots laid in pieces upon the ground, the thorny vines that had struck through them laying beside them and Zenko took off, reaching inside of her green pouch. Slipping a couple out, she swiftly swallowed the seeds. She would have to be careful, this was already way more strenuous than the training she had put herself through for the last few months. She would have to use these seeds sparingly, she noted as she zipped the small pouch shut.

The brunette clenched her fists and skidded to a halt once she came across another group of villain bots. She could do this, she reassured herself silently and took her position ready to use her hands. She refused to let them get the best of her after working so hard for this moment.

Hey, thanks for reading the first chapter of my BNHA fic! I do accept criticism in order to improve my writing so just let me know your thoughts if you enjoyed it or not. Also, I am British so my spelling is different to American-English so sorry if you get confused about that. Have a nice day!