Thanks for the positive response for last chapter. This chapter is bit more focused on character development, and so will the next few chapters most likely. I don't want to skip so far ahead to quickly.


Italics without quotations = internal thoughts

"Italics within quotations" = English Words

You Never Forget Your First (Second) Day

Ten-year-old Akari Sato sat at her desk, scribbling in her note book, not caring about anything around her. Suddenly, something in front of her blocked her light, and disturbed her activity. She moved her eyes upwards, looking through her red bangs, and connecting with a set of dark eyes. "What do you want this time, Hanami." She said as if the name left a bad taste in her mouth.

The dark-haired girl smirked, exuding arrogance with a simple look, "What, not excited to see me, Code Red? We haven't seen each other since break began." Hanami taunted, causing the red-head to scowl. She is then flanked by two other girls, one was blond and the other had brown hair.

"Yeah, Code Red!" The two girls said in unison.

"Ah, I'm glad you two suck-ups are still here. I swear, when are you not with 'Brat-Nami?'" Akari said in irritation.

"How dare you insult Hanami-sama!" Said the blond girl with in an offended tone.

The brunette followed up, "A level 0 like you has no place mocking a prodigy level 3 like Hanami-sama!" She bragged.

Akari suddenly stood up, slamming one hand on her desk and curling the other into a fist, "I may be a level zero, but I can still beat a pair of useless level 2s like you." Akari snarled, showing a temper redder than her hair.

Hanami remained cool, keeping her smirk and she waved her hand, calming the two girls at her side, "Now, now, Kari-chan…" She said, drawing out the suffix as long as possible, "You know how much my cute and lovely subordinates care for me. I think you should apologize." Her tone sounded polite, but Akari could hear the underlying threat.

Akari's pride would not let her submit and it was her time to smirk, "How about you take your cute little subordinates and go jump off a bridge!"

The two girls at Hanami's side gasp, while the dark-haired girl let out an annoyed, "Tsk," and crossed her arms, "You know, I shouldn't be surprised. Try to be nice and they tell you to kill yourself…" She shook her head and lifted a finger. Suddenly, Akari's notebook started to levitate, "I guess you have to show all those below you their place." She said simply as her smirk turned wicked.

Akari then noticed her notebook floating, but it was too late, as it suddenly flew away from her before she could grab it. She went after the notebook as it flew across the classroom and towards one of the open windows. Akari tried in vain to catch it, but notebook went right out the window. She watched as the note book opened mid-air, before falling through the air and promptly crashing to the ground. The red head stared for a moment in silent anger, before she started taking breathes in a certain pattern to remain calm. She looked back to Hanami who was chuckling, "I'll get you back for thims bitch…" She said before she ran straight towards the door, opening it up as if the building was on fire, and disappeared into the hall to retrieve her notebook.

"Hmpf, such uncouth language." Hanami said. She then went back to her desk, feeling good about herself.

Akari ran as fast she could, rounding various corners of the school with optimal efficiency, as if this wasn't the first time she had to run through the school. Damn her! That notebook had my summer homework, my notes, my art… A blush rose across her face at the last thought before she shook it off. I'll get her back for this! She approached a stairwell and leaped on to the rail, using it as a slide to more quickly descend to the first floor. She landed at the base of the stairs and wasted no time picking up speed once again. She rounded a corner and she suddenly collided with something, causing her to crash to the ground, causing her to grunt.

A high pitch yelp is heard from the thing, no, someone she had apparently ran into. Akari quickly got up and looked back at the person she hit. She saw a younger girl, who looked about four or five, had chestnut color hair, and was rubbing her head in pain. "Ow…" is all she said.

Akari felt guilt well up within her about hitting a kindergartener like that, but she had important stuff to do, "Sorry!" She quickly bowed her head, before she took off once more, rounding another corner like a formula 1 car.

Machiko got up and stared at where the hit-and-run girl had disappeared with an annoyed expression, "Ok, jerk, you could at least exchange insurance information or something…" She grumbled to herself. She looked down at her school uniform, which was a white long-sleeved shirt and a dark blue skirt, "Aw man, she got my snazzy uniform dirty!" She moaned before she started knocking off the dirt and dust that had gotten on her clothes. A door behind Machiko that had a plaque that read "Daisuke Nakamura: Principal," opened, revealing a middle-aged man whose head was greying and a woman with long brown hair.

"Ok, Machiko-chan, we have everything in order, are you ready to meet your new class?" She said in a cheery voice.

Machiko looked back at the woman and put on her best 'cute-adorable-little-kid' smile, "Yes, Kobayashi-sensei!" She said with as much enthusiasm as possible.

XXX

I had expected to be put in one of the upper classes at Asunaro Park, but I guess I really impressed someone, which I can't be surprised considering I took an elementary school entrance exam. Anyways, instead of being taught at Asunaro, I got transferred to Seinan Elementary School, which apparently one of the best public schools in District 13. Private schools require money that I don't have, and the Government won't supply.

As I walk down the halls with my new teacher, Kobayashi-sensei, I check out the new outfit that I am forced to wear from now on. Despite being a public elementary, this school wants to look its best, and thus I am stuck with a school uniform. I guess I should get used to it, because from what I know of the school system here, uniforms become ever more mandatory the higher you go.

I knock off a speck of dirt that was still stuck on from that red freight train earlier. Seriously, how do you hit someone in an empty hallway? Next time I see that girl, if I see her, I'm definitely going to give her a piece of my mind!

We arrive at an elevator, which opens immediately. We walk inside, and Kobayashi-sensei pushes the button for the second floor. The doors close and I fell the elevator start moving upwards. "So, Machiko-chan, are you nervous about starting school so young? Especially since you skipped all the way to fifth grade." I hear her ask in chipper voice but had a small hint of concern.

I can see why she would be concerned. Kids tend to pick on those smaller than them, and me physically being four years old, will be an easy target for sure. The reason I am in fifth grade is because apparently there is a law in Academy City that makes it so that only children that hit the compulsory age of six years old can skip past elementary school or higher. This can be circumvented by hiring a private tutor or sending your child to private schools, but that is clearly not an option for me. That's ok though, I'll need the little buffer to develop my esper abilities when I get them, so I can try to get scholarships for Tokiwadai.

I look up to Kobayashi-sensei, "Well, I would be lying if I said I weren't a little anxious. Everyone is going to be taller than me!" I say cheerfully.

She blinks for a moment, before letting out a chuckle, "Yeah, but that's only because they are older than you, Machiko-chan! I'm sure you will grow tall when you're older." She says with a smile. The elevator stops and the doors open. "The classroom is just around this corner, Machiko-chan." She says as she walks out the elevator.

I follow her, and I start to feel some butterflies in my stomach.

Why am I getting nervous about meeting a class full of children? I've given research presentations and spoken in front of huge classes of college kids; a bunch of 9 and 10 year-old children shouldn't be giving me anxiety. Maybe it's just natural to be jittery when being introduced to a whole new group of people. After all, it's when you are first being introduced that they examine you, judge you, and deem whether or not you'll fit in.

I now remember why I hate going to new schools.

My internal musing is cut short as we arrive at the classroom door faster than expected. I hear conversations coming from the inside. I swallow a lump in my throat as Kobayashi-sensei grabs the door handle and opens the door. The sounds go quiet as she enters the room, "Good Morning, Class!" She says cheerfully.

She is meet by an enthusiastic, "Good Morning, Kobayashi-sensei!"

"Good!" She chirps, "Today we have a new student joining our honors program. Now she is a bit on the young side, but that's no excuse not to treat them with respect." She looks over me and signals me with a wave of her hand.

I give a nervous nod before taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. Ok, you can do this, Machiko. You're a big girl… in a child's body…whatever, that's not the point! I walk in and I can immediately feel the gaze of everyone in the room follow me as I walk next to Kobayashi-sensei and face the class. I take a brief gander and see a class full of surprised faces. I guess it's not every day you get a four-year-old walk into your fifth-grade class and is introduced as your new classmate. I would be laughing at their faces if I wasn't so nervous right now.

"Hello, my name is Machiko, I will be your new classmate. Please take care of me." I say with the most effort I have ever put into the pronunciation of words, and I also make sure to give a little bow.

Ok, so far, I think I'm nailing the dismount. I just need to see my scorecards to see if I've won the gold medal.

I come out of my bow and look to the class once more, and I am meet with staring children and awkward silence. I start to sweat a little as the crickets start chirping.

Did I do something wrong? Did I mis pronounce something? Oh God, is something sticking to me!? Great, there goes first impressions!

But before I start panicking, Kobayashi-sensei comes to my rescue and gives an awkward cough to snap the kids out of their dazes, and I'm meet with a quick and panicked, "Hello, Machiko, Pleased to Meet You!" from the class.

I take a sigh of relief.

Ok, I guess they were in shock over my apparent age. That's good. I can't imagine if I had something embarrassing stuck to me, as things tend to be, because that would tank any first impressions and make me a laughing stock. I can hear the potential nicknames in my head, and the potential annoyance they would cause me. It makes me shudder just thinking of it.

"Your seat is right over there, Machiko-chan." I hear Kobayashi-sensei say, and I look to see her pointing to an empty desk. Next to it was another empty desk that has someone's stuff on it.

They are probably in the bathroom or something.

I give my teacher a nod and I walk to the desk, trying my best to ignore the multitude of eyes following me as I approach my seat. I finally reach my seat and sit down, and immediately notice one problem.

I'm too short for the desk…

I internally sigh in frustration, but make sure not show any sign of it on the outside. Show no weaknesses. I'll just use some books or something as a booster seat later. It's not like I'll need to use it to notes or anything like that, it's not like I am learning anything new here, just mostly a refresh in the lower levels of math, like geometry or maybe even algebra if this class is as advanced as I heard it was. The only thing I'll need to really pay attention on is the Esper related parts.

"Ok, class, before we begin, let's start attendan-" Kobayashi-sensei is cut off by the door suddenly opening, and a certain red-headed girl rushes in, panting like she ran a marathon. "Sorry I'm late, Kobayashi-sensei, but I dropped something, and I had to retrieve it from my locker…" She says between pants.

I recognize that voice… and now that I look at her again…

"No worries, Akari-chan, you made before attendance, so you made it just in time. But make sure to always remember to bring what you need to class." Kobayashi-sensei says kindly, reassuring the exhausted girl…

…Who also happened to run me over like a semi-truck would a small compact car.

The girl, now named Akari, starts walking to what I assume is her desk, which happens to be over in my direction… Oh… that empty desk next me must be hers. Perfect. I put on my best 'unamused' face and stare at her as she gets closer. She finally notices me and stops and blinks, bewildered at my presence.

"Ah, I see that you noticed out new special transfer student, Machiko-chan. Don't judge her by her apparent age, she is quite bright and managed to place in this class." I hear Kobayashi-sensei introduce me.

I stare into her almost green color eyes, and I notice a range of emotions like surprise, confusion… guilt maybe? She opens her mouth as if to say something but closes it and walks to her desk. I make sure to stare at her all the way, even as she sits down and tries to bury herself in her notebook. She makes periodic glances over to me, but I still stare at her with as much intensity a four-year-old can manage.

'You're not getting off that easy!' is the message I send through my gaze, and I think she knows that.

You might think it petty of me to be tormenting a ten-year-old.

…Maybe.

My petty staring is interrupted by Kobayashi-sensei calling my name, "Machiko-chan, would you like to answer this question?" I hear her say, and look over to see a simple, by my standards, algebra problem written on the chalkboard. Wow, Algebra 1 already? I don't remember doing it in fifth grade in my previous life…Very well.

'Simplify: 2(a -3) + 4b - 2(a -b -3) + 5' is the problem.

"Yes, Kobayashi-sensei" I say as I stand up and start doing the quick mental math in my head. I already have it solved by the time I reach the board and pick up a piece of chalk to start showing my work. This is of course hindered by my height and I am too prideful to ask for a stool, so I hold back my embarrassment as it takes me a little longer to write out the solution in a neat and orderly manner.

Note to self: Writing on a chalkboard while on the tip of your toes is uncomfortable.

I write '6b + 5', and a "That is correct, good job Machiko-chan!" from Kobayashi-sensei confirms that I can indeed do simple math problems. As I walk back to my desk, I decide to at least appear to be paying attention to class. I have a sneaking suspicion that I was called on because I was staring at my neighbor for twenty minutes. I really don't want to go back up there. Too much effort and kind of embarrassing.

Algebra eventually ends, which makes me sigh in relief and sink my head onto my desk. There is only so much you can fake interest in beginner algebra before it gets old really fast. Man, I could really go for a cup of coffee right now, but I don't think the caffeine be very good for my body… Sometimes I wish my body was accelerated like the rest of my sisters (that's still weird to think about) so I can drink coffee again.

"I'll be right back, Class, but in the meantime, prepare for language studies." Kobayashi-sensei announces. I look up, knocking off the piece of paper clinging to my head, and see her get up from her chair and walks out the door.

Before I realize it, my desk is surrounded by a mob of curious children, who unleash a barrage of questions. Oh, God, why have you forsaken me!? I can barely make out most of the stuff they are asking me! I think can here a few "How old are you?"," How did you get into this class?", and "Do you like Turtles!?" … I think I misheard that last one…

All these questions are starting to give me a headache and I rub my temples to calm migraine born from the cacophony of high-pitched voices.

"Make way for Hanami-sama!" Comes two loud voices in sync with each other. This causes the questions to stop and I look towards the direction of the proclamation to see the mob of children part like the red sea, revealing a girl with long, dark hair, styled in a 'hime' cut. She is flanked by two girls on each of her sides, one has blonde hair that is shoulder length, the other has long brown hair with bangs parted to the side. The center girl starts walking towards me in what appears to be an imitation of a regal gait, with the other girls following behind her at a set, measured distance, as to not upstage her. The students to the trio's sides are standing straightly as possible, with nervous expressions on their faces, as if she has some type of authority over them.

Hmm, it seems I have located the alpha female of the class, and she doesn't look like a nice person... She kind of reminds me of a character from another anime I recall, but more of an imitation than the real thing. I think it was called Kill la… something? I'll think on this later.

I knew anime schools were comically intense, but experiencing it makes it seem even more ridiculous.

All I do is stare at the trio as they come up to my desk, "I, Suzuki Aika…" The blond says.

"And I, Takahashi Kaori…" The brunette continues.

Then then pose around the center girl, moving their arms above her, folding fans seemingly coming out of nowhere in hand "…Are honored to introduce the great, the fair, the beautiful…" They say excitedly, in sync, "… the powerful, Nakajima Hanami!" They cheer! The center girl has a confident smirk on her face, her eyes closed.

All I can do is stare at the now named Hanami Nakajima, stupefied at spectacle in front of me… What in the hell did I just witness… No seriously, what the hell!?

I guess that they noticed my staring at them like they were high on heroin, and quickly revert back to normal

You know, if I were watching this as an anime, I would probably be laughing my head off, but to actually be there, living it, it's just a spectacle that makes you question whether or not you're dreaming, whether you're really there, living in reality, and not in some cosmic twilight zone where everyone acts like a freaking weirdo. I better be careful; this world might rub off on me. Next minute you know, I'll be kicking vending machines for free drinks...

You know, with my genetics, I might just inherit some of Mikoto's idiosyncrasies, and I shouldn't be jinxing myself just yet.

"As my lovely subordinates said…" Hanami says.

Calling your fellow classmates subordinates… I can already see the type of person this girl is.

"… I am Nakajima Hanami, the top esper of the class, and class president!" She boasts, "And it is only natural that I am to greet and evaluate new additions to our class, especially ones such as yourself…" She says, smirking in a way that for some reason, irks me.

Wait, what did she mean by 'ones such as yourself'? Oh wait, I forgot, I appear to be half their age, physically.

I clear my throat, "I rest assure you, Nakajima-san, that despite my apparent age, I am quite capable to keeping up with anyone in the realm of academic ability." I say in a calm, neutral voice. No need to make enemies on the first day of school.

She lets out a small chuckle, "I would never judge someone's intelligence based on their looks, after all we live in Academy City, the epicenter of technological advancement, it's bound to have a few child prodigies, wouldn't you say, Machi-" She stops suddenly, thinking something over, "Say, Kobayashi-sensei only introduced your first name…"

I sigh and keep my face neutral, "Yeah, that's because I don't have a last name. Is that going to be a problem?" I narrow my eyes as I see the gears start turning in her head.

She then starts laughing, "Oh wow, not only are you the age of a preschooler, you're a Child Error as well." She covers her mouth to contain her laughter, and the two girls to her side follow her example in trying to hold themselves back.

Great, I can see where this is going. Just stay calm Machiko, you're an adult and she's only a kid, she doesn't know any better. No need to start throwing some real insults at her.

She wipes a tear from her eye, "I'm sorry, it's just the impossibility of a Child Error preschooler skipping all the way to 5th grade is just so ridiculous, that I can't help but laugh." She puts a hand on her gut, as if it is in pain or something.

Man, she really is starting to annoy me now. Is she really picking on an apparent four-year-old? Anime kids really are as mean as they appear.

"Next thing you are going to tell me is that you are a level 0…" She says between laughs.

I give her an unamused look, "Well considering that I am a child error, like you pointed out, so actually starting the power curriculum early is a little hard to do. But I'll be starting it very soon, so don't you worry. That's the reason for me being a Level 0, Hanami-san." I keep myself as calm and steady as possible, before it is me that is the one smirking, "Besides, me advancing so far at such young age must mean my potential is extremely high. I am only in this class is because the law forces me here. If I were two years older, I could have easily skipped all the way to middle school if I wanted." I don't like to brag, but this girl is bringing out my inner prideful self... I guess I am going to make an enemy on my first day, "Don't be thinking that you are automatically better than me, you might just be surprised when test day comes, and once I start the Power Curriculum, I can begin training whatever power I may unlock and maybe even surpass you completely…" I declare, looking straight into her eyes while issuing my implied challenge. This is starting to feel like a Shoujo right now…

It seems like she doesn't like it when an apparent toddler throws down the gauntlet in front of her, because her face changes from one of mirth to one of complete seriousness. "Yeah, like you can accomplish that. It takes years for someone to reach level 3, that's if you have the talent to even go beyond level 0." An arrogant smirk grows across her face, "And by the time you reach level 3, I will be at level 4 or maybe even level 5."

The two girls, whose names I've forgotten already, also have serious faces on them, "Yeah, Hanami-sama is going to become the next level 5!" Says the blond one.

"A toddler like you has no place challenging the powerful Hanami-sama!" Says the brunette in similar outrage.

I ignore the two side-girls, "You never know, I could catch up, if I'm talented enough. Like you said, this is Academy City, it's bound to have a few prodigies." I say, making my voice as cocky as I can.

I can see an unnerved expression flicker across her features before reverting back to serious. I don't think she expected someone like me to be able to keep up with her and not burst into tears like others my age. She crosses her arms and lets out a bratty, "Hmpf!" She then smirks, "Well, we can't have level 0s such as yourself mouthing off to some as important as me…" She says as she raises a finger.

My eyes narrow. I think she is going to use her powers on me…

I brace myself, but before anything happens, I hear some shoving from behind me. "Picking on the new kid already, Brat-Nami? I knew you were petty but ganging up on someone half your height is low, even for you." A voice says.

I look behind me to see the owner of the voice and find myself looking at the girl who plowed me over earlier. Her eyes were filled with annoyance and her face was bent into a frown.

"Ah, Code Red, I'm not surprised that you'd be the one defending a fellow level 0…" Hanami says with a hint of amusement.

Ah it seems that I'm not the only one who is the target of this brat's whims.

"Level has nothing to do with it." The red-head rebuts, "I can't stand by and watch someone abuse their powers for something so petty and pathetic." She crosses her arms and shakes her head, "Seriously? You can't beat someone in a verbal argument, so you resort to using your abilities on a four-year-old? Is that really the behavior of a class president?" She finishes her speech by pointing an accusatory finger at Hanami.

I look back to said girl and see her eye twitching in agitation. She opens her mouth to respond, but the sound of the door opening and the mad scramble of the other students rushing back to their seats interrupts her.

Kobayashi-sensei walks through the door with a stack of papers in hand, "Ok, class, sorry for taking so long, but the line for the printer was unexpectantly long…" She says with a smile, "Anyways, I have your English language refresher packets ready to go!" She cheers.

Hanami sighs, and gives one last look at me and the red-head behind me, "I think I'll let you go this time, and maybe go little easy on you two, at least until Daihaseisai. I want to come on top this year, and I want you two to focus on being in top form." She starts walking back to her seat, "Don't forget this generosity…" She says over her shoulder.

Yeah, some generosity…

I then notice that the red-head girl had also walked back to her seat as well. Before I can say anything to her, a packet of paper is placed on my desk by the boy sitting in front of me. I look at it and it's full of English text explaining various grammar rules and the pronunciation of the English alphabet.

Well, this weird, I never thought I would have to learn English from the perspective of a foreigner… Some of these rules I never even knew existed…

A cough from behind interrupts my musings, and I quickly pass the extra packets to the seat behind me.

Wait a minute… Hanami mentioned the Daihaseisai festival, which is in a few weeks… I have the body of small child! How is that going to work!?

XXX

I'll tell you how it's going to work! Since I am so young and without abilities, I will not be able to participate in certain events that have intense physical contact with other students, or involve dangerous use of abilities…

Part of me is relieved that I won't have to face off against older children, some of whom and control electricity and shot fireballs on a whim, while the other half is bummed that I won't be there with my class through the fire and the flames.

While I am barred from some events, I am not excused from the physical training…

Another classmate passes me on the track as I slowly die inside.

I'm jogging as hard as my small child legs could carry me but considering that everyone in your class is almost twice your height, my fastest sprint is no match for even their average jog.

I am also out of shape. Terribly so.

I am panting heavily as another set of classmates pass by. My legs are burning, sweat is pouring down my face, and my lungs are screaming at me to stop this madness. This is going to be my life after school for the next few weeks.

I eventually finish my laps a good ten minutes after everyone else, and I immediately head towards the bleachers and collapse on one of the benches. My lungs greedily gulp in air and my legs feel like jelly. I stare up into the blue sky and the puffy white clouds, wishing that I could just go up there and take nap on one of them.

"Are you alright?" A concerned voice breaks me out of my fantasy. I look over to see the red-headed girl.

"Could be worst. I could be freight-trained by person not looking where there going…" I say between heavy breaths, and then slowly sit up.

"I thought I apologized for that…" She says sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.

"A quick 'sorry' and then running away isn't much of an apology…" I deadpan. "You could have seriously injured me or anyone for that matter. You're lucky you hit me and not just some normal kid my age…" I lecture.

She closes her eyes and looks like she is struggling to say something before finally blurting out, "Ok, I am sorry for running you over in the hallway! I know I should have been more careful, but I was in a rush to retrieve something!"

I wait a few moments and smile, "Apology Accepted." She opens her eyes and sighs. "Now with that out of the way…" I say, "I want to thank you for coming to my aid against that Hanami girl earlier. Not many people would help out a stranger like that."

She looks surprised, "Well, uh, yeah you're welcome I guess…" She says awkwardly, "I can't stand Brat-Nami and seeing her picking on someone like you, it just made my blood boil."

"I assume she was going to abuse her powers?" I ask, which is met by a nod.

"Yeah, Brat-Nami often does that, mostly to me, when something doesn't go her way or if she feels bored. In fact, she threw my notebook out a window, was the reason why I was rushing through the hallway…" She says sheepishly.

"People like her are the reason there are skill-out gangs…" I say with a sigh.

She clears her throat, "Enough about her, I wanna know about you. How in the heck did you advance so far in school at your age? How did you fit so many years of schooling in that head of yours?"

I rub the back of my head and put on a sheepish grin, "Well, ever since I could remember, I could catch on to things fasts, and well, uh, I just started reading lots of books and well, the only reason I'm in fifth-grade is because the law one physically let me advance until I am six…heh" I say nervously. How can I act so calm and collected with that Hanami girl, but nervous when talking casually? Perhaps I'm bad at lying or coming up with stories. Maybe I should have waited a little longer to show my intelligence, it would save me the trouble of explaining myself.

No.

If I wait any longer, I won't be ready to help out Mikoto when the time comes. I wish I didn't have to wait. But if we try to stop the program now, I'd just be useless and Mikoto would probably get herself killed or try kill herself like in the show. There would be no Touma to help and cancel out abilities.

I hate this.

I don't want to be in this situation. I don't want to do nothing while thousands of my sisters are being slaughtered like lab rats, but all I can do is soldier on and build up my strength, work my heart out, and shoot for Tokiwadai before canon starts, even if it means suffering through extensive physical and mental exercises.

I feel like a coward but trying to save them early would result in an even worst result.

I'm a terrible person playing strategic games with my sisters' lives, aren't I?

The girl shakes her head, "Man, sometimes it amazes me how smart some kids can be. One time I read that a twelve-year-old graduated college. A twelve-year-old! "She says in amazement before a smirk grows across her face, "Hey, you might break that record." She laughs.

"Heh, yeah, if I try hard enough." I smile back.

A few moments of silence pass between us before he holds out her hand, "Sato Akari." She introduces herself.

I look at her hand and then her face, and I see genuine kindness in her expression. I extend my hand to meet hers, ignoring the static shock that stung a little, and my hand is enveloped by her larger one, "Machiko. Just Machiko. Nice to meet you, Sato-san" I say, shaking her hand.

"Just call me Kari. No suffixes." She says.

"Then you can do the same for me as well, Kari." I return the courtesy.

And that's how I made my first real friend in this life.


This chapter took a little while to write, because it takes time to think of dialogue and how to implement it. I didn't want to skip straight to middle school with Machiko, so I put some in universe limitations on her. She is a Child Error, so she bound to the system, so she will have to wait a little bit. I also wanted her to have a friend that isn't one of the canon characters.

Hanami was kind of fun to write, because I never written a character that is a humongous jerk. Don't worry though, she isn't mean just to be mean. I have plans for her.

I base Akari's looks on Emi Yusa from "The Devil is a Part-Timer". For those who haven't seen it, basically, the Devil works at a McDonalds, and it's absolutely hilarious.

I hope I got any spelling or grammar errors, but sometimes it's hard to catch everything in an almost 6k word chapter. I also hope I got some of the Japanese culture things right.

Also, since this is an anime world, characters will act like anime characters, which I love having my OCs react to.

School has started, so updates will be a little slow.