Chapter Three
Ready?
It's been a week since the entrance exam. I keep thinking about what Shuzenji-sama said. Why shouldn't I worry about Midoriya? Even if he gets a perfect score on the written exam, he still got a zero on the practical exam. He won't pass with those types of scores. I keep thinking about this until I'm startled by a noise coming from the front door. I quickly realized that it's just Sensei coming back from his daily meditation session and there was no need to be alarmed. I wave at Sensei as he walks by the living room couch, where I'm sitting. I must have a confused expression on my face because he asks me, "What's wrong?" I sigh and tell him what happened, what Shuzenji-sama said, and why I'm so confused. Sensei laughs and laughs. This only accomplishes to make me even more confused. I look at him quizzically and he regains his composure.
"Toto, I too would have been confused if I were you. But, I saw your U.A. letter in the mail. I took the liberty of opening it for you and, well…" He wipes a tear from his eye. It's odd how quickly Sensei's emotions can change. "You got in! I'm so very proud of you. But, there's more. The letter, or better said, message, also states that the students were not only judged on how many 'villain' points they got, but also what they call 'rescue' points." Now everything began to make sense. Izuku must have gotten enough 'rescue' points to pass the practical exam!
Even though Sensei had now clarified everything, he continued to talk as if he had big news. I listened to him, a bit curious to hear what he had to say. He cleared his throat and with probably the proudest face I had ever seen, he said, "Toki Florenzia Tomura, you earned 74 'villain' points, but, adding on to that, you also received 23 'rescue' points. In total, you accomplished to get 97 points on your practical exam. That is an amazing feat. You should be proud of that, but, you should also be proud of the fact that you achieved to obtain first place in the entire practical exam." I stared at Sensei in awe.
"Sensei… you're not lying to me… right? Please tell me this isn't just an awful prank." I replied, not completely convinced that what he was saying was true.
"Toto, I would never lie about something as important as this," He hugged me, both of us in tears, "I'm so so so so sooooooooooooo proud of you. I know your parents would have been proud too." I've never been happier. It's a bit of a bittersweet moment, though. The mention of my late parents is never a spirit-lifter, but I'd like to think that they would be proud of me right now. I hug Sensei harder and through tears, I say, "Thank you Sensei. Thank you for always being there and thank you for everything you've taught me. I love you so much, Naoto." It's weird to say Sensei's first name, but it's strangely fitting for the situation. He responds telling me he loves me too and that I only made it thanks to my determination.
"Umm, so… well, uh," Sensei's mood changes once again. Now he's a bit distant and overly cautious, "Toki… well, I was thinking… maybe you should… tell Teru that you got into U.A.?" I probably would have blacked out if I hadn't already known he was going to ask. I nod slowly. I've finally built up the courage to finally visit Teru. Sensei smiles and pats me on the back, as to say that it'll be okay. I hope it will all be okay. I hope I'll be okay.
It's the Sunday right before my first day at U.A. Academy. I woke up earlier than usual today so that I wouldn't get to the hospital late. I got ready, at breakfast, and ran to catch the bus. The hospital that Teru stayed in wasn't too far by bus. Less than fifteen minutes had passed when we arrived. Of course, the bus stop wasn't right in front of the hospital. I had to walk two blocks and I arrived. I glared at the clean front doors of the hospital. I nearly turned back around and ran to catch the bus, but I willed myself to stand still and push open one of the doors. I walked in and it didn't smell like what a normal hospital would. I breathed in the smell of fresh flowers and smiled. I'm glad Teru can stay in a place like this.
I go in the direction that the man at the front desk told me. I walk down the corridor, looking at all the other rooms as I go by. Finally, I reach the door with the number 105. I think about turning around and leaving again, but I have to do this. But, what should I do? Do I knock on the door? Do I ask him to open the door? Should I just open the door? No, that would be rude, I shouldn't barge into somebody's room like that. I start to panic a bit when suddenly the door opens.
I look at him carefully. He's taller now, a lot taller. His features are so much sharper, any trace of his baby face is long gone. He still keeps his face clean-shaven, though. I guess a few things never change. He seems more built now. Do they have a gym here? How big is this place? I stop looking at him for a second. Now that I think about it, this must be really awkward for him. What if he doesn't recognize me? I should say something. It takes all the courage I have, but I finally say something to him.
"How's the psychiatric ward, big brother?"
