I told you I was working on the 4th chapter.
The last episode had revealed... some things regarding to Kazamatsuri Shiin. I admit; I'm mostly winging it. But trust me, I have a rough idea on how to make it work.
The reason I did the whole thing about Kamen Rider Shin, the tokusatsu film, existing with Kamen Rider Shin the man alongside not just the people he met, his son, but also the rest of the Showa Riders and some of the Showa toku heroes is because...
It happened in the original Kamen Rider manga. Also the Kamen Rider Black manga, where that Kotaro got his Battle Hopper because the creator of that bike watched Kamen Rider when he was younger.
And then there's this one scene in Black RX where a kid was holding a Kamen Rider Black manga.
That was trippy. But it's canon.
No worries; for this story, only Ishinomori Shotaro's toku heroes are real... and maybe his animanga heroes and heroines as well.
Will there be other fictional characters that are real all along... dunno.
Maybe I'd just write an OC who dresses up as any of them. Maybe I'll use the real deal themselves.
Either way, none of that will happen this early in the story.
... May I also add that I've just seen The Incredibles 2 by the time I'm typing this? Sweet Merciful Allah, that was an awesome movie.
No spoilers; just things you've seen in trailers... but Helen Parr, Elastigirl has been promoted to be the one who does all the action instead of Bob Parr, Mister Incredible...
They delivered. For the first time since ages, I get goosebumps when watching a movie; got them as she goes superheroing. Go watch it now—and if you're reading this when it's no longer June 2018, buy the DVD and Blu-Ray ASAP.
So anyway, just relax and enjoy another wall of text.
"I... I hail from Soumei Private Academy. My name is Iida Tenya."
"Soumei, huh? A stuck-up elitist then? I'd ought to blow you to pieces!"
"How awful! Are you really here to become a hero?!"
Meanwhile, Kazamatsuri Shiin was peeking out from the hallway as Midoriya witnessed the banter. He former couldn't believe that his first day was going to be this hilarious. The latter, on other hand, couldn't believe that two of the meanest people he knew are in the same class as he is.
As he put his bag down to loosen up his shoulders, Shiin heard footsteps from inside, "Ah, my name is Iida Tenya, I hail from Soumei—"
"It—it's alright! I heard you the first time. My name is Midoriya Izuku..."
Shiin listened to the two, especially when Iida realized that he misjudged the... no longer busy, curly haired boy. He smiled at that, 'Good to know he realizes he can be wrong.'
Turning around to enter the classroom, he was about to pick his bag up before someone interrupted him.
"Ah, I know that curly hair!" a cute voice interjected, "It's you, the plain-looking boy!"
Midoriya turned around, and immediately went red and attempted to hide himself with his hands as Uraraka Ochako expressed her joy of him being accepted. "Present Mic was right, you did pass the exam!"
'Heh, so she went to Yamada first. Probably trying to trade her points to Midoriya. Makes sense, since he saw everything first hand.' Shiin thought, leaning back against the door. Neither Uraraka nor Iida noticed him yet.
"No!" Midoriya cried out softly, before murmuring, "I mean... I have to thank you as well, for speaking on... my behalf."
"Huh? How did you know about that?"
Shiin raised an eyebrow, 'Interesting... for some reason Midoriya's message showed him what Uraraka did. I wonder why... which reminds me, why the hell am I still here doing nothing—I gotta introduce myself!'
Shiin picked up his backpack, slung it over one shoulder, and cleared his throat, "It's nice that you're all having fun reminiscing, but can I come in now?"
Both Uraraka and Midoriya were startled, while Iida immediately took a step back.
"Ah! I'm so sorry!" Uraraka exclaimed, "I didn't notice... you."
As he entered the classroom, Kazamatsuri Shiin was treated by a sight he has been yearning for.
'New generation. New friends. New bonds... I can do this.'
Unlike in the old days, mostly the late Showa and the entirety of the Heisei era, the students weren't as uniform as what they're wearing. The stupid hammer-down-the-nail idea still exist when it comes to individuals who stood out too much, but nowadays in an era where everyone stands out, those who adhered to such way of thinking are considered fools.
Shiin had harsher words for them, but he promised himself to curse less whenever he started talking English in public, and whenever he's with children. Fortunately, these are teenagers, and he's not in a public area.
Looking at the other kids in the classroom, Shiin was amazed at how diverse they looked. Sure, there may or may not be half-Japanese in this year's semester, but you could easily tell them apart if you paid attention.
There's a boy whose face looked like a rock monster, yet his skin is a normal human cream color; he lowered his head as soon as Shiin glanced at him, 'A shy one.'
There's a blond boy with black highlights on the side of his head—may or may not be dyed—that was creating small sparks of electricity around his fingers, before stopping when Shiin entered the room.
Then, he saw a girl with purplish short hair. She was messing with her... elongated ear lobes. Shiin noticed that they have cable jacks on each lobes.
Behind her was a boy... with a black bird's head.
Afterwards, Shiin saw a girl with long black hair... and for some reason, she reminded him of a frog. 'Still cute, though.
Finally, he noticed a few more faces; familiar ones, this time.
"Kazamatsuri-san?" Iida started, "Is that you?"
"You're our classmate? What a coincidence!" Uraraka followed, gaining attention as her voice was loud enough for everyone to notice. Then, said familiar faces noticed the person she was adressing.
And they too, saw him as someone familiar.
"Kazama-san, you're here!" Ashido Mina was the first to approach Shiin, grinning at him, "How crazy it is that we're classmates?"
"Hey, long time no see! Do you remember me?" a girl with an invisible body was waving her hand at him. This was Hagakure Tooru—now fully clothed with the school's uniform.
"I can't believe it!" A boy with spiky red hair proclaimed, Shiin noticed the small scar on his eye, 'Kirishima Eijiro?'
Then, a few more stood up and approached Shiin with differing speed. He saw Aoyama Yuuga, Shoji Mezo, and Mineta Minoru coming in closer to say their helloes.
Shiin couldn't help but smile, not only was he remembered, but he can feel how spirited they all are, "Ha! First day of school, and I'm already popular. I'm flattered, you guys."
Ashido giggled, "Go deflate that ego!"
Shiin smirked, and pointed at the invisible girl, "And of course I remember you, Hagakure."
If she could show it, she'd smile at his recognition, "And I see you got my name right this time."
"This is crazy!" Kirishima said, "I was hoping that you'd pass, but not only that you did, you're here with us!"
"I hear you, Kirishima."
"You... you remember me?"
"I'm not that scatterbrained."
The two laughed at that. Then, the blond boy rised up from his chair, and approached Kirishima, "Hey, is this the guy you're talking about? The grasshopper man?"
Shiin raised an eyebrow at his remark, "Is that what they call me?"
"It was what Kirishima told me." The blond boy declared, before raising a hand, "My name's Kaminari Denki. Nice to meet you, Kazamatsuri-san."
Shiin reached out for his hands, and shook it, "Likewise."
Of course, the nice atmosphere wasn't meant to last. Just before the rest of the class began to take interest, Shiin heard something, other than the school's bell chiming.
"Deku..."
He leaned right, and saw the same blond bomber from the entrance exam. 'Oh... this goddamn brat.' Shiin felt fear and anxiety coming from Midoriya, 'That name... I think that was an insult?'
Just then, Shiin had the urge to make his first day even more exciting; trolling the asshole.
"Hey, I remember you. Kacchan, was it?"
It was so silent, you could hear a pin drop.
"... What did you call me?" The boisterous blond bomber growled.
Shiin did his best to not smirk, as the students around him stepped away. He feigned ignorance as the offended student got out of his seat and approached, "What? I remember you from the entrance exam, but since I never know your real name, that's the one I remember."
Kacchan stopped in his tracks, and shifted his glare from Shiin to Midoriya, "Dekuuu..."
Shiin immediately stood between them, "So! Is your name actually Kacchan, or did your parents loved you enough to name you with something less cutesy?"
Kacchan fumed at Shiin, who held a poker face as they glared at each other. Shiin slowly leaned down to the boy's face.
"What's wrong, Bomberman?" he asked in English, "Would you prefer me to call you that instead?"
Eventually, Kacchan clicked his tongue and turned away, "Name's Bakugou Katsuki, asswipe!"
Decided that it wasn't enough, Shiin pulled out an old trick he learned, "Your next line will be, 'And don't you fucking forget it!', isn't it?"
"And don't you fucking forget—WHAT THE HELL YOU BUG-EYED FREAK?!"
"Wow, nice English."
Meanwhile, Kirishima couldn't help but smirk, "I can't believe he did something from Jojo... and pulled it off!"
Midoriya whispered, "I can't believe you're standing up to Kacchan!"
Nobody made a move... but a voice stopped any attempt to do so.
"That's fun and all, but if you want to hunt vampires and go on bizarre adventures, this isn't the place for it."
Everyone turned to the man who said it, but there wasn't anybody in the hallway.
A slurping noise was heard. Uraraka looked down, and let out a small shriek.
"This is the Hero Course." The man said, emptying an energy drink in an instant. He was lying on the floor inside of a sleeping bag, "Not a monster hunter course. Play the games if you want to do that, but I better not catch you doing it during class."
'That franchise is still around, huh? Good thing I still have my PS4 and Switch... no, waittaminute,' Shiin stopped his train of thought, instead he looked the man, who was standing up, unzipping out of his bag.
"Ten seconds for you to settle down." The man commented, "Time is a precious resource. You lot aren't very rational, are you?"
Shiin glared as he recognized his face, "Aizawa..."
"Don't forget to call me sensei." He retorted. Shiin just kept glaring, unbeknownst to his classmates.
Midoriya couldn't believe someone as tired-looking as him was a teacher, "You're... a teacher? Does that make you a Professional Hero?"
"Name's Aizawa Shouta, and starting from today, I'm your homeroom teacher." He answered, ignoring the last question.
Sleeping bag still being held, Aizawa rummaged the insides, and pulled out... a blue shirt with white highlights—which resembled the English letters U and A, the former sewn around the upper torso, the latter around the abdomen. Specifically, it is the upper half of UA's gym uniform.
"Suit up. Get out to the fields."
The classroom was a din of conversation at Aizawa's sudden order. Shiin shook his head as he walked closer to him, "This part of a plan you have in mind?"
"Not planning to run away, are you? Remember Nezu's deal."
Unknown to them, Midoriya heard that little exchange,'Huh? What are they talking about...'
"Yeah, yeah... I haven't even found my chair yet."
"It's right there in the middle, you can't miss it."
As he turned back, Aizawa walked out of the classroom, "Be there in ten minutes," he ordered, ignoring some of the students who whined.
Making his way outside, Aizawa began to remember how he got into this mess with Kazamatsuri Shiin...
Sometime after the entrance exam, just as Kazamatsuri debated with the others...
"Amazing... that boy has quite the worldview."
"He would've fit perfectly in a Showa era tokusatsu."
"Of course you would say that. But he has gotten me thinking, Saburo-san."
Back at the Pro Heroes' room, the rest were discussing the actions of each examinees, while Nezu and Saburo were reviewing the monitors. When they saw a feed where Kazamatsuri Shiin was talking to a group of examinees, they got curious... and they were amazed at what the conversation disolved into, and somehow they managed to keep things civil enough that they returned to laughing with each other by the end of it.
Saburo, who was pretending to monitor the feeds, turned to the other heroes. Seeing that they're still preoccupied, he whispered to Nezu, who was sitting on a chair next to the main console. "So... we both know who he really is, right?"
"That is correct." Nezu whispered back, whose voice was even quieter thanks to his size. Good thing the man has fantastic hearing.
"Those stories about the Showa Era Kamen Riders... they're all true, yes?"
"From what I researched, yes." Nezu turned to look Saburo in the eyes, "Why are you asking me this? You were there."
The man smirked, "Just making sure you know. I'd like to mentor him once the internship begins."
Nezu squeaked out a laugh, "You're assuming that I would let him pass, especially after what he'd been saying. Not to mention he has to take the Hero License exam before internship begin, and the spring semester hasn't even started."
"You may say that," Saburo added, "but even you have to admit that Kazamatsuri Shiin is a... very interesting individual. I daresay a person like him only exist once in a century. Besides, he wants to believe in this system our country works on. Who are we to deny him just because of idiotic biases against him? Ain't judging books by their covers supposed to be a bad thing?"
Nezu pondered for a moment, before conceding, "True... very true. Alright, but we have to discuss this with his guardian. You know who she is?"
"No, but I'll read it up later. For now..." Saburo turned around, gazing at the observer, and beckoned him closer, "Get your ass over here, sleepyhead."
Said sleepyhead glared for a bit, before sighing. He made his way to Nezu and Saburo, and revealed himself.
"Ah, if it isn't Eraserhead." Nezu proclaimed, "How are you, Aizawa-kun?"
Rubbing his eyes, Aizawa answered, "I'll feel a lot better when this thing's over with—"
"WHO CARES IF HE HAS ZERO POINTS, I LIKE THAT BUSHY HAIRED KID!"
"... And if those lot could just quiet down."
Saburo smirked, "Well, too bad for you; since I know you heard what the two of us are saying, I'm gonna drag you into something crazy."
Again, Aizawa glared, "Crazier than the fact that you are older than you look, old timer?"
Letting out a chuckle, Saburo queried, "Oh? And just what have you found out about me? It's alright. Nezu trusts you, so I will too. By the way, since when did you suspect me?"
"... Since the Principal hired you."
Glancing at the rodent-like principal, Aizawa was given a nod by the... being. Sighing, Aizawa began, "You were born in the Showa era... decades before I was born; you're even older than Gran Torino."
Saburo nodded, "What can I say? I'm blessed with eternal youth."
"Or you use your powers to make you look young... I don't know if it's something you already have, or you use some sort of trickery to make everyone see you in this... form."
Saburo only smirked at that, "What else?"
"... Information regarding you are scarce, even moreso on the people who knew you. But I've found some things; you're a Kyushu native—"
"Chesto! I was wondering when someone would find that out."
"—And you're a quirkless."
The man went silent.
"That said, you're not powerless," Aizawa continued, "There were stories way back then about the existence of beings called... mutants. Certain forums suggested that what we call Quirks today are actually offshoots to Mutagenic Genes."
"Heh, didn't know there's still fans of the X-Men in this day and age."
"Don't patronize me," Aizawa interrupted, "You know damn well that's not the kind of mutants I'm talking about."
Raising his hands, Aizawa took that as a que to go on, "Sometimes in the seventies, there were terror attacks by a group called the Neo-Human Phantom Army. You, alongside this Youth League, defeated them, only to be followed by a new enemy, the Despar Army... how they got taken seriously with those names, I'll never know."
Saburo crossed his hands, and gestured Aizawa to continue, "But other than the Youth League, you had friends that helped you during your early days. A childhood friend whose nickname was Miyoppe, enemies turned friend Kidaibo Reijiro and... King Kong?
"We never asked his real name."
"Why not?"
"Never crossed our mind, and he seemed fine being called Kong."
Aizawa glared for a bit, "I see... next, Miyo's little sister Ryuko, and Hachigoro the...Great Dane. That can talk. Which she rode on. And both have psionic powers... what."
"They're no Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, but not only they're real, they're very helpful."
"... In that case, can I assume that your manga is more accurate than your show?"
"Oh, yes. But it's more of a... fifty-fifty. But my friends are real."
"Which version?"
Saburo smirked, "Sorry, but that would be a breach of privacy."
"So I guess this rumor of you having an affair with both Miyo and Rion are false? Or perhaps you're all in a relationship with each other? Did Ruby actually died before the battle on the lunar surf—"
"I'm going to stop you right there."
Saburo's tone indicated that it wasn't a request.
Aizawa may be somewhat apathetic, but he's not stupid enough to anger people just for the hell of it (unless they're genuine assholes or villains); especially since he knows what Saburo is.
"Anyway," Aizawa dropped some eye medicines before going on, "Last few things before I'm done; you either switch between going by Watari Goro, or Kazeda Saburo. Sometimes combining both names into one..."
Then, the Eraser Hero walked closer, his head close to Saburo's ear, and whispered his true identity.
Saburo smirked as the veins in his face light up in a bright, electric yellow, before dimming.
He took a few steps back once he finished, "It's crazy to think that some of those old tokusatsu shows were based on real events, expertly modified into a multimedia franchise by talented writers. If Ishinomori Shotaro knew the truth all along... I fear what would happen if people find out that the government used to be malevolently corrupt."
"What do you mean, 'used to be'?"
"... I don't even care anymore. Final questions; is the car real, what does the Zebar do, and... did you really prevent a building from collapsing with just your scarf?"
"No, but I liked the idea so much I commissioned a flying car modeled after it. The Zebar... amplifies one's psionic powers. And... let's keep that last question a mystery, yeah?"
Seeing the man putting his head on his palm, Saburo nodded at Aizawa, "Anyway, that's good enough, you're in."
Aizawa blinked, "Just like that?"
"Yeah. Now, about what we're planning..." Saburo began to smirk yet again, "Do you remember someone named Kazamatsuri Shiin?"
"I'm trying not to..." Aizawa grumbled, "How do you know that name?"
"Well... I have bad news for you." As if on cue, Nezu used the console to view footages of the young man in question; his actions, and the group discussion he had a few minutes ago, "Let's say yer gonna spend the next three years with him as well."
"... Dammit."
"Do not worry," Nezu chimed in, "I plan to contact him before we do anything. I want to make sure he understands why I accept him into this academy, and then... we'll see how he progresses from there."
"... I may not like that guy much, but are you sure he's willing to listen to what you have in mind? Forcing him might make it worse, and I've seen him in action on the streets." Aizawa commented.
Nezu lowered his head, and exhaled,"Believe me, Aizawa-kun. This is a fairly complicated matter, but..."
"What is it?"
"Do you know the urban legend regarding how the Showa era Kamen Riders were real people? And how they may or may not have similar faces to the actors who portrayed them?"
"How is that relevant?"
"During the nineties, three film-exclusive Kamen Riders were created; Shin, ZO, and J." Saburo explained, "Although they're technically Heisei Riders, due to Ishinomori being alive at the time and was involved in their productions, fans counted them as Showa Riders, and Toei accepted it."
"Again, how is it—"
"The name of the hero in Shin Kamen Rider: Prologue is Kazamatsuri Shin."
Aizawa stood agape, "What? You're saying they're the same—"
"No, different kanji character. The Kazamatsuri you're looking at—" Saburo pointed at the holographic monitor, "—is the son of the original. The baby from the ending."
Looking back and forth between the monitors and Saburo, Aizawa was having a hard time believing what he just heard, "I don't even watch tokusatsu, but this is just ridiculous."
"I know." Saburo agreed, "But truth is stranger than fiction. I should know; if you think the things my... counterparts did in my 'autobiographies' are insane..."
Aizawa pinched his eyes, "If it wasn't for how my quirk works, I swear I'm dreaming all this nonsense up due to fatigue. Oh, wait."
Nezu then said, "I have files you could read up later."
"Then... why did you make me listen through that drivel?"
"We want to make sure whether or not you're willing to listen."
Saburo added, "Most of the people we did try to 'recruit' thought us pranking them and dismissed me. You didn't. Hell, you even bothered to dig up any potential dirt I might have just as I started working here. So, what do you say?"
Aizawa lowered his head, contemplating his next action. As he said, he knew and met Kazamatsuri Shiin before; during his years as a student in U.A. alongside Present Mic—Yamada Hizashi—Aizawa remembered Kazamatsuri for being a troublemaker. He was thankful that he didn't attend UA, but for some reason Aizawa kept bumping into him. He began to wonder whether he was attending high school at the time.
In his adult years, they rarely met each other. So much Aizawa thought he'd move out of Japan into another country, 'Maybe he did... but now he's back. As annoying as it is, these two has gotten me too curious now. Damn it.'
Releasing a sigh, Aizawa looked to the two and said, "Alright, if you want me to keep an eye on Kazamatsuri as a student, I'm willing to do it... on one condition."
"And that would be?" Nezu asked.
"You said you wanted to talk to him about becoming a student here, right? I want to be there with you."
The students of 1-A were baffled at how... interesting their first day of school has been so far.
It started when Kazamatsuri Shiin began to strip in class. Coat first, necktie second, and then his shirt.
As expected, the girls immediately covered their eyes (Hagakure covered them using the sleeves of her coat), some of the boys questioned his sanity, and Iida scolded him, "Kazamatsuri! Are you trying to strip in front of people again?! Cease and desist at once!"
"This isn't the first time?!" The girl with the elongated earlobe jacks shouted.
It was too late, however. He had taken off the upper half of his uniform and... he was wearing a gym shirt underneath.
"Wha—you were wearing a gym uniform this whole time?" Kirishima asked, which made some of the girls looked through their fingers to see if he was right.
He was. And then he unbuckled his pants.
"Kazama-san, are you kidding me?!" Ashido demanded, throwing an eraser at him. However, it stopped in midair before it collided with his head.
He pulled down his pants to show... another pair of pants.
"Gym pants, too?!" Kaminari exclaimed, "Dude, aren't you hot with all those layers?"
The girls finally removed their hands (and sleeves for Hagakure) off their faces, Shiin then answered as he folded his uniform, "It's a trick I learned from an Indonesian I met years ago. Whenever physical education was the first thing he got in his school schedule, he wore his gym uniform inside of his standard uniform. The girls, too, since their skirts are longer than most Asian schools."
"Indonesia... hold on," Kaminari began, "That's the country in the middle of the equator, right? Isn't that place basically summertime everyday, so much they regularly get droughts?"
"And rainy seasons—sometimes so much rain it floods." Shiin added, "But they're used to it."
He unzipped his backpack, and with dextrous finesse, he swiftly folded his school uniform, and put them inside it, "Say, back in middle school, the others change uniforms right here in the classroom. Obviously, the boys and girls do it separately, but... "
"There's only thirty eight students who got accepted into the Hero Course, Kazamatsuri-san," Midoriya interjected, gulping as he became the center of attention, "That means there's only two classes this year... so there's plenty of empty classrooms for us to change uniforms."
Shiin was silent, tilting his head, "Are you sure? What about the other departments, I thought they're here in the same building as us?"
"I am! I caught a glimpse of the other classrooms and only 1-B has students in it. I don't know where the other students are."
"Or, you know..." Kirishima added, "We can just go to one the locker rooms to change, just in case the empty classrooms are not so emtpy after all. I think there's one for each genders in every floor."
"... How the hell didn't I notice any of those?"
Ashido saw her chance, and took it, "Because you're still a total scatterbrain, Kazama-san!"
He could only glare at her, and let the girl laugh. Shiin tried to retaliate by telekinetically throwing her eraser back, but she dodged it. Ashido laughed a bit harder afterwards.
Kirishima smirked at that, "Man... and I thought you being scatterbrained is a one time thing back at the entrance exam. And you haven't been hit on the head yet."
Shiin pointed his right forefinger at the redhead, shaking it menacingly—which resulted in Kirishima to grin. Causing Shiin to glare even more. One look at his face, and Kirishima started laughing.
Soon, the rest of the class began to laugh—minus Iida; Bakugou; that scarfaced boy with the red and white hair; the shy rock monster boy; and finally the earlobe jack girl and the ponytail girl, who were slowly forming smirks. Eventually, Shiin couldn't help but laugh along. "Alright, alright! You got me."
"Everyone, as amusing as this is..." the ponytail girl began, "Aizawa-sensei only gave us ten minutes to change. We have eight minutes left."
"Alright, already..."
Shiin made his way to the middle of the classroom, and saw his seat... for some reason, not only it was exactly in the middle of the room, they looked more archaic than the rest.
"Seriously? An entirely wooden set?" Shiin exclaimed, then saw that the desk has a compartment that allowed it to open and close like a chest, "I never knew this kind of desk was still being made... this won't look out of place in a Showa era school."
Kicking one of the chair's legs, Shiin tested how sturdy it was, "This thing's ridiculous..."
He pulled the desk's lid up, and saw a folded piece of paper. He took it out and opened it, revealing the content.
"'For the odd one out who enjoys nostalgic, vintage objects', it says..." he then saw a small doodle of an eraser.
Shiin immediately crumpled the paper, "Aizawa, you jackass."
"Kazamatsuri-san!" Iida shouted, "Stop being so rude to our homeroom teacher!"
"He's the one that put this damn thing here!"
And then he was out of the room. Making his way down the hallway, passing by Class 1-B, he saw the locker rooms, and the stairways. Instead of going down first, he decided to lean on the railings along the hallway. And hope the lovely view of the skies could calm him.
Soon, his classmates walked by behind him, carrying their gym uniforms. Bakugou was the first one Shiin sensed, mumbling some nonsensical threats under his breath. It was even louder and more incomprehensible when he passed Shiin. He ignored it.
Shiin was still leaning onto the railing, body hunching down, looking over the horizon. One by one, the boys of 1-A passed by him. He felt a mix of emotion from them; mostly confusion and curiosity. Irritation... that was Iida. Fortunately, he moved on. There was a feeling of... darkness. Not the evil, foreboding kind, but something more... emo?
It's the bird headed one. 'A goddamn chuunibyo... I hope he's not the bad kind.'
... A tinge of fear. The rock monster kid. 'Can't blame him.'
Next, was this... coldness. And a small, lingering fire. But it was as small as a matchstick. 'Was that the kid with the two colored hair? Such sorrow...'
And then, he felt a mixture of joy, stoicism, and enthusiasm. 'That must be the girls.'
"Kazama-san," he heard Ashido, "You're still here?"
"I'm no good to anyone being cranky, Ashido." Shiin answered, "Go on, I'll wait until everyone's changed."
Lastly, there was... perversion? Mineta. Followed by frustration as the boy was dragged by the others away from the girl's locker room.
Unlike most men, Shiin admits that he too enjoys the finer details of the opposite sex. However, his aunt had basically beaten some decency into him. Literally.
That does not mean he was ignorant of such thoughts. He will never act on them unless the lady wants him to, but subtle commentaries and compliments? That, he's more willing to do.
'Do I still enjoy porn? Of course, I'm a normal man; still have all those eromanga collections my aunt discovered... can't believe the shit I hafta do just to convince her to let me keep them and buy the new ones—my old collections are mostly from the mid-Heisei era and all are rare today. Sure, you can find them online, but... nothing beats (heh) owning the real things.'
Shiin smirked, 'Jokes on The Man; I imported the English versions too—no censoring of any kind. And I already know how to bypass all the government's censored sites...'
Yet, Shiin couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness... and guilt, 'Still, they're mostly romantic stories. I can't defile them—their love for each other are too pure. Plus some of my favorite artists made it big and created legit manga... I want to support them somehow, so I did what I did.'
... So the live-action and animated ones are—
'None of your fucking business.'
... Cute girls are born every day, and if you think this school has plenty, wait until—
'Don't make me break out and replace you. None of your fucking business.'
... Anyway.
Shiin heard Midoriya gasping once he approached 1-B. Having calmed down, he approached the bushy haired boy, and heard his ramble, "That's the Blood Hero, Vlad King! His quirk allows him to eject his own blood and control them, like shaping them into a bind and harderning them! So he's the homeroom teacher of class 1-B... and everyone's inside."
"Hold on," Shiin interrupted, surprising Midoriya, "Did you say Blood King or Vlad King, Midoriya? You're talking so fast, I didn't catch that."
"Oh! I'm sorry, but his name is... Vlad King, Kazamatsuri-san."
"Ah, I see." Shiin nodded, somewhat solemn. Midoriya noticed his expression, but he didn't get a chance to ask, "Guess the Japanese still has problems with English words starting with the letters B and V, huh? So what, Vlad King just spill his own blood or something? That's gruesome."
"I... I admit that it is," Midoriya continued, "but like I said, he can control blood, so he can pull them back into his body. I read that he does so thanks to his gloves."
"Uh-huh... is he anemic? That can't be healthy."
"I'm sure he's practiced long enough to control his quirk."
Just then, Shiin remembered something, "Speaking of which, how much control do you have over your quirk? Hope you won't keep breaking your bones."
Midoriya stood agape, muttering some words Shiin couldn't understand.
But thanks to his powers, he understood that Midoriya's mind was a mess, 'Hmm... it's as if anything regarding his quirk is all new.'
"I... I just recently discovered my quirk."
"Ah, I see. And you're unsure how much power you can spend without breaking even a finger, right?"
Once again, Midoriya was at lost for words.
Fortunately, Shiin calmed him down with slight chop to his forehead, "Hey, psychic powers, remember? Not to mention you're easily readable facial expression and body language. Honestly, sometimes I can detect them, or I miss them completely. Unfortunately for you, your mind is... you know."
Midoriya could only nod, but he managed to laugh a bit, "I am... that obvious, aren't I. Kazamatsuri-san?"
"Yeah?"
"You're not... surprised that I'm a late bloomer?"
Shiin felt the boy's mind again. He couldn't help it since the off button is finicky at the least, but he sensed that Midoriya's mind is filled with... sadness.
"Midoriya... I dunno your life story. I ain't my business, but yer gonna need some help." Shiin began, his speech pattern becoming a bit more informal, "I know supporting one's self is an imporant step to adulthood, but there's no shame in getting or asking for help, you hear me?"
He had an unreadable expression for once, but Midoriya managed a nod, "I... I understand, Kazamatsuri-san. Thank you."
"I wish you luck, Buddy." Shiin said with a smile, which made Midoriya smile.
"Kazama-san..."
Midoriya turned around, seeing Ashido in front of the rest of 1-A's girls. Shiin still had his smile as she responded to the pink-skinned girl, "Ah, you're all done?"
"Yeah... You know, the boys had already left."
Turning back to the other side of the hallway, he saw that they did just that. Shiin noticed another blond boy who was just stepping down. He noticed because he has a large tail.
"Huh. Time flies when you're having fun."
"It is nice to see that you are already making friends, Kazamatsuri-san," ponytail girl said, "But as I said, Aizawa-sensei gave us ten minutes to change, and we now have six minutes left."
He couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Let that cynic wait for the next semester for all I care."
Obviously, Midoriya and the girls were shocked at his declaration, with only the frog-like girl not having any noticeable reaction, who then spoke her mind, "You're oddly rude for someone who acts friendly to some of us. Were you just pretending all this time?"
"Asui-san, that's too blunt!" Uraraka exclaimed.
Shiin waved a hand, "I'm only rude to people that annoys me. Other than Bomberman, you seven have nothing to fear from me. I promise; I will never be mean to anybody in our class unless they're being antagonistic first."
Earlobe jacks raised an eyebrow, "So basically just to that Bakugou kid?"
"Fuck that loudmouthed piece of shit brat." Was Shiin's response.
"How vile!" ponytail girl gasped.
"I have plenty to say for bullies like him, but you need to get even better at English to understand whatever I have in mind for him, ponytail girl."
She lowered her eyebrows, before clearing her throat, "My name is Yaoyoruzu Momo, and I have studied the English language since I was a little girl. And as much as I do not like his attitude, I will not use such foulness so freely."
Shiin raised his own, and smirked, "That's good, very good... but you should know that if you're introducing yourself in English, your family name should be last instead of your first. That's how it is."
"Furthermore," he leaned forward, "You should use more abbreviations. 'I' and 'Have' becomes 'I've', 'Does' and 'Do' combined with 'Not' becomes 'Doesn't' and 'Don't', et cetera. Nobody in life will talk the way you do everyday in their live. I also suggest you watch more English language movies, TV shows, cartoons, play video games... even Youtube videos, to get a grasp on how others speak English. Don't get me started with internet chatrooms—you need to survive their madness before you can even think of deciphering most of their jargon."
He leaned back, and sighed, "That said, I understand what you're saying. We're here to be heroes, after all. I should cut back on my swearing if I want to be more... presentable, huh?"
"That you should, Kazamatsuri-san." Yaoyoruzu exhaled, "I'm glad that you're reasonable about this."
"Hey, if people tried to reason others the way you did, I'm sure they'll listen to you more, Ya...Yaeyo... Yoru.. ah, crap."
Midoriya and the girls were all confused as Shiin got tongue-tied. The girl whose name he tried to say got a bit annoyed, "Yaoyoruzu."
"Yeyorowzu?"
" . Ruzu."
"Yay... Yoyarazu?"
This exchange went on for a few seconds. The other girls started to snirk, and even Midoriya couldn't help but follow.
"Repeat after me; Ya. O. Yo. Roo. Zoo."
"... Yo, yo, you're in a zoo?"
Ashido, Uraraka, and Hagakure burst into laughter, before covering their mouths considering they're right next to 1-B. But their attempt to muffle them were hardly working. Midoriya was better at it, but still couldn't stop snickering. Both earlobe jack and frog girl—Asui—had shaken their heads, the former had a small smirk if you noticed.
"Unbelievable!" Yao... Momo was exasperated, "Kazamatsuri-san, from what Ashido-san told us about you, I never thought you'd have difficulties pronouncing a name."
For the first time, Shiin began to look a bit meek, poking his forefingers together, "Not my fault your family has a mouthful name."
"Please do not bring my family into this."
Suddenly, the door to 1-B slid open.
"Are you lot quite finished?!"
Everyone except Shiin and Asui shrieked. The latter let out a mere, "Aaa."
Vlad King voiced his annoyance very clearly, "What are you even doing out of class, in gym uniforms no less; shouldn't your homeroom teacher be there by now?"
They were so surprised, the girls and Midoriya had difficulties explaining themselves.
However, Shiin rescued them from potential demerits, "Vlad King, sensei. We were ordered by Aizawa to change into our gym uniforms, and make our way to the fields."
The Blood Hero turned his attention to the speaker. He began to recognize whom the voice belonged to, "Kazamatsuri Shiin... so they did let you pass."
"Hello again, Blood Hero."
Midoriya noticed at how odd their interactions were, 'Why... how does Kazamatsuri-san and Vlad King-san know each other?'
"You better not get these kids into trouble." Vlad King threatened.
Shiin raised a palm, "I promise not to let any of the kids, from any course, to be involved in most of my shenanigans."
Vlad King may wear a mask, but even Shiin could sense that he raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean... 'most' of your shenanigans?"
"I do need to get better at socializing if I want to be seen as a friendly Pro Hero, sensei. And especially if I have to do team-ups in the future."
After a few seconds of staring at each other, Vlad King relented, "So... you kids got Aizawa, huh? Good luck with that."
Before the others could ask, Shiin replied, "I'll try to keep him from being too much of a cynic, sensei."
Vlad King was about to say something, but decided otherwise. Just then, Kazamatsuri noticed a familiar face in 1-B. He grinned and waved an arm around, "Kendou-chan, you're here! Congrats on becoming a student in this academy!"
The girl who was rocking the side ponytail opened her mouth a bit, before shaking her head with a smile, "Thanks. Good to see you again, Kazama-san."
Shiin suddenly stopped, "Not you too."
"It is kind of mouthful." Kendou smirked, before some of the classmates near her began to ask questions. Then he saw two more.
"Awase, Shiozaki! You're both here too, I see!" he continued waving his hand as they waved back.
"Alright, break it up." Vlad King interrupted, and parted with them as he close the door, "Isn't Aizawa-sensei waiting for you?"
The 1-A girls, Midoriya, and Shiin stood agape. The formers glared at the latter, "This is your fault," one of them said.
"And I haven't even changed yet!" Midoriya sprinted into the locker room.
"Not my fault the others wanted to talk, ear—"
"Jiro Kyouka. I bet your nickname for me had something to do with my earphone jacks, right?"
Shiin could only shrug at that. He then felt the frog girl staring at her."... Asui, was it?"
"Asui Tsuyu, yes."
"Okay."
"Can we please move along already?!" Yaoyoruzu demanded.
"You know, since Ashido—and probably Hagakure as well—told you girls of what I can do..." Shiin looked out to the window, and gestured his head as the others were trying to figure out what he's implying.
Ashido and Hagakure walked to each of Shiin's sides, and slapped each arms at the same time, "We are not jumping out of the window!" the former cried out.
"I don't think they're the kind that can be opened!" the latter finished.
"But I have telekinesis!" Shiin argued.
"No way!" both girls yelled.
Rubbing his arms, Shiin tried to convince them, "If Uraraka helps, maybe—"
"I don't want to throw up in my first day!"
Shiin rolled his eyes, "Ugh, fine. We go down the old fashioned way."
"At least it's a sensible way, Kazamatsuri." Jiro added.
And then they do. Just in time, Midoriya had changed and ran with the others.
"Hey, you three; do you mind if I ask what your quirks are?" he asked Jirou, Asui, and Yaoyaoruzu.
The former pointed at her ears, "You're looking at it. I can hear anything as long as I plug them into things. I can also send out vibrations from them."
"So you're like a spy. Nice, that's gonna be especially useful to find out how many bad guys in a room. I can also see the potential for you being a human radar."
"Huh... thanks, I guess."
"My quirk allows me to create..." Yaoyoruzu paused, "Just about anything, out of my skin. As long as they're man-made objects."
"So, you're basically a 3D printer, eh? You must've made a lot of money from—"
"I do not!" she shouted, "If I sell any of my creations made from my quirk, it would affect the economy and create chaos!"
Shiin smirked at her, "You're missing out, especially for the cosplay community. So, how about you?"
"I can do whatever a frog can." Asui replied.
Shiin raised an eyebrow, "Really? Whatever a frog can—any frogs?"
"Well, maybe not all of them. But I'm sure I'll find out what else can I do in this school."
Shiin smiled, a particular song was playing in his head. He couldn't help but sing it
"Spider-Man. Spider-Man. Does whatever a spider can!"
Unexpectedly, Midoriya joined in, "Spins a web. Any size! Catches thieves. Just like flies!"
Suddenly, they turned to the girls, "Look out!"
"AAH!" they all cried. Midoriya realized what he had just did, and covered himself with his arms.
With a grin and a laugh, Shiin ended the song as he walked downstairs, waving goodbye with his fingers, "Here comes the Spider-Man~"
"Very funny." Jirou muttered.
They finally reached the fields. With four minutes to spare.
"Kendou-san, how did you know that guy?"
"I met him during the entrance exam. Saw him at the entrance with a sweet looking bike."
"Awase, you said he did a Shoryuken to that mech? Seriously?"
"Of course I'm serious, dammit! I saw it with my own eyes."
"What kind of guy is he, Shiozaki-san?"
"I have not met him since the examination. His appearance may give certain people bad impressions, but I have faith that he is a most kind person."
The rest of 1-B had gathered around the trio whom Kazamatsuri Shiin recognize to get answers. The murmurs were getting a bit loud for Vlad King's tastse, "What part of 'break it up' you lot don't understand?"
Immediately, they all went back to their assigned seats.
"If that guy doesn't get into too much trouble, you'll have three years to ask him anything yourself should any of you get curious. Now, where were we..."
"Sensei, how did you know him?"
Vlad King turned to around, Awase was raising his hand. The boy flinched at his stare, but continued on, "I mean, I can't help but overhear... and from the sounds of it, Kazamatsuri seemed to recognize you, sensei, and you him. Did you two met outside of UA?"
The Blood Hero stared at Awase. Then, he turned this attention to both Kendou and Shiozaki, "You three... did he say anything odd during the entrance exam?"
Kendou Itsuka was the first to speak, "Sensei. After saving two other examinees from the toppling giant mech, the three of us and a few other examinees were making our way to the exit."
"Kazamatsuri-san then had a revelation," Shiozaki continued, "in addition to the villain points we had to gain to pass, there was another, secret point, that factored into the decision of our acceptance into UA."
"And then..." Awase finished, "The conversation diverted into him talking about vigilantism, and whether it's fine and stuff. Or something, I honestly don't get much of it, but from the sounds of it... he didn't trust the current system, but he wanted to change that mindset. He said that All Might changed his mind, but I dunno if that's the only reason."
Vlad King nodded, taking in all the information. "I see... I'm not surprised about All Might influencing him, and that he would talk about why vigilantism is necessary. But not about wanting to be wrong about it."
"If I may add, sensei." Kendou interrupted, "It's not my place to say, but he told us that the reason he advocates vigilantism... was because of his father."
He turned to his student, were it not for his mask, she would see his surprised expression a bit more clear, "Really? He told you that?"
Kendou raised an eyebrow, "Yes, he did... was that a lie?"
"No, that's not what I'm implying." Vlad King corrected, "I only got an idea of why he thought the way he does in a conversation I had with him a long time ago, but for him to tell the three of you about it just like that... something's changed."
Awase expressed his confusion, "Sensei, you're making it sounds like Kazamatsuri was a vigilante or something."
That did it, Vlad King turned towards Awase, but couldn't answer it. He sighed, making some of the students realize the answer.
"Kazama-san... actually was a vigilante himself?" Kendou surmised.
1-B was silent. Vlad King tapping his foot as he tried to figure out how to change the subject.
Fortunately, Kendou spoke up again, "Sensei... everyone, I don't think that matters anymore."
"Explain yourself, Kendou Itsuka." Vlad King demanded.
"Kazama...tsuri-san may be a former vigilante, yet... as someone with such distrust over the system, he shouldn't even want to enroll in any hero academies." Kendou began, "But like Awase-san said, Kazamatsuri-san may have other reasons beside All Might that made him wants to enter a UA. Whatever they are, not only it is none of our business, but from this moment on, it shouldn't matter. What matters is that he's willing to put faith into the system he doesn't trust for who knows how long, and is probably willing to do his best to become a proper, Professional Hero."
She couldn't tell them at how desperate Shiin looked when he talked about wanting to change his mindset. And the part where Ashido Mina, herself, and Shiozaki comforting him wasn't really that important to the discussion. Fortunately, Awase and Shiozaki kept mum about that.
Vlad King processed what Kendou had been saying... and smiled, "Kendou, you got a good head on you. And heart, as well."
"Thank you, sensei."
"I suppose you're right; so what if he used to be a vigilante, he's here now. Maybe after some time in our wonderful academy, he'll get a new mindset. Here's a first lesson for you all, involving an old, undying lesson; don't judge a book by its cover. Sure, you may manage to get past the first few pages, but never immediately dismiss the contents just because it has things you don't like or if the contents have subjects that make you feel uncomfortable, or even you think it's boring. Understand its content before turning to the next chapter. Whether you change your mind as you keep reading, is all up to you. Understand?"
"Yes, sensei!" the entirety of 1-B cried out.
"Good..." Vlad King nodded, before scratching his head, "Now, would someone actually tell me just what was I talking about before they interrupted us?"
"A Quirk Apprehension Test? Aizawa, what the hell?"
"I thought I told you to call me sensei, you moron."
The class of 1-A had gathered in the training fields, the blazing sun made some of the students sweat already, but they just had to suck it up.
"And winter's not even over, yet you send us all outside. You want the others to get sick or something?"
"Winter has ended back at February, you imbecile. And even if it's still snowing, even if they do get ill, heroes have to handle all sorts of unexpected events to do their job, don't you know?"
"... I admit I'm wrong about the weather, but I that doesn't change that the if they get ill, it's going to be your fault. Plus, the others should've had orientation first. Attend the entrance ceremony, or given some guidance sessions, right?" he turned to his classmates, Uraraka nodded, followed by a few others.
"What, you couldn't help them with that? I thought you like exploring and be all helpful."
"... You are a shitty teacher."
"And I say all that nonsense is a waste of time if you want to be a hero. And watch your language."
Kazamatsuri Shiin put his hand onto his palm, shaking his head at Aizawa'stubborness. "When did Japan became this much of a free country?"
"The moment our government decided to give the hero academies a bit of it in order to train new generations of heroes... it's part of this school's slogan, doing it freestyle." Aizawa commented, "Not only students are given some bits of freedom in order to grow, that goes for us teachers with our educating methods, as well."
Shiin glared at Aizawa, before clicking his tongue and turning back to his classmates, "Goddamn jackass..."
Iida was... fuming, "Kazamatsuri-san! I do not know why you are so hostile towards Aizawa-sensei, it doesn't change the fact that he is our homeroom teacher and should be treated with respect!"
Most of the others nodded in agreement.
"I can respect the other teachers, Iida, believe me..." Shiin said, before giving Aizawa the stinkeye again, "I just don't like him that much."
"I am surprised that he still tolerates you." Asui commented, "That attitude would've gotten you into constant punishments, you know."
At her words, Shiin was about to get snippy, but witheld it, "I... I guess getting into detention in your first day of high school would make a bad mark for the rest of your life."
"I don't know what a... detention is, but if that's some sort of punishment, then yes, it will make your school life harder." Asui remarked, putting a finger under her lips, "Mina-chan seemed like a nice, honest girl. Yet I can't see how she sees you as a good guy."
"Ah... right." Shiin nodded, understanding what the girl is saying, and that as a Japanese, she doesn't know what detentions are, "Detention is an American thing where the schools punish misbehaving students by forcing them to stay in a designated room after school. I think they're also forced to attend detention in Saturdays."
"That's... harsh. Are they still doing it even today?"
"Maybe... I dunno. But The Breakfast Club—a fantastic old movie—wouldn't exist if America doesn't have that concept. Plus, standing in hallways with two buckets of water are boring, anyway."
"I think I remember my dad telling me that our schools used to do that during my great grandpa's time. You reference that, of all things?"
"I like old-school things."
As Aizawa walked to a sports bag lying on the fields, rummaging its content, Shiin let out another sigh for the day, "Asui, look... I understand first impressions are everything, and I bet that I didn't give you a good one."
"Not really, if I'm honest. Sorry if you feel hurt."
Shiin couldn't help but form a smirk, "Please, you're the type that speaks her mind. Such kind of honesty are rare, even for a Japanese. Don't lose that aspect of yourself; that way you will know which of the people you talk with are the jerks or the reasonable ones. And that way, you'll know who your real friends are, and will be."
Asui's expression was neutral. But Shiin sensed that her mind was... at ease. "That's the first time someone told me that they're fine with how honest I can be. Let alone encourage it."
"As that western saying goes," Shiin quoted, "Honesty is the best policy. But I would like to add an addition to it; but being tact is even better. You may be blunt about things, but you're never insulting nor are you malicious about it, I can tell. I'm glad you're my classmate."
Again, Asui's expression was neutral. Shiin was wondering how he'll get through that poker face of hers, but he saw her putting her finger under her lips again, "Is this a ploy to make me like you?"
"... Is it working?" was Shiin's response to that. He tried his best to look as innocent as possible. Were his psychic powers were more advanced, he can try forming a halo around his head.
Slowly, Asui's lips formed into a smile, "You can say that... Shiin-chan. Call me Tsuyu."
Unless her aunt said it, Shiin would usually get pissy when someone call him that. He doesn't like to be compared to a certain perverted brat from an old comic strip. Sure, he finds him funny, but after he lost interest, Crayon Shin-chan brought nothing but constant teasing from some kids.
Followed by some brawls. And punishments.
However... Asui's too cute and pure to deserve his wrath. I mean, look at her smile!
Hell, none of the girls of 1-A do. And probably the other girls of 1-B, as well. Not to mention the Pro Heroines who grow better as they age—
'Shut up and narrate properly.'
Fine.
However... Asui's smile had fizzled out the burning anger that would usually burst out. Still, Shiin struggled to control it.
"Asu... Tsuyu." Shiin corrected himself, "Because I like you, I'll allow you to call me Shiin... but please... don't use Shiin-chan... too much."
As—no, Tsuyu tilted her head, "You get teased a lot because of it?"
"... Basically, yeah. Tell you later?" Shiin requested, turning around to reluctantly pay attention to Aizawa.
"Kazamatsuri, what do you think we're going to do right now?"
The sudden question almost startled Shiin. He looked around, and saw Bakugou holding a fancy looking ball... then he returned his gaze to Aizawa, who was holding some sort of tablet.
It all clicked, and Shiin surmised his findings, "You want us to do some sort of test. Judging from that fancy looking baseball Bomberman is fondling like it's his third—"
"FUCK YOU, BUG-EYED FREAK!"
"Bakugou, watch your language. And stop being so hostile to your classmates. This goes for you too, Kazamatsuri."
"—good to see that it applies to him as well. Anyway," Shiin continued, "I deduce... that you're doing what all the middle school did; a physical test without using quirks, to gauge how better we are compared to now. How many was it again, eight tests?"
Aizawa clapped slowly, "Good show, Mister Holmes—"
"I prefer Kindaichi, to be honest. Hajime, not his grandfather Kosuke. And maybe some Akechi Kogoro—"
"But you're only half right. Bakugou, throw it. And remember; stay in the circle."
"With pleasure."
Bakugou repeatedly threw the ball upwards and caught it everytime, gauging its weight. Stretching his right arm, he wind it up for a throw.
"JUUUUUSSSTT DIIIIIEEEEEE!"
Shiin widened his eyes as Bakugou's hand was enveloped by explosive energy. As his swing reached its peak, he unleashed the accumulated energy and flung the ball. Due to the usage of his quirk, it felt like a cannonball was thrown.
"'Just die'? Really?" he heard Kirishima muttered under his grin.
Shiin's mind wandered as the ball descended from its arc of trajectory.
'Good thing Monkey D. Garp doesn't have Devil Fruit powers... I wonder how many chapter One Piece has by now... wait, is Berserk finished or—'
"So! Allow me to explain," Aizawa cried out, tapping his tablet while at it, "Bakugou's throwing record was sixty seven meters."
Aizawa finished analyzing his tablet, and showed the students what's on the screen.
'Holy shit, seven-hundred and five meters?'
"This is the first rational step of gauging your maximum limit... to find out what kind of heroes you're all going to be."
Class 1-A exploded with excitement over the fact that they can now use their quirks for physical education. At least, for this test.
Aizawa saw Shiin approaching, with a disapproving look, "What, I thought you advocate free usage of quirks."
"I do... but how is it rational to you, again?"
"As you said, this is a... 'World of Supers,'" he airquoted, "And with the government prohibitting quirk usage in order to make everyone feel 'equal' with how diverse quirks can be? Irrational."
Shiin didn't like how he put it, but Aizawa had a point, "You wanted to find who are more suited as fighters, mages, rogues, clerics, and rangers, huh? So in the future, we can distribute them properly to areas they excell at more efficiently."
"... If you want to put it like that, yes."
"But because our countrymen still worry that we could potentially hurt people's feelings, the politicians made that law so we're all equal and happy... which is stupid, because like it or not, some people got lucky in the superpower lottery, and many others don't. So, why..."
"Like I said, irrational. The Deparment of Education is being lazy."
"... That, I can agree on." Shiin looked down, grimacing that he did so. He turned around as Shiin made a remark, "Maybe your class won't be so boring after all."
Aizawa stared at Shiin's back. Once again, he's remembering something related to him; this time, how he was with Principal Nezu, inside the apartment where Kazamatsuri and his aunt lived...
At the same time, he remembered one of the students saying that what they're about to do now will be fun.
'... Kazamatsuri will surely explode, but fuck him. These kids need to be taught a proper lesson.'
The two faculty members of UA Academy sat still as Shiin processed the information he was given.
Especially in regards who the other person who knew of his secret was.
"So... it's really him."
"As crazy as it sounds, it is." Aizawa answered.
Shiin palmed his face, "That wasn't part of the deal..."
Aizawa raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"
This time, Sarah was the one to answer, "If we're going to tell you about us... there are some things you should know."
"We know that the original fifteen Kamen Riders were real, which includes his father." Aizawa pointed a finger to Shiin, "A lot of things I found are usually vague and merely speculative. Saburo's information was all I could trust, as much as I hate citing a single source."
"For a good reason." Sarah added, "I think you of all people should know how much chaos there will be if sensitive informations are suddenly spread."
Nezu and Aizawa do indeed understand. More than she knows.
"Not to mention how ludicrous it would sound." She joked, "I mean, how would you feel if all those American comicbook heroes are real, yet they've been hidden for whatever reason? There'll be riots over there... I expect the Japanese to be a bit more subdued, but they'll riot nonetheless."
"I get your point."
Nezu shifted himself on the sofa, after finding a somewhat comfortable position, before speaking, "The point of this meeting, is that I wish to discuss how Shiin view this society."
Both Shiin and Sarah expressed their confusions.
Aizawa helped him remember, "Something related to... 'World of Supers', as you put it."
Shiin squinted his eyes at Aizawa, "So... you heard all that?"
Sarah exhaled her frustration, "Shiin-chan, did you say something stupid again?"
"Actually," Nezu clarified, "He had a discussion with his fellow examinees in regards to vigilantism. I must say, I am impressed that the ones who were a part of that discussion kept their cool, and young Shiin did not escalate as he's mature enough to know that it is a sensitive topic."
"Thank you."
"You are most welcome," Nezu replied, "Also, the discussion ended with neither party becoming hostile to each other."
"Which is surprising, considering your attitude to most of the Pro Heroes you encounter." Aizawa interjected.
"Not my fault they're more emotional about it." Shiin shrugged.
"So why did you kept your cool when the examinees?"
Shiin looked at Aizawa as if he was a fool—which he does think so, "They're kids, you moron. I'm not going to get angry at them for having a civil discussion. At least they can be civil. Not my fault some of the the so-called Pros can be immature about the things I have in mind."
"... You know what, I think I agree with you."
Shiin expressed his surprise by raising his fists high, "I finally won you over something!"
"Don't push your luck." Aizawa retorted, "I just remembered how in the Heisei era, there were a lot of controversies involving people saying the wrong things."
Lowering his hands, Shiin began to remember some things from that era, "I think I remember one of them; a light novel got cancelled because the author said something racist online. It pissed off everybody in Japan. Not just the Chinese and Korean immigrants, but the native citizens as well. Hell, even the anime got cancelled—all three voice actors for the protagonists walked out, the escalation was insane!"
Sarah nodded, "That I can understand; it's obvious, but racism is always bad."
"A shame; I liked the manga. At least the artist got better works after that."
"Speaking of which, I also remember this manga series,"Aizawa added, "About a... vagabond samurai? He has a cross shaped—"
Shiin held out a hand, "Don't remind me. I'm still conflicted over it." For once, Shiin didn't say anything more, "Before I... change the subject again, was there a point you're trying to make, Aizawa?"
"People are too sensitive." Aizawa began, "So much that the government are pressured to keep whatever things they deemed insensitive censored or hidden away. How irrational."
Shiin clicked his tongue, "Weak hearted cowards are running the world, nowadays. Sure, they made decisions that sometimes ended up for the better, but it's not enough."
The four then sat in a comfortable silence.
"If we may continue," Nezu began, "I believe young Shiin said something about a deal. May I assume this has something to do with this... Skull Man?"
Shiin and Sarah looked at each other. The younger one beckoned her to do the talking.
And she did, "Do you know anything about cryogenic freezing?"
Nezu widened his cute little eyes, "Ah, I see. Skull Man used suspended animation to freeze you both."
"Actually, it's just him." Sarah pointed at Shiin.
Aizawa raised an eyebrow, "So... you're not the original Sarah Fukamachi?
"No, that would be my... great grandmother."
"So is Sarah your real name or..."
"It is. Full name Sarah Harrington Fukamachi."
Shiin grinned at her mentioning her name, "Aunt Sarah One and her granddaughter enjoyed the Honor Harrington novels—"
"Don't refer to her like that." She smacked Shiin upside his head.
Shiin rubbed the backside of his head, "How else do I tell others without confusing them?"
"Shiin."
"Okay, fine... Anyway, the reason I'm a bit more familiar with certain events from the late Heisei era and before," Shiin paused, "is because aunt Sarah... the first one, promised to keep all the information I'll be missing out on in storage. Plus, buy all the cool new things that I won't be familiar with."
Sarah glared at Shiin, "You basically almost bankrupt my family once you woke up."
"I made up for it with all the jobs I did, give me a break!"
"Most of them you robbed from street punks—"
"I prefer to call them loot. Besides, they were asking for it. And if they don't have money, they sometimes give me stuffs which I pawned—"
"Well, I'll be." Aizawa interjected, "Just like the Ryu ga Gotoku games, huh?"
"It happens." Shiin shrugged, "But thanks to the Supers, I have to get money by working odd jobs more often."
"I bet the entrance exam was quite the stress relief for you."
"You have no idea..." Shiin mused, "So... about my time in the ice box."
Aizawa and Nezu leaned forward, eager to finally hear the story.
But Shiin snapped his fingers, and pointed a forefinger at Nezu, "Before I begin... am I accepted?"
Nezu did not hesitate, "Of course. I am simply curious about you, and depending on how your story sounds, I may be able to arrange a few things for you."
"Don't lie to your classmates."
Shiin glared at Aizawa, "About what, me being the son of—"
"No, about your age. And the fact that you were a high school dropout." Aizawa sipped his coffee, and put it down, "With the Sports Festival coming in a few months, there will be people who'll be looking for potential sidekicks. For that, we need to give certain informations of the students—you included. Personal informations will obviously not be made public, but... you don't want any misunderstandings, do you?"
Shiin kept glaring at the Eraser Hero, before sighing in defeat, "Oh, well. At least my youthful looks won't intimidate people."
Aizawa raised an eyebrow, "Planning to flirt with your teenage schoolmates?"
He didn't say it in a malicious tone, but the implications were there.
However, Shiin just wagged his finger, "Nice bait, mate. I'll either wait until we're in the twelfth grade, or I get lucky and get a harem of older women after me as my hero career progresses."
Sarah once again smacked Shiin's head, which only made him laugh.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Aizawa was getting a bit frustrated, "Can we please get to the explanation?"
"YOU CRAZY MOTHERFUCKING SUNNOVABITCH!"
"Kazamatsuri-san, stop this!"
Iida Tenya was holding Shiin's waist, but the taller boy was dragging him by the heels.
"Dude, calm down!"
Kirishima Eijiro was in his hardened form, also holding Shiin by the waist. Yet he was too strong.
"This guy is ridiculously strong and furious!"
The black haired boy with a quirk that allowed him to eject organic cellophane tapes from his elbows was trying to hold his ground. He—Sero Hanta—fired strands to both Shiin's arms, but it still wasn't enough, especially that he was smaller compared to Shiin.
"I understand his outrage... but this isn't the way to deal with it!"
"I agree! Kazamatsuri, calm down!"
The blond boy with the large tail—Ojiro Mashirao—added, holding the cellophane boy's waist. Alongside him was another boy with a muscular body, spiky hair, and peculiar looking lips—Sato Rikido—who was a few centimeters taller than Shiin, was also holding Sero's waist. Alas, not enough.
"Dark Shadow, go for his legs!"
The bird headed boy, Tokoyami Fumikage, was using his quirk to hold Shiin's legs. Dark Shadow, was its name. From within his own shadow, Tokoyami unleashed a monstrous looking creature, and with its arms Dark Shadow gripped his legs tightly.
The combined effort was working. Little by little, Shiin was slowing down before his hands could reach Aizawa Shouta.
With his usual nonchallant manner, Aizawa said, "What, all I did was give a condition of what will happen if they score lower than expected."
"By expelling them?! What the FUCK is wrong with you?!"
"Hold him, hold him!" Iida ordered, the rest complied.
As they struggled to restrain him, the surrounding area... vibrated.
The trees were shaking, nearby benches and trash cans as well. So much that the rest of 1-A who weren't restraining Shiin were having a hard time maintaining their balance.
"Wuhuhuhu—what's going on?!" Mineta screamed, currently lying on the ground. Koda as well, curling into a ball.
"I don't remember... the Earthquake Early Warning being broadcasted... this morning—" Kaminari added, just as he fell.
Meanwhile, Midoriya Izuku was crouching on the ground. He remembered when his mother told him of how severe earthquakes used to be when she was younger. With the rise of the Pro Heroes—including All Might—the damages for any quakes since their debut had been severely minimized.
The old earthquake simulation drills were still exercised even now, but with the addition of anti-disaster heroes growing in numbers, it's gotten easier.
'This isn't a normal earthquake.' Midoriya surmised, 'Like he said, the Warning wasn't sound. This is something else, what could have... Kazamatsuri-san! He told me that he has psychic powers... is that actually his quirk or—'
The vibration peaked for a moment, Midoriya saw birds flying away. Looking at his new friend being restrained by his fellow classmates, he heard something important in his anger, "How dare you do this to them!"
'He said [Them]... did he mean us? That's... that's it!' Midoriya realized the cause, and shouted, "We have to stop Kazamatsuri-san!"
"I think... they're doing just fine!" Jiro shouted, lying on all fours.
"That's not what I meant!" he shouted back, "We have to... calm him down!"
Uraraka approached Midoriya, "How do we do that, I'm not sure he's thinking straight at the moment!"
"You also met him during the entrance exam, right?!"
"Yes, but what does—"
Midoriya gained a sudden increase in courage, and turned to his classmates, "Are there anyone else here who met Kazamatsuri-san during the entrance exam?! Please come over here!"
Ashido Mina raised her hand, "I was there!"
Hagakure raised hers as well, but since she's invisible, only her sleeves were seen moving up, "Me too!"
"So was Ah!" Mineta cried out, crawling on the ground.
Aoyama... fabulously raised his hand, "I, too, was present!"
Shouji raised his triple right arms, then looked at the somewhat dogpiled Shiin, "The one with the glasses and the redhead were also there."
Midoriya gritted his teeth, "Alright, we—"
"You're overreacting." Aizawa added.
"You're ass is overreacting!" Shiin retorted.
"That's not even a good comeback."
"How about I come break your back?!"
Midoriya struggled to his feet, "We all need to calm him down!"
"Aaaa—Ah don't think that's a good idea!" Mineta said, crawling closer to Midoriya.
"Do you have a plan of some sort?" Shouji asked.
Midoriya nodded, "Yes. Did you all hear what Aizawa said, before—"
"Yeah, lowest rank gets expelled, that's totally unfair!" Ashido exclaimed.
"And then Kazamatsuri-san went berserk."
"Obviously, how does—"
"He got angry for us!" Midoriya explained, "I met him the moment I entered UA, and judging from the way he talked... I think he values his friends! Hearing that we'll get expelled set him off... making his psychic powers crazy. And he's trying to fight for us!"
"Psychic powers?" Jiro interjected, "Seriously?"
"That's sweet of him," Uraraka added, "But that's not something to get angry over! Do you really think we could calm him down by just talking?!"
"We have to try!" Midoriya got up to his feet, and made his way towards Shiin, "Come on!"
The boy sprinted. Thanks to his physical training, what would be something a typical nerd would lose their breath over was but a breeze for him. Reaching Aizawa-sensei, he stopped in front of him and turned to Shiin, "Kazamatsuri-san! Please calm do—"
Words were not enough to describe the rage in Kazamatsuri Shiin's face. However, what's physically happening to his face was clear as day.
His antennae and third eye have emerged. Midoriya noticed that, looking closely, he had extra eyes; one above each main eyes... all five eyes were glowing red. Along his face were some form of facial scarring, both symmetrically alligned. The scarring consisted of two C-shaped lines running over his eyes, as if both sides of his face could be peeled over.
It reminded Midoriya of Kabuki theater makeup he saw once in a school trip during his last year in middle school, specifically the one called Kumadori. He remembered it because he saw one that looked similar to All Might.
On Kazamatsuri's chin, was a vertical scar running down to his neck... Midoriya remembered that he could split his lower jaw apart.
It was almost as if a monster was about to break loose.
Midoriya had never seen such anger—not even Kacchan could look this furious—but he didn't see a monster. He's looking at a friend in need.
"Kazamatsuri-san!" he shouted, "This isn't the way, please calm down!"
Shiin glanced Midoriya, but returned his focused on his target, "He... Aizawa must pay!"
"I admit his condition sounds unreasonable," Midoriya argued, "But if you don't stop right now, not only you'll be punished for attacking a teacher, you'll be expelled for this!"
Shiin kept struggling.
"From the way you talked to me, you sounded like someone who value his friends! If you get expelled because you attack Aizawa-sensei... you'll probably be banned from UA... you'll never see us again!"
As he said that, Shiin slowly stopped struggling. His breathing began to slow down as he breathes.
"Kazama-san!" Ashido cried out, standing next to Midoriya's right (who couldn't help but blush because a girl was so close to him), "It's going to be alright, you don't have to get angry!"
"She's right!" Uraraka followed, stopping right next to Midoriya's left side, (now he blushed even more as two girls were very close to him), "Do you remember what you said to us? You won't just lose hope, but your future, too!"
'H-hope?' Midoriya wondered, 'What did she mean by that?'
Before he could ask, Midoriya saw that Shiin had stopped. He took his chance to talk to the ones holding his waist, "Iida, and uh..."
"Kirishima. Is he calm now?"
"He is... but I need you two to let him go and talk to him!" Midoriya explained.
"We hear you, but..."
"It should be fine now, please!"
Kirishima and Iida looked at each other, and nodded. As they let go, Sero loosened his tapes, and Tokoyami ordered Dark Shadow to let go, but told it to stay.
"Dude, seriously!" Kirishima shouted, grabbing hold of Shiin's shoulders, "I appreciate that you're angry for us, that's manly. But what's even manlier is that you mustn't lose your cool!"
"If you cannot control your emotions, Kazamatsuri-san," Iida reasoned, "Then your life as a student of this esteemed academy will be in ruins! As Midoriya said, not only they will bar you from even getting near the gates, but you will no longer be able to interact with us; do you wish to lose your newfound friendship like this?!"
Shiin's eyes lost their glow as he tried to answer. Then, he managed one word, "... No."
Midoriya pleaded to the taller boy, "Then please... calm down."
Eventually, the students who met Shiin during the entrance exam began to gather around him. Words after words of encouragement and pacification, Shiin could only see their looks of desperation.
Then, he fell to his knees, panting.
"Alright, I think he's heard enough. Move aside..."
Aizawa gently moved the students away from his path. As they backed away, he kneeled down to Shiin. He looked into his eyes; and saw a face he had seen too many times in his career.
Guilt.
"Look at me." Aizawa ordered.
Shiin complied.
"Were you anybody else, I'd expel you immediately and kick your ass out of this academy myself. But, as it stands... Nezu took an interest in you. And as we've discussed, you wanted to see how the new generation will be like, no?
Shiin nodded.
'Did they... make some sort of deal?' Midoriya pondered.
"But this is reality; we can't just rely on hope, now can we?"
Shiin shook his head.
"As I said, the faculty members have been given freedom in dealing with students. This is how I'm doing it. This is the Hero Course; someday in the future they will have to deal with all kinds of unpleasantness. For that, they needed to be trained hard in academies on how being a Professional Hero isn't... 'exciting', as some of them put it."
A few students who said that out loud squirmed, but was glad that Aizawa was focusing on Shiin instead.
"Being a Hero isn't fun and games—people's lives are at stake. They need to know how to balance being a symbol of hope, and doing their damm jobs without any irrational distractions. Fame and fortune can burn in hell, for all I care."
Aizawa gripped the collar of Shiin's gym shirt, and brought him face-to-face, "What you're doing... is not only irrational, but detrimental to your... classmates' education. You think me expelling anyone who ranks the lowest is cruel? Well, pitying them by making them stay for three years is even crueler, do you know why?"
Shiin was silent, but slowly managed to find words, "Because... those you expel weren't ready. Mentally, physically, whatever... if you let them stay, they won't be at their best. They won't be proper heroes... more lives lost. Because... they were not ready."
Aizawa kept his glare as he let Shiin go, "Disasters, accidents, rampaging Villains who thirst for chaos... these calamities could happen anywhere and anytime. Our country is just another part of the world that's filled with things that's considered 'totally unfair.'"
'He heard that?!' Ashido screamed in her head.
"And those who are called Heroes," Aizawa continued, now setting his attention to the rest of 1-A, "are people who are sent to deal with such 'unfairness' and correct them."
"If they can't deal with that," Aizawa looked back to Shiin,"then they don't belong in this business. So, forget spending time hanging out in cafés and other places, because for the next three years, UA will put not just your classmates, but everyone through the wringer."
"You know our slogan. Plus Ultra. If they can overcome that, then they've got what it takes." Aizawa said aloud, before lowering his voice for Shiin, "Do you have little faith in them?"
Shiin raised his head up, and glared, "I will... never lose faith in the new generations. I believe they can and will be great heroes. I sensed their potential the moment I entered the class."
He turned towards Bakugou, who was glaring him back, "Even someone like him."
"Then why don't you believe in them a bit more? They're kids, but they're not entirely helpless." Aizawa reasoned, and raised his voice again for the others, "You all want to be heroes, right?"
Most of class1-A said yes, while the quiet ones nodded.
"Damn straight, I do!"
Shiin didn't need to look to know who said that. After a few deep breathes, Shiin get up on his feet.
"You felt their spirits?" Aizawa asked.
"Yes."
"Are you rational enough to understand what's going to happen?"
Shiin lowered his head, and answered, "I do."
"Good... then you know that as much as it annoys me, I have a job to do. You are to be punished for attempted assault."
"... I understand."
"Since you want to have faith in your 'friends' so badly, you are to watch all of them complete all eight tests. As the old saying goes,'action speaks louder than words,' and we'll see if they're loud enough to get through to that thick skull of yours."
Aizawa adjusted his scarf, "Before I continue, I have two questions; one, do you remember your old scores?"
"... I don't."
"Question two, does your... 'quirk'," Aizawa waved a hand, "allows you to transform freely?"
"No. Either I sometimes look human with these visible," Shiin gestured to his antennae and extra eyes, "with clawed fingers and feet—all retractable... or otherwise."
The Eraser Hero hummed, "I see... then once they're all done with their tests, you'll do it while they watch. Twice."
Midoriya gasped, "Sensei! Is that really—"
"And you'll do them all as if you're training for the Olympics." Aizawa ignored the boy, and raised his voice, "If they're doing a fifty meter dash, then you're going to do a hundred meter dash. Once you transform, you'll do it at one-fifty."
"A hundred and fifty meter dash?!" Iida protested, "Aizawa-sensei, I understand that you are doing your job by punishing Kazamatsuri-san for his actions, but is that not too excessive?"
"And I don't think the old training regiments for the Olympics all those years ago were that intense!" Kirishima added.
Aizawa just glared at the two, "As I said, Plus Ultra. This goes for the rest of the tests, Kazamatsuri. Now go back in line."
"Aizawa-sensei, please—"
"It's fine, Iida, Kirishima." Shiin held out a hand, "I messed up. I'll take it. Go back with the others, all of you."
The two were trying to think of something to respond with, but couldn't find any. One by one, the students who were involved in restraining Shiin went back to their fellow classmates. Followed by the ones who talked him down. Midoriya was the last to leave.
"With that out of the way..." Aizawa muttered as he glanced at his students. Then, he saw who he's looking for, "Yaoyoruzu Momo. Get over here."
The girl stood agape, but regained her composure as she made her way to her homeroom teacher. A few seconds later, she stood next to Aizawa and Shiin, "Yes, sensei?"
"Your quirk allows you to create just about anything from your body, right?"
"It does, sensei."
"Then create a pair of handcuffs and put them on this idiot."
Yaoyoruzu gasped, "But... sensei! Is that not too much? I understand that Kazamatsuri should be punished, but in addition to the tests you'll put him through, this—"
"Not only does he have a temper, but he just can't help but get worried for others most of the time. Even when he shouldn't. I want him to stay put and not do anything until it's his time."
"Aizawa-sensei!"
"Yaomomo, it's alright."
The girl turned to Shiin, "W-what?"
"Not only did I found a good nickname for you, I'm telling you... it's alright."
"But, Kazamatsuri-san..."
"If this keeps going, he'll order you to cuff my ankles, too. Just do it. Please."
With reluctance, Yaoyoruzu focused on herself. Visualizing what kind of handcuffs she wanted to create, the item appeared, coming out of her arm.
She didn't move. 'I am about to put handcuffs on a classmate...'
"If it would make you feel better," Shiin reasoned, "Consider this practice for a future encounter with a former schoolmate gone bad."
"Kazamatsuri-san..."
"Yaomomo, I pray that you and everyone here won't have to apprehend an old friend turned criminal in the future. But seriously, gimme that."
Shiin grabbed the handcuffs out of her hands, and put them around his wrists. It was tight enough, but then he noticed the chains, "Isn't this a bit longer than the real ones?", he emphasized by spreading his hands apart, and the chain prevented them from becoming wider than his shoulders, "I can still punch people with these on."
"I'm sorry," Yaoyoruzu muttered, "But this is highly irregular. I can't just—"
"It's fine." Aizawa interrupted, "Just make sure when you apprehend actual villains, you cuff them properly with regulation handcuffs. Now go back to the others. That includes you, Kazamatsuri."
Yaoyoruzu turned to her homeroom teacher, and back to her taller classmate. Reluctantly, as the others made their way back to the group, she walked beside Shiin to the others.
"Hey, Yaomomo," the girl turned to Shiin, who managed a smile, "Don't feel guilty."
"How could I not?" Yaoyoruzu said, "I may have only done what Aizawa-sensei had asked, but this still feels wrong."
"Welcome to the world of grey and gray morality."
"'Grey and... gray'?" Yaoyoruzu repeated, "Aren't they the same word?"
"No, homophones." Shiin corrected, "Kinda like how our kanji characters can sometimes have different meanings despite using the same letter, but the opposite."
"So... they sound similar, but when in written form, they're actually different?"
"Yes. I forget which, but one color is brighter, while the other is darker. One has the letter A, the other the letter E. Not my fault the Japanese language translated those two as the color of ashes. You ever heard of how people view the world as black and white?"
"Either a certain something is good, or it's bad. No exceptions."
Shiin nodded at Yaoyoruzu, "That's where grey and gray comes in. They're the ones between black and white. Morality wise, those in white are pure good. Black, pure evil..." he gestured for her to figure out the answer.
She did, "But those who views life inbetween... they can be both wrong and right, depending on which side you are on?"
"Indeed. Such is how the world truly works, no matter how many only wanted it to be either black or white."
"I see..." Yaoyoruzu turned to Shiin, "But what does that have to do with your current predicament, Kazamatsuri-san? That you and Aizawa-sensei both believe that you're in the right... and the wrong, at the same time?"
Shiin was silent for a moment, "... In a way, yes and no. This is one of those complex discussions people can have, and unfortunately we don't have time for it. My point is that, despite what I just did... whether you felt good or bad about it, feeling neutral is an option. It is what it is."
Yaoyoruzu pondered at his words, but shook her head, "I do not like such way of thinking."
"I'm not trying to convince you that it's the correct way, just another option out of infinity." Shiin admitted, "Understand that the world is annoyingly complicated. It's up to you to find a way to make things easier for you."
The two finally returned to the rest of 1-A. An awkward silence hanged in the air as Aizawa waited for the training bots to set themselves up.
"Sooo... that happened." Kaminari commented, "You okay, Kazamatsuri-san?"
"Yeah." Was all Shiin said.
"From what Midoriya told us... you basically have little to no friends?"
"You can say that."
A new voice suddenly made its owner known, "With that attitude, I'm not sure you can win people over if you keep that up."
Turning to the source, Shiin recognized his distinctive hair, "Ah, so you can speak. Who are you again?"
"... Todoroki Shouto."
Shiin acknowledged with a nod, "I am... not that arrogant to not realize that I messed up. I know I need to change myself, but the road I'm walking on is... quite rocky."
"You complaining?"
"Nah, just admitting that it's difficult. But not impossible." With that, Todoroki nodded and paid attention elsewhere.
Uraraka was glancing at Kazamatsuri, trying to find a topic to talk about.
He sensed it, "Something on your mind, Uraraka?"
"Oh! I just... well..." she was poking her forefingers together.
"If it's about me, I'm open to criticism."
"It's not that, Kazamatsuri-san." Uraraka corrected, "Aizawa-sensei said something about... a discussion, you both had?"
Shiin held a neutral expression.
"I heard something, too!" Midoriya shouted, gulping as yet again he's the center of attention, "When Aizawa told us to change uniforms, I... overheard that you made a deal with the principal. Kazamatsuri-san... what does—"
Just as the attention diverted to Shiin, Aizawa walked into the group, "Alright, everything's set. First test will be the fifty meter dash."
He ignored them, and raised his voice, "I think you all heard our... sensei, here. Time to run."
"Oh, so now you call me that. Iida Tenya, Asui Tsuyu; you two are first."
The aformentioned two looked at Shiin. Solemnly, he nodded to them. Fortunately, they understood the message, and followed Aizawa.
"Uh, yeah. What was that about?" Kirishima asked.
"I'll... I'll tell you all after this." Shiin exhaled, clenching and unclenching his fists, "You guys need to focus on the tests rather than what I have to say. I promise I'll talk about it... and I promise that I'm not secretly an undercover cop."
They heard someone snapping their fingers, "Dangit! Sero, looks like you won that bet."
Smiling, Sero pointed at Kaminari, "And I thought you were the smart one."
"What's this about?" Shiin demanded.
"Ah, nothing much." Kaminari said, "Just a bet on who you really are. From the way you talk, it's obvious you probably have quite the life experience... but since we aren't sure about that, some of us made bets."
Shiin raised an eyebrow, "So, Kaminari... you thought I was doing a 21 Jump Street episode on you all?"
Kaminari grinned and shook his head, "Kind of... that movie was—"
"I prefer the original TV show with Johnny Depp, thank you very much."
The blonde laughed, "Man! You really do enjoy all those vintage stuffs! I thought it's only old video games, but... you must have a hoard of Heisei era goodies!"
With a smirk, Shiin added, "And some Showa era stuffs. You would be surprised with the kind of songs I have in my phone... Does the name Satellite Young sound familiar—"
"You're kidding," Jiro exclaimed, "My parents listened to their songs alongside all the old rock n' roll songs they... have."
The girl immediately closed her mouth as they now had their attention to her. She blushed as Shiin approached her, smiling ear to ear, "Come on, don't be shy. Your parents have good taste in music, and they passed it on to you. Nothing wrong with that."
"So... so what? It's not that interesting, everyone listens to music, not just me." Jiro twirled her elongated earlobes, and decided that the dirt around her was more interesting.
'... She is so adorable.' A mischevious smirk formed on Shiin's face. "Rock n' roll, huh? Don't tell me your dad made you listen to Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry before—"
"As a matter of fact, he did. Why does it matter, anyway? It's not like songs can be used for hero work..." Now she's getting a bit more flustered.
Shiin gasped, putting a hand on his chest, where his heart would be, "It matters so much, Jiro Kyouka!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Do you have any idea how the power of music have affected the world?"
"Oh, for crying out loud." Jiro palmed her face, "You're gonna give the same tirade my dad did when I asked that question, aren't you?"
"Ah, so you do know?"
"Elvis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper, Hendrix, Black Sabbath—both Ozzy and Dio eras, Led Zeppelin, Queen, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Motorhead, Nirvana... if it's related to rock n' roll and metal, my dad's lectured me enough to last a lifetime."
Shiin smile and nodded, "Anything on the locals?"
"Them too, of course. Not just the ones that did rock music. Mom's more involved on teaching me those, even though punk rock's her favorite."
"Cool... I don't think you said anything on Satellite Young yet."
"The way they mixed nineteen-eighties synthesizer with twenty-tens instruments were genius."
"On the same genre, Mitch Murder, and synthwave in general?"
"Not really my thing, but I have a cousin who enjoys them."
"X-Japan?"
"Visual Kei isn't really my thing either. But that band's songs are awesome."
"B'z?"
"One of the first bands my dad introduced me. I listen to them on occasion."
"Issei Fuubi Sepia?"
"Dude, I think my grandparents listen to them more than my parents do."
"Nakamori Akina?"
"That's more of mom's kind of song."
"Yamashita Tatsuro?"
"Too mellow for me, but he's one of the good ones."
"Babymetal?"
"They're badass, and I can't believe you listen to them."
"Hotei Tomoyasu?"
"He's my hero! The way he shreds his guitar is just awesome! And he makes wearing longcoats soooo cool!"
Jiro raised her fists in excitement. Her smile was radiant; as if a Stairway to Heaven had opened up over the Highway to Hell, giving mortals both paths to Heaven and Hell. Her giggle, while lasting only a moment, were as sweet as Eddie van Halen's Eruption.
'Dante's rocking the longcoat, too... but this is too cute to ruin.'
Ashido was chuckling at Jiro's enthusiasm. Unfortunately, that brought her back to reality. "What did you do to me?!" she was covering her face with her hands.
"We're just talking about music." Shiin raised his hands, "Not my fault you got excited."
"Y—you must've used your psychic powers on me! That's not cool!"
Shiin scoffed at her, "Please, if I can control minds, I would've make Bomberman punch himself in the crotch."
"FUCK YOU!"
"And make him do it everytime he swears."
Jiro kept glaring as her face turned red like Brian May's Red Special.
Shiin turned to Midoriya. He intesified his glare, and waved a hand at him, "You will do a front flip right this instant."
"W—why would I do that?" Midoriya tilted his head.
Then, Shiin turned to Kirishima, waving his hand, "You will strip and show off your muscular body to the girls."
Kirishima was flabbergasted, "Dude, seriously?"
Not to be unfair, he looked to Ashido, and once again waved his hand,"You will come forth and hug me because you think I'm cute."
Ashido stood agape, before guffawing. Followed by Kaminari, who shouted, "A Jedi Mind Trick from Star Wars! Of all the things!"
Everyone except the so-called tough and stoic ones laughed with them.
Jiro's blush was fading away as she calmed down, "Okay, fine. Maybe you can't control minds."
Once again, Shiin couldn't help but smirk, "Maybe not yet."
Suddenly, a softball bounced off of Shiin's head.
"Kazamatsuri's weakness number one; his mental powers may allow him to detect incoming danger, but distract him well and long enough, he'll be wide open."
Slowly, he turned his head around, "What. The fuck. Aizawa."
"Language."
"Answer."
Aizawa scoffed, "You're being punished right now. Stop paying attention, and I'll start telling secrets."
Shiin could only glare for who knows how many times he had done for today.
"Nothing major, don't worry; I'm not that tactless."
"Any reason why you chose that of all things?"
"Handicap. If they ever going to fight you, they need an edge or two."
Yaoyoruzu raised a hand, "Sensei! Are you saying that we are to fight one another soon?"
Aizawa squinted his eyes,"... Not today, but sometime this week. Did you really think you'll be fighting against just robots for three years?"
The girl realized her error, "I... no, of course not. Forgive me for my naiveté."
Exhaling a sigh, Aizawa turned to Iida and Asui, "You two ready?"
"Sir!"
"Ribbit."
The two entered a starting position. Aizawa used his tablet to activate the recorder bots. One of them had lights that resemble ones used in racing tracks.
Red. Red. Yellow. Yellow... Blue.
There goes the whistle.
In an flash, Iida ran like the wind.
{Time; 3,04 seconds}
Followed by Asui.
{Time; 5,58 seconds}
'It was obvious he would win this.' Shiin thought, 'Those exhausts in his thighs must feel... weird. But, since he's born with them I guess they felt natural to him. Tsuyu's legs may look normal (thank God for that), but she has muscles of a frog. Of course she can jump good.'
Aizawa finished with his input, and send the two back, "Alright. Up next; Uraraka Ochako, Ojiro Mashirao!"
"Ah, I guess it's my turn." The girl commented, and waved to Midoriya and Shiin, "Wish me luck!"
Shiin nodded and waved back, as did Midoriya. As Ojiro passed by him, Shiin said, "Good luck to you too, Ojiro."
"Oh, thanks."
After a moment of silence, Midoriya gulped the pocket of air in his mouth, and turned to Shiin, "Kazamatsuri-san..."
"Yeah, Buddy?"
Meanwhile, Bakugou scowled even harder when he heard it, 'How the fuck did Deku and that Bug-eyed Freak are friends?!'
"I... I wanted to say that—I don't speak for everyone here—but I... I know you're a good guy."
"Really? How so? Maybe this is all an act, and eventually I'll become UA's Ultimate Bancho, and lead an army of super teens to take over Japan."
Kirishima snickered, "Bancho? Oh, man! That's so old-school!"
Midoriya let out an awkward laugh, before continuing, "Well... I know that you're the type to enjoy jokes. And that was too ridiculous of a lie to believe."
"So ridiculous, it might be crazy enough to work?"
"Don't kid yourself, Kazama-san." Ashido interjected.
Sighing, Shiin slumped his shoulders, "Okay, fine."
They stopped just in time to see Uraraka and Ojiro in their positions. And Aizawa just lowered another softball he was holding.
"What, I'm looking!"
As he did, Shiin saw Uraraka touching her feet and body... or specifically, her gym uniform and her shoes. Thanks to his eyes, he noticed them looking more bouyant. 'Ah, clever girl.'
"... Get ready."
Red. Red. Yellow. Yellow... Blue.
And they're off! Ojiro was using his tail to move forward—obviously its muscles were stronger than a baseline human. Uraraka... was doing her best.
'Obviously not too athletic,' Shiin commented, 'but by removing gravity from her clothing, it's as if she's running naked...'
Oooh Mmmyyy—
'Shut the fuck up and narrate.'
You're no fun.
'Convince the writer to make this story a typical harem comedy then.'
He wants you to suffer.
'Jackass.'
{Time; 7,15 seconds}
"Huh. Both of you tied."
Shiin gave out two thumbs up, when Uraraka saw them, she grinned. Shiin stared at Ojiro, hoping he stared back. He did, and saw Shiin's hands. He was surprised, but smiled at the gesture.
"Kazamatsuri-san, about what you were saying..."
"Ah, Iida, Tsuyu..."
Shiin cleared his throat, "Right. So, before I got accepted, Principal Nezu visited me. Aizawa was also there, and the three of us made a deal."
"What... kind of deal?" Iida queried, "Surely, there is no foul play involved in your acceptance? It is unthinkable for UA Academy could resort to such—"
"Iida, calm down," Shiin assured, "Nothing crazy like me secretly being an undercover cop or anything, it's just..."
Midoriya approached Iida, "Kazamatsuri-san promised that he'll tell us once we get back to class."
Tsuyu put a finger under her lips, "Is it a sensitive topic?"
Shiin nodded, a bit meekly for someone his size, "Sort of... sorry."
"It's alright, Shiin-chan."
"No, not just about that... sorry for scaring you."
He turned to the others, "All of you, I mean. I never meant for your first day to be this intense. Thanks to Aizawa... sensei, it became just that."
"And you escalated it by losing control of your temper." Tsuyu surmised.
Shiin exhaled, "Basically..."
"I overheard Midoriya's explanation," Iida said, adjusting his glasses, "you lost yourself because of Aizawa-sensei's ultimatum, correct? And you were outraged... for us."
He nodded.
"I...appreciate that you'd go to such length to defend us... but it does not change the fact that you overreacted by attempting assault on a faculty member."
"I know."
"And not only that, the first thing that came to your mind was to assault, not converse. Pro Heroes are not like the ones you read in comicbooks, specifically the ones who punch first, and ask later."
"Iida, I have a feeling you'd take long, so Imma stop you right here."
Shiin raised his handcuffed hands, "See these? Aizawa ordered Yaomomo to—"
"Who?"
"Ponytail girl," Shiin gestured with his head, the aformentioned girl was standing next to Jirou.
"Ah, Yaoyoruzu."
"So, our... sensei, honorable and everwise is he—"
"You must really not like Aizawa-sensei, Shiin-chan."
Shiin rolled his eyes, "It's a really long story, Tsuyu. Anyway, I'm cuffed because this is his idea for punishment."
Iida nodded in understanding, "I see... so that's why you had those on you. Aizawa-sensei must feel the same about you."
"Basically."
"But why?" Iida pondered, "Why would an adult have such vendetta against a teenager?"
... I wonder how the author's going to get you out of this one?
'How many times—'
It's hilarious.
'Fuck off.'
"Shiin-chan?"
Breaking out of his stupor, Shiin turned to Tsuyu, "Yeah?"
"Was that question... connected to the Principal's deal with you?"
It took him a moment, but Shiin slowly nodded.
"Alright. Iida-chan, perhaps we should hold on any questions until Shiin-chan is ready to tell it to us."
Iida pondered for a moment. Then he made a decision, "Very well. I apologize for my forwardness, but you understand, don't you?"
"More than anyone, Iida. Thanks."
Widening his eyes, Shiin turned to the rest of 1-A. Specifically, to the ones who were involved in restraining him, "Which one of you were involved in holding me back?"
There was silence.
"I promise I'm not angry... I just wanted to thank you guys for that."
Another moment of silence later, someone responded, "... Then I shall be the first."
The bird-headed boy stepped forward, approaching Shiin, who was inspecting him, "Ah, the Disciple of Kekuit walks before me."
"My name is Tokoyami Fumikage... and I do not understand the last part."
"Sorry, you have a human body but a head of a bird, just like how old Egyptian hieroglyphs depicted their deities with animal heads."
"Ah, I see... I have not delved deep into its lore to recognize who Kekuit is. But I do know that they do not truly possess animal heads."
"Kekuit is the deification of primordial darkness. I'd mention Ra, the sun god, who's depicted with a bird's head... but your quirk is not sun based. I could use Jehuty, but I don't know how smart and wise you are."
'I am so not using the original name Kek.'
Tokoyami crossed his arms, "The god of wisdom... I'm confident with my intellect, but I am not that wise."
Shiin noticed Dark Shadow peeking from under Tokoyami, "Is it self-aware?"
"More or less..."
Sensing Tokoyami wouldn't say much about his quirks, Shiin raised his chained hands, "Say no more, I'm not even asking what your quirk's limitations are. Really though, Tokoyami... thank you. And, sorry about what happened."
"You are welcome, Kazamatsuri. And no apologies necessary; I understand the difficulties of controlling one's darker side..."
Then, one by one, Kazamatsuri managed to talk to each of his classmates, and apologized to them all.
Sero Hanta helped removed the tapes that he used on him, Satou Rikido and Ojiro Mashirao felt surprised at Kazamatsuri's overwhelming strength, yet adviced the man to control his temper to use it efficiently.
Even the quiet boy with the rock monster head, Kouda Kouji, finally gathered his courage to look Kazamatsuri in the eyes. And told him two things:
"You... are afraid of insects, even though you can control animals with your voice?"
Kouda gulped before nodding.
"So you're... not a mute, just ridiculously shy? So much you learned sign language to communicate with people?"
Kouda didn't need his hands to tell him his answer.
"... Does your own parents know how you sound like?"
Yet again, Kouda didn't need his hands to answer Shiin.
"Ah, I see... I think what you got is something called Selective Mutism." Shiin began, "From what I remember, they used to call it Elective Mutism because scientists believed that those who have them only speak to certain specific individuals, but eventually it's revealed that they really couldn't help it. Thus, the name change."
"I don't know if you actually have that, or you're just ridiculously shy like I said," Shiin continued, scratching his chin, "But... that's not really my business, is it?"
Kouda looked down, his expression never changing from that Eeyore-like sadness.
Shiin looked down, and slowly nodded. He smiled at the boy and gave a thumbs up, "May you find the courage and willpower to speak with others, Kouda."
Fortunately, Kouda replied with the same hand gesture. Were it not for his facial structure, Shiin could've seen his lips forming a little smile.
Meanwhile, the test went on.
Kazamatsuri Shiin had witnessed how each the 20 of 1-A excel and fail the first five exams, especially one Midoriya Izuku.
So far, he had failed the first four tests, and he wasn't using his bone-breaking quirk due to fear of said quirk doing what it described.
The 50 meter dash? Took 7, 02 seconds, compared to his previous 7, 49 seconds in middle school.
Grip strength test? 56 Kilograms, previously 40 Kg. Compared to the others, his are weak. Probably matches Mineta's grip strength.
Long jumps and side hops? Don't even ask.
"Buddy." Shiin whispered to Midoriya,"You're in deep shit."
Midoriya gulped, "I... I know."
"Don't even bother beating Uraraka's record, but the rest? Any ideas?"
"I... I think now's the time I'll use my quirk."
Shiin raised an eyebrow, "Even if it breaks your fingers?"
"Midoriya Izuku. You're next."
At Aizawa's orders, the boy took a deep breath, "How did that saying go? No pain, no gain?"
Shiin smirked at that, "You can do it."
Midoriya made his way to the field. He grabbed the modified baseball inside the crate, and walked into the circle.
The circle on the ground had a cone forming out of one side. It streches out and is wider the farther he looked, and there were rows of curved lines. Shiin doesn't remember the exact name, but he usually saw such thing in games where the goal is to throw a ball as far as the player can.
He heard a sigh, and turned to Iida, "If this keeps up, Midoriya would get expelled..."
Someone clicked his tongue, "Of course he will! He's just a quirkless small fry!"
Shiin raised an eyebrow at that, but made no comment.
"What?!" Iida cried out, "Do you not know what he did during the exam?"
Shiin let out a chuckle, "Don't waste your breath explaining, Iida. Seeing is believing, and in a few seconds..."
Just then, Midoriya threw the ball with all his might... only to fall a few steps in front of him.
Bakugou smirked at Shiin, "You were saying?"
However, Shiin ignored his remark, as he was looking at Aizama... finally activating his quirk.
"Forty-six meters." The teacher announced.
"But... I was just about to use it." Midoriya looked at his hands, confusion written all over his face.
"It's because I have erased your quirk."
Shiin turned to his classmates, "You guys seriously don't know Aizawa's hero name?"
Ashido shrugged, "No, not at all. Anyone?" she gestured her hands to the others, and they all shook their heads.
"Ever since the entrance exam," Aizawa began, "I always thought that you being accepted as an irrationality."
Now, his long hair were floating up, mimicking a 90s animanga characters' hairstyle. His eyes—specifically his irises—were glowing red. He uncurled his scarf, and they moved as if it had a mind of its own, but in reality Aizawa was just that good at using it as a weapon.
It was at that moment Midoriya finally recognized Aizawa, "Of course! You're the Erasure Hero, Eraser Head!"
Then Class 1-A made some noise.
"Eraser what? This is the first time I heard of him."
"I know that name! He's like an underground hero or something."
"The reason is that because he refuses to appear in public."
Everyone turned their attention to Shiin. Ashido tilted her head, "Why's that, Kazama-san?"
"He's like a ninja. An actual ninja." He emphasized, "They do their jobs without any fancy nonsense, no showboating, and no distractions from the public. He has made hundreds of arrests thanks to the villains not knowing who he was."
"As far as I'm seeing," Aizawa said, raising his voice as he drew closer to Midoriya, "You still can't control your quirk yet. If you get injured because of it, you expect anyone to help you?"
"No! It's not—"
Aizawa used his scarf to snare Midoriya closer to him. Shiin took a step forward without thinking, but Iida saw it and hold him steady, "Easy there, Kazamatsuri-san."
He glared at Aizawa, but Shiin didn't move from where he's standing.
"Then what?!" Aizawa shouted, "Nobody would have the time to rescue you, especially since you are supposed to be their rescuer!"
Aizawa's snare tightened around Midoriya, making the boy squirm. "A long time ago, a certain loud-mouthed hero became a legend."
Midoriya stopped struggling as he immediately knew whom he was talking about.
"He saved more than a thousand lives all by himself." Aizawa continued, "Even if you have the same amount of courage he had back then, it won't matter if you're going to be that one idiot who needs constant rescuing. Midoriya Izuku, you will never be a hero that way. Especially with that Power you have."
Aizawa kept glaring at Midoriya, before closing his eyes and exhaling, deactivating his quirk. Indicated by his hair that's no longer floating.
"I've given back your quirk." Aizawa explained, "You have two chances to throw the ball. Do it."
Aizawa used his scarf-snare to grab a new ball, and gave it to Midoriya. The boy grabbed the ball, and started... whispering to himself.
Suddenly, Aoyama said something, "Are you worried about him? I'm not." He was grabbing one of Uraraka's shoulders.
"W-who are you?"
"Aoyama Yuuga."
"Oui, Monsieur Kazamatsuri?"
"I'm just telling her your name." Shiin rolled his eyes.
Iida was rubbing his chin, "It seems Midoriya had gotten some guidance."
Bakugou scoffed, "Still gonna get expelled."
"Not this time."
Shiin's answer earned a glare from Bakugou, "And just how are you so sure about Deku scoring some points?"
Bakugou got his answer when Shiin tapped the side of head, "I can feel his determination. He got this."
Instead of questioning him further, Bakugou clicked his tongue, and decided to look at Midoriya. 'Damn Deku.'
Aizawa was using eyedrops as Midoriya continued whispering.
"You're chances..." Aizawa muttered.
Midoriya was winding up for a throw.
"Are zero." The teacher finished.
"Not yet."
Only Aizawa and Shiin heard Midoriya. He kept repeating those words as his throwing arm began to emit an electric spark. The green lightning engulfed his arm for a millisecond before it moved to his hands.
Shiin could sense the build up of power coming from Midoriya, and felt that he was about to unleash it, "Now."
"SSSMMMMAAAASSSHHH!"
Midoriya finally threw the ball, creating small shockwaves from the action.
'Holy shit, did that broke the sound barrier?' Shiin wondered, forming a grin as the ball went further.
The grin was gone the moment he saw Midoriya's hand. Specifically, his forefinger, 'Damn, it's broken... he must've focused whatever it is that fuels his quirk into one part of his body... just what the hell is that quirk?'
"Aizawa-sensei!"
Midoriya clenched his throwing hand, the fist shaking as he was holding back the pain from his finger, and looked at his homeroom teacher.
"I'm still standing."
His score was 705,3 meters. This made Aizawa grin, "Not bad at all."
"Woo-hoo!" Uraraka cheered, "You finally got a score worthy of a hero!"
Iida put his hand above his eyes as if holding a binocular, "His finger is bruised... that means it's not just something that happened during the exam. What an odd quirk."
"It was stylish, yet somewhat undignified at the same time." Aoyama commented.
Shiin heard murmurs of curiousity and praises for Midoriya. But one voice was silent.
'Of course Bomberman said nothing.' Shiin turned his head to the boy, 'Whatever animosity he has with Midoriya, it involved the fact that he keeps telling others that Midoriya's quirkless.'
The gears in Shiin's brain began to rotate, 'Hmm... a lot of what I learned about him doesn't make sense. So what—"
"WHAT THE HELL, DEKU?!"
The moment the blonde bomber roared, he used his quirk to blast himself towards Midoriya. Shiin's mind immediately went into action mode.
Everything was going so fast, few could comprehend what transpired before them. Uraraka couldn't believe her eyes; Shiin simply disappeared before her, "Wha—Where did Kazama-san go—"
"Over there!" Mineta shouted, pointing at where Midoriya was.
In seconds, the following happened:
Midoriya flinched.
Bakugou shoving his right hand to the boy.
Whether to grapple or blast, it didn't matter to Shiin.
Suddenly, Shiin was already in front of Bakugou, the latter's eyes widen.
Shiin shifted his body to the left, and in milliseconds, he swung a hook to Bakugou with a shout.
"BINGO!"
To the others, they saw Shiin punching Bakugou so hard, he recoiled back, thinking that Shiin almost broke the blonde's jaw.
For Bakugou, he didn't feel knuckles hitting his face, but... empty air. The pain lingered, but as someone who knew his way in a fight, this won't bruise. As he got back up, the blonde realized something;
Shiin was holding back. Bakugou growled.
The taller of the trio in the field simply cracked his neck, raised a hand, and waved a finger. Clicking his tongue whilst doing so.
"OUT OF MY WAY!" Bakugou shouted, once again using his quirk to propel himself to his target, this time being Shiin. Bakugou raised his right hand again.
However, Shiin merely shifted his body to the right, and raised his left arm.
Bakugou's attack connected, but instead of Shiin falling down as he expected, he stood his ground. Then, Shiin moved his left arm back, moving past Bakugou's grasp, and in return Shiin held the blonde bomber's wrist.
Swiftly, Shiin thrust his right arm towards Bakugou's shirt. And gripped it.
Then, he began to spin counter-clockwise. Were he not holding back against a minor, Shiin would've spin a lot quicker. But blacking him out wasn't the plan.
After about 5 revolutions, Shiin hopped and slammed Bakugou to the ground.
"PREDICTABLE!"
Again, were he not holding back, the impact would've made a crater.
But it was hard enough to make Bakugou bounce away from both Shiin and Midoriya.
Coughing for air, Bakugou struggled to get up, "Guh... what the hell..."
"After what I just did, I expected for everyone here to not lose their cool..." Shiin said, "But here you are, losing it."
"Outta my way, you bug—"
"Try again, and I'll stain my hands with your blood. Otherwise, you're borin' the crap outta me. You always fight like that?"
The first words of that sentence sent shivers to the others at how menacing it sounded. The casual admittance of boredom shifted their moods again from fear to confusion.
"Wha—what the hell just happened?!" Kirishima whispered.
"I dunno, but that was both terrifying and badass." Kaminari replied in an equally hushed voice.
However, Bakugou stood back up.
Shiin smirked at that, "You got spirit. But that means nothing if you don't know how to actually fight, whether you know martial arts or simple street fighting."
"I'll show you—"
Pieces of cloth suddenly clinged around Bakugou. One around his head, another around his body. Bakugou had his right hand aimed at Shiin, but nothing came out, only some fizzling noise.
"For crying out loud..." Aizawa grumbled, "Enough with the quirks, already. I'm getting dry eyes over here!"
Shiin slightly shook his head, 'Poor bastard. Useful quirk, terrible drawback.'
The homeroom teacher pulled his scarf, tightening the grip that held Bakugou in place. Shiin smirked as the boy struggled to get free, "That's his 'Capturing Weapon', and despite the unimaginative name, it has carbon fibers and some sort of special alloy wire weaved in. Probably some sort of Chogokin Z, or perhaps I should say Japanium."
"Mazinger Z... really?" Aizawa scowled, still gripping his scarf.
"You never told me what it is, so I made something up."
"That's classified information so nobody can easily reproduce them."
Aizawa clicked his tongue, and said, "Bakugou. You better behave once I let you go, understand?"
The boy grumbled.
"Do you understand?" Aizawa tightened his scarf again.
This time, Bakugou answered, "Alright already, I'll behave!"
And with that, Aizawa released his hold, and the scarf recoiled back into his person. He glared at Shiin, who merely shrugged, "What, you gonna punish me from defending a friend from a bully? Are Japanese school teachers still apathetic as they were decades ago? Do us students still need to police ourselves because adults are useless? At least I didn't actually punch him."
Shiin stomped his foot as Bakugou moved. The two glared at each other.
"Ka... Kazamatsuri-san." Midoriya pleaded, left hand gripping his bruised pointer finger, "It's alright."
"No, it's not. Bullies like him are pathetic insects, and I hate them." Shiin interrupted. He was about to say more, but as he looked at Midoriya's finger, he relented.
Bakugou scoffed, "Says the biggest bug in the field."
"Stop wasting time and get back in line." Aizawa added loudly, using his eyedrops on both eyes, "The quicker we finish the next events, the faster Midoriya can finish the rest of the tests, and go to Recovery Girl."
Shiin was about to argue, but was quickly reminded by Midoriya's wincing in pain.
"That means you also need to finish all the events fast, Kazamatsuri."
Shiin raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"
"The next few tests won't strain his finger if he do them right. Do you want your friend to suffer for longer?"
Gripping the chains of his handcuffs, Shiin rolled his eyes, and moved back to his classmates. For obvious reasons, most of them started to back away. Sighing, Shiin began, "Well, can't blame you for reacting like that. Relax, I only save the violence for combat and in defense of others."
Many of them looked unconvinced. Kirishima was the first to speak, "Dude, how did you get to Midoriya that fast?"
"Psychic powers, remember?" Shiin asked back, "If you read manga from the olden days, or probably some of the new ones about Espers, you can guess what I just did."
Kaminari knew the answer, "That was... teleportation, right?"
"Yup."
"Hey, hold on..." Mineta said, shaking his tiny legs, "Ah remember dat there's gonna be combat training later on... doesn't that mean—"
"Will any of you be facing me in there?"
Mineta gulped as he nodded. Shiin could feel the others' anxieties.
Even so, he couldn't help but to form a grin, and chuckled menacingly, "I'll try not to get anyone hospitalized."
Before they could say anything, Shiin leaned his head aside, raised a hand, and grabbed a softball. He turned around to see Aizawa, "Stop scaring your classmates and let's get this over with."
And then, they do.
Yet again, Shiin was basically benched until everyone had their turn. Midoriya was obviously having a hard time due to his injury. In the old days, someone with such wound would be sent home to a doctor. By in this World of Supers, if they can't handle working while managing through pain, they aren't cut out to be heroes.
Shiin knew this as he talked with Iida (after surviving another lecture from him), and the rest understood such way of thinking.
Before he knew it, the tests were over, and everyone had their turn.
"Kazamatsuri Shiin." Aizawa called out, "It's time. Considering you're literally the odd one out in a class of twenty, your record will be different from them, understood?"
With an exhale, Shiin stepped forward, and asked, "So, all of them in sequence? Mind if I start with the grip test?"
"Sure, whatever." Aizawa grabbed one of the grip strength tester.
Nodding his head, Shiin was about to began, but someone made him stop, "Kazamatsuri-san?"
"Midoriya... What's up, Buddy?"
"Aren't you... going to take those off?"
Shiin looked down, realizing what he meant, "Huh. I forgot I had these on."
Yaoyoruzu gasped, "My apologies, Kazamatsuri-san! I neglected to create a key for the handcuffs. Just a moment—"
"Don't worry, I can take these off myself." Shiin interrupted, walking away before she could reply. He reached for the pockets of his pants, and pulled out his smartphone. He twiddled with it, until he found the music player, "Aizawa, mind if I play something while doing so?"
Aizawa glared at Shiin, "Even if I say no, you're going to do it anyway."
"Damn right I do."
Sighing, Aizawa waved a hand, "Fine. The timer starts once you play it."
A couple of seconds later, Shiin found the track he was looking for. With a smirk, he showed the title to Aizawa, "Thirty minutes extended version."
And with that, he pressed play.
[Play BGM: Street Fighter V Arcade Edition OST Cody's Theme]
Shiin used his telekinesis to levitate his phone above his head.
One. Two. Three. Four...
He spread his cuffed hands apart, chains clinking with the beat.
Shiin focused his will, and then...
"Turn the beat back!"
He spread his arms again, and this time the chains broke into pieces as the music started.
"Whoa!" Kirishima exclaimed, "He can do that?!"
Jiro squinted her eyes, "That tune sounds... familiar."
Shiin ignored the commentaries as he pulled the grip tester out of Aizawa's hands using telekinesis. Once he got it, he gripped it as hard as he could until it made a beep. He threw the device back to Aizawa. He proceeded to do the stationary tests.
The mechs who were counting him almost couldn't keep up with his speed.
"He's fast! And he's doing it while levitating his phone. Heh, what a showoff!" Kaminari shouted.
"I like that tune he's playing, whatever it is!" Ashido added, shaking her head to the beat.
Next, Shiin made his way to the sand pit for the long jump. Knowing that the mechs' are recording, he made the jump.
"That's insane!" Mineta cried out, "He jumped over twenty meters... that's half of the pit's full length!"
"Kazamatsuri has powerful legs, that's for sure." Tokoyami commented.
Then, he made his way to the running field.
"Turn the beat back!"
With that shout, Shiin sprinted. He kept going.
"Turn back the beat!"
He increased his speed.
"Damn, he could probably keep up with Iida!" Sento said.
Iida said nothing as he kept his eyes on Shiin.
Eventually, Shiin finished a lap, and thus the entire event. He celebrated with a holler... and danced to the beat of the song as the trumpets began to play again. "Turn the beat back!"
"Woo-hoo! You did it, Kazama-san!" Ashido cheered, dancing and singing along,"Turn back the beat!"
"That was awesome! And whatever that song is, it's a good workout music!" Hagakure added, shaking her hips to the beat.
His classmates began to cheer and clap, with exception of Midoriya, and the more dignified and silent of them. Bakugou grumbled as he crossed his arms.
Aizawa cleared his throat. That snapped Shiin back to reality as he stopped the song.
"Aww, it was getting good." Ashido said.
"Don't worry," Shiin assured as he repeatedly exhaled, "You can hear it on Youtube or NicoNicoDouga. That's the theme song for Cody, from Street Fighter Five Arcade Edition."
Jirou snapped her fingers, "I knew I heard it somewhere before. I think I passed an arcade filled with old games a week ago..."
Kirishima grinned, "Of course you played that game."
"Yeah... how many of them are there now? I forgot."
Before Kirishima answered, Aizawa put his fingers into his mouth and whistled. A few seconds later, he asked, "Are you done, or do I need to drag you here?"
Shiin, panting for air, slowly calmed down as he put his phone back into his pocket. "Alright, already."
"Good, now do it again."
The others started to protest, but Shiin calmed them down. Yaoyoruzu didn't back down, "This is absurd! I understand that you are still punished, but to repeat it all..."
"That was part of his deal, Yaomomo."
"It's still wrong! Aizawa-sensei that you have to do it a second time. How come?"
Shiin could've answer her, but not this time.
He brought out his phone and wallet, then presented them to the ponytailed girl, "Do you mind holding these for me?"
Yaoyoruzu widened her eyes, "Whatever for?"
"Action speaks louder than words. Please."
Reluctantly, Yaoyoruzu complied as he handed over his belongings.
Shiin walked away from the group, and Aizawa had just finished preparing the mechs and another stopwatch, "You ready?"
Sighing, Shiin turned around to his classmates. Specifically, to one boy, "Kouda!"
The large boy yelped, looking around before pointing at himself.
"You said that you're not good with insects, right?"
Kouda slowly nodded.
Midoriya realized what's about to happen, "Oh, no..."
Ashido gulped, "You guys better brace yourself."
"What's wrong?" Jiro asked, "He gonna transform or something?"
"Yes, I will." Shiin answered loudly. He took a deep breath, and exhaled, "Kouda, I am so sorry for this."
And then Shiin took off his gym shirt and undershirt. This time for real, showing off his muscular torso.
"This again?!" Jiro shouted, covering her eyes, and face red as George Harrison's Lucy.
Most of the girls hid their faces. Except for Ashido, who peeked through her fingers. She couldn't help but be awed at his... physique.
"Wow..."
Normally, Shiin would've smirk at that, but he's too focused at the moment. And he was taking off his shoes and socks.
"Kazamatsuri!" Iida cried out, "Is this going to be a routine with you from now on?! I do not accept it!"
"Relax, Iida. With luck, you won't see me doing this often."
Once he tucked his socks into his shoes, he threw them to the pile where his shirts were. Using his powers, Shiin closed his eyes as the cuffs creaked. Then, they broke apart. Cracking his neck, Shiin started to spread his arms apart.
Taking a deep breath, Shiin moved them in a half-circle motion inwards until his wrists met each other. He turned his hands around. Shiin growled as his antennae and extra eyes popped out.
His classmates stepped back. Mostly the ones who weren't there at the entrance exam area Shiin attended. And especially Kouda Kouji.
"HENNNNNSSHHHIIIINNN."
The last thing he heard as he transformed was Kouda screaming in terror.
Whoo!
Started around June or some months before... finished as October begins.
60 pages in MicroWord, 21K+ words, not counting this author's note.
Originally, this chapter was supposed to end with Shiin and 1-A in the classroom, and our hero explaining what his deal is.
But... as you know, I follow Bruce Lee's "Don't think, feel" philosophy, and I feel that this is good enough to end right here.
I also have this feeling that some of you are probably anxious for some action. And all these talking must be boring for you.
Good news; I know, and I want to get to the fight scenes soon. If you read the manga/watch the anime, you know what comes next.
Bad news; I am... still figuring out how to make it work. Only way is for Shiin to do it alone.
My plan is for him to take on 5 of them. Or perhaps 7 of them. Like the OG Seven Samurai, or the OG Justice League lineup from the Golden Age.
Worse news; there will be a lot of talking in this story. And conversations about certain social issues.
Now, now. I ain't gonna go full crazy SJW on you guys, I promise. I'm simply doing what Ishinomori Shotaro would do.
The original Kamen Rider manga dealt with social issues of the period it's based on. 70s Japan was a mess, from what I read. The future world of MHA should also have its own issues, but because it's a Shonen series instead of Seinen, they aren't really talk about that much.
If you managed to survive reading this wall of text, you'll remember that Shiin revealed his true age in the story. He has... a lot to say. I won't make it a one-sided arguments everytime, nor will I make one or the other winners in said arguments. Plus, Shiin would talk about all the crazy nonsense Japan had in the past... which means our present.
Seriously, potential future female doctors getting lower scores because everyone knows that when they get pregnant they'll be forced to retire their jobs... that's absolute fucking bullshit and the men involved are moronic cowards. Especially regarding women being forced to quit their jobs for idiotic reasons.
... But I digress.
Also, a lot of angst from Shiin. Honestly, I barely remember the time I went through my angsty phase, so I can't do it accurately. But I'll do my best.
Been rewatching Kuuga, so that explains the amount of talking and drama.
*in before mention of Rising Unto the Stars and all my other fanfics*
I know, I know! I want to continue it too, you're not alone!
I can get through Kuuga as many times as I wish... but marathoning the Pretty Cure episodes is hell. I know I'm reaping what I sow due to using the All-Stars timeline where ALL Pretty Cures exist in one Earth... but it's a challenge I accepted, and by God, I will finish it.
Remember that Rosario Vampire x Kamen Rider Kiva fanfic? After years since its debut, the author finally finished it. Inspring and heartwarming, I say.
If he can do it, so can I... so can YOU.
