Chapter 4: To be, or not to be
Standing in front of the school gates of U.A. Academy was an experience all in itself. This school exuded prestige; it was such a contrast compared to Shujin Academy that the comparison would be negligible. The clean and reflective windows showed so much more vibrance than Shujin's old and outdated design, while the school towered over all the other buildings that were unfortunate enough to try and compete with it. U.A was the type of modern architecture that I didn't expect to find here in this city. So jarring was this place, yet it served as a mighty beacon for all to admire and feel safe for what it did for society. This was the premier school to train young heroes.
I stood in front of the tall white gates that held such an intimidating presence that you could've mistaken it for a prison fence. The walls closed in the H-shaped school as lots of buzzing and humming came from them if you were close enough. The amount of technology that was probably jam-packed into the walls was a given with this academy's status, for they needed all the precautions to protect the future heroes of the world.
A few more minutes of analyzing and contemplating what I was doing here passed by as I held up a card granting access to enter this national treasure.
It was only valid for one use and one use only. It was a one-way ticket to get inside this monumental establishment, and I was a nobody lucky enough to get one from a certain hero that had called me that night six months ago.
I've been in this world for one year so far, and this was around the time that I had started my training for becoming a hero. This day would prove whether all that time I spent was worth it or not, or if that I should stick to what I've always meant to be, a quirkless no-one that would do his best to get by and live everyday life.
It wasn't like it was too late for me to go pro. I doubt it would be too hard to snag a position of a low-ranking hero and work my way up. Yet on that night, she called me; I found that all my passions and goals could be met if I were to prove myself now. It all rested on this one sole evaluation to see if I was worthy.
This was the most critical job interview that I have ever had.
It boggled my mind how this situation came to be from a simple recommendation from her. I knew she was an important figure in this world, but I didn't expect her to be one of the top heroes in Japan!
Rumi- er, Mirko, was a well-beloved and active hero. She was one of the few heroes that stood above all the rest and elevated others around her. I've seen countless videos now up to this point, and I never found one flaw she had ever made in her acts of heroism. She was a bit too reckless sometimes, but she had the power and determination to pull it off and make it seamless as if it were all a part of her plan. She might not be on the same level as a certain other hero I was looking at during the time between now and then. Still, she was my personal favorite so far from anyone I've seen. Any interview she did was genuine and considerate toward the people she saved and brash and arrogant to other heroes that she saw as lacking in their duty. This caused some mixed opinions about her, but I was on the side in favor of her. I might be a bit biased, but I believe that she was as good as they get from what I could personally gather.
I am in her total debt, and now with the time almost coming for my interview, I think back once more at that night. The night I was once again saved by Rumi.
6 Months Ago...
"Counseling, eh? I never would've expected that from a guy like you. I thought you were some broke-ass college student scrambling to find a home. Though I guess I'm not that far off, huh?. College must've put you in hella debt!" Rumi yelled over the phone as I sat down and I ate my leftovers that I had heated over the oven. The unexpected call from Rumi was a welcome surprise as we started having a casual conversation soon after she had called me. I anticipated some sort of urgency coming from this call, but it seemed like she was just trying to reach me after all this time.
"But damn, was it hard getting your number. You're like off the grid basically and have barebones documentation. I'd say you just popped up out of nowhere." I chuckled sheepishly as I twiddled with the fringe of my bangs nervously. If she could see my face and reaction right then, then I knew I would be bombarded with a full-on interrogation from her. I felt lucky only to be talking over the phone with her.
"Is that so? Well, I wasn't the most extroverted person out there. I made sure to keep to myself." I responded as Rumi quickly interjected, "Yeah, but you must've just finished with your education. You're twenty-two if my memory is correct, so a degree for something in that field would take like what, four years?" I was confused about how she knew my age, as I never mentioned it before.
'Did I mention it before? No, I don't think so.' I thought while questioning her.
"Hey, how do you know how old I am...? Wait! Why are you bringing up my counseling degree all of a sudden!? I've never told you, did I?" I questioned as Rumi laughed and explained to me.
"C'mon, put the pieces together now. I snooped around your wallet when you passed out back at the hotel. I wanted to know exactly who stole my room so I could charge them later for it and the loan I gave them." I winced a bit at the last bit as I looked over toward the luggage Rumi left behind.
"That makes sense, sorry for asking."
"Don't; I was just helping some broke pervert get back onto his two feet. You know, I actually feel really bad for the people you counsel. They're going to think you're some handsome, nice guy they got lucky to be their counselor, but alas! For the counselor holds a deep dark secret of thinking the naughtiest things possible! Like embracing a poor helpless woman without her permission or barging into her home so forcefully-!" Rumi's teasing was getting to me with how red my face was getting. I need to respond before it got out of hand!
"You pushed me in!" I disputed as Rumi laughed again. "Hahaha! You were sooo light, man; I thought I was pushing a balloon!" Rumi kept laughing as I finished the rest of dinner and put up the dishes.
"I'm not like that anymore, trust me. I've been training pretty hard, you know." I said as I exited the shack and enjoyed the cold night air. I started walking around the area as I continued talking with Rumi, enjoying the company alongside the view of walking at night.
"And I gotta say, your tips and sets are great. I've never felt or looked better." I said as Rumi hummed over the phone cheekily as she started, "Is that so? Then do you mind sending me some pics?" I stopped dead in my tracks as her question left me stunned. The way she worded it left some odd implications to intrude my mind as I ask her to clarify, "Uh, what do you mean by that exactly?" I asked as Rumi quickly replied, "What else do you think I mean? I wanna see how your body is developing, of course! Last time you were like a noodle, I expect some serious mass on you by now. So just go somewhere private and take off your clothes, and then-"
"STOP RIGHT THERE! What do you mean to take off my clothes!" I yelled into my phone as my face heated up once again.
"You really need me to explain?" Rumi started, "I need to see where you're developing your muscles and such. It's pretty common practice among heroes and their personal trainers."
"You had to do that?" I asked as Rumi blew a raspberry and declared, "Hell no! I wasn't letting any creep look at my bod! Do you know most of the good trainers are guys? That's some bull if they think I'm gonna need their help to work out. I'm self-trained, baby!" Rumi yelled boldly as I shook my head.
"Then why do I have to do it then!?" I pointed out as I neared the gas station nearby my house.
"Cause unlike me, you're just a random that's starting with no knowledge of what you're doing. I bet you wouldn't do anything else but pushups, situps, and running if not for me." I stayed silent as I quietly agreed with her on that front. I never really worked out before, and I wasn't going to act like I knew everything about what I was doing. At this point, I was following the journal Rumi left and randomly did any workout that caught my attention that day.
"I see your point, but do I have to go that far? I've been working out all-around. I haven't specialized in anything. I don't think you need all full...view to see my progress." I pleaded as Rumi sighed over the phone.
"I mean, I guess if you're just working on everything, then I don't need to see everything. I trust you're honest with that," Rumi started as I took a sigh of relief.
"How about just a pic of your upper body then? I need something to judge your progress. No matter how truthful you may be, I need some visual evidence to see that you're actually taking this seriously." Rumi finished with a tone more serious than I would've expected.
"Just my upper? I suppose I can do that..." I said as I look around and see if anyone was around. I then took off my shirt and turned on the camera for a selfie. I never took pictures like these, and even with just my shirt being taken off, I felt more naked than I ever felt before.
I did my best to get a good angle to show as much of my torso and definitions I could fit onto the photo. I ended up taking several pictures from different angles to give Rumi as much to work with as possible. I felt so vain at that moment; I must've looked like some arrogant ass with how I took those photos.
I immediately went to put my shirt on, but before I could get it on all the way, I heard the typical jingle you'd hear from the front of the gas station sound as the door opened and closed.
"Sir, please don't strip like that on our..." The gas station clerk started as she stopped and stared at me. I froze there like a deer looking at headlights as Rumi was speaking over the phone.
"Hellooooo? Maruki? You got naked yet?" Rumi's voice blared as the gas station clerk, and I had a staredown. Before I could explain myself, the girl had taken out her phone and snapped a photo of me.
"Huh?" I made out as black dots filled my vision with the flash of the camera.
"Nice..." The girl said before heading back in as I kept my position. Rumi was constantly talking over the phone to try and get a hold of me as my face reached a critical point with how hot it burned. I felt like I would melt away with humiliation at any moment. I then booked it out of there without thinking and ran as far away from the gas station as I could. Rumi was still screaming and asking what was happening as I closed my eyes and yelled out loud in embarrassment, "WHY ME!"
Eventually, I stopped at the Warehouse from this morning as I bent down to catch my breath. After a few seconds, I stood upright and felt that my shirt still hung around my neck as I slowly went to put it back on. I then raised my phone to my ear. Rumi had gone quiet for a bit mid-way through my running. I checked and saw that she was still on as I talked into the phone.
"Hey, Rumi...you still there?" I asked with an empty voice as Rumi quickly spoke up, "Yeah, man! You got me on hold for a long ass time! I'm a pro hero, you know, and my time is valuable! Don't ever make me wait like that again!" Rumi yelled as I flinched at her raised voice.
"I'm sorry..." I let out. I would apologize more, but the sound of munching and crunching I heard from the other side of the line made me stop.
"Hey, Rumi, what are you doing?" I asked as the crunching stopped before Rumi spoke again, with her voice sounding muffled.
"Oh, I'm eaing powpkern." She said as the munching continued. I only sighed as I knew exactly what she did with her time away.
"Important her time is...yeah, right..." I murmured as Rumi immediately interjected, "Wawaazsh dat!" She barely made out as I stood up straight and tensed up.
"N-nothing!" I whimpered as she made a big gulping sound and continued on, "Yeah, that's right! It better be nothing! Anyway...you got my picture yet?" She asked as I started to navigating my phone to send the picture to her.
"Yeah, I did, several. I made sure to get you as much information as I can." I said as I sent all the photos to Rumi. She seemed to have muted her phone as I saw that the pictures had been checked as seen. A bit of time passed before I decided to use my time at the warehouse to get a light workout. I started with pushups and then situps on a steel beam that was high up on the ceiling of the warehouse. Soon noise came from my phone as I continued my situps while having a tentacle hold my phone.
"Rumi...you there?" I said in between reps as I continued working out.
"Yeah, I'm here...and hoo boy! You just graduated from boy scout to cub scout! Good job, newbie!" Rumi started as I shook my head at my new title.
"Thanks...I guess. So what do you think?" I asked as Rumi took some time before answering.
"You're way better now. I think with enough time you'll reach your maximum potential. You're muscles look good now, but I don't think you've peaked yet with what you can get out of that body of yours." Rumi started as I grunted in agreement as I went harder into doing my situps.
"But I imagine with how far you've come with your body. I don't imagine your technique or skill is nearly as polished." Rumi pointed out as I nodded in agreement while sitting up fully and catching my breath.
"Yep, right on the money...I haven't done much in martial arts training like you got in the book, but I have been practicing with my quirk lately." I said as I went on to continue my situps.
"That's good at least, but I suggest lightening up the workload on training your body. It should be in the perfect condition to try and take on all my moves with it. Though if you can manage to weave your quirk in there to boost you, then I think you could make for an ass-kicking machine!" Rumi enthusiastically boasted as I smiled with the words of encouragement.
"I'll make sure...to keep that in mind...I have something that could help with that..." Rumi stayed silent as I continued the situps. The pain was starting to get too intense as I slowed down. Rumi kept quiet as I eventually stopped with my workout and sat on top of the steel beam. I took quick and deep breaths as I focused on summoning a tentacle from the ground and lifting it all the way up to me. I then stepped on the tentacle as it lowered itself and gently placed me on the ground before disappearing. I also let go the tentacle that carried my phone up with me as I reached my hand up and caught my phone.
"So I guess a couple more months could be used to refine my skills and technique, then I can finally go heroing, right Rumi?" I asked as Rumi stayed quiet. Worry built up within me as I called her name multiple times, but she kept quiet.
Suddenly she spoke up and asked what I thought was to be an obvious answer to her question.
"Do you truly want to become a hero?" I wasn't sure what she meant by that, but I answered bluntly as to make clear of my answer, "Of course I do; why are you asking?" Rumi went quiet again as I sat down on the ground and waited for her to respond. My heart started having this lingering dread build up as I took quick and deep breathes to calm my body from the workout from before.
She continued again soon and said, "Well, didn't you just finish your degree to be a counselor? Do you want to give up now that you have a quirk?" She asked as I carefully thought of what to say next.
There was so much that she didn't know that I couldn't tell her. It was agonizing that I had to lie to her. She may be the only person I've come to know in this new world, but I feel like that out of anyone I would ever meet, she should be the first to know about my situation. Yet there was no good way to break that sort of revelation, not even to Rumi. She may be easygoing and down-to-earth, but I doubt she would take the news lightly.
"Is it so odd for me to want to ditch it all of a sudden? I was recently a quirkless nobody who didn't have much in ways of impacting the world. Now all of a sudden, I get a quirk that is powerful enough to help people. Wouldn't it be a no-brainer for anyone to accept this new role in their lives and directly save many people at a time than just one?" I asked as I expected Rumi to agree with my line of logic. It wasn't odd that I would want to feel this way. Being a counselor was a great occupation, but the rate and number of people you could genuinely help were far lower than what a hero meant. Rumi should see that more clearly than anyone. She's probably had thoughts like that. She has to have had them.
"Man, you really are an idiot, aren't you?" Rumi's jarring statement left me wide-eyed as the words left me bewildered. So much bitterness and venom were behind those words. I had no choice but to feel attacked.
"What?" I let out as Rumi didn't relent, making sure I heard her as clear as possible.
"You heard me, dumbass. Is that all you think about? Swooping in while playing the hero as you're cheered and praised for all in a day's work? Saving people and helping people are two different things. Any pro hero can save people, but to help them is a different thing. It takes time; it takes compassion to help those who need it the most. Lotta heroes don't do that small shit tho cause it won't give'em enough cred for them to get noticed, and most don't even try and work unless something major goes down."
"I'm not going to be like! I don't want the fame or fortune of being a hero. I want to save people!" I tried explaining as my anxiety about the situation grew. Rumi kept her assault as she pressed on, "Oh? You're different, huh? So you're just going to throw away a job that lets you truly help someone for some act that anyone else could do? Hate to break it to ya, kid, but the hero business is a pretty saturated occupation. Everyone wants to be a hero, and whether it be for the money or pride of saving people, they all want to be the same damn thing. Another symbol of hope that people will idolize like a savior. And no one is making it there as long as All-Might exists." My throat tightened as Rumi mentioned him. All-Might was the hero, the man that had to hold the duty of being a symbol, one that all look on in pride to keep them safe.
Rumi didn't stop as she kept talking, her voice more somber than ever, "I also ain't gonna act like I'm special or anything. Truth be told, I love a good fight, and I like saving people. So heroing was kinda a given for me. But I grew up knowing what it means to save people, to help people in desperate need. If I gotta, then I'll even throw my life away to help just one person. I don't think most heroes would ever hold that sentiment, even if their job told them to..." Rumi paused as silence fell for both sides. My head was running wild while my throat tightened to a knot. I had nothing to say in this little intermission. I was helpless. I was an idiot.
"But you could be different, Maruki..." Rumi started as my heart contracted with the mere mention of my name.
"You're a guy who genuinely wanted to help people from the start. You didn't have a quirk, yet you still wanted to help people. You pursued a job that would let you do that, maybe at a smaller scale, but it's a much more personal one than rescuing civilians that probably don't give a damn half the time." Rumi started as my heart got heavier by the second.
"I sometimes think of going small time like that. Go more local and be really in touch with those who need help. But as it stands now, I enjoy the thrill way too much to give it up, and being pretty strong doesn't help that idea. I'm pathetic like that...which is where you come in, Maruki. I think you should go for your old job. You could make real changes to people that need them. Saving people won't change, they'll be grateful most of the time, but it's an expectation now for that to happen. Your counseling can change lives! Real work can shape the world for the better if you steer many people in the right direction. Think about it. You could be a true hero." Rumi finished as I had troubled to get anything out. I had a hard enough time comprehending all of this, but to even respond to it? That seemed impossible now.
The person that had inspired me to become a hero was now telling me to stop pursuing it. It was heartbreaking to hear her say such words, but I knew what she meant by it all. She wasn't wrong in any way, but I wasn't going to back down to her. If I were to submit now, then I would have only what-ifs to live by for the rest of my life here. This was my second chance. I couldn't let someone else tell me what to do, even if that someone has been the person who supported me the most.
"Rumi...I'm sorry," I struggled to let out as I built up whatever little courage I had left to keep going, "but I don't think you understand where I'm coming from. I enjoyed counseling; I think it's a wonderful thing to do, but being a hero is the closest thing to what I have truly wanted to do for a long time. I don't merely want to save people, Rumi. I just...don't want anyone to get hurt. I don't want anyone to suffer pain that is not needed for them. People out there don't make it feasible for people to enjoy their life. Villains will come and go; they won't stop. And if I have to be a symbol of peace to show that I'm serious about being a hero, then so be it. I will strive for it to make sure they get the message. That they can't get away from true justice. No one shall suffer, not while I'm here now." Rumi fell silent again as I think back to the world of old now.
Justice wasn't something I was crazy for, but seeing this world and the clear lines of the good of evil, justice must be enacted to prevent pain.
I understood Rumi's persistence in me sticking to my old job, but it was something that would give her more peace of mind than me. I needed something more than what I was doing before; I needed my life to change, and I'll be selfish for this time around, for this second chance at life.
"I see...so you that's what you think...well, I guess there's no way in changing your mind, huh?" Rumi said as I took a deep breath to calm myself down. My heart was still racing as a wave of guilt overtook my anxiety. I've basically spit on the face of the person who's supported me for my whole time here in this world. But if that is what needed to be done so, I could get on with my life with no regrets, then so be it.
"I'm sorry, Rumi. If there was a way, then I would accept it in a heartbeat! I'm not going to deny that I like counseling. I truly do enjoy it. But pursuing it now is impossible for me. I need to be a hero. I can't be a counselor by day and a hero at night. There's no way that can-"
"Maruki, you stupid genius! I've got it!" The sudden outburst from Rumi sent my head spinning with how drastic and abrupt it was. Rumi was laughing like a madwoman with whatever had come to her mind. I could only hear helplessly as to what she might say next.
"Maruki! You could become a counselor at U.A. Academy! You're still in that same city as before, right?"
"Well, yes...but what does that-"
"Perfect! But sheesh, do I have to call in many favors to even get them to think about you. Do you see what lengths your senpai has to go for you? You should be grateful!" My head kept swirling in confusion with Rumi's unexpected excitement. I knew that it could only lead to trouble, but whatever it is, it must work for both of us.
"Uhm, what exactly is U.A. Academy?" I asked as Rumi's laughing stopped.
"Oh yeah. Your whole fish outta water thing you got going, forgot about that." Rumi said as she cleared her throat while I listened intently at what miraculous idea had popped in her mind.
"You see, we are in a bit of impasse. I think you should stick to being a counselor, but you want to go all uga buunga and go into heroing all blind and crap. I say we meet in the and get you a gig that lets you do both easily! That way, we both get what we want." Rumi started as I tried to wrap my head around the idea.
"And how exactly is counseling for this school any different from any other place? Won't I just be stuck counseling all day?" I asked as Rumi answered promptly.
"You see, kiddo, that is where all the cookies crumble to. U.A. isn't your run-of-the-mill public school. This place is the to become a hero. It's practically a national treasure with how many great heroes that place produces. And most of the teachers there are heroes, so you can help the students be better about helping people, and get help in your own heroing career. Usually, you can't have the hero occupation while working on a job, it's too messy, but if your counselor in a school that's all about heroing, then I'm sure you'll get some leeway. See? Complete and absolute win, I say!" I still couldn't fully wrap my head around it, but I definitely saw what she was getting at. To both be a hero and counselor. It would be a dream come true if that were to happen.
"So this U.A place. What exactly does it expect from me then. I assume I need some qualifications to be met if I were to be a part of the staff there." I said while Rumi took a second to respond to me.
"Well...usually real good heroes the principal or the other teachers know well get in easy...I think? Anyway, I'll be giving you a recommendation. The Mirko seal of approval as you show'em what you're made of. Best case scenario, you're a teacher there, worst case, I come hunting for you and take back my book and collect all my money back." The last part was said so simply that I almost got whiplash from it.
"Are you threatening me?" I asked, half hoping she would say just kidding or something.
"What!? Of course not! I just listed the consequences of your actions if you were to fail. That's all!" Shivers ran down my body as I could feel the menacing aura she exuded over the phone.
"G-got it..." I spoke with shakiness in my voice as Rumi rambled on and on about U.A and how grand it was.
I left the warehouse mid-way through her rambling as I made it back to my humble home and laid down on the ground. The blanket I used as a bed felt cozier than ever before. I have half a mind to think it was for having the pleasant stream of excitement from Rumi talking. Eventually, she stopped and let me get a word in.
"How long exactly until I can get my interview there?" I asked Rumi, "I can't imagine it being soon."
"Yeah, it'll probably take a few months. Ideally, you'll get to it around the new school year. But until then, you should hone your skills and technique. You should put your body on the back burner; I think you're good enough now to take on learning my skills and maybe make some of your own. I don't want you ripping off all my good stuff!" Rumi exclaimed as my eyes wander over toward the luggage she left. It leaned on the wall, as on top of it laid the white journal she also left behind.
"Yes, that makes sense. I'll work on it asap." I replied while the blanket underneath seemed to suck me in as my body unwound.
"Alrighty! I'm sure you got this, kiddo. So go and make senpai proud!" Rumi hung up as I lowered my phone to my side. I felt many emotions in this moment, but none could top the inspiration that I got once more from the pro hero Mirko.
"No matter what...you always find the light, the good, the best in any situation. How do you do it? Rumi..." I trailed off as I repositioned myself to get ready and sleep.
"I'll make you proud...I'll be a hero, not only for the people but also for other heroes..." I closed my eyes, my body ready to rest.
Once again did I sleep with Rumi invading my thoughts.
I was already in the Academy, waiting for my interview as I finished reliving that night. The interior deceptively typical, but I could feel the raw aura this building held. No matter how you saw it, you could tell this place was special.
I fidgeted in my seat as I made sure to adjust my tie while wiping off any stray lint that managed to get on me. I dressed up as formally as I could with what little money I had left on me after a year in this world.
A simple blue dress shirt with the sleeves world up made up my upper body apparel as the clip-on hung tight to my neck. Black dress pants accompanied by brown dress shoes finished my outfit. I moved and shuffled around in my seat in anticipation of the coming job interview.
'No need to be worried, Maruki. You've been through this same song and dance plenty of times. I doubt much is different in this world. Even if I was applying to an academy known for training heroes, it doesn't mean that the etiquette of a simple job application would be different.' While staring at the ground, I thought and waited for the school principal to meet me with two other staff members. I didn't understand why three people judge me on becoming faculty here. Still, it must be for precaution for how prestigious this academy was.
Loud marching came my way as a group of people were walking together. It wasn't hard to guess that it was my employers that were making their way toward me. The footsteps all had a distinct sound as they stomped on the marble.
One of them sounded pretty...small? It was like a kid that was quickly shuffling, making to make as many steps as possible. Another was sluggish like they were dragging their feet the whole way.
Then there was the thunderous roar of stomping that almost made the other two barely audible. I was quick to predict that whoever made those intimidating and firm footsteps had to be the principal.
Images of an ancient yet strong man popped in my mind as a scar would run down one of his eyes as his grey hair was slicked back, leaving only a single sharp bang hanging. He would have the air of power around him as he would tower over me like a giant. His stare would bore into my soul as I shrink away from his glare of disgust, all while-
"So, you must be Takuto Maruki, a pleasure to meet you. I'm principal Nezu." A white paw came to my vision, leaving me the only option but to look up and see if this were a joke. A rat-bear-dog thing appeared before my sight as the strong, burly man that I envisioned had soon morphed into the creature that was standing right before me. I was right about one thing, though, and that was the scar that ran down his eye.
"Uh...hi. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Principle." I took his paw and shook it as Nezu snickered.
"My name is Nezu dear Maruki, not principle. That is only a title you see." The thing explained as I kept staring at him more.
'Racoon? No, there isn't any strips on him...a tanuki? Wait, again, no stripes.' I couldn't decide which animal this man(?) was. I soon gave up as another voice came to greet themself.
"Names Shoto Aizawa." An unamused man said as I looked to my left to see a man wearing a scarf that looked like tape enclosing his neck. His all-black attire made it easy on the eyes as his perpetual exhausted eyes barely held my stare when I met them.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aizawa," I said as I raised my hand for a handshake. The man just looked at it in disappointment as he shook it, or what I assume was his way of shaking hands; I did most of the work in actually shaking it.
After I finished shaking Aizawa's hand, I had my eardrums exploding as the last person I ever thought I would meet in the world had announced himself. The man, myth, and legend; the symbol of peace...All-Might.
"YO! DR. MARUKI, SIR. I. AM. ALL-MIGHT!" Throughout his introduction, All-Might posed as his signature hero outfit was ready and poised for me to experience in all of its glory. I stared in disbelief as my heart faltered.
He shouldn't be here, and by that logic, I shouldn't be here. His mere appearance outshined my existence.
"All...all...all..." I sputtered as he bent down and stuck his hand out at such incredible speeds that my hair blew back while my glasses threatened to fly off. I stopped attempting to say his name as I shook his hand and felt the power he held. The number one hero was here, so casual and relaxed as I was rapidly becoming a mess.
"What's with those clothes? That's your hero outfit?" Aizawa asked as I shook my head and blinked a couple of times to make sure I wasn't dreaming.
"It isn't the flashiest thing, but his quirk must demand such simplicity!" All-might shouted as I started getting over the pure awe I was left in.
"Uhm, this is just an outfit I chose for the interview. I didn't know I had to dress up specifically for this." I started as principal Nezu intervened.
"Well, you see, Dr. Maruki, we were expecting to see you in an outfit that was flashier than this. But if this is your hero outfit, then we aren't the ones to judge." The thing said as I looked at him with confusion. He soon got the idea as he spoke up again.
"You...don't have a hero outfit?" He asked as I nodded my head. Aizawa dragged his hand across his face as All-might looked to have a single sweat drop rolling down his forehead.
"Well then, that certainly makes this an interesting interview already!" The principal exclaimed as I fidgeted with my glasses in discomfort.
"I wasn't informed on how to make a hero outfit, nor that I had to bring one..." I trailed off as principal Nezu shook his head in reassurance.
"Oh no! It's fine, truly. It'll only make it a bit harder for you, but if you excel, then it won't matter too much." He started as he motioned me to follow him as All-Might and Aizawa followed along. I quickly sprung from my seat as I ran to catch up with them.
They took me outside as the fantastic sunny day gave me a sort of nostalgic feeling. This day looked the same as I first got here into this world, and what better day than to come than this one.
Principle Nezu stopped in the middle of an open clearing with many markings on the ground with specific measurements on many different shapes. I assume this to be a training ground of some sort as I briefly observe all kinds of other lines on the floor.
The principal stopped as he turned toward me with All-Might and Aizawa doing so swiftly after.
"Dr. Maruki, your papers that you submitted has verified you a certified counselor that can work professionally, and you also got a certain someone advocating for you to counsel at our academy. I must say you seem to either have amazing potential and skill or inane luck!" The cheerful tone of the animal was unsettling as I stood and listened more to what he was going to say.
"Which is why it is so curious that we don't know about your quirk. Ms. Usagiyama didn't specify what exactly you have, nor does any of your records say you have a quirk. This is why we would like you to demonstrate to us your quirk." The principal finished explaining, as All-Might stood back with his arm crossed while Aizawa stepped forward and spoke out.
"We will conduct this analysis with simple sparring between you and I. Do not hold back; go all-out." The man said with the same bored tone as I started raising some eyebrows at them.
"That's all? No questions about myself? No strengths or weaknesses that you want to know? Is this all you want, a spar?" I asked as I wasn't entirely convinced with the simple concept they put out for me.
"Dr. Maruki! You were recommended by a great hero and have a certified degree in the job you are seeking. What more can we ask but your quirk that has only now just bloomed?" All-Might's voice boomed as I stood there with a headache growing.
"Is that really it...?" I asked more to myself than to the three people in front of me.
"Yes, we just said that was, didn't we?" All-Might asked the other two present as Aizawa shrugged his shoulders while principal Nezu smiled.
"I didn't- never mind. If you want me to demonstrate my power, then I'll be happy to oblige." I said as principal Nezu's smile grew wider as All-Might gave a thumbs up in approval to my statement. They both went far off to the side as only me and Aizawa stood near each other.
"So we're just doing this?" I asked as Aizawa took his hands out of his pockets and rolled his neck.
"You got trouble hearing, kid?" He asked as I shook my head and unclip my tie and open some of the top buttons of my shirt.
"No, just needed some confirmation." I took a deep breath as clenched my hands into a fist and raised them to my sides. Aizawa narrowed his stare as his tired and boring demeanor vanished.
"Give me everything you got." He said as I prepared myself.
'The time has come...' I thought as I dash at the man while holding up my fist.
'And so have I!'