"Wow, I can't believe we're actually doing this, Shiki."

I frowned as I turned to face an electronic board, squinting to see past the bright sunlight.

"Villain Pyro tuns himself in?! Young teenager framed by Villain! Police Station under investigation by Hero Nighteye"

"Yeah, me too, Himiko…"

Stepping off the train, we walked towards U.A, sun bright and skies clear.

Slowly, more and more students in similar uniforms began to file in with us as I frowned.

"Did he tell you what class we were in, Himiko?"

"Ah, there you are!"

Looking down, I watched a strange animal in a suit plop towards us, students parting as a tall man with bloodshot eyes walked next to him, dressed in black with a scarf piled around his neck.

"You are Akihiko Shiki and Toga Himiko, correct? I'd like for you two to follow me to my office."

I frowned as I pocketed my clenched hands.

"Sorry if I may sound rude," I drawled. "But who are you, exactly? I recognise [Eraser Head], but not you…"

"I am Nezu, the principal of this prestigious school!"

Nezu, huh? So, this is him…

"I-It's nice to meet you, Kocho sensei!" [1]

Nezu simply smiled at Himiko and said something as I watched Eraser Head look Himiko then me down.

"Well then, if you two would follow me!"

Feeling Himiko tug on my sleeve, I looked over and shrugged.

"C'mon, let's go."

Trailing behind Nezu and Eraser Head, the students quickly disappeared as we walked through the school, eventually coming to a stop inside Nezu's office.

"Well now, make yourself at home."

Sitting down, Himiko mimicked my actions as Eraser Head stood by the door.

"As Headmaster of U.A, I've been given special instructions with how to deal with you, Shiki kun."

My eyes narrowed as I leaned back into my chair.

"Didn't know we were on a first name basis, Nezu."

"Ah, my apologies. I simply see those with limited intelligence as mere children~"

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Nezu smiled, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Bastards looking down on me… he'll regret that.

"Speak to others how you wish to be spoken to, Akihiko Shiki," Nezu said with a smile. "Now, for why I called you both here…"

"I-Is it about the Pyro incident?"

Glancing at Himiko, I frowned as Nezu nodded.

"Yes, indeed. You see, I've been given explicit instructions from Erebus to keep a close eye on Shiki kun here, and extension, you too as well, Toga chan."

"So, what do you plan on doing?" I asked, rubbing my neck. "You can't ignore that, can you?"

"Unfortunately, no," Nezu said sadly, shaking his head. "So, you two will be placed in Class 1-A, where Aizawa can watch over the both of you. You will both be monitored at school and be required to sign in and out whenever you come and go."

"Sounds like we're under suspicion still," I frowned, giving Nezu a stink eye. "Do they really think I'm Pyro?"

"It's a possibility," Nezu admitted. "Until they finish a background search on the villain, you are still a possible suspect."

Wonderful… just what I needed to brighten up my day.

"For now, that is all," Nezu said. "Welcome to U.A Academy, you two! Strive to be the best heroes you can be!"

…right….

"Eraser Head."

"Alright, you two will be joining my class," the Pro Hero grumbled. "Follow me."

Leaving the office, I didn't look back as I felt Nezu's stare boring into my back.

He obviously doesn't trust me, and I get that. You'd have to be an idiot to believe I'm not involved in the incident; I was sent to Erebus of all places, not a local prison after all.

Glancing at Himiko, I patted her back as we walked through countless hallways before finally coming to a stop outside of a classroom.

"Class 1-A, huh…"

"Wait here."

Sliding the door open, Eraser Head shouted something as Himiko tugged on my arm.

"What's up?"

"I'm scared… what if they… they think I'm a freak?"

"Himiko…"

Placing my head against hers, I smiled as I felt Himiko's breathing hitch before relaxing.

"You'll be fine," I said gently. "Even if they try anything, I'm here to protect you, okay?"

"…mm…."

"Worst comes to worst, you can use that if you want to. I won't think any less of you if you do."

Basking in each other's presence, I eventually moved away as I heard Eraser Head call for us.

"C'mon, let's go."

Walking in, I watched as curious an uneasy eyes fell on me as I came to a stop at the podium up front.

"Introduce yourselves."

Clearing my throat, I didn't bother with a smile as Himiko shuffled closer to me.

"Akihiko Shiki," I said bluntly.

"T-Toga Himiko. I hope we get along well..."

I winced as the class erupted in noise before quickly dying down, Eraser Head glaring at everybody, Quirk active.

I see. So, there's a visual tell when he applies it… good to know.

"Toga, you're sitting next to Midoriya. Shiki, you're next to Yaoyorozu."

Taking my seat, I nodded at my neighbour and sighed silently.

Well, I'm in the school I wanted… but my promise… well, we'll see how Nezu watches me.

You make the first move, Principal.

"Next! Akihiko Shiki!"

Stepping up to the base, I tossed the ball absentmindedly as I looked ahead of me.

"Whenever you're ready."

Physical test on the first day, huh. Well, I won't go all out to begin with.

Raising my arm, I threw the ball and concentrated a blast of lightning at the edge of my finger, blasting it forwards effortlessly. As it began to fell, I felt Eraser Head's eyes staring into my back as he shouted my score out.

346 metres, huh. I wonder if I could've gotten higher than explosion boy if I used all of my strength.

Next test: 50 Metre Dash

Time: 5.82 seconds.

Nice, didn't even use my Quirk.

Next: Grip Strength

Results: 62kg.

Life has been tough, so so am I.

Distanced Run: Second Place. These idiots don't know how to pace themselves and their breathing.

Sit ups: 50 with ease. I only stopped because blond boy was glaring at me, getting close to his score.

Seated Toe-Touch: 15, though I'm not a fan of these.

Standing Long Jump: Cleared Sandbox.

Final Result?

7th place.

I feel bad for Himiko; her Quirk just isn't applicable in this situation, and Aizawa would assume that by now, considering she placed below Midoriya. Since she's been bullied, her physique is tougher than a normal girl, but she doesn't train and isn't violent in nature.

As for me… I didn't really take most of this too seriously. If I tried harder, I most likely could've been top three.

"Yo, Akihiko! Our quirks are pretty similar, right?!"

Turning around, I blinked as a spiky, blond haired boy approached me, grinning widely.

"Ahh, you're… Kaminari, right?"

Moving to the side of the path, students milled past us as Kaminari rubbed the back of his head, still grinning.

"Yeah, they're similar in element, I guess," I said. "Though application is different."

"Man, I wish I could control mine as freely as yours, Akihiko," Kaminari sighed, crossing his arms. "It's so cool how you do it!"

"Shiki," I muttered. "Just call me Shiki. My last name's a mouthful."

"Alright! We should hang out sometime, Shiki! I bet we could make a cool combo attack or somethin'!"

"Sure."

"Alright, I'm headin' out! Seeya man!"

I watched Kaminari disappear into the crowd of students and sighed.

What's taking Himiko so long…? If she's being targeted by bullies already, I won't hesitate to attac- ah, there she is.

Three girls approached: Himiko, Yaoyorozu and Uraraka.

…well; at least she seems to be enjoying herself somewhat.

"Himiko," I said gently, and she blinked, realising I was waiting for her.

"Ah, I'll catch up later!" She said with the largest smile I've seen.

I nodded as Yaoyorozu and Uraraka walked by, saying goodbye before I focused on Himiko.

She was practically a mini-sun, beaming brightly at nothing as she showed visible signs of happiness.

…I'm glad she's enjoying herself here, and I hope it lasts as long as possible.

Together, we walked in silence to our 'home', an apartment roughly twenty minutes from the school.

Of course, said apartment was owned by our new boss… Sensei? Whatever, the big man I made a deal with. It's pretty standard, and for that I'm thankful. It's something familiar in my world flipped on its head.

A hero-turned-villain-turned-hero(false).

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it, but there's one thing for sure.

I will never let others hurt those close to me ever again.

My dream means nothing if I can't protect those I care about.

So, hero or villain, those who dare to hurt those precious to me, will be vaporised into ash.

And that's that.

[1] – Kocho Sensei is Principal

And that is that!

Sorry for the super long delay on such a short chapter~ Shit happens, and I've disclaimed in my bio this is the story I'll be using for trying out new writing styles, ideas, etc~

Regardless, the chapter is short, and will lead into that building test fight scene thing. After that, the Might All vs Chicken Big Brain

You'll see the next chapter after another 15 Millenia have passed

Ciao~