AN: The newest chapter of Stop and Watch is here. In this one we'll have the UA enterance exam and many other things. Enjoy!
-xXx-
After actually starting to pay attention in biology class I found out that it wasn't just anime logic that made the cast able to workout effectively and such. Human bodies evolved to be able to house quirks. Basically they have increased durability and muscle growth to contain the power quirks introduced into the system. Why does that matter? Because I need to start working out.
Best place to do that without the annoyance of people in gyms staring at me? Nature. Pull up on trees, jogs and of course all of the floor exercises. Which explains why I'm running through the park right now. While listening to a gun podcast at four times the speed. Slowing down my time perception has so many uses.
Why and what is a gun podcast? Well to answer the what part. It is a podcast discussing everything firearm related. So weapon and ammunition types, newer inventions, pro heroes and what is the best on the market. Valuable knowledge for the future, I don't have a flashy quirk after all.
Now you might protest and propose martial arts of close quarters combat style weapons. To that I respond: Guns can be non lethal and I have time. I already did some of the others. This podcast is my current choice though. As I continue to push my quirk further and further I can listen through them even faster.
I have been doing research into all areas that could benefit my hero carrier. An undeniable truth is that I can't beat everyone by going in close, a ranged weapon of some sort is necessary. I also checked what kind of hero costumes are the most popular right now. The answer was… not something I liked. Oversexualised is a good descriptor. The most extreme in that regard was Midnight, the so-called 18+ hero. I struggled to find any female heroes that didn't fit that.
The one I found? Thirteen a rescue hero who wears a spacesuit because of her quirk. So that isn't something too great. I haven't gone through puberty yet. But if I don't have the 'perfect' figure after, I might encounter problems. The only thing I can do about that is workout and hope. My mom was pretty. Hopefully I'll get her looks.
-xXx-
My body now doing the thing called puberty has begun showing signs of my workouts. They look very faint which is to be expected. I'm not trying to be a bodybuilder. Akane was a great help with… everything puberty related. Giving me a surprisingly good lecture and helping out in general. My hate of blood didn't make puberty any easier.
-xXx-
"We're going out to town today." Akemi announced casually keeping up her playful walk.
"No." I responded sternly with a tired expression.
"Please!" She whipped her head around staring me dead in the eyes. On her face a begging puppy expresion. My will remained unbroken… for about a full thirty seconds.
"Fine." I said begrudgingly, sighing at her jumping from happiness at the news.
"Do you promise?" Asked me Akemi tilting her head, a nice change from the earlier puppy eyes.
"...Yes. But I need to call them to say I'm gonna be back later." I confirmed which resulted in me getting startled by a surprise hug. Guess I'm not getting to workout today.
-xXx-
"So where do you want to go first?" She asked me, holding back her excitement.
"Don't ask me, it was your idea." I answered with genuinely no idea what we should do.
"Shopping it is then!" Akemi exclaimed and grabbed my hand as she began running in her chosen direction. I managed to get my balance back from the sudden pull and followed at her pace.
We came to a stop before a fancy clothes shop. On display were a few long silk dresses, one crimson, one purple and the final one blue. Beside them layed various leather handbags from some of the high end fashion companies.
"Wow look at these dresses!" She told me after snapping out of her admiration.
"I saw them. They look nice but are way too big and expensive for us anyway." I responded realistically.
"Buying isn't the point! I mean of course we can't buy every single dress or handbag. But it doesn't change the fact that they are beautiful! Let's just keep going and I'll show you!" She explained to me, offended and ran off. I went after her, knowing that's what she wants. Akemi turned into one of the smaller alleys. It was filled with clothing shops each showing off their best on displays.
"I know the best spots, come on!" She shouted and we began our window shopping I suppose.
-xXx-
"Try this one out!" Akemi handed me over a split sleeve dark blue blouse through the fitting room curtain. I put it on and stepped out. Looking at myself in the mirror I didn't really like it. I couldn't put my finger on why but I didn't.
"Yea, not this one. I have an idea though." She told me as she went back to the clothes section. I stepped back into the fitting room and took the current one off. And waited for her return.
"This one is perfect!" She exclaimed as she passed it over to me through the curtain. It was a very similar blouse but this one had a ribbon going down from the colar and a different sleeve style, flutter sleeves they were called I think.
After putting it on and seeing it in the mirror I have to say she was right. It fit me perfectly and didn't look weird with my still developing chest.
"I was right! Anyways I wanted to get myself a handbag so let's pay and leave." Akemi informed me and we made our way towards the cashier.
"How much is that blouse?" She asked politely.
"1725 Yen." The cashier responded swiftly after pointing a scanner at me. Akemi pushed me away as I tried to move to pay.
"Thank you and goodbye." Akemi paid and dragged me out of the shop.
"Why did you pay for me?" I questioned, confused with my wallet in hand.
"You're my best friend Junko. I know you well enough to realise your financial situation. Think of this as a thank you for everything, graduation is soon after all." She confessed with a soft smile on her face.
"I… don't know what to say. Thank you but-" I managed to get out before she interrupted me.
"Don't mention it. What highschool are you planning to go to?" She changed topics with grace I never saw her have in a conversation.
"The UA hero course hopefully." I respond weakly because of my embarrassment.
"Aiming high huh? I personally wanted to go for the support course, costume making to be precise." She said with a thoughtful look. Well she was always interested in fashion it doesn't surprise me she chose a course with it in mind. But UA too?
"Well we'll most likely meet then huh? Also… I'm quite bad at drawing as you know. Would you mind helping design my costume if I get in? It could be your portfolio if they take one of those." I requested, hoping for her help. I'm hopeless when it comes to designing. She laughed at my words.
"Yeah you suck at it. And I don't mind helping you silly! We're friends and I like doing it anyway." She stated, filling me with relief.
"Thanks! Well what handbag were you considering?" I questioned as we kept walking through the alley.
-xXx-
"What type of costume are you thinking of anyway?" Akemi asked me while holding her new handbag. I didn't have much of an input in the process of choosing it but I approve of her choice.
"Well I did a lot of research and all of the most popular female costumes are you know…" I responded with an awkward expression.
"Overly sexual and or tight fitting?" She continued my train of thought.
"Yes. So I wanted to do something like that but not as embarrassing to wear." I confessed truthfully.
"I get that, so a dress or would you prefer something more practical?" She questioned with a note app open on her phone.
"Definitely not a dr-" I got interrupted by someone grabbing me into a headlock.
"Hand over money or she gets it." My captor demands from Akemi. Shit I don't know his quirk. I can't risk getting out the standard way. I need either a distraction or some way to confuse him. Well time to experiment, worst case scenario I get injured. Gathering the familiar heating sensation I associate with speeding up the time too much in my palm.
I tug on the hand holding me down and use my burning palm to squeeze my assailant's side. I take advantage of him releasing his hold and spin around transitioning into a chop to the neck. Knocking him out.
"Let's leave." I tell Akemi and drag her away.
-xXx-
"Akira do you mind if I test something on you? It won't hurt that much." I asked using the puppy eyes I learned from my best friend.
"Okay? What should I expect?" He agreed with an unsure voice.
"You'll know it when you see it." I heat up my palm the same way I did yesterday but with less power. As I touch Akira I see his eyes widen. So it does work! What if I let go? His expression remained the same for about five seconds.
"What was that?" He questioned. The effect seemed to have passed now.
"So how long do you think passed?" I answered with another question.
"A second? Maybe less." He guessed. So the effect was speeding up.
"About six actually now describe this." I corrected and placed my palm back onto his arm this time cool. After about a second I let go and awaited his response. The effect remained for the same time as before.
"More than ten. And wow that was more trippy than the previous one." He said in a confident voice.
"Six again. Well I know I can transfer my quirk to other people through touch." I noted mostly to myself. This needs more experimentation. Though Akira has suffered enough for today I believe.
-xXx-
Does it work on machines? Was the question that led me to a laundry shop. Oh and the orphanage laundry too. I approached an already working machine with a cool palm. Touching it for a second I move over to the free one. I start loading up my laundry while watching the washing machine timer. It does work. It slowed down for a moment.
I have an answer to the UA entrance exam then. I don't know what the robots are programmed to do when the test time ends. Hopefully deactivate. But this also means I can experiment without human subjects which helps a lot.
-xXx-
My phone has been quite helpful for training. I found out that I can both slow down time for me and speed it up for it. I also confirmed that I can choose how much I affect it. The temperature of my hand reflects that. Right now I'm hanging out with Akemi in the school yard.
"That was so cool! If that's how you feel each time you use your quirk my jealousy grows." She exclaimed after I gave her a dosage of both time versions per her request.
"Yeah it basically is. Also I wanted to ask you something. You know UA is quite far away so I'll need to rent an apartment. Well I thought it'd be cheaper if we… got one together?" I asked with a small blush out of embarrassment.
"You want to be roommates? With me? When will we go to UA?" She questioned with a look of disbelief.
"Yes?" I confirmed while looking away to hide my expression.
"We're going to be roommates!" She shouted and jumped at me.
"If we get in, calm down!"
-xXx-
"Hey old man, can you send an application to a high school for me?" I asked as I handed over a paper to him.
"Yeah sure. Which one are you picki- PFFFF. UA?!" He spat out his coffee when he saw the school I chose.
"Someone's aiming high." Akane mused, opening an eye, stopping her nap.
"Gotta represent the orphanage." I answered with a shrug.
"Are you sure Junko?" He questioned with a serious tone.
"Yes. If I want to achieve my dream it is the only choice." I exclaimed in a confident manner.
"Very well. Prove us proud then." He told me as he packaged the application.
"Hey as an added bonus, if you pass of course, I'll show you what I promised I would when you grew up." She whispered to me. Well now I have to pass no questions about it.
-xXx-
"Good luck on the exam, Akemi." I wished her with a determined look.
"You better not fail." She responded with a similar expression. We nodded at each other and walked off towards our exam points. I studied for the written and know how the practical works there is no need to be stressed. As I gave myself a mental pep talk I noticed a green haired protagonist walking the same way as I was. Do I save him from falling or leave the lovebirds alone? I'll just keep walking.
Sure enough the canon scene unfolded. An explosive blond yelled at poor deku and walked past. This wasn't the end of the main character's struggles though. He took a confident step forward which he followed up with tripping and nearly falling onto his face. He was saved by Uraraka though but watching his first interaction with a girl felt like he would prefer eating concrete.
-xXx-
The written exam was easy with the amount of prep I did which was a considerable number even without counting the time with my quirk's standard. I struggled more when designing my costume with Akemi. Advance fashion jargon is beyond my comprehension. I swear to God quantum physics has nothing on hero fashion in terms of complexity.
Now came time for Present Mic's explanation of the practical exam. Oh jolly do I wonder what it will be. We sat down in assigned seats. On the desk lay an ID like card about me and a print out about the exam. Battlegrounds B. Oh great, I get to be with Izuku. Suddenly the lights turned on and pointed to the front of the classroom. Illuminating the voice hero.
"WELCOME TO MY PRESENTATION! ANYBODY SAY: HEY?" Jesus he's loud. And of course he was answered with silence. Honestly Iida went too far. Deku was barely audible.
"Tough crowd. Allow me to quickly explain the entrance exam. Ready?" He yelled once more only to again be met by silence.
"Okay okay! There are three types of villains each given a point amount based on difficulty. From one to three. Your goal is to beat them and obtain the points. Remember that attacking other contestants isn't heroic and will yearn a penalty or disqualification. Any questions?" He explained and waited for a response. Well I have one but I can let hardass go first.
"I have a question!" Speaking of the devil.
"Yes?"
"On the print out there are four villain types! If this is a mistake on official UA material then it is a mockery of us as students and our expectations for the schools standards! Also you there curly green hair. Stop mumbling, it's distracting!" He really is an asshole just like I remembered.
"I was about to explain those. There is a fourth villain type worth zero points. It's purely supposed to be a distraction. Beating it is possible but avoiding it is advised. I could compare it to a thwomp from Super Mario." He elaborated. My time to shine I suppose.
"I have a question." I state calmly, raising my arm.
"What is it?"
"Could you define 'beat'? For example, does shutting them down without damaging count?" I questioned.
"Yes. If the robot ceases action it is counted. Immobilisation is another way of defeat." Ohhh that's how Mineta made it in.
"Thank you sir. Also blue block head, your question was a worse interruption than the barely audible mumbling. Stop being a dickhead." That should shut him up for a bit. The other students just looked on in shock at my words.
"With that we are done. But I'd like to teach you the school motto. Being a hero is all about surpassing. Expectations, records, limits and much more. So remember to go beyond! PLUS ULTRA!" He shouted. He had a talent for speeches even if the others don't want to admit it.
-xXx-
We arrived at the exam grounds via bus after a ten minute period to change. I took my standard workout clothes considering my costume is only a design thus far. I spotted Izuku beginning to approach Uraraka, Iida right behind him. I need to keep my time slowed for the go call.
"Can't you see the girl is getting prepared? Seriously, did you only come here to disrupt others?" Blockhead scolded, turning him around with a shoulder grab.
"I thought that was your job considering you can't leave him alone for some reason." I remarked as I walked past them both towards the gate. Before he could respond a quick 'go' shout was heard. I was the only one to react as I ran inside. Ignoring everything behind me I put as much of a speedup as possible in my palm, heating it up. After tests I confirmed I could make something think ten minutes passed in a second. Only machines though humans are more resistant.
I dodge the sluggish, to me, movements of the Pointers and tap them quickly running to the next one immediately. I managed to clear the entrance before they joined in. Thankfully I was right and the robots shut down after ten minutes. Later on I can reduce the time to not exhaust myself. For now it was still go time.
Running through the cityscapeI encountered a few examiness. Usually beating them in the race to the faux villain. Behind me I often heard confused and happy reactions to the shutdowned Pointers. They think they got points for free. Well dream on.
"Six minutes left." Announced Present Mic.
-xXx-
"Promising candidates this year." Mused Nezu happily.
"Yes but the real challenge starts now." Said All Might as he pushed down a red button. Activating the Zero Pointers.
"Who's the girl that just taps them?" Asked Midnight.
"Junko Shiobana. Her quirk is called 'Grandfather Clock' it allows her to change her perception of time. I'm guessing she figured out how to use it on others." Cementos answered.
"They were programmed to shut down after the test ends. So I suppose that's one way to go about it." Ectoplasm explained.
-xXx-
Everyone panicked when the Zero Pointers emerged. And I understand why. They were massive. Unreasonably so.
"Two minutes left." Present Mic told us. I ran towards my next target but then I saw...
"Mom?" I whispered as I ran towards her form trapped under the rubble. I'm not about to lose her again! I'm strong enough this time. Right? I managed to get her out and that is when the illusion shattered. I looked up and saw the now falling Zero Pointer.
"Lift me up with your quirk, I'll catch him." I said when I remembered where I was, suppressing my emotions. She nodded and did exactly what I wanted. I caught the flailing through the air body of Izuku in a princess hold. I looked at Uraraka who got my message and released the effect of her quirk.
I landed and gently put him on the ground. The exam was over. I just walked off with a blank expression as I waited for the exam to end. Then I saw Iida, remembering his thoughts from the anime I felt a need to say something.
"Ten times the hero you are blockhead." I told him my voice filled with venom. Then I kept walking and stopped near the biggest group leaning on a building. The bus that brought us back arrived a moment later.
-xXx-
When I arrived at Sunflower I collapsed to the floor in the bathroom and started crying. Akane apparently worried after I walked in and ignored everything and went after me to the restroom. She rushed to me and hugged me as I kept crying.
"What happened?" She asked me.
"I thought I saved her. But it wasn't her! I still remember it!" I confessed as my cry grew uglier.
"Who did you think you saved?" She questioned quietly.
"Mom…" I muttered.
"Oh… You couldn't have helped her or your father. You were four dammit! No one your age should have to witness that so why what could anyone your age do to help? Nothing. What matters is that your parents knew you were safe and that you saved someone!" She calmed me down and started caressing my hair. We stayed in the bathroom for a few minutes and she promised to tell no one about it.
-xXx-
"The results are here Junko!" Shouted the caretaker. I rushed towards him and grabbed the letter.
"Open it!" Told me Akira. And I listened to the hologram. As it began playing everyone gathered.
"I am here! As a projection!" Greeted All Might. All of the children looked on in glee.
"I will be working as a UA teacher starting this year! Junko Shiobana you gained an impressive fifty villain points! That alone would put you at one of the highest rankings! But there is more!" He exclaimed as he played the Uraraka video. This time she also asked if I needed points. Then Present Mic responded with 'They don't need them'.
"What hero school would we be if we didn't reward such behaviour!" He played a video of me saving them both.
"Rescue points! Awarded by a panel of judges, who are teachers here at UA! Izuku Midoriya 60 rescue points, Ochako Uraraka 35, Junko Shiobana 50! You all pass! Your astounding total of 100 points places you at first place! Congratulations!" He announced as the hologram ended.
"Wow Junko nee-san!" The children showed their amazement.
"Well damn, we raised a genius!" The Old man yelled.
"Good job!" Congratulated me, Akira.
"Damn I'll have to keep my word." Said Akane. Then my phone rang; Akemi.
"Did you pass?" I heard immediately as I answered.
"You first."
"I did!"
"Me too!"
-xXx-
AN: End of chapter. Sorry for the longer wait! Hope you enjoyed it! Review, follow, favourite or don't!