[Disclaimer: I do not claim to own all seasons of both "My Hero Academia" and "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU"]
Chapter 3
[Prelude]
U.A. is home to many things I've just now come to adore. One was that I found out I was going to be seated next to my middle school classmate. Two was when I realized how comfy the classroom was. Three was when all the people who decided to talk to me were really nice. And finally, four was when I came upon the awareness that he was my classmate.
He? Yup!
Hikigaya Hachiman. His name is long and, hehe, kind of hard to remember, so I'll just call him Hikki.
You see, earlier, Hikki had just saved Sable. And he was really cool, mostly because he even went back to pedaling his bike like it was nothing! To be able to shrug off such an incident… so cool! Maybe it was his Quirk? If so, then it's a really cool Quirk. But, to be honest, I… I can't say I was happy about the incident. Not only was he damaged because of me, but I was also unable to apologize. And… that…
A-anyway, that was one of the reasons I decided to go to school early.
At around 7:30 in the morning, I arrived at UA. My mind was set in stone, and I was thinking of a way on how to say sorry to Hikki. However, that goes for later. For now, I'll have to find out where Hikki is. Since I recognize the uniform that Hikki wore when he saved Sable, I knew he was a student here in UA High. That's why I tried my best to search for where he was. So I looked around. I ran, searched, and maybe stopped to think some more. It wasn't until the thought that Hikki was injured was when I thought it was a good decision to check the mini-hospital—I mean the infirmary.
So, I straight-up went to Recovery Girl's office as soon as I could, taking every turn needed according to the mini-map located in the main building's entrance. It took me a few minutes to get there since I wasn't exactly know… knowleggeble? Yeah, that's the word! I wasn't exactly knowleggeble about the whereabouts of the offices. I'm glad there were people around to help me, though. Still, it only took me about 5 minutes to reach the area I was aiming for. And true to my suspicions, Recovery Girl told me that a boy had just been healed with the same injury that I mentioned, and she told me his name and section. For some reason, Hikki didn't even tell Recovery Girl about why and how he got his injury. He's really such a mystery to me.
But, I'm glad that I found out that he was my classmate.
Sadly, though, when I came to my classroom, I wasn't able to find him, but his stuff was still there.
"Yui, like, are you cool? You seem to be thinking about many things."
Oh, that's right. My classmate in Middle School, Miura Yumiko, happened to also be my classmate. I haven't told her about Hikki yet, but I don't think I should tell her that right now. She had long blonde hair with twirls, and she was really pretty. We were classmates in grade school but we still kept in touch until Middle School. After all, we both promised to be heroes one day.
"Oh, I'm alright."
Looking pleased with my response, she nodded and went back to fiddling with her smartphone. She looked like she was looking at the latest beauty products on the social media page she was scrolling through.
Though that got me wondering. Maybe if—
SLIDE
The door slid open, gaining my and Yumiko's attention since we were both seated near the front door. Not only that, but the lively talking in the room seemed to stop. Walking in, the boy who had saved my dog slouched, looking annoyed at something, following who seemed to be… wait… is that… YUKINOSHITA YUKINO?!
I could see Yumiko's eyes widen beside me for some unknown reason, but Yukinoshita Yukino is here?! No way! She's one of the most famous female superstars in Japan! I can't believe it! However, turning my attention back to the familiar boy, he grunted, and he looked really creepy. Wait, why does he look like a common thug?! The vibes I got from him earlier were wayyy different.
But I suppose it can't be helped.
Secretly clenching my right fist, I looked at them with determination.
Beginning of School
8:03 AM
Friendship.
Such a simple, happy term, huh?
Friendship is a form of relationship in which a person enters companionship with another. Well, not necessarily companionship, but it is said that a friend is someone one can count on, and rely on.
But that's where the problem arises.
Friendship is mostly based on reliance. In simpler terms, it's called: 'dependence'. A word that I myself hate. I've been successful while staying independent all my life, so I don't need to depend on anyone. Dependence is a strong word with enough conviction that can force me to dissipate in the lives of others.
And I disgust it.
So, what do I need with friends?
Nothing.
I don't need friends. I don't want friends.
It is an unnecessary thing that prefers emotion over logic—or in other words, something I am not usually in terms with. You see, friends are people who will be with you for their own satisfaction. In the short run, you may be satisfied with their company, but, in the long run, once you've gotten attached to them, they will turn you down when the need arises. After all, some people will only love you as much as they can use you. Their loyalty ends when the benefits stop. Source: Me. According to research, These so-called 'friends' may even rub off on you their unhealthy lifestyles. This includes probable smoking, drinking, and other sorts of vices that may harm your health.
Expressly, they are not true friends.
And, I digress in forming such a stupid connection.
So, imagine my surprise when I walked into the room trailing behind UA's new resident Ice Queen who actually had a friend.
"Yukino-chan!"
Ha? First name basis already?
A girl whose hair was tied up into a spiky ponytail approached us, swiftly walking until she was under our proximity. And by proximity, I mean about a meter away from the Ice Cold Princess. Disgusted by how normie-fashioned that greeting was, I decided to take a trip down memory lane.
The classrooms including that of 1A's were a bit more populated now. With the sun finally illuminating the remaining darkness around, many people arrived to attend their classes.
As I walked in, surprised by the sudden halt of the Ice Queen, I saw the sitting and standing figures of my 'classmates' with whom I realized I did not want to associate myself. Looking around, I saw that the class was about 70% filled in terms of attendance. I didn't even bother memorizing their names. I find it unnecessary, as, after high school, we'll probably destroy all sorts of connections, may it be unintentionally, as time passes—considering connections were even made in the first place.
I could also see the lack of mutant-type quirks inside the class. There was one girl with pink skin and some yellowish horns, but I could say that it's probably an effect of an emitter-type Quirk. Perhaps her Quirk emits a certain substance that could change the appearance of her skin?
There's a blonde girl in front of me right now at seat 1, smartphone in hand, and was looking at Yukinoshita in surprise. She sits right next to the door and another student with peach-colored side-bun hair—who was also looking at the person beside me with her mouth agape. Redirecting my thoughts back to Twirly-Blonde-san, it appeared as if she was slightly intimidated by the presence of the person beside me. Did she, perhaps, want to become a class queen? Considering Yukinoshita's existence, Twirly-Blonde-san must realize that she had a threat to her spot. Well, I'm not too sure but it seems like it. After all, the expression on her face looked like that of one of my female childhood bullies who also happened to be a class queen when she was peering at the transfer student back in 6th grade.
Turning my head back to Yukinoshita, I realized one thing. If Twirly-Blonde-san wants to be the class queen, then it is highly likely. Yukinoshita did not appear to me as that of a socialite. But that didn't really matter. Such positions in class are useless.
After all, even if Twirly-Blonde-san does achieve her wanted position… I know who the real queen is.
"Ah, Momo-chan," Yukinoshita replied, nodding.
'Chan'? To bring that certain honorific outside of the Ice Queen's mouth could only mean one thing—they are definitely childhood friends.
"GAH?! WHY ARE THERE TWO SUPER DUPER HOT GIRLS?! THIS IS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER!" a midget-looking guy said, garnering nearly all of our attention. "AND THAT'S YUKINOSHITA YUKINO, THE CELEBRITY! SHE'S WAYYYY HOTTER IN PERSON!"
Then, a blonde with black streaks of hair also followed. "HOLY SHIT! SHE'S SO BEAUTIFUL AND HOT! OH MY GOD, I AM SO LUCKY TO BE IN HER PRESENCE! PLEASE STEP ON ME, YUKINO-SAN!"
I snorted at that comment.
And, what? Celebrity? I barely watch television—only mainly because of the news. I did not know of this. Maybe that's why I found Yukinoshita to be comparatively familiar. Speaking of Yukinoshita, she didn't look bothered and seemed unfazed—almost as if she was already used to this type of treatment.
"Mineta-kun! Kaminari-kun! Please refrain from blurting out perverse words!"
This time, that comment came from a guy with blue hair—wait a second, I recognize that guy! It's that blue-haired hypocrite from the entrance exams! No way, he's actually a stickler for rules! How utterly vile and vicious! Now, all we need is the existence of the main protagonist and then they become the best of friends! They'll be having the best and happy riajuu experiences, forming character developments left and right, as well as—
"Kero! That is Yukinoshita Yukino—" "Wow, I didn't expect her to be here— " "She's here?! That's so manly— "
*Ahem* Anyways,
There was this purple-haired midget openly gawking at the two high-class beauties in front of me. He seemed quite enraptured by their existence. With most eyes from around the class now away from us, I got curious. I looked back at the two blackettes and began to observe carefully.
...
Lo' and behold, that purple-haired midget had great options for his... materials.
The girl whose black hair was tied up into a spiky ponytail was unequivocally beautiful. No doubt about it. She was one of the people who, if you ever get hitched with, would force other people of your sex to despise you. Her body was greatly shaped. Her breasts were enormous and perfectly round, and her butt was equally of the same proportion. Face was good-looking. Furthermore, her hairstyle accentuates her body. She was tall, and many boys like tall girls. Overall, she was undoubtedly aesthetically pleasing. If it were me from back then, I'd most probably have fallen heads over heels already.
...
Hmm…
Yeah. Yukinoshita is still way hotter—wait, what the hell am I saying?!
"Ah, Yukino-chan, who is your…"
Eek! She noticed me!
"Acquaintance," we responded coldly in unison.
Still, though, this may just be the first time I've been noticed by someone else inside a populated area. I was pretty sure that I truly was Kuroko Tetsuya [1]. However, I guess I was just stupid. I should've immediately walked to my seat to avoid any form of suspicion regarding where I came from.
"R-right," the taller girl then turned to me. "My name is Yaoyorozu Momo, pleased to meet— "
"Please, no need to bother about his completely unnecessary and insignificant existence. Just ignore that rotten piece of unusable and leftover trash over there," she said, pointing at me as if I were some object. "Besides, I do not doubt that he doesn't even remember the name you gave him."
Rotten piece of unusable and leftover trash?! I narrowed my eyes and glared at her.
"Oi! I'm still here, Ice-Cold-Precious-Shit-san," I spoke, in a mocking tone, making her visibly annoyed. "First off, I'm not trash. Secondly, my memory is so great that I can relive my whole childhood with pure ease!"
"How disconsolate. You must've been shunned the moment you were born. It only makes sense as your existence must be of great misfortune to your parents." she shook her head in mock sadness. "Please refrain from coming in close contact with Momo-chan. I wouldn't want your Hiki-germs to infect her."
What the hell?! How did she know about my parents' celebration of misfortune when I was born?! If it weren't for the fact that my Loner Skill #108: "Insult Resistance" was extremely refined due to years of training, I would've cried and attempted suicide right on the spot!
"Oi, those statements could be extremely offensive to another person! And what about the so-called: 'Hiki-germs'? Are you immune or something? Or do you just not mind me at all?" I asked, rolling my eyes. "Besides, I doubt such a disease even exists. You have no proof! Unlike the newly-discovered Yukinoshita-cooties."
She simply smirked smugly right after.
"While that may be offensive to others, I wouldn't really care if I'm offending you. Besides, I happen to be vaccinated with my own defense mechanisms. Therefore, I am immune to your chronic and communicable disease," She glared, "And as for your second statement, your existence is nothing short but evidence of that illness, whilst the so-called 'Yukinoshita-cooties' are completely, and obviously, non-existent."
Won't care if it was me?! What type of high-level sadistic shit is this?! And, chronic disease?! Does this bitch enjoy my pain that much?!
Temporarily unable to recover, I decided to give up and ask nicely. "L-look. Just stop speaking nonsense about me, okay?"
"Which nonsense? The part where you're highly infectious or the part where your goldfish of a memory can't even remember her name? If I recall correctly, those are all facts."
Okay. She is seriously ticking me off!
"All, and no! They are not facts. They are all opinions based on your stupidly biased perceptions of me!"
"Hmmm… what's her name, then?" she asks, looking at me with so much complacency I thought her ego was space and vacuum itself whilst pointing at the taller girl beside her.
Her name? Heh. Easy question— *Cough* Oh crap. Wait, what was her name again? It was Momo-chan or something—
Condescendingly, Yukinoshita smirks. "That look on your face exhibits your futile attempts to reminisce what her name was. You're already infectious, so that could only mean that I am the correct one here."
I gritted my teeth in a scowl. How could she do such a thing and tarnish my reputation instantly?! This was exactly the reason why I knew that I won't be able to make any form of companionship—
*LOUD GASP*
"IT'S HAYAMA HAYATO!" the pink-haired slash pink-skinned girl suddenly shouted, dazing me out of my thoughts as I turned my head to look at the ongoing situation.
And, Hayama Hayato? The guy who got 1st in the Entrance Exams?
"That's Hayama Hayato! One of the top, most handsome actors around! And, he's our age!"
This 'Hayama Hayato' approached us after being noticed by our classmates. He sighed for a bit, but that wasn't really what concerned me. When I laid my eyes on him, my face contorted into so much hatred and disgust that the world could turn black. In other words, he was the blonde shithead I met in the Entrance Exams.
"Ah, Yukinoshita-san, it's nice to see you here," he began, "Your cousin, Shoto-chan is over there."
The blonde whom I absolutely despise was pointing over to a two-toned bi-color hair boy. He had red and white hair. Different eye colors—they don't appear to be contact lenses. So he has heterochromia then. And, he's a blood relative of Yukinoshita? Hmm… If they're cousins, then that means that the boy who seems to be glaring at someone right now must have an ice-related Quirk or something alike. Or not, since it could be from a different parental side from the Ice Queen that's not pure Yukinoshita blood. Besides, why does the guy look like some sort of tragic shonen anime character only used for character development? I can tell that he's also a loner like me. We loners had the ability to identify one another's existence. This was how I could relate with Yukinoshita easily earlier. But that guy… hmm. A huge scar on the left side of his face appeared to be due to scalding. Huh. Is that right? Curious, I continued observing him.
...
Hm. I see. So that's what he's been through. His stoic expression? His fierce glares? Sitting posture? Extremely understandable. I can easily tell that this guy is traumatized. He doesn't seem to have trust issues, as he apparently talked with the blonde shithead earlier, so he was likely traumatized at—
"Oh, and I see you've met Hikigaya-kun here."
Oi, oi, oi. Why the hell are you acting like we're good 'old childhood friends, you phony?!
And he also happens to know my name? This class is definitely a meeting spot for stalkers. All excluding me, of course. The black-haired ponytail girl who was smiling earlier at the banter between me and the Ice Queen interrupted my thoughts when she greeted the blonde.
"Hayato-chan," Yaoyorozu greeted, "Pleased to meet you here. I see that you have just arrived."
Hayato-chan, eh? I turned to my side to look at Yukinoshita. Her face plastered a scowl—fairly similar to mine. With how the blonde spoke, it must mean that they were fairly acquainted with each other. Put it simply, their relationship was the case of the symmetric property of congruence—or at least that's how it seemed. As expected, Yukinoshita was glaring at someone. However, she was glaring at him. And, as I connected the dots, this whole tense situation made a whole lot more sense.
"Pleased to meet you here, too, Momo-chan," he said, smiling brightly. "I immediately started a small talk with Shoto-chan over there once I arrived. He seems to be a bit grumpy today."
Black-Haired-Ponytail-Girl-san lightly sighed. "I suppose he is always grumpy. I've never really met him before, though. It does make me wonder how many people have been successful at conversing with him."
"Ah. He doesn't really talk with most other people."
What the hell is with this normie-seemingly-rich-people talking session?! Even their "lovely" catching-up-to-each-other conversation makes me want to contemplate my life choices! Their voices alone were such a deadly weapon that I even went as far as to accept death filled with regrets!
As their conversation began spiraling into directions such as their parents' high billing rates per day like the stupid normies they freaking were, I opted to leave as it was never really necessary to be present in this meaningless interchange meant to raise their egos. However, as I turned away, a voice called out to me.
"Wait, Hikitani-kun," the cheery tall boy smiled, "I suppose I should get myself properly acquainted with you. My name is Hayama Hayato— "
Oi! Who the hell is a 'Hikitani'?! Eager to dismiss this conversation, I decided to cut him off.
"Anou… I'm not really interested to meet you…" I bowed, "And I'm pretty sure you already know my name."
…
Wait.
Did I just act moderately polite? And, did I just bow in front of him? Why the hell did I just do that? It was so out of character. Did my instincts judge prematurely and esteem Hayama to be higher than me in the social hierarchy? Fuck. I was so confused that I even started cursing like an American.
"I-I mean, shut up! You riajuu, go kill yourself!"
Immediately, I scurried away to my seat, desperate to end this wild and fiery interaction that caught even the jumping monkeys on fire as they burned the Amazon Forest decades ago. As I passed Yukinoshita, I could see her stifling her laughter with her mouth covered by her knuckle. Her crystalline icy blue eyes appeared to taunt me as they resembled that of the cold arctic winter, and, simultaneously, that of my old middle school bullies. It had only reminded me of how much I loathed her.
It wasn't until I finally sat down was when the fatigue came washing all over my body like a huge tidal wave ready to drown the unsupervised toddlers on the local beach. After sighing, I then silently dropped my head down on the desk, not minding anyone else but myself. The indistinct chatter may be loud, but the exhaustion that came off of my inability to sleep last night and the incident from this early morning was too much for me to bear.
And so, bit by bit, I began to drift off to sleep.
.
.
.
.
.
Until some weird motherfu— *ahem*—some random person decided to ruin it by tapping my right shoulder continuously until I brought my head up.
"Greetings! My name is Iida Tenya. Pleased to be of your acquaintance!" he bowed.
Oh, it's that blue hypocrite guy from the entrance exams. Wait, what did he say again? His name was… Eda Tonya or something? Ah, screw it. I'll just call him 'Excessive Genuflect Guy' since he was still bowing to me as if I were some transcended version of Jesus Christ himself.
"What do you want?" I asked, rubbing my left eyelid. My voice reeked with so much exasperation and indignation that I saw the familiar person before me shiver.
"O-oh, well, I would just like to greet you. Please take care of me, as I will now be under your care as a fellow classmate," he said, bowing again.
Hah? Did you inhale too much cocaine that you began deriving pleasure in bowing to other people? Or are you just the secret reincarnation of Ritsu Sohma [2]?
"... okay. I'm sure you're aware of my name already, anyways."
"H-hai."
Well, at least this guy had some proper etiquette—
"Iida-san. I believe it would indeed be the best choice possible for you to refrain from interacting with that thing."
—unlike her.
"Oi, who the hell are you calling 'that thing'?
The egoistic culprit, as I expected, turned out to be Yukinoshita Yukino. She sat graciously on her desk, her book plopped softly onto her right hand. Her eyes peered at me, displaying utter disgust. For a second there, I thought that I was truly trash until I remembered that she was just a stuck-up bitch that I wished died by getting rammed by a fast dark-colored car with loose breaks [3].
Dramatically, she spoke with mock horror. "Ara ara! It's speaking! It appears that it's a haunted dirty piece of trash. I recommend staying away from it. I heard that it was the source of the newly-discovered Hiki-germs."
You know what? I wonder how I can make this stupid barrage of insults coming out of literally nowhere stop. From what I know, Yukinoshita is definitely Top 1 Sadist Material. So, how can I make someone like her feel… huh. Hmmm… what if… heh. Heh heh heh.
Dramatically, I began to make my response.
"Ouch… that hurts... you know?" with my eyes downcast, I replied in a tone manifesting dejection. "Y-you… hurt my feelings..."
"Good. It was meant to hurt your feelings, considering pieces of trash can even experience feelings in the first place."
Okay, she seriously has a problem. Freaking Psychonoshita! Or is she Socionoshita instead? Whatever! She's still a freaking bitch!
"Oh? It doesn't look like you're sad after all, Hiki-not-sad-kun. Are you perhaps enjoying this moment?"
"Shut up, you talking black mop!"
"B-black mop?" she spluttered, making me produce a shit-eating grin. However, my expression dropped as she quickly recovered with a sneer of her own. "Hmm. But what does that make you? A fish-eyed dustpan?"
"O-oi! How can dustpans even have eyes?!"
"Look at the mirror and you'll find out."
"Huh?!"
"My bad, it probably won't work. The mirror would just shatter instantly."
"What kind of Disney movies did you binge-watch as a child?!"
"Would you two please stop?!" the observing and tall boy blurted out, making the both of us turn to him. "It is highly unbecoming of the both of you to indulge in such childish arguments— "
BOOM
However, his seemingly awful attempt at demoralizing us with an additional awful complaint was suddenly brought to a stop as the sliding doors at the front boomed open. This particular action caught not only our attention but also brought all the other students' chatter into something smaller than smithereens as seemingly a student with unkempt ash blonde hair and unkempt clothes came barging in from outside.
The familiar adolescent whom I recognized to be the victim during the sludge villain incident walked in a kingly manner, with a complacent demeanor, and a cocky behavior as his bright red eyes peered smugly around the room. His bag, held by his right hand hanging on his back, looked as if it was filled with newly-bought weeds ready to be devoured by the whole class like actual maniacs. With his free left hand, he fired off a few firecrackers atop his raised palm that made his smirk grow wider.
POP POP POP
Okay.
What the hell is up with these anime tropes? First, we got a charming prince, then came an icy edgelord. After that was a hypocritical elitist. And now was a blatant show-off who thinks he's automatically Class King by having a seemingly powerful ability? What's next, a secretly overpowered person who can't stop saying sorry? Is my life becoming that of a generic shonen manga? And I thought chuunibyou was already out of me… a-actually, it is out of me. However, this made me remember my ultimate Spirit Diaries that I used to—shut up, Middle School Hachiman!
Anyways, this delinquent-looking Quirkist who could easily be mistaken for a tryhard rapist stood up in the middle of the class, his smirk growing even wider I'd thought he somehow magically transformed into the budget and dog version of the Cheshire Cat [4].
"LISTEN UP, YOU EXTRAS!" he shouted out loud, making me cringe for my life as I imagined the hypothetical explosion of my eardrums. "MY NAME IS BAKUGO KATSUKI," he pointed his thumb to himself. "AND I'M GOING TO BE THE RICHEST PERSON ALIVE AS WELL AS THE NUMBER ONE HERO!"
What is he, some Narutowanna-be?! Oh, I know! He's a freaking Naru-tard! I bet he watched Naruto all his life and cried like a pathetic anime character when Naruto lost his first fight against Sasuke in the Final Valley! [5]
A murmur broke into the class as they resumed to continue what they were doing respectively. A certain redhead who looked familiar was looking at the Angry Pomeranian with glinting eyes filled with the disgusting normie-fashioned adoration. However, this did not distract the ash-blonde from the fact that he was outright ignored.
"Oi! Don't ignore me, you stupid extras!" he demanded, his eyes narrowing down each second nobody bothered to listen to him. "Tch. Whatever."
Walking away from the middle of the stage, Bakago-Kaski-something wore his seemingly permanent scowl as he walked towards… me…? Wait a second…
As I continued to observe him cautiously without anybody noticing, he continued walking until he was past my location. Inwardly, I sighed, until I heard some rustling of chairs directly behind me. With fear clearly displayed in my perfectly shaped irises, I turned to look behind me in fright. It appeared that my suspicions were proven true. The boy—Angry-Pomeranian-san—sat exactly behind me. And with that, I realized something.
I was surrounded.
While a most likely non-virgin loudmouth delinquent sat behind my seat, a sadistic Ice Queen who kept verbally abusing me sat to my right. Not only that, but the teacher's table was directly in front of me.
…
Dear Shonen Gods. What had I done to receive such a curse?
Anyways, as Yukinoshita decided not to care and opted to sit silently, reading her book as she flips the pages with her smooth and white fingers, the tall bluenette had apparently broken out of his stupor as he angrily turned to the guy beyond my seat whilst an audible noise of something hitting the desk behind me entered my ears.
"Bakugo-san! How dare you place your feet at the table! Don't do that!" Excessive Genuflect Guy demanded brusquely, "Have you no shame?!"
"Ehh?"
"Don't you think that's rude to the upperclassmen and the people that made that desk?!"
"Hmmm, nope. Oi, tell me. What junior high did you go to, you side character?"
Blue-haired Hypocrite sighed, then straightened himself up. "Let's try this again. My name is Iida Tenya, and I attended Somei Private Academy."
Somei? That made sense. I heard only weird and crazy elitists ever attended that private school filled with apparent prodigies in terms of academic intelligence.
"Somei, huh? So you're some damn elite, eh? Looks like I'll have fun crushing you!"
Excessive Genuflect Guy visibly flinched, surprised. "Crushing?! That's cruel! Do you really aim to be a hero?!"
"Hah!" Bakago Kaski sneered, "Fucking noob!"
Before the tall guy could speak and berate the other for cursing, we were all silenced by the presence of a gaze which we, in our proximity, were able to feel. Instinctively, our heads swatted to the source as if we were caught vandalizing the desks in the classroom that may warrant a scandal. I heard a sigh from behind me as I continued trying to observe who seemed to be the newcomer.
Wait.
Viridian green hair with forest green eyes, chubby baby-like face with 4 freckles on each cheek. His eyes were enormous and his mouth swirled as if he were a student caught doing indecent things in the nearby bathroom. And most of all, he looked like a broccoli.
It was him.
The person whom I deemed the legendary destroyer of the night. He was… 'Broccoli-chan'—anyway, it was him whom I recalled as the supposed 'friend' of the Angry Pomeranian behind me and the person who charged at the sludge villain without a care in the world.
"O-oh, good morning!"
"Hey!" the taller guy beside me started, robotically stomping his way over to the greenette like a machine. "I am from Somei Academy! My name is— "
"I heard!" Broccoli-chan cut him off, frantically waving his palms in front of him. "I'm Midoriya Izuku… n-nice to meet you, Iida-san."
"Midoriya-kun… you realized that there was something more to that practical exam, didn't you?" the taller boy bowed, "I had no idea… I misjudged you! I hate to admit it, but you are clearly the superior student!"
"Sorry, I actually didn't realize anything…"
Wait a second… all of my assumptions were correct… the apologizing scene… the scene where they become the best of friends… no… this can't be! How is this possible—
"Oh, the familiar green curly hair! You're the plain-looking one!"
No… nonononononononono! Why?!
She can't be…
Broccoli-chan immediately tensed up, looking behind him and letting me peer over him as I saw the faint silhouette of the person whom I despised the most. She was…
"Y-you're the nice person!"
As he dubbed—The Nice Person—my greatest enemy. Apart from a certain cheery blonde, she was the person who mercilessly distracted me during the time in the explanation of the Practical Portion of the Entrance Exams. You won't believe me if I told you the number of times I almost committed suicide that night when I remembered her face.
"You passed, just like what Present Mic said!" she said, rather bluntly. "Of course you did, that attack was really amazing! You obliterated that Zero-Pointer like it was nothing in one punch!"
.
.
.
Wait what?
"NANI?!" about half the class shouted in unison. "You one-shot the Zero-Pointer— " "No way— " "Wow, amazing— " "How did you— "
As their chatters continued, I remained in my seat, pondering.
One-shotting the Zero-Pointer must be some crazy accomplishment. If I had to guess, since Broccoli-chan wasn't on top of the leaderboards, he must have some form of self-destructing or charging Quirk. If he was able to show that much firepower, then the only reason stopping him from acing the entrance exams is his drawbacks. It's the logical conclusion I've amassed from this, because he wasn't able to outscore Hayama—a person whose strengths I've witnessed and has shown no feats that he had the ability to obliterate that massive faux villain in a single shot. Therefore, Broccoli-chan cannot be Saitama [6]. Besides, this guy had a head of hair.
"Look at them, Hiki-no-friends-kun," Yukinoshita said, breaking me out of my stupor.
"What?"
She turned at me then smirked. "He just walked in, and he's already making friends," she then pointed at me. "Compare him to you. Your rotten eyes and disfigured face had repelled everyone else into conversing with you."
"Shut up, I'm not ugly, and there's no one near my vicinity apart from your bitchy presence and some weird crackhead sitting beside me. Therefore, I'm bound to have nobody talking to me."
"Oi, what did you say about me?"
Huh? Looking behind me, it was the ash-blonde. He was glaring at me with so much intensity that I recalled the faces of my grade school bullies who always put whoopie cushions under my seat.
"Huh?"
"I said, what did you say?"
"Heh. Do you even have ears, you dog-looking narutard?"
"HAH?!"
Smirking, I swear I saw a tick on his forehead as he continued glaring at me. Heh, did you think you could scare me? Before he could stand up and grab my collar like the local school bullies who were sent to principal offices for sex scandals, the group surrounding the entrance shouted, gaining our attention.
"EH?!"
What? What happened? I, Bakago Kaski, and Yukinoshita turned to look at the crowd to see their jaws hanging.
"Go somewhere else if you want to play at being friends," someone spoke up. People made room, then I saw a man who looked like one of those hobos begging for money on the sidewalks inside a sleeping bag. "This is the hero course," the man slipped out of the bag then stood up. "And it took all of you eleven seconds to get quiet. Time is limited. You kids are not rational enough."
The hobo-looking man who looked like your ordinary math teacher who stayed up at night answering math problems had a scarf on his neck. A scarf? In spring? It must probably be a support item then. He also wore black clothing that resembled combat, so he must probably be a Pro Hero of some sort.
"I'm your homeroom teacher, Aizawa Shota. Nice to meet you." Aizawa-sensei turned at his sleeping bag and grabbed something out of it. It looked like a blue uniform—oh, that's the PE uniform. "It's kind of sudden, but put this on and go out on the field."
"Ara ara, Hikigaya-kun. Today must really be your unlucky day," Yukinoshita commented.
"Yeah, that part seems obvious."
"It appears that you're highly likely to be expelled."
"... wait what?"
-o-o-o-o-o-
A Few Minutes Later
"A Quirk assessment test?!"
Whilst standing under the radiating glare of spring's heat, I couldn't help but feel comfortable. The drastic temperature change was obviously notable. It was definitely 100 times better than earlier.
Flashback
"Please refrain from overtaking and remain in a properly organized manner."
Whilst heading to our locker rooms, Yukinoshita was in front of me at the very back of our class line. If you were to ask me how I ended up here, I'd say that the Rom-Com Gods were just toying with my life. And, as expected, the class line was as chaotic as ever. It frankly reminded me of that one time somebody threw poop in front of me back in 3rd grade using paper and I accidentally stepped on it.
Back to the subject,
"Why can't I overtake? Everyone seems like they're doing it, and the line isn't even properly organized."
"Yes, I know. The line is chaotic as it is. If an abhorrent and detestable dying mumpsimus like you were to join, the world would truly fall apart."
Abhorrent and detestable dying mumpsimus?!
"First of all, how many words do you have in your freaking dictionary?! Besides, the world is already falling apart due to your involvement! And I think that's the reason you're implying that the world's already falling apart."
"Yes, it is already falling apart. However, your so-called educated guess—which is more like an 'uneducated guess'—is wrong. Your mere existence ruins the once-stable planet we all live on. So don't make it any more difficult for us and stay in the line."
What a bitch. You know what? Maybe I'll just overtake like a professional basketball player doing streetball tricks. So as fast as I could, I side-stepped. Then, I immediately began speed walking. Hahaha, sayonara, Yukinoshi—ACK! The back part of my shirt was grabbed with so much grip force and intensity that I realized if I kept moving forward, my body was going to be torn into shreds. Forcibly, I turned around to see the face of a glaring Yukinoshita with so much wintry I'd thought I'd have caught the Marie Antoinette Syndrome.
"Hikigaya-kun."
I swear you could see me sweat visible droplets! She's so scary! What the hell?!
"Y-yes?"
"What did I say?"
"..."
Unsatisfied with my silence, she stepped on my feet so hard that my bones were breaking—at least that's how it seemed like it.
"... ouch."
"Got something to say?"
"U-uhh…"
She stepped on my feet harder.
"A-ack, uhh— " I quickly remembered what the blonde with black streaks said earlier, " —I-I'm ecstatic to have you stomp on my feet!" [7]
After blinking twice in temporary confusion, she let go and continued walking, as she and I realized that the class was already about 50 meters away from us.
"Not the answer I needed, but nonetheless accepted."
Note to self: Never disobey Yukinoshita.
End of Flashback
Ah god, at least I'm happy that I'm at least 30 meters away from that snobby bitch.
After scratching my head for a second or two, I turned back to see Aizawa-sensei looking at the class in analytic laziness. I could tell from a single glance that he was scrutinizing us. Perhaps he was looking at our physical conditions?
"Sensei, what about the entrance ceremony?" someone asked.
"If you're going to be a Pro Hero, then you won't have time for leisurely events."
Is it just me or is Aizawa-sensei basing his answer off of his experience? I'm pretty sure some Pro Heroes—especially of the higher ranking (like All Might)—are required to join these so-called 'leisurely events'. Something like, I dunno, the Annual Hero Ranking?
"UA's selling point is how unrestricted its school traditions are. That's also how the teachers run their classes. What you're about to do is what you kids already did back then in Junior High, if I'm not mistaken."
The teacher held out his hand, displaying a futuristic phone that read: 'Fitness Test'. Does he honestly think the others can read such a small text from this length?
"Physical fitness tests where you weren't allowed to use your Quirks. The country still uses averages taken from results from students not using their Quirks. It's not rational. I'm inclined to believe that the Ministry of Education is procrastinating."
After sighing, he turned to a specific person in the class.
"Hayama Hayato. You scored first in the Entrance Exams, right?"
The aforementioned blonde nodded.
"In junior high, what was your best result for the softball throw?"
"59 Meters, sir."
"Then, try doing it with your Quirk." Aizawa-sensei threw him the softball. "Go inside the circle and do anything that you want, so long as you don't cross it."
"Hai!"
"Good. Give it all you've got."
After entering the circle whose diameter is about 2 meters, Hayama stretched, warming his body up before he got to a throwing position. I observed the robotic-like mechanizations on him as I was swiftly reminded that he had a mutation-type Quirk. Then, as he stuck his right palm out, I observed as some atomic-scale orbs were being concentrated to a singular point in front of his palm. And as a now-visible orb formed, it began growing bigger and bigger as the second passed. Once it was of satisfactory size, Hayama dipped the softball as it fit perfectly inside the orb. While I raised my eyebrows, Hayama then threw the energy ball up and stood in a volleyball serving position.
With his cheerful and revolting smile, he jumped, and as the now falling ball came into proximity with him, he drew his right arm back. Then,
.
.
.
Slammed it with his palm.
SWISH
"Know your maximum first."
"W-Woah!" most of my classmates commented,
The ball soared so fast and so high that in about 20 seconds, Aizawa-sensei's monitor beeped as he showed us the number of 816 meters, and honestly, my eyes would probably bawl out in surprise if it weren't for the fact that I disgust the person who performed it. I mean, honestly! How does this prostitute-looking guy perform that well?!
"That is the most rational way to form the foundation of a hero."
Hayama Hayato - Quirk: [Energy Discharge]
He can emit atomic-sized energy balls from the mechanizations at his arm and discharge them once formed, producing a long-ranged energy projectile.
"816 meters?!"
"No way, seriously?"
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"How am I supposed to match that?!"
"We can use our Quirks as much as we want! As expected of the hero course!"
"Yeah, how cool!"
"Really fun!"
… wait, fun?
"It looks fun, huh?" Aizawa-sensei chuckled darkly. "You have three years to become a hero. Will you have an attitude like that the whole time?" Then, he smirked. "Alright. Whoever comes in the last place in all eight tests will be judged to have no potential and will be punished with expulsion."
"HUH?!" most of the class said once more in unison.
…
You've got to be freaking kidding me. So this is what Yukinoshita meant, huh?
"We teachers are free to do what we want about the circumstances of our students, just so you know," Aizawa-sensei said, rather smugly. He raised his hair like a depressed emo and grinned maniacally. "Welcome to UA's Hero Course."
Holy shit! It's like a formal and legitimate way of hazing!
"The last place will be expelled? But it's the first day of school! No, even if it wasn't the first day of school, this is too unfair!"
Our teacher sighed, before monologuing. "Natural disasters, big accidents, and selfish villains. Calamities whose time or place can't be predicted. The world is filled with unfairness. Heroes are the ones who battle that unfairness. If you wanted to go talk with your friends at Saizeriya after school, then too bad."
Amazing food restaurant choice aside, Aizawa-sensei is right. The world is filled with unfairness. With people who berate you for just trying to blend in, and with friends who will drop you when they deem you worthless, there's no better word than this to describe the place we live in.
"For the next three years, UA will do all that it can to give you one hardship after the other."
Everyone else apart from some of us looked at our teacher with tear-filled eyes.
"Go beyond. Plus Ultra." he taunted us with his index finger. "Overcome it with all you've got."
That has got to be the coolest 'Plus Ultra' moment I've ever witnessed.
"Ne, Yukino-chan," Black-Haired-Ponytail-san asked, gaining the class' attention as we all turned to look at them. "Is it real? Will the class actually be expelled?"
Yukinoshita smirked, "Yes. Why do you think there are no 2nd-year hero course students? He even expelled those of the class he wasn't advising."
…
Everyone who was listening in their conversation just visibly shivered.
Also, scratch hazing. UA is a huge mental and physical torture chamber. Shonen Gods, please give me the power of the main protagonist so I can bypass this test. I did promise Komachi not to get expelled, but this is just straight up wow!
Aizawa-sensei just smirked. "Oi, Yukinoshita. I recommend that you don't expose all of my secrets just yet."
"Mm. Very well, sensei."
"Alright, kids. The demonstration is over. The real thing starts now."
A huge test on the first day, huh? Seems pretty cliche.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Test 1: 50-meter dash
-o-o-o-o-o-
"On your mark, get set…"
Excessive Genuflect Guy began on the clawing position as he glared at the finish line.
"GO!"
DASH
Click.
"3.04 Seconds!"
"For 50 meters, I can only go up to third gear."
Iida Tenya - Quirk: [Engine].
Yes. The insides of his legs are literally engines.
"5.84 Seconds!"
Asui Tsuyu - Quirk: [Frog]
She can do nearly anything that a frog can!
Next up on the line, was a peach-haired girl—equally as tall, and equally as bubbly as the other who had brown hair. Jesus. There are two nice girls in this class. This would be a pain in the ass to deal with.
The brown-haired girl touched her soles as she prepared. Hmm… a weight-decreasing Quirk?
Next to her was another nice girl. The peach-haired girl whom I will now officially dub as 'Peach-chan', seemingly meditated. Then, a transparent orb suddenly began encasing her. Once she finished, she looked like a hamster inside a hamster ball.
Yuigahama Yui - Quirk: [Bubble Barrier]
She can form bubbles out of thin air and create a hard barrier out of it.
"On your mark, get set…"
.
.
"GO!"
The pinkette rolled her way through, as the brunette leaped and skipped her way.
"6.12 Seconds!"
"7.15 Seconds!"
Next up was Twirly-Blonde-san and the pink raccoon-eyed alien from outer space.
Twirly-Blonde-san sighed, as she shot an array of the pink gas that seemed to not dissipate at all. As many onlookers curiously watched the display, Twirly-Blonde-san smirked, after stretching. Is this some form of displaying her status as class queen? Meanwhile, the alien from outer space discarded her shoes and prepared in a clawing position.
"On your marks, get set…"
.
.
"Go!"
The alien-looking girl ran with her bare feet. Although, some sweat-like substance was being emitted from her feet as she ran.
Ashido Mina - Quirk: [Acid]
She can produce a corrosive liquid from her body.
Twirly-Blonde-san, on the other hand, will not go down without a fight. Once her body touched the gas she emitted, she began getting faster and was able to outspeed the pink-skinned girl.
"5.12 Seconds!"
Miura Yumiko - Quirk: [Gas Effect]
She can debuff or buff anybody that enters her gas depending on what she wants.
The alien from outer space arrived a split second right after her.
"5.34 Seconds!"
Pondering on why this class was so powerful aside, Broccoli-chan and the Angry Pomeranian were up next. While the former seemed nervous, the latter seemed somewhat excited. Just one glance could tell me that they had some form of Yakuza-level rivalry.
"On your marks, get set…"
The Angry Pomeranian proceeded to draw two of his palms out and kicked away his shoes using his bare feet.
"Go!"
Using his explosions to propel himself forward as he basically flew.
"Explosive speed!"
Bakugo Katsuki - Quirk: [Explosion]
He sweats nitroglycerin from his palms and soles and can produce explosions by igniting them.
"3.33 Seconds!"
"Woah, did you see that? He was almost as fast as Iida!"
"What an amazing Quirk!"
Meanwhile, Broccoli-chan ran as fast as he could without using his Quirk at all. This confirmed my hypothesis—his Quirk is definitely self-destructive.
"7.02 Seconds!"
And, it appears that another one of my hypotheses was proven true because next up was me and the bi-colored hair teen. These tests depend on class numbers and are sequenced randomly. Once we both got to our designated spot, Aizawa-sensei called out to me.
"Hikigaya. I heard from the infirmary office that you were hit by a speeding car just this morning. Do you still want to go? I'll excuse you for it, but you'll have to try the test again when you're fully healed."
This got some attention from the crowd. Some gasped, and some had sympathetic expressions.
"You told us that a Pro Hero must always overcome unfairness. I don't see a reason for me to back out."
Aizawa-sensei grinned as he nodded to me. "Good answer."
Not gonna lie, I sounded so cool that I had to remind myself that I was not a shonen anime protagonist. Meanwhile, the spectators, on the other hand, were pretty amazed at my answer. Broccoli-chan looked at me with star eyes, and the Ice Queen was certainly amused.
After a few seconds, I heard the auto-starting bot commence the beginning of my test.
"On your marks, get set…"
I clawed the ground, right knee up, and gaze straight at the finish line.
"Go!"
Then, I ran as fast as I could. Well, it wasn't really too fast, but it's still okay. I had to endure the pain of my left leg aching, though, but it didn't hurt as much as before. On the other hand, the stoic teen on the other side of the track blitzed as he slid his way through—leaving me far behind.
"4.93 Seconds!"
"7.88 Seconds!"
I internally cursed myself. If only I wasn't too injured, I'd have scored a second less. The icy teen looked at me blankly, then walked off. I decided to just follow right after, not wanting to speak. Fellow loners converse with their bodies, and not with their voice. I could also clearly understand his message. Oh yeah, and I decided to just name him 'Edgelord'.
Walking back to my spot, I decided to ponder. I didn't use my Quirk. The reason was honestly simple. So far, my Quirk has no way of increasing my speed. Also, I'm not willing to waste my limited amount of usage for my Quirk. Anyway, as Edgelord-san was being showered with compliments, I stood up at my previous spot, away from the rest as the next contestants began preparing.
"On your marks, get set…"
Hayama Hayato—and a guy with brown hair who looked excited raised their buttocks. The brown-haired guy's Quirk was pretty neat, as a metallic substance sprouted out of his legs. However… It was seemingly a bad choice.
"Go!"
As I expected, the brown-haired guy was absolutely outrun by Hayama as the latter propelled himself with energy balls like the Angry Pomeranian from earlier.
"4.04 Seconds!"
"7.93 Seconds!"
That deadhead is probably intellectually stupid. He increased his weight using his Quirk because of those metal-looking structures on his legs.
Kakeru Tobe - Quirk: [Steel Bones]
He can manipulate his bones and generate them outside of his skin—turning them into a metallic substance.
Next up after their pair was… ugh. The Ice Queen herself and some girl with earphone jacks.
"On your marks, get set…"
Suddenly, everyone else near the track felt this oddly cold presence around them. I slightly shivered. It was quite cold. In a split second, I was able to witness Yukinoshita covering her side of the 50-meter track with water. Then, more water emitted from her, covering her feet up to her shins.
"Go!"
Lo' and behold, Yukinoshita sped off, her feet sliding with strides so fast that it may look invisible to the normal eye. It was as if I was observing the best ice skating performance I have ever seen. Her form, so graceful yet so perfect. There was no room for question on how she was able to outspeed the other participant.
It was only until her time was spoken that I realized my jaw was hanging.
"2.98 Seconds!"
Yukinoshita Yukino - Quirk: [Cold Water]
She can control her water. She can travel in water. Total manipulation of water? Yeah! What type of water? Cold water!
"2.98 SECONDS?! SHE EVEN BEAT IIDA!"
"HOLY SHIT!"
"NO WAY!"
"SO HOT! LOOK AT HER PERFECT LEGS!"
As the Excessive Genuflect Guy approached her with a congratulating look, the girl with earphone jacks for ears finished her course.
"8.03 Seconds!"
Jiro Kyoka - Quirk: [Earphone Jack]
Her Quirk: Earphone Jack. How groovy! She has long, controllable earlobes that work like headphone cables.
As I laid still on my spot, standing, I could feel the cold presence pass by me as the compliments were now being thrown in my direction. Walking beside me, Yukinoshita stopped, before giving me a wisenheimer smirk.
"You were pretty slow, you know?"
Damn ice bitch!
I'll kill her! I'll kill her!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Test 2: Grip Strength
-o-o-o-o-o-
I stood in the gym, with a grip strength measuring device in my right hand.
…
Yeah, there's nothing special about this.
*BEEP* "45 kg"
Oh well, at least it wasn't too bad… right?
Looking around, there was this bird-headed guy who looked like a shady emo with a creepy stalker on his back, gripping the device with seemingly great success.
Tokoyami Fumikage - Quirk: [Dark Shadow]
He's scary, he's dark, and he likes the color black. Dark Shadow is the monster-like figure he can summon and de-summon at will.
Then, there was this Asian-looking masochist who looked like a Haikyuu [8] fan and a Spider-Man rip-off. He wrapped the device with tape as he pulled the two ends as if he were tying a ribbon.
Sero Hanta - Quirk: [Tape]
He can produce tape from his elbows. Honestly, so cool!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Test 3: Long Jump
-o-o-o-o-o-
The Angry Pomeranian just propelled himself over the sand, he landed on the other side properly.
Black-Haired-Ponytail-san just made a glider and flew over the track.
Broccoli-chan did decently, but he wasn't able to cross the sandbox.
Ice Queen flew while on top of water.
Edgelord-san created a slide and slid off the thing.
And of course, I just wasn't able to cross the box.
-o-o-o-o-o-
Test 4: Repeated Side-Steps
-o-o-o-o-o-
This test is definitely biased.
Only people who have flashy Quirks can pass this Quirk Apprehension Test. You suck, Mister-So-called-Rational-Sensei.
I mean, just look at this! Why is that purple-turd-headed midget pervert acing this test?!
The sight of said midget bouncing from left and right at great speeds made me want to hide my face underground.
Mineta Minoru - Quirk: [Pop Off]
His hair is made of sticky hairballs!
-o-o-o-o-o-
Test 5: Ball Throw
-o-o-o-o-o-
It was different. Many people watched from the sidelines. Eyes, prickling the contestant with so much intrigue and interest as if the scientists were finally able to discover bigfoot. Some had eyes tinted with sadness, and the other weaker-willed ones had eyes downcast. The cold atmosphere did not help. My feet laid still on the ground, my back remained hunched, as I glared ominously at my target. My eyes, glaring as if hell had just hovered up. I clenched my fists tightly as my palms began to pale. There was no question that I was angry. Under the shadow of the taller building, I watched, cautiously taking note of every single action.
"Hyaa!"
It was, as Broccoli-chan dubbed, the Ultimate Demoness: 'The Nice Girl'. She was pumping her fist, expression filled with determination as she threw the ball. And… the ball never dropped back down.
Aizawa-sensei's monitor beeped as he showed us the result.
"WOAH!"
"INFINITY?!"
"NO WAY, SO COOL!"
"HOW?!"
Oh god, these normies make me want to die.
A-anyways, next up on the line was Broccoli-chan. If my theory regarding his Quirk is true, then this will be the test wherein he will use his Quirk. Much like me, he hasn't been using his Quirk at all. And, I'm pretty sure I've got an even lower score than him! The guy was just definitely much stronger.
"If Midoriya doesn't shape up, then he's surely going to be the one going home today," Excessive Genuflect Guy remarked, his right hand cupping his chin.
The explosive teen beside him looked at the glasses boy incredulously. "What do you mean?! That Quirkless wanna-be doesn't have any place in this!"
Quirkless wanna-be? What's this guy now, a Quirkist?
"What do you mean? He has a Quirk!"
I'm secretly thanking the Christian God for gifting me with an incredible lack of presence. If I didn't, these two would probably be bullying me right now for also not using my Quirk!
Tired of observing this conversation, I decided to avert my gaze to Broccoli-chan. His eyes were downcast, but after what seemed to be a few seconds, a fierce yet familiar expression took over.
It was the face of somebody doing something completely reckless.
But… it's about time, huh?
The remaining exercises won't be fit for him—especially due to my observations from earlier. If his Quirk really is a 1-burst type, then this is the only spot left for an opportunity to remain in UA. It's all or nothing, and I'm sure he knows this.
Because at this rate, he's obviously going to be expelled.
Broccoli-chan arched his back, his face, so fierce that I recalled the determined face of a certain demon slayer when he faced the Lower Moon 5 [9]. As I saw his Quirk firing up, he twisted his torso like how a baseball player would pitch, then threw it as hard as he could.
"Hweh!"
.
.
.
BEEP
"46 Meters!"
What? What happened? For a split second, I could see his right arm powering up with all the electrons rampaging across his blood, producing some sort of electromagnetism radiation that produces light. Did he somehow—
I saw it.
The look of terror.
The indescribable horror scribbled across his face.
From behind, I saw Aizawa-sensei with red eyes, walking to him, seemingly unpleased. His scarf flared up, and his hair drawn upwards. I could tell from a single glance that our sensei was not satisfied at all.
Startled, Broccoli-chan looked frantic. "Huh?! Y-you're Eraserhead! The Eraser Hero!"
Pffft. Eraserhead? Who in their right minds thought of that name?
Out of nowhere, Yukinoshita stepped up. "Eraserhead. He's an Underground Hero that can erase our Quirks just by looking at us. However, based on my studies, it is only limited to those outside of the Heteromorphic Branch."
I knew it, she was a walking encyclopedia!
But, Underground Hero, huh? So he's one of those guys who think the media is interfering with Hero Work? I completely agree! And the fact that nearly nobody knows about those types of heroes made me quite interested in that branch of heroics. After all, anti-social heroes are badass.
As Aizawa-sensei and Broccoli-chan's chatter continued, I saw as the former began dropping some liquid onto his eyes. If what the Yukipedia said was true, then it was simple. Not only that, but the teacher coming into the class with a sleeping bag was very understandable. Underground Heroes like him work well with the dark. Therefore, I can tell that not only was our sensei up all night, patrolling the surrounding areas, he was also a teacher during the day. Talk about responsibility! Honestly, Aizawa-sensei deserves a raise.
"It appears that he received some advice…"
"Huh? Nah. Our sensei probably told him to start packing because he's expelled."
Hm. The fact that Excessive Genuflect Guy didn't defend the Angry Pomeranian's comment only solidified the fact that he was convinced with the latter's explanation. And, subconsciously, I found myself agreeing with the shorter teen.
Looking back at Broccoli-chan, I could see his crestfallen expression. He was also seemingly muttering to himself—wait, muttering?! It appears that I'm not the only one with the super-duper powerful Skill #95: 'Strategic Muttering' because it is part of my 108 skills that I—
SLAP
Huh?
"Stop muttering. It's gross and is disturbing my thinking."
Oh, it's the freaking ice bitch.
"R-right, sorry."
Looking back at Broccoli-chan, he appeared to be more motivated than ever.
[Interlude]
I'll do whatever I can right now!
Gritting my teeth, I looked forward fiercely.
Today is just another day; but, tomorrow is something that I can change.
"Izuku Midoriya. With your power, you can't be a hero."
I heard it.
I heard it clearly.
But even so…
I will still be a hero.
I stepped back, then prepared the best stance ever for throwing. I held the ball firmly with my right hand, but the grasp slowly loosened as I twisted my body in an attempt to throw the ball.
Will I incorrigibly prepare for an honorable defeat here by using all my strength? Or become intimidated and be settled into last place?
Neither.
I clenched my left fist harder, as my right hand swayed down.
Right now, I can't be a hero.
But that doesn't mean I can't be one.
My index finger lit up as the electrons in my blood came surging in and hastily circulating around my veins, producing even some steam on my finger.
That's why…
"Izuku…"
"You can't be a hero!"
"Young Midoriya, I'm sorry. But you can't."
I'll do whatever I can right now!
.
.
.
"SUMAAAASHHHHEEEE!"
-o-o-o-o-o-
BOOM
"WOAH!"
The ball flew to the sky, surging so fast yet so smoothly. There was no doubt about it. My jaws were dropped. He's… he's an anime protagonist. He even had what seemed to be anime flashbacks!
I observed, as his right hand's index finger was broken. So, he does have a self-destructive Quirk then, huh? Wait, no. If the electrons were speeding up—emitting the energy he used, then can't he reduce the speed at which they travel to possibly reduce his drawbacks?
It's possible.
I should tell him—Nah. He can handle his own. I'll just tell him if he asks for my help or something—
BEEP
"898.3 meters!"
898.3 meters? Woah, that's more than the Angry Pomeranian from earlier who had 898.2, if I remember correctly.
"S-Sensei… I'm… still standing…!"
Midoriya Izuku - Quirk: [Super Strength?]
Seemingly unlimited power! But he damages himself as he uses it.
Woah, he's so cool! I watched with wide eyes at this very shounen anime scene. I looked at my sensei to see him grinning manically. I'm guessing that he was very impressed.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"
The Angry Pomeranian exploded. I mean, literally. He flew off, propelling himself so fast with rage filling his glaring red eyes.
If I heard correctly, then wasn't he blabbing earlier about the Broccoli Boy being Quirkless? Then… could it be one of those cases where the Quirk remains invisible until a certain point in life when the user unlocks a certain level of fitness? That could very well be plausible. That means that the greenette must be a very late bloomer. Or, he could have just been hiding his power all along. If it was self-destructive, then it was probable.
"Tell me what's going on, Deku, you bastard!"
SWOOSH SWISH SWISH
Aizawa-sensei's scarf caught the exploding teen before he inflicted any harm on poor Broccoli-chan. I've got to admit, our sensei is very awesome.
"W-what the?! Th-this scarf is hard!" Oi! What is with that weird level of innuendo?!
"They're weapons for capture made of carbon fiber woven together with metal wire made of special alloy," the hobo-looking teacher responded, sighing. "Jeez. Don't keep making me use my Quirk over and over. It gives me dry eyes."
The class all had one thought: "It's a waste because his Quirk is so amazing!"
Aizawa Shota - Quirk: [Erasure]
He can erase the Quirks of those he looks at. The effect goes away when he blinks!
"We're wasting time. Whoever's next, get ready."
Wow, my sensei is really awesome! Not only is he slightly hypocritical, but also very rational.
Edgelord-san walked forward, as Broccoli-chan went back. The latter flashed a smile that said: "Good luck!" before he met up with the other students.
He's such a nice and seemingly genuine kid. Too bad he'll be struggling against this cruel world. And speaking of cruelty… the connection between him and this Angry Pomeranian. It was… somewhat interesting, to say the least. I've more or less figured it out. All the red flags, all the obvious hints, it is pretty evident to me. It's the relationship between both predators and prey. Bully and vict—
"Hey, is your finger alright?" Freaking riajuu Nice Girl! Stop distracting me!
"Yeah!"
Back to our current contestant, I watched, as the two-tone bi-colored hair kid walked forward, grasping the projectile. He stared at the ball, contemplating what he should do. With an Ice Quirk like his, he shouldn't have that much of a problem.
Afterward, he threw the ball upwards, then…
SWISSSST
He flung the ball with the Ice he summoned, successfully pitching it far away.
.
.
BEEP
"498 Meters!"
After that, he heated the ice, enough for it to melt.
Wait, what the heck?! He's got control over both Ice, and Fire?!
Todoroki Shoto - Quirk: [Half-Hot, Half-Cold]
With his left side, he can heat the temperature, and with his right side, he can cool it! He prefers his ice variant, though.
As he finished, he swiftly walked back in a nonchalant expression as my classmates kept looking with awe-struck eyes. Aizawa-sensei, on the other hand, threw me a new softball to which I easily caught.
…
Oh, right. Next up was my turn.
Before that, though, I turned to my classmates.
"I… recommend covering your ears for this."
Confidently, I walked to the designated circle for my ball throw. When I got there, I looked over to see the students watching curiously. And… I'm not going to lie. I don't particularly enjoy being in the spotlight, but moments like these are completely unavoidable. I saw my teacher flash me the thumbs-up, signaling me to go ahead.
Hah. Okay.
Breathe in, breathe out.
Relax.
I blinked, my eyes opening slowly. As it did, my gaze was now struck into the horizon. After that, I threw the ball upwards, mimicking what Hayama did earlier. The sea breeze flew by. The wind swayed left before it swayed right again.
…
Hah.
While my feet were still planted on the ground, I raised my right hand upwards, concentrating on my palms as I felt a rush of energy on my nerves, allowing me to control infinity once more. Once this happened, the ball was back in my vision, as it seemingly stopped in front of my right hand's palm. Wait, stop? No. That's not right. It was being pushed back; it was being repelled. Slowly, bit by bit, I coated the softball with infinity.
Then, my hand trembled.
The sounds of the breeze flowing once more entered my ears. It was loud. I felt my brain begin to hurt but before that...
"Distortion Technique: Spacial Repulsion."
ZWOOM!
A sonic boom.
The ball zoomed so fast in the air in the first 50 meters under a quarter of a second, that a sonic boom was made. After it crossed the 50-meter mark, it appeared as if Broccoli-chan had thrown the ball once more, but this time, the flying softball had a barely visible red tint.
As expected, my head began to whirl once more.
That's right. I can only use this technique of this specific speed on this specific mass only once per day.
Heh. What, you guys thought I haven't been practicing the month and a half after I got my exam results? Every single day, I trained. I read books, I trained my eyes, I learned total concentration, and I strengthened my brain.
That was what led me into discovering this newfound strength.
This 'newfound strength', is actually the energy I never knew that was flowing inside my body. By manipulating said energy by pouring them over my nerves, I can control objects as well. It's basically telekinesis, but without fluent mobility. As of right now, I can only utilize the magnetic ability to push. And, another thing I haven't told you about is my Distortion Technique. You see, this 'Distortion Technique' is strong depending on what I use it on. It all depends on the mass of the object which I coat infinity with. And due to the mass, I can control the acceleration of that object at the cost of speeding my brain's dysfunction. However, since I only used this today once, I was able to avoid the drawback. Not only that, but coating a huge target is difficult. My eyes are required to peer over each side and corner before I can fully coat them. So to say, fighting against real people would be a pain. Thankfully, the softball was small enough that I could coat it with infinity. Now to the colors. You see, when I threw that ball, a red trail was produced. This is simply the fading infinity that I can no longer control. Think of it as a ruler. The lowest value in the ruler is my Quirk. As the length and numbers increase, the speed at which I repel increases. So far, these are my discoveries regarding my Quirk. If my Quirk has the magnetic effect of repelling, then won't I be able to attract, too? However, I still don't know how to convert my so-called 'energy' to pull and attract. It's possible, but I can't say it's not impossible. I still can't be too sure about it. That's why—
BEEP
Broken out of my daze, I turned to the teacher and my classmates who had their jaws dropping. I was glad none of them were hurt in the ears because of that sonic boom. Sonic booms usually produce about 200 decibels.
"1001 meters."
As the machine stated that, it was as if my classmates' jaws continued dropping. Even Yukinoshita seemed surprised. What am I, the second coming of Jesus Christ?
Anyways, I walked nonchalantly with a blank face back to my class.
Now broken out of his stupor, our teacher beckoned for the next person. "Alright, next up."
.
.
.
And so, even his powers continue to stay distorted.
Chapter - End
References:
[1] Kuroko Tetsuya is a basketball player from "Kuroko no Basuke".
[2] Ritsu Kohma is a character from "Fruits Basket".
[3] Reference to Sakurajima Mai's death from "Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl".
[4] Cheshire Cat is a creature from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland".
[5] Naruto and Sasuke are characters from "Naruto"; "Naruto Shippuden"; and "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations".
[6] Saitama is a character from "One Punch Man".
[7] Reference to "Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai".
[8] Reference to "Haikyuu!" art style.
[9] Reference to Episode 19 of "Demon Slayer".