"Love it, hate it and enjoy it"
My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama
Chapter - 10
With everything that had been going school wise it seemed the school was in a sense of panic - or at least I would like to think so - especially with how so callous and planned out that attack on USJ was. I slowly folded my arms over my desk and rested my head upon it. I closed my eyes taking the opportunity the late arrival of our substitute made to good use. The incident at USJ is definitely still fresh on everyone's mind no one could stop talking about it.
It still...keeps me up at night. That...Nomu? Whatever you want to call that ugly deformed mutant, still haunts me to this day. It literally broke my arm with just it's grip if that doesn't alarm you then I don't know what else will.
On that note. I can't rest.
I sat up and stretched. Bending my back on the head of my chair towards Todoroki Lazily bending my neck out to talk to him. "So how you feeling about everything that's happened?" I can see from my upside down vision he seems indifferent.
"You'll hurt your neck of you keep doing that," To that I sit up and turn in my sit to properly face him. With both of his hands folded he looks away for a second silently pondering what to say.
"I'm still perplexed by how...bold those villains movements were," He scratches his head as he says that. "I'm not confused just right now it feels that there is more questions than answers at the moment."
Trust me Todoroki, you're not the only one who feels that way. Listening to Todoroki insight made me think about the USJ incident a little more. Didn't it happen the exact same day the school went into lockdown because those news reporters broke onto the school property?
But wouldn't that mean they broke the law by making that hole in the wall?
Cupping my chin with my index and thumb as I took a moment to mull it over. The USJ incident, hole in wall, and news reporters getting in. How exactly does it all relate? It clicked.
"What if the villains had used the school breach as a distraction to steal information about the school trip. Which is why it was so easy to time when and how they would strike," I spoke my jumbled thoughts out loud but not audible enough for everyone to hear. Just Todoroki and I.
Todoroki perked up a tad bit after hearing my theory. He hesitated to speak and took a few more seconds to think about what he wanted to say. I also took that time to look back on what I stated.
Then it clicked again. "That doesn't make sense. Although I know it's plausible with those warp gates, but as far as I know that villain needs to already know the location to warp there exactly." I nodded in agreement with the analysis. That would mean they've been in this school already which is unlikely.
I sighed. "Could be…but you still can't rule out the possibility." I said shrugging my shoulders.
Here comes the bombshell however. I leaned over putting my arm on Todoroki desk. "You don't think…" Todoroki raised an eyebrow as I leaned closer keeping my serious expression the same.
"There's a rat in U.A?" I finished but the moment I did so, there came running Lida.
Rushing through the doors he yells, "Attention! Homeroom class is about to begin! So please take your seats!" It was no point in him alerting us about this however, as in fact...we were already sitting.
"We're already in our seats."
"You're the only one standing."
I kept quiet as everyone corrected his mistake. Realizing his paradox of a statement he walks and takes his seat angrily or maybe embarrassed at what he did. Uraraka consoled Lida trying to make it seem not as bad.
I peeked at Mina as she leaned back in her chair to try and talk to Tsu. It didn't work well as she almost fell over. Tsu expected this and helped steady her. "Who do you think is going to teach class today?"
"No idea. Mr. Aizawa is still recovering in the hospital." I rested my elbow on the desk and propped up my head with my hand.
"If we do get a substitute I really hope it's not who I think it is." I mumbled already knowing how my headache would act up. The door slams open as I sit up with a raised eyebrow.
"Wha-" With a click of the heels aunt tentamaru stepped in. I tried to cover my face by looking away and putting a hand to shield it from view. Oh god why must you forsake me so?
"You can put me down now." I peeked through my fingers to actually see Aizawa wrapped all in one of aunt tentamaru's tentacle hair suspended in front of the class.
"No can do the old lady ordered me to make sure you don't walk around at all." Aizawa sighs as he stays suspended somewhat in the air.
Aizawa not even fully healed is in front of us. Bandages wrapped all around his face and his arm in a cast.
"Mr. Aizawa I'm glad you're okay!" Lida states happy obviously.
"If you can even call that 'okay'." I quote with my other hand.
"Yeah. You call that...okay?" Uraraka said troubled by the fact he was even let out of the hospital.
"My well being is irrelevant, what's more important however is that your fight is not over yet." Aizawa is always straight to business disregarding his well being. That is to be expected however, he would seem like the type of person not to stress over something like that.
Besides is he talking about that event?
I clear my throat. "Don't worry guys I think it's something to do with a festival?" The class seem to all be confused obviously uninformed of the upcoming festival. I only knew because of my mother.
"Festival?" They all asked.
"Yes the U.A festival is about to start."
Immediately the class became excited at the news. My mind drifted back to the call my mother and I had. The U.A festival will be when I see her right? I don't care about winning but at least getting far.
"Let's go kick some ass!" Kirishima was pumped. The anticipation of said festival getting the better of him causing him to yell out in excitement although his reason for doing so wasn't the same as mines.
Denki put a hand over his mouth. "Wait a second," Ready to ask his question but Jiro beat him to the punch.
"Is it really such a good idea to hold the sports festival so soon after the villains snuck inside?" She asked concern written across her face.
"Yeah," Ojiro began. "They can just attack us while we're all in the same place."
"That makes no sense…" I cut in. Ojiro pivots in his seat to look at me an eyebrow raised. Their fear is getting the better of them we know at this event there will be hundred of heroes in the stands and of course some on standby to respond to a problem if it arises. Those villains would be going on a suicide mission if they decided to attack.
"What do you mean?" I shook my head.
"You should have more faith Ojiro. Hundreds of heroes will be gathered there even some top ones I'm sure too. If they were to launch an attack...they will be dealt with in the most quickest fashion," I reassured not just Ojiro but the entire class.
"Adding on to what Take said the administration thought this is the best way to show that the threat had been handled and the school is safer than ever," He mentioned the administration the higher up's who control the next actions of school maybe?I continued to listen to Aizawa speak. "Plus just like Akio said in addition with the many heroes coming to spectate. The school has beefed up security compared to previous years. This event is a huge chance for all students at U.A. It's not something we can just cancel because of a few villains."
"That...actually makes me relieved." Mineta said with a sigh.
"Out sports event is one of the most watched events in the entire world," Aizawa resumed. "In the past people were obsessed with the Olympic games, but then quirks started to appear. Now Olympics have been drastically reduced in terms of scale and viewership. For anyone who cares about competition. There's only one tournament that matters the U.A sports festival."
The U.a sports festival that's watched nationally from around the world. In truth it's missing some key aspects of the olympic like the countries competing against each other but it's all the same nonetheless. However this is my first time participating in something like this so I don't know the exact details.
"That's right," Yaoyorozu agreed a fist clenched with determination. "And top heroes will be watching. This is where you get scouted."
"She's right! After graduating a lot of people join agencies as sidekicks." Denki said with a thumbs up.
"Yeah but that's as far as some people go. They miss their chance to indi' and stay eternal sidekicks." Jiro pointed out. "Actually that's where you're heading, you're kinda dumb."
Ohhh burn. But let me come to the defense of my good classmate Denki.
I shook my head. "We all know it's not just because some are dumb but they lack the power and uniqueness that set them apart from any other regular hero. Competition is fierce in this line of work," I said with a finger in the air and gave Denki a thumbs up. "Don't worry I'm pretty sure you'll make it far."
"Heh thanks man," My reassurance put a smile to his face.
"Oh and let's not forget popularity plays a big factor too." I added on.
"It's true joining an agency can garner you greater experience and popularity that's why the festival matters. If you wanna go pro one day, then this event can open up a path for you. One chance a year, three chances in a lifetime, no aspiring hero can afford to miss this festival. That means you better not slack off on your training." Somehow someway Aizawa gave us a motivational speech that lifted most of the class spirit up. Not wanting to disappoint I promised to train my hardest.
"Yes sir!"
"Class is dismissed." At that everyone started to get up and retrieve their belongings for the next class.
Lunchtime came fast.
It probably was fast to me because of how my mind was so clouded after hearing about the festival. Hell it's almost all I can think about after my mother mentioned it to me.
I was in the process of putting my notebook away when someone sat on my desk. "So I heard the festival was moved up," I raised an eyebrow as I didn't recognize the voices from any of my homeroom classmates. My eyes trailed up the skirt and uniform to the red eyes and red haired beast herself Kara red.
"Go away Kara," I dismissed without a care.
"So cruel! Can't a friend just say hi?" I look up into her red eyes as she leans a little too close.
I put a finger on her forehead and push her back. "What do you want?" I peek at my classmates who seemed to not have noticed her.
She gives me a toothy smile before shrugging her shoulders. "Well nothing...just maybe a match against you to train for the festival." She asks with an innocent smile.
That's it? I raise an eyebrow and nod. "Yeah of co-sike did you really think I'd agree to that? Now Get out of here before one of my class-" It was too late as Tsuyu came walking over. "-mates see you."
They locked eyes and mines widened at the fact that Kara was the one who attacked her best friend back in junior high school. Kara jumped off my desk and gave a polite wave to the girl.
"Hi~ remember me~" She points to herself with both fingers. Tsuyu puts a finger to her lip.
"You're Kara-chan aren't you?" Tsuyu answers correctly. Kara gasp and glomps Tsuyu in an embrace.
I stand there confused as Kara squeezes her tight. "Aw you remember me? We're definitely best friends after this!" She stops hugging her but keeps her hands placed on both her shoulders respectfully.
"We should have lunch together!" Kara was acting uncharastically friendly. Nothing how I saw her back at her house. Tsuyu doesn't seem affected by this however as she refuses with a shake of her head.
"I don't think I can…" Tsuyu looks at me. She wanted something. "I was hoping to eat with Akio."
Kara raises an eyebrow and turns to me with a mischievous smile. "We-" She didn't even get to finish the first word of her sentence as she was monkey pinched from behind.
She fell limp into an orange haired girls arms. She bows and apologizes before quickly leaving the room. I just watch with the most confused look ever before turning back to Tsuyu as she calls my name.
"Akio…" Her smile is the first thing I notice as I immediately look away with a smile.
"Um yeah?" Tsuyu looks down and fidgets a little. "Want to have lunch with me today?" I chuckle and nod.
Don't stutter. Don't stutter. Don't stutter. Don't stutter!
"S-sure." Damn it! I stuttered! "Ooooh having lunch together~" I turn to the mocking Voice and see Ashido snickering to herself.
"It's not like that," I say first trying to dismiss whatever she was implicating with her voice.
"I just made too much lunch," Tsuyu explains to Ashido with the most neutral face ever. But Ashido just giggles nods obviously not buying it.
"Suuure." She wiggles her eyebrows at Tsuyu and gets uncomfortably close to her. I just watch as Ashido throws a shoulder over Tsuyu's arm turning their backs to me so she could whisper something into her ear. Before turning her back around and pushing her towards me. Whatever she told Tsuyu I hope she doesn't listen.
"Wow Lida those are some interesting moves." I turn to Lida to see him doing...something with his hips.
"You have to be excited, right Midoriya?" Lida asked moving his hands in his usual chopping motions.
"Well yeah. Of course I am and a little bit nervous." Izuku always seemed nervous at first glance but when it came to getting the job done he was level headed.
"Well make sure to get those jitters out during training. There is no space for mistakes in this festival Midoriya." I said making Midoriya laugh still a tad bit nervous, "Well yeah I know that much."
"Deku...Lida." I cringed and leaned away when I saw Uraraka face. That is a mighty glare she had there.
"Uraraka! What happened to your face!?" Izuku asked alarmed.
"Seriously what's up? You're like the most laid back girl ever." Ashido said confused at the way she was acting. Why so serious all of a sudden? I could tell that the festival was going to bring out the most out of everyone in our class.
She put a fist into the air. "Everyone I'm going to do my best!" She shouted at us with so much energy i had to cover my ears.
"Yeah." We all said with encouragement. She swiftly turned and continued her yelling.
"I said I'm going to do my best!"
I smile crept up on my face at the scene. I wonder the real reason why the festival has got Uraraka so worked up.
I turn to Tsuyu and smile. "Well let's go shall we?"
I stuffed a piece of tempura in my mouth. "Tsuyu I didn't know you could cook this good!" I breathed in satisfaction after swallowing the food. Everything is so equally distributed and everything matches each other with makes this bento even more satisfying.
"I learned to cook while taking care of my siblings," She explained eating some of her rice. Her siblings, if i remember she had a brother and sister. "I didn't want them to always eat the same thing so I learned to cook other dishes."
I nodded. "Variation is always good." It keeps people guessing and anticipating more. Variation is good in battle too the more tricks you have up your sleeve the less able your opponent will be able to react appropriately.
I started stuffing my face with more food. "You would make a good wife Tsu. If there is one thing I like about a girl who cares about family is one who knows how to cook." I said that all thewhile looking at her.
"Akio..." We lock eyes for a moment. She looks away. "I'm not old enough to marry yet." I look away and cover my face feeling the blood rushing to my head.
What did I just say? I didn't mean for it to come out like that and on top of that I mentioned what type of girl I like...her.
…
…
I felt a hand touch my shoulder. "Akio," I could feel myself shudder and turn to her quickly.
"Y-yes?" Tsuyu tilts her head at me.
"Why do you want to become a hero?" The question slipped off the tongue without hesitation. I unfortunately couldn't give an immediate answer. A simple answer as 'I want to save people of course' wasn't buyable to me. Now that I think about it i've never really thought about the question until now.
…
"I wanted my mother to notice me." I was going to be honest with my answer there was no way I was going to lie.
"Sorry if that doesn't seem noble or seems selfish." I say hoping Tsuyu won't see me in another light.
"I know that you're mother must be very important to you." She begins to speak but I wave a hand to indicate that's not the case.
"I could care less about that, what's most important to me are the answers to my questions." I grip the bento angrily.
"Is your mother a hero?" You could say that. I nod and started eating the rest of the food in the bento before it got cold.
Asui had drifted off somewhere as if thinking very hard on something.
I saw Tsuyu wasn't done with hers so I started picking out food with my chopsticks. "Kero?" I started laughing when she finally noticed and looked at me in surprise.
"Sorry I just didn't want your food to go to waste." I could hear the sound of the bell alerting us it was time for our next class.
"Come on how about we get to class?"
"Right."
As we got up however putting away the bento I felt my phone vibrate for a second. It wasn't a call but a message.
I pulled out my smartphone and read the message from the menu bar. It read heard the date for the festival was moved up...still Don't slack and train hard. You don't want to embarrass yourself in front of your mother now don't you.
I furrowed my eyebrows angrily at the message. Why is she acting so buddy-buddy?
"Coming?" Tsuyu voice made me quickly pocket my phone and replace my expression with a small smile.
"Yep...but uh Tsu?" She turned back to me. "You know who Kara was right? Are you sure about being friends with her?" My brows furrowed.
She nods obviously knowing exactly what I'm getting at. "It doesn't matter who she was or what she did. People change." People change. The words echoed in my head and ended up making me recall something Kara said when we were in her house.
Something about having no friends. She sounded so nonchalant about it too and now that I had time to reassess that moment I hadn't took in consideration how back in junior high school she had this group of girls who use to follow her around like dogs but now she doesn't.
"If you're sure about it," She did offer me to stay in her house after all.
I quickly arrived home like always it was relaxing - not that I admit that - I was back home comfortably laying in my nice bed. But the bed can wait first comes this work that needs to be done.
I quickly sipped the metallic ball from my desk. Tossing it between my hands and allowing it to stand on the tips of my fingers. The weight it should have feels almost non-existent now that I've trained so much. By training, I mean day to day weightlifting and forcing this ball to bend to my will.
I walked and sat back on my bed. Left hand holding the ball while my right hand covers it. As I applied pressure a force pushed law was something I had gotten accustomed with in middle school especially since I had just unlocked my quirk. When you push against a wall it pushes back that is what I feel as I try to bend and shape this metal to my will.. But I've done this for so long that it only took me 5 minutes before a collection of miniature spikes sprouted up on the ball. But the spikes were to small to truly call it a success. So I continued for another 30 minutes picturing what I wanted the pure metal ball to do.
It was something I was instructed to do by Lia. As much as I hate her I found myself recalling most of her advice as I sought to transform this metal into whatever I pictured.
My mind went over something small and easy. A shuriken or dagger. I started to sweat as the spikes coiled around each other and pull towards my hovering hand as it ascended.
My arms felt like they were on fire and almost about to numb. I had to close my eyes and slowly started to grunt in pain. I wasn't going to give up when I was so close.
Through sheer will power as my arms both went numb and I was straining every nerve in my body to make this dagger. At this point I could no longer take the pain and started to scream out while still trying to bend this ball of metal to my will.
"Akio what the hell - !" at this point i gave up and let the metal drop from my hand. I couldn't move my arms at all.
With what was left of my strength as I gasped for air. I looked up at my aunt.
Her eyes were wide and she was staring at the floor. She sneered at me and shook her head. Whipping about she stalked out the room. I smiled that was a rare face to make.
I had a smug smile on my face.
Before falling unconscious.