Season Four, Episode XXXII

Friends and Enemies

. . .

Classes went by fairly quickly, I was surprised by how... Easy everything was. I guess that's the difference between a public school and an elite one. I wasn't even the smartest person in Class 1-Z, but I felt like a damn genius going over lessons today. There were a lot of questions asked by the teacher, but even when I knew the answer I didn't speak up. I had a feeling there was already too much attention on me, last thing I needed was everyone asking me for tutoring...

I paid attention to those around me, trying to get a read on the class as the day went on. There were the usual archetypes, goofballs, jocks, boy obsessed girls, nerds. But I noticed something strange, it all seemed to revolve around her. That girl who questioned me during my introduction, the way she watched the others and carried herself. She had a sense of importance that I didn't think possible for a high school freshman. Everyone was either her friend, respected her, or feared her for some reason.

Lunch came and went, we closed out the day with history class. And then I was out the door, packing up my things and getting ready to take off before somebody could stop me.

"Adachi," Of course, my newest problem wasn't about to let me get away that easily. "Now that schools over, why don't I introduce you to some of the clubs?"

I shifted the bag over my shoulder, "Yeah... I don't think I can today, maybe some other time... Besides I wouldn't want to impose." I answered with a shrug, the class room slowly emptying.

"Please," She wore a polite smile, but I could see something twisted in those eyes of hers. "I insist, it'll help you get acquainted with the other students."

What was up with her? "Alright, fine I guess... I've got some spare time..." Not like this homework was going to take very long.

"Excellent!" She clapped both hands together, "Follow me, I'll lead you around." Turning and making her way to the door, I followed behind. "Oh, and since we haven't been properly introduced, I'm the First Year Class President Kirai Amari." She stated, voice almost carrying a smug tone. "I take pride in making sure everyone is doing their best and spending their time productively."

"Fascinating..." I answered idly, memorizing the schools layout as we went. "So, what kind of clubs are there?" Just play along, and get the hell out of here as soon as she's off my back.

"There's the Future Seafarer's Club, considering most of our economy here is based on fishing, and shipping the goods we farm," She explained quickly, "The Club teaches boating safety, studies boats and fishing as well as sea traffic lanes and fishing spots around the island." As he walked by a few windows, giving me a chance to look out over the sun washed town, "Interested? Most lizards are partially aquatic right?"

What? "Uh, no not really, and I think that's racist, or something."

"Hmph, very well... How about the Body Improvement Club? You look like you've lifted weights before," She noted, making me flinch a bit. "Hard to tell beneath that shirt... But the Body Improvement Club does hard physical exercise and body strengthening, as most jobs available on Nabu Island are manual labor. And most of its members are upper classmen that hang out in the gym building behind the school."

Maybe not a bad idea, but I doubt their training facilities were anything like UA's. "Put me down as a maybe for that one, any others?" It might also be a bad idea to show off how strong I am.

Amari continued walking, taking us down a flight of stairs. "We have the Future Doctors and Nurses Club, a class that studies medicine and how to provide medical treatment in the event of an emergency."

"Really?" I blinked in surprise, "That seems kind of advanced for a high school."

"Well, Nabu Island only has three certified doctors," Amari explained with a light scoff, "So having back up medical staff is a handy precaution, it was my idea actually... So are you interested?"

"Not really, next?" I think I was starting to understand what kind of person she is.

"Well, there's the Agriculture Club," Oh boy, she was starting to look a little flustered. "Since produce is one of our main exports, learning to work farming equipment and tend the lands soils is very-"

"Pass." Alright, maybe I was enjoying poking at her her high strung nature a little too much.

"P-Pass, huh? Alright..." Her movements were a little stiff, "Well, our only other Club is the Hero Studies Club, it's our largest club and has the most members spanning multiple grades, they work in the library after school."

Hero Studies huh? Well... "Hmm, maybe I'll give that one a try." I shrugged, it at least sounded like a less boring place to hang out.

"Ah, of course I see now," She smiled lightly, tilting her head. "You'd rather not be a productive member of society, and waste your time fantasizing about celebrities."

Oh? Was that supposed to be an insult? Well, I'd do her one better. "Hmm, you know? I think you're right," Stuffing my hands into my pockets, "I think I just won't join any clubs at all, thanks for setting me straight!" I flashed a toothy grin, turning heel and walking away.

I could practically feel her eyes burning into the back of my head, not that I was too worried. She didn't let me get very far, "You do realize I am just trying to help you, right?"

"No, you're trying to control me," I answered simply, turning halfway to look back at her. "I'm not interested in your games, so I'm going to walk away and you can continue doing... Whatever it is you do around here."

Amari looked taken back, her left eye twitching, glaring back at me as if I'd slapped her across the face. But she regained her composure in an instant, clearing her throat and putting on a smug smile. "You know, you're new here and making friends would only benefit you." She assured, "High School is a tough time for everyone, it would be a shame if you didn't have anyone to turn too," Was that some half-assed threat? "You know what they say, about having friends in high places..."

"Hmm, I do know what they say," I nodded slowly, "Here's one for you, I think you should consider carefully." Before turning back around to keep walking, "Quit while you're behind, because it's only gonna get worse from here." Before I continued on my way, knowing full well I'd just made an enemy.

Well, not a real enemy anyways. I knew what a real enemy looked like. She had four arms, and a lot of Quirks...

I shuddered slightly at the memory. "Hmm, maybe I'll swing by the gym and see what kind of equipment they have."

. . .

Kirai Amari

. . .

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!

"Shut. Up."

"That didn't go how you thought eh? That scalie bastard has got some balls!"

I felt so humiliated, watching him walk off so casually. How dare he just walk away, after spitting in my face. I was just trying to help him! Everyone needs a place in society, everyone must be part of the structure. The fool, the ungrateful idiot! I'd show him, that getting by here wasn't going to be possible without my help. Yes, that's it, I just need to show him how harsh high school can be when you're new, or different. I just had to expose him in some way, make him appear like an easy target for those who would take advantage of his weakness... But how? I hardly knew anything about him.

"Well, didn't he say he was self conscious about those scars?"

"Yes, perfect... Assuming he wasn't lying."

No, no this is perfect! I can expose him either way! If he has embarrassing scars that he's self conscious about, it could make him the target of ridicule. But if he was lying, exposing that he made up the story about getting into an accident, people will be furious! Then I swoop in, use my influence to get everyone to leave him alone! Then he'll see that listening to me is in his best interests...

"But how do I put him in the right position?"

"Didn't he say he was going to the gym?" Red questioned, "You just need to get that shirt off of him right?"

"He'll have to cross the performance field, perfect!"

. . .

Kaiji Adachi

. . .

"Oh that building over there?"

"Yep, just across the field where we put on events," A helpful upperclassmen explained, pointing out the way. "Just be careful not to trip on any nozzles for the sprinklers, we've had some rain the past few weeks so they're popping out a bit."

"Right, thanks." I nodded, before starting to make my way towards the gymnasium. It was a pretty nice school grounds despite being so small. The field looked well kept, despite a few nozzles exposed above the dirt, the top layer eroded by the rain no doubt, I had to imagine an island like this got some bad storms.

I was getting a few looks from those hanging around the stands or running around the track as I went. Right, the upperclassmen hadn't seen me until now. I didn't plan on making any introductions yet, not unless they approached me. I just wanted to see what I'd be working with at this Gym if I decided to sign up. I know I gave Amari a hard time because she was annoying, but a club dedicated to physical fitness might be just what I need to stay in shape.

I still needed to find a nice, discrete way to train my Quirk though. Maybe I'd ask around for any secluded spots on this island...

"Yo lookout!" I turned my head towards the voice, it wasn't directed at me. But further down the field, I saw a group of students scattering as the sprinklers activated. Water was spraying in waves, going up and down the field.

"Agh! Hey who did that!" It was coming from the other direction, girls spreading out and covering their hair as they were splashed. I realized it was closing in around me quickly.

"Seems we're having a bit of a malfunction when testing the system!" Oh, of course I should have known. Hearing Amari's voice call out from the stands, "Please clear the field everyone! And try to stay dry!"

I don't know what she was playing, but I could dodge the water easily. "Ngh!" I stopped myself from springing into the air, realizing that jumping ten feet straight up might demand even more answers. Dammit, fine. I stood there and let it happen, getting splashed by water that soaked most of my clothes, and my schoolbag.

"Sorry about that everyone," Amari called out, "My mistake." Releasing a light laugh.

There were a few people that had annoyed expressions, but none spoke out against what happened. Just going about their days, trying to dry off. I wasn't too bothered by it, if the joke was to soak me and make me uncomfortable it wasn't working very well. I turned my back to her, and continued making my way towards the gymnasium. But of course, things couldn't be that easy.

As I neared the large red doors, she was just arriving as well. "Ahem, excuse me Adachi, but you can't go walking into a building full of expensive equipment soaking wet."

I paused, shooting her a confused look. "It's a gym... Most, if not all, modern equipment is waterproof." I paid attention at the UA Gym, unless this place was thirty years behind the times.

But my protesting seemed to draw the eyes of others waiting around, of course it did. I'm sure nobody challenged Amari, even some of the upperclassmen were watching curiously. "Right, but you'll make a mess of the clean floors, do you plan to clean that up?"

"I'll take off my shoes." This wasn't some four dimensional chess we were playing here, was this girl really top of the class?

"Well... I would at least recommend removing that soaking wet shirt as well," Amari suggested, keeping a polite and calm expression. "I mean, you'll be in the gym so what does it matter if you show a little skin? Or uh, scales in your case." Adding a light chuckle.

"My shirt?" I blinked, looking down at my uniform.

"Yes, I know you mentioned those scars earlier," Amari pressed, "But I assure you, you've got nothing to worry about, we are a kind and understanding student body." Wearing a bright, friendly smile. "Unless of course, you were lying, about that accident..."

Ah, right, so that's how it is. She wasn't going to stop bugging me any time soon I think, so I released a heavy sigh. "Alright, fine..." I reached down, taking both my uniform shirt and the long sleeve undershirt by the base. I pulled them up and over my head, exposing my torso.

I watched as not only Amari's, but most of the students faces around us twisted in horror. As they laid eyes on my badly scarred body, the majority of them on the front and coating my arms. It did make me feel self conscious, having so many eyes examining me, I didn't lie about that part. I just didn't want them questioning how it happened. Of course, the removal of my shirt not only exposed my scars but also my well trained muscles, something to be proud of at least.

Amari herself seemed at a loss for words, "W-Well uh, those are... Um..."

"Now can I go inside?" I asked sharply, pressing the advantage.

She didn't have anything left to obstruct me with, and had trouble taking her eyes off of my scars. I'm sure to any normal person, I looked like I'd been mauled... Which wasn't far from the truth actually, "R-Right yes uh... G-Go on in... Sorry..."

I pushed past her, kicking off my shoes at the door before stepping inside. As the door closed behind me, I could hear chatter outside behind me. I breathed a sigh of relief, no questions, good. Before turning my attention to all the sounds of grunting, and heavy breathing.

I was met with the sight of about two dozen students, of varying ages but mainly upperclassmen if I had to guess. They were lifting weights, running on treadmills, power squatting, sit ups. Pretty much everything you could imagine. I had to admit, I was actually pretty impressed by their set up here.

"Damn, that's some good equipment." Not quite on par with UA, but it would do for raw strength training.

"Hey there!" A young man with a deep voice greeted me, he had ebony skin with short cut black hair. A wide build, but just looking at those shoulders barely restrained by his tank-top, I could tell he was all muscle. "You must be that new kid everyone is talking about!" Wearing a big grin on his face, "I'm Tagema Tsuno, Leader of the Body Improvement Club! Were you thinking about joining up?"

"O-Oh uh, hey I'm Kaiji Adachi," I explained, shaking his hand as he crossed the distance between us. "Maybe, just checking out the space for now, but I wouldn't mind somewhere I could stay in shape."

"Well you look pretty fit already," He noted with a grin, "Those are some great muscles, we'd love to have you."

"TSUNO!" A harsh female voice barked from across the room, I looked past the flinching Club Leader towards her. She was short, broad and covered in toned muscles. With burgundy hair and tanned skin, "Are you slacking off!? It's lower body workout month and you've barely even started on your squats!"

"Hey calm down Sugata," He barked back at her, "I'm just greeting a new potential member!"

"Well talk after we're finished!" She argued, "You're the captain, so set a good example!"

I laughed nervously at that, "You sure you're the one in charge here, Tsuno?"

Earning a laugh out of him as well, "Maybe not, but I'm the one stuck organizing everything, want to hit the benches and show us what you're made of?"

It certainly would be nice to flex a bit, I hadn't really gotten any exercise since before the training camp and that was weeks ago. "You know what? Sure, that sounds fun." Plus, I wasn't interested in walking back out those doors...

"Perfect! What do you think we should start you at?"

"Eh, lets keep it simple and start with... One fifty?" I didn't want to scare anyone, so starting low might be a good idea for now.

Though, I had a bad feeling with Amari's meddling it was going to become harder and harder to keep my secrets. At least I was making friends... Well, one friend at least.