Chapter 6: School Day
"You're all set? You got your lunch packed, ironed out your coat and all? You can't go the first day looking like crap, you know!" Rumi's shouts from my phone didn't help me with my fruitless effort of finishing one last simple task for my attire. I had to start over a couple of times for my tie with the barrage of suggestions she kept bringing up. It was kind of her to have reminded me of such things, but it was starting to get excessive.
'It's like she's here now seeing me off to work...she's acting like she was my-'
"And don't forget your I.D! You'll get blasted to smithereens if you cross the gates without one!"
"Duly noted!" I responded as I fumbled with the tie again and had to start over from scratch.
"What a pain..." I heaved as I grabbed the I.D she reminded me of and connected it to a red string-like strap that hung around my neck. I tucked it neatly into my coat pocket as I continued one last time in getting the tie-down.
"I appreciate the help Rumi, but I really need to focus here for just a moment, please." I pleaded with her while my hands worked overtime to finish the final piece to my attire. She complies speedily as I took my time to tie in the only method I bothered learning.
"...and...done!" I pulled down the end of the checkered blue tie as I finally finished dressing for my first day in U.A.
"Took you long enough," Rumi stated as I went over to check my look over an old full-length mirror that stood next to the door of my shack.
I was lucky to find clothes similar to the old world around the shopping center. My lovely white lab coat and blue dress shirt were in perfect condition, as my shirt was tucked tidily into my casual upturned khakis. The freedom of my feet from the sandals I wore felt nice, as the attire felt somewhat nostalgic. I was basically looking the same as I did in my first days in Shujin. The only exceptions were a slightly younger appearance and a cleaner-cut face. Besides that, I was back to my original self.
Maybe it would've been best to change up my look in this new world. If I was starting my life over again, then a change of appearance may be a small change that I could help distance myself from my previous life. But this outfit was always so comfortable and easy to manage back in Shujin, and I always did think I looked rather dapper in it. I wasn't one to obsess with appearances, but that didn't mean I outright ignore them.
"It's perfect...though, I think the sizes are a bit bigger than I remember. Who would've thought building some added muscle would actually financially affect me..." I trailed off as my financial situation was popping into my mind again.
The year of spending in this shack has almost milked me dry at this point. The upkeep of the gym membership and good quality meals to keep my body nourished didn't help, and the recent shopping spree I had for this outfit wasn't doing any favors.
"Yeah, that's what getting jack does! But remember, even though you're working and wanting to do hero stuff, you gotta keep up with working out and eating well. So maybe get some short reps on your downtime and bringing your own lunch." Rumi advised as I went to pick my phone up and talk to her regularly without the speakers.
"It's as if you're my mother at this point..." I sighed at more of her suggestions.
"Oh? You think so? Why don't you start calling me mommy then~?" She cooed as my nose twitched as I shut my eyes and shook my head to rid any obscene thoughts that could pop up.
"Please...never do that again..." I shakily let out as Rumi laughed on the line.
"Jeez, you're way too easy! You're probably all hot and bothered just from that, aren't ya?!"
"I am most certainly not!"
"Haha, yeah, right!"
"Anyway!" I began before Rumi could say anything inappropriate that could lead to...some impure images sprouting from my mind.
"It's quite welcoming to be doing something other than training now. It'll be a nice refresher and a great chance to help people and myself with heroing. Also to aid my financial woes..."
"Yeah, I imagine. I did leave you with a bit, but man, you must be an optimization god to have lasted this long without needing some extra dough to help keep you afloat." Rumi complimented as I remember the consistent routine I've held up for so long. The strictness of my life this year led to me not needing any additional funds, and it was the optimal way to go about training myself. I was proud of that fact.
"It wasn't fun, but it was necessary for me to improve. Still...I do wish to pay back fully what I used. I want to take full accountability for that burden I placed on you." I stated firmly.
"Easy now, you don't really need to do all that-" I cut off Rumi before she could object.
"I know, but I want to regardless. I want to give back for all that you've done so far. Money is the least I can do." I held my determination in repaying my debt as Rumi groaned at my tenacity.
'It's the least I can do...'
Rumi paused for a minute before sighing in defeat, "Fine, if you really want to, then go ahead. But...I think there is another way you could pay me back..." I perked up a bit as I attentively started listening to what she was going on about.
"If there is anything I can do to assist, then I'm more than glad to oblige. You name it, I'll make sure to do my part. I swear!" I eagerly offered as Rumi laughed at my enthusiasm.
"You're seriously too much sometimes. Don't worry, I'll letcha know the next time we meet what it is. Until then, I'll keep it as my little secret. So you better promise not to forget when we see each other again, and also my book, you gotta return that eventually!" Rumi added as I went over to grab ahold of it. I tightened it in my hand as I stared at it firmly.
"No problem, it's going to be pretty hard to forget something like that. Especially with you."
"Oh? What do you mean exactly by that?" Rumi asked, a hint of mischievousness in her voice.
I was hesitant to respond with her tone. But, I ended up answering anyway before realizing the trap she laid out for me.
"What I mean is, you're quite unforgettable, Rumi. You're so...vibrant, strong-willed, and... just outright stunning. It's hard to describe, but I can't imagine anyone that comes in contact with you would forget how amazing you are, for that's an experience all by its self! You're truly one of a kind..." I rambled as I clasped a hand over my mouth as soon as the words left my mouth. Rumi's breath hitched before going utterly silent on the line; I was stiff with humiliation.
'That was a bit extreme!' I thought as Rumi recovered and burst through the phone with laughter.
"Hahaha! Holy shit! You're way too smooth for your own good! Those girls at U.A are gonna have a field day with you!"
"Oh..." I cried as once again I was left a mess by this woman.
'Why am I like this? And around her of all people!' I mentally yelled as Rumi kept going. I was soon saved as an alarm on my phone went off before she could go on any longer.
It was time for me to leave and head for my first day at U.A. I was more than happy to quickly get out of this sticky situation I set myself up in.
"Whoa, would you look at that time! I gotta go now, bye!" I yelled as I was about to end the call.
"Hol'up!" Rumi yelled before I managed to end the call. A short pause happened as the silence between us was suffocating me. I didn't have to wait much longer as Rumi parted with two simple words.
"...thank you." The line cut quickly before I had the chance to process what she said at first. I then relaxed as I felt my heart swell with delight. Those two words were all I needed for me to get amped up for the coming day again.
"Alright, let's get to work."
"Doctor! Hello there!" All-Might shouted at my face as I got whiplash from the sudden volume from the great hero.
I quickly commuted by train to get to U.A as I made a beeline to the faculty office as I was instructed for my first day. All-Might was the only one there from what it looked like as many desks were empty and void of any more staff members.
His suit adorned him as he stood confidently with both fists at each side of his hip and with his signature smile alongside it to boot.
"All-Might?! Are you the only one here? Where are the other staff members?" I asked as All-Might gave a hearty laugh.
"They aren't to show up for another thirty minutes or so. I made sure that you were to arrive at this time before anyone else," All-Might explained.
"I see...if that's the case, then I would like to thank you All-Might for accepting my application!" I took a deep bow as All-Might scratched his head while chuckling.
"Please, doctor, I didn't do anything special. You made it here with your strength and promise alone. U.A. is glad to accept you as one of our staff members! Also, I think it's nice having a first-timer like me alongside here." All-Might grumbled at the end as I stood back up from my bow.
"Regardless, you were still one of the three that had accepted me. I'm surprised Mr. Aizawa did so, but I suppose I impressed him more than I originally thought."
"Yes...he was head over heels for you, haha..." All-Might looked to the side as he avoided my gaze.
'Wonder what that reaction was for...' I thought as All-Might recomposed himself and cleared his throat.
"But you are a special case as well, doctor. You are a man who has recently gained a quirk; if we should even be calling it that. One that holds great power and is unaffected by Mr. Aizawa's erasure ability. You are someone we would love to help push into being a great hero. You are someone I personally would like to see prosper." All-Might spoke with sincerity as I respected his words. But soon enough, guilt overtook me as I thought about what he stated.
To gain such recognition from a man like All-Might, it felt almost unaccounted for. I knew there was some merit to my grueling year of constant training, but this man dedicated the better part of his life to achieve what he has done. I've suffered, but that was in my previous life. Right now, in this new start, everything has basically been handed to me from the start. From my 'quirk' to meeting Miruko and now being hired by U.A. Everything has been going my way. Which made me feel inadequate compared to others that might be struggling, especially compared to All-Might.
Nowhere could I go without All-Might being brought up in some way. Whether that be simple chatter amongst the people, news reporting, or media in general, using his name to convey power, strength, and greatness was common. For him to be so invested in me already... well, it didn't fill me with pride or anything; I felt like I cheated in some way to have gained that praise.
I repressed my guilt as I gave a weak smile to the hero, "Why I am honored for your interest in me. I have much to learn about my power and duties as both a hero and counselor. I'm exhilarated that you are here to support me All-Might." I bowed once again as All-Might stood confidently with his trademark smile.
"Don't be so formal doctor, we are to be coworkers after all. But don't merely rely on my help to grow. There are many here that are more than willing to help you. Think as if you were a student here as well. The only difference is that you get paid! Hahaha!" It was hard not to laugh alongside All-Might as his positivity was infectious.
"I'll keep that in mind. So, where exactly do I go to counsel students? I assume the nurse's office, or near there at least, am I correct?" All-Might again laughed at my question while I waited for him to explain.
My vision then dimmed as my heart started racing at the all too familiar shine of the lights around me made flares that blinded my sight.
'What! Why is it-' Before I could attempt to stop it, a flash of white came and went as my heart and mind spiked in pain as the process finished.
I had done it. I did it without thinking, without warning.
I used my actualizing without even pondering about it. The beating of two hearts hammered in my chest as I did my best to compose myself. I could feel him so clearly now. He was so...vast.
The sensation went away quickly, along with the thumping in my chest ceased and settled down to its original state.
'Dammit... why did I...!'
"Don't be silly, doctor! You'll be having your own office to have!" I did a double-take at what came out of All-Might's mouth as I couldn't wrap my head around what I just heard. I didn't want to believe what he said to be true.
"Pardon me, but could you elaborate a bit for me? I don't think I understand..."
"Why, of course, doctor! You see, you will have your own personal...er, well, office!" All-Might's 'explanation' didn't help me at all as I gave up and took his statement at face value.
'No time to dwell on the matter...just roll with it.'
"Very well, I will head to my office...do you by any chance know where that is?"
"Nope," All-Might quickly said with a thumbs up.
'I figured as much...if it were to just actualized now, then I doubt anyone knew where it was, just its existence.' I thought as I looked up to All-Might again.
"Thank you once again, All-Might, but if you'll excuse me, I need to find my office then..." I was about to leave the faculty office, but All-Might called out to me before I reached the handle for the door.
"Doctor, I would like to ask for one small favor, if you will. It will only take a minute." I turned around and walked over to All-Might as his whole position change. He took a more...serious and cautious look on his face, as he was also not posing anymore with his arms at his sides or smiled his signature smile. His whole body seemed to tense up as his feet made small but noticeable movements in anticipation, it seemed.
'He's...nervous? For what?'
"If I can help you in any capacity, I'll be more than happy to," I answered as I made my way back to face in front of him. All-Might adjusted his own suit's tie as he cleared his throat again before speaking.
"You see, doctor, there is one student in particular that I would like for you to...keep an eye for. He is a student with great potential, and I would like that he would be monitored by someone like you, in fact." All-Might's voice was awkward and slow as I studied his face and body language.
'This student must mean something to him, a relative perhaps? Maybe someone that he's had a history with for some time. Whatever it is, All-Might seems to value this person greatly; enough so that this kid is having the number one hero going out of his way to support him...' I thought as I took a deep breath and think over my answer.
'But why me? He says that he would like me to look after this student, so what do I have that all the other teachers don't? I need more answers, unfortunately, before I can decide reasonably.' I looked up and tried to stare directly into All-Might's eyes. He did his best to avert them from me as I started questioning him.
"I apologize, but I don't see why you would want me especially to look after this student. I imagine that there are better candidates than me. I don't want to pick favorites All-Might, so if you can, can you please clarify further? Why me, and why this student?" I loathed how harsh I was coming off as to the man, but I needed answers. All-Might seemed to struggle with responding as I looked at him expectantly. Guilt swelled up within me again as I ignored it while I holding my gaze up at the great hero.
"...It wouldn't be fair for the student body if one person receives special treatment. I realize that, but this student needs it more than anyone that enters this year. He is a boy with similar origins as you, Dr. Maruki. He is a boy until recently who has had no quirk to call his own, but he is passionate about saving people and helping those in pain. He's aspired to be a hero since he was young but never had the chance until now. His power is great yet uncontrolled. He can't utilize it as effectively as everyone else, so he is at a clear disadvantage..." All-Might paused as his body trembled. It was hard to watch a man with such great stature and reputation shake so viciously; it's as if he's trying his hardest to keep himself together. I was immediately alarmed by the tiny bit of blood dripping from his lips. All-Might wiped it off his face before it could get any worse as he proceeded.
"But I believe that he is a boy that will achieve greatness. I believe that he has the potential to surpass and inspire all the heroes before him, and that includes even me. He is righteous, he is willing, he is someone I can see as...our next symbol of peace-" All-Might coughed into one of his hands as what I assume is steam rose from his body.
"His name is Izuku Midoriya. He is to be a part of class 1-A. I would appreciate it if you would at the very least speak with him, please do at your earliest convenience. I must be off." All-Might abruptly dashed past me as he sped away before I could speak out to him.
Everything that had transpired before me only left a wave of questions that I knew wouldn't be answered anytime soon.
"Izuku Midoriya...I'll make sure to speak with him; it's the least I can do," I mumbled to myself as the recent scene of All-Might's sudden...sickness left me worried for his health.
'With the way he described him...he does sound a lot like me. I wonder...' I made out of the faculty office as I went off to search for my office. All the while, the conversation I had with All-Might replayed in my head.
'All-Might...what are you hiding?'
It was surprising how long it took for me to find my personal office. By the time I had found it, there were already students swarming the halls of the academy. None paid me any attention, and I wouldn't want to have it any other way. And of all places, it was right next door to the nurse's office.
Off the bat, the door to the room gave off an alien feel compared to the rest of the school. Most of what I saw were very modern and shiny designs for most of the school's architecture, so the wooden door stuck out like a sore thumb when it caught my eye. It was utterly out of place. It looked like it belonged to a different era entirely.
The sign on the front door had the word 'COUNCILLOR' boldly printed on it, leaving no room for speculation on its purpose of being was.
"This is it...how odd," I commented under my breath as I reached for the golden doorknob as I entered my new workplace. The smell of fresh wood and the warm sensation the room gave off was the immediate feeling to hit me. The place was dark; most of the furniture looked to be wooden.
To the desk, cabinets, and even the walls and floor were wood. The only objects that weren't made of wood were the couch and recliner placed in the middle of the room and the chairs at the desk; they had some cushioning at the very least, and it looked pretty comfortable. A single window was placed behind the office desk as the sun shone through it and lit up the place with a splendid atmosphere.
You could mistake this place like a cabin in the woods with the impression it gave off. If there was a fireplace and a kitchen in this office, then I could make this place my new home if I wanted to. It would certainly be an upgrade to my current living conditions.
'So this is what I came up with. It's relaxing, I'll give it that. But why did I actualize it? What was the purpose?' I went over to the desk and sat down as I overviewed the room from my seating position.
'This is more like a principal office than something you'd give a counselor.' I thought as I got up and looked at the laptop placed on top of the desk.
'Time to get to work, I suppose,' I grabbed the laptop and went to the recliner as I pulled it back and kicked my feet upon it.
'Might as well make use of this; it's here after all...' I did my best to not question any more of the sudden actualizing as I went to work. The laptop already had me as a user for it as I logged in and went straight to my emails.
I had one email from a man named Toshinori Yagi. I clicked on it as I read the message.
"Doctor, I would like for you to accompany class 1-A to the training field and help oversee their testing. As I mentioned before, Izuku Midoriya is in that class, and I would like you to see firsthand what he is capable of and maybe have a chat with him. I would appreciate it greatly. Sincerely, All-Might!"
I reread the last bit as I close the laptop and looked in front of me for a second.
'That's his name?' Up until this point, I had only called All-Might...All-Might. I didn't even bother asking for his name at all or even looking it up. Everyone just seemed to call him that, and it seemed alright to just call him his hero name.
"Well, if we're to be coworkers, then maybe I should just call him Yagi-san, maybe Yagi-sensei? I'll ask him if I see him again." I said out loud as I pulled down the recliner and got up to make my way to the training field.
'I assume it's the one they took me to when they evaluated me. I'll head there and see just who is this Izuku Midoriya. If he's got All-Might vouching for him, then I could only imagine how incredible he is.' I left my office as I made my way to the training field, wondering what kind of people I'll meet there.
'Of course, this is his class...' Aizawa and I had a staredown as I stepped onto the field and walked over to his class. All the students looked my way as I gave my best smile and waved for them.
"Hello, nice to meet you all. My name is Dr. Maruki. I'll be helping Mr. Aizawa here oversee your little testing here." I walked over beside Aizawa as I did my best not to look his way. I could feel him staring a hole into my head as I kept my eyes closed and smiled on like everything was normal.
Though to the kids before us, I don't doubt that they could feel the tension as they watched the both of us.
"And why do I need your help exactly?" Aizawa calmly rumbled.
"Because Yagi-san said so," I explained as Aizawa put his hand on his forehead while shaking his head.
"Tch, guess I can't wiggle out of this one. If you insist on tagging along, then don't interfere with my students. Just do your job and spectate." Aizawa then went on to start testing his students. He already explained all the details to them, and he didn't bother filling me in. I didn't mind, but every student had either a mix of determination or fear when we started the testing.
I haven't seen many quirks up to this point, but seeing these children perform such incredible feats right before me solidified just how different this world is from my old one. I've accepted the fact that I had powers from a seemingly omnipotent god. Still, it was so surreal to see mere children explode with such force. Both metaphorically and literally.
One of the students actually made explosions from his hands as he used them as momentum to boost him forward or blast anything in front of him. There was another with ice powers; he naturally had the power of ice at his fingertips. A girl who made whatever she touched float as if gravity didn't exist, and there was superhuman speed, frog-like abilities; the list goes on.
They all did their absolute best to excel in whatever they were tested on, and they all did so swimmingly. Even if their quirks weren't designed for the action, they'd find a creative way to make it so.
There were clearly quirks that were obviously more powerful than others or suited a specific test better than others. Yet, the user's imagination limits those abilities, and I can honestly say none of them lacked on that front.
Well, except for one student in particular. A green-haired boy with a decent build on him. He didn't display any sort of superhuman quality or odd ability up to this point. He's been going about the whole testing with just his raw physical ability alone, and he always had this worried look upon his face. One that showed hesitance.
'Out of everyone, he sure sticks out, and not in a good way...'
"Mr. Aizawa, who is that student over there?" I asked while pointing to the boy who was currently doing his best to sidestepping as much as possible.
"Him? That's Izuku Midoriya. He was a quirkless kid until recently, apparently, but he got one and passed through the entrance exams with a bunch of rescue points. Safe to say, he got lucky." Aizawa commented as I side-eyed him.
"What do you mean 'he got lucky'?"
"Exactly how I mean it. Looking through his footage, that boy went through destroying one bot that would earn any participant no villain points in its destruction. He's lucky he smashed it down to protect someone. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gotten here in the first place." Izuku finished with a decent amount of reps, but he still ranked low compared to his classmates.
"If it was to save someone, then that shouldn't detract his placement of being here," I replied as Aizawa shook his head in disagreement.
"I'm not saying what he did was bad, but the way he did it, that is worth remarking. He shattered both of his legs and an arm to stop that bot, and though it's good he did so to save someone, he was rendered useless after that. He's good for one shot and one shot only. That isn't a good sign for a hero...but I guess you would disagree. You're like that as well..." Aizawa made sure I could hear him as I winced at the jab at me.
"He's only had it for such a short time. You can't expect him to be in the same shape as others who've had their quirk since childhood to experiment with their powers; it's unfair to him." I tried arguing as Aizawa kept observing the student's performance.
"Yeah, but that's why he's got to improve faster, or he'll get left in the dust. That's life doc, you should know the world isn't fair; it doesn't bend to our will. We gotta make most with our hand given to us." Aizawa finished as we both kept monitoring the performance of the students.
Eventually, we made it to the fifth test or so, which was to see how far you could throw a baseball. Most students did well. Some excelled like a monstrous kid with multiple arms that flung the ball so hard it sounded like it broke the sound barrier.
It soon came down to the last student, Izuku Midoriya.
He went over to the standing and stared at the ball as everyone watched in waiting for his results. His conflicted face made me worry for him as he took some time before getting ready to throw the ball. I observed him closely as he started to go for the throw. Red lines slightly appeared on his hands as I stared in awe at the electricity that sparked within him.
Everyone watched expectantly, and he soon threw the ball.
And it came up short.
"FORTY-SIX METERS!" Announced the monitoring bot that Aizawa held in his hand.
"What...but how...?" The boy asked as I felt pressure beside me. I looked to my side to find that Aizawa activated his quirk, his hair wildly flying in the air alongside his scarf.
"Aizawa? What are you doing?" I asked, but I was ignored as Aizawa spoke to Midoirya.
"I erased your quirk. The judging for this exam can't come to a rational conclusion with this alone. You were planning to go all out, weren't you? You were going to sacrifice your arm for some results while rendered useless. Give me a break. Someone like you shouldn't be here at all." The boy stared at Aizawa in shock as he was confused at first.
"You did what to me...wait! Those goggles...you must be the erasure hero, Eraserhead!" The students then muttered amongst themselves as I stared on with wariness.
'What is Aizawa doing?!'
Aizawa soon continued, "You're not ready, not at all. You really wanna just go around punch one thing and call it a day while leaving others to deal with the rest?"
"No! I wouldn't ever want to do that-" Aizawa sent out his scarf as it wrapped around the boy and brought him close as they met face to face.
"No adaptation whatsoever to your situation. That's the kind of recklessness I loathe. It reminds too much of one guy in particular," Aizawa then took a glance at me before resuming, "And it seems like more and more of them pop up on the daily," Aizawa then looked back at Midoriya, "One punch isn't gonna cut it, you can't try to solve everything with pure brawn. And I can't deal with that type of careless behavior in my class, not if I already got another thorn in my side now. I might as well nip the bud before it gives me a headache. You're no fit to be a hero, Midoriya, and I don't think you ever will. You're cut."
"What...?" The despair on Midoriya's face and the audible gasp from the rest of the class proved that whatever happened before I joined, that this wasn't a joke. Aizawa had full intention in making sure Midoriya would be kicked out from U.A.
Words couldn't describe the anger within me at this time. I never knew I would witness such blatant hostility toward a child like this. Aizawa was going over the line, and I had the feeling that it was all because of me in some twisted roundabout way. I don't know if I should feel guilty for making this happen, but I knew that I couldn't control myself not to act. Not when I caught a glimpse of tears building on Midoirya's eyes.
A portal erupted over Midoriya and Aizawa as a scythe of a tentacle shot down and sliced through Aizawa's scarf easily, freeing Midoriya from his grasp. The students now paid all their attention to the sudden tentacle. They saw as it returned swiftly into the portal as the class and Midoriya were left perplexed by the display of power.
"Mr. Aizawa, I highly advise that you reconsider your actions. I don't think you're taking this examination as rationally as you might think." I began as Aizawa stood still with his hair back to normal as they covered his eyes.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Aizawa growled as I kept my eyes trained on him. He was shaking, and I could only assume it was the same rage I was feeling right now.
I did my best to compose myself. I didn't want to start a fight with Aizawa; I couldn't let my anger take over me in front of the kids. It wouldn't leave a good impression if two people they were supposed to rely on started fighting each other.
I took a second to calm down as I calmly stated, "I'm Dr. Maruki. A counselor for U.A academy, and I'm to ensure that I assist students that need guidance. And that is what I intend to do now. If you think that he isn't worthy, then so be it, but don't rob him of the chance to prove himself, Mr. Aizawa. We all deserve a chance, whether it's fair or not." Aizawa stayed silent as students started whispering with one another.
"This damn guy, he did that, didn't he?!" The boy with the explosion quirk practically yelled with his 'whispering.'
"A quirk with that presentation and power. I've never heard of a hero with such abilities like his to have been recorded." A different boy with glasses and motorized legs commented as the rest of the class kept adding their own two cents.
"...this is too tiring. It's the first day, and already I got all this crap to deal with..." Aizawa said while dousing his eyes with eye drops he got from out of nowhere.
"Fine, you win, doc. Go break a leg Midoriya, maybe two if you want really throw that ball far." Aizawa walked over to the sidelines as I went and put my attention to Midoriya.
"You heard him. Go give it your best. Don't hesitate; let yourself go and relax. Be free." I left to go alongside Aizawa as Midoriya looked down at his hand before clenching it, grabbing the baseball again, and getting back in position.
He once again took his time to prepare himself as he soon went for the throw again. Everyone stared in bated breath as I focused on his hand while he threw the ball.
The red sparking lines from before didn't cover his whole arm anymore, but instead, they centered only at the forefinger that he let the ball go from. The ball cleanly soared into the sky as everyone watched it fly away.
I couldn't help but grin as Midoriya went to face Aizawa while holding his hand.
"You see that, Mr. Aizawa...I'm still standing!" Tears were in his eyes, the pain must've been intense, but his smile conveyed so much more.
"This damn kid..." I liked seeing the shocked expression on Aizawa's face as everyone started once again talking with each other about Midoriya.
"The youth these days, Mr. Aizawa, they'll always surprise us, whether we like it or not," I said as Aizawa glared at me.
"Shut up, you're saying it like you're an old man. You're only twenty-three."
"Ahahaha, why that may be true, the fact still stands that they are the future, and I'm all for it." Aizawa looked to want to say something else but was interrupted by the screaming of a student exploding toward Midoriya. Once again, both metaphorically and literally.
The boy with the explosions for a quirk was screaming as he shot towards Midoriya.
"DEKUUUU!" No other words came from the boy as his hand burst with tiny explosions as he was ready to strike Midoriya's recovering position. Aizawa was about to act, but I beat him to it as portals popped up behind the boy as four tentacles restrained his arms and legs.
"What the hell!? This shit from before!?" The boy yelled as he looked back and glared into my eyes. I returned the gesture as I made sure to toughen the tentacles.
"I don't know what your problem is with young Midoriya over here, but I'd suggest you calm down and reflect on your actions. This isn't how a hero should be acting." I sternly told the child as he gritted his teeth and started blasting at the tentacles that constricted his arms. I could feel the blasts within my heart as I kept upping their toughness, leading to more weight being placed on my heart as I put a hand over my chest to help keep up the strength. The student kept blasting away without a care as he struggled under the grasp of my power.
"Dammit! Why isn't it budging!?" The boy yelled as he kept bombarding his restrainers.
"You won't be getting out of them anytime soon. If you want, we can do this all day. I don't mind doing an urgent counseling session with you out here, but I don't know if you harbor the same feelings." The explosions died down as the student kept cursing under his breath and staring at Midoriya.
"Just get these off me, dammit! I don't have time for this shit!" I did as he asks as I made the tentacles disappear. The kid scoffed as he walked back over to the other students and stood away from them with an angry face.
The rest of the testing went without a hitch as Aizawa revealed the testing results to the class. Midoirya ultimately ended up dead last. Apparently, Aizawa told them that whoever came up last would be kicked out of the hero course immediately.
Luckily, Aizawa only did it to drive the students to give it their all. I was relieved to hear that was the case. I don't know if I could contain myself at that point if he was serious.
Aizawa left without warning as the students surrounded Midoriya while asking about his quirk. He was as awkward as they came as he struggled with all the attention. I decided to step in as I cleared my voice to gain their attention.
"A splendid showing, truly from all of you. I have no words to describe how exciting it was to see your potential," I paused as I flashed a genuine smile to the class.
"We kickass, we know that doc. But man, you're quirk is wicked!" A spiky red-haired boy commented as the attention was now on me.
"It was hardcore, but I don't think I ever want to be on the receiving end of those...things." A girl with short and dark purple hair added with headphone jacks attached to her ears, they shivered alongside her.
"The type of things you could do with those tentacles..." A short boy with rubber-like balls for hair was drooling at the thought of misusing my quirk.
'What an odd class this is...' Actually, talking with the students was more different than I thought it was gonna be. Still, I didn't waste time as I directed my focus on Midoirya.
"You all must be curious about my quirk. I'm sorry to have displayed it so openly and inappropriately. But the matter at hand is that school is still in session, and you all should head back to class." The students silently agreed as they made their way inside the school. The exploding boy from before was the last to leave alongside the class as he made sure I felt his glare as he passed me.
I ignored it as Midoriya and I were the last ones on the field.
He walked over to me as he bowed his head slightly and thanked me, "Dr. Maruki, thank you for looking out for me back there. I didn't know what to do when Mr. Aizawa said he would kick me from the hero course. I..." Midoriya stopped as he looked to the ground in sadness.
"Don't worry over that. Mr. Aizawa was just a bit grumpier than usual. He didn't mean to say such harsh words. You impressed him in the end. That's all that matters now." Midoriya nodded as we stood there before each other while the new day sun shined on us.
"I know it must be hurting you a lot right now, but if you don't mind, may you come with me? You must want to head to the nurse's office as soon as possible, but I'd appreciate it if you were to talk with me before that." I asked as Midoirya looked at his hand and wince when he tried to move his index finger.
I was ready for him to refuse, but I was pleasantly surprised when his face hardened as he answered my request.
"I don't mind at all, doctor. Please, lead the way," I couldn't contain my smile as I gave him a curt nod before motioning him to come with me to my office.
'I see why All-Might has taken a liking to him. I too, am starting to enjoy what I see within him.'
"Please, take a seat. I won't bite," Dr. Maruki said as he went over to sit on a recliner while motioning me to the couch in his office.
"Alright, thank you for having me," I sat down on the couch as Dr. Maruki smirked at my words.
"No need to be so formal, Midoirya, this isn't my house. Though I would like for it to be..." Dr. Maruki trailed off as he laid back comfortably on his recliner while we both stayed silent for a while.
'Maruki...I've never heard of a pro hero named Maruki, or a hero with the power of those tentacles. Who is this guy? How have I not heard of him? And this office, I have never heard of one so distinct from the rest of U.A. This is all for him?' I thought as Dr. Maruki kept his stare on me while I held my hand in pain. One-for-All was still too powerful for me to use, but I managed to focus all of it on one finger that time around. I don't know exactly how I did it, it was more of a spur of a moment thing, but I'm hoping to repeat it again.
"It must be painful. Your finger, I mean. It must hurt a lot." Maruki spoke up as I looked up to see him stare at my injury with concern.
"If it's too much, then feel free to get it sorted anytime you want. I don't want to keep you here like you are mandated to."
"Oh, nono! It's fine, really. I can handle at least this much. Besides, I owe you for what you did for me." I said, doing my best to not look weak in front of Dr. Maruki. He still looked at me with concern, but he took a deep breath before changing the topic.
"If you say so. But it must be a struggle to have a quirk that would render any body part you use with it damaged like that. You only recently obtained your quirk, right?" Dr. Maruki asked as I nodded my head slowly.
"Yes...it just...came to me out of nowhere," I said, hoping Dr. Maruki would accept such a simple answer. It looked like he did as he attentively waited for me to continue.
"But I'm grateful for it. It may hurt a lot now, but I just have to keep pushing myself to be greater, to become the best host for this quirk as I can be. No matter how painful..." I tried moving my finger again, but I recoiled at the pain it brought me.
"And you're fine with that pain, even if it may come for weeks, years maybe. You're ready for all of that suffering?" Dr. Maruki's voice was serious as he narrowed his eyes on me. I stared at my finger as I went to move it again. I did so slightly before it was too much.
I looked at Dr. Maruki with determination, "If I have to suffer that much to be the best I can be, then I don't mind. I won't regret it one bit if I can be the best hero I can be." Dr. Maruki looked down to the ground as we both took a second for ourselves.
'Is this a counseling session? Is this how it's supposed to be?' I thought while Dr. Maruki was in deep thought with the looks of it.
I clenched my teeth as my finger started burning. This didn't go unnoticed to Dr. Maruki, but he didn't comment on it as I thought he would.
"We are quite similar, you and I, Midoriya. Believe it or not, I too recently acquired a quirk. It was last year, in fact." My eyes were wide in surprise at Dr. Maruki's declaration.
"For real? That's amazing! You must be at least in your early twenties, and for you to have a quirk, that could mean so much for people who haven't obtained a quirk yet! You're a miracle doctor!" I said with enthusiasm as he chuckled at me.
"Yes, so I've assumed, but so far, I haven't been public yet with my power," Dr. Maruki said as I was left confused.
"What do you mean? You should go about heroing immediately! Your power is amazing!" I now knew why he didn't sound familiar. It was because this man hasn't even debuted yet!
"I appreciate the support, but unfortunately, I don't deem myself ready. You see, at first, with my power, I could barely even summon one portal with one tentacle; I was useless at that point. Eventually, I set my mind to it and trained, which led to my power blossoming into something great. I had what I thought was all I needed to be a hero." Dr. Maruki started as he reached over to a journal of some kind that I overlooked until now. It was a white-gold color scheme as he held it in his hands with care.
"I had help from someone, and I don't think I could ever repay them for it. But eventually, I needed to test myself, and what better way than to try and apply for U.A as a job? I was going to be a counselor, but my powers brought me a new goal of becoming a hero, so I settled and made the decision to try and do both here." Dr. Maruki kept fiddling with the book as he opened it and flipped through the pages absentmindedly.
"But I soon realized after I was interviewed is that I was nowhere near ready. I just got on square one. I wasn't even close to done with my training. Both physically and mentally. I'm just as ignorant as any first year here in the hero course, maybe even worse off..." Dr. Maruki stopped flipping through the pages, closed the journal, and put it back on the table. He grimaced as he kept staring downward.
"Which is why I wish to learn how to be a hero. It's way past my time going to U.A. or any other schools like it, but I want to still pursue it. I want to learn along with you all how to be a hero." I admired Dr. Maruki's focus as I listened to his story.
'We are similar...but he's starting so late into becoming a hero. He also has a quirk that I don't think most people would like having around, yet he still wants to try.' The will that Dr. Maruki displayed to me was inspiring. He soon shook his head as he scratched the back of his head.
"What am I saying? I don't even know where this conversation was supposed to be about! Sorry, I didn't mean for this to be so informal. I also ask that you don't share what I said to the other students. I don't think a staff member that hasn't even been registered as a hero would do well for them to dwell on." I nodded my head in understanding as Maruki smiled gratefully.
"I don't intend to, Dr. Maruki. I know that if you put your mind to it, you'll become a great hero-!" I moved just enough for a sudden spike in my finger as Maruki focused on my injury again.
"Midoriya...if you would so kindly, can you lend me your hand?" I looked at Dr. Maruki, puzzled but did as he asked as I let him take my hand. He put one hand over his chest while holding mine with the other.
"...Energy Stream!" He let out as he snapped his fingers quickly as I felt my whole body rejuvenate itself. It was like my entire body was cleansed with...I don't even know how to describe it! It was magical!
My finger snapped straight up as the dark purple and black bruises had shifted to their usual color.
"Dr. Maruki! Is that a part of your quirk!?" I couldn't help but blurt out as he nodded his head.
"Mmhm, with enough training, I was able to gain such power, and I don't doubt that with your resolve, you will also attain great power with your quirk Midoriya." Dr. Maruki said as I kept moving my index finger to feel how good it was now.
"I think I held you for long enough, but I enjoyed our little conversation. I wasn't expecting it to go in this direction, but it was a welcomed surprise. If you don't mind, maybe we can chat every once in a while? I feel as if we both can grow together, to be better heroes." Maruki said while I beamed at him.
"I would like that as well! We both can share our growth, maybe even trade training methods?"
"Perhaps we could even train together? I could use a spotter for some of my sets." Maruki laughed as I did so alongside him.
"Though, that may look odd. You are a student here. After all, hanging around an old geezer like me might cramp your style."
"Not at all! I'm always prepared to train, and doing so with a partner can only help." I interjected as Maruki shook his head while smiling.
"We'll see then. But you should get going now. I held you for long enough." I did as he said as I made way for the door.
"Oh! But one more thing Midoirya." Dr. Maruki called out as I turned around to look at him.
"Can you tell me about the boy with explosions back on the field? I think I would like a little chat with him as well..."
The punching bag hurt Aizawa's hand as he kept pummeling it with all of his might.
The first day of the school day concluded as it was well into the afternoon now as he trained in the U.A's gym.
Aizawa was barely one to do any excess physical exertion, and that certainly included training his body to any capacity. Yet a particular person was meddling in his workplace, and now that person was constantly in his mind, nagging him with his existence.
"Why did I agree with that oaf!" Aizawa kept smashing the bag as he visualized All-Might's face on it. Aizawa was getting exhausted as his training method since coming here was exclusively on hitting the punching bag.
"How did everything become so different from one person? That damn doctor, it's like he's everywhere I go in this damn school..." Aizawa mumbled as he recalled how the school officially announced Maruki's position as a counselor for the school at assembly. The young girl crowd already couldn't shut up about him, and the boys were very much focused on the rumors of his quirk.
"That idiot had to show off his quirk back there, does he like all that attention?" Aizawa kept punching as the sound of the gym door opening, and closing was ignored by the annoyed man.
"What a piece of-"
"Mr. Aizawa? I didn't think you were one to train. This is quite surprising."
'Speak of the devil...' Aizawa thought as he stopped using the punching bag and went straight for the locker rooms. This led to him, and Maruki heading in the same direction as Aizawa was in an even smaller room with the man.
'Why did I think he wouldn't change?' Aizawa watched as Maruki went and started changing his outfit to more casual gym wear.
"I must say the facilities of U.A are nothing short but pristine. So much of this place is made with the best in mind. I'm glad to be able to use them so freely!" Maruki exclaimed as he stretched.
"..." Aizawa silently let Maruki do his business as he went to pack his things.
"Done already, Aizawa?" Maruki asked as Aizawa kept packing without responding.
'The last thing I want is to be around him any longer than I have today. He really is just everywhere.' Aizawa was about to head out before he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you still thinking about this morning?" Aizawa shook Maruki's hand off him as he kept making his way out of the building.
"Aizawa! I know what I did was out of line, but you must admit that you weren't exactly at your best either there!" Aizawa turned around and went for a clean hook as Maruki barely managed to dodge it as they both went at it.
Neither were actually hurting the other so far as they kept blocking each other's attack or dodging swiftly. The two men made sure to avoid any equipment while they traded blows.
Maruki was the first to get strike cleanly on his side. He didn't let this affect him too long as he made sure to return the blow with a hit to Aizawa's right cheek. The men were going to the more open part of the gym as they continued the brawl. No words were exchanged as they fought and fought for however long their bodies would let them.
It was a back and forth between them as one would gain the upper hand, leaving the other to quickly reevaluate their approach and adapt quickly. Punches, kicks, grabs, and throws across the gym floor made both men left with tattered clothing and bruises across their bodies.
They now stood a couple of feet apart as they both were fatigued.
"...hurry up...just finish this already..." Aizawa wheezed as Maruki shook his head, knowing full well what Aizawa was implying.
"It...wouldn't be fair to use my powers here...fighting like this...makes us equal..." Maruki struggled to let out as he readied his body to go in again.
"Your...funeral...!" Aizawa charged Maruki as he stood his ground to get ready for another round.
The glow of red eyes made Maruki dizzy as he quickly let his guard down while Aizawa used his quirk against him.
"I may not be able to nullify your quirk, but it definitely does something to you, so hurry up and get to it!" Aizawa was about to drop an axe kick on Maruki. A similar swirl of green and white enveloped him as he dashes back to avoid the attack. Aizawa's face turned sour as he looked at Maruki's recovered form.
'This is the way it is...no matter what, I'll never compete with this guy...' Aizawa was ready to give up, yet he felt his body get swallowed with a great wave of air as the same green and white swirls that twirled around Maruki were now on him.
'What the?' Aizawa felt completely revitalized as Maruki smiled at him.
"I can't improve my fighting skills without having a suitable partner to help me. So, Mr. Aizawa, why don't we have a rematch. No quirks, just our skill. Let's both improve and strive to be the best heroes we can be!" Maruki motioned his hand for Aizawa to attack. Aizawa couldn't help but smirk as he eyed the man before him.
'Goddammit...here I go caring again...' Aizawa stretched a bit before getting in position as the men stared down at one another.
They again went for each other as they were locked in battle anew.
'Maybe I should listen to All-Might more.' Aizawa thought as he and Maruki kept battling into the night.
AN: Just wondering if I should add a little thing for each break to indicate a pov change. I think I do a decent enough job making it clear from what perspective it's from, but I don't know if that is true or not. I'll see how it goes.
Thank you for reading.