HEY THERE! How is everyone?
I hope you are all well, because today, is a very special day. Why, you ask?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, WESST1!
That's right! Today, on September 13, this is our friend's birthday! Which is why, I have decided, after all those years of friendship, to hold a birthday fic for my friend!
(Truth is, it is supposed to be out in September 13, but… for some reason, half of the last three chapter got erased. So I had to redo it, and with work, it wasn't easy. But for the sake of the purpose, let's say it's 13th September today, okay? Thank you.)
And what is it about this time? Well, you're about to find out! Have a good reading!
BIRTHDAY FIC
Walking Towards the Future with the Ultimate Hopeful King
Chapter 1: Going Back to the Past
Calm. This was the general atmosphere that the dorms felt in this moment, absolute calm. This was very rare, considering the students of Hope's Peak Academy tended to be the most passionate people in Japan, to the point of getting overboard in what they were doing (which usually resulted in property damage for some cases). Today, though, there was a reason why everything was so calm: midterms. Or rather, the aftermath of midterms.
It was common knowledge that midterms at Hope's Peak Academy were harder than your usual midterms at any other school in the country, considering its glorious status. Well, this statement not only stayed true, but it got even harder this year. Between their own course work and assisting the Reserve Course students finding their own talents, everyone had decided to put up some late-night sessions in order not to get overwhelmed.
Most of the boys in their dorms felt like they succeeded, though some of them were nervous about it, and for good reasons. Those in particular were dreadful of the results they would got, considering that if they failed, they would have to go through a remedial course one month later, much to their dismays considering they would have to work even harder.
Thankfully, on the girl's side, things looked slightly better. Some of them had headaches for all the work they had to go through, but thanks to the general assistance they maintained towards each other, and thanks to the teachers that were a big help, all of them felt like they managed to do good, even those who struggled. So, for now, everyone decided to rest.
Little did they now, this peaceful moment was only the calm before the storm. For today, an unforeseen event would drop quite the bomb to the people within the school's walls as well as their families, and most precisely, the people within the girls' dorm.
They would all see what the future had in store for them… and they would give it their all to reach it.
"There we go." Makoto Naegi, the sole boy from the girls' dorm, was at his usual spot in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for everyone. Thankfully, he had some assistance today, as the midterms exhausted him much. He turned towards the two people who helped him. "Thanks a lot for the assistance, everyone. You four and Gekkogahara-sensei have been a big help, especially for the midterms."
"That's no problem, Naegi-kun. You always help us with the breakfast since your arrival." Chisa smiled sweetly at him, taking the first plate of food near her.
"And I only do my duty. Not just as a maid, but as a friend as well." Kirumi Toujo, one of the newest students of the school, bowed with a little smile. "I'm glad I managed to help you out."
"It's our duty, Naegi-kun…" Seiko, one of the new teachers, blushed behind her mask. "We should be thanking you though, for inviting us. Being a teacher here is… certainly a lot more work than expected."
"For real! Especially with all the exams! I'm glad we don't have to grade everyone right away!" Ruruka, her friend and partner, sighed of relief. "So, really, thanks for the thought! We really needed this!"
"That we did. The changes for the school were needed, but perhaps we'll be able to find a better way to implement them." Miaya Gekkogahara, the therapist of the school, spoke via her A.I. Usami. "But for now, let's just rest and not think about anything stressful. We deserve this after all of our hard work."
"I think we do." Makoto nodded at them with a smile, before taking the remaining plate of food, he took it to the diner room and yelled, "Lunch is ready everyone!"
As soon as he said those words, the young man heard several footsteps coming his way. A large group of teenage girls from the school, joined him on the table, with a calm chorus of "Itadakimasu!"
Makoto looked around with a smile. This scene was now quite a familiar sight for him. Every morning, he would get to see the happy faces of all of the friends he made through the year and half at Hope's Peak Academy. His own class, the 78th, but also the 77-Bth class above with their teacher, and the new 79th class, he shared a lot of good memories with all of those persons there, even though the circumstances of how they came to live together within the dorms gave him a disadvantage at first, and even when the new students came.
But in the end, he considered all of them as his second family. All of those girls mentioned above were very close to him, and on top of that, he also managed to befriend some other ladies. The three other staff members mentioned before, as well as the two Reserve Course students that were related to the Ultimates. They were all invited by their respective friends to celebrate the end of midterms, and to pass more time with each other. Makoto was glad to see the girls talking among themselves like this every day… even if today, they seemed to be exhausted.
"Ugh… I'm so glad this is over," Akane growled a bit annoyed, while eating her breakfast. "My siblings were worried about me because of this. They thought I was sick or something, can you imagine that?"
"My brother was worried too. Yuta almost called the ambulance, when he saw steam coming out of my ears. I had to insist for what felt like an hour to tell him I was okay." Aoi laughed awkwardly. "I guess he freaked out because he never saw me work so hard on academics… and to think we'll have to do it again…"
"There is no need to talk about the future yet, Asahina-san." Sonia giggled at her antics. "For now, let us rest. We quite deserved it after all the hard work everyone has made."
"Though some of us had to work harder than others." Junko smirked a bit. "But hey, if anything, that will just them, when the finals exams show up. Luckily, their head won't nearly explode." She then felt her sister elbow her. "Ouch!"
"We said not to talk about it yet." Mukuro scolded her. "I don't think anyone wants to think about the results we will get in the end. Some of us are pretty stressful about it."
"Oh, I'm sure you all managed to succeed." Chisa tried to reassure them, despite the subject being a sour spot. "After all of the organization we pulled together, and all the mutual help you did with each other, you've got to have succeeded."
"Yukizome-sensei is right, you girls." Makoto smiled at them. "We worked really hard to get good grades. After all the efforts we made to get this far, I'm really hopeful about our results."
The girls looked at him with smiles on their faces, his words brightening the mood like they usually do. His optimism was one of the many reasons why he was liked by many of his female comrades.
Hiyoko was the one who spoke next. "Well, I'll be honest, I think I did good enough. Though I can't say the same for some of the boys. If what we heard on our class is true, then I guess some of them will have to pass by the remedial course." She then sighed in defeat. "Nidai-kun didn't seem to be bothered too much, but Hanamura-kun was a bit depressed, and as for Souda-kun… well, I told him he wouldn't be able to do much if he didn't focus."
"Our own class had some trouble too. Saihara-kun told me Momota-kun and Gokuhara-kun had struggled a lot." Kaede joined in, looking a bit sad. "They tried their best, but… I'm not sure if they are going to make it. Well, they don't seem to be discouraged too much by this, so…"
"To be fair, the boys also decided to do their own study sessions, though for some, it was not enough to overcome the headache." Kyouko explained. "I am confident that half of the boys in our own class didn't succeed. Oowada-kun did his best to keep up, but I could see his frustration on his face when the midterms were over. And as for the three others… well, Kuwata-kun, Yamada-kun and Hagakure-kun didn't seem too invested to begin with."
"I mean, I can see the last two just doing their own thing, to be honest. But Kuwata-kun's attitude really surprised me, and not in a good way. I get he wants to live his dream, but it was a pretty important exam." Makoto commented, scratching the back of his head. "Do you girls think that I should have helped them? I mean, I did try to warn them, but could I have done more?"
"Don't worry about it, Naegi-senpai. They brought this upon themselves when they refused to take this seriously. Stupid boys…" Tenko tried to reassure him, not hiding her disapproval of their attitude. "Besides, what would have happened if you decided to stick with them? You probably wouldn't have enough energy to even do those exams!"
"She's right, you know, you can't have their burdens on your shoulders," Mahiru agreed with a little smile. "You did what you could by warning them. If they didn't take it seriously, it's on them."
"I guess it's true," Makoto nodded. "I just… don't feel too proud about what happened. I mean, if Kirigiri-san is right, then only half of the boys in our class succeeded. I honestly don't know what to feel about that."
"Hinata-san thought the same. He doesn't know what to think about what his performance," Fuwa said with an awkward smile. "I don't think any of us in the Reserve Course can at this point."
"Yes, it must have been difficult to pull it off for you guys as well," Chiaki commented. "We all hope you succeeded. It would be great to see each other in the same course."
"Yeah, yeah, we'll tell the guy when we go back," Natsumi answered, before looking at them all. "So, what are you guys going to do now? Any plan to rest?"
"Well, I proposed for us to go back to the Minato Inn," Sayaka answered first. "But some of us wanted to visit new places, so we can make new memories there."
"Ibuki wanted to go skiing! Ibuki loves the snow!" Ibuki spoke excitedly, before she calmed down. "But Ibuki has been told there wasn't enough yet… aaawww…"
"I proposed a cruise." Celestia spoke next. "Now, I know this is a very far-fetched idea, but we were informed that Sonia-senpai had a yacht in preparation."
Those who didn't know that before seemed shocked to hear this. "Wait, really?!" Seiko spoke firt. "I mean, I guess this comes with your title, but hearing this right now…"
"Yes, I understand this may come off as a surprise." Sonia smiled at them. "Though, to be honest, I do not know how much time it would take for me to have a proper crew."
"Still, this is pretty good to know you have a plan." Ruruka chimed in. "Hopefully, you guys will see nice things on the trip."
"Y-yeah, we really need to after all that crap…" Touko commented, with a blush on her face. "I-it's about time I work on my new novel… I've been dying to do this…"
Makoto, figuring that she wanted to get back to work, simply smiled at her. The other girls, on the other hand, knew what she really meant, and couldn't help but send her a glare as she blushed at Makoto's smile, uncaring about what the others thought at the moment. Still, now was not the moment to raise any tension, and they decided to let it slide for now.
"Well, we might as well prepare our things if this trip is possible," Peko said. "I know this sounds a bit hopeful, but I would argue that what we would probably do the same thing we usually do."
"Nyahaha! Angie and Atua are really happy to hear all of this!" Angie proclaimed happily. "Angie and Atua will be able to see their home island in no time! We can't wait to show you to Angie's family, they are all going to love you!"
Makoto could only smile at this. Everyone seemed to get along well after all this time, and it made him happy, as he noticed that at some times, the girls would send themselves some… odd stares. He didn't know why, but that made those scenes more heartwarming.
"We should also prepare a second plan, just in case we can't go on this cruise. Going back to the Minato Inn like Maizono-senpai suggested doesn't sound too bad." Maki then looked at Makoto. "By the way, the kids would like to talk to you about what they plan to do. I heard they wanted to visit a place they heard."
"Ah, the park we talked about! Thanks, Harukawa-san," Makoto nodded at her with a smile. "I did promise them I would take them there."
"Nyeh… how can you keep up with them is a mystery. I envy you…" Himiko yawned a bit. "I still feel like I can't move my body… more than usual…"
"W-well, they are young, so they tend to have much more energy than other people…" Mikan suggested, before looking around with a worried expression. "Speaking of which… I-I would have thought Iruma-san would have joined us by now?"
"Uh?" Makoto looked at the empty seat near the table. "It's true, she hasn't joined us yet. Is she still working on her project?"
"It would seem so." Sakura answered. "When we talked to her, she told us not to disturb her. I remember her saying her 'greatest project' was almost finished. I have no idea what project it is, however…"
"Well, I remember she tried to built this project even when the midterms started," Tsumugi pointed out. "I know Iruma-san is… passionate, but this is honestly starting to worry me."
Makoto sighed, he knew that indeed, Miu was someone who wouldn't eat anything as long as her work wasn't done. Still, it didn't please him as he talked to her about how unhealthy it was. He then stood up. "I'm gonna go check on her, just to make sure she didn't faint on the job."
"Allow me to assist you," Tojo stood up as well. "It is my duty to make sure my classmate didn't get hurt."
But before anyone else could do anything, the door was slammed opened, and the last girl occupying the dorm made her appearance. "AT LAST! IT'S FUCKING DONE!"
"Iruma-san? Are you okay?" Kaede was the one who asked first after this outburst. "Wait, is this about your project?"
"Of course it is, Bakamatsu! It took me longer than I thought, but at last, I finally did it! I'm really going to make history right there!" Miu bragged to everyone, before looking at her assistant and taking him by the shoulders. "We fucking did it, Naegi! We fucking made this to this day! Well, I did most of the work, but you supported me all the way just like you promised! You have no idea how much this means for me! Come on, you gotta see it for yourself- Hmmpf!"
"Hold on, Iruma-san." Makoto told her as he put a chocolate bar in her mouth. "I can tell you're exhausted, and you skipped breakfast this morning. For now, you'll eat and rest, and after that, we'll see your project together. Sounds good?"
Miu crunched on the chocolate bar, with a grumpy expression, though the blush was obvious on her face. "…you're lucky you have milk chocolate." She grumbled as she sat down and eat lunch with everyone, the rest of the girls wondering what crazy idea their classmate concocted.
After a while, when the sun was starting to settle, everyone has settled into Miu's lab, in order to see what she had in mind. Every girl present during lunch were present, as well as the Warriors of Hope, who wanted to have more time with Makoto. As such, they were by his side with Maki, as she wanted to stay true to the title given to her.
Moving on, the Inventor was on front stage with a prideful grin, her newest invention covered by a massive, white sheet. "So, is everyone here ready to get their mind blown away by the genius of Iruma Miu, the girl with a golden brain?! Because I sure outdid myself right there!"
"Iruma-nee… what is it?" Masaru asked her, feeling a bit excited. "Is this the new machine you built behind you? Seems pretty huge!"
"I'm glad you asked, shrimp! And you bet it is huge, I worked my ass off for this one!" Miu grinned more. "To answer your question, this is my greatest project yet! I tried to finish for the midterms, but with the study sessions…" She grumbled that last part, not looking too pleased, before grinning back. "Anyway, now, everything is ready! Prepared to be amazed!" As she said that, she pulled the blanket, and let everyone see for themselves. "Tadaaaaaa!"
Everyone felt surprised at seeing what was under the blanket, and even… puzzled. "Umm… Iruma-san?" Kaede asked with an eyebrow. "Is this… is this some sort of gate?"
Indeed, what was hidden seemed to be a portal. Something that had the form of the logo of the school, the wings and crown part were the branches that form the shield part of the school. Just besides it, a massive processing unit was beeping and flashing, with a little screen on it.
"It's so much more than that, little lady!" Miu explained with glee. "This baby there, is a travel machine that can let you go anywhere you want to go! All you've got to do is to register the name of your location, and the satellite will automatically find it for you, to the exact location you want! A portal will be made for you, to take to your destination! Pretty awesome, uh?"
Everyone seemed really surprised at this, even impressed. Granted, they knew Miu's invention seemed odd most of the time, but when she was serious, she showed that she deserved her Ultimate title. Still, something felt odd about this. "You have access to the school's satellite?" Monaca asked for everyone.
"Good again!" The blonde revealed to everyone. "Granted, it wasn't easy to have the permission to begin with, but after some deliberation, the big boss out there gave me chance after I made sure my baby wouldn't harm anyone! Which is crap, considering I'm the one who made it in the first place!"
"So that's why you were talking to my father," Kyouko remarked as she raised an eyebrow. "I am surprised that he accepted such a request… and I also wonder why he couldn't come."
"Yes, this is… impressive, I've got to admit," Nagisa confessed, frowning a bit. "However, how is this supposed to work? You haven't tested it out yet, so for all we know-"
"The hell is that supposed to mean?!" Miu shot them a look, before composing herself. "Anyway, I already registered some locations to my lab. Notably… Naegi's house!"
"Ah, so that's why you asked," Makoto concluded. "I figured it was because you wanted to hang out…"
Every other girl grumbled at this, glaring at the Inventor behind her back, while she was smirking as she programmed the destination. She knew she had gained a point when she asked him, and she's glad she did.
"Of course it's because I wanted to go to your place! This genius still needs her assistant, why do you think I've attached your hair to it, uh?!" Miu said with a smile. And yes, one of his hair was glued to the side of the laptop of the machine, the words 'Iruma Miu's lucky charm' next to it.
"I… didn't do much though… And I didn't think you would use it for that, to be honest…" Makoto commented, laughing awkwardly at her antics, and still oblivious to what was happening behind him.
"Perhaps Iruma-nee didn't want you to get tired, Mako-nii," Jataro suggested. "I mean… she must care a lot about you, not including you into this tiresome project… hold on, is this a bad thing then? But you still allowed Makoto-nii to rest, so…"
"Don't think too much about it, I'm a genius, of course I don't need to sleep! Not for something important like this!" Miu grinned, before taking the lever in her hand. "So, ya guys ready yet?! Because you are about to see me go down in history!" And without any further warning or answers from her audience, she pulled the lever of the machine.
Everyone could feel it around themselves. The lights around themselves went on and off as the machine seemingly used their source energy, and the room was shaking as the monitor made some loud noise and beeping with every color they had.
Suddenly… a light appeared at the center of the gate.
"Uh?!" Everyone looked at what was going on, and their eyes went wide before covering them, as the light began to grow bigger. Somehow… this crazy invention was working.
"Yes! YES! It's working! It's actually working!" Miu was putting her googles to block the light from her sight, grinning like crazy as she didn't seem to notice the potential dangers coming with this development. The quakes that were coming were now stronger, to the point that the entire school felt it. Didn't help that some of the bulb started to shatter above them.
Suddenly, sparks of electricity began to rise at the center of the gates, menacing to hurt Miu who was the closest. That's the moment when Makoto got up and ran to her. "Iruma-san! Watch out!"
TZAP!
The boy tackled her to the ground, as one lightning bolt passed by the place where the Inventor was standing, and a big flash of light blinded everyone for a while, preventing any other interference.
It took at least a minute for things to begin to calm down. The lights started to function normally again, and everyone was starting to gain their vision back. The machine, which was miraculously intact, was still smoking.
"W-wow…" Makoto slowly got a hand of his emotions, having calmed down enough to let the adrenaline die off. He then looked down and asked Miu "Are you okay?"
"Y-yeah... I think so…" Miu was blushing under him. "Y-you know, if you wanted to do it right now, you could have just asked instead of tackling me to the ground."
Makoto blushed as he was still a bit affected by her habits, but still get off her without stuttering. "I'm sorry, but I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't get hurt. That was very dangerous!"
"Yes, exactly! What were you thinking, Iruma-san?!" Chisa was the first one to react, and she didn't seem pleased in the slightest. "I know you are passionate about your work, but if you were going to show us your work, you could have at least put a security barrier before starting anything!"
"Ah, that's right!" Makoto then looked around at the students. "Is everyone okay?"
"Y-yeah, we're fine, Mako-nii," Monaca answered for the rest of the child, who were all startled by what happened.
"Ugh… at least there was no explosion this time." Maki commented as she checked on the kids next to her. "They just seem dizzy, don't worry."
"Thank God…" Makoto sighed, before looking at his classmates. "What about you girls?"
"We're fine too, thanks, Naegi-kun," Mahiru said next with a little smile, before frowning a bit at the experience they felt. "Still, I think you've got to look a bit more in your research, Iruma-san."
"Yeah, no question asked. This was very risky." Kyouko added with her own scolding voice. "Thankfully, nobody seemed to be hurt or anything. But we'll have to warn my father about what happened. For now, I believe that this machine is too dangerous to be used in the future."
"B-but… I worked so hard on that…" Miu seemed really heartbroken as she looked on the ground. She wanted to impress everyone in the room, especially her beloved assistant. That's why she put all of her energy on that project, but she still failed spectacularly, on top of putting everyone in potential danger. Her pride has taken a hit after that, but fortunately, she soon felt a hand on her shoulder, and lifted up her face to see her favorite senpai smile reassuringly to her, lightening her mood up, if only a little.
"You'll have other opportunities to work on thar project, Iruma-san. Don't let that stop you." Makoto told her. "You are the Ultimate Inventor, you'll get this right eventually."
"R-right… t-thanks…" Miu nodded while blushing. She was still not too happy about the failure, but with her assistant by her side, she would be able to get back up.
"W-we should check if you have any injury!" Mikan came rapidly to their side. "Are you okay, Iruma-san, Naegi-san?"
"Y-yeah…"
"Yeah, Tsumiki-senpai…"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay…"
Everyone began to be startled at the third voice, as it was an unknown… yet quite familiar voice.
"Makoto-chan, are you starting to say things twice now? Did you get hit by a lightning bolt from earlier?" Ibuki asked him.
"I-I didn't say that…" Makoto answered while raising an eyebrow. "And I'm pretty sure I didn't…"
"And yet, that voice…" Kaede looked at him with slow realization. "It sounds just like-"
"Hey, there's someone in the smoke!" Junko warned everyone. "Close to the gate thing!"
Indeed, a few steps away from Makoto, someone was on the ground, slowly getting on his knees to get up. The individual seemed to be a male, if the voice was any indication.
As Makoto was still a caring person, even in the craziest situation, he was the first one to get up and step slowly towards the unknown person. "Hey, uh… are you sure you're fine? Did you get hurt or anything?"
"No, don't worry, I'm fine. That happens sometimes with my family." The figure as he stood up, the smoke slowly clearing the view. "But I do appreciate the worry, so thanks for the ha…"
Silence took over the room, as soon as everoyne's view was cleared of the smoke that dispersed to let them see who they were talking to… and to say everyone was shocked was the understatement of the year.
That person who was standing with them… looked very similar to their friend Makoto. He seemed to be older than him, as he was a bit taller than him, his hair was a bit spikier and longer, with even a little ponytail. On top of that, his outfit seemed different than the actual Makoto Naegi, as it consisted of what seemed a whir uniform, quite similar to the one Kiyotaka Ishimaru casually wears. But aside from that, the stranger had the same face and expression.
"…oh dear." And apparently, he had the same voice, if only a bit deeper, as he looked around nervously. "This is… really not what I expected."
As soon as the newcomer finished his sentence… well, things became really weird.
"Naegi-kun… is it a relative of yours?" Mukuro asked her friend. "I didn't know you had an older brother."
"I-I don't have a brother…" Makoto answered a bit awkwardly. "I-I would have told you so otherwise…"
"M-me neither… and before anyone asks, he's not my little brother, or cousin, or anything like that either." The older person in front of them told them awkwardly.
"Well, who are you then, sir?" Aoi asked him with an eyebrow. "Because you two are very similar."
"Yeah, almost like twins!" Junko followed. "Honestly, if we undo the ponytail, I'm pretty sure you two would have the same haircut."
"Oh, is that so? Well, I guess that makes sense." The older man laughed awkwardly at this. "I wanted to try this haircut after seeing some of my family members try it."
"Well, it… it doesn't seem bad, actually." Tsumugi commented with a little smile. "I think it makes you unique in a sense."
"Y-yeah… it's not as good as Makoto-sama's haircut, but still…" Toko couldn't help but say. For some reason, the fact that this stranger looked like her White Knight seemed very appealing.
"Thanks, you're too kind." The stranger smiled, before widening his eyes. "Oh! And speaking of family…" He then took his finger to his finger and spoke again. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
"Sir? Is… you?" The signal coming out of the device seemed very blurry, meaning the transmission didn't seem to work fully. "Are… right? Where… you?"
"I'm alright, don't worry! Hello? Do you copy?" Makoto tried to tell, but the communication didn't seem to pass, making him sigh. "Ah, great… hopefully, the others managed to at least hear me on this…"
"You seem worried… I think." Chiaki looked at him with worry. "Is something the matter?"
"Well, it's just that… my family wanted to test something," the young man explained. "I wanted to see what this what about, and then, well… I'm here."
"You're… here?" Celes and several others raised an eyebrow. "Forgive me to say this, but… I do not think I understand what you mean."
"Yeah, I can't fault you for that." The older boy answered with a sheepish smile. "To be honest, I didn't expect… this turn of event to happen. Now, I'm far away from those I care about, and I admit, I'm a bit worried about how they will react. I don't even know how I'll explain how this happened."
"Yes, that's also what we want to know. How did you get there in the first place?" Maki asked with suspicion in her eyes. "You definitely weren't with us before this."
That got everyone's attention, and some were a bit suspicious at him, Tenko being one of them as she put herself in position. "Tenko warns you, she will not let you hurt anyone on her watch!"
"Wow, wow, easy there. I'm not here to hurt anyone, I swear," The stranger waved his hands in front of him. "It's not like I could take on any of you girls."
"Chabashira-san, stand down. We can take care of this without using violence." Sakura told her before addressing the stranger again. "Apologies for the reaction, but you have to admit, the circumstances of your appearance are definitely not normal."
"Yes, and we have dealt with people who hide their true nature before trying to harm us." Peko added, gripping her mock sword just in case. "We do not wish to use violence either, but you have to understand, we won't hesitate."
"Yeah, I guess I can't fault you for thinking that. Hope's Peak Academy has suffered some backlash for some time, if I remember." The stranger mused, before looking around. "We are at Hope's Peak Academy, right? If I am to guess, it must be a research lab for the talent."
"Uuum… yes, it is, actually." Chisa raised an eyebrow at him. "I know the information has been made public, but… I didn't think you would guess correctly in one go."
"Well, I do keep track on what's happening at school," The young adult answered with a little smile. "I mean, it's been really long since I've been there, so I try to see how things are going?"
"Oh?" Miyaya spoke via Usami. "Does that mean you were a former student here?"
Then, the man had a… teasing smile on his face. "You might say that, actually." Then, to everyone's surprise, he started to chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Himiko asked him with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm sorry, it's just… it's been a long time since I got here, and I didn't think I would get back. Not under those conditions, at least…" The young adult explained, before looking around again. "Man, I can't believe it. This is just like my memories. Then I guess the rest of the school is just like I remember as well." He then turned towards everyone. "We're in 2011, right?"
"Uuuum… yes, that's right." Mahiru sounded a bit suspicious as well. "Why do you ask? I mean, isn't that a given?"
"Okay, I think this has gone long enough," Ruruka said, looking exasperated. "Who are you already? You didn't even tell us your name!"
Everyone turned towards him, expecting him to answer. Instead… what they got was him to smile.
Just like their friend Makoto.
"Okay, okay, you're right. I think I owe an explanation…" The young adult answered, before looking at Seiko and Mikan. "Could you please take a sample of my blood? You also might want to compare it to your male… friend there. You're Naegi Makoto, right,"
"Uh? W-well, yes…" Makoto looked at him with a weird look. "But why do you ask that? How is this going to tell us who you are?"
"Yes, you still… haven't answered our question yet." Seiko added with a confused tone.
"This is because I feel like this is the only way I can tell you who I am, otherwise you would think I'm crazy." The adult answered with a little smile. "I know this only make me suspicious at this point, but I promise you, once you have the test's results, this will make things clear once and for all. So, can you please fill in my request?"
Everyone hesitated, before Makoto spoke first. "Uuum… I suppose there is no harm. I mean, what's the worst that can happen?"
"A-alright… if Naegi-san is okay, then I just need to take my medical kit for that."
"Thank you." He then turned towards Kyouko. "You also may want to fill the Headmaster in for what happened. I think he needs to be there."
Kyouko hesitated for a moment, before sighing. "…very well. The entire school is probably wondering what just happened anyway."
"Thanks." The older boy spoke with a smile, before turning towards the medical girls. "I'm in your care, ladies."
All the girls watched him talk to them with ease, while Kirumi and some others approached him with worried looks. "Naegi-senpai, are you sure about this decision?"
"Yeah, this guy is really weird," Fuwa spoke her part to him. "I know I'm not one to talk, but he's… how should I say it…"
"Way too nice. He's way too comfortable with us," Natsumi finished for her. "Seriously, did you see how much he behaves?! As if he owns the damn place!"
"Well, I do not think he seems to be a bard person, but he sure is intriguing." Sonia added her viewpoint. "His uniform is… quite familiar. I know I have seen it before… and I believe I saw a ring on his finger…"
"Yeah, and he even has the same smell as you! Like… almost the exact same!" Akane told him while shocked. "That never happened before! This is so confusing!"
"Owari-nee's comment aside, they're right, Naegi-onii," Hiyoko told him. "This is really too strange for us to just… accept this guy's explanation."
"I know, I know… but so far, this guy hasn't done anything to hurt us or anything. He seems nice enough." Makoto then smiled reassuringly. "Let's give him a chance for now. I'm sure everything will turn out alright."
"Nyahahahaha! Don't worry, everyone! Atua just told Angie we should trust Naegi-senpai's judgement!" Angie tried to reassure them in her own way. "Atua told Angie everything will turn out fine in the end!"
The girls, while not convinced, decided to put their trust into them for now. After all, what was the worst that could happen?
…they would soon figure it out. In a way that nobody could have predicted… aside from the man who was now with them.
In the girl's dorm, things were… awkward to say the least. Nothing bad happened yet, but the circumstances were quite bizarre for everyone.
Mikan and Seiko has taken the blood from him and Makoto not too long, and the two girls were now checking on the upcoming results, leaving the two of them joining the girls. This meant that the two were now at the table, side by side, at the young adult's request, which didn't help his case near the girls. But for some reason, he didn't seem to mind at all as he was eating a little pie piece that remained from lunch, while everyone began to prepare diner for tonight.
On top of that, considering what happened, Kyouko told her father and his friend to come over, so they could explain the situation to them. Needless to say, they were also a bit dumbfounded and wary of the newcomer for his behavior, but considering he didn't do anything harmful or illegal, they were ready to give him a chance.
"So, let me resume everything that you told us to make sure I understood right," Jin began. "You're telling me that you were doing something important with your family, and then you found yourself here, just at the moment where one of my students tried her new experiment. Then, rather than telling us who you are, you requested to know the year we are in, and also to take samples of your blood, as well another of my students, Naegi-kun, with us. Did I miss anything?"
"No, that's basically what happened," the young adult answered while eating. "Again, I know I sound suspicious, but I wish you no harm. I just want to make sure there is proof that what I will tell you all is the truth."
"Really? It's that necessary." Koichi looked at him with a little smile, though anyone could hear his on doubt. "What, you're telling me we're gonna think you're crazy?"
"Pretty much. Sorry for being blunt, but even after all the crazy stuff you guys had to go through, I'm pretty sure the bombshell I'm about to drop on you guy will top it no problem. Though I can't say I blame you, I would definitely freak out like all of you." He then finished his little meal with a smile before turning towards Makoto. "It tastes really good, just like in my memories! Did you cook this or was it your friend? Either way, you have my thanks!"
"Uuum, you're welcome," Makoto answered a bit nervously. "So, uuuuuh… what can you tell us about yourself?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah, I guess this can help you at this point." The young adult eyed them with a little smile on his face. "Well, like I said, I was a student of Hope's Peak Academy. In fact, I remember I was chosen to be the Ultimate Lucky Student of my year, you know."
Everyone looked at him with a surprised expression. "Oh?" Junko raised an eyebrow. "You seem like you're about to hit the thirties. Is your name registered in the school's files?"
"As a matter of fact, it is." The newcomer chuckled. "But even that wouldn't help you at all. I should know, I still can't believe I'm back like this."
"Like this?" Kyouko raised an eyebrow. "Why are you phrasing this way?"
"Trust me, there is a very good reason for that." The young adult smiled at them. "And you'll see what I mean… luckily." He then chuckled to himself. "Man, I can't believe I'm saying that. I never really believed in my luck before…"
"Oh, really?" Makoto gave him a small smile. "I get you. I mean, I never really did myself too. You see, I've also been chosen to be the Ultimate Lucky Student from my class…"
"Ah, yes. From the 78th class, right?" The stranger smiled at him. "I've heard about you. You became quite famous, and if I remember well, it began after you saved Princess Sonia Nervermind from a coup because the man didn't believe in her capacity of ruling the Novoselic Kingdom. Is that right?"
"Yes, you are correct. Naegi-kun has saved me on that day, and not just physically. Darling is a hero." Sonia said with a smile, the others agreeing with their own.
"S-Sonia-senpai…" Makoto couldn't help but blush at the praise. No matter how many times he told her he was just doing the right thing, that wouldn't change her opinion of him, or any of the girls, really.
"Well, I can honestly see why." The stranger smiled too. "I mean, taking a bullet in the shoulder so your friend wouldn't get hurt? That takes a lot of courage, I can tell you."
"Oh, thanks…" Makoto chuckled awkwardly. "Though I will tell you, this hurts really bad."
"Yeah, I get it. I mean, it must not hurt as bad as being beat up by two thugs who wanted to… do some despicable things to your other friend. Saionji Hiyoko, right?" The stranger turned towards Hiyoko with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry for bringing that up. This must be painful to remember."
"Y-yeah… I don't like to talk about it…" Hiyoko turned a bit sad. "Without Naegi-onii and the other girls… I don't even want to know what would have happened. And to think that it's because of my attitude."
"Saionji-senpai…" Makoto and everyone looked at with sad eyes, the boy putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, which she appreciated a lot. Nobody in the room could ever blame her for feeling this way.
"Hey, I can tell you're making progress." The stranger told her with a smile. "As long as you want to become a better person, I'm sure you can."
"Thanks…" The girl nodded at him with a little smile. "You're weird, but… I don't think you're bad."
"You know, I've been told this a few times already," the young man told her with a smile. "And I've met a lot of people, so I know it when someone is really trying to improve. And so far, you're on the right way." He then turned towards Makoto. "I'm sure the trial wasn't easy for you either."
"Not really…" Makoto answered honestly. "I mean, I don't know why anyone would try to actively harm others. Sometimes I can understand the reasoning, but I don't like violence."
"I get it. I'm also the same when it comes to that. Though I don't like it when people try to attack my family in any way." He then turned with a sad expression to the kids. "You poor kids… I've seen what happened to you. To think that some people would treat their own child like this… you five are much stronger than what you would give yourself credit for."
"T-thank you, mister," Monaca spoke with a smile, with the other kids doing the same. "It wasn't easy for any of us… but Mako-nii saved us. He's our hero."
"Monaca… everyone…" Again, Makoto couldn't help but feel pride at those words. Hearing this from those children who suffered so much to the point of them accepting him as their big brother figure… it was moments like this when he felt like despite the consequences on the school's reputation, he thought he did the right thing.
And oddly enough, the young adult seemed to share the same sentiment. "I'm so glad to hear that." He then looked back at Makoto again. "Thank you for rescuing them. I know you must have felt guilty for not doing more for them, but trust me, those looks on their eyes are those of pure happiness."
"You think so too? Well, I'm glad." Makoto chuckled, as he patted nicely the heads of the Warriors of Hope who snuggled to him. "I don't know what would have happened if I was one second too late."
"I do, and I can tell you, it wouldn't have been pretty." The stranger spoke with a serious tone. "The backlash over the school would have been too great to compensate."
"That is most likely, Naegi-kun," Jin agreed with a smile. "I honestly doubt that the public would have given us a second chance if you haven't done what you did."
"The press would have had a field trip over this," Koichi added while sighing. "I wonder if we would have allowed to have a new batch of students."
"They have probably tried to cover it up again, but I have the feeling that it wouldn't have worked for long. Maybe that would have completely shattered it." Maki concluded before smiling lightly at her senpai. "So, yeah. You did the right thing, Naegi-senpai. No question asked." The other girls around him nodding in approval."
"Thanks, guys." The boy smiled at them, before looking at the newcomer. "And thank you too. I don't know who you are, but… you look like a good person."
"I'm just saying what I know is right, don't sweat it." The unknown person smiled at him too. "You have gained a lot of good friends here, I can tell. You've been a big help for those around you… and let me tell you, they'll return it just in kind one day."
"Ah, is that so?" Makoto chuckled at him. "You look really sure about this…"
"That's because I know it will happen, trust me. You should listen to your sister more."
That comment in particular made Makoto raise an eyebrow. "Umm… how do you know I have a sister?"
But before the man could answer, the door from the dorm slammed open. As everyone turned around, they saw very panicked Seiko and Mikan who were on the brink of an existential crisis.
"S-Seiko-chan?!" Ruruka immediately got up to see her friend. "What's wrong?! Are you okay?!"
"T-this is… this is not possible…" Seiko was so shocked she didn't react to her friend checking on her. Then her eyes felt on the newcomer, and she pointed her finger at him, sounding hysterical. "Who ARE you?! Stop messing with our heads already!"
Everyone looked shocked at the accusation directed at the man who didn't seem like a threat until now. That didn't stop some to get prepared themselves, Tenko being the first one in position. "You degenerate male, what did you do to Tsumiki-senpai and Kimura-sensei?!"
"You girls, what do you mean?" Chisa and some others went to check on them, as the two medical girls sat down in shock."
"T-take a look," Mikan stuttered as she handed them the papers than seemed to be the results of the blood tests. "Take a look, please! Look how accurate the two are! It doesn't make ANY sense!"
"What do you mean?" Junko took the papers, then looked at the two results… and then her eyes went wide, her face pale. She looked at the stranger, then at Makoto, then back at the stranger, back to Makoto. "…no. Y-you're shitting me."
"What? Junko-chan, what is going on?" Mukuro went to her side. This was a rare sight to see her so distraught, but when she did, it was never a good sign.
Kyouko was not fairing any better. "T-this… this is impossible! Tsumiki-senpai, are you sure there isn't some kind of mistake?"
"We did the test three time! And each time, we ended up having the results!" Mikan said panicked. "But this can't be! T-there is just no way!"
"Kyouko?" Jin raised from his seat, clearly worried. "What's wrong?"
"T-the results from both Naegi-kun and this… person's blood tests," Kyouko explained with a shaky breat. "T-they… they both match perfectly! At one hundred percent!"
Everyone looked at them shocked, before Akane spoke, xlearly confused. "Uh, you lost me there. What does that mean?"
"I-it means…" Seiko explained with a similar expression. "It means that both persons are the same persons! But that's not possible!"
Everyone looked even more surprised, not knowing how to process this information. If both of the blood tests matched perfectly, then did it meant Makoto and this guy were…
CLAP!
"Okay, I believe I've made you wait enough." Everyone snapped off their stupor when they saw the young man stand up from his place. "But before I say who I am, you might want to sit down, okay? I don't want to faint on the floor, it doesn't look comfortable."
Everyone hesitated a moment, before finding a chair to sit on. Then, seeing everyone has done his request, the young man spoke again. "Okay, to answer your question… well, you told me we're in 2011, and that you're name is Naegi Makoto, right?"
Makoto only nodded with a dumbfounded expression. "Y… yeah?"
The young man chuckled at this, before he smiled to all of them. "Well, this is also who I am. My name is Naegi Makoto. Or more precisely, I am the Naegi Makoto from 10 years in the future, in other words, 2021. I've seemingly been brought here by this machine your classmate has made. That is why I know all about the school, about you girls, and most importantly, about your male friend." The now claimed Naegi Makoto from the future, bowed to them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all… again."
Silence felt on the room after this revelation, for at least a straight minute.
And then… all hell broke loose.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHH?!"