CHAPTER-5
There is this unspoken rule about first day of school, students unconsciously forms group with people they find themselves compatible with, be it related their hobby, their liking of same thing or even simply out of finding them fun person or someone they can related to.
There's still chance for students to make friends even if they missed the first day, if they are great at socializing, people find them cool and attractive or if somehow they manage to connect with other students.
Most important thing to avoid should be
'Don't be a try-hard' : There nothing wrong with being smart, making an effort with your work and having good relationship with teachers but sometimes people take it a little too far by being teacher's pet.
'Don't try too hard to be cool': it only makes you look dumb and desperate.
'Be careful what you say and who you say it to': You have to keep in mind whom you are talking to and what kind of topic you should avoid considering that person.
'Don't be a snitch': Because no one likes a snitch
'Don't act like royalty: If you got good grades or you're from rich family don't try to show off, it only make you come off as jerk.
'Never get friendly with class crush': If there's a girl who is liked by everyone then avoid her entirely if you don't want to be condemned by your boy classmates.
There are lots of do and don'ts of what you should avoid doing on first day of school.
Well for Naruto that seem like a very hard hurdle to cross even after considering everything listed above as very easy thing to do.
Because to make friend you have to approach someone or let someone else approach you and make them think you are someone worth becoming friends with and this is by far the hardest part for Blonde.
How should he approach them? Or should he let them approach him? If they do approach him, then what should he talk about to make them think he's someone interesting to be friends with.
All these thoughts were drifting through his head as he look towards his classmates, he was seating in second coulomb, last second row.
In front of him sat boy with mask on his face with 8 hands.
In left side there was boy with crow head.
And in his right side a short boy with grape type hair.
Lastly behind him sat boy with half red and half white hair.
All in all, they all look like someone very hard to approach because red and white haired guy, eight hands guy and crow head guy hasn't said a word or even looked at anyone else and they look like loner type of students just like himself while the grape boy beside him has been openly ogling over class female students.
Mainly the girl behind him, a girl with exceptionally good looks, she's prime candidate to be class crush in his perspective if she turn out to have good personality as well.
And that means number one girl he should avoid at all cost!
He has been in enough situation in his life to know if class crush suddenly took interest in you then you're going to be outcast of class (Mostly from boys group) or at least that's what happened to him at his middle school.
He don't want to repeat that cycle.
"Don't put your feet on the desk" A loud voice rang inside class "Don't you think that's rude to U.A upperclassmen and the people who made the desk?"
The Voice belong to the boy with glasses, he looked like an honor student with his hairstyle to the way he talks and moves.
Naruto saw him in the practical exam introduction speech, where he interrupted Present Mic and point out Midoriya for his muttering.
"Nope don't care! What Middle school did you go to? You side character!" It was voice all too familiar to Naruto as he has been hearing that voice for last 3 years.
It was Katsuki Bakugo, the top scorer of practical exam.
A perfect example of don't act like royalty.
Only person Naruto didn't want in his class turn out to be in the same class as him.
He still hasn't seen Kendo, the girl he met weeks ago and judging by the empty seat there was still probability of her being in the same class as him.
While he was not oppose to idea of being in the same class as her but he actually want Midoriya to be in same class him, so that way he will have someone to talk to if he somehow couldn't make friends with anyone.
"I attended Somei private academy. My name is Tenya Iida" Boy in glasses introduced him.
From Naruto perspective he looks like a perfect example of don't be try hard.
"Somei? So you're damn elite, huh? Looks like I'll have fun crushing your elite ass" Bakugo gave him mocking smile as spark flew from his hands.
"Crushing? That's cruel! Do you really aim to be hero?" Tenya looked at Bakugo with shock.
It is kind of odd thing to hear from someone who aiming to become hero.
"Tch" Bakugo clicked his tongue and looked away when his eyes landed on the gate as it slid open.
Everyone including Naruto turn their head to see who opened the gate.
It was Midoriya Izuku, Naruto felt some relief as he saw him, and finally one good thing happened to him.
He was about to wave towards him but before he could do anything he saw Tenya approached him and began to talk to him after that they were both joined by the girl, whom they had met in front of practical exam center.
Naruto looked towards Midoriya with slight bitterness and lowered his hands, looks like he become friends with them during practical exam.
He quietly lay his head on the table as he continues listen to their conversation. He don't really have any right to get mad at him for making friends with someone but still he felt kind of jealous watching him make friends.
"Go somewhere if you want to play at being friends, this is hero course" a rough lazy voice sounded called out behind them as both Midoriya and the girl robotically turn their head towards the source of voice and jumped up in shock as they looked at who said that.
Everyone eyes landed on the man lay on the floor inside sleeping bag, Naruto first impression of the man was-
"He looks like homeless bump" He mutter to himself.
"I'm your homeroom teacher Shota Aizawa, nice to meet you" The homeless bump introduced himself as their homeroom teacher, he stood up as he finished drinking juice in his hand and with lazy voice he pulled out a P.T uniform of U.A.
"This is kind of sudden but put this on and go out onto the field" he showed them the P.T uniform in his hands.
Naruto looked around himself to see everyone still looks in disbelief and confusion that he's their homeroom teacher, but their confusion only intensify when instead of asking them to go for school Entrance ceremony he told them to get ready in their P.T Uniform and go out in field.
Well it'd be interesting to see what he's planning with them.
XXXXXXXXXX
"A Quirk assessment test?" a loud voice rang the school ground.
"What about entrance ceremony? Orientation?" A girl asked, her name ochako Uraraka, she was the one he and Midoriya met infront of practical exam center.
Apparently she and Midoriya become kind of friends.
That wasn't surprising for Naruto but what actually surprised him was what she said.
"-And then he punched that giant robot with his super power type quirk to save me even though his hands and legs got destroyed in process" she told others girls when they were coming towards ground.
And when Naruto looked towards Midoriya, he began to fiddle when he felt look of Naruto surprised face on him.
Something is definitely wrong with that statement! But judging from Uraraka enthusiasm and Iida confirming the news it seems to be true.
But Naruto decided to keep that information at the back of his mind, he don't really like to pry into someone else life but what he heard worried him a little even after Midoriya explaining that he was late bloomer to get quirk. He was not convinced because judging from his facial expression and body language he could tell that Midoriya was lying to him.
"If you're going to become a hero, you don't have time for such leisurely events. U.A Selling point is how unrestricted its school policy are. That's also how teachers run their class" Monotone voice of Aizawa cut off his musing as he turn towards to address them "You kids have been doing this since junior high, too, right? Physical fitness test where you aren't allowed to use your quirks. The country still uses averages taken from result of students not using their quirk. It's not rational. Well ministry of education is procrastinating it" Saying in same monotone voice he turn towards explosion boy " Bakugo, you finished at the top of practical exam, right?"
Bakugo looked up to see he was being addressed.
"In Middle school what was your best result for softball throw?"
"67 meters"
"Then try throwing it with your quirk"
Just as Aizawa said that a smirk formed in his face "Sure" taking ball from sensei hands he walked towards the starting circle.
"You can do whatever you want as long as you stay in circle, hurry up. Give it all you have got"
Bakugo given permission to use his quirk began to stretch his joints "Well then…..I will add blast to the pitch"
Taking his position he throw the ball with his explosive quirk
"DIEEE!"
Everyone watched as ball sail through the sky and landed far away from the ground.
Beep
"That is the most rational form to form the foundation of a hero" turning towards them he showed them the number of meters where ball landed after Bakugo using his quirk.
"750 meters? Are you serious?" most of the Class went in uproar seeing the result of Bakugo throw with his quirk.
"What's this? It looks fun!"
"We can use Quirk as much we want! That's hero course for you!" Everyone looked giddy at the prospect of using their quirk in school.
"It look fun, huh?" The monotone voice of their sensei cut their short celebration as looked over them with impassive expression "You have three years to become hero, will you have attitude like that the whole time?"
Suddenly his impassive expression changed into grin "All right whoever comes last in test will be judged to have no potential and will be punished with expulsion"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"You can't do that!"
Class went into uproar at the sudden threat of expulsion as each began to voice their opinion against it.
Chuckling to himself Aizawa lift the bangs from his eyes and gave them sadistic smile "We teachers at U.A are free to do whatever we want with our students, Welcome to U.A hero course!"
Well considering what he said about teachers having large number of influence it wouldn't be far stretch to say that he not lying about expelling students, but with quick glance around himself Naruto could tell there was lot more meaning to those word than what it seems.
There will be total of 8 test.
1st will be 50 meters dash.
2nd test will be grip strength.
3rd will be standing long jump.
4th will be repeated side steps.
5th test will be ball throw.
6th will be sit ups.
7th will be seated toe touch.
And last 8th will be long distance run.
For one this test was based on physical test just like practical exam where people with physical type quirks held advantage over support type quirks.
Naruto looked around his class to see everyone reaction when his eyes landed on invisible girl, Toru Hagakure, he don't about his classmates quirk expect for her heteromorphic type quirk that was plain for whole world to see (Just a bad pun), considering her quirk this kind of test would be difficult for her as her quirk is espionage type, means she only has advantage with her invisibility. He don't know her physical ability limits so he was not sure if she will be placed last or not but she has the most likely chance to come in last not including the students he don't know about which also includes Midoriya new quirk.
Because of this conclusion this test don't really make sense to him if one were to look with only quirk based ability.
So that Means the main motive of this test is to see how well they can use their quirk to their advantages because if not then it wouldn't be wise to accept students like Toru to U.A, who will be great as espionage rescue hero.
With that logic he don't really have to try seriously either because in the eye of U.A his quirk is Glitch, a quirk similar to Toru Hagakure in a way.
"I'll be damned if I'm wrong though" He quietly said to himself.
At the very least he only have to make sure to get around middle score just to be safe.
He don't know about everyone's quirk so he can't tell if someone might get ahead of him in later test or not, so he decided to score above average in every test.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
First test: 50 meters dash
Naruto waited to see everyone average score, which was around 7 to 8 seconds for supportive type quirks students and 3-5 seconds for the students who were able to use their quirks effectively in race.
So decided to be settle between them he decided to score around 6 seconds, which was fast for normal students but still slow enough for students who could use their quirk in race.
Second test: Grip strength
Again going with same logic Naruto score slightly above average score for normal student, he saw the grip meters going up as he presses it and released his grip when it went above 66 kg.
This will do!
Top score went to student with octopus type hands, Mezi shouji with score of 540 kilograms
Third test: Standing long jump
Still going with somewhat average on mind he scored above average score of 245 cm.
Fourth test: Repeated side steps
He scored above average score of 45 turn in 2 minutes.
With Mineta Minoru scoring highest of 185 turns in 2 minutes with his quirk that let him bounce on balls he pluck from his head.
Fifth test: Throwing ball
For this test he was the first one to throw the ball so he didn't really have an average score on his mind considering his classmates, so going by Bakugo average score of 67m, he slightly lowered his arm strength to throw the in the air upto the 70 meters distance.
Not really suspicious for a students with quirk like him.
One by one everyone began to take their own turn with ochako Uraraka score the highest with infinity.
Naruto saw as Midoriya walked towards the circle with uneasy body posture.
He must be stressed with whole expulsion thing, Naruto eyes narrowed a little, if what Uraraka said was true then Midoriya should have a power quirk which will make him incapacitate when he will use, so if he does use his power then that's mean this test is his only chance to use it, because rest of test will be useless for power type quirk.
And if he did use it here then that means he will be unable to take part in other tests, which in other words means expulsion, because this test is to see how adequate students are with their quirks.
Well he may be wrong as he don't know the full extent of Midoriya quirk limits so there's that.
"This doesn't look good for Midoriya, if it continues like this" Iida said with concern as he looked at Midorya back.
"Huh? Of course not, He's quirkless small fry, you know" Bakugo turn towards Iida with disgust expression.
"Quirkless? Did you not hear what he did during entrance exam" Iida looked at Bakugo with shocked expression as he took his words.
"Of course I heard it but I don't believe it one bit"
"Are you saying we are lying?"
"Of course you are, because I know Deku has been quirkless small fry since day one"
Bakugo and Iida looked towards each other with hostility and confusion.
Not minding them Naruto continue to look towards him to see he was quietly standing in his place as if contemplating what he should do.
Naruto closed his eyes in resignation as Midoriya looked at ball with dark expression and he tightly gripped it in his hands, that mean he's going to use his power and by his expression he don't really have control over his quirk.
Midoriya hands began to glow with red vein like light as he throw the ball with all his strength.
47 meters
Naruto eyes widen alongside Midoriya as ball fall near the throwing circle.
He was sure that Midoriya was gonna use his quirk. Did he changed his mind at last second? Or is he planning on using his quirk at some other test.
But he quirkily dismissed his theory as he saw moss head shocked expression, then that means he was definitely trying to use his quirk. So the only possible conclusion should be he's still not adapt to his quirk yet.
"T-That can't b-be, I was definitely trying to use it just now" Midoriya looked at his hands with concern.
He dismiss his theory AGAIN when he saw the glowing eye of his teacher, he must have done something with Midoriya quirk!
"I erased your quirk, the entrance exam was definitely not rational enough. Even a kid like you got accepted" The scarf around Aizawa began to float as he gave Midoriya a chilling glare.
"You erased my quirk?" Midoriya looked at him with fear when he suddenly gasp "Those goggles….i see! You can erase other people's quirk just by looking at them. The Eraser hero: Eraser head" Midoriya said in awe.
Naruto brain began to run at top speed as he looked at Aizawa Eyes, does his quirk erase quirk permanently or temporary? What's the limits of quirk? Or how does it work? And from the levitating scarf bandages around his neck means he must have some level of telekinesis ability? Or is it actually related to his erasure quirk.
He had only heard about this quirk but this is his first time seeing it, a quirk to neutralize quirk, its lot like his glitch.
But it's no use overthinking it, he will get his chance to study more about Eraser's quirk.
He stopped thinking when he mused what their sensei said.
"He's right though. It was one big blunder of practical exam" He inaudibly mutter to himself.
Finally! Someone finally acknowledge the flaws of practical exam, looks like teacher were fully aware that exam was flawed, means someone else outside of U.A set up those exams, most likely administrators or government or because exam didn't count those with quirk like-
"What do you mean by it was big blunder?" Before he could continue his thought process he was interrupted by a girl standing beside him.
Naruto cast her small glance, she has purple hair with bob cut hairstyle and most notable thing was her ear, which resemble a jack of earphone.
Did she heard him muttering to himself? Judging by her ear design he should have guess she must be blessed with good hearing quirk!
It's kind of becoming his habit to mutter to himself from time to time, looks like he have to control his habit around her.
He mentally cursed at his lax behavior.
"What blunder?" Blonde boy with black lightening insignia on his hair asked her.
"Practical exam, he said it was big blunder" girl with jack like ear pointed towards Naruto out of curiosity.
At her question everyone attention was drawn towards Naruto as each of them looked at him for answer.
With quick glance Naruto could tell they want to ask him what he meant by his remark.
They might get offended if he didn't explain what he meant but there is also a chance they might get offend if he did tell them about flaw of exam thinking he making lightly of their hard work.
Even Midoriya and their sensei was looking his way.
No choice then, he have to explain if he don't want to be treated like outcast who looked down on others on his very first day.
"I meant the entrance exam was not exactly fair" Seeing confused looked from students he continued "There are lot of peoples with amazing quirk in the world that can rival top heroes, but Entrance exam mainly favored those with physical and power type of quirk, There are those who had quirks like mind manipulation, poisoning or even disturbance of equilibrium or any quirk that attacks the human senses, but their quirk can't be used against robots. It's really unfair to them because hero mainly fight human's villains not robots"
If someone ask Naruto to choose whom to fight between those with powerful quirk and those with quirk that affect his senses then he will choose power type quirk to fight because he can expect what they can do and act according to it while those with odd type of quirk might end up very difficult to fight.
"For example If you were to take a quirk of someone like Aizawa-sensei which attacks other peoples quirks and neutralize them, then his quirk is powerful enough to bring down even top heroes of country if it is used correctly, but it won't help him fight robots without any formal training in combat and most middle school student don't really have any training in combat until they join hero program except for what little training they have with their quirk" He looked around himself to see everyone was really paying attention to what he was saying.
"…That I never….noticed it!" The glasses boy standing some distance away from him closed his eyes in self-reprimand "Another thing I failed to noticed about that exam….I'm already lagging behind my classmates, I must take this failure and continue to improve myself"
"But still we got into U.A on our own merit, right?" Grape said to the blonde boy with tail.
"I don't think that's what he meant" Boy with tail answered with uneasy smile.
He just hope they don't get it wrong way thinking he's looking down on their quirk, he saw everyone had different kind of reaction to his explanation but what caught blonde attention was their sensei intense gaze that was directed towards him.
He was sizing him up!
He didn't want to be the center of attention on his first day of school but it was either this or being outcast loner.
Aizawa turn towards Midoriya with glowing red eye glare "It's just as Mizutani said, there are people's out there who are far more capable in controlling their quirk, compare to them you should have not have been here, from what I can tell you're can't control your quirk, can you? Do you intent to become incapacitate again and have someone save you?"
"T-That's n-not my intention-"
Before He levitate his bandages and wrap it around Midoriya as he pull him towards himself, who looked at his sensei face with fear and hesitation "Whatever your intention. I'm saying that's what those around you will be forced to do. In past there was an oppressively passionate hero who saved over a thousand hero by himself and created a legend. Even if you have the same reckless valor, you'll be just decked and turn into useless doll after saving one person. Midoriya Izuku. With your power you can't become hero"
Hearing him say that Midoriya eyes went downcast in disappointment as teacher step back from him, Aizawa gave him two more chance to throw the ball.
If he uses his quirk then he most likely will be incapacitated and Aizawa will expel him in blink of an eye and if doesn't use his quirk them Midoriya chance of passing the test will be drop down to zero.
Naruto took a big sigh as he realize Midoriya intent to use his quirk either way.
He must be really desperate to do this. But still using his quirk mean short cut to expulsion from U.A
SMASH!
Midoriya threw the ball with great force as it propelled through the air and landed far away on the ground.
Naruto looked at him with some surprise as it was his first time seeing Midoriya quirk in action, but what surprised him even more was the fact Midoriya was still standing, because according to the theory he concluded in his mind regarding what Iida and Uraraka said he should have puncture his hands but instead he was standing with smile on his face as he looked towards Aizawa.
His eyes landed on Midoriya damaged finger.
So that's how he propelled the ball with so much force, he likely threw the ball with his last point to contact with the ball by his fingertips.
Aizawa turn the device screen towards them which showed he throw the ball over 705 meters.
"He throw it over 700 meters!?" Kaminari exclaimed in surprise.
"Nice! He's finally showing his true power!" Ochako exclaimed and threw up her hands in joy.
"It looks like he broke his fingers when used his quirk, that's a really odd quirk" Iida mused to himself as he looked at Midoriya finger.
Whole class looked at score with bewilderment, because almost no one expected that result except from Uraraka and Iida.
And that was the power of just one flicker of his finger!
He had to get to the bottom of this.
Because there's no way someone just get quirk this powerful without any solid foundation.
And Midoriya told him once that he was specifically told by a doctor that he won't ever have a quirk.
And then he suddenly brought up his dormant quirk bullshit lie that Naruto didn't believe in one bit because Midoriya sucks at lying.
So question remains how did he suddenly get a quirk like this?
Midoriya has always been sucker for quirk so it wouldn't surprise Naruto if someone use that fact to manipulate him.
And he knows only one person who has power to give and take anyone quirk but he should be dead unless-
"DEKU! You bastard tell me how did you do that or you're dead!"
Bakugo dash towards Midoriya in mad rage with explosion in his hands as Midoriya looked ready to crap in his pants.
He must have been pissed at Midoriya for hiding the fact he had quirk, but before he could reach him bandage wrapped around him as his explosion quirk died down by Aizawa-sensei.
"W-Why is your scarf so strong?" Bakugo gritted his teeth as he tried to wrench out of scarf grip.
"It's a capture weapon made out of carbon fiber and special metal alloy" Aizawa glared towards him "Stand down, it would be wise to avoid making me use my quirk so much because it gives me serious dry eyes"
Aizawa let loose of his restrain as he felt Bakugo stop struggling against his scarf and quietly stood up with glare that was aimed towards Midoriya back.
"Well at least I won't be his main target anym-" Naruto muttered before he suddenly stopped when he realize he is talking to himself AGAIN.
It will be really hard to suddenly get rid of his habit of muttering to himself.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Test Six: Sit ups
Sit ups were different than other test because it require one to pair up with someone else to hold their legs while other do the sit ups.
Naruto looked around to partner himself with Midoriya but he frowned as he saw he already formed partner with Uraraka.
Well there goes his chance to pair up.
"Excuse me, are you alone?" Naruto turn his head around to see, the guy with crow head was talking to him.
Finally someone talked to him.
He sat on his left side in the class, from what he could tell about his appearance he looks like silent type of student much like himself as for his quirk he uses Dark crow like shadow, which he used in 50 meter dash, grip strength test, standing long jump and throwing ball test and because of that he currently ranked in higher position on quirk assessment test.
Naruto answered with nod.
"Can we pair up?"
"Yeah sure" he answered.
"I'm Fumikage Tokoyami" he introduced himself to Naruto with a hand outstretch.
"Mizutani Naruto" Naruto take his hand to shake it as he introduced himself respectively.
Saying that both took their respective position of one holding legs while other took the position of sit ups and vice versa.
First to do sit ups was Tokogami while Naruto hold his legs, after 35 sit ups of Tokogami, they changed position with Naruto doing the sit ups this time, after doing 42 sit-ups he also stopped.
When Tokogami suddenly looked towards him "That was sound logic"
"Hm?"
"About flaw of entrance exam, I never gave it any thought, you must be really smart to catch that slip up!" Tokogami likely realized it too that if he has to suddenly go up against someone who can take control of your body or body, he won't be able fight them off unlike those with physical type quirk.
"Oh no it was nothing, I just heard someone lamenting about the fact that he can't use his sleeping quirk against robots during entrance exam so it kind of left an impression, that's all" Naruto quickly denied his claim of him being smart.
"And I noticed that you're a quite athletic too, compare to those who can't use their quirk on test you're far above them in physical exam, what kind of sports do you practice in middle school?"
Naruto looked at crow head who was looking at him with curiosity as if he wanted to see what he is capable of. Is he also sizing him up? Is that why he volunteer to pair up with him?
Most likely answer would be that he must have been impressed with his argument about exam flaw and his somewhat above average physical abilities.
"I used to take some swimming lessons when I was kid and had a little interest in dancing" Naruto answer without missing a beat.
As if satisfying with his answer he nods and they both prepare for next test.
Test Seven: Seated toe touch
This test also require him to partner up, so he and Tokogami partner once again, with both easily doing the toe touching without much hassle and it went smoothly for them.
Test Eight: Long distance run
For someone like Naruto this test was child's play who is used to sprint about 15 to 20 km daily without any trouble.
This test required them to run for about 2km in full sprint. Obliviously Iida was top scorer for this test considering his quirk and with Naruto carefully maintaining his speed of above average and ended up with 10th place with ease.
Thus this concluded the end of quirk assessment quirk.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Alright everyone, time for your results, I have placed you according to your test results so you probably have good idea where you're standing already"
Aizawa tapped the buttons of remote as a hologram was presented before them.
Naruto searched for his name and let out a small sigh as he saw he was placed in 10th place just below Mina Ashido and above Ochako Uraraka in rank.
It was unusual for someone with his quirk to placed that high but not enough to arouse curiosity.
His eyes landed on the student on last place, and it wasn't who he thought it would be because in last rank the name of student clearly read IZUKU MIDORIYA.
But considering his throw ball test he should have been placed higher but it's not like Naruto was keeping check of everyone score so he must have blew his result it in other tests.
Midoriya looked at result with crestfallen expression as his eyes were down cast as if he resigned to himself to his fate.
"And I was lying about expulsion, so no one going home today" Aizawa spoke in his monotone voice before a grin came into his face "That was just a rational deception to make sure you gave it your all on test"
"…."
"…."
"….."
"EEEEHHHHHH"
Almost everyone had blanked face before they erupted in shocked cry.
"How's the rest of you didn't figure that out?" Seeing the bewildered expression of her classmates she spoke again "Sorry I probably should have said something" The pretty girl with spiky ponytail hair looked at them as if it was most obvious thing in the world.
Naruto looked at her with some interest.
So he wasn't the only one that figured that it was just a mock test. She must be pretty sharp and considering she ranked in first place means she's also good at using her quirk.
She's definitely going to be class crush, means she will become number one person he'd avoid at all cost.
The tension of being expelled was slowly dying out as everyone gave a sigh of relief.
"That was kind of nerve wrecking, huh?"
"Nah, I'm always up for a challenge" Red haired boy exclaimed with smirk.
"That's it for today, pick up your syllabus in your classroom and read it over before tomorrow morning" With a wave Aizawa left them but not before he gave Midoriya a slip to see the school nurse.
But instead of him Naruto attention was fixed on Bakugo, who was glaring draggers towards ground in deep scowl.
Bakugo still can't seems to stomach the idea of Midoriya having a quirk, as he has known him longest it must be bigger shock for him than anyone else.
"Well Midoriya better prepare himself for Bakugo" He mutter to himself.
When he realized he mutter to himself ONCE AGAIN.
Damn! Bad-habits!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rest of classes went without hitch, and just Naruto predicated group began to form without them noticing, peoples began to talk with each other unconsciously.
By now he had memorize the Name of almost everyone in his class.
Midoriya did come to say hello and to talk to him but he was again snatched away by Iida and Uraraka during lunch, While Naruto could only watch their back with bitterness.
During lunch he caught a glimpse of Kendo with her friends from class 1-b but she left before he could approach her.
Mainly because he was waiting for her friends to go away so he can talk to her in private.
He tried talking to Tokogami during free periods seeing as how sat in his right side but found out that he wasn't much of talker just like himself.
And worst of all no one approached him at all except for formal introduction.
He wasn't the only one though Mezo, Tokogami, Bakugo and Todoroki were in same boat as him.
So that kind of gave him peace of mind.
And soon their free period began, he walked out of class to roam U.A building seeing he's not making any progress towards making friends.
"It could have gone much worse though" Compare to his first day at Middle school, today was going good for him.
He still remembers his first day of Middle school as new student, just because some girl find him good looking almost every boys in class decided to make him outcast on his first day, with Midoriya and Bakugo an exception. Mostly because Bakugo just didn't care about any quirkless student while Midoriya because being outcast himself and he was also delighted that someone else was also quirk less just like him.
He walked some hallways and stairs when without him noticing he was standing in front of Library.
He let out a small sigh as he saw the big door of library, pushing open the door Naruto stopped in his track as he felt his breath hitch in excitement.
Library looked like giant maze, as far as his eyes can see there was shelves upon shelves of books laid out before him and most importantly library was giving really pleasant smell of new and fresh copy of books.
He was sure that even if he spent his entire lifetime reading them he will never be able to finish even half of it.
"U.A sure is one loaded school" He inaudibly spoke to himself in some excitement.
He walked towards shelves to see books neatly lined up according to their genre and series, which was polar opposite to what he had to deal with in his Middle school.
After wandering around literary fiction genre section and reading preface of some unknown's books he pulled out a book he liked and sat down on the nearby bench to read the book.
Book-reader are strange yet simple creatures.
As soon as they read a really wonderful story they then wanted to discuss that with someone else.
They really wanted to express their feelings to someone else.
However, no one that he knows of enjoy reading novels (Including Midoriya as he is rather hero otaku, not novel an enthusiast), he did try to look for discussion online, but it wasn't really for him. Looking up books discussing on internet had ruined his reading experience before.
Discussing a book was best done face to face. That's why he had a companion to discuss about books in face of his middle school old librarian lady.
But now….?
How does one describe this feeling of wanting to tell someone about the greatness of story?
That's why when Naruto saw a girl sitting beside him reading a book he had already read once but never got the chance discussed it with anyone else, he couldn't help but feel restless.
He kept glancing at her calm face to her eyes as it keep roaming over each line book, Naruto sneak a peek to see she was still in the beginning of story.
Somehow he wanted her finish the book right there in front of him even though he knew it was impossible task for anyone in world, because he really wanted to discuss with her about that book.
Tell her about the greatness of that book!
Girl shot a small glimpse his way as she notice someone was staring her reading the book "…Sorry… do you need something from me?" she asked him.
As she turn towards him Naruto took notice of her facial features, she has shoulder-length dark black hair with some shorter strands handing above her eyes. She has fair skin with cerulean eyes and she had a neutral expression on her face much like himself.
"Um…Hello?" she waved her hands over his face.
For first time in his life since he escaped from those group Naruto was loss for words, since he was so absorbed in thinking he didn't realize he hasn't said a word for almost a minute.
Most of that was because of embarrassment at being caught peeking over her book.
"I like books"
As soon as those words escaped his lips Naruto had sudden urge to slam his head on the table in embarrassment.
"Oh…I too like books" She replied with same neutral expression on her face.
If she was confused at his choice of words she didn't show it on her face.
"I mean I like Harry Bingham's books that you were reading" Naruto corrected himself as he pointed towards the book in her hands.
She showed an understanding face "I like his books too, especially his Fiona Griffiths series but this one doesn't look as promising" there was some disappointment in her voice.
"That's…!" Naruto had sudden urge to spoiler her completely, but managed to restrain himself before he could saying anything.
"It looks like run-of-mill-mystery novel, I think I will drop it" She stood up from her seat to look for new book.
He really wanted to tell her…! He wanted to tell her what's so amazing about this book! But as fellow reader he also want her go into it blindly! That was it'll be more interesting! But what if she stop reading it if he don't convince her that it's really interesting to give it a try!?
"W-Wait! At least read it until the end" He stopped her before she could move away from her seat.
"Hmm? Why? It doesn't look like it will get any good"
"…Anyway, please have a look! I guaranteed you It's really good!"
As soon as he said those words Naruto realized it that it was his first time in life that he said something so outrageous and ridiculous to some stranger he had never met before and it was all over him wanting her to read a book.
A really stupid reason but he also realized why he wants that!
Girl in question looked surprised at his sudden exclamation. Seeing his facial expression she sat back down on her seat and looked at him with same neutral expression as if urging him to explain.
"…This book…I mean you should give it a try, it's really good"
"Don't really get it….Why should it matter to you what I read?"
"Because I don't want you to regret missing this masterpiece!"
Even Naruto was confused why he was saying something so ridiculous like that to some stranger he's meeting for the first time in his life.
"Guess…I can give it try if you so persistent about it"
She gave him a look before she began to flip over some pages of books and started reading it, Naruto felt kind of relived when he saw that.
Seeing her engrossed in book he decided to do the same as a comfortable silence fell between them but after a while it was broken by the girl.
"Are you by chance a Dilettante?"
He looked up at strange question asked by her
"No I'm not, I like reading a lots of books, so I'm bit of regular" he answered her question.
Accepting his answer she went back to reading "That's good then I thought you were just wasting my time"
So this girl isn't afraid of speaking her mind without any consideration of person.
She looks like honest and quite type of girl and her indifferent expression rivals his owns.
"Do you like Stephanie Jimenez books?" She asked again seeing he was reading 'They could have named her anything'.
"I nor like or dislike her books it's just that I happen to come across this book and it looks kind of interesting"
"It's really good book, it's worth a read!" As if satisfied with her answer he nodded her head and went back to reading book.
Book reader don't really need to talk with each other to make conversation or have a great time.
Because they don't have that thing called awkward silence like other peoples instead their silence is really comfortable for them.
Before they could continue to read any further they heard school bell, signaling the end of free period.
"Looks like I have to go" girl said to him, she stood up from her spot "What's your name? Are you a senior?" Girl turn to Naruto.
"No, I'm Naruto Mizutani from class 1-A hero course and you?" He asked her in return.
"Yui Kodai, Class 1-B hero course" She introduced herself in return before she went through her pocket to pick up her phone "give me your number so I can contact you when I finished this book" she asked him directly with same neutral expression on her phone.
Naruto gave her surprised look at her blunt way of asking, surely some girls have asked for his number but no one asked him this directly and what's more she want to call him to discuss about the book he oh-so-desperately wanted to talk about instead of something romantic things other girls in his middle school always expect him to talk about.
"Was I too forward?" Girl asked again.
He realized this is the second time in his life that he was unable to speak for moment as girl gave him a look over.
"Um… no, not really. Just wait a second!" He pulled out his own Mobile and exchange phone numbers and emails with her
"….This is kind of strange" Girl mutter to herself as she looked at her phone.
"What is?"
"To think I finally found a friend who likes to read. I never had a male friend or any friend for that matter who also had interest in reading books like me. So I'm kinds happy that someone else shares my interest in books" Looking at her face it was hard for Naruto to tell if she was happy or not "and I think this is the longest conversation I had with anyone, like ever" she gave him a very small smile "Let's discuss about our books after we finished reading it, shall we?"
With that she leave him a small wave as her face went back to neutral expression.
He nodded towards her but just as she went out of his view his face was frozen as a simple word kept ringing in his head "A…..friend?"
She called him...a friend?
Did he just…..made a friend with her?
He didn't even realize, his lips curve upwards as a grin formed on his face.
He actually made a friend!
And this time it wasn't because of them being outcast like it was with Midoriya or simply acknowledging each other for partnering up, like with Tokogami.
She is his first friend that he made with his own effort.
And she didn't try to befriend him simply because she thought he looks cool but because they both have a common hobby.
As he looked at her phone number he couldn't help but feel restless…..
…..And…..excited?
He realized wanted her to finish that book as soon as possible….meanwhile he will try his best to read his own book so he can finally discuss about them with his first friend.
He was not sure what this feeling was that he felt for the first time but he was sure it isn't something like love or romantic one.
It was different from how he felt around his adopted family or Midoriya.
Something separate from those…. Because he finally have someone he can call a friend.
His friend!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The End!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
As you guys may have noticed that I presented Naruto from first chapter like he always have a lot going on his mind, that was meant to showcase he's always thinking of one thing or another.
And you can also notice from previous chapters that Naruto has habit of muttering to himself, not entirely like Izuku but kind of same in a sense.
As for Him making friends with Yui Kodai was something I had planned from the start as they both are kind of similar in personality so I decided why not her? Beside I haven't really seen much scene of her in other fanfictions so I decided to add her in my fanfiction.
And to peoples asking to pair him with either Momo or kendo will have to wait to see whom i have planned to be his love interest
And one last thing I'm not book enthusiastic, I mean I have read quite a few book but not enough to call myself a avid book reader so most of the reference I picked up from online Search! it is mainly to show Naruto as one!
Please leave a long nice reviews and no flames unless it some kind of suggestion or some kind of fault.
Thanks for all the support!
Bye!