Chapter Eight: Found You
It seems like faking identification is the only way she can enroll them in school. Well, she could recover their identification, but that doesn't address that they'll request a guardian's identification and will be asking about a permanent address and such. There is a third option that would be better for them long-term, but it would be a hassle and a gamble. Option three is the safer option, though, considering option one could hinder their goals of becoming heroes – or potentially ban them if anyone ever finds out.
Tsunade rubs her temples with her index fingers. They could keep studying on their own for the time being.
"How do you remember so much?" Tenko drops the pencil. It rolls down the curvature of the page and settles in the binding crease.
"I'm older than you." Keigo keeps his eyes on his sheet as he answers another question.
"Only by a year," Tenko mutters as he slouches down on the chair.
"One year, eight months, and twenty-four days. Closer to two years than one."
"You just want to show off your math skills."
"There's nothing to show off? I'm just better."
"Enough." Her authoritative tone cuts through. How did Sensei ever deal with it? "You're both smart. Learning at different rates is normal and you both have subjects you excel in."
Keigo absorbs information like a sponge and has keen analytic skills that are flexible in logistical and emotional matters. It's how he retains information as he bulldozes through the age recommended workbooks. He also has great spatial awareness and has proven to be adaptable.
Meanwhile, Tenko understands and deconstructs components and how things fit together. It merely takes time to learn the individual pieces creating the illusion that he's learning at a slower pace. It continuously frustrates him, but it forces him to be more patient. A good balance for his stubbornness.
"It doesn't really matter anyway. Those workbooks are suggested learning paths as designated by the government." Tsunade rests her head against her fists. "I don't get it." She can guess it's based on cranial development for standardize learning. Just because she understands doesn't mean she agrees. "When you get to it, you get to it. Want to specialize in something or learn an entirely new skill? Go for it."
"Is that how you studied?" Tenko swings his feet and leans forward. He's more eager for a potential story then going back to studying.
"I've told you I'm not from here." It came up when she couldn't help them with their English lessons. "Education is different there. More of a training school than whatever this is. Got out of there at your age," she says looking at Tenko. Out of the academy at six. "Learned from my family, Sensei, and on my own to pave my own path in pursuit of my goals."
"You still had a teacher?" Keigo raised an eyebrow.
"It was closer to private tutoring. Three students to one extremely busy teacher. Oh, I should add that while I don't care your learning paths, schools here do. They will consider your overall knowledge if you want to join a hero school one day."
Tenko groans.
Tsunade looks over to the clock before standing. "Anyway, we should wrap up. We have an idiot to pick up."
…..
"Yeah, they just ran a few last tests before they let me out. I'll be back to school on Monday." Oboro speaks into his phone.
"Don't push yourself," Shouta replies to him. He'd been a little more open about his mother henning since the colossal failure that was their work study. "You said you're being transferred as an out-patient since you're still in physical therapy."
"It's fine. We should totally go do something to celebrate my release. Get Hizashi involved too. I'm sick of this bed. I'm sick of the food. I want to walk about and not just in the courtyard."
"Which you can do when you recover."
"You're no fun." Oboro deflates.
"And you're still an idiot." They all were. Shouta hangs up leaving him back to his jail of a room.
"Somebody seems full of energy." He turns around to see the three figures at his door. "Grab your bag and let's go."
"Tsunade!" He had honestly been expecting to take the long train ride home by himself. The kids are even with her. He loves children. Ah, that reminds him of the nursery school kids. Hopefully they had all gotten away safely. "But how did you know I was being released?"
"A staff member told me."
"I'm pretty sure that's illegal." Even so he grabs his bag. Anything to get out of there.
"Your parents signed off on it since I was in the area anyway. They've been worried. When they first visited you they complained about how they could have a son who won't contact them when hospital bound." He's supposed to be out of the city anyway, so he had been hoping his parents wouldn't find out. They worry about him enough.
"Are they going to scold him?" Tenko buts in. He fist pumps. "Don't worry Boro-nii. I'll defend you."
"Aren't you cute~" Oboro goes to pat his head and poke his rosy cheeks but Tenko steps back to avoid him. He tries again but the kid evades him again.
"Tenko, you should feed him to the wolves instead."
"How rude! Wolves would prefer chicken over me." It's meant to be a jab since Keigo always has a comment. He's not a chicken, but he has wings so close enough. Oboro doesn't react the way he expects.
"Chicken? The wolves have good taste. It won't be a problem. Someone too scared to call their parents must be a chicken."
"That's it. Tenko you're my favourite."
"Can we leave today?" Tsunade asks as he tries to give Tenko a side hug. For some reason he's touch adverse, but one day he'll succeed.
"Can you carry me?"
Sure, touch adverse to him, but willing to crawl over to Tsunade to be carried on her back like a koala.
"I'm coming. I'm coming."
Distracted with his thoughts, he almost leaves without his shoes.
…..
Rei falls deep down the rabbit hole, but finds out that there's an izakaya The Wandering Doctor allegedly visits often. It's in Minato so it's not far, but there are claims that she's gone for weeks or months at a time.
There's no guarantee the information is true. There's no guarantee if the information is true that she will even be there
She looks over to Touya whose watching television with Fuyumi and Natsuo. She has to try.
She convinces Enji to go on this wild goose chase with her on his next day off. He's no longer as eager to look for solutions regarding Touya. She doesn't know if it has to do with their endless rejection thus far or if it has to do with Shouto's birth. She doesn't want to know the answer.
What she wants is for her son to stop hurting himself. He certainly inherited Enji's stubbornness.
She packs bags for the kids and drops them off at her parents' house. All but Touya.
"Are we visiting another doctor?" Touya frowns as he looks out the window. "I'd rather train. Not like they can do anything anyway."
She takes his hand in her own. "It'll be different this time."
Touya yanks his hand free. "Don't make promises you can't keep. This is just how I am. I can still do it." He looks over to Enji. "Just train me more. Lately, you're always busy."
The rest of the ride is tense and silent. He's right. She can't any promises.
…..
"Welcome!" Kiku greets his latest customers. He's been antsy waiting for his son to come home. The man looks familiar. It's on the tip of his tongue, but can't seem to answer why. He's never been great with faces.
"Excuse me," Rei approaches the bar counter with trepidation. Her eyes scanning across the few customers present at the time to compare them with the vague description she's gathered. "I've heard The Wandering Doctor frequents here. Any chance you could tell me anything about her?"
"Hmm." Kiku thinks. He has a few regulars who are doctors. "You happen to have a description?"
Rei's stomach sinks. In her mind, someone so renowned should stick out. "She's been described as someone in their late twenties. Maybe early thirties. Blond hair." Is there anything else? Oh, the most ridiculous detail. "And she's usually seen wearing a haori with the kanji for gambling."
Enji stares at his wife. It better be some poor fashion statement and not her dragging their son to some weird cult.
"That actually explains some things," Kiku mutters putting together the pieces like how she managed to save his son. A rare healing quirk no doubt, but quirks aren't always reflective of one's career. Her travelling habit left him believing she was some trust fund kid because who can support a job with a lifestyle like that.
"She's real then?"
Enji knows this is a wild goose chase, but if they came all this way shouldn't she be a little more certain.
"You bet she is. She should be stopping by later today. She's escorting my son home."
"We'll wait as long as needed."
Kiku scratches the back of his head. "That's fine and all. Make yourselves comfortable." His eyes glances down the boy. The kids looks healthy, but looks could be deceiving. "Though…no, never mind."
…..
"Oh no you don't. Straight home you go." Tsunade pulls the back of Oboro's collar to drag him into the building as he tries to wander off for the third time.
"But I'm all better now!" She stops and yanks him down with one hand. Why is he so tall?
"You can walk in a straight line now. Congrats. You've used most of your energy just walking and sitting on a train, so if you don't go lay down you'll be collapsing soon. You still have physical therapy for a reason." She narrows her eyes as if daring him to go against her word.
"Alright. Alright. I'll go lay down." He crosses his arms behind his head and leans his head back. "You're no fun." A shiver passes up his spine.
Tsunade looks back to Keigo. "You'll make sure he stays, won't you."
Keigo rocks on his feet. He does like any reason to spread his wings. Plus, if Oboro thinks he's a chicken then it's only fair to show him what a chicken can do. He gives a salute. "On it!"
"Thanks for brining him home," Kiku come out from the back to watch his son go upstairs without saying hello. He's just glad to see him safe and at home.
Tenko tugs at her clothing. "Can we train now?"
"I forgot to mention. You have company." Tenko pouts at the news. He wants to train.
"Who?" Why? The few people who she can think might want to get in contact with her will cause a headache. It would suck to have to leave though. Plans would be disrupted and the food is really good.
"They seem to be in search for a doctor. They're currently waiting in the small private event room." Kiku looks in the direction of said room.
Tsunade sighs. This place had endless knowledge and fantastic technology and people still seek her out. Whose been spreading rumours about her? She considers leaving to train with Tenko anyhow, but hesitates. There's no reason to believe they'll be gone by the time she comes back. Better to rip the bandage off and get it over with. "You go train. I'll deal with this first."
She slides the wooden door open. Inside there's three people. A woman with white hair. A man with red hair. A boy around Keigo's age, maybe a little older, with red hair. Her eyes scan over him. Burns. She recognized the man. From posters, public big screens, merchandise. It takes a moment to put together without the active flames, but it's probably him unless it's pure coincidence or a family member bearing a striking resemblance.
Rei stands up. "Thank you for meeting with us."
Tsunade crosses her arms and leans back against the wall. "You want to explain why you've chased me down?" She wants to get to the point. There's no need for the niceties. "I find it hard you don't have the resources or connections to go to the hospital. Burns don't typically require such extremities." She leans against the wall giving them one opportunity to explain why this isn't a waste of everyone's time.
Enji pushes his hands off the table to stand up. He doesn't like being looked down on. "Let's go. She clearly can't help."
"We're already here. We may as well ask." Rei urges Enji to stay. "It's his quirk. We've been told he's inherited my cold resistance even though he can use flames."
"And even knowing that he keeps using it?"
"He won't stop even when telling him not to." Enji stays standing waiting for the inevitable news that she can do nothing like everyone else.
"I'm right here," Touya complained.
"Touya, let's behave." Rei tries to calm the situation. They're normally more restraint in these scenarios but their tempers have been increasing as the weeks go by.
"I'm tired of everyone telling me to stop. I'll find a way. I'll train harder."
"Just stop. It's for the best." Son and father have a stare off.
"Touya, is it? You're an idiot if you think constantly burning yourself will make you develop a resistance." Rei and Enji are affronted by the words so coldly told to their son, especially being called an idiot, even if they agreed with the sentiment he should stop. "It's not just your skin you'll harm. It'll go down to your muscles and bones. You'll become more susceptible to diseases. High risk of increased blood pressure which can lead to you going into shock. Risk of edema too. You could effect the oxygen within your body that can lead major injury to key vitals like your lungs, heart, brain, or kidneys."
Touya's parents weren't happy with the thought of their son succumbing to that.
"I can't say I condone it and if you haven't been warned of these potential outcomes then there are bigger fools here than I thought. Yet you're a person, not a doll. The burns clearly hurt and yet you keep pushing through it anyway. If you're not going to listen to the advice of everyone around you then at least tell me why."
"I'm going to be a hero! Just like dad."
The word hero overlaps with the word ninja in her mind. Regardless where she is, there are always people pushing themselves too hard.
"Is there anything that can be done?" Rei asks wanting to have an answer once and for all.
Tsunade sighs. "It depends what you mean. The simplest solution would to stop using his quirk. Something he's already established he won't do. I refuse to give suppressants. It's his life his choice. If that's foolishly shortening his life in pursuit of his goals, it's not up to me to stop him. It's not up to you either."
"He's too young to be making his own decisions," says Enji.
"Are there actually suppressants?" Rei has heard about a drug that allows increases a quirks potential. It's recently been outlawed. She's never heard about suppressants.
Tsunade thinks it's weird. This place emphasizes ownership over children more than Konoha. Not for some genetic protection. Not as some political move, but as a right to ownership under the guise of their brain development. Not that there aren't benefits, but there are flaws. Like how 'mature enough' is an arbitrary age or how parents can completely override personal autonomy.
"The body is constantly producing more cells. The theory of suppressants are popularized because even if you change the attributes of existing cells more will come along and replace them. Quirks are biological functions after all, yet because quirks vary so much person to person your theorists have long considered a one-in-all solution impossible," explains Tsunade.
She had been reading up on theories at the library to help develop a method for Tenko before he changed his mind. They seemed to fail to recognize while there is a unique identifier similar to DNA, there's a common factor among all quirks. Or not everyone. Whoever made that quirk enhancer drug clearly knew what they were doing – yet the science behind it was so easily abandoned with some government policy claiming it a bad thing. The information is there but people fear touching it for whatever reason.
All three are staring at her. "That is to say that it's entirely possible to treat quirks. This case seems pretty easy to me. The answer is right there." She looks towards Endeavor.
"Me?"
"Heat resistance. You already have it and it's compatible with your quirk meaning it should be compatible with Touya's quirk. There's three things though." She holds up three fingers.
"And that would be?" Rei is frazzled. She's yet to see results but to claim it's possible so brazenly, and that it's easy, is startling.
"One: I've had a limited framework for my research." Tenko plus the dependency of other people's research claims. "Unless I run some tests there's nothing I can guarantee. Two: to run those tests I'll need cells from the kid and you. Three: I want payment." They are more than capable of affording it, and so she'll take money where she can. The one thing she misses about being Hokage it is the pay.
Enji's eyes narrow onto her. He won't be swindled. "Only after you prove you can do something."
"Deal. Give me a week. I'll draft up a receipt and have a solution by then."
The kid seems a little wary after mentioning she could suppress his quirk but he seems curious about not burning himself anymore.
Just because he is willing to work through the pain doesn't mean he wants to feel it. "Can you really do that?"
"Just for you I won't bet on it."
Huh?
"Should we come back here next week?" Rei had hope, but this is more than she expected. She hopes it's not all words.
"Just write down your address. I'd rather people leave this place be. It's Wednesday, so just make sure to be home next week."
"We should at least exchange phone numbers." She fumbles for her phone.
"Don't bother. I don't have one."
That bit of doubt grows again among the Todoroki's. What kind of whacko doesn't own a phone?