A/N: Provisional Hero License Exam Arc and as promised, Shoto's appearance :)
*This part may contain some scenes/spoilers from Season 3. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 5
It was the day of the Provisional Hero License Exam. I woke up earlier than usual and tossed a slice of toasted bread in my mouth. Seeing this unattractive sight, grandfather hit my head with his brown wooden cane.
"Eat properly! Haven't I taught you anything decent?" He pulled me by my ear and I was forced to sit down.
"Ow! But grandpa! I might be late for our meeting! Inasa-kun and the other upperclassmen are waiting for me!" I said while stuffing my mouth with the toast I just grabbed.
"At least eat that piece of bread while sitting down. I will let you go after you do so."
Knowing I won't win any argument against my grandfather, I just kept my mouth shut while having my breakfast. Once I was done, I waved him goodbye. He wished me good luck as I grabbed my shoes and walked towards the door.
Once I arrived at the high school grounds, I saw Inasa waving at me from afar. There are other 2nd years who will be taking the license exam with us.
"Sorry if I ran a bit late!"
"Don't worry Sora-chan. You're just in time!" The class representative of Year 2 spoke calmly.
"Thank you, Mora-senpai!" I replied.
I gazed at Mora Nagamasa's strange physique - light brown hair completely covering his entire face and body. One eye slightly emerging from his thick fur-like coating. He has a really unique quirk which involved extending and manipulating his own body hair.
Using only my telekinetic quirk, I haven't really won against him. It still takes me a bit of effort to manipulate objects at high speed. He uses and moves every hair on his body simultaneously when attacking. I remember that instance I got so frustrated, I froze time just so I could win against him once. Technically, I thought it wasn't cheating cause it was my own quirk. On another hand, maybe it was, since they're clueless about it.
Just standing behind him was Shishikura Seiji who had a quirk I'm actually not a fan of. He fondly calls it meatball. He can manipulate raw human flesh by touching it. Just the sight of it makes me want to puke; it was unique nonetheless. And then there's Utsushimi Camie with a glamour quirk. Camie-chan was an eye-candy in Year 2. Her fawn-colored hair reaches her shoulders. She also gives out this very confident personality because of her curvaceous built.
Shiketsu's uniform wasn't that fancy. Camie and I wore white-collared shirts and dark skirts extending above our knees. To keep ourselves warm, we wore our uniform with knee-long socks and sometimes have our school jacket on especially during the winter. The boys wore the same collared shirt paired with dark pants. It was a tradition in Shiketsu to wear our blue and orange uniform hats at all times. The teachers said it was to represent our school and to keep Shiketsu's values alive.
"Our ride's here." Mora-san said and all of us rode the school's mini bus.
On our way there, I felt a slight twitch down my stomach. I don't understand why the thought of seeing Shoto today makes me feel nervous. This has been annoyingly bothering me the whole day now.
Unconsciously, I pulled out a mirror, just the size of my palm, and examined my face. Ugh. Seriously. What am I doing? I shook my head. I shoved the mirror inside my bag.
"Sorahiko-chan, no need to check yourself in the mirror. You already look good, as always." Shishikura said out of the blue.
"I was just checking if I have something on my face." I said it as an excuse. A slight tint of pink formed my cheeks.
Inasa clicked his tongue. "Maybe somebody's getting dolled-up for someone." He gave me a teasing look as he drank his water.
At that moment, a gush of liquid met Inasa's face. It hit his eye hard and drenched his uniform a bit. I threw my handkerchief at him. He glared at me as he caught it aware that I used my quirk to get back at him. I grinned. Inasa knew that my quirk marriage with Shoto was not something he can just disclose to other people. It's not really a secret, it's just that I'd rather be private about that matter.
We alighted from the bus as soon as we arrived at the National Takoba Arena where the exams will be held. A lot of students were already gathered around the area, huddled together according to their respective schools. Aspiring heroes from every institution in various district are here in hopes of obtaining their provisional license. While we are on our way to the arena, I could feel the endless stares and whispers around us.
"Those bunch of students looked strong."
"Is that Yoarashi Inasa? I heard he got a recommendation from UA."
"Looks like you're a star here Yoarashi!" Mora-san said tapping him by the shoulder. He continued leading our way to the testing site, completely ignoring whoever was gossiping around us.
Inasa, still full of himself, laughed out loud. "Looks like they've already done their research!" He continued laughing in full spirit. I looked at him and chuckled at his reaction. As we continue walking to the venue, I've noticed how people began staring at me too. Inasa's name died down in the crowd. They were now talking about me.
WHY ME? WHAT DID I DO NOW?
"Almost didn't recognize her with that hat!" A guy dressed in a yellow uniform said.
"Oh my god, is that Sorahiko Yuriko? She's even prettier in person."
"I heard her quirk is really flashy. Something about controlling things. My schoolmate from junior high trained with her once. His ass got beaten up."
Oftentimes, our school held trainings with other academies so that we could strategize a plan on how to make full use of our quirks depending on our opponent. This is why there are people from outside Shiketsu who are already familiar with us. Although I wasn't aware that there are a number of them who knew me as well.
I pulled my hat down slightly so as to cover my face. I'm not really fond of hearing other people talk about me.
"Stealing the spotlight from me now, Yu-chan? I think you're more popular than I am." Inasa nudged me with his arm. I just responded with a half-smile.
As we found ourselves nearing the entrance of the arena, I noticed a group of students dressed in white collared shirts similar to us. Unlike our plain top, green stripes ran along the shoulders straps of their uniform matched with a skirt and trousers of the same color. All of them wearing a red tie.
UA.
I can already sense Inasa's excitement as his steps accelerated towards the direction of the UA crowd. His face thrilled as he is eager to meet each one of them. Except for one certain dual-haired boy.
Not too far from where they are standing, a distinct blonde with a black lightning-shaped streak along his hair talked about how he wanted to evolve from being an egg to a chick.
Hmmm. That's odd.
Just beside the blonde boy was another guy with spiky red hair radiating with energy. As we are only a few steps from them, I heard him say, "Let's call out the usual! Ready, set. PLUS-"
Inasa suddenly left my side. I saw him stood up just behind the two boys.
What is he up to now?
"ULTRA!"
"-ULTRA!" Inasa shouted along with the UA students.
Way to go, Inasa.
I saw each UA student gaped at my friend in shock. They seemed baffled at his sudden intrusion. And then, my brown eyes met Shoto's. I don't know if it's just my imagination but a slight smile formed his face. I glanced away ignoring his presence. I think I haven't slept that much. Shoto, smiling? Not a chance.
"You shouldn't just barge in on other people's huddles, Yoarashi." Shishikura said.
"I am extremely sorry!" Inasa apologized. He placed his arms on his side and bent his body forwards. He bowed his head too lowly and rashly, hitting his head hard on the pavement. A trickle of blood ran on his forehead but he just grinned as if feeling nothing.
Feeling uncomfortable with what just happened, I rolled my eyes and let out a deep breath. I can see how startled Shoto's classmates were with how Inasa acted. From among the U.A. crowd, I spotted a green haired boy, a cute brown-haired girl, a sophisticated ravenette and an ash blonde boy with spiky hair who I'm positive I've met before.
The green-haired boy, who they called Midoriya, had his mouth open in disbelief. The blonde guy with the lightning streak said, "What's with this guy trying to get by with just his enthusiasm?!"
"Wait, that uniform!" A girl with plug-like earlobes blurted out.
A buzzing noise from around us was too distinct not to hear.
"Look, those uniforms!"
"Oh! You're right!"
"It's from that famous school in western Japan!
Our uniform? Oh, right.
When I turned down my admissions at UA, I chose to go to Shiketsu. It was a school known for its elite standards and the only one in the whole Japan who is at par with UA.
"UA in the east, Shiketsu in the west." I heard the spiky ash blonde said.
"I wanted to try saying it just once! Plus Ultra!" Inasa spoke up loudly still filled with enthusiasm. "I love UA High School! I am extremely honored to be able to compete against UA students! I'm looking forward to- OWWW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?"
A solid hit from a rock on the pavement hit the back of his head.
"I apologize in behalf of this guy. He can be a bit scary at times." I explained to them briefly bowing my head.
"I didn't mean to scare them Yuri-chan!" Inasa gave me a puzzled look. I saw Shoto knitted his brow in confusion from the corner of my eye. I continued to ignore him and started scanning at all the new faces before me. My eyes brought me to a pair of familiar crimson eyes. You're such an idiot, Yuri! How could you forget meeting him?
"Bakugo?" I blurted out.
"Huh?" Bakugo stared at me briefly. "THE TAIYAKI GIRL FROM THE GROCERY STORE! YOU'RE FROM SHIKETSU?"
"Taiyaki girl?" I muttered under my breath.
"Yoarashi-kun, Sora-chan, are you coming?" Mora-san called out from behind disrupting our conversation.
"I'll follow after. Just tell Mora-san." I whispered to Inasa.
Inasa nodded at me. He turned and bowed his head before leaving me in the company of UA. He must have not noticed but I know he gave Shoto a quick glare before leaving.
My eyes met Aizawa-san who did not give out a trace of shock seeing me along with the Shiketsu crowd. After I turned them down at UA, I told them politely that I'd rather study in Shiketsu. Although All Might and Midnight tried to convince me with high hopes that I might change my mind, Aizawa-san was the one who told them to respect my decision.
I turned to Aizawa-san and bowed, "It's good to see you again, Aizawa-sensei!" I smiled. I can still remember how I disliked him as a child because of how boring he was back then. But this guy, in contrast with his appearance, is a strong combat fighter and someone who I also look up to.
"Yuriko, I see you're taking your provisional hero license today. Good luck." He acknowledged me and softly tapped my head.
The entire UA crowd gawked at us. Obviously, they were caught off guard from Aizawa-san's behavior. Although this didn't come as a surprise to me at all. He was one of the people whom I've already known for a long time.
"Shiketsu treating you good?" He questioned.
"So far, yes." I didn't want to sound arrogant so I just kept it plain and simple.
"They better. I hope you didn't turn down your recommendation at UA for nothing." Aizawa-san looked at me sternly.
Okay. That was totally unexpected. Of all places, Aizawa-sensei chose to bring that up now? Shoto was even clueless that I received a recommendation from UA. He just knew Shiketsu was my first choice. I'm dead. But then again. Why would he care anyway? I am clearly overreacting right now.
Then, I took a glimpse at Shoto. He furrowed his brows. His eyes now full of question are directed at me.
"You were given a recommendation? You're a first year like us too? So does that mean, you're just as strong as Todoroki?" A green-haired guy, started interrogating me.
"Uh…" Say something, Yuri. Say something that will get you out of this awkward conversation. Wait a minute. I know this guy too.
I stared hard at the freckled guy in front of me trying to recall the last time I saw him. Oh right! That's him! He's the guy oji-chan and grandpa told me about. I wonder how he's doing with All Might's quirk.
Absorbed in my thoughts I didn't notice Bakugo walking in between me and Aizawa-san. He was already a few inches closer from where I'm standing. Shoto was still looking at me, his gaze still the same.
"HEY! HOW DO YOU KNOW THIS GUY HUH?" Bakugo called out to me, his index finger pointing at Aizawa-san.
"Oh he-" I started to say something.
Bakugo leaned forward, examining me closely. Too close! As he took another step, I could feel myself falling backwards. All the weight pulling me down. If he keeps this up, that awkward situation in the grocery might happen again. I would have to use my quirk this time. Suddenly, as if the heavens heard me, a flimsy layer of ice appeared in between me and the ash blonde giving me more space to move. I finally caught my balance.
Whew. That was close. Where did that come from? I saw Shoto's right hand covered in ice. I stared at him.
"You're too close." Shoto said raising his left arm to melt the ice.
What is this guy thinking? Very unlikely of him to meddle in other people's business.
"THE FUCK! WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM YOU HALF AND HALF BASTARD!" Bakugo yelled in anger and was about to attack Shoto with his quirk.
Oh shoot. What did I just get into?
"ENOUGH!" Aizawa-san yelled activating his quirk at the two boys in the midst of attacking each other. "Or else, I'd be forced to take the two of you back to UA."
Aizawa-san took his drops and applied it on his dry eyes. He cleared his throat.
"Todoroki," Aizawa-san said, "Please introduce Yuriko to your classmates."
WHAT? Introduce? Introduce as what?
All eyes were on Shoto and then on mine. I managed to pull out a huge grin despite their curious look. Their eyes staring at me waiting to fill them in about our relationship.
"Everyone," I heard Shoto speak in a very cool and calm tone. "This is Sorahiko Yuriko."
Wait. That's it? His classmates still a little bit disconcerted with everything that they have just witnessed.
"Yuri and I.. uh…" Shoto continued, but paused midway collecting his thoughts.
"Shoto and I knew each other when we were young." I suddenly butted in. Is he seriously gonna say that the two of us are engaged? "My dad and Endeavor were colleagues back then." I added.
"OHHHH!" everyone said in unison.
"That explains it! Isn't it cute how you call Todoroki-kun by his first name? He doesn't really share a lot about himself so we're really curious if he has friends outside UA." A pink-skinned girl said processing the new information I shared.
"Yeah he was not really much of a talker." I looked at Shoto who has been very silent for a while already. Crap. Did I just cross the line?
A/N: More of Shoto on the next chapters!
