Chapter 4: Hope's Peak Academy - The School of Ultimates

On the way to Hope's Peak Academy, I was sleeping soundly on the bus without any disturbance since there was nobody else here apart from the bus driver. That pointed out the fact that no one else was selected as an Ultimate student to this school. I wasn't disappointed but I really hoped that I could maybe talk to someone.

"Guess that leaves the bus driver. Better than no one to talk to." I then talked to the bus driver, asking his name. He told me that his name was Mr Gitsu and it was nice to meet me. He told me he was a fan of my booksellers, his favourite, 'Greet the morning sun'. Basically, the story was about a boy in his teens, feeling lost without love until one day, he saw the light and it warmed his spirit to keep trying to search for love." I was into writing love stories, mystery and fanfictions. Sometimes to ease the work, I would think of songs that I could apply into my books and used them in concerts. Killing two birds with one stone was a key trick to managing things.

To that, I thanked him for taking an interest to my masterpieces. He asked whether I was making a new hit song or something soon. I told him that I was working on it, hopefully soon I am. Currently, I say that I am just an ordinary student now, looking foward to the new school I am heading.

He told me that there was no need to be so modest. But, I should keep a low profile and not atrract too much attention when I am there. I also asked that if Mr Gitsu has been working for years, sending students to Hope's Peak Academy. But what he informed me that he is not an official bus driver and was requested by the principal to pick me up and drive me there. He agreed to when he was told that I was the passenger so I was a little weirded out. Guess the bus driver wanted to just get a closer look at me after all. I bent down and puffed out an aor of sigh.

Anyway, to the fact that he knew where my front door was, meant that Hope's Peak Academy was keeping an eye on people like me from somewhere or someone revealed our addresses to them as insider information. The thought of that creeped me out but I recovered quickly, knowing everything will turn out fine. It was a four hour drive and I was looking at my belongings, wondering if anyone would plays these there. "Oh well! Wouldn't hurt to try, maybe they even like it?" I asked myself.

I pulled out my phone and checked the time and it was nearly 9: 30 in the morning. Hope I would make it there before orrientation starts. After travelling through forest roads, tunnels and underpasses, I was feeling a little homesick and I typed a message to my mom, telling her that I was still on the bus, reaching my destination but she didn't respond yet. Guess I would have to wait.

But then when I turned my head towards the window, I pressed my face against the window, I could see a large building in a distance. "Mr Gitsu, is that?" I asked the bus.driver to confirm my thoughts and he stated the truth, "Yes it is. That is Hope's Peak Academy." I gazed in wonder, it was so big, larger than any school I have been to. I can't wait to check this place out when I get there.

Soon after, I thanked Mr Gitsu for driving all this way for me. I gave him extra tips for his kindness and troubles. He told me to do my best before driving off. I told him to drop me off in a nearby bus station so that I could see the places around the academy. There were many outlets and theme parks around the place. But it was a 10 minute walk to get to the academy from here. Might as well as savour the experience, maybe I can find my favourite spots here.

Then, I arrived at the main gate, looking at the school from top to bottom. It was a very tall building with five floors I counted. It's a little intimidating to be here. I wondered whether I would fit in fine with the best of the best students here. "Well, I came this far, so no point waiting around." I told myself. I entered the school with the main entrance opened, looking at the amount of space the halls.

Well, now I am looking quite fired up so I dashed across the hallways, hoping to find someone around here. "Oh, where are the Ultimates? Am I early or something?" I am feeling confused to where the people are. I walk a little further and I find an elderly woman at the office window. I immediately walked over to her and ask her about some inquiries.

"U-uhm, good morning miss. Would you mind telling me where the students are? I would like to see them." I speak and ask once I get her attention. "Hello, there young man. The semester hasn't started yet, I'm afraid." She explains and burst my bubble. I bounce back to life and say that it is okay.

"You can see the principal while you settle in." She said with a smile. "Jin's office is on the fourth floor. Would you like to show you the way there?"

"No, it's alright miss. No need to strain yourself. I'm sure I can find my way." I offer her a polite smile. "Thank you miss. Have a nice day."

"You too, young man." She smiles in return. I turn and head for the staircase without delay. Along my way, I could see the dormrooms and many other facilities like a bath house, laundry room and a sauna. Starting out, I am already impressed. I made it to the second floor, I could see a library and a pool. "Awesome, this place has everything!" I am feeling further impressed.

However, I just skip off to the fourth floor, keeping myself surprise for later. Then, on the fourth floor, I walk to the principal's office and wait a while before entering.

In my thoughts, I am thinking what kind of person he is. I mean he must be a powerful person to be managing this school of Ultimates. Anyway, I find him as a man of utmost respect. I knock the door before entering. "Yes? Please come and take a seat." He call me to enter and I open the door, taking a seat formally.

Then, I see an man in his thirties with a tall build, he has dark purple hair and purple eyes wearing a black suit with a purple tie. He puts on a serious look at my face, kind of frightening. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Kirigiri sir." I greet with a calm look and a tiny smile. "No, it is a pleasure to have you here, Dr Hanako Yuki." He then offer me a handshake and I accept it while being modest.

"There is no need to be so formal, sir. I'm just a student in Hope's Peak Academy. Please address me as Hanako." I inform him politely. "Very well, Hanako. I will. As long as you call me Jin, or whatever you find it easier to remember but it better not be in appropriate."

"Now then, firstly I would like to thank you for making the choice of coming here as a official student of the Hope's Peak Academy and I'm sure the students of Class 78th will be joyed to have another friend. Normally, we plan to have only 16 students at first but I have a feeling that you will fit right in perfectly." He inform me of the class I am assigned to and thank me but I tell him that I am the one who should be thanking for giving me the chance to be here.

"Thank you for this chance, Jin, sir. I am grateful and I shall do my best for the school. I am going to make a huge difference here." I graciously thank him with an upbeat tone. "Besides, I see that this school is amazing, better than any school I have been to." I present my complements to the principal of this prestigious school.

"I'm glad you think that, Hanako. Here, you will be needing this." He accepted the complements, followed by giving me a key and a tiny flat screen device. I activate the device and my profile appears, he explains that this is a handbook for each students to use. "Wow, so we get our own handbooks. Awesome!" I said with excitement. "Alright, the keys are for the room next to my daughter's room which is newly built and refurbished.

I ask him that he has a daughter that attends this school too and he nods, also adding that she is in the same class as me. "Wow, that's pretty nice to have a daughter here to see you everyday. Anyway, I best be on my way. Thank you so much, Mr Kirigiri."

I politely dismiss myself and go to settle in my new dorm room. When I close the door, I could see Jin looking at a photo, probably of him and his daughter.

On the first floor, in the dormitory, I carry my luggages into the room and set up my things on the shelves and tables. Then, I take off my shoes and lie on my new bed, it is so soft that I can just sleep the whole day through. But, I still have so much to explore. After hanging my clothes in the drawers and put my gadgets and equipment on my desk and in my closet respectively, I decide to get something to chew on, I ought to get myself something to eat.

Then, I see a guy with spiky brown hair there with hair like antenna on top or an 'ahoge', wearing a black jacket, he appears to be eating a bowl of ramen alone there. I have always wanted to meet an Ultimate and today is the day. I walk right over and patted him on the back and his face dive straight into his bowl. When he gets his face out from his bowl, he is covered in soup and has a fishcake on his hair. Immediately, I put my hand together and deeply apologize for ruining his breakfast. "Way to go, Hanako, making the first impression to an Ultimate student." I scolded myself in my mind.

As soon as he wipes away the mess on his face, he sees me asking for forgiveness and I think I am in for trouble. "Hey, it's alright man. No need to apologize, it is just an accident." He assured me that it is okay and I do not need to beat myself up. "Are you sure? I think I must for embarassing an Ultimate." I say, in a shaky tone, facing down.

"Y-yeah, I'm good, I have already forgiven you. Chin up, man." He forgives me while reassuring me that all is well. I feel as if this man right here is a very kind-hearted person and easy-going. So, I find myself at ease to get to know this friendly Ultimate.

I regain my composure and look up to greet him, "Hello there, my new friend! Sorry about that mess I made, I promise I will make it up to you." Then, I look at his face, showing the looks of amazement and I wondered whether there is something on my face.

The brown haired boy gasp with his mouth open and asked that, "Are you, Hanako Yuki, the Ultimate All-Rounder?! The Ultimate who excelled in studies, sports and arts as well as singing?!" in an astounding voice. I try to remain modest and answered politely, "Well, yes I am. But, I would like to kno...", suddenly cut off by his remark.

"I don't b-believe it, Hanako Yuki in Hope's Peak Academy?" He is so excited to see me in person and I am little happy but at the same time, feeling slightly embarassed. "Well, come on now. I'm just an average student in Hope's Peak Academy." I answer him.

"Wait, you are enrolling in this academy?" He asks me and I nod with a cheerful smile. He yells out that it is awesome. "Hello, not sure if you know me, but my name is..." He feels a little depressed and is about to introduce himself before I say, "Makoto Naegi." He then flinch to how I know him. I point my thumb to his chest, then he thinks I get his name from his name tag. "Wait a second, I don't have a name tag." A second after realising, we both laugh out loud for the funny mind trick for a moment. I tell him that I actually know him because I remembered once that I stopped by at a noodle shop a few years back.

After saying that, he then remember too, he was having ramen and I treated him to a drink and joined him. Back then, I hadn't enter that many competitions yet so I wasn't that well known, like 'hearing names across the street' famous. He offer a handshake and I humbly shake back. "Nice to meet you, Makoto-san." I greet and he return, "Same to you, Hanako-san." with a cheerful look.

Out of nowhere, Mr Kirigiri come pasing by and both of us suddenly shriek when he calls our names. "Nearly gave me a heart attack sir." Makoto mention to Jin. "Terribly sorry, Makoto and you too, Hanako. Ah, I see you have met, Makoto, the Ultimate Lucky student." I then ask in amazement, "Really, did he win lotteries all the time or save people in a nick of time?"

"Not really, I was just lucky to be accepted into this school." His face blushes a little, admitting the actual, he thinks disappointing. I then say that actually luck is an ability itself, "Makoto, luck is only something that people can get from not giving up! I know you are an Ultimate with pure determination!" Makoto's eyes reflects my stand on the topic and believes so. Jin Kirigiri also nodded in agreement with my statement.

Actually, he come to tell me that a few more things that he missed out earlier. He adds that the handbook, we possess has some rules and regulations in them which lists:

1. When attending classes, please be sure to wear the proper attire. It is recommended that you wear your school uniform. Please do not show up to class wearing pajamas, swimsuits, only underwear, only socks, wrestling onsies, no clothing or anything else distracting.

2. Do not attempt to destroy school property without proper reason.

3. Do not assault or attack other students or faculty without a valid reason.

4. Do not doze off in class unless given consent to.

5. Don't get caught cheating. Cheaters never prosper.

6. There is no alcohol or drugs permitted on school grounds, period. If you return to campus drunk, please ask someone to escort or try not to break anything alone and return to your respected dorms. Police will be called if you're found on drugs.

7. No bringing wild or huge animals to class. Think of others who have allergies.

8. Do not bring guns to class. If one wants to practice shooting, please leave your guns in the target practice area or leave them in your room safely to retrieve after class.

9. Do not eat in class, unless given permission to do so by your teacher. You don't have to share it if you don't want to, though people would appreciate it if you did.

10. No lewd behavior will be tolerated in school. The dorms are free game.

11. More rules to be added as needed.

As I finish going through the rules, I can see why these rules are in effect or even enlisted. Although some of them kind of which I find weird and inappropriate. Like large animals, as much I want to see a lion or a tiger, I don't think that anyone has a pet that big. The first and the tenth one made me blushed so hard by just thinking about them. Sometimes, these kinds of rules are to prevent loopholes for rules that are too general. Makoto finished it too and seemed to be fine with them.

"Alright as long as you gentlemen, follow the rules laid out, it will keep the peace of the school." He advises us and we nodded. "Also, I would require both your help at the main entrance and help the other students arriving shortly.", assigning the task to Makoto and I. Since we are around, we ought to help the others with their luggages and belongings. "Will do sir. You can count on us. Jinx!" Makoto and I answer in unison.

Mr Kirigiri smiles at our spirit to help before taking off. So, I check the map on my handbook, and it displays the layout on each floor. This is some cutting-edge technology and it is really fascinating as I ask Makoto for his opinion. "Yeah, even I am amazed with this device and who created it?" Makoto agrees and wonders who built them. I had no clue but I knew who could.

Without wasting daylight since it is already afternoon at 3 pm, we head for the main entrance after getting the location. Outside, we keep our eyes sighted for any students approaching. We sit down and talk while waiting, about the place and we can both clearly agree that this place is fabulous with all sorts of facilities. "I mean where do they get the funding for these installments?" I asked Naegi-san. "Not too sure either, Hanako-san."

"Well hello there, you two. What are you doing just, sitting down there daydreaming?!" We hear that voice and direct our attention, we see a male student with short, spiky black hair and large, long mayching eyebrows, and intense red eyes. "Where is he from, the Uchiha clan?" I tried to hide my giggle while thinking about it. Thankfully, he doesn't notice as we approach him. Up close, he is wearing a military style white uniform with a red and bronze medal on his left shirt pocket, along with an armband.

"Uh, hey! Is there something wrong?" Makoto asks, tilting his head. "Did you forget some of your stuff?"

The boy shakes his head. "No, all of my possesions are present and accounted for but..." His gaze shifts between me and Makoto. "You two... When was it you two arrive?"

Makoto scratches his head. "Uhm... a couple of days ago." "Just this morning, why do you ask?" I answered with a puzzled look.

His look suddenly turns to one of shock, and he drops to his knees. "How... How could this be!? I was certain that I'd arrive first! How can I, the one deemed the Ultimate Moral Compass, have failed to be the one to set an example of punctuality for my fellow peers!?" He starts bawling on the concrete, curling into a ball. I'm not fit to be enrolled here! Please, just cart me away already!"

Makoto and I stare at him, flustered and confused. "Well, I... I suppose that this is one of those who make it into class early birds."

I approach him cautiously before knewling down to him. I tapped his shoulder and he looks at me, sniffling. I offer him a handkerchief before calming him down.

"Please understand. I only came here early because my house is very far away from here. Makoto told me that his family was going on a trip during the days before orrientation starts, so he has to come earlier." I knew I had to tell a white lie but I need to help him understand the situation. "If we had a choice, we wouldn't have to arrive so early, so come on get back on your feet, fellow Ultimate!" I say, offering my hand and a smile. I glance back and see Nakoto nodding wildly at him.

He looks at me for a second before he uncurls himself and takes the handkerchief, wiping his tears before blowing his nose. "S-So... I can still set an example...?" He looks at me with his eyes, and I can't help but picture him like a puppy, with very large eyebrows.

Of course, cute.

"Come on, leader! Please man up and get on your feet and lead us, okay?" He nods and stands abruptly. I stand up too to properly face him. But, seriously, he is taller than me. He has the makings of a leader, I can tell.

"Very well!" He shouts, completely recovered from his crying fit that happened moments ago. "Allow me to introduce myself! I would appreciate it if you reffered me as Taka, however!"

I was amazed on how presentable he was in his introduction. "Greetings, Taka. My name is Hanako Yuki." I greeted and I patted Makoto's back to give him the confidence he needs to speak up, "Makoto Naegi..." But I could tell he was feeling uncomfortable as me when he introduces himself.

Taka then points out, asking me whether I was the Hanako Yuri, the boy who tried to master all skills set in the Japan. I know where this is going but I have to admit yes. He continues, still shouting in amazement. "It's a pleasure to meet you both, Hanako and Makoto! I hope that we'll get along during our shared school lives!"

I smile nervously at him. "I feel the same... We would be honoured to follow your example. Let's get started to move your things." I make a grab for one of his bags and Makoto helps with the other. Taka also grabbed the largest one with his bare hands. "Very well, follow me, my friends! With haste, don't fall behind you two."

He quickly rushes all the way to his room, assuming he knows where it is, with Makoto and I trying to keep up. I am doing fine but I could Makoto barely surviving. So, I help him a little by lifting the handle while handling my own. "Thanks, Hanako-san." He thanks me, trying to catch his breath. "Don't mention it, Makoto."

"Intense, eh, Makoto?" I ask him about Taka's agile behaviour and Makoto nods. After making to Kiyotaka's room, we place all his belongings on one side. I have just forgotten, I tell the two that we are supposed to watch the gate and we should have had one keeping an eye out for the others.

Quickly, I bolt across the hallway to the main entrance with Makoto and Taka behind me. In less than half a minute, I make it in time and right on time. I could see someone arriving but my vision is blurry from the speed dash. I rubbed my eyes to get a clearer image until Makoto and Taka arrives.

After my vision straighten out, I see the student from a distance, wearing a long-sleeved dark green jacket, a white shirt secured with a thin dark ribbon, box-pleated, mid-thigh length brown shirt. She is a girl with light brown layered hair and hazel-coloured eyes. At that moment, Makoto and Taka could see me crying, asking me what's wrong.

"It has been forever since I last saw her. I thought she..." I said softly. The two are confused to whom I am referring to.

I burst out and call her name, "Chihiro! It's me, Hanako!" She then face in my direction, with her eyes water too. Immediately I run towards her and she approaches me as well. Upon meeting in the middle, both of us kneel to the ground, looking at our eye levels. "Hanako-kun, i-it's you! You're here! Really here! It's been so long..." She cried out, overjoyed to finally see me again after 5 long years.

"Chihiro-san. I- I missed you so much too. Finally, here we are on the other side." I pull her in for a hug and she embraces too.