Chapter 15: Saddle

Tatewaki Household

7.16 PM

Chopsticks opened before it closed, easily parting a small piece of tofu into one-third of its size, holding it gently and firmly before the owner popped it into their mouth.

Kurono and Crona chewed their food, keeping a neutral face as they ate their dinner quietly. Boiled chicken with ginger and cut vegetables, tofu, miso soup, with a single bowl of rice. Simple and nutritious, albeit boring and bland.

I can't wait for tomorrow lunch. Kurono daydreamed, thoughts of raw salmon rice ball filling their heads. Stimulating their appetite in anticipation for that. Crona mutely agreed to that, imagining the day after with numerous pasta dishes instead.

"How's your first day?" Breaking their thoughts, Kurogane Tatewaki, their father inquired. His bowl is filled with rice tall enough that it resembles a tower.

"It's…okay? Aizawa threatened to expel us if we fail to meet his expectations." Crona answered tepidly in between mouthfuls as Kurono busied themselves with their food, tackling the vegetables and chicken so that they can savor the soup.

"I see, then make sure you do not get expelled." Nodding, Kurogane resumed eating their food, much to the dismay of their mother.

"That's not something you should say," Ayuna exasperatedly smiled at that before turning to Crona. "Keep up with your studies up, okay? Also, did you greet Chiyo?"

"Oh-uh, no we-I mean, I didn't." They lamely finished, Kurono inwardly wincing as he remembered they had something important to do but put it aside.

Ayuna sighed, eyes closed and shoulders lowered which had Crona flinched, immediately setting their chopsticks and bowl down.

Unbeknownst to them, Ayuna and Kurogane shared a confused look before the former continued with a wave of her hand. "It is fine. Greet her tomorrow alright?"

"Okay." Crona meekly said and nodded, raising their head to face her apprehensively.

Ayuna only smiled, rubbed, and patted his head affectionately. "I would need you to pass the usual to her."

"Alright, the bottom of the fridge?" Crona's mouth moved, feeling the slight mental push by Kurono as he took over for them and turned their body towards the fridge.

"Yes."

"Okay." Giving a thumbs up to that, settling the brief awkward atmosphere. "Should I give her some tea?"

"I bought some pu-er, give those to her," Kurogane said before standing up, heading towards the rice cooker. "I'll be late for the next few days, no need to keep dinner for me."

"New patrol route?" Kurono idly said, slurping his soup and chewing the seaweed.

"Among other things."

"Honestly, you should reconsider going full time. It's much more stable."

"I'm comfortable with the current arrangements," Kurogane curtly replied, leading Ayuna to narrow her eyes slightly in annoyance.

"And who has the higher-earning salary here?" She sardonically remarked and raised a single brow to the perpetually stoic Kurogane. The latter cleared their throat and busied himself with refilling his rice bowl.

Money huh? Both Kurono and Crona tuned out the conversation between their parents as they tried to figure out a similar predicament.

Namely, how to earn money.

Getting a part-time job is possible but that won't earn them enough, especially when they need it within less than six months or so.

Pachinko machine parlor was another but he doubts they'll be allowed inside the premises. Maybe putting a beard, coat, mask, and hat will get them in?

Tossing that idea into the bin, there's no way that'll work. Still, a better consideration compared to Crona's idea which was much more extreme, and he can safely discard all of them.

"I-It's not all bad-" Crona muttered through his teeth, lips stretched to the sides.

We're not going to steal from the yakuza or rob a bank, as good an idea as it is. I rather work with Gentle in his crazy heist.

"What's not bad?"

"Oh-uh, money?" Crona stammered as they saw their parents looking at him.

"For?"

"...Books?" Crona hesitantly said after they racked their brains furiously until Kurono suggested that.

"Study materials? Hmm, give me a list and I can get them on the cheap. I know the bookstore owner at Sakai street." His father perked up at his words, fingers wrapped around his chin. "I can also get him to add a further discount on the latest novel as well."

"Ok…" Crona nodded weakly, feeling a little guilty for lying like that. Kurono just shrugged inwardly and pointed out it wasn't wrong, since they do need the books.

"Is there something wrong?" Ayuna needled as she leaned forward. Knowing that their only child usually doesn't ask or talk about money directly.

"Well…Do I get money when I donate my blood?" Thinking on their feet, Kurono threw out a random question that had been on his mind for a while. He recalled getting paid if you do it.

That question seemed to set off their mother as she glanced disapprovingly and frowned heavily as their father adjusted himself in his seat. It felt like the warmth of the room just left in the blink of an eye.

"Who told you that?" It wasn't a question, it was an order.

"I…read it on the internet?" Kurono and Crona knew at this point, they'd dug their own grave. They might as well just lessen the blow.

Ayuna glanced at them with an annoying tic before taking a deep breath and resuming her meal. This continued until they awkwardly did the same, resuming their meal in silence as they traded glances with their father. The latter however was determined to simply look forward and be as engrossed in their meal.

"You get paid for plasma donation, not blood." She finally spoke the moment she was done, placing her bowl and chopsticks down sharply and moving to drink her soup. "Don't get confused."

"Who put you up to it?" His father finally spoke, directing some of the heat directed at them away.

"Well...I was just worried, you know? Both of you always talk about money and dad getting a stable position and all…" Kurono took control and fibbed his way out. Already, Crona was shrinking further and further mentally as they squirmed underneath their parent's glare.

"You don't have to worry about us," Kurogane replied much more forcefully than needed. "Focus on your studies first. Understood?"

"And I don't want you to even think of selling your blood or other nonsensical ideas ever again. If I catch you doing that…I will ground you for life. Understood?" Ayuna threatened in a tone that brooked no argument over this matter as she narrowed her eyes onto them.

The two of them nodded rapidly at that, quickly cleared their plates, and headed to the kitchen to clear their plates. Their shuffling gait is much faster than before.

Ayuna and Kurogane looked at their child for a moment before relaxing slightly the moment he left.

"Honestly, what is he thinking?" Ayuna sighed and shook her head, nursing it as she can hardly believe that they thought to do it. Did she not explain just how important his blood was?

Or perhaps, that's the problem. Kurono knew it was valuable but didn't care about the implications. Sometimes despite being remarkably sharp, he can utterly be an air-head.

"Shall I speak to him?" Kurogane suggested.

"Hah, aren't you the one that cau-" She immediately bit her mouth shut at that. Arguing and pointing fingers aren't going to solve anything. Besides, she was partly to blame as well for this situation. "No, no, I'll do it."

"Hmm." Kurogane nodded slowly before thinking about his circumstances and offer. It wasn't like it'll infringe on his beliefs, for now, it'll certainly inconvenience his patrol routes but he'll try to compromise with them.

After all, the Hero Public Safety Commission should understand since they're reaching out for underground heroes like him.

U.A Academy

"You got sixth place?"

"Yup!" Toga bounced happily in her steps, twirling to face Kurono and Ojiro with a grin. Looking particularly proud when she glanced towards Ojiro, the latter just simply sighed at that.

"That's nice," Crona replied. It wasn't that low of a position and from what Toga told, it looks like the other students from 1-B seemed strong.

Can't remember but they got a couple strong ones. Kurono muttered tiredly from within, not feeling up to the conversation since it was still early morning.

"Hehe." She bashfully rubbed the back of her head at that praise before sliding next to Crona. "Want to drop by? I met so many new friends! I think they'll like you."

"Sure."

"And you too, Ojiro!"

"Why not?" Ojiro shrugged at that and glanced at his phone. They had some time before class started.

That thrilled Toga as she quickly guided them to her class, a hand on the door before sliding it open.

"Here we are, class 1-B!" She announced dramatically before entering, smiling and greeting her classmates as eyes drew upon them.

"Himiko? What are you doing?" An orange-haired girl stood up and approached them, giving an inquisitive look at Kurono and Ojiro before bowing towards them. "Pleased to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you." Both of them replied with their bow. "We are Toga's friend and we just wanted to drop by."

"Ah, welcome to class 1-B. I'm Itsuka Kendo." She turned to Oijiro with a squint and tilt. "Oh, hmm, are you Mashirao Ojiro?"

"You know me?" Ojiro asked in disbelief, to which Kendo responded with an affirmative nod.

"I saw you during the finals for the national karate Budokan championship," Kendo mentioned with a raised hand. "Too bad for your last match, it was a close one."

"Oh yeah, that." Ojiro rubbed the back of his head and shifted his weight to one side. "Well, I did my best."

"Of course he did! Here, Kinoko, introduce yourself." Toga popped right back with another girl. This one had brown hair and bangs that covered her eyes, her shoulders and speech stammered as she bowed quickly.

"H-Hello, I'm Kinoko Komori…We met in the entrance exam," Nervously she looked up towards them, or Kurono specifically. "I'm glad that you passed as well."

Kurono and Ojiro tilted their head to the sides as they shared a look with Toga. The latter waved one hand around and gave a quick wink to the two of them.

"...You too?" Crona spoke up as they ultimately decided and reciprocated their introduction with their own. "Let's get along for the year."

"Yes, I would like, I mean, yes, let's get along." Komori blabbered as she shuffled her feet nervously.

"See, that wasn't so hard? He's the nice one." Toga whispered to her and placed a shoulder on Komori, making the latter glance at her briefly before smiling much more confidently.

"Yup!"

"Was this your plan all along, Himiko?" Kendo eyed Toga suspiciously as Komori continued interacting with Crona while Ojiro stood by the side awkwardly.

"~Who knows?" Toga feigned ignorance and shrugged her shoulders with a Cheshire grin. Prompting Kendo to only sigh at that.

"Oh, what's this?"

Almost on cue, a student with well-combed blonde hair stepped in as he looked at the two. Followed by that, was another white-haired student. His stocky and broad shoulder came in and raised a brow at them. "I've never seen you two before, what are you doing in our class?"

"Oh, Mono, Tetsu! Good morning! These are my friends from 1-A! Kurono and Ojiro!" Toga swerved to the front and continued their introduction. "Kuro, Ojiro, meet Monoma and Tetsutetsu"

"Good morning."

"Hello."

"Ah, you're from 1-A?! Nice to meet ya then." Tetsutetsu immediately reached with a handshake, Ojiro winced at the strength behind it when he returned the gesture. Then reaching Kurono, it clasps against the latter smaller hand but it was returned with a firm handshake. Gaining Tetsutetsu approval as he let go. "Hah, that was a good shake."

"Thank you?" Crona replied at the taller boy and tilted their head to the sides.

"Haha, why so timid? I expected more from the class that had scored a higher average than ours." Monoma chuckled as he brushed his hair upwards. "Come now, as a rival class, you need to show the part."

"I'm not really looking to be a rival, I can't deal with it…" Crona hesitantly said but those words seem to only goad Monoma.

"Oh? We are that below to being a rival even?"

"But that's not what I said-" A shudder ran across their body, head lowered and twitch of their shoulder, the arm that usually clings onto the right arm moved to rub the back of his head. Ruffling his pink hair and blinking his eyes. "Come on, It's still early in the morning. Sure, whatever you say."

Like a flick of a switch, Monoma, Kendo and Komori had a mix of expressions at the complete change of personality and way of speaking.

From the corner, Toga leaned closer to Komori and whispered. "Don't worry, that one is acting tough cause he's scared."

Komori's attention went back and forth, confused at Toga's weird choice of words.

"Ah, don't worry about it." Only Tetsutetsu seemed unfazed by this as he shrugged his shoulders and gave a slap on Kurono's back. The sound produced was akin to slapping a boulder but neither of them winced at all while everyone close by did.

"Thanks," Nonplussed, Kurono answered back. Now that he was out and wide awake, he might as well get to know them better. "...So what's your quirk?"

"You think we'll actually tell you-" Monoma started but before he could go on, someone answered back.

"Glad you ask!" Tetsutetsu responded immediately with a grin, his hands tightened to a fist, and skin morphed into steel. "I can turn my skin into steel!"

"That's pretty metal." Kurono deadpanned, though the corners of his mouth edged upward slightly.

"Ain't it! Haha! And you two?"

"Well, I got this tail." Ojiro pointed with a thumb, his limb flicked briefly before resting back onto his shoulder. "That's about it."

"How ordinary."

Ojiro could only sigh inwardly and rolled his eyes, more so since it came from Toga, snickering at the side.

"I can control and harden my blood." Kurono raised his index finger before a pinprick of black liquid appeared before more came until it floated above. A single drop of blood that was black as pitch.

"It's…black?" Komori looked intensely amidst the others, recalling a detail mentioned when they first met.

His blood is really the color black?

Kurono's brows snapped upwards before he quickly returned the drop of blood inside of him.

"Aw."

Komori widened her eyes as she didn't even notice that Toga was already behind Kurono despite standing next to her just moments ago. It looked like she had just reappeared right behind him.

Wait, wasn't that-?

"And that's about it." Kurono ended with a glare at Toga before sighing. "Nothing special about it."

Ojiro refrained from opening his mouth at that, a sarcastic retort readied to needle back. There is no way he would ever consider Kurono's quirk as 'nothing special'.

"And you? I know Komori makes mushrooms, which is nice for food, do they stay permanently?"

"They disperse after a while." Komori shook both her hand and head, much to his disappointment.

"That is a shame. I would make and eat enoki mushrooms all the time."

"Oh? What about shiitakes?"

"Tasty but I prefer them in small amounts. Dried ones especially have a strong aftertaste."

"Then, how about shimejis?"

"Oh, I like that one too. They taste the best when baked and cooked thoroughly."

"Enriji is also pretty good, same with-" Komori excitedly listed down the list of consumable fungus, each of them answerable to Kurono.

"Well, he certainly is hitting it off well." Itsuka said next to Monoma, who felt ignored just as he was about to reply to Kurono about his quirk. The latter doing a good rendition of a statue before brushing it off to the sides with a shrug.

"I guess Komori is too great to be ignored, very well, this side actor will step aside for now."

"Hush."

"He is quite knowledgeable in things related to food, seriously, it's like he thinks with his stomach." Ojiro pointed out to them as Toga stood at the sides. Looking and smiling proudly like a parent at Kurono.

"Hmm?" A gruff voice after the doors slid open to reveal a tall, white-haired muscled man dressed in a red suit looked down at the gathered students before zooming onto Toga and Kurono. The two fangs sticking from the bottom of his mouth crooked downwards. "...Class starts soon."

"Kan-sensei!" All of 1-B straightened themselves and went to their seats immediately. Even Toga was in her seat before anyone else noticed.

"Shoot, we better get going," Kurono muttered to Ojiro and gave a bow to Vlad as they hurriedly made their exit.

So that is the student. Vlad impassively looked, recalling Nezu's decision to split them up.

To increase their independence from one another. It was a decision that he agreed with, heroics will have moments where they have no one but themselves to go on. Better to nip the problem in a safe, controllable environment.

Thus he was saddled with the near worshipping, blood fascinated girl due to his quirk being similar to the other blood-wielding student.

He admits that he was expecting Kurono to be placed under him due to their similarities in their quirks and to a degree, was looking forward to it. The idea of a protege or true disciple that he can pass on every single technique lit a flame in him.

Still, what's done is done. Vlad focused his effort and attention on class 1-B instead.

UA hero's education focused not only on heroics but also general education, giving students a sense of normalcy.

Thus, to one student, it was both a riveting and boring experience.

Man, I was expecting something harder.

"But this is hard." Lips moved but without a word being uttered at all.

I mean, it's form 4 materials when it should be form 3 but this is still piss easy. Still, it gives a good refresher, I always wanted to brush up my writing skills.

Crona only sighed at that, doubting that they could handle this any longer.

Cling Clong!

Crona immediately felt a huge relief at that sound of the bell, signifying the end of their current class.

"Well," A teacher with a literal stone face resembling a square block looked upwards briefly before packing his papers and books. "Don't forget to finish your homework."

"Yes, sir."

"And don't get too excited for your next class. Okay?" He smiled and nodded before leaving.

That only served to heighten the tension and anticipation at Cementoss's words, after all, it was the class where they all worked so hard for.

Can't blame them. Kurono remarked inwardly as Crona slowly turned towards the door, already feeling a new presence that stood at the door. It was heavy, strong, and warm like a sun even from afar.

Come to think of it, it's the first time we're meeting him up close right?

"I-!"

Here he is.

"Am coming through the door normally!" The door slid open, as the number one hero in all of Japan walked in, cape flowing behind his costume.

"It's really him!"

"He's even dressed during his silver age era! "

"Haha, young boys and girls, it's time for you Hero Basic Training! The class that'll put you through the wringer to become a hero!" All Might said as he struck a pose before flashing a card out. "Today's activities is this, Battle Training!"

Both of them exchanged glanced at each other, though from the outside perspective, they went crossed eye briefly before looking back to All Might who pressed a button, long panels sliding out to reveal rows of briefcases, each with a number.

"Costumes!" The class excitedly shouted, rising and clamoring to their feet.

"After you're done changing, meet up at Ground Beta." All Might gave a thumbs-up to the class and turned around. Stopping a step short from the exit. "U.A holds nothing back in their support, so go out there and look lively!"

"Yes sir!" The class replied in unison as the more excitable student quickly reached for their briefcase. Swiping them and heading to the designated locker room.

Crona looked for their number and fell on the large thirteen number, their student seat.

Only to realize that it was at the highest row. Blinking, Kurono noted that they barely even reached the second-highest one. If he was in his previous life, where he was significantly taller, he would still struggle to reach the top.

Before they could do more than stare awkwardly, Ojiro's familiar tail quickly reached out and wrapped around it amidst other students.

"Here," Ojiro grabbed his own while his tail deposited Kurono's briefcase into his arms.

"Thank you, man." Both of them replied before Kurono added the last word out of habit. Feeling the metallic briefcase, it felt unreal as both of them stared at it momentarily before shaking their heads to orient themselves.

Well, ready to get back on the saddle?

"I still don't know how to deal with it but-" Crona glanced at their reflection, meeting Kurono's gaze straight on. I'm ready. Sort of."

Heh. Kurono grinned as he cracked his neck.

Ground Beta

U.A Academy

Ojiro loosened himself as he hopped a few times by the ball of his feet. The familiar karate-Gi , second nature by now to him, moved along his movement.

He had requested some pads for his fist, hardened tip shoes, and some softer sewn pads at the knees but that was it.

A small part of him voiced out that the designers must have said how ordinary but he chased those thoughts away. This was his moment and he intends to savor it.

"Looking good."

Ojiro turned around and was met with an odd choice of clothing from his friend.

For one, the black clothes seemed to cling tightly to his body frame like a skin suit, contrasted at the wrist were three white cuffs alongside a white-collar. Perhaps for adjustment to make sure it's not too tight.

Through a closer look, Ojiro noted that the sides have slits that allow Kurono to move their legs unimpeded and spats underneath the robe. There's also a slight bump at the knees, indicating paddings for that too.

"Yea, it's pretty warm," Kurono muttered as they tugged at the collar uncomfortably with their left hand. "Thank god for adjustable collars."

"But why that?" Ojiro asked with a raised brow and pointed to a small round orange badge sewn into the right side of their arm. Looking like a small rabbit with a smiley face.

"It's a tribute." Kurono drawled before his left hand went to the right, fingers tracing around it gingerly. Smiling even, at the silly-looking badge. "-It makes me happy."

Having no answer to that, Ojiro left it be. After all, it seems harmless enough.

Just as the last student joined the class, enabling All Might to start his lessons. "For today, we'll be performing indoor anti-personnel battle training!"

"Without the basics?" Asui asked with a tilt of her head.

"Practical experience teaches you the basics the most!" All Might explained as he held a fist upwards confidently. "You'll be split into two teams, villains and heroes for a two on two battle!"

"I hope we get each other." From the corner of Ojiro's ears, Kurono spoke quietly. "I can't deal with others-"

"Don't be silly, we have to work with others." Whispering to themselves in a lower tone and sterner voice, they continued their mumblings to themselves despite knowing the answer.

Well, some things don't change. Ojiro straightened his shoulders and eyes ahead as he ignored his friend's eccentric behavior. Opting to focus on the question of how they'll be divided when it was brought up.

"With this!" All Might pulled out a small ballot box. "We'll draw lots."

How mundane. Both Ojiro and Kurono blinked at that suggestion but pushed it to the sides as it was their turn to take the lots.

Ojiro reached out, fingers randomly flicking, picking a piece out, and showed it. Kurono followed suit and shoulders fell, crestfallen as they showed their results.

"Next time." He consoled Kurono as their lot did not match and tapped them on the shoulders.

Sighing, Kurono waved it away as they started to look for their partners.

It took a moment for Ojiro to find his assigned partner, or at least, the pair of visible floating gloves.

"Oh, we're partners? Looking forward to seeing you at work!" Hagakure Toru, the invisible girl's hands coming to her chest before forming a peace sign when she saw his lot.

"You too." Ojiro nodded.

Once everyone found their assigned partner, All Might wasted no time as he drew upon two other ballots. "And first up, are these two teams!"

Team H vs Team C

Eyes widened as Ojiro turned towards team H, it was one of the recommended students, Yaoyorozu Momo and Jiro Kyoka, the punk rocker girl.

Then looking at the other, well…

"I-I don't think I can deal with going first-"

"Hmm, so we will be the first to take a step into the throes of combat? How fitting."

Well, he supposed that at least Kurono wasn't paired with Bakugou.

AN: Right, sorry for the late delay. I'm busting my ass atm to get the next chapter ASAP. It's about 50%-60% complete. I'm finally getting into the meat of the story.

As usual, comment and criticize, and I'll answer them as much as I can.