Kinoko sat across from her friends in a small diner; they had asked to be seated in the back booth. Kinoko was not sure what Izumi and Momo wanted to talk to her about, but this was outside the top of her list.
"So you, Momo?" she managed.
"Yes," Momo responded, her voice crisp.
"And you, Izumi?" she turned her attention to her other best friend, who seemed to be trying to develop Invisibility without much success.
"Y-Yes," Izumi replied, her voice a little unsteady.
"Is it weird that I feel left out somehow?" Kinoko said, her head cocked to the side.
"L-Left out?" Izumi managed to be a little shocked.
"You two have the hots for each other, but not me? I mean, am I not sexy enough? What the frick?" Kinoko said, mashing her boobs together; her smile immediately betrayed her teasing tone.
"No, you are very pretty; I think you are plenty hot. But you have Sato, and he has always been a gentleman, but Midnight said no man would ever pass up a threesome, or I guess, a foursome. But you said you haven't gone that far. I am not ready for that either, not with a boy, but maybe some touching and kissing. I would like that. I like kissing Momo, but you have a boyfriend, which would be cheating…"
Kinoko looked at Momo, who was listening to her girlfriend rambles; she blushed at the more intimate suggestion, which was down from Scarlet at the words threesome. "Are you going to stop her?" Kinoko asked, trying not to blush or laugh; it honestly was 50/50.
"No, I want to see where this goes," Momo replied.
"I can't be a homewrecker; that would be terrible, but I already told Momo she could still have Caliban from Sound of Fury. But Sato is nice and has always been so nice to me, and Momo, I wouldn't want to put him in that position. Also, he doesn't do it for me. He doesn't make it feel like the butterflies want to run rampant or explode like Momo. But Kinoko is very pretty, and I like her a lot, but I don't know if it is like that. Momo was the knight in my dreams; she was the one I wanted to kiss, and wow, reality is so good. So I don't think I am attracted to Kinoko like that, but I have to say she looks perfect in a swimsuit."
Izumi, unaware that her internal monologue was not inner, looked at Kinoko directly. "I am sorry, Kinoko; you are very pretty, but I am not ready. And I wouldn't be far to Sato."
"Understandable; thank you for your honesty," Kinoko managed before busting out in laughter; the confusion on Izumi's face just elevated it to another level.
Izumi looked at Momo, "Foursome, homewrecker, butterflies, the knight in your dreams." That was all Momo said.
The eep that escaped Izumi's lips as she went nuclear realized they had heard everything; her hands flew to her mouth in fists, turning it into the cutest chipmunk face that Momo had ever seen. Quick on the draw, she captured the moment in a photo; it pops out of her cleavage, akin to the world's sexiest instant camera. Izumi then hid her face; Momo laughed and joined in with Kinoko.
"I don't like any of you!" Izumi mumbled as Momo pulled her into a hug.
Once Kinoko calmed down, "How did your families take it?"
-Two Nights Ago Dinner-
"Mom, I am in love with Momo." She turned and looked at her girlfriend. "And she is my girlfriend."
Momo smiled and looked at Izumi, "So you plan just to blab it out?"
Izumi blustered a little, "I guess so," she replied with a wry smile.
Melissa was the first to walk over and hug them both, "That is so awesome; I hope you guys are happy together."
Izumi was surprised at the quick reaction but joined Momo, hugging her back. "Thank you, Melissa; I was terrified that you may think I was a freak or some sort of sicko."
"Why would that worry you so?" Melissa said, pulling back some to look Izumi in the eyes.
"I want us to keep being friends; what you are doing is amazing. I want us all to do it together, to be the ones to help carry society after we graduate." Izumi's voice was rich with emotion and passion.
"You think it's amazing?" Melissa whispered.
"We both do," Momo added, Izumi just nodded. "You are going to change how everyone looks at being a hero, Melissa; I know you and Izumi are close. I hope we will develop a strong friendship as we get to know each other more. I want to be there to see the world's first quirkless hero knock everyone on their butts."
Melissa smiled and teared up briefly before hugging the new couple tightly. "I want us to be friends together; we all to be the top heroes and the new number 1s. Like a super powerful, awesome team that shows the world that we can do it, especially if we work together."
"That is so awesome; I want that as well, all of us and Kinoko and all the others we meet along the way!" Izumi said, her face brightening.
All-Might sat back and smiled, while Izumi and Momo coming out was not what he thought would happen tonight, but the girls bonding and friendship deepening, he did hope for. He was happy for the young couple; Momo was already aware of One for All. She had been there by Izumi's side since the girl had begun to go to school, and it was apparent how much she cared and supported Izumi. Also, though they would experience some kickback in their current school, it wasn't unheard of or looked down upon in the hero community.
Midnight just smiled as she knew about Momo's feelings, and though she was unsure about Izumi, she had witnessed some things to believe that her niece was at least interested in Momo. Present Mic was happy for them; he was glad that Izumi was able to find someone she cared for. He was worried that the trauma of her youth would have taken that from her, but knowing that she was willing to open herself up and trust in that way was a huge milestone.
Aizawa looked at the young couple; he wanted to congratulate them but worried they might be making a mistake. It was an exciting place to be in; he didn't say anything; instead, he thought about Momo and Izumi, their interactions, and how they treated each other. While he would have told them to pursue romance after U.A., he also knew what could happen between now and then. He didn't want to see either of them suffer in that way or bear the burden of having not told someone how you felt about them and having that person taken from you. He regretted never telling Oboro how much he appreciated him for all he did for a young Aizawa. Before he responded, he looked at Inko.
Inko rose and walked over to the young couple; Melissa stepped aside. Izumi took Momo's hand. Momo could tell that Izumi was nervous. That all disappeared when she hugged the two of them tight. "All I have ever wanted for you is to find happiness and peace and live YOUR life," Inko spoke softly. "Momo, you have done as much for my daughter as we all and in different ways than we ever could. If, by being together, you two can find happiness and safety, then all I ask is that you treat each other well, talk about your problems, and don't be afraid of what anyone says. As long as you have someone who will support you and help shoulder that burden, that is all you need."
She kissed them both on the forehead, "I am happy for you both." The girls melted into the patent Inko hug and did their best to return it.
Aizawa hugged them both, "Listen, children, as long as this doesn't distract you too much from your studies, I am happy for you both."
With all that out of the way, the celebration continued into the late evening; Momo spent the night, though it was a little awkward when they first climbed into bed together. Some light, feathery kisses made it all better, and they drifted off to sleep.
Izumi felt like she had been asleep for hours, but it had only been a single hour; she reluctantly disentangled herself from Momo and went to get a drink of water. As she entered the kitchen, she saw her mother gazing out the sliding doors to the balcony. "Everything ok, Mom?" she asked.
Inko turned and smiled for her daughter, "Everything is fine, Izumi. Are you all right? I thought you went to bed."
"I don't know. I just woke up. I am still tired but wanted some water," Izumi said as she looked down at her cup. "Are you really okay that I am gay or that I am in a relationship with Momo."
"That doesn't bother me at all, sweetie," Inko said as she turned from the door and walked towards her precious daughter. "When I was in school, there was this girl, Kiana. She was a few years younger than me, but I thought she was so pretty. Also, I may have kissed a few girls in my time." Inko blushed, as did Izumi.
"So are or were you gay?" Izumi wondered.
"Bi-sexual would be a more accurate description." Inko leaned back against the counter. "I find both men and women attractive, and yes, Shota is aware of this. Listen, baby, don't rush to label yourself; the world will have no problem doing it for you. Find what you like and who you love; as long as they treat you right, never let them go. I never dreamed I would want to be with someone again after the Bastard, but I did, and I was ready to open myself up. It was terrifying but the right decision," Inko put her arm around Izumi's shoulders, laying her head on top of her daughters. "As long as you both are happy, that will matter in the long run. Be happy, Izumi; this life has hoisted enough bullshit on us already, so find your joy and hold it tight."
"I will, Mom," Izumi finished her glass of water; she turned and smiled at her mother. "I love you!"
"I love you more," Inko returned her daughter's smile. "Now get to bed."
-Last Night-
"Absolutely not," Momo's father bellowed. He got to his feet, knocking his chair over in the process. "I will not allow this!" He slammed his hand down on the table. "You two will not immediately stop seeing each other, and I will hear no more of this nonsense."
Her father's reaction took aback Momo; it nearly brought her to tears. Izumi instinctively stepped in front of Momo protectively. "Father, won't you listen?"
"There is nothing to discuss. You are my daughter, and I will not tolerate such foolishness," he turned to his wife. "I told you, Chi, that letting her choose during the balls wastes time. But you insisted that she finds her way, and look where that has led. I am going to arrange a marriage and put an end to this nonsense right this minute.
"Gio, please calm down," Momo's mother said as she looked at her irate husband and the girls. She noticed Izumi's position in front of Momo, standing there protectively.
"I did just that, and look what has happened. I allowed you to talk me into letting her pursue heroics instead of business, and I agreed to let her choose her suitor from the proper candidates. She chooses none, and now she is here saying she has A GIRLFRIEND!" His glare was dancing between his wife and the girls. "This ends now; she is going to attend a business university. I will arrange a proper engagement for her, and this green-haired freak can leave this house and never return. It is no doubt her fault; she is confusing Momo."
The word freak stung Izumi some; Momo noticed the flinch.
"Gio, be reasonable!" Chi said, her voice raising as she got to her feet.
"Our marriage was arranged!" he fired back.
"Yes, and you were not happy about it," Chi stood her ground.
"Yet we managed to love each other just as she will learn to love the husband I choose for her instead of," he waved his hand dismissively at Izumi. "THIS!"
"Father, I don't want to be forced into a marriage; I want to pursue a course in heroics!" Momo stepped forward, her hand over her heart. "Izumi is whom I care for, and heroics is where my passion lies!"
"NONSENSE!" Gio roared, "This is an abomination, and it will not stand! You will do as you are told! You live in my house, and I am in charge!"
Momo's tears welled, "Then goodbye, father." She took Izumi's hand, "I choose her and the future that we will forge for ourselves."
"Momo," Izumi whispered.
"Goodbye, Mother," Momo whispered, turning and leading Izumi away.
"MOMO! YOU GET BACK HERE!" HE YELLED AFTER THEM. "THIS WILL NOT STAND, I WILL CUT YOU OFF!"
"GIO!" Chi yelled, "Don't do this!"
Momo didn't look back as she and Izumi fled from the house; she looked at her driver and offered a tearful smile as she and Izumi walked down the driveway. They had reached the gates; she looked to the guard, who looked away; the gates did not open.
"Take me away," Momo said through the tears that were now falling. Izumi hugged her and, using her shielding, put them over the gates. They looked back at the house and saw her father yelling from the top of the driveway, but his words were lost in the wind. Momo saw her mother on the balcony; Chi just motioned for her to go. The two girls fled back to Izumi's house.
A tearful discussion between Inko and Midnight led to the women immediately offering to put her up. Momo lay in the room, wrapped in Izumi's arms, and bawled. She had never expected that sort of reaction from her father, that he may have been disappointed, but that was not what had happened. She didn't know how much time had passed till Inko came to the door.
"Momo dear, your mother is in the building downstairs in the lobby and would like to speak with you. Do you want me to allow her to come up?" Inko walked and sat on the edge of the bed. "We can say no and ask her to come another day?"
Momo sat up and dried her eyes, "No, I will talk to her, but please don't make me do so alone!"
Izumi immediately told her she would be right there, and Inko told her she would be in the kitchen if needed.
Chi entered the penthouse apartment; the woman introduced herself as Inko Shimura, Izumi's mother. Chi bowed slightly as the woman led her to the living room, where his daughter sat waiting. Chi could tell her daughter had been crying. She wanted to hug her and tell her it would all be all right, but she knew she couldn't. She also saw Izumi there, looking at Chi as if trying to see if she was friend or foe.
"Hello, Mother," Momo said, her voice a little harsh from the crying.
"Hello Momo. May I sit?" she motioned to a chair across from two girls; she waited for them to nod."
"I will not return and marry someone I do not love!" Momo stated. "I will not give up on heroics, and I will not give up on Izumi!"
Chi thought for a second before she proceeded. "And if things do not work out with her, what then?" Chi held her hand up to stave off the inevitable protest. "Right now, you will sit here and say this will last forever because you are young. I am not discounting your feelings, but there is a chance that as you grow, you will change and, in turn, want different things."
"I will still pursue a career in heroics, and Izumi will still be my friend," Momo had her hand over her heart. "You are right, mother; no one knows the future or can tell where our relationship will go. But I know that no one has ever made me feel this way, that she makes me feel like I can do so much more than I ever thought possible. I deserve to see how far this goes; I NEED TO KNOW!"
Chi looked at Izumi; the girl took a deep breath. "Momo makes me feel safe; just being with her inspires me to do better. I don't know where I would be if your daughter hadn't been the one to give me a tour of our school or take a chance on me after everything. You are right; no one knows the future. I used to dream of a day without pain, but now I dream of so much more. Things may change, but the importance of your daughter in my life will never change."
"Your father's and mine marriage were an arranged marriage, and time we grew to love one another," Chi's gaze took a long off look. "When we had you, Momo, we talked and argued long about your future, and in the end, he allowed you to pursue heroics. I did not want you to have to go through the process we did of learning to love each other, so I arranged the balls. In the hope you would find someone naturally." Chi gazed back at her daughter. "It seems you have, though not in a manner that either your father or I would have thought."
"I am sorry for disappointing you," Momo said, her head drooping.
"You have done no such thing, Momo," Chi said, Momo's head snapping up. "You are fighting for your dream and what you believe is the best path for you. I love you too much to take that away from you."
"But father…"
"The Yaoyorozu came to my family seeking an arranged marriage; their fortunes had taken a turn for the worse," Chi said. "I will support you, and I will make sure that you can follow this dream. All I ask is if your father ever comes to his senses. Please allow him to try at least and make amends. I know nothing will erase the memory of this day, but that is all I can ask."
Momo rose to her feet, slightly unsteady, as she crossed over to her mom's waiting embrace.
-Today-
Kinoko sat back in the booth, "Holy hell, that was a rollercoaster of a few days. Are you okay, Momo?"
"Knowing that my mom has not abandoned me helps, but I thought my father was on my side. He was always so attentive and loving towards me. His change hurts." Momo held Izumi's hand and reached out for Kinoko's. "But I believe in us and that we can do something great."
"Maybe one day he will come to terms with it," Kinoko said, taking Momo's hand. "Now, enough sadness; we are supposed to celebrate getting into the U.A.!"
The girls broke into a smile, and for the next few hours, they put their troubles behind them and celebrated their accomplishments.
-Tomorrow-
"So now that we have the results, we need to decide who will be placed into which class," Nezu said with a smile.
"I have to say this crop of students is exciting," Vlad King leaned forward as the holographic display showed all the students who passed this year's exam.
"I know who I want, but there is a question of if you will allow it?" Aizawa said, turning to Nezu.
"There will be questions of if you can be far?" Nezu replied, "There will need to be periodic review to ensure you are not being either too lenient or harsh. Would it be easier to place them in Vlad's class?"
"It would be easier, but that doesn't mean I still don't want to guide them," Aizawa said.
"We have made some significant changes with the first years going to be living on campus," Nezu turned his attention to a model in the corner of the room. "The girls in one section and the boys in another but the same area." The model was of the new dorms. For the first few years, it was split like a U, separating the boys' and girls' areas.
"You could always put all the girls in one class?" Nemuri said with a smile. "I wouldn't mind being that homeroom teacher."
"While it may help the boys concentrate more, it's probably not the best idea," Vlad said with a chuckle.
"Let us start with the recommended students," Nezu said, taping a few things on the panel before him.
"I want Yaoyorozu and Todoroki," Aizawa said.
"That would leave me with Yoarashi and Tokage," Vlad mused, "I want Todoroki, and I will give you Togake."
"Those two had quite the dust-up during the exam," Nemuri chimed in. "It took much talking not to get Yoarashi to not go to another school."
"I am aware Todoroki is only using half his quirk. Yoarashi called him out; I wanted him to do so again. We must discover why Todoroki, Endeavor's son, refuses to use his fire. I bet it has something to do with that scar," Vlad looked over to Hound Dog. "I want him to see you on day one!"
"Agreed, we need to address this issue. The sooner, the better," the pro hero responded.
They went back and forth for a few hours, with students bouncing back and forth. Aizawa looked at his class and rubbed his temples. He got what he wanted, but he got what he was also worried about.
Class 1-A
Recommended Students: Momo Yaoyorozu, Setsuna Togake
Entrance Exam Students: Mina Ashido, Reiko Yanagi, Tenya Ida, Ochaco Uraraka, Kinoko Komori, Denki Kaminari, Melissa Shield, Eijiro Kirishima, Rikido Sato, Mezo Shoji, Kyoka Jiro, Fumikage Tokoyami, Toru Hagakure, Katsuki Bakugo, Himiko Bakugo, Neito Monoma, Minoru Mineta and Izumi Shimura
Class 1-B
Recommended Students: Inasa Yoarashi, Shoto Todoroki
Entrance Exam Students: Yosetsu Awase, Sen Kaibara, Togaru Kamakiri, Shihai Kuroiro, Itsuka Kendo, Yui Kodai, Tsuyu Asui, Ibara Shiozaki, Jurota Shishida, Nirengeki Shoda, Pony Tsunotori, Kosei Tsuburaba, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Yuga Aoyama, Juzo Honenuki, Hanta Sero, Mezo Shoji, and Hiryu Ren
"Are you sure you want to put her and Bakugo in the same class?" Midnight said as she leaned forward.
"I don't want him there so it doesn't force her to deal with any pain, as an easy cop-out. For the same reason that Vlad is taking Yoarashi and Todoroki. We need to see how they will react to each other, and for a selfish reason, I want to be there to nip anything in the bud before it starts." Aizawa replied, rubbing his eyes. "I am looking forward to this year but also dreading it simultaneously."
Vlad looked over his roster; he flagged a few students that he would need to focus on. "Well, if things are not working, we can always shift students between courses."
"Yes, remember they are going to more joint courses this year; I want you all to encourage them to get used to working together, as we are all aware of what may be coming down the pipeline. Kaede will also join us as a staff member this year." Nezu added.
Asuka, in a different life, called herself Kiana or Lady Nagant. But Lady Nagant had disappeared years ago; the Hero Commission was still looking for her. She walked into the room, her long black hair with tuffs of purple and pink tied in a braid over her shoulder. "I look forward to working with you all this year," she bowed. The doors opened, and Lunch Rush walked, pushing a cart full of food and drinks.
"Let us welcome the newest staff members, All-Might will be here soon, and let us toast to the new year," Nezu said, raising his glass.
-Home-
It was unusual for Izumi to be alone with Aizawa, but he had asked her to accompany him tonight. Izumi was used to him being around; he was her Uncle, after all, for all those years, but he might be moving towards a new role in the future.
They stopped as he dropped some paperwork at a police station and grabbed a bite at this small food stand near U.A. This older couple operated it. The food was sublime and delicious. It had good portions and was a wonderful experience. Izumi made sure to fill this place away for a date with Momo. He was talking her around the shops off the beaten path near U.A., Giving her the tour of the hidden gems he had found; she was making tons of notes on her phone. It was an excellent bonding experience.
Much to Izumi's surprise, they had made their way to a cat café. The staff immediately recognized Aizawa, which made the girl giggle. They were in a private room when he took a deep breath.
"Izumi, I wanted to tell you now that I am going to be your homeroom teacher," he was expecting the girl to smile and seem excited by that prospect or the warm feeling it gave him. "I thought hard about it and wanted to tell you that things may be a little rough initially as I find my footing in handling you as a student due to our special relationship."
"I understand," Izumi said as a Persian kitty found its way into her lap, much to her delight. Aizawa glared at the cat for a moment, as this cat had resisted all his attempts to pet it. Prince fancied girls. "So if you seem harsher, I shouldn't take it personally."
"Yes, I am excited about the future you and your friends have laid out before you, and I want to see that grow," she noticed Aizawa steady himself. "The other thing is that Katsuki Bakugo will be in your class."
Izumi stiffened some, "Did you choose to have him there?"
"Yes, I did," Aizawa said, watching her intently.
"Why?" she said, focusing her gaze on the cat.
"Of course, I am aware of the history between you two. I wanted him there for two reasons." Aizawa leaned forward. "As your teacher, I wanted to see how the two of you will get along and how you both will react to the adversity. As someone who cares about you, I wanted to keep a close eye on him in case I need to step in. As you know, there will be a dorm system; both heroic classes will be living together, so I need to know that you will be ok when you are around him in the dorms."
"So I guess by this conversation that we both got in?" Izumi looked up and saw the man nod in the affirmative. "It was hard to see him; I can't say that I am happy about him being in class, but I also am not angry. I want to move past what happened, but I need to know that he is a better person now, and being around him will allow that. So I can make sure it is not an act."
"That is a very mature thing to say," Aizawa said. "Now you can say the other part."
"I want to punch him in the face so freaking hard!" Izumi remembered to censor herself some. "Thank you for telling me and caring enough to sit me down like this."
"You welcome Izumi," Aizawa leaned back. "I do care about you, and I care about your mother. I want you to know that even though I will be your teacher, you can still come to me as a family when needed. Just tell me this is as a family, not my student. I will also do my best to keep those two things separate."
"Are you going to ask her to marry you?" Izumi said, turning her attention back to Prince.
"The thought had crossed my mind. Would you be okay with that?" he found his favorite cat trotting over to claim him.
"You make her happy and treat her right, so it doesn't bother me," she smiled. "Your not so bad."
"Neither are you, kid, neither are you."
-Bakugo House-
Himi was rolling on the floor with Mizuki when Mitsuki walked in, holding two large white envelopes and shaking slightly. "They are from the U.A.!" she said, her voice rich with emotion. "Katsuki, the letters from U.A. has arrived." It was dead quiet in the house for a solid minute before they heard his door open, and he came walking down the stairs.
Masaru emerged from his home office as the family gathered in the living room. Masaru put his hand on his son's shoulder, "You put in the effort. Now it is time to see what the results are."
Himiko looked at her brother and smiled, "Do you want me to go first?" He nodded, staring at the envelope on the table. Himiko took a deep breath and cut open the envelope with a small pocket knife. She pulled a Holo Disk from the envelope and set it on the table, taping the center to get it to play.
"GREETINGS, MS. BAKUGO, IT IS I ALL MIGHT!" The visage of the number one hero of Japan filled the screen. "I WOULD FIRST LIKE TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON OVERCOMING SUCH ADVERSITY IN YOUR EARLY LIFE. TO COME AND STAND WHERE YOU ARE NOW IS NOT AN EASY FEAT. SO TAKE PRIDE IN HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME. BUT ENOUGH WITH THAT, LET US GET TO THE REAL REASON YOU ARE WATCHING THIS. YOU MANAGED TO PASS YOUR WRITTEN EXAM, BUT YOUR MATH SCORE WAS RIGHT ON THE BORDER, SO I SUGGEST LOOKING FOR SOME TUTORING IN THAT SUBJECT." All-Might looked around conspiratorially, "But do not fret, my dear; Math was never my strong subject either; I mean, what the deal with all those numbers is!" he smiled before resuming his original position.
"NOW, ON TO YOUR PRACTICAL EXAM, WHERE I MUST SAY THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO DO WELL, SCORING 17 VILLAIN POINTS, WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ENOUGH FOR YOU TO PASS." Himi had started to droop, but she immediately perked back up. "THERE WAS ANOTHER PART OF THIS TEST AND THAT WAS HERO POINTS, WHERE YOU SCORED A AMAZING 30 POINTS."
The screen shifted to a highlight reel of her exam, showing her fighting robots and helping to save students from ambush attacks and getting injured when the Zero Pointer showed up by pushing someone away from falling debris and covering another one with her own body. It showed her adapting and collecting people's blood, taking enough to change forms and keep moving. It also showed her naked and unconscious, being carried to safety; everything was blurred, and her rescue had the decency to cover her in his shirt.
"EXCELLENT WORK, NOW, TO ADDRESS THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM OF THE UNWANTED EXPOSURE OF YOUR BODY. YES, I LIKE THAT. INCLUDED IN YOUR ACCEPTANCE PACKAGE IS AN ADDRESS FOR YOU TO GO AND PROVIDE DNA SAMPLES AS WELL AS HAIR SAMPLES. I HATE TO SAY THAT YOU ARE GOING TO GET A RATHER DRASTIC HAIRCUT, BUT IT IS FOR A GOOD CAUSE. WE ARE GOING TO MAKE FOR YOU UNDERGARMENTS THAT WILL STILL BE WITH YOU WHEN YOU CHANGE BACK, AND WE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO CREATE YOUR HERO COSTUME OUT OF THE SAME MATERIAL. THIS IS A LENGTHY PROCESS, SO PLEASE GET THAT SUBMITTED RIGHT AWAY. AS FOR WHY I AM TELLING YOU ALL THIS…I WILL BE YOUR HEROICS TEACHER; I HAVE JOINED U.A. AS A MEMBER OF ITS' STAFF. SO WELCOME TO YOU HERO ACEDEMIA HIMIKO BAKUGO!" The disk went dark.
There were hugs and kisses before they turned to Bakugo, who, with shaking hands, tore open the envelope, dumped it on the table, and just sat staring at the disk. "I-I don't think I can press it," he muttered.
"You can do it, Katsuki," Himiko said as she came and sat next to him, putting her arm around him. Mizuki walked over and put her hands on his knees.
"You have to do so you can show me how to be a hero!" the little girl said. Katsuki looked down at her and smiled.
"I do, don't I?" he said as the little girl nodded, her face all serious. He reached out, and once again, All-Might sprang to life.
"KATSUKI BAKUGO, LET US GET RIGHT TO IT. YOU PASSED YOUR WRITTEN EXAM IN THE TOP 5%. YOU ALSO PASSED THE PRACTICAL EXAM WITH 66 VILLAIN POINTS AND 27 RESCUE POINTS, EARNING YOU 3RD PLACE OVERALL." All Might paused. "NOW YOUR PATH TO THIS MOMENT IN LIFE HAS BE DIFFICULT. A LOT OF THAT IS OF YOUR OWN MAKING. YOU HAVE COMPLETED AND EXCELLED AT ALL THE COURT-ORDERED REHABILITATION. AS YOU KNOW, YOU WILL STILL BE SUBJECT TO QUIRK RESTRICTIONS OUTSIDE OF HEROIC CLASS; IT IS THE OPINION OF THE FACULTY THAT YOU WILL WEAR A QUIRK SUPPRESENT BRACELET WHILE ON CAMPUS AT ALL TIMES. THIS BRACELET WILL ALLOW YOU SOME ACCESS TO YOUR QUIRK, BUT IT WILL ALERT YOUR OVERSEER WHEN YOU USE IT."
"I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT THE PERSON YOU WERE, THE PERSON THE COURTS REPORT YOU ARE, WHAT YOUR FAMILY HAS SAID. I HAVE READ IN YOUR SUBMISSION PACKET ABOUT HOW SORRY YOU ARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. SOMEONE MORE TALENTED THAN ME SAID," All-Might lifted a paper.
"Sorry.
Sorry means you feel the pulse of other people's pain and your own, and saying it means you take a share of it. And so it binds us together, makes us trodden and sodden as one another. Sorry, it is many things. It's a hole refilled. A debt repaid. Sorry is the wake of misdeed. It's the crippling ripple of consequence. Sorry is sadness, just as knowing is sadness. Sorry, it is sometimes self-pity. But Sorry, really, it is not about you. It's theirs to take or leave.
Sorry means you leave yourself open to embrace, ridicule, or revenge. Sorry is a question that begs forgiveness because the metronome of a good heart won't settle until things are correctly set. Sorry, it doesn't take things back but pushes things forward. It bridges the gap. Sorry, it is a sacrament. It's an offering. A gift."
"I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE SORRY FOR YOUR PAST DEEDS, BUT IT IS NOT MY PLACE TO OFFER YOU FORGIVENESS; THERE IS ONE PERSON YOU MUST SEEK THAT FROM. WELCOME TO YOUR HERO, ACADEMIA KATSUKI BAKUGO."
Katsuki sat back, letting out a deep breath, as his parents came over to hug him and congratulate him on getting in.
"So, did she get in as well?" Mitsuki asked.
"That is the impression I got," Masaru replied to her. "I wonder how she is?"
"She looked outstanding," Himiko said, shocking the parents. "We bumped into her at the exam; she told Katsuki that they could talk then if they both got in. I sat with her on the bus to the Practical and told her how he and the rest of you helped me." Himiko hugged Katsuki tight. "Don't worry, Katsuki. I may not go smoothly, but I know you will have your chance to talk to her."
"I just hope I can show her…"