The only thing worse than the jetlag was the anxiety of returning home to the U.A. dorms. Himiko and you are hand in hand, trying to fight down your nerves as Akia mushes the two of you along, ensuring that you won't be backing out of this family reunion. As you take the elevator to the top floor, you look at Akia with pleading eyes. Still, instead of taking you and Himiko to the right, where your apartment is, she steers you to the left, towards your parents' luxury condo.
Seriously?! I swear that used to work all the time when I was a kid!
Oh no, that means I can't force Akia to do whatever I want anymore! She's actually, like, gasp, a Mom!
Noooooooo!
Entering the apartment, Nezu was sipping a cup of tea and sitting at the head of the table. He gives the two of you a courteous, if strained, smile.
"Welcome home, Kazuha."
"Hey, dad," you greet back, rubbing your arm. "I, uh, learned a lot during my time in the States."
"I'm sure you did," Nezu nods before turning to Himiko. "Well, Cathleen was not exaggerating. This revelation would have been quite the surprise had Ms. Bate not called to inform me of the situation in advance."
"Mom called?" Himiko tilts her head. "Actually, no, that makes sense."
You try to justify your decision by saying, "I thought it would be better to give you the full story in person."
"Well, that would have been a mistake," Nezu chuckles darkly. "We both know how much we don't like surprises."
"I-I guess," you add weakly, knowing just how challenging the request you're about to ask will be. "Dad…."
"This is about your sleeping arrangements, yes?"
"Yeah," you admit, Himiko squeezing your hand in encouragement. "We're both adults now. And I know that Horie's moved out of our old place to a single instead of a double."
"I'm aware," Nezu reminds you. "That happened a month ago, under my supervision. Chiyo approved the decision; Horie's been taking her training very seriously since she returned early."
"I'm happy to hear that," you smile. "Genuinely. I hope Horie's not upset with me."
"The two of you have simply discovered that your paths in life aren't quite the same. Most siblings or friends rarely pursue the same destiny. There is nothing wrong with that, so long as it doesn't tear the two of you apart."
"I won't let it," Himiko declares. "Horie is my best friend, and the last thing I want to do is break up a family, even… even if it means my relationship with Kaz."
"It seems you've matured a lot, Himiko Bate," Nezu smirks, lingering on the last name. "It appears going to the United States was a story of self-discovery for you."
"Yes, sir," Himiko bows. "That trip was the best thing that happened to me."
"I can see it on your face. You've changed. But that just begs the question…."
Nezu's face becomes stern.
"About your escapades as a dog."
Violet whines in Akia's arms, causing Himiko to frown.
"I understand my methods of trying to be a good owner are unconventional, and I appreciate that my girlfriend was willing to accommodate my strange request."
"You don't have to be so formal, Himiko," Nezu critiques. "I don't want to hear the answer you prepared. I want to hear it from the heart."
Himiko, taken off guard. "I-I had fun as a dog, and Kaz took great care of me. My quirk isn't, or, uh, wasn't, really built for combat, so…."
"I don't want excuses either."
"Look," Himiko pouts. "I know it's weird, but I don't care what you think. I'm not hurting anyone. It's not like other people, including licensed heroes, haven't done far worse with their quirks. So what if it reinforces our relationship dynamic; it's already skewed. What exactly is the problem?"
"Does your mother know of this?"
"Yes," Himiko crosses her arms. "She helped me train in my animal forms over the summer. And with the Transform quirk part of the New Order quirk now, she'll know when I change forms. Yet it's not like she's discouraging me because Mom knows I'll be responsible with Transform. Though she's admittedly concerned about New Order, for good reason, I guess."
Nezu closes his eyes.
"Yes," he admits. "When I first learned about your decision, I was quite worried about how this could affect your development. And while I still believe those concerns are valid, seeing you now, I can see my lack of faith was somewhat misplaced. You two are growing up. While Kazuha won't be moving away again for the foreseeable future, that doesn't mean you two are children. And I have to respect that."
"Thank you," you tell your Dad. "I appreciate it."
"Well, due to your adoption and new quirk, Himiko, I can officially announce that your application to the recommended exam has been approved."
"You mean…."
"Should you choose to take the recommended exam, you can," Nezu clarifies before turning to you. "Obviously, as my daughter, that invitation extends to Kazuha."
Seeing as your father has transitioned this conversation into business, your gaze hardens.
"However," Nezu prefaces. "There are those who would believe that Kazuha's admission is solely based on nepotism."
"Does my transcript and quirk factor not speak for itself?" you grumble.
"To the media who are looking for any potential scandal?" Nezu scoffs. "Never."
"I really hate the media."
"It can sometimes be the greatest weapon for and against us."
"Yu's taught me that," you note.
"Ah, yes. One of our more… disappointing recent graduates."
Sensing this could turn into another argument, you wisely decide to steer away from that topic.
"So what are you suggesting, father?" you probe.
"Perhaps you might consider taking the general exam?" Nezu proposes. "Since the scores are publicly announced for the admitted students, it might do some good to discredit the tabloids."
"Or we could lean into it," you counter. "Me getting in through the recommended exam is a sure thing, Dad. Sure, there's the obstacle course, but really, the only reason for that and the written test is to ensure that the recommended students can actually walk the walk, so to speak. If I took the regular entrance exam, it would only serve to take a spot away from the regular applicants, giving anyone in my testing room fewer chances to shine."
"If we're going to get accusations of nepotism, you're arguing we lean into it. Some are already going to think I gave you the answers to the written exam anyway, so the only thing that matters is the practical exam in either case. By being transparent, we can get ahead of the curve. It's not an awful suggestion," Nezu considers. "Though I'd still want you to be present at the recommended exam as a proctor."
"I'll be there for Himiko," you smile.
"If Kaz is taking the normal entrance exam, then that's the one I'll take," Himiko declares. "I was expecting to take that one anyway."
"That is your decision, though I have no doubt you'll pass either way with Kazuha's tutoring and your new and improved quirk factor," Nezu expects.
"We don't have to make a decision immediately," you point out. "I'd at least like to settle down and get some food in our systems."
"Yes," Nezu confirms. "The two of you should drop your suitcases off, unpack, and come back here for an early dinner. Horie and Chiyo should be done with practice soon."
"You mean…."
"What Himiko does with her quirk in her free time is between the two of you and your mother. At least you have the common decency to understand when your old man is trying to give you advice."
"So Kazuha and I can stay together?"
"Your… previous biological family, after being informed of the situation, were more than happy to cut ties with you. If I didn't accept you into my home, then I'd be forcing Cathy to have to figure out a place for you to live, and a hero doesn't abandon people in their time of need. As much as I have had grievances in the past, it is only because I care about you like I do my students and don't want to see anything bad happen to you."
"So the short of it is that we're officially roomies," you interrupt gleefully. "All that's left is for us to get married."
"Which shouldn't be for a very long time," Nezu's eye twitches.
"Oh, I was thinking about doing it at the Sports Festival after I won."
"Well," Nezu smiles sinisterly. "I guess I'll have to stop that from happening."
"What happened to fair sportsmanship?"
"All is fair in love and war."
"And which is it?"
"The love to protect my daughter and the war to overcome her schemes."
"I-I don't think you should tease your dad like that," Himiko blushes. "Or me."
"Yeah," you back off. "We shouldn't take that next step until we're well and truly ready."
"Yep. There's no rush," you reassure her, giving Himiko a peck on the cheek.
As you turn around, Akia hands Violet back to you.
"See?" she says smugly. "Was that so hard?"
"Ha ha," you sarcastically laugh. "We'll be back soon."
"You better. Horie would have my head if you don't join the family for dinner."
"What are we eating?" Himiko asks.
"Something very traditionally Japanese that'll remind you what real Japanese cuisine is."
"So take out?" you catch on.
"Obviously," Akia sighs. "You expect me to cook after that flight?"
"It wasn't that bad."
"It was a fourteen-hour flight!" Akia complains. "And the wi-fi wasn't cheap! And with you two watching romantic comedies the whole time, it was up to me to hold Violet. And guess who snores?"
"You?" you quip.
"Very funny. Go wash up."
"Okay, Mom."
Akia ruffles your hair as she goes to the kitchen to refill Nezu's glass. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Nezu fondly watching the scene unfolding before him.
It's good to be home.
You don't know how Akia found a place that would deliver fresh teppan all the way to Yuuei or how it managed to maintain its flavor and freshness, but you aren't complaining as you chew down on a steak and shimp combo, trading a few pieces of each for some chicken off Himiko's dish to get the full array of options.
Meanwhile, you listen to Horie ramble about all she's learned from Chiyo, not bothering to keep up with the wave of information coming out of her mouth but simply happy to see that Horie is excited.
"Anyway," Horie finishes, running out of breath. "I've made so much progress that Mom might let me serve as her apprentice during the entrance exam."
"Letting you shadow my work and actually partake in it are two different things, missy," Chiyo makes it as straightforward as possible. "Perhaps I may employ your services in particularly disastrous cases, but the entrance exam is far from an emergency. It's mostly to give you an idea of what it may be like when I eventually pass on the mantle to you."
"How is that medicine program coming anyway?" you speak up, trying to create some conversation.
"Well, it's going to be tough. Effectively, I'll be pursuing a nursing degree with two minors in hero studies and pharmaceuticals, fitting in some graduate-level classes when applicable. I'll be hitting the books for the next few years without much of a break—not that the hero course is much different."
"The hero course has breaks in the academic calendar," Nezu clarifies. "It's just all students are expected to either get internships or take remedial classes should they fail their exams or to secure such employment. This upcoming winter break is no exception."
"We can figure out what we're doing during that time when it gets closer," you put off. "We have to focus on graduating first. How has Natsumi been doing in my absence as interim president?"
"You don't give yourself enough credit," Horie shakes her head. "Sure, you haven't been putting in quite as much work as you did during your first term as President, but Natsumi makes it very clear she's only handling the job as well as she is because of how much time you've spared her for taking care of the more difficult tasks."
"I pulled a lot of late nights to make those student council meetings over the internet, it's true," you admit. "It'll be so much easier to do it in person. As much as I've made such wonderful friends in the States, it's great to see the group back together."
Horie stops eating. "Yeah. Though… I've made some new friends, too. So I guess things won't be all that different from when we were in the States together."
"I'm looking forward to meeting them," you reassure Horie.
"Me too," Himiko brightly smiles, causing Horie to cheer up.
"Can't believe we're only a few months away from graduation," Horie continues. "Soon, we'll officially be attending Yuuei. Crazy considering we've lived so much of our lives here."
"About that," Nezu turns to you and Himiko. "Have you made a decision about the entrance exams, Kazuha? Will you be taking the main entrance exam or helping with the recommended one?"
My decision will impact which of the two Himiko will take part in. Even if I skip taking an exam to help with the recommended one, Himiko will have to pass whichever one she takes. The recommended exam emphasizes the written exam, the pure power of a person's quirk, and a personal interview. The traditional exam also has a written exam but emphasizes the practical exam, which is really make or break. Perhaps my involvement in one or the other could impact the student body. Someone who might otherwise not be in my class could get in at the cost of another student not getting in. And then there's what the tabloids are going to think. There are many things to consider, but the best course of action would probably be to take part in the…
DECISION POINT: What Exam Will Kazuha Take Part In?
A - The Traditional Entrance Exam (As a Participant)
B - The Recommended Students Exam (As a Proctor)