Written by Aduubo, Buckichamp, and PikachuSpartan.
I OWN NOTHING. KILL LA KILL IS OWNED BY STUDIO TRIGGER AND KAZUKI NAKASHIMA. MHA IS OWNED BY TOHO ANIMATION AND KOHEI HORIKOSHI.
—
Now that the Transfer Program was set in motion, Hawks immediately made his way back to Honnō city. Hours passed by as Mikisugi sat in his apartment, taking a sigh of relief. The sun is sinking below the horizon, the time drawing near for his next meeting with Hawks.
"How lucky am I to have the No. 3 Hero of all people come spy on me? Now we just need that transfer program and we'll be golden. Things are finally starting to look up for us," Mikisugi said as he stood up and made his way towards his apartment door, preparing for his walk to the Matoi mansion.
-21:37, Isshin Matoi Mansion-
"...What the hell do people actually learn here..?" An expression of absolute disbelief was plastered on Keigo's face as he glanced over the ABSOLUTE wreckage of No Tardies Day.
He touches down at the front of the manor like the last time he had arrived. With him, he's carrying a manila envelope which contains official documentation for the Student Transfer Program. Mikisugi hears the rustle of feathers and steps out of the shadows again, slicking his hair back in the process.
"Welcome back, traveler. How did the meeting go?"
"We got the green light. Now we just need you to convince Satsuki to make the transfer a full go," Hawks says as he hands over the envelope to Mikisugi. "The documents in here are an official invitation for Ryuko to participate in the program. We'll just need the signature and Ryuko will be at UA in no time."
Mikisugi opens the envelope and takes a look at the contents inside. "I'm impressed! The folks at UA are quick," Mikisugi said with a smile as he set the papers back inside.
"Alright, just leave it to me. I'll get this over to Satsuki and hopefully get Ryuko transferred ASAP."
"Sounds good to me. If you don't need me anymore, I'll be clocking out for the day. As much as I'd love to stay, Honnō Town is kind of spooky. I'd like to be a tourist without having to worry about being mugged around every street corner," Hawks jokes with a chuckle before his wings flap and expand.
Mikisugi laughs as well before nodding, "Fair enough. Thanks again, Hawks, and good luck. We'll be in touch."
The next morning, Mikisugi makes his way to approach the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee, Ira Gamagori, to deliver the proposition from UA High.
'I'm not gonna kid myself, this is by far the DUMBEST thing I have ever done during my time here. If they even THINK I have something up my sleeve, it's all over. So, I gotta do this right. Play it cool, no need for theatrics. Just straight to the point.'
Mikisugi stands face to face with the Disciplinary Committee's main office. Its hilariously massive door being what stands between him and the committee's chairman- Ira Gamagori. The name alone strikes fear into the heart's of the inhabitants in all of Honnōji, coming second only to Satsuki Kiryuin.
Mikisugi's palms begin to sweat as he raises his right hand to knock on the door.
"Enter. I already heard you coming near my office 20 steps before," a booming voice called out as the massive door slowly creaked open. Mikisugi, frightened by the sudden command, entered the committee chair's office.
As he enters, the door behind him slams shut, leaving him face to face with an absolute giant of a man that is Gamagori. The man in question, standing a RIDICULOUS 7'7", is sitting behind an equally outrageous mahogany desk. Gamagori looks up from the paperwork laid neatly upon his desk to face the somewhat bewildered Mikisugi.
"This better be important, Mikisugi. I'd rather not have my time wasted on minor inconveniences, so on with it," Gamagori growled as he straightened himself up, maintaining a formal posture.
"C-Chairman, sir! I thought I could come by to deliver a letter I received from an… outside sponsor. Thought I'd run it by you and Lady Satsuki first, so you two could have a proper say in this," Mikisugi stuttered through his words as he shakily extended his arm to lend the envelope out to Gamagori.
Gamagori proceeds to lean towards his desk, reaching out toward Mikisugi to grab the manila envelope. He examines the papers inside, then looks back at Mikisugi with a slightly, yet menacingly, raised eyebrow.
"And why are you the one that received such an important document? Any and all documents from outside the island must ALWAYS arrive in Honnō City's Multipurpose Mailing System. And if not there, then it would arrive here...in MY office. So by all means Mikisugi, explain yourself!"
Beads of sweat build on Mikisugi's forehead as Gamagori's gaze pierces through his already shaky demeanor.
"I got it from one of my outside providers. It's a nightmare just to live in the slums as is, so having friends outside really helps in the long run," Mikisugi stammers as Gamagori stares back, looking somewhat unamused.
"And why would one of your 'outside contributors' hand you an important document, right after we have concluded our annual NO TARDIES DAY? Such an act of improper punctuality is absolutely disrespectful, especially for the likes of Honnōji Academy," Gamagori presses on.
'DAMMIT! This is bad! I knew he'd press for answers but this is way more intense than I thought it would be. Come on Aikuro, work your damn magic. Everything is on the line here!'
Mikisugi takes a second to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow as he looks towards the increasingly impatient disciplinary committee chairman, and then clears his throat.
"Apologies, I know punctuality is one of Honnōji Academy's major pet peeves. Believe me, I would've delivered this to you if I was given this much sooner. But due to the fight between Lady Satsuki and Matoi, coupled with No Tardies Day...let's just say my contact would rather return home in one piece," Mikisugi responds, hoping to ease the annoyed Gamagori.
"Hmm… Very well. I suppose it could not be helped, these two events have greatly impacted the flow of information and supplies coming to and from Honnōji. This transgression will be forgiven… However, if such an action were to be repeated, there will be consequences."
With his warning made clear, Gamagori stands up and walks away from his desk. Mikisugi's form relaxes, now that the reluctant Elite Four member seemed satisfied with his response. As he proceeds to exit the office, Mikisugi is stopped by the feeling of dread. Pure, unadulterated...Dread.
-CLICK-
Seemingly out of nowhere, the room is illuminated by viciously blinding light. A brightness so vicious, Mikisugi had to turn his head to protect his eye.
"Aikuro Mikisugi…," A voice calls to the bewildered teacher as he looks up to see the origin of the commanding voice.
Mikisugi, stunned and even more frightened, stands in the presence of the head of Honnōji Academy. The woman who holds the lives of every single person on this island in the palm of her hand.
Satsuki Kiryuin.
Gamagori bows to the descending Satsuki as she is handed the document in question. With an unamused stare she asks, "...what does this document entail? And why have you delivered this to us in person? What importance does it hold?"
Mikisugi is stunned. He was prepared for Gamagori, every interaction that could have happened with him, he was ready. Hell, he was prepared to take a beating if it meant handing in the letter. But nothing could prepare the teacher for a face-to-face encounter with the most dangerous woman on this god forsaken island.
Mikisugi sighs, lamenting the predicament he suddenly found himself in.
'Ah hell...this is gonna be a long day. Hope you're ready Ryuko, cus your life is about to get a whole lot harder now.'
...
Still fresh off of No Tardies Day, an exhausted Ryuko and Mako prepare to make the trek for another day at Honnōji Academy, taking the no-star cable car up the mountainous slope.
"Back to the same old shtick at Honnōji, huh?" Ryuko sighed as she and Mako were approaching the front gate.
"Yeah… though it does feel a lot less exciting now that No Tardies Day is done with," Mako responds, which makes Ryuko stop for a moment as reality hits her with the fact that today was going to be super dull, thanks to them being so amped up from the adventure that took place yesterday.
Little did she know, things were about to take another sudden turn. Gamagori then leaps down in front of the two, literally bursting onto the scene.
"MATOI! NICE TO SEE THAT YOU MADE IT THROUGH NO TARDIES DAY!"
"Yeah well, I expected it to be a lot more challenging. ~So much for the great Honnōji Academy~," Ryuko smirks as she practically backhands Gamagori with that comment, to which he just sneers before continuing.
"I have come to deliver something, for you have been gifted with the opportunity to straighten yourself out. Something I believe you're long overdue for."
"Huh? What the hell does that mean?!" Ryuko retorts.
"A STUDENT TRANSFER PROGRAM! YOU WILL BE SENT TO UA HIGH SCHOOL, PER THE ORDER OF LADY SATSUKI!" Gamagori shouts as he unveils the documents of the Student Transfer Program, signed by Satsuki Kiryuin.
"Wait what?!" The girls exclaim in unison.
"UA High is offering even the likes of you the opportunity to attend their school and learn the means of being a hero."
"To hell with that shit! I don't give a damn about what prissy boy scouts in tights got going on!" Ryuko clenches her fists as she detests the proposition, which is then cut short when..
-CLICK-
The crowd watching turned their attention immediately to the light rays that Satsuki cast with her presence.
"Ryuko Matoi. Consider this a lucky turn of events, for you will need the training from UA before you are considered fit to continue being a nuisance here," Satsuki announces for all of the students to hear, especially Ryuko.
"What?! You can't be serious! I was one of the few students who passed your No Tardies Day bullshit! And now you're kicking me out?!
"Oh, please! You never actually enrolled here, Matoi. So for the time being, we've decided to send you to a school who actually wants you around for whatever worth they see in you," Satsuki remarks with a sneer.
"For the time being? What do you mean?" Ryuko asks in a more cool and questioning tone.
"During your stay at UA, you will be granted a choice after one week of participating. "If you aren't satisfied with the hero course at UA within a week, you can leave and return to Honnōji Academy. Otherwise, you can choose to stay the full year there.
"You know what? Fine. I'll play along. But don't get too comfortable, because I'll be back to stick that precious Bakuzan right up your ass!" Ryuko threatened before pointing her scissor blade up at Satsuki.
"Very well then, I expect you to be packed and ready by tomorrow morning for your boat trip. Till then, take your hurt feelings and go," Satsuki concludes her announcement before turning away and returning to the Student Council meeting room.
"Well, this blows," a deflated Ryuko mutters.
"But you get to go be a hero! An exhibitionist hero!" Mako exclaims, stepping in front of Ryuko.
Ryuko sighs before something catches her eye: a note pinned to Mako's back. She snags it discreetly off her friend and begins to read through the contents of the message.
"Mikisugi, what do you know about this?" Ryuko thinks aloud, with Mako turning around, looking completely clueless.
A few hours pass and Ryuko steps foot into her "teacher's" apartment, her hand near the holster for her scissor blade as Akuiro stands there, looking serious even in his disguise.
"Please don't waste my time," Ryuko starts off, "So whatever you know about this transfer deal, spit it out!"
"Yeah, sorry about that being sprung on you without your consent," Mikisugi says while slicking his hair back and straightening his posture, with a more concentrated look on his face, catching Ryuko off guard.
"I'll just say this before getting to the point: I thought I was gonna have my cover blown earlier today. Fortunately, that wasn't the case," Mikisugi stops briefly before continuing on.
"One of Japan's top heroes made contact with me in the last few days, and I explained the situation of what's been happening at Honnōji Academy to them. We came up with the solution to send you to UA under a Student Transfer Program proposal to keep you out of harm's way."
"Well I-"
"I know you don't think you need protection, but hear me out Ryuko. I want to get you away from the Kiryuin's influence as much and for as long as possible. Being here right now is dangerous for you despite your and Senketsu's power."
"Going to UA High School may not be what you want, but the growth you could achieve there would be more beneficial to you and put you in a better position to fight back against Satsuki," he closes his eyes as Ryuko absorbs everything her confidant said. He wasn't acting in his usual manner from their first few interactions.
"Look, Mikisugi, thanks for trying to look out for me and all that. I came to Honnōji to find out what happened to my dad and why he made Senketsu. I can't just leave that behind-"
"I know that, Ryuko," Mikisugi cuts her short, "But consider this a blessing in disguise. UA is no Honnōji, but they've pumped out the strongest heroes Japan has ever seen. You'll be stronger when you come back, assuming you stay the full term, of course," Mikisugi nods with a slight smile.
"I'll still remain in touch, as the Public Safety Commission helped pull this off."
"Wait, really?"
"Yes. So this won't be the last time we have a chat, and I'll give you more answers over time. I just ask that you trust me on this."
Ryuko was stunned. It was a lot for her to process as Senketsu finally chimes in.
"Perhaps he's right, Ryuko. I don't see any harm in a change of scenery for a little while. Plus, I'll be right there with you and I'm sure Mako will be fine," he said reassuringly.
"Yeah, okay," Ryuko nods before turning her gaze back to Mikisugi. "I'll go, but I don't think I'll be there longer than a week."
"Well, keep an open mind is all I'll say. You should probably get going. Pack anything you need and be prepared to head out. I wish you luck, Ryuko," Mikisugi says to wrap up their chat.
…
Inside the Mankanshoku's house under a starry night sky, Ryuko finished setting everything out that she'd need for her trip come morning, deciding to step outside for a few moments. She caught a soft breeze that swayed her hair while the stars glittered like jewels so close, yet so far away.
"Mako's family seemed to take the news rather well," Senketsu opined.
"Yeah, I didn't think that'd be the case. Though the boys certainly took the news harder than I thought," Ryuko chuckled.
"I suppose s-"
"I won't be missing the peeping tom's too much," Ryuko sighed with content, kicking back and plopping down on the ground, laying her back against the wooden foundation of the house.
"UA High School, huh? Never thought for a minute before today I'd ever step foot there."
"I can tell from your emotions that you're still not thrilled about it," Senketsu said.
"Well, I just got settled here in Honnō Town. Especially after what happened six months ago…" Ryuko trails off for a moment.
"But the way Mikisugi looked and spoke, he at least managed to sell it to me for the moment."
"I see," Senketsu remarked.
"You should get some rest for now, Ryuko. I know you'll want to say goodbye to Mako and the others before we head off."
"Yeah, you're right," Ryuko starts as she begins to stand up and stretch her limbs, "Mako will likely be a bawling mess and hopefully it won't be the last I hear from her."
Dusting herself off, Ryuko heads back indoors and eventually falls asleep under her blankets and covers one final time.
With the rise of dawn, the slums began to come to life. Roosters crowing and the entire Mankanshoku family outside of their home to see Ryuko off.
"Take care of yourself Ryuko. I hope the snacks and croquettes I packed will be enough for you until you get to UA High," Sukuyo Mankanshoku said while offering up a gentle smile.
"Thanks, ma'am. Much appreciated!"
"And thanks again for saving my little girl, Ryuko," Barazō bowed, a little too formal for Ryuko's tastes while Guts cuddled up to her leg, seeking some attention.
"I'll miss you too," Ryuko cooed while patting the dog's head and rubbing his ears, drawing a blissful murmur from the family pet.
"Yeah, see ya," Matarō shrugged his shoulders, saddened he couldn't get one last look at Ryuko the night before.
"Ry-Ryukoooooo!" Mako squeals as she hurls herself towards Ryuko.
"Please make sure to at least write baaaackkkkkk!" Mako sobbed as she buried her face into Senketsu. Ryuko totally saw this coming as she hugged the brown-haired girl back.
"I promise, Mako. Just make sure you're not late to school again, okay? It's not like I'll be gone forever!" Ryuko comforted her, as Mako's tears shot up into Geysers.
"I knoooooooooooooow!"
With all the farewells out of the way, Ryuko set off for the harbor to make her journey over to her new, and possibly temporary, launching point. She'd be lying to herself if she didn't say she had some nerves but also a dash of excitement.
As she looked for what boat would take her off the island, it wasn't hard to spot who her chauffeur would be.
"Ira Gamagori. I take it you're taking me to UA?" Ryuko inquired of the hulking Elite Four disciplinary chairman.
"Not all the way, Matoi. I'll be getting you over to the connecting harbor where Lady Satsuki has arranged for a cab to take you the rest of the way. I was only granted off until this afternoon, otherwise I'd take you on the full trip," Gamagori explained calmly.
"Well, thanks for this, at least," Ryuko replied sheepishly as Gamagori reined in the anchor and set sail for the opposite shoreway.
…
As noon began to approach, Ryuko gazed upon her destination, UA High School.
"Oh wow! This place is huge. I can see why the Elite Four were so persistent in sending me here," Ryuko spoke as an impressed smile rose on her face.
"Yes, certainly larger than I'd imagined," Senketsu quipped.
Walking through the courtyard ahead of them was a block shaped man, wearing brown clothes with yellow lining and a man-bun atop his head.
"You must be Ryuko Matoi! Welcome to UA!" The man said.
"Wait, I've seen you before…" Ryuko squinted while trying to figure out who this hero was.
"Are you Cementos?"
"Why yes, I am!" Cementos replied with a grin. "Principal Nezu is waiting for you in his office. He asked that I escort you to him so you two could have a one-on-one chat."
Cementos motioned for Ryuko to follow as the two made their way inside of the still empty halls, with school just about ready to kick off the next day.
"Wow, he's a lot nicer in person than what I've seen on Tv," Ryuko commented as she followed Cementos closely. Compared to what she'd seen of Honnōji students that seemed stoic, he is definitely someone you could feel comfortable around. Ryuko enjoyed this nice change of pace.
"So, what's this Principal like?" Ryuko asked, envisioning a tall, somewhat muscular man.
"He's… interesting to say the least. To be honest with you, in all my years in teaching at UA, I can never get a read on him. He's so cryptic that it's almost disturbing."
Ryuko thinks back to Mikisugi and his antics around her at Honnōji.
"Huh, actually I kinda get it. I guess every school has their weird teachers," she thought aloud.
Cementos looks back at Ryuko with a somewhat defeated look.
"Trust me young lady, you have absolutely no idea what weird is until you meet the principal."
"Wait...whaddya mean by that? Come on, it's the principal! He can't be that weird," Ryuko stares back with a concerned expression.
"See for yourself, we've just arrived!" Cementos says as he knocks on the door to the principal's office.
"Come on in!" Nezu's voice carried out, warm and cheerful with Cementos opening the door for Ryuko as she steps through into a tidy office, greeted by the small, white, mouse-like figure at his desk.
"Uhhh…" Ryuko says aloud, not rattling Nezu who actually giggles cheerfully at her expression.
"Why hello there, Ryuko! I know what you must be thinking; 'Is he a dog, a rat, or a bear?' But the truth is: I'M THE PRINCIPAL!" Nezu exclaims.
"Now that introductions are out of the way, please have a seat Ms. Matoi. We have much to discuss."
To be continued…