"Let's begin the award ceremony!"
I hold my breath as the pillar I'm standing on rises onto the field with smoke and confetti clouding the air around me. Bakugo thrashes around in cement and chain binds with a metal muzzle covers his mouth, muffling his shouts. I cross my arms as I bite my tongue to keep from yelling at him to calm down. After Todoroki's hug, I tried everything I could to ignore the feeling of guilt in my stomach by thinking about something else.
I can't believe I allowed Bakugo to just toss me out of bounds like that...I could've won and yet he wanted the victory all to himself. And he had the audacity to try and taunt me! At least, I think that's what he tried to tell me during the match...I couldn't quite understand it, but I did hear the words "destroy" and "win", so he must've been trying to piss me off...It sounds an awful lot like him that's for damn sure.
The smoke clears as the three pillars stop moving. I stand still as my whole body aches from even the slightest movement. Todoroki stands on his pillar with his fists clenched at his sides. Bakugo keeps trying to yell through the muzzle as I shout at him.
"Just calm the hell down, dumbass! It's not like you're going to be executed!"
Growling at him, he glares at me as he stops thrashing but grumbles under his breath. Rolling my eyes, I cross my arms again as Todoroki stands calm and collected. The blinking lights from the dozens and dozens of photographers flash on and off as they take pictures. I try to keep my mouth shut, but the cameras start to irritate me.
"In addition to Oritsu, there is also Iida in third place, but he left early for family reasons. Thank you for understanding!"
Midnight announces and poses for the cameras as the blinking flashes continue to annoy me.
I get that it's kinda their job or whatever, but I can't stand it. I'm not used to having my picture taken...
"Now, we will award the medals! The presentation of the medals will, of course, be by this man-"
Midnight waves her arm towards a figure standing on top of the stadium as laughter echoes throughout. The crowd cheers as the figure runs and leaps into the air.
"-Our very own hero, All Might!"
All Might lands in front of the pillars as Midnight walks over with the medals.
"Now then, All Might, please present the medals, starting with third place."
I keep my arms crossed as All Might picks up the bronze medal and walks up to me. Placing the medal over my head he gives a thumbs up.
"Congratulations, young Oritsu! You have much potential, but it seems you still need to polish your form and strategy. Good work!"
"Thank you."
I say with little enthusiasm. He grabs the silver medal from Midnight and walks over to Todoroki. Glancing at my own medal, I hold the bronze pendant in my hand.
I don't even want it…Someone else deserves this medal…
All Might moves on to Bakugo once he gives Todoroki the silver medal.
"Now then, young Bakugo! This is too much. Good job doing what you said you would during the player pledge!"
All Might says as he removes the metal muzzle from Bakugo's face.
"First place like this doesn't mean anything! Even if it does to other people, to me it's just trash!"
Fed up with Bakugo, I turn and shout at him, much to the surprise of All Might.
"Be grateful you got anything, you idiot!"
"Shut up, smart-ass!"
Growling at Bakugo, All Might chuckles nervously.
"Calm down, everyone, calm down. Take the medal, young Bakugo. Think of it as a 'wound' so you never forget it!"
All Might forcibly puts the medal on Bakugo, who growls under his breath. All Might turns to the crowd and makes a short inspirational speech as I glare at nothing.
Now's probably not the best time to be thinking of other things, but did Todoroki mean it when he said "Don't do it again"? It sure sounded like he did, but I always tell myself that anyone can lie to anyone, so why shouldn't the same thing be applied to him? With enough emotion and power in words, you can convince anyone something, whether it's true or not...I know lying is part of being a villain, but sometimes I don't know if anything I say is what I believe…
Another cheer from the crowd for All Might snaps me back to reality as I sigh.
That's what you get, I guess...
Now sitting back in the 1-A classroom, I lean back and cross my arms in my seat as Aizawa talks in front of the room.
"Good work. There will be no school tomorrow or the day after. I'm sure the pro heroes who watched the sports festival will want to recruit you, but we'll consolidate everything and announce it when you get back. So rest well, and look forward to that."
"Yes, sir!"
Glancing a few seats ahead of me, I spot Bakugo, still holding the medal between his teeth. The pain from my match with Bakugo is almost gone, but it'll take another thirty minutes before I can use my quirk again. It's another side effect of using multiple animals at once. With my DNA and cells trying to repair themselves, slowly yet surely, it would only take longer if I used my quirk during the process.
"Again, good work today. Class dismissed."
Aizawa leaves the room as everyone starts to gather their things. I stand up as I grab my bag and saunter other to a still pissed off Bakugo.
"Quit being a sore loser. You earned that medal fair and square, so why are you so fussy about it?"
He grumbles as he spits out the medal and stuffs it in his bag.
"Because I don't want it, dumbass."
He says, surprisingly calm yet still angry as he swings his bag over his shoulder and sulks out of the classroom.
He's been acting a bit weird ever since the award ceremony, and I know it's not the medal, so what the hell is wrong with him?
Todoroki walks up next to me.
"Congratulations on third place."
"Thanks. Congrats to you on second."
"Was Bakugo acting strange to you?"
I turn to Todoroki, a bit confused by the question but I answer anyway.
"A little. Why?"
"Before our match started, he stormed into the player waiting room and grabbed me and started threatening me."
"What? What the hell has gotten into him?"
"I don't know but he seemed really mad. And, he mentioned you for some reason."
I sigh, thinking I've found out why he was so mad.
"While I was waiting to go against him, I might have snapped and started shouting at him. Maybe he was just letting his anger out on you."
Todoroki shakes his head as I remember how I broke down crying in front of Bakugo. Now when I look back even though it wasn't that long ago, I might've been overdramatic seeing as now that it's all over, it didn't have as much of an impact as I thought it would. I guess I just took it too seriously...
"Maybe. I'm not sure. But the minute I asked him about it, he let me go and walked off."
"Weird...but, It certainly sounds like something he would do."
Todoroki nods as we start to talk as we walk out of homeroom. As we walk and talk, we make it to the entrance of U.A. He mentions wanting to see his mother tomorrow and that causes my heart to ache a little.
"Does she live somewhere else or something?"
I ask, even though I already have a solid idea about why she isn't home.
Assuming that after the incident when he was younger, she was probably sent somewhere else…
"S-she's in a mental hospital."
I nod, trying my best to be respectful as I hear the pain in Todoroki's voice. Taking a deep breath, I try my hand at something I've never done before.
"I hope she's feeling alright."
Todoroki stares at me for a moment then nods.
"Yeah. Me too…"
"Oritsu, I've noticed how unusually anxious you are today. What's wrong?"
Shigiraki's raspy voice claws the air as I look down, my dark hood pulled over my grayish-blue hair.
"I've had other things on my mind lately."
"Like what?"
I take a deep breath out of habit.
"I want to know when we're planning the next ambush on U.A. It's not like the League to attack once and be done with it."
He sighs as he props an elbow up against the bar table. Kurogiri stands nearby, wiping off alcohol glasses.
"We have something in mind but it might take some time. And recently-"
My phone starts ringing and vibrating from inside my pocket. I curse myself as I growl and pull my phone from my pocket.
"Go ahead, take it."
Shigiraki says, annoyance sharp in his words. Pulling my phone to my ear, I answer it.
"Hello?"
"Hey Ritsu! It's Mina!"
Oh for christ's sake... And right now too...
"H-hey, Mina. Is something wrong? Is that why you're calling me?"
"Of course not! I called to ask you how are you! And if you were interested in hanging out!"
I cover the end of my phone as I sigh, hoping she doesn't hear.
"Um, sure but not right now. I'm a bit-"
Shigiraki glares at me.
"-busy, at the moment."
"That's all right! Just call me when you can! Bye!"
The line goes dead as I shove my phone back in my pocket.
Why?! I know it's not her fault and she was just being a good friend, but she chose the wrong time…
"You should get going now, Oritsu."
Shigiraki scratches his neck a little as he turns to Kurogiri. A black mist starts swirling behind me as I nod, slightly pissed off.
"Yes, sir."
Opening the front door, I almost jump in surprise as my aunt appears right in front of me.
"Guess what I found, Tazuma! Your old middle school yearbooks!"
I chuckle nervously as I close the door and start taking off my shoes. My aunt holds three dark-colored books in her hands as she hands them to me.
"I found them in the attack while I was cleaning! Dinner will be ready soon, by the way."
Her smile fades as she whispers to me.
"He wants to talk to you. In the guest room upstairs."
I nod as I walk past her and towards the stairs. Glaring at the top, my hand runs along the railing. I clutch the old books close as I open my bedroom door and place them on my desk. Turning back around, I curse inside my head as I walk directly across the short hall to the guest room. I don't bother to knock as I angrily push open the door. My dad sits in a chair next to the window with a novel in his hand and a teacup resting on the window sill. His voice is as tired as he looks as he speaks.
"I assume she told you I wanted to talk to you."
Clenching my fists, I stand in the doorway.
"Yes. And make it quick, I don't want to talk to you any longer than I need to."
He takes a sip of his tea.
"It appears you still hate me."
Growling under my breath, I bite my tongue to keep from shouting.
"I wanted to tell you that I found that precious black notebook of yours. You didn't do that well of a job hiding it. Anyone with half a brain could've-"
I race over to him, turning my hand into a tiger paw and I prepare to strike him. My eyes are wide and angry. Then suddenly, glares at me and tenses up as he remains emotionless. For some reason, the cutting glare makes me feel small as I shout, still pissed off.
"Did you read it?!"
"Of course I did. I already know you're a villain, but I didn't know you only completed one mission. And when I watched the sports festival, you certainly proved to use your quirk well and creatively instead of flailing it around like a title. After all, I was the one who gave you your quirk in the first place."
"That's not how it works! And how dare you credit yourself for my quirk?! Yours isn't even half as strong! You can hardly even use it!"
His glare narrows as I back off. He takes a sip of tea and picks up his book.
"I won't tell that brown-haired bitch what you really are as long as you treat me with respect from now on."
My eye twitches as my hands crave to snap his neck right here and now.
"I can't imagine the sheer audacity you have to call her that! Aunt Usama is a goddamn saint! And if you think I have the dignity to respect you, then you're out of your mind!"
He sighs and sets his teacup down.
"So that's how it is...Well, it's either respect me and live your life in peace, or go to jail and break poor Usama's heart."
I growl loudly, my heart thumping.
"FINE! But don't expect me to be nice to you!"
Storming out of the room, he sighs as he takes another sip of tea. I slam my bedroom door closed as I try and calm down. Turning my hands back to normal, a bird chirps peacefully outside my window. I take a deep breath as I sit down in my desk chair. Staring at the yearbooks, I notice one that looks different from the others, sitting underneath the rest of them. I pull it out from under the others and scan over the cover. It's black, but has a red trim around it and white letters spelling "Aldera Junior High". The name racks around in my mind as I try to remember why it sounds familiar.
Oh right. I went there for one year before transferring to a private school. And I remember why. I already knew everything they were teaching and learned nothing new. And if Auntie found these in the attic then I must've brought them with me when I escaped the Yakuza…
Putting the others on my bed, I start skimming through the yearbook.
no...no...no...Ah, here I am.
Tracing my finger downwards, I find a photo of a twelve-year-old me wearing the plain black school uniform. In the picture, I'm glaring at the camera and I notice how my hair was shorter back then.
You've grown a lot, haven't you?
I flip through other pages and read the names of other teachers and their homeroom students. Suddenly, two familiar figures catch my eye.
What?! Why are Bakugo and Midoriya in here?!
I stare at their faces, as I try my best to think if I ever saw them in class. Bakugo looks angry as always, and Midoriya looks shy and anxious.
I had no idea they even went to that school! I never saw them or spoke to them-hell I never spoke to anybody besides the teachers so I guess that makes sense...But wouldn't I have recognized them or something? Maybe they did and just didn't mention it...It just doesn't sound logical to ignore that fact, so maybe they didn't? This is so weird...
Leaning back in my seat, I stare at the ceiling.
It doesn't explain anything though...Should I ask the two of them tomorrow if they remembered me? I guess I should but, would it really change anything?
Sighing, I get out of my seat and fall onto my bed.
I'll think about it in the morning...It can wait...
"Uh, Ritsu, why are you wet? Is it from the rain?"
Mina asks as she points at my school uniform. It's a bit damp in a few places from the rain, but I'm mostly dry.
"Cause I forgot my umbrella, that's why. A few people on the bus said I should take theirs but I said no."
"Aw, that's so sweet!"
I roll my eyes as I walk to my desk and Mina continues talking to Jiro. I hardly get a moment to breathe as Aizawa walks into the classroom and everyone settles down in their seats.
"Good morning."
My eyes widen slightly as I notice Aizawa's bandages are gone completely, leaving nothing but a scar under his right eye.
"Mr. Aizawa, your bandages are gone. I'm glad."
Tsuyu smiles as Aizawa sighs.
"The old lady went overboard with her treatment. More importantly, we're having a special hero informatics class today. You'll be coming up with hero names. This is related to the pro hero draft picks I mentioned the other day. The drafts in earnest in the second and third years, after students have gained experience and can become immediate assets to pros. In other words, for them to extend offers to first years like you shows that they are interested in your future potential. These offers are often canceled if that interest dies down by graduation."
"So we'll have to prove ourselves once we get picked, huh?"
Toru says nervously.
"That's right. And here are the totals for those offers."
Aizawa clicks a button on some sort of remote, and the board behind him suddenly displays a chart.
What?! Three thousand two-hundred eighty-five offers?! For me?
"In other years, it's been more spread out, but all eyes we're on these three this year."
Aizawa points to Bakugo, Todokoki, and my name at the top.
"Keeping these results in mind, whether or not anyone asked for you, you will all be participating in internships with pros."
That could be a problem...It'll be harder to keep my identity a secret if I'm interning for a big hero while I'm with the League...But I can't leave them, because then I'll be hunted by the Yakuza and that'll just make things worse...
"Things are suddenly getting a lot more fun!"
Ochaco beams as Aizawa continues.
"Well, those hero names are still temporary, but if you're not serious about it-"
"-you'll have hell to pay later!"
Midnight walks in through the door, her flogger-style whip in her hand, and still in her questionable outfit.
"Because a lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society, and they end up becoming professional hero names!"
Midnight walks up next to Aizawa, who pulls a yellow sleeping bag around himself.
"Well, that's how it is. So Midnight will be making sure your names are okay. I can't do stuff like that. When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be like in the future and you can get closer to it. This is what it means when they say 'Names and natures do often agree'. Like 'All Might' for example."
Aizawa sits down on the ground and starts falling asleep as Midnight passes whiteboards and markers to the front row. Momo hands me a whiteboard and marker as I lean over at Todoroki's desk, which is right next to mine.
"What's your name gonna be?"
"I think I'll just go with my first name."
I sigh.
"But that's boring. How about something like 'Frost Fire'. Does that sound interesting?"
He glances at me.
"Yeah, I guess."
Sitting straight up again, I focus on my own whiteboard as I pull the cap off of the marker.
I don't really know what I want my hero name to be...Maybe it could be a play on words or something, but I also want it to be cool. And just in case, I want it to work as a villain name too…
I think about it for a moment, then I get an idea.
I know just what to do…
Writing down my hero name, I smirk as Midnight speaks up.
"Alright, let's start presenting names starting with those who are ready."
Ayoma walks up to the front of the class proudly as he holds his whiteboard up in the air.
" 'Shining hero: I can not stop twinkling'!"
I almost burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of his name, but I manage to hold it in as Midnight takes his board for a minute.
"It'll be easier to use if you take out the 'I' and shorten the 'cannot' to 'can't'."
She hands him back his board as he winks at her.
"You're right, mademoiselle."
"Then, I'll go up next!"
Mina excitedly pushes Ayoma out of the way as he goes back to his desk. Mina shows off her hero name.
I kinda like it...
"Alien Queen!" Mina
"A-are you trying for the thing with acidic blood? I wouldn't If I were you!"
Midnight says with caution and Mina's smile drops as she sulks back to her desk.
"Dang it…" Mina
Tsuyu raises her hand.
"May I go next?"
"Go ahead, Tsu!"
"I've had this in my mind ever since I was in elementary school. 'Rainy season hero: Froppy'."
Tsuyu tilts her head as Midnight clasps her hands together.
"That's so cute! I like it! It's a great example of a name that everyone will love!"
" Then I'll go too! 'Sturdy hero: Red Riot'!"
"Red Riot? You're paying homage to the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot, right?" Midnight
"Yeah, it's pretty old-fashioned, but the hero image I'm going for is Crimson Riot himself,"
Kirishima says with a slightly bashful tone as Midnight smiles.
"If you're bearing a name you admire, It'll come with that much more pressure."
"I'm prepared for that!"
I feel a bit nervous at the thought of showing everyone my hero name, but I wait patiently for my turn.
" 'Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack'!"
"That's good! Next!" Midnight
" 'Tentacle Hero: Tentacole'."
" 'Taping Hero: Cellophane'. "
"Nice and simple. That's important!"
" 'Martial Arts Hero: Tailman'."
" 'Sweets Hero: Sugar Man'!"
" 'Pinky'!"
I liked Mina's old name more, but I guess that one is alright.
" 'Stun Gun Hero: Chargebolt' Combining 'charge', with 'lighting bolt'!"
" 'Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl'!"
"I hope I will not bring shame to this name. 'Everything Hero: Creati'."
" 'Shoto'."
I feel bummed that Todoroki didn't take my suggestion, but I get over it quickly.
"Your first name? Is that okay?"
Todoroki nods as he walks back to his seat.
" 'Jet-Balck hero: Tsukoyomi'."
" 'Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice'!"
" 'King Explosion Murder'."
I just barely hide my laugh but it's too late as everyone stares at me. Bakugo growls and gets pissed off as I keep laughing. Midnight crosses her arms as I quiet myself down.
"You probably shouldn't use something like that."
"Why not?!"
Smoke puffs from his fingers as Kirishima raises his hand.
"You should be 'Explosion boy'!"
"Shut up, weird hair!"
I then think of a hero name for Bakugo.
I'll tell him later.
Bakugo grumbles as he sits back down and I eagerly raise my hand.
"You next!"
Smirking, I grab my whiteboard and make my way to the front of the off my hero name, I get ready to explain it.
" 'Animal Morphing Hero: Tazmanian Devil'. I chose this because it's a mix of a real animal called the tasmanian devil, but I changed up how the first word was spelled cause my first name is Tazuma."
"Ooh, I like it! I love how you incorporated your name into it!"
Midnight beams as I walk back to my seat. When I sit back down, Ochaco goes to the front.
"This is what I thought of: 'Uravity'!"
"Sounds stylish!"
Ochaco sits back down as Midnight cracks her whip.
"Choosing hero names is going more smoothly than I thought it would! All that's left is Bakugo, who needs to rethink his, and Iida. And Midoriya, right?"
I start to zone out as Iida shows his name.
Honestly, Bakugo really thought King Explosion Murder was a good hero name? God, it's hysterical! I'm gonna start laughing just thinking about it! But on a more serious note, it seems he's back to normal. And I have to ask him if he remembers me from Junior high...I don't think so. Someone like him forgets people in a matter of seconds of knowing them, then calls them rude nicknames. I-I guess I'm not one to talk am I? Seeing as I did the same thing to him...
" 'Lord Explosion Murder'!"
Bakugo shouts as he presents his hero name.
"No, that's still no good."
I laugh again as I saunter up to the front, much to Bakugo's angry dismay.
"Here, let me help. I already have an idea anyway."
I take Bakugo's whiteboard and erase his previous name with my sleeve and write down the name I came up with. I show it off with a smirk as Bakugo grumbles.
" 'Deadly Explosion Hero: Dynamight '. There you go, not so hard now was it?"
I put a hand on my hip as Midnight turns to Bakugo.
"Actually, that's got a nice ring to it! And I think it works perfectly! Are you alright with that name, Bakugo?"
Bakugo grumbles again then snatches the whiteboard from me.
"Fine."
Midnight smiles.
"Wonderful! Thank you all for your participation!"
I smile teasingly at Bakugo as I walk back to my desk. Bakugo just glares at me as he sits down. Aizawa then gets up from the floor and sighs.
"Now that everyone's decided on their hero names, we'll go back to talking about the internships. They will last for a week and as for where you'll have them, those who had offers from pros will be given your own lists, so you can choose from those yourself. Those who didn't have offers will choose from among forty agencies around the country that will be accepting our interns. They all work in different places and have different specialties."
"For example, Thirteen would be focused on rescues from accidents and disasters more than fighting villains."
Midnight points out.
"Think carefully before you choose."
When I'm handed my list, I'm surprised to find Endeavor's agency at the top.
"Turn in your choices before the weekend."
Midnight waves as she and Aizawa leave the room and close the door. I tap Todoroki's shoulder to get his attention as he turns to me.
"Hey Todoroki, guess who wants me as an intern."
"Who?"
I show him my list and point to his old man's agency. He glares at the name then glances at me.
"You read that right. I could learn a thing or two, but then again I'm not so sure. Who are you going to choose?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll figure it out."
He responds. Turning back to my list, I write down that I want to intern with Endeavor. Then, I stop myself.
If I intern for the number two hero, this could lead to some major issues if I'm discovered...Is it even worth the risk? But then again, no one gets anywhere by playing safe.
"You all have your costumes, right? Remember, you aren't allowed to wear them in public. Don't drop them or anything."
Aizawa reminds the class as I hold the suitcase carrying my hero costume by my side.
"Yessir!"
Mina says, holding hers above her head.
"Speak clearly. It's 'Yes, sir.', Ashido."
Mina makes a pout.
"Yes, sir…"
"Make sure to mind your manners with the heroes at your internships. Off with you now."
I stare at a train as it zips past, as Todoroki walks towards me. I notice Bakugo sulking away.
"Who did you choose to intern for?"
"You first."
I say teasingly.
"I chose my old man's agency. I might hate him, but that doesn't mean he can't teach me anything useful."
Nodding, I look up at the sky.
"I choose Endeavor too. I figured I might as well."
Pulling out my phone, I check the time.
I should meet with the League when I get back...Shigiraki would want to hear that we're gonna start internships soon...
Waving at Todoroki, I start walking away.
"Anyway, I have to go. Bye, Todo."
My eyes widen as I instantly regret speaking.
D-did I just give him a nickname... And say it out loud?!
He looks at me with wide yet gentle eyes as I feel the embarrassment settle inside my head.
"S-sorry, I didn't mean to call you that. Bye, Todoroki."
I walk away, wanting to run as fast as possible. Mentally screaming at myself, I feel like punching something as I clutch my suitcase close to me.
Damn it! I can't believe that just slipped out! I've got to be more careful with what I say! What if I accidentally mention Shigiraki or the League?! I'll be done for...Just forget about it for now... But god that's going to be difficult... You can't just give a friend a nickname like that! You have to ask first, right? Hell, I don't know...But it's still stupid! That's only something friends do and now I've gone and said that stupid nickname...