Chapter 6: UA High Exam.
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Before diving into the chapter, I just want to clear a few things up. First, there will not be a harem in this story. The relationships will be more focused, with Itachi and Kaina as the main pairing. Second, the characters' ages will be adjusted—Itachi and Keigo (Hawks) are the same age in this story. I hope this clears up any confusion!
Thanks for reading, and as always, I appreciate your support! Stay tuned for more!
As Itachi and Keigo entered the building, they were immediately met by a large, bustling crowd of students. Keigo looked around and said, "I think this is the place."
Itachi nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
They moved through the crowd, noticing faculty members guiding students toward their assigned rooms. Itachi's sharp eyes spotted a board nearby, where a cluster of students were gathered. "Look, over there," he said, gesturing to the board.
Keigo followed his gaze and quickly understood. "Ah, the seating arrangements," he said with a grin.
Itachi scanned the board, locating his name. "Room 101," he said, then glanced over at Keigo.
Keigo smirked. "I'm in Room 102. Guess we're separated for the exam."
Itachi sighed but gave a small smirk in return. "I'll see you after the written exam, then."
"Definitely," Keigo replied, with a confident grin, before they parted ways and headed to their respective rooms.
Entering Room 101, Itachi noticed several students already seated and murmuring amongst themselves, their conversations laced with anxiety and speculation. He found his seat and sat down quietly, overhearing snippets of conversation.
"I heard today's entrance exam is different from the previous ones," one student said in a hushed tone.
"Yeah? How so?" another student asked, sounding nervous.
"Word is, we'll have to fight third-year students on the grounds later. That's how they'll decide who gets in."
Itachi listened to this, his expression calm but his mind thoughtful. So we'll be fighting the third-years... He couldn't help but find the idea intriguing. A part of him relished the thought of being tested in such a direct and challenging way.
Before he could dwell on it any further, a voice cut through the chatter. "Alright, students, settle down. I'll be distributing the exam papers now."
Itachi looked up to see a figure clad in a tan cloak that covered most of his body, with a high collar reminiscent of a trench coat. His entire head was covered by a sleek, black helmet, and his jaw was guarded by a muzzle-like piece. Itachi immediately recognized him—Ectoplasm, one of the UA faculty members.
With a wave of his hand, Ectoplasm created several clones, each of them taking stacks of papers to distribute throughout the room. Itachi couldn't help but think how similar these quirks were to the abilities from his own world. Cloning... not unlike shadow clones.
When Itachi received his paper, he glanced over the questions and felt a wave of disappointment. These are basic questions… math, grammar, riddles, and situation-based problems. He sighed inwardly, finding the material beneath his abilities.
Ectoplasm's voice echoed through the room. "You have one and a half hours to complete the exam. No quirks allowed. My clones and I will be monitoring the room. If anyone is caught cheating, you will be immediately disqualified. Am I clear?"
A collective murmur of agreement rose from the students, and Ectoplasm glanced at his watch. "Time starts now."
Itachi picked up his pen and began to work. His mind, as sharp as his Sharingan, moved through the problems with ease, though the exam itself seemed to offer no real challenge. He worked steadily, efficiently, all the while keeping a calm demeanor
About forty-five minutes into the exam, Itachi quietly stood up, his movements graceful and controlled as always. He gathered his paper and approached Ectoplasm, who was monitoring the room.
Ectoplasm noticed him and raised an eyebrow. "Already finished?"
Itachi nodded in response, calm and composed.
"If you want, you can take a second look at your answers," Ectoplasm suggested, his voice offering a touch of advice, though he didn't expect the student to take it.
Itachi shook his head. "I've already done that," he replied with quiet confidence.
Ectoplasm studied him for a moment, then sighed lightly. "Alright, if you're sure." He took the paper from Itachi's hands, impressed by the young man's quiet certainty. "Head over to Gate A and wait there for the next part of the exam."
Itachi nodded respectfully. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly before turning to leave the room.
As the door closed behind him, Ectoplasm's curiosity got the better of him. He glanced down at Itachi's paper and decided to skim through the answers. After a few moments, his eyes widened slightly. Every mathematical problem was solved with precision, each logical reasoning question answered flawlessly. But what really caught his attention was the response to the situational questions.
He read through one of the hypothetical scenarios, a question designed to test the moral and strategic thinking of the students, and felt a chill. Itachi's answers were not only sharp but demonstrated a deep understanding of the world—both its light and its dark sides. His solutions were methodical yet empathetic, pragmatic but never cold.
Ectoplasm leaned back, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I've conducted many exams in my career, but these answers... He glanced toward the door where Itachi had exited and thought, This kid... it's like he already understands how the world works.
He chuckled to himself. "There are some interesting students this year," he murmured, impressed and intrigued.
As Itachi reached Gate A, he looked around and realized he was alone. The silence around him felt heavy, and he sighed, thinking, Am I really the only one here? He scanned the area, noticing the empty benches lining the sides, and decided to sit down, lost in his thoughts.
After about ten minutes, he spotted Keigo approaching with his usual carefree smirk. "I knew you'd be here," Keigo called out.
Itachi nodded. "How did it go?" he asked calmly.
Keigo shrugged, his confidence evident. "It was easy," he said, as though it were no big deal. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "But I heard something spicy."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Keigo leaned in slightly, lowering his voice in mock secrecy. "For the quirk exam, they're going to have us face off against the 3rd years."
Itachi's expression remained stoic. "I heard that too," he replied, not fazed by the news. He remained silent as more students began to filter in, their anxious whispers filling the air.
Keigo observed the growing crowd and grinned. "Now the real fun begins," he remarked.
Itachi simply nodded in agreement, though a spark of excitement flickered in his eyes, barely noticeable to anyone but those who knew him well.
Once the area around Gate A was packed with students, a voice came over the loudspeaker. "Attention, everyone. I will now explain the rules for the quirk exam."
The crowd hushed instantly, all eyes and ears focused on the announcement.
"In this exam, you are allowed to use your quirks," the voice explained. "Your objective is to fight against the 3rd-year students of UA High."
The students erupted into murmurs, some whispering anxiously, "How are we supposed to fight them?" while others, more confident, scoffed, "We can easily beat them."
The announcement continued, addressing their concerns. "I understand your doubts—how can you fight them? What are the criteria? To clarify, you do not need to defeat them to pass. Even if you lose the fight, that's okay. We will be judging you based on how you fight—your technique, your strategies, and your ability to adapt. Is that clear?"
The students responded with a mix of emotions. Some looked nervous, fear evident on their faces. Others appeared excited, eager to prove themselves. Some, overly confident, looked as though they couldn't wait to take on the challenge.
Itachi and Keigo, however, remained composed. Though neutral on the surface, there was a shared excitement between them—a silent thrill at the prospect of testing themselves against more experienced fighters.
Keigo smirked and nudged Itachi. "This is going to be interesting."
Itachi glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, it will be.
As the 3rd-year students made their entrance, all eyes turned toward them. Dressed in their hero costumes, they exuded confidence and experience, a stark contrast to the nervous excitement buzzing among the applicants. Itachi's gaze drifted, stopping on someone familiar—Tsutsumi. She had her long hair tied into a ponytail, secured with a clip. Her hero costume was simple yet practical: a dark bodysuit with protective plates beneath her chest and knee guards. A scouter shaped like a lightning bolt covered her right eye, adding a sense of intensity to her look.
Keigo nudged Itachi with a smirk. "Look who's here."
Itachi sighed, already sensing where Keigo was going with this. "Not this again," he muttered, clearly unamused.
As the other 3rd-year students stood at attention, observing the crowd of applicants, Kaina's eyes scanned the area. When she spotted Itachi and Keigo sitting together, she smiled and gave a small nod. Itachi and Keigo acknowledged her with a polite nod in return.
Then, the announcement came over the loudspeaker once again. "Now, everyone will be split into groups. There are 40 3rd-year students and 400 applicants. Each group will consist of 10 applicants, and we will be observing your performance closely. And lastly—no killing. Is that clear?"
The crowd murmured their agreement, and everyone turned their attention to the big screen, which displayed the competitors' names and the group assignments. Itachi scanned the list, his eyes quickly finding his name, while Keigo's smirk widened.
"I think you're destined to be together," Keigo teased.
Itachi sighed, not bothering to dignify the comment with a response. His focus was on the task ahead.
Soon, the screen assigned everyone to their respective gates. Itachi stood up and said, "Mine is Gate B."
Keigo checked his own assignment. "I've got Gate E." He smirked again, this time with genuine excitement. "All the best."
Itachi nodded, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. "Good luck to you as well."
With that, the two friends parted ways, each heading toward their respective gates, ready to face whatever awaited them in the next phase of the exam.
As Itachi entered Gate B, he saw the other 10 students standing around, some looking nervous, others anxious. The tension in the air was thick, with murmurs rippling through the group.
"We're screwed…" one student muttered, looking down.
Another replied, "I know! She's the top student from the Sports Festival. Even big heroes like All Might have recognized her."
"Really?" someone asked, wide-eyed.
"Yeah, her quirk is no joke. Those bullets are ruthless," the student replied.
Itachi overheard the conversation and thought to himself, Yes, I remember watching the Sports Festival with my mother and Momo teasing me about it. He knew Kaina's quirk was unique and dangerous, but that didn't faze him. He remained calm, his eyes focused.
Just then, a voice cut through the noise. "Alright, everyone!"
Itachi turned to see Kaina standing there with her usual confident smile, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. She spoke with authority, "I'm your test in charge. So… who's going first?"
Silence. Itachi glanced around, noticing the hesitant faces of the other applicants. No one wanted to volunteer.
As Itachi's gaze returned to Kaina, he saw her eyes already on him. It was as if she was waiting for him to step forward. He understood her silent challenge and sighed before raising his hand. "I will."
A smile spread across Kaina's face. "Great. Come here."
Itachi stepped forward into the center of the large circle where they would be fighting. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation as Kaina outlined the rules. "The rules are simple. You have five minutes to fight me. You can use your quirk, and the match ends if either of us steps out of the ring. You can use external weapons, but no sharp objects."
Itachi pulled out his kunai and showed it to her. "It's dull, but still, for safety—"
Kaina inspected the kunai closely, nodding after confirming it wasn't sharp. "That'll work."
Itachi nodded in return, placing it back in his pouch. Kaina then leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know you, still. I won't go easy on you."
Itachi met her eyes, his calm expression unwavering. "It's better that way."
Kaina smiled, pleased by his response. She straightened and raised her voice. "Alright, then. Shall we begin?"
As the timer clicked down, both fighters readied themselves. The moment it hit zero, the battle began.
Kaina wasted no time activating her quirk, Sniper, instantly firing several precise air bullets toward Itachi. Her movements were fluid, calculated, and swift, showcasing why she was the top student in the Sports Festival. Each bullet was aimed perfectly, targeting weak spots that would immobilize an opponent without causing severe damage.
But Itachi was ready.
His Sharingan activated, spinning as he read her every move. His body moved in perfect synchronization with his eyes, effortlessly dodging each of her shots. The world around him seemed to slow down as he analyzed Kaina's technique. She's good—very good. But she doesn't know how I operate yet.
Kaina narrowed her eyes, impressed that Itachi was able to dodge her attacks so easily. "You're fast," she said, reloading her quirk. "But can you keep up?" She fired another round of bullets, this time faster and more unpredictable.
As Itachi calmly analyzed Kaina's movements, he observed something crucial: her bullets could change direction mid-flight. She wasn't just firing; she was manipulating their trajectory. One bullet in particular stood out, turning sharply in an attempt to hit him from behind. But Itachi, predicting the shift in a split second, simply bent down, dodging it with ease.
Kaina's eyes widened in surprise. He predicted that? So quickly?
Her interest piqued further, and she began to fire even faster, pushing her quirk to the limit. But Itachi, unfazed, threw a kunai toward her. She dodged it with a quick sidestep, but that's when he capitalized on the opening, rushing toward her with his incredible speed.
She swung her gun arm toward him instinctively, but Itachi ducked under the swing, launching a swift kick aimed at her side. Kaina barely managed to dodge, her heart racing. He's fast. Much faster than I expected.
Realizing she needed to create some distance, Kaina quickly pulled out specialized tranquilizer bullets from her hair and fired them at Itachi. One bullet zoomed toward him, so close that dodging seemed impossible. But instead of moving out of the way, Itachi did something that shocked everyone watching, including Kaina herself—he grabbed the bullet mid-flight, letting its force drag him backward but stopping it before it could harm him.
The students gasped in disbelief, and even Kaina found herself momentarily stunned. He caught it? She watched as Itachi, still in the ring, looked down at his hand, bruised from the impact, but otherwise unbothered.
There were only two minutes left on the clock, and Itachi knew he had to end this. He rushed at Kaina with newfound speed, his Sharingan analyzing every detail of her movements. She, regaining her composure, prepared to block his next attack. As Itachi threw a punch, Kaina skillfully blocked it with her free hand.
"That was impressive," she remarked, locking eyes with him.
Itachi gave a small smile. "Thank you. But now... it's over."
Kaina felt a strange shift in the air as she looked into his eyes. The red of his Sharingan pulsed, the patterns within his eyes swirling. For a moment, everything felt surreal. Then, the world around her darkened, and she found herself in a pitch-black room. Crawling from the shadows were giant centipedes, their segmented bodies slithering across the floor toward her.
Kaina's heart pounded in her chest. She looked down, seeing the centipedes crawling up her legs. Panic set in, and she banged on the walls of the room, desperately trying to escape. "Let me out! Please! Get them off me!" Her voice trembled with fear.
But then, as suddenly as it started, the illusion shattered. Kaina blinked, finding herself back in the ring, with Itachi standing in front of her. His kunai was now inches from her throat, his eyes calm and unwavering.
"It's over," Itachi said quietly.
Kaina, still shaken from the genjutsu, blinked twice, trying to steady her breathing. Slowly, she smiled, although a bit embarrassed. "You... scared me with those centipedes." She gave a nervous laugh. "I didn't expect that."
Realizing she had lost, she raised her hand in defeat. "Okay, I lose."
Itachi lowered his kunai and slid it back into his pocket. Kaina, still composed despite the embarrassment, looked at him with newfound respect. "Good job," she said with a smile, her confidence returning. Then, in a whisper, she added, "Can you meet me after this?"
Itachi glanced at her, slightly taken aback by her request, but her confident smile showed no malice or trickery. He nodded silently.
Kaina grinned. "Alright, you can go now. You'll know your results tomorrow. But first, you should go to the infirmary."
Itachi nodded, bowing politely. "Thank you." With that, he turned and left the ring, leaving behind a crowd of astonished students and a very intrigued Kaina, who couldn't help but keep her eyes on him as he exited.
Itachi Yaoyorozu... I knew he was definitely someone special, Kaina thought, already looking forward to their next meeting.
She turned to her fellow contestant, eyes narrowing slightly, and said, "So, whose turn is it now?"
In the monitor room, several key faculty members of U.A. High School gathered, watching the applicants' trials unfold on the large screen. At the center sat Principal Nezu, the small but highly intelligent animal who oversaw the school. Around him were notable heroes like Hound Dog, Gran Torino, Ectoplasm, Power Loader, and newer members like Eraser Head, Present Mic, and Midnight.
Present Mic, in his usual energetic tone, sighed dramatically. "Principal, you should've let me announce to the crowd!"
Eraser Head, ever the calm one, sighed and said nothing. Nezu, with a patient smile, responded, "Next year, perhaps."
Midnight, meanwhile, leaned forward, her seductive demeanor on full display as she observed the applicants on the screen. "Look at them," she said, her voice dripping with sultry amusement. "These students, so full of enthusiasm... they make me feel... alive." Her statement made everyone in the room sweatdrop.
Gran Torino, shaking his head at her theatrics, mumbled, "Today's generation sure is... something."
Ectoplasm, standing quietly, nodded in agreement, deep in thought. "Yeah... they're impressive. But Principal Nezu," he began, looking towards Nezu, "there's something I want to show you. It's about one of the applicants. His name is Itachi Yaoyorozu."
Nezu raised an eyebrow. "Yaoyorozu? A relative of the business mogul?"
Gran Torino chimed in, "Yes, his son."
Eraser Head, still unfazed, asked, "What's so special about him?"
Ectoplasm handed Nezu a paper. "Just read his answers to the written test. They're... different. It's like he sees the world in a way most students can't."
Nezu's curiosity piqued as he began to read the document. As his eyes scanned the first question, he paused.
The question read: "If forced to choose between saving a loved one or stopping a villain, what would you do?"
Eraser Head, half-paying attention, muttered, "Most students would answer they'd save their loved one."
Nezu nodded. "You're right. But listen to how he responded."
Nezu read aloud: "In life, we are often faced with impossible choices. To save a loved one is to protect a piece of your soul, something precious beyond measure. But to stop a villain is to prevent the suffering of many, to protect the lives of those who cannot defend themselves. The question is not which is the greater act, but which burden you are willing to carry. If you save your loved one, you may be haunted by the lives lost because you chose them. If you stop the villain, you may live with the emptiness of having sacrificed someone dear to you. In the end, there is no right answer — only what you can endure."
As Nezu finished, the room fell into a stunned silence.
Midnight, her usual playful demeanor gone, spoke with uncharacteristic seriousness, "I didn't expect something like that."
Ectoplasm nodded, clearly impressed. "Neither did I. But it gets deeper with the last question."
Gran Torino, intrigued, leaned in closer. "What was the last one?"
Nezu adjusted the paper and read: "Imagine you are the leader of a group, and you must make a choice: risk the lives of your team to save an innocent group of strangers, or abandon the innocents to ensure the survival of your own. What would make your decision heroic or villainous in the eyes of others?"
Gran Torino shook his head. "That's a tough one, even for experienced heroes."
Ectoplasm agreed. "Most students left this one blank. But read what Itachi wrote."
Nezu began reading Itachi's answer aloud: "A leader's decisions are not defined by the labels of hero or villain, but by the consequences of their actions. To save your team is to honor the bond of trust and loyalty that holds you together — a decision that could be seen as selfish to outsiders but heroic to those who follow you. To save the innocents, you risk the lives of those you swore to protect, a sacrifice that may be seen as noble by many but could be viewed as betrayal by your own. Heroism and villainy are not absolutes; they are perspectives. What makes a decision heroic or villainous is not the choice itself, but how we live with the outcome."
Nezu lowered the paper, his expression unreadable for a moment.
Gran Torino widened his eyes, absorbing the weight of Itachi's wisdom. "Such depth... in his words," he muttered, clearly impressed.
Midnight leaned back in her chair, her usual confident smirk replaced by a contemplative frown. "He's... profound."
Present Mic, unusually quiet, nodded. "Yeah, that's some deep stuff for someone his age."
Eraser Head, always one to read between the lines, added, "It's not just the answers. It's the way he thinks. He's already seen the weight of life and death, probably more than anyone his age should."
Nezu, closing the file, smiled softly. "This Itachi Yaoyorozu... he's different. He's more than just a student. He's someone who understands the complexities of the world far beyond the average hero in training."
Midnight, always more attuned to the background of students, interjected, "But isn't he from a wealthy family?"
Gran Torino shook his head. "Money can't buy happiness or shield you from the harshness of life."
At that moment, Nezu, scanning the monitor, pointed toward the screen. "Look, Itachi is about to face Kaina in a match."
Eraser Head's eyes narrowed, studying the situation. "Kaina, one of our top students."
Midnight smirked. "She's ruthless with that quirk of hers."
Gran Torino leaned back, smiling with pride. She's in my class, after all. Let's see what he's made of."
Eraser Head turned his focus entirely on the screen. Gran Torino, noticing his intent gaze, teased, "So the new teacher's interested in this student, huh?"
Eraser Head didn't deny it. "Students like him are rare. There's something about him..."
Nezu said our Aizawa's first homeroom teacher at UA high
Gran Torino nodded. "I agree. Look at his demeanor—he's calm, even in the face of an unpredictable quirk like Kaina's."
They all watched closely as the match unfolded. Suddenly, Gran Torino pointed toward the screen. "Look! His eyes!"
Eraser Head, ever observant, nodded. "It's similar to mine..."
Nezu, flipping through the file, confirmed their suspicions. "It's called the Sharingan—his quirk. According to the report, it allows him to see things in slow motion and predict movement."
Midnight raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, it's a visual quirk. But just how strong is it?"
Eraser Head, determination clear in his voice, said, "I want him in my class."
Nezu, with a knowing smile, nodded. "It's done. We'll assign Itachi Yaoyorozu to Class 1-A."
As the faculty members watched the match, they knew this student wasn't just skilled—he was something more, someone who could change the very dynamics of hero training at U.A. High.
Itachi stood outside, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. What was she trying to say? The question lingered in his mind, drawing him deeper into contemplation, until the soft ping of a notification pulled him back to the present.
Message:
Keigo: Bro, where are you?
Itachi: Gate B.
A few moments passed before the reply came in.
Keigo: Bro, the practical exams are already over. Why are you still standing there? Wait… you're waiting for someone, aren't you? [smirk emoji]
Itachi's gaze flickered a brief hesitation before typing.
Itachi: Yes.
Keigo: Alright, bro. Have fun. We'll catch up tomorrow… after the results.
Itachi: Yeah.
Keigo: (A final message popped up, accompanied by a playful GIF of a woman with a sultry voice: "Enjoy…")
Itachi looked at his phone and sighed, shaking his head slightly. He'll never change, he thought. As his gaze shifted to his hands, still bruised and battered, he muttered, I really don't want to go to the infirmary...
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting."
Itachi turned, and there stood Kaina Tsutsumi, dressed in her UA uniform. She gave him a polite nod.
"I'm sorry, Yaoyorozu-kun."
Itachi shook his head. "It's okay, Tsutsumi-san."
She smiled warmly, her eyes brightening as she added, "I must say, your fight was incredible."
He gave a small, humble smile. "Thank you."
Kaina's expression turned more confident as she continued. "And I know you're already selected."
Itachi blinked, surprised by her certainty. "Thank you... I hope so."
She waved off his modesty. "You don't need to be so humble." Then, with a curious glance, she asked, "Your quirk... what exactly is it? Those illusions... they were terrifying. How did you know I was afraid of centipedes?"
Itachi hesitated, his mind scrambling for the right words. "Ah... as I cast the illusion, I can understand what someone fears," he admitted, his voice quiet.
Kaina noticed his hesitation and smiled softly. "You don't have to feel awkward about it. It's your quirk, and I don't mind. But... it was a little embarrassing."
Itachi chuckled lightly. "Next time, no centipedes."
Kaina laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Next time, show me something cute instead."
Itachi's eyes widened at her words, a memory flashing before him. He recalled a similar phrase from Erika: "If you ever use your quirk again... make it something cute next time, okay?"
He composed himself quickly, forcing a small, sad smile. "Okay."
Kaina's smile faded slightly as she noticed the sadness in his eyes. She decided to change the subject, glancing at her watch. "It's time to go now. We'll see each other in few days."
"Few days?" Itachi asked, raising a brow.
"Yeah," she said with a smile. "At UA High."
Itachi smiled back. "Sure."
Kaina's gaze shifted to his bruised hands. "I told you to go to the infirmary, didn't I?"
Itachi glanced at his hand, trying to downplay it. "Yes, but—"
She cut him off, her voice firm. "No buts. You know, I was honestly shocked when you grabbed that bullet with your bare hands." She reached out, gently taking his hand in hers, examining the bruises. The skin was torn away, revealing the deep purple and blue veins underneath.
Her eyes narrowed in frustration. "Look at this! Your skin is torn apart."
Itachi tried to pull his hand away. "It's nothing."
Kaina snapped and, without hesitation, dragged Itachi to the infirmary. As they entered, Itachi, still slightly taken aback, noticed a short, elderly woman with gray hair styled into a netted bun, a large syringe poking out from the left side of it. She wore a doctor's lab coat and a dress, her demeanor calm but authoritative. It didn't take long for him to realize who she was: the Youthful Heroine, Recovery Girl.
She looked up and smiled warmly. "Oh, Kaina, it's good to see you here." Her eyes shifted to the boy beside her. "And who's this?"
Kaina gestured toward Itachi's hand. "Ma'am, he needs treatment."
Recovery Girl glanced at Itachi's bruised and battered hand, her eyes narrowing in understanding. "Boy, sit here," she instructed, her voice soft but firm.
Itachi sighed, resigned, and took a seat on the bed. Recovery Girl examined his hand, then stretched her lips to an abnormal length and kissed his injured hand. Itachi blinked in surprise, but when he looked down, his hand was fully healed.
A wave of exhaustion washed over him, and he thought to himself, This must have taken some of my life energy...
"Good," Recovery Girl said with a nod, handing him some candy. "Take this."
Itachi sweatdropped but accepted the candy with a small nod. "Thank you."
Kaina chuckled softly at his expression as they left the infirmary. As they walked, Itachi pulled out one of the candies and handed it to her.
"Thank you," she said, accepting it with a smile.
The rest of the candies, Itachi tucked into his pocket. "Thank you," he repeated, his voice quiet but sincere.
Kaina glanced at him and teased gently, "Do you even know the meaning of 'thank you'?"
Itachi gave her a faint smile. "I know a few things."
She smiled back, her tone becoming more serious. "One day, I'll become a hero... before you." Her eyes filled with determination as she added, "And I might even start my own agency. I want you to become a hero too. Whether you join me, or create your own agency, the world needs people like you."
Itachi chuckled lightly, feeling a sense of déjà vu. "This feels familiar..."
Kaina laughed. "Yeah, kind of like when we ran for the student council." But then, her expression shifted, growing more serious. "But this... this is bigger."
Itachi nodded, his gaze steady. "I know."
She smiled softly. "You have my number, right? If you ever need anything, I'm here to help."
Itachi nodded. "And the same goes for you."
Kaina smiled, genuinely touched by his words. "Alright then, I'll take my leave. Goodbye, and good luck on your journey to becoming a hero."
Itachi returned her smile, his usually stoic expression softening. "Good luck with your own hero career, Kaina."
Her steps faltered, and she froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "What… did you just say?"
Itachi immediately realized his mistake, the formality of their relationship slipping too easily. He quickly bowed his head, his voice calm but apologetic. "I'm sorry… Tsutsumi-san. I didn't mean to overstep."
Kaina, however, surprised him once again. Her lips curved into a warm smile, and she waved off his concern. "It's fine," she said softly, her tone gentle but firm. "You can call me Kaina from now on. We're friends, right?"
Itachi blinked, processing her words. He met her eyes, seeing the sincerity in them, and after a moment, he allowed himself to smile again—a rare, genuine smile. "Yes… we're friends."
They shook hands, and Kaina, despite her usual confidence, suddenly seemed a little shy as she averted her gaze. "Well then… bye, Itachi," she said softly, almost hesitantly.
He gave her a slight nod, still smiling. "Goodbye"
She waved at him as she walked away, and Itachi gave a small wave in return. As she disappeared from view, he let out a quiet sigh, a small smile still lingering on his face. He made his way to the car and headed home, back to the mansion.
As Itachi stepped into the mansion, he was greeted by the sight of his mother, Yana, and his younger sister, Momo, both eagerly awaiting his return. A warm smile spread across Yana's face as she saw her son. "You're back," she said, her voice gentle.
Momo, however, couldn't contain her excitement. "Brother, you're finally here! What took you so long?" she asked, bouncing on her seat. "How was your test? Did you pass? Did your friend pass too? Did you meet Tsutsumi-san? Did you—"
Itachi, amused by her rapid-fire questions, gently tapped her on the forehead. "Momo, I'll answer everything. Give me a second," he said with a small smile.
Momo grinned, rubbing her forehead playfully, while Yana, laughing softly, spoke up. "Momo, dear, let him rest for a bit."
Momo nodded, though her enthusiasm hadn't diminished in the slightest, as they all moved to sit on the sofa. Yana turned her attention to her son. "So, Itachi, how did your test go?"
Itachi leaned back, feeling the familiar warmth of home, and began to explain. "The written exam was easy. Some of the questions were interesting, but overall, nothing too challenging. Then came the practical test, which was run by third-year students."
Momo's grin widened. "Did you meet Tsutsumi-san?"
Itachi sighed and nodded. "Yes, she was in charge of my group."
Momo smirked. "Destiny!" she teased.
Yana, chuckling at her daughter's antics, playfully pinched Momo's cheek. "Stop teasing your brother."
"Sorry," Momo replied with a mischievous smile, but her excitement didn't fade.
Yana then turned to Itachi, her tone softening as she asked, "So, she'll become a hero before you?"
Itachi nodded. "Yeah, she will."
Yana laughed lightly but soon noticed the faint bruises on Itachi's hands. Her laughter faded as she reached over, gently touching his hand. "What happened here?" she asked, concern filling her voice.
Itachi sighed. "It's nothing serious, Mother. Just a few scrapes."
Yana examined his hand carefully. "Nothing serious?" she repeated, a bit skeptical.
Momo, her curiosity piqued, asked, "Does it hurt?"
Itachi smiled and patted her head. "No, I went to the infirmary and got it checked. I'm fine."
Yana smiled, relieved. "That's good," she said softly. But then, she sighed, her expression turning more serious. "Still, now that you're on this path, I'll constantly be worrying about you."
Itachi met her eyes, his voice calm yet reassuring. "You don't have to worry, Mother. I'm strong enough to protect myself and all of you."
Yana gave a soft, bittersweet smile. "I know, dear. But no matter how strong you are… I'm still your mother. I'll always care for you."
Itachi returned her smile, understanding her concern. "I know," he replied gently.
Yana's smile widened, but then she teased, "I'm just glad Momo isn't exactly like you."
Itachi looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Momo, confused, tilted her head. "But I want to be just like my brother!"
Yana chuckled. "I'm sure you will, dear. But maybe don't take his advice on how to train."
Itachi, recalling old memories, started to chuckle quietly. Momo, curious, asked, "Why not?"
Yana laughed as she shared the story. "You know, when you were only a few months old, your brother came into my room one day and said, 'Mother, I want you to make a gun… and fire it at me.'"
Momo's eyes widened with awe. "Really? Brother is so cool!"
Yana sighed, shaking her head. "That's not cool, Momo," she said, trying to keep her voice stern but failing to hide her amusement.
Itachi chuckled at the memory while Momo stared at him with stars in her eyes. "Brother, you're amazing!" she exclaimed.
"Alright, alright," Itachi said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Enough stories for now. I'm going to take a shower."
Yana smiled and nodded. "Okay, dear. Take your time."
As Itachi returned to his room, he headed straight for the shower. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the fatigue of the day. He closed his eyes and sighed, feeling the tension ease from his muscles. After drying off, he changed into more comfortable clothes and lay down on his bed, letting out another sigh as he stared up at the ceiling.
His thoughts drifted back to the exam, specifically the moment when Kaina had said with confidence, "I will get selected." He smiled faintly, remembering the certainty in her voice. But more than that, he thought about their conversation afterward.
Meanwhile, at Kaina's home, she was lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling much like Itachi. Her mind replayed their sparring session, the intensity of their fight, and the moment when Itachi had wished her luck. She smiled to herself, recalling the words, "Good luck to you, Kaina." The way he had said her name stuck with her.
She sighed softly, turning onto her side. "Some friends call me Kaina," she muttered to herself. "But when he says it... it feels different. There's a shyness in me, even when I called him by his name." The thought made her feel a little uneasy, her emotions swirling in a way that felt unfamiliar to her.
With a deep breath, Kaina tried to push those thoughts aside. "No time for thinking about this," she murmured. "I'm too tired." Closing her eyes, she let the exhaustion of the day take over, drifting into sleep as her thoughts of Itachi slowly faded into the background.
The next day was peaceful. As usual, Itachi woke up at 5 a.m., beginning his day with his exercise routine. After finishing, he headed back to his room to freshen up before making his way downstairs. This time, however, the house was unusually quiet. He sighed softly, walking into the kitchen and preparing himself a cup of coffee. He sat down on the sofa, scrolling through his phone, the peaceful morning giving him time to reflect.
He heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching. "Dear, you're up early," a familiar voice said. Itachi turned to see his mother, Yana, standing beside him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mother," he greeted her, his voice calm and gentle.
"Good morning," she replied, still smiling.
"I just made some coffee for myself. Would you like some too?" Itachi asked, gesturing to his mug.
"Coffee from my son? Of course," Yana said playfully.
Itachi smiled, standing up and heading to the kitchen. He carefully prepared another cup and brought it over to her. "Here you go, Mother."
Yana accepted the cup, taking a sip. "Mmm, it's good," she said, her eyes showing a hint of pride.
Itachi smiled softly. "Thank you, Mother."
She took another sip before glancing over at him. "So, today is the day for your results, right?"
Itachi nodded. "Yes, they said they'd announce the results today. I'm not sure what to expect."
Yana nodded, her expression thoughtful as she sat down beside him. The air was calm, and for a few moments, they enjoyed the quiet together.
After a few minutes, the sound of soft, sleepy footsteps broke the silence. Momo appeared at the top of the stairs, rubbing her eyes, her voice groggy as she greeted them. "Good morning, brother... Good morning, Mother…"
Both Yana and Itachi smiled warmly at her. "Good morning, Momo," they said in unison.
Momo shuffled her way to the living room, her hair a bit messy from sleep. Not long after, their father entered the room, adjusting his suit jacket. He spotted Momo and smiled, picking her up briefly. "Good morning, Momo."
She grinned sleepily, resting her head on his shoulder. "Good morning, Father. Did you sleep well?" she asked, her voice soft.
He nodded, smiling down at her. "I did. And you?"
Momo nodded, her small smile growing as he set her back down gently. He then made his way over to Yana, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Good morning, Yana."
"Good morning," she replied with a warm smile as they all gathered in the living room.
However, Itachi noticed something familiar in his father's behavior—a subtle but deliberate avoidance. His father didn't acknowledge him, not even a glance. Itachi's smile faded slightly as he sipped his coffee, keeping his expression neutral. This was nothing new, but it still stung in a way he'd never admit out loud.
Yana, sensing the tension, placed her hand on Itachi's, offering him a small, reassuring squeeze. She didn't say anything, but her presence was comforting. Itachi gave her a grateful nod, taking another sip of his coffee as the peaceful morning continued.
Itachi sighed as his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he saw it was a video call from Keigo and Fuyumi. He accepted the call, and immediately, a loud voice boomed from the phone.
"Itachi!" Keigo shouted enthusiastically.
Itachi winced, pulling the phone away from his ear. "Why do you always have to shout?" he said, his tone exasperated.
"Sorry," Keigo replied sheepishly, while Fuyumi, clearly irritated, added, "You idiot! My eardrums! Next time, give a warning before you scream like that."
Keigo scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, never mind," he said, brushing it off. "So, bro, did you get the letter from UA?"
Itachi was about to respond when one of the maids approached, holding an envelope. "Young master, your letter has arrived," she said, bowing slightly as she handed it over.
Keigo overheard through the phone and groaned, "This bastard lives the high life."
Itachi sighed again, shaking his head. "Thank you," he said to the maid, before taking the letter and sitting back down on the sofa. "Have you opened yours?" he asked Keigo.
"Nah," Keigo said, sounding casual. "I couldn't open it with my friends around. So, we decided to meet somewhere and do it together."
Itachi thought for a moment. "How about we meet at my place?"
Fuyumi and Keigo both looked surprised. "Is that okay?" Fuyumi asked.
"Yeah, of course," Itachi replied, nodding. "It's no problem."
"Alright then, we'll be there in a bit," Keigo agreed, and Fuyumi nodded as well.
As the call ended, Itachi's father, Takashi, who had been quietly sitting nearby, spoke up with a displeased tone. "So, you're going to bring your friends here and ruin the family's reputation, huh?"
Yana immediately turned to her husband, her voice firm but calm. "Takashi, if you don't want to be a part of this, you can leave."
Takashi raised his hands defensively. "No, no, I'm staying. I just want to see if he really got into UA High or not."
Itachi, remaining composed despite his father's remarks, sat back down, his face expressionless but his eyes cold. He didn't respond, choosing instead to keep his emotions in check, though the tension in the room was palpable.
After some time, Keigo and Fuyumi arrived at the mansion. Keigo, with his usual enthusiasm, held up his letter and smirked proudly, while Fuyumi's eyes widened at the grandeur of Itachi's home.
Keigo noticed her expression and chuckled. "I know what you're thinking. Pretty fancy, huh?"
Itachi smiled at the two of them. "Come on, get inside."
As they stepped into the living room, they noticed everyone already seated on the sofa, including Itachi's father. Keigo leaned over to Itachi and whispered, "Why is your dad here?"
Itachi sighed, keeping his voice low. "He wants to know the result."
Keigo grinned. "I bet he's gonna fall right on his face when he hears it."
Fuyumi interjected with a smirk, "Exactly."
Both Itachi and Keigo turned to her, confused. She rolled her eyes and said, "Did you forget I'm here to support you both?"
Keigo and Itachi chuckled, and Keigo responded, "How could we forget?"
Yana, noticing the trio standing, warmly gestured to them. "Why are you all just standing there? Come, sit down."
They nodded and took their seats. Yana turned her attention to Fuyumi. "You're Fuyumi Todoroki, right?"
Fuyumi smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's me."
Yana beamed. "You're such a lovely young lady."
Blushing slightly, Fuyumi replied, "Thank you, Aunty."
Takashi cleared his throat, impatience creeping into his voice. "Shall we see the results now?"
Keigo and Itachi exchanged glances before Momo chimed in confidently, "I know both of you passed."
Itachi said with a small smirk, "Keigo, ladies first."
Keigo grinned at the teasing tone before realizing what Itachi had said. "Wait, what? Hey, you bas—uh, I mean—bro!" Keigo stammered, trying to cover up his slip.
Yana raised an eyebrow. "What did you call my boy?"
Keigo paled, then quickly corrected himself. "My bro! I called him my bro!"
Yana gave a satisfied nod. "That's what I thought."
Keigo sighed in relief before quickly tearing open his letter. Inside, he found a small chip. As he inserted it into a reader, a holographic screen popped up in front of them.
Keigo blinked in surprise. "Hey, look! It's a mouse!"
The hologram activated, revealing Nezu, the principal of UA High. "Hello, Keigo Takami. I am Principal Nezu, and I'm pleased to congratulate you on being selected for UA High!"
Keigo jumped out of his seat with joy. "Yes! I did it!" He gave Itachi a firm tug on the shoulder, his excitement contagious.
Fuyumi clapped her hands. "Congratulations, Keigo!"
Yana smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Keigo!"
Momo added with a grin, "Congo!"
Takashi, however, remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Nezu continued, "You scored 180 points, with 100 marks in the written exam and 80 in the practical. Excellent work. The highest score this year was 220."
Itachi nodded approvingly. "That's impressive."
Nezu finished, "You've been placed in Class 1-A. Welcome to UA High, Keigo. Go Beyond! Plus Ultra!" The hologram flickered and disappeared.
Keigo beamed, still riding high on his victory. "180 points in the Exam, not bad, huh? Your turn, Itachi!"
Itachi gave a small nod before carefully opening his envelope. Inside was a similar chip.
As the hologram flickered to life, Principal Nezu's cheerful voice rang out. "Hello, Itachi Yaoyorozu! I'm Principal Nezu of UA High, and I'm pleased to congratulate you on being selected for UA High!"
As soon as Nezu's message ended, the room buzzed with excitement. Momo was the first to react, practically bouncing with joy.
"I knew it!" she exclaimed, rushing over to Itachi. "You did it, brother! I'm so proud of you!" She beamed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Keigo grinned, sitting beside him , he gave Itachi a playful nudge. "Congrats, man. Knew you'd make it." His grin widened.
Fuyumi, with her calm demeanor, Said with a soft smile. "Well done, Itachi. You deserve this." Her eyes were full of warmth as she spoke.
Yana watching her son with pride. "Congratulations, Itachi," she said softly, stepping forward to place a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You've worked so hard for this moment."
But amidst the celebration, Takashi sat silently, his expression hardening. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened. His grip on the armrest of the sofa grew tighter as he processed the news.
Nezu's hologram continued. "Itachi, you've achieved the highest score in UA High's entrance exam. A perfect score! You earned 120 points on the written exam and 100 on the practical. I'm incredibly excited to meet you and hear your ideas. Welcome to Class 1-A!"
There was a brief pause as everyone absorbed the weight of Itachi's achievement. The perfect score. Itachi had not only passed but surpassed everyone. Fuyumi's eyes were wide in admiration, and Keigo's grin grew even wider, if that was possible.
. Keigo was the first to react, throwing his arms around Itachi's shoulders. "Dude, you nailed it! Top score? Are you serious?" He grinned, shaking him playfully. "You didn't just pass, you crushed it!"
Momo, beaming with pride, clapped her hands together. "I knew it! You're the best, brother!"
Yana placed a gentle hand on her son's shoulder, her eyes gleaming with maternal pride. "I'm so proud of you, Itachi," she whispered, her voice full of warmth.
Yet Takashi remained silent. His quiet disapproval hung in the air like a storm cloud, growing heavier by the second. As Nezu's hologram faded, leaving only the echoes of his congratulatory words, Takashi abruptly stood up from the sofa. His face was tight with suppressed anger.
Without a word, he stormed out of the room, his heavy footsteps echoing as he left. The door slammed behind him, the sharp sound cutting through the cheerful atmosphere and leaving a palpable tension in its wake.
Yana's smile faltered as her gaze followed her husband's retreat. The joyful energy in the room seemed to dim, and Fuyumi and Keigo exchanged uncomfortable glances, unsure of how to break the silence. Momo, sensing the sudden shift, looked up at Itachi with worried eyes.
Itachi remained composed, his expression unreadable, but deep down, he felt the sting of his father's rejection, the familiar ache settling in his chest. He took a slow, steady breath before glancing at his mother. Yana gave him a soft, supportive nod, her eyes full of understanding.
Keigo, ever the one to lift the mood, clapped his hands together. "Bro, I think we should celebrate! Party time!" He grinned, trying to dispel the tension in the room.
Fuyumi, catching on, smiled gently. "That's a great idea. Let's celebrate your achievement properly."
Momo's eyes lit up with excitement. "A party! Yes! Let's do it!"
Itachi smiled, grateful for their enthusiasm. "Sure, a party sounds good."
Yana, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but smile. "My boy has such good friends." She turned toward the chef and said warmly, "Prepare something special for tonight." The chef nodded and quickly disappeared into the kitchen.
As they continued discussing party plans, Itachi's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen, and instantly, both Keigo and Momo's eyes widened with knowing smirks.
"Pick it up, bro! We want to hear what she has to say!" Keigo teased, nudging Itachi's arm.
Momo nodded eagerly, her grin growing. "Yes, pick it up!"
Fuyumi sighed, shaking her head. "Give him some space, you two," she said, trying to maintain some decorum.
She looked at Yana for support, expecting her to agree, but Yana, smirking mischievously, surprised her. "I kind of want to hear too," she said with a playful glint in her eyes.
Fuyumi sweatdropped, muttering under her breath. "Why am I the only one being reasonable here..."
Itachi sighed, caught between his eager friends and family, and slipped outside for some privacy. As he stepped into the cool evening air, he picked up the call.
"Hello?" he said, his voice calm but curious.
"Hey… congratulations on getting into UA," Kaina's voice came through, soft and a little shy.
Itachi smiled, his expression softening. "Thank you, Kaina."
There was a brief pause before she responded, her voice tinged with a bit of nervousness. "Y-You're welcome… So, um, I guess we'll be seeing each other again in a few days."
"Yes," Itachi replied, his tone gentle.
Suddenly, from inside the house, Yana's playful voice echoed out. "Itachi, dear, if you want, you can invite your friend over!"
Itachi rubbed his temple, letting out a soft sigh. "Did you hear that?" he asked, his tone slightly exasperated but amused.
Kaina giggled, her voice warmer now. "Yeah, I heard."
Itachi smiled again, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "You don't have to force yourself, but if you're free, you're welcome to come to the mansion."
There was a brief silence on the other end, and then Kaina replied, her voice shy but sincere. "I-I have some time today… I'd love to."
"Alright," Itachi said, his smile growing. "I'll text you the address."
"Okay," Kaina answered softly before hanging up.
Itachi pocketed his phone, standing outside for a brief moment. Inside, Keigo and Momo were already exchanging smirks. Keigo couldn't help himself and began mimicking their earlier conversation, switching between exaggerated voices.
At Kaina's home, she sat at her desk, letting out a heavy sigh, her mind racing. Why am I panicking? she thought, shaking her head as she replayed her last conversation with Itachi. His words lingered in her mind. His mother called me…
She sighed again, but this time with a mix of frustration and confusion. "He's just my junior," she muttered to herself, rubbing her temples. "I shouldn't be thinking like this… should I?"
Glancing over at her wardrobe, her eyes fell on a neatly pressed outfit. She hesitated for a moment before standing up and walking over to it. Why am I even dressing up? she wondered, but something in her urged her to pick out something nice.
She changed into the clothes, smoothing the fabric as she stood in front of the mirror. Taking a deep breath, she looked at her reflection, trying to calm the flurry of emotions building up inside her. "I look… good, right?" she asked herself, her hands fidgeting slightly. Right?
Before she could continue her self-reflection, her mother entered the room, breaking her train of thought. "Kaina, dear," her mother called softly.
Startled, Kaina spun around, her heart skipping a beat. "Oh! Mom…" she trailed off, feeling a bit flustered.
Her mother's eyes lit up with surprise. "Oh my, where are you going all dressed up?" she asked with a teasing smile, eyeing her daughter's choice of attire.
Kaina's cheeks flushed slightly. "Ah, just… going to a friend's house," she said quickly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Her mother gave her a knowing smile, but didn't press further. "Alright, dear. Have fun," she said, still smiling as she walked out of the room.
As Kaina watched her mother leave, she caught her reflection again in the mirror. Why am I even doing this? she wondered. But deep down, she already knew. It wasn't just any friend she was thinking about—it was Itachi. She bit her lip, trying to push away the nervous excitement that fluttered in her chest.
Itachi pocketed his phone, stepping outside to join Keigo and Momo, who both had mischievous smirks on their faces. Keigo, unable to resist the opportunity to tease, began mimicking an exaggerated version of the earlier conversation.
"Congratulations, Yaoyorozu-kun!" Keigo said in a playful, higher-pitched voice, pretending to be Kaina. He then switched to a more serious, stoic expression, imitating Itachi's calm demeanor. "Thank you, Tsutsumi-san," he responded in a monotone voice.
Itachi stared at him with a sweatdrop forming, while Yana chuckled from the side. "He's actually quite good at that, Itachi," she said with a teasing smile.
Itachi turned to his mother, surprised. "No, he's not," he replied, shaking his head.
Fuyumi chimed in with a grin. "Sorry, Itachi, but you do have that 'serious guy' vibe all the time. Keigo's not completely wrong."
Sighing in mild exasperation, Itachi couldn't help but smile, the gentle teasing from his friends and family easing the tension from earlier.
After 15-20 mins, the doorbell rang, interrupting the moment. Yana's face lit up with happiness as she stood and moved quickly to the door. When she opened it, her smile grew even wider. "Welcome!" she greeted warmly.
Standing there was Kaina, dressed casually in a white top, blue jeans, and carrying a matching blue bag. Her long hair flowed loosely around her shoulders, and she offered a shy but genuine smile. "Thanks for having me," she said, her voice soft but pleasant.
As she stepped inside, Itachi's eyes met hers, and he smiled at her gently. "Welcome, Tsutsumi-san," he said, his voice carrying its usual calm warmth.
Kaina, feeling a flutter in her chest at the sight of him, blushed slightly and lowered her gaze. "Thank you, and congratulations," she replied, her voice a little quieter than usual.
Yana, sensing the small shift in Kaina's demeanor, gestured towards the living room. "Please, have a seat," she offered kindly.
Kaina nodded, her eyes scanning the room. The only available seat was beside Itachi, and her heart raced for a brief moment. She hesitated, but then quickly composed herself and moved toward the empty spot. Sitting beside him, she could feel the subtle warmth of his presence, which only made her blush deepen slightly.
Keigo, never one to miss an opportunity to stir the pot, grinned at Kaina. "So, hello, Tsutsumi-san," he teased with a knowing smirk, before waving dramatically. "Welcome to our little gathering."
Fuyumi followed up more politely. "Hello! It's nice to see you again, Tsutsumi-san."
Kaina smiled back at both of them, though her attention seemed to drift slightly toward Itachi. "Hey, Takami-san. Hey, Todoroki-san," she greeted before noticing Momo sitting nearby. "And hi to you too, Momo."
Momo, smiling brightly, waved back. "Hi, Tsutsumi-san!" she said cheerfully, clearly happy to see her as well.
As the conversation began to flow again, Kaina couldn't help but sneak glances at Itachi. His composed demeanor, calm confidence, and quiet strength intrigued her more than she cared to admit. There was something about being near him that made her heart race, yet she felt oddly comforted by his presence. Though she remained silent for now, her thoughts were filled with the growing realization that she was undeniably drawn to him.
As the celebration continued, the lively atmosphere in the Yaoyorozu household was filled with laughter, chatter, and excitement. Keigo, in his usual energetic fashion, was recounting his acceptance to UA High with dramatic flair, making Momo and Fuyumi giggle at his exaggerated storytelling.
Yana, ever the gracious hostess, had laid out a beautiful spread of food and drinks for everyone, making sure no one went hungry. She occasionally glanced toward Itachi and Kaina, a knowing smile on her face as she watched them interact.
Itachi, typically reserved, found himself standing with Kaina in a quieter corner of the room, away from the hustle of the group. The two of them were engaged in conversation, but it had a different feel—softer, more personal.
"How do you feel about being accepted into UA?" Kaina asked, her tone gentle but curious. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she looked up at him.
Itachi sipped his drink thoughtfully before replying, "I suppose it's a good opportunity. I'll be able to continue improving my skills. But honestly… I'm more focused on what comes next." He paused for a moment, his eyes searching hers before he added quietly, "I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead, though."
Kaina smiled, her gaze softening as she saw the determination in his eyes. "I know you'll do well.
"So, Tsutsumi-san," Itachi began, his tone calm and thoughtful as always. "What kind of hero do you want to be?"
Kaina, who had been quietly observing the others, turned her attention fully to him. Her eyes softened at the question, and she took a moment to think before answering. "I want to be a hero who stands for those who can't defend themselves. Someone who brings justice where it's needed." She paused and smiled softly. "I guess... a hero who gives people hope."
Itachi nodded, clearly appreciating her sentiment. "That's admirable. You've always had a strong sense of justice."
Kaina blushed lightly at his words, feeling her heart flutter slightly. "What about you, Itachi?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of hero do you want to be?"
Itachi's gaze grew distant for a moment as he considered the question. He looked out the window, as if searching for something beyond the horizon, before answering quietly, "A hero for peace." His voice carried a weight of experience and calm resolve. "I want to be the kind of hero who prevents unnecessary conflict. If I can protect people without them ever needing to fight... then that's the kind of hero I want to be."
Kaina studied him closely, feeling the depth behind his words. She admired his sense of purpose, but there was something about his calmness that made her feel safe. "That sounds like you," she said with a gentle smile. "You've always been someone who thinks ahead, who wants to protect others."
Itachi glanced at her, his usual stoic expression softening slightly. "Thank you, Kaina."
As he called her by her first name, Kaina felt her cheeks warm. It was subtle, but hearing her name from Itachi like that made something stir within her. It wasn't just his words but the way he said them—like he valued her more than she realized. Before she could respond, they both noticed the quiet attention from the others.
Their conversation was briefly interrupted by Keigo, who bounded over with Fuyumi and Momo in tow. "Hey, you two! What's with all the serious talk?" Keigo said, his grin wide as he clapped a hand on Itachi's shoulder. "Come on, lighten up. We're supposed to be celebrating!"
Fuyumi nodded, a playful smile on her lips. "Yeah, you guys are making us jealous with your deep conversation over here."
Momo giggled from beside Yana, who was watching the whole exchange with a motherly smile. "I think they're cute together," Momo whispered to her mother.
Yana nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling. "They complement each other well, don't they?" she replied with a whisper, her voice warm.
Back in the corner, Kaina blushed slightly at the attention, her fingers nervously brushing the hem of her shirt. "It wasn't that serious," she said with a small laugh, trying to brush off the teasing.
Keigo, however, wasn't about to let it go that easily. "Oh, really? It looked pretty intense from over there," he teased, wiggling his eyebrows.
Itachi, always calm under pressure, gave Keigo a sidelong glance. "Not everyone has to be as loud as you, Keigo," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Fuyumi laughed. "Itachi's right. You're the loudest one here."
Keigo held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, I get it."
The group continued talking and laughing, enjoying the lighthearted mood. As the evening went on, Itachi found himself more relaxed than he had been in a long time. Surrounded by people who cared about him, he felt a sense of belonging and contentment that was rare for him.
At one point, as the night started to wind down, Yana approached Itachi and Kaina. "I'm so happy you could join us today, Kaina," she said with a smile. "You're always welcome here."
Kaina smiled back warmly, feeling truly welcomed. "Thank you, Mrs. Yaoyorozu. I've really enjoyed spending time with everyone."
Itachi, standing beside Kaina, nodded in agreement. "It was a good day," he said quietly, his gaze meeting hers for a brief moment.
As the celebration came to a close, the group slowly began to disperse. Keigo and Fuyumi said their goodbyes, full of excitement for the future, while Yana and Momo tidied up.
Before Kaina left, she and Itachi shared one last exchange by the door. "Take care, I-Itachi. I'll see you at UA," Kaina said with a little blush, her voice soft but sincere.
Itachi nodded, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "I'll see you there," he replied.
As Kaina walked away, Itachi watched her go, feeling a quiet sense of contentment. The path ahead was uncertain, but with friends like Kaina, Keigo, and Fuyumi by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited him at UA High.