Chapter 9: Slam Down Your Fist Like You Mean It, Nerd!
July 1, 7:59 AM
Advanced Nurturing High School
Classroom 1-D
'Phew! I made it with just a minute to spare! I think my timing is getting a bit better!' I thought internally with a smile on my face while entering into my classroom. However, upon seeing the look on Horikita's face glaring at me from her seat proved otherwise.
'P-Perhaps not.' I thought internally as sweat dripped down from my forehead. Not just out of knowing full well of the earful that is to come, but also because I did run all the way here after seeing Horikita's text to in her words 'Get to the school ASAP.' However, I had unintentionally overslept. My alarm always makes sure I wake up on time. Which means that there is only one possible explanation as to why I didn't hear it today…
'Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Jokata Nauji. But I doubt you've heard of me. After all, I wasn't some big shot Pro Hero. No. I was from a time when the concept of 'Pro Heroes' didn't even exist. So, to put it simply… I'm no hero.' Yeah. I definitely blame that guy for this. Well, I don't have a choice but to accept what's coming. I thought internally as I accepted my Fate and made it over to my seat.
"Hey. What took you so long?" Suzune asked as I could detect the annoyance in her voice with ease. But I already knew she wasn't happy the moment I entered the classroom.
"I'm sorry but I had a rough night. What happened?" I asked but before she could give me an answer-
'DONG!' The bell rang signaling the beginning of homeroom. Professor Chabashira was already in the classroom, so she put her phone away just as the bell rang. She then walked up to the podium.
"Before Class properly starts, I have an announcement to make. Your classmate, Ken Sudo, will not be joining us today. In fact, he probably won't be considered a 'student' at this prestigious school for much longer." Professor Chabashira announced as she dropped a bombshell with the explosive power of a nuke as everyone's eyes shot wide open, me included.
"Wait, what?! What could have Sudo done to possibly get him expelled?!" Ike yelled out with an agitated look on his face as he slammed his hands down onto his desk out of anger. That much is to be expected, he and Sudo were friends. Along with Yamauchi they formed 'Class D's idiot trio.' (Those were the words of my classmates, not mine.)
"Ike's right! As his fri-I-I mean c-classmates, we DEMAND to hear the details!" Yamauchi declared as he slammed his hands onto his desk not just out of anger but to prove his point. But to his utmost surprise-
"Demand denied. I'm not at liberty to disclose the details as to what Mr. Sudo did. And even I was it's not your business to know. You might be his classmates, his friends even. But his problem is HIS alone. It will be dealt with by the Student Council after class today. For that reason, today's classes will be cut short so there will not be the usual five-minute breaks in between periods. But this also means that classes will effectively end three hours earlier so you will all be able to go home early. There will also still be lunch right after classes are over. That is all. Homeroom may now begin." Chabashira explained as everything started to make sense now. I then looked at Horikita's face and that confirmed my suspicions.
'I see. The reason why Horikita requested me to come early to class today was because she figured that this would happen. Which means she was aware of what happened with Sudo. This can only mean that she wanted to explain the details to me in person. Why she couldn't explain the issue by texting me remains a mystery. That means there's a 'reason' why she couldn't explain it in person. Damn it. Well, it's my fault that I didn't get here quicker. The only thing that I can do now is wait for classes to be over so that she can explain things at lunch.
July 1, 11:35 AM
Advanced Nurturing High School
Cafeteria
After classes ended me and Horikita made our way to the cafeteria. We then bought some lunch and sat at our usual booth. Ichinose was nowhere in sight, so it was just the two of us. I always appreciate her company since her smile always makes me feel better. But perhaps just today it's a good thing she isn't here. Whatever happened with Sudo must be serious enough if expulsion is on the table. That's why I have to know the details. But just as we were about to sit down-
"Izuku Midoriya, what a pleasant surprise. It's been a while, hasn't it?" A familiar voice spoke to me, but it wasn't one that I wanted to hear, especially right now. After all, she made an impression on me that even after three months, I still have yet to forget. It was none other than-
"S-Sakayanagi." I muttered with a stutter as I was completely unprepared for this encounter. Her voice alone brought back memories that I did not recall-
'That's really all you need to know… for now. As for the payment of the debt you owe me. Hmm… I'll let it slide for now. But I'll be back to collect in due time, so you won't have to wait much longer. And who knows, maybe I'll give you a reward so that you can keep owing me forever and ever. Wouldn't you like that Izuku Midoriya?' Just remembering her words brought back that sense of overwhelming dread I haven't felt since my encounters with All For One. I didn't know much about the girl named Arisu Sakayanagi and a part of me hopes that there is some good in her…
… But another part of me is telling me that the reason behind this girl's appearance is to make my life a living hell just like AFO did in my darkest moments. I don't know which part to accept. The part of me that believes that Sakayanagi isn't as bad as her words and presence make her out to be…
… Or the part of me that believes she is a truly wicked and diabolical individual? I truly don't know. But even still-
"… I agree. It's been three months since we last talked like this, right?" I replied with a forced smile on my face as I turned around to look at her. But even though it was a fake smile, I had no choice but to wear it. Not just to calm Horikita who has been staring at me with a worried look on her face this whole time. But also, because I want to believe that I was wrong about Sakayanagi. That this feeling is but a fragment of my imagination and that Arisu Sakayanagi is not a bad person. She hasn't done anything 'evil' yet. Misguided, perhaps a bit rude, but not evil. I can't just believe she's evil since she hasn't done anything yet. That's why I have to believe in her!
"Actually, it has been a total of one hundred and fifteen days since we last talked to each other in person. Since there are commonly thirty days in a month this would mean that it is closer to four months. But you are more or less correct. Anyway, it as you have surmised. I'm here to use my 'favor' that you owe me from last time." Sakayanagi replied as her attention to the details was astoundingly accurate. A bit too accurate I might add. Not only that but it was like she read my mind. I really got to be careful around her or she'll continue to read my face like an open book.
"Oh, but you don't have to do that. I like seeing all the expressions your face makes. I do wonder how many I have yet to see. Fufufu." Sakayanagi spoke as she read my thoughts once more before laughing like the schoolgirl she appears to be. But as she had already proven to me, looks can be deceiving. Even still, this is really bad timing.
"Look, I'm really sorry. But can we do a raincheck on that favor today? I promise that I'll be available tomorrow if you'd li- I spoke but I was cut off before I could finish speaking.
"Raincheck? Oh, that will simply not do. After all, I so graciously looked for you all while it was physically taxing on my delicate and fragile body. For you to deny such a request even knowing all of this makes you quite a 'bad boy.' And bad boys deserve to be punished. Don't you agree, Izuku Midoriya?" Sakayanagi replied but not even a second later-
'Snap.' She snapped her fingers and before I knew it the bald-headed servant of hers named Katsuragi made his presence known as he grabbed onto my arm and put enough pressure on it to make me collapse to my knees. Actually, I could have resisted if I wanted too but I let myself fall to my knee on purpose. Resisting would only make things that much more dire. I must accept this so that no one figures out how strong I am. And me running at top speed (On my first day) certainly didn't help me look like an average guy. That's why I have no choice but to act weaker, at least in front of Sakayanagi.
"Midoriya! … How dare you?! If you hurt him- Suzune yelled out my name before turning her attention to Sakayanagi as she threatened her but was cut off before she could finish by the latter.
"Hurt him? Do you honestly expect me to be capable of hurting someone? Who do you think I am… a monster perhaps? Not in the slightest. I wouldn't dream of hurting anyone, much less someone as cute as your friend. This is just a 'lesson' to show him who has 'authority' around here. That's all it is." Sakayanagi replied as she slowly walked toward me with her cane in her hands before kneeling down to look me in the eyes. And then…
"So, Izuku Midoriya, did you learn your lesson?" Sakayanagi asked with a gentle smile on her face as she closed her eyes. But even though her face seemed so innocent I was only reminded of the fact that looks can be deceiving. But I had no choice but to comply with her wishes, so I nodded.
"Good. Katsuragi, you can let him go now. And make sure to help me up while you are at it." Sakayanagi instructed her servant with a smile on her face as he nodded his head obediently.
"As you wish." Katsuragi muttered before letting me go as I collapsed onto the floor below me while I watched him help Sakayanagi stand back up. I then propped myself off the ground.
"Getting back to the topic at hand, as for that favor… I request that you accompany me to my classroom to eat some lunch together. Class 1-A. I was even so gracious as to have used my own points to buy you something to eat…" Sakayanagi explained as she tilted her head to the side to indicate me to look in a certain direction. That was when I noticed that Katsuragi was holding a pair of bento boxes. Three of them to be exact. Which meant that she really did buy one for me. It seemed nice of her, but I wasn't so sure she did it out of the kindness of her heart, in contrast to Ichinose who most certainly did it because she is a good person. On the other hand, Sakayanagi-
"… But as you are already aware of, this isn't a request you can simply call a raincheck on." Sakayanagi declared with a smug smile on her face as even though she wasn't having Katsuragi hold me down anymore, it was if at that moment she placed a collar around my neck that was attached to a leash that Sakayanagi is holding onto. At least that's what it felt like. But even so I smiled because-
'Young Midoriya, whenever you're worried or scared that's when you got to smile, even if it's fake. My Master taught me that. So, make sure to remember that.' That's what All Might would have done! Nana Shimura too! Heroes smile not just to reassure others but themselves too! So, that's what I got to do!
"I understand. I'll humbly accept your request." I replied before following her and her servant. But this meant that I was abandoning Horikita. So, in the midst of walking with them, I turned around-
"… I'm sorry." To whisper an apology before facing the direction of where Sakayanagi was headed. However, only a few seconds later-
'Bzzt!' My phones buzzed in my pocket letting me know that I received a notification. I checked to see what it was and noticed that it was a text message from Horikita. I clicked on it and then proceeded to read it.
'When will you learn that you always don't have to be sorry? I understand what it is you have to do so don't worry about it. That being said… I have a favor for you. Please come to the student council room right after lunch. I… need your help.' Horikita's text message read as I replied with a 'got it' as it was crystal clear what I had to do next. After all, Horikita wasn't one to ask for my help. In fact, I think this is the first time she ever asked for it.
However, I recall Chabashira saying that the matter regarding whether Sudo will be expelled will be dealt with after lunch. Not only that but the only other time that I noticed Horikita needed help was when-
'My little sister assigned to Class D… and I'm the one who bears the shame of it. Leave this school right now.' This can't be a coincidence. Which means that 'he' is going to be there. And if my deductions are correct, then Horikita will be there to defend Sudo of what he may or may not have done. Meanwhile, her brother will be the one against them both. I can't allow her to face him alone. Especially after she requested my help. Which means I've got to be there no matter what!
July 1, 12:00 PM
Advanced Nurturing High School
Student Council Room
'DONG!' The bell rang signaling the end of lunch as well as for all the students to go home. This occurred all the while the girl named Suzune Horikita was staring anxiously at the door of the Student Council Room. She truly believed that Midoriya would live up to his words. But he was nowhere to be seen. Even still she looked at the door even after the bell had already finished ringing. Much to the annoyance of-
"Suzune. What do you think you're doing? Don't you know full well what you said that you were going to do? I don't know exactly what you are waiting for but whoever it is, they clearly are not com- The man named Manabu Horikita spoke until he was cut off by someone unexpectedly opening the door.
"I'm here!" I exclaimed while unintentionally mimicking All Might's face in the process! It was only after hearing nothing but silence that I noticed everyone within the room staring at me with stupefied looks on their faces. Well, all of them except Horikita whose face was bright red as she wagged her finger to indicate for me to get the hell over here right now.
'C-Crap.' I thought internally with a nervous smile on my face as I began sweating profusely knowing that I made her mad for the second time today. I then took the available seat right next to her knowing full well that's she going to give me a piece of her mind.
"Midoriya, I told you to be here right after lunch. What happened?" Suzune spoke as I detected anger in her voice that she was having trouble keeping hidden. I couldn't blame her because I did tell her that I was going to be here.
However, while eating lunch in Class 1-A, (Unfortunately not the Class A that I was part of back in my old world) Instead, it was Sakayanagi's Class A. The weird thing is nothing happened. We just sat and ate lunch together in silence while her bald-headed servant watched us as he ate his own lunch. It was a bit anticlimactic and really wasn't worth going over more than that. It really seemed like she just wanted to have lunch with me. The only thing she said before I left was-
'Even if he doesn't want you to, make sure to get him to play the rest of the footage. Don't worry you'll understand the meaning of my words in due time.' Sakayanagi spoke with a smile on her face before I ran out of Class A.
'Yeah. That's really weird.' I thought internally while I was still sweating profusely while Horikita wordlessly gave me a handkerchief she had as I used it to wipe the sweat off my forehead. Not even a moment later-
"Suzune. What is 'he' doing here?" Manabu asked as he glared daggers at me while adjusting his glasses as my body jerked upward out of the utterly intimidating aura, he put out along with the choice of his words.
"W-Well, y-you see, I-I-Hmph!" I spoke while stuttering uncontrollably due to my old habits but before I could properly explain why I was here, Horikita put her hand on my mouth preventing me from doing so.
"I requested him to attend and act as Sudo's defense. I did not have an assistant on standby, so I simply assumed that role and gave my original role to Midoriya. That about explains it." Horikita explained eloquently as once again I found myself impressed by her sheer confidence. But even I could see that she was struggling to do so from the look in her eyes.
"I see. You could have let me know that Izuku Midoriya was going to be my opponent in this 'trial' before it started. As you are already aware we are one minute in and going on two minutes of time that could have been dedicated to this trial and has been frivolously wasted on trivial explanations." Manabu replied as he struck a noticeable blow on Horikita's confidence. Suffice to say, it didn't make my happy.
"Well, excuse me! It's not like I wanted to be late! It's just that I was-wait… 'trial?' What do you mean by that?" I asked with what was surely an agitated expression on my face before it became one full of confusion. This got Manabu's attention as he readjusted his glasses once more.
"Are you blind? What part of this doesn't scream trial?" Manabu asked as I looked around the room while my eyes shot wide open. The size of the Student Council room was just like any other classroom. However, the layout was completely different. Instead of a series of several desks arranged in rows, there was one massive table with several chairs near said table. These must be the seats of the members of the Student Council.
However, it wasn't just that that surprised me. It was the other people here that I only realized they were after the fact. (Most likely due to how I wanted to get here as fast as possible that I didn't take in my surroundings all that much.) At the far end of the table to the right of me was Professor Chabashira as it was as if she was about to 'judge' on what's about to transpire. And the opposite end was Sudo who did not have a happy look on his face in the slightest. There was also one more person that I did not recognize, a girl with purple hair tied into two buns with bangs hanging over her eyebrows, along with what appeared to be peach-brown eyes. She noticed me staring at her.
"My name is Akane Tachibana. I will be acting as Manabu Horikita's assistant." The girl named Akane Tachibana introduced herself to me without batting an eye. I wordlessly nodded in response. Not even a second later-
'Bam!' The gavel that was in Chabashira's hands that I only noticed after she lightly hit the table with it made my body jerk upward out of fright as I was barely able to contain my scream. Meanwhile, Horikita (Suzune not her brother) noticed this.
"Midoriya. Get ahold of yourself." Suzune whispered before stabbing me in the side with her pen. Not that it was a 'stab' because it was more of a 'poke.' But in a weird way it helped me calm my nerves.
"With introductions out of the way, then this 'Court' is now in session for the trail of Mr. Ken Sudo." Chabashira announced as I noticed that she was taking this 'trial' very seriously.
"Hahaha." Maybe a bit too serious as I found myself chuckling in response. Which incurred the wrath of the girl next to me.
"Stop laughing." Suzune demanded as she poked me on the side again with the pen.
"The prosecution is ready, Your Honor." Manabu replied as he looked at Chabashira with a serious expression on his face. After that silence persisted in the room for a few seconds as I looked around wondering what everyone was waiting for.
"They are waiting for you. You're the defense." Suzune replied as she read my face like a book once again.
"Oh right! The, um, defense is ready, Professor Cha- I spoke but I was cut off before I could finish speaking.
"I'm not your professor right now. You will refer to me as 'Your Honor' for the remainder of this trial Mr. Izuku Midoriya." Judge Chabashira declared while she was undoubtably in character for a judge if I'd ever seen one.
"R-Right. Y-Your H-Honor." I replied while stuttering and sweating profusely. I then took the handkerchief Horikita gave me to wipe more globs of sweat off my forehead.
"Ahem. Mr. Midoriya, this is your first trial, is it not?" Judge Chabashira asked while glaring at me.
"Y-Yes, Y-Your H-Honor. I'm, um… a little nervous." I replied while thinking 'I'm never going to get used to calling the professor that.'
"Your conduct during this trial will decide the fate of your client. Physical assault is a serious matter. For your client's sake, I hope you can control your nerves." Judge Chabashira replied as I nodded. But not even a second later-
"PHYSICAL ASSAULT?! YOU BEAT SOMEONE UP?!" I unintentionally shouted at the top of my lungs with a horrified look on my face before I turned my attention to Sudo.
"I DID NOT BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF SOMEBODY! I'M BEING FRAMED! THAT'S WHAT THIS IS YOU NERD!" Sudo snapped back at the top of his lungs in a voice that was even louder than mine as I almost fell out of my seat!
"Both of you quiet. I will not accept another one of those 'outbursts or this trail will end with Mr. Sudo being declared guilty. Now do I make myself clear?" Judge Chabashira asked with an annoyed look on her face and a voice that matched it.
"Yes, Your Honor." I replied with as much confidence as I could muster while all Sudo did was nod his head in response with his usual 'pissed off' look on his face.
"I wanted to tell you in person because I knew you'd freak out, but I didn't really get the chance." Suzune replied with a whisper as I understood things a bit better now. Sudo was apparently being framed for 'beating the crap out of somebody' (his words not mine) and now I must prove his innocence. Huh. Sounds easy enough…
'… Except… how am I supposed to do that?' I thought internally as my forehead was still dripping with sweat no matter how many times I rubbed it with Horikita's handkerchief.
"With that out of the way, the prosecution may give their opening statement." Judge Chabashira declared as Manabu stood up with several documents in his hands.
"It has come to my attention that Mr. Sudo has ruthlessly assaulted two students from Class 1-C. As the prosecution I will make sure that he experiences a punishment worthy of his crimes. After all, I have the 'proof that he is guilty." Manabu declared as he adjusted his glasses.
'Oh crap. That does not sound good.' I thought internally as sweat continued to drip from my forehead.
"I told ya I didn do anythin." Sudo muttered but was still heard by Manabu.
"Mr. Sudo. Is there something that you wish to say?" Manabu asked as he glared at Sudo. The latter of which was intimidated for a second before continuing.
"Yeah! I actually do have somethin to say! What is this 'proof' you have! I'm tellin ya I didn do what ya thin I did! I demand you show whatever you got on me!" Sudo yelled out but not as loud as his outburst from earlier, so he wasn't reprimanded for it. (Thank God, because that would have cost us the case)
"Funny that you say that. Because I was just about to play it on the projector so that we could all see your devilish crimes. Your Honor, may I?" Manabu spoke before turning his attention to Chabashira as he asked for her approval.
"Go ahead." Judge Chabashira replied while even though she was taking it seriously the hint of annoyance in her voice made it clear that she'd rather be doing anything except being the judge of this case. (That we can agree on)
"I appreciate the approval, Your Honor. Then, allow me to present my first and only piece of evidence against Mr. Sudo." Manabu replied before pressing play on the remote in his hands as a video started to play on the projector screen. But it was hard to see, something that everyone noticed.
"Ms. Tachibana. If you will." Manabu requested his assistant as she nodded before walking over to the switch for the lights and turning them off. Suddenly the image on the screen became clear as I noticed none other than-
"GA-HMPH!" I almost screamed but Horikita saw it coming and put her hand over my mouth to prevent me from costing us the case. But I couldn't help it! After all that was undoubtably Sudo! Not only that but he was-
'Bam! Bam! Bam!' Ruthlessly punching and kicking onto some students that I hadn't seen before! And it wasn't even like they started! No! Sudo was definitely the instigator! But why!? Why the heck would he just start hitting people for no reason?!
"I think you've seen enough. It has been made crystal clear how Mr. Sudo was the only one who could have committed the crime. After all, his face and red hair are made visible on the footage of the camera. I think we can say with certainty that Mr. Sudo is indeed gui- Manabu spoke but he was interrupted by-
'BAM!' Sudo slamming his hands onto the desk which almost made me jump out of my skin! Not even a moment later he-
"That ISN'T me!" Sudo declared as everyone looked at him like he was insane. Even I was. I mean I saw the proof firsthand! How am I supposed to defend that when it was clearly him?!
"Are you seriously trying to say that 'isn't' you even after it was proved without a shadow of a doubt that it was you in the footage, Mr. Sudo?" Judge Chabashira asked as she glared daggers at Sudo because he wouldn't fee up to his crimes.
Well, when you put it like that it makes me sound insane… but! I can say that ISN'T me! I ain't lyin! I swear!" Sudo yelled out as he was still clearly angry but there was something else that I was noticing. Desperation. Even after being proved guilty, he was still desperate to be believed innocent. That's not someone who's guilty acts! He'd be having a full-on meltdown if he truly did the crime! Which means…
… Sudo is innocent!
"Does the defense have anything to say for their client before this trial comes to a close." Judge Chabashira asked with a serious look on her face as she held up the gavel with the intention of hitting it onto the table unless I-
"Yes!" I yelled out before trying to slam my hands onto the table, only noticing that it barely made a sound after the fact much to my utmost surprise. But I had no choice but to continue!
"The defense wishes to give their own opinion regarding the footage." I replied with as much confidence I could muster as the sweat dripping from my forehead painted a different picture.
"Which is?" Judge Chabashira asked.
"… What if… that isn't Sudo in the footage?" I asked with a nervous smile on my face as everyone now turned their attention onto me like I was some lunatic.
"Are you actually humoring the idea that Mr. Sudo is innocent even though he has been proven guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt?" Manabu asked with a serious look on his face as he fully believed I wasn't taking this seriously. But I was!
"Think about it! Why would Sudo try to defend himself even though it really looks like he assaulted those students?!" I yelled out with a smile as I was so sure of my theory that he was right.
"Because he doesn't want to be expelled, you idiot." Akane spoke with an annoyed look on her face as my face went pale upon hearing her words.
"Ms. Tachibana, you shall not speak unless requested of to do so." Manabu spoke as he scolded his assistant much to the latter's surprise as she nodded her head. But even though it looked like Sudo did the crime… I had to prove he was innocent! After all…
… That was my role as not just his defense but his classmate!
"Midoriya. I'm sorry. I ended up wasting your time. Just… give it up already." Horikita whispered with an apologetic look on her face as that only fueled me to make a comeback! She believed that I could do this! So, I'm going to prove to her that she was right!
"OBJECTION!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as the entire room went silent as I stood up and pointed my finger at Manabu who couldn't help but glare daggers at me in response. But that didn't matter to me!
'I always wanted to do that!' I thought internally with a smile on my face as I put my hands on my hips. But a few seconds passed by-
"Then, Mr. Midoriya… do you have something to say that will prove otherwise?" Professor Chabashira asked as she too was annoyed by this.
"Ah! Yes! Your Honor! Think back to how my class-client told you that he didn't commit the crime! Even after it was obvious to everyone that he did. Anyone, think that's kind of weird?" I asked while maintaining my confidence.
"As my assistant already said, it's so that he doesn't get convicted. I mean would you want to go to jail?" Manabu asked as my body jerked upright out of freight of having to go to prison!
"Of course not! But… think about it this way. Perhaps he's telling the truth! And that person who looks just like Sudo… isn't him! But a phony pretending to be him!" I replied with a confident look on my face.
"That's what I've been sayin this whole time!" Sudo yelled out with his usual pissed off expression on his face.
"Defense, tell your client to not interrupt again before this trial comes to an unceremonious end." Judge Chabashira declared as I nodded.
"Well, you heard her." I spoke with a smile on my face as I closed my eyes while I could audibly hear Sudo mumble something. Perhaps that had the reverse effect? Whatever! I must continue!
"Here's my theory! The real culprit used technology to make him look like Sudo! After all, it's pretty easy to make yourself look like someone else with the right doohickey!" I continued as I presented my theory to everyone. Suffice it to say I was pretty confident. After all, Mei was capable of creating 'babies' (Again her words not mine) to make someone look like a completely different person! Granted, I almost had a heart attack when I first saw it but it's indeed possible! But this means that I could be corr-
"OBJECTION!" Manabu shouted at the top of his lungs as I almost jumped out of my skin as I noticed him pointing at me.
"What technology could you be referring to? I assume it's deep faking. While that is indeed possible… it's not in this instance. This footage was recorded by the school's very own security cameras. Which means what you would be proposing is that this 'phony' got his hands on the footage and deep faked Sudo's face onto his. That's the definition of absurd!" Manabu declared as my jaw dropped in response.
'I… I guess technology isn't as advanced in this world then it is in mine.' I thought internally as I began sweating profusely again. What am I supposed to do now!? How can I do anything to prove Sudo's innocence considering my only theory was just blown out of the water! I couldn't help but wrap my arms around my head as I was about to succumb to defeat. But before I could-
"Please… don't lose hope in me… Midoriya." I heard Sudo whisper as he looked at me with a face full of fear. Sudo was scared that he would be expelled or even worse thrown in juvie for what he did. That much was obvious by the look on his face. That's why I got to do something!
"If the defense has anything left to say then say it now." Judge Chabashira declared as she raised her gavel into the air as she was about to strike it down. But before she could-
"BAM!" I slammed my hands onto the table as the entire room went silent and focused their attention onto me! And then…
"OBJECTION!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as even in the midst of shouting it I was trying to pull something out of my butt! But what else can I say!? We saw the footage! Wait a minute… the footage!
'Even if he doesn't want you to, make sure to get him to play the rest of the footage. Don't worry you'll understand the meaning of my words in due time.' If my theory is right, then what Sakayanagi wanted me to do was make sure Horikita's brother plays the rest of the footage! If it helps prove Sudo innocent, then fine! I've just got to do it!
"The defense requests the prosecution to play the rest of the foot- I shouted only to be interrupted before I could finish.
"OBJECTION! What point could there be to playing the rest of the footage when it's already proven that your client committed the cri- Manabu shouted but I interrupted him before he could finish!
"OBJECTION! So, that we could see what else happened! Perhaps our phony revealed himself after the fact!" I shouted with confidence in my voice as I knew full well that I was grasping at straws! But even still I believed in Sudo! Because he didn't want me to lose hope in him! And making sure that people have someone to believe in…
… IS WHAT A HERO WOULD DO!
"OBJECTION! This is beyond absurd! No! This is a kangaroo court! Why else would the defense be spouting something utterly ridiculous?! Your Honor I think it's time to end this trial!" Manabu yelled out but it wasn't with his usual serious way of speaking. He was growing… desperate? Yeah. I'm definitely onto something! And I'm going to find out no matter what!
"Overruled. I see no issue viewing the rest of the footage. You will comply with the defense's request, Mr. Horikita." Judge Chabashira declared.
"F-Fine. Have it your way." Manabu replied while glaring daggers at me before pressing play on the remote. The footage then resumed to show 'Sudo walking away from the crime scene only for something to drop on the floor as he walked away.
'W-What is that? Clay?' I thought internally while some grey substance resembling clay appeared to drop from 'Sudo's' face before something truly inexplicable happened! It was for the briefest of moments at the end! But his hair color! It-
"It changed!" I yelled out with a truly shocked expression on my face that was borderline speechless as I noticed that Sudo's hair changed from red to black! But I had to say it! I looked at Horikita who saw the same thing and she too was just as surprised! As for Sudo-
"I knew there was some funny business going on! I told you that wasn't me! Damn it!" Sudo yelled out as he pointed at the projector screen!
"M-Manabu… what is the meaning of this?" Akane asked with a look of horror in her eyes as the person she was trying to talk to was just as surprised as he covered part of his face with his hand. It was then that I noticed Horikita staring at her brother with that same look of horror!
"N-Nii-San… w-why would you do this?" Suzune asked as her voice reverted to the same tone of voice she used on that night! Not only that but she was on the verge of crying! I-I don't understand?! Why is her brother being accused!? This doesn't make any sense!
"Allow me to elaborate. The footage that you are looking at is held under lock and key. Not even I have the authority to make use of it. No. There are only two people who have the authority to utilize the footage from the school's security cameras. The first is Chairman Sakayanagi and the second… is Manabu Horikita." Judge Chabashira revealed with a truly shocked look on her face! Even she couldn't see this coming from a mile away even if someone told her it would!
"Wait… what?!" I yelled out as I realized the meaning behind Chabashira's words! If Sudo's face was really deep faked… and that footage could have only been tampered with by those two people like Chabashira says… along with the fact that the perpetrator had black hair… then the only person who have done it was… oh my god.
"YOU BASTARD!" Sudo yelled out at the top of his lungs as he kicked the chair, he was sitting on, onto the ground before pouncing onto Manabu!
"YOU REALLY THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE ME EXPELLED FOR WHAT YOU DID?! YOU REALLY ARE A DIRTY PIECE OF SHIT! I'M GOING TO TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB!" Sudo declared at the top of his lungs as he was about to punch Manabu but before he could-
"GET OFF ME! LET ME AT HIM! I'LL FUCKIN KILL HIM FOR THIS!" Sudo shouted at the top of his lungs once more while a security guard came rushing in and apprehended Sudo before any damage could be done! All the while I could only watch Sudo being forcefully escorted out of the classroom by the security guard. It wasn't long after that that a pair of police officers came into the Student Council Room.
"Manabu Horikita. For physically assaulting two students and tampering with the evidence. I hereby place you under arrest." One of the police officers declared before putting his handcuffs around Manabu's wrists all the while Horikita and Akane were crying their eyes out. But before he could be escorted out of the room-
"I'm innocent. You have to believe me… please Suzune." Manabu asked with his usual monotone voice as he accepted that this was going to happen after the rest of the footage was shown. As for me, I couldn't do a single thing but watch as Manabu was escorted out of the room as I really didn't know what to think. I was thankful that I was able to prove Sudo's innocence. But in the process, I convicted a man guilty. Just…
… What the hell do I do now?
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Izuku Midoriya and Suzune Horikita
Go Beyond!
Plus Ultra!