Chapter 6: Reality Check
"Good morning, Horikita." I said to Suzune as I took my seat right next to her in Class D's classroom. The overall vibe of the class was chatty as usual. Each of my classmates had their own cliques after all. So, they would always talk amongst themselves before homeroom started and in between periods. For example, Karuizawa would talk with the other females in the class minus Horikita who was usually reading in her spare time. Speaking of the latter-
"Good morning, Midoriya." Horikita replied to me while turning a page as she was in the middle of reading a book as per usual. She still hasn't called me 'Deku' a single time yet, but I wasn't going to force her to do something she didn't want to do. Maybe one day she'll refer to me as 'Deku' but for now just 'Midoriya' is good for me.
Meanwhile, Sudo would get all rowdy with his friends Yamauchi and Ike. They always made a ton of noise, not that I minded all that much. However, I was the odd one left out. Even though it's been three weeks since I started attending class and an entire month for the rest of my classmates, unfortunately, no one really talked to me all that much. The most amount of conversation I would get was from Horikita. But even still, I was okay with that, because it just felt nice to be here, nice to have some semblance of a normal life.
Why am I telling you all of this? I just wanted to go about illustrating how things were like in Class D. Because these carefree days were just the calm before the storm…
… And that 'storm' was right around the corner as I and all of my classmates would soon find out.
'Creak.' The door to the classroom opened as Professor Chabashira entered the room and not even a moment later-
'DONG!' The bell rang as homeroom was about to start. I genuinely thought it was going to be a typical day in the beginning of May for our class. I was just about to figure out how wrong I was to believe something so naïve.
"Students, it's time for homeroom to begin as per usual. However, before that, I have something that I must discuss with you." Professor Chabashira spoke while her words already raised a red flag for me. Chabashira was not one to waste time 'discussing' trivial matters unless they were absolutely crucial for all of us to know. I knew this was going to be something that I needed to hear even if I ended up not wanting to hear it. I had no choice but to listen intently to what my professor was going to say next.
"Last month I told all of you, with the exception of Midoriya, about the 'point system.' Do any of you remember what I told you regarding it?" Chabashira asked with a blank expression on her face as I noticed several of my classmates' donned expressions of confusion. That was to be expected because they couldn't possibly know where Chabashira was going with this. I, on the other hand did, along with-
"You said that each of us would receive one hundred thousand points at the beginning of the month." Horikita replied with her usual matter-of-factly tone of voice as I glanced at her. I knew where this was going. It was then that I recalled one of the times we ate lunch together-
"Midoriya, do you mind if I tell you about a 'theory' I have?" Horikita asked as we were eating food in the cafeteria together as per usual. It was the first time that Ichinose hadn't joined us for lunch, so it was just the two of us alone, something that hadn't happened since that night I learned her name. To be honest, even back then I felt something 'foreboding' about her choosing to talk about a 'theory' she had on a day when we were alone together. But I didn't want her to worry again like last time, so I kept smiling.
"Sure, I don't mind. What's this 'theory' about?" I asked while maintaining my calm and composed attitude in spite of the foreboding atmosphere.
"Remember when I told you that we were to be rewarded with a one hundred thousand points at the beginning of each month?" Horikita asked as I instinctively recalled her words-
'It's ok. Just listen up alright. The student id you have in your hands is not just your identification. It also works as a credit card where you have funds within it that you can use to buy something. These funds are called 'points.' Each student, to my knowledge, is given one hundred thousand points at the start of the month and it only refills after an entire thirty days pass by. That basically sums it up.'
"That's what you said right?" I asked already knowing the answer I'd receive. Horikita nodded in response.
"That's right. Though you didn't have to say that word for word. Anyway, I don't think that's the 'complete' truth. Allow me to explain. First of all, why would each of us be rewarded with such an abundance of points guaranteed? Hypothetically, let's say you were to fail the upcoming exam. Do you honestly think that you would be worthy to receive the same number of points as your classmates even though they worked harder than you and passed the exam?" Horikita asked with a monotone voice as I knew her words didn't mean any ill will.
"No. I think that would be completely unfair. I believe that people should work hard to obtain what they want. Sure, I can understand failing at something if you're not as skilled as someone else is. But it's still no excuse to give the same reward to someone that may simply be more astute than you are." I replied with a serious expression on my face and a tone of voice that matched my feelings on the issue. That's right. I knew full well that even if you try your hardest to achieve something, you can still come out short in the end. In fact, I know all too well how that feels.
All my life I have been told that my dream of becoming a hero was 'impossible.' The only reason it became 'possible' was due to All Might passing down One For All to me. Even still, I genuinely believe that anyone can become a hero if they set their mind to it. However, some things are just unachievable unless you're one of the Pro Heroes. That basically sums up how I feel regarding the topic at hand.
"I understand. Then we are of the same opinion. I'll go on. Second of all, this is a very prestigious school. I think that goes without saying. But prestige isn't given to just anyone. To earn something, you have to earn money. But before you can do that you need to obtain 'results.' That is the one and only rule of the capitalist society we live in." Horikita continued as I nodded in response to her words. We might come from different worlds, but I can understand where she's coming from.
For example, my 'old world' had a ranking system for Pro Heroes that aren't just dictated simply by how many lives you save or how many villains you defeat, but by your overall popularity. Endeavor, before he became the number one hero after All Might retired was constantly defeated by All Might in the rankings even though the former had arrested more villains than the latter. That was to be expected with the lack of time All Might could use One For All dwindling with the passing of each day he used his Quirk.
But even still, no matter what Endeavor did, he just couldn't compare to All Might even if he technically performed the role of a 'hero' better than the latter did when he was far past his prime. That's why it goes to say that results aren't obtained solely by how good you are at something but also how far your 'influence' reaches the masses. I think that's what Horikita is getting at. Wait a second? Does that mean popularity can play a role in how many points we get?! I'm not popular at all! (He consistently is placed second in the popularity polls)
"So, any chance popularity plays a role with how many points we get?" I asked with what was probably a bit of a nervous smile since Horikita and Ichinose are the people I'm closest to here. But even then, I'm not sure if they would agree with me being their 'friend.' And ignoring them… I don't have any other connections to speak of with my classmates much less anyone else. In fact, some of my classmates still struggle to remember my name so I didn't really leave much of a lasting impression in the long run.
'Oh god! If popularity really does play a role in this like I'm suspecting I'm screwed!' I thought internally as I unknowingly began sweating profusely from my forehead. Horikita noticed this.
"Midoriya, you're sweating again. Use this to wipe it off." Suzune spoke as she handed me a napkin as I did just what she told me to do.
"Thanks." I replied as I tried to calm myself, but it was a bit difficult to regain my composure with my future at AN already in serious jeopardy even though it had only just begun. Suzune noticed this as well and continued.
"To answer your question, I severely doubt popularity plays a role regarding how many 'points' one can receive. A system that rewards others if they are popular among certain crowds with disregard to their grades is utterly absurd and should be abolished if that were the case." Suzune commented bluntly as my eyes shot wide open upon hearing her words.
"Wow, really?! That's great to hear!" I replied with a look of relief on my face. If it's not based off of popularity, then that means-
"So, then it's completely based off grades. For example, let's say I score a perfect score on the exam. I would get the full one hundred thousand points. But if you score a ninety then you would only receive ninety thousand points. Is that what you're trying to say?" I asked with what was surely a curious look on my face.
"Hmm… not exactly. I don't really think it's fair to significantly reduce the number of points one earns whether they do better than you or not. What I'm trying to say is that I think whether we receive the one hundred thousand points is determined IF we pass the exam." Horikita replied as she presented her theory to me. Huh. Now that I think about it that does make sense… hey! Wait a second!
"But what if you fail the exam?! Are you trying to say that you get nothing in return?! What if someone were to use up all their points and fail the exam?!" I snapped back with what was surely an aggravated expression, not out of anger at her mind you. But out of anger over what her theory means. If she is correct and someone does end up using all of their points only to fail the exam, then that means they will starve! And they will have to wait an entire month just for a CHANCE at passing the exam next time!? They will die before the new month arrives for sure! That's horrible!
"Midoriya. I'm not saying that I agree with such a system but that's just how things work around here. Everything is guaranteed by 'results.' And if you can't obtain those 'results' then you won't be able to earn money. And without money, you can't eat. That's just how our society works. You know that." Horikita replied in her usual matter-of-factly tone of voice as even though she didn't necessarily agree with how things were, she accepted them as is. And that pissed me off.
"Screw that! I'm making sure everyone passes! No one's going hungry on my watch!" I snapped back once more with what was surely an expression of rage that Horikita hadn't seen on me since our encounter with Ryuuen. I didn't want her to see that part of me again. But I couldn't help myself.
"And how do you think you're going to make sure of that? Do you honestly think you can convince everyone to study their butts off all because of my theory? Remember what I said, it's a 'theory.' Nothing has been proven. And even if I'm correct, people are going to fail the exam. That's guaranteed since our classmates have already failed multiple assignments already. Think about it. Why would they put the effort to achieve a passing grade when they haven't been punished yet? You're smart so I know you can see what's going to happen." Suzune explained as if she could already see the future like Sir Nighteye could with his Quirk Foresight. But even if that's the case things can still change for the better-
'… Evade your eyes for what comes next is not something I would ever want you to see.' Except, I was wrong. Back then, I was convinced that I changed All Might's Fate. But it was inevitable. Just like Sir Nighteye said All Might would die an unspeakably gruesome death. And that's what happened. The future, even if it is distant, is already set. That's what I learned that night when the greatest hero of all gave his life to save mine. But even still-
"No… I don't want that." I muttered with a voice that was trembling out of fear. Fear that Horikita is right. Fear that my classmates will go hungry. And fear that I can't do a single thing to prevent it from happening. Is this what Sir Nighteye felt upon seeing All Might's grim future? I didn't know. But it sure felt like it.
"Just face the facts, homeless people go hungry all the time. Not just in Japan but all over the world. You can't save everyone. It's impossible. You aren't a superhero." Suzune finished as my eyes shot wide open. That's right. Horikita doesn't know the other side of 'me.' The part that I have successfully kept hidden from everyone else so far. The hero Deku. But you see that's where she is wrong. I have saved people before! I can do it again! I can change things! If I can't even save the people around me then I'm no hero! I will save everyone! All she has to do is-
"… Watch me." I replied before standing up from the booth and leaving Horikita alone. I was so pissed off that I had no choice but to storm off so that I could cool off.
'Do you wish to obliterate her?' The voice inside my head asked.
"No, of course not." I muttered with a look of disgust on my face as I marched forward.
"M-Midoriya!" Horikita yelled out but I ignored her as I made my way out of the cafeteria without even finishing my meal. Not that I was still hungry. Not at all. In fact, I was sick to my stomach with the possibilities that her theory presents. I would eventually apologize to Horikita and things were good between us. But that sinking feeling that her 'theory' may come true sooner than later made me do something about it.
I had written notes for each of my classmates and told them to study them so that when the time came, we could all pass the exam together. My preparations had long since been executed so I wasn't too worried about hearing what I knew was going to come out of my professor's mouth next-
"That's correct. But that wasn't the 'entire' truth. You see, the one hundred thousand points aren't guaranteed. It all depends on whether you passed the exam." Chabashira revealed much to my fellow classmates' utmost surprise.
"HUUUUUUUUUUH?!" They all yelled out in unison with the exceptions being me, Horikita, Hirata, and Koenji. As for the other twenty-one of my classmates, they were genuinely dumbfounded at this turn of events. But that's also to be expected after all Chabashira-
"What do you mean we only get the points if we PASS the exam?! Shouldn't you have… oh I don't know… TOLD US?!" Sudo shouted with what was surely a pissed off expression on his face that matched the harshness of his words.
"Sudo's right! This is bull crap! If you let us know beforehand, then we would have been able to prepare for this!" Yamauchi yelled out as he was just as pissed off as his friend was. However, his wording caught me by surprise. Specifically, 'prepare.' I couldn't understand. H-He read the notes I gave him… right? … RIGHT?! But to my utmost surprise, people were agreeing with them and saying things like 'Yeah! This is bull crap!'
'I don't understand?! Why are they this mad!? Everything I wrote on the notes were either on the exam or had very similar questions that had almost identical answers! By studying them they would have passed with flying colors! There's no reason for them to be this angry! Unless they-
'No! They had to have studied them! They promised that they would!' I thought internally as I tried to make more and more excuses even though I already knew full well what the 'answer' was. I was just lying to myself.
"I understand all of your concerns, I truly mean that. And you're right. I should have told all of you the 'entire' truth. But lying to all of you is part of the job. I can't go against what my superiors have requested me to do. I'm your professor, so think of this as a 'lesson.' You can't earn anything without first putting forth the results. You are all on the cusp of becoming adults. That's why you have to learn to act like adults before it's too late." Chabashira explained with her usual monotone voice but even though it was similar I detected a hint of pain behind them. Something that my other classmates didn't recognize.
"You've got to be kidding me! Each of us has THREE years before graduating! We aren't adults yet so don't treat us like we are!" Karuizawa snapped back as several of the girls chimed in and agreed with her.
"You're right. But don't feel obligated to stay here if you want to. The door is right there whenever you want to leave. Just don't expect it to stay unlocked if you change your mind." Chabashira replied with a voice as cold as ice as I heard one of the girls cry in response. I wanted to say something. But before I could-
"But before that, allow me to announce the exam results. Yosuke Hirata, Ninety-two points. Suzune Horikita, Ninety-six points. And Izuku Midoriya, one hundred points. Congratulations." Chabashira announced as she stopped talking but this only confused the rest of my classmates.
"Um. What about the rest of us? Our grades can't be that bad, right?" Ike spoke a nonchalant attitude as he fully expected to pass the exam. But to his utmost surprise as well as everyone else's surprise-
"No, they are. That's why they aren't worth sharing. The rest of you failed spectacularly." Chabashira replied as her words only incurred the wrath of the rest of my classmates.
"EEEEEEEEH?!" They shouted in unison as they certainly all knew what this meant.
'I don't understand.'
"I-I-Is this some sort of sick joke?! How do you expect us to eat if we don't have any points to use left?!" Yamauchi shouted as he slammed his hands onto his desk to illustrate the point he was making. The other guys chimed in to agree.
'I don't understand!'
"This has to be illegal! There's no way anyone would allow this to happen!" Karuizawa shouted as she performed the same action Yamachi did to illustrate her point. The other girls chimed in to agree.
"I DON'T UNDERSTAND! HOW COULD THIS BE HAPPENING?!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as the entire classroom went silent and everyone stared at me as if their mouths were frozen shut. Though it didn't take long for Chabashira to break the ice.
"M-Midoriya-San. C-Calm yourself. Y-You are one of the ones who passed." Chabashira spoke while stuttering a bit as even she was completely caught off guard due to my shout. I couldn't blame her. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Horikita staring at me with a speechless look on her face. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone were surprised someone who was so meek during their class introduction could scream like that. But even then, I couldn't help but think back to Suzune's words from before-
'And how do you think you're going to make sure of that? Do you honestly think you can convince everyone to study their butts off all because of my theory? Remember what I said, it's a 'theory.' Nothing has been proven. And even if I'm correct, people are going to fail the exam. That's guaranteed since our classmates have already failed multiple assignments already. Think about it. Why would they put the effort to achieve a passing grade when they haven't been punished yet? You're smart so I know you can see what's going to happen.' She was right. It was exactly how she said things were going to go. I was so incredibly, stupidly, naïve!
'But even still… I can make things right. After all, it's like Horikita said. I'll get the one hundred thousand points and split it among everyone who didn't get any! I still have about fifty thousand points that I saved up just in case something bad were going to happen! So, everything is going to be fine! Everything will be o- I thought internally but my train of thought came to a screeching halt as things went from bad to worse.
"There's one last thing I have to tell you before homeroom can properly start. I'm sorry to say but to those few who passed the exam… you will not be getting the one hundred thousand points." Chabashira spoke as my eyes shot wide open upon hearing her words.
'No, no, no! T-This can't be happening! I-It was guaranteed that I would get the one hundred thousand points! Just like Horikita said! I-I-I NEED THOSE POINTS!' I thought internally as my heart was beating like crazy.
"For what reason would we not be given the points after we passed?!" Hirata yelled out as even though he was the calmest and composed of all of us, even he was struggling to not hold in his anger at the reality that all of us are facing with each of our own eyes.
"The reason for that is that all of you must pass the exam as a class to receive those points. Not a single person can fail. If that happens you all fail. Consider this all a 'reality check.' That is all I had to say. Homeroom will begin momentarily." Chabashira finished before pulling up the digital version of the textbook for today's lesson on her phone as she always did. But things were no longer the same.
"Reality check, my ass." Sudo muttered with a grimace on his face as he along with others muttered their own grievances. I, on the other hand, couldn't say a single word. Because I knew once I did…
… I'd completely explode out of anger. That's why I kept my mouth shut for the rest of the day. I kept to myself even avoiding Horikita at lunch so that I could keep the metaphorical lid on the jar that contained all of my anguish. However, I was only able to keep the lid on for only so long before it would inevitably come off…
… And it would only end up bursting off a few hours later.
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: Class D
Go Beyond!
Plus Ultra!