My Sensei is an Assassin
Chapter 13
Festival Time
NARRATOR'S POV
(Midoriya Residence)
A warm and inviting voice echoed from the entrance of the cosy apartment. "Dear, are you ready?"
From deeper within the living space, a man emerged, briefcase in hand, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration. "Yeah. I'm just packing some things for Izuku," he called back, glancing around as he made his way to the door.
Once they were both prepared, they made their way to the bustling train station. After a brief wait surrounded by the sounds of announcements and the chatter of fellow travellers, they boarded the train bound for Tokyo. The rhythmic clattering of the wheels against the tracks blended perfectly with the gentle hum of conversation as they journeyed. An hour later, they disembarked and hopped into a taxi that whisked them through the vibrant streets of the city.
Upon reaching their destination, a charming house nestled in a friendly neighbourhood, they were happily welcomed by the Isogai family. Yuma, with a smile brightening his face, assisted Hisashi in unloading the luggage from the taxi, while inside, laughter and warmth filled the air. Meg and Takeshi rushed to embrace Inko and Izuku, their cheerful voices harmonising as they exclaimed, "Welcome back!"
As they stepped through the threshold, they were greeted by familiar faces already gathered inside—Meg's parents, easygoing and cheerful, along with Yuma's mother, brother, and sister, all adding to the lively atmosphere. The house was alive with chatter and the scent of home-cooked food, making it feel like a true gathering of family and friends.
"Look who finally decided to show up!" Meg's father exclaimed, a playful sarcasm lacing his voice as he eyed Hisashi, who had just entered the room.
With a mischievous grin, Hisashi responded, "I had to make a dramatic entrance—couldn't let anyone miss it!"
"Hello, Uncle/Brother! Hello, Auntie/Sister!" Izuku and Inko greeted warmly, bows accompanying their respectful salutation. The family members returned the bows; the atmosphere was filled with a sense of warmth and camaraderie.
Kazuki, unable to resist a jab, quipped, "It's a relief that Izuku took after his mother, showing some manners. At least he knows how to show respect for his elders." His words were directed pointedly at Hisashi, who merely chuckled in response.
"I definitely respect my elders," Hisashi shot back with a grin, "though, Kazuki, you certainly qualify as elderly—maybe I should offer you extra respect." He bowed mockingly, earning a visible tick mark of irritation on Kazuki's forehead. The room erupted into laughter at the light-hearted banter between the two men.
Kazuki took a moment to compose himself, his expression shifting to something more earnest. "So, are you really back for good this time, or is this just another fleeting visit?"
Hisashi's face turned resolute. "No, I'm here to stay, and I have no plans to leave them again," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering.
With that promise hanging in the air, Kazuki and the others couldn't help but share genuine smiles. "Then it's truly great to have you back, my friend."
Without another word, Hisashi nodded appreciatively and made his way to put his luggage away. After a brief pause of five minutes, he returned, ready to embrace this long-awaited reunion.
Hisashi gazed intently at Kazuki, his voice steady and firm. "So, where are the others?"
Kazuki responded, his tone clear and informative, "There aren't many rooms available for every parent, so they're staying at Muramatsu's hotel for the day. They'll join us for the festival later." Hisashi nodded, a look of understanding crossing his face as he processed the situation.
Turning his gaze to Meg, Hisashi asked earnestly, "How many months has it been?"
Meg met his question with confidence in her voice. "It's been 5 months," she said, a hint of pride in her tone. "Thanks to Mio, I can focus on more important things instead of household work."
At that moment, Mio, Yuma's little sister, approached them, her expression serene and humble, a soft smile resting on her lips. "It's really nothing," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "I'm just happy to help out."
Hisashi regarded Mio with appreciation, a smile spreading across his face before shifting his focus back to Meg. "I'm glad to see you have such a supportive family," he remarked, genuinely pleased.
(Timeskip: Festival time)
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the festival grounds, they arrived at the lively location buzzing with excitement. Colourful stalls adorned with vibrant decorations beckoned families, and the air was filled with the enticing scents of various festival foods. They quickly connected with the other families milling about, the atmosphere thick with laughter and chatter. Izuku was the first to spot Kaminari and Saito, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. Hitoshi and Ryu soon joined, their camaraderie palpable as they exchanged greetings.
The parents engaged in energetic conversations, their laughter blending with the joyous sounds of joyful shrieks and music, creating a chorus of celebration. Encouraged by the supportive presence of their families, Izuku, Kaminari, Ryu, Shinso, and Saito dashed off without hesitation, their youthful energy propelling them toward the colourful festivities ahead, eager to explore and make memories together.
"Hey, Midoriya! How was your vacation?" Kaminari called out, his eyes sparkling with curiosity as he navigated through the lively festival, the scents of sweet treats and fried snacks wafting through the air.
"It was fantastic!" Midoriya replied, a bright smile spreading across his face. "I had a wonderful time with my family, soaking up every moment. How about you all?"
Kaminari nodded enthusiastically. "I also had a great time! We stayed at a resort, and it was really relaxing to spend quality time with my family," he said, his voice full of excitement.
Saito, standing nearby, chimed in, "I enjoyed it too; my family took me to a hot spring. It was so rejuvenating." The gentle warmth in his voice hinted at fond memories.
"I spent my vacation doing what I love—just relaxing before the chaos of school kicks back in," Shinso added, leaning back casually with a content look on his face, reflecting the calm he had sought during the break.
Ryu, who had been listening intently, spoke up in a surprisingly fluent tone, "I spent some time with my family as well." His voice was steady, devoid of the stutters that had once plagued him.
"Wow, Ryu! You're not stuttering anymore! I'm impressed!" Kaminari exclaimed, his face lighting up with genuine surprise. Saito nodded in agreement, a proud glint in his eyes.
"My family was just as surprised to see me speaking so freely," Ryu acknowledged, a touch of embarrassment creeping into his demeanour. "But I still struggle with keeping conversations engaging and interesting."
"Well, it's definitely a work in progress," Shinso reassured him, offering a warm smile that seemed to lift Ryu's spirits.
"The classes are really doing wonders for us. Just look at Ryu and Midoriya," Saito pointed out, and the others couldn't help but agree. The transformation of these once timid boys into more confident and sociable individuals was nothing short of remarkable, a testament to their hard work and growth. It was heartening to witness such positive changes in their group.
As they spotted the girls from their group, Izuku was about to greet them when Saito abruptly stepped in front of him.
Izuku glanced at Saito, confusion etched on his face. Without saying a word, Saito directed his attention toward Kaminari. When Izuku turned to look, he saw Kaminari flushed crimson, his eyes rolling back as if he were about to faint.
Saito swiftly ushered them away to a quieter spot. Once Kaminari regained his composure, Saito confronted him. "What happened back there? One moment you were fine, and the next, you turned into Midoriya talking to a girl." Izuku bristled at the comparison but recognised Saito had a point—Kaminari was the priority.
"I-I... don't k-know. It was like a switch flipped, and I didn't process anything," Kaminari stammered. Saito had a hunch and pressed further.
"Is it about Jiro?"
Kaminari devolved into a stuttering mess. "W-what are you t-talking about? N-no, I-I don't think so."
Saito sighed and facepalmed. "So that's it. You really like her."
Both Izuku and Kaminari were taken aback. "Seriously?"
"Absolutely. You turned into a complete wreck the moment you saw Jiro. If you doubt me," Saito addressed the group before turning back to Kaminari. "Give us a description of what Jiro looked like when you saw her today."
Kaminari opened his mouth to respond but faltered, his mind drifting as he pictured her in a kimono. "She was..." Instantly, he reverted to being Izuku 2.0.
"See? I told you."
After Kaminari returned to normal, they handed him a water bottle and firmly advised, "If you really like her, then you need to ask her out."
Kaminari responded, "It's not that simple. That day created a terrible impression in her mind, and now she won't even look me in the eye."
Midoriya pushed for more clarity, asking, "But what happened that day? You still haven't told us."
Kaminari sighed, knowing he had to share. "It's embarrassing, but since you're my friends, I'll spill. I accidentally walked into the girls' locker room because I short-circuited my brain. When she saw me, she screamed, and suddenly everyone showed up. It was a complete mess. I lost control because I got scared of a cockroach, discharged all my electricity, and just shut my brain off in that moment."
The group erupted into laughter. "Well, at least now we know what really happened!"
Kaminari continued, "I tried to explain to the girls, but Jiro left before I could clarify things. I doubt she'll believe me, given my past actions. But I'm genuinely trying to improve myself."
"Then you need to talk to her," Saito asserted. "She might not accept your apology, but you'll have no regrets if you at least try to make things right."
Encouraged by Saito's words, Kaminari resolved to confront the situation and speak to her.
They went back to where the girls were present. Kaminari went to talk to her, "Jiro, can I talk to you in private?"
Jiro stood for a moment, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face, but ultimately she nodded in agreement and led the way to a secluded corner, far from prying eyes and ears.
She glanced at him, curiosity lacing her tone as she asked, "So, what do you want to talk about?" The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
Taking a deep breath, he said, "It's about that day when I inadvertently opened the door to the girls' changing room. I genuinely regret it. But you have to believe me; it wasn't entirely my fault—it was my quirk. I was startled and discharged a surge of electricity, which caused my brain to short-circuit in the process. That's how I ended up barging in like that. I completely understand if you choose not to forgive me." His voice dipped, and he bowed his head, shame washing over him.
When he looked up again, he was met with an unexpected sight. There she was, her hand pressed against her mouth, a laugh bubbling behind her lips.
Confusion knitted his brow.
"HAHA, you thought I was unaware? Dummy, the other girls already filled me in on your little mishap." Her laughter spilt over, mischievous and infectious, unable to be contained.
With a mixture of relief and bewilderment, he questioned, "Then why were you avoiding me? You wouldn't even look in my direction."
She composed herself, the lingering giggles dancing in her voice. "When they shared the story, I couldn't shake the memory of your goofy expression—it was just too much. As soon as I caught sight of you, I'd crack up, so I started looking away."
"Was that really the only reason?" He pressed, needing to understand the depth of her feelings.
Her laughter faded, replaced by a serious tone. "No, it wasn't just that. Denki Kaminari, let's be real. Talking about girls as if they're mere objects for your pleasure is utterly disrespectful. Ever since that incident, I noticed a shift in you. You've grown somewhat, refraining from making lewd comments around us. I wanted to let things sit until the moment felt right to then explain my thoughts, just like I'm doing now."
She fixed him with a steady gaze, her sincerity palpable. "I wanted to ensure you grasp the weight of your words and actions, especially regarding women. Respect is crucial. You can't treat people like they're just there for your amusement."
As her words sank in, Denki felt a stirring within him—a mix of shame for his past and gratitude for her honesty. He recognised the seriousness of his previous behaviour, and a new determination bubbled to the surface.
"Thank you for being forgiving," he said earnestly. "I swear I won't repeat that mistake."
"Good," she replied, her tone softening. "Shall we head back?"
Denki nodded his agreement, but just as he began to turn away, Jiro's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Oh, and by the way, I like you."
"I also like—WHAT!?"
"I said I like you," she repeated, a playful smile gracing her lips.
"Really? But... why me?" Denki asked, stunned, trying to process her words.
"Because you're amusing and bring a sense of fun to everything. But what stands out the most is your effort to learn from your mistakes and grow into a better person. That's something I truly admire about you," she confessed, her honesty making his cheeks flush with warmth.
Feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him, Denki smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Jiro. I promise I won't let you down." The weight of their conversation hung in the air, but now it felt lighter, filled with the promise of new beginnings.
.
(Sometimes earlier, back to the group)
After Jiro and Kaminari went to talk, the group, including Izuku, Saito, Ryu, Shinso, Michiru, Reiko, and Tsubaki, each went to enjoy the festival.
Ryu and Michiru went to explore the stalls, Shinso and Reiko went to play the 'catch the goldfish' game, Saito and Tsubaki went to the shooting area, and Midoriya went to eat some takoyaki.
(With Saito and Tsubaki)
"So, how did everything play out on your end?" Saito asked, a tense grip wrapping around the cold metal of the gun as he prepared for the shot.
"Quite well, actually. I managed to persuade her to wear that stunning kimono. Did it have the desired effect?" Tsubaki replied, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes as she juggled the delicate rings meant for the 'passing the ring' game.
"Absolutely flawless. He nearly fainted just from a fleeting glimpse," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile as he sent the dart soaring towards the bull's-eye with impeccable precision.
"Do you think they'll finally find their way to one another?" She queried, her curiosity piqued as she handed the ring to the stall's prize display, the anticipation hanging thick in the air.
"Chances are about 70-30," he said with a sly smile, effortlessly striking the bull's-eye once more with pinpoint accuracy.
"According to the discreet chip I embedded in her kimono, everything is unfolding according to plan," she announced, a note of pride creeping into her voice.
"Fantastic. What's the status of our next target?" The stall owner, a shifty-eyed character, attempted to cheat by subtly sliding the target out of alignment, but Saito, drawing from his extensive training as a professional sniper, quickly recalibrated mentally and let the dart fly once again, striking the target dead on.
"Rest assured; Michiru and Ryu are already gravitating toward each other naturally, so we won't need to meddle there. But Hitoshi and Reiko? That's a whole different challenge." She expertly tossed three rings, all of which landed perfectly inside the prize area, with ease and grace.
And just like that, their antics led to a ban from the stall, but they walked away victorious, arms full of colourful prizes, their spirits high.
(With Midoriya)
Midoriya was savouring the warm, savoury taste of takoyaki, a popular street food, when he suddenly felt a gentle poke on his shoulder from behind. A sweet voice chimed, "Hey, is that you, Midoriya-kun?"
Turning around, he found himself captivated by the radiant beauty and infectious charm of the girl who had called his name—Ochako Uraraka. Her warm, brown eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and her cheeks glowed with a soft blush, a sight that momentarily took his breath away.
"Hey, are you okay, Midoriya-kun?" She asked again, a hint of concern evident in her tone as she waved her hand in front of his face, breaking him out of his daze.
"Y-yeah. I am okay," he stammered, feeling his cheeks heat up as he shook off the momentary trance.
Uraraka's smile was disarming as she continued, "How are you doing?"
With a genuine grin, Midoriya replied, "I'm fine. What about you, Uraraka-san?"
"I'm fine too," she reassured him, her smile widening.
"Are you here for the festival as well?" he enquired, his heart racing slightly at the thought of spending more time with her.
"Yeah, I'm here with my family and friends," she explained, her voice light with excitement. "They said we should explore on our own and meet up later. Are you here alone?"
"No, I'm here with my family and friends too," he said, his confidence building. "We were just checking out the stalls and games. Would you like to join us?" Thanks to Irina's lessons, he found it easier to speak with girls his age, and his invite to Ochako came out without hesitation. He still felt a flutter of nervousness around someone as cute as her but was proud of the progress he had made in overcoming his social anxiety.
"Yeah, sure!" she replied eagerly, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
"By the way, congratulations on placing first in social studies!" Midoriya beamed, feeling genuinely happy for her. "I got first place in that subject in my class as well."
"Congrats to you too!" Uraraka said, her cheeks flushing with pride. "I really enjoy studying social studies, especially history and all its fascinating pieces."
"I can see that! But I was only behind you by a few points, and I'm definitely not planning to stay behind," he said, his competitive spirit shining through.
"And I have no intention of losing that top spot," she replied playfully, her smile teasing yet friendly. Then, curious, she asked, "So, what do you want to become after graduating?"
Their conversation paused as they stopped in front of a vibrant food stall adorned with colourful decorations and the enticing aroma of various delicacies wafting through the air. Midoriya placed an order and bought food for both of them, his heart racing with excitement at the opportunity to treat her. "I'm going to apply for U.A. High and become a hero who saves people with a smile," he declared, a sense of determination radiating from him as he handed a boxed takoyaki to Uraraka. "Here, have some; it's my treat!"
She accepted it with a bright smile that made his heart skip a beat. "You know, I'm aiming for the U.A. Hero course as well. I want to become a rescue hero," she shared, her voice filled with passion and purpose.
"That's a fantastic dream!" Midoriya said, admiration shining in his eyes. "I wish you all the luck in the world."
Uraraka's face lit up with genuine happiness at his words. "Thank you! And best of luck to you too!" she replied cheerfully. "Hey, why don't I introduce you to some of my friends who came here with me?"
"Sure, why not?" Midoriya said enthusiastically. "I should also introduce you to some of my friends who are here."
As they navigated through the colourful crowd of the bustling festival, Uraraka and Midoriya soon spotted her friends standing together, a lively trio amid the sea of laughter and chatter. The group consisted of two boys and a girl, all of whom were eagerly waiting for their arrival.
"Hey, guys! I want you to meet Midoriya-kun from our rival school," Uraraka introduced, her voice bright with excitement. Midoriya, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation, gave a shy wave. "And Midoriya-kun, these are my friends."
"Good evening. My name's Kyoya Aburame," stated the teenager with sleek, long black hair that fell elegantly around his glasses. His demeanour was calm, yet an air of confidence surrounded him.
"Good evening. Mine is Mio Ogawa," chimed in the girl, her vibrant pink hair bouncing as she smiled warmly, radiating friendliness that was infectious.
"Good evening. Mine is Ryo Tanaka," the boy added next, his raven-coloured hair slightly tousled, giving him a laid-back appearance.
"Good evening to you all, too. My name is Izuku Midoriya," he responded, his voice steady despite the fluttering in his stomach.
After a round of warm greetings, Uraraka's friends embraced Midoriya with sincerity, eager to pull him into the excitement of the festival and engage in animated conversation. Midoriya felt a swell of gratitude deep in his chest, appreciating the kindness of Uraraka's friends that made this new environment feel a little less daunting.
As the festivities unfolded, Midoriya's own friends soon joined the gathering, each bursting with energy and enthusiasm.
"Good evening to you all. My name is Denki Kaminari," Denki announced, his trademark grin lighting up his face as he exuded a playful charm.
"And my name is Kyouka Jiro," Kyouka added, a confident smirk playing on her lips, her earphone jacks swaying slightly as she moved.
"Mine is Tsubaki Kunieda," said Tsubaki, her vibrant personality shining through as her laughter mingled with the sounds of the festival.
"Mine is Saito Fuji, but please call me Saito," he said, a friendly wave accompanying his introduction.
"Mine is Reiko Yanagi," Reiko chimed in next, her voice melodic and captivating, drawing everyone's attention.
"Mine is Hitoshi Shinso," he finished, his deep voice holding calm authority as he tucked his hands into his pockets.
After exchanging names, Uraraka's friends reintroduced themselves, and a spark ignited in the air when Shinso and Tsubaki noticed Kyoya's name. "Hey, Aburame-san, are you by any chance the one who snagged the highest marks in math this semester?" Tsubaki asked, her competitive spirit lighting her eyes.
"Yeah. But are you the ones who topped your own class?" Kyoya replied coolly, his expression unflinching.
"Absolutely! But don't let this little victory inflate your confidence, because in the finals, we intend to snatch that top position from you," Tsubaki and Shinso declared in unison, their competitive nature shining.
"As for me, when I received the first position, the principal told me, 'A wounded predator is more deadly than a healthy one.' A student is much like that predator. But don't mistake me for prey either; I, too, will come to fight for that spot," Kyoya responded, his competitive fire matching theirs. The rivalry burnt brightly between Tsubaki, Shinso, and Kyoya, fuelling their collective determination to outshine one another in the upcoming finals.
Just as the spark of another debate was about to ignite, Uraraka raised her voice, cutting through the tension like a breath of fresh air. "Hey, stop, you all! We are here to enjoy the festival, not start a war!" The earnest expression on her face was met with supportive nods from both her friends and Midoriya.
Realising the truth in her words, the trio of competitors exchanged glances before breaking into smiles. "She's right. We should enjoy the festival and put our rivalry on pause for now," Tsubaki admitted, her tone shifting warmly.
Shinso and Kyoya nodded in agreement, each recognising that their friendship was worth more than any rivalry. Together, they shifted their focus from competition to camaraderie, ready to embrace the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, laughter echoing among them as they headed toward the various stalls and games awaiting them.
As the vibrant festival unfolded, laughter and excitement filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere that enveloped Midoriya and his friends. The colourful stalls adorned with twinkling lights beckoned them to explore, each offering a glimpse of something new and delightful. They meandered through the marketplace, savouring an array of tantalising foods, from sweet cotton candy to savoury takoyaki, while engaging in various games that brought out their competitive spirits.
Midoriya's eyes sparkled with interest as he approached the shooting game stall, an enticing challenge that his friends Saito and Tsubaki had strangely avoided. With unwavering focus and surprising accuracy, Midoriya took aim. His heart raced as he knocked down all the targets, triumphing in a glorious display of skill. As a reward, he received a charming bracelet adorned with tiny charms that glimmered under the festival lights. Gently, he placed it on Uraraka's wrist, and as he brushed her skin, a blush swept across her cheeks, turning them a shade of rosy pink. Midoriya felt a rush of warmth flood his face, realising the intimacy of the moment. He silently prayed that no one had noticed their embarrassing exchange.
He hoped that no one noticed it, but unfortunately, that got noticed by none other than the Devil's disciples themselves.
They used the code words that Midoriya does not know about.
Saito: Did you see that?
Tsubaki: Yeah. This is not his usual shyness. This is something else.
Shinso: What about Uraraka-san? We don't know anything about her.
Saito: Let's not jump to the conclusion. Let's just observe and gather more information before making any assumptions.
Shinso: Agreed. We need to observe their progress just like Kaminari's and Jiro's.
Tsubaki: And if our internal instincts are proven correct…
Saito: …Then we can tease two birds with one stone.
Shinso: We'd have a new toy to play with.
Saito/Tsubaki/Shinso: HEHEHE
Kaminari, Reiko, and Jiro saw them mischievously smiling, so they asked, "Hey, what are you people smiling about?"
Saito waved a dismissive hand, still chuckling, "Nothing much. By the way, who wants to see the fireworks from a better vantage point?"
With excited agreement, the group rallied around him. Saito led the way, guiding them toward the nearby mountain, a shadowy silhouette against the starry night sky. As they began their ascent, Mio, the pink-haired girl, looked quizzically at Saito. "Where exactly is this spot?"
"It's at the top of the mountain," he replied, confidence in his voice. "We'll need to climb for a little while to reach it."
The group gasped in unison, wide-eyed and anxious. "WHAT? Do we have to climb a mountain at night?"
"Don't worry; we're familiar with this mountain and know a shortcut," Saito reassured them, exuding an air of calm. After about ten minutes of steady trekking, they reached a breathtaking viewpoint.
As they stood at the mountaintop, the sprawling city below twinkled like a field of stars. The dazzling sight left them awestruck, a collective breath escaping their lips as they exclaimed, "Wow, so beautiful!" The moment was magical, a perfect blend of friendship and the wonder of the festival night.
...
Chapter 13 End
Thanks for reading.
Next capter will be the start of the second and final semestar with more training, fun, assassins, and something more. So, stay tuned for it.
Next chapter will be released on next week.