"Why?" I mutter. "I'm thankful but I have to know. Why did you take us in?"
I finished my training with my mentor, United States Number Two Hero, Soulius. During our bout, I will admit, I was not at my best. So much has happened in so little time. The night I thought I was going to be arrested, my brother and I were taken in by the pro hero to rest. The next day, I find myself working under Soulius as a tech operator and training with her. As for Caleb, he gets to attend school another day.
"It is quite simple," She answers. "I didn't want you to lose your future. Especially after you were willing to sacrifice yourself for your brother."
"Still, I--"
"I know", Soulius interrupts. "Let's not worry about that now but the task at hand."
She sits me down and continues.
"I'm aware you have trained in case of conflict," I nod my head. "You have a year's time to hone your skill and quirk, training your mind, body, and soul."
Soulius turns her back to me, and with great speed, she sends a straight right punch my way. On instinct, I catch her punch in my palm.
"Well done," She smirks. "You got a head start. By the time I'm finished with you, UA won't know what hit 'em."
My eyes widen and I take time to process what was said. Did she just say UA?
"Wait, that school's in Japan though! What do I have to do there?!"
"I can only teach you so much, Adonis." She answers. "Truth be told, you don't have much here in New York or the country for that matter. Thanks to my connections to a special program, you will be studying abroad at the best school they have to offer."
"When much is given, much is required," I say." What's the catch?"
"No catch, Adonis. Just an opportunity of a lifetime." She smiles. "But if you want a catch, just make sure to come back home and celebrate when you go pro. Your treat, hahaha."
At that moment, words cannot explain how lucky I am. The tears well up and roam down my face. All I can do is wrap my arms around Soulius and thank her, over and over again. She gladly welcomes my embrace smiling.
"I promise. I will work hard to make you proud, Soulius."
"I'm counting on it."
---
Right now, I am sitting outside of the headmaster's office. Nervousness takes over me as I am hunched over, legs shaking with my stomach churning nonstop. Thank goodness my palms aren't sweaty or I would really lose my composure.
Despite the fact that the faculty may know about me from Soulius, I still must uphold a good first impression. As if that isn't difficult enough.
The door finally opens to Midnight giving me a thumbs up to come in. I take a deep breath. The moment I exhale, I slowly walk near the door.
You got this, Adon. It'll be okay. I mean, you're already in... right? I think to myself.
I put my hand on the doorknob, mentally prepare myself, and walk in.
I enter the office, standing before the pro heroes. Of course, Midnight and Present Mic is there. To my surprise, Japan's number one hero, the Symbol of Peace, All Might is here as well. I always knew he was big but seeing him in real life is surreal. He salutes with his signature, pearly white smile. Instead of admiring him like a fanboy, I simply nod my head and smile.
One teacher who strikes my attention is a man dressed in all black, leaning up against the wall. He has long black hair, an exhausted expression, and a scarf wrapped around his neck, long enough to hide his face.
Sitting on the sofa in front of them is the man... or animal himself. I'm confused about whether he is a mouse, a dog, or a bear. Either way, he is the principal of this institution, Principal Nezu.
"Hello, my name is Adonis Smith." I bow. "It's a pleasure and an honor to meet all of you. Thank you for accepting me."
"Likewise." Nezu answers. "Please, take a seat."
I sit on the sofa across from him. Nezu pours two cups of tea, sliding one over to me.
"First and foremost, welcome to Japan. And welcome to U.A. High. I assume Soulius has told you a lot about us, yes?"
"Not really, sir," I answer. "Soulius only told me I would be attending. She did not go into full detail on the matter. Call it naive if you must, but I simply did as I was told. Though I am expecting much more than attending your school."
"Smart kid the young one is," All Might compliments me.
"Indeed," Nezu adds, sipping his tea. "As you said, there is much more to it."
Nezu begins to discuss everything I would be doing.
For starters, after the first week of school, I will be assigned to a pro hero's agency as a paid intern. Working with that specific hero would pay for my living expenses. Nezu has given me the chance to decide who I will work for. I decide to work with the Rabbit Hero: Mirko. She seems to be tough and independent. The heroes warn me about her being too independent, but I still don't see the problem. If there's anything I know how to do is carry my own weight.
As far as jobs, It is acceptable for me to apply for side jobs, too, as long as they're within the school or the area. This is optional.
Even though there is a great chance of training with Mirko, I must meet Aizawa for mandatory training on the weekends. My evaluations will be conducted by Midnight bi-weekly. Otherwise, I am free to be a normal student - joining clubs, acquainting myself with others, and whatnot.
"Any questions?" Nezu asks. I shake my head. "Well then, onto the next task at hand."
Eraserhead-- I mean, Mr. Aizawa places a couple of papers in front of me.
"Since you were not here for the exams months back, you will take them today," he says. "It'll start with the written exams."
"Followed by your practical exam." All Might adds. "Usually, we have the students fight against robots but things will be different with you."
"And no need to worry. This is only standard procedure. We just need to know where you stand." Aizawa assures me.
"Very well. I am ready."
After setting the ground rules for the exams, they lead me to an empty classroom.
I go through three written exams: Mathematics, English, and Japanese. I have much confidence in my Math and English, but Japanese, not so much. I would consider myself still on the novice level when it comes to writing if I am being honest. Regardless, I can say that I finished the exams completely and at my very best.
When they finally arrive to collect my work, All Might guides me to the changing area. He hands me a U.A. gym uniform and playfully pushes me into the room.
It doesn't take long for me to change. I return to the hallway seeing no one around. All that's left is a note on the ground, which reads:
Meet me at the building next to Gym Gamma. - A.M.
I stand there dumbfounded! Needless to say, I don't know my way around the campus, yet here I am, kind of upset he left me here. I shake my head and sigh to myself, knowing what I must do.
"His aura's still lurking around." I close my eyes and take a moment to think. I sense his presence. With all the power that All Might possess, I can detect his trail. That trail reveals itself and there's no mistaking it with his giant footsteps. "Got ya, big guy."
My eyes shoot open and I quickly run.
Eventually, I reach the back of the school grounds, where I see Gym Gamma and where I am supposed to be, the smaller building. I approach that building, knowing all too well that All Might is here. That aura of his is way too strong.
I open the door to a... unique sight.
"Woah," I say, looking around. "I did walk into a building, right?"
Chances are this is a simulation room of some sort perhaps. I find myself in a space at sunset surrounded by the cherry blossoms in bloom and red gates. The warm colors of the sunset sky somehow immerse itself over the battlefield. I must give credit where it's due, the background is so beautiful, I thought I was actually seeing Mt. Fuji from afar. I fall completely in awe at this view...
Sadly, taking this in becomes short-lived.
Someone's here! Instantly, I turn my head, sensing someone's presence. Something launches itself at me. Thankfully, I dodge flipping out of the way. The object still comes a few more times. Now, I grow annoyed. The last time the object attempts to attack me, I catch it in my hand.
With clear sight of the object, right off the bat, I know who is behind this.
A scarf, huh. I smirk. Not bad, Aizawa.
I pull the scarf to reel the pro hero in. My guess is right after all. As I am pulling Eraserhead in, I plan to elbow him once he is within range. I am so close to doing so, but obviously, the pro is quick on his feet.
Eraserhead lands on his feet. His hair is now standing on end with his eyes glowing red. He then places his yellow goggles on his face as he assumes position with his scarf in hand.
Wait a second. I stop and think. This means he's using his quirk. I try to use my quirk but to no avail. I cannot detect his aura. Well, guess I have to go with plan B.
There are no words needed to exchange with him. I simply follow his lead assuming my fighting position.
"Let's Go," Aizawa bluntly orders. He charges at me himself instead of using his binding cloth. I decide to stand my ground, letting the pro hero make the first move. The erasure throws the first punch. I counter his attack, with a unique parry, delivering a sharp elbow. He quickly backs away. I rush towards him with fast strikes coming his way.
Or so he thinks.
Aizawa falls right into my hands. I can tell he predicted I would go for a straight attack to the upper body. I fool him, tripping him up on his feet, delivering a strong backhand strike.
I want to be as patient as possible. At the same time, this is the infamous Eraserhead I am up against. I can't afford to let him recuperate. So, I decide to not let him up. I charge to Aizawa with a flurry of punches. I even grab him by the leg and sweep him off the other one. When he is on the ground, Eraserhead receives another series of attacks. I try the best I can to finish this as quickly as possible. But, I fail to realize one mistake.
I failed to study him thoroughly. Aside from his scarf, I don't know what he has up his sleeve in hand-to-hand combat. The only fact I know is that he's holding back.
Just the thought of it makes me slip up. I hesitate and change up on moves.
I deliver two leg-up kicks, following up with another straight strong punch.
Suddenly, my eyes widened. As Aizawa flies back a bit, he catches me with his binding cloth. It wraps around my wrist. That leads to him wrapping my upper body, driving my abdomen into his knee. Afterward, he's pinning me down with my arm in a hold.
"Alright, All Might. We're done here." Aizawa states.
"Agreed. This is enough to start off with." All Might agrees. With his word, he deactivates the beautiful setting back to its original state - a normal, gridlike room.
Aizawa releases me from his trap.
"You clearly have a decent style and skill. I'll give you that much." Aizawa walks away. Though he stops and looks over his shoulder. "But you still have a long way to go. It's clear you only try to stay on the defensive. You gotta do more than have only one trick up your sleeve."
"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Aizawa," I bow.
"No need to thank me. Just doing my job." Aizawa walks out of the building with a minor wave. "See you tomorrow."
"Yep, there's no doubt in mind," I mutter. "That man is going to push me past my limits."
"Yep. And it'll be all worth it in the end, young Adonis. Especially in his care." All Might stands beside me with his hand on my shoulder. I gently smile to myself, only looking forward to what's in store starting tomorrow.
"I'm looking forward to it, All Might," I answer.
---
The sun finally sets over the horizon. I admire that beautiful sight from a distance, making my way back home. The thought of an actual sunset makes me chuckle, considering I saw one early on. Still, I will take something real over anything artificial any day.
"Ya know what..." I can't help myself when I am all about living in the moment. So, I decide to take off my sneakers and let my feet feel the gentle waves along the shore. After a day like today, I think this would be the perfect way to end it.
I then relax sitting on the sand, closing my eyes and letting my mind wander. It's been a long time since I have truly felt at ease. Although, Caleb comes back to mind. I quickly pull out my phone and call him. I let him know I would come home a little late.
"Yo, Adonis! Is that you?!" Hanging up the phone, I hear a voice from afar. My eyes avert behind me.
"Hey there, neighbor!" I smile waving. Denki comes rushing over with a grocery bag in hand.
"What are the chances, huh. Mind if I join you?" He asks. Of course, I accept the offer. He, too, takes off his shoes and sits next to me. "I'm guessing you're a beach guy?"
"Nah. Just a fan of the beautiful things, that's all. You don't get much of this in Manhattan." I chuckle. "After an exhausting day like this one, I think the view alone is a reward."
"What did you do?"
"I had a meeting with UA's Headmaster and faculty."
"UA?!!" Denki abruptly leaps in my face, causing me to jump. Due to how close he is, I can't help but get all flustered. "What course are you taking?!"
"H-hero course."
"What class?!"
"Um, 1-A."
"ME TOO!!!" At this point, the excitement fills Denki's mind. Out of nowhere, the human pikachu tackles me in his embrace. "Dude, this is awesome!"
Kaminari realizes the position we are in. He backs away flushed with embarrassment, trying to laugh it off.
"I guess we can call this a regular thing now, huh." I smile.
"Yea!! Oh... unless... you don't want that," His excitement slowly changes to worry in his voice. I can only laugh at such a notion. Despite having met only yesterday, I can already tell how kindhearted and well-meaning he is. It would be stupid to reject someone like him.
As I said before, I just have to keep some distance between us. Otherwise, it shouldn't be a problem.
"Kaminari, of course, I wouldn't mind it," I chuckle, giving him a nudge of the arm. He sighs in relief.
"Can't lie, you worried me there," He admits. "But this calls for a celebration."
Denki pulls out two soda pops, popping the caps off both. There we happily clink glasses.
"Cheers, to a newfound friendship and a fresh start," He smiles.
"Cheers... friend."