Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Himiko never had real friends—not the kind of friends who would care for her unconditionally. Sure, Jin, Manami, and Burnin were part of her world, but they were more like friends-of-family. People tied to her through circumstance rather than choice.
But now… She'd finally made friends in Class 1-A.
Inside Classroom 1-A, the afternoon sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the students lounging around during their free period after their Sensei announced the incoming sports festival. Conversations were light and filled with laughter as they gushed on the event, but one corner of the room buzzed with energy.
"Come onnnn!" Mina Ashido whined, her golden eyes sparkling with impatience as she shook Himiko's shoulder. "Just show us already! Pleaaase?"
It had been weeks since they'd all met. After the battle trials and the USJ incident, they'd learned about her quirk, and instead of recoiling in fear or disgust—like so many others had done—they found her quirk fascinating. No one called it a "villain's power." No one recoiled at the thought of her transformations. Instead, they were curious and excited, eager to see what she could do.
Most vocal of all was Mina Ashido, joined by Izuku Midoriya, Toru Hagakure, and Ochako Uraraka—all crowded around Himiko like they were waiting for the performance of a lifetime.
"I don't know… are you guys really okay with it?" Himiko asked softly, her eyes flitting between them. She put down her book, hesitation lingering in her tone, but there was also hope.
"Of course we are!" Mina grinned wide, cupping her own cheeks. "I wanna see how I look!"
"Me too!" Toru pleaded, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Though invisible, her presence was loud with excitement as she grabbed Himiko's hand, almost dragging her out of her seat.
Izuku sat close by, scribbling furiously in his notebook, muttering under his breath as he theorized about her quirk. Ochako eyes lit up like stars as she glanced over at her, nodding enthusiastically.
Himiko's gaze swept over her eager classmates before she stood up. "Alright, but… I'll need some space. And a curtain to change behind."
The trio of girls exchanged looks before turning their eyes to the poised figure of Momo Yaoyorozu, who had been observing the scene from the sidelines with an amused smile.
Momo blinked in surprise, then nodded. "I can create one, no problem." Within seconds, a large, elegant curtain appeared, dividing the classroom and giving Himiko her makeshift changing room. The rest of their classmates were interested and paid attention to the impromptu show.
As she stepped behind it, she hesitated for just a second. It still felt surreal. People willingly offered her their blood—for fun, for curiosity, for her. It warmed her in a way she hadn't expected.
When she finally emerged, she twirled on the spot, now a perfect copy of Mina, from her bubblegum-pink skin to her corkscrew horns. She struck a playful pose, hands on her hips. "Ta-da!"
"WHOA!" Mina rushed over, eyes wide as she examined her clone. "This is incredible! Your transformation is perfect! Wait… is my ass really that big?" She turned around, squinting as she patted her own backside.
"That's your first question?" Tsuyu Asui asked dryly, a half-lidded stare aimed at Mina as the rest of the class sweat-dropped.
"Yeah, I always thought it was smaller!" Mina argued back, pouting.
Himiko giggled, stepping back behind the curtain. When she emerged again, she looked exactly like Ochako. "Hi! I'm Ochako Uraraka, and I have a crush on Deku!" she teased, winking playfully in Izuku's direction.
Ochako's face went beet-red. "W-WHAT?! I-I do not!" She stammered, flailing her arms in denial. Izuku fared no better, his entire body stiffening as he stuttered, "N-N-N-NO! T-T-That's not t-true, d-d-don't joke about that p-please!"
But the rest of Class A saw the way the two glanced at each other when they thought no one was looking, the awkward but endearing chemistry between them. A wave of knowing smiles and chuckles swept through the room.
"Calm down, Uraraka," Kirishima grinned. "It's just a joke… right?"
"Totally!" Himiko winked again, her teasing smile shifting as she glanced at the rest of the class. She was starting to see the friendly banter for what it was, "Okay, okay, next one!"
With a swirl of motion, Himiko emerged again—this time as Izuku. "YOU SHOULD SEE WHAT ELSE I SMASH!" she declared, imitating All Might's voice and face with perfect precision, a bright glint in her grinning teeth, certain innuendo left unsaid.
Izuku turned crimson and promptly passed out, face hitting his notebook with a loud thud. The classroom erupted into laughter, students collapsing into their chairs as they clutched their stomachs.
"GAHAHAHAHA!" - some of the boys.
"OH MY GO- HAHAHAHA!" - some of the girls.
"SHUT THE HELL UP YOU EXTRAS!!" - a certain Pomeranian shouted.
"S-so vulgar..." - A blushing rich girl muttered.
"Kero," - frog
"Hmph, the weakness of flesh," - resident edge lord scoffed.
'I don't get it, why is everyone laughing?' - rip off zuko thought.
Once everyone recovered, Toru raised her invisible hand, her voice excited. "Me next! Me next!"
The class quieted as Himiko shifted into Toru. Everyone waited with bated breath, curious to see what the normally unseen girl looked like.
Himiko stepped out, revealing a slim figure with soft, curly hair, delicate features, and an uncertain expression.
The room fell silent.
"I… I look like that?" Toru's voice was filled with wonder. She reached out, almost touching Himiko's cheek as if to confirm the image was real.
Himiko nodded, brushing a strand of Toru's hair behind her ear. "I can't copy quirks, so I appear as your natural form."
"Which means… you're not truly invisible! It could be something you can control!" Izuku's voice suddenly rang out, a look of pure excitement on his face as he woke up. Totally forgetting why he passed out in the first place, he furiously scribble new notes in his notebook.
"Smile!" Mina shouted, pulling out her phone and snapping pictures with the visible Toru, who blinked and smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Himiko," Toru whispered beside Himiko, her voice choked and eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at her appearance for the first time. The rest of the class gathered around, murmuring words of amazement and praise.
Seeing this, Himiko felt something she hadn't known she'd craved—something beyond curiosity or fascination. These people her age accepted her.
A genuine smile blossomed on her lips as she looked around at the faces surrounding her. She could finally say it.
She had friends now. Real friends.
Her heart fluttered with a happiness it almost brought tears to her eyes. Next, she would enjoy the Sports Festival as much as possible with her new friends.
===========================
Fuyumi idly stirred her tea, barely hearing Natsuo's voice as he continued talking. The house felt quieter than usual today, with both Shoto and their father out for the sports festival. They were planning to watch it from home, and it would start in about an hour.
Natsuo was doing most of the chatting, filling the silence, but Fuyumi's mind was elsewhere.
"Hey, sis! You okay?" Natsuo's voice broke through her thoughts, snapping her out of her trance.
"A-ah, yeah." Fuyumi blinked, setting down her spoon. "Sorry, just got a lot on my mind."
Natsuo raised an eyebrow. "Right... So how have things been going with you? You've been holed up at home when you're not working. No friends to hang out with?"
"I have friends, Natsuo," she sighed.
He smirked. "Friends, or just coworkers?"
She rolled her eyes. "I don't have time to go out. I'm busy with work."
Natsuo threw his hands up dramatically. "Sis, you need to get out there! Even I've got a girl who might like me, so don't tell me you don't have some admirers."
Fuyumi froze for a second, her thoughts drifting to a certain hero with a large hat. A small blush crept onto her cheeks before she could stop it.
Natsuo noticed immediately, his grin widening. "Ohhh, someone has caught your eye, huh?"
"No!" she denied, a bit too quickly.
He leaned in, laughing. "Come on, Fuyumi! You never show interest in anyone. Now I'm really curious."
Fuyumi crossed her arms and looked away, determined not to give anything away. "I'm not telling."
But as she stared out the window, her mind wandered. What was he doing right now?
===========================
Wanderer sighed as he strolled through the bustling food stalls outside UA's stadium, the atmosphere charged with excitement for the Sports Festival. Today marked the first-year students' big event, and as much as he didn't care for the noise and crowds, he had several reasons to be here.
First, this was Himiko's first real Sports Festival after years of homeschooling, and Faruzan wanted to support her. Second, Nezu had requested Wanderer stick around to observe the potential interns—something he wasn't exactly thrilled about. And third, Nahida had been eager to see the festival for herself. She was currently with Faruzan since Wanderer didn't want her being associated with him in public, at least while he was working.
"How unnecessary..." Wanderer muttered to himself as the inevitable happened: fans began to recognize him, swarming for autographs.
With a resigned sigh, he stopped, signed one... then another... and another. For ten long minutes, he stood there, scribbling his name over 200 times before he finally made his way into the stadium.
As he walked the corridors, Wanderer spotted Endeavor passing by, unnoticed by the man. His stomach churned at the sight. 'Pathetic,' he thought, rolling his eyes. Pushing that out of his mind, he continued toward the east side of the stadium and took a seat, glancing around.
On the opposite end, he saw Endeavor again, but his attention shifted when he caught sight of Faruzan and Nahida seated in the south section. Nahida met his eyes and waved enthusiastically. He sighed again, watching the introductions begin as Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium.
Loud. As always.
His gaze shifted to Class 1-A, spotting Himiko among them. Faruzan's cheers could probably be heard from space. Wanderer shook his head.
When Bakugo, the blond kid, took the stage for the oath, Wanderer couldn't help but clicked his tongue. 'Pledging to be number one… what a joke,' he mumbled.
The first event, an obstacle race, kicked off, and Wanderer watched with mild interest. Himiko was quick, moving fluidly through the course. He also noticed Izuku, green lightning crackling around him as he ran. 'At least the kid's figured something out,' he thought.
The Zero Pointers appeared as the first obstacle. Wanderer scoffed. 'Zero Point, indeed. Barely worth the effort.'
Todoroki's ice froze the ground, creating a clear path, and Wanderer felt the boy's bitterness from across the arena. That kid… hates his fire. Reminds me of... He shook his head, pushing the thought away.
As the competitors raced through the course, Himiko weaved between the obstacles effortlessly. Faruzan's voice pierced the air again. "THAT'S MY HIMIKO!"
Wanderer cringed. Damn it, Faruzan…
The second obstacle, The Fall, seemed unimpressive to him. Nothing he couldn't simply fly over. Still, he observed the students' methods, noting how some used their quirks creatively, like the pink-haired support course girl zooming across with her gear.
Izuku caught his attention again—this time, lugging a slab of metal for reasons unknown. Wanderer raised an eyebrow. What is that boy doing?
As the final obstacle, the minefield, approached, Shoto and Bakugo were neck-and-neck.
Then, in a flash of brilliance, Izuku launched himself into the air on the slab of metal, soaring over the minefield. Wanderer's eyes widened. So that's why he carried that thing.
Izuku's bold move carried him to the finish line, surpassing both Shoto and Bakugo. Wanderer allowed a small smirk. Not bad, kid.
Himiko finished fifth, much to Faruzan's delight. Wanderer nodded, satisfied. "Her vanishing technique has really improved."
As the cavalry battle was announced, Wanderer perked up, intrigued by the 10 million-point headband. A clever test. It would show the students what it meant to have everyone gunning for you—something Izuku would need to learn if he ever aspired to be number one.
Himiko formed a team with a large-armed mutant, a frog girl, and a boy from the other class. A smart move, keeping away from the chaos surrounding Izuku's 10 million-point target.
Wanderer watched as Class B's blond boy—sporting a copy quirk—intercepted her. Rare ability, he mused, and useful in the right hands.
Meanwhile, Shoto and Izuku's teams clashed fiercely. Shoto's strategy had immobilized much of the competition with ice, while Izuku's team skillfully floated above, swiping away threats. Himiko's approach, though, was stealthy and efficient—avoiding the main fight and racking up points quietly.
Bakugo, of course, was going after the blond copycat, and Wanderer's eye twitched. 'Does this kid have a boner for fights...'
When the timer ran out, Himiko didn't make it to the finals, but Wanderer wasn't disappointed. She had performed well—Faruzan would be proud. But something else bothered him.
As he turned to leave, his eyes narrowed. He had seen it. Shoto used his flames… and then stopped.
'I shouldn't interfere,' Wanderer thought, his steps slowing. But the urge gnawed at him.
He couldn't just stand idle.
===========================
The puppet stood quietly by the stairs, listening as Endeavor's voice cut through the hall, addressing All Might.
"That's what he was made for," Endeavor sneered, his grin twisted, "to surpass you and that brat."
Wanderer couldn't hold it in any longer. A cold, mocking laugh echoed through the corridor.
"Hahaha!" he stepped out from his hiding spot, causing both pro heroes to turn toward him.
"Surpass us?" Wanderer repeated, his voice laced with contempt. His gaze zeroed in on Endeavor. "You couldn't surpass us on your own, so now you're forcing that burden onto your son?"
Endeavor's flames flared angrily, his scowl deepening.
Wanderer's eyes narrowed, his tone dropping to an icy, cutting edge. "You're pathetic."
The flame hero stepped forward, fury blazing in his eyes, as he looked down on the wind hero. "What did you say?!"
Wanderer didn't flinch, meeting his towering figure with a sharp, unwavering stare. "You heard me. Using your son as a tool to achieve your goals? Delusional. Even if he reaches the top, no one will think of you."
Endeavor growled, his flames crackling hotter, but before he could speak, Wanderer continued, his voice like cold as ice. "He will win, huh? Because you made him for this? You already admitted defeat."
"What do you mean by that?" Endeavor spat, his anger rising.
Wanderer crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving the flame hero. "All Might will retire one day—not today, not tomorrow—but eventually. And when that day comes, your self-made competition will be pointless. Your obsession with surpassing him will die with it." He glanced at him in disdain.
He walked past All Might, grabbing the mountain of a man by the arm, pulling him away from Endeavor's growing rage. Behind them, Endeavor's fists clenched in fury, his flames flickering wildly. That brat...
As they walked, All Might glanced at Wanderer. "Was that really necessary?"
"Yes," Wanderer replied flatly. "He's not focused on what matters. His goal is to catch up to you—and me, maybe—but what should matter is the people we save."
All Might smiled faintly, his voice softer. "You're right."
Wanderer stopped, waving All Might ahead. "Go on. Your student's waiting. I've had enough of this."
With that, Wanderer turned and walked away, leaving All Might to his own responsibilities.
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