Another ordinary day at UA, Japan's best Hero school. The usual school subjects came and went, with Todoroki, Momo, Tetsumaru, and Mei consistently in the top spots.
The first two for their brilliant minds, and the latter two for their previous experience in another life.
While they were by no means geniuses, these half-souls never failed their studies when they were a single person, and now with hindsight on their side, passing such trivialities was the basic requirement.
At lunchtime, Tetsumaru said goodbye to his other half, heading for the fourth time to Hatsume Mei's workshop, which irritated the Kunoichi more than she cared to admit.
Seeing her intimidating brother walk away, the girls of Class 1-A took the opportunity to invite Mei to eat with them, something she hadn't done even once since she was always glued to Tetsumaru.
—I must say I'm surprised by how inseparable you two are, Mei— Toru commented as they took their seats.
—Yeah, it's rare for siblings to get along so well. They'd usually be fighting like cats and dogs, but that doesn't seem to be the case with you two. What's your secret?— Mina questioned curiously.
—Hm, it's always been Tetsumaru and me since the orphanage. That's just how it is, so I have no way to explain it— she lied.
—Oh? I didn't know you were orphans, I'm sorry— Toru said shyly.
—Fufufu, it's fine. We don't have biological parents, and we were eventually adopted by a lovely couple— Mei reassured her.
—Wow, you were lucky not to be separated— Momo said.
—Hmph, that was because I refused to be adopted unless Tetsumaru came with me. Because of that, I lost many opportunities to find a home, but I don't regret it— the kunoichi declared with a chest puffed out with pride.
While there were many things she wasn't going to tell anyone else in this world, being so evasive with these girls would simply be rude. To live in society, to be a part of society, there were things one had to contribute.
Mei understood this and didn't shut herself off from the world. If she was going to live here, she might as well integrate a little, at least more than in kindergarten and elementary school, where the brats were simply unbearable.
—That's... well, I guess you really love your brother— Momo said with an uncomfortable smile.
—Yes, I love him— Mei affirmed in a low voice and with a strange smile that made the table fall silent for a few seconds. Realizing her mistake, her cheeks flushed slightly, but she continued eating as if nothing had happened.
—Speaking of which, where is Tetsumaru?— Mina asked, changing the subject.
Mei's flushed expression twisted for a fleeting moment before becoming indifferent, which once again left her classmates speechless.
—He's with a girl from the Support Department— she said coldly.
—Huh? Oh, I see... Why is he there? Is she a friend?— Momo asked tentatively, trembling in her seat when Mei fixed her emerald eyes on her with intensity. A moment later, the kunoichi sighed, mentally chastising herself for scaring these girls.
—He's been working with the girl to secure some support equipment. In fact, you all should take a look at that class. There are many ways to optimize the use of your Quirk with the help of technology— she explained calmly.
—Hmm, that's a good idea. Maybe I can find something useful for myself— Mina said thoughtfully. —Hm? Hey Mei. If I remember correctly, you discarded the costume UA prepared for you, and from what I heard from the boys, Tetsumaru did the same. What can that girl offer that UA cannot?
Her question made the girls recall the disdain with which Mei threw away the suitcase containing her costume. In their opinion, it looked pretty cool, but no one dared to question her at the time.
—Don't be offended, but I decided not to wear my costume because it looked ridiculous. It just wasn't for me, and the same thing happened with Tetsumaru. All we asked for was special fabric and for our designs to be respected, but those additions they made... It didn't work for us.
—But didn't they help with the output of your Quirk? Given that you're an Emitter type, those implements surely would only strengthen your abilities— Momo asked.
—No, they don't. I don't need implements for my Water Release, and too many gadgets on top would only hinder my Taijutsu— Mei denied, shaking her head.
—Taijutsu?— the girls asked in unison.
—Ahem, my hand-to-hand combat. I'm not one to be wrapped up in suits; I'm content with my usual attire— the Kunoichi clarified. Unknowingly, her conversation captured the attention of the boys at the table next to them, where Shōji, Ojiro, Kaminari, and Sero were having lunch.
After the events at U.S.J., many of the Class 1-A boys began to fear the reddish-brown-haired girl.
Word had spread about several cases of infertility among the criminals from the area Mei was transported to, and everyone heard about the fate of the villain with hands all over his body.
But among those present, Shōji was one of the few who had seen Mei's performance live, and an idea was forming in his mind. He exchanged a meaningful look with Ojiro, and they both nodded in complicity.
After lunch, as the students were returning to their classrooms, Shōji mustered his courage and approached Terumi Mei. Making sure to maintain a polite attitude, he called out to the Kunoichi.
—Excuse me, Mei-San.
She turned to the taller boy with curiosity, looking up. Shōji noticed that those green eyes did not look at him with fear, despite his imposing stature.
—She tore the eyes out of that monster without flinching. Of course, she's not going to be intimidated by you— he reminded himself with a shudder.
—Just Mei. What's up, Shōji— she greeted casually.
—I was wondering if you had time to talk when classes end. There's something I'd like to ask you— the boy said. Mei smiled flirtatiously and nodded, engaging in an informal conversation with her classmate.
A silent Todoroki passed by her side, his brow furrowing slightly for some reason the boy couldn't explain.
At the other end of the hallway, Hagakure Toru witnessed everything, from Shōji's approach to Todoroki's reaction, and her mind couldn't help but form a kind of adolescent drama. With clenched fists, she decided to share these events with her friends.
Of course, Mei didn't consider for a second that Shōji's intentions were of that nature, and Shōji certainly harbored no such interest in the girl.
Too bad neither Toru nor Todoroki saw it that way.
While this was happening, Tetsumaru was bare-chested and being probed up and down by Hatsume Mei, who was groping him without any sense of decorum to take notes and adjust the boy's order.
The Third Kazekage's reincarnation could only pray that his other half wouldn't show up at this moment. Otherwise, the whole workshop might be flooded with lava.