Chapter Nine: Why Do You Want To Become A Hero?
Since the attack, the school was temporarily closed, the teachers wanted the students to recover from the event and take it easy for two days.
Ever since she came back, her parents have been as worried as ever. Constantly checking on her, always asking if she was okay or not and walking on glass at the notion Chikako was still shaken from what happened at USJ. While it’s true that after Chikako woke up, the events had left her a little rattled, it wasn’t too traumatic. She had tried to explain this to her parents, but it fell on mostly deaf ears. Honestly Chikako sometimes thought they were affected by the attack more than their daughter who witnessed it.
“I’m telling you, they won’t leave me alone,” Chikako complained to Ochako through the phone. “They even take turns watching over me while I sleep ‘cause they’re afraid of nightmares.”
Over at her house, Ochako smiled sympathetically. Her parents weren’t nearly as bad as her cousin’s. While hers were obviously worried, they didn’t dote on her like her relatives.
“They’re just worried, you know how they are,” she chuckled, which turned to nervousness when Chikako didn’t laugh back. She can envision the scowl on her face. “Just tell them how you feel and maybe they’ll back off.”
“Maybe. Can’t wait to be back at school.”
“Want me to come over? I can provide emotional support.”
“Yes, please,” Chikako smiled.
Fortunately, Ochako’s advice did the trick. Somewhat. They did back down after Chikako explained to them how she felt about the doting thing, but they didn’t fully go back to treating her like normal. Luckily the break only lasted for two days and before she knew it, Chikako was sitting with her class.
“Hey, did you watch the news last night?” Hagakure asked.
When Ojiro nodded, she continued.
“Did you see how everyone in class was on-screen for a second?” she said before sighing. “I didn’t stand out at all…”
“That’s true,” came Shoji’s blunt reply.
“It’s hard to stand out looking like that, huh?” Ojiro pointed out, referring to the invisible girl’s lack of costume and body.
“But man, all the channel’s made a big deal about it,” Kaminari replied, leaning against his chair.
Jirou, who was twirling her ear jacks, said, “Can you blame them? The hero course that keeps pumping out pro-heroes was attacked.”
“Who knows what would have happened if the teachers hadn’t come when they did.” Sero said.
Flashes to Shigaraki’s hand and how it was an inch away from Izuku’s face came to her mind and Chikako forced herself to refrain from finishing the image if the teachers hadn't come at the nick of time. That image was something she couldn’t seem to get rid off. That and the image of herself sinking in the water. It terrified her that a classmate of hers (whether she disliked him or not) was seconds away from crumbling to dust always sent unpleasant shivers all through her body. Because of that, she finds herself wandering towards Midoriya, as if checking if he was okay. When that happens, she makes sure to snap her eyes back to other places aside from him.
“Stop that, Sero!” Chikako jumped at Mineta’s sudden yell. “Just thinking about it’s making me wet myself-”
“Shut up! Be quiet, scum!” Bakugo’s booming voice was just the trick to silence him.
However loud and brash the guy was, Chikako can always appreciate his ability to silence anyone who annoyed him (which were the same people that annoyed her).
Sato lifted the mood a bit by talking about All Might, praising him for his skills in dealing with the monstrous villain.
“Yes, his strength is worth wondering at,” the ever quiet Tokoyami agreed.
When it was almost twenty-five minutes past eight, Ida came running into the classroom. “Everyone! Morning homeroom is about to start! Stop talking and take your seats!”
Chikako blinked as she looked around the room. Basically everyone but the class president himself was in their seats and prepared for the day. Poor Ida was publicly told this by the class and he sat down, a little embarrassed and frustrated with himself.
“It’s fine, Ida,” Chikako said, rolling her eyes at his flustered state as he sat down in front of her.
“Don’t worry about it!” Ochako reassured.
Ashido looked back, leaning towards to talk to Tsu, but did it too far and almost fell. Luckily, Tsu was able to stabilize her. “Tsu-chan, who’s gonna teach homeroom today?”
“Well Aizawa-sensei is supposed to be in the hospital recovering from his injuries,”
The door slided open, “Morning,”
Lo and behold it was the man himself, walking into the classroom as though it was any other normal day. And maybe it would be except for one glaring fact: Aizawa was covered face to arms in bandages. Both of his arms are in a sling on top of that. The bandages on his face even covered his eyes and Chikako wondered how he could even see. She would also question his ability to breathe if it wasn’t for the small, open space for air to enter.
“Aizawa-sensei, you’re back so soon!?” The class (par a selected few), exclaimed.
“Y-You’re too much of a pro!” Kaminari said, both shocked and scared to see his teacher be dismissive of his state.
Ida thrust his hand into the air. “Sensei, so you’re alright?”
“Can you call that alright?” Ochako nervously said.
Aizawa walked over to his desk and stood behind it. While no one can see his face, they can already tell the emotion that he was currently giving. Neutral and unfazed.
“My well-being doesn’t matter,” he said. “More importantly, the fight isn’t over yet.”
That got everyone tense and fearful. Chikako briefly wondered if there were more villains threatening to arrive. Did the heroes and police have a suspicion of more villain attacks? Did they have the schedule that Shigaraki and his goons managed to obtain? Who knows when they would pop up unexpectedly. Is that what Aizawa-sensei meant by fighting? Are they training them to fight against villains?
“The U.A. sports festival is drawing near,”
Chikako sighed in relief, all previous questions vanishing completely. The rest of Class 1-A were equally as excited and relieved for his words having harmless meaning behind them. Though some did not appreciate the way he went about it.
“That’s a super normal school event-”
Kaminari interrupted Kirishima by pushing him away by the face to say, “Wait a minute!”
“Is it okay to have a normal school festival so soon after the villains snuck inside?” Jirou added.
“What if they attack us or something? Ojiro asked.
“Apparently they think of it as U.A showing that our crisis management system is solid as a rock by holding the event,” Aizawa answered.
Chikako frowned, not fully agreeing to that answer. She knew about the sporting event, it’s a very public thing where heroes from everywhere in Japan come and observe the young rookies as they showcased their quirks, skills, and thinking abilities. It’s a global way to get scouted as heroes would recommend the ones they liked to watch and train them the ways of a hero.
The part she was unsure about was the time. Like Jirou said, this about three days after the incident, villains would be aware of U.A. more than ever and she worried about villains would take upon seeing a taste of their quirks. But then again, she guessed that if nothing has happened at previous festivals in the past, then this would be okay.
She snapped back when Aizawa told them about the tight security that would be enlisted as the festival went on. Five times stronger than previous festivals as he puts it. That puts Chikako’s mind at ease, and now she was feeling excited for this event. Her mind started planning all her training schedules to prepare. This was a national chance to show the heroes what she could do, and so she has to give them something worth seeing.
“But that’s a good reason, isn’t it? It’s just a sports festival,” Mineta’s frightened voice reached her ears.
“Mineta-kun, you’ve never seen a U.A. sports festival?” Midoriya asked in surprise.
“Of course I have!” he told him. “That’s not what I meant!’
“Our sports festival is one of Japan’s biggest events. In the past, the Olympics were called a festival of sports, and the whole country was crazy about them,” said Aizawa. “As you know, with reductions in scale and population, they’re now a shell of their former glory.
“And now for Japan, what has taken the place of those Olympics, is the U.A. sports festival!”
Yaoyorozu spoke up. “Of course, all the top heroes from around the country will be watching. For scouting purposes!”
All the more reason to shape up and train, Chikako thought to herself.
“I know that…” Mineta trailed off, a slight whine in his voice.
“After we graduate, it’s typical to join a pro hero as a sidekick!” Kaminari added.
“A lot of people miss their chances to become independent after that, and become eternal sidekicks though,” Jirou pointed out.
She turned to her desk partner. “Kaminari, I feel like you’d be one of them. Since you’re dumb,”
Chikako slightly smiled at the girl’s cut-through response.
“Of course, joining a famous hero agency will get you more experience and popularity,” Aizawa said. “Time is limited. If you expect to go pro, then your path to your future will be open at this event.”
Chikako frowned in determination. She had three chances to prove herself to not only Japan, but the whole world that she had a chance of being a hero, and she would never want to mess up. She wrote down training times in her notebook, and thought about the areas in which she could improve, both physically and mentally.
“Homeroom is dismissed,”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After their class with Cementos, the bell rang to signal lunch time. Chikako was packing her things as she heard Kirishima speak loudly.
“I’m getting really excited!”
She rolled her eyes. Noo, really? Couldn’t have guessed with the many times he threatened to make her ears and head pound.
“If we put on a good show and stand out, we’ll have taken the first step into becoming a pro!”
Chikako hummed quietly in agreement. While she almost had her training schedule ready, she just had to decide whether or not she wanted to include her cousin into the mix. Because while she and Ochako did everything together, Chikako felt that this was one of those times where they focused on themselves. Of course, Chikako would always be willing to give her some tips, but she wants to do this by herself.
She just hopes Ochako feels the same way.
Midoriya was in awe of his classmates. Everyone was extremely pumped and no one appeared nervous at all, which made him feel left out because he was shaking to his bones. He had yet to fully master One For All and even though there was a brief moment of his limbs not breaking during the attack, he can’t guarantee that luck again.
“Everyone is so into it,” he gulped.
“Of course, aren’t you not?” Ida asked, standing up. “We have enrolled here to become heroes, so of course we would get fired up!”
“Ida-chan, you have a very unique way of getting fired up,” Tsu said, referring to Ida’s weird body movement.
He ignored her and turned to the green-haired boy. “Midoriya, you don’t feel the same?” he asked with weird hand gestures to boot.
“Of course I do,” he said defensively. “But something’s…”
Chikako perked up when she felt a familiar conflicted presence. Turning around, she caught the eye of her cousin who had a weird aura around her. It was a strange change to her usual bright and bubbly self. Chikako knew this aura, she had felt it before. Ochako was feeling a sense of determination, excitement, but also extreme nerves. And with all that roped into one, well…
“Let’s do our best in the sports festival!” Ochako exclaimed.
She scared the daylights out of the boys who have never seen her act like this. Ashido bluntly pointed this out without any fear, undeterred by the brunette’s sudden change in personality. Mineta was about to say something inappropriate until Tsu slapped him with her tongue. And she just about saved him, because if Tsu was a second too late and his words reached the ears of Chikako, well, her retaliation wouldn’t be so forgiving.
Ochako stretched her legs and pumped her fist into the air. “Everyone, I’m gonna do my best!”
Yep, she was definitely feeling nervous. Chikako sighed, this made it a bit more difficult to mention that she wanted to train alone. Hopefully she would have calmed down by then.
“Hey, hey, what about the other Uraraka-san?” Ashido said. With a bright smile, she turned to the second Uraraka in the class. “Hey, Uraraka-san, how are you feel-”
Ashido trailed off when she felt the intense dark aura that was radiating powerfully off the older Uraraka. This one was darker and more sinister than her cousin’s, and the group close to their table found themselves scared to approach her. Ashido swallowed the remaining words down her throat and nervously backed away.
Unbeknownst to them, Chikako was smirking greatly. Her plan worked. Whenever someone would try to approach her, friendly or not, she would make it seem as though merely coming near her was a death sentence. Scared off anyone within a close radius everytime.
Chikako, her cousin and her cousin’s friends were just making their way to the cafeteria when Midoriya called their names.
“Uraraka-sans, why did you decide to come to U.A. and become a pro-hero?” Midoriya asked.
Chikako almost stumbled after he asked the question. She stared at him, unable to subdue her wide eyes. She wasn’t sure why the question caught her off guard, it should be simple. Nevertheless, she stayed quiet and allowed Ochako to speak first.
Though Ochako herself was also stunned by the question, but not in the same way as her cousin. She hesitated, trying to find the right words to explain. Out of all the people to ask her that, it had to be Deku, the most heroic and pure hearted person she’s known so far. It made her feel guilty about her reasoning. But she gulped down the fear, and briefly explained her situation.
Midoriya halted abruptly. “Money?” he repeated after she was done explaining.
Chikako gave him a harsh glare, already having the sentence to voice if he were to start judging her. But Midoriya was far from thinking critically and judgmentally about Ochako’s situation. If anything, he was more surprised.
“You want to become a pro hero for money?” Midoriya asked again.
“Hey, if you have a problem-” Chikako began.
“N-No, no. It’s okay Chi Chi,” Ochako said, scratching her neck profusely, a habit she does when nervous. “To boil it down simply, yes. Sorry it’s not a wholesome reason.” she quickly apologized.
“You three have such admirable motivations, it’s embarrassing,” she said, turning away.
Chikako wanted to assure her that her motivations were anything but, until Ochako’s words caught her attention more. Were her motivations admirable? Well she guessed she wanted to provide for her relatives the same way Ochako is doing, but it didn’t really sit right with her. She frowned, thinking hard as to why she was here. If anyone were to ask her younger self, she would say because heroes are cool and they save people. So why couldn’t she say the same now?
“How? How is having a goal to support your livelihood not admirable?” Ida asked, also not seeing the problem like Midoriya.
“Right. But it’s unexpected,”
Ochako sighed. “My family owns a construction company, but we haven’t gotten any work at all, so we’re flat broke,” she explained, nervously scratching her head. “Chi Chi’s family, my aunt and uncle, are doing their best to provide for us as well, but at some point the task can become tedious. I often feel guilty for always relying on them. My parents too, especially my dad.”
She paused. “It’s not something to tell other people, though…”
Simultaneously, Ida and Midoriya held their chin with their left hand while using their right to support it.
“Construction…” Ida said in thought.
“With her quirk, if she gets licensed, then it’d bring the cost way down, right?” said Midoriya.
“She could make any raw material float. They wouldn’t need any heavy equipment,” Ida agreed.
Chikako faintly smiled, she was happy that they were so supportive, even giving ideas of how Ochako could provide for her parents. She watched as Midoriya happily exchanged ideas towards Ida, and by proxy Ochako. Which made her feel instantly better.
“That’s what I told dad when I was little!” Ochako jumped and pointed towards Midoriya dramatically.
Chikako confirmed this with a nod. She’d never forget that day. Her parents brought her over to Ochako’s house on the weekend for a playdate. The two little girls were upstairs when Ochako said she was feeling thirsty, so they went downstairs. They had caught ear on what the four adults were conversing, and none of them were surprised to find out it was about Ochako’s parent’s jobs.
Chikako’s dad offered to pay any bills or send in money when needed at any time, for he was a pro hero and the money they were paid for their services were very high and expensive. But his brother was stubborn and refused any help. While they argued, Ochako turned to Chikako with a sad pout.
“Daddy and mommy are always complaining about their job. I’m worried about them,” Ochako said, her voice trembling.
“I know, Koko. I hear my parents talk about it too,” Chikako sighed. “But what can we do?”
Ochako looked down. “I…have an idea…”
Without giving warning, she bolted into the living room and relayed her idea. When she was done, all the adults looked at her with surprise. Her dad was proud she was able to think of a solid plan at a young age, but the thought of his daughter doing all that heavy lifting for him, pained him.
“You want to work for us?”
By now, Ochako was in tears, trying to contain the sob she wanted to unleash. Chikako had rushed to her side to provide moral support.
“Yeah! When I get big, I’ll help you and mommy!” Ochako responded, running up to him.
With a sad smile, he bent down and patted his daughter’s head. “I appreciate the thought, Ochako,” she gazed up at him. “But as your dad, I’d be even happier if you could achieve your dream,” he looked towards Chikako. “Both of you.”
Chikako’s eyes widened at that, she turned towards her parents and they gave her the same smile.
“When that happens, the two of you can take all of us to Hawaii,” Ochako’s dad said, stretching his arms.
“Oooh, can’t wait for that,” Chikako’s dad smirked. “But this is after you’re happy with what you end up doing. We don’t want you to sacrifice your own dreams and pursuits for us, girls.”
The two didn’t say anything, only gazing down as their words replayed in their heads.
Ochako gripped her skirt tightly as she remembered that event. Even with her dad’s words, she still wanted to be here just so he and her mom are comfortable and stress free. They’ve already done so much, taking care of her, and now she wants to repay them back, as a thank you. For everything.
“I’ll definitely become a hero and make money,” she stated. “And let my family take it easy.”
Both boys were stunned at the girl’s selflessness, now seeing her in a new light. The three were startled when Ida suddenly started clapping his hands and loudly praising Ochako.
While the two were occupied, Midoriya turned to Chikako who he felt was oddly too quiet. Even if this was the normal amount of silence.
“Uraraka-san, how about you?” he asked.
Chikako stiffened, even more when Ochako and Ida turned to her. Ochako tilted her head, anticipating her response. Thinking about it, Ochako never really thought about why her sister wanted to become a hero, given that she never shared her reason like she did. But the younger Uraraka chalked it up to wanting to save people just like Midoriya.
Chikako, meanwhile, wanted to say to provide for her family like Ochako, but the words fell short. Again, the reasoning didn’t sit well with her. It was her dream to become a pro-hero, no doubt about it, but she couldn’t pinpoint anything that was fuel for that motivation.
When Chikako still stayed silent, Midoriya gave a reassuring smile. “It’s okay if you don’t know.”
“I do know!” she snapped, glaring harshly. “I just don’t want to give it out. Personal.”
Without looking back, she walked ahead to the cafeteria. But not before giving Ochako a light pat on the head. The question: Why do you want to be a hero? replying in her mind.
Midoriya watched her leave until he could no more. A frown on his face as he felt guilty for offending her. It was obviou she was lying, but he didn’t see anything wrong with not having a concrete reason. He was sure she would find her reason later on, so he wished she wasn’t always so defensive.
Ochako took a deep sigh and shook her head. “Sorry…”
“You shouldn’t be apologizing for your cousin’s behaviour!” Ida scolded.
“I know, but I feel like I have to because people often get the wrong impression of her. And, I know she’s not helping her case, but Chi Chi is a very good and compassionate person. She’s just…” she trailed off.
“Shy?” Midoriya guessed.
“Not shy, just…anti-social,” said Ochako. “Doesn’t really trust anyone, and always has a guard up. I never know why though.”
Midoriya hummed, taking this into account before he saw All Might poking through a corner. The top hero shyly asked if he wanted to have lunch with him, and after getting approved nods from both Ochako and Ida, he went to have lunch with his idol.
Ochako’s words of her cousin didn’t leave his mind, however. With his brief insight, Midoriya now wants to act upon befriending Chikako. He hoped to sway her guarded mind of people.