“The number 1 hero?” Ryu was immediately in front of Hiro, “Really? So how are you going to do it? Are you super powerful? Do you have a tragic backstory? Is this an underdog or op situation? Can you–”

Lino came from behind and pulled on Ryu’s jacket. “Calm down Ryu. I’m sure he has his reasons.” Lino looked at Hiro and bowed his head, “I apologize for him, he can’t get a little too excited sometimes.” 

“It’s just so rare for someone to announce what you have so adamantly.”

“Really?” That was hard to believe. Especially since this was the hero academy. The best in the world. Wouldn’t everyone want to be the best?

“Well I for one would like to be number 1,” Ichi framed his face with his two fingers, “the best looking anyway.” 

“Well I think you’re gonna have a hard time with that,” Vinnie chickled, “I think sir trespasser has you beat.”

“Ah,” Reiki nodded, “I see you are one of excellent taste as well.” Reiki smirked at Ichi, “But you’re in luck, I have no interest in the title. So I suppose you still have a chance.”

“Hey! I’d beat you no problem.”

Reiki got into his face, “Wanna bet?”

“Gentlemen please,” Rivas split them up, “Can’t we be civil. After all we are going to be sharing this place–oh wait,” Rivas smirked, “nevermind. You don’t. So, you better treat us well or we can kick you out.” 

“Tch,” Reiki rolled his eyes, “I get it alright! I should have listened to you. I just expected the students here to be much stronger alright. I didn’t think I did anything overboard.”

“What did you do?” Ryu asked, ready to write down anything of note. 

“I was told to destroy the dummy, so I did. I don’t get what’s so crazy about that.” 

If Ryu’s jaw could’ve dropped to the floor it would’ve. 

“You gotta be kidding me…” Ichi was staring bewildered as well. 

Reiki shrugged, “Whatever. I’ll just put in a request after the fact. I don’t see the big deal.”

“You know what,” Vinnie patted his shoulder, “Perhaps it’s for the best you see it that way.”

The training dummy was made of highly sophisticated technology, it was by no means easy to destroy. It was even hard to rip a limb off or dent it. Just how strong was he? And if Vinnie scored just as high, how strong was she? 

As they all settled and Reiki went on his way, all Hiro could think was; I have to get stronger. Then I can protect even Reiki. My first friend. 

Reiki drooped his head, looking like a sulking little kid. “Were not in the same class?!” Reiki latched onto Hiro and Rivas, “I’m all alone!”

Hiro wasn't sure what to do. He never had a friend… Could he call him a friend? “It's alright,” he patted Reiki's head, which was now below his shoulder even though Reiki was much taller than him, “we'll see each other during breaks.”

“Okay,” Reiki stood back up, dramatically wiping away a tear. “Too bad were not even dormmates.”

“You know that’s partly your fault,” Rivas folded his arms, “Right?”

Hiro laughed. He was going to say something but he couldn't help himself. This situation was just too bizarre. A friend right off the bat, and somehow making it into the Academy? What could be more ridiculous? 

“What's so funny?” Reiki folded his arms, but couldn't help but crack a smile. 

“It's just,” Hiro smiled the biggest smile he ever had in his life, “I'm so happy.”

Rivas laughed along with him, “As am I my friend.”

“That's great buddy.” He patted him on the shoulder then walked off, “see ya around friend.” Hiro's face flushed and he almost forgot to head towards his class when the bell rang. 

Then he found himself in his gym attire immediately after orientation. Day 1 was about to really begin. 

“Alright, welcome to hero training. I am Master Jares. Get in line and let's begin. Your training begins now.”

The whole class, except a select few, collapsed on the ground. Hiro tried to stay standing but he was so winded he couldn’t help but gasp for air. They had been running at full speed for an hour. From his understanding Master Jares wasn’t a physical ability type so why did she have them so focused on this? Hiro glanced at her, and she doesn’t look particularly athletic so how in the world did she keep pace while talking so easily? 

There were only 3 still standing. Akiyama – of course – and a tall dark haired boy who seemed incredibly gloomy. He was also wearing his heavy winter coat. He must be some kind of beast. The last one was Vinnie. Hiro had noticed she had similar eyes to Rivas. Black surrounded the iris, instead of white. Like they were in dark mode. 

“As you all know the 1st year games are coming up. And as you all know there are pre qualifiers. In order to participate you must be part of the top 10 in the class. In order to rank you your physical abilities will be assessed daily through your holo watches. We will be holding in class training but I highly recommend you train on your own as well. Your ability can be disclosed at any time via your discretion. If you prefer to keep it secret, that is up to you. Winning the games is a great opportunity, especially if you are planning on joining a top tier Hero Company.”

With that, the rest of class was just physical training. Hiro kept up with almost all of it. Granted that's all he's been able to train since he never developed an ability. He even kept up with Aki and Vinnie.  outclassed Akiyama and Vinnie at times. But when it came to sheer strength, he could never measure up. Endurance seemed to be where his skill was, not overwhelming force. Well, at least he knew he could hold out for reinforcements like the other day.

Master Jares looked at her class, where most were already so tired Hiro also noted most of them wouldn't be able to train again that day. Ichi was also sprawled out on the floor next to Aldura–or Aldie as he called her–but she still seemed to have a bit more energy in her. Hiro chuckled to himself. They sure were competitive. Akiyama seemed to be just fine. Or at least on the surface. Hiro remembered from his days with her at the Kisai Training Center she had this tendency to twitch her fingers while they were curled into fists to keep herself from faltering. Even now, that seemed to hold true. 

Akiyama was the first to leave after dismissal. He had really hoped to talk with her, since there was no way she wouldn't be admitted, if he made it in. But, after she made it clear when first seeing him that she still hated him for some reason there was no chance of that. He still looked up to her though. He had never seen anyone with more drive to be the best. If it weren't for her, perhaps he wouldn't've made it this far. 

“Hey,” Rivas said, “looks like you're doing alright.” If he didn't have such red skin Rivas’ could've hid how drained he was, since his usual vibrant Crimson had paled to almost a pink. 

“You don't look so good,” Hiro said, “Do you need the nurse?”

“No,” Rivas chuckled, “I guess I should've started training with Reiki earlier.”

“What does he do?”

Rivas smiled weakly, “Let's just say he'd laugh at this training.”

Hiro's eyes went wide for a moment. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Rivas nodded, then took a deep breath. His skin slowly returned to its usual shade of red. “Now let's head out before Reiki bursts into tears.”

Hiro and Rivas left and as Rivas said, Reiki looked like an abandoned puppy waiting for its owners. How could someone so powerful seem so lost alone?

“My buds!” Reiki jumped up from where he was crouching on the floor and put almost all his weight over their shoulders. “You will not believe who I have to deal with!” 

Ryu and Lino stumbled into view as well. “Rei-rei,” Ryu huffed between breaths, “Are you even human? I swear…” the rest of his sentence was indecipherable but Hiro understood the gist. Reiki was unreasonably strong.

“Truly impressive,” Lino nodded as he propped Ryu upright. 

“You guys just need to train more, then you can be just like me,” Reiki smiled for a moment before going limp again, “Or that annoying brat.”

“There's someone as strong as you?” Hiro blinked. Just how many super powerful students were there? Some years the Academy didn't get any hero students, and other years the classes were filled to the brim. They will take any and all talent if they see it. So somehow, there were many Reiki's this year. But Hiro was still let in so… perhaps they wanted as many students as they could get? 

“No,” Rella passed by, also looking as tired as the rest, “Just faster.”

Ryu nodded, “Super fast.”

“Anyway,” Reiki propped himself up, “it's food time. To the food place!”

“You mean cafeteria?” Rivas pushed Reiki off of him and so he latched onto Hiro even more, almost toppling him over. 

“Sure, whatever,” Reiki pointed and dragged them along, “Onwards!”