Dekiru 10: The Symbol Of Peace And The Protector Of Earth

Chapter 43: Behind Seijaku's Mask

"Welcome to Seijaku Gakuen Academia," Immawato said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I trust you will learn to thrive in our... unique environment."

Izuku and the other students felt a chill go up their spines as Danger Sense flared off. "We at Seijaku pride ourselves on those who are strong. Powerful," Immawato continued, his eyes scanning the group. "Who can actually make a contribution to our society. Everyone here is free to use their quirks as they please, of course."

As they walked, Immawato explained the school's hierarchy. "We have a system, you could say. Everyone must follow it to a T. That's how we keep order in this fine establishment."

"So, what exactly is this hierarchy?" someone in the group asked.

"Ah, glad you asked," Immawato said, a smile spreading across his face. "Now, we have 5 Tiers in this fine establishment. Let's start from the bottom. Tier 5: The Outcasts. These are students who have... useless quirks. They will be given menial tasks, and will not receive any special treatment or resources. They are, essentially, disposable."

As Immawato finished explaining, he gestured to a girl standing off to the side. She had a mutant-type quirk, and her face was smeared with food. She wore an uncomfortably short skirt, and her eyes were downcast in shame. The group of students snickering and laughing, pointing at her, made Izuku's grip on his fists tighten. He knew what it was like to be treated like dirt, to be belittled and mistreated.

Izuku's eyes lingered on the girl, and he felt a pang of empathy for her. He knew exactly what it felt like to be humiliated, to have food dunked on him and be forced to walk back to class feeling defeated. The memory of his own experiences in Aldrea flashed back, and he felt a surge of anger towards Immawato and the school's hierarchy.

"Next up, we have Tier 4: The Disfavored. Students with weak or niche quirks. You will be delegated to menial tasks," Immawato said with a wave of his hand.

Izuku and Nejire exchanged a glance. "And Tier 3: The Middle Ground. You'll receive standard treatment and resources, but I hope you will seek to improve yourselves," Immawato continued.

"Then there's Tier 2: The Favorites. These students have shown potential, but need to prove themselves further. They will receive additional resources and attention from the faculty, but must continue to perform well to maintain their position."

Goro spoke up, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "And if we don't?"

Immawato stopped in his tracks, his expression cold. "You will be forced down a tier, of course. With the other trash."

"And what about Tier 1?" someone asked.

Immawato's smile grew wider. "Ah, Tier 1: The Elites. These are the students who excel in every aspect. They are the best of the best, and they will be treated as such. They will receive special privileges, resources, and attention from the faculty. They are the future leaders of our society, and we will make sure they are prepared."

Izuku's eyes narrowed, sensing the weight of the hierarchy. He knew what it was like to be at the bottom, and he didn't want anyone else to go through that.

Just then, Goro spoke up. "Ah, Vice Principal Ryujin!"

Ryujin's eyes scanned the group, his gaze lingering on Nejire for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. He smiled, his lips curling up slightly. "Welcome, new students. I'm Vice Principal Kanerai Ryujin."

Izuku noticed a subtle tension in Ryujin's posture, a slight leaning forward as he addressed Nejire. His eyes seemed to hold a hint of interest, but it was quickly masked by a neutral expression.