Heroes in the Fabric of Rebellion

Chapter 8

bro I saw 2 readers u both gave me the biggest smile ever
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You and Ryuko made your way through the halls of Honnoji Academy, the towering walls around you lined with intimidating banners and strict-looking guards. Eventually, you reached a front desk where a receptionist sat, typing away on an ancient-looking keyboard. She glanced up as you approached, looking bored but watchful.

Receptionist: "New students?"

Ryuko nodded, leaning against the counter with a casual confidence.

Ryuko: "Yeah. We're here for class."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, eyeing you both with a hint of suspicion before flipping through a large, tattered ledger.

Receptionist: "Alright... follow me."

You exchanged a quick glance with Ryuko, both of you stepping in line behind the receptionist as she led you down a narrow hallway, the noise of students bustling in their classrooms echoing around you. After winding through a few more corridors, she stopped in front of a door labeled Classroom 1-A and opened it, motioning for you to go inside.

Inside, a tall man with an eccentric appearance stood at the front of the room. His blue hair was slicked back, and he wore a bright red tracksuit that clashed with the more formal attire of the other teachers you'd seen around the academy. He adjusted his glasses with a grin that seemed equal parts enthusiastic and a little unsettling.

Teacher: "Well, well, look who we have here! New faces! Welcome to Honnoji Academy, I'm Mr. Mikisugi, your homeroom teacher."

He gestured for you both to take seats, his eyes twinkling with a strange intensity.

Mr. Mikisugi: "Here at Honnoji, we don't just teach academics. We teach survival. So, as new students, let me remind you—every day is a test. Keep your wits about you, and don't forget to always push yourself to the limit!"

You sat down, feeling a mix of excitement and unease. Ryuko leaned over to whisper, her voice low.

Ryuko: "Stick with me, alright? This place is dangerous, and Mikisugi's one of the few who can actually help us. But don't trust appearances here. Things aren't always what they seem."

You nodded, glancing back at Mr. Mikisugi, whose smile seemed to hold secrets of its own. It was clear that life at Honnoji Academy was going to be unlike anything you'd experienced before.

Mr. Mikisugi motioned to a couple of empty seats toward the back of the room, just beside a girl with short brown hair who was bouncing in her seat, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement. She immediately perked up when she saw the two of you approaching, waving enthusiastically.

Girl: "Hi! Hi! New students! This is so exciting! I'm Mako Mankanshoku! Who are you? Where are you from? Are you excited to be here? I mean, Honnoji Academy can be kinda scary, but it's also amazing if you're careful! Oh! Are you careful? I try to be, but it's hard sometimes!"

You managed a small smile, a little taken aback by her energy, while Ryuko simply raised an eyebrow. Mako didn't seem to notice your hesitation, launching into a nonstop stream of chatter as you sat down beside her.

Mako: "So, are you ready to be here? I mean, there's a lot of fighting, and some people get really intense, and sometimes you just have to eat something sweet after to feel better, you know? Do you like sweets? Oh, and watch out for the clubs! They're so competitive! But hey, if you ever need someone to show you around or, like, tell you all the secret snack spots, I'm your girl!"

Ryuko glanced over at you with an amused look as Mako continued, barely pausing to take a breath. Mr. Mikisugi, standing at the front of the room, seemed unbothered by her enthusiasm, letting her go on for a moment before finally interrupting.

Mr. Mikisugi: "Mako, maybe let our new friends catch their breath?"

Mako grinned sheepishly, nodding vigorously.

Mako: "Oops! Right! Sorry! I just get so excited about new people! It's like every day here could be a new adventure, you know? Anyway, if you need anything, anything at all, just ask me, okay?"

You nodded, grateful for her warm welcome, even if it was a little overwhelming. Ryuko gave her a small, appreciative smile.

Ryuko: "Thanks, Mako. We'll keep that in mind."

Mako beamed, clearly thrilled to have new friends in class. As you settled into your seat, you couldn't help but feel a little more at ease with Mako by your side. Her boundless energy and friendliness made the intimidating world of Honnoji Academy feel a bit less daunting.