Warped

Doubts

     Brimming with excitement, Hitoshi had been unable to sleep. It was already one a.m. but he couldn't contain himself. He wanted to show everyone the new and improved Hitoshi. He wanted to prove that his supposed villain-like quirk could be used for good while also paired with trained fighting skills.

     He and Sakura had been training in a different type of taijutsu from her world and he found that it suited him a lot better. He found that the Hyuga Gentle Fist Style, although normal people didn't have tenketsu points, could be used on regular pressure points on the human body.

     The moves weren't that showy or destructive but he could use them to easily take a person down if he got close enough. That was why he also needed to train in his own agility. His own speed could determine his life or death. 

    What more was that he was able to get smoke bombs approved to use in the tournament. They had been checked and pre-approved by the principal himself. As long as he didn't face someone with a long-range all-around quirk like Todoroki Shoto with the ice side of the quirk, there was no doubt that he would stay on top.

     All morning he went throught battle plans and strategies that he and Sakura had come up with for each and every person participating in the final round. It did feel like cheating for someone to know the future... And more so personal information, but it wasn't against the rules. The purple haired student was just using his resources.

     He even drank a cup of coffee, something he rarely did that caused his parents to gawk. It was his chance today, and he needed to show his best. The boost of energy to get him going even more would surely help him.

     As it was a special occasion, Sakura had the manager to drop by to pick him up for school. Every time she came by, she would always say the same cheesy line: "hop in." It never got old.

     "Are you pumped?" she asked him with a smile on her face.

     "Yeah... I couldn't sleep at all, " he admitted, feeling a bit guilty for not wanting to sleep.

     "You should've just called me. I could've just knocked you out, and you would've felt like a baby in the morning."

      When he didn't answer to her remark her smile dropped and she waved her hand in front of his eyes. "Are you okay, Hitoshi?"

     One question that he had dreaded since the morn had popped into his mind. "Sakura... Do you think I'm ready to verse the kids in Class 1-A?"

     Their quirks definitely were more versatile than his. Even though he had a bunch of training, sheer power could still beat him. He might even slip and use his chakra mid-fight too, although they were training together to prevent him from relying on it-

     "Mmn, you'll be fine, " she reassured with a bright, cheery smile, "I've seen the future, after all. Those kids are just focusing on increasing their power, not technique. They haven't gone that far yet, but you have. Those heroes shouldn't be called heroes if they can't see your talent and effort."

     "You're right..." he trailed off, still not convinced.

     Sakura pouted slightly at his reaction and crossed her arms. She was confident in her ability to be number one and get the medal, but she didn't want all the attention and questions. It was better to stay low and support her friend from the sidelines, but she hated seeing him doubt himself. She had doubted herself her whole life, questioning every single move she made. There was no need in him joining her also.

     He also killed her vibe for the tournament. Being a rich kid from her own money... Although she spent a lot in preparation of pills and Hitoshi, she had bought shoes that had retractable ice skates on the bottom of them. Sakura had practiced on the worst of ice, hoping that she would be able to easily skate on top of Todoroki's ice. 

     Otherwise, as a 'quirkless' model, she wouldn't be able to make it to the next round. If she didn't, Sakura already could predict the earful she would get from her bosses.

     "We're here, " her chauffeur informed quietly and the two stepped out onto the school grounds, early as usual.

     Hitoshi was going to walk into the main building until Sakura pulled him aside off into another direction. "Where are we going?"

    "You'll see."

     They stopped at one of the cherry blossom trees around the school and the messy haired teen looked around in bewilderment. "What did you want me to see?"

     "This."

     She then crouched down, brushing away some of the fallen petals and leaves to reveal a plaque on the ground. It didn't seem that old, only a couple months. His eyes squinted as he read the engraving on it. 

     "Gifted to Sakura Haruno as requested. From Principal Nezu... You asked for your own tree?!"

     "I was actually going to make that my home, " she said nonchalantly, "But my agency wouldn't allow it. This tree looks so comfortable too..."

     The last part sounded a bit whiny, but Hitoshi overall ignored it. Even though it was Sakura, he couldn't fathom any normal person asking for a tree as lodging... Then again, it was Sakura.

     "Stop doubting yourself, " she said suddenly, "If you do, I'll add your name on that marble stone."

     "It's not that simple, " he replied, deadpanning.

    "If you're doubting yourself, you're doubting the skills that I taught you. Therefore you are doubting me as your teacher. Do you really think that lowly of me?"

     "No..."

    "Then trust me when I say that you're ready and will probably be able to transfer to Class 1-A in no time."

     "But... You won't be there."

     "Don't worry, I'll find a way to get in if you get in. You're my best friend. I can't leave you to rot in that class by yourself."

     "Promise?"

    "Mmn, " she replied while locking her pinky together with his, "I promise."