Hello to my favourite readers! Hope you're enjoying this wonderful time of ghouls and ghosts and I'm glad you're here to enjoy it with me! Tricks and treats all around as we're back with U.A students taking a break from their regular lines to enter into this spin off on I-Island.
This world of heroes came with a lot of surprises. Aside from its odd system of heroes and villains, there was the advanced technology that stumped Sakura and made her feel like she had been living in a cave.
The transport in this world impressed her the most, second only to the internet. While not as fast as running, it offered a luxurious alternative to the rough roads experienced in carriages. The technology here allowed for smoother travel against the elements of nature. One could even leave the continent by flying, but Sakura didn't know what to expect when she got to the airport.
The airport was a bustling hub of activity, with people hurrying about to board their flights, pick up, or say farewell to loved ones. The vast space was filled with the hum of conversations, announcements over the intercom, and the occasional whirr of advanced machinery.
From how she was gawking, Hitoshi could tell that Sakura had never set foot in an airport before. He had to guide her through everything, from check-in to luggage drop-off, explaining the process patiently. She fretted about the weight restrictions, realizing they couldn't take certain bags personally onto the plane and had to stow them in the storage area. Even though she didn't carry much herself. Even went on about pets when she saw someone with a cat carrier.
Next, he helped her with the necessary paperwork and directed her to the ticket counter. Her eyes remained wide with wonder throughout the entire process. Finally, they reached their seats in first class, and to Sakura's surprise, no one else occupied the station.
A stewardess approached them and politely instructed them to buckle up. Hitoshi couldn't help but tease Sakura, asking if she needed him to clip in her seat belt. He noticed her fidgeting with her fingers, picking her nails, and asked, "Are you nervous?"
"I didn't actually realize how big these planes were, and now I'm wondering if I should be comfortable sitting in something this huge that's about to take to the air for hours," she replied anxiously.
"You are kidding, right?" Hitoshi chuckled, trying to ease her fears. "You've taken on villains but you're scared of flying? We're even in first class, which is the best seats."
"I just can't understand the mechanics," Sakura confessed, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"That's because you need a master's degree in engineering," he deadpanned, with his usual tone.
"What do they do if it crashes?" Sakura blurted out, her anxiety rising.
Hitoshi gently placed his hand over Sakura's, offering comfort. "Let's not go there," he said, trying to divert her thoughts from the worst-case scenario.
As the plane began to take off, Sakura felt the aircraft tremble, and for a moment, she wondered if Keigo had sent her on this trip hoping to end his guardianship. But once they were in the air, Hitoshi pointed to the window, drawing her attention to the breathtaking view outside.
All her fears and worries seemed to vanish as she gazed at the world below, captivated by the beauty of the clouds and the vastness of the sky. The worries of the airport and the mechanics of the plane were forgotten, replaced by the wonder of flight.
"If you ever mention to anyone about what happened here, I swear Hitoshi, I'm going to—"
"I know, knock me into next year," he finished her sentence with a smirk, understanding her intentions.
With their flight underway, the two friends settled into their seats, excited for the adventures that awaited them on their vacation together. Little did they know that their journey had only just begun.
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The plane ride continued without any major hiccups, allowing Sakura and Hitoshi to relax and make the most of their first-class experience. They settled into their spacious seats, feeling the gentle hum of the aircraft's engines as they soared through the sky. The flight attendants offered them a selection of refreshments, and Sakura couldn't resist trying some exotic snacks she had never seen before.
As the hours passed, Sakura and Hitoshi explored the in-flight entertainment system. They laughed together while watching comedic hero TV shows and immersed themselves in thrilling action movies. Sakura marveled at how vivid the screen was and how the sound quality was unlike anything she had experienced back in her world.
In between movies and shows, they chatted about their upcoming adventures on I-Island. Hitoshi shared some insider information about the island, explaining that it was a paradise for technological innovation, where cutting-edge research and development took place in secret.
Sakura couldn't help but feel excited, her curiosity overcoming any lingering anxiety from the plane journey. Hitoshi had a way of calming her nerves and making her look forward to what lay ahead. She leaned back in her comfortable seat, glancing out the window now and then, watching the clouds dance beneath them.
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As the plane approached its destination, Hitoshi gently shook Sakura awake, pointing to the window. "We're here," he whispered with a smile.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Sakura eagerly peered outside. The sight that greeted her was awe-inspiring. An island surrounded by iron walls came into view, and she marveled at its sheer size. It was unlike anything she had seen before - a moving island that had to be tracked to stay in its designated location.
The aircraft descended gracefully, and as they got closer to the island, Sakura could see bustling activity on its surface. She caught glimpses of advanced technology, flying vehicles, and heroes and their apprentices practicing their powers in open training areas.
Once the plane touched down and the passengers began to disembark, Sakura and Hitoshi gathered their belongings, eager to set foot on I-Island. They followed the stream of people, stepping out onto a landing platform that connected the plane to the island.
As they took their first steps on the island, Sakura felt a sense of anticipation and adventure. The air hummed with vibrant energy, a testament to the technological wonders that lay hidden within the iron walls.
"Welcome to I-Island," Hitoshi said, grinning at Sakura's wide-eyed expression.
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Once the plane touched down on I-Island and they departed, Sakura and Hitoshi stepped out, their anticipation reaching new heights. They were met by a friendly escort, who led them through the bustling airport to a waiting vehicle. The ride was short but revealing, as they caught glimpses of the island's wonders through the windows. The escort shared anecdotes about the island's history, its advanced technology, and the numerous scientists who called it home. All were praised for achieving groundbreaking work and strides in technological advancements that had helped heroes and ordinary people alike.
It gave a great sense of anticipation to Sakura.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the escort ushered them into a grand lobby adorned with sleek, modern architecture and stunning artwork. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and a palpable sense of innovation. It was as if the hotel itself was a testament to the island's dedication to progress and ingenuity.
The escort led them to a pair of massive wooden doors, which swung open to reveal an opulent first-class suite. The suite boasted a spacious living area, elegantly designed furniture, and an astonishing view of the island's breathtaking landscape.
"If there's anything you need, just call," the escort kindly offered before preparing to take her leave.
Sakura seized the opportunity to ask about the expo's scientists. "I wanted to know, where can I personally meet all the scientists for the expo?" she inquired, her curiosity getting the best of her.
The women took a moment to explain, "Well, they're all over the island since this is their residence, but all the major heads will be at the gala tonight."
Hitoshi interjected, raising an eyebrow. "There's a gala?"
"Yes, of course, you have an invitation. We have a special package that will be available at five, so we hope to see you then,"
Sakura sighed inwardly; she wasn't particularly fond of parties, but she understood the importance of seizing the opportunity. "Okay," she acquiesced, realizing it would be the perfect chance to meet the scientists and make connections.
Turning to Hitoshi, Sakura asked, "Are you ready to go?"
"Right now?"
Sakura shrugged, "We've got some time might as well enjoy some of the exhibits right?"
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And so, they decided to venture out into the island and explore its vast exhibits. They wandered through a maze of state-of-the-art buildings.
As they meandered through, Sakura couldn't help but draw comparisons between this awe-inspiring world and the one she had left behind. It was like being transported from a dimly lit room to a vibrant garden bathed in sunlight
Hitoshi, on the other hand, likened the atmosphere to that of a star-studded movie premiere, with scientists and heroes strutting around like celebrities. The whole island seemed to have a magnetic charm.
As Sakura and Hitoshi ventured further into the heart of I-Island, they found themselves immersed in a world of marvels. The island was alive with the unrestrained use of quirks, each individual showcasing their unique abilities with a sense of freedom rarely seen elsewhere. Hitoshi observed someone breathing fire like a dragon, while another person utilized their quirk to perform awe-inspiring magic tricks. In the distance, some individuals leaped through the air, defying gravity amid a bustling crowd, and a few even flew gracefully above the throng.
"Everyone is allowed to use their quirks freely here," Hitoshi remarked with a sense of wonder.
"Looks like it," Sakura replied.
As they continued to explore the tech island, they encountered numerous heroes mingling with the crowd, the badges on their costumes signifying their identities. The bustling atmosphere made Sakura feel like she was in the center of a giant carnival. The technology of this world left her in awe, reminiscent of a child visiting a futuristic amusement park.
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Amidst their exploration, they entered a building where a hologram of an idol suddenly materialized, singing and dancing. Sakura, with her shinobi reflexes, instinctively reacted and threw a kick at the hologram, causing a slight glitch in its projection.
"Ya!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as some onlookers turned their attention to the commotion.
"Okay, let's go over there," Hitoshi said, guiding her away from the attention and leading her to another exhibit.
They arrived at a giant arcade box with a screen in front, displaying a variety of inventions. Sakura's curiosity piqued, and she gave Hitoshi a playful pout in response to his earlier comment.
"It was an accident!" she defended herself, though she knew her reflexes could sometimes lead to amusing situations.
Hitoshi handed her a set of wristbands and showed her how to strap them on. "Since you want to fight holograms," he teased a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Sakura playfully rolled her eyes and stepped onto the stage. The floor beneath her lit up, and the area transformed into a virtual arena, complete with a projected screen displaying the prompt: "Choose your level!"
Sakura selected a challenging level, ready to test her skills in this virtual world. It took her into an apocalyptic virtual city. She had to face off against 'villains' for a specific time, and her avatar would mimic her movements on the screen.
"I think this is supposed to be some sort of training simulation for heroes," said Hitoshi.
The first challenge awaited her. She obliterated the highest level, causing the machine to beep in astonishment at her raw strength. Her movements were swift as if she was really fighting, but it was a strange sensation when she wasn't able to physically hit anything but pixels. She moved with agility through the level, until the timer finally set off.
The cheering and clapping from the spectators around them brought a sense of superficial accomplishment.
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As the day wore on, Sakura and Hitoshi continued their exploration. They encountered more exhibits, each more impressive than the last. From holographic simulations to AI-powered robots, every innovation seemed to push the boundaries of what was possible.
Although she enjoyed herself, Sakura hadn't found anything close to what she was looking for. Hopefully, she would find something at I-Expo. As unlikely as it was, she didn't want to give up that hope. Her stubbornness became a great asset in these cases.
"Let's get some lunch soon," Hitoshi suggested. "My stomach's starting to groan,"
Sakura nodded her appetite awakening. "Sure."
As they continued their exploration, they stumbled upon another stand, capturing their attention with a hologram of a person effortlessly soaring across buildings on a screen. Well, it was more like swinging with intense precision and skill, which is what caught their attention. The sight was mesmerizing, resembling the act of slinging webs through the urban jungle. A display case nearby contained an array of gadgets and hero weaponry, some of which allowed for demonstrations.
A man stood at the exhibit, a friendly smile lighting up his face. "Welcome,"
"What's this?" Sakura inquired, her curiosity piqued.
The man's eyes sparkled as he explained, "Why, it's our webslinger gauntlet, little lady. No one hero is built the same, and not all have the mobility to fly through the city with their quirk. That's where this comes in. This nifty contraption will propel any hero through the city, allowing you to swing across the city. And this special adhesive formula also comes in handy for capturing villains."
Sakura's mind immediately drew parallels. "It's kind of like Aizawa's scarf."
"But with an adhesive effect," Hitoshi added, his analytical mind considering the possibilities as he watched the person on the screen gracefully maneuvering through the air.
"What kind of control do you need to be able to pull that off?" Hitoshi inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Sakura, drawing from her shinobi experiences, noticed the similarity to how shinobi used invisible wire with their kunai to swing or capture opponents. She could already see the potential in this gadget. "Would you like to give it a try?" the man offered.
Hitoshi stepped up, eager to experience the webslinger gauntlet for himself. The man explained the mechanics - flicking the wrist and holding down two fingers on the palm would activate the trigger. With anticipation, Hitoshi followed the instructions, but the results were less than graceful. He pressed down a bit too forcefully, causing an excessive amount of the solution to spray out, missing the target.
"Damn, it's tougher than it looks," Hitoshi remarked, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Sakura decided to take her turn next. She extended her arm and released the string, hitting the target albeit missing the bullseye. She had held the trigger for a shorter duration compared to Hitoshi, resulting in the solution cutting off as it should.
"This is cool," Sakura said with enthusiasm, impressed by the potential of the gadget.
Amid their excitement, Sakura's stomach let out a rumble, making her cheeks color slightly. She exchanged a cheeky grin with Hitoshi. "Lunch?"
Hitoshi chuckled, his hunger echoing hers. "Yeah."
Their stomachs led the way as they ventured to find a place to eat.
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Sakura and Hitoshi found themselves in a cozy restaurant, seated at outdoor tables that allowed them to continue marveling at the island. The view was a picturesque panorama of technological marvels and stunning architecture, while a gentle breeze brushed against their skin. It was a great reprieve from their exploration.
As they perused the menu, the question of timing arose. Hitoshi glanced up from the pages, his expression thoughtful. "When should we head back to the hotel?"
Sakura shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze wandering across the enchanting vista. "We've got like four hours."
His brows lifted slightly, an amused smile playing on his lips. "Do you plan on us being fashionably late to the gala?"
A mischievous gleam danced in Sakura's eyes. "We won't be late."
Hitoshi arched an eyebrow, a touch skeptical. "How quickly do you think you'll be able to get ready for this thing? And remember, we were asked to be back at least two hours before the time."
Sakura groaned playfully, leaning back in her chair. "They said they'll let us get something to wear at the hotel. All we have to do is dress and go, right? Shouldn't take more than fifteen minutes."
Hitoshi couldn't help but stare at her with a mix of astonishment and amusement. Her casual attitude toward dressing for a grand gala was baffling, to say the least. Was she being admirably confident or remarkably nonchalant? He decided it was better not to pry.
Their conversation was interrupted by a waiter approaching their table. Sakura's eyes widened as she recognized the familiar face beneath the uniform. It was none other than Denki Kaminari, her classmate from U.A. High.
"Hey there, may I take your order—SAKURA?!" Denki exclaimed, his shock evident.
"Denki," Sakura greeted with a half-smile, her surprise mirrored in her tone.
The unexpected reunion took a more surprising turn when Denki's gaze shifted to Hitoshi, who was calmly flipping through the menu. Denki's eyes widened further, recognizing Hitoshi as the boy from the general studies class who had declared war on Class 1-A. The last time Denki saw him, he had been fighting Izuku at the sports festival.
"You... You're Shinso. What are you doing here? With... Sakura? Is this a date?" Denki's words tumbled out in a mix of astonishment and incredulity.
Before they could fully process this encounter, another voice piped up. Sakura saw Minoru Mineta, also dressed in a waiter's outfit, rushing toward them.
"SECRET AFFAIR!" Minoru announced dramatically.
Sakura sighed, putting down her menu. "You're here too, huh?"
It appeared that this tech island's exclusivity was less than she had initially assumed.
"When did this happen!?" Minoru demanded, pointing an accusing finger at the pair. "Are you two here for some romantic honeymoon getaway!?"
"Sakura invited me to go with her to the expo," Hitoshi responded in a deadpan tone.
"No way! I've seen enough of those movies to know where this story is going! The man and woman going out on a getaway, and then it escalates quickly into a series of events that eventually lead to
Sakura shot him an apologetic look before turning her stern gaze on their classmates. "Stop making a scene. Hitoshi and I are just here for the expo. It's also not any of your business."
She had always kept her classmates at arm's length since entering the U.A., but her interactions with Hitoshi outside of school had changed things. They had spent more time together, and their connection was growing.
"Suddenly, I want to head to the hotel early," muttered Hitoshi, his words audible to Denki and Minoru.
"HOTEL?!" they exclaimed in unison, their eyes widening.
"I KNEW IT!"
Sakura's patience was wearing thin, and she was just about to let loose her temper when new voices joined the cacophony.
"S-Sakura!? Shinso!?" Izuku Midoriya's voice rang out, followed by a chorus of equally stunned exclamations from more familiar classmates.
She turned to her right, her gaze falling upon Izuku, who was dressed in his hero costume. It seemed that their exclusive trip to I-Island wasn't as exclusive as they had thought. The presence of their classmates filled the air with a mix of surprise and bewilderment.
'Oh boy,'