[32] Ai Hayasaka
I needed to make a splash, something that would catch the eye of not just the pro heroes in attendance, but the public as well. Maybe a display of overwhelming power right out of the gate?
And what about the League of Villains? They'd been quiet since the USJ attack, but I doubted they'd stay that way for long. Would they make a move during the festival? Or were they biding their time, waiting for a more vulnerable moment?
I was so lost in thought that I almost missed the footsteps behind me. Almost. My heightened senses picked up on the soft tread of someone trying to be stealthy. Female, based on the gait. Slightly below average height, given the stride length.
Was I about to get confessed to? It wouldn't be the first time since starting at U.A. I turned, plastering on my most approachable smile.
"Can I help you?"
The girl who stood before me was not what I expected. About 162cm with blonde hair tied up at the left side of her head with a blue scrunchie. Her blue eyes sparkled with an intensity that caught me off guard.
I studied the blonde girl, taking in her polished appearance and confident stance. Something about her seemed... rehearsed. Like she was playing a part.
"Ai Hayasaka," she said, extending her hand. "Third-year student in the business course. I'd like to be your manager."
I shook her hand, my mind racing. A manager? At U.A.? That was unexpected. And potentially useful, if she was legit. But there was something off about this whole situation.
"Nice to meet you, Hayasaka-senpai," I said, keeping my tone friendly but neutral. "What made you interested in managing me specifically?"
She smiled. "I saw your interview with the press the other day. Very impressive. And of course, I looked into your entrance exam scores. Highest in your year, right? You've got serious potential, Midoriya-kun. I'd like to help you capitalize on that."
"I appreciate the interest," I said. "But I have to ask - what are your qualifications? Managing a hero-in-training seems like a pretty specialized field."
Hayasaka nodded, as if she'd been expecting the question. "Fair enough. I've interned with several top hero agencies over the past two years, focusing on PR and brand management. I've also taken additional courses in crisis communication and social media strategy. Plus, being a student here gives me unique insight into the challenges and opportunities you'll face."
It was impressive, I had to admit. If it was true. I decided to probe a little deeper.
"Interesting. How would you handle my social media presence, for example?"
Her eyes lit up. "Great question! I'd start by creating separate accounts for your hero persona and your personal life. We'd use the hero account to showcase your training, your accomplishments, and your values as a future pro. Maybe some behind-the-scenes content from U.A., with proper clearance of course. The personal account would be more relatable - study tips, favorite foods, that sort of thing. We'd also engage with fans and other heroes to build your network."
As she spoke, I watched her carefully. Her enthusiasm seemed genuine, but there was a calculated edge to it. Like she was hitting specific points in a predetermined script. It was subtle - I doubted most people would notice. But then, I wasn't most people.
"That sounds well thought out," I said. "But why me? Surely there are other students with more impressive quirks or family connections."
Hayasaka's smile faltered for just a second before snapping back into place. "Quirks and connections aren't everything, Midoriya-kun. You've got drive, intelligence, and a natural charisma that can't be taught. Plus, your story of rising from a late-blooming quirk to top of your class? That's inspirational. People will root for you."
I studied Hayasaka's face, weighing my options. Her proposal was intriguing, but something still felt off. I decided to test the waters.
"I appreciate your interest, Hayasaka-senpai. How about we start smaller? Maybe a personal assistant role to begin with. That way, we can see how well we work together before committing to anything more formal."
Hayasaka's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained in place. "That's a sensible approach, Midoriya-kun. I'm open to starting as your personal assistant. It would give me a chance to prove my value."
I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. "Great. And what kind of compensation were you thinking for this role?"
"Well, as your personal assistant, I'd be dedicating a significant amount of time and effort to managing your affairs and building your brand. Given the potential for growth and the unique challenges of working with a hero-in-training, I think 20% of any earnings or sponsorships would be fair."
I raised an eyebrow. "Twenty percent? That seems a bit steep for an assistant role, don't you think?"
Hayasaka shrugged. "Quality work deserves fair compensation, Midoriya-kun. Plus, I'd be taking on quite a bit of risk. If things go south, my reputation could take a hit."
I considered her words. On one hand, 20% was a lot to ask for an unproven assistant. On the other, if she was as capable as she claimed, it could be worth it in the long run. And there was still the question of why she was really here.
"How about we start with 10%?" I countered. "If things go well and you prove your value, we can renegotiate after the Sports Festival."
Hayasaka's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Fifteen percent, and I'll throw in some exclusive contacts I've made during my internships. Trust me, Midoriya-kun, you won't find a better deal."
I paused, pretending to mull it over. In reality, I was watching her body language, trying to gauge her true intentions. There was an eagerness beneath her polished exterior that didn't quite fit with her story.
"Alright, Hayasaka-senpai. Fifteen percent it is, for now. We can revisit the arrangement after the Sports Festival." I extended my hand. "Looking forward to working with you."
As we shook hands, I noticed a flicker of triumph in Hayasaka's eyes. It was gone in an instant, replaced by professional warmth.
"Excellent! I won't let you down, Midoriya-kun. Shall we go somewhere to discuss your schedule and goals?"
I nodded. "Sounds good. There's a coffee shop near here."
"Perfect. Let's go."
We found a quiet corner table and sat down. I ordered a black coffee, while Hayasaka opted for a latte.
"So, Hayasaka-senpai," I said, leaning back in my chair. "Tell me more about these internships you've done. Any particularly interesting experiences?"
She launched into a detailed account of her time at various hero agencies, dropping names and describing high-profile events she'd helped manage. It was impressive, no doubt. But something still felt off.
"That's quite a resume," I said when she finished. "Makes me wonder why you'd want to work with a first-year student instead of jumping straight into a top agency after graduation."
Hayasaka's smile faltered for just a moment. "Well, Midoriya-kun, the truth is... I've seen what it's like inside those big agencies. It's all politics and bureaucracy. The real work gets buried under layers of red tape."
I raised an eyebrow. "And working with me would be different?"
She leaned forward, her eyes intense. "You're not just any first-year student. You're a rising star. I've done my research, Midoriya-kun. You're going places. Fast."
I took a sip of my coffee, considering her words. "And you want to be along for the ride."
Hayasaka nodded. "Exactly. Look, I know I'm taking a risk here. But I believe in your potential. And I think together, we could do something really special."
"What makes you so sure?" I asked, watching her reaction carefully.
She hesitated for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision. "Can I be completely honest with you, Midoriya-kun?"
I gestured for her to continue.
"During my internships, I saw how the sausage gets made, so to speak. The top heroes, they're not always what they seem. There's a lot of image management, a lot of covering up mistakes. And the support staff? We're treated like we're disposable."
Hayasaka's polished facade cracked a bit, revealing a flash of genuine frustration. "I worked my ass off at those agencies. Came up with brilliant PR strategies, managed crises that could have tanked careers. And you know what I got for it? A pat on the head and a line on my resume."
I leaned forward, intrigued. "So you're looking for recognition."
She nodded. "I know my worth, Midoriya-kun. And I know that being the right hand of a future top hero is worth a hell of a lot more than being a cog in some agency machine."
"And you think I'm that future top hero," I said, more statement than question.
Hayasaka's eyes locked onto mine. "I know you are. The question is, are you ready to make it happen?"
I sat back, considering her words. On one hand, her ambition and drive were admirable. On the other, they made her potentially dangerous. But then again, the most useful tools often had sharp edges.
"Alright, Hayasaka-senpai," I said, making my decision. "Let's give this a shot. But I want to be clear - this is a trial run. If it works out, great. If not, we part ways. No hard feelings."
She nodded, a gleam of triumph in her eyes. "Understood. You won't regret this, Midoriya-kun."
We spent the next hour going over my schedule, discussing potential PR strategies, and planning for the upcoming Sports Festival. Hayasaka's knowledge was impressive, and her ideas were solid. But I made sure to keep a few cards close to my chest.
As we wrapped up, Hayasaka pulled out a sleek business card. "Here's my contact info. I'll start working on some preliminary plans tonight. Is there anything specific you want me to focus on?"
I pocketed the card. "Actually, yes. I'd like you to look into the media coverage of the USJ incident. See if you can find any patterns in how it was reported, any inconsistencies. Oh, and keep an eye out for any mentions of a 'League of Villains.'"
Hayasaka's eyebrows rose slightly, but she nodded. "Interesting. I'll get right on it."
As Hayasaka turned to leave, I called out one last question.
"By the way, how did you get access to the entrance exam scores? I thought those were confidential."
She paused, then glanced back with a wink. "A good manager has her ways, Midoriya-kun. I look forward to hearing from you."