Makoto blinked at Chisa's proclamation.

"Why are you looking for Nagito Chisa? Did he do something wrong?" he asked.

"Oh course he's doing something wrong!" Chisa said. "He's squandering his youth like all these other students! They all need to be together!"

Makoto looked behind Chisa to see most of the 77th class standing behind her. Some waved when they saw his attention turned to them. He awkwardly waved back. Chisa noted with some amusement Hajime was trying to get Chiaki's attention by waving. When Chisa looked behind her she saw Chiaki actually looked up from her gaming device to wave back.

"Why'd you come to me then?" Makoto asked.

Chisa's attention snapped back to Makoto. "Because your luck gives us the best chance of finding him! Surely your two lucks will cause you to bump into each other," Chisa explained.

Makoto sighed and pulled out his phone. After pressing it a few times he put it to his ear. "Hello? Nagito?" He said. "It's your old homeroom teacher, Makoto. Your new homeroom teacher is looking for you. Yes, she's by my classroom."

Nagito said something on the other end.

"I, I see," he said a little awkwardly. "Well . . . if no one was hurt, I guess it's fine. I'll tell them where you are. Bye." He hung up.

Turning to Chisa and her students Makoto said, "Nagito is by the front of the school. A vending machine exploded and he's thinking of bringing some of the snacks and soda for the rest of the class."

"Hell yeah!" Akane cheered. "Free snacks!"

Her students bolted to the front of the school in hopes of getting free drinks, and as Chisa turned to follow Makoto called, "Hey Chisa?" She stopped at his tone. While some might think it was light, Chisa had been friends with Makoto long enough to recognize it was important. "Can we talk in the hallway real quick?"

Makoto said a quick, "Excuse me for just one moment," to his class. He exited the classroom and closed the door behind her. He took a few steps away from the door, and Chisa did the same. He turned to her with a serious expression. "Chisa, you need to know something about Nagito."

That got Chisa's attention. "Why, what's wrong?"

"I won't go into detail, because it's not my place," Makoto said, "but he's a traumatized young man. Nagito is obsessed with talent, and his idea of "hope and despair" and will do anything," he stressed the word, "in the name of hope."

Chisa frowned. "What do you mean?" It was worrying but Chisa wasn't entirely sure what he meant.

"I mean if he thinks there's something or someone in the way of an Ultimate student from getting better, he'll get it out of the way. Or if he thinks someone could be put through a horrible situation and come out better, he'll put them through it, thinking the skills they gain through going through that trauma then will help prevent horrible things happening later."

Chisa's eyes widened at the implications.

"Nagito can get very desperate and scared, even when he doesn't have to. So I just wanted to say, if he asks for help, or if he asks for something to help with another student here, please tell me about it. I think we need to work together to make sure Nagito gets the support he needs and to keep an eye on him."

Chisa's shock wiped away as she put on a determined face. She nodded. "Thank you for letting me know Makoto." And then she smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be there to help him through it. See you later Makoto!" she said. Everything important there taken care of, Chisa bolted down the hallway to follow her class.

As soon as Chisa's back was turned, her smile strained. "What could have happened that made Makoto think that about Nagito?" she thought.

Makoto let out a breath as he watched Chisa run off. He really didn't want to violate Nagito's privacy like that, but Chisa had to know the warning signs to react properly. Makoto took a moment to compose himself, putting the heavy thoughts away in the back of his mind, and he went back into the classroom.

"Don't tell me what to do you uptight asshole!" Mondo shouted.

"No!" Taka responded. "Even a ruffian like you has to respect Hope's Peak's rules and regulations."

"That's what I'm saying, I don't even have to fucking be here."

"Technically not, but our teacher Mr. Naegi wants us here for two! Days! In order to help all of us in our education. Can you not respect a wish like that?"

"I don't care! It's not like he can do anything to help me lead the best bike gang ever! I bet he can't even ride a tricycle!"

Makoto sighed. He needed to make sure he properly set things in motion tomorrow. Kiyotaka and Mondo needed each other.

"Taka," Makoto interrupted, "I appreciate you trying to enforce my request, but that's all it is, a request. If Mondo doesn't want to come to class, he doesn't have to." When Mondo gave a shit-eating grin Makoto turned to him. "But Mondo, I must ask again that you come to class at least tomorrow. I think I can help you even if I may not look the part."

Mondo scoffed. "Yeah whatever," as he stepped out the door he shouted over his shoulder, "see you fuckers at graduation!"

"How disappointing," Junko said, examining her nails. "To think the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader is too weak to attend two classes."

Mondo froze in the classroom door frame. He turned his head. "What'd you say about me?"

She stuck out her tongue and winked. "I mean seriously, you show up to Hope's Peak, the most prestigious academy in Japan, and you leave not even before the first day is through? Seems kind of pathetic, don't you think? I wonder how your biker gang will see it."

Mondo crossed the room and slammed his hand on Junko's desk. "Listen here you bitch," he shouted. "I could easily wipe the floor with this school! I just don't want to be bored by everyone's bullshit here!"

"Oh?" Junko asked. "You want to talk to me about boredom? But since you don't have the empathy to understand me if I tried to explain," Mondo was about to interrupt but Junko continued, "let's cut to the chase. I bet you 10,000 yen that you can't attend every class here."

Mondo growled. "Fine! If that's how you want to go then let's go!" He stomped over to his desk and sat down.

"Uh," Makoto eloquently said. "Thank you for sticking around Mondo." Makoto threw a look at Junko and she just smiled a little. Walking back to the board Makoto asked the class, "So, is there anything else anyone wants to say about their hopes and goals?"

Chihiro hesitantly raised his hand. "Um, do we have to say ours out loud? I'm, I don't think I want everyone to know mine."

"Of course not Chihiro. And that goes for all of you. If any of you want to ask for help privately, we can do that. If any of you have something you want to talk to me about confidentially, we could try some time when the staff room is empty or I can find a private area for us to talk. Does that sound good for everyone?" Chihiro let out a relieved breath and nodded with everyone else.

Makoto spent the rest of class fleshing out everyone's hopes and goals (or at least the ones that were given to him, not everyone gave him theirs yet). He let the rest of the class lead their own interactions and clique formation as he focused on each person individually.

After he was done talking to Sayaka about her goal he looked out of the corner of his eye to see Hajime was still sitting in his seat, not talking to anyone. Instead he awkwardly watched most people interact around them.

Makoto, as discreetly as he could, stepped next to him and asked, "Still missing your friends in the 77th class Hajime?"

He sighed. "I still don't know why I had to be held a year back," Hajime said. "It's like the school's looking down at me."

Makoto smiled sympathetically. "You and I both know the Steering Committee wanted to cut you off from your friends," he said quietly, hoping no one else could hear him. "They didn't want you to get their support so easily. But don't worry, even if you're in this class I promise you can still be friends with them."

"I don't think any of them want to be friends with me. Except for Chiaki," Hajime quickly amended.

"Oh?" Makoto said. "Then I suppose Sonia invited you to that horror movie for no reason. Same with Nekomaru training you. And Kazuichi definitely didn't fix that heater in the reserve course as an excuse to hang out with you." When Hajime didn't respond Makoto squatted by his desk. "Hajime you did make friends in the other class, they'll still be your friends and you can make friends now. I don't think you can transfer to the 77th B class."

Makoto was interrupted by shouts of help coming from the hallway. All conversation ceased and heads turned to see Chisa Yukizome walking by with a student slung over her shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Some might identify the student as Ryota, the Ultimate Animator, and other circumstances, Makoto might have as well, but he's pretty sure it was actually the Ultimate Imposter. Chisa seemed to have no issue carrying the boy, and ignored all of his complaints. After she walked by the class door window, the class could hear "Ryota's" protests get quieter, a door was opened and when it closed his protests were silent.

It took a few beats before conversations and interactions trickled back into the 78th homeroom class. When the noise level was suitably high enough, Makoto continued.

"Although I don't know if you want to."

Hajime forced out a laugh.

"Look, Hajime," Makoto said. "You're going to be classmates with these people for the next 3 years. Maybe it's for the best if you make friends with at least some of them."

Hajime shifted in his seat. "See anyone you recommend? Everyone seems to be in the middle of a conversation right now."

Makoto quickly scanned the room. He noted with some relief Kyoko was talking to Hina. Almost everyone else was talking to each other in some way. Byakuya and Toko weren't talking, but Makoto was pretty sure Hajime wouldn't do well with them at the moment. So that only left one person.

"Looks like Chihiro's free at the moment," Makoto said. "Why don't you talk to her?"

Hajime followed Makoto's gaze to confirm that yes, the Ultimate Programmer was alone. By the time he glanced back Makoto had already moved on to talk to another student. "I can't be there for Hajime's private conversation after all," he thought.

Later, while Makoto was trying to gently suggest Yasuhiro lower his rates enough for him to get some customers, he looked over to see his apprentice and Chihiro talking in a much more friendly and relaxed manner than when they both got here. "Okay, so he won't be completely alone here," Makoto thought. "I didn't think that would be the case, but it's good to know for sure."

Once Makoto talked to everyone at least once, he went to the front of the classroom and cleared his throat to get his class's attention. He got some people's but not everybody's. "Everyone," he tried again. It didn't work much better. The chatter continued unabated.

Mukuro turned to the rest of the class and in a very sharp and firm voice she said, "Quiet."

All talking stopped. Everyone's attention focused on the normally quiet and antisocial Mukuro, who concentrated what little charisma she had to fire it like a gunshot.

"Thank you Mukuro," Makoto said. He had to get everyone's attention before people saw his little sister's help as an act of arrogance or take it personally. "Now before I dismiss everyone, I want to ask all of you to explore this school. I think it would be good for all of you to have a personal investigation and understanding of what this school is and what it can offer you. Can you please do that?" Many of the class nodded, but not everyone, which Makoto would take as a success. "Okay, if any of you need to ask me anything you can find me in the staffroom. Class dismissed."

With his dismissal, some students rushed out the door, Hina and Taka almost tied for first. While many others got up and left in a deliberate and slow manner, Byakuya, Kyoko, and Celeste that is.

When Junko walked by him Makoto stopped her. "Thanks for getting Mondo to stay in class Junko. Although I'm not sure you had to go to such lengths," he said.

Junko shrugged. "It's no big deal. Provoking his pride and convincing him to stay was easy. Besides, I know that you have some plan tomorrow and I want to see it unfold." Before Makoto could respond Junko walked out of the room. "See ya later cuz," she said.

Makoto watched her leave. "I really hope Junko stays true to her word. I don't think she will but still, I need to keep a close eye on her," he thought.

Focusing back on the class he noticed almost everyone was gone. Mukuro was still sitting in her seat. And the only other one left was walking up to him.

"Mr. Naegi? May we talk real quick?"

"Huh," Makoto thought, "did not expect her to be the first to ask for help."

Kyoko heard the door unlock with a satisfying "click." She quietly and nonchalantly as she could opened it and slipped inside. The room was an abandoned office. A desk was pushed against the wall, and on both sides were rows of filing cabinets and empty bookshelves. The blinds were down, putting the abandoned office into barely visible light levels. Locking the door behind her, Kyoko sat down and carefully put the manilla envelope onto the single desk. Gently she unwound the red string that held the envelope flap closed.

Kyoko pulled out the first set of papers. Carefully looking through it seemed to be a series of budget reports and bills. She noticed a few lines were circled and numbers were highlighted; obviously the Headmaster was pointing out what he wanted her to look into specifically but Kyoko had to look over the files without bias or judgement first. "Obviously something he's forgotten," Kyoko thought.

After looking through each separate document Kyoko found some odd numerical discrepancies. The Steering Committee was given money, confirmed by both the school and the bank transfer record. But the Steering Committee only reported spending about three fourths that amount. Quickly digging through the stack of papers Kyoko found a series of email correspondences between the Headmaster and the head of the Steering Committee.

Headmaster: "I noticed something in your budget report last year that you did not spend your entire budget. Should I inform the government about the remaining amount when calculating this year's budget?"

SC: "It seems our accountant made a mistake when adding the expenses up. We shall send you the correct report by tomorrow."

And under the email correspondence Kyoko found a second budget report, this time with some changed numbers and added expenses to fit the money they were allotted, and with a different accountant's name at the top.

Kyoko frowned. She was almost 100% sure why the Headmaster wanted her to take this case (besides some misguided attempt to reforge a family connection he broke in the first place): investigate the truth of the budget discrepancy. But why include a photo of security cam footage of medical supplies being delivered?

"Of course Ms. Maizono, what do you want to talk about?" Makoto asked.

"Well, I was just wondering," Sayaka began, "have we crossed paths in the past? I just get the feeling you know me."

"Oh," Makoto thought. "I have to be careful here."

"Of course I know of you Ms. Maizono. You are the Ultimate Idol after all," he said.

She shook her head. "Only people I've met know about my intuition joke. I don't make it during interviews or public events." Her tone wasn't accusatory, or hostile, so Makoto was thankful for that. But Sayaka's curiosity was getting a bit too close to the truth. "Perhaps, you have a younger sibling that went to school with me?"

Makoto looked down. "Yeah, yeah I did."

Sayaka's eyes widened. "Oh."

Makoto's bittersweet smile halted her apology, he looked off, thinking about the past. "Yeah, she would have been a little younger than you now." When Makoto focused back on Sayaka, her eyebrows were furrowed together.

"But I thought," she said.

"Hmm?"

Sayaka shook her head. "It's nothing, it's just, I thought you had a little brother. Nevermind."

Not trusting his voice, Makoto shook his head.

A moment of quiet passed between the two. Sayaka, somehow thinking about what she just learned about her teacher. And Makoto trying to compose himself.

"Well," Makoto said to break the silence. "Is there anything else I can do to help you?"

Sayaka shook her head. "No Mr. Naegi," she said. "I was just a bit curious about something. I'm so sorry for bringing up painful memories."

"It's fine Sayaka, you didn't mean it."

"Okay," Sayaka said, but she didn't seem convinced. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow!" And with that last bit of forced cheer, Sakaya exited the classroom. As soon as she did, Makoto rested his face into his hands.

"Are you okay Makoto?"

Makoto looked up from his hands to see Mukuro standing by him.

He gave a weak smile. "I'm fine Mukuro, just wasn't expecting to be asked about that by a student on the first day of the year."

"If you want I can teach her a lesson," Mukuro offered.

Makoto forced out a laugh. He knew she was serious but had to laugh anyway. Maybe then she'd learn to stop making that offer so seriously.

"Oh my own little sister protecting my honor," Makoto said. He wrapped one arm around her shoulder in a half-hug. "What will happen to my reputation around here?"

Mukuro blushed. "I-I just want to help."

"And I appreciate that, but seriously it's fine Mukuro," Makoto said. "Sayaka doesn't mean me any harm."

Mukuro looked off to the side. Something was still bothering her.

Makoto took a shot in the dark. "You know I don't see you as a replacement for Komaru, right?"

Mukuro jolted. "Of course I do," she said way too fast.

"Good, because all three of you are my sisters. You, Junko, and Komaru. It's just that one of you isn't here right now."

It took a long time before Mukuro responded. She still was looking off to the side when she said, "Right."

Makoto smiled reassuringly before he finally let her go. "Go on Mukuro. I think you should check out the rest of Hope's Peak. Who knows? Maybe you'll find somewhere you'll really enjoy."

". . . I already scouted out the building last night," she said.

Makoto realized he should not have been surprised far too late. "I see . . ." he said. "Well then maybe you can show your classmates around. You could try connecting with them by showing them what you think they would like."

Mukuro nodded stiffly. "I'll do my best."

Her gait walking out of the room was stiff and tense. Like a soldier. It took Makoto a second to realize why.

"Mukuro!" he said.

She stopped.

"I don't mean that as an order or anything like that. It's just a suggestion, I just want you to make friends. Alright?" he asked.

Mukuro stiffly nodded and continued out the door.

Left in an empty classroom, Makoto could only let out a sigh of relief. "Welp," he said to himself. "That's day one down. Let's hope I can help all of them through the next ones." He stood in front of all the desks. For a brief moment he imagined that classroom photo he saw a lifetime ago, from the perspective of himself as the photographer. "Times like these make me not sure if I want to remember those two years we had together. I could certainly use them if I want to help them." He shook his head. "No, I can't just keep thinking about the past, I need to move on and focus on the present. I need to be there as a teacher, not as a nostalgic adult who lost his first high school years."

"How's everything going on your end?" Kyosuke asked.

"The first day went well, and I have you to thank for that," Chisa said. She used the hand not holding her phone to flip through the journal with small bits of information on her class. "I don't think it would have been that easy without these tips."

"If Tsumiki is not found in the class she most likely can be found by Mitorai's dorm."

"Owari is either being trained by Nidai, parkouring over the school grounds, or at her apartment."

"When not training Owari, Nidai is most likely to be found assisting the P.E. teacher or training the Reserve Course's sports teams."

"If Kuzuryu and Pekoyama are not in class they are most likely in the dojo."

Were just some of the pieces of information listed.

"No need to thank me Ms. Yukizome. In fact I think I owe you."

Chisa smiled. "Well, you know how to pay me back, Kyosuke."

"I have no idea what you're talking about Ms. Yukizome."

Chisa wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or sigh. "While this game is fun," she thought, "I really wish I could hear him say my first name." "Fine then, be that way, Mr. Munakata," she said out loud, stressing his name. "I guess you'll owe me forever."

"Oh no," Kyosuke said. "I can't imagine what you'd do with such political clout."

Chisa laughed. But as she looked down to the journal, it trailed off. "Hey Kyosuke, about some of the scouting, did you find anything odd about Nagito?"

"Nagito?" he asked. "Ah, Mr. Komaeda. From what I remember he seems to have been through a lot of loss, has few personal friends, but is very polite and eager to please. Why do you ask?"

Chisa bit her lip. "It's just that you didn't list his usual whereabouts in the tips you gave me, and it was hard for us to find him."

"Well yes, for some reason my sources say around the end of last semester his routine changed and he became harder to pin down, sometimes disappearing from campus entirely. Did you catch him doing something wrong?" he asked with concern.

"No. Well, it's just that Makoto. . ." she trailed off.

"Makoto what?"

As if summoned like Gundam's animals called by name, Makoto slid open the door to the staffroom and walked in. He startled at the sight of Chisa but quickly relaxed, obviously not used to her presence, or maybe not expecting her being the only one in there.

"Ah, Makoto!" Chisa said.

"What?" Kyosuke asked on his end.

"Makoto just walked into the staffroom."

Makoto pointed back to the door, silently asking her if she wanted privacy for the phone call.

Chisa shook her head and waved him over. "I'm talking to Kyosuke on the phone, do you have anything you want to say to him?"

"Just tell him I said hi," Makoto said. He awkwardly stepped around Chisa's seat to reach his own and sat down.

"Makoto says hi," Chisa said to Kyosuke.

"Ah," he said. Kyosuke was quiet for a few moments before he continued, "Actually, Ms. Yukizome, do you mind if I talk to Mr. Naegi for a moment?"

Chisa blinked. "Um, sure," she said. She handed the phone to her friend. "Kyosuke wants to talk to you."

Makoto fumbled her phone to his ear. "Hey Kyosuke! How's making the overseas Hope's Peak?"

Kyosuke said something Chisa couldn't hear.

Makoto laughed. "That's good," he said.

Kyosuke said something.

"Oh Chisa's did great on her first day, probably much better than mine in fact!" Makoto said. "She'd be a great teacher for you if- once you finish your branch of Hope's Peak."

Chisa stopped straining to listen to Kyosuke's end as she felt her cheeks heat up.

"Maybe when you take a break you can visit over here, Juzo and Chisa could help you out with designing the school based on their experience."

Kyosuke said something.

"Okay, well don't work yourself too hard," Makoto said.

Kyosuke responded.

"Okay, I'll give you back to Chisa, bye." And with that Makoto handed Chisa's phone back to her.

"Kyosuke?" Chisa greeted.

"This has been an informative talk Ms. Yukizome. Is there anything else you want to report?" Kyosuke said.

"Oh right, this is a report," Chisa thought. She looked at Makoto's encouraging expression. "No, we're close friends, it can be more than that." "Um, actually, I did want to s-say one more thing."

"Yes?"

Chisa was suddenly overwhelmed by her own plan and Makoto's expectant look. "When-you-finish-the-school-I-want-to-be-a-teacher-like-Makoto-said. Okay-bye."

She hung up way too quickly. The staffroom was dead silent for three seconds.

Chisa quietly slouched onto her desk, trying her best to shrink in on herself.

"W-well," Makoto said. "At least he knows he can rely on you."

"Really? After I lost my composure like that at the end?" Chisa asked without looking up.

Makoto patted her back. "I don't think that's on you to be honest. I think I ruined whatever atmosphere you might've had, I'll just leave if I walk in on you two talking again."

Chisa shook her head. "No, the conversation wasn't anything like that before. It just wasn't the right time," she said. "Really, what would he have said? 'Let's start dating while I'm working overseas during a status update?'"

"Hey," Makoto said. "Anytime can be made the right time. Sure, you may not get into a relationship now, but if you get the truth out it'll help you moving forward."

Chisa frowned. "You say that as if you know he likes me back. You did promise me he didn't say so, right?"

Makoto smiled. "What I know for sure is he cares about you a lot Chisa."

She smiled back, except hers was perhaps more bittersweet. "I know that Makoto. I just want him to like me the way I do him."

"Well, there's a good chance he does." Makoto said. "But you won't know unless you try. All you can do is try your best, you can't make him act the way you want him to after all."

Chisa took a deep breath. She sat fully up in her seat and said, "I know, you're right. I just wanted to pout a little bit." Chisa poked Makoto in the stomach. "You stop that, I can't even pretend to be sad with you around," she said in mock complaint. "You literally can't stop being so positive."

Makoto laughed, jerking away from her touch. "It's about the only thing I'm good at."

"Well . . . if I were to choose one talent to excel at, optimism is a pretty good one," Chisa said.

Makoto let the comment hang for a few moments before he scratched his cheek. "I guess. So, uh," he said with some concern. "I saw you had some . . . fun with rounding up your class. Anything you want to talk about?"

Now, normally, Chisa logically knew that her round up was kind of expected with the atmosphere at Hope's Peak changing, and the kids were great if eccentric, and she didn't want people getting the wrong idea, so she wouldn't complain and focus on the positives. But Makoto knew better than anyone how she would actually feel about her class. Chisa threw her head back and groaned. "Ugh, yes! Almost no one was interested in attending classes! I can get maybe being that way after having such a lax teacher like Mr. Kizakura, but couldn't they at least be there for the first day with a new teacher?" Even while thinking about some of the difficulties she couldn't help but smile thinking about her new students. She snapped forward towards Makoto. "But everyone has so much potential! Sonia and Chiaki are the most adorable cinnamon rolls! And Nekomaru, Ibuki, and Akane have such great spirit! All of them I think just need some honest schooling and structure and they'll make great friendships like our class did!" Chisa rambled.

Makoto was leaning a bit back from Chisa's pure energy and exuberance but he was smiling and nodding with everything she said. His easy acceptance was a little puzzling. A thought occurred to Chisa.

"Hey Makoto?" she asked at a normal energy level.

"Yeah?"

"Why didn't you try to properly teach your class? I don't think you're the type of person to ignore your duties as a teacher after all."

Makoto looked away. At first Chisa thought it was shame, but then she identified his expression as remembrance. "I don't really have any actual authority over them. What could I do? Threaten them with physical harm? Even if I could that wouldn't get me any trust from them," he said.

"Oh yeah," Chisa thought. "I should probably make sure to bring out the sword only when absolutely necessary. I may have jumped the gun just a little bit there."

Makoto's gaze went back to Chisa. "Hope's Peak seems set on the students directing their own education themselves," he continued. "While I don't agree, it's how it works. So I made sure to let them know that I was there for them and they could come to me for help. I'd check in on them and try my best to understand them and what they wanted. I tried to push them together for support and to be friends, but I couldn't make them. I just gave advice. So, while I wish I could've had them be a proper class, I did what I could."

Chisa smiled as he described his teaching style. It was so very much like him. Chisa reached over to him and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Makoto," she said.

"Eh?"

"That's very stupid of you," she finished.

Makoto flinched as if struck.

"You need to stop getting into that mindset of yours that all of us Ultimates are so much cooler and better than you, because that's where part of this is coming from, right?" Chisa asked.

"W-well . . . maybe a little but-"

Chisa cut him off. "You're their teacher now, it's all about your first impression! And maybe every other impression after that," she said as an afterthought. She couldn't have him thinking he blew it already. "If you speak with authority and confidence you can get these kids to respect you as a teacher! You need to put your foot down with your class Makoto! You can get these students to let you teach them, I just know it!"

"I'm not . . ." Makoto trailed off. Before Chisa could encourage him again, Makoto said, "Thank you Chisa, I'll think about it."

Chisa took her hands off his shoulders. "That's all I ask for Makoto."

Both of them fell silent for a few moments. Lost in their own thoughts about the conversation or about the day. Chisa wasn't sure about Makoto.

"Hey Chisa?" Makoto asked.

"Hm?"

"We're going to be coworkers for some time now, right?"

"Yep!"

"Let's work together for our students, alright?" Makoto asked.

Chisa blinked at the request. "Of course, what are friends for?"

Makoto reached out his hand. Chisa took only a second to register what he was doing before she grabbed it with her own hand and shook it.

In that moment, Chisa knew she would look back on it with fondness. A feeling of completion welled up inside of her, like that small gap between her and Makoto that's been there since their school years was finally being bridged.

Author's Notes:

And that's it for the 2nd chapter! I hope I gave everyone a better idea as to the direction of this story and I got everyone's characterization down. I've got to be honest, I had to put a decent amount of time figuring out some of these character's personalities and working on how to expand some that weren't explored enough, and I still feel like it wasn't that good. I think Juzo might be one of the harder ones for me to write when I get to him, but who knows?

I'm probably going to come back to these chapters later and edit them to either fix prose so it's less stilted, improve characterization, fix timeline/ setting errors, or all three. Based on how long this took I think you can expect a chapter *maybe* once a month. I have other WIPs and life stuff I need to do but based on my enthusiasm for this so far that's my expected output.

Please let me know what you think and if you have any thoughts on making this better!

Responding to reviews

Guest: Thank you for reminding me about Japanese high school being a 3 years thing! I made sure to research the basic Japanese education system differences compared to America's and then forgot! Should be fixed by the time this chapter is up.

Guest 2: I honestly haven't figured out how the Warriors of Hope fit but I know Makoto wouldn't ignore them if he ran into them. I'm trying out some different ideas in my outline now.

Mr. Haziq: I do plan on having some other 74th class members make an appearance or be referenced in passing. Now I just need to find some good names for them (as well as any background characters, like the P.E. teacher, that need names).