Thirteen contemplated with a satisfied smile as their student perfectly executed the exercises they had prepared for him.
Piles of black sand moved between the buildings about to collapse, reinforcing the right places, safeguarding the mannequins that played the role of trapped people, and forming shields to intercept debris.
Truly, the versatility of the Satetsu makes it very valuable for this kind of rescue work. Thirteen was very surprised when Tetsumaru approached them and asked them to accept him for their internship.
She saw her student's combat potential. They thought that, like others, he would focus on that, as it was what most appealed to young people. But the black-haired boy insisted that Thirteen guide him.
Tetsumaru studied diligently and possessed a good knowledge of how to use his sand in urban environments, underground, and he even revealed some of his secrets to Thirteen.
For example, he told her about his ability to use the magnetic fields surrounding both himself and his sand to detect life in his immediate environment. It didn't have a long range, but the sand itself could move over great distances.
He also confessed that water did not hinder him as much as he made it seem in the sports festival, but he suggested that they keep that a secret, to catch future villains off guard. Thirteen agreed with that approach.
—Hmm, that is truly fine control— muttered the principal, who was observing alongside them in the control room.
On the screens, they saw how the Satetsu detached entire sections of buildings, filling in the gaps and becoming support pillars where necessary. It even managed to replace entire sections of pavement, solidifying when needed.
—Still, it's quite smart of him to have fooled everyone with his supposed solidification weakness— Thirteen said excitedly.
That was another secret the boy revealed to them. Another sham to deceive potential villains.
—Yes, but it's not good for him to keep so many secrets from everyone. We need to know their capabilities to help them improve. Hiding things from us would only hinder our work— Midnight asserted from behind.
Nezu and Thirteen turned with curious looks to the R-Rated Hero, not expecting her to appear here.
—Do you need something?— Nezu asked.
—That's right— the woman nodded and pointed to the screens, where the impassive figure of Tetsumaru was observing from a platform of sand the ruins where the fictional civilians were trapped.
—I need to speak with Terumi Tetsumaru. Send him to my office when he finishes.
Thirteen blinked at Midnight's decisive tone. Why did she want to talk to her intern?
—Did he do something? — Thirteen asked, stepping forward and facing the woman.
—That is something I must discuss with him— Midnight said, refusing to give further details. Thirteen did not accept that.
—Midnight, if you have something to discuss with my intern, I have the right to know.
—No, no, it's a matter unrelated to the academy— the woman clarified with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Thirteen's gaze sharpened.
—Then it can wait. There are still some things I have to teach him today, and it will take some time— declared the hero expert in rescues.
Midnight crossed her arms and wrinkled her face. She didn't like the tone in which Thirteen spoke to her, as if she suspected her intentions.
—Whatever. Just tell him to visit my office— she said before leaving with a huff.
Nezu pretended not to hear anything while drinking a cup of tea.
After completing the exercise with a perfect score, Thirteen went out to meet Tetsumaru, with a sea of questions in her head.
—Tetsumaru-Kun, you did great!— she congratulated her student with a warm smile beneath her helmet.
—Thank you, sensei— the boy acknowledged.
She talked with him about his performance, made some suggestions regarding his methods of moving the sand, asked about his weight limits, volume limits, and everything she needed to know to give him the best possible guidance.
After a while of exchanging information, Thirteen became visibly uncomfortable. She cast furtive glances at her student while he took notes to study certain topics she proposed. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and asked.
—Tetsumaru-Kun... Midnight asked me to tell you about a visit to her office... Is there any problem?
—Just Tetsumaru, Sensei. And no, it's not a problem. Thank you for informing me— the boy said without any emotion in his voice, but that did not calm Thirteen.
She noticed that Tetsumaru seemed to be more open with her than with any other UA teacher. After all, he was encouraged to tell her things he had been hiding before, and that, for some reason, made her feel as if she had won something.
Of course, she was aware that this was part of the punishment that Nezu and Aizawa applied to the young man for disobeying the orders of two Heroes during the USJ emergency. Still, she was glad that Tetsumaru wanted to share it with her first.
She shook off those thoughts and returned to the main topic.
—You can count on me for anything, Tetsumaru. You are my student, so if you have any problem, don't hesitate to share it. I can help you if it's within my power— Thirteen insisted.
—It's nothing serious, Sensei. Midnight-Sensei probably just wants to give me a talk on sex education— Tetsumaru replied with a sigh. Thirteen froze in place, unable to respond.
—I guess she finally mustered up the courage, as she should have called me before— the boy commented under his breath, which only increased Thirteen's discomfort.
Thirteen's heart skipped a beat, their stomach churned, and their cheeks burned beneath the helmet of their suit.
What did this mean? Midnight, a teacher, calling a student alone to her office to talk about S-s-s-sex? And she should have done it sooner? And she mustered up the courage first!?
Thirteen hadn't interacted much with the woman, but she could affirm that from the beginning, she didn't think it was appropriate for someone like her to maintain contact with hormonal teenagers.
She knew that Midnight was a professional and would never get involved with a student, but playing the way she does with these kids is not appropriate at all.
And besides, she called her intern, her student, and told Thirteen to her face. How brazen is that woman?
Thirteen clenched her fists and took off their helmet, looking at Tetsumaru with a frown of indignation.
—I'll go with you— she told him before turning around and starting to walk.
Tetsumaru blinked confused but didn't give it importance. He followed his sensei obediently.
****************************
Midnight was waiting nervously in her office. She was reading some scraps of paper where she had written a professional and convincing talk to give the brat who was entering dangerous territory at such an early age.
It was not her place to judge the boy's activities outside of school, but she would fail as an adult and a teacher if she didn't even have the decency to orient her student about sexual health and ways to protect his body.
After all, going to buy an emergency contraceptive was a clear sign that he got carried away with some young woman out there. She couldn't allow that mistake to be repeated.
With reddened cheeks, she looked at the package of condoms she had on her desk, a small gift for the curious young man.
—You brazen brat, you better not get some girl pregnant out there, or I'll beat you up myself— she muttered to herself.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps outside her office and quickly took her dominant position, with a flirty smile to try and make the boy uncomfortable. She needed to show herself as the adult here and exude confidence.
She sat on her desk, legs crossed, hands crossed beneath her chest, proudly emphasizing them, and the package of condoms held in one hand.
Yes, in her mind, it was the best way to make the brat listen to her. Who would pay attention to a shy adult? She had to speak with confidence and firmness for him to understand.
As the door opened, Midnight smiled and spoke sarcastically.
—Did you really make me wait that long? You certainly know how to make a woma—
Her words were cut short when she noticed Thirteen's cold expression, their brown eyes flashing disapproval and a hint of anger.
The two women looked at each other. Then Thirteen dropped their helmet and lunged at Midnight.
—You pervert!!— they yelled upon noticing the package of condoms in the woman's hands.
Midnight was in shock by Thirteen's outburst and couldn't dodge the tackle that sent both of them tumbling over the desk.
While this scene unfolded, Tetsumaru reflected on how to improve his vocabulary to avoid this type of situation.