Chapter Text
Life is funny. From the moment we’re born, we’re told that some people are destined for greatness. Either they work hard to achieve it, they’re born for it… or greatness is just… forced upon them.
That greatness takes the form of talent. The people meant to change the world are usually the ones with the skills to do it. Imagine how much a single prodigy can change the world…
It’s not hard to imagine. Japan has been funding private schools dedicated to Ultimate Talents for the past decade, ensuring their alumni secure futures while they give back to society. Many have started development, hoping to live up to the concept, but only a handful exist today. The only requirement aside from having exceptional talent is to have just graduated high school.
The Institution of Prodigies is one such academy… the newest talk of the nation. Rather than nurturing Ultimates and giving them the tools needed to grow and thrive, they take in promising athletes, geniuses, even performers and push their talents to the limits… tests of prowess, skill, and intellect, custom made for each of their students. The school also held to a strict code of privacy…their staff and faculty are closely guarded secrets.
As far as the public was concerned, that was the long and short of it; a school that, although its practices could be likened to a boot camp, produced results. But anyone who dug a little deeper could have seen there was something else at play.
Rumors started to circulate. That the students weren’t just challenged and tested, but worked to the bone. Pushed to the breaking point, and then some. The Instituted denied these claims, and even the Ultimates who had previously graduated refused to talk about their experiences there. Something wasn’t right.
That’s sort of where I come in. My name is Hiromi Taguchi. I’ve been called the Ultimate Reporter by my peers, having a job in newscasting despite my age. Once the gossip about the Institute started to spread, I was assigned to dig into it… enroll as a student, and find out whether the claims were baseless or not.
I half-expected the Institute to turn me away, and yet, my application was accepted. Were they not afraid of having a reporter witness what happened there?
I stood outside the entrance to the Institute, at the outskirts of Tokyo. Its walls were tall and imposing… one would hardly think it was a school. It appeared as though it tried so very hard to keep everyone out… and yet, I was welcomed inside.
It felt like I was entering a fortress. The hard, brutalist architecture was hardly warm and inviting. The lobby was deserted, with no one to greet me, save for the tall statue of a woman and the large banner directed me to the left hallway.
WELCOME ULTIMATES
PROCEED TO THE GYM
FOR ORIENTATION
The part of me that wanted to run was growing larger by the second, yet I continued forward. I pressed on, following the banners stopping at the door to the gymnasium.
From there, I could feel a change. A change in the building, in the air, in me. Perhaps it was my instincts telling me this was the point of no return. If that was the case, I’d have to welcome it with open arms.
The doors led to a wide open room with a high ceiling, with wide windows that let in the morning light. A basketball court… with a set of bleachers folded on either side, and two hoops mounted on opposite ends.
Naturally, I wasn’t alone. A small crowd had gathered in the gym. Young adults, most of them wearing school uniforms… other students. Other Ultimates. A quick headcount tallied fourteen, not including myself.
“Um,” I began. “Is this the right place?”
A few heads turned to face me.
“I think so…” one of the boys answered. “We’ve only just shown up ourselves.”
“Nobody’s shown up to tell us what to do,” A girl added. “I think we’re just supposed to wait here.”
“Wait for what, exactly?” I asked.
“A full class, maybe?” Someone else offered.
“Ugh, this room is so drab!” Another girl scoffed. “They could have at least offered us some chairs!”
“Hold on… you look familiar,” a boy interjected. “You’re the reporter for channel 2, aren’t you?”
“Oh, that’s right!” I answered, flashing the group my photogenic smile. “I’m Hiromi Taguchi. Reporter for Kyoto News Network and Ultimate Reporter!” I got a few murmurs of recognition from the group, and a few shrugs.
“Ah, so she is an Ultimate,” a voice replied. A tall young man with squarish glasses and long, silver hair. He wore a black suit with a checkered tie, and a long red scarf looped over his shoulders. “Then it looks like we definitely are the Institute’s next class. I wonder what kind of training they’ll put you through.”
“Training?” I inquired.
“Of course. You know how the Institute works, don’t you? Ultimates like us will have our skills tested and pushed in order to have our potential realized. For example, an Ultimate Programmer may be tasked with creating an extremely sophisticated program, or an Ultimate Pilot enduring incredible G-Force.”
“I see… well, as far as reporting goes, I’ll just have to wait and see,” I remarked. The young man’s expression didn’t change… it remained flat and uninterested.
“Hmm. So that’s the kind of person you are,” He remarked. “I shouldn’t be surprised. A lot of folks our age like to ‘wing it’, as they say.”
“And you’re… not?” I inquired.
“No. I’m the type to think ahead. Far ahead. Chess demands a mentality like that.”
“Ah, say no more. You’re the Ultimate Chess Master, aren’t you?”
He paused. “Correct. My name is Jun Noya. If all goes well here, you’ll be seeing my name in papers tenfold.”
“Hmm. You said the Institute makes custom challenges for its students, right?” I asked, pulling out my notepad and quickly jotting down his name. “What do you suspect your in for?”
“Chess, most likely. Since I’m one of the best in my field, I imagine my training will be playing against A.I. opponents.” Jun pressed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “It will force me to play perfectly.”
“Oh my… sounds daunting.”
“However, I can’t say I’m impressed with The Institute thus far,” He continued. “I haven’t seen a soul here, aside from these other Ultimates.”
“Me neither. If it weren’t for the others, I would’ve thought I was walking into a prank.”
“You think we’ve been tricked somehow?”
“Well, until we actually hear from a teacher or faculty, It’s starting to look that way.”
Jun said nothing for a moment, scratching his chin as he surveyed the atrium. “Intriguing…”
Our conversation was cut short by a loud groan of displeasure coming from one of the girls. She was one of the first to catch my eye, as she had the body of a weightlifter, dressed in bright pink and red shorts, boots, and top, with matching kneepads and elbow pads. Her hair was cut short, yet stylish, also a deep red color. She even sported a bit of face-paint, a white star mark on her cheek, and a cute bow in her hair. Out of all the people here, she was one I recognized.
“Hey! Are there any teachers here!?” She bellowed. “You’re really gonna leave your students without chairs? Or snacks?!”
“Um, excuse me,” I began. “Could you keep it down? We’re trying to-”
“No can do,” She interrupted. “I’m tired of just sitting here and waiting. It’s been ten freakin’ minutes and we haven’t started orientation!”
“Well, if you can wait ten minutes, you can probably wait a little more…” I quietly muttered.
“Are you kidding? Ten minutes is like an eternity to a wrestler! Most matches don’t even last five!”
The word wrestler affirmed my hunch. “You… wouldn’t happen to be Hisoka Seo, would you?”
“Ah, you’ve heard of me!” She beamed. “Nice to see someone here does! If you want, I can autograph that little book of yours!”
“N-no thanks…”
“Ah, come on! An autograph from the Ultimate Pro Wrestler!? Who wouldn’t want that?”
Hisoka ‘the Cherry Bomb’ is as much a public figure as I am… except she’s made a name for herself by throwing full-grown men out of the ring. As part of her shows, that is.
“So, you’re attending the Institute for Prodigies?” I said, hoping to change the subject. “It’s going to be quite the commitment. I can't imagine you'll be in any tournaments while we're here.”
“Maybe… but imagine the comeback! My fans will be buyin’ out stadiums for my return to the ring! And if what they say about this place is true, I’ve probably got one hell of an opponent waiting in the wings!”
“Another challenge seeker, then.” I noted. “Well, in the meantime, do try to be patient.”
“Eh, whatever… I’ll just ask that big guy if he wants to spar.”
“Huh? W-wait! You can’t just-!”
“Hey! Muscles!” Hisoka barked, catching the attention of the only person in the room buffer than her. “Show me what kind of moves you got!”
Easily six feet tall, thick eyebrows, and a gaze equally sharp as his jaw. Despite his intimidating figure, he was dressed in colorful attire, as if he had just come back from the beach. I’m surprised I missed him when I first walked in. Even more so when I noticed what looked like a bulletproof vest under his floral-print shirt.
“You want me to fight you?” He asked, his voice like polished stone. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Whassa matter? Scared?” Hisoka prodded. “I bet I could bench press you like a sack of bread!”
Her bizarre taunt went unheeded, as the young man instead turned to face me. “Hmm. I recognize you both from T.V.; The newscaster and a wrestler, yes?”
“Hey, don’t ignore me!”
“Um… that’s correct,” I answered. “Are you an athlete, too?”
“I’m not,” He clarified. “My line of work involves protecting others… a honed physique is crucial.”
“Oooh, so you are a fighter,” Hisoka piped up.
He gave her an icy glare. “If you wish to pick a fight with anyone, go right ahead. But just be aware I’m trained to finish fights.”
Hisoka flinched, then sheepishly averted her eyes. “A-alright, fine… I get the picture.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m terribly sorry, but what did you say your name was?”
“I’m afraid I didn’t. I’m Daiya Ishihara, the Ultimate Bodyguard. Let’s hope our tenure here is a fruitful one.”
“Bodyguard… that sounds dangerous,” I remarked. To think he was a recent high-school graduate like the rest of us… I can hardly imagine what makes a teenager pick up such a profession.
“It can be,” Daiya continued. “I’ve been tasked with protecting several different individuals. CEOs, ambassadors, even members of the Cabinet. 19 separate assassinations thwarted.”
“Quite the resume!” I noted, jotting that down.
“It’s nothing.” He shook his head. “I’ve only been in the business for three years now. Hardly enough to be considered impressive.”
Hisoka and I exchanged a puzzled look… before her grin widened. I decided to move us along before she asked to fight him again. “Um, I think I hear someone calling us. Talk to you later!” Somehow, I managed to shove Hisoka out of earshot.
“Listen,” I whispered to her. “You can’t just pick fights with anyone you want! Can’t you save that kind of talk for the ring?”
“Are you kidding me!? That’s like asking a fish not to swim!”
“Look, I know wrestling is supposed to be theatrical, but Daiya’s not a wrestler,” I told her.
“What’s that matter? I’ve fought firefighters and cops before…”
“Yeah, as their stage personas… that’s just part of their act.”
“...Their what?”
“Erm… nevermind. Forget I said anything.”
“Way ahead of ya,” Hisoka shrugged. “Come on, let’s see if any of these other chumps have somethin’ to say. I’m getting bored.”
Hisoka practically dragged me over to the next person who caught her attention… a young man in a deep red cape and a plain white mask covering his face.
“Oi, You! What’s your deal?!” Hisoka shouted.
“You really need to work on your greetings…” I muttered.
“Ah, scusa! I’m sorry, but my Japanese is, ah, not so great…” He replied, his voice heavily accented. Even still, he sounded rather pleasant to listen to.
“Oh, you’re European?”
“Si. I come to Japan from Venice as a foreign exchange student.”
“So, then you know about the Institution of Prodigies?”
“But of course. Word of the Institute reaches far. I come to enroll.”
“Then you’re an Ultimate, too?” Hisoka asked.
“Ah, I am. I am a renowned vocalist back home… The name Raoul Blackthorne is known far and wide in the west!”
“Ultimate Vocalist… you sing?” I asked.
“Si, si! Opera, it is my joy.”
“And how long have you been in Japan?”
“About six months now… I’ve learned a lot in my time here. Japan is fascinating… even the schools are so very different.”
“I assure you, this isn’t how it usually is…” I replied, looking around the spacious chamber we had gathered in.
“It’s not? Odd… it feels almost like…”
“Like what?”
“A stage? You see it too, no?”
Now that he mentioned it… those balconies above the court did look like they were for spectators. “Eh, I kinda see it.” Hisoka shrugged. “But are we the audience or…”
“The performers?” Raoul finished. “That is the question, no?”
“I’m afraid we’ll just have to wait and see,” I said. “Although, I’d love to hear yo-”
“So what’s with the mask?” Hisoka interjected. Raoul and I were taken aback, him moreso.
“Ah… I-it’s an opera mask,” He clarified, raising his hand to it, in a protective fashion. “It’s… rather important to me.”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell us,” I assured him before giving Hisoka a quick scowl.
“... grazie.” Raoul quietly said, before excusing himself from us. In turn, I excused myself from Hisoka.
Thankfully, I was distracted by another face I recognized. He was hard to miss, sporting a distinct birthmark on his cheek and a head almost completely shaved of hair. No doubt about it… that was Yori Shiraki. We’d met once before, for an interview I was conducting. Two rising stars we were… one in journalism, the other in stand-up.
“Ah, Mr. Shiraki!” I greeted. “I hadn’t expected to see you here!”
“Well, I’ll be,” He said, smiling. “It’s been a while, huh?”
“Of course. I’ve still kept up with your material,” I added. “But seeing as how we’re both at the Institution…”
“We’re both full-fledged Ultimates.” Yori nodded. “Or at least, we will be, once the year’s over.”
“Wait, year?” I echoed. “We’re only spending one school year here?”
“From what I heard, that’s the case. An entire curriculum, crammed into eight months… then you graduate. Kinda surprised they’d let the Ultimate Comedian on board.”
Everything I learn about this place just makes it seem… stranger. “How did you come across that info, if I may ask?”
Yori’s smile faded. “Oh… just word of mouth, I guess.”
A reporter needed to be skeptical of their sources… I wasn’t usually one to accept hearsay as cold, hard fact, but I trusted Yori… I noted his response down anyway.
“In any case…” I began, “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Likewise,” he replied. “I look forward to being your classmate. I’ll try not to copy your answers.”
We parted as he earned a brief chuckle from me. I surveyed the crowd for Ultimates I hadn’t met yet… I wasn’t halfway through. One of the girls was dressed rather casually… a thick jacket several sizes too big, with jet black hair under a beanie, highlighted with a streak of pink.
“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve introduced each other yet,” I greeted her. “I’m Hiromi Taguchi,”
“Oh yeah, the reporter lady. I’ve seen you before,” She replied, although she was hardly looking at me. In fact, her attention seemed to be focused on the rest of the Ultimates… was she studying them?
“Is… something on your mind?”
“Nah. Just getting a feel for this group,” She mused. “I like to work alone in a big crowd, if you catch my drift…”
“I’m sorry? Does that have something to do with your talent?”
Her eyes finally fell to me. She paused for a second. “Look, we’re gonna be classmates, yeah? Does that mean I can trust you with a teensy little secret?”
I said nothing, but nodded… I’m curious as to what she’d confide in me so readily.
“You knyow what kinda talent works best when there’s lots of people around, focused on different things?” She asked playfully, leaning in close. “Pickpocketing.”
“Excuse me?”
“Does the name Suzu Ekoichi ring any bells? If not, I’ll let you in on it; That’s the nyame of the Ultimate Thief.” She declared it so confidently, so calmly…
“I… didn’t know that was a title you could be given,” I remarked, trying to find the right words. “Although, I can’t imagine that secret’s gonna be kept very long, if that’s your talent.”
“Oh, I know. I just wanted to test you.”
“Test me?” I asked, as Suzu held up a pencil… my pencil. I’m surprised she managed to swipe it off my ear without me noticing.
“Just a heads up, You’re an easy mark…” She sighed. “Since we’re classmates now, I promise I won’t nyab anyone else’s stuff… unless I’m told to.”
“How charitable of you…” I grumbled, taking back my pencil. I had to admit, she was skilled, but I couldn’t tell if she wanted to trust me or not. Why would she tell me about having a criminal talent? Was she lying about it?
I gave her some distance, making sure to keep a closer eye on my belongings.
“Excuse me, Ms. Taguchi!” Another girl waved me down. She was a heavier-set girl, with thick bangs of blue hair and a bright smile. “I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself yet! It’s an honor to meet a celebrity like you!”
“Oh! How nice of you!” I remarked as she took my hand and vigorously shook it. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Ayame Ueno! I’m an Ultimate, too, y’know! Ultimate Angler, they call me.”
“Angler? So, you fish?” I asked. “That’s incredible talent for a young woman… caught anything big lately?”
“Well, not so much the biggun’s… I prefer catalogin’.”
“Cataloging? You record your catches?”
“Yup! Every single fish, mollusc, or crustacean I snatch goes into my little blue book here, y’know!” She remarked, pulling out a notepad similar to my own. She flipped it to a page randomly… and showed the incredible drawing of a swordfish…
“Wh-! This drawing is incredible! It’s so detailed!” I marveled.
“Aw, it’s nothin’,” Ayame remarked. “It’s the collection that’s worthwhile!” Flipping through the pages, Ayame showed similar drawings taking up the pages… all specimens she’s landed at one point or another.
“Amazing… so, what made you decide to take up fishing in the first place?”
“Oh… well, it’s a little embarrassing…” She answered, nervously averting her gaze. “It was… a romance novel.”
“Come again?”
“It was about a lonely woman falling in love with a fisherman… such a lovely story. I guess you could say it got me hooked on the hobby! Maybe I’ll catch a lover someday!”
That last part caught me off guard. “Y-You’re not serious…”
“Oh, I am. I’m hoping one day I’ll meet the love of my life on the open sea! If it happened in the novel, it could happen to me, too!”
Oh she’s very serious. I’m not sure if she planned to woo them with marine biology trivia or literally catch them with a net, but I didn’t intend to find out anytime soon.
“Great… best of luck with that.”
The more I learn about this group, the more I have to remind myself that being an Ultimate never means being ‘normal.’
There were only a handful of other students left… still no sign of any staff or teachers, however. One of the boys, a straggler amongst the group, seemed a little nervous. He had long, dark green hair swept over one eye, and a thin figure… although, his shoes and gloves looked rather dirty… was he a farmer, by chance?
“Excuse me.” I approached him. “Are you alright? You seem anxious.”
“O-Oh. Is it that obvious?” He asked. He certainly sounded like someone from the countryside. “I just… I don’t do great in large groups.”
“I understand… I take it you’re not from the city?”
“‘Fraid not. I spent most my life in Hakone. My previous school was an all-boys academy, and pretty small, compared to this place…”
“Hakone… seems like we have folks from all over,” I remarked. “I’m Hiromi Taguchi, by the way.”
“N-Nice to meet you,” He answered with a warm smile. “My name’s Haru Sera. I’m a gardener… some say the best in the country.”
“You’re the Ultimate Gardener? That sounds like a nice talent. What do you grow?”
“Flowers, mostly. But that’s just for me, personally. I grow vegetables and herbs, too, just to sell.”
“Still, having a green thumb is a respectable skill to have. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”
Haru seemed to be comforted for now, but I couldn’t shake a nagging feeling. If the Institute really did chew people up and spit them out as they say, he might be the first to cave. I’d hate to imagine an Ultimate turned off from their passion because of this school…
“Hey! Reporter lady!”
Yet another new face… he was what, the ninth of the group? He practically jogged over to me, smile on his face. He was quite handsome… dressed in outdoors gear and had a strange case slung over his back. He sported piercings on his ear and lower lip, as well as a small scar across his eyebrow. If faces could tell stories, his would have plenty. “Meeting the new up-and-coming Ultimates, eh?”
“I’m… just getting to know them, is all.” I replied. “We’re all going to be classmates, it seems.”
“Well, in case you’re looking for someone to interview for a hot new scoop, I’m just the guy for the job!” He proudly declared. “Name’s Shoga Iwasaki! Ultimate Archer! Cool, right?”
“Iwasaki… sounds familiar,” I remarked. I quickly surveyed that case on his back… looked like a sealed quiver, but I didn’t see any bow to go with it. “You were representing Japan in the Summer Olympics, right?”
“That’s right! Gold medal winner in archery!” He laughed. “I shoulda brought my medal with me… that’s a conversation piece!”
Olympic Athletes… it only made sense a few of them would be recognized as Ultimates. But even after the Olympics are over, you’re still competing to maintain your title. So I’ve heard…
“It’s certainly a great accomplishment. Although… Did you bring your arrows here?”
Shoga beamed even brighter. “Sure did! And my trusty custom-made bow!” He reached into the quiver, retrieving a small, compact rod. With a flick, it snapped into shape, a full-sized bow, complete with strings. “With this baby, I can hit a fly from five hundred meters!”
“Impressive…” I replied, suddenly realizing just how tired I was of that word. “And you’ve come to the Institute to improve your skills?”
“Improve? I’m already the best there is,” Shoga laughed. “But once I graduate from here, there’ll be no room for doubt!”
“Do you… plan to do anything else after graduating?” I wondered. “Like… how to best utilize your talent?”
“Huh…” He muttered, his enthusiasm petering out. “I never really thought of that. I guess… keep winning contests? Coast off the prize money?”
“Surely there are more… stable means of utilizing your talent?”
Shoga paused, seemingly to think long and hard. “I’ll… have to get back to you on that,” He finally said, before getting even more lost in thought. I decided it’d be best to let him mull it over.
Such a bizarre gathering we have here.
Next for introductions, a young woman with long, dark hair, and a pair of sharp red eyes behind round glasses. She wore a long lab coat over a sweater, skirt, and stockings. A pair of blue latex gloves also covered her hands.
“Nice to meet you,” I began to greet her. “Hiromi Taguchi.”
“... Hello,” She said curtly. Her expression never seemed to waver from its cold, stoic countenance.
“Erm… you’re an Ultimate too, correct?” I asked, hoping to get more out of her. “If I could ask for your name?”
“... Ume Tokunaga. I’m the Ultimate Chemist, before you ask.”
Tokunaga… I swear I’ve heard that name before, too. Although, it certainly couldn’t have been recent.
“Ah, I see… what sort of chemistry do you involve yourself with?”
“... Pharmaceuticals, mostly. However, our company has produced a variety of products. Pesticides, sanitation, preservatives, cosmetics. Those sorts of things.”
Her company? Ah, I think I remember now… just a few years ago, the CEO of Tokunaga Labs died. It was reported that ownership passed to his only heir, his daughter… but I never imagined a woman so young inheriting it all.
“That’s quite the track record… what’s next, then?”
She stared long and hard at me… I felt a little chillier from her gaze alone.
“... Next, I get the backing I need from having graduated from the Institution,” Ume answered. “My company’s profits will stagnate while I’m away, but a necessary setback.”
“Backing? You mean, like a scholarship?”
“... I’m surprised you haven’t heard,” Ume remarked. “Those who graduate from the Institute are given a considerable stipend for a few years. It’s their way of setting their alumni ‘for life’, so to speak.”
“I thought the accolades would be more than enough to secure a future…”
“... Prestige and renown will only take you so far. Remember that.”
My words caught in my throat. She was a little scary, I had to admit. Even as she turned away, it was clear the other students were giving her a wide berth. I still kept my eye on her… which only meant I wasn’t watching where I was going.
“Ow!”
I bumped into someone… a tall, blonde girl. She wasn’t super muscular, like Hisoka, but I could tell she was an athlete too. She wore a large bow over her ponytail, and a varsity jacket over her regular uniform.
“Omigosh! I’m so sorry!” She cried. “Are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine!” I answered. “It’s my fault anyway…”
“Oh, phew… no hard feelings, then.” She beamed. “What brings you to the Institute, friend?”
“Uh… just looking to take my talent to the next level…” I had that answer prepared in case anyone sprung the question on me. I got the feeling I should keep my real objective under wraps, and just observe for now. “You too, I take it?”
“That’s right. I was hoping I could train with the rest of my team here, but I guess I was the only one who made the cut… I wish they could’ve come with me.”
“Your team? What do you play?”
“Volleyball!” She chirped. “Oh, I nearly forgot; my name’s Satsuki. Satsuki Kuroyama!”
Her smile seemed to get even brighter… the same smile she flashed to the camera after winning her debut match. She’s been quite the talk among the world of sports, a rising star.
“A pleasure. I’m Hiromi.”
“By the way,” She began. “Do you know who that other person was?”
“Other… person?”
“I thought I saw someone when I was in the lobby. They’d just headed through one of the other halls.”
“N-no. What did they look like?”
“I couldn’t tell. They were gone before I could really see them.”
“So… there is someone else in the building here,” I remarked. I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. Why all the secrecy?
“I’m… sure it’s nothing to worry about,” Satsuki said, doubting her own words. “It was probably a custodian or something.”
“Right…”
“Hey, no need to worry,” She continued with an assuring pat on the shoulder. “Maybe it’s like a big surprise party!”
“I don’t know if it works like that,” I sighed. “But, you’re right. Worrying about it won’t be of much help.”
“That’s the ticket! It’s better to face the unknown head on, dontcha think?”
We don’t have much of a choice, I said to myself, but she was right. Still, if anything was going to give me a clearer picture of this class, it’d help to know who I’m working with. There were only a few other students left. I wonder if they could be useful for my investigation.
At the fringe of the group was another young man… his hair was fairly curly, and his ears looked long, much like a Buddha statue… and in turn, he noticed me.
“Ms. Taguchi,” He began with a firm handshake. “Nice to make your acquaintance. My name is Seichi Yasuda.”
“Oh, nice to meet you too,” I greeted back. “Forgive me, but I don’t think I’m familiar with you.”
“It’s not a surprise. As the Ultimate Psychologist, I’m rarely in the spotlight. My work puts me on a more… personal level.”
“Personal level?”
“I’m aiming to use my talent in the field of therapy. It’s not one with the glitz or glamour of being an athlete or a musician.”
“True… that’s the case with a lot of cerebral talents, isn’t it?”
“Still, I hope to learn a lot at the Institute. Although, I’m more interested in the Institute itself…”
“Come again?”
Seichi made sure nobody else was within earshot, then got a little closer. “You can tell too, right? Something about this place is… strange. We’re not getting the full picture.”
I nodded slowly. “That’s… why I’m here,” I quietly said in turn. His stoic expression bore a hint of curiosity.
“You plan to investigate the Institute?” He asked, even quieter. “We’ll accomplish more if we join efforts. Can I ask that of you?”
I swallowed. Someone else looking into the Institute’s secrets… he had to have reasons of his own. Still, I couldn’t pass up his offer. “I’m in,” I answered. “What do we do?”
“Keep a low profile. I’ll try to search for other like-minded Ultimates,” He instructed. “We’ll reconvene once we get a better idea of the school’s faculty.”
I nodded, then he made his leave. I wonder if I was being too inconspicuous… if he really was a skilled psychologist, he could’ve easily sensed my intent. I should be more careful with who I show my cards to… never know who could be listening.
Just two left… there was a girl Seichi was speaking to earlier. She was quite pretty… long, brown hair, a beauty mark under her right eye, and a crystal earring on each ear. A fellow confidant?
“Nice to meet you, I’m Hir-”
“I know who you are,” She interrupted. “You’re on T.V., like, every day.”
“Oh… sorry to presume, then…” I muttered. “You look familiar, but I can’t quite place you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Well, I take it you’re not a fan of figure skating, then. If you were, I wouldn’t need to introduce myself.”
Her tone sounded rather cold… despite her looks, she was anything but approachable. A long pause sat between us, before she sighed. “Eri Yorukawa. I’m the Ultimate Figure Skater. Don’t forget.”
“R-Right…” I replied. “Figure Skating is certainly an interesting sport…”
“Save the empty words,” Eri said. “It doesn’t matter how much you know. Unless you’re a skater yourself, all you’ll be is a spectator.”
“That’s kind of harsh, isn’t it?”
“Figure skating is harsh. Nevermind the constant practice; it’s competitive as hell,” Eri remarked. “If you slip up even once, you’ll fall behind; and never catch up.”
I held back my response… she was clearly not here to make friends; and certainly not here to investigate. I guess I had to look elsewhere.
One last person. A young man hanging back… long, shaggy hair, a small goatee, and a vest over a dress shirt. His eyes told me he didn’t get a lot of sleep, but his sly grin said something else.
“Well, if it ain’t Ms. Reporter,” He sighed. “Am I really bottom of the barrel?”
“I’m sorry?”
“No, no, I get it. You took your time gettin’ to me.” He remarked, patting his pockets. He pulled out a cigarette, and quickly snapped a lighter open. “Want one?”
I paused, almost too stunned for words.
“No,” I simply said. “I don’t smoke.”
“Thought not,” He chuckled, tucking it away again. “I wonder if Flowerboy back there does.”
“You mean Haru? There’s no way…”
“C’mon… a gardener’s gotta keep a good stash for himself. I bet if he and that chemist got busy, they could whip up a real nasty strain…”
“What are you talking about? Ultimates wouldn’t use their talents like that.”
“Oh, come on. Talent ain’t just for goody-two-shoeses. If you look hard enough, you’d find an Ultimate Extortionist out there. An Ultimate Assassin, maybe.” He took a long drag, grinned, and looked right through me. “... an Ultimate Forger.”
I swallowed. “That’s… you, isn’t it?”
“And the last horse crosses the finish line…” He mused. “The name’s Eiji Sawada, the fakest man alive.”
“A… forger?”
“Licenses, deeds, test scores… my works are as good as the real thing,” He boasted. “Sometimes, if I’m feeling up to it, I’ll even forge a piece of art. I wonder where they go once I make ‘em.”
“That’s… that’s illegal!”
“And grass’s green, what’s yer point?”
The sound of a door closing had caught everyone’s attention. I was certainly surprised, as I thought nobody else was coming. Lo and behold, the sixteenth student had just emerged from the same doors I had not too long ago. A young girl, with faded green hair. She wore a standard sailor uniform, like most highschoolers, and a puzzled look on her face. No doubt, she was just as confused as the rest of us.
“Huh? What the hell?”
“Welcome to the Institute,” Eiji piped up. “You lost or something?”
“That’s not it,” She remarked. “I mean… this room. What gives?”
“Dunno,” Suzu answered. “I’m guessing we were supposed to wait here…”
“Wait, you must be a student, too.” I approached her and extended a hand. “Hiromi Taguchi, Ultimate Reporter.”
She gave me a strange look. She didn’t shake my hand, nor say anything… she just looked at me with… something in her eyes. Was she angry with me?
Daiya spoke up. “What about you, then? Who are you?”
She hesitated. “Rin Miyahira.”
“... And? Your talent?” Ume questioned.
“I don’t have one.”
Those words stunned me. Was that really the case? “But… this is the Institute of Prodigies,” I reminded her. “They only allow Ultimates to enroll here. If you’re not an Ultimate-”
*KSKSHK!*
The whine of a microphone’s feedback tore through the gym, causing everyone to clutch at their ears. The noise quickly subsided, and a woman’s voice echoed throughout the speakers.
“Ultimates, welcome to our hallowed halls. I’m sure you’re all very excited to begin your tenure here… eager to hone your talents.”
Something is wrong.
“Where’s that coming from?” Eri asked.
“Look!” Haru pointed up towards the second floor balcony overlooking the court. “Up there!”
Sure enough, a figure had emerged from the dark, strolling towards the edge so all could see her. She wore a set of dark gray robes… and even stranger, a mask covered her face, reminiscent of an owl’s visage.
“I will serve as your new headmaster… you will be introduced to your new lodgings shortly, but first, an overview of what’s to come…”
Hushed murmurs rippled out from the Ultimates. Something is very wrong.
“What’s with the mask?”
“So creepy…”
The masked woman continued. “We will provide for you a space where your talents can be refined to your heart’s content. You will be free to spend the rest of your lives within the academy, and live harmonious lives with your fellow prodigies.
“H-Hold on!” Satsuki shouted. “The rest of our lives?!”
“Of course. The journey to true perfection is a daunting one… you must be entirely committed to your own self improvement. That involves giving up certain… privileges.”
“Privileges?! That’s just imprisonment!” Ayame gasped.
“Screw this!” Eri shouted, pushing past the rest of us to the doors Rin just entered from. “I’m out of here!” She made a beeline for the doors and pulled hard, yet they only clattered. “Th-they’re locked?!”
“Oh, poor dear… I’m afraid your semester has already begun. But I assure you, you will not be confined to this room alone.” The stranger crowed.
“This is cruel!” Raoul cried. “You can’t do this to us!”
“Yeah, let us go!” Shoga barked.
“Such fragile temperaments… Is whining and shouting how you get what you want? You children really must work on that,” The masked woman continued. “But, if you truly wish to leave, I would be willing to allow it; on one condition.”
“A condition?” Yori wondered.
“You see, as an effort to preserve the harmony among you, there will be certain rules in place,” The strange woman began. “Rules meant to punish violent behavior. If one of you proved to be too hostile towards your fellow Ultimates, we’d have no choice but to… remove you.”
“What are you trying to say?” Daiya asked.
“Ah, it’s simple really. You can graduate early, if you kill another student.”
That word left us speechless… kill. To leave this place… we’d have to take a life? I was too terrified to think, but the others were the first to break the silence.
“Like hell we're gonna let that happen!”
It was Shoga. He drew his bow again, nocking an arrow on the string and aiming it at the woman on the balcony. “Ain’t no way in hell we’re gonna kill each other!”
“Yeah, you crusty bitch!” Hisoka joined in, stepping forward, her fists balled. “How ‘bout we just tear you like a wet napkin!? Whaddya say to that, huh!?”
“You forget who you’re dealing with.” Daiya joined them, sinking into a fighting stance. “Ultimates aren’t cowed so easily.”
For a long while, the woman said nothing. It was hard to read her expression behind that mask… but soon, she let out a long sigh.
“I’m so very disappointed in you. This is the chance for you to grow into the perfection you so desperately yearned for… no matter. I will not let you squander this opportunity.”
There was a clicking sound from the walls. The hum of air vents started up, and a white vapor started to pour into the room.
“Everyone, cover your mouth!” Ume shouted, but it was too late. Raoul started coughing, and collapsed to his knees.
“C-Can’t… breathe…”
He fell over, motionless. Panic screams emerged from some of the other students, as Suzu, then Eiji and Haru, succumbed, too.
In the mayhem, Shoga took his shot. His arrow ripped through the air, but the stranger didn’t so much as flinch as it pierced the wall just over her shoulder. He didn’t get to fire another.
The room was filling with thick smoke… it became harder to see, and keep it out of my nose. My legs went numb, and gave out underneath me… my eyes grew heavy, and as they forced to shut, I got one last look at the masked stranger.
“Hmm… I suppose Headmaster is not as fitting as it once was. I’ll have to take on a different role for you all,” She said, her words sounding distant and muffled. “Your Warden. ”