Chapter 59: Welcoming

OH MY GOSH! 

March is shaping up to be quite a month. This chapter I have to give a special thanks to Akira Toriyama. Creator of Dragon Ball. 

I sincerely mourn the loss of this amazing creator. He is the reason I fell in love with fiction and story telling. Opening the gateway to the anime world for me. I thank him for being the first stone to carve my path as a creative writer. My heart is broken, but through his creation I remember the importance of hard work, friends, and never giving up on your goals and wishes. 

I hope this chapter will brighten your days, and bring you a sense of comfort from the difficult times in your life. Just as Dragon Ball did for me as a child. 

Hospitals were always such gloomy places, though meant to be a source of security , a place for healing, it was also a source of dread, a place no one wanted to land in as a patient and in Shouta's case as a visitor. Though he kept his composure however impatient he felt, sitting in his seat, waiting for Sakura until she finally emerged from her room, dressed and ready to leave. 

"Do you have everything?" 

"Wasn't much to take from the hospital," Sakura shrugged. Shouta watched her walk passed him, trying to sense any deceit in her but she did not grant him the chance to find any. 

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Finally outside of the hospital Sakura couldn't help but feel tense, as she approached the vehicle, where Eri stood, next to the driver awaiting their arrival. There was an eagerness in her eyes when she caught sight of Sakura.

"Sakura!" Eri cried, rushing towards her.

Sakura knelt down, enveloping Eri in a firm hug. Feeling her top stained with warm tears from Eri. She had been waiting through the night for Sakura's return and when she hadn't come back, Eri couldn't help falling into a pit of worry. It was an anxiousness she only felt when facing Chisaki. 

Sakura gently stroked her hair.

"I missed you Eri," Sakura told her, "You were so brave waiting for me, I'm sorry I couldn't come back sooner," 

Eri looked up, "I thought you weren't coming back anymore. I thought you were going to leave me alone."

Sakura cupped Eri's tear-streaked face in her hands, meeting her gaze. "I'm not going anywhere, Eri. We're going to stay together now, so let's go."

"Are we going home?" Eri asked. She wanted to go back to the mountains in that little run-down house, where she could hear the crickets at night and the birds in the morning. Search for new and familiar animals around their never-ending yard, sit in the morning sun, and learn her alphabet. 

Sakura smiled, thinking carefully about this path she was about to tread, "Eri, remember when I told you about school?" 

Eri nodded. 

"We'll tonight we're gonna go back to my school, and we're going to stay there from now on," 

"We're not going back to the mountains?" There was a hint of disappointment in her tone. 

"We can't stay there anymore," Sakura said slowly, "But we're going to stay at UA, and it's an amazing place, I promise," 

Eri was still concerned about something else, "But what about….." Sakura let Eri take her time in asking, even as they stood under the chill of the night air. "What about…him?" 

Sakura gave Eri another squeeze, before pulling back, her eyes firm with truth, hoping to finally put the little girl at ease. "Didn't you hear? He's gone Eri. Locked away forever, I promise." 

"Really?" Eri breathed out softly and Sakura nodded again. 

"He won't be able to get you anymore, and we are going somewhere that's very safe," 

Eri had heard about what happened to Kai, but she had been hesitant to trust the information since it wasn't coming from Sakura herself. But now that it's finally been confirmed, it was as if a weight had lifted off her shoulders and she could breathe properly again. 

"Now what do you say we get going?" 

Eri nodded, sniffing slightly as Sakura picked her up and moved into the car, taking them to their new home. 

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Sakura stood in front of the building with the large letters" Heights Alliance," printed on it. Lined neatly with other buildings mirroring each other. These were the dorms UA's staff had managed to arrange in a mere three days. Wasting no time to bring its students back before summer break was even over. 

"This is our new home, Eri, what do you think?" Sakura said, gesturing to the building. 

"B-Big," was all she could come up with in the moment. Although her emotions and excitement were running with more description she couldn't turn verbal. 

Again, Sakura put on a charming and calm tone. "We're going to meet my classmates now. They're all nice people. Some of them were looking forward to meeting you," 

This would be the first time Sakura was introducing Eri to a crowd, and it could become overwhelming for her, especially if she didn't know what she was in for. Sakura knew at heart none of her classmates held ill intent, the others from the raid especially wanted to check on Eri and assess her condition. 

This wasn't something they could avoid now that they returned to the dorms anyway. 

As they approached the entrance Shouta shared a quick look with Sakura. Reminding her of their discussion. Though the entire class had to be briefed on her involvement in this case, concerning taking care of Eri, her identity as Nemesis was meant to stay a lost fact of their mission. A fact that would only be privy to those who discovered the truth that day. 

Eri's grip tightened on Sakura's hand as they came to the entrance, "Don't be afraid Eri, I'm right here," 

Sakura could already sense that there was a number waiting right inside. So she wasn't too shocked when the lights turned on, accompanied by the collective shout of "Surprise!", followed by party poppers going off, and colorful streamers and cofetti falling all around them. 

"Wow!" Sakura made a sound of awe to keep Eri from falling into fright. "This is amazing!" 

Sakura glanced around the room, taking in the sight of her classmates and the welcome sign taped up on the wall. 

But as Eri was distracted Sakura leaned over at Shouta and whispered, "What's going on? You didn't say anything about this reception,"

Shouta responded with a bit of an exasperated look, "I believe your classmates got excited when they heard you were coming back and asked if they could have a surprise party."

"And you let them?" 

Shouta didn't respond. 

Eri was looking around the students, "It's okay, Eri. They're just welcoming us here."

Sakura's classmates, unable to contain their excitement, began to approach them. Shouta switched to the firm homeroom teacher and warned them, "Not all at once!"

She knew he was doing this for Eri's sake because they didn't want to overwhelm the little girl. This was a new level of interaction for her, but necessary for their attendance at UA. 

The students all paused, looking at Eri as if finally realizing their imposing positions, and backed up a bit. Still trying to give a hospitable atmosphere.

"Hey, everyone," Sakura greeted, giving a bright wave. 

Mina exclaimed, "It's good to have you back, Sakura!"

Tohru chimed in, "Class A wasn't the same without you!"

"Thanks, everyone," Sakura replied. Feeling a little awkward about this. She had been so focused on Eri, she didn't consider how she might feel. 

Sato, wearing an apron stained in various shades of batter, approached Sakura with a wide grin. "We've prepared a big dinner to welcome you back. Dessert and treats included!"

Ochaco, with a gentle smile, knelt to Eri's eye level. "Hey, Eri, we made some yummy sweets just for you."

"Sweets?" Eri's eyes widened with curiosity, still clutching onto Sakura as if seeking reassurance. Especially since she was told by her not to take things from strangers. No matter how nice they seemed. 

Izuku, kneeling beside Ochaco, gave Eri a bright smile. "Hi there, Eri. Do you remember me?"

Eri, instead of answering began to rub her head, mimicking the comforting gesture Izuku had used when he held her before. It was the first time she could recall being embraced so tenderly and protectively. She had only been able to relive that feeling in Sakura's arms since. 

Sakura, noticing Eri's silent exchange with her classmates, stepped forward. "They're the ones who helped me," 

Then she took a big gulp of air in a rather dramatic manner to catch Eri's attention, "Doesn't that smell good, Eri?"

Taking a small whiff herself, and feeling her mouth water, she nodded in agreement. 

"Let's go eat," Sakura suggested, guiding Eri toward the enticing aroma of the meal awaiting them. 

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The common area buzzed with lively chatter as everyone gathered around a makeshift table, that had been made from a combination of several small tables, draped with a wide enough tablecloth courtesy of Momo. Everyone had a seat, including their homeroom teacher. 

Seated with Eri right beside her, Sakura kept close attention to the situation. Although this would be nothing more than an exciting dinner among classmates, she didn't want Eri to be uncomfortable especially not during a meal. 

She guided Eri in selecting her food from the spread, ensuring it was mild and enjoyable for her taste buds since she received a warning that Katsuki added some of his own dishes to the mix. 

The spread of various dishes was a far cry from their usual quiet dinners for two; Sakura, despite her many talents, wasn't exactly a seasoned chef. So she could only offer her the basics of cooking along with the convenience of microwave dinners. 

Eri, nibbling on a piece of sweet honey chicken, couldn't contain her delight. "It tastes so sweet!"

Sakura beamed at Eri, "I know, it's yummy, huh?" 

"She's so cute," Chided Tsuyu. "She reminds me of my little sister," 

Everyone was more or less engaging with each other or focusing on their meals, except for one. Sakura couldn't ignore the intense gaze from Katsuki, who had been glaring at her since her return, and so far the only one who seemed to have a hostile reaction towards her. However, she decided to meet him with stony silence. 

Then there was also the youngest Todoroki, who had been glancing over at her. Shouto's stare was less aggressive, more contemplative, but she dismissed it as his usual demeanor. However, it did not go unnoticed. 

"Bakugou, Todoroki," Shouta called, drawing back the boy's attention "By the way, Haruno will be joining you both for the make-up training for your provisional licenses starting next week."

Sakura, with a nonchalant shrug, addressed the boys, "Show me the ropes, okay, guys?"

"Like hell!" Katsuki retorted, his usual explosive temper ready to erupt. 

"Sure," Shouto responded calmly.

"So what? Being a hero suddenly good enough?" Katsuki asked with a mocking note in his tone. 

"Bakugou," Shouta's eyes glowed red with warning, and the blonde reluctantly backed down, grumbling silently to himself. Sakura smirked inwardly; she hadn't expected Katsuki to be thrilled about her return, but his prickliness amused her.

She contemplated poking fun at him but decided to save that for another time. The table was alive with conversation, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery, it would be in poor taste for her to spoil the setting with squabbles between them.

Denki raised his hand, "So I get that Sakura's back in class, but what's going on with….?" Not wanting to say it in front of Eri, he just looked at her. 

Shouta cleared his throat, "Eri will be living in the dorms with everyone. She will have her classes in the day, but she'll be in the dorms with you all," 

Eri's eyes flickered with curiosity, glancing between Shouta and Sakura, seeking answers about the lessons.

Understanding the unspoken question, Sakura answered "You're going to love the classes, Eri. It'll be just like our lessons back at the cabin."

"Sakura's not going to teach me anymore?" 

"Well, I'll help if you get homework, but I'm going to also be going to classes just like you," 

Eri, though slightly unsure, nodded, comforted by Sakura's encouraging words. 

The dinner continued without much further interruption, and Eri was able to try a new assortment of desserts. Some are better than store-bought. Many of Class A were gushing over her reactions. 

Shouta, observing the time decided to bring the celebration to a close. "Alright everyone, time to clean up and get to bed. Eri and Sakura, you'll get a proper tour of the dorms tomorrow, after classes," 

The collective groans and whines from the class were audible, even under their breaths to keep from annoying their teacher.

Tenya took it upon himself to remind everyone of their nightly rituals. "Remember, everyone, brush your teeth before going to bed."

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"Here you are," 

The door creaked open, revealing a simple, generic room, Shouta opened the door wide for the two girls to step in. It was a simple room with enough space to move around, even with a bed, a TV, a refrigerator, a bathroom, and a desk. Their luggage had also been packed up and brought to the dorm room, much to Sakura's discontent of having strangers touch her belongings. 

Unfortunately, some of her more questionable items had been removed permanently from her possession. At least she hadn't heard a lecture on that. 

"Yours and Eri's room will be on this floor, and they're right next to each other," Shouta explained. 

The little girl became a bit worried when their rooms were mentioned and she must've realized that she wouldn't be sharing one with Sakura anymore. 

"Eri's still going to sleep by me right?" Sakura asked and Eri nodded quickly. 

Shouta explained that Eri would have a spare room in the dorms. However, there was also one prepared in the teacher's quarters. Sakura, her voice low, questioned why that was even necessary. 

In response, Shouta explained that this situation, needed to be carefully navigated, especially the part where UA was allowing a student to take care of a young child. Eri needed to detach from Sakura, but that was going to be a process, hence the concessions made to integrate them both into school life. 

"Eri's rooms will also need some decorating," Shouta added, "but Principal Nezu suggested waiting for her to decide what she would want."

Eri, rubbing her eyes, voiced her fatigue. 

"I think what she needs right now is some rest," Sakura murmured. 

Shouta bid them goodnight, closing the door gently behind him. 

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The dorms that were once bouncing full of energy had become peacefully silent, the only noises now heard in the room, were the whispers of Sakura and Eri. 

"How do you like the dorm Eri?" 

Eri, perched on the edge of the bed, looked around. "It's so big, Sakura. And there are so many doors"

Sakura smiled, "Yeah, it's different from our little cabin, isn't it? But you know that there's always someone here. Did you like meeting the others"

"Everyone was nice,"

Sakura sat beside her, an arm gently encircling Eri's small frame. 

Eri's eyes drooped, fatigue tugging at her. Sakura waited patiently, brushing a strand of hair from Eri's face. As Eri finally succumbed to sleep, Sakura remained, watching over her through the quiet hours of the early morning. 

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Sakura took in a deep breath of the morning mountain air, as she stood at the foothills, looking up at the winding trails that disappeared into the dense forest. There was a certain peace in the mountains, a tranquility that was hard to find elsewhere. For Sakura, it was a place where she could train, reflect, and, for a moment, forget the complexities of her situation.

Her steps were confident as she started her ascent. Leaping from one steep uneven step to another, she welcomed the challenge, the burn in her muscles a familiar feeling that grounded her.

As she climbed higher her view was replaced by the vastness of nature. Sakura pushed further, having drained out much of her chakra from that morning's meditation session. 

Sakura found herself a clearing, a spot where the first rays of the sun would find her. She stood there, surrounded by silence. At that moment, with the sun's warmth embracing her, she let her mind drift. 

The events of the past days played out like a movie in her head. The battles, the victories, the losses. Nighteye's life hanging in the balance. The decisions that led her here. She needed to understand her power better, to master it. But she also wondered if it would be enough. Would she be able to get herself back home? 

She sank to her knees, feeling the coolness of the earth beneath her. The training had cleared her mind, but the weight of her situation remained. And a beautiful sunrise could only distract her until it peaked.

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As Sakura began to see the dorm building in the line of sight, a familiar figure appeared on the path — Katsuki Bakugou, returning from his morning training and running. Sakura wasn't in the mood for confrontation, but Katsuki had different plans. He called out to her, his tone sharp.

"Hey, Fivehead." 

She didn't acknowledge she heard him and went to walk right passed, when he reached for her arm. I've got something to say to you."

She sighed, "Go ahead, then." 

Katsuki scowled. "You've got a lot of nerve, you know that? Skipping out like that and then coming back like it's all fine. What made you change your mind?"

Sakura crossed her arms. "It's none of your business. And why are you letting this upset you as much? It's not like it changes your life whether I attend UA or not"

His temper flared. "I can get pissed if I damn well want to! The whole situation about you pissed me off. You saving me, pisses me off. You leaving, pisses me off. And now you coming back... that pisses me off too."

She raised an eyebrow, as Katsuki released her wrist, there was a calmer look on him now despite his frown. It was almost as if he had grown in the time she left. "Is that your odd way of saying you missed me?"

"Like hell I did!" He immediately went back to his feral expression. "I just wanted to make some things clear for you right here and now," 

Sakura rubbed the back of her neck, "Look I don't have time for this, Eri's going to wake up soon and I need to get ready before class starts so…." 

Just as she walked passed him, he spoke. 

"Don't go vanishing on us again," Katsuki warned, his voice low and gruff. "I'm gonna become the number one hero someday, and I can't do that until I've beaten you fair and square."

Sakura tilted her head, giving a small smirk. "Don't hold your breath, Katsuki."

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The morning routine in the dorms was nothing short of bustling. For the first day back, Sakura was certainly off to an unsteady rush despite being back with enough time. But she had to dig out her uniform from the boxes, followed by Eri's outfit for the day. And then she had to coax Eri out of bed and take her to the baths since they skipped that last night. Then she was able to hand her off to Shouta, who was waiting to take Eri to her classes. 

"I'll see you after class okay?" 

Eri nodded, getting one last hug in before going back with Shouta. 

"And I'll see you in class Haruno," 

"I know, I know," 

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With that settled, Sakura made her way to the entrance of the school. The halls filled with students moving to their classrooms, she scanned through in an attempt to perhaps find Hitoshi before classes however he wasn't anywhere in sight. And soon enough Sakura was in front of 1-A's door once again. 

She opened it, stepping in to see that all of the others were already seated and Shouta was waiting there, arms crossed. As Sakura stepped into the room, everyone called out to her.

"Welcome back, Class Rep!"

THAT'S ALL FOLKS! 

If you want to get a hold of these latest chapters check out my Tumblr where you can join as a member. You can also get the update schedule to follow. 

MEMBERS NOW: (bmcmember)

-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter 60, 61, 62

-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams

-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter 24, 25, 26

-Crossroads of Fate chapter 17, 18, 19

-Through the Looking Glass chapter 21, 22, 23

-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6

Well that's it from me, I hope you look forward to the next chapter! See you lovelies!