As Kai walked back to his seat, the classroom erupted in chatter. He could hear people murmuring, "How did he do that?" and "Did you see that?" But he simply sat down and rested his head on the desk, his expression carefully aloof.
Inside, though, the thrill of his classmates' reactions rippled through him, and he allowed himself a hidden grin. He glanced subtly at the classroom camera in the corner, a smirk tugging at his lips. Kai knew exactly who was watching on the other end — Nezu. Every part of his flashy NEXUS demonstration had been calculated, both to impress his classmates and to send a message to UA's principal, that Kai would be a useful asset to have in his toolbox.
"Alright, alright, everyone, settle down," Power Loader called out, arms crossed. "Mr. Sugimoto, that was a very impressive design, and you're right — as long as you don't use the remote, you won't be punished for it. Luckily for you, I don't want to send a student with such potential into hot water. Otherwise, you'd be looking at arrest for hacking my computer." He gave a dry smile. "Up next is—"
Kai stopped listening, his attention shifting to the quest panel in front of him.
Quests;
'Becoming an Engineering Tycoon'
You're doing very well in this new world of yours, but you're neglecting your full potential. Make sure that people know you're more than just a fruit factory.
Replicate an invention from your past life (1/1)
Secure a deal for said invention (0/1)
Make money on your invention (0/1)
Make Nezu acknowledge your abilities (68%/100%)
Rewards for completion- Advantage Devil Fruit Spin, Canon Devil Fruit Spin, Extra Devil Fruit Capacity Voucher (Character Specific)
'Already up 40 percent since I got the quest, huh,' Kai thought, smirking. 'I figured the last objective would be the hardest, but if my plan works, I'll knock out all of them in one go.' His gaze drifted to the device, a quiet satisfaction settling in. 'Guess inventing that remote was worth it, even if it got me screwed over the first time.'
Shaking those thoughts from his mind, Kai refocused on the last presentation. The student at the stand had just finished introducing their invention—a rubber duck-based slingshot—when Power Loader stepped onto the stage.
"Alright, everyone. Now it's time to decide on the class representative. You'll all come up to the board and mark down who you think had the best invention. Everyone, line up."
A ripple of excitement coursed through the crowd as the class eagerly approached the whiteboard. Kai remained seated, observing with mild interest as classmates exchanged whispers and glances, weighing their options. One by one, they walked up to the board, marked their choices, and returned to their seats. The room swelled with anticipation, and Kai felt a surge of confidence; he was certain he'd win.
Finally, the line dwindled, and Power Loader stepped up to the board. "Alright, everyone, it's time to see who won."
He turned to face the class, his expression serious. "After tallying the votes, it appears that Sugimoto's NEXUS has won, followed closely by Todoroki's temperature controlling device, so your president is Kai Sugimoto, and your Vice is Shoto Todoroki."
"Thank you, sir, but I'm not fit for leadership. I reject my appointment as president," Kai said, his tone firm as he stood up from his desk.
The classroom erupted in surprised murmurs, a few classmates exchanging confused glances. Power Loader looked taken aback. "Are you certain, Sugimoto? You just won the vote!"
"I understand sir, but my unique circumstance may make it so that I am unable to perform the duties expected of my position." Kai said determinedly. "As such, I resign."
Power Loader grimaced slightly. "I understand, Mr. Sugimoto. I would urge you to reconsider, but I respect the position you're in." He then regained his serious expression. "Since Kai has resigned, Shoto will be promoted to president, and Mei Hatsume will be promoted to vice president. Does everyone understand?"
The classroom erupted into a mix of surprised murmurs and excited chatter. Some classmates exchanged glances, unsure how to react to the sudden shift in leadership. Shoto stood at the front, his expression unchanged, while Mei's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
"Great. With that handled, Mr. Sugimoto, the principal would like to talk to you," Power Loader announced, his tone shifting to a more serious note.
Kai blinked; this was faster than he thought. "Why does he want to see me?"
Power Loader shrugged, his expression neutral. "I'm not sure, but it sounds important. You should head to his office."
A ripple of curiosity swept through the classroom as Kai rose from his seat, making sure to grab his NEXUS while he stood. He felt a mix of anticipation and nerves but quickly masked it with a confident stride toward the door.
As he made his way through the halls, his mind raced through the plan he'd made. Reaching Nezu's office, Kai knocked lightly on the door. "Principal Nezu, it's Kai Sugimoto."
"Come in!" a cheerful voice called from inside.
Kai opened the door to find Nezu sitting on a couch lining the wall of his office, an electric teakettle running on the table beside him. The principal looked up, his eyes sparkling with interest.
"Mr. Sugimoto! How has U.A. been treating you? Is everything up to standard? Would you like some tea?"
Kai blinked, processing the stream of questions as he sat down on the sofa across from the principal. "Why, yes, I would love some tea. U.A. has been great, and all of my expectations have been exceeded. Why have you called me here today, sir?"
Nezu poured some tea into a delicate cup and slid it across the coffee table to Kai. "Nothing much, just wanted to discuss the projects we have running. Do you have the fruits from Class 1-A?"
"Why, yes, sir, I do." Kai pulled a small leather satchel from his pocket. "In here are twenty fruits made from the energy of Class 1-A's Quirks, plus one made from Aizawa's."
"Very good, Kai. These will be invaluable for understanding the quirks of our newest heroes. As for the 'Devil Fruit' you loaned me, it has found a home with one of our exemplary staff members here at U.A. You may know him—he's the underground hero Ectoplasm."
"I'm aware of him, sir. The combination of the speed and power of the kangaroo with his cloning abilities will create a formidable synergy," Kai replied, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "If possible, I would like to discuss the matter with him and see him in action at a later date."
"I'm certain that can be arranged, Mr. Sugimoto. I thank you for your trust in me with such an important item. There is another matter that I wish to discuss with you."
Kai's excitement rose. "What's on your mind, sir?"
"Earlier in class, you displayed a fantastic invention—the NEXUS, I believe? I would like to purchase that invention from you."
"Of course, sir. I would be honored to sell my invention to you, under one condition."
Nezu laughed and rested his head on his little paw. "Oh yeah? And what is that condition?"
"I'd like to become your personal student."