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[right][hr][color=gray][b]Sapporo, Japan[/b]
Ishin Academy, April 7th[/color][hr][/right]
[indent]The time had come.

After what seemed like an eternity, the upperclassmen that had been casually talking amongst themselves outside had headed inside the assembly hall to take their place among the crowd of students that was ready to begin their first day at Ishin proper. Few students were brave enough to skip out on the opening ceremony, as tedious and pointless as it may have seemed. Ishin's faculty were assertive men and women who didn't take complacency lightly and this year it was no different.

Yukimura Hideaki, the Dean of Students and Supervisor of Ishin Academy, hadn't quite seen a line-up of students quite like the current crop that sat front-and-center, mulling over what Ishin was like and talking to one another for the very first time. During his Profesisonal Hero days he had met a lot of optimistic young men and women – but the days of being The Frozen Hero, The Snowman, was long past him. His beard has grown gray and his eyes had long shadows under his icicle-like eyes. His expression was blank, giving the impression he was unimpressed with everyone else in the assembly hall. The truth of the matter was he couldn't be any more excited to have a new group of would-be heroes “broken in”. He moved his hand to the microphone on the podium, tapping it with the backside of his right hand.

[b][color=skyblue]“Silence.”[/color][/b]

His voice boomed across the room. Conversations stopped, attention was shifted, and postures straightened.

[b][color=skyblue]“Ishin Academy is the second oldest hero institution in Japan. Sixth in the entire world. This serves as a reminder that it is here at Ishin that we continue a tradition of excellence in preparing the next generation for the future that awaits them. Whether it is a future as a hero or not.”[/color][/b]

His eyes moved to the returning members of the student body.

[b][color=skyblue]“For those of you that survived the gauntlet that was last year, congratulations. You've passed the first series of tests. You know what comes next and how I'm counting on you to become the very best examples of what Ishin has to offer.”[/color][/b]

He pressed his hands against the podium.

[b][color=skyblue]“For those of you who are new... well, congratulations on passing the entrance exams.”[/color][/b]

The old man looked directly at the more nervous members of the first years. He knew that his tone and appearance was sending a chill down their spine – some of them may have been already wondering what they got themselves into. He was certain that his next few words would make that feeling stick with them. It was a sentiment he was glad to imprint upon them.

[b][color=skyblue]“That said. Ishin is a battleground and you will [i]need[/i] to prove that you belong here. You should know this just by the merit of applying to this institution, so if you think an acceptance means you have nothing to fear now you are not going to be a student for long. But being a hero is about bravery, tenacity, and humility. Nobody is going to hold your hand here. Your teachers are here to prepare you, not to hold your hand. For those of you that are new to Ishin, you will need to remember that. Should you forget, your upperclassmen will remind you of it very [i]very[/i] quickly.”[/color][/b]

Hideaki sighed, moving a glass of water to his lips with his left hand, the liquid instantly chilled to perfection as it met his lips. He always did hate monologues and speeches; especially after he had retired from the professional circuit to teach and administrate. It was probably the one singular thing he didn't care for about his years as Dean of Students at Ishin Academy. There was too much talking. But it was the job.

He placed the drink down and cleared his throat, preparing to continue with the speech. He still needed to go over dormitory assignments and a few other necessary details before he would drone on for a good few more minutes until dismissing the crowd to get settled into their dorms and prepare for tomorrow. He understood the bulk of the first years were separated between Midori and Endo. Two very different and very interesting choices. He wondered how the students would take to both of their decidedly unique teaching styles. But he supposed he would find out about that by the end of the month.

[b][color=skyblue]“The first day of Ishin Academy is special. First-time students get to have one day of comfort before the grueling, unforgiving crawl of the school year begins. If you look to your pamphlets you will see your assignment to one of several dorms available to students. At the end of this ceremony, you will get sorted. If you have trouble understanding where you belong please speak with a faculty member so your understanding of the campus grounds can be corrected.”[/color][/b]

He half-laughed as he waved his hand to the projector film behind him that had been showing still images relative to his speech. These students were in for a grueling semester.

[b][color=skyblue]“At the end of the day, whether you are a new student here or have been selected to return you need to remember one thing. Give your best – not for yourself, but for the world. Soar Skyward.”[/color][/b][/indent]