"I am Michikatsu Tsugikuni, known as Kokushibo... I have been appointed as UA High School‘s new Physical Education teacher. I look forward to our cooperation."
Michikatsu delivered his introduction in the teachers' conference room. The assembled faculty stared at him with expressions of profound uncertainty, unsure of how to react to his presence.
"Why has a Public Safety Commission Hero come to UA?" Shota Aizawa, the hero Eraser Head, asked bluntly. "Is this an intelligence-gathering mission?"
Michikatsu‘s six eyes shifted independently as he scanned the room.
"Does my age... offend you? Or perhaps the fact that I am now... your peer?"
Several teachers flinched under the weight of his gaze. Principal Nezu, however, simply chirped with his usual cheerfulness.
"Ahaha! Of course not. No one here is uncomfortable with you being a teacher, Tsugikuni-kun. We were simply surprised. While we would have loved to have you as a student, it would indeed be unfair to the other applicants for an active Pro Hero to participate in the Hero Course exam."
"I understand."
Michikatsu nodded and took a seat in an empty chair. It happened to be right next to the man who had become a UA faculty member this year—the Symbol of Peace, All Might.
"Young Tsugikuni! Though you are young, you are a fellow educator now! I look forward to working with you!"
"And I... with you."
Michikatsu acknowledged him with a curt nod. All Might maintained his signature boisterous smile.
"Now that the introductions are over, let‘s head to the control room to begin the grading! Principal, how about a welcome dinner for Tsugikuni-kun tonight?"
While most of the staff voiced their agreement, Michikatsu offered a flat refusal.
"My apologies... I have a prior engagement with my fiancée and my sister."
"Ah, you mean Himiko Tsugikuni and Momo Yaoyorozu," Nezu noted.
"......You are well-informed."
"We have our own information networks, after all."
"And what is your meaning... behind that statement?"
"Exactly what I said. We like to have our 'insurance' ready, so to speak."
At Nezu‘s words, Michikatsu willed Kyokuseibo into his hand, looking directly at the principal.
"Do you intend... to use them... as leverage against me?"
As he prepared to draw his blade, a heavy wave of killing intent filled the room. The veteran teachers broke into a cold sweat, their instincts screaming. Despite his young age, Michikatsu‘s 190 cm muscular frame, his demonic visage, and his suffocating aura made them feel like frogs before a viper.
Even All Might tensed, shifting into his muscle form in anticipation of a conflict. Nezu quickly raised his paws to de-escalate the situation.
"Leverage? Heavens, no! I was merely expressing concern that, given your close ties, there might be a conflict of interest or potential abuse of authority to give them preferential treatment. I wanted to ensure our boundaries were clear."
Only then did Michikatsu allow the sword to sink back into his body. He sat back down and spoke calmly.
"There shall be no such thing. This is a place where all must be equal. I will provide... no special favors."
"Glad to hear it! I apologize for the misunderstanding."
"No... it was my own... oversensitivity. I am at fault."
The faculty relaxed, though the tension took a moment to fully dissipate. All Might let out his breath and deflated, his muscle form vanishing to reveal the skeletal, gaunt True Form underneath. Michikatsu didn't even blink.
"Young Tsugikuni... you seem unphased by my change in appearance."
"I could see it. I saw within you... half your respiratory system is gone. Most of your organs... have been excised. A grievous wound... meant to ensure your death."
The room went silent. Nezu and the others looked on in shock; that All Might‘s injury was public knowledge among the staff was one thing, but for a newcomer to diagnose the exact extent of the internal damage at a glance was terrifying.
"Wait a minute, Tsugikuni," Aizawa cut in, his eyes narrowed. "You 'could see it'? Explain what you mean by that."
"Is that so? There is no reason to hide it... I shall show you."
Michikatsu proceeded to explain the concepts of Total Concentration Breathing and the Transparent World.
As he described the Transparent World—a state of extrasensory perception achievable only by those who have reached the pinnacle of martial arts and breathing techniques—the teachers listened with a mixture of awe and skepticism. It was a power that felt like a third force in the world, distinct from the biological supernaturalism of Quirks. If such a power were known to the public, it would spark a global frenzy.
"However... it is not for everyone. Breathing requires an innate talent. Myself, Yoriichi... Himiko and Momo. We possessed the capacity, thus it was possible. For most humans... it is impossible. And even for those who succeed... the burden on the physical body is immense. It is a 'doping' technique... it demands a heavy toll."
Michikatsu recalled how he had tried to teach the technique to Kaina, but despite her skill as an assassin, she lacked the specific physiological aptitude required for the Breathing Styles.
Hizashi Yamada—Present Mic—leaned forward. "Hey! So, does anyone in this room have the talent for this 'Total Concentration' thing?"
Michikatsu turned his focus, his gaze piercing through their skin and muscle into the 'Transparent World.' He looked at each of them in turn.
"Regrettably... no."
The teachers let out a collective sigh, somewhere between disappointment and relief.
"Then, if you find students with the talent, would you be willing to train them?" asked Sekijiro Kan, the hero Vlad King.
Michikatsu shook his head. "Himiko and Momo... are enough disciples for me."
"A shame..."
It wasn't that Michikatsu was being stingy. He was a master of Moon Breathing, and the memories he possessed were tied strictly to that style. He didn't know how to teach other branches or lineages. Furthermore, the strain on the heart and lungs was too dangerous to inflict on just anyone without a specific reason.
"Now, now! Let‘s leave the theory for later and get to the control room. The practical exam is about to begin!" Nezu announced.
The faculty stood and made their way toward the monitoring station.