Chapter 15: Ballroom Event
Kirito's POV:
As we stepped into the ballroom, I couldn't help but marvel at its sheer size and grandeur. It made me feel small, a reminder that I was just a child in this vast world. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arched sky window, casting their shimmering light on the polished golden walls. The sky above showed the approaching night, its deepening hues reflecting off the ballroom's floor, which was so polished it looked like a frozen lake. The tables sparkled with pristine cutlery and gleaming glassware, and at the back of the room, a group of musicians stood ready to perform. The sight was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.
We walked toward the main circular table that had been prepared for us. The Yaoyorozu family would be seated next to us, but for now, they excused themselves to greet the arriving guests. Momo, however, was allowed to stay behind, and she seemed happy about it. As she moved to sit down, I decided to be a gentleman and pulled out her chair for her. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink as she accepted the gesture with a quiet "Thank you."
Uncle Iroh and Mother smiled at me, their approval evident. Uncle couldn't resist a teasing comment. "It seems my nephew is already learning how to charm the ladies," he said with a chuckle. My face warmed at his words, and I quickly took my seat beside Momo, hoping to hide my embarrassment. Behind us, our guards took their places along the wall, standing tall and vigilant.
To ease the lingering awkwardness, I started a conversation with Momo. I told her about my home—the many trees and koi ponds, the sprawling mansion connected to smaller manors, and the large training yard. I also mentioned how the property housed my mother's clinic and Uncle's tea shop. Momo listened attentively, her eyes lighting up with curiosity as I described the tranquil beauty of our estate.
Then I asked her about events like this one. It was my first, and I wanted to understand how these things worked. She told me she'd attended several parties and charity events, which left me surprised. "How many have you been to?" I asked.
She thought for a moment. "I've lost count, but it's been quite a few."
"This is my first one," I admitted. "How many people usually show up?"
Momo explained that this event would host heroes, some with their sidekicks or families, as well as people from the hero support and medical industries. "Lots of big names," she said.
We continued chatting, our conversation flowing more easily now. Soon, guests began to arrive. People in suits and dresses filed in, taking their seats at various tables. Not many were wearing kimonos, and those who were seemed to be elders accompanied by their families. Then came the heroes. Their flashy costumes were hard to miss, with bright colors and eccentric designs. One hero in particular caught my attention—a man wearing only underwear, a luchador mask, and a red cape. I couldn't fathom how such an outfit was considered acceptable, let alone practical. Heroes, I decided, were a peculiar bunch. A quick glance at the White Lotus guards confirmed that they seemed to agree with my unspoken thoughts.
Momo, however, was thrilled. She pointed out various heroes as they entered, her excitement evident. Then the room's atmosphere shifted as a giant of a man strode in, wearing a blue, red, and white costume with flames adorning his mask and beard. His sidekicks, some part of their bodies also emitting fire, followed closely behind. People made way for him as he and his entourage took their seats at a table three down from ours.
Momo leaned toward me, her voice filled with awe. "That's the number two hero, Endeavor, and his sidekicks!"
I studied the imposing figure for a moment before turning my attention back to Momo. Her excitement was infectious, even if I found the hero's fiery presence a bit overwhelming.
As more guests settled into their seats, the Yaoyorozu family returned from greeting the arrivals and joined us at the table. Once everyone was seated, Mr. Yaoyorozu stood up to give a speech. He thanked everyone for attending and spoke about the importance of the charity event. His words were polite and formal, but I could sense his genuine gratitude.
When his speech concluded, waiters and maids began filing in, carrying trays of food. They placed dishes before us with practiced grace, and additional tables were brought in to serve as buffets. One table was specifically set for children, allowing them to help themselves if they wanted more food.
The maid who brought our food set down plates filled with the fanciest dishes I'd ever seen. Everything looked delicious, almost too perfect to eat. My stomach growled in anticipation. Before digging in, our family clasped our hands together and gave thanks for the meal. Momo, noticing what we were doing, followed our lead, her expression sincere. Then, with a shared sense of excitement, we began to eat.
After the feast, I was certain I would burst if I ate another bite. My gaze wandered over the table. Uncle Iroh sat slouched in his chair, his satisfied grin mirroring how I felt, while my mother—ever composed—looked perfectly fine, having eaten modestly but contentedly. Beside me, Momo appeared as composed as ever, despite matching mine and Uncle's pace at the table. Curious, I leaned over and asked, "How do you not feel like you're about to explode?"
She smiled and explained, "My quirk lets me metabolize large amounts of food quickly. This is nothing for me."
Flabbergasted, I was about to ask her more when she stood, brushing down her elegant dress. "Shall we get more from the buffet?" she asked with a bright smile.
I nodded dumbly, still digesting—both her words and my meal—and followed her lead. Walking felt like a good idea to help my system recover. As we left, I noticed a gathering of adults heading toward our table to converse with my family. "That doesn't look fun," I thought as I followed Momo.
Approaching the serving table, I saw a cluster of kids about our age loading up plates with food. Momo hesitated. Her usual confidence faltered slightly, and I could sense her reluctance to approach. Without a second thought, I reached for her hand and gently pulled her forward. She blushed but followed, letting me guide her closer. Thankfully, the other kids were too engrossed in their buffet raid to pay us much mind.
While Momo filled her plate with a careful selection, I opted for a glass of juice, hoping to avoid further confrontation with food. I turned back to find Momo surrounded by a group of older boys, their attention fixated on her. They peppered her with questions, some playful and others probing, leaving her looking visibly uncomfortable.
I sighed. Of course, this would happen. Setting my glass down, I walked toward her. The taller boy in a black-and-blue-striped tuxedo with an unfortunate hairstyle—a failed Wolverine knockoff, in my opinion—stood front and center, dominating the conversation. He seemed intent on monopolizing Momo's attention. As I stepped into the group, I interrupted with a calm, "Momo, are you ready to head back to the table?"
She and the taller boy turned to me, both surprised. The others finally noticed me too, their faces shifting from curiosity to hostility.
"How dare you address Miss Yaoyorozu so informally!" the taller boy shouted, his voice grating. Before Momo could respond, he pressed on. "Don't worry, Miss Yaoyorozu. I'll handle this interloper. We can continue discussing my proposal to court you afterward."
Momo and I exchanged bewildered glances. The taller boy, however, basked in the sycophantic praise of his peers. He introduced himself with a pompous flourish. "I am Lickter Von Ishman, heir to the Ishman Pharmaceutical Company. And you are?" He sneered.
I kept my expression neutral, though his name nearly made me laugh. Composing myself, I replied, "Kirito Uchiha, heir to the Uchiha, Senju, and Uzumaki clans."
Momo's eyes widened in realization as she took in the symbols embroidered on my attire. Lickter, on the other hand, scoffed. "What a load of rubbish. Heir to three clans? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." His laughter, joined by the others, grated on my nerves, but I remained calm, my hands clasped behind my back.
When their laughter subsided, Lickter's tone turned accusatory. "You're nothing but a pretender, wearing cheap imitations and spewing lies. A thief, no doubt. But don't worry, Miss Yaoyorozu. I'll handle this." He motioned to two boys, who stepped forward to grab me.
Momo looked anxious, her cheeks puffing in frustration as she tried to interject. I offered her a reassuring smile and a quick wink, earning a blush from her. As the boys reached for me, I sidestepped smoothly, avoiding their grasp. Another boy lunged from behind, but I ducked and spun away. More joined in, surrounding me.
Eight older kids, all intent on subduing me. I smiled, hands still clasped behind my back, studying their movements. They charged one by one. I sidestepped, ducked, and spun with ease, their attempts to grab or hit me resulting in collisions with each other. One boy overextended a punch, and I tripped him, sending him sprawling into another. Soon, the group devolved into a chaotic mess, tripping, stumbling, and colliding in their efforts to corner me.
In no time, they were sprawled on the dance floor, groaning in exhaustion. I stood untouched, still smiling calmly. Momo beamed with delight, while Lickter looked like he'd bitten into a particularly sour lemon.
"Get up, you fools! Why didn't you use your quirks?" Lickter screeched.
One of his lackeys muttered, "We'd get in trouble with the heroes."
Realizing his blunder, Lickter's face lit up with an idea. He began yelling for a hero, fabricating a tale of me using my quirk to attack them and claiming I was a trespasser.
A hero appeared almost immediately. Clad in a tight black bodysuit with red flame designs, a leather jacket, and a visor, he had a flaming mohawk that reminded me of Cyclops from X-Men. Before I or Momo could explain, Lickter and his cronies began shouting over each other, piling on accusations.
The hero's gaze turned to me, his posture stern. "Save it, young man. You're in serious trouble." He advanced, rattling off the false charges.
I sighed. Momo's worried expression tugged at me, but I offered her a reassuring nod. "Looks like things have escalated. Alright then," I thought, shifting my stance. "Let's dance."