"My physical abilities are the result of permanent augmentation," I explained, sticking to the cover story. "I've optimized my muscle density, stamina, and leg strength. It allows me to perform at a high level without looking like a bodybuilder. The exact mechanics are a bit of a mystery, even to me."
I didn't mention the Force, but the "Augmentation" part was technically true. I've focused on conceptual growth rather than raw mass, which is why I still weigh exactly what a girl my age should. Of course, maintaining this efficiency requires an enormous amount of calories—I nearly passed out from malnutrition getting the settings right—but I didn't feel the need to share that particular struggle.
Jiro, however, seemed to have a different interest. She finished her meal and leaned in, whispering to me.
"So... that 'Augmentation' of yours... could it, like... make you taller? Or... grow other things?"
"It's possible," I replied. "Do you wish to be taller?"
"Well... yeah, that... and, uh... you know... other stuff..."
She was being uncharacteristically vague. I tilted my head, confused. Before I could ask for clarification, Himiko stepped in, placing a hand between us like a barrier.
"Ri-chan doesn't need to know about that yet."
"Yeah! Exactly! It's, uh... you'll understand when you're older!" Jiro added, her face turning slightly red.
I frowned. I was an adult once, so there shouldn't be much I don't understand.
Wait.
"Ah... are we talking about things specific to the female anatomy?"
"Uh... well... yeah... kind of..." Jiro stammered.
"Mm-hmm. Something like that," Himiko added, looking uncomfortably evasive.
I see. Since I was once a man, the intricacies of female puberty and the insecurities associated with it are still somewhat of a foreign concept to me. Since my current body hasn't reached that stage yet, they were likely trying to protect my "innocence" from a conversation that could get... graphic.
"I don't entirely follow, but I appreciate your consideration," I said.
"Oh... uh, yeah. No problem," Jiro muttered. "Hey, Toga, what do we do? She definitely thinks we're talking about something way more serious than it is."
"I'll handle it if it comes up later..." Himiko whispered back.
Seeing Himiko make friends and share secrets with people other than me warmed my heart. A small smile escaped my lips.
But that peace was shattered in an instant.
"Ri-chan!"
"I know."
A violent, jagged spike of alarm flared in the Force. Both Himiko and I kicked our chairs back simultaneously.
"Ribbit!?"
"What's wrong, you two?" Yaoyorozu asked, startled.
"An intruder," I said, my voice dropping an octave.
"And a nasty one," Himiko added, her eyes narrowing.
Just as the words left our lips, the school's alarm system began to wail.
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