Chapter 16: UA Sports Festival Part I
UA SPORTS FESTIVAL
The excitement in the air was almost tangible. Chants and cheers echoed through the grand stadium, banners waving high as spectators eagerly anticipated the clashes of strength, strategy, and sheer determination that would unfold. The UA Sports Festival was the pinnacle of competition, where students from the most prestigious hero academy in Japan showcased their skills before the eyes of pro heroes, talent scouts, and millions of viewers watching from their homes.
Toshinori sat next to his wife close to the heroes as they were waiting for their children to come out. "I hope they will be fine," said Inko to her husband.
"They will Inko. I just hope that they do well," he said putting his hand to his face to think for a moment.
In a different part of the stadium, Endeavor sat with his wife, Rei, and their two sons and daughter, Toya, Natsuo, and Fuyumi. The tension was palpable in the air as they waited for Shoto's turn to step onto the field. Endeavor's usual intense expression softened, just a fraction, as he watched his wife be practically giddy with excitement. She had been anticipating this day for years—her third son's appearance in the UA Sports Festival.
Endeavor couldn't blame her. She'd been through a lot, and this moment, seeing Shoto finally compete on the grand stage, was something she'd been looking forward to. "Don't get too worked up, Rei," Endeavor grumbled under his breath, though he was just as invested as she was.
Rei beamed at him; her smile was too bright to be contained. "I can't help it. It's been so long since we've seen him like this, and now he's here, ready to show everyone his strength. I just can wait," she said squeezing his arm very tightly.
"I know, Rei," he muttered, his eyes focusing on arena.
Toya chuckled as he passed some popcorn to Fuyumi. "Come on dad, you got to show some emotion," he said putting his arm around his old man.
"I have emotions, Toya," Endeavor replied, chuckling slightly, as he put his eldest son a headlock.
Toya yelped, half-laughing, half-groaning as he squirmed under his father's grip. "I know, I know! But you don't have to act so stoic all the time!" he teased, finally managing to break free from his father's strong hold. Toya tossed a handful of popcorn into his mouth and leaned back in his seat, clearly enjoying the playful moment despite the tension in the air.
Natsuo leaned back as he looked down to the arena. "I heard Class 1-A and 1-B are super stacked this year. You saved one of them down there didn't you Toya?"
Toya nodded as he took some more popcorn. "Yeah, I did. Two of 'em, Momo Yaoyorozu and Izuku Yagi. That kid is a powerhouse. He took down one fo the strongest enemies at the USJ Incident. Not to mention the Sludge Villain Incident. So, we will have to be on the lookout for him."
Natsuo raised an eyebrow. "Izuku Yagi, huh? I've heard the name, but I didn't realize he was that strong." He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes as if considering the challenge ahead. "If he's as powerful as you say, then Class 1-A must be something else this year."
WITH CLASS 1-A
Many of the students were hyping themselves up as they were getting ready for the Festival. They all had to be ready so they could be scouted by other heroes. Izuku tapped his foot on the ground rapidly trying to get the jitters out of him before they went out there. Something he accepted was he would always have this feeling no matter how strong he would be. He looked around to see that Jiro and Kaminari got clearance on the gadgets he made them, so he was glad for that. They would have an advantage in the Festival and he was glad to give to them. He was interrupted by his thoughts he felt someone loom over him.
He looked up to see Todoroki trying to show his competitive edge. "Izuku Yagi. I wanted you to know that I will be gunning for you at the festival. You've got a lot of power and it's impressive, but I won't hold back." Todoroki's voice was calm and steady, his intense gaze locked onto Izuku's.
Izuku blinked, surprised by the declaration but quickly regained his composure. He smiled, trying to hide the nerves that still lingered despite his determination. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Todoroki. It's the festival, after all. We all need to give it our all."
Todoroki gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "I'm not here just to compete. I'm here to win. And if you're in my way, I'll push through you."
Izuku took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead of him. He respected Todoroki's power, and he knew that this wasn't just a friendly rivalry—it was a competition where everyone was aiming for the top. But he also knew that this was an opportunity to prove himself, to show what he could do not just for himself, but for everyone who had believed in him.
"Don't worry, Todoroki," Izuku said with a grin. "I'll be ready. I won't make it easy for you."
"Oi, Icy Hot! You did your proclamation on the wrong guy, you fucker!" yelled out Bakugo.
"Then be ready to go," said Todoroki as he walked away making Bakugo pissed even more. "And Deku!" he said pointing a finger in his face.
"You think you are hot shit now! But don't underestimate me. You are still…" he said before he was cut off by Izuku.
"Bakugo, I don't need you to remind me of where I came from. I'm not the same person I was back then."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and for a split second, Bakugo faltered. His eyes narrowed, but there was no immediate retort. Izuku's voice wasn't full of arrogance or defiance; it was a simple statement of fact. It was true. He had changed.
"And just because you say something like I am useless or anything like that, doesn't mean it is true in the slightest. But whatever makes you sleep at night," said Izuku.
But then Bakugo smirked, his anger quickly turning into a grin full of teeth. "Tch, you really think you've got what it takes, huh?" he sneered. He couldn't say much more as interrupted by one of the staff members.
"Class 1-A follow us to the arena so we can begin the Sports Festival," the man said as the students of 1-A got up.
Izuku let out a deep breath, his heart still racing from the earlier exchange with Bakugo. Despite the tension between them, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. He had stood his ground. The old Izuku might have backed down or let Bakugo's words get to him, but not now. Not after everything he had been through. He was stronger, mentally and physically, and it was time to show it.
As the Class 1-A students gathered, their steps quickened in anticipation. The first event of the Sports Festival was just ahead. Izuku walked into the arena to the sound of Present Mic announcing with a grumbling Aizawa.
Present Mic's voice rang out through the stadium, loud and full of excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! The Sports Festival is about to begin! Class 1-A and Class 1-B are here to show you what they're made of!" The crowd cheered, their excitement spilling over as they saw the students lined up.
"Let's not forgot the General Course Students of classes C, D, and E as well as the Support Course students of F, G, and H," said Present Mic as he walked out.
Izuku looked around the arena as the classes got in groups and lines with some worry. "This is a lot of people," he said to no one in particular.
"No kidding. But this is one of the only ways that we can be seen," said Jiro trying to see if she can see her parents in the crowd.
The students got around the podium in the middle where the audience was ogling at Lady Midnight.
"Does she really need to be wearing such apparel at a school," said Tokoyami trying not to look too much at her.
"Yeah, someone needs to tell her to tone it down with the clothing," said Kirishima blushing.
Midnight stepped up to the podium, her confident smile flashing across the crowd. Her outfit—revealing and bold—left little to the imagination, but it was all part of the spectacle. She gave a playful wink to the audience as the cheers of excitement filled the air. With a flick of her wrist, she silenced the crowd, the energy in the arena buzzing as everyone eagerly awaited her words.
"Welcome, everyone!" Midnight's voice was sharp and alluring, grabbing everyone's attention. "The Sports Festival is finally upon us! This is your chance to witness the finest in young heroes, from Class 1-A to the General Courses, and everything in between! A day of intense competition, strategy, and pure skill. Now, let's hear from one of our representatives, Izuku Yagi, from Class 1-A, to lead us in the class pledge!"
"Huh?!" asked Izuku with worry.
"Uh... me?!" Izuku stammered, a bit of panic creeping into his voice. He hadn't been prepared for this level of attention, but there was no turning back now.
Midnight, sensing his hesitation, flashed a reassuring smile. "You're up, Izuku," she said, her tone playful but encouraging. "Show them what you're made of."
"You'll be fine, Izuku. It's only like a billion people watching," said Jiro teasingly with him getting more embarrassed. "Not helping," he said as he walked to the podium.
"I wonder why he is the one speaking," asked Sero curiously. "Because he got the highest score in the entrance exams, is the most likely reason," offered Momo.
"Yeah, but that was only for the Hero Course. Not the General or the Support Course said one of the students," said some girl glaring at them.
"Oh god, they do not like us. It doesn't help that Bakugo was stirring them up the other day when the classroom was surrounded," replied Kaminari.
As Izuku walked up to the microphone he exhaled deeply as he prepared himself to speak.
"As the representative of Class 1-A," he began, his voice stronger than he expected, "I have a couple of things to say."
The murmurs died down as the students focused on him. The General and Support Course students still looked skeptical, some crossing their arms while others exchanged glances. Izuku knew that resentment had been building, and he had to tread carefully.
"I know that, for a lot of you, this festival isn't just about winning," Izuku said, his voice carrying through the arena. "For some, it's about proving something—to your classmates, to your teachers, to yourselves. This isn't just a competition. It's an opportunity. No matter what course we come from—Hero, General, or Support—we all worked to be here. We all have dreams, goals, and ambitions that push us forward. And today is the day we show everyone, including ourselves, just how much we're willing to fight for them."
Izuku's grip on the microphone tightened as his voice grew stronger.
"There will be challenges ahead. Obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. But the only way we grow—the only way we prove our worth—is by facing them head-on. By pushing ourselves past our limits. So, when things get tough, when you feel like giving up, remember why you're here. Remember why you started."
The tension in the air shifted. Students who had looked disinterested were now paying attention. Even the skeptical students from the General and Support Courses seemed to be reconsidering their stance.
"So, no matter what course you're from, no matter what your goal is—give it your all!" Izuku declared, his green eyes burning with determination. "Push past your limits! Show the world, and most importantly, show yourselves, what you're capable of!"
Silence hung in the air for a moment—then the stadium erupted in applause.
Some students clapped hesitantly at first, but soon, others joined in. Even students from the General Course, who had been glaring earlier, gave small nods of approval.
Izuku stepped back from the podium, exhaling as his heart pounded.
"A wonderful speech from our Class 1-A president," said Midnight as she grabbed the microphone as Izuku made his way back to his friends. Izuku caught some looks from his siblings and Bakugo. Bakugo and Ichiro looked pissed, as usual but Inori held a hand to her chest as she readied herself for battle.
"Oh my god, that was bad," said Izuku as he huffed standing next to his friends.
"You did amazing," Ochaco said as she patted him on the head.
"I just talked to hundreds of thousands of people around the country. You can't get much worse than that, but thankfully it's over," he said sighing as Midnight was getting ready to speak.
Midnight's voice rang through the stadium once more, commanding the crowd's attention. "With that inspiring speech out of the way, let's move on to what you've all been waiting for—the first event of the U.A. Sports Festival!"
The cheers of the audience roared to life again, shaking the very ground beneath the students' feet. Izuku took a deep breath, his nerves still buzzing from his speech, but he forced himself to focus. That was just the beginning. Now, the real challenge began.
Midnight held up a large cue card and dramatically flipped it over. "For our first event… the OBSTACLE COURSE RACE!"
Excited murmurs ran through the students. Some smirked in anticipation, others tensed up, already thinking of strategies.
"The rules are simple!" Midnight continued. "All students from all courses will participate! The first forty-two to cross the finish line will move on to the next round! Anything goes! Use your quirks, use your wits, and most of all, don't get left behind!"
The large screens around the stadium lit up, displaying a digital map of the obstacle course. Izuku's eyes darted across the layout—several sections were marked with question marks, meaning unknown hazards, and others showed treacherous terrain. This would be a fun challenge.
"All participants, make your way to the starting line!" Present Mic announced.
Izuku rolled his shoulders as he got the short end of the stick being stuck right in the middle of the group of students. No matter. He had ways around that. The group of students saw the lights slowly counting down, meaning it was mere seconds before they started.
The tension in the air was palpable as the countdown continued.
5… 4… 3…
Izuku clenched his fists, his legs tensing like coiled springs. He was boxed in by students on all sides, but that didn't matter. He had a plan.
2… 1…
BUZZ!
"Alright! We are off to a racing start! How about some color commentary my man," said Present Mic pointing a finger gun at him.
Aizawa shook his head not realizing what he got himself into. "How the hell did you even get me to do this."
Present Mic grinned, unfazed by Aizawa's deadpan reaction. "C'mon, Eraser, live a little! These kids are giving it their all, and the crowd's loving it!"
"Fine but, they will have to get through the big first obstacle…" he said.
The Doorway.
Before Izuku was about to be crushed by everyone clogging the doorway. Izuku activated Jolt and used Blackwhip at the end of the corridor to propel himself forward. He flew right over the competition smiling as he was one of the first out of the gate. Meaning there were a few others right behind him.
He activated Eagle Eyes to see what was happening behind him and all he saw was this. Todoroki used his ice to freeze most of the competition, Aoyama used his naval laser, Momo made a pole to extend herself all the way up and out of the way, Bakugo used his explosions to push himself out of the ices range and Ichiro and Inori jumped up and out of the way. He was surprised by Inori on one thing.
She was flying. Likely using her telekinesis to lift herself up, which was smart.
"Get the hell back here Deku!" yelled out Ichiro.
"Yeah, what the hell do you think you are doing?" yelled out Bakugo as he launched himself toward him. Izuku knew he needed to do something and that was this.
He decided to use Full Cowling at a different time so he could make things interesting. Jolt on its own was fast enough to speed blitz a lot of people. It was only when it was in unison with One for All at high levels that it would be damaging so he would see this out.
"Well, it looks like Izuku Yagi, the president of Class 1-A is in the lead for now, with his older brother Ichiro Yagi right behind him, followed by his sister Inori Yagi, Shoto Todoroki and Katsuki Bakugo!" AW YEAH! Things are heating up!" yelled out Present Mic.
Izuku grinned as he felt the rush of wind against his face. He had a plan, and it was unfolding perfectly. As he ran, he noticed the towering zero-pointers in the distance he continued to run and switched quickly from Jolt to using 50% of One for All. Time to show those scouts how much strength he had.
Izuku gritted his teeth, feeling the surge of power course through his limbs as he pushed off the ground with explosive force. His muscles tense, his body moving at speeds that left a brief green lightning trail in his wake. The zero-pointers were a daunting sight, their massive steel bodies looming ahead like immovable obstacles.
But to him? They were nothing more than steppingstones.
"Here comes the first major roadblock!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the arena. "Will our racers plow through, dodge around, or—wait, is that Izuku Yagi jumping straight at them?!"
Izuku jumped into the air, cocking his fist back as he launched himself to the zero-pointer. Izuku's fist crackled with energy as he swung forward, slamming directly into the zero-pointer's head with a deafening impact. The sheer force of his punch crumpled the metal like paper, sending the massive robot toppling backward. Dust and debris exploded into the air as the wreckage crashed onto the track, but Izuku was already moving. He twisted midair, Blackwhip lashing out to hook onto another zero-pointer's arm. With a sharp tug, he redirected himself toward the ground, landing in a perfect sprint without losing momentum.
The crowd went wild.
"Holy smokes! Izuku just turned that zero-pointer into scrap metal!" Present Mic's voice echoed across the stadium. "AND HE'S NOT EVEN SLOWING DOWN!"
"Reckless," Aizawa muttered, though there was a hint of approval in his tone.
"Get back here Deku!" yelled out Ichiro as he seemed to be keeping up with him somewhat. Izuku admired the fact that Ichiro was hauling as after him, but something that he noticed was Todokori slowed down the students as he used his ice to glide on top as well as use his flames to get a boost.
Ichiro smirked as he stared at his brother. "That training paid off. Even if I can not use Impact Level 7 constantly, that doesn't mean I can't use it in intervals. So, long as I use it in the spilt second my feet hit the ground, I should be able to stay up here with him."
Inori looked at one of the zero pointers bodies that was in the way and through it to the side of it like it was nothing. Momo fired at one of the giant robots with a cannon showing off her skills.
Izuku was ahead by quite a bit, but he wanted to show off as much of his abilities as possible in a unique fashion. He uses Blackwhip, One for All, and Jolt, but what else could he use next. As he continued to run with the use of Full Cowling he saw that something along the lines of a ravine was coming up with several different platforms.
Izuku's mind worked quickly as he analyzed the upcoming obstacle—The Fall. It was a vast canyon with various platforms floating at different heights, requiring competitors to either jump across or find another way forward.
He grinned. This was the perfect opportunity to mix things up. He jumped into the air once more using Full Cowling as he propelled himself forward using Zephyr Rush in burst similar to what Bakugo does.
Izuku shot forward like a missile, Zephyr Rush bursting from his feet in a controlled explosion of force. The air cracked around him as he propelled himself from platform to platform, barely touching the surfaces before launching to the next.
"For those wondering at home what Izuku Yagi's quirk is, it is known as Stockpile, it is a special stockpiling quirk that allows him to buildup, store, and use energy in many various ways. Some but not limited to, enhanced strength, speed, whips, and more as you are seeing now!" said Present Mic excitedly.
Izuku landed at the other end of the canyon to look back. He saw Ichiro was still up there with him as he hopped from platform to platform. "OOOOH MY! IT LOOKS LIKE SHOTO TODOROKI IS BEING LEFT BEHIND! That is the name of the game folks. Certain people have different quirks that allow them to do well in other areas while in the others they won't do well in. It is about how creative and smart you can get," yelled out Present Mic.
Izuku continued, ready to finish this reactivating 50% of One for All once more and bolted off. He looked up ahead to see that there was one more obstacle. The Minefield.
"Might as well show off a bit," he thought as he ran towards the field, full speed.
As Izuku closed in on the Minefield, his heart raced with excitement. The obstacles ahead were filled with unpredictable dangers—hidden mines buried beneath the cracked ground. He could already see the glimmers of pressure plates beneath the sand, marking spots where the slightest wrong move could trigger an explosion. But he wasn't worried. Not anymore.
"Izuku Yagi's about to enter the Minefield! This is going to be insane, folks!" Present Mic shouted, his voice echoing across the stadium.
Izuku adjusted his stance, focusing on the ground ahead. With the boost from One for All and his heightened reflexes, he could see the pressure plates even before they activated. He would need to stay agile, making every step count. But that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun with it.
He came to a sudden halt just before the grid, analyzing it with precision. In an instant, his Blackwhip lashed out from his back, snaking around one of the larger rocks on the edge of the field. He yanked, using the whip to launch himself high into the air.
As he soared, he extended his arms wide, focusing on the sensation of the wind rushing past him. He felt the energy of One for All coursing through him as he propelled himself higher, just above the grid of mines. From this vantage point, he could see everything. He snapped his legs beneath him and tucked in, getting ready for the landing.
Time slowed as Izuku descended, his body twisting in mid-air. He used a burst of Blackwhip to guide his descent, landing on a high, solid rock formation just beyond the minefield.
"UNBELIEVABLE!" Present Mic screamed. "Izuku just jumped OVER the entire minefield! Can he keep this up?"
Izuku straightened up on the rock formation, the cheers of the audience fueling his adrenaline. His heart pounded, but he had no time to waste. The finish line was just ahead—inside the grand arena looming in the distance.
With a deep breath, he surged forward. Izuku pushed harder. His breath came in steady bursts, his muscles burning from the intense sprint. The roaring crowd became white noise—only the finish line mattered now. With one final push, he launched himself forward, crossing into the arena with a burst of speed. His feet hit the polished stone of the stadium floor, and a few staggering steps later, he skidded past the finish line.
"AMAZING!" Present Mic shouted. "IZUKU YAGI HAS ENTERED THE ARENA AND TAKES FIRST PLACE! THAT HAS TO BE A NEW RECORD FINISH."
Izuku smiled as he looked at everyone cheering him on.
Izuku stood near the finish line, catching his breath as the cheers from the audience filled the stadium. His heart still pounded from the adrenaline rush, his body tingling from the aftereffects of his high-speed dash. He turned back toward the minefield, eyes scanning for the next finisher.
Seconds ticked by. Then—
A streak of movement shot across the last stretch of the course. Ichiro.
With one last surge, Ichiro crossed the finish line, his momentum carrying him a few extra steps before he skidded to a stop.
"ICHIRO YAGI TAKES SECOND PLACE, CROSSING THE LINE JUST 40 SECONDS AFTER IZUKU YAGI!" Present Mic declared. "WHAT A SPECTACULAR FINISH!"
Ichiro panted slightly at the exertion he had on his body, but he had a tick mark on his face. "You've got to be shitting me. How the fuck did you win Deku?" he yelled out to him.
"Cause I was faster," Izuku said to him bluntly.
"No shit I mean…" Ichiro was interrupted from hearing something coming down the tunnel. They saw an ice path being made with flames behind him as Todoroki bulleted his way down the tunnel.
"OH HO! AND HERE COMES SHOTO TODOROKI, TURNING UP THE HEAT AND COOLING DOWN THE COMPETITION AT THE SAME TIME!" Present Mic shouted.
Todoroki's eyes locked onto the finish line; his breath steady despite the sheer velocity he was moving at. As he neared the end of the tunnel, he bent his knees slightly, shifting his weight. With one final, concentrated burst of fire from his left side, he propelled himself forward like a cannonball, ice fracturing beneath him as he shot into the arena.
His boots scraped against the stone floor as he slid across the finish line, the last traces of frost melting away behind him. He came to a smooth halt just past Ichiro, his breath visible in the lingering cold.
"SHOTO TODOROKI TAKES THIRD PLACE!" Present Mic roared, barely able to contain his excitement. "WHAT A FINISH! FIRE AND ICE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN—THIS KID'S GOT IT ALL!"
Just so we are clear. The only other difference is that Bakugo got fourth, while Inori got fifth. Other than that, the rest is cannon.
As the 42 students who passed made it to the center of the arena with Midnight waiting patiently for them.
"Congratulations to the 42 of you who have made it past the first round," she purred, her voice amplified across the stadium. "You've dodged explosions, ice, and even each other, but don't get too comfortable just yet." She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Because the real challenge is only just beginning."
The students straightened up at her words, knowing that whatever came next would be just as intense—if not more—than the race before. Midnight raised a hand, and a large digital screen behind her flickered to life, displaying the words:
SECOND EVENT: CAVALRY BATTLE
Murmurs spread through the students. Some looked intrigued, others wary. Izuku crossed his arms, deep in thought, already strategizing. Ichiro clicked his tongue in annoyance, while Todoroki remained unreadable as usual. Bakugo just grunted, clearly eager to fight regardless of the format.
Midnight continued, drawing their attention back to her. "The rules are simple. You will form teams of two to four members, and one person on each team will be the 'rider' while the others act as their 'horses.' The goal?" She let the anticipation build for a moment before flashing a devilish grin. "Steal as many points from your opponents as possible."
She snapped her fingers, and the screen shifted to display a list of points, each number corresponding to a placement in the obstacle race.
"You are each giving points based on the area you are placed in. 42nd place gets 5, while 41st place gets 10 points, and it continues to go up the scale until you reach the 1st place. 10,000,000 points!" she said making Izuku panic slightly.
"You've got to be kidding," said Izuku as he felt everyone's gaze on him. It felt hungry like they wanted to go after him specifically.
Toshinori smirked at his son making his way into first place, but he said something that was true in every way. "Now, you know what that feeling is. The feeling of being looked at as a goal to achieve. Everyone who is anyone will look at you as if you are at the top. This is a great opportunity to see how you will handle this feeling."
Midnight, still grinning, clapped her hands together. "Now, now, let's not waste too much time standing around. You all have fifteen minutes to form your teams. Choose wisely!"
Izuku remained calm outside but was slightly panicking on the inside. Finding partners would be difficult because they wouldn't want to share the top like many others don't want to. He was a target, and he had to think of something.
"Izuku," Tokoyami said, his dark, brooding presence making itself known. "I am willing to join your team. Dark Shadow thrives in chaos, and I believe you will attract plenty of it."
Izuku's eyes widened. "Tokoyami, you'd really—?"
"It would be an excellent opportunity for growth," he replied simply.
Izuku nodded, feeling a little more confident. "Alright, we need a couple more people. The plan I was thinking was having an offense front which would be you and then a defense left and defense right. Maybe even having a well-rounded team."
Izuku took a deep breath, glancing around the stadium as the other students hurried to form their teams. He already had Tokoyami, which was a huge relief—Dark Shadow's versatility in both offense and defense would be a valuable asset. But they still needed at least two more people.
His eyes flickered toward Ibara, who stood gracefully amidst the crowd, her vine-like hair moving slightly as she observed the chaos. Her Quirk, Vines, would make an excellent defensive wall against incoming attacks. Steeling himself, Izuku approached her.
"Ibara," he said, trying to sound confident. "Would you be willing to join my team? I think your Quirk would be really effective in blocking attacks and keeping opponents at bay."
Ibara studied him for a moment before offering a serene nod. "It would be dishonorable to turn away from such a challenge. If my abilities can assist, I shall lend them to you."
Izuku nodded as he looked around. "Now I need one more," he said trying to spot someone. He smirked as he found her and ran over to her.
"Hey, Yanagi. If you don't have a team. Would you like to be a part of ours?" he asked making the ghostly girl turn around. Her light blue eyes met his gaze as she smiled lightly nodding at him. "Sure Yagi, I wouldn't mind."
Izuku took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts as he began to lay out the plan. His teammates gathered around him, awaiting his strategy.
"Tokoyami, you'll be in the front. You can clear the way for us and deal with any opponents who try to advance toward us. I know you're good at controlling Dark Shadow's aggression, so keep it tight when it comes to the defense, but use its power to disrupt the enemies' formations."
Tokoyami's dark eyes glinted with understanding. "I trust your judgment. Chaos, after all, is a familiar ally."
Izuku nodded, then turned to Ibara, who stood quietly by, awaiting her role. "Ibara, you'll be on the left flank. Your vines will help us control the terrain and block incoming attacks. If any enemies try to breach our defenses, you'll be the first line of defense. Your range and the flexibility of your vines are invaluable, and you'll be able to trap and bind any opponent trying to break through."
Ibara nodded gracefully, her expression serene but resolute. "I shall hold the line. No one shall pass through."
Izuku smiled, then shifted his focus to Yanagi. "And you, Yanagi. You'll be on the right. Your telekinesis can be a great asset in both offense and defense. You'll be able to keep enemies at bay with your floating objects or use them to strike from afar. In case Tokoyami needs assistance on the front line, you'll be able to throw objects to create distractions or even control the battlefield by lifting obstacles in their path."
Yanagi's light blue eyes sparkled with a gentle yet determined light. "I can do that. I'll keep things in motion and make sure we don't get caught off guard. I trust the plan, Izuku."
Izuku grinned, feeling a sense of confidence building within him. "Alright, with all of us in position, we have a solid strategy. Tokoyami will lead the offense, Ibara will hold the left flank, Yanagi will cover the right, and I'll stay in the middle to coordinate everything. Our strength lies in our versatility, and we can adapt to whatever the other teams throw at us."
The team stood together for a moment, each member contemplating their roles, understanding the importance of working together. Izuku felt a weight on his shoulders but also a sense of relief. They had a plan. They weren't just a group of individuals; they were a team.
He looked at the others again, reassured by their unwavering resolve. "Now, let's make sure we communicate throughout this. If anything changes or an opening presents itself, we need to act quickly and adapt. We won't have much time to hesitate."
"Agreed," Tokoyami said, his voice low but firm. "Chaos is our ally, but we must be precise in how we wield it."
Izuku nodded, and the group's collective energy seemed to surge. He could feel the pressure easing off as they came together, each with their own strengths complementing one another. His instincts told him this team could win, as long as they worked together and kept their wits about them.
As the clock ticked down and Midnight's voice echoed over the loudspeakers, signaling that the time to form teams was nearly over, the group took their positions. Izuku glanced once more at his team before he walked confidently toward the designated starting point.
Minutes later, the arena was filled with the thunderous sound of footsteps as the other students rushed to their starting positions. The tension in the air was palpable, the competitive energy rising as the timer began counting down. Izuku's heart raced, but he kept his breathing steady. He had to remain calm and focused on the mission ahead. Thankfully, he inverted the headband to not show the total points, but they would have to capture a few more to make it more believable.
The horn sounded, and the battle began.
THE CAVALRY TEAMS AND POINTS
Team Izuku: Izuku, Tokoyami, Yanagi, Shiozaki (10,000,445 Points)
Team Ichiro: Ichiro, Inori, Tetsutetsu, Rin (605 Points)
Team Bakugo: Bakugo, Sero, Ashido, Kirishima (645 Points)
Team Shinso: Shinso, Uraraka, Jiro, Ojiro (465 Points)
Team Todoroki: Shoto, Momo, Iida, Kaminari (595 Points)
Team Itsuka: Itsuka, Komori, Setsuna, Hatsume (135 Points)
Team Kodai: Kodai, Bondo, Manga, Koda (260 Points)
Team Monoma: Monoma, Kuroiro, Kaibara, Tsuburaba (285 Points)
Team Hagakure: Toru, Pony, Shishida (125 Points)
Team Awase: Awase, Hunenuki, Sato, Aoyama (450 Points)
Team Mineta: Mineta, Tsu, Shoji (420 Points)
NOW ONTO THE BATTLE
Almost immediately, all teams rushed to the number one squad ready to steal the headband worth over 10 million.
The battle began in a flash, with teams springing into action, determined to take the headband from Team Izuku. The air was thick with the sound of rushing feet and shifting strategies. Izuku's team was already on the move, their roles clear in their minds. They were ready to face the onslaught.
"Stay sharp!" Izuku called out to his team as he positioned himself in the center. His eyes scanned the arena, noting the movements of the other teams. "Get ready everyone. This is going to feel weird," he said as he wrapped Blackwhip around the three of them. He activated Jolt along the energy to course from him into them. Ibara, Reiko, and Tokoyami felt a huge surge of energy course through them as Izuku continued what he did. Before Hunenuki could use his Softening on them. Team Izuku bolted out of the way giving them some leverage.
Tokoyami shaking off the feeling glanced back to Izuku. "What was that Yagi?"
"That was me transferring some of my power to you all so that we could move at high speeds for a short moment. I don't know the long-term effects it would have had on you guys if we continued this for long periods of time. But I can transfer some of my energy and power to allow us to do that in a tight pinch like it was for Team Awase back there."
Izuku kept his eyes on the battlefield, noticing how quickly things were escalating. He could see teams closing in from all directions, each one determined to take them down. However, he wasn't worried. His team was ready. The transfer of power had given them the speed they needed to break away from Team Awase's initial advance, but it wasn't going to be easy from here on out. The momentum was on their side, but they had to keep their guard up.
"I'm not used to that kind of speed," Tokoyami said, his voice gruff but steady as he looked ahead, still feeling the effects of Izuku's transfer.
Izuku shot a quick look at him, his expression serious but encouraging. "You did great. We just have to be smart about when to use it. We don't want to burn out too quickly. Like I said, I don't know the effects on everyone else."
"I understand," Tokoyami replied, regaining his composure. His Dark Shadow seemed to pulse with energy as the creature appeared to feed off the boost.
Reiko, on the other hand, was already using her telekinesis to push and pull small debris around her, sensing the atmosphere shifting. "They're closing in," she said calmly, her blue eyes narrowing as she adjusted her stance. "There's no telling which team will strike first."
Izuku gave her a reassuring nod. "At some point, we need to take a headband from another team so that we will have leverage in case our headband does get stolen."
"Got it," Reiko responded, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of weakness in the other teams. "But we need to move fast when the opportunity presents itself."
"I agree," Izuku said, his focus unwavering as he watched Team Todoroki maneuvering towards their position, their icy barrier starting to form again. He could hear the hiss of steam as Todoroki's ice met the heated air of the arena. "Keep your eyes on the prize—no unnecessary risks, everyone. We're not here to play it safe, but we need to be smart."
Ibara nodded, her vines shifting restlessly in the air. "Understood. We move when you say."
Tokoyami, the strategist, was already calculating their next move. "They're coming for us, and Todoroki won't hesitate to use his ice against us. We can't let that slow us down."
Izuku gave a tight smile. "That's why we'll create openings before they can close us in."
"Deku!" yelled out Ichiro as he and his team started to make their way towards him.
"Oh god," said Izuku as he realized they were getting surrounded.
"What the plan, Yagi?" asked Tokoyami preparing Dark Shadow. Izuku looked out of the corner of his eye to see Ichiro cooking back his fist. He activated Impact Drive Level 7.
"Just wait," said Izuku as he started to channel Jolt into his team once more. Ichiro smirked as he prepared for his attack. Something he could use and learn from his father was wind pressure-based attacks. Then again, that was something very common in the Yagi family to use.
"Eat this you damn bastard," Ichiro activated Impact Level 7 for a split-second punching forward as a huge pulse of wind launched at Team Izuku.
"Now!" yelled out Izuku as they dodged out of the way. The attack meant for Izuku was launched at Team Todoroki.
The wind pressure from Ichiro's punch tore through the air with a deafening roar, sending gusts of wind ripping in every direction. The force of the blow caught Team Todoroki off guard as it barreled toward them. The icy barrier that Todoroki had just started to form began to shatter like glass under immense pressure, forcing the team to scramble. Todoroki cursed under his breath, quickly sending up a wall of ice to block the attack from hitting him directly.
"Shit! Go after them," Ichiro said but was punched in the side by Inori, who was glaring at him. "Quit calling our brother names like that! Do it again and I'll drop your sorry ass and make us lose!" she yelled at him back.
"Ichiro's got power, but he's reckless," Tokoyami observed, his eyes flicking toward the boy who was now arguing with his sister.
Ibara looked to her left to see that Team Kodai was running at them.
Bondo's glue quirk was dangerous in close quarters, and Ibara knew it. His team was charging in fast, trying to capitalize on the chaos between Ichiro and Todoroki's teams. If they got caught in the adhesive, escape would be nearly impossible.
"They're coming in from the left!" Ibara warned.
Izuku's mind worked quickly, assessing the situation. Team Todoroki was still recovering from Ichiro's reckless attack, and Ichiro himself was distracted by his sister's outburst. Meanwhile, Team Kodai was closing in with Bondo already launching globs of fast-hardening glue.
"We can't let them pin us down!" Izuku called out. "Tokoyami, Dark Shadow—keep that glue off us!" Izuku shouted out as he launched streams of electricity at them.
Tokoyami nodded, his eyes sharpening as Dark Shadow surged forward, swiping at the incoming blobs of adhesive, breaking them apart before they could land. Yanagi used her telekinesis to push back some of the glue mid-air, buying them more time.
Ibara saw her chance.
Ibara's vines twisted through the air with precision, weaving past Team Kodai's defenses unnoticed. As the chaos continued, she carefully extended her reach, her target clear—the headband secured around Kodai's neck.
Kodai, focused on evading Izuku's electricity and Tokoyami's Dark Shadow, didn't notice the vines slithering toward her until it was too late.
With a sharp tug, Ibara yanked the headband free.
"I got it!" she called out, retracting her vines just as Kodai snapped her head around in alarm.
"What?!" Kodai's usually calm demeanor cracked for a split second as she reached up, only to realize her headband was gone.
Bondo turned sharply, eyes widening in disbelief. "Damn it! They stole it!"
Izuku didn't waste the opportunity. "Fall back now!"
Izuku used Zephyr Rush to help push the group back as Ibara gave him the headband. He put the headband around his neck and even went as far to switch the 10 million points headband.
"AWWW YEAH! TEAM IZUKU STOLE A HEADBAND EVEN THOUGH THEY DIDN'T NEED TO! That's called leverage folks!" yelled out Present Mic.
"Good call, Yagi," Tokoyami remarked, his eyes still scanning the battlefield. "They're shaken, but we can't let up yet."
Izuku nodded, his grip tightening around the headbands. "We need insurance. If anyone targets us, we can afford to lose one without dropping out of the lead."
"DEKU!" yelled Bakugo as his team was going after him.
"Good lord. Do we get a break," said Izuku as he prepared himself.
"Not when we are number 1," replied Reiko launching debris at Team Bakugo.
Izuku barely had time to brace before Bakugo exploded forward, his explosion bursting with force as he propelled himself straight at Team Izuku. His crimson eyes burned with frustration, and that familiar, angry sneer twisted his face.
"I'M TAKING YOU DOWN, DEKU!"
BOOM!
He launched himself forward separating himself from his team.
"Is that even allowed?!" asked some of the fans.
Midnight gave a thumbs-up as she smirked. "It works so long as he doesn't touch the ground."
Tokoyami braced himself for Bakugo as he felt a big pulse of wind behind him. Izuku was holding up his hands and creating several air pulses to throw him off. Bakugo was surprised at their strength of blasts and almost faltered but felt tape rap around his body. Sero pulled him back as they repositioned him to the top part of the group.
"Dude don't be an idiot. Think it through before doing it," Sero said as Izuku's group took off.
"GOD DAMNIT! THEY RAN OFF!" he said bonking Sero on the back of the head.
While he was distracted, Monoma's Team came up behind him. Monoma came up from behind as he snatched the headband. Bakugo sent off a small explosion to him but was surprised to see that Monoma had hardened his arm with Kirishima's quirk.
"Not today, Bakugo. Not. Today," he said laughing manically.
Bakugo's eyes blazed with fury as he saw Monoma swagger away with the headband. "You little—!" He launched himself forward, his explosion lighting up the battlefield with intense force. "I'M GOING TO CRUSH YOU!"
But Monoma was already anticipating his move. With a quick flick of his wrist, he activated the hardened arm of Kirishima's quirk again, his grin widening as Bakugo's blast hit the barrier, causing only a brief flicker of resistance before the explosion dissipated harmlessly against the hardened surface.
"Nice try, Bakugo," Monoma taunted, spinning the headband around his finger with mock casualness. "But this one's mine now."
Monoma already had two headbands with Bakugo making it his third and Bakugo was gritting his teeth.
"AFTER HIM SHITTY HAIR!" yelled Bakugo.
"It's Kirishima!" he yelled out as he ran after them.
Time passed and there were two minutes left on the clock in the cavalry battle. Team Izuku was first, followed by Team Ichiro. In third, Team Bakugo had stolen Team Todoroki's headband with Monoma's team still in 4th place.
"Yagi, we're in the lead, but it's getting tighter!" Reiko called out as she manipulated debris, pushing it away from their path to create an obstacle between them and Team Todoroki, who was getting dangerously close.
"We've got to hang on a little longer!" Izuku shouted back, his eyes scanning the battlefield. The teams had mostly separated, but there were still skirmishes happening all around them. Bakugo's team had reassembled, and they were coming at them with full force. He charged up his Full Cowling to 50% and threw a wind pressure attack at the ground creating a huge shockwave of debris to protect their backs for a while.
Izuku's breath came fast, his heart pounding in his chest as he concentrated on keeping the pressure on. The wind pressure attack sent up a cloud of dust and debris, obstructing the line of sight for Bakugo's team and allowing Izuku's team a brief respite. The shockwave rattled the ground beneath them, and even Team Todoroki had to brace themselves for the disruption.
"Nice one, Yagi!" Reiko called out, spinning the last few pieces of debris around her to form a defensive shield as they darted forward.
Izuku nodded, his eyes flicking to his teammates as they made their way through the shifting chaos. Tokoyami and Dark Shadow were still on edge, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Ibara's vines were twitching, waiting for the next opportunity to strike, while Yanagi's telekinesis kept the team's path clear of anything that might trip them up.
Behind them, the rumble of Bakugo's explosions reverberated, signaling that they wouldn't get much of a break. Izuku turned his focus back to the battlefield ahead, quickly scanning for potential threats. It was all coming down to the final stretch.
"Get ready, everyone. We've got a minute, and a half left," Izuku said, his voice low but determined. "We need to stay ahead of the curve." He looked up to see Todoroki and his team push through the dust and debris and go after them.
Izuku gritted his teeth, feeling the heat from Todoroki's ice surging toward them. A massive glacier erupted from the ground, its jagged spikes aiming to cut off their escape route.
"Brace!" yelled Izuku as he threw a punch of Full Cowling once more to disperse the ice. Cracks spread like lightning across the surface before it shattered into countless shards, scattering across the battlefield. Team Izuku surged forward through the falling debris, determined to maintain their lead.
Todoroki, undeterred, narrowed his eyes. "Not bad, Midoriya, but let's see how you handle this."
With a swift stomp, a wave of ice shot forward, coating the ground in a slick, frozen layer. Reiko reacted instantly, using her telekinesis to lift their team just enough to avoid slipping. Tokoyami extended Dark Shadow outward, anchoring them with its powerful grip, while Ibara's vines wrapped tightly around their legs for stability.
"We're not falling for that," Izuku muttered, charging up another burst of air pressure. He threw another punch and sent the ice away once more.
"Damn, it's too much!" said Iida as an idea popped into his head.
"Alright, Todoroki. I am going to make a move that may or may not prevent me from moving. Just be ready to grab that headband," said Iida revving up his engines.
Iida's engines roared to life, blue flames flaring from his calves as he activated Recipro Burst. His speed surged, and in the blink of an eye, he became a streak of motion, blurring toward Team Izuku at a breakneck pace.
Izuku's instincts screamed at him. Too fast!
Izuku activated Jolt to its maximum ready to counteract this move.
Iida's speed was monstrous—anyone else would have barely registered him moving. But Izuku, having activated Jolt, saw everything in stunning clarity. The world around him moved as if submerged in syrup, every detail laid bare in slow motion.
Todoroki's outstretched hand loomed closer. Too close.
Izuku twisted his body at the last second, bending backward with intense control. His core muscles burned from the strain, but he didn't waver. Not yet.
"I feel like a Jojo character posing in such an awkward position," he thought as he saw Todoroki's hand pass just inches from his headband. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. He knew he couldn't hold this position for long.
Iida, moving at an incredible speed, realized his approach hadn't worked as planned. His eyes widened as he blew past Team Izuku, unable to halt his momentum immediately. The force of his Recipro Burst sent powerful gusts rippling across the battlefield, shaking other competitors in the process.
"I missed?!" Todoroki thought, gritting his teeth. There was no time to hesitate.
Izuku got back up into position and sighed as Iida's legs went into cool down making him unable to move.
Izuku got back up into position and sighed as Iida's legs went into cooldown, rendering him temporarily immobile. That meant Todoroki had lost his best chance to take the headband. But that didn't mean the fight was over.
Todoroki clenched his fists, frustration flickering in his mismatched eyes. "Damn it. We're not done yet."
"Yanagi, clear the ice behind us. We need to keep moving," Izuku commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Before she had the chance to do that there was a horn that sounded and Present Mic announced to the arena. "Alright competitors that is it! Clear the field and we can take a short intermission for our competitors. Here are the top four teams! Team Izuku is first. Team Bakugo is second. Team…oh what a surprise Team Shinso came in clutch with a last-minute grab of the headbands, leaving them in third! That leaves team Ichiro in fourth
Ibara smiled awkwardly as everyone stopped what they were doing. "Does anyone else find that anticlimactic?"
Izuku nodded in return. "Yeah, I did."
"That was a bit of a cutoff," said Tokoyami retracting Dark Shadow but was failing to do so.
"Pssst…hey Yagi," said Dark Shadow trying to get his attention.
"Oh, yeah, what's up Dark Shadow?" he asked wondering what the heck he wanted.
"Fumikage thinks you are strong and super cool," he said getting a thumbs-up. Tokoyami's eyes widened as he forcibly retracted Dark Shadow.
"Alright, let's get lunch," Tokoyami said walking fast away from Team Izuku. He was trying not to show his embarrassment at what Dark Shadow said.
"Ahhhh…you do appreciate Izuku," said Ibara trying to catch up to him. "Leave me alone Shiozaki!" said Tokoyami running away from her.
Izuku watched as Tokoyami quickened his pace, trying to escape the teasing from Ibara. He couldn't help but laugh softly, amused by the entire scene. Even though they were in the middle of a high-stakes competition, it was nice to have moments of lightheartedness amidst all the tension.
"Looks like someone's got a soft spot," Reiko said, her voice full of amusement. "I didn't think Tokoyami would be the type to get flustered so easily."
"I didn't either," Izuku admitted with a grin. "But I guess everyone's got their moments. Dark Shadow knows how to mess with him."
The two were about to walk off when Izuku felt a hand on him. He looked to see Todoroki looked at him not in anger but with curiosity.
"Izuku Yagi. I would like to speak with you. Alone," he said making him curious as well.
"Uh, sure," Izuku said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Let's go find somewhere quiet."
Todoroki led him to a more secluded area, a small alcove near the back of the stadium, where the sound of the crowd was muted. It was just the two of them now, and Izuku could sense that whatever Todoroki wanted to talk about, it was important.
"You wanted to talk?" Izuku asked, trying not to sound too curious, but his mind was racing.
"Be completely honest with me when we talk. I am not here to cause trouble but to simply ask a question. Are you the son of All Might? You and your siblings have very similar attacks to what All Might can do. I want to know if you are a secret love child of All Might," he asked calmly. Izuku's eyes widened as Todoroki had asked this question. He didn't know how to answer and how to tell him. But the truth needed to come out eventually.
He made sure that no one else was there in the hallway they were in and decided to tell him. "Yeah. Ichiro, Inori, and I are the children of All Might."
Todoroki blinked, clearly taken aback by Izuku's sudden confession. His expression was unreadable for a moment as he processed what Izuku had just said. "You're... you're his son?" Todoroki repeated his voice quiet but tinged with disbelief.
Izuku nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him. "Yeah. It's not something I talk about much, but it's true. Ichiro, Inori, and I... we're All Might's children." He could feel the pressure mounting in his chest, the uncertainty of how Todoroki would react gnawing at him. This wasn't something he had ever been open about before, but he knew Todoroki—being someone with a complicated family history of his own—might understand more than most.
For a long moment, Todoroki remained silent, his gaze distant as if he was weighing what Izuku had just shared. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer than before. "I never would have guessed. You don't exactly walk around with a 'son of All Might' sign over your head, and I didn't expect that answer from you." He seemed genuinely surprised, though his tone wasn't accusing, just... curious.
"Yeah, well…it's something I don't want people to know. My family relationship is complicated…with everyone. That is why you don't see me with my siblings much. But, we weren't love children in that sense."
Todoroki nodded. "I am not going to sit here and say I understand what you are going through, but I simply don't. We were going to be secret love children ourselves. My siblings and I, but we didn't. My mom was being sold into a quirk marriage. My father saw this and used his money to 'buy' her figuratively. The moment she stepped into our home he cut off the contract. He said she was a free woman and could do what she wanted with her life. Saying that he would never have forced her into this marriage," he said smiling at his father's selflessness.
"What happened next?" asked Izuku hoping to change the topic.
"She didn't accept it. Saying that any man that was that selfless is worthy to have a wife. Shortly after Toya was born. Then Fuyumi, Natsuo, and then me. The point that I am making is that despite all the twisted things that happened, my father never truly forced my mom to stay with him. We are both the children of the top two heroes. We have a lot to live up to and we can be there for each other when it gets hard." Izuku thought of what he said in return.
"I agree with you. Let's be there for each other when we need it," he said holding out his hand to fist-bump him. Shoto returned the fist bump and smiled. "Don't worry. I won't go telling the world who you and your siblings are and all that. But don't expect me to hold back if we fight."
"Good," said Izuku.
The two of them went on to lunch to eat with their friends hoping to prepare themselves for the tournament to come.
AFTER THE INTERMISSION
"Alright, my little listeners, we've got a special treat for you all today!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium, amplified by the speakers. "Coming all the way from America, we have an exclusive performance from our visiting cheer squad!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as a group of foreign cheerleaders strutted onto the field, waving their pom-poms and flashing dazzling smiles. Their routine was energetic, full of acrobatics and synchronized movements, keeping the audience hyped. The bright colors of their uniforms and the lively music had everyone's attention.
But while most of the crowd was focused on the performance, over by the waiting area, a different kind of commotion was stirring among the students of Class 1-A and 1-B.
Specifically, the girls.
"I can't believe we fell for this! I even went through all of this trouble to go and make us uniforms" Momo Yaoyorozu groaned, crossing her arms in frustration.
"We should've known something was up when Kaminari and Mineta started acting way too helpful," Jiro grumbled, adjusting the hem of her cheerleading skirt with a scowl.
Mina Ashido, however, seemed less bothered, spinning her pom-poms with a grin. "C'mon, it's not that bad! We get to put on a show, and honestly, these uniforms are kinda cute."
The reason for their frustration? Every single girl in Class 1-A and 1-B had been tricked into wearing cheerleading outfits.
As it turned out, Mineta, Kaminari, and Monoma had managed to convince the girls that there was an official rulerequiring all students to participate in the cheer squad during the intermission. Supposedly, it was "tradition" for first-year students at U.A. to entertain the crowd before the finals. And, to make things worse, Monoma had thrown in his usual taunts about "proving which class had better spirit," which only fueled the competitive fire between the two classes.
By the time the girls figured out they had been tricked, it was too late. They were already in uniform, standing on the sidelines, watching the American cheer squad perform.
Ochaco sighed, slumping against Tsuyu. "This is so embarrassing…"
"Ribbit. At least we're not the ones who made up a fake rule," Tsuyu said, her usual calm tone tinged with irritation.
Itsuka and the rest of the Class B girls were also upset at this.
Itsuka Kendo crossed her arms, her fingers twitching as if she was moments away from knocking some sense into Monoma. "I should've known he was behind this," she muttered, her sharp gaze cutting toward the smug blond, who was trying (and failing) to act innocent.
Setsuna, standing beside her, rolled her eyes. "Seriously, how did we all fall for this? I expect Mineta to be a little perv, but Monoma? This is a new low—even for him."
Reiko sighed, her usual monotone voice carrying a slight hint of annoyance. "I suppose we should be grateful that we at least match the official squad… but still."
Meanwhile, Pony Tsunotori adjusted her uniform, her cheeks red. "This is so embarrassing! What if someone back home sees this?!"
Inori grumbled as she tapped her foot in annoyance at the other end from everyone else.
Monoma, standing nearby with his usual cocky grin, chuckled. "Oh, come now, ladies. You should thank us! Think of the school spirit you're all bringing to U.A.!"
His smugness was short-lived.
WHAM!
Kendo's enlarged fist collided with the top of his head, sending him face-first into the floor. "I told you to quit it, Monoma," she sighed, shaking her head as she shrunk her fist back down.
Izuku approached them slowly, and the irate girls were still fuming. "Um…girls?" he asked.
"WHAT?!" shouted many of them, and he flinched.
"If it's any consolation. I think you guys look…pretty…I mean pretty cool! Yeah, pretty cool!" said Izuku trying to catch himself.
Setsuna smirked as she walked over to him. "Ahhh…you think we are cute and pretty. Thanks for the compliment Izuku."
Izuku's face turned beet red as Setsuna grinned mischievously, leaning in just a bit too close for his comfort.
"N-no! I mean—yes! I mean, y-you all look great! But I wasn't trying to—" He stumbled over his words, frantically waving his hands, but that only seemed to encourage her further.
"Don't worry, Izuku," she said, chuckling. "We'll make sure to put on an extra good show, just for you."
The other girls snickered as Izuku flailed, looking for an escape route. Ochaco, still red-faced herself, stepped in. "H-hey, quit teasing him!" she huffed, puffing out her cheeks.
"Yeah, stop doing that," said Jiro annoyed at Setsuna for flirting with him.
Setsuna turned to Jiro with a teasing grin. "Aww, Kyoka, don't tell me you're jealous too?"
Jiro's face turned pink as she scowled. "Shut up. You're just annoying." She crossed her arms and looked away, refusing to give Setsuna the satisfaction of a reaction.
"This doesn't change how embarrassing it is though!" said Komori trying to cover herself in embarrassment.
Izuku looked at the girls and sighed, knowing this was going to be very bold of him. "You know what. Momo. Make me a cheer outfit."
"E-excuse me?!" asked Momo shocked.
"You guys were tricked by Kaminari, Mineta, and Monoma. So, what I am asking you is to make me and the guy version for a cheerleading uniform for myself. I won't have you all go through this alone," he said with conviction making the other girls go silent.
The girls stared at Izuku, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. They had been humiliated by the prank, each of them wearing a cheerleading outfit that they hadn't agreed to, and now, Izuku was offering to join them in the embarrassment?
Momo's eyes widened, her mouth parting as she processed what Izuku had said. "Y-you want me to make you a cheerleading uniform?" she asked slowly, her voice unsure if she had heard him correctly.
Izuku, despite his usual nervousness, stood tall with a determined look on his face. "Yes, I want to join you all. I won't let you girls go through this alone." He gave them all an earnest smile, hoping that his sincerity would help lift their spirits.
The girls' reactions were immediate. Some blinked in surprise, while others blinked twice, trying to make sure they had heard correctly. Then, Ochaco's face broke into a bright, almost relieved smile. She stepped forward, her hands clasped together in excitement.
"Wait, seriously?" Ochaco exclaimed, her voice high-pitched in disbelief. "You really want to be a part of this with us?" She looked at the others, who were starting to nod in agreement.
Mina's face lit up, her earlier frustration fading. "Izuku, that's so sweet! You're actually willing to go through this too? You're the best!" She gave him a thumbs-up, her pom-poms shaking slightly in her excitement.
Izuku blushed but held his ground. "I just think it's only fair. You guys got tricked, and you shouldn't have to do this alone. Besides, it'll be fun, right?"
Momo, still stunned, gave a small smile. "Well… if you're serious about this, I suppose I could design a uniform for you," she said turning around and making him a uniform from her quirk.
"Here you are Izuku," she said handing it to him. "Alright, thank you Momo," he said running off to the tunnel to change real quick. Tsu then realized something that no one had thought of.
"Wait. How did you know the size of clothing he wore?" asked Tsu looking at Momo.
Momo's face turned a deep shade of pink at Tsuyu's sudden question, her hands fidgeting awkwardly with the fabric of the cheer uniform. "I don't know what you are talking about."
Tsuyu gave Momo an expectant look, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "Ribbit, I don't know if I believe that." She was clearly not letting it go.
Momo flustered more, her hands now wringing the fabric nervously. "It's just that… I wanted to make sure it would fit! I mean, we don't have much time, and—" Her voice trailed off, and she was quickly running out of excuses.
The girls began to snicker at Momo's discomfort. Mina raised an eyebrow and teased, "You sure seem to know a lot about his measurements for someone who didn't, y'know, measure him." She wiggled her fingers in air quotes as she mimicked the motion of taking measurements, causing Momo to blush deeper.
Pony tilted her head to the side and smiled. "So, you do know his size of clothing?"
Momo's face turned a shade of red that seemed to rival her uniform, and she desperately looked for an escape from the mounting teasing. "I-I really don't know what you're all talking about!" she stammered, her voice high-pitched as she fidgeted with the fabric in her hands. "I just… I mean, I've seen him around enough to guess!" She shot a quick, nervous glance toward Izuku, who was still changing behind the curtain, and immediately wished she could vanish into thin air.
Tsuyu's eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing look settling in. "Ribbit, uh-huh. You've seen him around enough, huh?" she teased, leaning closer with a small, sly grin. "You sure about that?"
Momo let out a frustrated sigh, realizing she was cornered. The giggling from the rest of the girls didn't help her nerves. "Okay, okay! I admit it!" she said in defeat, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "I've noticed his build before, and I just… guessed. I didn't want to make it too big or too small!" She avoided eye contact with Tsuyu, who was now raising her eyebrows knowingly.
"What other sizes were you looking at on Izuku, Momo?" asked Mina clearly trying to get a reaction.
Momo turned into a tomato and ran behind Ibara with a huge blush on her face. "This is so embarrassing. I didn't mean to make it weird, I swear!" she muttered, her voice muffled by Ibara's shoulder as she tried to avoid eye contact with everyone.
Ibara, who had been silent throughout most of the teasing, couldn't help but smile at Momo's flustered state. She patted Momo on the back sympathetically. "Hey, it's okay. They're just messing with you. You didn't do anything wrong," she said softly, trying to calm her friend down. Still, even she couldn't resist the slightest chuckle at the situation.
"Hey guys where did Izuku go," asked Kirishima.
"He is going to have a cheerleading uniform on to make us feel better," said Toru pumping her fist in the air.
"That's awesome. I can wear one too if you guys want. If it is Izuku doing it then it is the manliest thing to do," he said with his fist clenched. "I mean, if Izuku can do it, I can totally do it too!" Kirishima said with a grin, his muscles flexing as if ready for action. His boisterous nature seemed to lighten the mood, making the girls feel less self-conscious about the whole situation.
"You know, I think I'd rather not see you in a cheerleading outfit," Jiro said, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. "The thought of you shaking pom-poms…" She raised an eyebrow, letting the words hang in the air.
Kirishima scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed by the comment, but he just laughed it off. "Hey, I could be awesome at it! Just wait and see."
Momo, who stopped blushing, went up to Kirishima to ask an embarrassing question. "Ok, what is your size of clothing."
Kirishima blinked, clearly caught off guard by Momo's sudden question. "Huh? My size?" He scratched his head, looking at Momo with a slightly confused expression. "Uh, I have a large in both my pants and shirt." Kirishima looked to see the girls were all laughing now with Momo making blush. "Ok, here you are," she said handing it to him.
"Alright thanks," he said running off to go change too.
With him gone, the girls started to giggle at Momo. "So, you did know what size Izuku was," exclaimed Setsuna.
Momo's face turned crimson again at Setsuna's teasing, and she quickly tried to backpedal. "I-I didn't know! I just guessed based on his build!" she stammered, her hands fidgeting nervously in front of her. "It's not like I—" She cut herself off, realizing she was digging herself into a deeper hole with every word.
"Sure, Momo," Mina teased, her voice dripping with amusement. "You just 'guessed.'" She shot a playful glance at the others. "I mean, we've all seen Izuku around, right? You really have to guess when it comes to sizing?"
Momo felt her heart race as the girls started laughing again, and she quickly found herself hiding behind Ibara's back once more, her face still burning. "This is so embarrassing," she muttered under her breath, hoping that the teasing would stop soon.
Inside the changing room, Izuku took a deep breath before slipping into the cheerleading uniform Momo had designed. It was surprisingly well-made, and the fabric was flexible enough to allow for movement without being too tight or uncomfortable. It was a pretty simple design of a tight orange T-shirt with the words U.A. on it and black pants to match but it looked good, nonetheless.
As some chaos unfolded behind the scenes, the crowd remained fully engaged in the American cheer squad's routine.
"AND THAT, MY FRIENDS, WAS A SHOW-STOPPING PERFORMANCE!" Present Mic announced, his voice booming across the stadium. "But wait—WHAT'S THIS?! LOOKS LIKE CLASS 1-A AND 1-B ARE GETTING FESTIVE!"
The girls all stood there with more confident looks than before now with Izuku and Kirishima out there by their side. Izuku looked to see Jiro hiding slightly behind him.
"It'll be alright Kyoka," he said patting her shoulder. "Dude, this doesn't make it any less embarrassing," she said not wanting to show people what she looked like.
"I think you look great. Now come on. We are doing this together anyway," he said grabbing her wrist. Jiro gave Izuku a nervous glance, but his kind words reassured her.
"Yeah, yeah, nerd I know," she said poking him with her Earphone Jack.
Midnight strutted onto the stage, her whip resting on her shoulder as she surveyed the crowd with a mischievous smirk. The stadium erupted in cheers as she raised her microphone, her voice echoing through the arena.
"Alright, my little future heroes, we will have some fun with the recreational games, but right now, I'll explain the real test of strength and skill—the One-on-One Fighting Tournament!" Midnight announced with excitement, her tone commanding everyone's attention.
The students who had qualified stood in a line, each of them focused and ready for the battles ahead. Some were stretching, others were strategizing in their minds, but all of them knew that this was their moment to shine.
Midnight continued, "Here's how it works! Each match will be a one-on-one fight. The conditions for victory are as follows:
Knock your opponent out!
Render them unable to move!
Force them out of bounds!
Or make them surrender!
However!" she added with a playful yet firm edge to her voice. "Lethal force is strictly prohibited. If I or another referee determine that a contestant is trying to seriously harm their opponent beyond reason, you will be immediately disqualified!"
She let that sink in before clapping her hands together. "Now then! The matchups have been decided by lottery. Let's see who's going to be facing off first!"
The big screen in the stadium lit up, displaying the randomized matchups. The students were tensed as they watched the names appear, some internally groaning at their luck while others smirked in anticipation.
"Excuse me, Lady Midnight. I would like to withdraw from the match," said Ojiro raising his hand.
Midnight raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Ojiro's sudden declaration. The stadium fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning toward him as he stood in the middle of the line. Ojiro looked calm, but his stance was firm, his gaze locked on Midnight as if he'd already made up his mind.
"Is that so, Ojiro?" Midnight asked, her tone was playful but curious. "You wish to withdraw from the tournament before it even begins?" She glanced at the students around him, some of them exchanging confused looks. Ojiro nodded; his expression determined.
"Yes," Ojiro replied, his voice steady. "I've been reflecting on my abilities, and I don't think I'll be able to give it my all in this match. I'd rather step aside and allow someone else the chance to compete. Not to mention the fact that I don't remember anything at all. I don't think it would be fair to do that while someone else could go and someone who had earned it."
Jiro slowly raised her hand too. "I would like to do that as well. For the same reasons as Ojiro."
Midnight's expression shifted slightly, her playful smile now replaced with a more thoughtful look as she listened to Ojiro and Jiro's reasoning. The stadium remained quiet; the other students seemingly unsure of how to react to such unexpected moves.
"Hmm," Midnight said, tapping her microphone thoughtfully against her chin. "So, both of you are voluntarily withdrawing from the tournament for the same reason: concerns about your readiness. I can respect that, and I admire your self-awareness. However, I do need to remind you that this is a test of strength and resolve. A lot can be learned through this experience, even if you're not fully confident. But I understand if you're not comfortable pushing forward under these conditions."
She paused, her gaze flickering between Ojiro and Jiro, then glanced over at the students gathered. "Alright then. You two are excused from the tournament. I'm sure everyone will be understanding of your decisions. But," she added with a grin, "this also means that your spots will be opened for someone else."
"Wait! Kyoka, are you sure? You worked hard to get here," said Izuku looking at her shocked that she would do this.
Jiro shifted her gaze from Izuku, her expression a mix of apprehension and quiet resolve. She gave him a small, almost apologetic smile, her shoulders slightly slumped from the weight of her decision.
"Yeah, I'm sure, Izuku," she said softly. "Besides. I know when I am beat."
"Alright, alright. If these two have decided not to participate. Then we will look to Team Todoroki who placed fifth. Which two would like to participate?"
"I believe that should be up to my other teammates," said Iida. "I failed to help them during the cavalry battle. Therefore, it should be up to them," said Iida robotically chopping his arm.
"Yeah, I agree. I didn't do much," said Kaminari shyly.
After a moment of hesitation, Todoroki stepped forward, his voice carrying clearly through the stadium. "I will participate," he said, his tone calm and collected. "If Momo agrees, then we'll represent Team Todoroki."
Momo glanced at him, her lips curling into a small but determined smile. She stepped forward as well, nodding resolutely. "I'll join you, Todoroki," she said, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "We'll make the most of this opportunity."
The crowd erupted into applause, some cheering for the powerful combination of Todoroki's ice and fire abilities and Momo's tactical genius. Team Todoroki had been known for their strength and coordination, and now they were stepping up to fill the gap left by Ojiro and Jiro.
"Good then let us show those matchups," she said pointing to the screen.
Round 1
Izuku Yagi vs. Hitoshi Shinso
Inori Yagi vs. Hanta Sero
Mina Ashido vs. Ibara Shiozaki
Ichiro Yagi vs. Shoto Todoroki
Reiko Yanagi vs. Hiryu Rin
Fumikage Tokoyami vs. Momo Yaoyorozu
Enjiro Kirishima vs. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu
Katsuki Bakugo vs. Ochaco Uraraka
The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the matchups flashed across the large screen. Students exchanged nervous glances, sizing up their opponents, while others whispered strategies. The tournament was about to begin, and it was clear that this would be one of the most intense competitions in U.A.'s history.
"Before that, we will do the recreational events. The people in the tournament can participate if they want but do not need to if they do not want to," said Midnight hitting a seductive pose to the audience.
Many did different things to try and relax before then. Many cheered their classmates on. Some tried to find a place to relax, and many warmed up to prepare themselves for the tournament. But time started to dwindle down, it was soon time for the One-on-One Tournament to start.
The air in the stadium was electric as the students stretched and mentally prepared for what was to come. Midnight had made sure everyone understood that the recreational events were optional, but many took the opportunity to warm up, chat with their teammates, or just take a moment to calm their nerves before the One-on-One Tournament began.
Izuku changed back into his U.A. gym uniform to fight this Shinso guy. He did get a heed of warning from Ojiro and Kyoka to not talk to him at all. This would be an interesting fight to say the least.
The excitement in the stadium reached a fever pitch as the crowd's cheers and murmurs filled the air. The students who had participated in the recreational events slowly began to filter back into the stands, some wiping sweat from their brows while others found their seats, eyes focused on the arena. Midnight stood at the center, a grin playing on her lips as she surveyed the crowd.
"Alright, everyone!" she announced, raising her arms to capture the audience's attention. "It's time to get things started! The One-on-One Tournament is about to begin, and you're going to witness some of the most incredible battles U.A. has ever seen!"
With that, the lights dimmed, and the giant screen above flickered to life, displaying the first match. The tension in the air grew even thicker as Midnight pointed toward the entrance.
"And now," she continued, her voice amplified, "let's welcome our first contestants to the stage!"
As Midnight gestured toward the entrance, Present Mic's voice boomed through the speakers, full of energy. "AHEM! ARE YOU READY?! LET'S GO! IT'S TIME FOR THE FIRST ROUND TO BEGIN!"
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers as Present Mic continued. "At one end, we've got the young hero-in-training, the boy who never gives up, the one with a heart as big as his powers, IZUKU YAGI FROM THE HERO COURSE!"
Izuku walked out of the tunnel, his fists clenched, ready for the match ahead. He waved briefly to the audience, his nerves evident but determination shining through. His eyes scanned the stands before locking on his opponent's entrance.
"And in the opposite corner," Present Mic continued, his voice full of excitement, " not much is known about this guy, but we do know one thing, he is HITOSHI SHINSO FROM THE GENERAL COURSE!"
Hitoshi stepped out onto the arena floor, his calm, confident demeanor contrasting with Izuku's intense focus. His purple hair swayed slightly in the breeze, and his eyes locked onto Izuku with a steely gaze. The tension between them was palpable, as both knew this fight would not be easy.
With the announcement complete, the two combatants stared each other down. Midnight, holding her microphone, gave the final countdown. "Begin!"
And just like that, the first match of the One-on-One Tournament began!