Chapter 17: UA Sports Festival Part II
Shinso stared down Izuku with a smirk on his face as Izuku looked at him seriously.
"You must be feeling pretty good, huh?" Shinso taunted, his voice laced with amusement. "Making it this far, standing on this stage, all eyes on you. Bet you think you've got this in the bag."
Izuku ripped off his left arm sleeve, confusing some of the audience members, as he wrapped it around his mouth.
Shinso stared at him, momentarily caught off guard. "What…?"
Izuku finished tying the fabric securely around his mouth, effectively preventing himself from speaking. His eyes, sharp with determination, locked onto Shinso's. The audience murmured in confusion, some wondering if this was some sort of strange battle tactic, while others quickly caught on.
Shinso clicked his tongue, annoyed but not defeated. "So, you figured it out. Clever. But that won't be enough to win."
Izuku only raised a brow before extending out Blackwhip wrapping it around him and dragging him across the concrete towards the line at blinding speed.
The crowd erupted into gasps as Shinso skidded across the concrete floor, his boots scraping against the surface as he struggled to stop himself from being dragged toward the boundary line.
It took only a couple of more seconds before Shinso was across the boundary line.
The stadium fell into a stunned silence as the realization set in—Shinso had lost. The referee blew the whistle, confirming what was already clear.
"SHINSO IS OUT OF BOUNDS! IZUKU YAGI ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!" Midnight's voice boomed through the speakers.
The crowd erupted, some cheering wildly for Izuku's victory, others murmuring in disbelief at how quickly the match had ended.
Shinso lay sprawled on the ground outside the ring, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His fingers curled into fists, frustration boiling inside him. That was it? That fast? After everything?
Izuku, still standing inside the ring, unwrapped the fabric from around his mouth and took a deep breath. He stepped forward, peering down at Shinso with an unreadable expression.
"That was impressive," he said, offering a hand. "You almost had me for a second."
Shinso looked at the hand but didn't take it immediately. Instead, he let out a short, bitter chuckle. "Sure man," he said finally reaching up and grasping Izuku's hand, letting himself be pulled up.
"Listen Shinso. If your quirk does what I think it does. You will make a great hero. I do not want you to give up on your dream of being one. I expect to see you and fight alongside you in the future," said Izuku still shaking his hand.
Shinso stared at Izuku, his expression caught between disbelief and something else—something deeper. A great hero? The words rang in his ears, cutting through the frustration of his loss.
For years, people had dismissed his Quirk as something villainous. It was always the same reaction: fear, distrust, even disgust. But here was Izuku Yagi—one of the strongest contenders in the entire festival—telling him that he had the potential to be a hero.
Shinso clenched his jaw, his fingers still wrapped around Izuku's hand. He wanted to brush it off, to scoff and tell him that empty words didn't change reality. But something in Izuku's eyes told him he wasn't just saying it to be nice—he meant it.
Finally, Shinso sighed and pulled his hand away. "Tch… don't think this means I'll start being all buddy-buddy with you," he muttered. "But… I'll remember that."
Izuku grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "That's all I ask." He froze up and went into a numbed state signifying that Shinso's quirk was in play.
Shinso smirked as he undid his quirk. "That was the work of my quirk."
Izuku blinked rapidly as he snapped out of the trance, realizing what had just happened. His body had gone rigid for those few seconds, completely unresponsive.
Shinso smirked, crossing his arms. "You see? If you hadn't already won, that would've been the perfect opening. A second too late, though."
Izuku let out a breath, rubbing his temples. "Yeah… your Quirk is dangerous in a fight. If you had more time to train, I might not have had a chance."
Shinso's smirk faltered just slightly, his fingers twitching. "Yeah, well… not like that matters now. I lost."
Izuku frowned, stepping closer. "That doesn't mean anything. Everyone loses at some point, but what matters is how you use it to get stronger."
Shinso scoffed. "Easy for you to say. You've got a flashy Quirk. People don't look at you and assume you're some villain-in-the-making."
Izuku's eyes softened. "Shinso, I don't think power makes someone a hero or a villain. It's what you do with it. And you? You're not giving up."
Shinso looked at him, a little stunned, before shaking his head. "Hmph. You're annoyingly optimistic, you know that?"
Izuku chuckled. "Yeah, I get that a lot."
From the stands, the audience was still buzzing. Some were still cheering for Izuku's victory, while others murmured in shock at how short the fight had been. But a select few were watching Shinso with different eyes now.
Aizawa, his sharp gaze focused on the two students, let out a quiet hum. "That kid…" He could see something in Shinso, something raw but promising. With the right training, he could go far.
Shinso sighed. "Alright Yagi. You better not lose in some dumb way, but I doubt that you will. I will beat you next time we face off."
Izuku grinned. "I'll be looking forward to it."
As Shinso walked off the stage, the weight of the match still lingering in his mind, he clenched his fists. He may have lost, but something had shifted. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as far away from his dream as he thought.
"Alright let us move on to the next match!" yelled out Present Mic as the two next contestants were making their way to the arena. Izuku got up to the 1-A box to see his classmates waiting for him.
Izuku barely had time to step into the 1-A viewing box before he was met with an enthusiastic greeting.
"Deku! That was amazing!" Uraraka beamed, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Tch…whatever…" said Bakugo grumbling to himself.
Izuku ignored him and walked over to sit by Jiro and Shoji. "You did good, Yagi," replied Shoji.
Izuku gave Shoji a grateful nod, settling into the seat next to him. "Thanks, Shoji. I feel like I could've done more, though. Shinso's Quirk is dangerous, and if I wasn't careful…"
"You handled it well," Jiro interjected, offering him a small smile. "You didn't let his mind control get to you, and that's a huge plus. Not everyone could do that. I didn't anyway. I was walking over to you to be on your team to the cavalry battle when he put me under. I didn't remember much of anything until someone bumped into me."
Shoji let out a low hum, clearly understanding the severity of the situation. "That's pretty terrifying. It's one thing to be caught in a fight with someone who can overpower you, but another entirely when they control your mind like that. Shinso's Quirk is a real threat."
Izuku absorbed Shoji's words as Present Mic started to announce the next two competitors. It was his turn to sit back and watch.
"On one side of the corner, we have a fiery girl, from the class of 1-B. She came here to eliminate the competition. Here is Inori Yagi of the Hero Course!" Inori stepped on stage flipping her hair out of the way to stare down her opponent on the other end.
"Her opponent is from Class 1-A! With agility, precision, and the power of his tape, he's looking to wrap up the competition! Give it up for Hanta Sero!"
Sero stepped onto the stage with a confident grin, rolling his shoulders as he eyed Inori. "Eliminate the competition, huh?" he said, flexing his fingers as strips of tape extended from his elbows. "Guess I'll have to make sure I'm not on that list."
Inori popped her neck as she looked down at Sero. "Whatever you say, man." Midnight put her hand into the air to begin the match as she looked at the two competitors.
The tension in the arena heightened as Midnight raised her hand. "Ready… Set… Go!" She brought her hand down with a swift motion, signaling the start of the match.
Sero wasted no time in launching tape from both of his elbows as he launched them at Inori. Inori flicked her wrist using her telekinetic power to toss the tape to the side.
Sero tried to control the tape but couldn't no matter what his effort. In the blink of an eye, Inori closed the distance, sending a hard punch right at his chest, launching him towards the out-of-bounds line. Sero couldn't get a good grip as he flew past the line and landed with a hard thud.
Sero groaned as he pushed himself up, rubbing his chest where Inori had landed the hit. Midnight glanced at him before raising her whip.
"Sero is out of bounds! Inori Yagi wins the match!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs. Some were impressed by the sheer speed and power of Inori's attack, while others whispered among themselves about how quickly the fight had ended.
Izuku leaned forward, watching as Inori turned away from Sero without a second glance, walking back toward the waiting area.
"She didn't waste any time," Jiro commented. "Didn't even let him get a second move in."
"She's efficient," Shoji added. "A lot of people underestimate telekinesis, but she's got control and precision. That's a dangerous combination."
Izuku hummed in agreement, watching as Inori exited the stage. She carried herself with confidence, her posture never faltering.
Down in the arena, Sero sighed, brushing some dust off his uniform. "Man… that was over fast," he muttered, shaking his head. He glanced over at Inori, who didn't spare him another look. "Guess I'll have to work on my speed…"
Jiro looked to Izuku who was quiet for the most part. He had an analytical look on his face as he looked at his sister leaving the arena. He was subconsciously tapping his foot, showing he was either anxious or full of pent-up energy. His sister wasn't the best to him, and he knew that, but that didn't make Jiro worry about him any less.
"You good dude?" asked Jiro as she placed a hand on his making him jump slightly.
Izuku blinked, shaking himself out of his thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said quickly, offering Jiro a small smile.
She didn't look convinced. "You sure? You were kinda… tense there for a second."
Izuku sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just…a lot…but I'll be fine. Don't worry about it," he said smiling slightly at her, secretly hoping she wouldn't push the subject.
Jiro didn't look entirely convinced, but she decided to drop it—for now. "Alright, but don't go bottling things up, okay?" Izuku nodded, appreciating her concern, even if he wasn't ready to unpack everything just yet. He turned his attention back to the arena as the next set of competitors were preparing for their match.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, let's keep this tournament rolling! Up next, we've got a battle of agility, acid, and grace! Introducing, from Class 1-A, the ever-energetic, ever-unpredictable queen of the dance floor…MINA ASHIDO!"
Mina bounced onto the battlefield with a bright grin, striking a playful pose as she waved to the crowd. "Let's gooo!" she cheered, already brimming with excitement.
"And her opponent, from Class 1-B! She fights with unwavering ferocity and power. Here to wipe out the competition. IBARA SHIOZAKI!" called out Present Mic.
Ibara frowned slightly at Present Mic's words. "Excuse me sir," she called out to him.
Ibara frowned slightly at Present Mic's words. "Excuse me, sir," she called out to him, her voice carrying a calm but firm presence. "I do not seek to 'wipe out' anyone. My goal is simply to prove myself as a hero and walk the path the Lord has set for me."
Present Mic blinked at the correction before letting out a sheepish chuckle. "Uh—right! My bad! But let's see what divine strength you bring to the battlefield!"
Mina tilted her head, grinning as she stretched her arms. "Ooooh, fancy talk. Guess I better take this seriously, huh?"
Ibara nodded solemnly, clasping her hands together as her vine-like hair began to subtly shift around her, like a living shield waiting to strike. "It would be wise."
Midnight raised her hand, looking between the two competitors. The anticipation in the air thickened, the crowd falling into hushed murmurs.
"Begin!"
Mina shot forward immediately, acid-secreting from her feet as she used it to boost her momentum. She spun, launching a glob of acid directly at Ibara.
Ibara's vines reacted instantly, growing outward to block the attack. The acid sizzled upon contact, eating away at the outermost layers, but the sheer mass of her vines absorbed most of the damage.
Mina expected this. Instead of waiting, she pushed forward, twisting her body mid-air and sending another shot toward Ibara's flank.
Mina barely had time to react as she felt herself being lifted off the ground, Ibara's vines coiling tightly around her limbs.
"Put me down, dammit!" she growled, struggling against the ever-tightening grip.
"Of course," Ibara said calmly, barely breaking a sweat. With a flick of her wrist, she sent Mina hurtling toward the out-of-bounds line.
Mina twisted in midair, her instincts kicking in as she released a concentrated burst of acid from her palms. The corrosive liquid struck the ground below her, melting a small crater into the arena floor. Using the momentum from her spin, she angled her body and kicked off the melting stone, propelling herself back toward Ibara before she could fully register the escape.
The crowd gasped as Mina flipped through the air, landing on the ground with a skid.
"Oh-ho! Now that was slick!" Present Mic shouted, his voice booming through the stadium.
Mina grinned, breathing heavily as she wiped some sweat from her brow. "Phew… thought I was done for a second."
"You are done. I was just giving you a few more seconds," said Ibara as vines tightened around Mina's legs once more. The crowd gasped as Mina struggled, trying to melt through the vines with her acid, but Ibara had anticipated that. The vines holding her were thicker, reinforced with layers that could withstand the corrosive effects just long enough.
"It's over," Ibara stated solemnly.
With one swift motion, she swung her arm, and the vines obeyed. Mina was lifted off the ground and hurled through the air. She flailed, desperately trying to grab onto something, anything, but there was nothing to save her.
She sailed past the boundary line and landed with a loud thud outside the ring.
Midnight immediately raised her whip. "Mina Ashido is out of bounds! Ibara Shiozaki wins the match!"
The stadium erupted in cheers and murmurs. Some applauded Ibara's precise and methodical approach, while others groaned, clearly hoping for a longer battle.
Mina lay on her back for a moment, staring at the sky. Then, with a tired sigh, she sat up, rubbing the back of her head. "Man… I really thought I had her for a second."
Ibara walked over, offering a polite bow. "You fought well. Your spirit and adaptability are admirable."
Mina blinked before grinning up at her. "You're way too nice about kicking my butt."
Ibara gave a small smile. "It was an honorable match."
Mina chuckled as she took Ibara's offered hand and got to her feet. "Guess I'll have to work on my anti-vine strategies."
Back in the stands, Class 1-A was surprised to see the head of Monoma pop up from the other side, ready to mock Class 1-A for losing.
"Nice job, Class 1-A!" Monoma's voice carried over the crowd, dripping with sarcasm. "You're really showing the world what 'top-tier heroes' are made of! First, Mina, and now—who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky next time."
"Monoma, shut up," came a voice from the Class 1-A side. It was Kirishima, grinning through gritted teeth. "I swear, one of these days—"
"Save it, bitch," Monoma interrupted a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm just saying, you guys need to step it up. We've got talent in Class 1-B who know how to win battles, not just put on a show for the crowd." He shot a smug glance at Ibara, who stood with a poised expression as she accepted the praise from her fellow students.
"Ibara's been incredible," Izuku murmured under his breath, nodding in acknowledgment of her skill. "Her control over the vines… and that speed…"
Jiro, who had been silently watching, gave him a concerned look. "Are you sure you're alright? You're kind of zoning out again."
Izuku blinked and immediately snapped out of his thoughts. "Yeah, sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm fine. Just… analyzing things."
Everyone then turned to see a raised hand over Monoma's head coming down to chop him on the neck. The blow was swift, and Monoma yelped, instantly flinching away from the unexpected strike.
Itsuka peeked her head over smiling. "Sorry guys, Monoma is a bit of a dunce."
Monoma rubbed his neck, glaring at Itsuka with a mix of annoyance and disbelief. "You didn't have to hit me so hard!" he grumbled, clearly not enjoying being on the receiving end of the playful strike.
Itsuka smirked down at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maybe you'll think twice before running that mouth of yours," she said, patting him on the head as if he were a child. "Honestly, though, you've been asking for it."
Monoma muttered under his breath but didn't argue further, clearly realizing that teasing Class 1-A wasn't worth his teammates' punishment.
"Alright, onto the fourth match, folks. From Class 1-A. He brings the heat and will send chills down your spine. SHOTO TODOROKI! And his opponent, from Class 1-B, a fighter known for her overwhelming stamina and speed, ICHIRO YAGI!"
Ichiro and Shoto walked up staring at each other with calculating eyes. Shoto from his right could hear his mother screaming from the audience. "Beat him up Shoto! You can do this!" Shoto sweat dropped as he saw his dad trying to calm her down but he nodded in her direction. He looked at Ichiro who was in a fighting position.
"So, I finally get to fight Izuku's brother," said Shoto as he popped his shoulder.
Ichiro smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stretched his arms. "Not just Izuku's brother, but the one who's probably going to give me a real challenge."
"Cocky and arrogant. How the hell does Izuku deal with you?" asked Shoto curiously. Ichiro glared in annoyance.
"Begin!" called out Midnight, commencing the battle.
Shoto immediately sent ice in Ichiro's direction. Ichiro activated Impact Drive and sidestepped the ice in the blink of an eye.
He activated Level 7 for a split second sending a powerful wind-pressurized punch in his direction breaking and shattering the ice. Ichiro smirked as he looked to Todoroki holding himself up with the ice wall behind him.
"You ain't winning this battle dude," said Ichiro as he was hoping on his feet.
"Let's see if you can handle this," Shoto muttered, focusing his attention on the battlefield. He summoned a large wall of ice, but instead of just using it defensively, he aimed to trap Ichiro inside with a series of thick barriers on all sides.
Ichiro grinned, clearly relishing the challenge. "Nice try," he said with a confident tone, and then in an instant, his body exploded with speed. He activated his Impact Drive, focusing his energy in his legs as he launched himself forward with incredible force. The ground cracked beneath him as he dashed toward Shoto's ice wall.
Shoto's eyes widened in surprise. "He's fast!" he thought. The speed at which Ichiro moved was something Shoto hadn't anticipated. Just as the ice walls closed in on Ichiro, he threw a punch forward, generating a powerful shockwave that rippled through the air. The wave shattered the ice like glass, sending shards flying in every direction.
"Impressive," Shoto admitted, though he didn't let his guard down. He immediately formed a ring of ice around Ichiro, trapping him in a confined space.
But Ichiro wasn't fazed. He tilted his head, sizing up the situation. "You've got the power, but I've got the precision." With a swift movement, he activated his quirk once again. His fists slammed into the ground, sending another shockwave that broke through the ice and pushed Shoto back. The force of the impact was so powerful that Shoto barely managed to keep his footing.
"This guy doesn't stop!" Shoto thought, narrowing his eyes. Ichiro was relentless, each attack aimed at breaking through his ice defenses with impressive precision. The more Shoto tried to keep him trapped, the more Ichiro adapted, countering his every move. Shoto decided to try something risky and use both fire and ice at the same time.
With a quick inhale, Shoto decided it was time to go all-in. He focused his energy on both of his hands, one channeling the cold, the other the heat. The temperature around him dropped sharply as he created a thick ice storm at his feet, but in the same motion, his right hand erupted in a burst of flame. The two elements clashed around him, creating a steam fog that swirled through the arena.
Ichiro watched Shoto's transformation with narrowed eyes, his smirk fading slightly. "What is he doing?" he thought, but before he could fully react, Shoto released a blast of fire toward Ichiro. The fire shot through the air like a wild beast, but Ichiro was quick to react.
He sidestepped the attack with his typical speed, but just as he did, Shoto's ice shot from the ground beneath him. The floor froze under Ichiro's feet, trying to pin him in place. Ichiro, sensing the trap, immediately activated Impact Drive, causing a powerful shockwave to break the ice at his feet. But as he did, the fire that Shoto had sent toward him swirled into the ice storm and exploded, sending shards of ice and fire flying in all directions.
"Dammit!" Ichiro grunted as he barely managed to keep his footing amidst the chaos. The air was filled with steam and smoke, making it hard for him to see. His body was still vibrating from the shockwave, and he felt the heat from Shoto's flames stinging at his skin.
Shoto didn't give him a chance to recover. With precise control, he alternated between fire and ice, creating a barrage of attacks that kept Ichiro on the defensive. Each time Ichiro broke through one layer of ice, another formed in its place, trapping him in a tight circle. The air was thick with the steam from Shoto's attacks, and the heat from his fire clashed with the freezing cold of the ice.
"That's the trick," Shoto muttered under his breath, his eyes locking onto Ichiro. "Switching between fire and ice... keeps him guessing." But despite Shoto's relentless offense, Ichiro's resolve never wavered. He was still determined to break free.
Ichiro flexed his muscles, the impact from his quirk sending another shockwave that shattered the ice surrounding him. He gritted his teeth, knowing that if he didn't break out soon, he'd be overwhelmed. But he needed to find an opening. He couldn't keep relying on raw power alone; he had to outsmart Shoto.
"You know, unlike Izuku. You severally are underestimating me. That is one area where Izuku will always be better in," said Shoto making Ichiro instantly pissed.
Ichiro's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together as Shoto's words echoed in his mind. Izuku will always be better? His fists tightened, his body tense with anger. A burning fury ignited inside him, and his emerald eyes locked onto Shoto with an intensity that sent a chill down the half-and-half hero's spine.
"Don't mention my brother's name," Ichiro growled, his voice dripping with venom. His aura flared, and at that moment, it was clear—Shoto had pushed the wrong button.
Before Shoto could react, Ichiro launched forward with explosive speed, his Impact Drive surging through his body. The ground beneath him cracked violently, sending debris flying as he closed the distance in an instant. His fist cocked back, a swirling pressure building around it, distorting the air itself.
Shoto barely had time to brace before Ichiro's punch connected. The sheer force behind it was unlike anything Shoto had felt before. The moment Ichiro's fist struck Shoto's ice wall, it didn't just crack—it disintegrated. A deafening shockwave blasted through the arena, sending powerful gusts of wind that nearly knocked spectators out of their seats.
Shoto was sent hurtling backward, his body skidding across the battlefield as he fought to regain control. His ice boots dug into the ground, barely stopping his momentum. His breath was ragged, and his arms trembled from the impact. What the hell was that? he thought, his mind racing.
Ichiro didn't let up. He leaped into the air, twisting his body mid-flight, and came down with a devastating axe kick aimed straight at Shoto's head. Shoto barely managed to roll out of the way before the attack landed. The moment Ichiro's foot struck the ground, a massive crater formed beneath him, dust and debris erupting into the sky.
Shoto's eyes widened. He's getting faster. Stronger.
"You're not gonna win this, Todoroki," Ichiro said, his tone lower, more dangerous than before. He rolled his shoulders, shaking off the lingering steam from Shoto's fire. "You thought you could box me in with your ice? Keep me at bay with your fire? That's cute." He cracked his knuckles, his muscles flexing. "But I'm done playing defense."
Ichiro shot forward again, zigzagging unpredictably, making it nearly impossible for Shoto to get a read on his movements. Every time Shoto tried to send out ice, Ichiro was already gone, a blur of motion too fast to track.
Shoto's mind raced. I need to stop his momentum.
He suddenly slammed his hands together, releasing a massive, combined burst of fire and ice in all directions, creating a chaotic explosion of steam. The battlefield turned into a thick, blinding fog.
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—BOOM!
The entire cloud of steam exploded outward as Ichiro torethrough it with an all-out attack. His fist, now glowing with sheer force, collided with Shoto's gut.
The impact was devastating.
Shoto's eyes widened as all the air was forcibly expelled from his lungs. His vision blurred, his body lifting off the ground from the sheer force of the blow. The audience gasped as Shoto flew backward, crashing into the stadium wall with a thunderous CRACK!
A stunned silence filled the arena.
Ichiro exhaled slowly, shaking out his hand. "I told you," he muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Don't ever compare me to Izuku."
Shoto groaned, trying to push himself up, but his body refused to move. He was spent. The sheer strength of Ichiro's attack had left him completely drained.
Midnight steps forward, raising her hand. "Shoto Todoroki is unable to continue!" she called out. "The winner of the match—Ichiro Yagi!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, but Ichiro didn't care. He turned on his heel, walking away from the arena, his expression unreadable.
He had won.
But his anger still burned.
Izuku looked at his older brother with a bit of shock and nervousness. He was now tapping both feet at a fast pace and he was still trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with himself.
Jiro, standing beside him, noticed his unease. She leaned in slightly, her voice low. "Izuku… you okay?"
"Without a doubt," said Izuku as he still tapped his foot on the ground.
Jiro wasn't convinced. She'd spent enough time around Izuku to recognize when something was bothering him. His fingers twitched; his leg bounced—small tells of nervous energy that he usually suppressed when focused. But this time, it wasn't excitement. It was something else.
"Ok, I am going to use the bathroom," said Izuku getting up quicker than he normally would and briskly walked away.
Izuku walked down the hallway, his mind racing. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and his breath came out in short, uneven bursts. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" he muttered under his breath.
He leaned against the bathroom sink, gripping the edges tightly as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. His emerald eyes were wide, his pupils slightly dilated. His face was flushed, and his whole body felt like it was buzzing with unshakable energy.
He was seeing images from when he was younger when Inori and Ichiro would beat him up during his elementary and middle school years.
Izuku closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breath. The memories were flooding in, uninvited, and they hit him like a wave crashing against the shore. He had always been the smaller, weaker one. The one who had to deal with his older siblings teasing and taunts. The feeling of being insignificant was coming back to him now. But that was a while ago. He had grown stronger—at least, he thought he had.
But now, watching Ichiro in the arena, it was like those old memories were resurrected. He could still remember the cruel sneers, the harsh words, and the moments when he felt completely powerless. Was that still affecting him? Was that why his heart was racing, his hands trembling, his stomach in knots? Why did it feel like his past was chasing him down when he'd fought so hard to leave it behind?
"I'm not like that anymore," Izuku whispered to himself, his voice barely audible. "I'm not." He continued to see the way they laughed at him before he couldn't take it anymore and he slapped himself hard in the face.
The sharp slap echoed through the quiet bathroom, cutting through the turbulent thoughts swirling in Izuku's mind. His fingers lingered on his flushed cheek for a moment, the sting grounding him back to reality. It was a jarring reminder that he wasn't the same person he was back then. He wasn't the weak, helpless child who let his brothers push him around.
He was a hero-in-training, someone with power, determination, and the resolve to overcome his past.
"Get it together, Izuku," he muttered to himself, taking in a deep breath. His pulse was still racing, but the tightness in his chest started to loosen. "You're not the same. You're not helpless anymore."
Izuku shook his head. "Focus." He looked over at the TV to see Reiko and Hiryu Rin were about to be announced by Present Mic, and he sighed. "Alright, I'll wait in here for a bit to cool off," he said sitting on the counter.
"From Class 1-A we have another telekinetic user. Please welcome Reiko Yanagi! From Class 1-B we have a boy with scales tougher than steel, Hiryu Rin!" Present Mic's voice echoed through the stadium as the next fight was announced.
Rin smirked as he looked up to Reiko who had a calm expression on her face. "Are both contestants ready?" asked Midnight with them nodding in response.
"Begin."
Rin activated his scales and shot them at Reiko with
Rin activated his scales and shot them at Reiko with rapid precision, the hardened projectiles whizzing through the air like bullets. The crowd held their breath as they watched the first exchange unfold.
Reiko, unfazed, simply raised her hand. The scales stopped midair, caught by an invisible force before they could reach her. With a flick of her fingers, she sent them flying back toward Rin at twice the speed.
Rin's eyes widened, but he reacted quickly. He crossed his arms in front of him, his reinforced scales acting as a shield. The returned projectiles clattered harmlessly against his body, but Reiko was already making her next move.
Without a word, she lifted her hand again, and the air around Rin shimmered. He suddenly felt his body becoming lighter—no, not just lighter. He was being lifted!
"Tch—telekinesis," he muttered under his breath, realizing what she was doing.
Before he could counter, Reiko tightened her grip on the air around him and sent him hurtling sideways, slamming him into the arena floor with a loud thud.
The crowd gasped. Rin gritted his teeth, quickly rolling to his feet. "Not bad," he admitted, shaking off the impact. "But I hope you've got more than that."
Reiko didn't respond. She simply lifted her hand again, the same eerie calm in her expression.
Rin knew he couldn't let her control the pace of the fight. He needed to close the distance.
Pushing off the ground, he sprinted forward, weaving through the air to avoid any invisible attacks. The moment he got within range, he lashed out with a sharp kick aimed at Reiko's midsection.
But just as his foot was about to connect—
Whoosh!
His leg stopped mid-motion. It was as if an invisible force had wrapped around it, holding him in place.
Reiko finally spoke; her voice quiet yet firm. "Too predictable."
With a mere gesture, she twisted her fingers, and Rin's entire body was wrenched sideways, sending him tumbling across the floor once again.
The audience erupted into cheers, amazed at the control she had over the battle.
Rin grunted, pushing himself back up. "Damn… You really don't waste movement, huh?" He smirked, wiping dust from his mouth. "Alright then. Let's see if you can stop this."
Without hesitation, he activated his quirk at full power. His scales thickened, covering his body like armor, and his strength surged. Then, with a deep breath, he shed—his scales shot outward in all directions like a deadly explosion of shrapnel.
Reiko's eyes narrowed. She raised both hands, and immediately, the storm of scales froze in the air. But the sheer number of them made it difficult to keep control.
Rin didn't waste a second. He lunged forward with everything he had, bursting through the gap in her defenses.
"This time, she won't stop me."
He swung his fist with all his might, aiming for her shoulder—
"But it never landed."
The moment before impact, Rin suddenly felt himself floating. His feet left the ground, and he was weightless. His eyes widened as he realized—she had lifted him.
Then, with a downward thrust of her hand, Reiko slammedhim into the floor with bone-rattling force.
A collective oof came from the audience came as a crater formed beneath Rin's body. Dust and debris filled the air.
For a few seconds, everything was still. Then—
Midnight stepped forward, assessing the situation. Rin groaned, trying to push himself up, but his arms gave out beneath him.
"That's it!" Midnight declared. "Hiryu Rin is unable to continue! The winner of this match—Reiko Yanagi!"
The stadium erupted into cheers as Reiko lowered her hand, letting out a small breath. She gave a slight nod before turning away, her expression as unreadable as ever.
Izuku nodded at his friend with a smile on his face. She handled that pretty well all things considered. Granted her quirk was nowhere near Inori's but it was to the point where she could lift people up like the way she was doing. He was going to wait here for one more match then he would be good to go.
It was a few minutes before the TV showed Momo and Tokoyami's match and he smirked as he looked to see his two friends on screen. This would be a good fight. He leaned against the wall ready to see what would happen.
"Alright, we have two students from Class 1-A. We have a man of mystery and darkness alongside a woman of elegance and creativity. HERE IS MOMO YAOYOROZU AND FUMIKAGE TOKOYAMI!"
Momo took a deep breath as she stepped into the arena, her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. She knew this wasn't going to be easy—Tokoyami was one of the strongest students in their class, and his quirk, Dark Shadow, was as unpredictable as it was powerful.
Across from her, Tokoyami stood tall, his expression calm and unreadable. Dark Shadow loomed over his shoulder, twitching slightly, already prepared for battle.
Midnight raised her hand. "Are both combatants ready?"
Momo nodded, her mind already running through dozens of strategies. Tokoyami gave a small nod, his gaze locked onto her, already assessing her stance.
"BEGIN!"
(THE FIGHT IS THE SAME AS CANNON AND WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS)
Izuku looked at the screen worried about his friend. Momo had a downcast look on her face from the fight with Tokoyami. Maybe he would go to see her real quick. The thoughts of his past were temporarily gone as he went to go and find his friend.
Izuku took a deep breath and pushed himself off the counter. His mind was still reeling from the confrontation with his past, but right now, Momo needed support. He left the bathroom and walked briskly through the halls of the stadium, heading toward the waiting area where the participants gathered after their matches.
When he arrived, he spotted Momo sitting on one of the benches, her head slightly bowed, her hands resting on her knees. She wore a contemplative expression, her usual confidence dulled by the weight of defeat.
Izuku hesitated for a moment, wondering what the right thing to say was. He knew that feeling all too well—the disappointment, the self-doubt, the endless replaying of what could have been done differently. He had been there before, and he still struggled with it.
Gathering his resolve, he walked up to her. "Momo?"
She lifted her head slightly, her sharp, intelligent eyes meeting his. "Izuku," she greeted, her voice calm but lacking its usual strength.
Izuku sat down beside her, giving her space but making sure she knew he was there. "You fought well," he said sincerely.
Momo let out a small sigh, shaking her head. "Not well enough," she murmured. "I should have anticipated his movements better. I should have come up with a countermeasure. But I hesitated."
Izuku frowned. "Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is a tough opponent, especially in an open battlefield. You did everything you could."
She pursed her lips. "But it wasn't enough. What's the point of having a strategic mind if I can't execute a plan properly when it matters?"
Izuku understood her frustration. He had struggled with similar doubts, constantly questioning whether he was capable enough, strong enough, worthy enough. But he had learned something valuable along the way—something he hoped Momo could recognize too.
"You're not defined by one fight," he said. "Losing doesn't mean you're not good enough. It just means there's something to learn from it."
Momo exhaled slowly, nodding. "I know that," she admitted, "but it doesn't make it any less frustrating."
He smiled slightly. "Yeah, I get that. Just promise me you won't doubt yourself. I know all too well what it is like to doubt myself. It's about confidence.
Momo let out a soft sigh, her fingers curling slightly into her palms. "Confidence…" she echoed, as if testing the word on her tongue. "That's what it always comes back to, doesn't it?"
Izuku nodded. "Yeah. I mean, you have the skills, the intelligence, and the drive. But if you don't believe in yourself, then it's like fighting with one hand tied behind your back."
Momo gave him a small, appreciative smile. "I suppose you're right. It's just… hard sometimes. When I see everyone else improving so much, when I see how easily they seem to succeed, I wonder if I'm really capable of keeping up."
Izuku looked at her seriously. "You don't just 'keep up,' Momo. You set the bar for the rest of us. You're one of the smartest and most capable students in our class. We all know that."
She blinked at him, surprised by the genuine certainty in his voice. "Do you really think that?"
Izuku chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Of course. I mean, I admire how you always analyze everything so quickly, how you come up with strategies on the spot. Your ability to create things with your Quirk is incredible, and I know for a fact that I wouldn't want to face you in a battle."
Momo felt warmth rise to her cheeks at his words. She wasn't used to receiving direct praise, and coming from someone like Izuku—who she deeply respected—it meant even more.
Momo smiled softly, a hint of gratitude in her expression as she looked at Izuku. "Thank you, Izuku. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear that."
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise he'd given her but still glad it seemed to have helped. "I'm just telling the truth. You've got so much potential, Momo."
She nodded thoughtfully, her gaze softening. "I guess that's something I've been forgetting lately. Maybe I'm too hard on myself."
Izuku gave her a reassuring grin. "We all are. But it's okay to give yourself a little slack every now and then. You've got this."
There was a pause as Momo took in his words, her posture relaxing just a bit. The weight of the previous match still lingered, but it felt lighter now. She looked at Izuku, meeting his eyes with newfound understanding. "I'll try to remember that."
Izuku nodded, standing up from the bench. "Well, I'm glad I could help. But we should probably head back. I'm sure Kyoka will be looking for me, and I don't want to keep her waiting."
Momo stood as well, brushing off her uniform before giving Izuku a small, grateful smile. "You're probably right. I'm sure she'll be giving you the stink-eye if you're late."
Izuku chuckled at the thought. "I wouldn't doubt it. She has her ways of making sure I don't slack off."
Momo's smile lingered for a moment longer before she nodded. "Thanks again, Izuku. I really appreciate it. You've helped me more than you know."
He smiled back, a little bashfully. "No problem."
As they re-entered the stadium, Jiro's voice pierced through the noise. "Izuku! There you are!"
Izuku turned just in time to see her walking toward him, her arms crossed, and her usual mischievous grin plastered on her face. He could practically feel her eyes on him, ready to ask where he'd been and why he hadn't returned sooner.
"Hey, Kyoka," he said with a sheepish grin, waving at her as she approached. "My bad. I feel better now," he said giving a thumbs up.
Jiro's eyes narrowed, her smirk never faltering. "Feel better, huh?" she repeated, crossing her arms tighter as she stopped in front of him.
"Yes ma'am," he said with her punching his shoulder.
"Don't you ma'am me," said Jiro slightly annoyed.
"How about we finish watching the fights," Izuku offered as he was rubbing the spot where she punched him.
Jiro sighed, rolling her eyes but smirking, nonetheless. "Yeah, yeah, come on then, Izuku. Let's go see who else gets their butt kicked."
Momo chuckled softly at their banter but gave Izuku one last appreciative glance before walking alongside them toward the stands. While the sting of defeat still lingered, she felt a little lighter now. Izuku's words stuck with her, and though she wasn't fully over her loss, she knew she could take something valuable from it.
As they reached their seats, the next match was already being announced, the crowd buzzing with excitement.
(ALRIGHT EVERYONE HERE IS A PAGE BREAK FOR YOU ALL BUT I WILL SAY THIS. THE NEXT MATCHES ARE GOING TO BE THE CANNON MATCHES. WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AND I DOUBT ALL OF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO TYPE THE SAME STUFF THAT HAPPENED BEFORE. KIRISHIMA MOVES ON. BAKUGO MOVES ON, SIMPLE AS THAT).
Izuku rubbed his hands over his face as he was freaking out a little bit. He still couldn't wrap his head around so that he would be fighting his sister in the next round. Jiro had caught on a bit as to why he ran off to the bathroom.
Izuku's hands trembled slightly as he walked through the dimly lit corridor leading to the stadium entrance. His breaths came out uneven, his mind racing with a storm of emotions that he had buried for so long—emotions he thought he had been under control. But now, with the looming reality of facing Inori in battle, everything was unraveling.
He could hear Present Mic starting to announce their names now. He looked up taking a few deep breaths to keep himself composed.
"Alright, this is going to be one of the most interesting fights thus far folks! To start this out, we have a great matchup to start the second round. From Class 1-A we have lean green fighting machine! IZUKU YAGI!"
Izuku forced his legs to keep moving, despite the weight pressing down on his chest. The roar of the crowd barely registered in his ears, drowned out by the frantic beating of his heart. His mind kept looping the same thought repeatedly.
"I have to fight her."
"I have to fight Inori."
"At the end other, we have a girl who can pick up what you are putting down. From Class 1-B. We have INORI YAGI!" he yelled out as she made her way out of the other end.
Izuku stood at his end of the area, his hands clenched at his sides as he watched his sister step forward. Inori Yagi's expression was unreadable—calm, composed, and yet there was a flicker of something deeper in her blue eyes. Determination? Hesitation? He wasn't sure.
The crowd's cheers rang in his ears, but he couldn't focus on them. His heart pounded like a war drum, his thoughts racing faster than he could control.
He knew he couldn't be in her range of telekinesis otherwise he would be in trouble.
Inori looked up to Izuku with a calm expression on her face. She knew one thing. This sucked. She was going to have to fight her brother. The one that dealt with the problems that her and Ichiro imposed on him nearly every day for all these years. She sighed as she got into a fighting stance.
"You better be ready Izuku," she said as Izuku slowly nodded at her. Izuku got into his own stance, readying himself for the fight. A few from the stands caught on to the overwhelmed state with some curiosity. Mr. Aizawa leaned forward to see his student with a bit of concern on his face.
"What the hell is going on with him?" he thought to himself.
Midnight looked at the two competitors sticking her hand into the air.
Midnight's hand dropped, signaling the start of the match.
Neither of them moved as they just stared each other down. A few in the audience knew the importance of this fight from the past that these two had. Izuku was breathing heavily now and trying to get the images of the past out of his head. He kept seeing himself in the alleyway that one day. Where Inori, Ichiro, Bakugo beat him to a bloody pump.
Izuku's breath hitched as the memories surged forward, unbidden and relentless. The alleyway, the pain, the betrayal—his own siblings standing over him as he lay on the cold pavement, battered and broken. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus.
This wasn't then.
This was now.
He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms, grounding himself in the present. Inori was watching him carefully, her stance steady, her expression unreadable. He knew she was waiting for him to make the first move, to gauge his state of mind before striking.
Izuku exhaled sharply.
If he hesitated, he'd lose.
And he refused to lose.
He charged Full Cowling to 50% alongside activating Jolt. He cocked his fist back for a punch preparing to send it Inori's way. Green electricity crackled down his right arm as he threw the punch forward sending a green lightning bolt her direction alongside the added wind pressure from One for All.
Inori's eyes narrowed at the lightning bolt coming at her. She had never been able to move energy-based attacks out of the way so there was only one option left. She clasped her hands together as the ground around her moved to the front of her for protection.
The force of the lightning bolt struck the makeshift barrier of stone, sending cracks rippling through it. Dust and debris exploded into the air, momentarily obscuring Inori from view. Izuku didn't let up—he knew giving her a moment to breathe would be a mistake. He dashed forward, the ground cracking beneath him as he moved at blind speed, his fist cocked back for another strike.
Before he could get close, Inori clapped her hands together again, and the shattered remnants of her barrier exploded outward like a shotgun blast. Jagged chunks of rock and dust surged toward Izuku. His instincts kicked in, and he twisted his body mid-air, dodging most of the debris. A few pieces grazed his arm and shoulder, but he pushed through the pain, landing on his feet and immediately pivoting into another attack.
"Not bad," he muttered under his breath. The thing about Inori was her quirk was incredibly powerful without One for All already. Adding One for All into the mix made her boost everything about her. Strength, speed, reaction time, and control over her telekinetic abilities. Izuku knew this fight wouldn't be easy—not by a long shot.
Izuku surged forward again, lightning crackling around his body. He zigzagged unpredictably, leaving afterimages in his wake. Inori narrowed her eyes, tracking his movement, but she didn't attack yet. She was waiting for the real threat, not the illusion of one.
Then, in a flash, Izuku was right in front of her.
His fist rocketed forward at high speed, but Inori had anticipated it. Her hands shot up, and the air between them seemed to ripple as she activated her telekinesis. Izuku felt an invisible force slam into his body, halting his momentum mid-strike. His eyes widened as he found himself momentarily suspended in the air.
"Got you," Inori murmured.
With a flick of her wrist, she sent him flying back at a dangerous speed.
"Time for Plan B," thought Izuku as he started to concentrate.
Izuku gritted his teeth as he hurtled backward through the air, his mind racing to find a way out of her grip. The sheer force of her telekinesis was suffocating—it wrapped around him like an unbreakable chain, threatening to slam him into the arena wall at full force. But Izuku wasn't about to let that happen.
Think, dammit! he urged himself.
With an instant to react, he activated Jolt at full power, sending green electricity coursing through his body. His muscles tensed, and the air around him crackled violently. Inori's eyes widened slightly—she could feel the shift in his energy, the sudden resistance against her hold.
That's it…!
Electricity. That was the key.
If he couldn't overpower her telekinesis through brute force, he'd disrupt it instead.
Using the energy surging through him, he began vibrating his muscles rapidly, forcing his body to tremble at an almost imperceptible speed. It was something he had theorized but never had a reason to try—until now. If Inori's telekinesis relied on a steady grip, then disrupting his own physical state might make it impossible for her to maintain control.
And it worked.
Inori gasped as her invisible hold on him wavered. It was like trying to grasp water slipping through her fingers. Before she could adjust, Izuku twisted his body mid-air and shot himself downward, landing with a heavy boom that cracked the ground beneath him.
The crowd roared in excitement at his incredible maneuver.
Inori furrowed her brows. "What...?" She clenched her fists, focusing her telekinesis again, trying to reestablish control. But as soon as she latched onto Izuku, he flared his electricity once more, making his body jitter unpredictably.
She can't stabilize her grip on me anymore, Izuku realized, a small smirk forming.
"You figured something out," Inori muttered, her expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of surprise in her blue eyes.
Izuku took a slow breath, steadying himself. "For years Inori. I have watched your strengths but more importantly, your weaknesses. The biggest one being you can't manipulate energy, only something that is physical. You can't get a hold of me if I have myself covering in electricity."
Inori's jaw clenched. She hated to admit it, but he was right. Her telekinesis worked by manipulating solid matter—anything she could physically grasp with her mind. But energy? That was beyond her control. And now, Izuku was using that against her.
She quickly adjusted her stance, narrowing her eyes at him. "That's clever, Izuku. You found a way to break free." Her fingers twitched as she analyzed his every move, looking for a weakness. "But don't think you've won just because you figured that out."
Izuku didn't respond. He had no intention of wasting time with words. His mind was set—he had to win this fight. With a sudden burst of speed, he lunged forward, green lightning arcing wildly around his body. He zigzagged unpredictably, making it difficult for Inori to predict his trajectory.
Inori extended her hand, sending large chunks of the arena floor flying toward him, trying to box him in. But Izuku's movements were sharper, faster. He sidestepped the debris with precise footwork, each step cracking the ground beneath him. In an instant, he was right in front of her, his fist cocked back.
Inori barely had time to react. She reinforced her body with telekinesis, bracing herself for impact.
Izuku threw the punch, but it was a feint.
At the last second, he diverted the momentum and brought his other hand up, aiming a powerful palm strike to her stomach. The force sent a shockwave through her body, staggering her backward. She gasped, struggling to regain her balance.
But Izuku didn't let up.
He twisted his body, spinning into a roundhouse kick aimed at her side. Inori barely managed to throw up a telekinetic shield to absorb the blow, but even then, the sheer force sent her skidding across the arena.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Inori gritted her teeth. She had underestimated him. She had spent years seeing him as weak, as someone to push around. But this? This was completely different Izuku. And it infuriated her.
She exhaled sharply and slammed her palms together. The ground beneath them trembled violently.
Izuku's eyes widened as he felt an invisible force built up around them.
"Fine," Inori muttered, her voice low. "If I can't get a grip on you, I'll just change the battlefield."
With a fierce motion, she pulled her hands apart, and suddenly, the entire arena shifted. Massive stone pillars erupted from the ground, twisting and turning like the limbs of some ancient beast. Dust and debris filled the air as the battlefield transformed into an unpredictable maze.
Izuku clicked his tongue. She was forcing him into a confined space where his speed wouldn't be as effective.
Smart.
He darted between the rising stone formations, using his agility to navigate the shifting battlefield. But as soon as he found an opening, Inori struck.
A massive slab of stone shot toward him from the side. He barely dodged it, flipping mid-air and landing on a nearby pillar. Before he could catch his breath, another boulder came flying.
Izuku acted on instinct.
He planted his hands on the surface of the pillar and launched himself forward, flipping over the incoming projectile. As he soared through the air, he charged his electricity to its peak.
Then, with a powerful downward punch, he sent a shockwave through the stone beneath him.
The energy surged outward, sending tremors through the battlefield. The unstable pillars cracked and began to collapse.
Inori's eyes widened as she realized what he was doing.
"You're destroying my cover," she muttered under her breath.
Izuku didn't respond. He was already moving, dashing through the crumbling landscape with precision. His goal was simple—close the distance before she could counter.
Inori gritted her teeth and focused, using her telekinesis to stabilize the remaining structures. But in that moment of distraction, Izuku struck.
With a sudden burst of speed, he appeared right in front of her, his fist glowing with raw power.
This time, Inori had no time to defend.
Izuku's punch connected squarely with her torso, sending her flying across the arena. She crashed into the ground, dust and debris scattering around her.
The stadium went silent.
The dust cleared and Inori was still standing…but she was standing where she wasn't supposed to.
She had been knocked just outside the boundary line.
The silence stretched for a moment as the realization dawned on everyone. Midnight, standing at the edge of the arena, quickly turned her gaze toward the white boundary marking the fighting zone. A single step beyond meant disqualification.
Inori's feet were planted firmly in the ground, her stance slightly staggered from the force of Izuku's last attack. Her arms trembled as she tried to steady herself. Dust and debris settled around her, revealing the clear, undeniable truth—she had been knocked out of bounds.
Midnight raised her hand.
"I-Inori Yagi has stepped outside the designated fighting area!" Her voice rang through the stadium. "The winner of this match… Izuku Yagi!"
For a second, everything remained still.
Then, the stadium erupted into cheers, gasps, and exclamations of shock. Some students from Class 1-A leaped from their seats in excitement, while others just sat in stunned silence. The weight of what had just happened sank in.
Izuku won.
His chest rose and fell rapidly, his body still buzzing with residual electricity. His fists were clenched, his muscles burned, and his vision swam slightly from exertion. He had given everything he had in those last few moments, pushing himself to outthink, outmaneuver, and overpower Inori.
And it had worked.
He took a shaky step forward, trying to process the reality of his victory. Inori smirked as she looked at her brother. Izuku looked at her and she sent a nod his way as she turned around to go and get her battered body fixed up.
Izuku still panted heavily on some members of their past returning but he acknowledged the victory he had. His sister. The one that gave him so much shit all these years. Had finally been beaten by him.
As the noise of the cheering crowd began to fade into the background, Izuku's thoughts turned inward. He couldn't help but replay the fight in his mind—how he had pushed himself to the limit, to think beyond his usual strategy, to use his quirk in ways he had never done before. His victory wasn't just a result of brute force; it was a culmination of everything he had learned, every failure, every step forward.
He made his way down to the hallway to go back to his class when he looked up to see his teacher looking at him. Aizawa leaned against the wall and looked at his still panting student.
"Good job Izuku. You thought of something smart with some previous knowledge you had and put it to use," he said pushing himself from the wall.
"Thanks, Aizawa-sensei," Izuku said, his voice a bit strained from the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"Just curious, but why did you look like you were shitting bricks right before you fight with your sister?" Aizawa asked bluntly. Izuku flinched slightly as he knew why but he didn't exactly what to tell him.
"Well…I mean…it was nerves mostly…" he said leaving the question as vague as possible.
Aizawa raised an eyebrow, his tired, unimpressed gaze never leaving Izuku. "Nerves, huh?" He crossed his arms. "If that's what you call nerves, then I'm wondering what you'd call when you're genuinely panicking. I could see it in your eyes before you fought her. You were hesitant."
"Yeah…I know…I'm fine though so if it's fine I would like to go back to the student section for my class now," he said pointing down the hallway.