◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
The U.A. Sports Festival had lasted only a single day, yet its aftershocks continued to ripple long after the final match.
Some students had gained new strength.
Some had uncovered hidden truths.
Others had lost something precious.
But behind the cheers and celebration, malicious intent still lurked in the shadows, waiting for its moment.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
The day after the festival.
"Going out on a date?"
Midnight leaned against the hallway wall in her pajamas, yawning and rubbing her sleepy eyes. At the door, Konata Izumi was already crouched down, tying her sneakers and dressed in casual clothes.
"I have no intention of dating right now, and I won't in the future either."
She adjusted her cap calmly, brushing off Midnight's teasing with her usual deadpan tone. At least when it came to words, Konata could hold her own.
"Anyway, Midnight-sensei, don't wait for me at lunch. I'll be eating outside."
Without waiting for a reply, she slipped on her hat, opened the door, and stepped out.
"Hey, don't tell me you're not coming back for lunch! You really are going on a date, aren't you? Tell your teacher who the boy is first—!"
Midnight's voice echoed faintly from behind the closed door. Konata let out a sigh of relief, tilting her head toward the bright sky.
It was a perfect day: clear skies, warm sunlight, the kind of weather couples would happily spend together. No wonder her teacher thought she was sneaking out on a date.
If she could really stay in this world forever, maybe she would think of it as a good choice. But she knew better. She was only a traveler passing through.
She didn't fully understand concepts like "time and space" or "fate," nor the origins of her system. But one instinct was carved into the deepest part of her heart:
She couldn't stop her journey. Not yet.
Tugging down her cap, Konata stepped forward into the sunlight.
"…Honestly, I'm probably just meddling too much. But watching someone who has so much and still refuses to cherish it—ugh, it pisses me off. If you don't want it, then hand it over to me!"
She muttered under her breath as she walked toward the hospital entrance and disappeared inside.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
Two or three hours later, just before noon, another figure arrived at the hospital gates.
His hair was half white, half red. A single-strap bag hung on his shoulder.
Todoroki Shoto.
Quirk: Half-Cold Half-Hot.
A legacy of his father Endeavor and his mother.
But that "legacy" came from a marriage forced by ambition and cruelty. A loveless union, poisoned by violence and control.
When Todoroki was still a child, his mother had broken under the weight of it all. In a moment of madness, she had poured boiling water onto the side of his face—the side that resembled his father.
Since that day, she had been hospitalized. And Todoroki, convinced that his very existence hurt her, had never once visited. All of his anger had condensed into hatred for Endeavor.
But after fighting Midoriya, something in him had begun to shift. Reflection was slow, painful, but he was starting to confront his past.
And so, on this morning, for the first time in over ten years, he walked toward his mother's room.
He asked at the reception desk, then stopped before a closed door. His hand hovered over the knob, his heart pounding.
Ten years of longing. Ten years of silence. His mother was right behind this door, and yet his nerves threatened to paralyze him.
Still—he had promised himself not to run anymore.
But just as his fingers brushed the handle, he heard a voice inside. A voice he knew.
"…Auntie, your son acts like such a cool, aloof ice prince at school. Totally putting on that 'mysterious bishounen' act. And you know what? All the weirdos—like Durian-Head and Seaweed-Kun—keep swooning over him. Oh, and I still have his—"
"…"
Todoroki froze. That voice. That very familiar voice.
His expression didn't change, but he pushed the door open immediately. Light from the corridor spilled into the room, flooding everything with midday sun.
Inside, by the window, sat a gentle woman with long white hair, smiling softly. Beside her, perched like she owned the place, was none other than Konata Izumi.
The sight stunned him. For a moment, all his irritation evaporated, replaced by blank surprise at how peaceful the scene looked.
"Oh, Auntie," Konata chirped, glancing at the door. "Your aloof son finally came to visit."
She rolled her eyes at Todoroki, then stood up with a stretch.
"It's getting late. I'll head out now, but I'll drop by again sometime."
She grabbed her cap from the bedside table, plopped it back on, and brushed past Todoroki on her way out—making sure to close the door behind her.
This was a family reunion. She had no interest in being the world's brightest third wheel.
Yawning, she leaned against the hallway wall, checked her phone, and smiled faintly.
Todoroki coming here of his own accord was unexpected. Originally, she had planned to use their bet to force him into visiting. But it seemed she wouldn't need to interfere after all.
"Actually, this works out even better. I still have one request saved up, and who knows? Maybe I can cash it in for some financial support from our local Aircon-kun … Hm? Wait. Wasn't I forgetting something?"
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
"You said you weren't coming back for lunch."
Midnight raised a brow at the girl sprawled on the sofa like a dead fish in the desert.
"Man proposes, heaven disposes. I miscalculated… it couldn't be helped."
Konata sighed dramatically, then looked up at Midnight with pleading eyes.
"Midnight-sensei, there really isn't any leftover food? I walked so far this morning that I'm about to starve to death. If I don't eat something soon, I might just transcend and achieve enlightenment right here!"
"Hm… let me think."
Midnight studied the pitiful look of 'feed me or I'll die dramatically' plastered across Konata's face. After a pause, she said, a little uncertainly:
"There's no leftovers… but I think there's still some noodles in the pot. If you really want—actually, forget I said anything."
But before she could finish, Konata vanished from the sofa, dashing barefoot into the kitchen. Midnight only shrugged, unfazed.
Her gaze, however, fell back on the sofa—where an ancient, beat-up phone was lying.
"Konata's phone… I should really buy her a new one."
Muttering to herself, Midnight picked it up. And as if on cue, the screen lit up with an incoming call.
She froze. The caller ID read:
"Aircon-kun."
When Konata returned from the kitchen with a bowl in her hands, she instantly noticed Midnight staring at her strangely.
"…Midnight-sensei?"
Tilting her head, Konata asked in confusion.
"Konata, tell me honestly—just how many boys are you dating right now?"
Midnight put a hand on her shoulder, looking dead serious.
"First there was Midoriya Izuku, then Bakugo Katsuki… and now even Todoroki Shoto? Are you seriously trying to juggle three boys at once? This is absolutely wrong! As your teacher, I think it's my duty to give you a proper moral education before you stray any further!"
"Midnight-sensei, I think you've got it all wrong. I can explain… but before that—"
Konata looked at the steaming bowl of noodles in her hands with visible conflict.
"…can you at least let me finish eating first?"
Midnight: "…"
Teasing attempt failed.
"So yeah, that's how it really was. Midnight-sensei, please don't joke about that next time."
After finishing her noodles in record time, Konata briefly explained her morning's activities. Of course, when it came to Todoroki's family situation, she glossed over the details—claiming instead that she had simply gone out to "spread some love and kindness."
"In those three boys… you're saying you really don't like any of them?"
Midnight still wasn't convinced. She didn't know Bakugo or Todoroki well, but she did know Midoriya—and it was obvious he harbored feelings for Konata. Yet this didn't look like the innocent puppy love she'd imagined.
"Midnight-sensei, it's purely a bond of brotherhood, okay?"
Konata sighed, exasperated.
"And besides, I'm still young! I can't be dealing with romance right now. I don't need that kind of burden. If that excuse doesn't convince you…"
She tapped her chin, then nodded decisively.
"…then just assume I have a terminal illness and only a few days left to live. I'm too busy preparing to ascend to the afterlife to think about love."
Placing her empty bowl on the table, she folded her hands solemnly.
"My true path lies among the stars and the sea."
"…Go wash the bowl."
"Oh."
Meanwhile—
Gently pulling a blanket over the peacefully sleeping white-haired woman, Todoroki Shoto quietly left the hospital room and made his way to the rooftop. Sitting against the wall, he looked up at the drifting clouds in the blue sky.
He should have visited his mother long ago. At least now, it wasn't too late. He still had time.
After a long silence, he took out his phone. Staring at a certain number, he hesitated—then pressed the call button.
Earlier, Midnight had picked up because Konata was eating noodles. But now, she should be free.
After several seconds, a very impatient voice answered:
"Who is this? Make it quick—I'm busy. You've got three seconds. One, two—"
"…It's me."
Todoroki spoke at last.
"'It's me'? The hell am I supposed to know who me is? Ugh, do you even know how to play properly? You're a mage! A mage! Stay in the back and spam your damn skills! Quit running in with your staff like you're some melee bruiser, you absolute clown—!"
The call cut off.
Todoroki: "…"
…So, she was gaming.
Ten minutes later, he tried again. And again. On the third attempt, determined not to be hung up on, he introduced himself immediately:
"I'm Todoroki Shoto. About today—thank you."
"…Todoroki what?"
"Todoroki Shoto."
"Todoroki who?"
"…Todoroki Shoto."
"…Shoto what?"
"…."
Todoroki decided to abandon this utterly pointless loop.
After ten seconds of silence, Konata's lazy voice finally came through:
"Oh, it's Aircon Guy. So, what's up?"
Aircon Guy…
Remembering Midnight's words about Konata's nickname for him, Todoroki paused for a moment before speaking again.
"About our bet. I lost."
"I know. Which means you owe me one. I haven't decided what I'll make you do yet, so just wait until I think of something. Anything else? If not, I'm hanging up."
Taking a deep breath, Todoroki said:
"…Are you free to meet up now? I'd like to treat you to a meal as thanks."
"Nope, no time. I'm playin. And let's be real—food isn't nearly as fun as games. Bye-bye."
And with that, she hung up without hesitation.
Todoroki: "…"
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
In just those two short days of vacation, a lot had happened.
The impact of the U.A. Sports Festival was still fermenting. Naturally, the first to be affected were the students who stood out during the festival. They'd gained a certain level of fame—famous enough that if they walked down the street, there was a decent chance random people might recognize them.
And as the student who had performed the most outstandingly at the Sports Festival, Konata Izumi's fame was at the very top.
...Though not for the reason she would've preferred.
Because her clumsy faceplant had been turned into a meme.
When Konata saw her own face plastered across an entire pack of freshly minted reaction images, she suddenly had the urge to kill someone.
Excuse me, aren't you all focusing on the wrong direction? Shouldn't the most eye-catching part of my performance be my incredible strength during the festival? Since when is a stupid meme the highlight?!
If she had known she would go viral in this way, she wouldn't have gotten up off the ground that time. No, she wouldn't even have joined the Sports Festival to begin with!
But what's done is done. Regret medicine doesn't exist in this world. All she could do was watch in despair as her meme face spread across the internet like wildfire.
Of course, the one who had truly stolen the spotlight at the Sports Festival was the mysterious idol singer who appeared out of nowhere—Hatsune Miku.
No one could resist such an adorable, heart-melting presence.
The half-baked fan site Konata had once lazily set up was now completely crushed under massive traffic. Hatsune Miku had truly gone viral. Media outlets desperately wanted interviews, but no one could find her.
After dropping a legendary performance at the Sports Festival, Hatsune Miku herself had become something of a legend. Many suspected she had ties to Konata, but the moment they remembered that Apple Pen performance, all of them lost their will to argue.
And Konata was more than happy to keep it that way.
Meanwhile, her "Hatsune Miku unlock quest" had skyrocketed in progress these past few days. By her calculations, it would take less than half a month before Miku could be fully unlocked.
But there was a darker piece of news: the Hero Killer: Stain incident in Hosu City.
On the very day of the Sports Festival, Stain—who had murdered several heroes and crippled many others—appeared in Hosu. Ingenium, pro hero and older brother of Tenya Iida, was gravely injured. Though his life was spared, his legs were paralyzed, forcing him to retire from hero work.
That was why Iida had rushed home so suddenly.
Knowing all this, Konata also knew she couldn't do a thing. None of her current transformations had healing powers. Sure, she suspected Hatsune Miku might have healing potential, but that would be at least ten days away. Whether her guess was even right was another matter.
For now, her greatest worry was Iida himself. She feared he might "go dark" over this.
When classes resumed after the break, Iida seemed more energetic than usual, not less. Which, to Konata, only made things worse.
Yep. That's definitely a pre–villain arc red flag.
She sighed, looking up at the gloomy sky outside, rain still drizzling down. Then she glanced at Iida sitting in the back row, and an uneasy feeling gripped her chest.
Class began as usual when Aizawa entered the room.
"Today, think about your code names—your provisional hero names."
Konata leaned back, thinking hard.
Actually, she had already been brainstorming names for her classmates ages ago.
For Todoroki? Aircon-kun.
For Bakugo? Exploding Durian.
For Midoriya? Bald Cape Guy. …Okay, he wasn't bald, but it still fit. Whatever. It was staying.
For Asui Tsuyu? Options included Elder, Timekeeper, or Memelord. All solid choices.
Kaminari? Easy. Pikachu.
Tokoyami? She debated between Dark Lord and Pitch-Black Flame Dragon Master. Either way, pretty edgy.
While Konata drifted into her nickname daydreams, Aizawa didn't even bother scolding her—he was used to it. He just continued explaining.
This class wasn't only about creating hero names. He also briefly introduced the hero agencies that had sent in internship offers, and projected the numbers on the board.
As expected, Konata had received the most requests. Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo were about tied, while everyone else trailed way behind.
To put it in perspective:
* Midoriya had 4,312 requests.
* Konata had 5,321.
* By fifth place, Tokoyami had only 236.
The difference was staggering.
Not everyone even got requests. Fewer than seven students total had offers. The rest would have to pick from the agencies U.A. recommended.
"Alright, enough about that. We'll handle agency selection later. For now, let's finalize your hero names."
Aizawa quieted the class before continuing:
"Remember, hero names aren't just things you can throw around. Even if these are provisional, if someone comes up with something ridiculous—"
He trailed off, right on cue.
From outside the classroom came a dramatic voice:
"I'll personally show them the meaning of hell!"
The door slammed open, and Midnight strutted in, clad in her revealing hero costume.
Konata dropped her face into her desk with a groan.
I knew it would be her.
Seriously, couldn't she wear literally anything else while at school? Wasn't this basically corruption of minors at this point?
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
Drop your hero name suggestions for Konata here! I've been juggling ideas, but nothing feels quite right yet. Something witty, flashy, or even downright chuuni could work—bonus points if it's an anime reference. Let's see what you guys come up with!
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆