AN: Hello, and welcome back to A Hero's Gamble. GoldenScrollz is here to give you another awesome continuation of this story. now then I'm so happy to finally get into the festival, It will be amazing to do the epic fights I have in store. I had a question about Hiro's name. Hiro is his first name, Koun is the surname, for those who were confused. so I got done with this chapter a little earlier than what I thought so I'm posting it today. I appreciate the reviews, all positive I just get the brightest grin when seeing the love for my character and the story, I promise to deliver epic moments in the coming future for everyone. well I'll continue with the usual, make sure to leave your opinions and comments, and enjoy the show. see you readers next time.
All right belong to the respective owners, except for the OC's they belong to me.
Chapter 10: Race For First
POV: Hiro
As I stepped out into the light with the rest of my class I couldn't help being blinded by the light. Around us was a massive arena, fans and spectators cheering in the stands the second we emerged from the tunnel. Present Mic loudly announcing each class's entry as we took the stage. Fireworks exploding above the stadium, the whole nine yards. I couldn't help but sweatdrop at the scene.
"Jeez, U.A. sure knows not to spare any expense." I whispered under my breath, Kirishima and Yaoyorozu walking out besides me.
"Man, i'm getting nervous with all this praise." the red haired teen nudged me. I could nod at his words my own nervousness appearing as I thought about the thousands of eyes resting on our class.
"Don't let it get to you too much Koun. I'm sure you'll do fine." Yaoyorozu giving me comforting smile as we continued to walk.
Nodding at the words, I noticed the other first year classes appearing as well. The introductions of each getting less praise with each mention. I mean, sure were all gunning for the top but did our class really need all this praise. It was almost unfair to the others trying to standout as well, I just wanted to prove I could achieve my dream, that didn't mean I wanted to step on others.
With all the students gathered up, I raised a eyebrow in shock as the umpire for the games revealed herself. Midnight, the R-rated hero. I couldn't deny that she was extremely beautiful, being the teenage boy I am, though I could think of several other representatives for a high school festival besides an R-rated hero. I could practically feel mineta's perverted thought emanating from the small teen.
Seemingly every boy including myself blushing at the women's costume. Then came the announcement that our whole class was dreading. The representative to announcing the opening speech, which fell to none other than class 1-A's resident hot head. Some hateful comments being made towards our direction at the blonde took the stand.
"I pledge… That I'll be number one." with our class basically wallowing in the targets now placed on all of our class further. The rest of the first year crowd booming with jeers and boos as Bakugo continued to stand near the microphone. I could almost fall to the floor in sheer nervousness at the thought of the other classes wanting to completely obliterate us now. Couldn't it have just been 'hey everyone, let's try our best to succeed.' no instead we get a declaration of being placed on everyone's hit list.
"Oh, well." I breathed out catching Yaoyorozu attention. "I didn't challenge him thinking it would be easy. If i'm going to pass him I have to go through everyone else to reach his level." nervous smile appearing on my face as I watched the teen lock eyes with me as he came down from the stage. Even though he probably didn't realize it, but you just gave me all the motivation I need to stand on the same level as you.
"Now let's get started right away." I watched with anticipation as she announced the qualifier for the festival. "Now, here is the fateful first game!" a hologram popping to life behind the pro, only to stop on the first event.
"Shit…" I couldn't help but hang my head the event being one of the worst way to present myself. 'Obstacle Race' the words being what I was least hoping for. Speed is going to put me at a disadvantage, this is going to test my physical abilities to most.
"All classes will participate in this race. With the course being the outer circumference of the stadium." Midnight giving a somewhat inappropriate look towards our classes. "This school thrives on freedom, as long as you stay on the course it doesn't matter what you do." cheers resonating from the crowd as we all moved towards the starting line for the race.
'This was it, I can't hold back.' I thought as I watched the first green light above the gate turn off. The others around me also readying themselves. This was what everyone was gunning for, that first place prize. Eyes brimming with determination on each of my classmates faces as the second light disappeared. The same goes for me.
"Start!" and with that word the last light vanished, signifying the start of the first event of the festival.
As we entered the tunnel I could see the first problem that would occur. With everyone trying to exit out of the narrow hall, the build up would be massive. Smiling I thought back to training Kendo had taught me. Time to put all my training to good use. Reaching the mass of humanity instead of plowing through the other student I attempted taking an easier route. With a small glow from beneath my still bandaged hands a large hunting knife appeared. Using one of the students shoulders before me I jumped towards the side wall of the hallway before creating a good grip for myself.
"Nice these walls are thin enough for me to embed a sharp object." Repeating this process I jumped from a person's shoulders to the nearby wall, closing the distance to the outside in seconds. Though this almost came to a complete stop as ice covered the clear ground I was attempting to land on. Ahead of me in first place was Todoroki, using his ice to slow down as many competitors as he could. Racing after him was myself and Bakugo.
"Targets acquired." wait, I knew that robotic tone. Staring in disbelief all competitors could only watch in horror as several faux villains appeared even the 0-pointers themself greeted our arrival.
Though my attention was on Todoroki as he built up his ice, only to completely astound everyone with freezing one of the 0-pointers as if it was nothing. 'So you froze it while it was of balance to give yourself a better lead', I couldn't help but smirk at the smart move from the powerful teen as the large robot fell over.
The other students freaking out as the robot had apparently fallen on others, only for a smile to adorn my face. I knew who it fell on and this would definitely not kill him. Then like it was nothing, Kirishima popped up out of the robot, as well as another student who I believed was from class 1-B. Bakugo not wasting any time as well also cleared the height of one of the 0-pointers, as well as others from the class. 'Everyone's moving ahead, I guess this what happens when the drive to win is this strong."
"Guess I should follow suit." I spoke the knife I had disappearing, as others looked towards me. Walking forwards I brought my glowing hand forwards, the light increasing until it took shape into a large strange looking rifle to most. Kneeling I took aim at one of the 0-pointers, a smile latched on to my face as the targeting system locked on.
"Robots meet railgun." pulling the trigger as beam of light flashed from the gun before disappearing, its trail going completely through the robot. Then as if taking a second for the robot to respond the head of the goliath exploded into shrapnel. Reciving some shocked looks I only laughed before continuing past the robot I had just killed. Besides I still had other obstacles to pass before making it to the end.
Reaching the second obstacle I could only frown as I reached the large casim before me. There's nothing helpful for me in this situation, my eyes looking up to see Bakugo closing the distance to first place. Frowning I watched as others were casually crossing the pit. Biting my lip I had to tightrope slowly across many of the available wires, this only serving to put me further behind. Then before I could even make it across I heard the announcement of Todoroki making it to the final area of the race.
'I have to keep moving.' stepping on solid ground again I raced of towards the final obstacle. That's when it was announced. Reaching the minefield I arrived just in time to see Todoroki and Bakugo begin their struggle for first place. 'Damn it, how do I catch up.' explosions going off before me.
That's when Midoriya appeared beside me, carrying what looked to be a large piece of metal from one of the robots with him. It was odd, but then I saw the determination spark in his eyes as he dug into the ground. Shaking my head, I needed to refocus on how to cover the huge gap between first place and myself. I need to make it to the next round, if not my words earlier would have meant nothing. Just as I was about to take a step forwards metal chains popped out of nowhere before triggering several mines before me creating a blast that sent me flying off my feet, Midoriya as well. Looking up I was surprised to see a student from class 1-B smiling back at me.
I squinted my eyes in frustration as I watched the girl smile back at me. Her honey colored hair in a messy bun as she tried to hide her laughter behind her hand. I guess we really are the targets of class 1-B. Getting up I groaned, Midoriya doing the same as we watched the girl continue forwards blowing up several of the other mines either in front of her or near students close enough. Gritting my teeth I knew we were in dire straits here.
"Midoriya." the teen looking my way as I continued to stare at the mass of students ahead of us. "I know this is a race and we're all trying to do our best, but do you have a plan to take the lead?" I questioned confidence burning through me. Thinking over my words for a second the teen returned a nod of confidence.
"Okay let's work together to pull ahead." both of us nodding in confirmation. After explaining the plan to me we got to work, it was actually quite simple. Digging up enough mines, we would use the large piece of metal to ride the explosion caused by the mines. With the proper aim and force it should blow the two of us past everyone else. Gathering as many of the explosive mine as we could we began our upset move.
"Alright, Midoriya this better not blow us to bits." I laughed nervously staring at the large pile of mines.
"All my calculations should have us coming out fine." he responded just as nervous about his own plan.
With one of us holding a side of the metal piece we charged forward. Reaching the mines we both hopped on just in time as mines exploded around us. The force so great that both of use were forced back against the metal. This was it our moment to shine, with both of us laying on it we flew through the air arching above the minefield.
"Was it an accident or on purpose. Because class 1-A's Midoriya and Koun are in hot pursuit of first place!" with looks of determination we both sailed past the leads, the look of astonishment passing over the teen's faces as we passed. "Actually they've taken the lead!" The plan had worked perfectly, that was until we both realized the ground was closing distance with us. I was starting to think we forgot a crucial step to this plan.
"Tell me you thought this far ahead?" I screamed out watching as the ground came closer and closer.
"Deku, Scarfy. Don't get ahead of me!" Bakugo yelling behind us as Todoroki and himself focused on the two of us.
As we lost speed both of us started drifting from the metal, both of our bodies in a freefall. This was do or die time, looking over I nodded towards the green haired teen giving him a smile. With my weight not affecting him any more Midoriya was able to capitalize and use Todoroki and Bakugo as steps blowing up the minefield near them. The explosion although stunning the three of us, it managed to propel Midoriya forwards.
Jumping out of the smoke I was right behind Midoriya as we lead the pack. Being in the air had less of an impact from the explosion. I had still been stunned but not to the point were I couldn't recover faster than Bakugo and Todoroki. Putting as much effort into it as I could I tuned out everything else around me. I needed to focus on putting myself out there. Running, Midoriya and I entered the tunnel the sounds of Bakugo and Todoroki right behind us. 'Come on push!' I wanted to cry out as Midoriya enter the stadium, and not even a second later I followed.
"The first one back is class 1-A's Izuku Midoriya." Present Mic yelled as I heard the crowd cheering for the teen as he literally had pulled the underdog card and had gone from last to first in a incredible move. I definitely owe him one in the future for helping me. "Second place is another resident of class 1-A, Hiro Koun." I let out an exhausted breath as I moved over towards Midoriya.
"Nice job man." I sighed, even if I wanted to win, coming in second place for the first round was fine. Midoriya seeming to have tears in his eyes thanked my praise, even if I should have been the one praising him. After all it was his idea to use the mines to propel us further. Offering a high five he gladly accepted as we both smiled at each other.
"And now their finishing one after another." Present Mic announcing, I still hadn't heard what Todoroki or Bakugo had received. Though I doubt either would be happy with the results of the two of us placing before them.
"Deku, Koun, you both were amazing. First and second place is amazing." Uraraka came over, congratulating the both of us. Midoriya seemed to become a blushing mess, while I nervously thanked the girl for her praise. I mean it technically was all Midoriya, my mind stopping as I thought. I had barely shown anything off during that last event. A frown somewhat coming over my face.
'I need to be better.' I attempted to pump myself as I saw Yaoyorozu enter the stadium.
"Hey, I'm going to check how Yaoyorozu's doing." I said waving to the two before they could respond. As I made my way over towards the slightly flustered teen, noticing the beaten Mineta climbing off her back. Which for some odd reason made me want to punt the guy. Seeing that I was coming to greet her I watched as she quickly tried to organize herself while fixing her clothes. I smiled, she always wanted to look presentable. "Caught up in another one of Mineta's plans?" I spoke a light blush coming over her cheeks.
"Unfortunately, he managed to leach on to me in order get a higher placement and fulfill one of his fantasies." the girl shuddering at the last word. "I heard you placed second." she remained calm now completely decent. Smiling nodding at the girls question, just then I felt a large smack on my back as Kirishima made his presence known.
"Man who knew you and Midoriya would pull that trick on the obstacle course." Kirishima grinned, this was weird reciving all this praise.
"Well it was all Midoriya's idea, I just really tagged along." I rubbed the back of my neck both of my friends raising an eyebrow at me. "Besides, I haven't shown a fraction of what i've learned over these two weeks." I clenched my fist determination in my eyes.
"Now that what I'm talking about, I can't wait." with that Kirishima put his hand forwards. Recognizing what he was doing I grasp his hand my own smile appearing. "I want to face you. I wasn't able to test my skill against you during the combat training, and we never got to spare." his words causing a smile to grow wider on my face
"Jeez, you boys. Always ready to fight." Yaoyorozu giggled, I couldn't help but smile at the sound. These two, they just both knew how to get me smiling.
"That was some move out there, Hiro Koun." the voice unfamiliar to me as I turned to greet the new arrival. It took me a second to recognize her, but she was definitely the girl using the chains earlier. Her hair was a crimson color, falling to her shoulders in several curls. Her eyes shined a warm chocolate brown, as she smiled at me. The thing that I observed the most was the tattoo's around her body, all looking like chains. "Sorry about detonating those mines earlier, I mean we were all fighting for first place."
"No it's alright I understand perfectly." I waved of the apology, it wasn't like I would pass up an opportunity if it presented itself. "I didn't know I was popular enough for people from class 1-B." I asked giving a nervous chuckle towards the girl.
"How would I not know the handsome weapons master of class 1-A." the girl flirted coming a little close for my liking. Leaning back a little bit I couldn't help but blush from the action. Looking to my friends for help, Kirishima giving the two of us a confused look, while Yaoyorozu seemed a little annoyed for some reason.
"Um… t-thanks." I couldn't help but stutter, slightly embarrassed. "Since you know my name do you mind if I get yours?" I asked the nervousness still evident in my voice.
"Nanoko Saiko. Nice to meet you." she saluted, "I honestly have to say It's pleasure to actually meet you."
"Yeah, no problem it's always nice to meet new people." grinning as I rubbed my neck.
"Besides I really wanted to meet the person I want destroy later in this festival." her smile although innocent, caused a feeling of dread to flow through me. "I'll show the world i'm better than Hiro Koun, the student from class 1-A to take on a powerful villain all by himself." I couldn't help but be completely shocked by her words, she's totally focused on destroying me. As she began to walk away, I saw the looks of shock and surprise all over Kirishima's and Yaoyorozu's faces. This wasn't going to be easy, just the confidence alone exuding from her was evidence in itself that she was skilled.
"Time for the announcement of the next event!" Midnight called as everyone started gathering towards the R-rated hero. Although I watched the back of Saiko as she left, something inside me causing me to clench my fist. 'I understand now, I can't just focus on one opponent, I have several others gunning for me as well.' a smile creeping on to my face, as my thoughts wondered.
"Then let's see what you've got." I said to myself, brimming with confidence.