I hope this chapter isn't too messy or incomplete. I had a beta reader lookover it: My sister from another mister and also continent, Jess G-Viral. She is an awesome fellow trans lady and has helped look over grammar and spelling, as well as making some suggestions. Thanks a lot, girl. Love ya!

This chapter is a bit light on Momokendou but I still tried to get it in there where I could. I give a lot of screen time to other characters here, especially Setsuna. Oh my god, I worry so much about how I handle fight scenes and choreographing an interesting fight between two of my favorite side characters is tough as balls. I hope I did a good job. And wowzers, I need to go back and clean up this chapter and the last as I think I fucked up the order of the fights in regards to my plans. If I did, let me know and I will do some continuity cleanup. I mean, more than I already attempted to do here. I glossed over the Ochako vs Bakugou fight here while still trying to give it its due and build up to other fights. Still building that history between Setsuna and Izuku, at least from her side. Hoping that sooner than later, I can show some of his insight too. Also I am a self referential hack so naturally, I threw in some Izumina seeds. Let's see how those turn out.

Lastly, I worry it is hamfisted how I handle it, but I did not want to forget stuff like Yui's crush on Itsuka or that Tetsutetsu's team are cheering team Kendou on. I also want to do Monoma justice. He is a fun character and I try to get him just right. Anyway, Hope you enjoy. I will try to update again in May. Participating in two bangs this year and also aiming to move soonish. Also, fulltime job and all. Take care, darlings, and peace!

Itsuka was caught off guard. She was ready to head back towards the rest area, and possibly to meet up with Momo. Instead, she was having a conversation with Monoma. She didn't dislike the boy. He was a handful, for sure, but she could sense he did care about his fellow students in his own way. "Madame president, may I ask what that was about? Need I remind you that we are competing with those high-and-mighty Class A jerks?"

"We're also competing with each other. This isn't a war between classes and it never should be. We're all fighting for the same goal."

"Maybe it's a war to some of us. Did you not care when that boy from !A called us 'extras'? Were you not insulted as our class rep? Do I have to defend our honor because you are too busy making eyes at your childhood friend?"

"It did irk me. Don't think it didn't just because I'm not holding a grudge against a whole class for the attitude of one guy. Maybe they view us the same way because of you? Did you think about that? And I'm not 'making eyes' just because I have a friend in another class."

"Then you have deluded even yourself. I am not clueless, Kendou. We noticed the panic attack when you found out about the attack on USJ. I know I am not your type. I am clearly not pretty enough for you. That is fair. However, we are all working our hearts out on this grand stage and only a handful of us made it to the next stage. If you lose because you get distracted by feelings you can't even acknowledge, for someone coasting by on sympathy points, then I don't know what to tell you."

Itsuka could feel her fists clench as she was tempted to smack her classmate extra hard. However, she was inclined to hold back. She couldn't give in to anger, even if Monoma was being incredibly rude. Perhaps there was some truth to what he said. However, to insult her leadership felt too far.

"Monoma...that's enough. Please leave this be." The redhead looked down. She could feel her mood slip. She wanted to go watch the fight between Setsuna and Ashido and to cheer her friend on. There was a story there that the green-haired girl wasn't telling just yet and she was hoping to hear it one day.

"The class president is right. I can get wanting to defend our class and allow us to shine, but leave it to Kendou, Tokage, and I. Don't let your frustration and being turned down get mixed up with your desire to get back at one guy. " a voice rang out, a calm and familiar one that Itsuka knew all too well. She turned to see Reiko, who was standing there, having heard the whole thing.

Monoma sighed, having seen that he was outhunned. Unsatisfied but not wanting to get chopped, the young man went back to his seat. It was hard to read his expression past that, but Itsuka was too busy calming down.

"I know you don't need help dealing with Monoma normally, but i saw he was touching a nerve. That was too far for him even. Sorry, Kendou."

"No, no. It's fine. Maybe he was right?"

No, he went too far. He cares about our class but he isn't the only one standing up for us. He'll come around I hope. He'll probably go back to his normal behavior for a bit, but he probably won't confront you on Momo again."

"Perhaps. I don't dislike the guy. I need to take a step back though. That was uncalled for on his part."

X

Setsuna stood by, lost in thought. She had missed a previous match between two 1-a students: Katsuki Bakugou and Ochako Uraraka. She had not met the latter yet. SHe heard she put up one hell of a fight and had given her all. She had also heard the girl was good friends with Izuku Midoriya. That was good. The boy certainly deserved more friends. From what she remembered, he didn't have a ton of those. SHe also didn't remember him having a quirk, but she supposed things changed. She had certainly changed a lot since they last saw each other. He clearly didn't recognize her. It had been several years and she had been on hormone treatment for a bit. Some in her family worried it was too young, but she had managed to get through to her parents. It had been two years since they had taken a trip to the netherlands and managed to get her a prescription. She was thankful it carried back over to Japan with her and even more thankful her friends weren't around for her Gyaru phase.

The lizard girl's mind shifted to Bakugou. Setsuna remembered the fire in his hands but not necessarily in his eyes. He seemed a lot less cocky than she remembered but she wouldn't say he had changed a lot. She overheard him still call Izuku that name: Deku. She hated that nickname. He wasn't some useless puppet or pebble or whatever. He was a nice kid who tried his best and didn't see much for it. Setsuna hoped he had people who could tell him that.

She overheard some people say that Uraraka was frail or weak and that Bakugou was going too far. That sounded like the Bakugou she remembered. However anyone that could apparently force him onto the backfoot and make him take notice was far from weak and she had to shake their hand.

She snapped out of her trance and limbered up for her upcoming match. She still had time, but wanted to be ready. She had not met her opponent yet, but was sure it was going to be someone strong. She was pretty sure it was the pink girl who had been drafted by team Bakugou. Was she a friend of his? She didn't recognize her from back then. It was probably a classmate he had picked based on her quirk. That seemed about right.

Her hair was fluffy, like his. It was cotton candy pink, though, and her eyes were a dark ebony black, with a speck of gold in the center. They were striking and beautiful. "Dammit, there are too many pretty girls. Monoma might blow a gasket."

X

Yui sat in her seat, quietly contemplating everything that had transpired. She wanted to be invested in the events unfolding and to cheer her class on. However, she was deep in thought. SHe had been smitten with Itsuka Kendou since they had first met. Here was this bright, smiling redhead brimming with confidence and strength, her sun kissed skin dotted with freckles. Yui was doomed from the beginning.

But so too were her chances. As soon as it was apparent that Itsuka's childhood friend was at UA, it seemed like things were over before they had even started. The short, raven-haired girl hoped she would have a chance, maybe get to know Itsuka better. Maybe she would even get the chance to overcome her nerves and say more to the girl.

This girl who made her heart flutter and her hands flap at the very thought of her. This was a girl with a voice sweeter than chocolate but a will that was tougher than nails. Yui could feel her cheeks flush but her heart sink. DId she really have a chance against a girl as pretty as Yaoyorozu? They both had a history that the girl could not compete with.

And yet, perhaps, there was still a shot. Neither had admitted to their feelings yet. There was the slimmest chance they would just stay friends. Yui shook her head. She felt guilty for letting this get to her and tried to focus on the upcoming fight. Setsuna was up and was about to fight Mina Ashido from class 1A. Both girls were also pretty, though she couldn't get Itsuka out of her head.

If there was any doubt in Yui's mind about her preferences, those doubts were utterly decimated when Itsuka stripped down to her tank top and went all out against the spiky boy from 1A. It had awakened many things in her. Well, further awakened. Yui wondered if that was even a thing or if her feelings were messing with her ability to think clearly.

X

Mina and Setsuna set foot into the arena to applause from both of their classes. The two girls eyed each other up and down, trying to get a sense for each other.

"You were on team Kendou, right? You girls really put up a fight to stay in this thing and Kendou sure went all out against Kirishima, but I'm not gonna hold back."

"Neither am I, no matter how cute you are." Setsuna winked, causing the pink girl to blush and then shake her head. The fight started and both girls came out swinging. Setsuna dodged Mina's acid and used evasive maneuvers to the best of her ability. It was going to be tricky to split apart with her gym uniform on. It wasn't acclimated to her quirk like her hero costume was. Still, she didn't want to copy Kendou's fight too much.

"Not using your quirk, huh? You can split apart, right? Worried about splitting your clothing? If you're not careful, it will melt off...wait. That came out wrong!" Mina blushed, not meaning for that to come out nearly as flirty as it did.

"Nah, sounds about right. Guess I have to take off the jacket at least."

Setsuna took off her gym top, stripping down to a black tank top adorned with colorful pastel lizards in pink, blue, and white. She posed dramatically as she tossed the top aside, like someone from a fighting game. Tetsutetsu cheered in the crowd, getting the vibes that his classmate was going for.

"Promises, promises, Pink Lemonade." Setsuna winked, then turned to the crowd. "Sorry to copy you, Kendou, but this is restricting my quirk and I don't want to hold back too much. And hey, Jirou! Check this out!"

Setsuna sent out an arm like a rocket, aiming to grab Mina by the horns and throw her off guard. Her opponent dodged, however, countering with a splash of weak acid. The two unleashed both their quirks, holding back just enough not to seriously injure each other, even with medical staff available. Only barely did they hold back though, with Mina parrying multiple projectiles made up of Setsuna's body, while said lizard girl deftly dodged the acid globs thrown at her.

Setsuna took a step back and punched Mina, which the pink girl blocked barely. The two traded bows back and forth, dancing around the stage with grace and purpose. Mina delivered a devastating uppercut, which almost knocked Setsuna down for the count.

"Ouch! Your arm is really strong. You punched my jaw clean off~!" the lizard girl teased, her lower skull floating behind Mina and whispering into her ear. "I don't think I have a leg to stand on anymore. Wait, there it is."

Mina looked confused at the other girl's words. SHe still had both her legs, right? "Wait, wha~"

Before Mina could fully react, she was knocked down to the arena floor by a stray leg. The limb floated back over to its owner, as did the jaw. Deciding to finish things up while she had the chance, Setsuna sent out chunks of her body in order to bombard the pink girl and knock her unconscious.

Mina did a backspin and splashed acid all around as she shot back up to her feet, dispelling the chunks of Setsuna that had surrounded her. The quick action and splash of the acid had managed to put holes in Setsuna's top, which was no longer on properly. The girl needed time to adjust before she resumed battle. However, her opponent wasn't giving her much time, aiming for a ring out.

With a burst of speed, Mina rushed forward with a vicious elbow strike, then a backflip and followed it up with a roundhouse kick. She looked like a very violent fountain as her acid splashed all around, complimenting her blows.

Unfortunately for Mina, Setsuna had scattered into pieces at the last moment, assembling within her tank top as it had fluttered in the wind. Setsuna came back with a grin. "Sorry to get your hopes up but my feet are still in the ring. Guess you're going to have to try harder than that."

"No way! That's not fair! You faked me out twice!"

"Hey, I'm just making good use of my quirk. Nothing unfair about that. C'mon. Let's keep this going, Ashido."

Setsuna knocked the pink girl out of the ring with a devastating volley, inviting uproarious applause. Several voices commended her in the bleachers, mentioning that she was a recommended student for good reason. There were several comparisons to the less popular hero, Strike Iguana.

After making sure all her pieces were where they needed to be, Setsuna leapt out of the ring and offered a hand to Mina. "You did great out there. That was a hell of a match." She offered a warm smile to her opponent, one which did not go unnoticed as Midnight and the ring announcers delivered some short yet heartfelt speech about good sportsmanship. Both girls tuned it out.

"Thanks. I wish I had a chance to win. You really didn't make it easy."Mina groaned, taking Setsuna's hand and getting up. The pink girl could still hear her friends cheering her on and shouting words of encouragement. Tooru Hagakure was particularly loud, torn between her best friend in class and the girl with the cute trans pride top. That was a tale for later though.

"Do you think Jirou noticed? I'm not at that stage to dedicate a fight to her buuuut~" Setsuna trailed off with a laugh, gesturing to Itsuka and Momo. Mina let out a giggle snort, followed by a wistful sigh.

"Man, when am I going to get my shot at young love? First Yaomomo and Kendou, now you and Jirou? Not fair." The girl whined playfully, willing to let it go but still a little bummed.

"If it helps, I just think Jirou is cute. Not sure she likes me that way yet, but we'll give it time. As for Kendou and Yaoyorozu...they aren't a couple yet but they desperately want to be, even if they deny it. Best to give them time to sort that big gay mess out." Setsuna winked before scanning the arena for Izuku. "Hey, if you're looking for cuties, he might be an oddball, but I know a really good guy. We grew up together. He's a bit of a dork but he's cute in his own right."

Setsuna shifted her eyes to 1A's resident Green powerhouse and prompted Mina to look in the same direction. The pink girl was a bit incredulous but Setsuna patted her back and grinned. "Trust me. He's cooler than he looks. You just gotta give him a chance. Though he seems to have changed a bit since I knew him. That makes two of us."

"Alright. If you say so. He was pretty cool against Kaminari." Mina said, blushing lightly as she twirled a strand of her cotton candy-colored hair. "Say...how do you know Midoriya?"

X

Monoma sat in his seat and had observed the whole fight, ready to cheer on his classmates. He was still upset over what had just happened, but he wouldn't let that get to him. He still admired Itsuka and would cheer her on. He would do the same with Reiko and Setsuna as well. He was mad at himself a little for getting so personal and going after his class rep. Perhaps there was some pent up frustration with being knocked unconscious and her not siding with him. Sure, Yaoyorozu and her had history, but she had a duty to their class today. He expected more of her. But perhaps Yanagi was right. Maybe, just because they weren't going about things the same way as he was, didn't mean they weren't giving their all. Besides, friendships still mattered outside of battle.

And yet part of him did not regret what he meant to say. This was a chance to show what 1B could do. It should be dedicated to those who didn't make it, like team Tetsutetsu. It felt almost wasted on someone who failed so quickly in her first match, just because she was Itsuka's crush.

Perhaps there was some jealousy there. He didn't make it to the tournament stage, so he couldn't show the world just what he could do, not yet anyway. However, this was bigger than just one person's ego. That's what he wanted to show that 1A boy, and really all of 1A.

The boy noticed Itsuka chatting up Momo, laughing with her. They seemed to be in better spirits. All he could do was roll his eyes. And yet there was still that knot in his stomach. He noticed Yui looking away from the situation. Something clicked in his head and he could feel his feet moving towards her. He wasn't sure if it was his drive to be there for his class or opportunistic pettiness. He wanted to think it was the former.

He admittedly didn't know much about this sort of thing. He once had a short romance, if you could call it that, with an older girl. Last he had heard, she was entering her 2nd year at an all girls' academy. He was fairly certain Yanagi's sister went there as well. Alas, the two of them were too different in some areas and far too similar in others.

Monoma shook his head. "Keep it together, Neito, old boy. Your friend needs you. And if you can use that to knock some reason into Kendou, then it's a win-win!" Before he could move any further, however, Monoma felt a smack on the back of his neck.

"I can hear you scheming." Itsuka sighed. She seemed less angry now but was still willing to chop her classmate if he started anything. Before falling unconscious, the blonde boy grunted "Foiled again. Forgive me, Kodai!" He would get his chance another day.

Yui looked up at the scene occurring nearby and shrugged with indifference, trying to ignore her feelings and drown them in the melon-flavored soft drink she had brought with her. Perhaps one day she could confess, but now was not the time. SHe could barely get the words out. For now, she would just see how the rest of the Sports Festival played out. There was another match between Kendou's and Tokage's, or maybe it was after Tokage's. Time was a blur and Yui was too distracted. She just hoped she could get out of her own head and cheer her classmates on properly.

X

The quarterfinals of the tournament were underway, with the winners finally determined for the previous rounds. Reiko would be facing off against Todoroki, which was sure to be a challenge. She had her work cut out for her against that ice. It nearly eliminated her team entirely, if it hadn't been for their hard work in making up enough points with her quirk and Setsuna's to make up enough points while they worked to break out of their frozen prison. She wished her friends good luck and went to prepare.

Itsuka looked to see that she would be against Bakugou from 1A. Setsuna seemed to recognize him and took her aside. "Hey, so I met that kid. He used to be friends with Midoriya...until he wasn't. He operates on instinct and those instincts are annoyingly impeccable. That Uraraka girl seems to have thrown him off a bit, but keep on your toes, Itsuka."

The redhead sighed and smiled. She really did appreciate her friend's warnings. As much of a jokester as Setsuna could be, she really was someone you wanted on your side. "Thanks, Setsuna. Should I ask why you ripped me off though?" Itsuka teased.

The lizard girl scoffed and grinned, ruffling her friend's hair. "Hey, you're not the first one to have the idea. Still, it was really cool. I wanted to capture some of that. Besides, with my quirk, being stuck in long sleeves was going to be a bit much, especially with an opponent like her.

"That's fair. I do have a question though."

"Go for it."

"The lizards on your top. I feel like I have seen that color scheme before. What does it mean?"

Setsuna paused, looking hesitant. She wasn't sure why. It's not like any of the girls would think less of her, right? Was she being ridiculous? She supposed she had put it

Off long enough. It's not like she was embarrassed about her gender, not anymore at least.

"It's...something I should get the rest of the girls together for. I feel I should tell them all together."

"That's fine. No worries. I won't push you. You can tell us when you are ready, Setsuna."

The lizard girl bit her lip, feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude. She was so worried about being rejected, especially by friends she came to value in such a short time, but why? She had made peace with it already, right? She took a deep breath and put her hand on Itsuka's shoulder, closing her eyes.

"Itsuka...wait...if I tell you first, would you keep it a secret until I can gather everyone together to tell them?"

"Of course. You're my vice president and honestly, one of my best friends. No matter what this is, you have my support and I will keep your secret until you are ready to divulge it." the redhead smiled, hugging her friend close. She held up when she could see tears welling up in Setsuna's eyes. She let go, eyes twinkling with concern.

Setsuna wiped her eyes and looked at her president, no...her best friend. That settled it. She had to tell her. "Remember when I mentioned that I was different when I grew up with Midoriya? And you know how I tend to be all flirty and shit but still change on my own in the dressing room? I figured you and Rei had noticed, maybe Yui as well, but I just kept it to myself until someone approached me...Well...I'm trans...That's what the colors on my shirt mean. I grew up being thought of as a boy...that's when I knew Midoriya...and why he didn't recognize me…"

"Oh...wow...I didn't know, but it makes sense now that I think about it...honestly though, that doesn't change anything. You're a girl, no matter how you started out or were seen growing up. Nothing changes that."

Setsuna wanted to scoff again, play it off and punch Itsuka's arm, or call her a sappy sapphic or say anything else. Instead, she surprised both Itsuka and herself: she pulled the girl into a hug.

"Thank you...that means so much." The girl hugged tighter, feeling tears flow. It felt like such a huge relief but also a huge embarrassment to know that all her worries were for nothing, and that she had the support of her best friend.

"Are you crying, Sets?" Itsuka, chuckled lightly, concerned but also playfully accepting. It's not like Setsuna hadn't seen her cry before.

"Shut up and let me have this, Madame Lesident." Setsuna laughed through her tears and lightly shoved Itsuka.

Momo watched from afar, feeling a tinge of jealousy but not knowing why. Well, that wasn't entirely true. She knew why and she was repeatedly telling herself to stop. SHe wasn't pursuing anything with Itsuka right now. Any feelings they might have hypothetically shared were put on hold. School was a priority, as was the shared goal of becoming pro-heroes. Besides, they wanted to be certain that it was more than just the absence. Adding to that, Itsuka was allowed to have friends outside her. She already had in the years since they had been apart.

Setsuna saw Momo looking from across the arena. It was a bit hard to see her from a distance, but she seemed to be fidgeting, and looking in the direction of her and Kendou. Something clicked in the lizard girl's brain and she snickered. Was Yaoyorozu...jealous? It certainly must have looked a certain way from a distance, but it was still funny to her. "God, these bitches are so obviously gay for each other." the lizard girl sighed to herself. She couldn't make the decision for them when they would confess, or if they even wanted to (which they obviously did) but she could clear the air. Perhaps she would regret this, as she was nervous about coming out to her classmates, let alone a girl from another class. And yet it seemed inevitable anyway and mixups like this were annoying. They literally helped nobody.

Itsuka was confused by the sudden change in mood for her friend. She knew it must have been a relief but she thought she heard "These bitches gay." Her head shot to the bleachers when she heard Setsuna shout. Momo similarly perked up in curiosity, confused about what was happening.

"Oi, Yaoyorozu! I have something I want to tell you! Come on down, rich girl!""