"I was hoping to get a good look at some new freshmen, especially the cute ones!" As the woodman rolled his eyes, Mt. Lady wailed out while eating part of her meal.
"That's unfortunate. I did want to see the girl everyone was raving about, what was her name again?" Kamui Wood wondered as Mt. Lady's eyes illuminated as she snapped her fingers in realization.
"Mina Ashido!? Man, she's all the headliners of the first-year event, y'know? Most people are going to see her up close as well as Endeavor's son, what's his name?"
With a roll of eyes, another hero chose to enter the fray. "Who cares about Endeavor's son in the first place? I heard he got brutalized by Ashido, so you should keep a watch out for her."
Kamui agreed with a hum. "I'd want to try to get her to join my agency. She appears to be skilled in both short and long-range attacks."
They entered the hero's room to find money and yells flying everywhere in pandemonium. Kamui hasn't seen anything like this in a long time, well, in forever.
"100,000 YEN FOR MINA ASHIDO!
"YOU THINK SHE IS GONNA WIN!? I PUT 500,000 YEN ON ENDEAVOR'S SON!"
"YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HIS FUCKING NAME!?"
"1,000,000 YEN ON MINA ASHIDO, YES SIR!"
Mt. Lady huffed and massaged her temple. "This is going to be the most exciting sports event in history, no doubt. It appears that fate has their sights set on Mina Ashido rather than the third years."
"Let's just hope the pressure doesn't get to her and that the stories are true; it'd be a shame to see her as weak as her classmates," Kamui remarked, shaking his head.
"Mina Ashido is not like her peers. I can promise you that. She is miles ahead of most of them, if not all of them, both mentally and physically." As the two heroes turned their heads to view the legend, Ashido's homeroom teacher, Aizawa Shota, drawled out as if he had been through hell and back.
Probably due to paparazzi or maybe he had a little last-minute chat.
"Eraserhead! Coming to bet on your prized students?" As Kamui rolled his eyes, Mt. Lady mocked.
Aizawa cocked his brow but shrugged. "What's the harm? I feel I already know where she is going to place."
"Oh, I'm guessing first! 50,000 YEN FOR MINA ASHIDO ON FIRST!" Mt. Lady yelled as the gamble administrator nodded and added her name to the list.
Aizawa scoffed slightly. "Wrong, knowing her and her idiotic plans, she will most likely be second. 100,000 yen for Todoroki- Endeavor's kid."
How are people making gambles yet only know one of his student's names? Aizawa would never grasp it, especially because one is a nobody in society and the other is the son of a well-known and famous hero.
However, Kamui is baffled as to what his superior was referring to when he mentioned his student's plan.
"THEY'RE SELLING DANGO? Man, all I want to do is walk outside and eat from the food vendors, but I'm trapped with you psychopaths." As everyone rolled their eyes at my antics, I shouted, pounding my fist on the table.
Sato smirked with a little hum. "What do you think will happen in the first round or rather, what is the first round going to be?"
"We have no option but to deal with whatever comes our way." Tokoyami asserts this while reclining back in his chair and chuckling wickedly.
Sadist, I tell you.
Yaoyorozu slides closer to me, resting her head on the wall behind us. "Ashido, I heard a lot of heroes are betting about you winning the sports festival. What a bunch of scumbags..."
I don't think you should be calling Aizawa-sensei a scumbag, but who am I to say?
I hesitated for a second, taken aback. "Really? I mean, I know heroes frequently bet on third years, but first years?"
She hummed as I twirled strands of her hair which was in a regular high ponytail, not the hideous one she wears in the original. "You appear to be garnering a lot of attention. First, it was All Might, then it was Aizawa, and now there are reports that Endeavor wants to speak with you one on one, in person."
I choked on my saliva as everyone, like me, halted what they were doing. "Endeavor? Wants to chat with me? About what? The fact that I defeated his so-"
Oh.
I spun around to see Todoroki polishing some ice in his hands, glaring daggers at me. I'm not sure whether I'm horrified that I'm Todoroki's target or that I've caught Endeavor's interest. Both of these were not my favorite things in the world, but I'd choose Endeavor's attention above being Todoroki's target.
"Are you ready, everyone?" Iida shouted as he stormed into the room, releasing me from the tension.
In any case, if the heroes want a performance, I'll put on the finest show they've ever seen in their whole lifetimes! I'm thinking that most of them have placed thousands of yen on the line, therefore I shouldn't let them down.
My opinion can be swayed though.
"Ashido, Midoriya." Todoroki beckoned us, stopping us in our steps, and I groaned, turning my head over my shoulder.
"What is it, Todoroki?" Midoriya queried beside me as I grumbled, here comes the speech.
"Looking at things objectively, I think I'm stronger than both of you," he stated, tightening his fist.
"No crap..." Midoriya mumbled as I coughed, trying to hide my laughter as others snickered, leading Todoroki to scowl even harder at us.
"But... All Might has his sights set on both of you, doesn't he?" Midoriya's expression tightened as I frowned, "I'm not seeking to eavesdrop. But I'm going to beat you both."
I don't have All Might's attention that badly... I've only spoken to him a few times…
Well, after that little chat maybe I do have his attention.
"Oh? Is the third-best in the class declaring war?" Kaminari mocked with a snort and a wink. "Pretty daring considering you were beaten up by one of the guys you're declaring war on."
I put my palm on my chest and laughed heartily. "Whatever you do, Shocchi, don't repeat our previous battle. Let's just say that was the most disappointing match I've ever witnessed or participated in."
Todoroki went over to me, shoving Midoriya out of the way, causing the greenhead to fall to the floor, as a chorus of oos passed through the room.
He snatched my collar and drew me up to his face, nose to nose, forehead to forehead. "I don't believe you'll have to be concerned about that, Micchi."
"Are you sure because, as far as I'm concerned, you don't use the side that works on me." I snarked back, stroking his cheek and moving it down his jaw as he stiffened from either my hand or what I said.
"Hey, hey, hey! Let's not argue now; we'll have plenty of opportunities soon enough." Kirishima hollered, pushing Todoroki away from me as he seized me by the waist.
Midoriya stood up and curled his fist. "Todoroki... I'm not sure what you're thinking when you say you'll defeat me, but you're obviously better than me. I believe you are more capable than the majority of the others here."
"Not me though," I muttered with a frown.
Midoriya paused before looking at Todoroki with determination in his eyes. "But, I can't afford to fall behind. I'll be going for it with everything I have too."
I sat quietly in the classroom mulling over my own thoughts. I'm more concerned about how the events will play out this arc rather than actually placing well. I mean, look at what's been going on with the USJ incident, it didn't happen.
"Ashido, shouldn't you be with your classmates?" A voice grumbled as I turned my head slightly to see Aizawa leaning against the doorframe.
I hummed a bit looking back at the window. "Just thinking about the future and what I want to do during the sports festival."
"What are you going to do? Is it not your intention to win?" He queried as I sniggered.
"Look old man-"
"I'm not that old."
"32 is pretty old."
"Hey-"
"Hush, let me have my moment."
He sighs with a small smile. "Fine, what were you going to say?"
"Right… I don't really want first, I know a bunch of heroes are betting thousands on me because they somehow knew I beat Todoroki. But I have a feeling- or should I say plan that'll surely get me second, maybe lower if my plan takes a few turns." I explained as he simply raised an eyebrow.
I stared at him before coughing and continuing. "It… It wouldn't make sense for me, a nobody in society, to simply beat someone of a higher standing than me. No less, Endeavor's prodigal son. Imagine the reaction it would cause if I did beat him, live. Surely there would be talks of how Endeavor is failing to teach his son, which isn't far off…" I muttered the last part but I heard a snort come from the man.
Aizawa composed himself before shaking his head with a frown. "I would agree but this is the sports festival. You're supposed to be trying your best, it's for people to see the new generation of heroes who are going to save the world. How do you think people like All Might or even Endeavor started out?"
I shrugged a bit. "That's the thing, with every new generation, there is a new expectation. And with new expectations, there is pressure to be better than what you are capable of. Currently, All Might is one of the world's greatest heroes of all time. But what happens when his time is finally over? What will the people do when their hope is gone? Turn to the new generation who have yet to grow to his level?"
"Civilians don't give two fucks about our feelings, were just tools in the end for their survival. One single mistake and it's over for us, we'll be looked down upon and shunned. All Might is lucky enough that he hasn't fucked it over, or so we've been told."
There was silence as we both thought over my words.
It's true, while I only managed to get up to the chapter where Midoriya returns to Yuuei… Things weren't looking good for anyone, people were dropping like flies, no one trusted hero society, hero society didn't even trust itself.
And now that things are changing…
"Then let me, or should I say us, teach you how to become a true hero." A deep, sorrowful voice suddenly blurted out as my head snapped over towards the door to see All Might standing there with a frown.
Fuck.
"What do you mean?"
He walked over sitting on the teacher's desk looking at me directly. "You're right… No one has been told about my failures because people want so badly to ignore them. For some time now, I've only been thinking that I was the only one who could keep the hope of the people but…"
"But?"
He sighed, bowing his head. "Your words are true. I haven't even taught you… your class, anything of value. I was too ignorant before, I wanted to make sure society was satisfied but I failed to realize how it was hurting hero society. And how it was going to hurt my students in the long run…"
He looked at me with a sad smile, and for once, he looked like a man tired of the world.
A man who wanted nothing more than to rest.
"I don't want there to be another me… I want a true hero who can actually save someone with a smile on their face, not someone who faked it until the end."
And the room was silent.
I clenched my fist trying to keep my emotions in check. Had he always been like this, had he always been this tired and miserable of life? Did he even want Midoriya to become the number one hero because he knew what would happen?
But when he looked back at me, all I could see was someone who wanted their legacy to be passed down. "You have potential Ashido, your whole class does. But you have resolve, determination, and the will to do things an ordinary hero wouldn't dare try. You say you won't become number one because people will compare you to me, yes?"
While he was talking directly to me, I knew he was also talking about Midoriya. I nodded, a bit confused. "Of course, as I said, there's no one who could compare you."
"Then let me, the number one in upper society and Aizawa, the number one in underground society… Teach you all we know so you can reshape hero society and change what it means to be a true hero."
I paused before my eyes widened, I mean, seriously, what? I looked towards Aizawa, confirming that this was all too real.
Seeing my hesitation, Aizawa walked over, sticking out his hand. "How about this, promise that you'll make an effort to try and become the number one at least, and we have a deal."
They were doing this to get closer for Nezu to get updates if I'm suspicious but underneath that layer were mounds of hope and pride.
I hesitated.
I don't want to become the number one, but I need to do this.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
And so I shook his hand, sealing the deal.
"HEEEYYY! Pay attention, audience! Swarm, mass media. This year's high school rodeo of adolescence that you all love, the Yuuei Sports Festival, is about to begin! Everybody, are you ready!?"
I could immediately hear the yells and applause from where I was standing, with many voices shouting for their favorite players. I suppose it was true that people would focus on the first years even if the villain attack did not occur.
"It's time for the students to enter the first-year stage! Please welcome the new class that has the whole world's eye on them and their students! Hero course, Class 1-A!"
As we exited the stadium, the fans surged in cheers, prompting me to sigh. My ears hurt, and it doesn't help that everyone is cheering for me.
"ASHIDO I LOVE YOU~!"
"BEAT THEIR ASSES ASHIDO!"
"GO ASHIDO GOOOOOO!"
"I'M BEATING ALL MY MONEY ON YOU ASHIDO, KILL 'EM!"
What a drag... Where the bloody hell did people find out I beat Todoroki in the first place? Why do people believe I'm all that when I'm not even that fucking strong?
"Wow, you've got your work cut out for you, huh?" As I scowled, Midoriya taunted me by jabbing my side with a smile.
When I looked around the arena, Nezu was gazing at me with a strained smile. He still doesn't believe me? Oh well, it's not like it's going to spoil my plans or anything.
Iida squinted his eyes and peered everywhere. "They need to calm down so I can deliver my best performance."
Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck. "Man, people are going crazy with the praises." He chuckled as he glanced at the massive sign with the words 'Love Love Mina.' "Aren't you Bakugou getting nervous already?"
"LOVE LOVE MINA! GO OUR LOVE LOVE MINA, SHE SHINES SO BRIGHTLY JUST LIKE THE STARS! LOVE LOVE MINA, GO LOVE LOVE MINA!"
What kind of shitty chant is that?
Bakugou clicked his tongue, mouth twitching upwards regarding some of my chants, while I just snarled. Stupid motherfuckers, stop talking before I'm embarrassed. "Nah, I'm only getting more pumped up."
"Weirdo..." I mumbled as he whacked the back of my head without saying anything else. Rude...
"They haven't been getting much attention, but this class is also full of talent! Welcome them all, hero course, Class 1-B! Next up are general studies classes C, D, and E. Support course classes F, G, and H are here as well! And business course classes I, J, and K.
I never understood why the business class took part in the sports festival when they just muttered to themselves about support classes, agency, and money...
We all rushed over to the mini-stage where Midnight was standing. Oh, it's Midnight, the hot R-Rated hero whose boobies I'd want to bury my face into. "It's time for the player pledge!"
"What is she wearing?" Kirishima wondered aloud, flushing slightly as I snorted. I know he isn't that innocent, so what sorts of dirty thoughts is he having right now?
"Is it okay for her to join a high school given the fact that she is R-Rated?" Tokoyami questioned, tilting his head as I shrugged.
I don't mind and I'm sure as hell the audience doesn't.
Midnight hushed us with a blank stare before cracking a smile. "Class 1-A student Katsuki Bakugou represents the students!"
Hey, at least it isn't anyone else from our class. People should be thankful it's him.
"I pledge... that I'll be number one."
Honestly thought he would say worse... Good job teen angst! I'm rooting for you, make sure those scummy heroes who bet their money on me lose!
"WHAT THE HELL!?"
"STOP MESSING AROUND!"
"YOU CAN'T BEAT ASHIDO!" Yes, yes he can- shut up.
"YOU SLUDGE BASTARD!"
"DON'T BE SO FULL OF YOURSELVES, CLASS A!"
Damn, people act like they aren't also trying to be first in this fucking competition.
Iida coughed into his hand giving Bakugou a thumbs up. "Good job Bakugou, show which class will come on top!"
He said I, not we.
Midnight let out a little snicker before clearing her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Let's get this event started right now. The first game is considered a qualifier! Every year, numerous people drink their tears and sweat here. Now comes the fateful first game!"
Anime, fan-fiction, and God... Please be on my side and let the games stay the same as they were in the original!
"This year, it's..." OBSTACLE RACE MY BELOVED PLEASE!
"OBSTACLE RACE!"
YES, GOD, THANK YOU! I AM IN DEBT FOR YOU AND YOUR KINDNESS!
Midnight directed everyone's attention to the screen behind her. "This race will comprise participants from all 11 classes. The course will be the stadium's outside perimeter, which will be about four kilometers long. The selling point of our school is freedom!"
"Freedom, my ass," I murmured, recalling the events of the previous timeline.
She licked her lips and smirked at us. "It doesn't matter what you do as long as you stay on track! Now, everyone, take your places!"
I raced over to the starting line, managing to stay in front while everyone else was crammed in the back. Suckers...
"STARTTTTT!" Huh- no ready set? Really?
I blinked before sprinting onward, not looking back at these miserable losers until I was out of the tunnel. Focusing on Mina's acid onto my feet helped me to smoothly glide on the first, allowing me to exit the tunnel ahead of everyone else.
I grinned as I glanced back for a second to see everyone still in the tunnel. Without wasting any time, I slid away, unconcerned about Todoroki's use of his ice.
"WHO ISN'T SURPRISED!? MINA ASHIDO HAS ALREADY PASSED EVERYONE BY LARGE MARGINS! NO SURPRISE THAT THE ENTIRE WORLD IS INTERESTED IN HER! ASHIDO, KEEP DOING YOUR BEST!"
I sneered, of course they'd focused on me rather than the hundreds of losers back there. "Don't underestimate me, Ashido." A voice murmured into my ear, my spine freezing with chilly breath.
I sprang into the air, watching as ice pillars grew at my prior position. I grumbled as I looked at Todoroki, who was grinning at me. "Ice Princess, it's so wonderful to see you again."
"WHAT'S THIS!? TODOROKI HAS CAUGHT UP WITH ASHIDO!?"
I could already hear the people in the crowd arguing as to who will win between us.
I sighed as I redirected my gaze to a familiar purple-haired toddler. "Todoroki, I've outwitted you! How pathetic! Take this, my powerful attack! Gra-"
Mineta was flung away by a robot's finger before he could complete his sentence, and I groaned for what felt like the millionth time.
Normally, I'd stop and chuckle, but I've had a gut feeling that isn't making me pleased, you know? Something terrible is going to happen today.
"Y'know..." I murmured, my gaze drawn to Todoroki, who arched an eyebrow. "We've gone through this before, so using ice isn't going to help. My darling, I can just melt it."
He didn't say anything, but he stopped attacking me and just ran forward. I scoffed as I glanced forward to see us reaching the second course. As I like to call it, the tightrope of doom-death.
"Tch, this is far too easy," Todoroki murmured as he slid over the ropes alongside me. I followed him on the same path he was on. However, halfway through, I decided to change paths so that we could arrive at the same time.
I love annoying this kid so much.
"DAMN ITTTT!" As I raised an eyebrow, a voice cried out. So Bakugou has finally caught up with us? Congratulations to him, good job.
Let's give him some encouragement!
"FUCK OFF YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT NO ONE LIKES YOU! STUPID TEEN ANGST FACE!"
I flipped him off, daring not to look around to witness his reaction, and then pushed forward, overtaking Todoroki in the process. I'll let him deal with teen angst. Mhm.
"ASHIDO TAKES BACK FIRST PLACE! A NOBODY GOING HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE SECOND HERO'S SON AND THE TOP EXAMINEE!? WHO ON EARTH IS THIS GIRL?"
Good grief, he is as noisy as the anime portrays him to be. This is such a pain... All I want right now is some dango and soda; is that too much to ask for in this world? It should be as simple as those fan-fiction where everyone in the class falls for me at first sight and lets me do whatever I want.
I shivered as I made my way to the minefield, fatigued from sprinting and using Mina's quirk. Even escaping Kendo's big-ass hands isn't as exhausting as this. You know what? Fuck it, I'm too tired to be first, and the prize isn't all that wonderful anyhow.
Bakugou and Todoroki rushed ahead of me amid their own fight, and I halted to observe. I shuddered and sank to the ground, hiding my face in my hands.
"Huh? Mina Ashdio is now just sitting there? Eraserhead, what's with your student?"
"I can't even answer because I don't know."
"Looks like Todoroki and Bakugou are head to head now..." Don't go getting depressed because I'm sitting down.
I honestly don't know how much longer I can go; I need to find a method to get these headaches to stop bugging me before I go completely insane during this festival.
It's not like I have a reason to be first, as long as I'm part of the top 10 I'll be satisfied. I especially don't want to be first with the 'grand prize' if you could even call it a prize.
A loud bang interrupted my thoughts as I watched Midoriya shoot across the air above me. Go for it Midoriya, I'm rooting for you cocky brat! Another bang went off as I watched Kaminari fly through the air before falling to the ground mid-way.
Probably Yaoyorozu's idea.
Maybe this is a sign I should go before someone takes all the other top places. I have been here for like two to three minutes now... I stood up dusting the back of my pants before gliding on the path Todoroki had graciously made prior.
I knew he always cared about me.
Bakugou, Todoroki, and Midoriya had already gone ahead leaving me to be in 4th place, yay.
"Eraser head, what are you teaching them!?"
"Nothing."
Indeed, that's the issue, old man. You're a shit teacher, and you know it, so teach us anything for fucks sake.
I eventually arrived at the end of the race, where everyone was either cheering or booing. Suck it up you fat fucks.
"AND 4TH PLACE GOES TO MINA ASHIDO! WHO KNEW 2 NOBODYS WOULD MAKE IT THIS FAR!?"
For fucks sake, shut up! AND I'M NOT A NOBODY IF EVERYONE HERE KNOWS ME-
"The top 42 competitors have advanced to the next round. It's disappointing, but don't worry if you weren't capable of making it! We've already planned more opportunities for you to shine. The real competition starts now!" Midnight exclaimed, licking her lips. I grumbled, rubbing one of my eyelids in an attempt to stay awake.
"The press is dodging getting fired with this news! Now then, here is the second game. I already know what it is, but what could it be? What could it be? I just said it, and here it is...!"
Ah yes, the lovely Calvary Race!
"DODGE BALL BATTLE!"
Fuck you God, this is all your fault. Die in fucking hell you fat bitch, rot, decease, and do it all over again. Get eaten by a pack of wolves while you're at it you mother fucker.
"Please allow me to explain, my dear children! At random, you will be divided into two teams. It's similar to the traditional dodgeball game, but there's one difference. Each player has been awarded a point value based on the outcomes of the previous game. When you hit someone with a ball, you get their points; however, if someone catches a ball and brings them back in, you lose the points. However, if someone steals your points and is tagged out before you return, the points are given to the other person."
So, let's suppose I hit Midoriya, who has the ten million points; I receive all of his points, but if someone on his team catches a ball and brings him back, I lose the ten million points and they go back to him. If, on the other hand, I am hit by Todoroki when I have ten million points, those points go to him and then return to me once I'm back in.
That is, we are still competing against our teammates for points, but we help each other to stay in the game. It's a never-ending loop; if you're the last one to have them, you keep 'em.
"Yes, that's correct! Starting at the bottom, the points are awarded in chunks of five. 42nd place receives five points, 41st receives 10 points, and so on. First place is worth a whopping 10 million points, incredible right!"
I grinned as everyone turned to look at Midoriya, desire, and blood in their eyes. No one, I'm presuming, wants to be on his side so they can get those points first. Unfortunately, there are only two teams to choose from and you don't even have a choice of which one you're one.
The screen above Midnight flickered white before splitting in two, showing who was on which side. "Join the teams as shown and start strategizing! It's survival of the fittest, with the bottom having a chance to overthrow the top! It makes no difference whatever side you're on; as long as you collect those points, you're golden!"
"Are the preparations done yet?"
"They should be done within the next hour or so sir. I still don't understand why you're doing this now when there are many heroes around..."
"Consider this a warning to them. We shall teach them the actual meaning of pain, sorrow, and war. I'm pleased I opted to resist the attack earlier. We now have much stronger forces and some new faces."
"A bit too many new faces. Some of them seem untrustworthy, especially..."
"If they betray us, we will just deal with them accordingly. Now, let us get started, we wouldn't want to miss our grand entrance."
Looks like luck isn't on my side but on Todoroki and Bakugou...
"Ashido, let's make sure to stick together!" Midoriya yelled nervously, shaking my hands as I raised a curious eyebrow. "Back to back like partners in crime, we're in the top 5 so let's do your best, alright!?"
"Yeah, let's try our best, kid Midoriya." I teased softly, slowly removing my hands from his grip as he scampered around in panic.
What a cutie.
All he needs to do is hit people and not get hit... Just use others to become a stepping stone to success. Where did his cockiness go anyways? Usually, he would be all like, 'this'll be easy since they don't have these guns' or something. Maybe it's because he has a huge ass bounty on his head. Just maybe...
I looked across the arena to see the others stretching their muscles in preparation for the 'fight.' With the exception of Shoji, Tokoyami, and Mineta, the remainder of Class 1-A were on the opposing side. Fortunately, we have Neito, Kendo, Shiozaki, and Kuroiro on our side, so this will be effortless.
"Oi, Neito, you brat!" I hollered as he strode over to me with the playful glare I'd grown accustomed to after all these - painfully fun – weeks.
Slinging a hand over my shoulder, he rolled his eyes. "Do you need something pervy freak?"
"Pervy freak?" Midoriya questioned with a look of curiosity and disgust.
"Shut it, Deku. Also, Neito, aren't we supposed to be eloping? You should be polite and respectful to your future bride, don't you think?" As he laughed gently, I lectured.
He stroked my cheek, which caused me to freeze, but I sighed and leaned into his touch. "Naturally, naturally. But you're still the closeted perv I'd love forever and run away with, so it's all the same to me."
...Was that a love confession?
"As I already said, it happened by chance. Anyway, do you want to help me and Midoriya? I have a fantastic strategy for us and your classmates to gain points." As he grinned, I explained with a knowing smirk.
The reason why Neito and I can be such good friends – good grief – is that we have similar mindsets. We are both smart, hate my class (somewhat), cocky, and we know how to come up with plans quickly with little to no information.
"Hey, guys, come over here for a minute." With a sweep of his head, he called out to everyone else. They came over to us one by one, like a flock looking for their mother, which was quite cute.
Shiozaki's eyes sparkled upon seeing me. "My love! It's been such a long while since we've previously spoken, how have you been?"
I chuckled softly and smiled; she is too lovely for this world. "I've been well, but it's only been about two days since we last spoke."
"But why does it feel like a millennium has passed?" She exclaimed theatrically, falling into my arms and clutching my face while I laughed at her gesture.
Kuroiro nodded at me with a determined look. "It's good to see you again Ashido. Though, I wish we were on the opposite sides so we could battle once more."
"No way, remember the last time? It took you hours to quit fighting about who won that brawl." Kendo bleated while the others snickered, recalling Kendo ripping us apart during our catfight.
Literally, we were fighting like cats and she used her damn big hands to separate us.
I hate those hands, so many bad memories.
"Kuroiro, I'm certain we'll be destined to fight once more. But, in the meanwhile, we'll work together to overcome this obstacle." We stopped for a while before chuckling to ourselves as the rest of the group rolled their eyes, all except Midoriya, who had been standing awkwardly.
As I turned to face Midoriya, he nudged me with a disgruntled expression. "When did you start cozying up with Class 1-B?" Ah right. I forgot that they haven't had their first encounter since Class 1-A isn't as well-known as they once were.
"I was forced to help them train a few weeks ago, and it just kind of stuck with me throughout the weeks. I also started hanging out with them after school a bit." I explained as he nodded and sadly looked away while I raised an eyebrow.
As I sighed, I looked at Kendo, who was trying hard not to laugh. I patted Midoriya's head as he turned to me with a puzzled and irritated expression. "Why don't you send Shoji and Tokoyami over, kid Midoriya? So we can get started on the plan..."
"Oh, sure, yeah!" Midoriya exclaimed as he walked away, glancing back at us on the occasion.
Shiozaki grimaced then shook her head. "I tell you, they're a bunch of love-sick dolts. They should understand that they cannot obtain what was never theirs."
I hummed as I leaned against Neito who shifted a bit to make us comfortable. "I'm not sure what you mean Shio, dare you explain?"
"That doesn't need any explanation, in my opinion. You spend more time with us than towards your classmates. You don't even see them outside of school." Kurioro answered with a devilish smirk, as if he was thrilled with it.
I whistled as I saw Shoji and Tokoyami trailing closely behind Midoriya. I couldn't deny what they were saying since I haven't spent as much time with my class as I had with the others. But can you blame me? I'm being blackmailed by Neito, what the hell am I supposed to do.
"Did you call?" Shoji inquired, pushing his mask up a smidgeon as I nodded, sitting on the ground with the rest of the group close behind.
As the others tried to figure out what the heck was going on in this scheme, I began sketching some incomprehensible pictures and neatly spaced sentences on the ground. I gazed at them blankly before laughing. "Okay, here's the game plan everyone! Midoriya, you and Shoji will be..."
"NOW THEN, it's about time to get started!" Midnight announced as I stretched my muscles, a shit-eating grin plastered on my face.
Oh how sad for the other team.
"After fifteen minutes of forming alliances and strategizing, the contestants are all lined up on the field! Raise your war cries now! It's time for Yuuei's bloody war to see who comes out on top! Light the signal fire!"
I whistled as I watched people cheer for various people, but Todoroki – they were calling him Endeavor's kid, ha – and mine were the most prominent, much to my displeasure.
Shoji paused before turning to face me. "Are you certain this will work? I know for a fact that everyone is going to throw balls at Midoriya, but you already know that."
I hummed a little, my gaze drawn to the opposite side's stance. "Right off the bat? Most will, but the only true competition will start with the weakest and work their way up."
"If you insist. Let's hope you're right and this works..." Shoji responded, returning his gaze to the fight in front of us as I sneered.
Who does he think he is telling me that my plan won't work?
I'm the class genius for a reason, plus Neito and Tokoyami helped make the plan solid so we shouldn't worry too much.
Right?
"Okay, then! You've made your peace, haven't you? I'm not going to ask if you're ready or not! Let's get started! The brutal battle royale is approaching!"
"Three!" As Shiozaki and Shoji retreated backward towards Midoriya, I could hear the shuffling noises of Neito, Kuroiro, and Tokoyami getting ever closer to me.
"Two!" Everyone took a running or fighting stance. Considering getting up there first was the worst idea ever, the wise ones were in a fighting position.
You'd just get out first, and what's the fun in that when you have someone who can move through shadows?
"One, start!"
Midoriya rushed towards Shoji, hiding in the nest of Shoji's arms, while Tokoyami and Neito summoned both of their Dark Shadows in front of us to deflect oncoming balls. "Kendo, Shiozaki!"
Kendo beamed as her hand expanded to a large size, collecting many of the incoming balls thrown our way as I saw her move from 20th to third position in a matter of seconds. Shiozaki squeezed her hands together as Kendo was passing us some balls, and a gigantic barrier appeared behind me. Midoriya hopped out of Shoji's arm, graciously nodding to the man.
"All right, let's get this game started!" As I nodded, Neito shouted. As acid raced through my veins and towards my hands, I focused my palms at the blinding lights at the top of the arena. Neito summoned some random person's bullet fingers quirk and began shooting some of the other lights, creating some terror in the audience, but they were far too preoccupied with the battles to notice.
The atmosphere in the arena had shifted dramatically. The sun was still visible in the sky, but it wasn't quite as bright as it had been. In fact, there were several black areas in the stadium at this point.
All according to plan.
"It's finally my turn..." Kuroiro murmured as he sank into the grow behind me, smirking. I picked up a rolled ball and tossed it up in the air a little. When was the last time I played dodgeball? What about elementary school? No, but I guess I did once in middle school...
"ASHIDO, FOCUS!" Shoji shouted, snatching me into his arms as a ball flew past my face, widening my eyes. Oops, I guess I was reminiscing about the future...
The future?
No no, that's the present... No, it's the past?
Shoji smacked me on the head to bring me back to reality. "This is not the time to be zoning out. People appear to be handing the balls to Uraraka, as you predicted..."
"Huh? Oh? Right..." I mumbled, nodding my head, biting my thumb's nail, catching another ball with my free hand as I moved up to third place, close behind Kendo, who had now taken second place.
"Should we begin the U Phase?" Shoji pondered as his hands grabbed more and more balls, leading others to be eliminated. I nodded at him, and he nodded back, before heading to the "main base" to begin the Uravity Phase.
Knowing who is on the opposite side, Uraraka would most likely use the same strategy she used against Bakugou here. That is, she is gathering a shitload of balls to just rain down on us, which I cannot tolerate, especially because it would be perceived as weak to get out in that manner.
"While Kuroiro is tagging people with balls on the other side and bringing more back for us... Shiozaki, build the barrier over our heads and you stay put, Midoriya." Midoriya mumbled something about not being helpful as I enthusiastically clapped my hands.
"We should hurry, Uraraka's plan is already in action." As enormous numbers of dodgeballs steadily floated into the air, Midoriya pointed out from the gaps in Shozaki's barrier.
Shiozaki grinned at me, and I nodded. Clapping her hands together once more, her hair encircled us until we were completely engulfed as I felt a slew of dodgeballs rain down on us. "C-Can't hold on a-any longer..." Shiozaki whimpered, adding layers upon layers of vines to cover the fallen ones.
"You've got this, Shiozaki! You're stronger than them!" I spoke into her ear as she squeezed her eyes tight, sweat trickling from her brow to her chin.
"I-I can't!" She cried, her fists clenched together, still attempting to maintain the barrier.
I sighed patting her shoulder looking at one of the openings. "You got this Ibara, make the shield smaller. Everyone else, crouch down as low as you can."
Shiozaki's eyes widened at the fact that I had used her first name but nodded in the newfound determination creating more and more layers. The others crouched down curious as to what my plan would be. I stretched out the opening crawling through it giving a final smile to them.
"THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? YOU COULD GET ELIMINATED!?" Neito yelled, grabbing onto my ankle to bring it back as I just shook it off watching the barrier close off.
I looked up to see the vines above me shrinking. I only had a little time before this layer would die out. Think...
Acid man?
It seems impossible, canon Mina was only able to unlock it months later in the manga but if I could just use it for a few seconds... I peeped through a hole in the vine to see the counter at 1 minute and 45 seconds.
I just need 1 minute.
I flinched hearing the dodgeballs hitting against the vines snapping above me. Alright, you got this Kaia, you got this... I just need 1 minute.
1 minute.
I stuck out my hand before closing my eyes. Focus, ignore the snapping, focus... I opened my eyes to slowly see my hand being consumed by the acid. Slowly but surely it consumed my entire body. I stood up but gasped in shock, the acid burning my fucking skin.
God, this was a bad idea.
But I have no other choice...
I do.
But. I choose to be cool so I can get into good agencies and maybe win some fame and money in the near future.
I looked above to see the final layer about to snap. Alright, I got this, ignore the pain, and you'll be alright Kaia. I sighed, talking to myself... I'm at a low point in life, innit?
I stood up straight before walking forward as the final layer snapped and a number of dodgeballs came flying down but my acid managed to burn through them. I looked around to almost all of my "teammates" out while a few were bracing for impact looking like they couldn't hold on any longer.
"WHAT IS THIS!? MINA ASHIDO IS REVEALING A NEW TECHNIQUE!? AIZAWA WHY WOULDN'T YOU SHOW HER OFF!? SHE COULD BE THE NEW GENIUS OF THE YEAR!"
"That's not how this works. Plus, I didn't even know she could do that..." He sounds almost disappointed and frustrated. Not my problem though...
But it seemed like I had my problems because people were duplicating balls and throwing them to our side. God, I wish I had a quirk where I was Saiki K, it would make life much easier than shooting acid out of my body.
But I didn't have time for trivial thoughts. God doesn't want to make life easy so I need to preserve just like my summer teacher said when I told her I hate doing work.
Fucking hate that bitch.
"CATCH THIS BITCH!" Oh? I snapped back to reality seeing a pair of balls coming towards me at light speed. What do I now? I am oh so scared of the harmless dodgeballs...
I stuck out my hands as two balls were sent flying towards me. Seems like some people are tag-teaming now... I smirked shooting acid at dodgeballs making them slow down before I caught them with my bare hands. I examined the ball to see one of the balls half exploded and the other with bits of ice on it.
Oh.
"CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS!? MINA ASHIDO CAUGHT BOTH TODOROKI AND BAKUGOU'S DODGEBALLS AT ONCE!? AIZAWA WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY THERE WAS A PRODIGY IN YOUR CLASS!?"
"She isn't a prodigy, I hope."
"GO LOVE LOVE MINA~!"
"I CAN FEEL ALL THE MONEY ALREADY, KEEP IT UP ASHIDO!"
"NANA, YOU'RE DOING AMAZING! YOU'VE GOT THIS SWEETIE!"
"SHOW THE SLUDGE BASTARD AND ENDEAVOR'S SON WHO'S BOSS!"
"I LOVE YOU ASHIDO, MARRY ME!"
God fucking dammit, they won't shut up, will they?
"FIVE!"
What?
"FOUR, THREE, TWO!"
Already over? I looked towards the board to see my entire team on the board and it seems Bakugou and Todoroki managed to get back in the game even if they were out for only a few seconds. Must've been one of my classmates.
"ONE! And that concludes the second round! Congratulations to everyone who made it to the final round!" Midnight announced as Shiozaki took down the barrier around us before falling into my hands due to exhaustion.
I sighed watching as tons of medics arrived on the scene to check out hurt students. One of the medics walked towards me with a bed as I gently placed Shiozaki on the bed, brushing hair out of her face with a small smile. "Get some rest Ibara, I'll be waiting..." And she was strolled away.
I sighed in relief looking to the side to see the crowd chanting my name. I smiled but that went completely washed away as I watched a ball roll towards me. I picked it up and the only thing I could feel was anger and confusion.
A decayed ball...
I looked up to the top of the stadium just in time to see someone or something disappear in a flash. Furrowing my eyebrows, I picked up the ball before clenching it in my hand watching as it turned to dust, falling through the cracks of my fingers.
Doesn't matter... I'm just going to feel content in this warm white light.
But was that ball...
A warning or an invitation?
"Endeavor!? Where!?"
"...a place in his agency..."
"...about his son..."
"...but she is weak for fainting..."
"...body acid against fire..."
"...says she is cheating..."
"...wants her to be his pupil..."
"... and All Might were fighting about her..."
"... the bunny hero and winged hero want to..."
I pushed open the door to the cafeteria as people went dead silent looking at me in fear, disgust, admiration, and jealousy. Stupid – not at all stupid dear – rumors I say, who the hell started these? They ought to be skewered alive – but what would become of your future self? – and fed to the koi fish in the ponds. I shoved people out of me as they once again started whispering absolute bullshit to each other.
I could care less at this point.
I'm tired, hungry, depressed, and don't know what to do at this current moment. I fucking fainted after making myself look cool and now Shigaraki is at Yuuei doing god knows what. Waiting for me or waiting for his crew, I won't know unless the latter happens...
"God, I'm so stupid. I neglected the Shigaraki situation all because I was hanging around the others. There can't possibly be a situation worse than this..." I muttered to myself slamming my head against the pillar of the wall as the voices around me became hushed.
I practically felt the large footsteps coming towards me but I could give less of a damn. I already know who it is, but it still doesn't help me in the fact that I'm having a mental breakdown.
"Let's have a chat, shall we?" Endeavor spoke in a low time like it was a demand rather than a request. I nodded slowly watching him walk off, following right on his tail as people around us whispered things such as apprentice, new hero, and stuff of the sorts.
I hate it here...
I wanna go home...
I miss home...
Just let me die already, God.