...

Kang Sung waited until the boy was finished checking in. He thought he knew all of the big players that were supposed to be here today. Most masters did their research so they could help their disciples train beforehand. Even if he didn't have a disciple of his own he was curious about who would enter the competition. No one he read about matched this person's description. Anyone who might have matched that description didn't have that kind of power he felt.

It had been a long time since he felt this kind of power from someone so young. Not Goomoonyrong had earned his title. That had been so long ago but no one from Murim could forget it. Somehow Kang Sung was reminded of the man in the boy.

The Shinmujengpe was set up in two parts. First was a regular tournament-style fight and would last most of the day. The second day was held for the Nine Seats of the Dragon. Only those who were able to make it to Round 3 of the first day were able to participate. Only the best of the best should be considered so that techniques could be improved on.

Once he was far enough away to not be overheard he made his way to the check-in and asked, "Who was that boy? Was he a Traditionalist? Or someone who went to a school?"

The examiner hummed, "Izuku Midoriya age 15, traditionalist. Undisclosed Master."

So the boy was eligible for the Hero Program. Interesting maybe he was there to get a recommendation into a Hero School. Not unheard of but most only took the best. It would all depend on if his skill matched his ki strength.

The name wasn't familiar to him either. So it could be a normal born with unusual strength. There were a few every generation. His strength however was unnatural for someone not born into Murim. Just an oddity? Or was he missing something?

Then a thought occurred to him, "What are his style and form?"

The examiner frowned, "Undeclared on both counts."

All power no technique then. Someone to teach later possibly. For now, he was of no consequence to him.

...

The waiting room was bare and packed full of people. Martial artists from all over the world had arrived. Despite being close he had nearly been late as he was training for the days leading up to the tournament. Being one of the last to arrive meant he was put in the C group. Then again he may have been put in the C group for his lack of form and style. Group C wasn't thought to make it past the second round. He would just have to prove them all wrong.

Forms and styles were key in the eyes of Murim. They allowed students to control the power of their ki. His first master was not about forms and styles. He believed that they should make their own path. Only then could they reach their full potential.

Izuku had taken the Tiger's words to heart and kept an open form. It interchanged based on who he was facing. This also allowed him to face multiple opponents at once. One technique that he favored was the Outer Body Training Method. This allowed him to face opponents of his past in his mind's eye. It would not help him during a match but it would help him learn what he did wrong later.

There was a ping from the band he was given. Everyone who was participating wore a band. They all had A, B, or C on them indicating which group they belonged to. It monitored their health and would disqualify anyone who wasn't able to keep going.

The ping announced it was time for them to enter the arena. Izuku stood and headed for the door. He would not show any fear or hesitation. He belonged here and planned to go all the way to the top. All Nine Seats of the Dragon would be his. Just as they were his second masters.

Their arena was on the far right. Most eyes would be drawn to the center where Group A would be competing. That was where those from the strongest clans and schools would be. Izuku's cousin would be there. He just knew it. Ha Ill would be looking to prove his strength. With any luck, their paths would not cross until the final round of today. A confrontation between them was inevitable but he would rather put it off as long as possible.

As they found space in the small arena he stretched his muscles. There was no reason he should get hurt because he hadn't stretched.

A deep loud voice said, "Welcome Martial Artists young and old to the first round of the Shinmujengpe. This is a freestyle competition that has requirements beyond the age limits. In the middle arena is Group A. On the left is Group B. And finally on the right is Group C. If you have not trained for years this will not end well for you. While there are many skilled doctors here not everything can be healed. No one will look down upon you if you leave now."

Silence followed the announcer's words and no one moved. Then he continued, "The goal of this first round is to take as many of you out of this completion as possible. Only 100 from each group will be allowed to continue on. If you are knocked from the arena for more than twenty seconds or stay down for longer than ten you will be counted as out. Anything you have brought with you is allowed. This includes weapons and ki pellets. Ready. Go!"

For a moment nothing happened. His group that had been jam-packed in the arena just stared at each other. It was unlikely any of them had been in a serious bout with another member of Murim. They were all from small clans and schools. Some were even like him and trained by a master without a school backing.

Izuku didn't move. It was too early to show off his skills yet. If someone saw and warned the other groups he would lose his best advantage. The other arenas burst into activity. They didn't hesitate to try and catch their opponents off guard. Less than 10% of each group would make it to the second round.

Then his group began to move. One man may be eighteen or nineteen lunged for Izuku. His ki presence was barely over that of a normal person. With ease, he dodged to the left not using a foot technique. He slammed his palm using a tiny morsel of his ki into the man's chest. It sent the man flying out of the ring. He crashed into a barrier and stayed down.

Others who had been fighting each other stopped and watched him warily. Izuku yawned. These people weren't the ones he wanted to fight. If they worked hard and had help from the One Moon School they might reach the title of Master. Might.

As if deciding as one they all lunged for him. The closest to him was a heavy-set teenager maybe a year older than him. He had slightly more ki than the first who came after him. Pulling his ki forward it appeared as if everyone around him had frozen.

He moved forward and pushed off the ground. To everyone, it would appear as if he had teleported. Only ki masters would recognize what had happened. He slammed his foot into the boy's back knocking him forward. Turning in the air he planted his left foot and pushed off just as he had seen his master do. He kicked the boy full strength in his abdomen.

Then he used his retreating lightning steps to get distance again. The world seemed to return to its normal state. The one he attacked collapsed like a sack of potatoes. Fear and uncertainty crossed the other people's faces.

"What is he?"

"Does he really belong in C Group?"

"He can't be human. Maybe he is a demon."

"Don't be stupid. There is no such thing as demons."

Izuku simply watched them. Did he belong in Group C? No not really. He was a child of Murim but no one knew that. The only ones who might have recognized him were likely watching Group A.

Are you up there Uncle? Do you even remember the nephew you treated like a burden?