The UA students frantically ran out of the gate, desperate to achieve victory to distinguish themselves. Or at least, they tried to. Students were cramped up together with limited mobility, struggling to move forward quickly. Black supposed that the obstacle course purposely designed the start to be very narrow, possibly a 'filter' test.
"Uhhhhhh," Black muttered, flinching his eyes. "I'm not sure what to exactly assess here." The sight of the students trying to leave the entrance was a hilariously pitiful sight to him.
"They'll get out eventually," Aizawa said. "There's still a long way to go."
The Saiyan nodded and looked back at the obstacle course's progress.
As the students barely made their way out of the entrance, a giant stream of ice shot out. A kid with half red, half white hair ran ahead of his frozen peers, taking the lead.
"Looks like Shoto Todoroki from class 1-A is taking the competition in a cool way!" Mic commentated.
"That was a terrible pun," Aizawa reacted.
"Hmm, that's Shoto Todoroki huh," Black observed. "That's the same surname as Endeavor, no?"
"Yes, that's correct," Aizawa replied. "As you might expect, he lives up to very high expectations."
Half fire, half ice, Black thought. Seems like that's in the top echelon of powers around here. I wonder if his fires will match up to the tales I heard about his father.
Back on the obstacle course, students were still lamenting about their predicament, almost all of them were unable to move. Suddenly, several students managed to break through the icy footing and launched themselves further.
"I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY FROM ME, HALF AND HALF BASTARD!" Bakugo screamed at Todoroki, soaring with his explosions.
"Well, it looks like people are moving now," Black observed. Along with Shoto Todoroki and Katsuki Bakugo were the belly-button laser 'Aoyama' kid, the hardened 'Kirishima,' and Momo Yaoyorozu. However, most of the other participants looked like amateur skaters, such as Izuku Midoriya's.
Did I seriously consider Izuku Midoriya to be a possible rival? the Saiyan wondered, looking at how Izuku was barely able to move. For someone supposedly able to destroy entire robots in a single punch, this was a pathetic showing.
"Midoriya's quirk is supposed to be 'Superpower,' no?" Black asked. "If his quirk grants him superhuman strength and capabilities, what's holding him back from using it?"
"He has a habit of breaking his bones," Aizawa replied. "Its strength is similar to that of All Might's but with far worse control. I suspect that he's saving it up until he really needs it."
Still with that flaw, huh, Black thought, remembering Inko Midoriya saying that Izuku broke his arm. But comparable to All Might? I suppose I haven't seen it in action yet. He rubbed his chin during his pondering.
Participants eventually got better footing of their slippery environments, with the 'skaters' turning into slow runners. There were a few creative approaches, such as one kid who managed to get four others to carry him, and Minoru Mineta using his quirk as makeshift trampolines, bouncing along the ice at great speed.
"I'VE GOT YOU NOW, TODOROKI!" Mineta yelled out, grinning arrogantly in the air at the fire and ice user. "HERE'S MY SPECIAL ATTACK: GRA-"
The purple ball kid was knocked away by a hunk of green metal that appeared out of nowhere. Seeing this, Black laughed out loud.
"Obstacles have just shown up on the course!" Mic said. " We're starting with…the first barrier! Robo Inferno!"
An army of huge green robots towered above the students, shocking many of them. The Saiyan could sense the fear many of their eyes gave.
"Safe to assume that this is the same as that entrance exam I heard about?" Black inquired, getting his pen and paper to jot down notes.
"Yes, that's right," Aizawa said. "Although we've only used one of those large robots in the exam, there's no need to worry about fatal injuries."
As the robots made their attacks down on the students, another giant stream of ice froze them in their tracks. Todoroki once again furthered his already impressive lead. The robots then fell down on the other students, effectively cutting off the trail. Black noticed that Todoroki seemed to have a habit of using the ice quirk instead of his fire, which was a most interesting development considering his fiery lineage. Once again, other students paused, shivering in their boots without a plan.
BOOM
"LIKE I'D DIE!" a kid with spiky red hair yelled out, quirk activated. "Todoroki's one real bastard! He timed it right when they were about to fall!"
Next to him, another kid popped up, appearing all gray and metallic.
"Tetsutetsu from Class B was also underneath!" Mic exclaimed, clearly hyped for the two rivals with redundant quirks.
"What kind of name is Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu?" Black asked, feeling increasingly amazed at the naming capabilities of mortals.
"Irrelevant, please continue assessing," Aizawa said.
Those two sure are practically identical, Black thought. They seem to like using brute force a lot but that won't work out unless you're someone such as myself.
Other kids soon followed, including Bakugo, the elbow tape 'Sero' kid, and the edgy 'Tokoyami' kid. Observing the creature coming out from Tokoyami, the Saiyan felt more curious about his quirk.
"Fusion without the Potara?" he muttered out loud. "I don't believe that the fusion dance technique makes something like that…"
"Dude, what are you talking about?" Mic asked, overhearing Black's dialogue to himself.
"Ah, sorry, it just looks like that Tokoyami child has a two-in-one deal with his quirk," Black explained, covering up his knowledge of fusion warriors. He'd have to investigate later during the Festival. "I do have to say, class 1-A seems to be doing exemplary work in this obstacle course."
"Class A doesn't spend much time just standing there," Aizawa explained, crossed armed in his usual bored look. "They've had firsthand experience in the real world thanks to the USJ. They've seen what makes others feel fear, weakness, and fright. Using that experience, they're able to drown out any hesitation in their hearts."
"Wow, that's unusually affectionate of you, Shota," Mic teased, visibly annoying Aizawa. "Anyway, Goku, you've probably seen some very fun results so I'm giving the mic to you!"
"Wait, the hel-" Black yelped.
"So, Mr. Guest Assessor," Mic said as he shoved a microphone in front of the Saiyan. "How do you think the race is progressing?"
"Well, that's a basic question," Black said, looking at Mic, who seemed to be a bit disappointed that Black shared the same awkwardness of public appearances with Aizawa. "The race is dominated by class 1-A students thus far but I believe that the race can still present opportunities where even brute power can fall flat. I would not be surprised if some support abilities easily dominate at least some of this competition."
Just as that comment was made, a huge cannon shot was made from the field and onto the remaining robots.
"Piece of cake," Yaoyorozu said, operating a massive cannon she created.
"Well, talk about Mr. Prophet!" Mic said, noticing her progress. "A quirk that lets you basically make whatever you want? Heck, I probably wouldn't have to work for cash again!"
"Mic, set a better example," Aizawa said, using his binding cloth towards Mic's neck, who was still keeping his usual smile.
"That's a bit ironic," Black said, looking at the mess next to him. "I feel like you're not making your point much better, Aizawa."
The Erasure hero scowled, realizing his own hypocrisy and let go of Mic.
"Man, you've really gotta take it easy," the DJ hero said, laughing. He then went back on his commentary duties."Oh, but if the first barrier's a piece of cake, then what about the second?"
Hordes of students stopped and looked at the daunting heights in front of them. There were various ledges to land on, all connected by thin pieces of rope.
"If you fall, then you're out!" Mic explained. "If you don't wanna fall, then crawl! Here's 'The Fall!'"
While the students made their way across the field, something on Blacks' index finger started to react.
Huh? Black looked down on his finger, noticing his Time Ring. The finger made another violent shaking.
"Excuse me, I'll have to use the bathroom," Black said, hurrying out of the commentary box.
His Time Ring kept vibrating more furiously, confusing Black as he tried to find somewhere secluded from the public eye. It was the whole reason why he wasn't Hakai'd when Beerus tried to fix his original timeline. How could it suddenly be acting up?
'YOU FILTH RUINED MY PLANS!'
"Z-Zamasu-" Black muttered, clutching his head. He didn't know that hearing voices would be a possible side effect here.
"IF ONLY YOU NEVER INTERVENED, ALL THE MORTALS WOULD BE DEAD BY NOW!"
The Saiyan squatted down on the wall, feeling uncomfortable by the phantom Supreme Kai. He'd never made amends with him; but how could he? He was in another reality completely independent of his original multiverse, or any timeline he used to be a part of. Although he was now more willing to spare mortals, he couldn't forget his omnicidal past. Regardless of whether or not Project Zero Mortals was the correct path towards utopia, Zamasu gave him everything that physical power and God Ki could not. Although the Hottas and Aizawa gave good company, they were not Zamasu: the one true friend he ever had. Tears streamed down his eyes as he realized that he lost such a connection.
"EVIL CONTAINMENT!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Black shook his head at the sound of Trunks's and Zamasu's voices clashing.
"No, no, no, no, NO!" Black yelled, taking off his Time Ring and throwing it on the ground in a quiet hallway. He then came back to his senses and took a few deep breaths to calm himself down, wiping his tears away.
"Excuse me, is this yours?" a man asked.
The Saiyan looked up where the voice came from. Tall and blazing in the flesh, his eyes met that of Endeavor's, the number two hero.
"E-Endeavor?" Black asked incredulously. "You're here?"
"My Shoto is participating," he explained, glaring at Black. "You're…Goku, aren't you?"
Black nodded, still red-eyed from his crying.
"Yes, I understand that it looks like I've seen better days," Black explained, trying to pass off the crying. "How may I help you?"
"I found this ring on the floor as I strolled by," he replied. "This is a very interesting piece of jewelry, unlike anything I've seen before…"
I can't let him know the thing can distort time itself, Black thought to himself. He figured as long as he played the 'normal civilian talented at combat,' he should be safe.
"Ah, it's a traditional ring from where I'm from," Black explained. "Thank you for finding it."
Endeavor handed the ring back to the Saiyan.
"There is something very interesting about you, Goku," the flame hero pointed out. "I've been a hero for over 20 years and I've rarely heard about power such as yours. The only person I know capable of your feats is All Might himself." He said that with extreme venom in his voice.
"Well, I was never interested in heroing," Black would explain. "But I was always keen on fighting styles so I learned martial arts and built up my quirk to no end." This lie sounded quite plausible.
"Present Mic said that you were a 'guest assessor,' no?" Endeavor further pressed on. "It's an unusual move but I suppose it's not out of the ordinary for UA to do such things. But with each act of your vigilantism, you further use your quirk illegally. Are you aware that continually pressing into such things do qualify as being a villain?"
This angered the Saiyan, who scowled his eyes.
"With all due respect, Endeavor," Black said. "When your life's on the line, you don't have time to wait for someone to save you. Even if my actions are not agreeable to everyone, I will continue to make reality bend to my vision, which includes saving lives."
Endeavor looked down upon him, looking angrier.
"We're through here," he said, turning around. "You have that same naivety as that blonde buffoon. Don't cry to me when you bite more than you can chew."
Black looked at him with disgust. Even if he could end the hero's life immediately, he had to keep in mind that there were billions of other mortals he didn't know, many of whom could be as good as the Hottas.
"Another thing," Endeavor paused his steps. "Do keep track of how Shoto is doing. I created him to surpass All Might. If your combat senses are as good as the media puts it, I expect quality feedback and nothing less."
Endeavor walked away, leaving a bad taste in Black's mouth.
"This guy's even more arrogant than Vegeta…" Black muttered. Annoyance aside, the Time Ring acting up like that was a weirder issue. Putting it back on, the voices in his head did not return and it felt like a normal ring.
I'll figure it out later, Black thought. For now, I have to continue the assessment. If that fiery bastard wants feedback so badly, I'll be sure to make him look as inadequate of a parent as I can.
Using instant transmission, he teleported back to the commentary box, giving Present Mic a yelp.
"I don't know how you get used to that, Shota," Mic said.
BOOOM
A loud explosion went off in the crowd. A kid on a green slab of metal was launched up in the air at high speeds. Black grinned as he saw who it was.
"What a brain!" he exclaimed, seeing how rapidly Midoriya was picking up his pace. "He never even used his quirk but it seems like he's done quite well for himself!"
"For sure! Midoriya's in hot pursuit of the two guys in the lead!" Mic commented.
The green haired boy flew past Todoroki and Bakugo, who were in the middle of a skirmish.
"He's actually taken the lead!" Mic shouted. "I know the media loves this type of development!"
As Todoroki and Bakugo tried to reclaim first place, Midoriya slammed the hunk of metal down, blowing up many of the mines, launching him even further in the course.
"He's taken out the competition and is the first to clear the minefield!" Mic commented. "What are you teaching them, Eraser?"
"I didn't teach them this," Aizawa replied. "This is all on their own."
"Did you hear that guys?" Mic said. "Eraserhead's a terrible teacher who hasn't taught his class!"
"I'm WHAT?!" the Erasure said annoyed.
Black felt a presence approaching closer and closer to the actual arena. He felt he was coming.
Against all odds, Izuku Midoriya completed the obstacle course first, securing a huge splash amongst the viewers. Black grinned, noting his 'rival's' potential. Todoroki and Bakugo soon followed, along with a smattering of other students. The 17th and 18th students back seemed strange to him.
"What on Earth is going on down there?" Black pointed at Yaoyorozu, who seemed to be in distress.
"You. Are the worst!" she lamented at the purple ball child attached to her back.
"Yeah, Mineta's got a problem," Aizawa commented. "I should really give him a talk about this."
After a while, the remaining participants made it back, ending with Yuga Aoyama in 42nd place. As the students gathered on the stadium, Midnight took her stage on the podium.
"Don't fret if you didn't do well in the obstacle course," she assured everyone. "We've prepared other chances for you all to shine!" Once again, each word had a hint of seductiveness to it.
The same slot machine hologram projected behind her, indicating a cavalry battle. Midnight explained the rules and point values assigned, which bored the audience up until the last person's points were announced.
"And the point value assigned to first place is 10 million points!" she announced excitedly.
Thousands of eyes pored over to Izuku Midoriya, who was readying the fight of his life.
Author's Note: So there's chapter 14! I won't lie, this was a bit late because writing this was a bit hard. As Goku Black is not allowed to participate in the sports festival, it basically happens the exact same in canon sans Black's feedback to the students. Trying to not make this just a recap of the manga/anime was quite challenging but I hope I did well for it! I know that a lot of people would enjoy seeing Goku Black do some Super Saiyan Rose Kaioken x20 Ultra Instinct stuff in front of some 14-15 year olds, but that narratively makes no sense. This is actually a pretty massive fanfic (remember, there's plenty of other arcs after Sports Festival in MHA) so hopefully y'all will feel that it makes sense in the grand scheme of things.
Additionally, I'm noticing several minor typos made in other chapters so there'll be a few corrections to make (e.g. I have Aizawa refer to Goku Black as 'Black' during his quote about him liking complex literature instead of referring to him as 'Goku' in chapter 13. This seems like nothing but do remember that Black uses Goku's actual identity instead of the alias as 'Goku Black,' which Trunks says Future Bulma came up with.) The plot will be the same, just made more 'correct' to read. I'm kind of an ass with proofreading but anyhow, thanks for reading!