Hello and welcome to chapter 3! This might be a quick upload of a chapter depending on how much effort and speed I put into typing out this chapter. Hopefully, I can get this down within the next two days, but who knows?
Anyways, this story is doing well and I hope it continues to be a great read for everyone, and pardon my pacing and writing at times as I am still getting the hang of it. Hopefully, with this, I can improve and put out better chapters in the future.
As for the main pairing of this story, I am still open to suggestions as I will most likely not have a romance sub-plot until later in the story so that I can sit on it. If you have any ideas or advice, then, by all means, I'd like to hear what you have to think.
College is being slow at the moment, so the time I have for updates on this story is more than what I would have normally. I hope to pump out at least one or two chapters by the end of next week, maybe even three if I give it my all.
I don't own any of the characters of the MHA universe, only the talking sword.
With that, here is chapter 3.
Chapter 3: Setting the Stage
Midoriya sighed and stuck the practice sword into the sand before walking over to his bag to get his water bottle. The stage for one of the most anticipated events in Mustafa was set the following day and Midoriya was anxious to see how his training stacked up against everyone. Izumi and Kybou opted to have Midoriya focus on mastering the first form rather than move on to the second. Plus, the two of them thought that he could manage to come out as the victor with only Cross Impact. He wasn't the expert, so he took the advice and worked on his form until he could do it in his sleep. They also managed to squeeze some amount of One for All training, but it wasn't a huge amount of progress. Some control training here and there since his control was rather limited to around 8% of its capabilities, or so Izumi stated.
"Alright, we didn't get in as much One For All training as what I would have liked, but going from 8% to 10% is not something to scoff at. Plus, you won't cripple yourself when you use your smashes as fast as you would have without the training. Oh yeah, this might help you out, Midoriya." Izumi floated over to Kybou and pulled out a set of gauntlets from thin air. He hovered over to Midoriya and placed them in his hands.
"Gauntlets?" Midoriya questioned as he looked them over, they were green and black. They looked worn out, but still in pretty good condition. He gazed over to Izumi, who had a grin on his face.
"Hatsume made these for me after the Sports Festival, said it was a gift for helping her out with some testing for some of her inventions. It helped me with not destroying my arms for a bit before I switched over to a newer model. It should help in the upcoming battles that will happen during the Festival." Izumi said excitedly, going off into his little bubble. Midoriya recalled the eccentric pink-haired girl a couple of times, more like every time he went near the Power Loader's workshop, the door would get blasted out of its hinges, and in the smoke would be the mechanic. No matter how many times he passes by, the girl would always find a way to blow up something yet still have the fire in her eyes. He felt Kybou's presence to his side and turned towards the sword.
"One of the reasons why he's in a good mood is because he has a chance of getting back at Todoroki for the loss during his first year, even if it is by proxy," Midoriya swore he could hear the eye roll from Kybou.
"Once we are at the Sports Festival, I will take the form of a wooden sword, like the ones used in kendo. I doubt the Pro-Heroes would allow a bladed weapon to be used. You and I will be partners, and as our first time in combat together, I expect nothing but the best out of you, young man. We will see if you are up to the task of winning the Festival. For now, let us finish up here and rest for the day. The real challenge is tomorrow." Kybou stated. Midoriya agreed with the sword and packed up his stuff before heading off, making sure to find Izumi in his bubble still, and left the beach around noon. He was going to expend a lot of energy tomorrow, so he planned on taking it easy for the rest of the day and ended up watching videos of past Sports Festivals to gain some insight on what the events might be.
The Next Day…
"Are you ready, young man?" Midoriya pondered what Toshinori said as he made his way over to the stadium, watching as the droves of citizens and heroes alike flooded into the building for the most anticipated event in Mustafa. He questioned if he was feeling any emotion since there was no nervousness pooling inside, only the feeling of calmness and anticipation whirling in his body.
"All I feel is my training and the hard work I put into this event these last two weeks. All that is left is for me to put that out all on the field today and come out with a victory. I am feeling a bit anxious though, sir, but I guess it comes with the territory of being on a stage this massive." Midoriya expressed as he gently swung the sheathe Kybou, in her wooden sword form, was in. He quickly apologized to the lady sword when she complained.
"I am glad that you were able to find a way to train, although I wasn't expecting you to take up a new form of combat," He gestured towards Kybou. The two of them neared the entrance to where the first-year contestants were supposed to go. Once they got to the entrance, Toshinori patted Midoriya on the shoulder and kept his hand there.
"Young Midoriya, I have a feeling you will win this. I have betted on you, so I expect you to pull through. Don't want Principal Nezu to be all over me. In all seriousness, although I didn't get to train One For All with you, it seems you were able to find a way to further your mastery over it. Good luck my boy." Toshinori expressed. Midoriya nodded as he waved goodbye to his teacher and entered the stadium. He was directed to where Class 1-A was located and noticed that he was the last one to arrive. Everyone was doing their own thing, some were busy calming themselves down while others were conversing with someone. He could feel pointed looks from Bakugo as a sneer appeared on the blonde's face when the two made eye contact.
"Could he not focus his attention on behaving in such ill manners before the event?" Kybou huffed in his mind.
"Well, he sure didn't change from this world compared to my Bakugo. He will come around, eventually...maybe." Midoriya could only hope Izumi was right as he walked past the fire-ball and soon after, felt a very icy gaze land on him. Following it, Midoriya landed his gaze on the stoic, cold beauty Todoroki Shouko. She didn't say a word, only gazed at him. The temperature of the room decreased a few, or Midoriya swore it did and walked past her towards Iida and Uraraka.
"She is going to be a tough cookie, Midoriya. I am not going to lie, she is very cute. Other than the obvious anatomical differences, Todoroki seems to be the same in both our worlds. She does seem a lot colder though, maybe it comes to that because of pressure from different people." Izumi contemplated out loud in Midoriya's head. He did agree, having the #2 ranked Pro-Hero as your father would be under a great deal of pressure. He did want to talk to her, but every time he approached her, she would cut him off.
"One day. Just be patient and take my chances. But that is for another time, now I gotta focus on what my gameplan is for the events." Midoriya waved to Yaoyorozu and Tsuyu along the way to Iida and Uraraka.
"Hey guys, ready for whatever they might throw at us?" Midoriya asked as he stopped in front of the two.
"I feel as ready as I'll ever be Midoriya! I expect this will be an exciting event and hope my performance will catch the eyes of some agencies. I saw you training down at the beach near your house while on one of my runs. I look forward to competing with you, Midoriya, and to you as well Uraraka. Let us strive for the top spot!" Iida exclaimed. Midoriya could only nod in excitement while Uraraka giggled.
"Don't count me out, you two. I'm certainly pumped for this and hopefully, I can get some recommendations for agencies during our internships. It's so exciting that we are going to be on the live screen and on television! I hope my parents are watching me!" Uraraka sounded just as excited as Iida and it was certainly infectious to Midoriya. The three of them chatted as they waited for the clock to go down. Everyone's tension continued to rise as it got closer to the start.
"With the clock running down, the stage sets for the young heroes. Millions of eyes watch as the competition will determine the best of the best. At the Sports Festival, we must show what we got, Midoriya. No holding back!" Izumi exclaimed, hyping Midoriya a little bit. The room got quiet when the clock struck the hour.
"Please, come with us." Right as the hour struck, one of the workers opened the door and gestured for them to follow them to the center.
"Alright, let's begin," Midoriya mumbled as he walked towards center stage with his classmates. The pressure as the roaring crowds sent chills down Midoriya's spine. He could sense the nervousness and excitement from many of his classmates as well as himself. He gripped the sheathe holding Kybou tightly as the center arena was coming into view. The light grew brighter forcing Midoriya to shield his eyes as he walked onto the field.
"Wow." Midoriya opened his eyes, seeing the huge crowd and the streamers flying all over the place. The feeling he got was on a completely different level than what he had expected coming into the Festival.
"...anddddd entering the center stage is one of the main hero courses; CLASS 1-AAAAAAAA! Watch out for any of these young men and women that could potentially shine during this event! Who knows? Maybe one day one of these young heroes will be one of the greats!" Present Mic's voice rang out in the background. Midoriya was still taking in the vibes of being at an extremely popular event in Mustafa.
"This is seriously intense!" Ashido exclaimed and began waving at the crowds, smiling widely. Kirishima and Kaminari were also waving towards the crowd. Midoriya gazed around the crowd before setting his sites to the center, where a platform with Midnight standing on it. The group made their way over to the platform and were asked to wait in front of it so that the other first-year classes could be introduced.
"This is Midoriya, this is where our training will be put to the test. I expect nothing but the best out of you, young man. I'd rather not have the humiliation of defeat after all the training we have done." Kybou stated. Midoriya looked to the sheath and saw a faint glow before disappearing.
"Not far behind Class 1-A is the sister class! Do not underestimate them as they too have the capabilities to go beyond PLUS ULTRA! Give it up for CLASS 1-BBBBBBBBB!" Midoriya turned and watched as the sister class walked out of the tunnel. Midoriya cast his gaze across the second hero class, ending with the big sister of the class, and made eye contact with her. Kendo offered a tiny wave as Class 1-B arrived. He smiled and reciprocated the wave before closing his eyes and kept to himself as the rest of the first-year classes.
"Most of the main competition will be between Classes 1-A and 1-B. Obviously, Todoroki and Bakugo are the main threats here, but I can't discount everyone here. Kendo is familiar with martial arts and Tokoyami with Dark Shadow will be an issue should he be battled in the dark. Yaoyorozu with her intellect and creative quirk can also be a serious contender. Man, all these different quirks make me want to sit down and write down on my notebook." Midoriya thought and crossed his arms over his chest. Midnight was doing an introduction for the Sports Festival as well as the ground rules. Midoriya has seen all of the previous Sports Festival to know what the rules were.
"Watch out for Shinso, over there." Izumi directed to the general classes and found his gaze locked onto the indigo-haired boy. Midoriya then reclosed his eyes and drifted once more into his thoughts.
"I heard someone had a dangerous quirk amongst the general classes, is that him?" Midoriya asked his future counterpart. Izumi nodded and gazed over at Shinso, a sad smile appeared on the soul's face. He sighed before looking through Midoriya's eyes now that they were opened again.
"Yes, his quirk allows him to control anyone that responds to him. If he ever approaches you, do not give a verbal response no matter what the question is. He will try and rile you up. Kybou and I can help with the brainwashing but ultimately the best way to counter him is to not say a word. Other than that, there shouldn't be anyone that we should be wary of other than Todoroki and Bakugo., but we should not underestimate anyone either. Now, this first event will determine what happens moving further, most notably who will have a target painted on their back. So, we need to win this first one to get some attention on us, as well as keeping our strength a secret." Izumi noted. Midoriya nodded and watched as a screen rose from the platform. Midnight grinned as she gestured towards the screen.
"Alright, let's get this Sports Festival started! Boys and girls, there will be three events with the final event being a head-to-head battle between the students that move on from stages one and two. Contestants, please turn your attention to the screen and see what awaits your fate!" Midoriya felt nervous and excited as they watched the screen that would decide who would come out on top.
And done! This chapter wasn't as long as the others, mainly to set up for the next chapter which will start the Sports Festival.
For this story, I'm most likely going to keep away from the main canon and do my own thing, but there will still be plot points that are hit, but mostly will just branch off. I'll most likely sit on it for a bit to plan out how I want to go through with this post-Sports Festival.
If you have any ideas or other recommendations for this story then do let me know.
The pairing will still be up for debate, if or not this should be a harem or just Yaoyorozu or some other pairing.
I hope you enjoy this story and that this will grow into a very good read for people. And I also hope I can improve as a writer throughout this story life.
If you have anything else you want to say, then let me know or something.
I would like to thank everyone that has read this and the support people have given for this! It really means a lot to me that this is going smoothly compared to what I would have thought beforehand. Once again, thank you to all of you!
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I will see you guys in the next chapter!
Until next time.