Okay, let's go for the second part of the Sports Festival!
PS: there's a third part ;-) And I've also just learnt that the third season would consist of the Summer Camp Arc, the Kamino Ward Arc and the Hero License Arc, so I'm really, really happy right now! 25 episodes incoming people!
Warning: Kira's language, Kira's fighting and Kira VS flaming trash.
Enjoy!
"TIME'S UP! And that's the end of the second round, the cavalry battle, everyone! Now, let's take a look at the top four teams right away! But before all that… OI! You guys, get down back there!"
Kira laughed at that as they put Izuku down, and the four of them simply slid back to the ground thanks to another of Todoroki's slides, without even a scratch. Once they landed safely, she grinned and waved a little at the crowd.
"So, without much surprise, in first place we have Team Midoriya, with ten thousand and six hundred points! Though I gotta say, kids, that was probably the most boring cavalry battle ever!"
"Not sorry!" yelled back Kira, grinning from ear to ear.
That earned many laughs and cheers, and Present Mic cackled. "Damn right you aren't! Anyhow, the second place goes to Team Tokoyami! In third place, we have Tetsu- wait, Team Shinso? When did you come from behind? Anyway, the fourth place is for Team Yaoyorozu! Great job, girls! These four teams will advance… to the final round! And now, we'll take an hour's break for lunch before we start the afternoon festivities! See ya later!"
At that, the crowd started cheering again. Kira sighed a little, still smiling broadly, and turned to the three boys.
"Well, guess we did it!" she beamed at them. "Now, we're all in the finals. It's everyone for themselves starting from this point. Looking forward to kicking your asses!"
"Tche, you wish, Carrot," huffed Katsuki, shoving his hands in his pockets and walking away, obviously pissed.
Todoroki simply nodded, before following inside.
"I still can't understand how you managed to convince them," sighed Izuku, rubbing the back of his head. "Kacchan even more so."
"We all wanted to face each other in the final. Being on different teams meant risking one of us not making it there, so we would loose our first purpose," pointed out the ginger. "And believe it or not, but as much of an asshole as Spikey is, he's also really smart. He knew there was more to gain by forming a team all together. And seriously, though, we rammed everyone into the dust. Can you believe this? We made it to the final round without exposing any actual move to our opponents!"
"That's… true," blinked the boy, before smiling at her. "Great job, Kicchan!"
She rubbed the back of her head, unable to loose her smile. While she knew the second round surely would have been more interesting if they had gotten in different teams, she also knew that the final round was more important.
I don't know how it'll work out… but I'll definitely end up fighting at least two of them for real. Finally, I'll be able to see if my training really has paid off!
"Izuku," she called to her friend. She extended her fist to him. "Don't hold back, okay? I'm counting on you."
He stared at for a second, before bumping his fist against hers. "Same to you, Kicchan! I'll beat you, just you wait!"
"Now that's the spirit!" she laughed, slinging an arm around his neck. "Come on, let's go grab something to eat. I'm starving!"
"You always are," he rolled his eyes, amused. "Sometimes, I really wonder if you actually have a second Quirk. You know, like a bottomless stomach?"
"I do not!"
.
.
"I can't believe she did this."
Ren wanted to tear his hair out. He really, really did. Count on his sister to fuck the system up, no matter which one.
Though honestly, he couldn't help but be a little proud of her too.
Of course, I'll never tell her that. It'd only go to her head.
"Suttoki."
"Oh, Todoroki-kun. Everything alright?"
The boy was leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, face scarily blank. She had gotten used to his lack of facial expressions but, right now, she had to admit that it was a little intimidating.
"I have a question. About Midoriya."
"Why don't you ask him yourself, then?" she raised an eyebrow, wondering where this was going.
"Because I know you won't lie."
She blinked at that, but let it slide, she too leaning against the wall in front of him.
"What is it?"
He stared at her for a second, before sighing. "Midoriya… is he all Might's secret love child, or something like that?"
The ginger gaped at that. She opened her mouth to answer, then closed it. A laugh bubbled in her throat, she tried to hold it in, but was unable to do so. Stifling her snickers, it took her a few seconds to calm down.
"I-Izuku? All Might's kid?" she gasped. Seriously, she wasn't expecting this, of all things. "God no, that'd be so weird… It's nothing like that, really. Why, making the link between their Quirks?"
"You're not hiding that there is something between them?"
"Sure. You already figured out this much anyway," she shrugged. "However, it's not my place to tell you anything else. If you want answers, only Izuku can give them to you. Though, I'd ask that you don't don't go prying into his business. He doesn't deal well with stress, you know?"
"I won't pry," however assured the boy, lowering his gaze. "I simply needed confirmation."
"For what?"
He looked back at her. She held his stare, not backing down. She had given him his answer, now she wanted hers.
"… Endeavor's my old man. I'm sure you know that he's been stuck as the number two Hero since forever. If Midoriya has something from the number one Hero, then I… have even more of a reason to beat him."
"What? Why?" she frowned, somewhat confused.
"My old man has a strong desire to rise in the world. As a Hero, he won a name for himself with crushing force. Because of that, the living legend, All Might, is a great eyesore to him. Since he couldn't surpass All Might, he moved on to his next plan."
"… what next plan?" The teen was honestly scared to ask.
"You've heard of Quirk marriages, right?" he raised his chin a little at that. "That thing that became a problem for the second and third generation after superpowers appeared. Choosing a spouse based only on strengthening your own Quirk and passing it on to your children, forcing people into marriage. The old-fashioned way of thinking brought about by a lack of ethics. He is a man with both accomplishments and money. He won over my mother's relatives and got a hold of my mother's Quirk. He is trying to fulfill his own desire by raising me to be a Hero to surpass All Might."
"T-Todoroki-kun…"
"How annoying… I won't become the tool of scum like that. You know, in my memories, my mother is always crying. Your left side is unsightly, my mother said as she poured boiling water on me."
Kira felt sick. Her stomach was twisting in painful knots, and she wanted to throw up as she realized where exactly his scar was coming from, at last.
What kind of family… do these sorts of things?
"Basically, I chose to pick a fight with Midoriya to show him what I can do, without using my damn old man's Quirk. No… I'll reject him completely by winning first place without using it!"
The ginger let her eyes fall to the ground, a shadow cast over the higher-half of her face. Arms crossed over her chest, she mulled over what had just been revealed to her. It was a shock, of course. After all, she had always admired Endeavor, because of their similar Quirks.
Now, though… now, she could only feel utter disgust. And anger, too.
"Sorry for wasting your time."
He started walking away, and she let out a shaky breath.
"So what?" she finally bit out, head still lowered. "You're just playing right into his hands after all?"
He stopped walking, his back turned to her.
"You said he wanted you to surpass All Might," she remarked softly, though louder. "By aiming for Izuku because of their connection, aren't you doing exactly as he says?"
"I am rejecting him-"
"You are rejecting yourself," she cut him off. "What he did… is unforgivable. And I… I don't know what you've been through because of that man. I'll surely never understand what you have lived, or how you're feeling… But whatever happened, whether you like it or not, this Quirk is a part of who you are. This isn't his Quirk, Todoroki-kun, it's yours. And with it, you can do as you please. You want him to go fuck himself? You want- you want to make him pay for what he did, even? Then do it, by using all of the tools at your disposal."
"How can you say this-"
"People don't choose to be born!" she pursued, finally looking at him. "They don't choose in what life they'll be born into, with what kind of opportunities, or misfortunes, or privileges. You are who you are and you have to fucking deal with it, okay? We all do! But- but right now? You're basically giving him what he wants." She took a deep breath to calm down a little. "You're denying a part of yourself because of that man. Isn't it the same as just giving up? Or better yet… as running? Are you running away? Are you scared? Tell me, Todoroki Shoto, are you a coward!?"
The girl didn't even flinch as the boy suddenly spun on his heels, slamming his fist into the wall just next to her head. Some ice formed around his hand, spreading a little on her hair, but she simply stared back at him as he glared.
"This Quirk is yours," she insisted, on a gentler tone. "Right now, you're so blinded by your own anger that you can't see the bigger picture. You don't want to be a tool? Then don't be one. You want to reject him? Then reject him. It sounds crazy, but it truly is that simple."
His glare lessened a little at that, and his fist dropped down. After a few moments of silence, she pulled away from the wall and hugged him.
He stiffened. "What are you doing?"
"It's called hugging, dumbass. 'Cause right now, you seriously need a hug."
"I do not-"
"Everyone needs a hug at one time or another," she hugged him tighter. "Even tough guys like you."
He stayed still for a moment.
"… why don't you hug Bakugo, then?" he finally asked, tone lighter than before.
She snorted at that, pulling away. "You crazy? He'd find a way to make me implode."
His lips twitched at that, and she fully let him go. Then, she patted his shoulder in a supportive gesture.
"You're strong, Todoroki-kun," she remarked, the corner of her lips twisting into a small smile. "Just… don't forget that you don't have to prove anything, and even less to a man like that. Hang in there, alright? And if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
With that, she started walking away.
"… why?" he asked, and she stopped in her tracks, glancing back at him. "Why are you… trying to help me?"
She raised an eyebrow. "We're friends, aren't we? Friends help each other out, simple as that. Anyway, I'll see you later, okay? I really want to eat something before the final round starts."
On which she disappeared at the corner without another look behind. After a few seconds of utter silence, Todoroki scoffed, and headed in the opposite direction.
She doesn't understand…
It isn't as simple as that.
"Now that lunch is over, it's finally time to reveal the last game! But before that, there's good news for all of you who didn't make it to the finals! This is just a Sports Festival! So, we've prepared recreational games that everyone can participate in, too! We've even brought real cheerleaders from America to liven things up! And… uh? What? What are they doing?"
Kira stared for a few seconds, confused. The rest of the girls in the class had shown up on the field wearing cheerleader outfits.
She glanced to Izuku. "Why are they dressed like that?"
"I-I don't- I don't know…"
"What's the matter, Class A? What kind fo fan service is that?"
"Mineta! Kaminari! You tricked us!" exclaimed Yaoyorozu.
"Oh, now I understand," sweatdropped the ginger. She then placed her hands around her mouth so that her voice could be heard better. "Don't worry girls, you all look fantastic!"
Hearing her, a few blushed, somewhat pleased, and waved back at her. At first a little humiliated, they then decided to just deal with it and have some fun. That was what the recreational games were for, after all.
"All right everyone! Let's have fun competing in the recreational games! When that's over, the sixteen from the four teams that made it to the final round will duke it out tournament style, one-on-one!"
"Yes!"
Kira and Kirishima bumped fists at the announcement, pleased. Finally, they'd get to the interesting part of the Sports Festival! The one all of the country would be watching, the one during which they would have to give their all so as to be noticed by Hero Agencies and make a name for themselves…
We're almost there.
"Now, let's draw lots to determine the bracket," announced Midnight. "Once the bracket is determined, we'll have the recreational games, and then we'll start! The sixteen finalists can choose whether or not they want to participate in the recreation. I'm sure some of you want to rest or save your strength. Now, from the first place team-"
"E-excuse me?" Ojiro suddenly raised his hand, drawing the attention. "I… I am withdrawing."
"Ojiro-kun, why?" protested Izuku.
"This is a rare chance for Pros to see you!" added Iida.
"I… I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until almost the end," the boy admitted. "I think it was the guy's Quirk… I know that this is a great chance and that it's foolish to waste it… But! Everyone here competed by giving their all! I can't… I can't be up there with everyone without knowing what really happened."
"You're worrying too much about it," replied Uraraka. "You should just make sure you produce results in the finals!"
"If you're gonna say that, then I didn't do anything either," remarked Ashido.
"That's not it…" Ojiro shook a little, an hand covering his face. "I'm talking about my pride here… I can't…"
Seeing how distraught he was, Kira quickly went to him and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Ojiro. If you feel like it's the right thing to do for yourself, then do it," she smiled reassuringly at him. "We'll be with you no matter what you decide to do."
He nodded a little at that, and offered an hesitant smile, before reporting his attention to Midnight. "I wish to withdraw. I apologize for the trouble."
"Ano… I'm Nirengeki Shoda from Class B," then announced another student, stepping out of the crowd of students. "I also want to withdraw for the same reason. Regardless of ability, don't you think it goes against the goal of this Sports Festival for those who didn't do anything to move on to the final round?"
Kirishima sniffed loudly, holding back manly tears. "What's up with these guys? They're so manly!"
"This is an unusual turn of events… We'll have to see what the chief umpire, Midnight, has to say about this."
Tense silence followed. What would the Hero decide to do?
"Youthful talk like that is something… I like!" she exclaimed, grinning madly. "Shoda! Ojiro! I accept your withdrawal! Though in that case, we'll have to move up two people from the fifth place cavalry battle team…"
"If that's what's going to happen, then rather than us, who did barely anything during the cavalry battle, it should be them, right?" replied a ginger from Class B.
The other members of her team nodded in agreement.
"The ones who fought to the end and stayed in the top was Team Tetsutetsu, right?" she pursued.
"Kendo…?" blinked Tetsutetsu, surprised.
"This isn't collusion or anything," she shrugged with a smile. "It just makes sense."
"You guys…"
Followed a very… erm, manly cry. After what, it was quickly decided that the one named Tetsutetsu and the girl, Shiozaki, would be moving up.
"Man, those from Class B aren't half-bad," remarked Kira, smiling a little. "Maybe we should try to befriend them after the festival! What do you say?"
Her fellow classmates sweatdropped a little at that. She's the one who made enemies in the first place!
"Now, I present to you… the bracket based on the results of the drawing! Tetsutetsu VS Kirishima! Yaoyorozu VS Tokoyami! Ashido VS Shiozaki! Bakugo VS Uraraka! Hatsume VS Iida! Sero VS Todoroki! Suttoki VS Kaminari! And finally, Shinso VS Midoriya!"
Kira stared at the bracket exposed on the screens, eyes narrowed. Her fight with Kaminari would be one of nerves, most certainly. His main weakness was that he became a real idiot with a fried brain if he bypassed his limit. She could easily push him to said limit, as long as she wasn't hit by his attack. However, if she won…
Izuku won't fail. He's going to win his match. And then… then, it'll be the both of us against each other.
"Hey, Kaminari!" called Kira, turning to the blond. "Let's have a cool match!"
He paled a little. "I'm going to die."
After a few more seconds, a feral grin stretched her lips.
"Who knows?"
He almost passed out at that, making her laugh.
This is going to be fun!
Contrarily to what most of the students were surely feeling, Kira wasn't stressed or scared. She was simply excited, itching to get started. Ever since she got a taste of the real fights back in USJ, she had come to realize that simple training wasn't enough anymore. Sparing with Todoroki did help a lot, but it wasn't the same, and none of them were allowed to use their Quirks either.
Those were going to be real fights, though, where everything was allowed. She'd finally get to show off the results of her mad training, and see if she actually got better or if she need to work even harder.
"Kicchan, are you alright?"
The teen glanced to her best friend. He was twiddling with his fingers, staring at the door that would lead him outside, to the field. His fight was the first of the bracket, and so she had come to cheer him on a little.
"I'm so excited I can barely stay in place," she admitted, somewhat sheepish.
"That's good to hear," smiled the green-haired boy. His smile quickly slipped, though. "I wish I could feel the same way…"
"Don't stress too much, alright?" she patted his head. "You've trained hard, and you have a great determination. If you keep your goal in sight, then you'll make it, alright? You just have to keep focus, and breath."
"… will do. Thanks, Kicchan."
"Anytime."
"Hey guys, are you ready!? A lot has happened, but it's now come to this! A serious battle! You can only depend on yourself! Even if you're not a Hero, you'll face loads of situations like that! You get it, right? Heart, skill, body, wisdom and knowledge! Use all of that to rush up!"
"Hey!"
At the voice, both teens jumped a little, though relaxed when seeing it was only All Might, in his normal form.
"Sorry I'm late, but… you figured out One For All, didn't you?" he instantly asked.
"All Might… no, I'm still worried," admitted Izuku. "I can see it in my head by imagining the microwave and how I hit the Villain, but it still feels unsteady if I don't focus, like it'll fall apart… Besides, as you saw, with my current body, even if I succeed, I just end up with a little more power…"
"Right," agreed the Top Hero. "If we talk in terms of the zero or one hundred percent from before, what your body can release right now is about five percent."
"F-five percent?" Izuku slumped a little. "Hearing that, I really feel like I've been blessed with friends and luck…"
Without hesitation, Kira knocked her fist onto his skull. He hissed in pain, rubbing the sore spot.
"What was that for?"
"Chin up, Izuku," she rolled her eyes. "You've got five percent, so what? It's better than nothing. Plus, you're a goddamn genius. I'm sure you can figure out how to use that five percent to your advantage and make it look like a fricking hundred and ten percent, seriously."
"K-Kicchan…"
There was a burst of smoke, and All Might suddenly took his Hero form.
"Listen. It's the times when you're scared or worried that you should deal with smiling. You've made it this far. It's fine if it's a bluff. Stand proud! Don't forget that I've got high hopes for you!"
"You got this fight in the bag, Izuku!" added Kira with a thumbs up. "Show everyone what you can do!"
At that, the boy steadied his determination. With a small smile, he turned to face the battlefield. Then, without another look back, he stepped out.
"Audience! The finals that you've all been waiting for are finally starting! Match number one is… Even though he's done well, what's with that face? From the Hero Course, it's Midoriya Izuku!"
Kira cheered as loudly as possible.
"Versus! … sorry, he hasn't done anything to stand out yet! From general studies, it's Shinso Hitoshi! Now, the rules are simple. Force your opponent out of bounds, or immobilize them! You can also win by making your opponent say 'I give up!' Bring on the injuries! Because we've got our very own Recovery Girl waiting on standby! Put your morals and ethics aside for a moment! But of course, anything life-threatening is crap. It's not allowed! Heroes should only use their fists to catch Villains!"
"I'll stop things if they go too far," informed Cementoss, taking a seat near the fighting stage.
"Alright, people! Now… start!"
There was a moment of tension. Shinso was saying something, but Kira couldn't hear him from where she stood. Then, Izuku started running at him, obviously angry-
And stopped dead in his tracks.
"Uh? What's happening to him?" she frowned. "Is he okay?"
"Oi, oi, what's the matter? It's the important first match! Liven things up! Midoriya… the match just started, and he's completely frozen!?"
"Fuck…" muttered the ginger.
Could this be that guy's Quirk? What's he doing?
"He's got a blank look on his face and isn't moving a muscle. Is this Shinso's Quirk? He didn't stand out at all, but could he actually be someone amazing? Shinso Hitoshi from general studies has gotten the better of Midoriya Izuku from the Hero Course! Who would've imagined this? Will the bottom really overthrow the top?"
"Damn it!" Kira hit the wall. "Can't he shut up?"
"Ah ah, that's kind of his job, young Suttoki…" laughed nervously All Might.
"But he's- wait, what's Izuku doing?"
"What?"
They both reported their attention on the battle stage, where Izuku had started moving again. However, he wasn't attacking Shinso. In fact, he was… walking out of the bounds?
"WHAT!? Midoriya's being so obedient! It is because… Shinso Hitoshi, with the Quirk of Brainwashing! Answering his question turns on a brainwashing switch in his opponent's brain, forcing them to do what he says. If he doesn't want the brainwashing switch to turn on, it won't!"
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck…"
"Y-young Suttoki, language!"
"Who cares? We gotta do something!" she protested.
"This is young Midoriya's fight," refused the Top Hero, gritting his teeth. "We cannot intervene. He has to do it on his own."
"But- but he's going to loose!"
"If you directly interfere, then it will be considered cheating, and the both of you will be disqualified," he however warned. "Don't you think your friend would rather loose then have you loosing your own chance for his sake?"
"I…" No, he wouldn't. He probably would have my head if I did that. "Okay, okay, I get it. But still… we just watch him casually loose his match?"
"Have some faith, young Suttoki! He never failed to surprise me before, and I am certain he will manage to do so again!" assured the Hero.
She gaped at him for a moment, before smiling a little.
"Right."
The teen then glanced back to the stage. Izuku had almost reached the bounds, now. A few more steps, and the fight would be over.
"Come on, Izuku," she bit her lower lip. "You can do it…"
He was coming closer… and closer… Nervousness was eating her energy, but she simply couldn't help it. She believed in her best friend, she really did, but that guy's Quirk was something else entirely.
Still, is that why Ojiro wanted to talk to him earlier? To warn him? If that's the case, then why did Izuku fall for it so easily?
But through her slowly growing panic, she saw it.
On his fingers.
"Yes!" she gasped, disbelief and relief washing over her. "Yes, yes, yes!"
"Y-young Suttoki?" blinked All Might, startled.
"He's doing it! Look, look, he's doing it! Go, Izuku, GO!"
And just as he was about to step out of bounds, he snapped his fingers. There was a sudden blast of wind, forcing everyone that was watching to protect their eyes. When the dust finally fell back on the ground, it was only to reveal an immobile green-haired boy, not even a step away from the bounds.
"N-no way… Midoriya… has stopped!"
Kira started cheering as loudly as possible along with the crowd. Obviously, everyone had believed the fight was over long before it actually was.
"Woo-hoo! Kick his ass, Izuku!" she yelled, laughing a little, relieved.
Shinso was obviously angry, if his exclamations were anything to go by. However, Izuku knew better than to answer, now. Keeping his mouth shut, he shook his head a few times before starting to run at his opponent. Shinso kept trying to make him talk, to no avail. As Izuku started pushing him back –quite literally-, the purple-haired boy started hitting back. Somehow, he reversed the roles and, in the blink of an eye, Shinso was the one pushing Izuku. However, as they reached the bounds of the stage one more time, Izuku suddenly twisted his body, grabbed his arm, and basically threw him above his shoulder and out of the bounds.
"Ooh, that's gonna leave a mark," cringed the ginger.
She was the one who taught that move to Izuku, after all. She had been at the receiving hand of it so many times she lost count.
"Shinso is out of bounds!" announced Midnight, hand in the air. "Midoriya advances to round two!"
"You heard the lady, people! In the finals, the first person to advance to the second round is Midoriya Izuku from Class A! Yahoo! That was kind of a boring first match, but we should praise them both for a bravely fought match! Clap your hands!"
"He did it!" Kira hugged All Might, laughing. "He really did it!"
He laughed too, patting her head. She quickly let go when Izuku finally returned to them, hugging him instead.
"You were awesome, Izuku!" she grinned, tightening her embrace. "Damn, you scared me back there!"
"S-sorry…"
"Still, though, why did you fall for it so quickly?" she raised an eyebrow, pulling back a little to look at him. "Didn't Ojiro warn you?"
"Ah, well…" He looked a little embarrassed. "It's just… he said he'd… he'd make you eat your words by humiliating you on the stage once it was time for your fight, and, err… well, I got kind of angry, and-"
"My words?" she blinked. "What words?"
"… you know, when you provoked everyone, when they were crowding around the classroom?"
"Oh, that time!" she realized. Sheepish, she rubbed the back of her head. "Sorry, didn't think he'd still be bitter about it." She hugged him again, petting his hair. "But still, you're so sweet, coming to my defense like that! Isn't he cute, All Might? Isn't he?"
"I- ow…"
"Shit, you're injured?" She instantly pulled away, eyes narrowing to his fingers. They were purple and swollen. "Why do you keep doing that? Ugh. Come on, let's get you to Recovery Girl right away-"
"W-wait!" protested the young boy. "Isn't your match the next one?"
"We've still got time, come on!"
Ignoring his protests, she started dragging him towards the medical wing. All Might stared at the younglings for a few seconds, before a small smile graced his lips. Shaking his head in mild amusement, he then followed them.
.
.
As soon as they reached the infirmary, Recovery Girl basically kicked the ginger out, telling her to go prepare herself for her fight. Understanding she wouldn't be able to get in unless she was actually injured – something she'd rather have happening during the fight rather than before, obviously- she decided to obey, for once, and left the medical wing.
On her way back to the stadium, though, she nearly collided with someone. Surprised, she looked up at her friend.
"Todoroki-kun!" she beamed at him. "Have you thought about what I said earlier?"
He stared at her for a second, before averting his gaze. "I cannot accept it."
"Oh, okay. Well, it was worth trying," she sighed, before smiling again. "I'll just forcefully pound it in your head, then!"
Faint amusement glinted in his heterochromatic eyes at her statement.
"A rather bold claim, wouldn't you say? Are you so confident that you can beat both Kaminari and Midoriya?"
"Sure thing! If it's to have the chance to beat some sense into you, then how can I pass it up?"
That earned her a small snort from the boy. Grinning in victory, she was about to add something when she felt the familiar stirring in her muscles- one that warned her of the presence of a fire.
"Suttoki?"
"There's something-" She stopped talking as the source of the flames suddenly appeared in her line of sight. "Nevermind. Someone's here."
Following her gaze, his own instantly hardened as the figure stepped forward, revealing himself to be none other than Endeavor. As he approached, Kira waited for the usual awe and admiration she felt towards the Hero. However, no matter how hard she looked… she couldn't find it.
Or rather, it was greatly overshadowed by… everything else.
"Get out of the the way," Todoroki snapped. Kira startled a little when he grabbed her arm and started pulling her away, but didn't fight back. "Come on, Suttoki."
"R-right."
"You're acting disgracefully, Shoto," stated flatly the Hero. "Won't you even introduce us?"
The boy ignored him, and kept on walking.
"You know, if you used the power in your left side, you would have had an overwhelming victory in the obstacle course and the cavalry battle. Maybe you'd even stand a chance about that friend of yours," insisted the man. As his son didn't stop, he grew more annoyed. "Stop this childish rebellion already. You have a duty to surpass All Might. Do you understand? You're different from your siblings. You are the greatest masterpiece!"
Kira stopped walking.
Todoroki stiffened, glancing back at her. Before he could stop her, though, she had already freed herself from his grasp and spun on her heels to face the Hero.
"What… kind of utter bullshit are you spouting?" she gritted out, bangs over her eyes. "Duty? Masterpiece? Give me a fucking break!"
"Suttoki-"
"Todoroki-kun isn't just a tool for you to achieve your petty goals, you bastard!" she snapped, fists clenched tightly. "He's your son, for God's sake! And you- you only see him as a mean to achieve your ambition! If you dream is soooo great, then why don't you fucking achieve it yourself? You don't treat kids as if they were machines, mere objects! What- what kind of person does that?"
"Watch your mouth, girl," Endeavor towered over her, a few heads taller than she was. It would have been intimidating for anyone, but Kira wouldn't have any of his shit right now. "Do you even realize who you're talking to?"
"The eternal number two Hero?" she deadpanned, anger lacing her voice.
The flames of his beard and costumes flared up. She didn't back down, though. Fire was also her element, after all.
"Funny," she drawled. "I think mines are prettier."
After a few moments of tensed silence, she shook her head and returned to Todoroki, who had watched everything unfold with wide eyes. Nudging his shoulder, she started walking away.
"Come on, we've wasted enough time. My fight's about to start."
He nodded, quickly overcoming his primary shock. As they were about to leave the hallway, though, she stopped, and looked back at Endeavor, who was still frozen in his spot.
"You know… you might be a great Hero," she admitted, somewhat bitterly. "But as a human being, you're real scum."
And on that fine conclusion, she truly left with the dual-haired boy. After a few seconds, Endeavor's shoulders started shaking.
A moment later, he burst in laughter.
When he stopped, a grin was still stretching his lips. "Interesting."
.
.
"You didn't have to do this."
"I felt like it."
"He's dangerous."
"So am I."
The two stared at each other for a moment, none backing down. Todoroki was the first to give in, sighing.
"… thank you."
"Sure thing. Wish me luck, alright?" she bumped his shoulder. "I'm definitely fighting you."
"You don't need luck."
She smiled brightly at that, and he rolled his eyes a little. Seriously, the cheery girl smiled for any reason.
"Alright everyone, we have our next fight set up! First, we have another one who didn't really stood out, but who's still here! From the Hero Course, Kaminari Denki!"
Kira exhaled deeply as the crowd started cheering. It was… exhilarating.
"Don't go too harsh on him," simply warned Todoroki.
"He's going to try and electrocute me. I think I'm allowed to be a little harsh."
He shrugged at that, making her snort.
"And his opponent is one who's actually made quite a few waves during the last events! She's full of energy, and ready to show off! She too is from the Hero Course… Suttoki Kira!"
Offering a military salute to the dual-haired boy, the teen then stepped outside, into the light. She was welcomed by loud cheers and screams, and she grinned while waving at everyone. Once she reached the stage, she found herself facing Kaminari.
"You seem a little tense," she teased.
"You're too relaxed," he retorted, smirking a little.
"Why? Got something I should be worried about?"
"So mean…" He sweatdropped.
"Okay, everyone's ready? Then… START!"
"Sorry, Kira!" the blond instantly gathered his electricity. "I can't hold back here!"
Without another warning, he released his electricity. Her lighter already in her hands, she pulled a flame out and created a shield all around her. Kaminari's electricity couldn't bypass the heat. Grinning a little, the ginger then gathered her flames and was about to throw the ball at her opponent, when she noticed his mental state.
You've got to be kidding me.
He had been so stressed… he passed his limit before she could even land a hit. Sighing in disappointment, she dismissed her flames and walked up to him. He had the dumbest look on his face, and she had no idea whether to laugh or cry.
She opted for literally kicking him out of bounds.
The poor boy landed in the grass, and there were a few seconds of silence.
"Kaminari is out of bounds!" then announced Midnight. "Suttoki passes to the second round!"
"… well, that was quick match. Come on, guys, can't you give us something more interesting?"
"Blame the idiot!" protested the ginger, making the audience laugh a little.
Ugh, I barely did anything. It's kind of… frustrating. But at least, I know my next match will be interesting.
With a little bow and a wave, the teen then too exited the battle stage. In the end, maybe an easy fight was for the better. After all, she still hadn't reveal her greatest move yet. That had to count for something.
"That was too harsh," Todoroki greeted her back.
She simply shrugged.
Maybe she did go a little overboard.
"Your match is next, right?" she then recalled. "You try to go at him easy, then. If you can manage, that is."
He too shrugged.
.
.
Kira stared at him.
Todoroki stared back.
"… was that 'going easy'? 'Cause it sure didn't feel like it."
"… I might have overdone it a little."
"A little?"
Back on the stage, Pros were still trying to get rid of the actual mountain of ice that was covering it and had basically froze half of the whole stadium.
Then, Kira laughed a little, patting his shoulder. Because, for as strong as the both of them were, they really didn't know how to hold back.
.
.
The next match between Hatsume Mei and Iida Tenya had probably been the longest, and weirdest, of all matches. The pink-haired girl had basically tricked Iida in testing out her inventions so that she could get the different industries' attention, before giving up and so letting him pass to the second round.
Iida felt very humiliated by this victory.
The battle between Ashido and Shiozaki had been more balanced. However, Shiozaki focused on long-ranged attacks, while Ashido used both types to overwhelm her opponent. With no pity whatsoever, the pink girl managed to reach her and punched her square in the face, effectively knocking her out.
Tokoyami and Yaoyorozu's fight had been quite the short fight. Seeing as Tokoyami didn't give his opponent the time to properly think –something essential for her Quirk-, he easily claimed the victory by overwhelming her with his numerous, all-ranged attacks.
Followed the fight between Kirishima and Tetsutetsu. To be honest, Kira had pretty much been laughing all along, taunting the two boys as loudly as she could. They heard her, of course, and it only pushed them to fight even harder. It however resulted with a double knockout, and so they had to settle everything with a game of arm wrestling.
Kirishima ended up winning, though barely, and he wasted no time in going back to the stands to roughly whack Kira behind the head.
Finally, it was the time for the last match of the first round. Kira swallowed harshly when seeing Uraraka step into the field. She knew Uraraka was strong, but she was going against Katsuki. In their class, only herself, Todoroki or Izuku actually had a chance when fighting against him, mostly because they weren't scared of him in the first place.
However, Uraraka was very scared, even if she did her best to hide it.
"You can do it, Ochaco-chan!" she exclaimed. "Show Spikey what you can do!"
The girl's step faltered for a second, and she shot a look at the ginger. Then, she smiled, offering a thumbs up. After what, she quickly made her way to the stage.
"The eighth and last match of the first round! He was kind of famous in middle school! This isn't the face of a regular person! From the Hero Course, it's Bakugo Katsuki! Versus… She's the one I'm rooting for, from the Hero Course, Uraraka Ochaco! And now… eighth match… START!"
Instantly, Uraraka propelled herself at Katsuki. Preparing to counterattack, Katsuki waited until the last second before catching her in his blast.
"Shit!"
"Uraraka-san!"
Most of their classmates covered their eyes, afraid of what they'd see. Clenching her hands around the railing, Kira leaned over the edge to try and get a better look.
"Come on, come on…" she muttered, worried.
The smoke cleared enough for her to see Katsuki, but Uraraka was still nowhere to be seen. Then, the boy suddenly spun on his heels and slammed his fist into the oncoming girl-
"Wait… that's her jacket!" realized the ginger.
"Oh, she made her jacket float and sent it over there? She did it in an instant, too!"
Uraraka tried to get him from behind. However, he swiftly avoided her attack and blasted her away once more.
"He moved after he saw her?" gasped Sero.
"With that reaction time, it doesn't matter if there's a smokescreen," added Kaminari, a little pale. "With Uraraka not being able to activate her Quirk unless she touches him, she's at a disadvantage with Bakugo's reflexes."
"Spikey's reaction time is one of the greatest I've ever seen," admitted Kira, clenching her hands tighter on the railing. "No matter how much of a jerk he is, he's got the skills to back up his attitude. Rare are those who can actually surprise him, and Uraraka knows that. She's planning something, she knows she can't get to him just by trying to use the element of surprise…" What is she thinking? What is she trying to do?
The two students kept at it for a while. Uraraka tried to attack, Katsuki blasted her away, and they started again. The brunette just wouldn't stop, wouldn't give up and, while Kira greatly admired that strength of will, she started wondering if, maybe, Uraraka was too stubborn for her own good.
…
Okay, I'm in no place to talk. But still! Does she has a plan… or is she just hoping for an opening?
"Uraraka keeps attacking without rest, but… this is…"
The blasts were getting stronger and stronger. After all, the more he moved, and the more Katsuki sweated, which only strengthened his Quirk. However, it also meant that the crowd was growing more and more agitated. Most were scared for the girl's life, and many were starting to plead Cementoss to stop the match before Uraraka actually got hurt.
"Oi!" suddenly exclaimed one of the Heroes in the audience. "How can you say you want to be a Hero like that? If there's such a huge difference in your abilities, then hurry up and send her out of bounds! Stop bullying and playing with the poor girl!"
"Yeah! Yeah!"
"There's booing from part of the crowd… But honestly, I also feel the same-"
"SHUT UP!" snapped Kira. "Just shut up already!"
Her exclamation drew enough attention for the booing to lessen. She took a deep breath to calm herself, before reporting her attention on the fight.
"Katsuki might be an asshole, but he's not sending Uraraka out of bounds because he's careful! He knows she's strong enough to stand her own against him, so he's wary! How more stupid can you get?" She pursued, knuckles turning white. "Each and every student that participated in this Sports Festival was aiming for the top. Not everyone made it to the last round, but those still in the competition are giving their all to win that first place, because always going beyond expectations is what Heroes do! How can someone surpass themselves if they don't face challenges, obstacles?" She took a good look at the dumbstruck faces of the Heroes, farther away. "None of us is allowed to hold back. This might seem like a petty competition, but it's the chance for us who wish to become Heroes to show what we can do, to show what kind of drive we possess, to show to everyone that we do have what it takes to become Heroes. Go beyond! Plus Ultra! Isn't that the motto of our school?"
Heavy silence followed her declaration. Before anyone could find the words to properly react, though, the attention was suddenly brought back to the fight.
There no longer were any explosions.
"I'm… gonna win!" suddenly exclaimed Uraraka, bringing her hands together.
What…
And suddenly, dozens of rocks started falling from the sky. Kira's eyes widened in understanding. By keeping her body low when attacking, Uraraka had concentrated most of the blasts to the ground, thus breaking it into pieces that she sent floating above their head. By keeping his attention focused on her numerous attacks, she managed to divert his attention from what was really going on.
"A- A meteor shower!?"
"She had a desperate plan like that up her sleeve?" gasped Izuku, jumping to his feet.
"Desperate? That's brilliant!" replied the ginger, completely forgetting about her little outburst from earlier.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough against Katsuki. With a single explosion, he blasted away not only all of the rocks and debris, but also his opponent.
"B-Bakugo delivers a satisfying explosion! He blasts boldly through Uraraka's secret plan!"
Katsuki started running at her, finally getting serious. However, as the girl tried to move and fight back… she collapsed from exhaustion. Katsuki instantly stopped in his tracks as the last of the smoke and dust cleared from the stage.
"Uraraka's down!"
"She passed her limit." Kira understood that all too well.
"Uraraka's out of commission," announced Midnight, checking up on the girl. "Bakugo advances to the second round!"
To which the crowd started cheering, them too forgetting about the earlier resentment for the young boy. Uraraka was sent on her way to Recovery Girl, and Katsuki simply left the stage. Seeing as he wasn't throwing a fit, Kira guessed that he was satisfied with the fight.
Even if he won't ever admit it, he respects Ochaco-chan, she smiled a little at the thought. And you'll never know that, and it's not the same as a clear victory… but honestly, Ochaco-chan, this is a great achievement. Spikey doesn't respect a lot of people, after all.
"The eighth match of the first round… Oh, Uraraka… Oh, yeah. Bakugo advances to the second round."
"If you're gonna do it, do it properly," chided Aizawa-sensei. "And Suttoki, while we're at it: please refrain from insulting the audience next time around."
"Ah, ah, right… My bad, I guess!"
"Great! Now, the first round is all done! Let's move on to the next round quickly after a short break!"
Kira fell back into her seat, relieved it was over. She didn't particularly enjoyed watching her friend being thrown around like some ragdoll, even if she was kind of glad Katsuki didn't hold back. It would have been much more humiliating for the brunette if he didn't even try, and it allowed Uraraka to surpass herself, which was kind of the goal of this event in the first place.
"Oi, Kira!"
Blinking, the girl glanced at the seats to the right. There was a wall separating their booth from the rest of the stands of the stadium, and none other than her brother was leaning over it, a small smile on his lips.
"Ren!" She beamed at him, running to meet with him. "I'm so happy you made it!"
"Of course I did. Couldn't miss my baby sister kicking everyone's asses, right?" he grinned back, leaning over the wall to ruffle her hair.
"You got it!"
"Kira-chan, who is that?"
At Tsuyu's question, the ginger glanced to the rest of her classmates, only now remembering that only Iida and Uraraka actually met Ren before.
"Oh, that's my older brother, Ren," she presented. "Ren, these are my classmates, though you already know all of them."
"I sure do. Kira talks a lot about you guys," he smiled at them. His eyes fell on Kirishima. "I'm guessing you're Red Two? That was a great fight."
"R-really? Thanks," Kirishima scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "Say, are you a Hero?"
"I wish," sighed the man. "But no. I work for the police, though, so I guess it's kind of the same thing."
"Says the one working at a desk all day long," Kira coughed in her fist.
"So mean, Kira…" Her brother slumped a little.
The rest of her friends laughed at their interaction. Then, the white-haired man looked over at his sister's best friend.
"Hey, Izuku!" he called, snapping the boy out of his thoughts. "Make sure to make her eat the dust!"
"R-Ren?" she gasped, an hand over her heart. "How dare you betray me like that? Your own sister!"
"I like Izuku better," he pulled his tongue at her.
"Jerk."
He laughed, ruffling her hair again. His phone then started beeping.
"Oh, gotta take this. I'll be watching, so you guys do your best, alright?"
"Will do!"
"Hai!"
Ren then disappeared behind the wall. Kira shook her head, a little exasperated at her brother's antics, but too used to them to really make a fuss.
"He seems nice," remarked Kaminari.
"He is," nodded Kira, smiling a little. "Though he can be a real pain when he wants to be. Hey, Izuku? Let's go get ready for our fight."
"Right!"
As the two of them left, Kirishima paled a little. "Shoot, they're fighting each other? I hadn't realize!"
"This is going to be a very interesting match," nodded Tsuyu.
"Kira won't hold back, though Midoriya might need a little push to actually fight his friend," added Jiro.
"Who do you think will win?" wondered Shoji.
"Well, Kira has the advantage of actual training," remarked Ojiro, thoughtful. "She's been training for years, and has a fighting style that matches her Quirk. She's much more advanced than most of us when it comes to actual fighting."
"But Midoriya-kun has also a great advantage," pointed out Iida. "He knows all of her weaknesses and strengths, and surely already has a few plans to handle her attacks."
"Both of their Quirks can harm their bodies, though," Tokoyami narrowed his eyes at the empty battle stage below. "They both have limits that, if passed, will seriously injure them. In the end, it will be a battle of time. Who can hold on the longest?"
"I hope they'll be careful…" murmured Ashido, a little worried.
At that, all could only agree.
.
.
"Thanks for waiting, everybody! The first match of the second round is a big match! Between the guy who just barely made it passed the first round! From the Hero Course, Midoriya Izuku! And the girl who offered an overwhelming victory bu has yet to actually show off her true skills! From the Hero Course, Suttoki Kira!"
The ginger grinned at Izuku. "You ready?"
He nodded firmly. Then, he extended his fist to her. Surprised, she then bumped her own against it.
"Don't hold back, Kicchan."
"I won't if you don't."
"So youthful~" cried Midnight in the background.
They both took a few steps back, and fell into stance.
"And now, Midoriya versus Suttoki… START!"
Yes, I know, I'm a very mean person to end it on such a cliffhanger. But hey, what can I say? I like surprises. Also, anyone enjoyed the Kira/Shoto moments? Don't worry, Kira/Katsuki shippers, his time to shine will come too! I'm trying to balance things right now, until the main pairing is truly decided. Also, your thoughts on Kira VS Endeavor? I think she handled herself pretty well.
Also, I would apologize to Kaminari... but he was really weak in the original version anyway. So yeah, not really sorry. Gotta work harder, bro!
Anyhow, sure hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's probably one of my favorites as of yet. Don't forget to review, and I'll see you guys soon!
Plus Ultra!