Immortālitās

Chapter Twelve

"Welcome back from lunch!" Present Mic welcomed the cheering crowd. "It's time to reveal the last game!"

After our most recent and embarrassing intrusion from All Might, Ochaco and I hastily made our way back to the field for the final round.

"There's good news for all of you that don't get to perform in the final stage!" He announced. "Recreational games have been prepared that everyone can participate in as well! We even invited cheerleaders from America to get you all motivated to—"

He suddenly stopped talking as the rest of the girls from Class 1A took the spotlight.

What in the world?

They were dressed like the American cheerleaders.

"Mineta! Kaminari! You tricked us, didn't you?!" Momo seethed before falling to the ground on her knees. "Why am I always caught in his schemes?"

The mentioned boys yelped as I quickly turned towards them.

"What?!" I raged. Thankfully Ochaco was with me, or she could have been pulled into their perverted prank. "You're lucky that we're surrounded by thousands of witnesses or otherwise you'd be dead!"

"We're sorry!" They bowed in fear. "We aren't worthy of your mercy!"

"Tch." I turned away from them.

"Moving on!" The attention was taken away from the embarrassed girls and back to our teacher. "Let's have fun with the recreational games, and when that's over, the seventeen students from the five teams that made it into the final round will clash one-on-one, tournament-style!"

We're going to be fighting one-on-one this year?

That's the best thing any of us could have hoped for.

"I get to stand on the stage I watch every year on TV!" Eijiro gushed in excitement.

"Is it tournament style every year?" Mina asked around.

"It's different every year," I started to explain to her. "But the third-round always ends in a one-on-one competition. Last year, for example, it was one-on-one sword fighting."

"We're going to draw lots to determine the bracket!" Midnight called, walking back onto the podium from the earlier rounds. "Once everything is figured out, we'll host the recreational games before getting into the tournament! We'll start with the first place—"

"Excuse me," Mashirao raised his hand. "I would like to withdraw. I can barely remember what happened during the cavalry battle. I think it was because of my rider's quirk."

I looked over and narrowed my eyes at the student who would have been on Mashirao's team. It was the same student that stood outside our class before the festival.

So, he took advantage of Mashirao somehow?

"I know that this is the greatest opportunity for us," he continued. "And that it would be foolish to throw this opportunity to waste, but everyone else did their best to compete! I don't believe that I can stand beside, let alone compete with the other teams that won. This is about my pride, so please..."

He placed his hand over his eyes, getting caught up in his emotions.

I now glared at the purple-haired boy.

"My name's Nirengeki Shoda from class 1-B," a short boy walked towards the front of the other students. "I wish to withdraw for the same reason. Regardless of talent, don't you believe that it goes against the purpose of the U.A. Sports Festival for those of us who didn't do anything to move on to the finals?"

"This kind of youthful chit-chatting," Midnight pondered for just a moment. "Is exactly what I like to see! I accept your withdrawal, young men! A sixteen-person bracket would be ideal for this tournament, so we'll need to move one person up from the fifth-place team!"

"Miss Midnight," the young female who was the rider of said team raised her hand. "If that's what you want to do, rather than electing someone from us, who barely did anything during the cavalry battle, we believe the student selected to compete should be from Tetsutesu's team. It just makes sense."

It was then decided that Tetsutetsu, the aggressive student from 1-B that was also outside our classroom before the festival, would advance to the tournament.

We were finally able to draw lots.

Hitoshi Shinso v Hanta Sero

Ivan Tantarimoto v Denki Kaminari

Izuku Midoriya v Mei Hatsume

Yuga Aoyama v Shoto Todoroki

Momo Yaoyorozu v Tenya Iida

Mina Ashido v Fumikage Tokoyami

Eijiro Kirishima v Tetutetsu Tetsutetsu

Which left...

Ochaco Uraraka v Katsuki Bakugo

"Huh? Uraraka?" Bakugo questioned the bracket.

I put my hand on Ochaco's shoulder to relax her.

"You'll make him remember your name," I smiled at her encouragingly.

"Thank you, Ivan." She muttered quietly.

I frowned. She was still uncertain.

"Now that the tournament has been decided," Present Mic spoke into the speaker once more. "Enjoy this interlude and let's have fun with some recreation!"

I decided to sit-out from the activities but enjoyed watching everyone else have fun.

Ochaco ran over and joined the other ladies who were still cheerleading.

Hopefully, it helped with her nerves.

Before we knew it, the activities ended and it was time to start the tournament.

"Are you all ready?!" There was a deafening cheer from the crowd. "We've witnessed a lot during this festival, but it's all come down to this! A battle between two people! Even if you're not a hero, we'll all come across situations where we can only depend upon ourselves! Let's watch as these students put their heart, skill, body, wisdom, and knowledge to the test! Here comes match number one! From the hero course, let me introduce to you Hanta Sero! Versus! Hitoshi Shinso from general studies! The rules are simple. You can win by forcing your opponent out of bounds, immobilizing them, or by making them surrender! Don't be afraid of injuring your opponent, for we have Recovery Girl on standby! Set aside your morals and ethics and beat the snot out of each other! Of course, anything that is considered life-threatening will be stopped by Cementoss and you will be immediately disqualified! Ready?! Start!"

There was a small amount of bantering before the match started, but I don't think anyone other than those who teamed up with Shinso or his classmates knew how this round was going to end.

Hanta turned away from Shinso and walked out of the ring.

I closed my eyes.

"Hanta Sero is out of bounds!" Midnight announced. "Hitoshi Shinso advances to the next round!"

So that's how his quirk works.

"All right, all right!" Our teacher quieted the chanting crowd. "I can agree that that was a pretty boring match, but not every quirk is as flashy as the others! We should praise them both for getting this far!"

"I guess it's my turn," I stood from my seat.

"Ivan! Good luck!"

"Thank you, Ochaco," I smiled at her before looking at a retreating Denki. "I think it's time to teach someone a lesson."

I walked away to the sounds of her giggling.

"This next match should be worth watching!" The crowd cheered as we walked towards the center-stage. "The young man that's been sweeping the board! From the hero course, Ivan Tantarimoto! Versus! Denki Kaminari from the hero course! This should be a super flashy battle to whet your appetites! Ready?! Start!"

"I'm jealous of you, Ivan," Denki sighed from across the stage. "You've got the attention of one of the cutest girls in class. Do you think she'll let me take her out to eat if I beat you here? 'Cause this match will probably be over in a flash!"

I narrowed my eyes at him as he charged up his electricity. I had to get out of the way of his electrical attack earlier because I was carrying Ochaco, but now that I didn't need to worry about her safety?

"Indiscriminate Shock: 1.3 Million volts!"

I stood there as the streaks of electricity raced my way and braced for the impact.

The crowd enjoyed themselves as I was electrocuted.

"It's unfortunate you used a move that nearly incapacitates yourself," I grumbled as sparks danced across my hair, smoke billowing from my body. I felt as my quirk quickly worked against the damage to my nerves. "Now I feel as if your punishment will go unnoticed."

He just stared at me with that stupid look on his face, drool hanging from the corner of his mouth.

Perhaps this loss will serve as punishment enough.

I walked over to him and punched him in the head, knocking him unconscious.

"Denki Kaminari has been rendered unconscious!" The R-Rated Hero announced as I walked away. "Ivan Tantarimoto advances to the second round!"

"Young Ivan just stood there and took 1.3 million volts of electricity like it was nothing!" I smirked as I walked back up to the other students. "What are they feeding these kids?!"

I looked up the stairwell to see Izuku making his way towards me.

"Good luck out there," I said to him as we passed each other.

"Oh," he stopped in surprise. "Thank you, Ivan. Good match!"

I gave him a thumbs up in thanks as I continued making my way up the stairs.

"Congratulations!" I was greeted by Ochaco upon my return. "That was a good showing for you!"

"Thanks, again," I rubbed the back of my neck. "I landed the last hit, but Denki beat himself out there."

"I can't believe you could take his electrical hit like it was nothing," Kyoka whined. "It really hurt during the cavalry battle, you know!"

"Sorry, sorry," I tried not to laugh. "Quirk advantages and all."

"Ne, Ivan," I looked back over to Ochaco. "What did Denki say at the beginning of the fight? It seemed to bother you."

"Oh, that?" Do you think she'd grab a bite to eat with me? I shrugged. "Just the usual pre-battle banter. Nothing too important."

"Mmm," she squinted at me. "If you say so!~"

I sighed in relief.

"Let's get the next match rolling!" We all returned our attention to the battlefield. "Even though this student has done quite well, why is he making that face?! From the hero course, Izuku Midoriya! Versus! A bold young lady fully-equipped with support items! From the support course, Mei Hatsume!"

"Ne, Ochaco?" She turned to look at me. "Do you think they'll have to call time if they get distracted and start muttering to each other?"

"I'm sure they'd have to," she held in a laugh. "But I'm sure Deku wants to win just as much as everyone else."

"True," I looked back towards the stage and noticed something about Izuku. "Does it look like he's wearing equipment?"

"I think that's what they're talking about now," Tenya added in. "It's typically not allowed unless you put a petition in for it before the festival. More than likely, Hatsume offered the equipment to Midoriya before their fight."

"Permission has been granted for Izuku Midoriya to use the equipment offered to him by his opponent, Mei Hatsume!" Perfect timing. Thank you, Present Mic. "Let's get this match started! Ready?! Start!"

We were all thoroughly entertained as the match between Izuku and Mei turned into a sales pitch for Mei's "babies." We watched for ten minutes as Izuku was led around like a dog on a leash while all of her babies were put on display before she finally decided to step out of the ring.

"Ah," Midnight seemed disgruntled. "Hatsume has stepped outside of bounds, that makes the winner of this match Izuku Midoriya!"

Izuku was thoroughly used, and I don't believe he was upset by it as they both appeared to be muttering to each other as they left the stage.

I was so amused by their actions that I almost didn't notice as Ochaco silently got up from her seat and walked away.

"Ochaco?" I called to her.

She paused for a moment before running from our section.

"Ochaco, wait!" I ran after her.

I could have caught up to her easily, but I decided to stay behind until she reached wherever she was trying to run to.

Ah. The competitor's waiting room.

"I'm sorry," she whispered as I approached her seated form.

"What could you possibly be apologizing for?" I asked her gently.

"I didn't want to look weak in front of you," she looked down at her hands and laughed. "I know it's silly. I'm just scared."

"Ochaco," I reached towards her face and lifted her chin up so she could look at me. "Not once have I ever thought you to be weak. Have you gone over any strategies in your head? I could help you if you want?"

"You're incredible, Ivan," she turned away from me. "I keep discovering more and more amazing things about you, and it makes me feel so small. I want to be able to believe that I could have been able to get through all of this on my own, but I think I've come to realize that I might've been trying to rely on you instead."

I watched her as she continued to work through her thoughts.

"Thank you, Ivan, but I want to be able to say that I'm fine," she balled her fists. "And I believe that deep down, I am fine."

She stood up from her chair and walked towards the door.

"Everyone out there is looking towards the future and trying their best to win," she stopped before exiting the room. "Doesn't that mean we're all rivals? Let's me in the final round, Ivan!"

She turned to give me a shaky smile and thumbs up.

I'm so proud of you, Ochaco!

"Time to start the final match of the first round!" The crowd cheered.

"This next match is the most disturbing match-up I think." Tsuyu spoke freely.

"I don't know if I'll be able to watch," Kyoka muttered.

I clenched my fists on the railing.

Show everyone what you're capable of, Ochaco!

"This first contestant is a little famous from middle school!" Present Mic started the introductions. "From the hero course, Katsuki Bakugo! Versus! The one I'm rooting for! The final contestant from the hero course, Ochaco Uraraka! Ready?! Start!"

Ochaco rushed at Katsuki right off the bat, but the moment she closed in he swung his arm and sent her away with a small blast.

"Uraraka!" Izuku and Tenya shouted together.

The rest of the class responded the same way, but I narrowed my eyes.

Can't you see he's holding back?

Black smoked covered the stage and another explosion went off.

"She made her jacket float to distract Bakugo!" Present Mic explained. "Instantaneously as well!"

She was inches away from touching his shoulder, but he sent her away with another explosion.

Ochaco tumbled across the ground before adjusting her footing.

His attacks were becoming more aggressive, but something else changed as well.

She continued to charge at him, using the smokescreen from his explosion to sneak in at different angles, and he continued to counter her every time.

I glanced up and smirked.

"Uraraka is putting up a valiant effort," Present Mic sounded a little distraught. "But this is..."

His voice trailed off as an explosion after explosion kept taking place center-stage.

A part of the crowd started booing before Aizawa's voice took over.

"How long have you been a pro hero if you think he's just playing around?" Oh, he sounded mad. "If that's what you truly believe, then you should go home! Bakugo has acknowledged the strength of his opponent and is being careful. He knows that he can't let his guard down."

You tell 'em Eraser Head! Putting all the other pro heroes in their place!

Ochaco stopped her consistent charging and released all of the debris floating overhead.

But once again, Katsuki sent everything flying away with his quirk.

"Bakugo sent everything flying with a single explosion!" Present Mic took control over the microphone again. "He blasted right through Uraraka's plan!"

Ochaco was slow to get to her feet this time, as smaller bits of the debris fell around her and the blonde boy.

She still got to her feet, and this time? Katsuki charged at her.

Before he reached her though, she collapsed to the ground.

"Ochaco is unable to continue!" The R-Rated Proctor announced after checking on the girl. "Bakugo advances to the second round!"

Even though Ochaco lost, I smiled after her match.

He'll remember your name now.

Hello, friends! The first round of the tournament has finished and Ivan moves on to face Shinso in his next match! How do you think their match is going to go? Thank you for reading the chapter, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

TTFN.