The next day, classes were cancelled. But even with the break, we couldn't exactly relax, what with everything that had happened.
But next day -
"Everyone! Morning Homeroom's about to begin. To your seats!" I called out from the front of the room, with two minutes to go before the day began.
"We're all sitting," replied Sero. "You're the only one up!"
I tried to shrug off the embarrassment and sat back down.
"Dangit…" I moaned. From behind me, Uraraka said cheerfully "Don't sweat it," her cheery soothing voice making it feel just a little less embarrassing.
The door opened just as I hit the seat. And Mr. Aizawa came in, wrapped head to toe in bandages.
"You're back already, Mr. Aizawa?" cried my classmates. "What an undeniable pro!" He was indeed chugging right along, headed up to the front of the room.
"Glad to see you looking well, Sensei!" I called to him.
"If you can call that 'doing well'," said Uraraka fretfully.
"My welfare isn't important," he replied. "Because your fight is far from over."
More villains?!
"UA's sports festival is fast approaching," said Mr. Aizawa. I think we all breathed a sigh of relief. "That's so totally ordinary!"
"Wait a minute - is this really OK?" I asked. After we just go t attacked?
"It's necessary to demonstrate that UA's crisis management protocols are sound," Sensei replied. "That's the thinking, apparently. Compared to past years, there'll be five times the police presence. Anyhow, our Sports Festival is - the greatest opportunity you'll get. It's not an event that can be cancelled over a few villains."
"You sure about that?" whined Mineta. "It's just a Sports Festival."
"Mineta," said Midoriya, "Are you telling me you've never seen UA's sports festival?"
"Of course I have. That's not what I meant."
Sensei went on, undaunted. "Our sports Festival is one of Japan's biggest events. The olympia were once the World's Sports festival. The whole country would be whipped into a frenzy over them. But as you know, that tradition has shrunk in scale to a shell of its former self. As far as Japan's concerned, what's taken the place of the Olympics is the UA sports Festival."
From the back left hand corner, her ponytail bouncing as she clenched her fist, Yaoyorozu added "The nation's top heroes will all be watching. This is where you get scouted.
"Naturally, you'll gain valuable experience and popularity if you're picked up by a big name hero," said Sensei. "But your time is limited. Show the pros what you're made of here, and you'll make futures for yourselves. This happens once a year, so you've got three chances. If you're hoping to become a hero, this is an event you can't miss."
Right. The greatest opportunity. The change to show the world that I can succeed Tensei - become the next Ingenium. I have to do my best.
Later on, after Modern Lit, everyone was buzzing about the Festival.
"This has got me freaking pumped!"
"If we show our stuff here that's one big s step towards going pro!"
"Everyone's so excited," said Midoriya, looking pensively at the others.
"And you aren't?" I asked, surprised not to see him motivated. "This is our chance to add our names to the ranks of heroes. Of course we're in high spirits!" As I spoke, I felt myself practically dancing with the thrill of the moment.
From behind me,Tsuyu Asui said "You got a funny way of showing it, Iida."
"Yeah, I get that," said Midoriya, still looking unconvinced, "But - "
"DEKU. IIDA!" Hissed a fierce voice behind us, making us both jump. We turned to see - glaring, smiling, almost sweating with excitement - Uraraka! "At this sports festival - let's do our best!"!
"What happened to your face, Uraraka?!" cried our classmates.
"You're not looking very Uraraka, Uraraka."
She wheeled around on the others with an even crazier, even more determined face. "Everyone! I'm gonna crush this!" She stomped her foot and actually pumped her fist in the air. Her excitement was truly infectious, and I started pumping my fist with her, as did Midoriya. Following her out to lunch, like disciples after a pied piper, we were practically skipping.
Finally, as we calmed down to normal, Midoriya asked her, "Uraraka, I've never really asked you this, but why do you want to be a hero?"
"Oh," she said, stopping and looking almost embarrassed.
"Kinda - well - for the paycheck."
"For the money?!" Midoriya cried. "You wanna be a hero so you can get rich?" He seemed to be struggling to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Uraraka looked away shyly, scratching the back of her head.
"Ultimately, yeah. Sorry, I know it seems base. And really embarrassing, considering Iida's noble motivations and all."
Hearing her call me noble, and blush and look away with her hands clapped to her cheeks, made me want so badly to reassure her.
"But why? There's nothing wrong with seeking a more comfortable lifestyle!" I gestured wildly at her. From behind me, Midoriya added quickly, "Yeah - just a little unexpected."
She looked a little less awkward, but was still avoiding our gaze. "You see - my family runs a construction company, but business is bad. We're poorer than poor. Don't mention that to anyone, ok?"
"Construction?" I said thoughtfully. Midoriya jumped in with "If you got permission to use it, wouldn't your quirk help cut costs, Uraraka?"
"Right!" she said, jumping and turning around to point at us. "That's what I said to dad, way back. But…he said he'd rather see me fulfill my own dreams. Maybe take them on vacation. So I'm gonna be a hero. I'll make that money so that my Mom and Dad can have easier lives."
We were both thrown. For a moment we couldn't say anything.
Then I applauded as loudly as I possibly could. "Bravo, Uraraka! Bravo!" What a wonderful girl she is, I thought. Supporting her family. Helping everyone she loves.
"YOUNG MIDORIYA!" cried the booming voice of All Might. We all jumped.
"Wanna eat lunch with me?" he called. Midoriya nodded and Uraraka laughed. "He's like a maiden!" as Midoriya walked off with the symbol of peace.
As Uraraka and I headed into lunch, She asked "Wonder what he wants with Deku?"
"I heard Miroriya dashed in to help when All Might was attacked. Maybe that's it? And like Asui said on the bus, they have similar super strength."
Uraraka smiled and nodded. "So gotta be it!"
"Perhaps All Might has taken a liking to him. I wouldn't be surprised!"
As we waited in line, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Shoto Todorroki appeared to be watching us. I don't think I realized just then exactly what that little conversation would mean for all of our futures - back then, I was only thinking of the Sports Festival, and my own chances. The chance to be a great future pro.