A/N: By far, that was the hardest chapter for me to write. Exams, illness, practice at university (yet to be finished) and a concept of the story that won't change the sports festival that much. I planned actions ahead, made a few parts of this and there of what will be in the future, but THIS chapter felt like a curse. It is almost 4 AM, and I've finally finished it. Thankfully.
For those interested, sorry for the wait. Thanks to Monster King, Heartfanglives and saiyan prince1 for your reviews!
Izuku looked down at the gathered students. So far, he was quite impressed with the hero courses, and with how differently the students approached the festival. 1-A had strong individuals like Todoroki or Bakugou, but beside Momo and Jirou they weren't working together. Even then, getting the first places was almost guaranteed.
They showed better results, but as a few individuals first of all.
On the other hand, 1-B was not about the individuals, but about the class as a whole. Izuku smirked slightly.
'Heh.'
Was it Monoma's idea? If it was, then he did a good job. It gained a lot of attention to 1-B, and at the same time will force 1-A to unite…which sounded funny, considering that there are Bakugou and Todoroki in that class. What will 1-A do to make them cooperate? 1-B turned the tables despite not being first on the race, and Izuku liked to play with idea that his words to Monoma were the reason behind it.
Izuku was quirkless, which limited how much he could directly help people. At least he could help them through heroes he helped to raise. Influence them into becoming what society needs.
He was a tool, but one that had enough power to make its mark on the future. Helping the new generation was one of the things he aimed to do in his life.
Despite the huge cheering, Izuku could hear heavy footsteps approaching. It was hot during the day, but the person approaching him made it even harder for Izuku to stay in his official suit. He already had a good idea of who this person was.
The giant man gripped the railings and Izuku turned to look.
Endeavor.
The hero, in his suit, was emitting fire just as always. His expression felt both fierce and proud, judging by his narrowed eyes and a huge grin on his face.
Izuku looked at him for a few moments, considering if he should talk to the hero. With a slight sigh, he realized that he had to. That was the best moment, since the number 2 hero barely has moments when he is not catching villains. Say whatever you want about his behavior, he is one of the best when it comes to the direct hero work. If it was not for Allmight's incredible charisma and power, Endeavor would get the first position in rankings long time ago, based just on his efficiency.
The topic was not the Endeavor himself, but his son.
"Good day, Endeavor. How are you enjoying the festival so far?"
The man's grin disappeared as he thought a fan dared to approach him directly. Turning to his right, he looked at the person. A boy, in official suit, still facing the arena bellow them, but with eyes looking at the Endeavor. If it was not coming from a boy less than half his age, Endeavor would actually find it somewhat challenging.
Definitely not a fan.
"You look familiar. Do I know you?"
"Operation on Horo Islands, six months ago."
Hero's eyes narrowed for a slight moment.
The man on the ground looked scared.
Izuku, dressed in black uniform, pointed an assault rifle to the man's head. He had yet to fully familiarize with the real combat. His hands were slightly shaking.
"Stay on the ground!" He shouted.
Izuku's eyes were wide, and he couldn't stop shaking. Noticing this, the man on the ground slightly calmed down and smirked. He started to get up.
"I said stay on the ground!"
The man continued.
"I'll shoot you! Stay on the-"
The man's hands were lit with fire. He sent a simple wave of fire at Izuku, when another wave of heat impacted and overpowered the first one, protecting the young enforcer.
Izuku opened his eyes and noticed a large figure in black costume standing in front of him. The man was looking at him with a narrowed expression.
"If you can't do your work, leave! This world is not a place for weak!"
"Ah. Special operative that got the position of a representative. Midoriya, right? I see you are hardly the same boy I saved back then."
Izuku's eyes were unwavering.
"That was the first time I participated in an operation. A lot of things happened since then"
Endeavor narrowed his eyes and brightened his fire. Seeing no reaction from the boy, he nodded and turned to the stadium.
"Anything I should know about Shoto's progress so far?"
"Yes. He is not using his fire side. Did he burn himself and he is now scared or…is his body not adapted to fire? I couldn't find any information in his profile."
Number 2 hero gripped the railings a bit harder.
"Just a tantrum. It's normal for kids his age."
Izuku looked at Endeavor with a raised eyebrow. Tantrums don't appear without a reason…usually. That actually made everything harder. This problem with Shoto had to be addressed somehow, and Izuku was lost at what to do with it.
"I know you aren't a teacher, but make sure he starts using the fire." Endeavor said.
Izuku wanted to sigh again. Making Shoto use his full potential was something he wanted to do it as well, but now it felt as if he will be doing it because Endeavor ordered him.
"Any advice on how to make him?"
"Don't go easy on him"
Izuku gave up and finally sighed.
"I'll talk with teachers, but no promises. He is very strong as he is now, so I doubt UA will want to do much about him. With quirks, they usually focus on the ones that are behind everyone"
"Quite a counter-productive strategy" Endeavor grumbled. "Dedicating our time to raise the best of the best will do much more in comparison, even in UA."
Izuku took a moment to think about it. Of course, this statement has some truth, but it would return the world to the class system based on what people do not choose to be born with…which is not that far from even today's reality, but will surely make it even worse. Would Izuku rather dedicate his time on Momo or Todoroki than, for example, Koda or Mineta? Normally, he would be neutral. Every power had a place and use, and that's why the coordination center in HPSC exists. However…with the latest attacks and with Allmight becoming weaker…Izuku had to agree with Endeavor's statement.
Sacrifice a few careers of young heroes to focus on a select few that will save much more. A dozen of lives in exchange for thousands.
Was it worth it? That would be a strange question. In Izuku's mind, there was no doubt - a thousand of lives will always have more weight than, for example, a hundred. If, for a example, two or three Allmights save more than a hundred smaller heroes, then everything was obvious.
He was his father's son, after all. If he needs to sacrifice one person to save two – he will do it.
However…
"Won't we run out of heroes with such thinking, though? A select few won't protect the whole country even if they have your efficiency on the field. The area is too big"
"You think so?" Endeavor barely turned to him with narrowed eyes. Izuku accepted the silent challenge.
"Considering the time heroes spend on patrols, the area they can patrol during that time, the powers they usually have, the number of captured villains per months and the special operations conducted by cooperation of Hero Association, Hero Commission and the police forces then yes. I do think so. I understand your way of thinking, but it would take way too much time and most likely won't lead to the desirable results. UA is considered to be one of the best hero schools…so, in their eyes, these students are the best of the best, and all of them need the time and training. Yours 'only the strongest must receive the attention' is already implemented."
Endeavor grumbled again, looking at the students bellow them.
"Best of the best…what a joke"
Izuku frowned again. Some of those students certainly didn't fit into the category. In 1-A only Momo, Todoroki, Bakugou, Jirou, Shinsou, Iida and maybe Tokoyami were really worth the attention.
"Endeavor, can I ask you a favor? Consider it an official request from the Commission, though you can decline, of course."
"And how much rating will I lose if I decline?"
Izuku chuckled.
"None. As This is a personal favor to me, but since I'm an official face of the Commission, everything I say is considered as a request from the Commission or Commission's will."
"They put quite a lot of trust on such a greenhorn as you"
Izuku chuckled again. That was true.
"So, will you hear me out?"
"I should know what I'm declining."
"I want you to take Bakugou Katsuki as an intern"
Bakugou saved him after that…Izuku's face shifted into one of anger for a brief moment.
Bakugou saved him and gave him a shelter, gave him medicine and clothes, and kept his mouth shut about what happened. He and Momo are the only people in class who know what happened to him – everyone else was given a fake story on TV or by the replacement. Bakugou attended the funeral. That wasn't something he will forget.
They didn't talk much after the funeral, but Izuku knew one thing. He needed to thank him.
"I decline. The boy is capable, but consider it a bad luck that he started UA the same year as Shoto. I will focus on my son first of all. If you asked me, for example, last year, I would consider taking him."
Izuku sighed. Endeavor, however, did not stop.
"Why are you asking me this, anyway? The boy has powers, and knows how to use them. The race made it obvious. You need someone to tame his temper, not train him, and I'm not the best with that."
Izuku almost choked. Number two hero could see his shortcomings…at least with some things.
"Can you help me with that, then?"
"Give me your phone"
Taking it, Endeavor put the number down and returned it to Izuku.
"Who is it?"
"Jeanist"
Izuku looked at the number on his phone.
Allmight, Nezu, Vice President of the Commission, a special operative Emiya, Ichirou Yaoyorozu and now Best Jeanist were in his contacts.
He could buy Yaoyorozu's house if he were to sell his phone on black market.
Izuku nodded to himself and turned to the number two hero.
"Thank you. I should return to the teachers. Have a good day, Endeavor"
The Hero nodded to Izuku again and turned back to the stadium.
When Izuku got into a barely lit corridor, his phone started ringing.
Oh, come on, give him a break!
It was from Emiya.
"Emiya-san, I asked you not to call me during the event."
"I remember. It is important."
There were only four important reasons Izuku thought he should be called. Number one priority – Momo.
They had yet to properly establish this new connection between them since it was so rushed, but that didn't stop Izuku from putting her on the first place. They were emotional when he moved in, and now, calmed down, he knew they had a long way ahead to become a proper couple.
Second – Emiya. His mentor and a friend. Izuku trusted him so much that he wouldn't be afraid if Emiya pointed a gun on his head
Third reason for Izuku's concern – Ichirou Yaoyorozu. He and Izuku weren't that close, but the man was a friend, and a support for him and Momo. And, just like with his daughter, Izuku had yet to establish a new, deeper bond with the man.
However, none of them gave him reasons to be concerned about them. Momo is on the stadium; Ichirou is in his VIP lounge and Emiya just called him.
That left Izuku with the last person to be concerned about. The one that brought so much pain to many people, and, most importantly, to Izuku himself. The man Izuku intended to kill – All For One.
To bring justice for Izuku's parents that fell victims to him. The one he will use to make a mark on history on being a quirkless person that killed the king of the criminal world…however funny and unrealistic it sounded.
"Is it connected to All For One?"
"It doesn't have to be connected to him to be important"
"It does"
"It doesn't, brat, so listen and stop whining."
Izuku groaned.
"What is it?"
"Another hero from Hosu is in hospital"
Izuku rubbed his eyes.
"Stain's work again?"
"Most likely"
"Most likely?"
"The guy survived this time. And gave us the description before he was put into coma. Apparently, it was the guy you met that helped you with bandages"
Izuku sighed and slightly hit the wall with the back of his head. Obviously, someone who walks around with bleeding wounds in sidewalks during nighttime had to be some sort of criminal.
"So, the one who kills heroes was the same person who helped me to tie bandages. Quite a strange guy."
"As if it is the first time we stumble upon weirdos"
"Who did he attack this time?"
"Ingenium."
"…and his condition?"
"Crippled. His hero career is over, most likely."
Izuku cursed slightly. Of all people it had to be a relative of his student. Izuku perfectly understood what Iida will feel when he gets the news about his brother, and Izuku will make sure that the student is not alone in this. He will force his help onto Tenya even if the teen resists.
"Are you still there? Your heavy breathing on the phone is not exciting in a slightest."
"Sorry. That guy is a relative of 1-A student. I was thinking what to do with him."
"You are on your own at that. Can't help."
"I…kinda know that myself."
"About my call. I want to take you on the next operation against him. What do you think?"
Izuku's eyes narrowed. Stain was one of the strongest and most evasive villains they encountered. But villains are villains – they are guided by understandable needs most of the time. Maybe…there was a way to use him? He needed to meet him in person and try to negotiate.
"I'll go. Though I'll have to repair my older equipment for that – we haven't worked in dense urban areas for quite some time, and HPSC combat suit isn't the best for it. Thanks for the call."
"I might call you more often if you enjoy it so much" Izuku could hear a smirk on the older operative's face.
Izuku hung up.
This stupid paranoia about a spy in UA, possible attack on him in the future, protecting Momo who didn't want to be protected – and to whom he still needed to explain everything, now a student's relative was attacked.
And that was just the tip, since he still had to provide training to the students, watch through all other days of the festival, talk with that second-year student Shiki that felt insecure about getting a license, do something with Todoroki and so on and so on.
He barely returned to UA, but the amount of work doubled because of last two attacks. Quite an interesting time to be a representative working in UA. The worst part is that half of it he started himself on his own initiative.
And after what happened to his mother, it all sounded so irrelevant. Still, he needed those students prepared. He will not lose anyone.
He had enough things taken away from him. Enough!
Izuku started to breath quicker and some sweat formed on his forehead. Making an injection with a suppressant so he won't embarrass himself in front of teachers with pain, he continued on his way towards the teacher's balcony.
The faster he gets around people, the better. He was starting to overthink, again.
Midnight cracked her whip with a big smile on her face.
"Time to announce the results!" She said in a mic.
Luckily, despite the huge ruckus, the students heard her and gathered.
"On the first place we have Todoroki Shoto from 1-A!"
Well, that was obvious.
Shoto wasn't that impressed with himself, however. Bakugou proved to be a nuisance, and even Iida was about to take the first place.
'Hm'
Not being the first on the festival could work too. He looked at his father – who was quite easy to notice – and noticed him talking with the Commission representative. Shoto narrowed his eyes.
That bastard – already scheming with the UA in plain sight.
What would be more mocking to his father? To win without using fire or to just lose?
"On the second place we have Bakugou Katsuki from 1-A!"
Katsuki narrowed his eyes, looking at Todoroki. That half'n'half bastard was strong, and was the only real challenge out of everyone gathered.
He will show them all – he is the one who will be on top. And he will earn every right to be there, with his own hands!
"On the third place is Iida Tenya from 1-A"
The said student adjusted his glasses.
'Third place is not what I strive for, especially not in a race!'
Not being the first during the speed competition left a bad taste in his mouth. And yet, it was a good result. Straightening his spine, Iida looked at the closest camera.
He hoped his family was watching.
"That sums the top-3 of the qualifiers! The rest of you can find themselves on the screen!"
"4th place – Jirou Kyouka" Now calmed down after the race, Jirou was actually amazed by her result in a race of all things. All thanks to Yaoyorozu, obviously.
"5th place – Yaoyorozu Momo" Momo looked at the screen with a smile. That was a good result, and she showed at least something she could do during the race. However, that was just the tip of her abilities. She had yet to show the audience what she could do.
The next in line were the whole 1-B class, taking places from 6th to 26th.
Why up to 26th?
"Saved!" Mineta fell off from somewhere under Jurota's animal form. He took 8th place, right after Jurota and Itsuka.
Mei Hatsume, the only student from Support courses to get to the second stage, took 28th place due to how fast she managed to go through the second obstacle.
Shinsou took 41st place. He wanted to groan.
All those struggles to keep himself in the end and to keep other students from getting into the second stage were for nothing. And since when 42 students are proceeding into the next part of the festival? They changed the number so at least some of the general/support courses could get through?
Sounded logical. And now, to keep his place in the hero course, he needed to, again, not win, but be better then the guy from the general courses.
He could get that girl from the support course…what was her name? Shinsou looked at the screen and found her. He could get into a team and with that guy from general courses using his quirk. This way they will fail together and Shinsou will stay in 1-A.
Speaking about that student. Shinsou saw the guy with dark brown hair and with scaled wings approaching him.
Shinsou sighed…he could recognize that expression on the guy's face.
"What did you do to me?!" Shouted the only student from general courses. He grabbed Shinsou by his shirt with a snarl. He draconic wings were quite intimidating as well.
However, dealing with such people was like breathing to Shinsou. He was much more used to this than to friendly behavior.
He just smiled smugly at the angry student who couldn't remember the finish of the race. Unfortunately – or fortunately – those who were affected by Shinsou's quirk didn't remember anything.
"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything." Shinsou said sarcastically, shrugging.
"Listen here, you-!"
Purple haired student had enough. He was already quite upset with proceeding in the festival. Shinsou used his quirk again and left the grip of the angry general course student. That was actually quite fun when people didn't know about his quirk. But he needed to use is as little and as short as possible.
But if Shinsou didn't want attention, he should stay away from the guy that won't shut up about him if they lose.
Getting far enough from the student with draconic wings, Shinsou released his quirk again. The student got his consciousness back and, clutching his head, started to look for Shinsou again.
Next part – Cavalry battle.
"The number of the points you get is based on the results of the obstacle race! 42nd place is worth five points, 41st is ten"
Momo, hearing the first numbers, already knew her number would be 190 and Jirou's would be 195.
She needed to find someone suitable on her team.
"And the winner of the race gets TEN MILLION POINTS"
Everyone stopped and looked at Todoroki, who was quite surprised himself and showed more emotions than during all the weeks of studying in UA.
His mouth was slightly agape.
"You have 20 minutes to form teams!"
Trying to team up with Todoroki or Bakugou didn't sound that bad to Momo.
Maybe she could try to convince them to be on the same team? Bakugou would be the rider and...no. Obviously he won't agree. Maybe she should try to join Todoroki, then? Of course, with so many people going after them it could be hard, but Todoroki was strong enough to freeze these giant robots from the practical entrance exam. Why would students be any different?
Sticking to someone strong felt like a good tactic.
Hmm...
What would Izuku do in her position? He is a part of reconnaissance unit. Before doing anything, he would gather as much information as he could.
And where to start? 'From the very beginning', she imagined him say. And what could be a better beginning that the first place?
The first place - Todoroki Shoto. Incredibly strong, and most likely the only person that could survive against 38 students without losing his 10 million points.
And, considering that people will be disorganized in their attacks because all the groups were enemies to each other...wait.
Wait wait wait. All the groups were enemies to each other? And how exactly she came up with this thought? Around 20 people will pass the exam, which is exactly the number of people in one hero class.
Why would those 20 people that wanted to pass be enemies to each other? What if there was a group that wanted to dominate everyone else, and had something that united them?
Momo turned sharply towards the direction of 1-B and yes...again, they were starting to discuss something as a large group, while 1-A was broken into small groups.
Momo clenched her fist and went towards the rest of her class.
"Jirou, Kaminari!"
If any of them wanted to pass this part - they will have to listen to her. And yes, that included Bakugou and Todoroki.
"We should be fine overall. Our points in sum are much bigger than 1-A's" Pointed out Itsuka. "Even then, a few of ours may not pass. I think we should repeat the success of the first event. If we want everyone to proceed, we need to get ten million and then we have a pass. All of us."
Monoma looked around and noticed Shinsou evading the student from the general courses.
'Is there a way I can get his quirk?'
"Monoma!" Itsuka called him. "Don't lose focus. Half of the teams has already been formed. Pick someone you are comfortable with and go get the points"
Izuku, now calmed down, supporting his head with a fist, chuckled a few times as Momo was starting to gather the students of her class. Just as he expected, the second stage was turning into a fight between two hero classes. 20 on 20, with another two students thrown in.
Momo began with Jirou and Kaminari, continued with for some reason upset Shinsou and ever energetic Mina. The more people were on her side, the faster others agreed.
He didn't doubt her leading abilities, even though she most likely didn't even notice them herself. The last time he talked to her about USJ she just said that her actions were 'common sense', and nothing more.
He wondered what she will come up with this time. How would she look at her organizing the whole class to fight together against another class?
That is, if she even gets to that.
Everything will crumble if she won't get Todoroki and Bakugou.
And here she comes to the first little challenge.
Todoroki was still thinking about best suitable team for him when Yaoyorozu approached him.
He nodded to himself. Yes, she was incredibly capable, he should ask her to join him. He wasn't even that against giving her the captain role, since being on the ground would make using his quirk much easier. And, add to this her leader abilities.
"Todoroki-san" she began.
Shoto nodded to himself again. Her addition will be the right decision. Obviously, that was the reason why she approached him.
"I agree" he said automatically.
"Oh, that was fast. Let's get to others"
Wait. What did he agree with?
"Wait" he said. Momo was already leaving for the last person that needed a proper talk, and she had yet to find a way to convince him.
And yet, she turned back to Todoroki. He continued.
"What's going on? I thought you wanted to join my team. Isn't that the reason why you approached me?"
"Todoroki-san, did you see the performance of 1-B during the race?"
Shoto shook his head – he didn't. Momo continued.
"They are planning to go against us as a whole class, and we need to answer in kind if we don't want to be crushed. That means we need you, and you need us."
Todoroki narrowed his eyes.
"You speak as if I'm afraid of them coming at me all at once"
Momo put hands on her hips.
"Then you are not afraid of being in a team with a general course and a support course. You and Bakugou are the only ones left, and if you won't join us, then none of 1-A will be with you on your team. In addition to this, you will be the prime target for both teams. I don't doubt you would win in a direct fight with a lot of students, but will you win with a team that drags you down? Will you be able to protect them?"
Shoto stood still for a few moments. Did Yaoyorozu prepare for this question? That was way too detailed.
However, she was right. Did he have anything to lose by joining his class? If anything, they will help him to protect his 10 million points, which meant he would take the first place once more.
"I'll join. What's next?"
Momo nodded in Bakugou's direction. They could see some of the students trying to convince Bakugou to join the class, but the explosive teen was set on getting his ten million.
"I don't know what to do with him." Momo sighed.
"I think I know what to do" Said Shoto. He got a good idea about Bakugou's character during the fight for the first place in race "Follow me"
"W-wait, you sure?"
Todoroki stopped and slightly turned to Momo.
"He reminds me of a person I despise. I know how to push their buttons."
"Fuck off! I'll get my first place even if I have to do it alone!" Bakugou snarled.
These…He couldn't remember their names, or even their quirks. What the hell?
"You can't do it alone! Didn't you hear the rules? Argh, he doesn't want to listen!" Shouted Kirishima in frustration.
"You just noticed?" Muttered Jirou.
But they had to do something!
"Bakugou"
The sudden, calm voice reached everyone gathered. Bakugou saw the one who approached and scowled once more.
"And even you! I guess that just makes everything easier."
Shoto nodded.
"Indeed."
Bakugou was about to leave to the general course students since everyone decided not to be on his team for whatever stupid reason. However…
"If you won't help us against 1-B…"
That fuck dared to actually make a threat? Katsuki ignored him and continued on his way.
"I'll give you my 10 million without a fight."
Bakugou stopped.
"The hell did you just say?" he asked, not turning. Shoto pressed.
"I said I will give you my 10 million without a fight, if you leave us. And you will have no choice but to take it – I won't let anyone else touch it. I have no doubts you will be able to hold them until the end of the match…but to everyone, it will be obvious that you didn't earn it. It was given to you."
Momo stood with wide eyes, looking at Todoroki with her mouth agape.
Katsuki barely held better.
'That half'n'half shit!' Bakugou snarled, but he did that so frequently that barely anyone noticed.
During the race, Bakugou couldn't shake off the feeling that Todoroki wanted to be first just as him. That he will be the only challenge the explosive teen will have to face in this tournament.
Was he wrong?
"You won't do it" He hissed through his teeth.
"Try me" was the cold answer.
Yes, he was wrong.
And that Half'n'half bastard made a freaking good argument.
He won't let anyone take 10 million, which meant he will stay on the first spot. If Bakugou wanted to get them himself, that bastard will just give them without a fight.
And this will make the second stage pointless!
Fuck…Fuck!
"Fine!" He shouted in anger. "But when we are done trashing those extras, I'm coming after you!"
"Fine"
Everyone breathed out in relieve. But just slightly – that was something, but the threat did not go away.
Kirishima raised his hand. "Bakugou took some time, but we still should have a few minutes!" Said Kirishima "Yaoyorozu-san, how should we form our teams?"
Momo looked at him with wide eyes.
"Eh? Why are you asking me?"
"Well, it was your idea to gather us!" Supported Mina.
"Well...a-anyone would do it in my place! I mean, how many of us were behind 1-B during the race? And it all because they worked together. It was obvious they would do the same here!"
"That might be true, but you are the smartest around here! That's why you should do this!" Mina insisted, and Momo heard words of approval.
Momo gulped nervously. It was one thing to find a team for herself, but for everyone? Every fail will be her responsibility! Every student that will not proceed to the finals will be because of her!
C-could she take such responsibility?!
"We believe in you, Yaoyorozu-san!"
"W-well then..." Momo began.
They didn't have much time left.
"….Don't blame me in the end."
Because she will do it plenty herself.
She made a deep breath with closed eyes. Once she opened them, her narrowed gaze went straight on Bakugou.
"Bakugou's team on their own. However, they need the minimal number of points to proceed. I strongly…advise their team to give points they will get from 1-B's teams to ours. Also, Bakugou's front should have someone who can withstand his explosions. Kirishima-san, you are with Bakugou. The other two will be determined later, when we decide all the core members of other teams."
Momo took another deep breath.
"I will go with Todoroki-san as the leader of the team, because this way it will be easier for him to use his quirk. I will try to give some commands over radio I will give to all the riders"
She wanted to take in Iida or Jirou, but they needed to be in another teams.
"Koda-san will be our main muscle of the team, and we will need Kaminari-san as the last protection. We won't have much mobility, but with Todoroki's quirk we won't need much of it."
The team will be focused on heavy defense to protect the ten million, which should be the prime target. The only team focused on defense. Now, they needed a mobile group that will run around the stadium and take the bandages with minimal effort.
"Shinsou-san, I want you to be the rider of the more mobile group and-"
"No" Was the reply.
No, no, no, not now!
"W-why?" Momo asked, wiping her forehead.
"I told you my reasons back in classroom." The purple haired teen calmly explained. Failure on second stage didn't scare him much – he didn't think that a team that consisted of Mei Hatsume and that guy from general courses will be higher than him anyway. And if his classmates disliked him…so what? They will start doing it at some point anyway. He knew how it worked – he had years of experience, after all.
If he were honest, he would join those two if the guy from general courses didn't dislike him so much.
Momo sighed. Shinsou and the problem of his quirk. When a lot of people know about it, it starts to lose effectiveness. He wanted as little attention as he could.
"Go to Bakugou's team, then."
Whatever. Maybe this way he will even use his quirk without getting attention. Bakugou would get all the eyes on him anyway.
Okay, change the roster then.
"Shoji-san, Uraraka-san, Asui-san and Sero – you four will be our hit and run group, and your task will be gathering opponents' points from a good distance. With Uraraka's quirk and with Sero-san's tapes you will send Asui-san in enemy's general direction. Asui-san, use your tongue to get to enemy, but be careful with Setsuna-san's quirk – she might try to capture your points midair. Or not. Wait. Give me a moment"
Momo bit her nail. Sero was quite a good addition to Bakugou's team as well. Her eyes were running around the stadium, from one group of her classmates to another.
She felt some sweat on her forehead and quickly wiped it away. She didn't feel that kind of pressure in a long time.
"No, no, no, no…No, this ehm…this won't work, I think" she said. "Sero-san, go to Bakugou's team."
Now, the mobile group needed to change since Shinsou declined his role. Change to a heavy hitter team, then.
"Iida-san, Jirou-san, Tokoyami-san and…" She sighed. "Mineta-san as the rider"
"Wait, him?"
"Wait, me?"
That earned some raised eyebrows. Momo explained.
"I wanted Iida to be with Uraraka and Shinsou to make a mobile team where Iida-san won't need to carry the weight of his teammates. With Shinsou's decline…" She narrowed her eyes at Shinsou, who only shrugged. "We still need to use properly Iida-san's speed. With this team composition Iida won't be slowed down much, since all of them are quite lightweight. Also, Tokoyami-san provides good protection. Mineta is the best to be the rider in this team for several reasons. First – you can't touch the ground. With his quirk, he most likely won't fall. Second – He doesn't weight much, as I said earlier. Third – his size will make taking the points harder. He will be better protected by Tokoyami'san. Four – he will hold your team together so your formation won't break with Iida-san's speed. Also, I will create tools for Jirou-san to utilize her quirk easier."
Whew, she managed to say it all in one breath. They didn't have much people left.
Jirou raised her hand.
"And how will that help us with getting the points? I can use my quirk to make them stumble, but by the time we get to the enemy they will recover."
Momo stopped again. She wanted to shout in frustration. Why everyone had to depend on her?
Breath in, breath out.
"W-work in pair with Asui's team. You stun the enemy, and they will capture the points which you divide between the teams"
That left her with Mina, Aoyama, Ojiro, Sato, and Toru without a team. One of them had to go to Asui's team, Sato and Ojirou couldn't be riders – Sato was heavy, and Ojirou's tail will be a liability.
"Sato-san, go to Asui's team."
Now Momo felt bad. All the real teams were formed, and she barely could do anything with the last group of people. She didn't know how to use their quirks.
"Mina-san, Aoyama-san, Toru-san and Ojirou-san, you are the fifth team. Mina-san will be the rider, so she can use her quirk in all directions. Aoyama-san on the front – so he will be able to use his quirk if it comes to that. Support Bakugou's team and divide the points between each other."
Now she really felt bad. Her classmates believed in her, and she left four of them without any real task. What if they won't be able to pass?
"Great! Now, let's go get our points!" Mina shouted and her teammates followed her.
Whatever. Momo wasn't buying it. Of course, Mina will be upset about it, right? She won't believe that all of her classmates trusted her with her decisions.
Their failure will be her fault.
The student from a general course approached Mei as she was going through groups of Hero Course students, offering her help.
"They won't take you in." He said with a sigh. His draconic wings were twitching now and then, exposing his fake calmness.
Mei turned to him, her smile never fading.
"That's bad!" She shouted.
The guy from general courses chuckled slightly.
"You aren't from a hero course as well, right? Name is Azuma Tsubasa, from a general course" He introduced himself. "I guess we will have to work together, if we are to participate in the event."
"I'm Mei Hatsume from a support course! Nice to meet you!" She said, starting to measure him, getting a raised eyebrow in a response.
"From a support course? That means you have some tools with you, right?"
She hummed an agreement, continuing to measure him.
"Yes!"
"Anything we can use?"
Mei stopped.
"Of course! I have a perfect saddle and an exoskeleton ready!"
Azuma felt some sweat rolling down his forehead.
"Go get your points, young students!" Shouted Mic and turned the mic off. "Quite an interesting turn, don't you think, Eraser?"
The homeroom teacher of 1-A had just as blank expression as ever. However, Hizashi, knowing his friend since school, could notice interest in his eyes.
When was the last time they saw classes working together against one another? In addition to this, it was first class Aizawa had in years.
"Vlad's bragging about his superior methods of teaching is quite tiring, but…now I can slightly understand his interest in competition between classes."
Aizawa hoped his class won't fail. Vlad won't shut up about in for years.
Now with her team, Momo looked around the stadium. She didn't even need to count the amount of points every team had.
The number of teams was extremely small, and all of them minus one had four members. 11 teams, 11 bands, and only 5 will pass it.
For 1-A it was a question if you got a band from 1-B or not. If you don't – you won't pass.
Momo looked at her right, and then at her left. Her team was framed by two teams from 1-B.
Momo decided not to wait for the last moment and created three coats.
"Todoroki-san, Koda-san, take the coats. We will use them to protect ourselves from Kaminari's quirk."
They took the coats. Momo sighed and wiped her forehead again.
"Be ready. They have more points, but all of them won't pass until we have ten million. They need to protect their points from our teams, but at the same time get ours."
"That's why we don't have teams focused on protection?" Todoroki narrowed his eyes, looking around.
"Yes"
"Teams, you don't have time for words anymore. Be ready to start in ten seconds. You have fifteen minutes! Make them count!"
Momo looked at teacher's balcony and, a bit hardly, found Izuku again. Previously, thinking about what he would do gave her strength. Gave her confidence since the very day she met him. Hopefully, she will get some of that now.
Suddenly, her radio made noises.
"Brains, you hear me?!" It was from Bakugou. Most likely, it will be the only time he will use it.
"Yes"
"Purple hair said not to respond to…to"
"Monoma" there was another voice on the radio. Shinsou.
"Not to respond to that Monoma whoever that is if he speaks." Bakugou continued. "In case the bastard stole Purple Hair's quirk. What is your quirk again?"
"STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAART!"
Without wasting a second, all the teams were in motion. Mom estimated the distance to the nearest team from 1-A.
"What is that? The teams don't attack each other! 1-B are working together once more, just like on the race!"
She didn't like what she saw. All the teams from 1-B, not counting the farthest two, were moving directly towards them.
"Stop," she told her team. Seeing the Asui's team on the left, with which they were separated by two teams from 1-B, she made a decision. "Go to the left. We will connect with Asui's team!"
Todoroki, having narrowed the head, created a large glacier on the right, hoping that this would delay the pursuers.
"Woah, dude, chill!" Shouted Kaminari, ready to protect himself from the frontline student of his team.
Todoroki ignored him – he restrains himself without reproaches from the team. The size of the block was noticeably smaller than his maximum, as he still expected to surprise his opponents in the next round of the festival.
"Todoroki-san, don't waste your stamina like that!" Momo whipped out her walkie-talkie. "Asui-san, we're pinching two teams!"
«Got it, kero»
While her team was moving towards the opponent, Momo's eyes were jumping all over the stadium. It was quite big – the teams hadn't met each other yet. Finally, she found the people she needed.
With a walkie-talkie in her hands, looking in their direction, she spoke.
"Mineta, send your team to us!"
"Roger that! Iida, come on, quickly! Chop chop! Double time!" It seemed that Mineta actually enjoyed his position as the rider.
"Stop!" shouted Todoroki. The team stopped abruptly, causing Momo to lose her balance and almost fall. Koda managed to catch her.
Momo raised her head and almost caught the horns flying in her direction with her shoulder.
Todoroki created a small wall of ice, blocking his team from an attack from 1-B.
«I almost catch they points!» Pony shouted. She created a new wave of attack, trying to bypass the defense. This time she directed them almost blindly.
Shoto's team moved away from the wall to see the next attack.
"Asui, where are you?" Momo shouted into her walkie-talkie. She looked back towards the team that was chasing from the right. She hoped that the Bakugo team would distract them.
"There's some kind of glue here. Trying to get around, kero"
Suddenly, another horn flew past Momo.
The sound of tearing cloth sounded.
«Gotcha!» Pony said, and her team began to retreat. Seeing Reiko's team, Pony raised the blindfold over her head. "Got they points! Ten Million"
"It's blank!" Shouted Kinoko in her team.
"E-ehhhh?! Son of a-"
Momo breathed a sigh of relief. They stole an empty bandage that she made to distract attention. Where are the rest of the teams from 1-A?
Todoroki pinned the team with Kamakiri, Itsuka, Kodai and Tetsutetsu between a block of ice and Bakugou's team.
One can only sympathize.
"Weird hair, harden!" Shouted Bakugou.
"Wait, what the-"
"Now!"
Kirishima didn't finish his question as Bakugou used him to jump. Kirishima quickly used his quirk and Bakugou made an explosion to propel himself into the air.
Shinsou looked at Bakugou engaging the enemy. How was he supposed to take points away when jumping around the like that?
Hm?
What was that banner in the air? Mei Hatsume Production?
Was it him or…it was getting closer? It was, and fast!
"Sero!" Shouted Shinsou.
"Eh?!"
"Get Bakugou back! No questions!"
"Ayo!"
Itsuka, with her big hands, barely could do anything near her team. Yui, being close friends with Itsuka, joined her team – but that left her without anything to use quirk on. Kamakiri couldn't get the fast-moving target way up in the air. Same with Tetsutetsu. Against the TNT of 1-A, they couldn't do anything.
Bakugou was about to grab the points when he was yanked back to his team.
Something passed him with great speed.
"Nice catch!" commended Kirishima.
"The hell are you doing?! I almost got the points!"
"I don't know, ask him!" Pointed Sero.
Shinsou sighed and pointed in the air, while Kirishima was watching over Itsuka's team. There, with that banner in the air was flying Azuma from general course.
"That? For fuck's sake. Weird hair, harden again!"
Bakugou flexed his arm a bit and jumped. This time he went much higher, not holding back in slightest.
"So…um" Kirishima looked into the sky. "What do we do now?"
"Hm…" Shinsou hummed, "Don't know. Can we get the points?"
"We can't" sighed Sero. "Whatever, let's wait for him."
"You need help?" Shouted Mina.
"Nah, we are fine!"
"Got it. Let's get some points, boys!"
That stupid banner was slowing him down. Azuma was feeling quite tired after this one attack that resulted in nothing. He should return to Hatsume for a slight rest.
Suddenly, he heard noises that reminded him of fireworks…and they were getting closer!
Looking behind him, he noticed that bastard from the opening ceremony, coming right after him. Azuma didn't have a tail, and changing directions mid-air was quite heavy. He took the sharpest turn he could manage, but Bakugou didn't even notice this. He was coming closer and closer! Is he a freaking monster? How can he use his explosions so much without tiring himself?
He was catching up!
"Don't miss the fight in the air, dear listeners and viewers! It's not every year we have those on the festival! Bakugou Katsuki from 1-A against…eh…Azuma Tsubasa from 1-G. Who will get the points?!"
Azuma cut the banner with sharp end of his wing and folded his wings. There was only one way to properly accelerate – gravity.
Falling, he looked back.
That…that bastard.
Azuma wanted to laugh. First was that bastard with purple hair that made him forget stuff, and now him.
Is that the power of the hero course?
Bakugou followed him in the air, and used his explosions to, once again, accelerate. A few moments later, he took what little point had the team of Azuma and Mei.
Finally, Shinsou could leave the damn Festival.
"Should we, ya know, help them?" Asked Setsuna. She and her team with Monoma, Shiozaki and Hiryu were at a good distance from the action packed southern part of the stadium.
"We will, but we need to stay out of sight."
Monoma spent much more time with Izuku then Shinsou, since with his quirk he could at least work. Observe first, attack later.
"We will hit their weak spots. Setsuna-san, if you could be so kind" Momo smirked and extended his hand to her. She smirked and slapped it. After this, Monoma's and Setsuna's hands disconnected from their bodies.
Todoroki created another glacier. Just as Momo thought, in 1-A he was the best for protection.
Then, a large…word "BAM" fell on the glacier.
"Woah! Where that came from?!"
"Now, we should attack" said Reiko after Manga destroyed the defense.
"Can you do it again?" Momo asked Todoroki. They had some space behind them They needed to retreat.
"Yes. I hold back, so I'm not tired"
Momo felt some sweat on her forehead as she looked at all the ice he created. It was him holding back?
Suddenly, there was a whoosh in the air and Todoroki, once again, created a wall.
The horns impacted the wall, but…
"Shoda!" shouted Pony.
"Y-yeah!"
Chubby vice-president from another team of 1-B clapped his hands. Horns this time weren't as simple. With Shoda's quirk, Twin Impact, all the things he applied any force to, will experience the same forces applied to them in the same point of contact again, regardless of where it is.
The difference? The second impact will be several times stronger. After he clapped his hands, horns broke through the ice like through butter, breaking it on the way.
All of them missed, and Momo made another breath of relief. That was quite stressful.
Still, the teams did not go anywhere. Momo, Todoroki and Kaminari were mostly focused on protection. By themselves, to attack while sticking to the rules was almost impossible. Where were-?
"Heartbeat!"
The ground was cracked under the soundwave and teams from 1-B stumbled. From behind them came Jirou's team. Kyoka had an amplifier on her arm, made by Momo for her for the event.
"Woah, 1-A answered in kind! It's 1-A against 1-B, class on class! We haven't seen it in years!"
"Hearbeat!" Kyouka repeated and made another soundwave.
'She isn't holding back in a slightest!' Momo thought. Though the name of the attack was slightly lame.
Tongue snatched the bands from 1-B teams and quickly hid behind a meat shield that was Shoji. Help finally arrived.
"Come on, let's get our points from Tsu's team. Double-time, Iida!" Shouted Mineta.
"It's Asui for you, Mineta-kun."
'That starts to get annoying' Iida thought and started his engines again.
"Go to us!" Ordered Momo through radio. "We are the only team that's focused on defense!"
"You heard her, Iida!" Mineta took his role as the rider way too seriously.
With a wave of his hand, Todoroki made another glacier – three times larger than before. With this move, he separated their teams from 1-B. With another wave, he sealed the entrance between them and enemy teams, giving an open route for two teams of 1-A.
"Look at that POWER. In one move, protected his teams and sealed the opponents. Eraser, what are you feeding him?!"
Now together, three teams could relax a bit. Momo created a few more fake bands and gave them to her classmates.
"We need to focus on keeping them inside. Will you manage, Todoroki-san?" Asked Momo and looked around. He nodded.
"How much time do we have?" asked Kaminari.
"Five minutes" Answered Iida.
"Guys?!" Shouted Mina's voice over the radio. "We are in sticky situation here! We don't let them take the points, but we can't get out! The ground is like…is like a liquid, you know?!"
"Where are you?" Asked Momo.
"On the farther side!"
Momo looked into distance and found them fighting another team of 1-B.
"We are coming!"
Part of the ice was broken by horns again. Todoroki, once more, reinforced it with another glacier.
"We can't leave, or they will break through." Todoroki noted.
Momo made a few breathes to calm herself.
"Iida-san, you should go there. We don't have much time left! If they don't get the points, they won't progress in the next stage."
Iida stretched his legs slightly and turned to his team.
"Please, hold tightly!"
Mineta put a few additional balls so the team won't break. Iida activated his engines, and the team quickly disappeared from the spot.
"It's that skeleton looking dude. I remember him from trainings!" Mina told her teammates. "He can do something to the ground!"
"They aren't letting us out…what should we do?" Asked Ojirou.
"I don't know!"
"Three minutes, teams!"
"Where is help?!"
Iida almost fell into the liquified ground. If he was alone, he would Recipro burst through this. But he couldn't.
Iida looked around and found Honenuki, the one who created this liquified area. His team had enough points to pass, and now they were protected by his quirk.
"Two minutes!"
Bakugou looked behind him.
Stun grenade worked as planned, and now he had three bands. Itsuka's team was somewhere behind us.
"Does someone need points?" Shinsou asked, taking the radio for himself.
"Yes!" Shouted Mina.
"On the northern border of the stadium, Shinsou-kun! But we can't get pass the terrain!" Added Iida.
Shinsou quickly looked at Bakugou.
"Tsk."
"We got into a team with you because you agreed to help."
"I fucking remember!"
Bakugou fired himself in direction of Mina's team.
"One minute!"
Izuku could barely hold his smirk back. They had yet to notice one team that did not participate in any activity.
When will they strike?
"Thirty seconds!"
If they fail, Mina's team will be the only one that won't proceed. Bakugou sped up. After an obstacle race and intercepting that extra in the air, he was slightly tired.
If he won't get there on time, the class won't fucking shut up about it.
He got through half of the arena.
"Twenty seconds!"
Pony and Reiko's team broke through the ice once more, but Asui's and Yaoyorozu's team were quite far already – evading Itsuka's team.
Momo looked in Mina's general direction.
Iida cursed his inability to do anything to help his classmates.
Bakugou, however, was close.
"Ten seconds!"
Mina, with wide eyes, looked in Bakugou's direction. He was literally a few seconds away! Bakugou felt his muscles overworking, and yet he continued.
"Five!"
Just a little more! Less than fifty meters separated them!
"Four! Three! Two!"
Suddenly, a… severed arm appeared out of nowhere and got two bands from Bakugou's neck. At the same moment, another hand got one of Mineta's bands.
"One!"
Tokoyami's dark shadow sprang into action and didn't let the arm get away, but it managed to take away one band.
"STOOOOOOOOOOOOP"
Bakugou finally allowed himself to land. Catching his breath, he looked at the screen.
1st place – Team Yaoyorozu
2nd place – Team Monoma
3rd place – Team Asui
4th place – Team Honenuki
5th place – Team Bakugou
He cursed. Just as Brains said, only twenty people passed. But in the end, that "team work" only led him to the last place. Without that last minute attempt to save extras, his team would be second or first one.
Bakugou snarled.
Monoma looked at the screen and smirked.
He and Setsuna gave each other a high-five with the only hands they had.
"Spectacular job, team"
Momo took the first place but…she didn't feel any joy. Two of their teams did not pass.
Not one, but two! They trusted her, and what now?! She groaned, covering her face.
"What a match! Students, you have a new task! Find your balconies and rest! The next stage will be in thirty minutes!"
"I didn't do anything again" Kaminari chuckled. "Seriously, am I even needed? I really need a way to use my quirk around classmates."
Momo was slowly moving out of the stadium.