The day of the U.A. Sports Festival dawned bright and clear. Eager crowds flooded the blocks around U.A. waiting for their chance to pass through the security gates and enter the grounds of the elite school. Amongst the bustling populace, hidden by the sheer number of people around him, was a teen dressed simply in a faded light blue athletic t-shirt with an open black hooded jacket, said hood left down to expose his messy dark green hair. Black athletic pants covered his legs as he stood in front of the lowered gates, looking upwards at the golden letters hanging from the arch above him. The crowd shifted and moved around him as he stood there unmoving, a small island of calm in a sea of chaos, his eyes locked onto the two bright gleaming letters, or at least they were until something wrapped around his right arm.
"Izu-kun!" Turning towards the source of the voice, Izuku felt a smile rise to his face as he caught sight of his companion. Himiko beamed up at him, a cheeky grin on her face, exposing her sharp white canines that seemed to gleam in the light. Her hair was done up in its usual twin buns but she'd changed her normal school girl attire in favor of something a little more casual. After all, many schools across the country closed for the three days of the festival giving their students an extended weekend break.
Izuku's smile shifted to open mouthed shock as heat rose to his cheeks, his brain finally absorbing just what it was Himiko was wearing. A light, warm, tan long-sleeved shirt hung open down to her waist, exposing the black tube top underneath that covered the vampire girl's breasts while leaving her stomach exposed. Two hardened points made it clear that there was nothing underneath the dark material, the same color as the shorts that hugged the blonde's rear like a second skin, barely long enough to cover the upper part of her thighs. A thin black choker around Himiko's neck completed the ensemble and Izuku couldn't help but gulp at the amusement that danced around in the girl's eyes. "See something you like?" she teased.
Izuku elected to ignore the spark of electricity that raced up his arm as she pressed the limb against her chest, choosing instead to turn towards the gate and start walking, forcing Himiko to come along unless she wanted to be left behind. "I'll take that as a yes," the girl hummed, interlocking Izuku's right arm with her left one. With the action, Izuku couldn't help but notice how the right sleeve of her outfit hung limp and empty, a reminder of just what gaining his Quirk had cost. Izuku knew he wasn't the only one aware of Himiko's missing limb; he could hear the muted whispers and catch the furtive glances cast at his companion out of the corner of his eye. Izuku's back straightened as he stood tall, turning his head slowly as one by one he met the eyes of anyone looking their way, a challenge in his gaze that caused any whose sight he met to avert their eyes or turn away.
A pull on his arm and he found himself looking into the pouting face of Himiko, "Izu-kun, no bullying," she ordered with a huff.
Izuku sighed, "I know, it's just-"
"You don't like it when they talk about me that way, look at me like-"
"Like there's something wrong with you, yeah."
"I can fight my own battles, Izu-kun," Himiko said as she reached up, running a finger along Izuku's jawline, sending a shiver racing up his spine, "and you know their words mean nothing to me. The only person whose opinion I care about is right here."
"But-"
"But it's not right?" She cocked her head to the side, the incredulous expression on her face driving into the greenette the irony of what he'd been about to say. "Izuku, I know it's in your nature to help and defend your friends but some fights aren't worth fighting. You think too highly of people. Now come on," she grabbed his arm tugging him towards the entrance gate, "I want some takoyaki and you're going to buy it for me."
After passing through security, the two teens made their way up U.A.'s infamous alumni path, the simple golden brick pathway that led up to U.A's main building with concrete arches that rose overhead and lined on either with busts depicting U.A.'s most infamous graduates, be they in the fields of heroics, management, support, or something different all together. Now however, in between the busts and arches were numerous festival booths advertising their wares. The building itself was, of course, sealed off to the festival attendees with the entrance guarded by several police officers and a hero that Izuku merely needed to glance at to recognize as Tonfa.
The Tonfa Hero: Tonfa
He is able to produce tonfa from his wrists which he can spin 360°
"Looks like Team Idaten is providing security," Izuku leaned down to whisper. Himiko's cat-like eyes flashed up to Izuku before she turned, following his gaze to the bored looking hero humming thoughtfully at the sight. A giant banner hung from the building itself, helpfully pointing which way one should go to reach the Sports Stadium.
Two paths each the size of a 4-lane freeway led up to the massive stadium separated from one another by a large hedge, although there were numerous crossing points between the two roads. Like the alumni path, the two roads were lined with booths, behind which rested another towering line of hedges. Some of the booths sold hero merchandise of popular U.A. graduates like All Might, Endeavor, and Present Mic, while other stalls sold more culinary goods. Now that the stadium itself was in view, Izuku found himself buying Himiko the takoyaki she wanted, picking up some karaage for himself.
"You know," Himiko began after the two had settled down on an open bench to enjoy their food. Himiko had put her takoyaki on her lap so she could wield her chopstick with her hand, but Izuku was more than happy to eat his fried chicken straight from the stick, "Being here, it's almost like we're on a date."
Himiko glanced at Izuku smiling as she caught sight of the light blush that adorned the greenette's freckled cheeks, "It's not a date," Izuku mumbled and the vampire hummed her agreement.
"True but I doubt anyone who sees us would think we're anything other than a cute couple out enjoying their day off school."
"Then," Izuku's voice was surprisingly confident as he turned towards Himiko, "I guess I'd better make sure my cute girlfriend has a good time." Himiko felt it as her face heated up, becoming a bright red. As Izuku made to stand she rushed, quickly devouring the last of her food as Izuku climbed to his feet holding out a hand to help her to her feet. "Why don't we find something to do?" He questioned and Himiko could only nod as Izuku led her into the crowds.
With filled stomachs and over an hour to spare before the tournament inside the stadium was scheduled to begin, the two teens found themselves free to enjoy all the festival had to offer. Himiko was surprisingly adept when it came to goldfish scooping while Izuku's scoop seemed to break immediately the moment he tried to use it. The greenette got his revenge however when they tried gun shooting; his first shot was off target but his eye for detail allowed him to correct his aim so his other shots hit closer and closer to the center circle. It was enough to earn him an All Might plush, one Izuku accepted with a strained smile, quickly handing it over to Himiko with a shaded look of disgust.
Soon enough though, the time had come for the main event to begin and the two joined the crowds flocking to the stadium where the first year tournament would be held. The stadium itself had three levels of seating each divided into twelve sections to complete its oval shape. Each ascending level hung halfway over the one below it to keep attendees closer to the action. "What are those?" Himiko asked as the two made their way towards their seats located at the back of one of the sections on the first level. They had a pretty good view of the field all things considered, with a raised platform set on the grass directly in front of them.
Izuku followed Himiko's pointed finger to the glass windows located at the back of each section of seating, behind which vague figures could be seen. "Those are the private viewing boxes," the greenette explained, "the ones at the back of the second and third level are sold to the highest bidder, although I'm sure a few are rewards offered to charities. The ones on the first level though are for the VIPs, those close to the school: school board members, important television channels hosting the festival, suppliers or contracted companies, and of course heroes."
Himiko blinked before looking towards the front of their section, "But aren't those heroes down there?" the blonde pointed out, and indeed there were dozens dotting the front of the stands, although Izuku had no doubt many more were in the surrounding stadium.
"Yeah but all registered heroes are given a ticket discount when it comes to the festival. U.A. wants to make sure they get prime seating so they can get a clear view of the students and what they can do."
"Why?"
"To look for talent of course," Izuku smiled. "Many of them won't send in an offer or anything, but it allows them to get a glimpse firsthand at what the best hero school in the country has to offer when it comes to their students, as well as what faces will likely be joining the hero scene in the next few years. A few are likely looking to scout out and scoop up anyone that catches their eye, although few students would take an offer from someone they'd never heard of. No, for the most part they're just here to watch."
"Then whose in the boxes?"
Izuku smiled, "Well one box is for the teachers of course, and another is for the ones that will be announcing the events. The HPSC has a box too mainly for any officials that attend, but I guess a hero or two could be in there. Other than that," his smile darkened, "the top 10. Each of their agencies is given a box as a sign of respect, although no one's ever really sure if they're used or not. Normally after the festival concludes for the day, you can find a station or two that'll hypothesize based on who was active and who wasn't, but the rule of thumb for the most part is they're empty unless proven otherwise. At most, they'd probably send a scout or sidekick to let them know if there's anyone they should know about. Even then, the best you might see is one or two attending the second or third year stage."
"That's why we came today then," Himiko leaned in to whisper, her voice soft and almost drowned out by the crowd, "we get to cheer on Momochi and it's less dangerous for us?"
"For the most part," Izuku nodded, "I mean she got us tickets, so it would be rude not to come." Izuku had alerted Sensei to his plan to attend once Momo had sent them the tickets and the man had given his permission, provided Himiko went along with him as his bodyguard. As a result, Himiko's seat was located directly behind Izuku 'for protection', meaning it would be hard for the two to converse but Izuku had no doubt that despite passing through numerous metal detectors, the blonde was capable of fulfilling her role, likely with numerous knives she had no doubt managed to smuggle in somewhere on her person. However, Izuku wasn't defenseless either; he had a Quirk now and he smiled as he felt the power flow through his hands.
Movement to his left caught Izuku's attention and he turned to look at the approaching figure, a woman with two toned hair done up in a simple ponytail with a bodysuit that outlined quite clearly just what was hidden underneath. The range scouter that normally covered her left eye was missing, no doubt done purposefully to avoid doing the paperwork needed to bring support gear on campus grounds, a sentiment shared by many of the Pro Heroes that attended the Sports Festival. As she sat down in the seat beside him, the woman turned to look at Izuku, a smile on her face. Holding out her hand, she introduced herself, and Izuku could only return her grin with a strained smile of his own; his body numb as lifted his hand to shake hers. Why was she here? Was something going on? Was she here for the festival? If so, why here in the stands and not in the box reserved specifically for the Commission and their heroes? Were he and Himiko compromised and if so, by who? When? What about Momo? Was she in danger too?
None of the questions wildly racing through his head were even hinted at as Izuku pumped the woman's hand up and down in greetings, "Hello, my name is Izuku Shigaraki; it's a pleasure to meet you.
The HPSC assassin smiled, "Please, the pleasure is all mine. I'm Lady Nagant but by all means, call me Tsutsumi."
Eri looked down at the stadium below her in wonder, her face pressed against the glass as she turned her head from side to side trying to take in everything at once. Everything was just so different, so many bright colors and costumes and she wanted to see it all. "Hey sweetie, I got a surprise for you." Hearing the call of her Auntie Nem, Eri turned and quickly made her way over to the R-Rated heroine who swept her up in a hug. "I swear, you get cuter every time I see you." Midnight cooed, swinging the girl around as she pressed her into her ample bosom all while Eri giggled at her self appointed Aunt's antics.
After a moment, Eri was placed back on the ground and taking a step back the little girl smiled widely as Auntie Nem crouched down to reach her level. "You make it way too hard to do my job," the teacher complained, raising a hand to cradle her face. "I'm tempted to tell Nezu to get another teacher to umpire the festival," her expression darkened, "but the rat would probably take away my bonus." she muttered lowly. Eri cocked her head to the side, her confusion evident, yet Nemuri merely giggled at the cute display. "Don't worry about it," she assured the horned girl, ruffling her hair, which earned the dominatrix a surprised squeak as well as a pout as Eri quickly raised her hands to the top of her head protectively.
"Now," she said, getting more serious, "since I'm going to be the head umpire of the festival and Shota and Hizashi are going to be announcing, you're going to stay here with the other teachers. Is that okay?" Eri turned to look around at the other members of the U.A. faculty milling about, and turning back, gave Midnight a hesitant nod. The teacher sighed, giving the girl an understanding grin, "Still nervous around them, huh?" she asked rhetorically. Eri nodded slowly once more before moving forward to silently hug Nemuri's side. "It's okay," the R-Rated heroine cooed reassuringly as she pet the girl's head, "we'll do things at your own pace. That said," she thought for a moment, "do you remember Toshi?"
"Scarecrow?" Eri questioned, her voice muffled by Midnight's hero suit which the girl was burying her face in.
"Yeah him," Nemuri confirmed, her smile growing minutely at the nickname, "the sick man who spits blood sometimes," and indeed he had, shocked when Eraserhead had walked through the doorway of the teacher's lounge with a little girl hiding behind his legs in a poor attempt to disappear. Her reaction of panicked concern had been both amusing and heartbreaking to those watching, the former because she truly did seem to want to help him, and the latter because the girl had seemed to come to the conclusion that the skeletal Toshinori had just finished a particularly bad 'session'. More than one fist had been curled at that innocent statement.
Eri hesitated but nodded, clearly more receptive of the idea then Nemuri had thought she would be. Seeing her chance, the heroine reached for the surprise she had promised. "Well if you stay with him for the festival, I'll give you a treat," she offered devilishly.
"A treat?" Eri questioned, taking her head from Nemuri's leg to peer upwards with wide, curious, puppy dog eyes.
"Yep," Nemuri smiled, "Shota told me how you like apples, but did you know that there are candied apples?"
"Candied…apples?"
"Mhm," Nemuri hummed as she nodded. "They take apples and dip them in melted candy to make the apples even sweeter than they already are."
Eri's eyes took on a far away look, "Even sweeter," she repeated a thin trail of drool leaking from the corner of her mouth."
Nemuri bit her lip to keep herself from pulling the little unicorn into another hug. Seriously, just how was her adopted niece so cute? "Yep and," she reached into a hidden pocket on her belt, "I have one right here." Pulling out the red treat on a stick wrapped in plastic, Nemuri held it out, taking off the wrapping as Eri hesitantly grabbed the stick. The horned girl slowly raised it to her mouth, and after looking to Nemuri once more for confirmation, took a small bite.
As Nemuri watched the girl's red eyes lit up, sparkling as she looked at the apple in wonder. She giggled, a small quiet noise as her mouth turned upwards into a smile, small crumbs sticking to the side of her lower lip. "It's even sweeter," she whispered in awe. Turning her gaze upwards, Eri smiled at Nemuri, her head cocked to the side, "Thank you very much."
Nemuri staggered at the invisible arrow that struck her heart, an action mirrored by several of the other teacher's nearby who'd been watching on. 'Cute,' they all thought simultaneously. A cough caught their attention and looking over, Nemuri and Eri saw the weakened form standing nearby. "I'm sorry to interrupt," the hero apologized looking towards the dark haired heroine, "but it is about time for you to begin making your way to your station."
"Aww," Midnight cried, reaching down to pull Eri into another hug, "but I wanted to spend more time with Eri-chan," she whined. All Might and the other teachers in the room sweatdropped while Eri merely giggled, taking another bite of her apple. She sighed, "Oh well." pushing herself to her feet she posed, "How do I look?" she asked Eri.
The unicorn looked up at her adopted aunt blinking innocently, "Pretty," she said simply.
Nemuri nodded; that was all the confirmation she needed, "And just for that, I'll be getting you another apple after the festival ends." As Eri's face lit up, the little girl salivating at the prospect of having another tasty treat, Nemuri flicked her hair over her shoulder as she turned to leave, favoring All Might with a nod to let the blond know that Eri was now under his management.
"So…Young Eri," All Might said, awkwardly shifting uneasily under the girl's crimson gaze, "how are you enjoying the festival so far?"
The girl blinked, "It's been fun. Everything's so colorful and bright and Auntie Nem even got me a candy apple. See?" She held up her fruit for the #1 Hero to see before lowering it to her lips to take another bite, "Itz rwealy good," she said, her mouth full, but All Might was able to translate nonetheless.
"That's great to hear," music blared through speakers and both turned to look out the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stadium as the crowd erupted into cheers. "That's the signal that the festival's about to begin," All Might explained seeing Eri's confusion. "Now why don't we go take our seats," the hero said, laying a guiding hand on Eri's back. "After all, you don't want to miss seeing Aizawa or Nemuri in action, do you?"
"No," Eri said, letting All Might lead her to their spots. As she walked she absently reached up to scratch at her horn, an action that went unnoticed by the blonde hero who was still gazing out the window wondering how his successor would fare. Her horn had been itchy lately and had been growing at a steady pace over the last month, yet Eri didn't want to bring it to Mr. Aizawa's attention and get him in trouble because he had to take care of her. She was already staying with him and she didn't want to give him a reason to throw her away like Mommy did. No, she was fine. Everything was fine, and besides, it's not like anything was going to happen.
Itsuka thought she knew the meaning of the word pressure. For almost as long as she could remember, she'd trained her body and mind in her father's dojo under the man's patient tutelage. Neither of her parents had pressured her to become a martial artist; it was a decision the orangette had made all on her own. She could still remember entering the dojo as a toddler, entrusted by her mother with the important duty of calling the patriarch of the family to dinner and finding him as he finished his daily exercises. The man's body flowing from one form to the next as he fought a battle against an enemy visible only within his mind was awe inspiring to the wide-eyed impressionable girl.
That very night she'd asked her father to teach her the 'cool dance' of his, and although she'd ended up having to wait a few months until her sixth birthday, the man had nevertheless agreed. It'd taken time, months and years of practice, but she'd worked her way up, both in skill and rank, oftentimes joining her father's classes so as to observe others' training and find a sparring partner. She'd pushed herself to be the best, and when she'd decided to become a hero, it was once more with her parents' support.
Now here she was, a student at the most prestigious hero school in the country, entrusted with the power of the world's greatest hero, waiting alongside the rest of her classmates for the red light above the door to the stadium to turn green so they could make their entrance. It was hard to believe how much things could change in almost a year, but it was only now that the pressure was hitting the class vice-president.
Her parents were somewhere out there in the stands waiting to cheer her on. Her fellow martial artists from the dojo were no doubt watching the event from their homes. She'd be performing in front of the entire country, in front of hundreds if not thousands of Pro Heroes. Everyone would be observing, judging, not only her but her fellow students as well and yet All Might wanted her to stand tall in front of the millions of eyes that would be on her today and take the opportunity to leave her mark. To let them know that Itsuka Kendo existed, that she was here.
Exhaling, Itsuka took a deep breath in as she once more prepared to go through one of several breathing exercises she'd been using since this morning. It wouldn't do for her to give into her nerves now and while she knew from experience that her unease would fall away once the competition began, the wait up to it was affecting not just her but her classmates as well. They were scattered around the room, some stood but many sat in silence, alone with their thoughts. Only a few conversed with one another, but even then it was hushed, their voices low.
"Kendo!" A voice rang out in the silence startling the orangette who turned to face the pink alien calling her name, "Why do we need to wear our gym uniforms? I wanted to wear my costume." Mina complained with a groan. "It's super cute, yet now no one's going to be able to see it."
Surprisingly it wasn't Kendo who answered, but the rather plain boy with a tail standing next to Mina stretching his arms, Ojiro. "To keep everything fair, we can't."
"But why?" Mina pouted.
"Because most of our costumes contain equipment specifically designed to enhance our Quirks," Kendo spoke up, "it'd be unfair to the other courses, hence the gym uniforms every student has. The only exceptions are students with Quirk requirements whose gym uniforms needed to be changed due to their power." Mina hummed her disappointment, but her antics had broken the tension in the air, allowing her classmates to focus on something other than the impending competition.
"I wonder what the first round's going to be this year," the large lipped Sato spoke up. The boy was fingering some sugar packets that he'd applied to be allowed to use, something Kendo knew considering it'd been her he'd come to seeking the permission form. His request had been granted, but the number of packets he was allowed was limited meaning he would have to use them when they mattered most.
"It changes every year," the chuunibyou bird headed Tokoyami sitting with Sato replied, his eyes closed. "But no matter what comes, we have no choice but to deal with it."
"Yeah," the masked Shoji standing at his shoulders nodded.
The sound of a door opening drew the class's attention to the room entrance where their class representative was stepping demurely inside. "Everyone, please prepare yourselves. I was just informed that we will be entering soon," and just like that, the tension returned thicker than ever.
"Kendo. Bakugo."
"Huh?" the explosive blond grunted, his red eyes flickering up towards the heterochromia boy calling him out.
Kendo's response was a much more eloquent inquiry, "Todoroki?"
The dual haired boy's gaze flickered between the two before resting on Kendo. "Looking at things objectively, I don't think anyone can doubt that the three of us are the strongest in our class."
"Oi,"
"Shut up shitty hair, let him speak," Bakugo growled, his eyes locked on Half-and-Half. "He has something he wants to say."
"I don't know your circumstances but," it was clear to everyone that Todoroki was now speaking directly to Kendo, "All Might has his eye on you, doesn't he?" Kendo merely blinked, her face blank. "I'm not going to pry, but I'll tell you now, I'm going to beat you." His eyes flickered around the room, "All of you."
"Oh," a nervous grin crossed Kaminari's face, "is this a declaration of war from the best in class?"
Kirishima stood, "Hey," he approached, laying a hand on Todoroki's shoulder, "The festival's just about to begin. Should you really be doing this right now?"
Todoroki knocked the hand aside, turning his gaze to the red head, "We're training to be heroes, not make friends." His eyes narrowed, "And besides, at the end of the day, only one person can win." Once more his gaze roamed across the class, "All of you, you're nothing but competition." Silence fell as the boy finished, turning he began to walk away.
"Todoroki." Kendo spoke at a normal volume but in the silence, it might as well have been a shout. The dual quirk user paused, half turning to gaze at Kendo with a single eye. "I accept your challenge, but I think you're making a mistake. You're underestimating not just our class, but 1-B and every other student in our year." She cocked her head to the side, "Did you know that if a student in general education performs well enough, they can transfer into the hero course? There's only forty seats so they'd have to replace somebody, and not just general studies but the other departments also have students who failed to make the cut for the heroics course."
Her teal eyes shone, "U.A. accepts the best of the best, our school's motto is to go beyond, Plus Ultra. Do you really think that anyone is going to be giving a lackluster performance today?" Itsuka shook her head, "No, everybody's going to do their best to take our spot in this class, and if we don't do our best in turn, we don't deserve to have our seat in the first place." Her eyes narrowed with determination, "If you really believe that anybody in this school will just roll over and let you win, then you're either naive or a fool. Shoto Todoroki, I accept your declaration of war. I don't care if you're the son of the #2 hero, I intend to win this festival just like you do. But it's not just me you should be worried about," spreading her arms, she gestured to the others in the room, "it's everybody." Following her arms, Todorki looked around the room and found his gaze met by determined looks all around. Even Mineta found the courage to look him in the eyes, even if the action was negated by the nervous trembling racking his whole body.
Todorki didn't reply, instead he simply resumed his walk away. "Oi, Half-and-Half," the blond's normal shout was spoken softly, yet Todoroki heard it all the same, although the rest of class missed it, too hyped up by Kendo's words. He paused, the blond was still sitting in his chair, his back to him. "I don't care about your little declaration of war or whatever thoughts are going through your head. I'm just gonna make this simple, when the festival ends, the one standing atop the podium? It's gonna be me."
Todoroki had paused in his walk to listen but when it became obvious that the explosive blond was done speaking, he didn't reply, he simply walked away. When he next exhaled, mist left his mouth, the only sign of how the words of the two he'd called out affected him, "We'll see."
"HELLO EVERYBODY!" As the massive screens hanging from the rafters around the stadium flickered on to reveal the grinning face of Present Mic, the audience let out a deafening roar of excitement. "WOW! Now that's what I'm talking about!" The Voice Hero cheered. "It's time for this year's gladiatorial adolescent battle royale that you all all love. The U.A. Sports Festival is about to begin, everybody! Are you READY?!" Once more, the crowd erupted into cheers. "Now it's just about time for the first-years to enter the stage, so make sure to give them all a loud welcome!"
Fireworks erupted in the sky as the students walked onto the field, to the clamor of the crowd, their visage captured, magnified, and displayed on the big screens allowing the audience to see the students in all their glory. "The U.A. Sports Festival, where once a year, our fledgling students get a chance to show just what it is they've got. Let's start off with the classes you're all no doubt most interested in: the Hero Courses, Class 1-A and 1-B!"
The hype of the crowd was getting to Izuku and he allowed himself to rise to his feet clapping with a smile as he heard Himiko let out a squeal of excitement behind him. His eyes roamed the screen looking for a certain ravenette, and when he finally found the Yaoyorozu heiress, his smile widened.
"But our heroic hopefuls aren't the only one's competing; we also have general studies, Classes C, D, and E! The support course, Classes F, G, and H are here too! And let's not forget the business course Classes I, J, and K!" As each class was introduced, the screen flickered to the respective students that comprised them. "All of U.A.'s first years are now here!" The crowd continued to cheer as the students made their way to the center of the stadium, congesting into a single mass, although the participants and the audience were able to pick out the students and their classes from how they all stuck together, each sticking close to those they knew. "Now I'll hand it over to our chief umpire for the first-years, U.A's very own R-Rated Heroine: Midnight!"
As one, the screens locked onto the dominatrix, who cracked her flogger-style whip. "Quiet," the dark purple haired dominatrix themed hero bellowed, flicking her hair with a hand as she smiled seductively, an effect that seemed quite personal when it was blown up, magnified, and delivered to every member of the audience watching her on screen. "It's time for the player pledge, representing the students will be Katsuki Bakugo from Class 1-A!"
Izuku froze, his smile still plastered on his face, his hands halfway closed in a congratulatory clap when his mind finally registered just who it was who'd been called on. His eyes flashed to a screen and sure enough there was the scowling visage of his former best friend and childhood tormentor. 'You shouldn't be surprised,' his brain hissed. 'You knew he was here, knew he was in Momo's class, she told you.' Yes, Izuku had known that the explosive blond was in U.A., but hearing and seeing were two entirely different experiences. He struggled to swallow, his throat suddenly dry as he watched his tormentor climb up the steps of the podium Midnight was standing on to take his place behind the mic.
Surprisingly, it wasn't Himiko who shook Izuku out of his stupor, although Izuku could sense the girl's concern. Instead it was the woman sitting next to him. "Are you alright?" she asked, her concern obvious.
Izuku licked his lips before turning to flash the most disarming grin he could given the circumstances at the HPSC assassin. "Yes, sorry I'm fine. It's just, hearing that name and seeing his face brought up some… memories." As soon as he spoke, Izuku cursed himself for the blunder. He'd given too much away, and to the woman currently investigating him of all people. Nagant, or rather Tsutsumi, opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, the student representative spoke and the two turned their attention back to the screen.
"I pledge-" the spiky haired blond spoke into the quiet that had settled over the stadium, the masses eager to hear what the student representing the first year class had to say. His voice and image was projected not only in the stadium, but to screens around the country and to those watching beyond. In homes and stores, on laptops, and phones all over the world people waited in eager anticipation for Katsuki's Bakugo's declaration, "to win this festival."
Next to Izuku, Tsutsumi sighed as she shook her head, her disappointment obvious. "Geez, that boy, I can tell you now he's not going to be winning any favors with that little performance. For him to make himself a target like that, he'd better have the ability to back it up, because if not, well…"
For a moment there was silence, as both the students and crowd awed at just what the blond had said. Many were unsure of whether it was confidence or arrogance, but within seconds, the students were shouting their anger to the heavens.
"What the heck?!"
"Stop messing around!"
"Shut up!"
"You think you're better than us you bastard?!"
"I'll crush you!"
"Well that's certainly one way to stand out!" Midnight shouted, drawing attention to her once more, "Now without further ado, let's get started." The heroine smiled as she licked her lips sadistically, her eyes roaming over the students below her, "Unfortunately there's too many of you little hopefuls and too few spots, so we need to cut down the numbers quite a bit. That means the first round will be a qualifier, so let's hurry up and see just what game our cute little festival goers will be playing." At the heroine's words, a holographic projection rose up on the stage spinning too fast for the eye to see, before it finally slowed down to a stop. "Well would you look at that," Midnight cried, a wide smile on her face. "It looks like our first game of the day will be a game of tag."
Author's Note:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope this new chapter finds you well. I don't know about you all but I still remember being excited to ring in a new decade back in 2019. Looking back on the 2010s at the time the decade seemed to be full of just bad things so surely the 2020s would be better. Then 2020 happened. And 2021. 2022 now here we are in 2023 so to get this year off to a new start I'm posting the next chapter of Rival Heirs on January first.
Now for the chapter Izuku and Toga had a 'date', got to their seats and who is sitting next to Izuku but Lady Nagant herself. Oh also the Sports Festival is starting and as promised the first two events will be different because I too get tired of seeing the same ones repeated over and over again. So instead of an obstacle course the students are going to be playing a good ol' game of tag. Of course I had to include Eri since we need as much of the little unicorn as we can and there's nothing like mixing together an innocent girl, her hero who's actually a villain, PTSD, a volatile Quirk, the #1 Hero, and a villain attack when you want a recipe for chaos. I wonder how many of you noticed that it's Ingenium providing the security for the festival, after all since there was no USJ incident there was no reason to beef up security. Also Ingenium being at U.A. instead of Hosu means that he's not going to wind up on the edge of Stain's sword, at least for now. I wonder who Iida will intern with to help him with his Quirk? It'd have to be someone who knows it well and can help him improve... oh well I got nothing. Hope you enjoyed and check out some of my other works if you have a chance.
As always make sure to leave a review since I enjoy reading them and they motivate me to keep writing. For early access to chapters check out my P-atreon page and special thanks to my editor DutchHorizon who tells me where those annoying little commas belong.
Until next time this is the demon whose family replaced him with a dog a month after he left for college signing off,
- D'yavol Lucifer 3:)
*IMPORTANT NOTICE*
All the cover art for my stories are ones I found online. I am really interested in using fanart provided by you the readers to replace them. If you're interested draw something up and pm me so I can send you the details on where to send it or pm me and I'll give you some details so you can draw one. As I say in my bio if I use it I may add you as an oc in one of my stories! Isn't that exciting!
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