A week passed after Izuku visited UA, and currently UA is holding an event which is one of the biggest events in Japan, namely the UA sports festival. This event is an annual event at UA that allows students majoring in heroes to show off their ability in front of Pro Heroes and is also broadcast throughout the country.
Although they had just received an attack from villains, the event was too important to cancel so they tightened security to ensure the safety of students and the audience. In addition to checking goods at the front gate, UA also employs heroes to patrol around the festival site.
And since this is an important event, several colleagues are invited, and it includes the Dawn guild who is one of their colleagues. From Dawn's side, the Guild master left along with his Vice guild master. They are currently in the third-year student stadium together with the principal in the audience room.
While the headmaster was talking to Ichirou, Izuku was busy observing the surroundings of the already crowded stadium. He looked at the audience seat somewhat bored. He wanted to watch the first-year performance, but since he was at a formal event he couldn't leave this place as he pleased, although he could just sneak up and leave secretly.
" You look bored Vice Guild Master, are you disappointed not to be able to watch the first-year performance? "
" headmaster "
The headmaster who had noticed Izuku, realized his boredom and decided to talk to him.
" Well, quite a bit to be honest. To be honest, I'm a bit curious about how they developed after the dungeon battle simulation session that day, and I was also curious about Shinso-kun "
" Ah, yes... Shinso-kun, how is the child's improvement? "
" Even though it was the first time he received training, he was able to follow it well. His physical abilities are slightly above others, but his magic abilities are the most developed. He was able to control his abilities as soon as he was taught how to control mana, maybe it was because of his abilities based on the quirk he possessed "
" I see, it's nice to hear the child is growing up well "
" You are right "
" Alright it's time for the event to start, I have to go and start the event, I hope you enjoy the event "
" Sure "
After speaking, the headmaster then went to the podium to open the event. As soon as the headmaster arrived, cheers from the audience immediately sounded. He immediately greeted the audience and after giving his opening remarks, the participants entered the arena one by one according to the order of their classes.
Starting with hero majors, ordinary majors, support majors, and business majors. People cheered again as the participants entered the arena. Although it is a festival for the whole student, the real star is the student of the hero major—moreover, the top 3 students of UA who got the title of Big-3.
As soon as all the students gathered, the principal immediately announced the competition by drawing the screen behind him. Although they have determined the game, this is done no more just for entertainment.
Izuku stared at the gathered students by placing mana in his eyes. He judged their potential despite the considerable distance. Ichirou who was sitting next to him also noticed this and immediately asked him.
" What do you think? "
" Not bad, most students are even equivalent to pro heroes "
" Well, of course, they are third-year students anyway. Which one do you think will be ranked first? "
" Students with blond hair and blue eyes there I guess "
Izuku pointed to a student who caught his attention. Ichirou also looks at the student who was pointed by Izuku who was joking with his two friends even though no one laughed at his joke.
" Why do you think that? "
" just a hunch "
" Hmm... "
When Ichirou and Izuku were at the third-year stadium, Toya, who was given the day off by Izuku, was watching his brother from the stands. Even though he didn't want to come, due to pressure from his younger siblings plus someone he couldn't fight in an argument, he was here.
At this time, the students were still struggling on the obstacle course even though they were almost close to the last obstacle. Shoto, who was in first position, also seemed to have difficulty avoiding mines buried in the ground. Thanks to that, he was overtaken by Bakugo and Izumi who were right behind him. A fight ensues as soon as Bakugo catches up to Shoto.
The match quickly ends with Izumi winning first place. She managed to sneak in between Shoto and Bakugo while the two were busy fighting. The result was Izumi in first place, Shoto in second place, and Bakugo in third place.
It was a rather unfortunate result for Toya, but he wasn't disappointed. One loss might help him improve, as long as he doesn't get discouraged by his defeat.
While listening to Midnight announcing the second competition, Toya could feel someone approaching him from behind. He could immediately recognize the person from his very slight presence and the immense mana he was hiding.
" You know you're not supposed to be here, right? "
" I know "
" Then why are you here? did you come here secretly on purpose? "
" Not really, I just feel the match here is more interesting. "
" is that so... "
When Toya focused on the match, Izuku then sat beside him. The two of them then watched the participants who had just returned after completing their rounds.
" I see Shoto is in second place "
" right, if that explosive brat hadn't gotten in the way, he would have taken first place. "
Izuku glanced briefly at Toya who had a dissatisfied tone in his words.
" You sound annoyed "
" I'm not "
" hm... really? "
" Shut up "
Izuku immediately stopped as soon as Toya told him to be quiet because he didn't want to provoke his emotions any further. They turned their attention back to the match where Midnight explained about the cavalry battle. As they heard about the points distribution, Izuku couldn't help but smile when he heard first place got 10 million points.
" Well, well, 10 million points, I think this will be a bit fun for first place. "
" What's so fun about being the sole target of all the participants? "
" Well, think about it, the consequence of being in first place is definitely being targeted by the people below, and this match also applies that condition. They apply competition simulations in the world of work, from choosing partners to how to compete and survive. "
" I know that you're saying these UA people are trying to teach number 1 what it's like to be prey. "
" As expected of you, you understand quickly. "
" Anyone who can think will know about this. I thought you were just happy because that girl was everyone's target. "
" I'm not that bad, what do you think I am? "
Instead of answering, Toya remained silent, not paying attention to Izuku. He imagined the image of Izuku cruelly slaughtering monsters while smiling saying that he wasn't bad, it was something that made him shake his head.
Remembering Izuku's figure like that, made Toya think that Izuku was more similar to the Demon King. With his immortal black army, the thought of him trying to conquer the entire world made him involuntarily shudder.
" what's wrong with you? "
" Nothing, just watch the match, it's almost starting "
" You're right "
Ignoring their thoughts, they returned to watching the race. As soon as the signal sounded, almost all the participants immediately aimed for first place, even though it seemed like groups were starting from the bottom.
Noticing this, Izuku thought that the student's strategy wasn't bad. While everyone was focusing on the first place, Monoma's group was aiming for points from the other groups. They chose a long-term strategy by ignoring the preliminary round.
' hm... not bad, if I'm not mistaken he's Monoma from class B, right? he could even take points from the hot-tempered explosive boy...
although his nature may still need some fixing '
While the match continues, Izumi, who is in first place with Ojirou, Uraraka, and Tokoyami, is still trying to avoid being targeted while surviving. Their group seems cornered by Todoroki and Bakugo's group, who always aim for his 10 million point headband.
" Hey, Izuku, what are you going to do when you're in that first-place situation? "
" Well, if it were me, I would probably start with the team composition by choosing a team with good movement and defense. After that, I might not choose to defend but instead attack while eliminating other competitors. "
" Don't you think it's too cruel for those students? "
" You're right, but unfortunately the reality they will face is just as cruel. Jealous people will sometimes use any means to bring down their competitors. After all, there are no rules that prohibit the first place from collecting points, right? "
" yeah, you got the point "
While they were talking, there were 10 seconds left in the race. At the last moment, Shoto's group managed to get first place and put Izumi's group in fourth place.
" haha... your brother is really something, I'm sure that girl is very upset now. "
" you're right "
" Besides, didn't you feel the heat of the fire burning from across the field? "
" Isn't it because you're hot? "
" I don't think so, Don't you think it's because the Flame Hero is burning over there? "
Izuku casually pointed at Endeavor who happened to be parallel to the bench they were on, who was quickly pushed aside by Toya who was quite annoyed.
" Can you just ignore it over there, besides, hasn't your cell phone been ringing since earlier? "
" I know, I'll answer later when this match is over. "
" Don't you think Ichirou-san will be angry? "
" Don't worry, he didn't know I was gone. "
" So you really came here secretly? "
" Well, before I get into trouble, I'd better meet the guild master first. You go meet your little brother, give him words of motivation, or encourage him before that person does it. See you in the third match later. "
" he-hey! "
Before Toya could reply to Izuku, he had already left his seat and disappeared into the crowd. Toya, who was left alone, could only stare silently at the crowd from his chair before going to join the crowd.
Even though he doesn't want to do it, Toya decides to try to follow Izuku's advice and look for his brother after the break is over. At first, he just wanted to check on his situation, but when he saw his brother silently sitting in a dark place he approached him.
" Shoto-kun "
"Toya-ni, what are you doing here?"
" That's because someone cleared my schedule and pushed me here, and you, what are you doing here? "
" Nothing, just trying to focus "
" I see, by the way, good work in the second match "
" Thanks "
" Are you nervous? "
" No, it's just... "
Seeing Shoto who seemed to be making a complicated expression, Toya just sighed and then hit his head. Shoto, who was shocked, immediately made a loot while holding his head which felt a bit painful.
"What was that for? "
" Of course to make you aware. Stop thinking about complicated things, instead just remember this. This match is a match for yourself, so give everything you have and win. "
For some reason after hearing those words from his brother, the burden on his chest felt lighter. He felt like he was gaining confidence to use his left side which he hadn't used since the beginning.
" Thanks, Toya-ni "
" Yeah, no problem, go there and bring the gold medal home and show it to Fuyumi-chan and Natsu-kun. "
" Of course! "
After the conversation between the brothers, Toya returned to his seat and found Izuku already sitting there waiting for him. Izuku, who was waiting for him, just waved at him while showing him the snacks he had bought.
" I thought you went to see Ichirou-san? "
" Indeed, and I have done it and come back here quickly, you thought I would miss this match? "
" Well, I guess you have a point "
After giving that half-assed response, Toya sat back down in his place. He also took the bag of food Izuku had bought him.
" So how was the conversation with your brother? "
" quite good "
Their attention returned to the screen where the names of the participants who would compete first were displayed. A fleeting smile formed on Izuku's face when he saw the list of names competing at the start.
" oh! This is interesting "
Hearing those words, Toya also looked at the screen and immediately realized the reason for Izuku's response.
" Hitoshi Shinso, isn't he the awakened boy at that time, his opponent is also the daughter of the No. 1 hero "
" Indeed "
While they were talking, the participants began to enter the arena according to the call of Present Mic who was the host.
" Hey, how do you think this match will go? "
" Honestly, this would probably be over quickly. As long as that girl doesn't get carried away by Shinso-kun's abilities she might be able to win, otherwise, this match will only end in quite an embarrassing defeat. "
" That reminds me, what is that boy's ability again? "
" brainwash "
" brainwashing? then how can you escape its influence if that's the case? "
" If the brainwashed target is hit by a strong blow, the target will become conscious, and if the target has a higher mana capacity, this ability will not work. "
" I see, but the opponent is neither a Hunter nor an Awakened. "
" That's why I said it would be interesting, I'm curious how she will fight Shinso-kun's increasing brainwashing. "
.
