Happy Mother's Day! Let's try and make it a good one for all the wonderful mothers in the world.

Alright, let's start off the best part of the Sports Festival with Round 1 of the Tournament fights. But before that we must ask the question of who our characters are and why?

**********(Opening Theme)**********

*Lyric

*Scene

Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh ohh

Izuku slowly walks up a stage as he fades between his alien forms. Below him students look up in anticipation as the crowd cheers.

Instrumental

Izuku makes it to the top of the stage and looks down at his fellow students who look back up at him challengingly.

Itsuka bokura no ue o suresure ni toorisugiteitta ano hikouki o

Izuku flys through the sky on his hoverboard with a smile before running into turbulence and slipping off it

Fushigi na kurai ni oboeteru imi mo nai no ni naze ka

The teenager ends up crashing through a familiar building. A moment later he runs out as Mr. Baumann chases after him with a broom. Inside the store Nezu and Thirteen laugh as they watch the events unfold.

Fugainakute naita hi no yoru ni tada tsuyokunaritai to negatteta

Izuku walks towards class as he's joined by Ochaco and all his friends. They pass by other students such as Hitoshi, Mei, and the 1-B students and a few megawatts as they continue walking.

Sono tame ni hitsuyou na yuuki o sagashimotometeita

Izuku slows down to see Todoroki standing in front of him with a serious expression. Behind him Endeavor glares.

Zankoku na unmei ga sadamatteru to s***

Ochaco meditates as she allows One For All to flow around her as Toshinori looks on. Suddenly Toshinori turns around to look at Izuku in his middle school uniform on the roof.

Sore ga itsu no hi ka boku no mae ni arawareru to s***

Behind Izuku the shadows of his tormentors including Katsuki appear before fading, leaving just Henzu who gives a mock salute.

Tada isshun

Izuku and Henzu are seen laughing together at something.

kono isshun

The two are now standing back to back, Izuku looks sad while Henzu looks angry.

iki ga dekiru nara

Izuku turns to reach out to Henzu who walks away and slowly turns into his mutated form.

Dou demo ii to Omoeta

Izuku a single tear comes down his face before opening his eyes revealing back on the stage as the other students look up at him.

sono kokoro o Instrumental

Slowly a smile appears on his face as the other students give him challenging looks. He returns the challenge by holding his hand out in a 'come and get me' motion

Mou ichido tooku e ike tooku e ike to boku no naka de dare ka ga utau

Izuku runs across the field ducking and dodging other students as they let loose their quirks, such as Mei gliding by in support gear, Shiozaki creating multiple vines, Kendo shattering the ground with her hands and Shinso walking through it all with a cool expression.

Dou shiyou mo nai hodo netsuretsu ni

Ochaco grins as she roars out, all around her gravity begins to distort. Behind her the shadows of the previous wielders appear.

Itsudatte

me o harashita kimi ga nido to kanashimanai you ni waraeru

Heatblast destroys an oncoming glacier, XLR8 races against a certain speedster, Four Arms fights off Dark Shadow, Diamondhead dodges multiple falling rocks only to be consumed in a powerful explosion.

Sonna hiiroo ni naru tame no uta

Izuku runs out of the fire with a determined expression as he runs at all his waiting opponents.

Saraba kakagero Peace Sign

All across the universe multiple aliens look on their screens at the sports festival

Korogatteiku sutoorii o

Izuku grins as he holds the Omnitrix up.

Instrumental

The scene fades out to reveal Izuku in his Hero costume along with the 1-A students as they all head out into battle.

[Illustrated by Drag0n5on]

**********(End Theme)**********

Ch.23 What We Are

Izuku Midoriya shutters under Shoto Todoroki's cold gaze. 'Why'd he bring us here?'

He peers over at Ochaco Uraraka who is just as uncomfortable as he is in this dark and empty passageway.

They've been here for a minute now allowing the other students to leave and, in that time, Izuku turned back to normal. But that was a minute ago and the uncomfortable and cold tension is really starting to build up.

"So, you brought us here. Now what?"

Todoroki doesn't give any hint of a response, nor a reaction to suggest that he even heard the nervous greenette. Instead he just stares at them both with a cold indifferent stare, making it difficult for them to read his thoughts.

Ochaco tries to offer up a friendly smile, but none of the confidence is there behind it. "W-we should really get something to eat. Don't want to be hungry during the next event, r-right?"

No response, no reaction, the dual-haired teen is unfazed and unresponsive as he stares at them unblinking.

Ochaco and Izuku share a look, they're starting to get worried now. They know Todoroki's not going to attack them or anything, but…they'd like answers. He dragged them over here and yet…nothing.

Izuku gulps. 'He's all cold intimidation, way different from Bakugou.' He grips the recharging Omnitrix for a sense of comfort.

"I was overwhelmed."

They both gasp, he finally said something and it's not at all what they were expecting.

Todoroki's face remains indifferent, but there's a hint of anger. "And it made me break the promise I made to myself a long time ago."

Ochaco's eyes drift down to Todoroki's left arm. She recalls how he used his flames during the Battle Trial and U.S.J. Incident, but he was so reluctant and upset when he did so. And if he's talking about a vow he made to himself before U.A., then she forced him to break it…several times.

Izuku eyes Todoroki's left side too from his burn scar on his face to his left hand hidden away in his pocket. 'It would have given him such an advantage to use his left side.' He could have easily taken the lead in the last two events if he used his flames: given him a speed boost, melt Grey Matter's mech, and he could have used them to fight both his team and Uraraka's team back at the Cavalry Battle. 'And yet…he didn't.'

Todoroki pulls his left hand out from his pocket and glares at it like it's the culprit. "Iida and Kaminari…Yaoyorozu, Asui, and Jiro… None of them felt it." He glares at the two of them as his mind recalls how they all clashed with each other at the end of the Cavalry Battle; how they both overwhelmed him with their spirit and power. But specifically he recalls what he felt with Uraraka used her Quirk to brush his flaming arm away. "In that moment, I was the only one who could sense your true power. It reminded me of something…" He thinks back to the U.S.J. Incident and how he felt when he witnessed All Might use his own power to take out the Nue villain with a single blow. "Experiencing All Might's Quirk."

"Oh, yeah? Okay…" Ochaco is rightfully worried now, and she's trying not to show how uncomfortable she is on where this conversation has led to.

Izuku is quiet, his eyes drifting from Todoroki to Ochaco and back.

Izuku gulps. "I-is that all?"

The heterochromia eyes of Todoroki shift to him. "And your power…powers are like nothing that should exist."

"Wh-what are you s-saying?"

Now Izuku's wrought with worry alongside Ochaco, both scared that Todoroki may know something he shouldn't and he's on the cusp of revealing some very sensitive and Earth-shattering secrets.

"Midoriya. Uraraka. Tell me." Todoroki locks eyes with the both of them. "Why were you created?"

…

"WHAT!?" Both of the teens are blushing profusely, they didn't expect the conversation to go down this route.

Does this guy really not know? Shit! How should they explain it to him? Isn't that a job for his parents?!

Izuku's blush floods his entire face. "Um, w-well when…a wife and husband-"

"You misunderstand." Todoroki's eyebrows furrow, annoyed that his classmates would think of him as that oblivious. "What I mean is…was there a purpose behind it?"

What is he talking about?

The dual-haired teen lets out an exasperated sigh, looks like he'll have to be more direct. He'll start with Ochaco. "Uraraka."

Ochaco jolts up. "Y-yes?!"

"What is your relationship with All Might?" There is no hint of humor or sarcasm, he's completely serious with his question.

"Huh?!" Ochaco's jaw drops. 'What kind of relationship does he think they have?!'

But then she recalls what Todoroki said before the start of the Sports Festival: that All Might has his eye on her. Does he think they're related somehow?!

She waves her hands back and forth in denial. "T-there's n-nothin! N-nothing at all!" Well that's a lie. But even if she told the full truth it's not like Todoroki would even believe her. "I mean…he's just my teacher is all." Okay, that's true but she's not going to divulge how true that really is. "Anyway, I promise you've got the wrong idea. But…Why would you even think there was more to it?"

Todoroki is not convinced, and his leering eyes are a big give away. "I know there's something between you two, but you're not supposed to talk about it."

Izuku eyes his friend curiously. Part of him wants to ask and bring up some things, but he can tell that she's not comfortable with speaking about whatever it is. So, he'll let it go for now. Right now, Todoroki is the center of their interest.

Todoroki glares at Ochaco and then to Izuku, pondering on how to best approach this situation. Perhaps he needs to give some context so he can properly get an answer from these two. "My father is the hero Endeavor. You both must've heard of him. Which means you're both aware that he's the number-two hero." He eyes All Might's successor. "So, if you're connected to the Number One Hero, All Might, in some way… That would mean… That I have even more reason to beat you."

All Might smiles down at his fellow pro hero. "LONG TIME NO SEE! LET'S CATCH UP. ENDEAVOR."

Endeavor's flames dance upward as if responding to their master's will. "All Might." Endeavor turns to leer at the Number One Hero as if his very presence is an insult to the Flame Hero.

All Might is oblivious to the Flame Hero's hostility. "I HAVEN'T TALKED TO YOU SINCE THAT PRESS CONFERENCE YEARS AGO. BEEN A WHILE. I SAW YOU AND FIGURED I'D SAY HI."

"Did you now?" Endeavor turns away, he has no interest in starting a friendly conversation. "Well then, if that's all you wanted to do, we're done." That is an order, not a suggestion.

Endeavor continues down the stairs, already putting All Might and this conversation behind him.

"HUH?"

Endeavor really can't believe how naive All Might really is sometimes. "Chatting like we're old friends. What a joke."

"HAHAHAHA!" All Might, the ever oblivious, laughs as he spins over the number-two hero and lands in his path. "COME ONE, WHY THE COLD SHOULDER?" Get it, because Endeavor's shoulder is on fire. It's ironic, isn't it?

Endeavor growls, not appreciating All Might's flamboyance or games.

"YOU SHOULD BE THRILLED. AFTER ALL, YOUR SON'S DOING VERY WELL OUT THERE, JUST USING HALF HIS POWER." All Might's grin widens. "YOU MUST BE A GREAT TEACHER!"

Endeavor's eyes flash with danger as if All Might has discovered a dark secret or weakness of his. "Are you implying something?"

"NO, I WANT TO KNOW YOUR SECRETS. HOW DO WE TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATIONS OF HEROES?"

The number-two hero frowns. "Do you really think I'd tell you anything I've taught the boy?" He's not going to divulge into his techniques just because the Number One Hero asked him to.

So, with nothing to contribute the hostile Flaming Hero marches on by the Symbol of Peace. "You're all flash and no brains as usual." His shoulder shoves past All Might's. "Outta my way." And he means it more than stepping aside.

All Might's smile falters for a second, afraid that he may have offended his fellow hero. "O-OKAY."

Endeavor continues to march away before stopping. He does have something he'd like to throw in the Number One Hero's face. "Let me assure you of one thing, All Might." He glares back at the Symbol of Peace with an internal raging inferno of ambition that refuses to be extinguished. "Whatever it takes… That kid of mine will beat you someday." The Flame Hero grins widely, like when that occurs it will be the happiest and most prized moment of his life. "I'll make sure of it. That's why I made him."

It finally hits All Might, who frowns as his gut fills with concern. "YOU DID WHAT?"

"He's in a rebellious phase right now. But he will take your place. I'll make sure of it." Endeavor locks eyes, his blue eyes that are so narrow and filled with rage that there's no doubt that if he had the chance, he would burn All Might here and now if he could.

But since he can't he has no choice but dream of the day when All Might will be put in his place. And with that thought Endeavor leaves with a smile that could rival Bakugou's while leaving All Might in a state of worry and…fear.

'WHAT WAS THAT? THAT WAS NOT SOME WISHFUL THINKING, BUT THE EYES OF SOMEONE WITH A PLAN…WITH AMBITION. JUST WHAT IN THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE, ENDEAVOR?'

"My old man is ambitious. He aims for the top." continues Todoroki. "He used his power to make a name for himself as a hero. But he was never able to best All Might, so the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure."

Ochaco and Izuku are stunned and listen intently.

"He's still at it, though trying to take down All Might… One way or another."

Ochaco nervously rubs her arm. "Um, sorry, but…I'm not really sure what you're getting at…"

Izuku nods, his eyes unable to meet Todoroki's. "What are you trying to tell us, Todoroki?"

Todoroki eyes them hesitantly almost like he's actually nervous about what he's about to say. "Have you ever heard of…Quirk marriages?"

Izuku goes rigid…he has heard of them.

Ochaco has no clue what those are but judging from the others' reactions she can assume it's nothing good.

"They became a problem in the first few generations after superpowers became widespread." explains the dual-haired teen. "There were those who sought out potential mates solely with the intention of creating powerful children. Many people were forced into relationships. They were simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages. But clearly it was unethical." Not that it stopped any of it anytime soon, even now there are some cases of this occurring all across the world, but they aren't as publicized and often covered up.

"My father has not only a rich history of accomplishments but plenty of money to throw at his problems." Such as to fund shady deals and create cover ups. "He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her Quirk." He sounds disgusted and betrayed, and rightfully so. "And now he's using me to usurp All Might."

It hits the space cadets like a truck, and they are horrified with what they are hearing.

"It's so annoying." spits Todoroki in righteous anger and frustration. "I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag."

And that is a vow he fully intends to keep.

Although he's probably already said too much, maybe there's a part of him that needs to get this stuff off of his chest. And so he continues on with his…story.

"In every memory of my mother…I only see her crying." He can still hear her agonizing and fearful sobbing.

"I remember she called my left side unbearable…" Todoroki hesitantly reaches up and grabs at his burn scar as his eyes flashback to the very moment that he received it. "before she poured boiling water on my face."

The space cadets gasp in shock and horror. Just…just what kind of horror did their classmate have to go through? Not only that, how could his own mother do that to him? They can't ever picture their own mothers doing such a thing to them, and if they did…they couldn't imagine how soul crushing something like that would be. But…Todoroki's mother was just a victim, too… God, they feel like they should throw up after hearing how disgusting of a person Endeavor, the Number Two Hero in all of Japan, is really like. How can that even be? How can a "hero" do such a thing? And all for what? Power? Pride?

"The reason I picked a fight with you both was to show my old man what I was capable of doing. Without having to rely on his damned fire Quirk." Todoroki removes his hand away from his scar revealing his hate filled blue eye. "You see. I'm going to show him that I reject his power, and I can take first place without using it."

Ochaco and Izuku are in complete emotional whiplash. First, they are told about their classmate's horribly tragic backstory and now…now he's back to declaring war on them. But at least now…it makes sense.

Unbeknownst to any of them, they are not the only ones stunned by all the revelations as someone else remains silent and holds a soft gaze from down the dark hallway and remains out of sight.

This has all left a bad taste in the greenette's mouth. 'The life he's led is so different than mine. It sounds terrifying.' He eyes Todoroki taking in how angry and…sorrowful he really is. 'How strange that we could be aiming for the same thing despite such different childhoods.'

Ochaco is just as horrified, yet…there's something that still isn't adding up. "B-but…" She takes a deep breath. "Why…are you telling us this?" With all due respect everything he's telling them should probably be reserved for a therapist or the police…then again, they'd all be bought out by Todoroki's scumbag of a father.

Todoroki considers the question. "I wanted you to understand why I'm aiming to defeat both of you. But I also wanted to know…" He glares at them trying to disguise his inner turmoil. "If there was more like me."

"Like…you…?"

He nods. "I wanted to know if we all shared the same background, came from the same place…" He grabs his scar. "have the same…scars."

They get it…he wants to know…if they were born under similar circumstances. That they are not here of their own free will, that they were essentially created to become…weapons.

He eyes Ochaco almost with fear, but not of her but her possible answer. As if asking such a thing would destroy whatever's left of him. "And I just need to know…did…did All Might create you, to succeed him? Did he craft you into what he wants you to be? And what did he do to do it?"

She knows what he's asking of her…he wants to know if All Might, the Symbol of Peace, did the same things as Endeavor. To ensure his own glory and success. The sad part is that in a way, that's actually correct. All Might helped in molding her to be his successor and he wants her to succeed him, to be the next Symbol of Peace. And he gave her his own Quirk to do it.

But that's not what Todoroki needs to hear. He needs to hear that there are still heroes out there that he can rely on, that are real heroes and don't use their name or wealth to get what they desire.

"I am not related to All Might in any way if you're asking, and no he hasn't forced me to do anything that I didn't want to. He just…likes me because our Quirks are so similar in some aspects."

Todoroki is visibly relieved to hear that. "That's good…it's good to know that whatever connection you two may have at least it's a positive one."

Todoroki turns to the other member of the conversation. "And you?"

Izuku is startled by being called out, but he's mostly confused. Does Todoroki think All Might's related to him too?

"There's a lot I don't understand about you, especially." Todoroki's gaze falls to the strange device latched around Izuku's wrist. "You're Quirk…despite your need for an external force to activate it…something like you shouldn't exist." His dual-colored eyes pierce into Izuku's own jade eyes. "What are you?"

It's a fairly simple worded question, but one with a lot of meaning. What is he? How can he have a Quirk such as One Man Army? How is that possible? Was he a result of generations of Quirk Marriages? Is he a weapon? And what is his purpose? Why is he here, trying to become a hero?

Izuku is shaking unsure how to respond: should he tell the truth? No. Should he give an off handed answer? No, that'd be a slap in the face to Todoroki after he just spilled his troubles out to them.

Speaking of, the cold teen scowls in anger and grabs Izuku's support item, raising it up to eye level, and snapping Izuku to pay attention. "Don't give me the cowards act, it's getting old." he snaps.

Izuku can't help but crumble a little under Todoroki's enraged gaze.

The anger fades away as Todoroki composes himself, but he doesn't release the Omnitrix instead he gazes down at it. "You are a complete enigma to me. Nothing about you makes sense, not at all."

"Todoroki…"

"From your pledge, you stated that people said you couldn't be a hero. And yet here you are, with a one of a kind Quirk." Most people in this society practically worship those with outstanding and heroic like Quirks, which result in people like Bakugou. But Midoriya is not like that; he's shy, lacks confidence, and has a more heroic spirit than most.

"And then during the U.S.J., I learned some more things about you."

Izuku goes stiff, he's too afraid to ask. "L-like w-what…?"

Todoroki's grip around the watch tightens. "This thing, the Omnitrix I believe, was being targeted by that Tetrax guy." His piercing gaze hardens. "And you personally knew that Nue guy. Hell, he even had the same powers as you. What's with that?"

Izuku…has no clue what to say. He looks to Ochaco for some assistance, but she's been brought to a stunned silence.

"Just what are you?!" snaps Todoroki as he holds onto the Omnitrix pulling it towards him. "What is this thing? Why would someone be after it? How could someone else have the same powers? What are you?!"

Izuku can only stare back at the taller teen, his eyes shaking with fear from Todoroki's outburst. But…after everything he's learned about his classmate; he feels obligated to at least provide some kind of answer.

"What I am…to be honest I'm not sure."

Todoroki looks like he's about to snap again but Izuku continues.

"But…I know what I want to be." He straightens his stance and makes sure to look Todoroki right in the eye. "I want to be a hero."

Todoroki's gaze softens with astonishment, as does Ochaco's.

"For most of my life, I was looked down on, told that I could never be a hero…" By his so-called friends, classmates, teachers, and even his personal hero. "But that changed."

He gazes down at the Omnitrix as it continues to glow red while recharging. "I was given a chance by some miracle and there were those who fully supported me." His mother, Thirteen, Uraraka, Tetrax, and now his new teachers and friends.

"There were…bumps along the way." He thinks back to how his friendship with Henzu crumbled away, the robot attacks, Dr. Animo, his battle with Bakugou, and the U.S.J. fights.

"However, every experience has helped me to move forward on my journey." He learns what it means to be a hero, what he's fighting for, gains new skills, gains new aliens, and all for the sake of others. But also for his own goal of becoming one of the greatest heroes that there ever will be.

"So, to answer your question: what am I?" The answer is simple. "I'm a hero." With that he pulls his hand away from Todoroki freeing the Omnitrix, he holds it out in front of him like a shield. "And winning the Sports Festival will bring me closer to my dream. So, Todoroki…" The freed Omnitrix lights up and shifts glowing brightly with Izuku's shining resolve. "I am going to beat you."

Todoroki's piercing eyes glare back at the short teen.

While Ochaco is in complete astonishment in response to Izuku's answer and resolve.

Todoroki sighs leave it to the mysterious Midoriya to give him a vague yet honest answer.

Knowing he won't get any more out of the two of them, he turns and exits the passageway. "Clearly you both have your secrets and I understand if you don't want to share them." He stops to look at them one last time. "But no matter what either of you throw at me or how fiercely you come at me in the future I will defeat you both using only my right side. I can assure you of that." With that he leaves.

The two space cadets watch on as their opponent walks away and under a new light.

Ochaco's eyes are filled with worry. 'So, this is why Todoroki's so focused and so serious. He's like a comic book character. A hero with a tragic backstory. Fighting to rise above it.' That's what he is.

But…what is she? Is she just a girl that got lucky? Someone hand-picked by All Might himself? Or was that just luck? A mistake? Can she really say what she is? A hero…

"Hey, wait!"

Izuku is surprised to see Ochaco run past him so she can catch up to Todoroki.

Todoroki stops dead in his tracks and turns to see Ochaco breathing heavily behind him. She stands tall looking him dead in the eye.

"I'm here…because I need to be!"

Todoroki's eyes widen. What does she mean exactly?

Ochaco gazes down at her hands. "I'm here because I need to be. I have ambitions too." She thinks of her family. "I grew up pretty poor, and my family was always scrounging for work. They sacrificed so much for me just so I can chase my dreams. And it's my dream to help them." She clenches her fist. "But that's not all. I've always wanted to be the kind of hero All Might is. One that can make people smile with their presence alone." A hero with the strength and courage to make people feel safe.

"Ever since I really began to pursue my dream, I've met so many amazing people and they've each supported me along the way." She flashes a smile back at Izuku while also thinking back to her own loving parents, Thirteen, her friends new and old, and of course her mentor.

"I wanna be just like All Might and more. But I have to be strong enough to become number one…to become a symbol."

Todoroki's eyes narrow.

"I know my ambition may seem dumb to you, but…" She glares up at her tragic foe. "It means everything to me.!"

Izuku is stunned as well as Todoroki.

"I can't afford to lose either. I owe it to everyone who's supported me to try my best."

Ochaco raises her fists as she speaks with no sign of doubt. "I am going to beat you." She looks back at Izuku. "All of you. And I won't give up until I do." That is her own vow and who she is: someone that will refuse to give up until the bitter end.

The three competitors are left in complete silence, not even the wind dares to break the tension.

With each one having finished what they had to say they begin to take their leave. And they all understand now: that all of them are aiming for the top but only one of them can make it.

As Todoroki heads for lunch, Katsuki Bakugou peers around the corner and out of the shadows. His gaze is soft yet wary. He knows he heard a lot that he shouldn't have, but yet it did give a bit of perspective on things. Things he will keep in mind as the Tournament commences.

Ochaco leaves after Todoroki leaving Izuku to stir in his own thoughts.

'Todoroki… Uraraka…you're both so driven. But so am I!' He gazes down at his Omnitrix, admiring its soft green glow. 'Wait…it wasn't ten minutes yet. How come…?'

"Get those foam fingers in the air!" shouts Present Mic after returning to the commentator's box after finishing his lunch. "It's almost time for the last round! But before that: good news for everyone who didn't make the finals."

Down in the stadium below all of the students from every course are walking back onto the field.

"Since this is a Sports Festival, we've prepared some super-fun side games everyone can participate in!"

A group of cheerleaders wearing U.A. themed orange outfits are performing on the sidelines.

"We even brought in cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!"

"Ah-" Aizawa notices something…peculiar.

And so does Present Mic. "Hold up."

"What are they doing?" questions Aizawa.

Many of the students are wondering the same thing, but not that many of the male population are complaining though. In fact most of them are blushing as they awe at the views before them.

"Looks like Class 1-A is goin' full on fanservice!" shouts Present Mic.

And sure enough all the Class 1-A girls are wearing similarly designed cheerleader outfits. From the short frilly skirts, exposed midriffs, and even pom poms to boot. But judging from their faces, it seems as if they were not expecting to be humiliated as such.

Minoru Mineta and Denki Kaminari laugh and share grins while admiring their handy work.

Momo Yaoyorozu is steaming mad. "What?! You tricked us?! You're gonna regret this!"

##########(Flashback)#########

During the lunch break Mineta and his partner in crime, Kaminari decided to pull a little…"prank" on their classmates.

Kaminari, with all seriousness, addresses their targets. "Yaoyorozu. Jiro."

Yaoyorozu and Kyoka Jiro turn to face Kaminari and Mineta while they hold trays of food.

Yaoyorozu is oblivious to their intent. "Uh-huh, do you need something?"

Mineta responses first. "Well, I'm sure you already know since you're like a class rep." He then points to the opposite side of the cafeteria where a group of cheerleaders are happily skipping by. "But they said all the girls have to wear those uniforms for the big cheer battle this afternoon."

Jiro is rightfully startled by the news as a light blush adorns her face. "Huh?!"

Yaoyorozu raises an eyebrow. "That's odd. This is the first I'm hearing about it. Are you sure?" It's a good thing Mineta turned around otherwise his face would give away the deception. "You don't have to believe me if you wanna get in trouble. But this is coming straight from Mr. Aizawa."

Kaminari is nodding his head, trying to help sell the act.

"I thought maybe you'd forgotten, so I figured I'd remind you, just in case."

And it somehow worked!

########(End Flashback)#######

Yaoyorozu falls to her knees in defeat and shame. "Why is that I always end up falling for the little pervert's stupid schemes?" She's nearly in tears because of their lies. "I even used my Quirk to make these outfits."

Ochaco squats down and pats her friend's shoulder in comfort, debating whether she should explain to Yaoyorozu how naive she can really be at times. She can only assume that it must be the result of being homeschooled all your life. This rich girl has little experience dealing with guys like Mineta and Kaminari. But how Jiro fell for it is a mystery.

Speaking of, the purple haired girl yells as she throws down her pom poms. "Ugh! I hate those guys!" She's so embarrassed and is trying to save face by covering up her bare midriff while also glaring at the giggling perverts.

Toru Hagakure is completely unbothered by the predicament. "Well, we do have a little time before the finals start, and I kinda like these uniforms, so…" She shakes hips and waves her pom poms up and down in succession. "How 'bout we just roll with it!"

"ARE YOU CRAZY!?" cries a stunned Jiro.

Tsuyu Asui looks past the stunned Jiro's shoulder, admiring Hagakure's cheer moves. "Wow, Toru. You've got skills."

Anyway let's move on, at least that's what Present Mic tries to do. "Have fun competing in these little side games, everyone!"

The big flat screens hung above the stadium light up as a tournament bracket appears.

"After they're over, the 16 students from the top four teams will be duking it out one-on-one in a tournament-style fighting competition!"

Said students are getting pumped.

"I promise you're not gonna wanna miss these epic match ups!"

The crowd cheers as students view the screen waiting for the match ups to be announced.

"Aw, yeah." grins Eijiro Kirishima. "Finally gettin' the chance to show what we're made of." His eyes are shaking with excitement. "I watch these finals every year, and now I'm actually in them!"

Mina Ashido, also wearing a cheer outfit, eyes him curiously. "So, wait. Is it always a tournament?"

Hanta Sero provides the answer. "The final's always a one-on-one competition, but they switch it up every time." This time happens to be like this. "Last year it was a foam sword-fighting match." That actually sounds like fun.

Up on the little stage Midnight strides up with a big yellow box. "Come closer and draw lots to see who you're up against. Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start." She gazes down at the competitors. "The sixteen finalists have the option of participating in those activities or sitting out to prepare for battle." Some may need to calm their nerves or may want to use their time for other preparations. "I'm sure you all want to conserve your stamina." She gives a seductive smile while licking her lips. "Now let's find out who each of you will be fighting off against!"

She has each finalist pull a number out of the box before moving on to the next fighter and all too soon they have their tournament bracket filled.

Midnight whips her flogger. "Take a look at the bracket, my dears. These are your opponents!"

The names flip onto the screens and the crowd screams in response, they are really looking forward to some of these fights.

1st Match: Tsuyu Asui vs. Izuku Midoriya

'I'm the first match of the first bracket.' Izuku gives a shaky smile as he stares up at the screen. 'Great.'

Tsuyu approaches the greenette. "Looks like we're up first. Good luck then."

"Same to you, Asui."

"Call me Tsu."

2nd Match: Fumikage Tokoyami vs. Momo Yaoyorozu

"I'll give it my all." declares Fumikage Tokoyami.

"Good." responds Yaoyorozu. "That's all that I ask of you."

3rd Match: Mina Ashido vs. Shoto Todoroki

Mina's head drops. "Oh, man…so unfair." She's up against one of the most powerful fighters first.

Todoroki is busy eyeing Izuku's name. 'He could be my third match.' He eyes his possible future opponent. 'You must advance. So I can beat you with one hand.'

4th Match: Tenya Iida vs. Mei Hatsume

Mei Hatsume walks up to Tenya Iida. "Hey, legs. You're Iida, right?"

"Hm?" Iida takes notice of her. "Correct, I'm Tenya Iida."

"Oh! That's perfect!" Her eyes light up even behind her steampunk goggles. "I have something nice for you!"

5th Match: Ochaco Uraraka vs. Hitoshi Shinso

"Hitoshi Shinso, huh?" Ochaco eyes her opponent's name. 'Wasn't he that guy on Deku's team?'

"That is you, right? Ochaco Uraraka?"

The sudden appearance of Hitoshi Shinso makes her leap forward in surprise. She spins around to find her opponent silently judging her reaction.

'It's him! Wait…' She recalls how he's actually the same one that declared war on Class 1-A from a few weeks ago, she almost forgot about that. Yet Deku took him on as a teammate…?

Shinso doesn't offer up a smile or a hand, but he does try to be civil. "It's a pleasure. So, you excited?"

"Uh… Yes…"

Shinso smiles but then frowns, he spots Izuku watching him not too far away. Shinso eyes the nervous Ochaco before offering a smirk.

"Hm, good. So, am I." And he walks off.

'What's with that guy?'

Izuku remains silent as he watches Shinso wonder off. 'Shinso… good luck.'

6th Match: Eijiro Kirishima vs. Itsuka Kendo

Kirishima grins. "Bring it."

"I will, just don't hold back." replies Itsuka Kendo.

7th Match: Denki Kaminari vs. Kyoka Jiro

Kaminari grinds at his opponent. "Looks like we're up first, huh?"

Jiro's eyes light up like a cat that's going to tear through a mouse.

8th Match: Katsuki Bakugou vs. Ibara Shiozaki

Bakugou raises an eyebrow at his opponent's name. "Shiozaki? Who the hell is that?"

Ibara Shiozaki frowns with dejection.

"Okay!" shouts Present Mic. "Let's press pause for a momentary interlude before the battles begin. It's time for some pulse-pounding side games!"

"Woohoo!" Hagakure jumps into the air alongside the other Class 1-A girls each with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

"First, how about a scavenger hunt?"

Soon most of the finalists clear out and allow their fellow classmates to enjoy themselves. Many of the students run about the playing field until they find a card on the ground, grab it, and turn it over reading what item they have to seek out.

Sero looks to the crowd. "Hey, anyone up there got a bag they can give me?"

Rikido Sato eyes his card. "A cat? Anyone sneak a cat in?!"

Not everyone was as lucky such as Mineta who has to find "back fat" for some strange reason. Karma is probably at play here.

Neito Monoma waves his own card around, watching the others play. "What a joke. They're actually taking these dumb side games seriously?" He smirks watching Kaminari find his item. "As usual, those Class 1-A idiots really need to get their priorities in check."

"Monoma!" Kendo runs up to him looking very serious. "If you're not playing, come with me."

"Okay?" What could she want? Advice on how to take down Class 1-A?

She holds up her card, it reads "Perverse Person."

She doesn't even wait for his reaction as she grabs him with her enlarged hands and hauls him away to the main stage.

Monoma is a little less than impressed. "Uh…I think you may have the wrong impression of me, Kendo."

"Trust me. This fits."

Even though they were told to have fun, most of those in the Tournament couldn't relax. Some tried to come up with strategies. Such as Izuku who's secluded himself in the locker room as he scribbles through his notebook with different battle strategies to use against everybody in the Tournament.

Some try to rest their bodies. Like Tokoyami who's perched himself in a tree to help him relax. Maybe it's a bird thing…

There were those who prepared for the fight. Like Iida who's chugging down cans of juice to refuel his engines.

Or tried to hype themselves up. Like Bakugou and Todoroki who have each secluded themselves outside the stadium to stew in their own thoughts and motives.

And others still who just focused on trying to calm their nerves.

Like Ochaco who's going along with Hagakure's cheering performance. Yaoyorozu is going along too but less enthusiastically, but she appears to be enjoying herself at least.

Then there are those that are routing for them to lose. Such as those watching from unknown locations.

And of course the ones that want them to win like their family and friends.

Each fighter wanted to be ready for anything. And before they knew it, the finals were ready to begin.

Down in the middle of the stadium Cementoss' hand glows a light green as he bends the wet cement to his will creating a large and well-constructed battle field. "That's it. I'm pretty much done here."

The battle arena is a large rectangular stage made purely of cement. There are stairs leading up to where the contestants will enter from and on the four corners of the stage are pits that will be lit on fire at the start of each match.

"Thank you, Cementoss!" thanks Present Mic. "Hey sports fans. Are ya ready?"

Yes, yes, they are if they're screams are anything to go by.

"After all the action you've already witnessed. It's time for the real battles to begin! Can you feel the excitement?!" He sure can.

Izuku nervously caresses the Omnitrix while he waits in the dark lonely gateway, waiting to be called into the arena.

Although Present Mic's booming voice isn't helping his nerves. "Our competitors are on their own now! Sometimes, heroes have only themselves to rely on! Heart. Skill. Strength. Wisdom. Courage. They'll have to use all of these things to rise to the top!"

Izuku will be sure to use all of them.

Meanwhile, the students of the Hero Course have their own seating balcony so that they can watch the upcoming fights and cheer their classmates on. But unfortunately for some of them, both classes of the Hero Course have to share the same seating area.

Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu screams into the air. "Agh! This is so not fair! Why couldn't I be in the finals?" Perhaps in an alternate timeline he could have participated, but a greater force must have intervened this time.

Kirishima tries to consult the similarly Quirked individual, "Don't let it get to you, man. Just sit back and enjoy."

"Easy for you to say!" shouts Monoma with a dark smug grin plastered on his face. "But you watch, our dear Kendo and Shiozaki will destroy you and your pathetic classmates! Hahahaha!"

The entirety of Class 1-A deadpan. 'What a prick.'

Kendo shakes her head in embarrassment, for herself and her class, and for Monoma.

"Shut it, loser!" roars Bakugou from his seat alone in the corner. "Or I'll kill you!"

"Oh, that's not heroic now is it?" Monoma turns to Bakugou with an insane look in his eye. "Maybe I should defeat you here and take your place in the Tournament! Hahaha!"

While laughing his head off, Kendo sneaks behind him.

"Why you bastard!" While Bakugou is fuming with rage, Ochaco sneaks up behind him.

Both girls shout as they strike their individual class mental cases simultaneously.

"What the hell?!" Bakugou rubs the back of his head after Ochaco slapped it.

Ochaco is steaming mad, her cheeks puffed out in annoyance. "Behave yourself will ya?"

Kendo glares down at the unconscious Monoma after she chopped him over the head. Even when knocked out cold, he's still grinning like a madman.

A sweatdrop forms on Masahiro Ojiro's forehead. "Huh. So, you guys have your own obnoxious nuisance."

Class 1-B's Jurota Shishida nods as he pushes up his glasses. "Yes, but we can rely on our Class President to keep him in check."

Jurota is a tall young man with a very beastly appearance because of his shaggy, brown, chin-length hair, beard, and fur that covers most of his body. He has sharp teeth and his large jaw sticks out a fair amount, with two of his lower canines poking upwards from between his lips. He also wears small, rectangular glasses with thick lenses.

Juzo Honenuki is laughing while watching Kendo drag off Monoma and Ochaco forces Bakugou to sit back down. "Ha ha ha! Oh, man this is hilarious."

Sato frowns. "I'm not so sure about that."

The class settles down as flames burst from pits at corners of the battle field. However the flames have the opposite effect on the crowd as they scream and cheer in anticipation. Finally, the main event is about to begin!

Present Mic's voice echoes through the entire stadium. "All right, audience! Let's cut to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer. Welcome our first fighters!"

As he speaks the screens display pictures of the two fighters: Tsuyu Asui vs. Izuku Midoriya.

Tsuyu's photo is calm as per her usual demeanor and her face unemotional. Whereas, Izuku's photo kind of looks like he was being held at gunpoint while taking the photo.

"Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he? Even though he's and I quote 'the one to beat'."

Izuku walks across the field with a nervous smile wishing he never declared himself that. Already he can feel the eyes of the world…worlds gazing down on him. Watching him.

"It's Izuku Midoriya!"

The crowd cheers in response to seeing him and hearing his name! This kid's been in the top running since the beginning, especially since he gave such a rousing Student Pledge, they've been unable to take their eyes off of him. So, it's understandable why they're foaming at the mouth to see him in action without any other distractions.

"And his opponent is the level headed amphibian, Tsuyu Asui!"

The crowd cheers as Tsuyu walks across the field.

The two fighters stand at opposite ends of the arena.

"The rules are simple: immobilize your opponent or force them outta the ring! You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle."

Izuku inhales and then exhales, calming his nerves. "I'm not going to hold back!" he shouts.

"Ready?!"

"I hoped you wouldn't." responds Tsuyu

"Begin!"

Izuku reaches for the Omnitrix. "It's hero ti-"

"Na ha!" Tsuyu lashes her tongue out and grabs Izuku's right arm pulling his hand away from his Omnitrix before he can even activate the dial.

"What the?!"

"Whoaaa! Would you take a look at this!"

Izuku pulls against Tsuyu but her grip is too strong. He tries to bring his left hand up to his right while pulling against the stretchy and strong appendage but Tsuyu pulls his arm away, throwing him off balance and preventing him from activating the device. She tries to pull him towards the edge of the ring so Izuku plants his feet in place before she can pull him across.

"Hahaha! Looks like Midoriya is in a real jam here! He can't activate his Quirk without access to his support item, and it looks like his own classmate is going to take advantage of that weakness!"

Aizawa chimes in. "It's a fair strategy. If she can stop him from using his Quirk, then she can guarantee her own victory." But from what he's had the pleasure of seeing, Midoriya will find a way out of this situation. The only question is how he'll do it.

Tsuyu and Izuku continue with their little tug of war game. Every now and then Tsuyu would pivot her body and swing him towards the edge of the arena but it'd always end the same with Izuku slamming his feet and free hand against the dirt to keep himself from being flung out.

"You're really not making this easy. Kero."

Izuku grunts. "Neither are you."

He needs to think of something, and quickly. She's just wearing out his stamina, she thinks that as long as he can't use the Omnitrix then all she has to do is wait for him to get tired. Dammit, if only the Omnitrix was mentally connected with him or something!

But it's not. And so he needs to find another way to activate the faceplate and slam it back down but how? His hands are literally tied up at the moment and if he even makes a move to bring his hands together Tsuyu will just throw him off balance again. So, what to do… 'I got it!'

Izuku lifts up the Omnitrix, not up to his hand, but to his face. He lines up his teeth and bits down on the two main points of contact and the dial pops up with a ding.

Tsuyu's eyes flash with worry and she immediately kicks it into overdrive. She leaps back and pulls Izuku along with her, flinging him up.

"Ahh!" Izuku yelps while being flung into the air with Tsuyu's tongue still wrapped around his hand. 'I'm not going to lose here!'

No time to be picky, he slams down the Omnitrix against his side.

The crowd roars as they recognize that flash of green light.

Tsuyu's movement all but stops as something much heavier lands back on the ground kicking up a small dust cloud.

Tsuyu follows her tongue towards the small cloud as it begins to dissipate and reveals a grinning four-eyed beast.

"Oh, yeah." grins Four Arms while Tsuyu's tongue is wrapped around only one of his arms.

The crowd is going crazy over seeing a new and admittedly cool transformation.

And so is Present Mic. "There it is! Somehow Midor-sorry, I man Four Arms was able to pull off a transformation. Yeah!"

Aizawa eyes his co-host curiously. "Four Arms?"

"Oh, that's the name Midoriya gave that form. During lunch I asked him to provide me a list of his transformations to help commentate." In other words, he will be referring to Midoriya as his transformations rather than his name.

"That feels unnecessary."

Four Arms grins at Tsuyu. "Sorry, for the delay. I was a little tied up."

Tsuyu frowns in annoyance of the pun.

Four Arms reaches for her slippery tongue, but it slides off of him before he can get a grip.

He is hoping to throw her out of the arena himself, but it looks like he'll have to get his hands dirty.

"Here I come!" He charges throwing his two right arms back, reading a dual-punches.

Tsuyu is rather calm despite the charging brute, she quickly squats down on all fours and leaps away just before Four Arms slams his fists against the ground.

Four Arms scowls but is met by two kicks to the face as Tsuyu plants her feet against his head and kicks off of him. Knocking him back a bit while putting more distance between them.

Four Arms rubs his cheek, that was not pleasant.

Tsuyu actually smirks. "That was for the puns."

The crowd cheers and laughs as karma was just served.

Four Arms smirks back. "Fair enough."

Four Arms springs back into action charging at Tsuyu but she just jumps right over him and bounces off his back before his other arms could grab her. While in midair she lashes out and uses her tongue like a whip striking his back.

Midnight swoons. "Ooh! She's into that type of foreplay."

They can hear Aizawa give an exasperated sigh over his microphone.

"Get back here!" shouts the Tetraman as he reels around and goes after his froggy opponent.

The following moments of the match go about the same with Fours Arms throwing punch after punch only for Tsuyu to use her much smaller size and agility to evade his attacks while using her tongue to trip him up every now and again.

At this point all she can do is wait Midoriya out at least until his ten minutes are up, but she's actually the one draining her own stamina now so even that strategy isn't sound.

"That's the U.A. Sports Festival right there, despite the clear unbalance in power, Asui proves that speed and strategy can outwit any foe! Yeah! Especially the hulking red mass that is Four Arms."

Tsuyu kicks off Four Arm's shoulder, leaping away before he can grab her. Damn he may have a strong build but he's too darn slow compared to her. 'I need to throw her off balance, but how?'

He needs to change up his strategy, but how? He watches her land back onto the ground before crouching down on all fours waiting for him to make the next move. She's trying to read him.

'Come on Izuku think! Asui is fast and can strike from a distance. And those are my biggest issues.' He gazes down at Tsuyu before his two pairs of eyes drift down to the cement ground. 'That's it!'

Tsuyu's eyes widen as Four Arms grins.

"Four Arms!" The red hulking mass raises all his hands over his head. "Smash!" He slams his fists down onto the ground as hard as he can creating a small tremor that tears apart the surface of the arena.

"What's this?! Can he say something like that without being sued for copyright? But in any case, Four Arms has just smashed apart the entire of the ring!"

Tsuyu wobbles in place, temporarily losing her balance with her off balance Four Arms enacts the next part of his plan.

He jabs his hands into the ground and pries out two large chunks of rubble. With a roar he swings his body and tosses the first boulder, spins around, and tosses the other one right at the frog girl.

"Throwing rocks is that really your plan?" She jumps up and over the first flying chunk, but she inadvertently threw herself in the path of the second projectile.

She remains calm, however, and lashes her tongue out to the side where it grips the ground and like a fishing line, she reels herself towards the side and out of the way of the boulder before it can crash into her. She has no time to relax as Four Arms was expecting that and is already upon her. She leaps up and over him, but that's okay because he expected that too.

The smirking Four Arms spins around but as he does so he jabs his right hands into the ground and swings them around and throws them out along with a barrage of broken up cement.

This wave of rubble is far too wide for her to simply dodge while in midair, so with no options she braces herself as she's pelted by debris. She tries to block it with her thin arms and even tucks in her legs to help defend her body, but even so the damage has been done. Not only did the projectiles wear her down but they offset her balance when they collided with her so when she lands, she falls onto her back with a thud.

"Sorry, Tsu but I'm going to win this!" The morphed Izuku jumps high so he can deliver a powerful high jump kick.

Tsuyu's eyes pop wide and she hastily rolls away, shoves herself off the ground, and leaps a few feet away from the original spot just as Four Arms muscular legs smash right in the same spot. His landing creates another tremor that shakes and breaks apart the battlefield even more.

Tsuyu scowls, this is not how she was hoping this would go. At this rate she'll lose, she needs to end this quickly.

Four Arms' eyes gleam with the thrill of battle as he turns around and throws dual-punches at her. "Rahhh!"

Tsuyu allows the fists to get close before she sidesteps and jumps forward, she grabs Four Arms' shoulder and then uses it to bounce off of, kicking him forward.

But he was expecting that, with a grin Four Arms uses his punches to dig his hands into the ground, and with two points of support he twists his entire body up behind and either by luck or good planning he back kicks Tsuyu's side.

Tsuyu slams back on the ground, rolling across it before she plants her hands and feet in place. And with no time to waste she lashes her tongue out at him, aiming for his head.

But her sudden impatience will be her downfall as Four Arms grabs her tongue in midair.

"Let's bring things in full swing, shall we?" grins Four Arms as he grips her tongue and swings her around like a centripetal ball throw before letting her go allowing her to fly through the air with no chance of her recovering.

And she is aware of this as her entire body flies out of the battle field, and out of bounds. 'Well done, Midoriya.' She calmly lands on her feet, like a frog, onto the grassy field.

Midnight, the umpire, throws her hand up to signal the end of the match. "Asui has been thrown out of bounds! Midoriya advances to Round Two!"

The crowd cheers and howlers with delight, those two really gave them a bit of a show, a good way to start the tournament.

Four Arms and Tsuyu stand opposite each other back on the broken battlefield. The two shake hands and gaze at each other with respect.

"I may have won, but you definitely didn't make it easy."

"Thank, kero. But don't relax now. Something tells me that your fights are only to get harder from here on out."

Present Mic screams out. "Thanks for the show you two! Well done the both of you! But this was only the first fight of many to come, so hang because I'm willing to bet things are only going to get crazier!"

"Way to go guys!" greets Ochaco as the two fighters of the first match arrive. "That was great!"

Tsuyu frowns. "Thanks, but it is disappointing."

Four Arms sheepishly grins as he tries to maneuver his much larger body around the benches.

As he tries to get to a seat Iida intercepts him. "Well done, Midoriya! Your quick thinking and creative mind have allowed you to claim victory!"

At the same time Bakugou scowls. "Whatever, you just wait. I'll show you all what a real winner looks like!"
Sero eyes him curiously. "Sore-loser's more like it."

"What'd you say Tape Arms?!"

Juzo, of Class 1-B, eyes the Class 1-A students. "Class 1-A sure is a rowdy bunch."

Tsuburaba nods. "No kidding."

Ibara scowls. "He doesn't bother to learn his own classmates' names. Shameful."

Mina chuckles. "You think that's bad. He's never called Midoriya by his real name even though they've known each other since preschool." At least that's what she heard from Ochaco.

Bakugou turns his attention to the pink girl. "Shut up! Of course I know shitty Deku's name!"

"Oh really?" Mina's voice is laced with sarcasm. "What is it?" A simple yet effective question.

An irk mark forms on Bakugou's head, before turning away in annoyance. "It doesn't fucking matter! Shitty Deku is shitty Deku!"

The boy in question is stunned, his jaw dropped while in shock. 'Are you serious?! Or does he not care?!'

Ochaco sweat drops as she pats Four Arms' shoulder. "Don't let him bother you." She then leers over at Bakugou with a sly smirk. "He's not worth it."

Bakugou snaps. "Huh?!" He's about to leap out of his seat but Kaminari and Kirishima grab his shoulder holding him in place before he does something that kicks him out of the Tournament.

While Bakugou curses up a storm, the Omnitrix beeps and flashes red and as such Izuku is able to properly plop down into his seat.

"Phew."

The bright red light blinded a few students of Class 1-B who are not yet accustomed to Izuku's transformations yet.

"My eyes!"

"So, bright!"

"How can someone so plain looking, become something so…alien?"

Shoji smiles down at his shorter classmate. "Welcome back."

Izuku smiles back up at the multi-limbed teen. "Uh, yeah, thanks. But I never left." Even so the sentiment was nice.

Present Mic's voice echoes through the arena. "Okay all you cheering Sports Fans who's ready to get the match going?!"

The audience explodes in response.

"After such a smashing first match, our handy Cementoss has already repaired the arena. So, let's keep the ball rolling!"

Izuku lights up and he summons his Quirk Analysis notebook seemingly from thin air. The Sports Festival is the best time for him to get new notes on his classmates and plus whoever wins this fight will face him next.

Down below the next two competitors take center stage.

"Offense and defense in one! The dark samurai and his darker shadow! From the Hero Course, Fumikage Tokoyami!"

Tokoyami has his arms folded together as the pillar of flames dance at his sides.

"Versus! The great creator! She was admitted because of recommendations and I think we can all see why. Also from Class 1-A, Momo Yaoyorozu!"

Yaoyorozu has the look of someone ready to prove why she got in by recommendations. She's aiming to prove that she has the right to be here.

Ojiro leans forward in his seat so he can talk to Izuku. "How do you think this one will end?" He noticed Izuku's notebook and its many scribbles. "Any clue?"

Without prying his eyes away from the fighters Izuku responds. "Timing is going to be the key thing here."

"Oh? How so?"

Izuku leans in closer to his notebook, his pen at the ready to take notes., "You'll see."

Too bad he wasn't around to give the black-haired girl some pointers because she has come up with her own conclusions. 'Present Mic's description of Tokoyami was accurate. With Dark Shadow he's skilled at both attacking and defending.' And that puts her at a major disadvantage.

Heck, Tokoyami is definitely aware of his advantage as he stands across from her with a stoic and undetering gaze.

The top student continues to think strategically about her opponent's possible moves. 'He can also call upon the creature instantaneously. So, there's little doubt he'll start the match with a preemptive strike. If I can make a simple shield, I can block him.' There's just one issue. 'But I'll have to be fast about it or else this fight will be over in a matter of seconds. Just like that. Then, if I have enough time to make-'

"Second match. Begin!"

Yaoyorozu gasps, being taken by surprise, by the sudden start to the match. Her thoughts and strategy leave her just as suddenly.

And her hesitation will cost her as her opponent takes action.

"Go, Dark Shadow!"

The sentient being springs out of Tokoyami's chest. "I've got her!"

Yaoyorozu scowls as light particles glow from her arm. 'Quickly! A shield!' She creates a small iron shield and just in time too.

Dark Shadow rams against the shield but gets deflected upward.

With a quick opening, Yaoyorozu's other hand readies itself to create something. "Now it's my turn to attack!"

That's not how this game goes, because Dark Shadow reels back around and divebombs her.

She barely has enough time to block its attack with her shield, but her Quirk was interrupted, and she remains weaponless. 'I can't focus on my Quirk!'

And once again Dark Shadow dives bomb her again, but the living Quirk slashes out his claws and knocks away her shield.

Yaoyorozu yelps as she's thrown back and left defenseless.

Dark Shadow is right back at her, swinging his claws but she's fast enough to create a new shield to defend against it. The claws slam into her so hard that she's shoved away, thankfully she is able to keep her balance and prevent herself from falling, but the blow still did a toll. Heck she's about ten feet away from where she was by that single attack.

But this distance could save her, she secures her stance and readies her shield for another attack. But it never comes, instead Tokoyami remains rotted to his spot with Dark Shadow hover above in the air.

She's surprised. 'Why has he stopped?' She throws her hand out and generates a metal bow staff. 'This is my chance!'

Before she can make a move, Midnight puts a stop to her whole plan. "Yaoyorozu!"

The girl in question is surprised by being called out as such but Midnight continues.

"You're out!"

Yaoyorozu gasps in shock, that can't be right? She must have misheard Midnight, right? But still… The recommended student gazes down and sure enough, that last attack pushed her right foot straight out of the arena.

"This match goes to Tokoyami!" announces the umpire as the audience applaud and cheer for Tokoyami's overpowering show.

The raven-headed boy recalls Dark Shadow and without so much as speaking a word the entire fight, bow in respect to his opponent before turning and heading for the exit.

Unfortunately, his opponent is still in disbelief and left there feeling like she wasted her opportunity.

"Yikes! Now that was a fast, overwhelming victory!" Present Mic really isn't one for tack. "Is it possible that Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is one of the greatest Quirks ever? I think so!" That may be jumping the gun. "But that said, his next match may prove that to be true, we'll see!" After all, Tokoyami will now be facing Izuku in Round Two.

Yaoyorozu watches in continual disbelief and grief as Tokoyami leaves her behind and moves on to the next round. "I lost…I didn't even…do anything."

She's not the only one in disbelief, however. "Tokoyami is way too powerful." says the kid with the alien watch. "I can't believe he forced her out of bounds by focusing his attacks on her shield. He obviously had a strategy worked out."

Ojiro can't help but agree with that assessment. "Yeah, I guess so. Maybe he didn't wanna hurt her."

Izuku nods in agreement.

Ojiro frowns. "I bet she's really upset about how that went down."

They both turn and watch Yaoyorozu, the recommended student, drag herself off the field; she walks slowly with her head cast down and an air of sorrow follows her.

"I feel bad for her."

"Yeah, me too…" Izuku frowns as the disappointed Yaoyorozu makes her exit.

In that same moment the Omnitrix finished recharging, lighting back up to green instead of red. And Izuku instantly takes note that only half the time has passed for it to recharge.

As Yaoyorozu and Tokoyami return to their seats, Todoroki leaves the waiting room so he can partake in his own match.

He didn't really care for the second match, instead he's still thinking about Izuku's own match. 'You won your first, Midoriya, just defeat Tokoyami and then it'll be my turn.'

He turns the corner so he can enter the field but his heterochromia eyes spots something unpleasant blocking his path. "What do you want?" His voice is laced with malice, like he doesn't really care for the other person's presence.

His father, Endeavor, glares down at his offspring, not appreciating his lack of respect for him. "You're acting disgracefully, Shoto."

The younger Todoroki doesn't even acknowledge what his father had to say. Instead he marches forward intending to ignore his old man.

Endeavor's cold yet furious gaze follows his child. "If you simply used the power in your left side you would've had an overwhelming victory in both of the first rounds." His scowl deepens for a second as he spits out his next line. "You could have easily defeated that Midoriya brat."

Todoroki remains silent, avoiding his father's gaze, and he marches right past him.

"It's time to stop this childish rebellion of yours."

"Tch." the young man scowls. Of course this jackass would see his resolve as childish.

"You have a duty to surpass the imbecile All Might."

Still no reply.

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" The Number Two Hero watches his child continue to turn his back on him in both a literal and metaphorical sense. "You're different from your siblings. You're my greatest masterpiece." Surely the boy will understand.

Todoroki does understand, far too well. "Is that all you have to say to me, you bastard?" His fist clench, his nails nearly piercing through his skin, and he grinds his teeth together to keep himself from yelling out. "I'll win this match and the next one using only Mom's Quirk." That will show the bastard that he doesn't need him. "I won't give you the pleasure of seeing me use yours."

Endeavor cold, furious eyes drift away from his rebellious spawn. "Even if that works for you in this tournament, you'll soon find the limits of that power."

Unbeknownst to the pro hero, Todoroki is doing all he can to keep his emotions bottled up before he explodes with righteous rage and fury. The light of the sun as he enters the field shines down on him, but with his head casts downward and his terrible scowl; it all gives him the look of a rabid beast whose master has been pulling on its chain for far too long.

The flames outlining the arena burst back into existence signaling his and his opponent's arrival onto the battle ring.

"Enough standing around!" shouts Present Mic over the roar of the crowd. "Now welcome to the ring our next players."

The screens project images of the cold and indifferent Shoto Todoroki vs. the excitable and cheery Mina.

"She's got skills! And some unique yet delightful looks. From the Hero Course it's Mina Ashido!"

Mina thrusts her fist into the air in pure joy and excitement. "This is going to be so great!"

"Versus, an early frontrunner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good! Someone who rightfully got into the hero course based on recommendations! It's Shoto Todoroki!"

The dual-colored hair of his casts a shadow over his eyes.

The audience is oblivious to Todoroki's inner turmoil as his rage and sorrow boils within him. However, from the stands both Izuku and Ochaco watch on with fearful gazes. Even from there they can sense that something is troubling their rival.

"And now, for the third match of Round One. Ready?" It's a rhetorical question. "Begin!"

Mina charges in without a second thought. "I'll give it my best try!" She's grinning from ear to ear as she slides across the arena with her acid.

Mina gets about ten feet away from him when she senses that something is wrong, her grin disappears and is replaced quickly with concern. And her senses may just save her from a cruel demise.

Todoroki's dark cold gaze pierces through her, with no hint of sympathy. "Apologies."

Ice rushes forward through his right foot and rushes towards Mina before exploding into a powerful earthshaking eruption of frozen water that rises above and out of the entire stadium.

In the moments following it seems like the entire Earth or even the galaxy is stunned to silence. Not even Present Mic whispers a peep.

Those in the Hero Course Classes gasp and back away from the giant impaling glacier that stopped a mere few inches from their faces.

And the pro heroes on guard outside the stadium such as Death Arms and Kamui Woods are completely gobsmacked by the powerful earthquake and the spiky glacier hanging off the top of the stadium.

"Holy crap."

Death Arms' words probably say it best. The glacier erupted from one side of the stadium and is so large that it blocks out the sun giving it the appearance of an impenetrable frozen fortress.

Within the stadium, Todoroki's entire right side is layered in a thin sheet of ice, he exhales releasing a small seeable breath. That attack must have done more for him emotionally, as if it was a response to his inner fury.

As for Mina…she is alright just shaken up even with tears in her eyes.

Thanks to her preemptive senses she leaped out of the way before the ice could initially grab her, but now…now she is stunned as everybody else as she gazes upon his magnificent display of power. But what really has her in such a fright is his…emotion state.

Just before his attack…she could almost sense the boiling mess of anger that was just about to be released onto the world. Whatever that anger is, it has a source, an external yet deeply emotional source to it.

And even though he seems calmer, there is just a dangerous yet sorrowful air around him. As if any small amount of irritation will set him off again.

And she doesn't want to be what sets him off. She'd like to choose life, thanks. "I-I…I g-give up…" It hurts to admit that, but…there's just no way she can win. Especially when he's like this.

Midnight, with half her body frozen by the attack and the other half is left shivering, tries to fulfill her role. "M-Mina A-Ashido h-has given u-up. T-To-Todoroki is t-the winner."

Even though it was such an amazing display of power, the entire audience is still left in a state of shock. Possibly because of how terrifyingly powerful the son of Endeavor truly is.

Todoroki releases a breath of air, trying to compose himself. "Sorry about that. It was a bit much." His eyes fall downward…down to his left side. "I was angry, is all."

Izuku watches with worry as Todoroki remains rooted to his spot, before his devastating ice eruption. But…for some reason, in that moment, the Omnitrix wielder can't help but notice how incredibly sad the boy looks. Like he wished the match…that the entire Sports Festival could have gone differently.

Izuku can only assume that whatever is eating away and destroying Todoroki from the inside…it has to do with his accursed flames.

Ch. 23 What Are We is over, and the next chapter will focus in on the rest of the fights of Round One. I thought about including them here, but I feel like it's important to draw on Todoroki's situation and including the other fights would distract from it. So just to be clear next time it will be these fights in this order:

1. Tenya Iida vs. Mei Hatsume

2. Ochaco Uraraka vs. Hitoshi Shinso

3. Eijirou Kirishima vs. Itsuka Kendo

4. Denki Kaminari vs. Kyoka Jiro

5. Katsuki Bakugou vs. Ibara Shiozaki

*Just to be clear Izuku will be facing Tokoyami, not Todoroki, for his next match.

*Present Mic is aware that Izuku has names for his transformations and will refer to each of them by name.

*If you've been wondering why I've been late with these updates it's because of two reasons:

1. Busy life stuff.

2. Fire Emblem…I just started playing the game for the first time and it is so much more addicting and time consuming than I thought it was going to be.

So if you want someone or something to blame for these later updates…you can blame Nintendo for making a story rich and engaging game. Sure you can blame me for even starting the game, but it's not like I'm going to stop any time soon. Either way I'm still going to write so I think it's all good.

*Anyway, stay safe out there everyone. Make smart and safe decisions and take care of yourselves and those around you.

Replies to "Guest" reviewers for Ch.22:

Aztec 13: This chapter is another fun one, we see Izuku and Ochaco making new friends during the cavalry battle, I hope their new friends join in their adventures later. I can't wait to see the next chapter with the tournament, please continue.

CreateGunner1209: Glad you enjoyed Ch.22 and I hope you guys enjoyed this one too.

Atom king: This chapter is incredible, at the start of the chapter we Izukus mom, ML-E and Mr. Boumann watching the festival, from there both Izuku and Ochaco get five million each for the Cavalry Game from Izuku and Ochaco start forming their team Izuku with Shinso, tsuyu and Jiro, I kinda feel bad tsuyu she have to hear a lot puns than again she made a few if her own puns last time who knows maybe she'll start to like Izukus puns later. Anyway Ochaco with her team made up of Mei, Kendo, and Ibara I like their interaction with each other I hope that shinso, Jiro, kendo and lbara become plumbers cadets too.

Now the game was fun to read with each student going after Izuku or Ochaco but with Izuku turning into terraspin and Ochaco thanks from Mei was able to avoid the rest of students but when time was almost done things went a little crazy but they managed to pull though, and during that craziness we get to see the Omnitrix lifeguard mode kick in again and gave Izuku feedback to win to the game but why feedback was at random or is because of feedback long ear plugs on his head that he could garb the headband? Still it was tsuyu who garb the right headband at the last minute and got the team third place.

Now the class b student Monoma his power is he that he copy others powers for five minutes by touching them now I'm curious will that still work on alien powers or that only works on humans, I bet Izuku was getting flashbacks of Nue when monoma tried to garb his arm but that begs the question is monoma another Osmosian?

Now that the end of the chapter we get to see Endeavor shows up for the first time in the story, can't wait to see his reaction towards Izuku, I hope Izuku fights Shoto soon in the next chapter mainly cause I like to see Izuku unlock a new alien during the fight like big chill or better yet heatblast just to make endeavor mad at the fact that there's someone else who can fire powers better than him or Shoto .

CreateGunner1209: Glad you liked Ch.22 and what I did with the Cavalry Battle. I know that I put Tsuyu through a lot but I like to think she got a little pay back here. And too be fair, I think Izuku's puns and sense of humor are going to rub off on her eventually. As for other members of Izuku and Ochaco's teams, I can't promise that every single person is going to be a Plumber. But we'll see I actually have it figured out of how, when, and where some characters figure this stuff out. (Don't ask because I won't tell.)

As for the lifeguard mode…that actually wasn't the case. Let's just say after a year of having the Omnitrix it finally had an upgrade.

As for Feedback, that was just by chance. Izuku reacted and got him of all things, it was shear dumb luck.

As for Monoma, there is actually an accurate and canon way to explain why his power wouldn't work on Izuku, but I may not address it right away.

As for Endeavor, Todoroki, and Izuku…I have plans…BIG plans.

KnightKing: Hey would it be possible for you to use alien forms from 5yl? I believe the Ink Tank have stated on multiple occasions that they encourage fans to use their comic as source material. In particular I think you can use the forms Lank and Prick, two forms he can easily get that are not overly powerful and can be regularly used.

CreateGunner1209: I have finally checked out a bit of Ink Tank and I like some of their content. And some of their aliens have gotten my attention. BUT I'd much prefer if I could first introduce the main Ben Ten aliens first before I get creative and reach out for new aliens. But I wouldn't mind doing unofficial-Omakes where Izuku becomes said aliens like Lank. Who I just figured out is an irken and it's great.

Guest: I just going to say it, I want deku call out Endeavor for what he did to his family, look I know he's trying in the main story to be a better person but I don't think that's good enough I honestly want endeavor to be punished for the years of abuse he did especially what did to his wife.

CreateGunner1209: I have some things in mind for Endeavor for later in the story. That's all I'll say on the matter. And I do agree that in canon, I am still waiting for him to get his comeuppance or at least some sort of consequence for what he did. Sure he's "becoming better" but I still think he deserves a bit more punishment. That's just me though. As for me living that out here…I can't promise anything.

Guest: Buen capitulo una sugerencia

Qué tal si pones a los otros dos cazarrecompensas:Six-six y Kraab creo que sería mejor ponerlo en el arco donde los villanos atacan el campamento (pero ocultando el hecho de que son alienígenas)

Qué te parece?

Pero buen capítulo, sigue y tómate tu tiempo

CreateGunner1209: Thanks for the suggestion it's always great to get suggestions because sometime they help inspire a new idea or something I haven't figured out yet. Unfortunately, this is not one of those times. Because I already have two ideas on where to bring in Six-six and Kraab for individual chapters. I already have a great idea for the Summer Camp and it's already going to be bloated so throwing these two in may be too much. But thanks either way.

Guest: Tomarás en cuenta las películas para futuros capítulos?

Y si es así tendrás planeado poner a algún otro villano de Ben 10 en estas?

Igual buen capitulo sigue así y sorprendemos!

CreateGunner1209: I have already considered both and I will be including both MHA movies. I will treat them as Arcs and I have already figured out exactly how I want them to go. But I want to keep it a surprise for what I'm going to do for those events. Sorry, but I think you're really going to be happy when we get there.

Guest: Admiro tu determinación en querer poner a todos los alien de la franquicia, cómo dije te admiro solo puedo decirte suerte y que te vaya bien y ten cuidado al salir afuera.

Está historia me engancha más con cada capítulo que pasa.

Y esperaré pacientemente la siguiente semana.

CreateGunner1209: Thank you so much for the kind words and stay safe too. And I hope this chapter was able to live up to your expectations. Thanks again for reading and leaving a review.

Guest: Have you read My Alien Academia by The Incredible Muffin?

CreateGunner1209: I have not. I have noticed it but I have yet to read it.

BlueRanger-Lyric (both reviews): I just finished the chapter and I really liked how everything turned out, and I also really like all the puns that were used, and it's interesting to see the changes of who is moving on as well as team choices, and it's nice to point out the other aspect of the Omnitrix, like how he's somehow able to activate it sooner than he should

Also, I'm wondering how different the matchups will be in the final round, and who will win in them, but I'm really hoping to see Heatblast when Deku faces off against Shoto, what I really want to see is just as Deku slams on the Omnitrix, he gets engulfed in a huge chunk of ice, and just as Shoto was gonna be announced as the winner, cracks form in the ice and out bursts in huge flames it Heatblast, and I can only imagine how Shoto will feel when facing off against someone with fire

(I accidentally sent my comment before I could finish it, so you can add this to the first one, if that's okay)

CreateGunner1209: Thank you for the review and your thoughts on Ch.22. It's always great to hear from you. And yeah, there was a reason for the Omnitrix recharging so quickly. And look forward to the fights coming up; I think you'll like them and I promise that as these matches continue, they will get better and better.