Izuku looked like he was about to pass out, so Danny whispered, "Just take a deep breath. Don't let anyone intimidate you."

Izuku nodded, "All Might was right. It's hard being at the top."

Midnight announced, "First years! These are the rules that you'll abide by. The game itself will last 15 minutes. Individual values will be added together to reach your team total. Everyone will know how much you're worth thanks to your headband. Swipe as many headbands as you can to raise your team's score. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them. And another thing. Even if your headband gets stolen or your team falls down, you can keep playing until time's up."

"It's anyone's game, then," Momo deduced.

Sato added, "And since there are 42 contestants, there'll be 10 or 12 teams fighting on the field the entire time."

Aoyama gulped, "Sounds hard."

Mina said, "So if you lose your headband at the beginning, you have more time to make up a plan."

Tsuyu added, "I don't know, Mina. Maybe we should wait and see how the teams turn out before we start strategizing."

Midnight announced, "This is gonna be rough. You may use your Quirks as much as you like. But there are still rules. Make a team fall on purpose and I'll slap you with a red card. You'll be disqualified! Now, you've got 15 minutes to build your teams. I recommend you get started.

Izuku thought, "It doesn't matter how many points my teammates have since I've got so many. I just need to make sure I pick the right people. OK, I know who I want! But I know that I've told Danny that I need to prove myself on my own. He let me during the first test, and now I'll do it again. Even though we are going to be on different teams. I'll make sure of it."

Danny seemed to know what Izuku was thinking, "Dude, it's OK. I'll go join a different team. Like you said, you want to prove yourself without relying on me. Sure. Then show me again what you're made of."

Izuku nodded.

Momo walked over to Danny and said, "I want to be on your team."

Danny smiled, "Perfect. Should we add anyone else?"

Momo nodded and pointed to Shoto. Danny figured this would be interesting.

Over at the staff tent, Death Arms said, "The sports festival isn't really about seeing how prepared they are at being heroes. It's more about simulating the competition they'll face if they go pro."

Mt. Lady was puzzled, "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Death Arms sighed as he smoked, "We both know this country's overrun with agencies right now. If you wanna put food on the table, you've gotta be willing to step on top of other heroes. That was the whole point of the first round."

Mt. Lady replied, "That's such a sad way of looking at our jobs."

Kamui Woods stared at her, "Seriously? You've never had a problem stealing the spotlight."

Death Arms sighed, "But, on the other hand, even if you're battling each other for popularity, there are plenty of cases where you have to work together."

Mt. Lady replied, "Huh. You're right, it's just like this calvary battle. Every point you score is not just for you, but for your teammates as well. Plus, you have to think about how Quirks work together and who you're compatible with."

Kamui Woods added, "It's kind of like coordinating with your sidekick or doing Quirk training with other agencies."

Death Arms said, "I'm sure some of the kids are thinking about all this. If they become pros, it'll be their way of life."

Mt. Lady added, "They've still got a long road ahead of them."

Back in the stadium, many people were surrounding Bakugo, begging to join his team.

One of them, Sato, said, "You should pick me."

Mina interrupted, "No, you definitely want me by your side."

Aoyama mumbled, "I don't wanna beg, but please."

Bakugo then said, "Wait, remind me what your Quirks are again. And your names."

Everyone around him groaned. Mina shouted, "You're kidding! We're your classmates!"

Sato asked, "Can you really be that self-centered?"

All Might saw this happening and sighed, "He's a hothead, but he came in 4th place and he has 195 points. And considering how versatile his Quirk is, I'm not surprised people are trying to join up with him."

"Bakugo!" Kirishima shouted while walking over to the hothead. "I was gonna try Todoroki, but he already picked a group. So, hey! We should team up."

Bakugo looked over and saw Shoto talking with Danny and Momo. Momo had wanted to work with both Danny and Shoto and surprisingly, Shoto agreed to have Danny on his team.

Bakugo looked back at Kirishima, "Hey, Dumb Hair."

Kirishima shouted, "My name is Kirishima! And my hair's not that different from yours. Come on. You wanna be the rider, right? So you're gonna need a strong front horse who won't be hurt by your blasts. That'd be me."

"I need someone with guts," Bakugo replied.

Kirishima retorted, "My Quirk was made for this. I got you covered, man! Let's go charging into battle together. Ten million. Bring it."

Izuku looked around, "Just like I expected. Everyone's sticking to people from their homeroom class. It's too much of a gamble to partner with someone if you don't know what their Quirk can do. I need to find a team of my own and fast. But everyone's totally avoiding me since I'm worth so much."

Ochaco walked over, "Hey, Deku! Let's team up."

Izuku started to tear up, "Uraraka! Are you sure? Everyone'll be after me and my ten million stupid points! Tell me you're not kidding!"

Ochaco replied, "If we run away the whole time, then we'll win, right?"

Izuku said, "Um, you're either overestimating me or underestimating everyone else. Especially since people like Danny, Kacchan, and Todoroki are on other teams."

"Phooey!" Ochaco replied. "Anyway, it's better to team up with people you like!" Izuku made a weird face. "Are you alright? You look kinda gross."

Izuku wiped his eyes, "No. I just thought my chest was going to explode for a second. Actually, I wanted to team up with you, too. Thanks a lot. You're right. For a game that requires so much teamwork, it's smart to find people you communicate smoothly with. In fact, if we had your Quirk and one other person….You know what, I think I might have a solid plan."

He ran over to Tenya, "Iida. We have a plan. The three of us will be horses, with Iida in the front. Using Uraraka's Quirk, Iida and I would be way lighter so we'd be able to maneuver around really easily. No one could catch us. The only thing is, we'd have to find a pretty strong rider. I don't know who could do it. I know it's not much, but it's the only evasive plan I could think of this fast."

Tenya sighed, "A good strategy, but I'm sorry. I'm afraid I must refuse your offer. Since this all started, I've been losing to you. Please don't take this as an insult. You're a great friend, but if I continue to follow you, I'll never get stronger. Bakugo and Todoroki have challenged you already, but they aren't the only ones who see you as a rival. And I have a feeling that you made Fenton become a rival to you for this , I'll try my best to defeat you." He turned and walked over to Shoto, Danny, and Momo.

"Whoa, Iida," Ochaco mumbled.

Suddenly Hatsume hovered over, "Oh, perfect, you're still alone. And you're the star. Team up with me, person in first place!"

Izuku was startled, "So close! Who are you?"

Hatsume chuckled, "I'm a student in the support course. Name's Mei Hatsume."

Ochaco recognized her, "Oh! You're that weirdo from the obstacle course."

Hatsume continued, "We haven't met, but I'd like to use your current fame for my personal advantage. If I team up with you, then I'll be in the spotlight! Part of the team that everyone's keeping their eyes on. That means my cute little babies will inevitably be seen by the big company CEOs who're tuning into the sports festival. And following that line of reasoning, this is the best way for me and my marvelous gadgets to get recruited."

"Could you slow down for a minute?" Ochaco asked.

Hatsume continued, "Plus, you two will definitely benefit from me. The support course specializes in creating equipment that helps heroes deal with their Quirks and enhances their skills. I packed a ton of powerful babies to bring with me, so I'm sure you'll find something you like floating around my arsenal! Oh, I see one's caught your eye. I based this on a certain hero's backpack. Though, of course, I added my own twist."

Izuku said, "Wait, I recognize that! Air Jet, the Buster Hero, has one of those. I love that guy!"

He then looked around, realizing that most of the people were on teams already. He needed one more person. He spotted the person he wanted. He walked to Tokoyami, put his hand on his shoulder, and said, "Join me."

Monoma, a student from Class 1-B, said, "Almost everyone in the audience is foaming at the mouth for Class 1-A. Why is that? They're so full of themselves. Just like Tetsutetsu said earlier. Why are they stars? The only difference between us and them is that they fought a couple of villains. Just because we're Class 1-B doesn't mean we're second rate or can't win this whole thing. So, let's step it up and show those jerks what we can do. Are you with me?" His teammates nodded.

The timer went off and Midnight announced, "Oh, goody. It's time to get this party started."

Aizawa was taking a nap when Present Mic tapped him on the shoulder, "Hey, hey! Look alive!" Aizawa woke up as Present Mic narrated, "After 15 minutes to pick teammates and talk strategy, 12 calvary teams are preparing to go head to head!"

Aizawa narrated, "I see some unexpected student combinations."

Present Mic narrated, "Come on! Everyone get your hands in the air! It's time for an arena thumping UA battle royale! Let me hear ya scream!"

Izuku looked at his team of Ochaco, Hatsume, and Tokoyami, "Are you guys ready?" Everyone nodded. Izuku said, "Let's do this."

Shoto looked at his teammates, "I chose the three of you because I believe we'll make for the most stable formation possible. Fenton, as much as it surprises me that you agreed to join my team, you're the left wing. He can use his Quirk to keep others at bay, whether with his blasts or his shield. Yaoyorozu, you'll take the right wing. Focus on insulation and defense. Iida, you'll take the front. We'll rely on you for mobility and physical defense."

Tenya added, "Add you'll be attacking and creating diversions of ice and fire. Is that right?"

Shoto scoffed, "Not quite. When I'm in battle, I never use my left side." He looked out at the audience and spotted his father, Endeavour. He clenched his fists in anger.

All the teams got into position, ready to start. Present Mic narrated, "Ok, all you first years! I hope you're happy with your chosen teams!"

Monoma looked over at Tetsutetsu, "Tetsutetsu. No hard feelings, OK?"

Tetsutetsu nodded, "Right."

Present Mic narrated, "Let's get this party started! One final countdown before the game starts! Three! Two! One!"

"Begin!" Midnight shouted.

Everyone started to charge, while Izuku's team didn't move. Many teams went after Izuku's team.

Tetsutetsu shouted, "It's basically one big battle for ten million points."

Toru cackled, "I'll be taking that headband, Mirdoriya!"

Tokoyami sighed, "They're not even giving us a chance, huh? Such is the fate of the pursued. Make your choice, Midoriya!"

"Here they come," Hatsume added.

"That's easy," Izuku said. "We're running away!"

"Don't think so!" Tetsutetsu shouted. His front man, Juzo, activated his Quirk, Softening, to make Izuku's team start to sink into the ground.

"What's happening?" Ochaco asked.

Izuku realized, "We're sinking. It must be that guy's Quirk."

"No good," Ochaco shouted. "I can't get out."

Izuku shouted, "Uraraka! Hatsume! Cover your faces!" He activated the jet pack Hatsume gave him and they flew up into the air, flying over all the teams charging at them.

"He flew?" Tetsutetsu shouted. "Damn support course! After them!"

Toru turned to Jiro, "Jiro, now!"

Jiro shot her earjacks towards Izuku's team, but Tokoyami used his Dark Shadow to swipe them away. Jiro growled, "Stupid bird."

"Good work," Tokoyami said to his Dark Shadow, "Please, continue to watch over our blind spots, Dark Shadow."

"Got it," Dark Shadow replied.

Izuku was impressed, "Wow, that is seriously cool! Your shadow is just what we needed. It'll take care of our omnidirectional mid-range defenses! Tokoyami, you're amazing!"

Tokoyami replied, "You are the one who chose me."

"We're landing," Ochaco shouted. She was wearing the jet boots Hatsume gave her and used her Quirk and the boots to help land.

"Uraraka's Quirk is amazing!" Izuku thought. "She's floating everything but herself and the equipment."

She landed the team and they took off running.

Hatsume asked, "So what do you think of my babies? Aren't they just precious? Cuteness can be manufactured, you know."

"Excellent mobility," Izuku replied. "Your babies are awesome, Hatsume!"

Hatsume smiled, "Aw, thanks!"

"I'm the one who's making us float," Ochaco mumbled.

Toru spotted them, "They're not that far away. Come on, Jiro! Full speed ahead!"

Sato noticed, "Hey, wait! Hagakure! Your headband's gone!" Toru noticed and started to freak out.

Monoma's team was running away while Monoma twirled the stolen headband, "Well, that was easy."

Present Mic narrated, "Wow! Barely two minutes have passed since we started, and it's already a total free for all! Yeah! Watch those headbands! You can even ignore the ten million points and go after the other chart toppers!"

Shoji came charging at Izuku's team.

Izuku noted, "It's Shoji! Is he all by himself? Where's his team?"

"What we need is breathing room," Tokoyami commented. "We can't get caught trapped between multiple opponents!" Tetsutetsu's team was charging at them too.

Suddenly both tape and a tongue reached out towards Izuku's team, but it almost hit Tetsutetsu instead.

Hanta and Tsuyu were hiding on top of Shoji thanks to his dupli-arms. Tsuyu said, "Impressive moves as usual."

Izuku groaned, "Ah, man. He's got Asui and Sero hiding in there."

Tsuyu and Sero attacked again as Present Mic narrated, "Team Shoji's coming in like a tank, making clever use of how compact their members are."

Tokoyami shouted, "Quickly, we must move!"

Izuku push the button and activated the jet pack, but Sero's tape was on Ochaco's jet boot, so part of it broke off as they rocketed to the sky.

Hatsume cried, "My baby's ruined!"

"Sorry," Izuku apologized. "But at least we got away from them."

Bakugo then leaped from his team and raced toward them, "Don't think for a second that you're safe! I've got you!"

Tokoyami used Dark Shadow to block Bakugo's attack. It made the crowd go wild.

"What the hell's that?" Bakugo asked. Kirishima jumped up and grabbed him, bringing him down to safety.

Present Mic narrated, "Bakugo's has been separated from his horses! Is that even allowed?"

Midnight announced, "He never touched the ground, so technically, it's OK."

Ochaco safely landed them and Izuku said, "Nicely done, Uraraka!"

Ochaco replied, "It's hard to control where we're going with just one foot."

"I understand," Izuku said. "With that busted boot, our movement is limited. We can't risk taking to the sky again. That means, to survive, we'll have to rely on Tokoyami's Dark Shadow, and our increased mobility, thanks to Uraraka's Zero Gravity."

As the audience went wild, Present Mic narrated, "As expected, everyone's after the first place team, giving them no time to catch their breath. What a show this is! Now who wants to take a look at each team's points so far? It's been seven minutes, so let's get those rankings thrown up on the screen." The results went up on the screen, and everyone went silent. "Hold on here. This is an unexpected turn. Other than Midoriya, Class 1-A's not doin' so hot. Even Bakugo is losing!"

The culprit is Monoma's team. Monoma said to Bakugo as he took Bakugo's headband, "Your class is too small minded. Think bigger."

"He got us!" Mina shouted.

Bakugo was pissed, "What did you say? Get back here!"

Monoma said, "Midnight said the obstacle course was just the first game, and we figured they wouldn't cut that many of us off the bat. Would they? Assuming they'd keep at least 40 contestants for the next event, all we had to do was make sure we stayed within that group as we ran. From our spots in the middle ranks, we could fully observe the Quirks our rivals had and judge their capabilities. Only a fool would obsess over winning the preliminary rounds, wouldn't you agree?"

"You planned this as a class?" Bakugo asked.

"It wasn't totally unanimous," Monoma revealed. "As your class rep's speech motivated some of my classmates to play fair, but I'd say it's playing out well. It's better than chasing off a temporary frontrunner like a horse with a carrot waving in his face. Oh, while I have your attention. You're kinda famous, aren't you? For being attacked by that sludge villain. You'll have to tell me about it sometime. It must be strange to always find yourself in the role of the victim."

Bakugo growled, "Kirishima, we have a change in plans. Before we take down Deku, we're gonna kill every last one of these B-list idiots!"

Danny observed this from Shoto's team, "Man, that guy sounds super annoying."

Izuku was also observing this exchange, "Whoa. Class 1-B had a long term strategy that involved throwing the qualifier. I guess that could help them leave a bigger impression with the audience. Everyone does kinda love an underdog. But if they're playing the long game here, they might even bother coming after my headband after all. Everyone, don't worry. I think we're OK."

Suddenly Shoto's team tried to charge at them, but Izuku's team dodged. Izuku and Shoto locked eyes with each other. Danny's eyes were glowing green.

Present Mic narrated, "And now we've reached the halfway point of the game! "

Izuku took a deep breath, "I thought we had it made. I guess I was wrong."

Present Mic narrated, "As the cavalry battle enters its second half, it's anyone's game. Class 1-B has made an unexpected showing, but who will win the ten million points in the end? That's the real question, sports fans!"

Shoto glared at Izuku, "I'll be taking that now."