A/N: Moving things along, here are the other six fights of the Round of 16. We'll be diving into the Quarter Finals next chapter! Keep your eyes peeled for brand new attacks and Quirk Evolutions, it's gonna get interesting!

Please enjoy this chapter. Review Responses at the end, as usual.

Opening Song:
"Vandalize" by One OK Rock

Shoto Todoroki's footsteps echoed in the silence of the dimly lit tunnel as he made his way towards the entrance, hands in his pockets, to await his turn to fight.

As he approached the end of the tunnel, a gust of wind brushed against his face, carrying the distant echoes of cheers, fireworks and music. It was the sound of the Sports Festival arena, the battleground where he would prove, with his mother's Quirk, that he could be a hero, too.

Shoto's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening with focus. Tenya Iida, a formidable opponent with incredible speed and fortitude, awaited him on the other side. Not that Shoto was afraid. In fact, Shoto had little doubt he could win a decisive victory against the Vice Rep. This battle was not only about defeating Tenya, but about proving his own worth, independent of his father's influence.

The weight of his mother's ice powers resided within him, a constant reminder of the pain and strength that intertwined in his lineage. It was a power he would embrace and wield with pride, a symbol of his defiance against his father's dominance.

As he approached the mouth of the tunnel, a glowing figure came into view, and Shoto's stomach was lit ablaze when he saw his father, Vegeta, standing there with his arms crossed, his powerful frame blocking Shoto's path like an immovable mountain. The flames of Vegeta's Super Saiyan form danced off of the Saiyan Prince's muscular body, illuminating the dim hallway brightly.

Vegeta's gaze bore into Shoto's, filled with disapproval and a hint of superiority. Shoto glared back at his father, clenching his teeth. Memories of his painful past flooded his mind, and the anger he had suppressed for so long resurfaced.

"You're in my way," Shoto spat. "Move!"

Vegeta's gaze remained fixed upon his son. The powerful aura surrounding him flickered and danced, reflecting the intensity of their confrontation.

"The only one standing in your way, boy, is you," Vegeta's powerful voice bounced off the lonely hall. "The power within you is wasted on your damned stubbornness. Why must you insist on remaining shackled to your mother's pitiful ice powers?"

Shoto clenched his fists.
"Shackled? I've grown stronger than ever, and it's all thanks mom's powers," Shoto retorted, his voice steady despite the emotional turmoil within. "I have my own strengths and convictions now, ones that don't rely on you or your damned Saiyan Quirk, Endeavor."

Vegeta's glowing eyes narrowed.

"Do not delude yourself, Shoto," he replied coldly. "You have Saiyan blood running through your veins. Embrace it, and you'll reach heights beyond your wildest imagination. You will rise above everyone else to be the greatest warrior this pathetic world has ever seen. And one day, you may live up to the reason I created you and you surpass even me."

Shoto's anger flared, his emotions bubbling to the surface.

"I'll never embrace the power of a monster like you!" he snapped, his voice quivering with anger and pain. "You destroyed our family, and I'll never forgive you for that."

"Hmph. You're just like your mother," Vegeta sneered. "Sentimental, weak and afraid to embrace your true purpose."

The comment hit Shoto like a punch to the gut. The memory of his mother, her kindness and her pain, flooded his mind, intertwining with the anger he felt towards his father. How dare Vegeta belittle her memory?

Shoto's eyes blazed with a seething fury, his jaw clenched so tightly that his teeth threatened to shatter under the pressure. He had endured enough of his father's demeaning words, and he refused to listen to him any longer.

"You're wrong. Mom knew her purpose very well," Shoto growled through gritted teeth, his voice trembling with rage. He mustered every ounce of strength to push past Vegeta, shouldering him aside with a force that spoke of his defiance and anger. "Her purpose was to keep me from turning into a monster like you."

Shoto's expression remained defiant, his anger giving him strength.

"I will never be like you," he declared, his voice trembling with conviction. "But in one thing, we do agree. I will surpass you, and I'll do it using only Mom's Quirk. I won't give you the satisfaction of watching me use yours. You'll see. I'll prove that I can be a hero without relying on the power of a monster like you!"

In that moment, Shoto's resolve solidified. He knew he had to stand his ground, not just for himself but for his mother as well. He would show the world that his path to heroism would be built on his own terms, not on the tainted legacy of his father.

Vegeta's eyes narrowed.

"You are a Saiyan, Shoto," Vegeta said as Shoto walked past him. "The blood of the ultimate warrior race runs through your veins. But a warrior that holds back his strength is useless and deserves no glory. You will soon learn the limits of your mother's power."

As Shoto walked away, his heart pounded with conflicting emotions. The encounter with his father had stirred up old wounds, but it had also fueled his determination to prove his worth as a hero without embracing the Saiyan powers he had come to despise.

As Shoto stepped onto the fighting stage, his gaze fell upon Tenya Iida, who awaited him with an enthusiastic smile. Iida's glasses shimmered, his own excitement evident in his demeanor.

"Shoto, there you are!" Iida exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine delight. "I've been looking forward to this match. Let's give it our all!"

Shoto remained silent, his hands finally slipping out of his pockets and clenching into fists. His eyes were misty, clouded with raw emotion. As Iida looked at Shoto, he noticed a flicker of emotion in his classmate's eyes. Misinterpreting the signs, Iida innocently assumed Shoto was nervous about the upcoming battle and, compelled by a sense of duty bestowed upon him by his role as Vice Representative, he decided to offer some words of encouragement.

"Hey, Todoroki, it's okay to feel nervous," Iida said with a warm smile, attempting to comfort him. "Honestly, I'm a bit nervous myself. We both come from prestigious hero families, after all. But I know you'll do great. You'll make your father proud, I'm sure of it."

The moment those words left Iida's mouth, it was as if a bomb had been detonated in Shoto's heart. The mention of his father's pride struck a nerve, reigniting the seething anger that had simmered within him.

A wave of icy rage surged through Shoto, and he could not contain it.

"Tenya Iida vs Shoto Todoroki. Ready? CLAAAAASH!"

Shoto's eyes blazed as he focused his energy, channeling all of his rage and frustration into one devastating attack.

With a swift thrust of his right hand, the air around him crackled with intense cold, and from the palm of his hand shot forth a torrent of icy energy. A colossal wave of ice erupted from the ground, spiraling upwards in a mesmerizing display. The frozen landscape spilled out, covering and freezing everything in its path.

"Final… FLASH FREEZE!" Shoto shouted.

Tenya, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, surged forward in an attempt to pierce through the incoming ice wave. But it was too powerful. The massive icy torrent engulfed him, rapidly encasing his body in a thick layer of ice. He struggled to break free, but the ice held him in its icy grip, restricting his movements and leaving him trapped within the frozen tidal wave.

The ice climbed higher and higher, reaching towards the heavens, parting the clouds. The spectators watched in awe as a massive wall of ice formed, encompassing half of the arena with its sheer magnitude, casting an glacial glow over them.

The air became dense with the biting cold, making it difficult to breathe for those sitting under the icy wall. Shoto opened his mouth and let out a long exhalation, his warm breath coming out in a visible puff of air.

Vegeta sat in his chair, arms folded over his chest, watching his son with disgust.

Shoto, witnessing the bitter look in his father's face, felt a mix of emotions welling up within him. While he reveled in knowing that he had won using only his mother's Quirk, a part of him couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He hadn't intended to create such an overwhelming icy landscape, and now Iida was trapped within it.

Iida fought against the constraints, trying to find a way to break free from the icy prison that held him captive, but there was nothing he could do. He fought until the very end, when Midnight counted down to zero.

"Seven… Eight… Nine… TEN! Tenya Iida has been immobilized. Shoto Todoroki WINS!"

Present Mic couldn't contain his excitement as he shouted into the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Did you see that?! Shoto Todoroki's ultimate move just took this match to a whole new level! The power, the intensity, the sheer spectacle of it all! This is what the Finals Tournament of the Sports Festival is all about! YEAHHHH!"

As Shoto was decared the winner, Iida's heart sank with disappointment. The weight of defeat bore down on him, and he found it hard to meet the eyes of his classmates and the cheering spectators.

Trapped within the frozen confines, Iida clenched his jaw, frustration boiling within him.

"Damn. It can't end like this… I couldn't even put up a proper fight..." he whispered, his voice tinged with regret.

"Amazing" Melissa whispered in awe to Gohan. "Shoto's ice wave covered half of the stadium!"

"Yeah," Gohan nodded, his own eyes gleaming with admiration. "It's the looks like the same technique he used to shield the marketplace from Yamu's ki blasts during the League's attack. Shoto's abilities really are on another level. And that's with him only using one half of his Quirk!"

As she saw Iida trapped within the icy wave, Ochaco's heart went out to him, remembering how just moments earlier, Iida had stood up for her and cheered her up. Seeing him down in the arena now, head lowered in defeated resignation, broke her heart.

"Oh man, I feel so bad for Iida, you guys," Ochaco said sadly, holding her hands together. "He trained so hard and really wanted to shine for his brother. I hope he's okay."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Gohan nodded. "It's tough when you've got a lot of expectations weighing on your shoulders. But Iida is strong. I know he'll bounce back."

"I'm more worried about Shoto," Izuku said, staring at Todoroki, who walked up to Iida with his shoulders slumped. "He looks so… sad…"

Shoto walked up to Iida and pressed his left hand against the ice, unleashing a steady heat wave that caused the ice to gradually recede. As the ice melted away, Iida emerged, gasping for breath, clutching onto his chest, his glasses fogging up from the rushing heat wave.

"Apologies, Vice Rep," Shoto said in a low tone. His eyes were lowered to the floor. "I know you were just trying to help. I guess I was a little angry, is all…"

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IX – FIGHTING DREAMERZ

The cheers of the crowd still resonated through the arena as Midnight stepped forward once again. Her captivating presence commanded attention as she raised the microphone to her glossy lips.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's almost time for yet another exhilarating clash! Will the following students please prepare for the next match: the formidable Videl Satan and the nature-loving Ibara Shiozaki! The match will begin in five minutes."

"The hour draws near," Ibara said, hands clasped and closed her eyes in a silent prayer. She got up and walked towards the stairs.

"Time to kick some ass," Videl huffed with a smirk, crashing her black-gloved fist against her open palm.

"Break a leg, Satan," Bakugo sneered, his tone laced with a touch of mockery. "Try not to cry too hard when you lose."

"The only one crying was your mama when she realized it was too late to swallow you," Videl shot back, making Kaminari spit out his soda. Bakugo crossed his arms with a smirk, but didn't retort.

As Videl got up to walk downstairs to the tunnel that lead to the fighting stage, Iida trudged in to the balcony, his spirits clearly dampened by the outcome of the match. Ochaco, Gohan, Melissa, and Izuku gathered around him to cheer him up.

"Hey, Iida, don't beat yourself up too much," Ochaco said, offering a reassuring smile. "You gave it your all out there, and that's what counts. We're proud of you."

Gohan chimed in with a gentle nod. "Absolutely! Maybe things don't go as planned, but I'm sure your brother is still super proud of you!"

Melissa stepped closer and placed a comforting hand on Iida's shoulder. "You've got a lot of heart, Iida. That's what makes you a hero. Don't let one defeat get you down. Keep pushing forward."

Izuku's eyes shone with encouragement. "Exactly! Even All Might faces setbacks sometimes, but like he always says, it's how we bounce back that matters. Keep that fire burning, Iida!"

"You guys…," Iida said in defeat, eyes glued to the ground. "I wanted to go out there and embody what it meant to be a hero, but now I feel like I let everyone down. My friends, my classmates, my family, and my big brother Tensei..."

"Iida…" Ochaco began to say, but Videl interrupted. Her eyes narrowed in annoyance as she listened to Iida's defeated words.

"Iida, seriously, enough with the moping around," she hissed. "You're Vice Rep for a reason, right? So yeah, maybe you lost, but at least you made it to the Finals! YOU WERE ON TV, FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! You'll get another chance to shine. Ugh! It's just so annoying to see the guy I voted for doubting himself like this."

Iida slowly lifted his head.

"You... voted for me, Videl?"

"Sure did," Videl said, lifting up three fingers. "You had three votes, remember? I was one of them. For better or worse, you've always been there for everyone, Tenya, encouraging and supporting us. So, it's about time you started doing the same for yourself, don't you think?"

"Yeah, man! Videl's right!" Kirishima chimed in. "Besides, you were seriously manly out there when you took Shoto's attack head-on. That's the spirit of a true hero and a man! Losing a match doesn't make you any less of one."

Iida blinked, surprised by their straightforward encouragement. But deep down, he knew they were right. He gulped down his disappointment and straightened his posture, a determined gleam appearing in his eyeglasses.

"You're right, all of you," Iida said with a smile, his voice now steadied. "I can't let one defeat hold me back. There will be more opportunities, and I'll give it my all every time."

Yaoyorozu gave Shoto a gentle nudge on his arm with her elbow, and Shoto shrugged.

"What? I already said I was sorry," he replied, and his dry, innocent tone lightened the mood in the balcony.

…

"Videl Satan from Hero Class 1A vs Ibara Shiozaki of Hero Class 1B. Ready? CLASH!"

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, as the tension in the arena reached its peak as Videl Satan and Ibara Shiozaki stood face to face. Normally, Videl entered fights like these with a smug taunt, but it was Ibara who broke the silence this time. She scoffed, glancing up and down at Videl with an arrogant air.

"Videl Satan, your name alone tells me that you are a sinner, but the manner in which the crowd worships you confirms it, you unrepentant idolater. Prepare to face the consequences of your wickedness," Ibara proclaimed, her voice dripping with self-righteousness.

"Yeah, yeah," Videl huffed, surging forward into a run towards her Ibarra, hands balled into fists. "You're starting to sound like my mother. Shut up and let's do this!"

Without another word, Ibara, summoned forth the lush green vines attached to her hair, which plummeted into the stage, burying themselves into the ground. As the sinister vines sprouted from the ground behind Videl, their twisted tendrils snaked out, catching Videl by surprise and wrapping themselves around her, lifting her up off the ground.

Time seemed to slow as Videl's senses sharpened. With a burst of speed, she swiftly slipped out of her UA gym jacket and sweatpants, leaving them behind as a temporary sacrifice.

Videl's agile body contorted and twisted, defying the encroaching vines, slicing her way through them with her open palm and sharp kicks. She managed to slip free from their clutches, emerging from their grasp with a front-flip.

Wearing only a white t-shirt and a pair of black leggings shorts now, Videl landed gracefully on her feet and pushed forward into a new run, closing the gap between herself and Ibara. Ibara recalled her vines for another swipe at the incoming pig-tailed girl.

With an explosive burst of speed, Videl activated her Quirk and leaped into action, her body a blur.

She twisted and turned, evading the grasping vines, leaping her way towards Ibara.

Meanwhile, Present Mic and Mister Satan's voices filled the stadium.

"Mic, my friend, let me tell you, my precious Videl is a force to be reckoned with!" Mister Satan exclaimed, his voice filled with exuberance. "Her skills, her determination, it's all top-notch! I've trained her myself, you know!"

That's right, folks! Mister Satan has been mentoring Videl, and it's clear that she's a true prodigy. Her quick thinking and strength are shining through in this battle!" Present Mic responded. "Just look at that crowd! Videl's got them all on their feet!"

"Videl's always been an applied student in class, who focuses on her objectives and goes for it," Aizawa added. "She doesn't let fear or reservations hold her back. She just steamrolls ahead."

Videl's punches and kicks clashed against Ibara's relentless barrage of vines. The audience cheered as the two girls engaged at the center of the stage, vines whipping away at Videl while the shorter girl ducked around them, delivering well placed hits at Ibara, who hid behind her vines.

Gradually, Videl gained the upper hand. Her lightning-quick reflexes and accumulated power allowed her to anticipate Ibara's moves and exploit the lapses in her defense. As Videl pressed forward with ferocity, hammering away at Ibara's defenses, a sense of desperation flickered across Ibara's eyes. Realizing that her initial strategy had failed, she swiftly summoned her vines, coaxing them to retract and weave themselves into a tightly wound cocoon around her.

The cocoon of thorny vines encased Ibara, providing a temporary respite from Videl's relentless assault. Inside, Ibara strategized her next move while protected by her natural fortress. But Videl threw herself against the barrier, fists pounding against the cocoon with unrelenting force.

"You revel in your fame and the privileges it brings, don't you?" Ibara taunted, desperately producing more thorny vines to replace the ones that Videl was tearing through. "I will not lose to you, Satan. You're nothing more than a sinner, basking in the spotlight of idolatry; a daughter of a renowned liar."

Videl's eyes narrowed, and a confident smirk played on her lips.

"HA! You say that like I should be ashamed of it. You call me a sinner because I'm famous, I say you're damned right! But what about you, Ibara? What are you hiding behind your self-righteous facade? Assholes like you who cast stones and preach righteousness often have the most insecurities lurking beneath the surface. Isn't that right?"

With each thunderous strike of Videl's bleeding fists, the cocoon shuddered, the impact reverberating through the entangled vines. Videl clenched her teeth against the pain, the sting of each cut fueling each punch. The crowd cheered as Videl leaped back and unleashed a flurry of kicks, determined to shatter Ibara's defenses.

"I've embraced who I am, flaws and all," Videl growled, pummeling the cocoon. "Being myself makes me stronger. But you? You hide behind your judgment and your disdain for others. What are you so afraid of, huh? What deep-seated insecurities are you desperately trying to hide? Who's the real phony and a liar here, Ibara?"

Ibara's composure crumbled beneath Videl's piercing words, feeling the vibrations coursing through the cocoon. She knew she couldn't remain sheltered forever. The pressure mounted, the cocoon straining under the relentless barrage. Ibara's mind raced, seeking a way to turn the tide in her favor, but Videl seemed to be everywhere at once. Her fists continued to bear down on her, tearing holes into the cocoon. Slowly, cracks began to form in the protective barrier, tendrils of sunlight creeping in.

"So, go ahead, Ibara. Keep judging and chastising. But remember, while you hide behind your self-righteousness bubble, I ain't ashamed, or afraid to embrace my true self. I live free and think for myself. That's the difference between us."

Videl's attacks intensified. Blow after blow rained down upon the weakening cocoon, threatening to break through the remaining barriers and expose Ibara to the full force of her assault.

The crowd erupted into frenzied cheers, their excitement mounting as the tension in the arena reached its peak.

Finally, with a surge of superhuman strength, Videl's muscles bulged with raw power. Clenching the tangled vines with an iron grip, she exerted all of her might, channeling her energy into a single, mighty heave. Videl lifted the remnants of the cocoon, with Ibara still tangled inside it, high above her head. The crowd gasped in awe, their eyes widening at the display of her unearthly strength, fueled by her Quirk.

With a primal roar that echoed throughout the arena, Videl propelled the cocoon upward, hurtling it into the sky. Ibara, still trapped within the cocoon, screamed as she was thrown from the fighting stage in spectacular fashion. Videl squatted down low to the ground, the Orange Star of her Quirk at her feet spinning wildly.

With a confident smirk, Videl raised her arms to the heavens, drawing upon a power she had never shown, but had been quietly working on. It was a power inherited from her mother.

"STAR POWER – FULL SPECTRUM!" Videl shouted. A radiant glow enveloped her body as her ki surged to unprecedented levels. Brilliant blue ki pooled together and arched, taking the form of magnificent blue wings on Videl's back, resembling those of a celestial being. The angelic wings shimmered with beauty, each feather radiating a divine aura that left the spectators spellbound.

Gohan looked perplexed, trying to make sense of the sudden surge in Videl's power level. He adjusted his scouter.

"Whoa! I've never seen Videl do anything like this before!" he exclaimed. "Her power level is off the charts!"

Izuku, along with the others, stared wide-eyed at Videl, who crouched down, gathering strength and power for a mighty leap, her wings folding in around her like a protective shell.

"It's like she tapped into a whole new level of power," Izuku said, his voice tinged with awe. "But how? Where did that Angel Quirk come from?"

Bakugo rolled his eyes, crossing his arms.

"Tch, isn't it obvious, ya idiots?" He muttered. "Pigtails is the daughter of Miguel, the Archangel Hero. Obviously she inherited her powers, too."

Kaminari and Jiro exchanged astonished glances, their mouths agape.

"She's incredible!" Kaminari whispered in disbelief. "But where the heck was this power during the USJ when we were getting our butts handed to us by those damned villains?!"

"Her Quirk must be evolving or something!" Melissa breathed. "Her Star Power… it's always been full of surprises."

Unable to contain his excitement, Kirishima leaped to his feet and ran to the railing.

"YEAHHHHH!" he shouted excitedly. "Get her, Babe! Show her just how amazing you are!"

Videl locked eyes with her boyfriend for a split second, smiling as she felt his excited aura flowing to her through her Quirk, fueling the superhuman strength from her newly awakened transformation.

Red… Videl thought with a flicker of a smile on her face. You're the one who's always accepted me the way I am and encouraged me to be myself, no reservations or judgments. This one's for you, Babe… and also there's one more person…

Videl glanced up to the commentator's box, where her father was jumping up and down with prideful joy, cheering for her. The memories of her father, Hercule, training her in martial arts came rushing back, accompanied by his boisterous voice filled with pride and admiration.

In her mind's eye, she saw herself as a young girl, her tiny fists clenched tightly as her father stood before her, his own powerful form exuding confidence.

"HEH HEH HEH! Videl, my little champ! You're amazin'!" He had said with pride. "One day, you'll be the greatest hero ever! Now go out there and show 'em what you're made of!"

The flashback brought a bittersweet smile to Videl's face. Yes, this was for him, too. With a mighty cry, Videl propelled herself into the air, the force of her takeoff cratering the ground below. Her angelic wings flapped open, carrying her towards the cocoon in the air. The entire stadium gasped in awe as she soared with grace and power, her presence truly divine.

As she neared Ibara, her eyes locked onto her opponent with a proud smirk. Ibara gasped, eyes wide at the sight of Videl. With a resounding cry, Videl executed her mother's ultimate move. Her leg blurred with incredible speed as she delivered a thunderous kick, empowered by the force of her wings.

"HEAVEN'S EAGLE KICK!" Videl shouted at the top of her lungs, her booming voice reverberating across the stadium as she kicked the cocoon with both feet.

The impact was cataclysmic. A radiant burst of energy erupted from the point of contact, sending shockwaves through the arena. The cocoon shattered to pieces as Videl finally tore through to its core, striking Ibara with such force that it sent her hurtling backward, bursting out of her cocoon and crashing out of the ring with a tremendous thud, leaving her sprawled and defeated.

"Ibara is out of bounds!" Midnight announced. "Videl Satan wins!"

The stadium erupted into a chorus of cheers, the crowd in complete awe of Videl's incredible display of strength and grace.

As Videl floated down gracefully, she gave Ibara a triumphant smirk.
"I told you, didn't I?" Videl said with a wink. "When you've got the power and the will to embrace who you are and live free, there's nothing you can't achieve."

"Such… power…" Ibara moaned, staring up at Videl. "Are you… an angel, Videl?"

"Nah, I ain't no angel… but I sure was raised by one," Videl softly hovered in front of Ibara, touching down. Her wings folded inward and disappeared with a glimmer of light. Videl glanced up at her father, who had been reduced to a snotty, crying proud mess. "He may not be as strong as he'd like to think he is, but in my heart, he will always be the champ."

"Aw, Videl…" Mister Satan cried. "I always knew you could do it!"

"And besides, my mother is the Archangel Hero, Miguel," Videl shrugged. "So maybe I ain't as wicked as you thought… well, he he he maybe just a little bit."

Ibara, stunned by Videl's revelation, looked up at her with an apologetic look. She had been so quick to judge, blinded by her preconceived notions. The realization washed over her, and she saw Videl in a new light.

"I... I misjudged you, Videl," Ibara admitted, her voice tinged with humility. "I see now that you are not defined solely by your name or lineage. I apologize for my hasty assumptions."

Videl nodded, accepting the apology graciously.

"Ehh, Forget about it, it's no big deal. But you better not forget my name!" Videl said, placing her fists on her hips proudly. "That's who I am… I'm Miss Satan!"

…

As Videl made her way back to the balcony, the electrifying energy of her victory still coursing through her veins, she couldn't contain her joy. Spotting Kirishima waiting for her, she dashed toward him with unbridled excitement. In a spontaneous burst of affection, she leaped into his waiting arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, and pressed her lips against his in a passionate kiss.

Their classmates watched, a mix of surprise, amusement, and a touch of envy crossing their faces. Some turned away, feeling slightly awkward at the public display of affection. Others couldn't help but chuckle or exchange glances.

Kirishima held Videl securely in his arms, returning her kiss with equal passionate fervor. The cheers and whistles from the crowd faded into the background as they lost themselves in the moment.

"Let's… let's leave those two love birds alone and head down to the tunnel," Mina suggested. "What do you say, Muscles?"

"Y-Yeah," Gohan agreed with a blush. He got up to follow Ashido to the stairs and glanced at Ochaco, reaching up to his face and removing the Scouter, handing it to Ochaco.

"Hey, hold onto my Scouter for me, Ochaco," Gohan said with a warm smile. "You can use it if you want… it'll help you watch the match in case it gets too intense."

Ochaco's cheeks flushed slightly at the gesture.

"You bet! Good luck, Gohan," she replied softly. "I'll be rooting for you."

With a nod, Gohan turned and headed towards the stairs, Mina joining him with a knowing smirk.

Just as they were about to leave, Itsuka's voice called out from behind them. The redhead poked her head over the wall that separated their classes from each other, her green eyes sparkling with joy.

"Good luck, Gohan! I'll be rooting for you, too!" Itsuka said cheerfully, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "Make us proud out there!"

Gohan turned around with a friendly smile.

"Thanks, Itsuka! I'll do my best!" he replied, genuinely appreciating the encouragement.

Mina, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow and shot a knowing glance at Itsuka. Itsuka caught onto Mina's stare and gave her a sweet wink before climbing back down the wall. As the walked down the steps towards the tunnel, Mina leaned closer to Gohan, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

"Gohan, did you catch that?" she whispered, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Gohan looked at Mina, still oblivious to the subtleties.

"Catch what?" he asked, genuinely confused.

Mina stifled a giggle, leaning even closer.

"Itsuka's definitely got a thing for you," she whispered conspiratorially, glancing back behind her. "She's totally flirting with you!"

"What? No way," Gohan laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "Itsuka and I are neighbors, practically. We're really good friends, that's all.

"Gohan, Gohan," Mina chuckled, shaking her head at his innocent response. "You're a sweet guy, but sometimes you're just oblivious to these things. Trust me, she's got a huge crush on you. But don't worry; it's not a big deal. I know you're into Ochaco..."

"Yeah," Gohan said, absentmindedly. Suddenly his eyes widened and he swiveled around to face Mina. "WAIT!"

Mina couldn't resist giggling and she skipped ahead as Gohan ran to catch up.

"What did you mean by that, Mina?" Gohan asked timidly.
"Ohh don't be shy, Gohan! C'mon, tell the truth. Did seeing Videl and Kirishima's lovey-dovey little smooch back there make you think of someone? Like a certain gravity-defying girl we know?"

Gohan's cheeks turned a faint shade of red.

"Well, I, uh..." he stammered, trying to find the right words.

Mina laughed, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction.

"Aw, come on, spill the beans! You and Ochaco are practically inseparable. We all see it!"

Gohan sighed and scratched the back of his head, trying to keep his composure.

"Well… yeah, we've become… close," he admitted, a hint of fondness in his voice. He smiled, almost to himself as he stared off into space. "Much closer than friends, actually. She's always been there for me, and I'm grateful for that. Knowing that she's watching me makes me want to do my best in the tournament. I… I want to make her proud."

Mina grinned even wider, her teasing not letting up.

"Aww, Gohan is in looo-ooove!" she sing-songed playfully.

Gohan chuckled softly, crossing his arms and looking down at the floor

"Yeah… I think I am," he said with an innocent glint in his eye.

"Aw, you're such a sweetheart, Gohan!" Mina giggled, nudging him again. "It's nice to see you so happy. So… Have you asked her out yet? I mean, officially."

Gohan's cheeks turned even redder at Mina's straightforward question. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"Well, not officially," he admitted. "I mean, we spend a lot of time together, but no… I haven't asked her to be my girlfriend or anything."

Mina grinned mischievously, sensing Gohan's hesitation. "Well, you should totally do it!" she encouraged. "You two are so cute together, and it's obvious that you care about each other a lot."

"Yeah, I do," Gohan said with a soft smile.

"Then what are you waiting for? Go and ask her!"

Gohan stopped and sighed. He looked back up at Mina with a determined smile.
"You know what? You're right," he said. "I'll talk to her after the tournament is over. I want to do it properly, you know?"

Mina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's the spirit! You've got this, Gohan! Just remember to be confident and genuine. Ochaco's a lucky girl."

"Thanks, Mina," Gohan said. "I never realized you were so good at love advice."

"Yeah, I'm practically a pro," Mina said, rubbing her fingernails on her jacket and blowing on them.

"Then how come you're still single?" Gohan asked innocently.

"H-HUH?!" Mina gasped, eyes bulging with emotional damage. She playfully punched him in the shoulder for the comment.

"Ah," Gohan laughed, rubbing his shoulder as Mina stuck her tongue out at him. With a final grin exchanged between the two friends, they turned their attention back to the upcoming match.

"The next match is about to begin! Give it up for the Class Representative of Class 1A, a young hero in the making who has become something of a fan favorite along this competition. A brainy hero with dreamy, innocent eyes and spiky hair, it's SON GOHAN!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Gohan ran up to the stage, keeping his eyes glued to the ground, feeling a bit shy from all of the attention. His image flared to life up on the screens, with a happy smile and wide eyes.

"VERSUS! The energetic and upbeat personification of an Energy Drink – MINA ASHIDO of Class 1A!"

"Woo-Hoo! Let's do this!" Mina cheered, cart-wheeling into a backflip, landing on the stage with flair and a smirk. The crowd loved her entrance.

"READY? CLASH!"

Mina immediately launched herself towards Gohan, her body twisting and turning with acrobatic grace.

"Aw yeah! Look at those moves!" Kaminari howled, entranced by Mina's athleticism.

"Go, Mina!" Toru cheered, her gloves waving in the air, her tone turning into a monstrous low roar "Melt his clothes off!"

"Toru, you perv!" Jiro said with a blush. "Don't be weird."

Mina flipped in midair, generating a stream of potent acid that sizzled and shot out towards Gohan.

As the acid projectiles rained down upon him, Gohan effortlessly dodged and weaved around them, occasionally lifting up his hand calmly to fire off a protective ki blast that evaporated the incoming globs of acid.

Gohan smiled as he toyed with Mina, his agility and reflexes on full display, evading her attacks with ease. Despite her athletic prowess, Mina struggled to land a single hit on the agile Class Rep.

"Hey, you're pretty good, Mina!" Gohan said with a smile. "My turn."

In a sudden burst of flight, Gohan swooped in, catching her in mid-air as she tried to back-flip away. With gentle strength, he cradled her in his arms, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

"G...Gohan…" Mina squeaked with a blush, feeling the warmth of Gohan's hands under her back and thighs...

With a playful grin, Gohan flew over to the edge of the stage and gently tossed Mina out of bounds, securing his victory in the round.

"And in that envious position, Mina Ashido is out of bounds! Son Gohan WINS!" Midnight announced, blushing.

"Dang it, I lost. Oh well," Mina shrugged, dusting herself off as Gohan floated down to join her outside the ring. She beamed at him with genuine admiration. "You're amazing, Gohan! That was so much fun!" she exclaimed.

Gohan chuckled warmly, his eyes sparkling with a touch of mischief.

"You put up a good fight, Mina. Thanks for giving it your all! Those moves were so cool!"

"Damn you, Mina," Toru growled under her breath. "You were practically in his arms, close enough to let us see some of his muscles, at least...

"Seek help," Jiro told her friend, patting her invisible shoulder playfully, with a twitch of her eye.

Ochaco leaped to her feet, her applause thunderous. She couldn't contain her joy and admiration as she watched Gohan emerge triumphant, feeling a sense of pride wash over her.

Gohan turned to look straight up at her and smiled, lifting up a thumbs up at her. Ochaco giggled and returned the gesture, her eyes glazing with affection.

All of their classmates cheered for Mina and Gohan's performance as well.

All except for Katsuki Bakugo.

His red eyes burned with frustration and annoyance as he watched Gohan's victory with disdain. In his mind, Gohan was simply not taking the tournament seriously enough, and it infuriated him.

What the hell is he doing? With a power like his, he should have annihilated Raccoon Eyes on the spot. Bakugo clenched his fists. Damned Rice bowl… He thinks this is all one big game. The only thing he cares about is making Pink Cheeks giggle… Useless extras like her…

Bakugo's eyes settled on Ochaco, who was pumping her fist in the air to cheer for Gohan. His eyes widened in realization.

Useless extras like her…

A terrible plot formed in Bakugo's twisted mind and his fist tightened.

Gohan, you're gonna fight me at your full power, one way or another. If that means that your little girlfriend gets hurt, well… he smirked. Maybe then she won't be so useless, after all…

…

"Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for the rematch between UA High's hero classes! It's time to witness the titanic clash between Eijiro Kirishima of Class 1A and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Class 1B! Ready? CLASH!"

Kirishima's hardened fists collided with Tetsutetsu's metallic body. Tetsutetsu grunted in pain, but stood his ground, his iron skin absorbing the force of Eijiro's blow. He retaliated with a counterattack of his own, his metal fist meeting Eijiro's.

"Get him, Red!" Videl cheered for her boyfriend. "Kick that rustbucket to the curve!"

Blow after blow, the clash between Eijiro and Tetsutetsu reached a crescendo. The audience roared with boom of their mighty strikes, as the two boys clashed at full steam.

In one climactic moment, their fists collided with each others' chins with such immense force that a shockwave rippled through the arena. The impact was so powerful that it sent both Eijiro and Tetsutetsu sprawling backward and to the ground, their bodies unable to withstand the incredible strain.

The crowd gasped as the dust settled, revealing the two fighters lying motionless on the battlefield. A hushed silence fell over the arena, as medical teams of Android Juniors rushed onto the stage, tending to the fallen fighters with utmost care. After checking on both of the fallen fighters, Midnight raised her whip and finally broke the silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this battle between Eijiro Kirishima and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu has resulted in a double knockout! The winner will have to be decided through a short competition, perhaps arm wrestling, when they both recover. Until then, we'll move onto the next match!"

…

"For the penultimate fight of the first round," Midnight's voice boomed over the stadium, "we have a clash between two remarkable students! In this corner, we have the explosive powerhouse, Katsuki Bakugo! And in the opposite corner, the beautiful, strategic and resourceful recommendation student, Momo Yaoyorozu!

As she got into position to face Bakugo in the fighting stage, Momo's heart raced with anticipation as she glanced over to where Shoto stood, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. She had been working on a special move to show Todoroki just how much she'd grown as a fighter since the USJ incident, and she couldn't wait to unleash it.

"Ready? CLASH!"

Momo was still distracted when Bakugo swung both hands behind him, launching himself towards her like a missile. His explosions lit up the arena as he flew through the air at her with incredible speed and ferocity.

Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Momo quickly activated her quirk, creating a metal shield to defend against Bakugo's barrage. With her arm trembling from the impact, she did her best to hold her ground against the relentless explosions, but she could feel herself being pushed back.

In the stands, Shoto's eyes were fixed on the intense battle unfolding before him. He watched as Momo crumbled under Bakugo's attacks. Though he was impressed with her determination, he couldn't help but feel a sense of futility to it all.

Bakugo's victory was evident. He landed explosion after explosion, shifting through the air to get new vantage points to blast at Yaoyorozu, who could do nothing but recoil from the blasts.

Bakugo's explosive prowess proved to be a turn on for the crowd as they erupted into cheers. Then, with an angry roar, Katsuki charged forward, unleashing a concentrated blast of explosive energy that flickered, ducking under Momo's outstretched shield and reignited directly in front of Yaoyorozu.

"CHAIN GRENADE!" Bakugo roared. The explosion ripped at Momo's jacket and lifted her off her feet. Momo screamed out in pain as she was propelled backward, unable to regain her balance. With a resounding crash, she flew out of the ring, landing outside its boundaries and crumpling to the ground.

It was over. In just seven seconds, Bakugo had completely overwhelmed and defeated a Recommendation student.

Katsuki stood there, barely even breaking a sweat, his gaze fixed on the spot where Momo had fallen.

Momo moaned as she picked herself up, her eyes watering with pain and embarrassment.

"I… lost…?" she whimpered, her eyebrows furrowing.

As Bakugo stood triumphant over Momo, the manic, predatory glint in his eyes receded, replaced by a contorted, smug sneer.

"Is that all you've got, Ponytail? What's the matter? I thought you were supposed to be smart, what with being a shiny recommendation student and all. Guess you're just another weakling who can't measure up."

Momo's heart sank at the harsh words, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she tried to catch her breath. Bakugo, still riding the high of his victory over Momo, turned to face Shoto, who was watching from the stands.

"Hey, Todoroki!" He taunted in an attempt to provoke him. "Your little crush couldn't even put up a decent fight. Guess she's not as impressive as you thought, huh?"

Shoto met Bakugo's gaze, his eyes cool and unaffected.

"Momo's defeat doesn't concern me." he replied coldly. "I'm not here to measure my worth through someone else's battles. I have my own reasons for being in this tournament. If Yaoyorozu lost, she only has herself to blame."

"Todoroki…?" Momo gasped, her heart breaking anew.

"Haaaah?" Bakugo's smirk faltered for a moment, surprised by Shoto's composed response. He had hoped to ignite a fiery rage within Shoto, to goad him into a fight at full power. But Shoto's indifference deflated Bakugo's smug smirk.

"I'll fight you when I'm ready, Bakugo, IF you make it to the final," Shoto continued, his voice steady. "Not because of your childish taunts, but because I choose to. So don't mistake my calmness for weakness."

Bakugo clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. He had failed to provoke the reaction he desired from Shoto. Momo's heart sank at Shoto's dismissive response. She had hoped for some acknowledgment, some sign that he had noticed her efforts and growth. But instead, his words only deepened her disappointment. After all this time, she had been trying to reconnect with Shoto, to find that spark of friendship and closeness that they'd had as children. But now it was evident… Shoto didn't care about her at all. With a heavy heart, Momo picked herself up and turned away from the scene, her footsteps echoing in the tunnel as she made her way back, hugging her elbows in silence.

"Whatever, you icy-hot bastard," Bakugo said angrily, marching off the stage. "Just make sure to fight me with both your ice and your flames, got that?!"

Gohan, Izuku, and Melissa watched with concern as Momo walked back to the tunnel, slouching forward in defeat.

"Poor Momo," Gohan said, his voice tinged with sympathy. "I don't get it. It's like she froze or something. It was over before it even started."

"That's Kacchan for you," Izuku sighed. "He's just so driven to win that it's tough to keep up with him. One wrong move and you're history!"

"And as a student who was accepted on a recommendation, it's gotta sting!" Melissa added, "It's clear that she wanted to impress Todoroki too. I hope she doesn't take the loss too hard."

As they shared their thoughts, Ochaco slipped away quietly from her seat, trying to hide her own concerns about her upcoming fight. This was it – she was the final fight of the Round of Sixteen. This time, neither Gohan nor Deku nor Melissa nor Tsu would be there to help her out. She was on her own now.

She made her way downstairs and in the privacy of the tunnel, Ochaco's footsteps slowed to a stop as she took a moment to gather herself. Her heart pounded with nervousness, as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She thought back to the day she decided to become a hero, a decision that was driven by her desire to support her parents and give them a better life. Her father's construction company had struggled, and she had always wanted to help them out.

But her father never let Ochaco use her Quirk to lighten his load at work, literally.

"Ochaco," he would say, "your Quirk is special, so you've got to use it for something special. Your dreams – follow them. Become the hero you always wanted to be. That's how I want you to use your powers."

"I'm doing this for Mom and Dad," she whispered to herself, eyes narrowing. "I won't let them down."

She then thought of her friends, especially Gohan, who had always believed in her and encouraged her to follow her dreams. Gohan, Izuku, Melissa, Tsu, Iida and the rest of my friends… I can't let them down either, Ochaco thought. Her mind even dwelled on her opponent, Itsuka Kendo, who had ignited the rivalry over Gohan in the first place.

After this fight, whether I win or lose, I have to find a way to make amends with her…... somehow. I don't want to have any enemies, especially when they're hero students like me. There has to be a way…
As Ochaco was gathering her thoughts and mentally preparing herself, she suddenly sensed someone's presence behind her. Turning around, she was met with the warm and supportive gaze of Gohan. A small smile crept across her face, glad to have a familiar face by her side in this crucial moment.

"Gohan," Ochaco said. His presence alone always gave her a sense of comfort, no matter what she could be facing.

Gohan returned her smile, his eyes filled with admiration. But there was something else in his eyes, a subtle hint of longing and affection that made Ochaco's heart flutter.

"You've got this, Ochaco," Gohan encouraged her, his voice filled with unwavering support. "I've seen how hard you've worked, how much you've improved. I know you can do amazing things out there."

Ochaco's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, feeling a surge of confidence building within her. His belief in her abilities meant the world to her, and she couldn't help but be grateful for his presence in her life.

"Thank you, Gohan," Ochaco said. "Your words mean a lot to me. I'm glad to have you in my corner."

"I… was talking with Mina right before our match," Gohan said, rubbing his neck shyly. "She… made me realize something. Something I should have asked a long time ago."

"Yeah?" Ochaco asked, cocking her head to the side. "Ask me? What is it?"

"Well…"

Gohan looked up at her with a look of longing. As they exchanged glances, an unspoken question hung in the air between them. Ochaco could sense that Gohan was hinting at something, subtly expressing his feelings. Her eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat, and a hopeful smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

In that moment, Ochaco felt a wave of warmth and joy wash over her. The thought of officially being a couple with Gohan brought a new level of happiness to her heart. Even though they've had hints of romance every now and then, she had for the most part, admired him from afar, and the idea that their friendship could blossom into something more filled her with excitement.

Without directly addressing his question, Ochaco nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. It was as if their unspoken agreement had solidified, creating a deeper connection between them. She walked towards him and Gohan took her in his arms, their lips meeting once again in a gentle kiss that sealed it.

"Let's call up our next contestants!" Midnight called from outside. "The final battle of the Round of Sixteen is about to begin!"

As their lips parted, Ochaco opened her eyes to see Gohan, her Gohan, in a new light.

"Let's do our best, Ochaco," Gohan said, his voice filled with affection. "Not just in the tournament, but in everything we do from now on. Together."

Ochaco's eyes sparkled with happiness. They understood each other without needing to say the words out loud. They were ready to support each other, not just as friends, but as something more now.

…

"Ladies and gentlemen, heroes and heroines, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight!" Midnight announced. "Brace yourselves for an electrifying showdown between two extraordinary contenders in the epic third match between Hero Classes 1A and 1B!"

The crowd roared with anticipation, joined by the shouts of support from members of both Hero classes, who cheered their classmates on.

"In this corner, hailing from Class 1B, we have the indomitable Class Representative, Itsuka Kendo! With her striking beauty, she commands attention, but don't be fooled, for her strength and skill are equally mesmerizing! A master of strategy and tactics, she's ready to take on any challenge that comes her way!"

Itsuka breathed in an out, her piercing green eyes staring at Ochaco with a focused glint. She reached a hand into her pocket and pulled out a white hachimaki similar to the one Gohan was wearing. The symbol of Clan Kendo was stitched at the center with green threads. Itsuka finished tying the white cloth around her forehead and brought her fists up, bending her knees slightly and placing one foot in front of the other.

"And in the opposing corner, we have the gravity defying Ochaco Uraraka from Class 1A! Driven by an unyielding resolve to prove herself as a hero, she's prepared to show the world the full extent of her potential! With a heart as strong as her will, she's here to inspire and defy expectations!"

Ochaco breathed in and opened her eyes with an equally fierce look. She reached up and brought the pads of her fingertips together, and her Quirk ignited, shooting off a sparkling pink aura that enveloped Ochaco as she lifted up to hover slightly above ground, one knee raised slightly, her fists held up by her chest in a floating stance. Itsuka couldn't help but give off a competitive smirk, brushing her thumb across her nose with excitement.

"Heh," Itsuka gave off a chortle. "I gotta admit it, Uraraka. Your cheer dance was pretty cool!"

"You really mean that?" Ochaco blinked in surprise, her guard momentarily lowered by Itsuka's unexpected compliment. "…thank you, Kendo."

Itsuka shrugged nonchalantly with a hint of a smile.

"Well, I can appreciate a good performance when I see one. But this isn't a dance – this is my arena. And I'm going all out!"

"I understand," Ochaco said. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

"I sure hope Gohan is watching!"

"Oh, he is," Ochaco said with a confident smile. "Believe me. He is."

"Two incredible heroes, each with their unique style and abilities, are about to collide in an epic battle that will leave you on the edge of your seats! Will Itsuka's fists and brawn prove victorious? Or will Ochaco's charismatic spirit lead her to triumph? Let's find out, NOW! OCHACO URARAKA VS ITSUKA KENDO! READY? CLAAAAASH!"

Itsuka shot out at Ochaco with a surge of power, her clothes and the tails of her hachimaki rippling behind her figure with the wind as she propelled herself forward. Her fists enlarged to formidable proportions, ready to unleash a devastating impact.

She was upon her in seconds, and Itsuka's fists blurred as they shot forward with mechanical speed and precision, like a jackhammer, flying towards Ochaco. Ochaco responded by leaping back, hovering just above the ground, shifting her body around and flying past Itsuka's fists.

Her movement became a breathtaking spectacle as she gracefully lifted off the ground, her body twisting and turning with seamless fluidity. She evaded Itsuka's initial attacks, her body flowing through the air like a ribbon caught in a gentle breeze. With a combination of graceful spins, sharp turns, and sudden shifts in direction, she eluded Itsuka's enlarged fists with astonishing finesse.

"Look at those moves!" Present Mic shouted excitedly. "Ochaco Uraraka is defying gravity with her breathtaking aerial display! Her movements are like poetry in motion, no! Like a song being written. AHHH I can't believe it! What a sight to behold!"

"Impressive control and agility." Aizawa added. "Ochaco's ability to maneuver through the air with such finesse are the fruitsof her training and her own adaptability. She's definitely come a long way. It's nice to see your students putting what you've taught them to good use."

"Hoo boy, talk about some fancy footwork! This girl's got moves!" Hercule chimed in. "I've seen my fair share of fights, but this aerial dance takes the cake. Ochaco's floating and spinning around like a superstar, leaving her opponent in the dust!"

"That's the idea, Ochaco!" Gohan cheered, tracking the floating girl's position in the cracked green lens of his scouter. "Nice moves!"

"She's really impressive," Izuku muttered to himself, brushing his chin. "But she's got to find a way to hit Kendo before… you know…"

"She starts puking rainbows," Melissa finished. "C'mon, Ochaco! Find an opening! You got this!"

Itsuka's frustration boiled within her as she relentlessly swung her enlarged fists, each one missing its mark. The glowing commentary from the commentators and Ochaco's friends, including Gohan, only fueled her irritation, intensifying her desire to land a solid hit on Ochaco. She couldn't deny the impressive display of agility and evasion that Ochaco showcased, and it, too, gnawed at her pride.

Gritting her teeth, Itsuka's mind raced, seeking a new strategy to turn the tide. She knew that her current approach was futile, and she needed to break through Ochaco's defenses. It was time to unleash a different tactic, something unexpected.

With a smirk, Itsuka leaped back, distancing herself from Ochaco. Her eyes narrowed as a flicker of inspiration struck. She twisted and flattened out her fists into open palms, fingers tightely packed together. She crouched down, her muscles coiling like a spring ready to be released. With a sudden burst of speed, she shot towards Ochaco, no longer relying solely on her enlarged fists. Instead, she twisted her body, rotating like a cyclone, turning her open palms into razor-sharp blades that cut through the wind.

The spinning blades sliced through the air with incredible speed, creating a whirlwind of danger. Itsuka's movements were calculated and precise, aiming to corner Ochaco and break through her defenses. With each rotation, she closed the distance, her attacks becoming more relentless and unpredictable.

Ochaco's eyes widened with surprise as she struggled to readjust her evasive maneuvers. The blades whirled dangerously close, threatening to strike her at any moment. Itsuka's new tactic had momentarily shifted the momentum of the battle, forcing Ochaco to retreat quickly from the spinning blades. Itsuka pushed Ochaco back until they reached the edge of the stage.

"I've gotcha!" Itsuka cried victoriously.

"Don't count me out just yet!" Ochaco yelled back.

As Itsuka's spinning blades whirled towards Ochaco, time seemed to slow down for her. She focused her gaze on the razor-sharp edges, calculating their trajectory and speed. With a burst of agility, she contorted her body mid-air, contending with the intense centrifugal force generated by Itsuka's spinning attack.

The air around Ochaco crackled with anticipation as she shifted her weight, tilting her body back, while she propelled herself forward at just the right angle to narrowly evade each rotating blade. The spinning hands passed within inches of her face as Ochaco slid on her knees beneath them.

Feeling the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins, Ochaco seized the moment and swung a punch out at Itsuka's exposed belly, releasing all of the weight of her suspended gravity concentrated into a single point of her fist.

"RELEASE: METEOR STRIKE!" Ochaco cried.

The impact of her punch sent Itsuka staggering back, her blades losing momentum as she struggled to regain her composure. The audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing throughout the arena, impressed by Ochaco's swift reflexes and strategic thinking.

Itsuka, still recovering from the surprise counterattack, now found herself on the defensive. She enlarged her fists and brought them up to shield against Ochaco's strikes, but Ochaco's movements were a mesmerizing display of agility and finesse. Unhindered by the effects of gravity or friction, Ochaco lifted off the ground and seamlessly ducked and weaved, slipping through Itsuka's defenses with astonishing ease to deliver crippling strikes at Kendo, who began to get pushed back.

As Ochaco closed in, her focus locked on delivering a powerful punch, Kendo shot her arm forward, missing deliberately and leaving herself open, allowing Ochaco to come within striking distance. As soon as Ochaco took the bait, Kendo's hand enlarged, swiftly and unexpectedly striking Ochaco behind the head with a resounding thud.

"AH!" Ochaco squealed in pain. The blow caught Ochaco off guard, causing her momentary disorientation. Her vision blurred momentarily as stars danced before her eyes.

Capitalizing on the opening, Kendo unleashed a full-force punch directly at Ochaco's face, connecting with her blushed cheek. The force behind the punch was incredible, causing Ochaco's head to snap to the side, her body staggering back under the sheer power unleashed upon her. Kendo swiftly struck her with her right fist and then again with her left, finishing the combination with an uppercut that sent Ochaco flying back with a wounded howl.

Ochaco's body jerked with the force of the blow, her mind reeling from the unexpected strike. The pain seared through her face, and involuntary tears streamed down her cheeks. With gritted teeth, she fought to regain her composure, refusing to let the pain deter her. She pushed herself to stand, expecting for Kendo to come rushing towards her with another flurry of punches, but to her surprise, Kendo hadn't moved from her spot.

The ponytailed redhead stood her ground panting with exhaustion, her fists bloodied and trembling. She shot Ochaco an excited smile, gritting her teeth and shaking her head in disbelief.

Ochaco smelled iron and she swiped her forearm under her nose to clean the blood. Her body trembled with exertion but she fought through the pain. In that moment, she couldn't help but be struck by the sight of Kendo, bloodied and weary, standing her ground, her ragged breathing exhausted. But in the middle of it all, Kendo looked up and shot Ochaco an excited smile, her eyes shining with admiration that Ochaco returned.

A sense of camaraderie began to form between the two rivals, their shared journey of strength and growth intertwining in the midst of their battle. What had started as a rivalry over a mutual crush was evolving into a test of wills, each girl pushing the other well beyond their limits, to new heights.

As their heavy breaths filled the air, the audience watched in awe, witnessing not only a battle of physical prowess but also a growing bond between two fierce competitors. They stood as warriors, each recognizing the strength and tenacity within the other, united in their pursuit of becoming the heroes they aspired to be.

"You're strong," Ochaco gasped, breathing heavily.

"And you're slippery," Itsuka countered with an excited smile. "But I'm running out of steam here."

"Yeah… same…"

Itsuka gave a lighthearted chuckle that seemed to clear the bad air between them.

"My Papa is watching. I can't let him down. I have to win."

"I understand," Ochaco nodded. "So is mine."

"Then let's give it everything we've got in the next assault. Come at me with everything you've got, Uraraka!"

"RIGHT!"

Ochaco lifted up into flight and shot towards Kendo, who came rushing at her at full speed. Both girls gave off a warrior's cry as they clashed in the middle of the stage. But Kendo quickly gained the upper hand. She reached out and grabbed Ochaco with her enlarged hands.

Itsuka's muscles tensed as she tightly grasped Ochaco's waist, lifting her effortlessly into the air. The rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins, fueling her determination to end the battle with a resounding victory.

With a swift motion, Itsuka hurled Ochaco upwards, her body soaring through sky like a stone. Ochaco's eyes widened in surprise and worry flickered across her face as she spun through the air, her mind racing to come up with a plan.

Itsuka slammed her enlarged hand against the floor, unleashing a powerful shockwave that propelled her body upwards, ascending with astonishing speed towards Ochaco.

As Itsuka closed in on Ochaco high above the stadium, her fist clenched, ready to deliver the final blow, she noticed that Ochaco was smiling, glancing off at the orange hues of the setting sun.

"Thank you, Itsuka," Ochaco called out, her voice carrying through the air. "For bringing the battle into the air. The sunset is so beautiful. It reminds me of how it felt when I flew with Gohan for the first time. You've helped me tap into my true potential."

"What are you talking about?" Kendo called back.

"Gohan just asked me to be his girlfriend," Ochaco said with a blush and a dreamy look. "I said yes. I want to make him proud of me. He makes me want to keep evolving and reaching new heights with my Quirk. That's why… I can't lose today, Kendo."

A pink sparkling aura reappeared around Ochaco and a pink light emanated from her eyes. She raised her hand, fingers outstretched.

"He…? Shut up!" Itsuka swung out to punch Ochaco.

"GRAVITY BEAM!" Ochaco shouted. A sparkling pink beam shot out of the pad of her index fingertip, lancing out and hitting Itsuka squarely in the chest. Itsuka's eyes widened in surprise as she felt the gravity around her dissipate, leaving her disoriented and off balance. Confusion and frustration clouded her features as she struggled to regain control in the weightless environment.

Seizing the advantage, Ochaco swiftly flew around her, her blows landing with precision and force. Itsuka tried her best to defend herself, but the sudden shift in gravity left her vulnerable and unable to block Ochaco's relentless assault.

Each strike Ochaco delivered found its mark, wearing down Itsuka's defenses and weakening her resolve.

With a final, powerful kick, Ochaco launched Itsuka backward, hurtling through the air back towards the fighting stage. Itsuka's body descended rapidly towards the ground, the impact zone clearly marked outside the boundaries of the arena.

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their admiration for Ochaco's innovative use of her Quirk resounding throughout the arena. Midnight's voice reverberated, carrying the weight of awe and excitement.

"Itsuka Kendo is out of bounds! With a stunning display of her Zero Gravity prowess, Ochaco Uraraka WINS!"

Ochaco's heart swelled with joy, relief, and a newfound confidence. She had proven her own worth, not only to the cheering crowd but also to herself.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for her defeated opponent, Itsuka Kendo. Itsuka, on the other hand, lay on the ground, her spirit crushed by the bitter taste of defeat.

Tears welled up in Itsuka's eyes as she struggled to accept the outcome. Her dreams of catching Gohan's attention, of beating her rival Ochaco, of winning first place in the Sports Fest and making her father proud all shattered in an instant.

Ochaco watched in silence, witnessing the raw emotional turmoil etched across Itsuka's face.

Ochaco, overwhelmed with empathy, approached Itsuka and extended a hand, hoping to offer some comfort to her defeated opponent. Itsuka glared up at her, her green eyes reddened. She hesitated, her pride wounded, but ultimately accepted the gesture, allowing Ochaco to help her up.

"Sorry about that last move," Ochaco said with a shy grin. "I may have overdone it a little. Are you okay Kendo?"

Itsuka stared at Ochaco with serious eyes. Her reddened eyes flicked to the side as someone approached Ochaco from behind.

Ochaco was caught off guard when Gohan suddenly rushed into the ring. His eyes were shining with pride and excitement as his strong arms picked her up effortlessly by the waist and playfully tossed her into the air, catching her gently in his arms.

"Amazing job, Ochaco!" Gohan exclaimed, his voice filled with admiration. "You were incredible out there! What was up with that new move, huh?! Gravity Beam?! That's incredible!"

Blushing slightly, Ochaco couldn't help but laugh at Gohan's exuberance. She wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling a rush of happiness and warmth. "Thank you, Gohan! I couldn't have done it without your support."

Meanwhile, Itsuka couldn't bear to watch the tender display between the two. She turned away, her heart aching with a mix of emotions. The realization that Gohan's heart belonged to Ochaco had been a painful blow to her, and seeing them together now only intensified the feeling of loss. Seeing him holding Ochaco in his arms stung, and Itsuka looked away as Gohan finally put Ochaco down and arrived beside her.

"Itsuka!" Gohan called. "That was an amazing fight! Thank you so much for helping Ochaco break past her limits. Man, those fists of yours sure do pack a punch!"

The redhead wouldn't look up at him. Her hands balled into fists and she kept walking away without a word.

"What's wrong?" Gohan called after her. "Itsuka?"

When Itsuka finally turned to look at him, her eyes were red with tears.

"Itsuka…"

"Sorry," she said and tried to smile. "I guess I'm just a little upset. Now I know for sure… that I lost…"

"I get it," Gohan said. "Listen, why don't the three of us go grab some drinks."

"Mhm. Mhm," Ochaco nodded, holding her hands together. "Maybe we can talk it over?"

"Not right now, Gohan, please," Itsuka begged, feeling her heart break again. "I just need… I need to be alone right now."

As Itsuka walked away, a pang of bittersweet pain tugged at her heart. It wasn't just the loss of the fight that caused her anguish; it was the realization that Ochaco had won Gohan's heart, the very heart she had also yearned for.

Deep down, Itsuka knew that her feelings for Gohan had always been one-sided, a silent crush she had nurtured in her heart stemming from their recent reunion, her undying gratitude towards him for saving her little sister, and the revere she felt towards him for his heroic actions back home.

He was the Dragon of Namek, her hero! She was the girl who was going to help him win the tournament!

Seeing him with Ochaco, witnessing their connection and the happiness they shared, intensified the ache within her. She couldn't help but wonder what it was about Ochaco that captivated Gohan, what qualities or moments had forged their bond. Thoughts of missed opportunities and what-ifs swirled in her mind, a tempest of emotions that threatened to drown her.

A mix of emotions churned inside her, from admiration for Ochaco's strength and determination to jealousy and heartache over Gohan's affections. But in the midst of it all, Itsuka realized how wrong she had been about Ochaco. That competitiveness, her jealousy, her unfocused desires… they had all tainted her vision and caused her to lose. She knew she couldn't blame Ochaco for any of this; this loss was all on her, and that was what hurt the most.

Ending Song:
"Child -error-" by My First Story

Finding a secluded spot in an empty waiting room, Itsuka stumbled towards a chair and laid her head on the table, finally allowing herself to let go, the tears streaming down her cheeks in earnest. She violently kicked the chair in front of her with a loud, wailing cry. The vulnerability she rarely showed to others consumed her, and she hugged herself tightly as if trying to hold the pieces of her heart together.

"Why does it hurt so much?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the bustling tournament. She was Big Sis Kendo, the tough Class Representative of 1B! She had always been strong, both physically and emotionally, but this defeat and the realization of her unrequited feelings had broken her apart like nothing had before.

It wasn't just losing the tournament and Gohan's heart in one fell swoop that hurt. A wave of guilt and shame washed over her for the way in which she had treated Ochaco, a brave, innocent and kind soul who's only sin was being the target of her crush's affection.

And despite knowing about Itsuka's feelings for Gohan, and in spite of the harsh way in which Itsuka had treated her, Ochaco still had approached the situation with kindness and understanding, even after their intense fight. Ochaco had smiled at her and extended her hand out to help her get back up, to comfort her. That guilt, too, ate away at Itsuka's conscious.

And then there was one more person that she had let down — her father. He had been there for her every step of the way, coaching her, pushing her to reach her fullest potential. Now, she couldn't bear the thought of him witnessing her defeat.

As Itsuka sat alone, tears streaming down her face, the door to the waiting room creaked open. Her father, Rappa Kendo, poked his head inside, his green eyes lighting up with excitement.

"ITSUKA!" He cried. "There's my little tag-team partner!"

"Papa?" Itsuka gasped, wiping her eyes quickly with her sleeve. "What are you doing down here? This area's supposed to be restricted!"

"Yeah, it is," Rappa said, opening the door. The towering giant man had to bend down to enter the room, the top of his back-length red hair brushing the ceiling. "The pipsqueaks working security turned out to be huge fans. I gave them my autograph, we took pictures and they let me through. I may have violently threatened them and their families as well…"

"PAPA!" Itsuka gasped.

"Just kiddin', just kiddin'," Rappa laughed. He crossed his giant hands over his bulging, muscular arms. "Anyway, I found ya. Now, what's all this cryin' about, hmm?"

"Papa..." Itsuka managed to utter between sobs. "I... I lost. I let you down."

"Lost, huh?" Rappa said, brushing his chin. "Well, it's about time, dammit. I was starting to worry you'd have an undefeated record forever. Can't have that, now can we?"

"...Papa?" Itsuka glanced up at her father, taken aback by her his unexpected response. She had expected sympathy or consolation, but instead, he seemed almost pleased by her loss.

Her father's expression softened as he pulled her out of the chair and into a tight embrace.

"Oh, Itsuka," he murmured, softly. "You've always succeeded at everything you put your mind to. You remember the record you held when you were in the Junior League Division? What was it?"

"104 and 0," Itsuka whispered, sniffling.

"Exactly," Kendo nodded. "Itsuka, you're a champion by nature, like your Papa! And you've always made me so proud. But here's a truth I only just learned, earning my first loss at the hands of a skinny snot-nosed fifteen year old punk last year… You'll never grow if you keep winning all the time. You see, you don't always win by winning. Sometimes, my little champ, you win by losing."

Confusion clouded Itsuka's eyes as she pulled back slightly to look at her father. She couldn't comprehend his words, couldn't fathom how her loss could be a victory in any sense.

"What, you think that a result on a scoreboard or a trophy from a tournament is the only way to win?" Rappa laughed. "Nahhh. Winning is exhilarating, sure, but it doesn't give ya the same lessons as defeat. It's in the losses, the setbacks, and the failures that we find our true strength and figure out how to come back stronger. Sometimes, the greatest victories come from the depths of our defeats. How's that for some Papa Kendo advice for ya?"

Itsuka's tears began to ebb, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

"I'm proud of you, Itsuka," her father whispered, dropping his playful tone for a more serious one. "You fought with everything you had down to the very end. Even in defeat, you showed me the strength within you. You are one badass lil girl!"

"Ha! Thanks, Papa," Itsuka said, hugging her father. "But I'm not so little anymore…"

"Don't I know it!" Rappa laughed, ruffling her hair playfully. "For a minute there, I thought Skinny Gohan was about to sweep you off your feet. He woulda had to fight me again if he ever wanted to date my little Champ!"

Itsuka's tongue got stuck in her throat and all she could do was smile sadly.

"Well, well, well, seems like my little Champ's got her eyes set on Skinny after all, huh? Ohh the betrayal," Rappa chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "But remember, if he ever breaks your heart, I'll be right there to give him a good ol' fatherly beatdown!"

"Papa, please, spare poor Gohan," Itsuka laughed. "He's a good guy, and he's… he's taken."

Rappa's laughter abruptly halted, his face freezing in surprise.

"Taken? What do you mean taken?" he stammered, his eyes widening.

"Oh, Papa, you're too late to the game. Gohan and Ochaco, they're a couple now," Itsuka said. "Looks like your chances of being a protective father-in-law are slipping away!"

"Thank goodness!" Rappa exclaimed, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "I mean, oh nooo, what a shame!"

Itsuka burst into laughter, the tension of her earlier defeat dissipating with each joyful sound.

"Papa, you're the worst!" she playfully scolded, shaking her head. "But it's okay. Ochaco deserves him. They make a great pair."

Rappa grinned, wrapping his arm around his daughter's shoulders.

"Ehh, love is overrated anyway. But it does have a funny way of finding its own path. Who knows? Maybe your special someone is just around the corner, waiting for their chance to sweep you off your feet."

"I can't believe I just lost to Kirishima in arm wrestling!" Tetsutetsu's voice rang out as he walked past the room. "I should've eaten more iron!"

His Kansai accent faded in the distance.
Itsuka laughed and shook her head.
"Maybe," Itsuka said with a smile. "For now, I'm lucky enough to have you and Valese. I love you, Papa."

"I love ya too, Itsuka," Rappa said. "Hey, speaking of Valese… guess who's here to see ya!"

"SIS!" A small voice called out from behind them. Itsuka turned to see her younger sister, Valese, standing there with wide eyes and a look of admiration on her face.

Itsuka's eyes lit up with delight as she spotted Valese. She released herself from her father's embrace and knelt down to meet her little sister's gaze. "Valese! You came to watch my fight?"

Valese nodded eagerly, her face beaming with excitement. "Of course, Itsuka! I wouldn't miss it for the world! You were amazing out there, even if you didn't win."

Itsuka's heart swelled with warmth at Valese's words. She wrapped her arms around her younger sister in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Valese. Your support means the world to me. I'm so lucky to have you as my sister."

"That spinning move was amazing! You have to teach me how to do that with my hands, too!" Valese said, her eyes shining with admiration. "I want to be just like you when I grow up, Itsuka. Strong and fearless!"

Itsuka couldn't help but smile at Valese's enthusiasm. She knelt down to be at eye level with her younger sister and gave her a playful wink. "Well, Valese, that spinning move takes a lot of practice and coordination. But if you're up for it, I'd be more than happy to show you a few tricks!"

Valese's eyes widened with excitement, and she nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, please! Teach me, Itsuka!"

Itsuka chuckled and stood up, pulling Valese into a gentle hug. "Alright, little sis, consider it a promise. We'll have our own training sessions, and I'll teach you everything I know. Together, we'll become a dynamic duo!"

Valese beamed with anticipation, feeling a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She looked up at Itsuka with unwavering admiration. "I can't wait, Itsuka. Thank you for being the best big sister ever! Not to mention, you're a real hero now."

"Thanks, kiddo-"

"And you know what real heroes do for their favorite little sisters?" Valese winked mischievously.

Itsuka breathed in a heavy sigh.

"I just knew you were up to something. Okay, what would you like this time, Val?"

…

As they made their way through the bustling corridors of the stadium towards Recovery Girl's office, Itsuka kept an eye out for any sign of Ochaco. The excitement in Valese's eyes was contagious, as she glanced around, looking for the short, brown-haired hero who had captivated her heart.

Finally, they spotted Ochaco chatting with a group of nurse students. The patch on her cheek indicated to Itsuka that Ochaco had already been treated by Recovery Girl, and she had washed up and changed into new clothes.

Itsuka approached with a friendly smile, Valese clutching onto her hand tightly.

"Hey, Ochaco!" Itsuka called out, catching her attention.

Ochaco turned towards them, her face brightening up with a warm smile.

"Hey, Itsuka! Good to see you again. And who is this little cutie patootie?"

Ochaco knelt down to be at Valese's eye level, placing her hands on her knees.

Itsuka beamed with pride as she looked down at Valese, who was slightly shy but couldn't contain her excitement.

"This is my little sister, Valese," Itsuka said, her voice filled with affection. "Valese, say hello to Ochaco."

Valese took a deep breath, summoning her courage, and spoke in a small but determined voice.

"H-Hello, Miss Ochaco! I'm Valese, and I'm your number one fan!"

"You traitor," Itsuka said jokingly.

Ochaco's eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of delight and humility shining through. She took Valese's hands in hers, a warm and genuine smile gracing her lips.

"Ah! My number one fan?! Well, it's a pleasure to finally get to meet you," Ochaco replied, her voice gentle and welcoming. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot to me. How long have you been following me?"

"Since about an hour ago," Valese answered with a mischievous smile. "When you kicked my Big Sis's butt."

"...oh…" Ochaco squeaked, sneaking an apologetic glance up at Itsuka.

"You twerp," Itsuka laughed, playfully karate-chopping Valese on the nape and making her giggle.

Valese couldn't contain her excitement any longer.

"Um, Miss Ochaco, could... could I get your autograph, please?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

"But of course!" Ochaco said sweetly, taking the pen and notebook. "Anything for my number one fan!"

Ochaco crouched down to write a heartfelt message. Itsuka couldn't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the Ochaco's willingness to embrace Valese with open arms.

After Ochaco finished signing, she handed the notebook back to Valese with a genuine smile. "There you go, Valese. Keep being brave and strong, just like your amazing sister, okay?"

The young girl's face lit up with sheer joy. She hugged the notebook close to her chest, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

"Thank you so much, Miss Ochaco! I will, I promise! This is the best day ever!" Valese exclaimed, beaming from ear to ear. "Just one more thing! I was wondering… have you picked out a hero name yet?"

"Okay, that's enough, Val," Itsuka chuckled, pulling on her little sister's shoulder.

"Aw, it's okay," Ochaco said with a reassuring smile. "Hm… yes, actually I have, but nobody knows what it is yet, not even my parents… but if I tell you, do you promise to keep it a secret?"

"Uh-huh!" Valese nodded excitedly with a big freckled smile that revealed one missing tooth. "Promise!"

"Okay then," Ochaco said, pretending to glance around to make sure nobody was listening, then leaned in and whispered the name into Valese's ear. A delighted gasp escaped Valese's lips as she absorbed the secret and she covered her mouth with her tiny hands.

Ochaco then placed a finger to her lips, signaling for Valese to keep the name a secret. Valese nodded enthusiastically and mimicked the gesture with her tiny finger, her eyes sparkling with excitement and innocence.

As she watched Ochaco bond with her little sister, Itsuka couldn't help but smile. Seeing Ochaco entrusting her little sister with something so personal touched her deeply. It reminded her of the genuine kindness and sincerity that Ochaco possessed, a trait that had won her admiration and respect.

This simple act of kindness would forever hold a special place in Valese's heart. In that moment, Itsuka realized what she had to do next.

As the three of them bid their farewells, Valese turned to Itsuka, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Big Sis, for making this possible. I'm so lucky to have you as my sister."

Itsuka wrapped an arm around Valese, pulling her into a tight hug. "No need to thank me, Val. Seeing you happy is all the thanks I need. Remember, I'll always be here for you, no matter what. Now go on and head back to Papa. I need to have a word with Miss Ochaco."

Valese nodded obediently and skipped ahead, excitedly examining her newly acquired autograph. Itsuka turned her attention back to Ochaco and took a deep breath

"Ochaco," Itsuka began.

Ochaco winced and bared her teeth, bracing for whatever came next.

"Sorry, did I go overboard? I wasn't trying to rub it in or anything…"

Itsuka leaned forward into an apologetic bow, catching Ochaco by surprise.

"Itsuka!" Ochaco gasped. "What is this?!"

"I… I want to apologize to youfor my behavior today." Itsuka said. "I'm… I'm so sorry for the way I treated you. The cruel words I said, the hurtful things I did... I deeply regret them. I was just so blinded by my own insecurities and jealousy and my own feelings towards Gohan that I took it out on you, someone who never deserved any of it. I failed to see the amazing, kind-hearted person you truly are. Gohan is really lucky to have you in his life."

Ochaco's eyes shined warmly as she saw the genuine remorse on Itsuka's face. She knew how difficult it must have been for Itsuka to admit her mistakes and apologize so sincerely.

"It's okay, Itsuka," Ochaco replied, her voice filled with compassion, "Please, don't beat yourself up, kay? I appreciate your apology, and you know what? I forgive you. We all make mistakes, and what matters is that we learn from them and grow. Besides, if it wasn't for our little rivalry, I wouldn't have been able to break past my limits today. So maybe, if it's not too much to ask…"

Ochaco extended her hand out to Itsuka with a wide, cheerful smile.

"Let's continue supporting one another and helping each other grow!"

"I'd love that," Itsuka said with a twinkle in her eye.

"So… Friends?"

"Yeah… Friends!"

A/N: We're finally reaching the Quarterfinals, everyone! It's gonna get even crazier from here. And in case you're wondering, yeah, the Chapter Title is a nod to Dragon Ball Fighterz.

Just a few notes on the new moves we witnessed today:

*Shoto's Final Flash Freeze is yeahhh a play on Vegeta's attack, only in Ice form. Much weaker, but still formidable.

*Videl's Angel Transformation was inspired by the Eagle Kick from Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, where you actually grow wings and deliver the attack. Since it fit in with Videl's celestial family theme, I included it as one of her Full Spectrum attacks.

*Ochaco's Gravity Beam was inspired by the tractor beam from Star Wars. Felt like a natural evolution to her powers. The beam can negate the gravity of whatever it touches, kinda like a laser extension of Ochaco's fingertip pad.

The Quarterfinals are as follows, just to recap:

Izuku Midoriya vs Melissa Shield

Shoto Todoroki vs Videl Satan

Son Gohan vs Eijiro Kirishima

Katsuki Bakugo vs Ochaco Uraraka (Yikes!)

That'll be in the next exciting chapter of Path of the Dragon! Don't miss it! Onto the Review Responses:

X3runner chapter 45 . Jun 28

Neat fight for a bit there I thought it was going to end as lopsidedly as canon videl vs stopovich

Hi, X3! Thank you for your review! I think that if it wasn't for Mei trying to show off all of her gadgets, it would've been that way. Fu is definitely playing a part here and keeping in character with his role. Plus this win let's him get a liiiitle closer to Melissa as well.

Well, you'll learn his plans soon enough. Thank you for your review again! I'm glad you enjoyed the fight and Melissa's origin as well!

KaijuEmperor chapter 45 . Jun 28

It's official that bitch Tight's is the 3rd most hated parent in this fanfic right behind Vegedeavor and Raditz and if this invention she mentioned is what I think it is then I hope it blows up right in her fucking face, but on the positive side at least Melissa gets her chance to shine so good work.

DEKU YOU PUSSY YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO CLAP DEM CHEEKS BUT YOU BITCHED OUT LIKE OCHAKO DOES IN CANON!

LMAOOOO yeah that's true, it's like damn, it's been years and Deku and Uraraka are still just crushing and blushing and that's it. Just kiss already! Damn.

I would say yes that's a really fair assessment. Big mistake, leaving her child behind like that. It makes me think of all the brilliant scientists and inventors in real life who spend entire days away from home working on stuff that makes our world go round and round. Good thing Melissa grew up with the support of her father and "uncles," and now has a bunch of good friends.

Oh, and there's gonna be one more terrible dad to add to the list, though for very different reasons. And no, it's not deku's deadbeat father hehehehehe

Thanks for your review, Kaiju! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story thus far!

JustinCase chapter 44 . Jun 29

Ahh it's so nice to be gettin regular updates again, Z. This chapter was so good. Stain's little gang is actually pretty scary! Rue Valentine, is he an OC or another villain from DB? I can't remember him. He sounds like a mortal Kombat character actually.

I actually feel so bad for Tensei. I hope he and mama Iida survive. And Yurin joining the fray has upped the ante for sure. Now they've got someone who can turn people into puppets. Holy crap. Yurin little moment with Toga is both cute and horrifying at the same time.

And the good stuff, one for all. Oh man, I'm so hyped! I wonder what Korin's Quirk is gonna be. I wonder how they all fit into the story especially Guldo aka the booger from the Mucinex commercials. I'm hyped, count me in!

JustinCase chapter 45 . Jun 29

Low key I wanna hug and protect little Melissa. Ghatdamn. What a tough break. But out of the pain, the Power Pole was born, so it worked out. And we finally have this fic's origin of both the Power Pole and Melissa, (Hero name "Starlight" confirmed?!)

Tights doesn't deserve such a good daughter. I wonder if now that Melissa is a successful hero, Tights will try to reconnect with her if so, Melissa should a million percent reject her like Toghts rejected Melissa. Give that bitch some karma!

And can we all agree that Dave deserves Dad of the Year award? The moment they shared together was so sweet and touching.

And the end, how Melissa finds her tribe with the support class was so well done. And dammit Deku you missed your chance to shoot your shot man! Melissa was 100% ready to give up the meow meow for sure! Oh well. Can't wait for the upcoming fights! Keep it up bruh!

Hi Justin! Thanks for your review, bud! And yeah, it's so nice to have my laptop back. With a lot of time to write now, I'm able to keep a better upload schedule. But really I'm just trying to finish the Sports Fest arc so we can move on to bigger and better things hehe

So directly after the Sports Fest, we'll get a chapter dealing with their hero names, but yes, I think it's safe to say that Starlight will be one of them. Did you spot any more in this chapter? ;)

Yeah, Dave is a good dad. The I-Island arc will be at the finale and by then a lot of things will have changed… you'll see ;)

Stay tuned my friend. There's lots of cool things in story soon!

Thank you sooo so much for your review!

Brandon Dupere chapter 45 . Jun 29

Salut Eclipse, encore un autre bon chapitre. J'ai bien aimé l'interaction entre la petite Mélissa et son père, c'était très touchant. Aussi, bien que j'ai aimé le combat dans son ensemble, je n'ai pas pu m'empêcher de me dire qu'il y avait une petite référence au manga dbs, dans l'arc du tournoi du pouvoir, où Muten Roshi esquivait les attaques de Jiren est que ça à surpris Beerus qui a presque crû qu'il maîtrisait l'ultra instinct. Oh et sur une note finale, j'ai peur... j'ai peur de ce que Katsuki feras à Momo durant leur combat.

Salut Brandon ! Merci beaucoup pour votre commentaire! Pour la montée en puissance de Melissa, je me suis inspiré d'une vidéo que j'ai vue d'un artiste martial qui a utilisé un bâton bo les yeux bandés, pour bloquer les projectiles entrants qui lui étaient lancés. J'ai été impressionné par la façon dont il s'est fié uniquement à ses sens et non à sa vue, et a laissé sa formation et son instinct le guider.

Je suppose que vous pouvez dire que c'est un peu comme Ultra Instinct d'une certaine manière hehe mais surtout la mémoire musculaire et l'entraînement. Après tout, Melissa a reçu une formation au combat en classe, contrairement à Fu.

J'espère que vous avez aimé la transformation que j'ai donnée à Videl ici. En fait, j'ai écouté l'OST que vous avez utilisée pour sa transformation dans votre fic comme source d'inspiration. Et comme mentionné, il a été inspiré à la fois par le pouvoir de sa mère ainsi que par le mouvement "Eagle Kick" de Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Et s'il est vrai que Bakugo a humilié et vaincu Momo Yaoyorozu, c'est de son prochain combat avec Ochaco qu'il faut vraiment s'inquiéter ! J'espère que vous avez apprécié ce chapitre et comme toujours, j'attendrai avec impatience le prochain chapitre de votre histoire !

Merci encore pour ton commentaire, mon ami !

That is it for the Review Responses. Thanks again for reading this chapter, I hope to catch you in the next update, coming soon!