Justice Across Time and Space

Chapter 14

So now, we're getting into the UA sports festival. I'm going to need to work around the teams during the second event a bit. Let alone the tournament fight. But I've got a basic idea for most of that. So on with the show.

(No Pov)

For the week leading up to the UA sports festival, multiple members of the hero course and some of the general ed course were training. For the Gen ed department kids, this was a chance to make their dream of being pro heroes real.

And while Katsuki Bakugo still thought he was the best there was, he had gained a modicum of respect for his fellow gen ed classmate Hitoshi Shinso. "I hate to admit it, but your quirk is useful in a few different ways. Even if it has an activation trigger." Bakugo said to Shinso while practicing a little hand to hand.

Shinso on the other hand was glad for the actual hand to hand experience. "I'm surprised they passed you up given your quirk man. With as flashy and capable as you are with wielding it." He said after one of their sparing sessions. At hearing that Bakugo felt both his ego inflate again, and then a slap to his pride that he was passed over. He wasn't sure what to say or even respond to that.

So, he just grunted before saying, "I had a bit of bad luck in my entrance exam. You remember that big guy in 1-A?" At Shinso's nod Bakugo sighed before saying, "He was in my exam group. I heard through the grapevine that he was one of the top two. Alongside that damn Deku." Shinso has a confused look on his face at that name but urges Bakugo to continue.

"I don't know what his quirk is, but he could move around and dish out power like All Might. I'm pretty sure no one could compete with him. Let alone the fact that all I did was focus on villains. I didn't try to help anyone else. He did apparently and it boosted his score more."

"I heard about that. The rescue points. But it does make sense. Heroes are supposed to rescue people." Shinso said to Bakugo as they stopped for a bit. Bakugo scoffs at the idea saying that winning was what mattered with being a hero. "If you win against the villain then you'll save people. That is what matters."

Shinso disagrees and points out a matter that Bakugo often overlooks. "But a lot of heroes are focused on rescue alone. Heck even All Might's greatest feats have been chalked up to the impressive rescues he does." Bakugo is confused at that statement given its not what he's seen on tv and the news when they report.

"You should stop watching the news and that type of stuff. They are worthless. They just put up what will get them more views." Shinso says with a shake of his head. Before they start again, Shinso tells Bakugo something he had heard from a few others.

"By the way. You know Midoriya and they big guy? As well as that blue girl? Apparently, none of them have quirks but have nearly ten times the power of the rest of us. I'm not joking. Their teacher is Eraserhead and he can't shut down their powers."

This floors Bakugo since he had basically conditioned himself with thinking that quirks were the greatest thing ever. His especially. 'If they don't have quirks, then how are they so powerful? Quirks are supposed to be the next step of evolution. Right?' If what Shinso said was true, then it brought into question what the point was even having quirks in the first place.

While the two hardest workers from the gen ed department were preparing, plenty from the hero course were psyching themselves up and getting as ready as they could for the coming challenges. Itsuka particularly enjoys working with Jotaro on her martial arts and style of combat. Jotaro on the other hand quite liked how determined Itsuka was at facing challenges with just martial arts. It reminded him of other true heroes.

"That's enough for now. Let's take 5 and rehydrate." Jotaro said after a long sparing session. Itsuka nodded as she was a bit winded. "How are you not tired? We've been sparing for 30 minutes straight."

"Bit of an advantage my energy absorption powers give me. Thanks to all the energy I've absorbed I have insane amounts of stamina." Itsuka just shakes her head at that and sits down to drink some water. While she is sitting, she keeps looking up at Jotaro with a light blush on her face.

She had been a bit enamored with him since he saved her during the practical for the exam. But after training for a time, she was getting a slight crush on the large powerhouse of 1-A. Jotaro decides to take this time to ask a question that everyone who joins the hero course asks.

"Why do you want to be a "pro" hero? What is your reason for doing this?" Even though Itsuka can't see Jotaro's eyes due to his sunglasses, she knows how serious he sees this point. She sighs before saying, "I think most of us who go into the hero course want to do this for a fairly shallow reason. Most of us just want to use our quirks however we want and whenever we want."

She doesn't see it, but Jotaro has a truly angry expression on his face at that reason for being a hero. She presses on by saying, "A little of that is why I'm here, but I also want to try and help as best I can with my quirk. And a bit to show that traditional martial arts are still viable as training and combat." As she looks up again, she sees a softer expression on Jotaro's face compared to a few seconds ago.

She blushes again before pressing on with, "everyone is all about big flashy punches and blasts fired from their bodies that relate to their quirks. But they forget that the quirks are still part of the body. And plenty of people learned how to fight without needing special powers." Jotaro smiles a bit as she finishes and agrees with her.

He then says, "I would say that is part of what I like about you. You see more of the bigger part to how to fight than most. Plus, you want to help and save people. Not just play with your power or use it to show off." Itsuka blushes a bit more before Jotaro says that it was time to get back to work.

By the time of the UA sports festival, Itsuka has learned the basics of a few other martial arts. She didn't feel she had quite the right physique for Pankration, so she focused on Southern Shaolin and Shotokan karate to complement he already know karate and judo styles.

On the other hand, Ojiro and Izuku feel like they have been run through the ringer by Saphentite. She wanted to make sure both would be as capable as possible for the sports festival, so she kept pushing them.

"I'd like to say she's nuts with how hard she's been pushing us. But I can feel the difference when I move and fight. Capoeira is still pretty hard for me given the focus on rhythm. But I can tell it'll be useful in finding an opening in my opponents' way of fighting." Ojiro says to Izuku during one of their breaks.

Izuku nods before mentioning that Jotaro also knew a few of the same styles. "But with his body shape it was a bit easier to focus on more brute force and solid stance types of styles." They chuckle a bit before Saphentite is standing over them with an angry smile before saying, "back to work!"

Before long it is time for the UA sports festival. Before the competition even starts, a few are complaining that they can't use their hero costumes during the competition. Until Izuku points out, "well only the hero classes have costumes and specialized gear. So, it wouldn't be fair if we used it during the competition." This placates a few but there are still those who want to show off in their costumes.

Before Jotaro can give his own two cents on the matter, class 1-A is told to head out to the field. Once out their Present Mic gives a special speech about them for an introduction. He does a lighter but still pushes up the second hero course class. His next introductions are noticeably light for the other classes and departments.

'All the more reason that this is incredibly stupid. This is all about an investment in a bunch of kids. Not caring about how they feel about the whole matter.' Jotaro thinks angrily. Saphentite notices and hears this before speaking to his mind with, 'I know. It is a ridiculous mess, but we can't change it all right away. But we may make a big stride with the festival today. After all the three strongest don't have quirks.'

With a smile Jotaro calms down and focuses ahead. The R-rated hero Midnight comes up to a raised stage and with a crack of her whip says, "Now then let's hear a few words and the sportsmanship pledge from one of the highest scoring applicants in the hero course: Midoriya Izuku!" At that everyone turns to Izuku. He had been told he would be giving a speech at the start of the competition, but it didn't make him any less nervous.

With a shuddering breath he walks up to the stage and microphone to give his speech. When he looks out to all of his fellow first years, let alone all of the people in the crowd watching, he is even more intimidated. But then his eyes drifted to the three people who believed in him the most. All Might watching from the stands, who entrusted his quirk to him. Jotaro, who believed in his potential and said that he had even more capabilities than any could ever believe. And Saphentite, who not only believed in him but saw the potential of his mind and skills in planning.

With that to calm him down Izuku starts his speech. "For all of us here today, this is the chance to show what we can do. To show that some of us may have the potential to be heroes and protectors. And for some this is a chance to get into a course that we may have been passed over for. But to all of you I say this: Don't think this will ever be easy."

At that a few in the audience are confused. Izuku continues with, "The motto for our school is Plus Ultra for a reason. We have to push beyond what we think our limits or capabilities are. If you want to show all of what you are capable of, then you have to do just that. Push beyond your limits or what you think is possible."

A few from his class nod, noting how he somewhat embodies that. Even with the possibility of breaking his bones, Izuku constantly pushes forward and pushes through his limits. Bakugo on the other hand is annoyed that the person he saw as worthless is standing up there talking like a hero rather than trying to intimidate everyone down.

"Another big thing to think about is don't think your quirk is the only answer to any of this. Those in many ways could be limiting themselves. You have to think outside of your power. Especially given, that the top three from the entrance exam don't have quirks."

This shocks everyone and confuses the audience watching all around. Izuku finishes out with, "to truly show what you are capable of and can really do, you have to think outside of what limits you put on yourself. And then, you can show you have what it takes to be a hero. So, go beyond. And Plus Ultra through what you think is possible." With that Izuku steps away from the microphone. At first no one reacts, but then a few in the audience start clapping and then a decent round of applause comes from all in the stadium.

"Well, I wasn't expecting him to drop the big bomb that he is quirkless, he still made quite an impactful speech. Ain't that right Eraser?" Aizawa give Present Mic a withering look before saying, "You're supposed to be the English teacher Mic. The word you wanted was "isn't" not ain't."

This gets a few laughs from all in attendance. When Izuku meets up with his classmates after the speech, quite a few are impressed at how he handled himself. Jotaro and Saphentite give him simple nods of approval, while Eijiro is calling out that he sounded manly and passionate up on the stage. This gets a few eyebrows raised at his phrasing. One though who is not as impressed is the half hot half cold user Shoto.

He catches the three who are supposed to be quirkless and says to them, "it's pretty clear that we are the ones with the most power in our class. Probably in school. And you all seem to have the interest of All Might." Izuku is freaking out a bit while Jotaro and Saphentite have an idea on where this is going. A few of their fellow classmates are annoyed at the statement but know he has a point.

"My father is the number two hero, and he's watching right now. So, I'm going to say this: I'm going to beat all of you with just my ice. I will take all of you down." Jotaro just snorts before saying, "good luck with that. I guess since I'll at least be fighting with basically one hand behind my back, you might think you stand a chance. But I'll just tell YOU this: I can stomp you and your old man with both hands behind my back."

This gets a few others angry, while Saphentite and Izuku are facepalming. Even without seeing his eyes, Shoto knows that Jotaro is serious and intends to show him how weak he really is.

With a crack of her whip Midnight gets the attention back to her before announcing the first event. "This first event for you hopefuls is this: the obstacle race! Each of you must run through a series of three obstacles. As well as competing with each other. Then make it back through the other side of the stadium for your placement for the next event."

With the explanation given, Jotaro decides to screw with her and the rest a bit. "You said we have to go through the other side, right?" Midnight is confused by this but gives an affirmative. Jotaro just sighs and says, "Okay you just really don't think like humans, anymore, do you? You do realize there is an easy way to win right?" While most are indignant at that statement, Jotaro asks to just give his example. "All right I'm curious what you'll do. Show me what you're thinking of."

At that Jotaro goes up to the start and Midnight gives a fake start with a "Go!" Jotaro just stands upright and walks over to the finish line. While most are confused and a few are laughing, Midnight asks what he is thinking. "Um hello!? You may have said that the race involves going through the obstacles, but that doesn't mean we have to. And I'm not talking about the business course kids who are just going to duck out anyway. Little tidbit: There are simple solutions to complicated problems. Not everything has to be solved with a stupid flashy entrance or big show of force. Sometimes you have to think outside of the maze."

While most everyone in the audience is confused, Aizawa speaks his own mind on the matter. "He does have a point. It's not like we all have his or All Might levels of power. Sometimes we have to go around a problem rather than through it." With a sigh Midnight just says, "You make a fair point, but we do need to make this more of a spectacle given…. Well. What people have paid for. So please go though the course like the rest."

Jotaro just shakes his head and seemingly rolls his eyes before taking his position. With that Midnight give the signal for the race to begin. The first big obstacle is actually not one of the ones mentioned. But instead, it is the narrow path and hall to leave the interior of the stadium.

Most of the students get packed and stuck in it or slip on the ice Shoto made to trip people up and give himself a lead. But a few manage to take the lead by going a different route. Instead of going through the hall, Izuku Saphentite and Jotaro take a different route.

They all go over the stadium, with Izuku and Jotaro taking big leaps and Saphentite flying. Once they land (or get closer to the land), they are all a bit ahead of Shoto. Who is annoyed that his plan to trip the three best up was useless.

Bakugo on the other hand is trying to boost himself ahead as best he can with his quirk. He hasn't had the same training as the rest of the hero course, but he still knows how to use his power well. The top three though reach the first obstacle before the rest. "And here is the first big obstacle for the students: Robo Inferno! The students have to deal with an army of robots to get through to the rest of the course."

The same three just give each other looks that say: "Really?" before rushing into them. Saphentite weaves her way through the bots like it is nothing. While Jotaro and Izuku decide to see how far they can send a zero-point bot. They both charge in and punch the robots so hard they fly for almost a mile.

With that done they both work to catch up with Saphentite. "Well, that's not entirely surprising. We really should have considered a few other challenges for those three." Aizawa says as the boys catch up with Saphentite.

His point is proven more with the second obstacle, The Fall. "Normally this would be where I would say that they contestants have to cross this impressive gap to move on but." As he's saying that, Saphentite flies right over it and the other two just leap across the entire gap like its nothing. "Yeah, this is seeming like a contest between those three and everyone else is fighting for fourth." Mic says a bit dejected.

His point is proven more so at the third obstacle, the Minefield. Once again, they all just go over the obstacle entirely rather than through it. With that out of the way, it is more of an actual foot race between the three at the top. Saphentite is still in the lead and boosts herself more by turning into a rocket. This surprises the boys, but they both put out more and run to keep up with her. Izuku had been at most using 15 to 20% of his power but now he put out about an extra 5% to catch up with her.

Jotaro on the other hand hurried as much as he could in his current state. At the end, Saphentite was in first place due to stretching herself out at the last second. Izuku grabbed onto Jotaro's arm and flung himself forward as best he could right as they passed the goal, taking second. With the top three set by the three quirkless, most in the audience were uneasy and unsettled by this turn of events.

"If the quirkless have that much power and potential, how come they don't use it? Maybe they figure they don't need to because their powers in a lot of ways would get in the way? I mean lots of quirks are pretty useless in daily life. And even with heroes most don't have the best powers. They just figure out how to use it." These thoughts and questions, among others, are voiced among the crowd.

When the Shoto arrives in fourth place, the look on his face shows he is livid. Not as much as Bakugo who got to fifth place, but still angry. As the rest of the top 42 file in someone notes that Mineta had basically stuck himself to the back of Momo. "I can't believe he did this. I feel so violated." Momo says in disgust. Mineta while having a creepy look at first notices Jotaro glaring at him.

He then let's go before saying, "While some of that was to kinda get a feel, honestly, I was just trying to make sure I could stay in the race. With as short as I am, I had to improvise." He tapped his fingers together and at least looked somewhat repentant. This doesn't make Momo feel much better, she does at least understand his point and plan.

With the next events participants set, Midnight moves on to explaining what the next event will be. "The next event will be a calvary battle. Students must make teams of up to four people. With at least one horse and rider. The student in last place will have a headband given to them saying five points. And each student above that will have another five points added. There is an exception though. And that is first place. Which is worth ten million points."

At that statement, all eyes turn to Saphentite. Who in turn is not surprised but a bit nervous about what to do. Until Jotaro steps up and nods to her. "With that you all have 15 minutes to decide your teams. Jotaro and Saphentite agree to team up while Izuku is planning to work with Ida, Ochaco, and Fumikage for the next event. Bakugo though has no idea who to work with, until Eijiro and Mina come up to him first.

"Hey man. You may be in the general department, but you've got some good skills and power. How about we team up?" Bakugo doesn't know them well but agrees before saying they need one more. He looks around and sees the girl who had came in sixth place behind him and is about to go ask for her help.

His initial asking is in his usual aggressive tone. To which Shiozaki Ibara proceeds to smack him once with her vines. As she's walking away, he says, "Wait. Look…. I don't. I'm not really good at asking for help or really talking to people. I'm so used to doing everything by myself. But I need help if I'm going to at least get to the next stage and maybe get into the hero course. So, can you help me at least get close to what I hope to do?"

Shiozaki notices how downtrodden Bakugo seems to be and realizes that she can't turn away from a soul in need (despite him probably saying he wasn't that pitiful). "All right I can work with you. I know the rest of my class wants to compete with 1-A but I see this as working with others with the same hope in their hearts." At that Bakugo explains what he has in mind for the calvary battle.

Okay you guy might see this as a weird set of combinations, but it was about the only way I could make it work. In this case Izuku isn't on top so Ida could possibly be willing to work with him on moving to the next stage. For Bakugo, I needed a place holder since I removed Sero and Shiozaki was a good filler. Plus given her compassionate nature, she might be willing to help a general ed student get their chance to move up to the hero course.