The bell rings.

I take that as my cue to stop blushing. Now.

Because nearly everyone is in class, and I refuse to be embarrassed in front of them.

Not long after, Aizawa-sensei enters the classroom. Shouldn't he still be at the hospital recovering from surgery? But either he left the hospital immediately after surgery, or the surgery was just that. I'm betting on the former because bandages wrap all around his face and both his arms are in slings. He looks like a mummy. I can't even see the slits for his eyes.

The classroom inquires about his well-being. He waves them off. "Don't concern yourselves over me. After all, the battle hasn't really ended for you yet."

"The battle?" Bakugou-san parrots.

"You don't mean ..." Midoriya-san murmurs.

"More villains!" Mineta-san panics.

Though I may not see his eyes, I imagine Aizawa-sensei glaring at us with unimpressed eyes. "The U.A.'s Sports Festival is approaching, boys and girls!"

Most of the class erupts into cheers. Meanwhile, I'm recollecting what little knowledge I have of the U.A.'s Sports Festival. It occurs every year in late November. Just as famous as the Olympics, meaning it's recognized worldwide. Opportunity for aspiring heroes to show off their skills. ... That's it.

I hardly know anything about it. I don't think I even watched a single Festival.

I'm contemplating further about it when a student brings up a very legitimate concern. "That sounds like something villains would try to infiltrate. Will it be alright?"

Given Sensei's response, it's something the school has considered. "On the contrary, since we're going ahead with the festival, it means that the school is confident it has everything in order when it comes to crisis control. For example, I hear police presence will be five times bigger than normal.

"What you should be thinking about is what a huge chance the academy's sports festival presents for you all. This isn't some event that'll be brought to a halt by the likes of villains. Our sports festival is one of Japan's biggest events! In days past, the 'Olympics' was the sports festivity that whipped the nation into a froth of enthusiasm. But now, as you know, the extent and population have shrunk, and it's lost a lot of substance. So what has taken place of the Olympics in Japan is the U.A. Sports Festival!"

I hear other students comment how the country's top Pro-Heroes will be present at the event so that they can scout for potential Pro-Heroes.

Sensei continues. "Naturally, entering the squad of a famous hero will get you higher status and more experience. Remember, time is limited. If you get noticed by a Pro, that gives you the standing for a brighter future than otherwise. This is the chance you'll get only once a year, for a total of three chances. If you aim to be a hero, this is an event you can't overlook!"

And as if the class wasn't excited before, the students erupt into cheers. Amongst the cacophony of sappy encouragement and nonsensical dreams, I scheme.

An event watched nationwide, possibly internationally. A gathering of the most prominent heroes in Japan. A chance to prove to said heroes of one's talent. This all equates to fame and attention. At least, that's what this pompous arrangement is to the public. For me, this is an opportunity for something entirely different. For me, this equates to business, partnerships, alliances. Profits, trades, exchanges. Observations, analysis, information.

For me, this is a possible reprieve from torture.

It aligns very nicely with the Hanada business venture and the League of Villains purpose. All I need to do is convince both of them to let me take part.

But how should I go about this? In the Hanada enterprise, Hanada-sama holds power. In the League of Villains, All-for-One. They're similar and different at the same time ... No. I should decide based on their backgrounds. Hanada-sama is a businessman. He won't make any deal if there is no profit and more disadvantages than he likes. All-for-One is a tactician. He won't make any move if there is no guarantee of success and too much to lose.

This means I have to appeal to their professions. To Hanada-sama, I have to convince him of how having the heroes' attention on me will serve as a catalyst to the venture. Contacts, agreements, and most importantly, profit. To All-for-One, I have to convince him of how observing the heroes and students will be useful to the cause. Behaviors, details, and most importantly, intelligence.

I suppose both of them are similar in this way.

I'm looking for flaws in my plan when Todoroki-kun calls out my name.

"Hey, Hanada-chan. You looked so deep in thought. Everything alright?"

I force a smile. "Yes. Just thinking about the Sports Festival."

"It's awesome. Have you ever attended the Sports Festival?"

"No."

"Have you ever watched it on TV?"

"Also no."

He narrows his eyes slightly and lips thin. "Really? I find that hard to believe."

I shrug. "It's the truth."

"Well, it's pretty straightforward. Rank at the top and become the center of attention. So many Pro-Heroes today are famous because of that."

I nod my head in acquiescence.

With that, it's time for the next class.

Note: I have copied some dialogue from one of the English-translated versions of the manga. The link to the chapter is here: .online/manga/boku-no-hero-academia-chapter-22/