Chapter 19

.

.

.

.

Izuku surveyed the ground, her mind racing with strategies and past experiences. In the original timeline, she, along with Uraraka, Hatsume, and Tokoyami, had made an exceptional team. Uraraka's Anti-Gravity quirk, Tokoyami's Shadow Defense, and Hatsume's ingenious gadgets formed a formidable combination. Determined to replicate this success, she decided to approach them once again in this timeline.

First, Izuku found Uraraka among the bustling students. Uraraka's dependable presence and unwavering support had always been a source of comfort.

"Deku-chan!" Uraraka greeted her with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are we teaming up?"

Izuku nodded eagerly. "Definitely, Uraraka-san. Your Anti-Gravity quirk is essential for our strategy."

Uraraka beamed, her enthusiasm infectious. "Count me in! Let's do our best!"

They exchanged a quick fist bump, the bond of their friendship and mutual trust palpable. Uraraka's excitement matched Izuku's determination, and they both knew they were ready for the challenge ahead.

Next, Izuku spotted Tokoyami, his presence as stoic and composed as ever. His dark, brooding demeanor contrasted sharply with the lively atmosphere around them.

"Midoriya-san," Tokoyami acknowledged with a slight bow, his voice calm and measured. "Are we to ally?"

"Yes, Tokoyami-san," Izuku confirmed, her tone serious. "Dark Shadow's defensive capabilities are crucial for our success."

Tokoyami nodded, his expression serious and unwavering. "I will do my utmost to ensure our victory. Dark Shadow and I are ready."

Izuku smiled, grateful for his calm and steady presence. "Thank you, Tokoyami-san. I know we can count on you."

Finally, Izuku located Hatsume, who was already engrossed in tweaking some new contraption. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were evident as she tinkered with her latest invention.

"Hey, Chibi Hero!" Hatsume called out, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Need my babies?"

Izuku chuckled, appreciating her energetic demeanor. "Yes, Hatsume-san. Your gadgets are amazing, and we need them."

Hatsume grinned widely, her excitement practically radiating off her. "I've got just the thing! With my new inventions, we'll be unstoppable!"

Izuku couldn't help but laugh at her exuberance. "Thank you, Hatsume-san. Let's make this happen."

While Izuku was busy forming her team, the other students also began grouping up according to their strengths. Team Bakugou was an intimidating sight, with Bakugou's fierce determination leading Kirishima, Sero, and Ashido. Bakugou's explosive quirk paired with Kirishima's hardening, Sero's tape, and Ashido's acid made for a dynamic and powerful team.

Team Todoroki, composed of Todoroki, Iida, Kaminari, and Yaoyorozu, exuded a strategic air. Todoroki's ice and fire quirks, combined with Iida's speed, Kaminari's electricity, and Yaoyorozu's creation abilities, ensured they were a force to be reckoned with.

Team Mineta, featuring Mineta, Shoji, Sato, and Tsuyu, had a unique approach. Mineta's sticky balls, Shoji's multiple arms, Sato's strength, and Tsuyu's frog-like abilities allowed them to cover a broad range of tactics and defenses.

With her team assembled, it was time to devise a strategy. Midoriya would be on Tokoyami's shoulders, providing a stable and high vantage point. This position allowed her to observe the battlefield and make quick decisions. Uraraka, with her Anti-Gravity quirk, would be on one side, ready to lighten their load or send opponents floating away. Her ability to make objects weightless was a crucial advantage, offering both mobility and defense.

Hatsume, with her gadgets, would be on the other side, offering technological support and creating diversions. Her inventions were unpredictable and often gave them the edge in unexpected ways. This formation allowed for maximum defense with Dark Shadow's protection, strategic offense with Uraraka's quirk, and the unpredictable edge of Hatsume's inventions.

As Midnight declared the start of the Cavalry Battle, the stadium erupted into a cacophony of cheers and roars. The anticipation was electric, and every eye in the arena was fixed on the students as they launched into action. The teams, each with their unique strategies and abilities, were ready to showcase their skills.

Team Bakugou blasted forward with explosive speed, their formation almost like a spearhead with Bakugou at the tip. His aggressive approach was immediately apparent. "Outta my way, extras!" he bellowed, his palms crackling with explosive energy. Bakugou's explosive quirk propelled them across the field, and he used his blasts to both propel his team and snatch headbands with swift, aggressive motions. Kirishima's hardening quirk provided a robust defense, blocking any attempts to counterattack. Sero's tape was used tactically to bind and disarm other teams, while Ashido's acid quirk created a slippery terrain that hindered their opponents' movements.

"Bakugou's on a rampage!" Present Mic's voice boomed over the speakers, echoing the excitement in the stadium. "He's snatched another headband! This guy's unstoppable!"

Team Todoroki, in contrast, moved with calculated precision. Todoroki's dual quirks of ice and fire were used strategically. "Ice Wall!" Todoroki commanded, raising his hand as a massive ice barrier erupted from the ground, blocking the path of an approaching team. His cold demeanor mirrored the frosty walls he created, which slowed down and trapped opponents, giving his team a tactical edge. Iida's reciprocal burst gave them bursts of speed, allowing for swift repositioning. Kaminari's electrical attacks were used to disable and stun, while Yaoyorozu's creation quirk provided necessary tools and weapons on the fly.

"Look at Todoroki's strategy! He's using his ice to control the battlefield!" Aizawa commented, his voice tinged with professional admiration. "And with Iida's speed and Yaoyorozu's adaptability, they're a force to be reckoned with."

Team Mineta adopted a different approach, relying heavily on Mineta's sticky balls. "Stick 'em up, boys!" Mineta shouted, flinging his sticky spheres with glee. The sticky balls created obstacles, effectively slowing down and trapping other teams. Shoji's multiple arms provided a shield-like defense, protecting their headbands from being snatched. Sato's immense strength was used to push through barriers and clear paths, while Tsuyu's agility and frog-like abilities allowed them to navigate the terrain with ease.

"Team Mineta is playing dirty!" Present Mic laughed. "Those sticky balls are a real nuisance!"

Meanwhile, Izuku's team quickly gained traction. Uraraka's Anti-Gravity quirk was a game-changer, allowing their team to float and dodge incoming attacks with incredible ease. "Light as a feather, Deku-chan!" Uraraka called out, her touch making their equipment weightless. Tokoyami's Dark Shadow was a formidable defense, its dark, looming presence deterring any direct assaults. "Dark Shadow, defend!" Tokoyami commanded, his shadowy companion spreading its wings to block an incoming attack.

Hatsume, ever the inventor, had a myriad of gadgets at her disposal. "Watch this, Chibi Hero!" she shouted excitedly, tossing a device that exploded into a cloud of blinding smoke, creating confusion and openings for Izuku to snatch headbands. Izuku herself was a whirlwind of activity, her movements precise and calculated. With One For All enhancing her speed and strength, she darted through the chaos, grabbing headbands with ease.

"Midoriya's team is climbing the ranks rapidly!" Aizawa noted, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Their teamwork and strategy are impeccable."

The audience was on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued to the fast-paced action unfolding below. Gasps and cheers erupted with each daring move and clever strategy, the excitement palpable.

Other participants, including those from different classes, showcased their impressive abilities as well. Team Shinso from Class 1-C used Shinso's brainwashing quirk to momentarily disable opponents, while Team Monoma from Class 1-B utilised Monoma's quirk-copying ability to great effect, mimicking their opponents' quirks to counter their strategies.

Despite the fierce competition, everyone's focus inevitably turned towards Midoriya's headband, branded with a staggering 10 million points. This headband was the ultimate prize, and every team had their eyes on it.

"Get Midoriya's headband!" someone from another team shouted, and a wave of students converged towards her team.

However, every time someone got close, Izuku would shrink herself using her newfound quirk, causing her pursuers to fumble and miss. "She's shrinking again!" an exasperated opponent cried, their hands grasping at empty air where Izuku had just been. Her shrinking ability made her a difficult target, and the sight of her shrinking out of reach was both hilarious and impressive.

"Did you see that? Midoriya's just slipped away again!" Present Mic's voice was filled with amazement. "Her quirks make her untouchable!"

The audience loved it. They laughed at the absurdity, cheered for the ingenuity, and marveled at the effectiveness of Izuku's strategy. Each time she shrank, evading capture by a hair's breadth, the crowd erupted into cheers.

"Go, Deku!" someone from the stands shouted, and the chant was quickly picked up by others.

Izuku's unique combination of quirks kept her and her team safe while steadily climbing the ranks. The teamwork was seamless; Uraraka's anti-gravity touch kept them agile and hard to hit, Tokoyami's Dark Shadow provided an almost impenetrable defense, and Hatsume's gadgets sowed chaos among their opponents.

In the midst of the chaos, Bakugou's explosive roars could be heard as he continued his aggressive headband-snatching spree. "Get outta my way, nerds!" he bellowed, blasting through another team's defenses. His teammates, Kirishima, Sero, and Ashido, moved with practiced precision, covering his back and ensuring no one got close enough to threaten their headbands.

Todoroki, ever the strategist, observed the battlefield with a keen eye. "There's an opening on the left," he instructed, creating an ice path that allowed Iida to speed them towards their next target. Kaminari and Yaoyorozu worked in tandem, Kaminari's electrical discharges creating openings for Yaoyorozu's creations to be deployed effectively.

Mineta, on the other hand, was gleefully throwing his sticky balls, creating a minefield of traps. "Heh, good luck getting past this!" he sneered, enjoying the chaos he was causing. Shoji's multi-armed defense was a wall of muscle and reach, while Sato's raw power cleared obstacles and opponents alike.

As the battle raged on, the audience's excitement only grew. The diversity of quirks and tactics on display made for an enthralling spectacle. Each team's unique approach to the Cavalry Battle showcased the creativity and adaptability of UA's students.

Everyone was aiming for Midoriya's headband, drawn by the allure of the massive point value. However, each time someone tried to reach her, they found themselves thwarted by her shrinking ability. "She's too small to grab!" a frustrated opponent yelled as Izuku shrank out of reach once again.

It was both hilarious and awe-inspiring. The sight of Izuku shrinking down, evading capture, and then returning to normal size to continue the fight, kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

"Midoriya's team is showing incredible resilience and strategy," Aizawa commented, a note of approval in his voice. "This is what the Sports Festival is all about."

The combination of Izuku's shrinking ability, Uraraka's anti-gravity support, Tokoyami's Dark Shadow defense, and Hatsume's gadgets created a formidable team dynamic. The crowd's reactions were a mixture of laughter, cheers, and admiration as they watched the underdog team steadily rise through the ranks.

With each passing minute, the intensity of the Cavalry Battle increased. The top teams continued to jostle for position, but it was clear that Midoriya's team was a force to be reckoned with. Their blend of quirk synergy, strategic planning, and sheer determination made them a standout in the competition.

As the battle continued, it became evident that this Cavalry Battle would be one for the history books.

As the battle reached its zenith, the two most formidable teams converged on Izuku's group. Bakugou, with his explosive ferocity, and Todoroki, with his ice-cold strategy, both had their sights set on the 10-million-point headband wrapped around Izuku's head. The tension in the air was palpable as the two powerhouse teams closed in, determined to snatch the coveted prize.

"Deku! I'm coming for that headband, you damn nerd!" Bakugou roared, his palms igniting with fiery explosions. His team surged forward, with Kirishima's hardening quirk providing a protective barrier, Sero's tape launching them ahead, and Ashido's acid creating slippery pitfalls for their opponents.

"Bakugou!" Izuku gasped, her eyes widening. She could see the sheer determination in his eyes, his explosive quirk propelling him with relentless speed. But she wasn't the only one on Bakugou's radar. Todoroki was also making his move.

"Midoriya, I won't let you keep that headband," Todoroki said with a cold, determined expression. His ice spread across the ground, creating a path for his team to advance swiftly. Iida's engine legs powered them forward, Kaminari's electricity provided offensive cover, and Yaoyorozu's creations offered both offensive and defensive support.

Izuku could effortlessly win the tournament alone. But showing your strength wasn't fundamental…

"Uraraka, Hatsume, Tokoyami, get ready!" Izuku shouted, her mind racing as she assessed the situation. "We need to stay out of their reach."

"Got it, Deku-chan!" Uraraka responded, her fingers already brushing against their gear to lighten their load. "Let's fly!"

"Dark Shadow, defend!" Tokoyami commanded, his shadowy companion spreading its wings to create a protective barrier.

"Hold on tight, Chibi Hero!" Hatsume yelled, her gadgets whirring to life. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve!"

Izuku activated her Float quirk, and with Uraraka's Anti-Gravity touch, their team lifted off the ground, hovering just out of reach of their pursuers. Bakugou and Todoroki's teams collided below them, both determined to be the ones to snatch the headband.

"Damn it, they're flying!" Bakugou growled, launching himself into the air with an explosive blast. "Get back here, Deku!"

"Not so fast, Bakugou!" Todoroki countered, raising a massive ice wall to block Bakugou's ascent. "That headband is mine."

"Shut up, Icy-Hot!" Bakugou snarled, blasting through the ice with brute force. "You think you can stop me?"

"Dark Shadow, push them back!" Tokoyami ordered, and Dark Shadow lunged forward, its powerful wings knocking both teams off balance.

"Hatsume, can you give us more altitude?" Izuku asked, her eyes darting between their pursuers.

"Way ahead of you, Chibi Hero!" Hatsume replied, activating a device that emitted a burst of air, propelling them higher.

Bakugou's eyes blazed with fury. "I won't let you get away!" He launched another explosion, but this time, Izuku was ready.

"Uraraka, now!" Izuku called out.

"Right!" Uraraka responded, touching Bakugou's gauntlet mid-air. "Release!"

Bakugou, suddenly weightless, lost control and tumbled back to the ground. "Damn it, Deku!" he yelled, recovering just in time to avoid crashing.

Todoroki wasn't far behind. "Iida, Kaminari, flank them!" he ordered, creating ice pillars to reach Izuku's team.

"On it!" Iida replied, using his engines to boost their ascent.

"Kaminari, get ready to stun them!" Todoroki added.

"Gotcha!" Kaminari grinned, electricity crackling around him.

"Not so fast!" Hatsume shouted, tossing a gadget that exploded into a flash of light, temporarily blinding Todoroki's team.

"Uraraka, make us lighter!" Izuku commanded, feeling the pressure as both teams closed in.

"Already on it!" Uraraka said, touching their gear again. "We're as light as feathers now!"

Izuku's team soared higher, but Bakugou and Todoroki's relentless pursuit didn't falter. They fought fiercely, each team trying to outmaneuver the other while simultaneously attempting to corner Izuku's group.

"Dark Shadow, hold them off!" Tokoyami directed, his shadowy companion creating a barrier.

"Bakugou's closing in again!" Izuku warned, seeing him blast through the defenses with sheer determination.

"I'm gonna blow you all to pieces!" Bakugou shouted, his eyes wild with intensity.

"Todoroki's not backing down either," Uraraka noted, pointing at the ice path rapidly approaching them.

"Keep moving, we can't let them corner us!" Izuku urged, her heart pounding. They dodged and weaved, using every trick in their arsenal to stay one step ahead.

The spectators were on the edge of their seats, captivated by the high-stakes chase. "Look at them go!" Present Mic exclaimed. "Team Midoriya is giving us an aerial show, but Team Bakugou and Team Todoroki are relentless!"

As the clock ticked down, Bakugou and Todoroki's teams made a final push. Bakugou blasted forward with a roar, while Todoroki created a massive ice slide to speed up their advance. Both teams were closing in, ready to snatch the headband.

"Hold on, everyone!" Izuku shouted, using Float to maneuver them just out of reach. "We're almost there!"

With mere seconds left, Bakugou and Todoroki's teams launched simultaneous attacks. Explosions and ice shards filled the air, and for a moment, it seemed like they might succeed in cornering Izuku's team.

But just as they were about to close in, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the battle. "Time's up!" Midnight announced, her voice cutting through the chaos.

Both Bakugou and Todoroki's teams halted, frustration etched on their faces. They had come so close, but Izuku's team had managed to stay just out of reach.

"Damn it!" Bakugou cursed, his fists clenching in anger. "We almost had them!"

"I'll get her next time," Todoroki said, his expression cold but determined.

Izuku's team descended back to the ground, their faces lit with a mixture of relief and triumph. They had done it. Despite the intense pressure and relentless attacks, they had held onto the headband.

The crowd erupted into cheers, applauding the incredible display of skill and teamwork. "That was an amazing Cavalry Battle!" Present Mic declared. "Team Midoriya showed incredible resilience and strategy! With that, they have secured the first position!"

Izuku looked at her teammates, her heart swelling with pride. "We did it, everyone. Thank you for all your hard work."

"Of course, Deku-chan!" Uraraka beamed, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Dark Shadow and I are honored to have fought alongside you," Tokoyami said with a respectful bow.

"Great job, Chibi Hero!" Hatsume grinned, already thinking about her next invention. "We totally rocked it!"

As they basked in the applause, Izuku knew this was just the beginning. The Sports Festival was far from over, and there were more challenges ahead.

.

.

.

.

TBC

.