Izuku walked to the waiting room and waited for his name to be called. As he sat and reviewed his quirk notebook, he noticed a tall man with black hair, green eyes, slitted pupils like a predator's, and pointed ears standing outside the door. There was immense pressure coming from him, similar to Eindridi but stronger.
Izuku simply asked, "Do I know you?"
"No. Perhaps not yet. You may simply call me Setanta. I'm simply looking around the area, trying to find a cousin of mine...though I guess it's more accurate to call him my great-great-Uncle," the man replied cryptically.
'That's weird,' Izuku thought.
"Okay...so who is he? Do I know him?" Izuku asked, hoping to point the man in the right direction.
The man simply laughed. "Perhaps you do know him, perhaps you don't. Though, that's not something for you to worry about. I'm just looking around."
"Alright...if you say so," Izuku replied, not fully understanding the situation.
"Midoriya, Izuku, vs Todoroki Shoto," the announcer called.
"I have to go. Are you sure you don't need any help looking for him?" Izuku told the strange man.
"Hahaha, you're a good kid. Don't worry, I'll manage. Go and show them what you got, Izuku," the man replied.
Izuku nodded and walked out of the waiting room, thinking, 'Who the hell was that? He seems friendly enough, but dangerous.'
Izuku vs Shoto
"LISTEN UP, UA! THE SPORTS FESTIVAL BATTLE TOURNAMENT IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE! THIS IS WHERE QUIRKS COLLIDE AND HEROES RISE! FIRST YEARS, YOU'VE TRAINED HARD – NOW IT'S TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT YOU'VE GOT! GIVE IT EVERYTHING! PLUS ULTRA AIN'T JUST TALK, IT'S THE SPIRIT THAT'LL CARRY YOU TO VICTORY! LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Present Mic announced.
"THIS IS WHAT WE CAME FOR! IZUKU MIDORIYA, A FORCE OF UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY, READY TO SHAKE THIS STADIUM TO ITS CORE! OPPOSING HIM, SHOTO TODOROKI, WITH THE FRIGID FOCUS AND BURNING AMBITION OF A TRUE CHAMPION! THIS MATCH, UA, WILL SHOW WHAT IT MEANS TO GO PLUS ULTRA!"
After Midnight confirmed that both participants were ready, she announced the start of the fight.
As the match began, Izuku used a *Three Of a Kind* linked to Fire to cancel out Todoroki's initial ice attack. The two continued to exchange powerful blows, with Izuku holding back to avoid seriously injuring Todoroki.
But Todoroki was determined to win. He launched a barrage of fire and ice at Izuku, who countered with an equally powerful blast of wind that knocked the ice away and sent the flames hurtling back towards Todoroki.
As the two continued to exchange blows, the crowd was on the edge of their seats, captivated by the sheer intensity of the battle.
The duel was a dance of fire and ice, with each blow more powerful than the last. But as the fight wore on, it became clear that Todoroki was tiring, while Izuku remained undeterred.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Todoroki collapsed, exhausted and defeated. Midnight, observing the match from the sidelines, raised her whip, signaling the end of the battle.
"Todoroki Shoto is no longer able to continue. Midoriya Izuku advances to the next round!
The crowd erupted into cheers, as Todoroki struggled to his feet, his face twisted with a mixture of frustration and disbelief.
Izuku, sensing that Todoroki had given his all, held out a hand to help his opponent to his feet.
"You put up a good fight, Todoroki," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "That was truly a battle to remember."
Todoroki took his hand, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Midoriya. You're a worthy goal for me."
The two exchanged a brief nod of respect before turning to face the crowd, the roar of the crowd deafening.
As Izuku walked off the field, he couldn't help but wonder about the strange man he had seen earlier. Something about him seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
He pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the next match ahead. As he settled into his seat, he found himself excited and anxious, eager to see the battle unfold.
Momo vs Fumikage
The next match was between Tokoyami and Yaoyorozu. Before it began, the audience were all told to wear sunglasses thick enough you'd think it's opaque. However, Mineta refused to wear it, citing that he "wants to watch Yaoyorozu in her full naked glory!"
To say the match ended quick would be an understatement. As soon as Midnight started the round, Yaoyorozu immediately created what seemed to be a flashlight. Even though it's technically flashlight, it's unlike what you'll be able to buy from a store.
(Check out Hacksmith Industries' video called "World's BRIGHTEST Flashlight?" for context)
'Seriously, she's holding that like a some battering ram.' Izuku thought.
Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is immediately dispelled. Though Yaoyorozu didn't stop there. She created a net and managed to capture Tokoyami.
'Wow, she knew exactly how to counter Tokoyami's quirk and used it to her advantage. This is why Yaoyorozu is a formidable opponent,' Izuku analyzed. 'I wonder if she'll have some kind of counter to mine I haven't thought of before. I guess I'll find out next round.' Being an Evoker, Izuku rarely has someone in his age group who could pose a real challenge. Kendo Itsuka's one of those rare instances. Sure, there are mages hundreds or even thousands of years old that will likely scatter his remains across the floor before he can react, but that's not really what he's referring to. Speaking of which,
Itsuka vs Eijirou
"GET THOSE SHIELDS UP, UA! IT'S A BATTLE OF THE UNBREAKABLE! EIJIRO KIRISHIMA, HIS HARDENING QUIRK TURNING HIM INTO A WALKING FORTRESS! FACING HIM, THE HAND-TO-HAND MASTER, ITSUKA KENDO! THOSE GIANT FISTS PACK A KNOCKOUT PUNCH! THIS ONE'S GONNA BE A BRAWL FOR THE AGES!" Present Mic announced.
Kendo, in the arena, smirked. 'I'm going to enjoy this.'
The match began, with Kirishima launching a powerful charge at Kendo. But Kendo, used to fighting for as long as she can remember, sidestepped Kirishima and delivered a devastating blow to his back, sending him crashing to the ground.
Kirishima, undeterred, picked himself up and charged again, this time with more caution. He unleashed a series of punches and kicks, but Kendo's defense was impenetrable.
'I can't land a single hit!' Kirishima thought, frustrated.
Kendo, on the other hand, was enjoying herself. She had always enjoyed a good fight, and Kirishima's unwavering determination was admirable.
She dodged and parried every attack, her movements practiced and precise. Far from fancy graceful movements, but she has practical movements. She was a master of hand-to-hand combat, and her technique was flawless.
As the match wore on, Kendo could see that Kirishima was starting to tire. His attacks became slower, his defenses weaker.
Finally, in a moment of desperation, Kirishima launched a reckless charge, hoping to break through Kendo's defenses. But Kendo saw it coming, and as Kirishima lunged, she grabbed him by the arm and flipped him over her shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground.
Kirishima struggled to get up, but his body refused to obey. He lay there, defeated and exhausted, as Midnight raised her whip, signaling the end of the match.
"Kirishima Eijirou can't continue the fight! Kendo Itsuka will advance to the next round!" Midnight announced.
Kirishima struggled to his feet, his body bruised and aching. He knew he had lost, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for Kendo. She was a true force to be reckoned with, and he had been fortunate to have the chance to battle her.
Kendo, meanwhile, was feeling exhilarated. She had won the match, and she had enjoyed every minute of it. She had been holding back, but even so, Kirishima had proven to have plenty of potential. She had no doubt that with more training and experience, he could become a quite the hero.
As the two opponents made their way back to the waiting room, they shared a brief nod of respect, both acknowledging the other's skill and determination. It had been a battle to remember, and the crowd had been on the edge of their seats the entire time.
As they entered the room, they were greeted by cheers and congratulations from their classmates, who had watched the match intently. Kendo couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her, knowing that she had done her best and had come out victorious. Briefly, she looked over Izuku's direction. While he didn't look directly at her, he was giving her a thumbs up and Kendo couldn't help but feel a small rush of pleasure at the knowledge that she had impressed him. If she had a tail, it would surely be wagging right now.
She couldn't help but imagine the praise she would receive from him when they were alone. Perhaps he would even reward her with a good petting session. Maybe more? Her heart fluttered at the thought, and she felt a blush creep onto her cheeks.
Kinoko vs Denki
"THIS ONE'S A TOTAL CRAPSHOOT, FOLKS! KINOKO KOMORI. HER MUSHROOM QUIRK IS SPREADING FAST, AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SHE'LL SPROUT NEXT! UP AGAINST THE ELECTRIFYING DENKI KAMINARI! CAN HE SHORT-CIRCUIT HER GROWTH, OR WILL THOSE SPORES GET THE BEST OF HIM? THIS BATTLE IS CHARGED WITH SURPRISES!" Present Mic announces.
After Midnight gave the signal, Kaminari wasted no time in charging up his attack.
"Let's do this!" he shouted, unleashing a massive blast of electricity.
But Kinoko was quick to react. She quickly threw down a mushroom that sprouted a gigantic dome, protecting her from the lightning.
The mushroom dome began to crack and splinter under the assault, but Kinoko continued to stand strong, her faith in her quirk never wavering.
With each passing second, the strain on the dome increased, until finally, it could take no more. With a mighty crash, the mushroom dome shattered, revealing a triumphant Kinoko.
Kaminari's eyes widened as he saw his attack had failed. He tried to move, but his body was too stiff, his mind too clouded to react.
Kinoko was quick to seize the opportunity. She rushed forward and threw down a mushroom that engulfed Kaminari in a giant puff of spores.
Kaminari coughed and sputtered, his body sluggish and his mind fuzzy. He tried to move, but it was as if his body was moving through molasses.
The spores quickly took effect, sapping Kaminari's strength and rendering him unable to fight back. He stumbled, his legs giving out beneath him.
"Kaminari can't continue! Komori advances to the next round!" Midnight declared.
Kaminari lay there, his consciousness slipping away. The last thing he remembered was the sound of cheering from the stands and a pair of concerned faces peering down at him.
Then, darkness.
Yuga vs Hitoshi
Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Aoyama and Shinso were preparing for their match.
After being called, the went to the stage. "GET READY FOR A CLASH OF LIGHT AND SHADOW, UA! IN ONE CORNER, THE RADIANT AOYAMA YUGA; HIS DAZZLING QUIRK THE TALK OF THE TOWN! FACING HIM, HITOSHI SHINSO...A FIGHTER WE KNOW PRECIOUS LITTLE ABOUT! CAN AOYAMA'S BRILLIANCE CUT THROUGH THE UNKNOWN, OR WILL SHINSO'S MYSTERY PROVE TOO MUCH TO HANDLE?" Present Mic announces.
"Ah, mon cheri," Aoyama said, his eyes twinkling. "You seem nervous. Do not worry, I will go easy on you."
Shinso rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. Like I would let you win that easily."
Aoyama laughed. "Oh, but you do not have a choice, mon cheri. After all, my quirk is much more powerful than yours. What can you do against the power of my Navel Laser?"
Shinso smirked. "I don't know. We'll just have to see, won't we?"
Before Aoyama could respond, the signal for the start of the match was given. Shinso rushed towards Aoyama, his quirk already active.
"So, Aoyama, what's your type?"
"Huh?"
"You know, what kind of girl do you like?"
Aoyama's cheeks flushed. "Um, well, I, uh..." a figure of a certain someone entered his mind.
Shinso smiled, his quirk activating. "Tell me, Aoyama, are you single?"
"Yes," Aoyama responded, though his expression soon turned hollow.
"Perfect. Then, I want you to walk off the stage and forfeit the match."
And with that, Aoyama walked off the stage and forfeited the match, leaving Shinso as the victor.
The audience was shocked, and Midnight was quick to declare Shinso as the winner. However, Shinso's victory was marred by the fact that he had won by coercing his opponent into forfeiting.
There were mixed reactions among the crowd, with some cheering Shinso's ingenuity while others decried the unheroic nature of his strategy.
Aoyama, meanwhile, was in a daze, unsure of what had just transpired. As he walked off the stage, he could only remember fragments of the conversation. He knew he had been asked questions, but the words themselves were a blur.
He couldn't understand why he had agreed to forfeit the match, especially when he was certain he could have won. Something about Shinso's quirk made him unable to refuse, and it left him feeling unsettled and confused.
While some praised Shinso for his quick-thinking and resourcefulness, Aoyama was left with the bitter taste of defeat, unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss.
At the seats, Izuku couldn't help but be curious about what happened. He will definitely need to prepare for it in case they'll have to face each other. Whether unfortunate or not, the earliest they'll have a chance for to do that is in the finals. And that's a big if he can come out on top against Bakugou, Mina, or Ochaco.
'This Hitoshi Shinso has an interesting quirk. I have to make sure to stay on my toes. I wonder if I can use my magic to cancel his effects? Or maybe use my OFA against him? So many possibilities...' Izuku mused, his mind racing with potential strategies.
As he's lost in thought, Mina got up from her seat. "I'm up next, Daddy! Wish me luck!" she said to Izuku.
Izuku nodded. "Good luck, Mina. I know you'll do great."
Mina smiled at the young Evoker. "Thank you! I'll show that Bakugou who's boss!" she said, fist-pumping the air.
Izuku couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. He watched as she made her way to the battlefield, ready for her next battle.
Mina vs Katsuki
"HE NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION! THE KING OF EXPLOSIONS HIMSELF, BAKUGOU KATSUKI! HE'S HERE TO WIN, AND ANYONE WHO STANDS IN HIS WAY IS ABOUT TO GET BLASTED INTO OBLIVION! AND NEXT UP, SHE'S GOT THE MOVES, THE CHARM, AND ACID THAT'LL MELT YOUR FACE OFF! GIVE IT UP FOR THE PINK POWERHOUSE, ASHIDO MINA! THIS GIRL IS ALL ABOUT FLASH AND FURY: A ONE-WOMAN DANCE PARTY OF DESTRUCTION!" Present Mic announced.
"Who do you think will win, Midoriya?" Kaminari asked Izuku from behind.
"Mina," Izuku immediately answered. While Bakugou certainly isn't weak by any means, what he learned about sorceresses for the past month made it so he cannot fathom his Chosen losing this battle. The next moment, he felt the pull from his bond with Mina, drawing power from him to her.
"Dang! You really believe in her a lot to think so too, huh?" Kirishima told Izuku. He doesn't know what is going on between the two, but there's this closeness between them that seemingly came out of nowhere. 'Well, it's not exactly a surprise. Between the girls, only Asui seems to be the one not that interested in Midori-bro' he thought.
"Yeah. Mina will win this, for sure." Izuku replied, gazing at Mina. A gaze of total trust.
As the battle began, Bakugou wasted no time to fire a powerful explosion at Mina.
"Die!" Bakugou shouted. The smell of burnt sugar hang in the air.
*BOOM*
But Mina simply sidestepped and let the explosion hit the ground, creating a large dust cloud.
Bakugou's eyes widened in surprise. He quickly moved his hands around to create a large explosion. But to his surprise, his quirk misfired.
Mina was only looking at him with a smile on her face, he tried again. And this time, it worked, but the explosion was way off.
"What the hell?!" Bakugou screamed, his eyes filled with rage.
Mina didn't reply, instead, she fired a barrage of acid. Bakugou tried to dodge, but he was too slow. He managed to get out of the way, but his left shoulder was burned badly.
Bakugou winced in pain, but his eyes were still filled with anger. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. He wasn't going to give up that easily.
"Why the fuck is your quirk working?! How?!" Bakugou growled, his voice laced with anger and confusion.
"Well, I wonder why~," she said as she tilted her head to the side, a gesture Izuku secretly found adorable.
'This Racoon Eyes is mocking me!' Bakugou thought as he ready more explosions and flew to her. Even if the explosion won't get to her, he can just use his fist and it'll still be effective all the same. To his surprise, however, his quirk veered him to the left. All these years of knowledge and training to maneuver with his quirk were seemingly useless against her.
'I've gotta say, I've never had this much fun,' Mina thought. 'It's like a dance. And with Daddy's magic, I can't lose!'
"Damn you!" Bakugou roared as he lunged at her. He was determined to land a hit.
'I've got him right where I want him,' Mina thought.
She sidestepped him easily, then delivered a powerful blow to his back.
"Argh!" Bakugou yelled, his back stinging from the hit.
"Is that all you've got?" Mina taunted.
"Shut the fuck up!" Bakugou snapped.
He launched a series of attacks at her, but she dodged them all effortlessly.
'Man, this is too easy!' Mina thought, her heart pounding with excitement.
"What the hell are you?!" Bakugou roared.
"Me?" Mina replied. "I'm just a normal girl. But I'm also the future hero, Pinky."
"Bullshit!" Bakugou shouted. He charged at her, but she simply stepped out of the way.
"Come on. Is that the best you've got?" Mina taunted.
Anger coursed through his veins. His palms sweated even more, and his eyes narrowed.
'What the fuck?! She's pissing me off!' Bakugou thought.
"I'll fucking kill you!" he shouted.
He unleashed a series of powerful explosions. But to his surprise, Mina deflected them easily, the explosions parting around her. No, it's more like they're avoiding her!
"What the fuck?" Bakugou muttered. 'How does she keep doing that?!' Bakugou screamed in his head.
Bakugou's rage grew as the fight went on, his frustration mounting with every missed attack. His face was twisted in a snarl, his teeth bared.
"You fucking bitch!" he shouted. Though without him knowing, he's standing way too close to the edge of the stage. Before he knew it, Mina shoved him lightly, making him fall out of bounds.
"Bakugou Katsuki is out of bounds! Ashido Mina wins!" Midnight declared.
"I-impossible..." Bakugou whispered, disbelief evident in his voice.
Mina simply smiled, her face full of confidence. She had done it. She had won. She turned and made her way off the stage, leaving Bakugou seething in anger.
'I'll get you for this, Racoon Eyes!' he thought, his rage burning inside him.
As the audience cheered, Mina couldn't help but feel a rush of exhilaration wash over her. She had done it. She had won her first fight in the tournament. Her body buzzed with energy and her heart raced. She had never felt so alive.
'That was awesome!' she thought, a huge grin spreading across her face.
Her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for a certain someone. As she found him, she felt her heart skip a beat. He was watching her intently, his eyes shining with pride.
"That was amazing, Mina! You were so cool out there!" Izuku told her.
Mina felt her face flush, her heart beating faster.
"Aww, thanks, Daddy! That means a lot coming from you!" she said, her voice a bit higher than usual.
"You really are a force to be reckoned with. I'm proud of you," Izuku said, giving her a pat on the head.
Mina's heart fluttered at his words. She couldn't help but feel a sense of elation, knowing that she had made him proud.
"Well then, I'm off, Sir Knight," Ochaco told him as she stood up.
"Good luck out there, Ochaco," he said, giving her a gentle squeeze to the hand. Truthfully, he wanted to give her a kiss, but seeing a Fae before made him reconsider. Setanta could've been sent by her father for whatever reason. He simply watched as Ochaco walked away.
Ochaco vs Setsuna
"DON'T LET HER SMILE FOOL YOU, FOLKS! OCHACO PENDRAGON'S GOT A QUIRK WITH KNOCKOUT POTENTIAL! HER ZERO-GRAVITY TOUCH CAN TURN THE BATTLEFIELD UPSIDE-DOWN! FACING HER, THE MASTER OF DIVIDE-AND-CONQUER, SETSUNA TOKAGE! THOSE LIZARD LIMBS ARE A WEAPON ALL THEIR OWN! THIS ONE'S GONNA BE A WHIRLWIND OF CHAOS, UA" Present Mic announces.
'Alright, Setsuna. Let's see how good you really are.' Ochaco thought, a smirk forming on her lips.
Ochaco's heart pounding with a potent mix of excitement and determination, locked eyes with her opponent, Setsuna Tokage. Setsuna, a blur of disjointed limbs, presented a unique challenge; a puzzle Ochaco craved to solve.
Years of training had honed her reflexes, her strength allowing her to seize opportunities others might miss.
The starting announcement from Midnight echoed, and the battle commenced. Ochaco spotted a chance. Moments earlier, another match had sent chunks of debris flying. With a powerful leap, she soared towards the nearest concrete fragment, her fingertips brushing its rough surface. It rose effortlessly, a testament to her honed quirk.
Setsuna's reptilian eyes narrowed. Ochaco wasn't just powerful, she was crafting the battlefield itself. Each floating piece of concrete wasn't merely clutter; it was a potential weapon in a silent ballet.
Ochaco danced amidst the concrete platforms, evading Setsuna's whirlwind of limbs with practiced grace. Each dodge was a pirouette, each leap a calculated trajectory. It was a breathtaking blend of power and artistry. Frustration flickered in Setsuna's eyes. Her strength lay in chaos, but Ochaco's controlled movements made her attacks predictable.
Setsuna shifted tactics. Several segments of her body detached and coalesced, forming a jagged spear that shot towards Ochaco. It was a risky move, sacrificing control for raw force.
But Ochaco was ready. With a precise flick of her wrist, she sent a concrete slab she'd strategically left hanging mid-air slamming into Setsuna's side. The impact forced the fragmented spear to disintegrate, buying Ochaco precious moments.
She pressed her attack with an elegance honed from countless training hours. Each leap was a calculated risk, each movement a testament to her refined power. With one final touch, a whisper-light brush against Setsuna's shoulder, she activated her quirk. Setsuna, weightless, drifted helplessly upwards, outside the bounds.
The crowd erupted in a wave of sound. Ochaco landed softly, a quiet confidence replacing her earlier anticipation. This victory wasn't just about strength; it was a display of strategic brilliance, a testament that she is a force of both power and breathtaking precision.
And her beloved Izuku was right there, his gaze locked onto her. There was an admiration in his eyes, a glimmer of awe. In that moment, she knew she had made him proud.
"Tokage is out of bounds! Pendragon is the winner!" Midnight announced.
Setsuna floated helplessly out of bounds, a scowl on her face.
"I won't lose next time." she muttered, a look of determination on her face.
Ochaco simply nodded, her smile unwavering. She'd expected nothing less.
Ochaco couldn't help but smile in satisfaction as she walked off the stage, having won the match. She was well aware of the fact that she could have defeated Setsuna a lot sooner, but she had wanted to give the other girl a fighting chance. After all, a decisive victory was not necessarily the best kind.
Mei vs Tenya
The final fight of the first round isn't exactly the most exciting. It would even be argued it'll be too generous to call it a fight. Hatsume Mei simply used Iida Tenya as a way for her to advertise her support gears to the companies watching from their seats. After ten grueling minutes of it, she simply walked out of bounds, making Iida technically win.
The crowd was confused at the strange result. Some were angry, but many were fascinated by the sheer ingenuity of the support course student.
"WHAT A SHOW! WELL, THAT WAS INTERESTING! THE FIRST ROUND IS OVER, AND WE'VE GOT AN EXCITING GROUP OF CONTENDERS!" Present Mic announced. The hologram then showed the names of those people advancing to the next round. Namely, Izuku, Momo, Kendo, Kinoko, Hitoshi, Mina, Ochaco, and lastly Tenya. "OMG! LOTS OF GIRLS ARE ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND! WOOOO!"
The crowd erupted into cheers. This is what many of them have been waiting for.
"THE NEXT ROUND WILL BEGIN SHORTLY, AND I'M SURE IT'S GOING TO BE A BLAST!" Present Mic continued.
"It sure is!" Midnight said, grinning.
Izuku looked up at the scoreboard and took note of the matchups for the next round. He would be going up against Momo first. He had a good idea of what to expect from her, but it would be good to go over his strategy before the fight began. He would also need to be on guard against any surprise attacks.
"Good luck, Dearest Knight." Ochaco said to him.
"You can do it, Daddy!" Mina also cheered for him.
"Thanks, you two!"
Izuku felt a tug on his arm. He turned and saw Kendo standing beside him, a warm smile on her face.
"Good luck," she said.
"Thanks," Izuku replied, returning the smile.
"I'll cheer for you," she said, before heading back to her seat.
Behind her, he can also see both Kinoko and Ibara looking at him, their face enough to convey the encouragement.
Izuku watched her leave, a warm feeling in his chest. He was grateful to have their support, and he knew that they would be watching over him during the fight.
'I'm lucky to have them in my life,' he thought. 'I have to do my best for their sake.'
With a renewed determination, he headed to the waiting room to prepare for his upcoming match.
'I won't let them down,' he thought, a determined expression on his face.
'My Lord...' Ibara thought, clasping her hands as if praying, her heart fluttering as she watched him walk away.
"You like him, huh?" Itsuka teased, nudging Ibara's side.
"Wha- I don't-" Ibara sputtered, her cheeks flushed.
Itsuka grinned, seeing through her friend's attempts to deny the obvious.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," she said.
"I'm My Lord's servant. Nothing more, nothing less." Ibara said, her face becoming an even deeper shade of red.
''My Lord,' eh?' Itsuka thought to herself. 'Though I guess it's not my place to judge. Woman in the mirror, and all that.'
Ending the conversation there, Itsuka simply watched the arena, looking at the match. She has mixed feelings about so many girls developing feelings for Izuku, being the first one to have met him, but she forces her mind to focus on the Sports Festival. 'You better advance so we can fight next round, Master.' she thought, looking at him.
Izuku vs Momo
"THIS IS WHAT WE TRAIN FOR, FOLKS! MIDORIYA IZUKU, A NATURAL-BORN HERO WITH POWER TO SPARE! BUT DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YAOYOROZU MOMO! HER TACTICAL BRILLIANCE COULD BE THE KEY TO TAMING THIS WILD FORCE! TWO RISING STARS COLLIDE: WHO WILL SHINE BRIGHTEST?"
'I should have known this would happen. Of course I would end up facing Midoriya in the second round.' Momo thought. She tried to use her ability to see the future in order to know what she'll need to win the fight. However, like always, it's always blank whenever she tries it on Izuku.
'If I'm going to win, I'll have to use the element of surprise.' Momo thought. 'Maybe a flash grenade would work? Or maybe a smoke bomb would be better?'
Momo took a deep breath and steeled herself for the fight ahead. 'Whatever happens, I'll have to keep my head in the game.' she told herself.
"BEGIN!"
Before the signal even finished, Momo was already on the move. She quickly created a flash grenade and threw it at her opponent.
But to her surprise, he was unfazed by the bright light.
'What? Why didn't the flash grenade work?!' Momo thought.
But her confusion was cut short as she saw Izuku gather energy around himself, green electricity hovers around him as he pulls his hand, and unleashed a punch to the air, causing an absurd level of wind pressure. She would've gone *splat* to the wall, if she hadn't created a piton. Miraculously, she wasn't sent flying regardless.
'He's strong!' Momo thought. She quickly analyzed the situation. 'I can't take him on directly. I have to create a distraction and then hit him with a surprise attack.'
She quickly created a smoke bomb and tossed it at the ground. The explosion was massive, creating a huge cloud of smoke that covered the entire arena.
'Now's my chance!' Momo thought. She dashed out of the smoke and attempted to sneak up behind him.
But to her surprise, he was able to detect her presence. Before she knew it, his hand had wrapped around her arm.
'How did he know where I was?!' Momo thought.
In that brief instant, his fist connected with her gut, sending her flying out of bounds.
The impact was enough to knock the wind out of her, and she landed hard on the ground.
As the smoke dissipated, the crowd erupted into cheers.
"Yaoyorozu Momo is sent out of bounds! And with that, the winner is Midoriya Izuku!"
Izuku's face is full of concern as he looked at her, kneeling.
"Are you okay, Yaoyorozu-san?" he asked.
She smiled weakly. "I'm fine, thank you. That was quite a punch you had."
Izuku gave her a sheepish grin. "Sorry, I guess I got carried away. But still, that was a good match."
"You're too kind. I can't believe I lost so easily." Momo said, clearly disappointed in herself.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it eventually." Izuku said while reaching out his hand to her.
Momo sighed. "I hope so." As soon as she touched Izuku's hand, she was immediately shown a vision with unprecedented clarity. "Oh! I see it. I see all of it. I see the sky on fire, and the armies of Life martialed against the Outsiders. I see The End."
Izuku, confused at first, realized she's using her Sight. Listening to this, Izuku gave a wry smile, "Well. That's cheerful."
Another vision came to her, but this was of a completely different nature, instantly turning her face red as a tomato, "I see you. And yet...not you. And I see me. But that is impossible...I could never...No, enough!"
Worried about her, Izuku said, "Are you okay?"
"Rattled, certainly. But alive," she looked at Izuku with widened eyes. "Something is cloaking you from prephecy. Someone has invested absurd amounts of energy on hiding you from anyone that might pry."
"Is it still there?"
"Oh yes. Only physical contact, and our...our Bond...lets me peek through," she said this with her face red and her breathing a little heavy. "I have never seen, or heard, of anything like this before."
Izuku was surprised. His mind immediately went to his bond with Mina. 'Now that I think about it, didn't the me from before see Yaoyorozu's figure?"
"Anyway, it...it is of no matter. But it's clear what must happen. If we are to survive, I must help you. Any way I can."
Confused by what she's talking about, Izuku asked, "You what?"
"You. Nana. Princess Pendragon. You are all critical to what is to come. Our only hope to stop the end of the world. You're blind to too many things, someone must see for you," she said.
"That...makes sense, I think." Izuku muttered.
"Anyway, we should probably get going before the others interested in advancing the end of the world get too insightful for their own good."
"Yeah, you're right," he said as they make their way back to their class. He was disappointed in the challenge Momo provided, but he gained a valuable ally in the process.
Itsuka vs Kinoko
"GET READY FOR A CLASH OF OPPOSITES, UA! IN THIS CORNER, KENDO ITSUKA, THE POWERHOUSE OF CLASS 1-B, HER FISTS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH! FACING HER, THE WILD CARD, KOMORI KINOKO! HER MUSHROOM QUIRK IS UNPREDICTABLE, SPREADING FAST! CAN KENDO'S RAW POWER BREAK THROUGH, OR WILL SHE BE OVERRUN?" Present Mic announced.
Kinoko was nervous. She hadn't expected to make it this far in the tournament, but here she was. And now she's fighting against Itsuka, whom she watched win against Izuku in hand-to-hand combat so many times since the three of them met since middle-school. She looked across the field at her opponent, Itsuka. Her face was calm and collected, her posture relaxed, but her fists were clenched, ready for action.
"We don't have to fight if you don't want to, shroom," Kinoko said.
"No way," Itsuka replied. "I'm going to give this my all, and I expect you to do the same."
"Okay," Kinoko said. "Then let's do this, shroom."
With that, the two girls moved towards each other, both ready to give their best.
As the two girls approached each other, the tension between the two of them seemingly can be cut with a knife. Itsuka's eyes were focused and intense, while Kinoko's were filled with nervous anticipation. Neither girl was backing down.
Itsuka took a deep breath and centered herself. She knew she's very likely to win, but she won't let her guard down. Her inner-wolf won't let her live it down if she ever gets defeated here.
"I hope you're ready for this," Itsuka said.
"As ready as I'll ever be, shroom," Kinoko replied.
"Let's do this."
Kinoko nodded and the two girls began circling each other. Itsuka kept her fists up, while Kinoko remained crouched, her arms stretched out slightly in front of her. The tension in the air was palpable as the two girls prepared for their clash.
"And they're off!" Present Mic's voice boomed.
Kinoko moved first, quickly sending out a burst of spores from her hands. The spores flew through the air towards Itsuka, but she was ready for them. With a quick sidestep, she dodged the attack, the spores floating in the air harmlessly past her.
Itsuka returned the attack, charging at Kinoko and throwing a powerful punch. Kinoko tried to dodge, but she wasn't quick enough, and the punch connected, sending her reeling back.
Kinoko recovered quickly and fired another burst of spores. Itsuka dodged, but the spores were faster this time, and a few of them made contact, landing on her cheek. The spore stung a bit and is draining her energy, but she ignored it. She needed to focus on the battle.
Itsuka rushed towards Kinoko, ready to land another blow. Kinoko saw her coming and quickly fired a stream of spores, the fungal spores pelting her body. It felt like hundreds of tiny needles stabbing into her skin. It hurt, but she kept going.
She was close enough now to reach out and grab Kinoko, and that's exactly what she did. She lunged forward and grabbed her arm, pulling her closer and throwing a powerful punch. Her fist connected with Kinoko's gut, and she went stumbling backwards.
Itsuka wasn't done, though. She was going to finish this. She charged at Kinoko, grabbing her by the shirt and throwing her out-of-bounds, landing safely on a mushroom.
"Kinoko Komori is out-of-bounds! Itsuka Kendou wins!" Midnight declared.
Kinoko lay on the mushroom, gasping for breath. Her head was pounding and her body ached all over. She couldn't believe she'd lost. She'd put everything into the fight, and it hadn't been enough.
Itsuka approached her, offering a hand. "Good fight."
"Thanks," Kinoko said, taking her hand. "You were great, shroom."
"So were you," Itsuka replied. "And don't beat yourself up too much. You put up a good fight."
She defeatedly shook her head, "No. Not really, shroom. I've seen you fight Izuku before. I know you held back. A lot. But that's okay, shroom. It wasn't as one-sided as I thought it would be, shroom. I'll work hard to get stronger, so I can beat you next time, shroom."
Itsuka blinked. "I was, yeah. But still, don't be so hard on yourself. You were tough to deal with. Most would have lost against you," she said, genuinely. Against most students, her quirk can be quite brutal, to say the least, "And yeah, you should train hard. But you should also take some time to rest and recover. Don't push yourself too hard."
Kinoko was stunned by her response.
"You're right. I'll try not to beat myself up too much, shroom," she replied.
Itsuka nodded and walked off the stage, leaving Kinoko alone with her thoughts. She was disappointed in her performance, but she knew she'd done the best she could.
Later on, Kinoko walked to the hallways. She felt a bit dejected, knowing that her loss was the reason why she can't have a chance to get closer to him.
"You okay?" a voice from behind her asked.
She turned to see Izuku. Her eyes lit up, a smile forming on her lips.
"Yes! I am, shroom," she replied, a hint of joy in her voice.
"Your fight was incredible," he told her.
"Really?"
"Of course. You were amazing. I had no idea mushrooms could be so powerful," he said. Well, the part about not knowing about it is a lie. He always knew Kinoko's impressive in her own right. But it's to cheer her up.
"Yeah, shroom. They're pretty strong," she replied, a bit awkwardly.
"Hey, um..." he paused, rubbing the back of his neck. Not really knowing what to say, he simply hugged her small body against his. Showing her support and affection.
The sudden contact made her blush, but she quickly melted into his embrace, her eyes closing as she breathed in his scent. She felt safe and warm in his arms, and she never wanted the moment to end.
'I want to stay like this forever, shroom,' she thought, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
He smiled, hugging her tightly.
She opened her eyes, looking up at him.
"I should let you go," he said. "You're probably busy."
"No," she said, shaking her head. "Not at all."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
He looked down at her, her eyes sparkling.
"If you're sure..."
She nodded eagerly, her cheeks flushed.
He reached up, slowly, tentatively. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers trailing along her skin.
She shivered, her eyes closing involuntarily.
His other hand rested on her hip, gently pulling her closer. She stepped towards him, her hands resting on his stomach. He's always been muscular, which fascinated her since forever. But she noticed it's even more pronounced recently. She loves how he never stops improving himself, despite being so strong already.
'Yeah, I really wish this will last forever,' she thought.
Mina vs Hitoshi
"GET THOSE SHIELDS UP, UA! IT'S A BATTLE OF UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY VERSUS THE ULTIMATE UNDERDOG! MINA ASHIDO, A WHIRLWIND OF ACID, ATTITUDE, AND THOSE KILLER DANCE MOVES! DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE FLASH, FOLKS – SHE'S GOT THE HEART OF A LION! UP AGAINST HER, THE COOL, COLLECTED SHINSO HITOSHI. HIS QUIRK IS A MYSTERY, BUT HE'S OUT TO PROVE THAT BRAINS BEAT BRAWN! CAN HE OUTSMART HER RELENTLESS ENERGY, OR WILL THE PINK POWERHOUSE MELT HIS RESOLVE? THIS FIGHT IS GONNA BE ONE FOR THE BOOKS!"
Mina stood on the edge of the battlefield, a determined look on her face. Her opponent, Shinso, stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable. The two stared each other down, neither one willing to make the first move.
Ready to use his quirk immediately, Shinso started taunting Mina, "You're just a someone who thinks that looking cute is enough. You'll never become a hero, so just give up and walk out of bounds."
Though thanks to The Voices, Mina knows not to fall for his provocations. She won't answer his words. She won't even blink. Her gaze is unwavering as she stands her ground.
Shinso's frustration is obvious. He tries another tactic. 'She clearly has a crush on that green-haired guy. And considering how everyone else looked at him, she's not the only one,' he thought.
"You're nothing compared to the girls he's already with. What makes you think you can compete with them?"
This gets a reaction. Mina's eyes widen, and her face flushes. She knows she has no right to be jealous, but the words sting. She bites her lip and takes a step forward.
"What, nothing to say? Just going to stand there like an idiot?"
Mina's anger flares, but she remains silent.
"You're pathetic. You'll never be a hero. Why don't you just give up and go home?"
Mina takes another step forward. Shinso can tell that his words are having an effect.
"Come on, say something. Anything. Show me how desperate you are."
Mina is almost within range now. Shinso can see the rage building in her eyes.
"You're nothing. You'll never be anything. You're just a-."
With a loud cry, Mina leaps forward, swinging her acid-coated fist. Shinso tried to dodge, but was the fist made its way to its mark regardless.
As soon as the acidic fist made contact, Shinso fell unconscious and was caught by Mina, who tossed him out-of-bounds.
After making sure the boy is taken care of, Midnight declares, "Shinso is out-of-bounds! Mina Ashido is the winner!"
Mina stared down at the unconscious Shinso. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He was just trying to make it in the world, and she had knocked him out cold. Still, she had no regrets.
As Mina left the field, her thoughts were troubled.
The crowd, however, erupted into cheers, celebrating her victory.
'They don't care, do they? They only care about the winner, not the loser.'
She sighed. She knew it was petty, but she couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed by their insensitive reactions.
As she continued to reflect on her victory, she heard a familiar voice call out to her.
"Great job, Mina."
She looked up to see Izuku smiling at her.
"Daddy!"
"You were amazing," he replied. "Though I got worried when you didn't draw from me."
"His quirk's too dependent on me replying for me to need to use sorcery. And the little I did, is the leftover from fighting Bakugou."
"Well, either way, you did well. I'm proud of you," he said, his smile growing.
Her cheeks flushed as she gave a shy grin.
"Thanks, Daddy."
She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a hug. He hugged her back, and she melted into his embrace. His warmth was comforting and reassuring, and she felt safe and protected in his arms.
Ochaco vs Tenya
"THIS ISN'T THE SAME FIGHT WE EXPECTED! OCHACO URARAKA HAS ALWAYS BEEN CAPABLE, BUT THIS IS NEXT LEVEL! HER POWER AND FLUIDITY ARE A SIGHT TO BEHOLD! TENYA IIDA IS DISCIPLINED, FOCUSED, BUT CAN HIS TACTICS ADJUST TO THIS SURPRISE? UA, PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!" Present Mic announces.
Tenya looked across the arena at Ochaco. Her face was set in determination, and her body was tensed, ready to spring into action. He had to admit, she was looking quite fierce.
"Let us do our best, Iida-kun," Ochaco said.
"Right," he replied, adjusting his glasses. "I won't hold back."
"Neither will I," she said.
With that, the two fighters faced off against each other.
"BEGIN!"
Immediately, Tenya activated his quirk and lunged towards Ochaco.
Ochaco reacted quickly, gracefully ducking under his punch and sending a kick towards his head.
Tenya barely managed to dodge the attack, the tip of her shoe grazing his cheek.
He stumbled backwards, trying to regain his balance. Though without giving him the chance, Ochaco went and tried using her quirk on him.
Tenya's mind went blank, his body feeling light.
Before he could process what was happening, he then started floating upwards.
"Wha-"
Ochaco released her quirk when she's sure he'll land safely out of bounds.
"Iida is out of bounds. Pendragon advances to the semi-finals!" Midnight declares.
And as the crowd goes wild, Ochaco walked up to him.
"I am sorry, Iida-kun."
He was silent, a look of defeat on his face.
"I...lost," he said, his voice barely a whisper.
"I know it is hard," Ochaco said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But I know you'll be okay. You Are strong, and you will keep going."
Tenya sighed, closing his eyes.
"Thank you, Pendragon-san. I appreciate your kind words."
She smiled, and squeezed his shoulder.
"Any time, Iida-kun. You can always count on me."
With that, Ochaco turned and walked away, leaving Tenya alone with his thoughts.
He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth.
'I can't believe I lost.' he thought. 'I have to get stronger. I have to make my family, especially my brother, proud!'
The crowd was still roaring, the excitement still palpable.
As he was walking to the hallway, his phone rang. Looking at the name of the caller, he recognized it's his mother. He nervously picked the call, "Hello, Mother. I...I lost. I'm sorry," he said.
"No, that's not the reason why I'm calling," his mother said, which surprised him. "Well, I'm sorry that you lost but the thing is...Tenya, your brother, Tensei was attacked by a villain!"
And just like that, Iida Tenya's world crumbled.
Izuku vs Itsuka
"THIS ISN'T JUST A BATTLE, UA – IT'S A CLASH OF COLOSSAL POWER! MIDORIYA IZUKU, UNLEASHING THE FULL MIGHT OF HIS QUIRK, READY TO SHATTER ANY OBSTACLE! FACING HIM, ITSUKA KENDO, HER GIANT FISTS DELIVERING EARTH-SHAKING BLOWS – SHE'S AN UNSTOPPABLE JUGGERNAUT! BUT THERE'S MORE AT STAKE THAN INDIVIDUAL VICTORY! THESE TWO CARRY THE LEGACY OF THEIR CLASSES! WILL CLASS 1-A'S RISING STAR PROVE THEIR DOMINANCE, OR WILL CLASS 1-B'S UNWAVERING CHAMPION SHOW THEY WON'T BE OVERSHADOWED? THIS FIGHT WILL CHANGE THE UA LANDSCAPE!"
Present Mic's voice is barely audible over the roaring of the crowd. In the middle of the ring, two figures are locked in combat, their bodies moving with blinding speed.
Izuku let out a punch straight to Itsuka's chest which Itsuka was able to barely dodge. The force of his missed punch ripped into the turf, showcasing the sheer power he held back. Her counterattack was a flurry of sharp strikes, claws aimed to exploit any weakness in his defense. Izuku evaded the blows, though the friction of her strikes caused a part the arena to vaporize, the smell of ozone and churned earth hanging in the air.
Neither of them are holding back, this time. Years of training together lets them know they can take any strike the other give. The crowd became a sea of sound, amplifying the energy sparking between them. He knew he needed to shift his approach.
The sound of their punches is like thunder, the force behind each one shattering the air around them. The ground shakes and cracks beneath their feet as they move, their strength and speed far beyond anything a normal human could hope to achieve.
Izuku and Itsuka have a lot in common, and their friendship has grown over the years. They've sparred countless times and are evenly matched for a lot of them.
The fight goes on for several minutes, neither fighter gaining the upper hand. Green lightning flicker around Izuku and Itsuka's nails became longer, which, combined with her quirk made it even larger.
The tension is thick in the air as they continue to trade blows, neither one willing to give an inch.
Finally, Itsuka lands a solid hit, her giant fist crashing into his jaw and sending him flying through the air.
He hits the ground hard, his body skidding along the concrete before finally coming to a stop.
The crowd is silent, the anticipation almost unbearable.
That is, until he pointed his hands towards Itsuka, letting out fire that burns hotter than the sun. It hit Itsuka, burning her skin red. This injury, however, isn't enough to incapacitate her.
Izuku then let out another attack, this time, a lightning attack, enough to stun her.
That was his opening. He pressed forward, feinting a high strike before sweeping low, a move refined over years of training. Itsuka's dodge was flawless, but his fist still connected with her shoulder, sending her spinning back.
Itsuka, her body already half-way healed, quickly recovered and stood up. She snarled, fangs flashing in the stadium lights. Her eyes were fierce as she recovered, the scent of fresh earth mingling with the animalistic edge of her werewolf side. She retaliated, fueled by instinct and sheer tenacity. Izuku matched her blow for blow, their movements precise and calculated.
The two continued to exchange blows, the force of their attacks sending shockwaves through the air. This was the heart of the fight, a silent dialogue between skilled fighters. Every strike, every breath, every bruise was a piece of the puzzle.
Izuku and Itsuka's fight is relentless, their power and skill on display for all to see.
The crowd watching in awe as a fight takes place before them, that's truly out of this world.
And then Izuku saw it, a split-second hesitation as Itsuka overextended, leaving herself vulnerable.
He took a calculated risk, drawing upon the wellspring of power within him. His punch landed squarely on Itsuka's abdomen, a booming impact that rippled through the air and silenced the stadium as she was launched outside the arena. She stumbled, struggling to stay upright, but her knees finally gave out.
"Kendo is out of bounds! Midoriya will advance to the finals!" Midnight announced.
The crowd erupted in a wave of cheers and applause. He raised a hand in acknowledgment, but his eyes sought out Itsuka. Outside the arena, Itsuka stands up, dusting herself off. She gives Izuku a small smile, a glint of pride in her eyes. There was no defeat in her eyes, only the shared adrenaline rush of a hard-fought battle.
Except for the very tattered state of her PE uniform, you wouldn't have guessed she was fighting someone just now. Looking at her, Izuku noticed that she's showing more skin than he'd prefer and likely hasn't noticed it yet and some members of the audience are getting an eyeful.
"You did good, Master," she whispered.
"You too, Itsuka," he replies, holding his dangling jaw. Unlike her, he hasn't finished healing yet. "You're really strong."
He then removed his shirt, which, while ragged, still in a much better condition than hers. Then he proceeded to put it on Itsuka. Their difference in size makes it seem like he's giving her an oversized coat. This made the werewolf blush. It's not like she was never seen on her birthday suit in public before when they tried to explore things, but Itsuka's finds this protective side of his hot too. Rather, it's precisely because she knows just how protective he is that she felt comfortable exploring those activities with him.
"Thanks," Itsuka replied, a hint of blush on her cheeks. "We should probably get back before they get mad. You'll probably never hear the end of it if the princess met you here."
He nodded. "Yeah, let's go. I need to find us some new clothes first."
"Sure. You can carry me there," she said.
Itsuka jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck. She buried her face into the crook of his neck. His scent was familiar and comforting.
Her eyes widen as she realized what she did.
The two stood there for a few seconds before he started walking, carrying Itsuka with him.
As the two walked, Itsuka felt her body relax. It was a familiar sensation, one that brought back memories. She had always enjoyed being carried by him, and now was no different.
Arriving at the stands and sitting, Mina approached him. Her expression was somber, unlike her usual joyful demeanor. Typically, she would have jumped into Izuku's arms, flirting shamelessly.
"I'm sorry, Daddy," she said, her words carrying a weight of foreboding. "You might hate me for this, but everything I do, I do for you." With that cryptic statement, she turned and jumped down the arena, waiting to face Ochaco.
"Must be hard, seeing them fight," Kaminari remarked from behind Izuku.
"Yeah," was all Izuku could muster, puzzled by Mina's strange phrasing. It felt eerily familiar, yet he couldn't place where he'd heard those words before.
Should he step in? The thought crossed his mind.
"Who do you think will win?" Ojiro asked, sparking a discussion among the class.
Some believed Mina's incredible luck that day, from the Obstacle Race to her victory over Bakugou in the Cavalry Battle, meant she had the upper hand. A few dismissed it, convinced her luck could has to run out eventually.
Bakugou, however, had his own thoughts. "That One Who Makes Reality Her Bitch better win!" he bellowed. "Otherwise, that would make me someone who lost to a loser!"
Izuku smiled inwardly. Trust Bakugou to find his own uniquely aggressive way of cheering for Mina.
Mina vs Ochaco
"THESE GIRLS COULD LIGHT UP THE WHOLE CITY WITH THEIR SMILES, FOLKS! BUT DON'T BE FOOLED, ASHIDO MINA AND OCHACO PENDRAGON ARE PACKING SERIOUS POWER! MINA'S ACID AND DANCE MOVES ARE UNPREDICTABLE! OCHACO'S ZERO-GRAVITY QUIRK AND HIDDEN STRENGTH COULD TURN THE TIDE! THIS BUBBLY BATTLE IS ABOUT TO GET EXPLOSIVE!" Present Mic shouts.
The two girls stared each other down, a tense air filling the arena.
"Start!" Midnight declared.
Immediately, Ochaco bursts forth.
'I'll need to move faster than she can draw from Izuku,' Ochaco thought. 'If Mina can use her power as a sorceress, then it might as well be over. And that's assuming The Voices won't interfere.'
Mina was simply standing in front of her. "You know, Ochaco-chan~?"
'Quickly. A strike to the back of her neck!' Ochaco is now behind Mina before anyone can react. She moved to strike until Mina spoke, "Could I borrow Daddy for a night of lovemaking at the dorms?"
Ochaco stopped. 'She's messing with me. I know she's messing with me, but still...' Before she could move again, Mina had already moved out of the way of her strike and is now right in front of her. "How about it? Can I?"
"I'm not falling for that," Ochaco said, trying to calm herself down. 'She's just trying to make me lose my cool. She wants me to attack her recklessly. But I'm not going to fall for it.'
Mina smirked, "Then I'll ask him in the most innocent way possible."
Ochaco's body tensed. She couldn't help but feel a hint of irritation.
Mina smiled sweetly. "Oh, Daddy, I've been a naughty girl. Can you punish me?"
Ochaco felt her blood boil.
Mina leaned in close, whispering in Ochaco's ear. "Would you like to watch?"
'What's gotten into her?!' Ochaco thought.
"I'll have you know, Daddy's cock is the best. So big and thick. It feels amazing to have it inside me. You can't possibly imagine," Mina teased. "After all, you're a prude who can't satisfy him the way I can," Mina continued, a smirk on her lips.
'Don't listen to her. She's just trying to mess with you. Don't fall for it. Stay calm. Focus.'
Ochaco's eyes narrowed as she stared at Mina. 'Okay, calm down. I just need to get her to make a mistake. Then I can finish this.'
Mina grinned, "I'm a lot better in bed, you know? He loves it when I give him blowjobs, or when I ride his cock, or when he takes me from behind."
"What are you trying to pull, really?" Ochaco's calm face masks her cold fury inside. She felt like there was something else going on. Mina's provocations and shift in attitude are way too weird otherwise.
Mina shrugged, "Oh, I'm just saying the truth. I'm sure Daddy's told you that he prefers fucking me. It's not like you'd given him a comparison."
Ochaco's eyes widened as Mina's words hit home.
"Did you know about the werewolf as well? The mushroom girl? The vines girl? What about Midnight-sensei? How sad, isn't it? You're supposed to be his girlfriend, but he satisfies himself with women but you because you can't give him anything."
"You're lying!" Ochaco said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Oh, I'm not lying. Ask him. I'm sure he'll tell you the truth," Mina replied, a wicked grin on her lips.
The crowd watching the so-called semi-finals fight are confused. Except for the beginning, both of them just stood where they were and started talking with each other but they can't hear what they're saying.
"You...you shameless hussy!" Ochaco growled.
"What's the matter? Can't take the truth?" Mina taunted.
"I'll show you."
Ochaco charged at Mina, her anger getting the better of her.
"Ooh, scary~!"
Mina dodged the incoming attack, and retaliated with her quirk. She released a large amount of her acid, which melted a part of Ochaco's PE uniform.
"You're not fit to be Daddy's girlfriend. Soulmate? What's that? This isn't a fairytale, you know?"
Mina released a wave of acid towards Ochaco, who narrowly managed to dodge.
"I mean, really, what are you doing to make him stay with you? All I see is a plain, boring girl with nothing special. Just like your quirk," Mina taunted.
"Shut up," Ochaco hissed, her hands clenched into fists. Ochaco charged at Mina again, this time unleashing a flurry of punches.
Mina dodged every single one of them, a look of boredom on her face. Ochaco's elegant movements looking clumsy as a result.
"Is that the best you can do?" Mina asked, a smirk on her lips.
Ochaco let out a cry of frustration as she launched another attack, this one stronger than before.
Mina simply sidestepped the attack, the wind from the punch ruffling her hair slightly.
"You're so pathetic. I don't know why Daddy's even wasting his time with you," Mina said.
Ochaco gritted her teeth, her body shaking with anger.
"I don't know what you're planning, but you'll regret this!" Ochaco growled.
Mina raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure about that? I'm not the one who's making a fool of myself."
Ochaco lunged at Mina, her face contorted with rage. Ochaco's fist collided with Mina's jaw, sending her flying backwards. But Ochaco isn't done yet. While mid-air, she grabbed Mina's foot and slammed her to the stage, cracking it. Mina immediately lost consciousness. While the newfound power she wields may be formidable, she's certainly no Evoker.
Before Izuku could jump down and stop it, Midnight immediately used her quirk, making Ochaco faint. So instead, he caught her before she fell down to the ground.
Looking at the bloody Mina, he decided to bring the both of them to Recovery Girl.
Recovery Girl had just finished healing the girls, leaving the three of them alone.
He looked over to both Mina and Ochaco, who were till unconscious. They looked so peaceful, their expression calm.
'What happened? Why would she act like that? There's no way Mina would goad Ochaco like that. Is she a double? A doppelgänger? No. The link, while faint, clearly points towards this Mina.'
His musing was cut off when Mina stirred, waking up from her nap.
"Hey, Daddy," Mina greeted, giving him a smile.
He has a lot of things to say, but first, "Are you alright, Mina?"
She blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Your injuries, is it healed?"
She looked down at her body, noticing that there were no signs of the damage she received from the fight.
"Oh, I'm fine. It doesn't hurt anymore," Mina replied, smiling.
"That's good. But seriously, why did you goad Ochaco into fighting like that?" Izuku asked, his voice tinged with concern. While most wouldn't have overheard their exchange, his enhanced senses had caught Mina's hurtful words to his girlfriend. Part of him wanted to unleash his fury, but he resolved to give Mina a chance to explain herself.
She shook her head solemnly. "You don't understand, Daddy. You needed me to do what I did. Trust me, or trust the Voices, at least."
"What?"
"The Voices. They're so much clearer now, ever since you made me Chosen."
Izuku furrowed his brow. "So, let me get this straight. The Voices are telling you to goad and lie to Ochaco and say those hurtful things to her?"
"No. But they are telling me to make Ochaco jealous. And I am good at making girlfriends jealous. Trust me."
"Oh, I believe you," he said dryly. "But why?"
"The Voices seem to think that I've done what I needed to do. But I won't ever ignore them when it comes to you, Daddy. The Voices want me to help you, even if it hurts you."
"Well, that's reassuring," Izuku muttered sarcastically.
Mina's tone shifted, becoming flat and rehearsed. "I know that sorcery will hurt you. Horribly. But it needs to happen, or you won't become what you need to be."
Alarm coursed through Izuku. "What do you mean, hurt me, Mina?"
"I don't...I don't know how I know that. But I know it's true. I know that the bonds of family will break you, and the power of love will make you. Probably in that order."
"One hopes, I guess," he said uneasily.
Then, something extraordinary happened. Mina's eyes glowed emerald with a pink aura. A strange voice issued forth, resonant and powerful. "Your senses are weak, Izuku. Rely on them, and you will fail."
"Huh?" was all the dumbfounded Izuku could utter.
"Your eyes see nothing. You must find one that can peer through the darkness for you." Yaoyorozu's face flashed in his mind's eye.
"You are scentblind. You must find the one that will follow the trail." Itsuka appeared, wielding a crackling lightning hammer fit for slaying Gods. A weapon worthy of her.
"Your arm is too weak. You must find the one who will make you strong." A blurry, unrecognizable figure took shape.
"Are you talking about Eindridi? He's supposed to teach me about being an Evoker."
"Your hearing is flawed. You must find the one that can track your prey." A woman with three silver tails materialized.
"What prey? What are you talking about, Mina?"
"Your heart is too soft. You must find the one that will guard it with naked steel." Ochaco rode a fierce unicorn at the head of a mighty army, shield and sword in hand.
"I'm going to guess that's Ochaco. At least I hope so."
"Your mind is closed to the Voices. You must trust the one that will help you understand." This time, it was Mina, straitjacketed and confined, waiting.
"Mina? How do you know all of this?" Izuku's head spun with confusion and dread.
"Know what, Daddy?" She blinked, the strange light fading from her eyes as if nothing had occurred.
Izuku stared at her, utterly bewildered. "What you just said? About my senses, and finding people?"
She looked at him strangely. "Are you dreaming, Daddy? The last thing I remember was me telling you that sorcery might break you and everything."
"I...Oh, bugger all of it," he muttered as he palm rests on his face.
This made Mina perk up and she said, "Oh, yes! Please, Daddy?"
"I didn't mean you, Mina. And I'm still upset with you for pissing off Ochaco today," he said, pointing to the unconscious Ochaco, "Even if The Voices told you to. Disobedient girls don't get anal sex."
"Especially not in the infirmary!" Recovery Girl shouted.
'Shoot. I forgot she's still here.'
"Awww..." Mina pouted. "Could you at least give me some magic, at least?"
Izuku sighed and channeled a *Four of Kind* towards the link. It made Mina's face contort in pleasure and her back arc, signaling her climax. Izuku, despite getting excited himself, simply observes her.
"It feels like you're getting better at this, Mina. Last week, that would've knocked you right out," he said.
"I'm getting stronger. We all are. Your destiny is pulling us along, to be what we need to be," she replied cryptically.
"And what does that mean?"
"I don't know. I didn't even know this thirty seconds ago. What is happening to me, Daddy?" she asked, worried.
'If I have to guess, hearing Voices are one thing, but she's unlocking her ability to innately know things,' Izuku thought, remembering how Midnight described it.
"I think your sorcery is waking up, big time. Midnight-sensei mentioned that Sorceresses...know things that they shouldn't know, and should have no way to find out."
"Do you have any more cryptic advice for me today, Mina?"
"How would I know? I have no control over this. Being a sorceress sucks," she pouted.
"And swallow, I'd assume."
"Well, yes. Of course, Daddy." Her gaze went down and a smirk formed on her face. While licking her lips, she said, "Do you want me to fix that for you?"
Izuku shook his head and said, "No. After what just happened there, I doubt she'll be overjoyed to see me balls deep in your ass the second she wakes up."
She then stood up and dusted herself. "Well, you're the Daddy, Daddy. I'm gonna go back. Could you at least promise to spank me soon?"
"I'll consider it."
She turned to the unconscious Ochaco. "Take care of her, okay?"
"I will," Izuku resolutely replied.
With a small kiss on his cheek, she walked away.
"I'll call you later," Izuku said, not bothering to shout.
She simply raised her hand and waved at him, indicating that she had heard.
After several minutes, Ochaco woke up from her slumber. She looked around and found that she was in the infirmary and Izuku's there, looking after her.
Her mind was filled with joy and a smile was across her face, but then she remembered the things Mina said during the match and her mood took a nose dive.
"Are you okay, Ochaco?" Izuku asked, concern in his voice.
Ochaco shook her head. "Sir Knight," she called out.
"Yeah?"
"Did you...did you do anything with her, after that night? I know I said I understand but..."
"Nope. Nothing. I swear," he explained.
She looked at his face. He was never good at telling lies and one look at him is enough to convince her he's telling the truth. Relief flooded over her. Before she knew it, Izuku's already there, hugging her. His warmth and his scent made her feel comfort and loved.
"I'm sorry, Ochaco. It must have been hard on you. Mina's not a bad person, really. It's just, the Voices, they make her do stuff she normally wouldn't. I know you probably hate her for what she said, but could you please try to understand?"
Ochaco nodded.
"She was right, though. She can offer you things I can not give. I'm being unfair to you," she said.
"No, you're not," Izuku firmly denied. "If we're still talking about sex, I'm okay. We agreed to take this at your pace, and it's not as if you haven't come a long way from the girl who'd never been kissed before. Sometimes waiting a little just makes the dessert taste sweeter." Izuku reassures her. "Ochaco?"
"Yes?"
"I love you. Never forget that. No matter what happens, you're the Queen of my heart," Izuku said before giving her a kiss.
"I...I will try to remember that. I am sorry for doubting you. Especially I already agreed to this. It is just far harder to hear and know about it, nevermind see it, and know that woman wants to take my love from me."
"Yeah, I'm gonna have a longer talk with her later. Just know that you're my love."
"Izuku...thank you. I needed to hear that," Ochaco said, her arms around Izuku's body.
"MIDORIYA IZUKU AND OCHACO PENDRAGON, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!" The announcement said, as they were in the middle of a hug.
"Oh, yeah. The competition." Izuku muttered.
"I'm withdrawing," Ochaco said with a smile.
"Huh? But why?"
"I'm an Enchanter, Izuku. It would be a different matter if I had a year's worth of preparation, but if we fight right now, I'll just lose horribly. Better this way, to leave the possible result ambiguous than to confirm it," she said.
"Won't it be bad optics if you quit now?" Izuku asked.
"It would be worse if I got beaten one-sidedly, which is what would happen if we fought. I had the publicity I needed to have my name out there. It is enough."
"Alright, Ochaco," he said with a smile.
She was so glad to have a boyfriend like him.
"WHERE ARE THE CONTESTANTS?!" Present Mic shouted.
Moments, later, Izuku walked to the stage and said to Midnight,
"Ochaco has withdrawn due to the damage she received, and she's not capable of fighting in her current condition."
The crowd booed, some shouting obscenities, though those shut up when Izuku directed an intense glare at them.
Midnight sighed. "Izuku Midoriya is the winner by default!"
"Booooooo!"
"We want a show!"
"Come on, just one more fight!"
Midnight was not pleased, "SILENCE!"
A Few Moments Later
Sweat marked his face, but his eyes burned brighter than ever as he accepted the gold medal for the U.A. Sports Festival. Present Mic's amplified voice reverberated around him. "Our champion! Got anything to say to the folks watching all over the world?"
A hush fell over the crowd, a breathless anticipation that crackled in the air. Izuku took a deep breath, his fingers clenching around the medal. He raised his head, and in that moment, the world knew. In this place stood a budding hero, a symbol already in those wide, determined eyes.
"I am here!" Izuku declared. His voice boomed forth, a raw echo of the power surging through him. It wasn't just the same words as ALL MIGHT; it was the same spirit, the same earth-shattering force of will.
The crowd exploded. Their earlier disapproval vanished. Cheers and applause crashed around him like a tidal wave. He wasn't just the U.A. champion now; his declaration echoed around the globe, a promise that a new generation of heroes had arrived. And leading that generation, was Midoriya Izuku.
After the awards ceremony, we were able to get back to our dorms. Though not without having trouble going there considering the crowd. They were disappointed at the end, but it's not like they didn't get to see spectacles during the whole event. So, after a while of not doing so, I slept inside my room at the dorms.
And that's how the Sports Festival concluded.
11.4k words. The longest chapter we got yet by far in this story. 😄
No "It's your quirk" moment here since Todoroki had his wake-up call during the Battle Trial and had a long time to think about his motivations. Less dramatic, but I don't feel the alternative fits with the current setting so I'd rather not force it.
With this, we're done with the SportsFes, where events that happened here will have rippling effects in the future.
Some may Mina's victories to be...questionable if you think her siphoning magic from Izuku is outside help. Izuku might see it that way, but Mina completely disagrees. She thinks that her Chosen abilities are just as part of her as her quirk, if not more, considering where the Bond lies.
As for the 1st-person, 3rd-person writing, it seems people prefer the latter more than the former based on the feedback I get so I'll go ahead and write in 3rd-person for now. I'm still new at it, so I'd appreciate feedback if you have any. I'll start changing the earlier chapters once we hit a certain event that involves a hammer. Again, no plot point would be changed, just a conversion of perspective, so no worries about having to reread them if you don't want to.
Thanks again for reading this chapter! If you have questions or feedback, don't hesitate to let me know.
Next up: Three Trillion Gallons of Magic