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Chapter 17
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The morning sun bathed the city in a soft, golden glow as Izuku boarded the bus, still buzzing with the excitement of last night's outing. She found a seat by the window, gazing outside with a small, contented smile. The karaoke session had been a blast, and the movie had left her awestruck. It was nice to let loose and have fun with her friends, a rare reprieve from the constant weight of hero training.
However, as the bus rumbled through the bustling streets of the city, Izuku couldn't shake the gnawing sensation that eyes were fixed on her. The lively chatter and hum of the engine faded into the background as a sense of unease crept over her. She glanced around the bus, her eyes flitting from one passenger to another, trying to locate the source of her discomfort.
Then, she saw him. A boy with blonde hair and unsettling, slitted cat-like eyes was seated a few rows ahead. He turned his head slowly, almost mechanically, until his gaze locked onto hers. His smile was disturbingly wide, stretching unnaturally across his face, revealing teeth that seemed too perfect, too sharp. His eyes gleamed with an intensity that sent chills down her spine, their brightness contrasting sharply with the dim interior of the bus.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Izuku could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the rhythm echoing in her ears. The boy's lips moved silently, forming words she couldn't quite catch. She strained to read them, and a cold wave of dread washed over her as she finally deciphered his message: "Hmm… I want to be you…!"
Izuku's breath hitched, and she quickly tore her gaze away, staring fixedly at her hands in her lap. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the encounter. Who was he? Why did he look at her like that? The eerie smile and the haunting words replayed in her mind, amplifying her anxiety.
Her thoughts spiraled, each one more troubling than the last. Was he someone she had encountered before? A new villain targeting her? The possibilities churned in her mind, making her stomach twist with fear. She glanced back once more, hoping to find some reassurance that she had imagined it all, but the boy was still there, his eyes boring into her, his smile never faltering.
Izuku shuddered, her skin prickling with a sense of foreboding. She tried to shake off the feeling, convincing herself that she was just being paranoid. The stress of recent events had been overwhelming, and it wouldn't be surprising if her nerves were on edge. But the boy's image remained imprinted in her mind, his sinister smile and those piercing eyes haunting her thoughts.
As the bus continued its journey, Izuku forced herself to focus on the passing scenery outside the window. She took deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. But the uneasy feeling lingered, a shadow that clung to her, refusing to let go. Even as she arrived at her stop and stepped off the bus, she couldn't shake the sensation that she was being watched, the boy's eerie presence trailing behind her like a dark specter.
Arriving at school, the familiar hustle and bustle of students provided a sense of normalcy that Izuku desperately needed. The crowded hallways, the chatter of friends reuniting, and the clanging of lockers helped ground her, pulling her away from the lingering unease of the bus ride. She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she made her way to her classroom.
The day proceeded as usual, the routine of classes offering a welcome distraction. Each subject blurred into the next, the monotony of lectures and note-taking serving to calm her racing thoughts. By the second period, the encounter on the bus felt like a distant memory, almost as if it had been a figment of her imagination.
It wasn't until the noon, when Aizawa gathered the students, that the day took a significant turn. The classroom fell silent as their homeroom teacher stood at the front, his expression as stoic as ever.
"The Sports Festival will be held soon," Aizawa announced, his voice as flat and emotionless as always. Instantly, the room erupted into a buzz of excitement and anticipation. Students exchanged eager glances and murmured plans, the air thick with the electric energy of competition.
Izuku, already aware of the upcoming event thanks to her knowledge of the future, felt a surge of determination mixed with a twinge of anxiety. She knew what was coming, and this time, she wanted to be fully prepared. She clenched her fists under her desk, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. No more broken bones, she vowed silently, recalling the painful and exhausting experiences of her previous attempts.
Aizawa's eyes scanned the room, ensuring he had the attention of every student before continuing. The buzz of excitement began to die down as he cleared his throat and elaborated on the announcement.
"The Sports Festival is a significant event," he began, his voice carrying the weight of importance. "It's not just a competition; it's a platform for you to showcase your abilities to the world. Pro heroes, talent scouts, and agencies will be watching. This is your chance to make an impression and set the course for your future careers."
The gravity of his words settled over the class. Izuku felt a familiar flutter of nerves but also a steely resolve. She knew how crucial this festival was, not just for her, but for all her classmates.
"The festival consists of three stages," Aizawa continued. "First, a preliminary round that will test your physical abilities. Second, a more complex obstacle course designed to challenge your versatility and resourcefulness. And finally, a series of head-to-head battles where you'll need to demonstrate your combat skills and strategic thinking."
The students exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of excitement and apprehension. Izuku could see her classmates mentally preparing themselves, each of them silently vowing to give it their all.
Aizawa's gaze hardened slightly. "I expect all of you to approach this with the seriousness it deserves. This is not just about winning or losing; it's about growth. Use this opportunity to learn, to push your limits, and to understand your strengths and weaknesses."
He paused, letting the weight of his message sink in. "Remember, this is also a chance to show the world what UA students are capable of. Make sure you represent our school with honor and determination."
"And one more thing," Aizawa added, his tone turning even more serious. "Anyone who performs poorly at the festival risks being moved out of Class 1-A. This is a warning. The faculty will be observing your performance closely. Those who fail to meet the standards expected of you might find themselves reassigned to Class 1-B or another class."
The room went silent, the weight of Aizawa's words hitting them like a ton of bricks. The idea of being moved out of Class 1-A was a sobering thought. Everyone knew that being in Class 1-A was a mark of distinction, and no one wanted to lose that.
Aizawa's gaze swept over the class one last time. "That's all for now. Prepare yourselves. The Sports Festival is just around the corner."
She couldn't help but chuckle internally, her thoughts taking on a comically serious tone. "This time, I'll finally get through to Shoto… solving his daddy issues once and for all. Maybe I should bring a therapist as backup," she mused, picturing herself in the middle of a fierce battle, pausing to offer Shoto some heartfelt counselling. The absurdity of the image brought a small smile to her face, lightening her mood.
The boy with the dual quirks of fire and ice had always intrigued her. His internal struggle with his father, the hero Endeavor, was a narrative she knew all too well. This time, she resolved, she would find a way to reach him, to break through the wall he had built around himself. Maybe a bit of humor and light-heartedness could be the key to getting through to him.
Her internal monologue was interrupted by a familiar, aggressive voice. "Oi, Deku!" Bakugou's fiery eyes locked onto hers. "You better be ready, because I'm gonna beat you at the festival. No more holding back!"
Izuku met his gaze, feeling a surge of competitive spirit. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Kacchan."
At lunchtime, as Izuku and her friends were finding a spot to eat, the cafeteria suddenly hushed. All eyes turned towards Shoto Todoroki as he approached her with his usual stoic expression. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
"Midoriya," he began, his voice carrying through the now-silent room. "I need to tell you something…"
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, with many onlookers speculating wildly.
"Is he going to confess?!" someone whispered.
"Maybe he's finally admitting his crush!" Another speculated.
"A thousand yens says he's going to ask her out!" someone else muttered.
From the back, Mineta yelled, "No fair! I didn't even get a chance yet!"
Sero elbowed Mineta, "Shush, Mineta!"
But to everyone's shock and disappointment, Shoto's voice cut through the murmurs with a different kind of challenge. "Midoriya," he said, his eyes icy and determined. "I'm going to defeat you at the Sports Festival. Without using my fire."
The cafeteria fell into a stunned silence. Izuku's eyes widened, not with surprise at the challenge itself—she had expected this—but at the sheer intensity behind his words.
"Wait, what?" one student blurted out.
"That's not what I expected at all," another groaned.
"Wow, Todoroki, you really know how to set the mood," Kaminari said with a slight smirk, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
"Alright, Todoroki," Izuku said aloud, her tone firm and resolute. "I look forward to it."
The onlookers were left in stunned silence, their romantic fantasies dashed, but the air was thick with anticipation for the upcoming festival. Izuku felt the weight of the challenges ahead but welcomed them. This time, she was determined to face everything head-on, without breaking down, and to help her friends overcome their personal struggles as well.
As the students began to return to their meals and conversations, the buzz of excitement shifted towards the looming Sports Festival.
"Can you believe it?" someone whispered. "I thought he was going to confess!"
"I know, right? But a challenge? That's so intense."
"Do you think he can beat her without using his fire?" another student asked.
"Midoriya's tough. It's going to be an epic showdown," another replied.
Izuku felt a mix of determination and anxiety but also a sense of readiness. She was from the future, after all. This time, she vowed not to break any limbs like last time. She chuckled internally, her thoughts taking a comically serious turn, "And I'll finally get through Shoto's head… solving his daddy issues."
The cafeteria, filled with students' chatter and clinking cutlery, seemed to fade into the background as Izuku focused on the days ahead. She was ready to give it her all, to show her classmates and herself just how far she had come. This was her chance to shine, to face every challenge head-on, and to help her friends along the way. The Sports Festival would be a turning point, and she intended to make the most of it.
TBC
The Sports Festival begins!
Next Chapter: The Obstacle Course!