The crowd cheered and hollered with excitement at the thought of a new fight. Fist pumping into the air as the next two opponents walked into the square shaped ring, one of them slamming his fist together before getting covered in a layer of silver armor.

Up in the 1B stands Kendo got up to get a closer look, her eyes widening a little. Next to her Tokage looked just as surprised, tilting her head a little.

"Huh, so that's his game." Her best friend chimed next to her. "I'm a little surprise Tetsutetsu let him use his quirk considering how much they hate each other."

Before Kendo could respond the sound of footsteps going up to their booth drew her attention, the sound getting louder and faster the closer it got. Slamming open, the door swung ajar, followed by the sight of Tetsutetsu walking into the room. Running a hand along his sweaty brow he looked around at everyone's stares, giving them a big toothed smile before quickly heading back to his seat next to Kendo.

"Oh man, I made it!" He shouted, almost sounding relieved as he walked. "I thought for sure I was going to miss the match. It's mad crowded down there! What did I miss?"

Tokage blinked a few times. "I was just saying how I was surprised you let...wait a second where have you been?"

"Oh man, my bad! I should have said something." Happily taking his seat Tetsutetsu smiled, completely oblivious to the looks everyone was giving him as he spoke. "Yeah man, after lunch Monoma came up to me and said he wanted to apologize for the way he acted before. He's actually a pretty cool guy once you get to know him. We ended up chilling in his waiting room before his match!"

"So you're saying that you didn't give Monoma your quirk?" Tokage said with a raised eyebrow, her tone implying that she did not believe him.

"Nah man, he said he just wanted to say he was sorry. Even asked for a good luck high five on his way out to his match!"

...

Placing her face into her palms Tokage let out a low drawn out sigh, the entire room letting out a sound in sync that sounded like a symphony of leaking balloons. In hindsight it was really funny but even as funny as it was Tokage couldn't find it in herself to laugh, it was too ridiculous even for her.

"Tetsu...dude, he did all of that just so he could use your quirk knowing you wouldn't freely give it to him." She said tiredly.

Tetsutetsu's smile slowly started to drift down, blinking a few times as he was clearly trying to process this new information placed before him. Eyes drifting down in thought they moved around as if he were recalling what happened, sitting up straight as it started to click.

Turning towards Tokage with a shocked look he shouted. "Are you saying that...he didn't ACTUALLY want a good luck high five!?"

Her silence told him everything. Whipping back around to get a look at each of his classmates, each and every one of them gave him exhausted looks.

Quickly getting up from his chair he rushed over to the ledge, grabbing hold of the railing and glaring down below.

"That bastard! I trusted him!?"

Another round of groans went off all around them.

"Tetsutetsu are you serious?"

"You really need to stop taking what people say at face value."

"You're uh, really trusting aren't you Tetsutetsu?"

"I didn't expect anything and I'm still disappointed."

"You really screwed the uh, poarch."

"It's pooch Pony."

Throughout all of class 1B they spoke amongst each other while Kendo had not said a single word, she was still near the railing, looking down below with worry etched along her face. Tokage's eyes not leaving her with a mischievous look.

She's so predictable, it was kind of cute.

Sitting up some with a bored look on his face Kaibara sighed, breaking up the group conversation. "That's a shame. I kind of liked Midoriya."

Finally pulling her gaze away Kendo turned towards him with a frown. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Hey hey, don't take it like that Kendo. We all really like Midoriya." Gesturing around to all of them Awase gave a nervous smile as he got in between them. "Its just...up against Tetsutetsu's quirk I don't really..."

"There's no way he's winning." Kamakiri interrupted by crossing his arms.

"Yeah that." Awase pointed at Kamakiri. "Hell, even you and Shishida have a problem getting through his defenses and you guys have battle quirks. Midoriya just has his bare hands."

Fidgeting in place Kimori looked around nervous before speaking. "Tetsutetsu did have a zero pointer dropped on him during the leg race and he was perfectly fine."

The rest of her class more or less agreed with the sentiment, each of them betting on Midoriya's down fall.

Placing a hand to his chin in thought their vice president, Nirengeki Shoda, hummed.

"It is a bit of a one sided match up considering all Midoriya's quirk can do is heal, even if it can also heal himself. If it comes down to a war of attrition I doubt Midoriya will be able to outlast Monoma in a flat plane. What do you think Shishida?"

Adjusting his glasses Shishida, who was silent for most of the conversation, chuckled.

"I made the mistake of underestimating Midoriya before and it blew up in my face. I refuse to do so again." Teal eyes flickered to him a little surprised, the large man returning her look with a smirk. "I'm sure he will be fine, I wouldn't count him out just yet."

Smirking back Kendo put her hands to her sides feeling justified before glancing back to the ring.

Shishida was right, I'm sure Midoriya will be just fine.

Watching Midoriya do a few stretches she chuckled as well.

Ok Rival, let's see how you've grown since then.

Stretching his arms over his head Midoriya let out a sigh when he heard a satisfying pop, twisting his body and doing the other side. Shaking his head and rolling his shoulders he bounced in place, both Midnight and Monoma watching on with differing levels of amusement.

While Midnight seemed to be enjoying the little show she was getting Monoma found himself getting angrier and angrier. His big reveal not seeming to have bothered Midoriya at all.

Did he not realize how hopeless it was to fight back!? How it would be easier if he just turned in the towel now?

All the guy did was watch him activate Tetsutetsu's quirk and then start doing stretches like he wasn't just going to get the beating of his life.

Tapping his foot against the ground he finally lost it when Midoriya started to pop his knuckles. "Alright enough!? Just answer Midnight if you are ready or not!"

Smiling back Midoriya gave a nod to Midnight. "Ok, I'm ready now."

"Very well." Letting out a giggle Midnight raised her whip into the air. "Now let the next match...Begin!"

Running forward Monoma cocked a fist back and swung straight at him, only hitting air as Midoriya side stepped the attack, delivering two jabs into Monoma's side. Monoma's body making small clanging sounds after each strike, not feeling a thing as he went in for more punches, each attack not hitting his opponent at all.

Ducking under a wide swing Midoriya elbowed Monoma across the face, pain running up his elbow as he jumped back to put distance. Warmth covered his arm as his elbow healed itself.

Hmm, that won't work.

Midoriya thought, tilting his head as he blocked an incoming punch, ignoring the slight sting in his arms.

It was almost amusing how straight forward Monoma was playing this. He wasn't doing faints, trick attacks, or even kicking. He wasn't trying to confuse his opponent or even use more then just his fist. Hell he wasn't even trying to block or dodge any of Midoriya's strikes, taking them all on face first.

He was clearly feeling confident, acting like he had already won and while it was true that Midoriya had no way to hurt him he was still giving too much away. It was unclear if he was acting hot headed because he was angry or just THAT confident in the power of Tetsutetsu's quirk.

But what if he was even angrier? He thought. Maybe that will give him more openings and a chance to beat him.

Side stepping an easily predicted haymaker Midoriya let out a laugh, meeting Monoma's eyes as he bounced in place. "Was this fight everything you expected it to be? If not sorry it's a little disappointing. Hopefully you weren't waiting too long for it."

Monoma's eyebrow twitched as he grimaced harder.

"It'll end faster if you just hold still!"

Ducking under a wild swing Midoriya blocked everything thrown at him. "What's the fun in that? Last time I checked I'm more then just a punching bag."

But still Monoma kept pushing, every miss or block driving him farther up the wall. "That's exactly what you are! A useless! Pathetic punching bag!"

Inbetween the swings Midoriya delivered a kick to Monoma's leg that unfortunately did not move him at all.

Pretty sturdy. So much for that option...

Blocking a second punch he countered with a few more jabs all over Monoma's body, some to his shoulder and back, each one echoing with a loud clang.

"That's a little harsh, what have I ever done to you?" Midoriya said as he rubbed his bruised knuckles.

That seemed to have set Monoma off, his energy going from angry to furious, swinging wildly as he shouted.

"What have you done!? You've been nothing but a thorn in my side since you came to UA!" Rushing forward impatiently, each punch only hitting air. The angrier he got the more unpredictable his punches were. "You didn't even pass the entrance exam yet somehow you've got the attention of student and teachers alike! Everyone always has their eye on you...especially her! I have been nothing but nice to her but all she does is look at YOU! It's always 'Midoriya this' and 'Midoriya that!' Whenever she looks at me she might as well just see straight through me!"

That surprised him a little. He had no idea any of that was going on?

This was about Kendo? They were fighting over Kendo?

All it took was just that second of hesitation, that small slowing of movement and Monoma finally connected. Drilling a metal fist right across Midoriya's stunned face. Staggering back Midoriya blinked a few times, his vision warping around him for a second before coming back into focus, a second strike driving into his stomach. Monoma's shouting voice fading back in.

"But once I show them how pathetic you really are I will finally get the recognition I deserve!"

"Maybe you're like a little stray that they found. A pathetic lil pup that they can nurse back to health and pat themselves on the back after. A charity case perhaps."

Snapping back to reality he shook his head, dodging a third punch before delivering a few more blows of his own. Dancing around Monoma's attacks the entire time.

Now wasn't the time for this, he had to focus. There had to be a weakness.

Shoulder

CLANG

Stomach

CLANG

Neck

Clink

That drew his attention. There was something about the way the metal around Monoma's neck resisted his strike that he took note of. Jumping back Midoriya put some distance between them, rubbing the back of his knuckle against the blood dripping from his mouth. The gears starting to move in his head...he had an idea.

"Even with your fist covered in metal you have a weak punch. No wonder Kendo doesn't care about you."

His words halted Monoma for a second, looking over at him surprised as if he wasn't sure he heard him right. It took a second to process what he said, the confusion giving way to pure and seething anger.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME YOU WORM!? I'LL SHOW YOU WEAK!" He screamed, rushing in in a blind rage, exactly how Midoriya wanted.

Side stepping his obvious attack Midoriya came up from behind him, raising both of his arms and wrapping them around Monoma's neck. Twisting his body he wrenched the smaller male to the ground, interlocking his hands and pulling his arms tight around his neck.

Thrashing around in his grip Monoma struggled to even breath, let alone try to get Midoriya off of him. His voice leaking out through gritted teeth. "Get...off...of...me." But try as he might he couldn't break free, his legs kicking to try and get loose.

Wrapping his legs around Monoma's waist Midoriya pulled him onto his back, holding him tightly in place on the ground and stopping any struggling or wiggling.

Rushing over to them Midnight got in closer to watch. "Monoma can you break free? Do you yield?"

"N...ever."

Tightening his hold on Monoma's neck he cut off his breathing, his thrashing getting slower and more sluggish. Midoriya could feel his body starting to go limp in his arms, his head conking to the side as his eyes started to close. Midoriya only letting up when Midnight tapped his shoulder to get his attention, the pro hero cracking her whip.

"Monoma can no longer continue, Midoriya moves on to the next round!"

Letting Monoma go he stood back to his feet, taking a few steps away to wave at the cheering crowd.

Sputtering out a cough against the concrete ring Monoma's chest shook as he gasped and panted for air, his fingers clenching against the hardened rock. Before his very eyes he watched the metal arm around his arms start to fade away.

...he was out of time, not like it mattered now.

He was just humiliated...again. Defeated in the first round by a guy who hardly even had a quirk...Looking up Monoma noticed that Midoriya had his back to him...

Standing to his feet he grit his teeth, reaching into his sleeve to grab something.

It's a good thing he kept samples of his classes hair.

He thought, his fingers brushing against a green strand of hair.

Running forward Monoma shouted, thrusting a bladed arm out of his pocket and straight at Midoriya's back.

The crowd shouted as time slowed, people standing up from their seats to gasp. Cementos had both of his palms pressed to the stage. Midoriya slowly turning to face him again with a shocked face, blinking as he realized that Kamakiri's blade was inches away from his face.

Monoma tried to move his arm but couldnt, Midnight's whip shot across the stage and holding his arm in place. His feet pinned by cement capture ankles.

"Did I not make myself perfectly clear about there being no naughty little sheep this year?" Midnight whispered as she walked forward, her heels clicking against the floor. Placing her hands on his face she pulled Monoma in close, looking down at him like an angry God.

"I-I can expla..." Purple mist clouded his gaze, ending his words mid sentence and putting him into a deep sleep.

"Sorry about that folks! I guess some students can't help but be sore losers! We're going to go into a brief intermission and then get right back to the action!"

Up in the stands Kendo bounced in place, looking like the cat that caught the canary. She didn't say anything, didn't rub it in anyone's face but you could tell with her smirk that she was very pleased with the outcome. She had that knowing kind of smile that said "I told you so" without even needing to voice the words. A look that made the rest of her class look away embarrassed.

"Hell yeah dude!" Tetsutetsu cheered, pumping his fist into the air. "Did you see that? That shit was manly as hell! Bro wrestled him to the ground with his bare hands!"

Tokage glanced at the others with a cocky smirk. "And you guys thought Green didn't stand a chance."

Flushing Kaibara and Awase looked away, refusing to meet her gaze while Kamakiri meet Tokage's with a hardened glare.

Shishida giving a nod as he was still facing the ring, not seeming remotely surprised. "It's as I said. It would be foolish to count him out just yet."

"Yeah yeah, big whoop, so he has more fight in him then I thought! It's not like he's going to get much farther with the big power houses filling the bracket this year. Todoroki literally created an iceberg in the second event..." Turning towards Tetsutetsu Kamakiri shouted, pointing a finger towards him. "And you! Stop celebrating! It was your quirk he beat! You should be angry!"

Looking back Tetsutetsu looked towards him confused. "So? That just makes me want to fight him even more! He may have beat Monoma but lets see how he handles the real deal!"

Slamming his metal fist together Tetsutetsu flexed, the rest of the class watching on confused.

Tokage feeling a little bad for even implying that Tetsutetsu was trying to help Monoma cheat...the boy didn't have a single mean bone in his body. He was just...Tetsutetsu.

"I hope Monoma isn't in too much trouble." Muttered Komori. "That last thing he did didn't look very good..."

"He'll be lucky if he's not expelled after pulling a stunt like that." Honenuki said as he shook his head. "Honestly even if he doesnt, however, his reputation has been tarnished. Doing something like that on live television is never good. It was a matter of time until his ego got the better of him."

Chiming in for the first time Hiryu Rin tilted his head, his braid dangling over his shoulder. "The real question is if Midoriya will be able to handle Uraraka, fighting a five finger touch quirk means one touch and he's done for."

"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Midoriya always seems to have a plan." Chuckled Kendo.

Shishida nodding at that. "I admit the way his brain works is rather impressive. He may not look it but Midoriya is rather good at figuring out counters to quirks."

Almost as if he was summoned by their words Midoriya strolled through the door to their booth, everyone turning to look at him as he walked in. Giving them all a thumbs up.

"Hey guys, did I miss Shinso's match yet?"

"Bro!" Tetsutetsu shouted, running towards him with his fist up in the air. The others watching them but not getting up from their seats. "That was so cool man! What did you do with that headlock? How'd you do that?"

"It was just a headlock Tetsutetsu? You've seen them before?"

"I know man but like...how did you figure it would work?"

Thinking for a second Midoriya thought about how to phrase it. Even though the rest of 1B didn't get up they were all slightly turned towards the two as they spoke. All of them listening in to his answer expectantly.

"It was something I questioned for a while now. How you were able to breath with your quirk activated, if it was as thick as the rest of your body your throat wouldn't be able to contract." Shrugging he smiled. "It was just a lucky guess."

"Bro! That's like, wicked smart. I didn't even think of that! I better we careful you dont do that to me!"

Letting out a laugh Midoriya shook his head at that. "I was able to do that before because I was big enough to pull him to the ground and strong enough to hold him in place. I get the feeling it will be harder against you."

"Challenge accepted!"

As the two walked back to their seats the sight made Kendo smile a little.

It was nice to see her two guys getting along...yet, she couldn't help but notice something else was nipping at the back of her mind, a bad feeling about something. The sensation making her pause before quickly shaking her head and joining them. Giving Midoriya a quick fist bump on the way over.

The rest of the class joining around them to say words of encouragement as well, Midoriya smiling as he sat down in Monoma's empty seat.

Flying through the air Shinso turned his body, firmly gripping hold of his capture scarf as he fell. Doing as he practiced many times before he threw one of the ends out, hooking onto the ceiling of the gym and using the moment to fling himself. Looking to his right as he soared he could see his opponent, Izuku Midoriya, swinging towards him with a capture scarf of his own.

Turning his body he barely dodged an incoming attack, the wind parting his messy purple hair as Midoriya flew past, quickly turning around to go in for another passing.

Turning around to meet him the two went straight for each other, leaping into the air to meet in the middle. Turning his body Shinso delivered a hard round house kick straight into Midoriya's side, knocking the larger male back. Tumbling back Midoriya tried to throw out his scarf to catch himself but it was too late, his back hitting the hardwood floor of the gym with a thud and a groan. Followed quickly by a second groan when Shinso landed on top of his stomach.

The sound of a whistle went off nearby, Mr. Aizawa standing by and nodding at the two of them. "Good. Take five and we'll meet back here." The tall lanky man looking them over before walking off.

As soon as Aizawa turned away Shinso smirked down at Midoriya, smugly getting off of him and taking his hand to pull him back to his feet. Even though he struggling a little to lift the larger male.

"Does that make it 5-3 now?"

Getting back up Midoriya sighed, smiling back at him and nodding. "Yup, 5-3 in your favor last I checked. Not that you'll let me forget it."

"Hey." Shinso said in a monotone voice. "You beat me at everything else. Let me have this."

"Yeah yeah." Taking a water bottle from the table Midoriya tossed one to Shinso before sitting down. "How you could even control these things is beyond me. I think mine is defective."

Taking a swig of his cold bottle Shinso hummed. "Mr. Aizawa says it's supposed to listen to your thoughts. Have you tried, you know, thinking less? Maybe it can't read you when you are running a mile a minute."

Midoriya didn't have anything to say to that, merely rolling his eyes playfully, lifting his bottle to his lips and taking a swig. Looking away for a second in thought Midoriya's brows fell.

"I've been thinking...about your quirk."

...

If ever there was a sentence to scare the shit out of him, it was that one. He knew by now that Midoriya wasn't like the kids from his old school, he actually saw use in his power and actively encouraged him to use it. Still, it didn't stop him from tensing a little.

"Oh." He muttered, hoping that his friend would continue. Looking away as he placed the bottle to his lips.

"Yeah. It's really powerful but most of it's power depends on whether or not the opponent knows what it is. It's why I think you'll make an amazing stealth hero one day."

...Ah, he was thinking about how to use it. That made sense, h e thought absently, silently chastising himself .

"What do you suggest then?"

Drifting up to the ceiling in thought it took a second for Midoriya to respond.

"Usually the sports festival is a mystery. The first two events mostly being a way to cut down the amount of contestants. The first being a way to cut the herd to about a couple dozen and the second being a team based game."

Nodding along quietly Shinso mostly listened, not really wanting to get in the way of Midoriya's thought process.

"But the third event is usually a tournament of some kind involving one on one duels. Last year they fought with foam swords. I think...you should save it till then."

Raising an eyebrow at that Shinso frowned. "You mean fight quirkless?"

"Yeah, but even then at the tournament only use it as a last resort, when you're sure you can't beat them on your own. Once you use it it'll be harder to use it again."

That made sense...it was going to be hard to pull off though. There were a lot of powerful quirks in the hero course on both sides.

"I get what you're saying. Its going to take some work."

Nodding Midoriya got up first, tossing his bottle aside before reaching a hand out to him.

"What's that saying that Mr. Aizawa liked to say? Double the work..."

Smirking at that he took his hand, before being pulled to his feet.

"Half the credit."

Following the sounds of the crowd as well as the direction the light was coming from, a few minutes later he found himself again in the familiar stretch of tunnel that he had walked out from this morning. His nerves felt about the same as they did back then, but the crowd was a lot quieter this time. Although that might have been because there wasn't anything for them to cheer about at the moment. Coming up from the tunnel Hitoshi Shinso squinted against the bright sun shining down into the empty field.

Grass crunched under his feet, walking up and onto the stadium arena.

"He's been mostly a mystery the entire event so far. He's tired looking, he's grumpy...he might be Eraser head's secret love child..."

"He's not."

"It's Hitoshi Shinso!"

The cheers coming around him felt so foreign to him, like they weren't real. Like they were mocking him more then they were cheering him on. Hundreds of thousands of eyes glaring down at him, expecting him to fail.

"Then there's his opponent! He's lean, he's mean, he's a tape elbow machine! Here comes Hanta Sero!"

Taking a step forward Sero gave a wave to the crowd.

"Alright! Are the two opponents ready?"

"Yup!"

"Sure."

"Then let the next match...begin!"

Immediately, Shinso leaped forward and raced to close the distance. All he knew was that Sero had a tape quirk and from what he saw during the second event he had good range and mobility. If he was smart he was probably going to try and keep him at a distance and wrap him up as soon as possible.

Sure enough, Sero thrust his left elbow forward and sent out a line of tape towards him.

Deftly, Shinso spun to the right to avoid it.

Unphased, Sero then used his right elbow to shoot out a second stream of tape, cause Shinso to dodge to the left to avoid it. With both of his arms occupied Sero looked like a sitting duck but Shinso could tell that it was bait.

He's fallen for enough of those in sparing to never trust an obvious opening.

Sero grimaced at that, ripping his arms free to put more distance between them, firing off another blast of tape towards Shinso's feet.

Jumping up over it Shinso tried to close the gap, zigzagging between the tapes as they landed around him. As he got closer Sero stumbled back like he caught him before surprising him with a blast that connected the tapes into a web like pattern.

Ah so that's what he was planning.

It would have worked, if Shinso wasn't able to react in the nick of time, bouncing off of the ground and into a front flip. Soaring straight over Sero's head and landing behind him. Pivoting his leg he delivered a devistating jumping kick right into the back of Sero's head. Knocking him forward from the force he whipped his head to the side, Sero letting out a groan. Blinking a few times stunned he tried to right himself before getting uppercut into the air.

Flying backwards he fell to the ground, the force of getting hit forward and then back jarring him enough to give Shinso time to pin him.

"1!"

"2!"

"3!"

"By way of pin Sero is eliminated!" Standing up Midnight cracked her whip, gesturing to him with her off hand. "Shinso moves on to the next round!"

"I hope no one blinked cause that match was over in a second! With a swift kick and a punch Hitoshi Shinso moves on to the next round! Your secret love child sure has the moves eh Eraser head?"

"Again. Not my child."

"We'll see what the paternity test has to say!"

The crowd cheered as Shinso helped his opponent back to his feet. Sero still looking a bit dazed.

"You've got crazy reaction speeds, man." Sero muttered, rubbing his chin. "I thought for sure I had you with that web trap."

Giving him a smile in the form of a small upturn of the lip he nodded. "You probably would have if my reflexes weren't drilled into me."

"Tell me about it! Well, atleast we put on a good show!"

Walking farther into the stadium the two walked side by side, heading towards Recovery girls booth.

Looking up he saw the smiling and waving members of one of his classes. The sight of them cheering him on bringing a genuine smile to his face.

"Yeah, atleast it was a good show."

Walking through the doors of the stadium's infirmary Shinso and Sero drifted into the room. Recovery girl sitting on a stool as she tended to her patient, Yui Kodai. The girl sitting in a bed as Recovery girl dabbed at her bleeding eyebrow with a clothe, muttering to herself.

"Whos great idea was it anyway to have first years fight head to head in an arena with only a few months of training...blasted fools."

Turning when they entered she looked them over quickly with an analytical eye before turning back around to tend to her current patient.

"Symptoms?" She grumbled.

Looking amongst each other they were a little surprised by the gruff welcoming. Weren't nurses supposed to be nice?

After a few moments of silence Sero took a step forward.

"Just a little dizzy, I was hit pretty hard across the jaw. Nothing I can't handle of course! I tried to tell them that I was ok but they didn't believe me." Gesturing to Shinso Sero gave a chuckle. "Shinso here was just nice enough to walk with me."

Finishing up cleaning Kodai's eyebrow Recovery girl leaned in to kiss her forehead, breaking off and pushing her tiny legs out to slide to another bed on her stool.

"Sit." She commanded, not giving any leeway as she patted the spot on the bed.

Walking off to sit down where she instructed Recovery girl pulled out a flashlight and started to shine it near Sero's face.

"Keep your eye on the light, follow it slowly." The two worked in silence, Recovery girl running a few test all while Shinso and Kodai watched. Placing her hands on Sero's neck she rotated it slowly, letting out a hum. Feeling satisfied she let him go, going back to sitting on her stool as she wrote something down. "You are just experiencing a very minor case of whiplash. When you were hit your head cocked to a side too quickly, causing some strain in the muscles of your neck. Nothing too bad from the looks of it. I would suggest when this is all over putting some ice on it and the tension should leave in one to two days."

Sliding across the room recovery girl opened a drawer, digging around inside before coming back to them. Sticking her hand out she handed him a few ice packs.

"Keep these frozen and apply them if the tension gets too much. Understood?" Sero nodded. "Good."

The entire time this was happening Shinso's gaze kept flickering to Kodai and then looking away, obviously wanting to say something but not being sure if it was the right time.

"Now if you are all done hogging up seats you should head back to the festival. I'm sure I'm going to need them based on the matches to come." Recovery girl angrily muttering that last part as she jotted some things down, turning her back to all of them.

Looking amongst each other the three shrugged, heading out of the office and back into the hall. Making a long trek back to their seats.

Sero walked a bit ahead, leaving Shinso to walk next to Kodai in silence. Glancing over to her he could see the girl had her gaze straight ahead with a neutral look on her face.

This was going to get weird wasn't it...

Coughing into his hand to get her attention he could feel her eyes on him now.

"Kodai right? I saw your match."

Blinking a few times the quiet girl nodded but didn't say anything.

"The way you moved around was...pretty cool I guess and I just..." He was scrambling for any words at all. Ever since he saw her match he planned out what he was going to say to her so many times in his head yet all of that planning went out the window when her gaze was trained on him. "Can you teach me how you move like that? I want to be a stealth hero one day as well and I would like to learn."

Pursing her lip in thought Kodai stared at him for a long moment. "Mmm."

He weirdly understood her. "You will? That would be amazing...should we uh, exchange numbers?"

Her eyebrows went up at that, the fresh scar on her right eyebrow still a little pink from healing. "Mmm?"

"Not like that." He said shaking his head. "It's so we can meet up and train."

A whistle from up ahead drew both of their attention. Sero looking back at them, both of his arms behind his neck as he walked.

"Dang dude. Shinso my man, you move fast. I'm impressed."

"Its not like that. It's for training."

"Of course of course, training."

"I don't like that tone. What are you implying?"

"I'm not implying anything, just you know. Game appreciating game."

"What...does that even mean?" He tilted his head at that confused, his face only making Sero laugh out loud.

Watching the back and forth between the two Kodai looked towards the ground in thought before letting a small smile move across her stoic face.

For as long as Todoroki has been around he had always feared fire. Even long before the fated moment his life was changed forever.

There was something...unpredictable about it. Something uncontrollable and raw.

Fire does not listen to you, it does what it wants...and what it wants to do is destroy. To spread and grow until entire forest are consumed by its rage. Once it grows too big there is no going back and no way for you to stop it.

All fire does is take until there is nothing more to give.

His brother Toya had to learn that the hard way, turning himself into a ball of fire in a crazed attempt to earn their fathers love before being snuffed out just as quick.

Fire was prideful, greedy and angry, much like his old man.

In the long nights where he laid on the ground in pain, tired, sore and angry he promised himself he would never become like his father. He was going to become someone who his mother would be proud of, not someone who would drive her to hurt the people she loved.

Maybe then, he would be worthy enough to see her again...

Even before leaving the tunnel out into the field Todoroki could already notice a difference in the air. It was, more electric, the energy more palpable. Everyone in the stadium seemed more on edge then usual.

Whether it was because the crowd knew he was the son of Endeavor or because of something else entirely he had no idea.

What he did know was that he had a big challenge placed before him, a challenge bigger than anything he had ever faced before.

Inasa Yoarashi was...a mountain in his own right. As much as they did not get along Todoroki had to at least give him that.

As large and imposing as he was the real threat was his quirk, the sheer raw power of it rivaling even his own. There was a reason that he, Kirishima, Bakugo and himself were dubbed the four titans of their class. Their quirks were on a whole other level compared to the others.

But while Bakugo was hindered by a previous injury Yoarashi and Kirishima had no such a flaw.

Todoroki knew, that in order to win he was going to have to beat both Yoarashi and Kirishima...he just didn't think one of the matches would be so soon.

Making his way up the steps his gaze looked amongst the crowd, easily being able to spot his father in the audience, making sure to look away before their eyes met.

If the glow from his side of the stadium increased he did not care to notice.

Closing his eyes he rolled his shoulders, the faint nip of cold still licking at his body and dragging him down. Recovery girl's gummies helped him with his energy but not as much as he would have liked, leaving him shorter of breath then usual. He could only hope that the same was for his opponent, otherwise this match was not going to be in his favor.

Opening his eyes he noticed how Yoarashi's short buzzed head of hair hardly shifted in the wind unlike his own, his multicolored bang of hair slowly waving about in his vision.

It was more windy then usual. He noted to himself.

Wind wiping around the two of them as if they were in the eye of the storm...no, not that they were the eye of the storm. Yoarashi was the center of it all, he just so happened to be near it.

"Hello Todoroki!" Waved Inasa, giving him a big smile that rivaled that of All Might. "May we have a good fight!"

He didn't really have anything to say that, just glare back and give a rough nod. An action that quickly made Inasa's smile disappear for a second before reappearing.

It was obvious to everyone that they did not like each other. Even strangers with a little social awareness would be able to pick up on that. Yet, it was a mystery why Yoarashi kept trying to pretend like they were friends. Always trying to start conversations with him any chance he could, always looking at him with that smile. While his smile was a lot like All Might it seemed more strained and forced then the real deal, like he was forcing himself to be nice to him. An act that both confused and surprised the boy no matter how many times he's seen it. If he truly hated him why would be pretend he didn't? Why would you not just keep your distance and avoid the person at all cost?

"Alright! We've come to the match you've all been waiting for! Two powerhouses of 1A going head to head! Two unmovable objects! Two promising young heroes but there can only be one winner!"

People hooped and hollered at that, pumping their fist into the air excitedly.

"On one side we have the son of none other then the number two hero himself. He's cold, calculating and dare I say a lady killer! It's Shoto Todoroki!"

Squinting angrily at the mention of his father the crowd went crazy around him, most likely fans of his father. Yoarashi growing tense across the way from him despite his smile.

"On the other! It's the Gale Force Tornado! The Speed Demon Salvo! He won the first event in almost record time! Give it up for Inasa Yoarashi!"

The people went just as crazy for his opponent. He must have really won people over in the first event...

"It's a battle of legacy versus talent! Who will win!?"

Fussing with her hair as it blew in the wind Midnight raised a hand to get both of their attention.

"Are both combatants ready?" She called out against the sound of wiping wind.

"I'm ready!" Shouted Yoarashi excitedly, the two looking back to him.

Was he ready?

Nodding he glared ahead, only muttering a single word. "Yes."

"Then let the match of Shoto Todoroki vs Inasa Yoarashi...begin!"

If the crowd cheered or shouted he had no idea. He had no time for fan fair or a drawn out match. If he wanted to win he had to do it now.

Making sure that Midnight was out of range he slammed his foot into the ground, creating a massive ice pillar not unlike the ones he made earlier. Encasing the entire half of the ring in ice in an instant.

Looking amongst the icy wall he hoped to see the taller man inside to no luck, his gaze flickering to the crowd. Noticing that they all were looking up into the air he followed their gazes.

High in the air Yoarashi looked down upon the stadium, having flown straight in the air at break neck speed to avoid his attack. Raising a hand above him, wind flew around it, dancing around his fingers. Thrusting his hand forward the wind blew around Todoroki in a frenzied pace, reminding him of a tornado.

He felt lighter, Todoroki's feet starting to leave the ground, quickly slamming a hand into it he created ice around his own legs to pin himself to the ground. Now that he was stable he fired off a blast of cold towards Yoarashi, the man flying to the left to avoid it, zipping past another attack as he flew closer.

Sticking both of his arms out Yoarashi squinted his eyes, his fingers squeezing closed. A buffer of wind squeezed and crack all along the same spot at the iceberg he created. Compressing his hands together it hammered away between two walls of wind. With a loud splintering crack the iceberg started to topple towards Todoroki, a massive chunk of ice being knocked right back at him.

Breaking his icy shackles Todoroki made a sprint away from the falling wall, shooting ice at the ground and using it to surf off of the stage into a u shape. The iceberg crashing right where he was just standing.

Conjuring a diagonal ice pillar, Shoto launched himself towards Yoarashi, firing off a few more blast of cold as he went.

Dodging away from his attacks Todoroki was on him in a blink, turning his body in the air and attempting to deliver a roundhouse kick across the distracted boys face.

Just before his foot connected the air around Yoarashi increased, creating a barrier between them and pushing him back. Todoroki's head whipping back quickly as he fell, his vision blurring for a second.

Sticking a hand out he manipulated the ice around him to create a ramp, feet pressing against it as he used it to surf along. Shaking his head Todoroki panted, a cold chill rolling up his back.

He was starting to be able to see his breath. This wasn't working.

Turning back around he launched himself back into the air, going in for a second attack. Flinging an arm out he fired off more blast of ice, Yoarashi easily dodging them this time.

He knew it was coming, moving quickly to counter attack him. Gritting his teeth Yoarashi created a bubble of wind around Todoroki, stopping him mid air.

Floating in the air Todoroki struggled to breath in the bubble, his chest tightening as if he was being strangled. Any air in his throat refusing to come out as he gagged and sputtered. It felt like his ears were popping, everything going white for a second.

Was this it? He lost just like that?

Looking towards Yoarashi with squinting eyes he looked liked he was struggling.

Whatever this move was it looked like it took a lot out of him...if he could just hold on maybe...

His chest thrust forward, cutting off his thought, his body being pulled in closer. His eyes felt so heavy...

"Cmon man...just get knocked out already." Yoarashi muttered through clenched teeth. "Its obvious you don't have any more fight left in you!"

Wiggling his arms he tried to free himself, feeling like his body was being held down. All Yoarashi did was watch him struggle in his grasp.

"Why are you bring so stubborn?" Letting out an annoyed sigh, Yoarashi's smile fell. "I really shouldn't say this Todoroki...but I really hate you. You and your father shouldn't even be heroes...just give up."

Eyes widening Todoroki could not speak, no words being able to come out. Rage filled his heart at those words.

THATS why he hated him? Because of his father!? Why does it always comes back to Endeavor? No matter what he does he could never leave that man's shadow...

He wanted to scream, to kick and yell. This man had the NERVE to compare him to his father.

Todoroki suddenly felt very hot, his boiling anger giving way to a new feeling. The cold ache in his bones was gone, leaving a searing hot feeling in his chest. Every muscle in his body tightening as he screamed, fire erupting from his left side.

Squinting against the fire Yoarashi lifted his arms up to cover his face from the embers. The bubble disappeared just long enough for Todoroki to stick his right hand out and placing it on Yoarashi's chest. Firing off a blast of cold point blank to cover his chest with ice.

"Hey! What the..." Reaching out to grab at the ice the taller man teetered in the air before plummeting to the ground, dragged down by the extra weight. Todoroki quickly falling after him.

What happened next felt like an eternity. Todoroki knew that it realistically was only a matter of seconds but even then they dragged on.

Falling backwards the world was upside down in his view. No longer did it look like a vast array of cityscapes, instead it looked more like a weird collage of shapes and colors. The sight making Todoroki pause to stare, his hair blowing around by an invisible force called gravity.

From this high up the hundreds of thousands of people looked more like ants then uniquely different people all living their lives.

Do all of them feel as empty as he did? He wondered to himself. Was it normal to feel like this, so confused, broken and angry all of the time? If so what was the point?

Looking up the ground was quickly coming up to meet him halfway.

He was taught a long time ago how to survive high falls...it was probably one of the few things that his father taught him that actually stuck.

Closing his eyes he turned his body as he remembered how he was taught, curling his body to protect all of his vitals.

Slamming into the ground pain rocked his body, it hurting but it was still nothing different then what he was used to.

Yoarashi grunted as he hit the ground, his body tumbling. Midnight looking over Todoroki before running over to the ledge to make sure he was alright. After the pause Midnight returned, walking over to Todoroki still on the ground and lifting his arm into the air.

"Yoarashi is out of bounds! Todoroki moves on to the next event!"

Getting up off of the ground Todoroki struggled to stand for a second, turning towards Inasa on his back in the grass like a turtle. Panting, a small amount of blood dripped from his ears. Looking back into the screaming crowd his eyes immediately meet his father's, the man giving him a smug, knowing look.

It's only then did Todoroki realize what he did...

He broke his promise.

He used his fire.

First off, yes, I did make Monoma a toxic "nice guy." Can you tell he's one of my least liked characters in all of My Hero? Cause he is.

I'm sure it's not as exciting as anyone wanted the match being but I honestly did not see a world where "Mr. I steal other people's quirks" was doing well in a fist fight against a really well trained fighter. Midoriya had already trained in martial arts a lot up into this point and even was personally trained by Eraser head for a few months. The boy is a tank and Monoma is a skinny little twink, even if he did have a powerful shield picking up the slack. He's also clearly a sore loser, an action that is not going to be in his favor.

On top of all of that we have two more fights, Shinso kicking ass without a quirk and then we end it with a clash between two titans. Todoroki vs Inasa, wind vs ice.

I'm going to be honest...I'm not sure how useful Todoroki's fire would be in this fight. Most of the fire Todoroki would throw around would be snuffed out by Inasa's wind. Still, despite all the wind it did not snuff out Todoroki's spark, if anything it ignited it. Guess we'll see what that spark turns into.