At long last, the day has finally arrived. The day where everyone in U.A gets to show what they are made of. The day where millions upon millions of fans in Japan and all of the world watch either live in the arena or at home on their TVs. It is an event unlike any other in Japan, and quite possibly on Earth. The U.A Sports Festival. Who knew a spectacle about hero prospects battling one another for supremacy among their classes would bring such demand from the populace to air it on a yearly basis?

Everyone who is participating wants to win it. To have their name out there and known amongst all Pro Heroes to take notice of them and select them as interns. In the U.A Sports Festival, your future as a pro hero begins here.

For me though, it is different.

Yes, I feel the same way as everyone else, but I have another reason to win. I don't just want to be noticed by everyone; I want to be taken seriously. Every day I was surrounded by people who acted high and mighty because of their greater Quirks while I was left behind to rot in a pit of misery and remain unknown across the masses. I have witnessed and personally experience those people who use their Quirks will ill intentions, and they have the audacity to crown themselves as future heroes without making an effort to act like one? Fate decided to cast me aside with a Quirk that only amplified my vision while some other muck was able to transform steel into anything he wanted, and all he did was use it to ditch school cause those steel bars could not hold him.

When I first announced that I was going to apply to U.A and take their Entrance Exam, I was laughed out of the classroom. When I showed up the next day, that same metal bending quirk user tried to frighten me out of attending by telling me I did not belong with 'the big dogs.' That I was just too small to keep up with superior people like him. That was the last time I ever saw him.

Skip ahead to the entrance exam and I surpassed expectations by amounting up to 39 points, 30 in bots destroyed and 9 in rescue points and I learned later on that I was only 3 points short of reaching the top twelve. I ranked 13th overall. When I discovered that, I thought maybe I would finally be seen as significant. I was met with another roadblock.

I was accepted into U.A, but not inducted into the Hero Course; instead, I was placed in support. I showed exactly what I was capable of, despite having a weaker Quirk. I had the heart and brain power to surpass many other students to rank 11th for the best entrance exam scores, yet I was not chosen for one reason. Image. I was not the image of what heroes of today look like.

Heroes of today have strong Quirks that do not require the aid of support items, they only need their Quirks. To see someone fully depend on technology was not unheard of, but it was not popular either. A plasma pistol is fascinating, but to see someone conduct plasma and use it as a weapon was a sight to see because of two differences. One was built, so there can be an unlimited supply of it, thus rendering it a common sight and nothing special. One was able to take plasma from their very body, manipulate it in various ways, and wield it like a sword. Not only that, but the biggest reason is glamour. A plasma pistol has designs and can be upgraded to have special mods, but that's it. A plasma Quirk? You can do whatever you want with it and keep it original, the attention never runs out as long as you can make it a sight worth seeing.

I am not special nor glamorous enough to be in the hero course according to social norms. My eyes shift slightly whenever I use my quirk which is not fabulous, and my babies can be reproduced by any other company and made better in an instant. My heart and intelligence do not matter if I can not be a celebrity show off. That logic alone drives me over the edge.

A bully can be praised and be paid to bully others simply because they had the 'fancier' Quirk, while people like me who actually care about others and are willing to do anything to protect those in need are told to buzz off and 'think realistically.' Why can't an underdog be a hero? Why can't a person with a feeble Quirk save the day? Why are people like me always told we can never do what they can when we can do it? I never understood society, and I still don't. Maybe one day, it can all change, and we as a civilization can look back and laugh about it, but until that day comes, a repressed community must endure hardships set by social standards.

My original intention was to get my name known, but after thinking about it, I changed my goal. I don't just want to win; I don't just want to get myself noticed, and I certainly don't just want to be praised for my resilience. No. I want to win to show everyone that an underdog can topple those 'Titans.' That a person with a frail Quirk is capable of doing the same actions as All Might and the rest of the Pro Hero community. But most importantly, I want to show everyone that people like me can do what they can, that we are able to make it to the big leagues, that we can hang with the big dogs, and that we are competent enough to outrank those with Quirks that are held to a higher standard.

The title of this chapter is called, "Longshot." I didn't name it that for melodramatic reasons. I named it 'longshot' because in order to make people see what I see, it really is going to take a longshot.

Sunday was fun. I was able to relax and put myself at ease, but now it was back to business. The Sports Festival is here.

I was at home getting myself ready for the big day. I already had breakfast that was identical to an IHOP Breakfast Sampler, brushed my teeth, and other preparations. I made sure to sign a waiver and an agreement with the U.A Staff to allow me to use my babies, and that I will not sue the school if my babies malfunction in anyway. Also, if another student is severely hurt by one of my babies, I will not be punished nor pursued by any legal actions as long as the injuries are non-fatal and many other complicated nonsense.

"You sure you are ready, sweetie?" My mom asked me with an excited, yet frightened tone.

"We just want to make sure, Mei, after all, you would not want to be disqualified or left vulnerable." My father chimes in.

I lift my backpack onto my shoulders and give them a smile with a nod. "Yes I am. I made sure to have everything I need ready since last week, and I made sure to check again every day." I replied.

"That's a true case of over checking if I ever heard of one." My father chuckled as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Your mother and I can not express how proud we are of you."

"Nor how terrified by who's talking about that?" My mother looked semi-joked, but she truly was scared and I can understand. I am walking into the Sports Festival with people with more remarkable Quirks than mine, and most of them can cause permanent damage to me if they are not careful enough.

I walk to my mother and hug her tightly, "Relax mommy, I'll be okay. I promise." I say to her.

My mother stumbles with her words a bit before sighing and hugging me back, "You better keep that promise then."

I feel my father embrace us both as well, "She's a big kid, Yoru. She'll be okay." My father tried to relax my mother's nerves, and even said her first name.

"I know, Bijutsu, I know. But as her mother, I worry for her constantly." I can feel my mother's face frowning, "Especially since she has a knack for getting herself in constant danger." I laugh meekly in response. My mother then plants a kiss on my cheek, "But even then my baby still comes out okay, and stronger too." We all break the hug. "We'll all be cheering you on!" My mother proudly said.

I nodded with affirmation, "I will not let you two down! I love you mommy and daddy! Bye!" I said as they said their 'byes' and wished me luck. I exited the house and headed towards the train station. As I am walking, I feel some of the nanites enter my earlobe, which is a very uncomfortable feeling.

"So Pinky Dinky Doo, how are you feeling?" Tony asks as he makes his presence known.

"Like Midoriya everytime I hug him." I reply with some snark and hold a finger to my ear.

"What did he ever do to you to earn that disrespect?"

"He shut down my infinite battery baby that's what!" I say somewhat loudly, attracting some of the locals to look my way.

I hear him sign and can imagine him rolling his eyes, "I shut it down too. Trust me, it really isn't that impressive nor a great idea. It will kill the market."

I grumble and fume slightly, "I hate you both."

"You love me."

"Love is a strong word, and that implies if I actually care for you." I reply with humorous intentions.

"Oh okay. I'll just take back the suit and pretend I never met you." Tony threatens me.

"Awwww, did I hurt your feelings?" I smugly say.

"No, I just hate children who feel entitled because I gave something to make them feel more valuable than they actually are."

"Ouch. That stings."

"Whose feelings are hurt now?"

"Ha. Ha. Ha."

I let out a small genuine laugh and smile slightly as I head into the train station, "But in all seriousness, I am feeling nervous but also eager. I can not wait to see what the Sports Festival has in store nor to show off what my babies can do."

"And leave out Version I till the end, unless you absolutely need it then bust it beforehand." Tony reminds me. We agreed that I would only use Version I until I get to the tournament, or if I am having an emergency, then I will use it on the spot.

"Right, right, I know." I take in a deep breath before the train arrives, "I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay." I get on the train and make my way to the school.

Once I reach the school, I head towards the stadium. Instead of wasting valuable time and doing attendance at the school, Power Loader and the rest of the teachers told all of us to turn in at the stadium back entrance. From there, we are quickly debriefed about the inventions we brought and turn in our legal slips. Afterwards, we were told to wait in our designated room until we called out.

Everyone in the class spent time looking over their gadgets and socializing with one another, but not me. I was in a corner going over all of my strategies, and doing maintenance on my babies. I need not worried about Version because Tony had it go through his own preservation before he gave it to me. The suit was able to fold up into a small piece of metal, so I had it stashed inside of a pocket.

It felt like hours before we were finally told to put our gadgets and head towards the entrance. I strapped on my newly modified hover soles and attach on my new wire arrows. Each got a great upgrade thanks to Tony. I proceed to grab my headgear and put it on, and place the goggles over my eyes.

"Say hello to my little babies, U.A." I mumble to myself before I head out.

I was standing in front of the tunnel with my classmates behind me, and my god was I shaking. Not out of fear, but by the vibration of roars and cheers from the audience in attendance. I grinned in delight and with confidence. Everyone is gonna put on a show, but I plan on stealing it with my babies and my 'secret weapon.'

"The U.A Sports Festival! The huge battle where fledgling heroes sharpen their swords once a year!" So, they got Present Mic to do commentary? Hopefully, he does well because he could not muster a single reply when he was presenting at the Entrance Exam. "And folks here they are! The new stars who miraculously survived a villain attack with their hearts of steel, Class 1-A!"

That's right. Three weeks ago before I met Midoriya and Mina, their class was at the USJ and were attacked by villains that invaded the building. I heard their teacher, Pro Hero: Eraserhead, and one unnamed student suffered gruesome injuries, but everyone was ultimately saved by the Number One Hero: All Might.

It was a miracle that the unknown student was even able to compete today, but I know they wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world.

They had captured all the villains, including a giant purple monster with a sharp beak. You could even see its brain too. It was like some sort of experiment, and it did frighten me a bit when I saw it on the news.

I saw Class 1-A heading out onto the scene, and I was able to easily identify Midoriya and Mina. Many looked so calm and collected, and a few, like Midoriya, seemed to shrink at the attention. Still though, they have the best experience out of all everyone here from surviving an invasion.

Once that was out of the way, the rest of us were introduced. I couldn't help but smile at the attention.

Once we all gathered at the center, a stage was set where the Rated-R Hero: Midnight appeared on stage in front of a microphone. Midnight was a curvaceous woman with long black hair and blue eyes. She wore a black breastless leotard over a white jumpsuit, which really showed off every part of her body, wore a black thigh high stockings and black knee-boots. On her wrists were half of a handcuff on each of them, and a utility belt around her waist, and finally, she had a red domino mask and a flogger type whip. She was basically a walking mistress and seductress, and every guy in my class was looking at her with lust.

I simply rolled my eyes but heard Tony wolf whistled in my ear, "She looks more voluptuous in person."

"Shut up." I whisper.

Midnight whipped her flogger with aggression and yelled out, "Quiet everyone," into the microphone as everyone silenced themselves, "Representing the students of Class 1-A is Katsuki Bakugo!"

Bakugo? The one with the explosions?

I looked forward and saw a student with short ash blonde hair walk towards the stadium with his hands in his pockets. The aura around him was powerful. It was full of pride, and just by looking at him you can tell he was a threat to anyone who came across his path. He looks as dangerous as Tony described him to be. "If he is representing Class 1-A, then that means he must have scored first on the Entrance Exam," I make a mental note of that as he walks up to the microphone.

"I would like to acknowledge…" Bakugo begins before taking a dramatic pause, "That I am going to win."

What followed next was a roar of boos and jeers from everyone in the stadium, including all of those around him. I held myself back from joining those people because that was just… arrogant of him! He already declared himself the victor!

"And I thought I had an ego." Tony snickered.

Everyone was then brought back to focus when Midnight spoke, "Now! Let's get started right away!" In an instant, all the boo's turned into cheers, "Many students drink their tears here, but that is expected! Now, let's see what the first game will be!" A giant screen appears behind Midnight.

"Like I said, every year the games change. I am curious to how you handle the pressure here." As Tony finished speaking, the screen stopped in place and the first game was shown. Obstacle Race.

"Well I am glad for my stamina training now." I chuckle a bit. If this was past me before Gunhead's Dojo, I would be gasping for air like it was my first time breathing.

Midnight whipped her flog to grab our attention, "All 11 classes will participate all at once! The course is on the outside of the stadium, which is about four kilometers long! Freedom is a word the school believes in! As long as you stay on the course, do as you please!" Midnight then pointed to a large red door, obviously already built beforehand with three green lights clearly on. "Take your places everyone!"

All of us gathered by the entrance and waited for the signal. I waited in the back to get a better view of the situation. "Hmmm…" I began to analyze the diameter of the doorway and took note of everyone here.

"No doubt you see the problem too?" Tony tells me.

"Of course. It's too small. I won't be able to get through if I charge in headfirst. Which means…" I look up and see that two of the three green dots are dimmed. "I have to get above them." The last green light went out.

"Start!"

Everyone began to charge straight through the middle, just as predicted. I activate my hover soles. "Thanks for the help, now I can fly higher than usual." I begin to gain distance from the ground until I am several feet over everyone. I tilt my body forward slightly and begin to fly over everyone's head. As I am flying over everyone, I see ice suddenly form and freeze many in place.

"Todoroki no doubt." I remember the notes about him having an ice Quirk, and considering the situation at hand, this would the perfect time to think strategically. It is a few seconds later I witness four others appear from the ice. A girl that is creating a pole from her hands, most likely Yaoyorozu, a boy with a laser on his belly, Kirishima, and Bakugo.

"Don't think you'll get away!" Bakugo roared.

I land next to Kirishima and run with him with a smile, "Hey Kirishima!"

Kirishima looks my way and smiles back, "Hey Hatsume! How'd you get free back there?!"

"A secret I'll explain later!" I tease him a little as Bakugo snares and begins to charge faster by using his explosives as propellers, leaving me and Kirishima behind in the dust.

"Is he always like that?" I ask Kirishima.

Kirishima sweat drops and smiles innocently, "Yeah. He is very competitive."

"And egotistical." I add in. I look behind me and see many others have gotten out freely. A boy with a tail is using his tail as leverage to avoid slipping on the ice; Mina is using her acid from her feet to get around but is having trouble still, and a few others like Midoriya are going fast but also carefully. "Aren't I lucky?" I say as I suddenly see a boy with purple balls on his head attempt to grab me.

"YOU'RE MINE!" He yells at me with a crazed look as he holds two purple balls in each of his hands.

"Oh. You're him." This must be Mineta, the creepy guy Mina told me about. I simply move out of the way, and he falls towards the floor, but not flat on his face. The balls keep him up as they seemed to cushion his fall.

"DAMN IT! I WAS SO CLOSE TO ATTACHING MYSELF TO HER!" He yells out with clear frustrations.

"He's more than just a creep from it seems. A perverted boy." Tony chimes in.

"Like you?"

"Na ah ah ah ah! I am not perverted! I don't latch onto women without consent! Never did, even in my early non 'Iron Man' years. And I was drunk or high, or both most of the time." Tony defends himself poorly.

"That doesn't make you sound any better."

"I wasn't asking you- WATCH YOUR THREE AND SIX!"

I suddenly move backwards as Mineta again tried to leach onto me, but before he could say anything, a giant robot hand suddenly appeared and knocked him away. I back up a bit and look up. "Oh." I simply say as three giant robots appear before us, all of them being different models. "The zero point robots from the Entrance Exam." I mumble to myself.

"I've built bigger, and better." Tony decides to let his ego show right now.

Everyone is standing still now, afraid to move as we are all cornered by these massive hunks of metal.

"Obstacles suddenly appear! Starting with the first barrier! Robo Inferno!" Present Mic yells out as more of the robots start to appear.

I descend onto the ground and land next to Midoriya. "So…..any ideas?"

"Nope." Midoriya simply says as both of us get into defensive positions. I look ahead and see that Todoroki is standing alone in front of everyone. "What is he doing?" I ask myself.

"I don't know, but he could get hurt if he doesn't move!" Midoriya yells out as he looks ready to run, but stops himself as Todoroki suddenly forms a massive ice attack and completely covers one of the robots in ice.

Everyone, including myself, are left in awe of Todoroki's absurd power. "We can go through now!" I yell out and begin to run.

"WAIT!" Tony yells out as I do so, "He left them unbalanced! They're collapsing!" Tony informs, and not a second later, the giant robot begins to tumble forward towards us.

I stand still since I am at a safe distance, but see Kirishima not going to make the safety distance, "Kirishima!" I cry out and am about to summon Iron Maiden to save him, but Kirishima suddenly hardens up and flashes me a smile.

"I'll be okay!" He simply says as the robot crushes him. A massive gust of wind blows in my face, but since I am wearing my goggles, I do not need to cover my eyes. Instead, I run towards the fallen robot.

"Hatsume!" Midoriya yells out as I feel his hand barely miss my shoulder.

Somehow, I avoid every other robot that is in front of me and quickly make my way through the crowd and towards my crushed friend.

"Holy…! Who's that girl?! She just ran past the Robot Inferno with no problem!" Present Mic refers to me as I get past all of them.

"Kirishima!" I yell out and approach the robot. "Tony, I need the suit! I need to-"

"No. He's okay. Watch." Tony assures me. And soon enough, Kirishima rips through the robots chest like an alien from the movie 'Alien' with a roar.

"You're alive!" I say happily and with relief.

"Like I'd die!" Kirishima exclaims loudly as he has a look of disdain now, "That bastard Todoroki! He timed it perfectly so they would fall once he froze them solid! If it had been anyone else, they could have been killed!" Kirishima says as he then looks to me. "I'd told you I be okay!"

I chuckle a little and activate my propellers, "Yeah and I am very happy, but…SEE YA!" I zoom off as he I him yell at me in distance, but with a laugh as well.

"You know, you could have flown over the smaller robots instead of dodging their attacks." Tony says, "But I will admit that it was impressive on how you avoided getting hit by any of them."

"...I forgot in hindsight." I give out a weak excuse as I somehow catch up to Todoroki. I fly next to him, "Hey, you crushed someone." I bluntly tell him to see his reaction.

"Kirishima and judging by your none terrified expression, he is fine." Todoroki answers plainly without batting me an eye.

"That confident huh? Well, I don't blame you. You did get through with recommendations."

"Stop talking."

I roll my eyes, "Just trying to make small talk."

"Stop."

I stop in place. In front of me is a massive chasm that has are all connected by ropes, most likely military grade ropes. "I can always fly over, but I want to see my wire arrow can do too." I look to where Todoroki would have been, but see him already getting across the chasm with ease by using his ice to slide across the ropes. "Showoff." I hear running behind me and turn around to see Mina with two other girls running with her; a brunette and one with extremely long green hair that is styled like a bow.

"Hey, Hatsume!" Mina says happily as I hold out my hand.

"Stop unless you wanna fall to your death!" I warn them as all three of them begin to slow down drastically. Mina is unable to stop in time as she runs into me. Thinking quickly, I push her away from me to keep her from falling, but that only makes me go backwards. I am about to fall into the chasm, but am saved by green haired girl as she uses her tongue to wrap it around my waist and pull me back up.

"Oh wow! Thanks!" I smile happily.

"Kero." She simply says.

"That's Tsuyu Asui. The other one is Ochaco Uraraka." Tony updates me.

"When did they build this stage?!" Uraraka questions as she walks towards the edge. Asui walks forward as we all look at her, "Tsu?" Uraraka asks. Asui simply jumps high into the sky and lands on the rope without a problem. She then starts to crawl effortlessly up the rope.

"Frog Quirk. Fascinating." I say as Mina approaches me.

"Are you okay?" Mina asks with concern.

"Oh I am fine! Thank the frog girl she saved me!" I say to her before looking back at the chasm, "I'd love to stay and chat, but I gotta go!" I say as I get prepared to get across the chasm.

"Wait a minute! You can bring your babies?!" Mina asks me as she sees my babies on me.

"Babies?" Uraraka asked with confusion as she looks at me, "Why do you get to bring those items?"

I look towards Uraraka, "I am in the support class! It is only fair I get to be able to use my babies to help since you have a better Quirk than mine! Whatever that Quirk may be!" I say as one of my wire arrows fire off into the distance and latches itself into a rock, "Bye bye now! I'll see you in the next round, Mina!" I say and swing away before another wire arrow fires and latches itself onto another rock, and now I am swinging around like Spider-Man.

"Hatsume, Hatsume, does whatever a Hatsume does! Can I spin a web? No, I can't! Cause I, ain't a spider! Look out! Here comes Mei Hatsume!" I sing in tune with the old Spider-Man song.

"Really?" Tony says with a dead tone.

"Yes!"

It's not long before I reach the other side of the chasm. Once I am on the other side, I see Asui has landed next to me. "Hey, thanks again for the save." I wave slightly to her.

"No need to thank me, just looking out for others." Asui says as she gives me a small wave back.

"Good luck!"

"You too. Kero."

Both of us begin to run/float towards the last obstacle. As we are making our way to the ending, Present Mic speaks once more, "The last obstacle! You better watch your feet because things will explode if you hear a click because that would mean you stepped on a mine! Though they are not lethal, that doesn't mean you will not be flying off like Team Rocket!"

"Landmines huh? No problem." I say as Asui stops in her tracks to look over the situation while I fly over them. In front of me, I see Todoroki and Bakugo battling it out as they are racing over the landmines too. "Seriously?"

"Go greet them."

"I should." I fly towards me, "Heyyyy if you two don't mind, I'll just take first place!" I say to them and put a little distance between them and me.

"Why you! No, you don't!" Bakugo barks at me as he sends an explosive my way, but misses as I move to the side.

At the same time, Todoroki throws an ice shield at me, but I fly higher to avoid it, "Not happening!" I say as I fly faster towards the end.

"Grrrrrr! Get back here you extra!" Bakugo roars as he then speeds up to me with his explosions. The three of us stop when we hear a massive explosion behind us. We all look back and see a giant cloud of pink smoke in the back area.

"HOW MUCH JUICE WAS THAT ONE PACKING?! WHY IS IT SO BIG?!" Present Mic yells into his microphone.

"Oh look, they pulled off a you. Unnecessary massive explosives." Tony taunts my incredible knack for causing huge explosions.

"Oh screw you, Tony!" I silently yell as I keep my eyes on the explosion. I see someone high in the sky. I active my Quirk to get a better look at the person and I am left stunned to see who it is, "Midoriya?!"

Midoriya is riding on a flimsy piece of metal as he launches over all three of us.

"Hey if you are not too busy dawdling, then start running!" Tony yells as I resume flying over the mines.

"Deku! Don't get in front of me!" Bakugo roars as he suddenly passes by me in an instant.

"Wait, what did he say?" I think to myself for a moment, "Did he say…'Deku?'" I push the thoughts away as I see Todoroki using his ice to slide under me. All of us are now chasing Midoriya. I see that Midoriya is quickly losing speed as Bakugo and Todoroki are next to him side by side. What I witness next will forever leave a lasting impression on my mind.

Midoriya is about to lose his grip on the sheet of metal, and nearing towards the ground. Midoriya, in a desperate attempt to stay on top, quickly grabs a wire from the metal sheet, flips himself forward, and slams it on the ground. Underneath it, a landmine explodes and launches Midoriya forward while throwing off Bakugo and Todoroki for a split second.

That is all I needed to zip past the two and try my best to catch up to Midoriya.

"I can not believe it! Midoriya cleared the minefield in an instant! He was out of the picture the whole time, and he has taken first place! Can he pull off a major comeback and win as number one?!"

I look back and see that Todoroki and Bakugo recovered quickly and are tailing us. I look ahead and push my babies more as I am catching up to Midoriya. I was not quick enough, though, because by the time I caught up to Midoriya, he already entered the stadium, making him the winner.

"IN A STUNNING TWIST OF FATE, IZUKU MIDORIYA FROM CLASS 1-A HAS WON!" Present Mic screams out as a roar of cheers is heard for Izuku's show stealing victory.

Midoriya soon slows down and stops as flower petals rain down from above. I stop myself as well and land on the ground. I pull up my goggles and run towards him, "Midoriya!" I call to him as he looks towards me with a smile.

"Hatsume!" Midoriya seems more comfortable by my presence now.

I stop in front of him and raise my fists to my chest, "That was spectacular, amazing, and just… just marvelous!" I give him praise as he blushes and hides himself, "How did you do that?!" I ask him excitedly and begin to jump in place as my energy levels begin to shoot up. I grab his hands in the process and- Oh my gosh they are so soft. So smooth yet rough. And...why do I suddenly not want to let go?

"Deku!"

I let go of Midoriya's hands, and we look to see that Uraraka was coming towards us. "Deku! First place! You won first place in such a jaw-dropping fashion!" Uraraka says as Midoriya again covers his face in embarrassment.

"He is so cute." I say aloud, and luckily, neither of them hear me.

"Is he now?" Tony says with some teasing in his voice, "And I thought you said you didn't see him in that light?"

I flush lightly for a second, but then remember what Uraraka just said, "Hold on…" I walk towards Midoriya as Uraraka has finished praising him, "Did she just call you, 'Deku?'" I ask him as they look towards me.

Uraraka answers first, "Oh! I call him Deku in a nice way because it reminds me of similar word that means 'I can do it!'" Uraraka explains to me as Deku nods in approval.

I then point to Bakugo, "Because he also called you 'Deku' as well."

Uraraka frowned slightly, "That is Bakugo; I'm sure you know that already. He's a jerk to Midoriya."

I look between Bakugo and Midoriya for a few moments before my mind clicks, "That's your old friend, isn't he Midoriya?" I say and turn to them to be greeted by two stunned faces.

Midoriya signs and nods his head sadly, "Yes. Kacchan is the friend I told you about." Midoriya confirms to me.

I look back at Bakugo and see him seething in anger. "I can read his lips. He's basically telling off Midoriya for beating him, again." Tony informs me. Again? Midoriya has defeated him before? When was that? I narrow my eyes a bit and stay focused on Bakugo until the race is over.

"The obstacle race is over!" Midnight announced as we were gathered again at center stage with her on top of the stage. "Let's take a look at the results!"

The first 42 to arrive are shown on a big screen as we were allowed to advance while everyone else was disqualified. Everyone from the Class 1-A and 1-B made it, which meant 40 slots were already taken up. The last remaining two spots were filled by another student from General Studies and me.

"Though it is unfortunate that not all of you can make it, do not fret, though! We have prepared other various ways for you all shine and show off your abilities!" Midnight explains to those who did not make the cut, "The real competition begins next for the rest of you! The press cavalry'll be all over it! Now, bring your 'A' game!"

The giant screen reappears and spins again, "I already know what the game is, and I said it too!" The screen stops on the second game, Cavalry Battle.

"Oh, a cavalry battle?" I feel a bit uneasy, but not enough to destroy my confidence.

"Let me explain." Midnight points to the screen, which shows a funny picture of Thirteen and Present Mic holding up All Might on their shoulders, "It is the same as a regular cavalry battle. You may choose from two to four people on your team, but there is one noticeable difference." Midnight gives us a look that I assume is seductive, "Everyone has a point value based on their rankings in the obstacle race."

"So everyone has a different value depending on the team they form." Uraraka says.

Mina makes fingers guns at Uraraka, "You're right!"

Midnight whips her flogger aggressively in the air and looks at the two girls in frustration, "Didn't they teach you manners about interrupting people when they are talking in grade school?!" Mina and Uraraka shrink a bit as I lightly smirk at the comical events.

"As I was saying," Midnight started again, "Everyone has a point value and each team will make up a different score, as you may have figured out. Everyone has a base point of 5, starting from place 42. But if you are ranked higher, you have 5 extra points added to your score. So 41 has ten points; 40 has fifteen points, you get the memo." Midnight says.

I look at my score and that I have 205 points, "I've never felt valuable before in my life." I jokily say.

"That's very depressing."

"I was joking…" I whisper.

I look above me and see that Midoriya has a question mark where his score would be. "Huh? Where is Midoriya's score?" I ask, confused.

"As some of you may see, first place has a mystery score," Midnight says with a grin, "That's because he is the exception. First place has a score of…ten million!"

The entire stadium goes silent that you can hear a pin drop. I look towards Midoriya as well as the other 40 students. "Oh? Ten Million huh? So that means if you take his team down…"

Everyone in usion then said, "Then you can stand on top no matter where you are!"

"Okay that was terrifying. How did all of you say the same thoughts?" Tony asks the million dollar question, but never gets an answer.

"It is survival of the fittest, wouldn't you say?" Midnight says before she whips her flogger once more to get us to focus on her, "Now, there are rules you must obey! First off, the time limit is fifteen minutes. Each team is worth the combined total of their points, and you the rider will wear the headband on their head or neck with that number on it! However, under no circumstances may you hide or place those bands elsewhere! The objective is to stay on top, so you may steal other headbands to add more points to your team, but the more you add to yourself, the harder it will be to manage them! Most importantly, though, if your team falls over or loses their band, you are not out! You can still compete until time is over!" Midnight elaborates as some commotion is starting up.

"Hm. There are a number of ways to win, but relying on a solid defense the whole way will not work if you are lacking points. So, there must be a great mix of offense and defense then." I begin to look around and check out of the people I recognize.

"Like the obstacle race, Quirks are allowed to be utilized!" Midnight states. "However! If you on purposely make a group fall, I'll throw you out with a red card!"

"Oh great. So I'll just zoom in on someone's band to…" I think to myself for a moment, "And see who is worth targeting…" Huh. That's new. My Quirk is useful for something right now.

The giant screen then shows a timer with 15 minutes on it, "You have fifteen minutes to get a team! Start!"

Not a second later, everyone is scrambling to build a team. I stand still as many people rush past me, not even batting me an eye.

"Everyone is going for people they know. Don't matter what rank you are it seems." I say with slight disappointment.

"Everyone wants Midoriya's band, so they are going for who they already know, which is a stupid strategy if you ask me. You don't need to win the game. You just need to qualify for the next round." Tony is right about that. "What you should be doing is seeing who you are most compatible with, and who has the better Quirk. Luckily for you, that is easy considering you are able to be with anyone given your *ahem* 'babies' will provide much needed support for anyone. Whether if you are the rider or carrier, you still provide a great advantage for the team."

I ponder in my thoughts for a bit. I know a few of Class 1-A's and 1-B's quirks because I studied them, but as I look around, most of them already have a team going for them or are not strong enough to be a great attacker or defense on their own.

"Hatsume!"

I snap out of my thoughts and see Mina running towards me, "Say, we can use her on the team?"

"We?" I say and look behind her to see Bakugo walking towards me.

"Who the hell is she?!" Bakugo asks angrily.

"Mei Hatsume. I'm from support." I say plainly.

"Support." Bakugo repeats, "So, you have weak Quirk then? Pass." Bakugo says as he turns around.

I feel my face twist in anger as I want to say something, but keep my mouth shut as I don't have time to fight nor be kicked out.

"H-Hey! Bakugo, she can help with her inventions!" Mina says as Bakugo doesn't look back.

"I said no! Either side with me or stay with her, I don't care acid girl!" Bakugo barks.

Mina signs and looks at me with a sadden expression, "I'm sorry, he's just like that."

I nod my head, "I see that." Midoriya's bully. I had the displeasure of meeting him for only five seconds, and his actions already speak volumes. He is like everyone at lower grade school. A punk who sees himself as a superior person than me. I flash Mina a smile, "It's alright. I'm fine, Mina."

Mina gives me a smile back, "Good. Sorry, but I really want to side with him. No offense to you, but it's his all-purpose Quirk that is an advantage and supreme tactical mindset that sold me. I thought that maybe I could get you on the team to play as a supporting role, but…yeah." Mina explains herself before leaves in a hurry.

I sign and look down.

"Hey. It's okay. You'll prove everyone wrong and show what they are missing out on. Remember why you are here." Tony tells me with a gentle yet firm voice to get my mood back up.

I smile a little, "Thanks." I breath deeply and look up with a smile, "Okay. Let's get make a team." I make my way towards an individual I knew well due to my studying last week: Ibarra Shiozaki. She is quite taller in person. "Excuse me!"

Shiozaki turns to me and flashes me a calming smile. Somehow a spotlight is suddenly over head but I've seen weirder things that I do not question it, "Why yes, how may I help you?" Shiozaki asks me.

"I'm looking for a team, and it seems you need one too." I say to her as she nods her head.

"That is true. But are we compatible?" Shiozaki is at least clever enough to understand that.

I nod my head, "This may sound unnerving, but hear me out. I am from the support class, and my quirk only enhances my vision to five kilometers maximum." I was right as Shiozaki seemed a bit surprised, but did not take her eyes off of me, giving me the notation to explain myself, "Since I am in support, I can provide a variety of assets that can give us a great advantage."

"I'm listening." Shiozaki says.

I activate my hover soles and levitate a little, "Air game. Not many people here can fly, so we'll have a great advantage if we steal some headbands and remain in the air for the rest of time." Shiozaki seems intrigued, but not sold, "Let's say our air attack does not work out. Well, I have other babies, that's what I call my inventions, that can benefit us in the long run. To add on, I saw how you used your Quirk in the entrance exam before I gain distance from you! You are able to use your hair like vines, which is a solid offense and defense. You are able to deflect attacks, and if our band gets stolen, you can always retrieve it just as fast!" I lie with great confidence and then point to myself, "Not only that, but I came in second place and you were placed in fifth, we have a great value together already! What do you say?"

Shiozaki looks at me for a moment before smiling and bowing slightly, "I accept. Let's form a team." Shiozaki straightens herself, "Do you have anyone else in mind?"

I smile sheepishly, "Not really, I only saw you and some others, but they won't mix well with us. Do you have anyone in mind?" I know many people, but I need to look clueless so I don't look suspicious.

Shiozaki looks around until she stares in one direction, "I do." Shiozaki begins to walk as I follow her. "Kendo!"

Kendo, huh? The one with the 'Big Fist Quirk?'

Kendo turns around and smiles upon us approaching her, "Shiozaki, I assume you want to pair up?" Kendo asks as Shiozaki nods her head.

"We do." Shiozaki then looks towards me, "I'm sorry, I forgot to ask for your name. I am Ibarra Shiozaki, and you are?"

"Mei Hatsume." I say proudly and look towards Kendo, "I'm from support!"

Kendo smiles at me, "Nice to meet you, I am Itsuka Kendo." Kendo says before looking at Shiozaki again, "You formed a team with her, and want to add me to it?" Kendo placed her hands over her chest, "What is her Quirk?"

"It is called, 'Zoom.' I can enhance my vision up to five kilometers." I say and begin to explain what I told Shiozaki.

"Okay. I see that is a great strategy, but my Quirk only allows me to make my hands bigger. What can I do?" Kendo questions with great interest.

I smirk slightly, "More defense. You can block any incoming attack if Shiozaki is focusing on another problem. If Shiozaki is trying, retrieve a band, and we are attacked, you can use your giant hands to defend us, plus, with you in the back, you can use a jetpack I have! I wasn't going to have Shiozaki use it considering her vines might be damaged, but you wouldn't have to worry about that problem!" I say as Kendo nods her head.

"Alright then. I'm in. It sounds like you have all of this figured out." Kendo and Shiozaki share a glance before looking back to me, "Are we going to need one more member?"

I shake my head, "No, I think we are good. Now, let's get you girls prepared." I say before I pull out a capsule, "Thank you Ant-Man for creating capsule holders." I say as I throw the capsule onto the ground and a big box appears. I open it up and pull out a jetpack and two more pairs of hover soles. I give Kendo a pair and the jetpack while Shiozaki takes the last pair. They equip them on as I look at the clock, "Showtime." I say as the clock shows thirty seconds.

I close the box and a press a button on it as it returns into capsule form. I place the capsule in my pocket as time expires. "Time's up! Everyone get your cavalry ready!" Midnight yells out.

I climb onto Shiozaki and Kendo's shoulders. "Alright girls. I don't care if we get first place, the goal is to advance. I rather be in third place and move on then not move on at all."

Kendo and Shiozaki look at me with confident smiles.

"I agree, Hatsume." Shiozaki says.

"Same here." Kendo then lights up as if she had an idea, "Say Hatsume, I just got an idea."

"Shoot."

"What if we…" Kendo then whispers to all of us her plan as I grin in delight.

"Yes. Let's do that."

A/N: Finally! Sports Festival are underway! So! Already some major changes such as Hatsume's placement in the obstacle race, the team she is on, and of course, the better capabilities of her babies that will soon be put the test in the next chapter.

Also! I have made references to other anime's and Marvel heroes. Some are obvious, some may or may not be noticeable, and one of them is a mix between an anime and marvel character.

Anyways, I am out!

Next time on 'Iron Maiden!'

Hatsume: Oh my god everyone is trying to kill you!

Midoriya: I regret nothing! But I that does not mean I am not utterly terrified!

Hatsume: Luckily for me, that leaves too many opportunities to take!

Midoriya: Wait...why is everyone charging after you now?!

Hatsume: Wait, what?

Hatsume and Midoriya: Next time on 'Iron Maiden!' Cavalry Battle! First Round! WHAT?! Hatsume vs Midoriya?!

See ya next time!