Chapter 29:

(woooo…backstory…This'll be a thing. Shoto's backstory and we go into the next round. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy the chapter)

Shoto simply glared at Izuku, while the latter looked at him, slightly sheepish. Lucas kept his breath quiet so they wouldn't find him eavesdropping.

"You're persistent, Sakai. It's become an annoying trait of yours." Shoto said, Lucas was nervous as he approached the two of them. He took off his hoodie and sunglasses when he realized that there wasn't really anyone around.

"H-Hey, Lucas. What are you doing here?" Izuku asked, but he already knew what he was doing here. "I…I was looking for you to apologize, but then I saw…Todoroki-san bring you over here." Lucas explained. Shoto simply stared Izuku down, making him very nervous.

"W-We should probably eat soon. The cafeteria's gonna be busy." Izuku said, "Don't you think?" He then asked, he gulped nervously as Shoto said nothing.

"He's all cold intimidation. Way different from Kacchan." Izuku thought to himself. "I was overwhelmed." The two boys looked at Shoto as he spoke, "And it made me break the promise I made to myself a long time ago." Shoto said, Izuku realized that Shoto would've had a bigger advantage.

"Iida and Yaoyorozu. Tokoyami and Uraraka…" He said the names of both of their teams. "Even you, Sakai. I believe I was the only one who could sense your true power, Midoriya." He looked back at Izuku. It reminded Shoto of when he first saw All Might's Quirk.

Izuku and Lucas looked nervous, "Oh, yeah? Okay…Is that all?" Izuku asked, nervous Shoto would figure out Izuku's Quirk.

"I'm saying…The power coming from you felt the same as All Might's." Shoto said, Izuku looked scared.

"Midoriya. Tell me, are you really All Might's secret love child or something?" He asked. Izuku just stared, blankly and absentmindedly.

"Am I…WHAT?!" He thought to himself. Lucas looked at him, slightly confused. Izuku understands WHY Shoto would think that, because he assumes that he knows that Izuku and Lucas went to lunch with All Might. Shoto even called him out for "having All Might in his corner, backing him up."

"Well, are you?" Shoto asked Izuku, "No, no way—that's not it at all." Izuku said, "But I guess even if I was, I'd totally say I wasn't. So you probably won't believe me no matter what, I bet."

Lucas looked on as Shoto's glare at Izuku continued on, "Anyway, I promise, you've got the wrong idea." Izuku said, "And…Why would you even think that about me?"

"'That's not it at all' is interesting wording." Shoto said, "That suggests there IS something between you two that you're not supposed to talk about." Lucas and Izuku looked to their sides, Shoto looked at their other classmate. "My father is the hero Endeavor. You must've heard of him. Which means you're aware that he's the Number 2 Hero."

Shoto looked at him, "So if you're connected to the Number One Hero, All Might, in some way. That would mean…that I have even MORE reason to beat you." Shoto explained. Lucas looked at him, confused.

(Hey, is Enji mad that I said Flameo Hotman last time? I knew I shouldn't have watched ATLA before watching this)

"I haven't talked to you since that press conference ten years ago. Been a while!" All Might said, jovially. "I saw you and figured I'd say hi." Endeavor looked toward where he was about to go. "Did you now? Well then, if that's all you wanted to do, we're done." He said, which confused Toshinori. "Chatting like we're old friends? What a joke." Endeavor said, as he walked down the stairs.

All Might simply laughed, front flipped, show ed off his incredible gymnastics. You know, like heroes do?

"Come on, why the cold shoulder?" He asked, but Endeavor only growled. "You should be thrilled. After all, your son's doing very well out there, just using half his power." Toshinori took note that Shoto was already strong without the other half of his powers. "You must be a great teacher." He said, "Are you implying something?" Endeavor asked.

"No. I want to know your secrets. How do we train the next generation of heroes?" Toshinori asked, "Do you really think I'd tell you anything I've taught the boy." Endeavor took this as an offense.

"You're all flash and no brains as usual. Outta my way." Endeavor walked away. Toshinori looked at the Number 2 Hero, "Okay?" He asked, slightly confused by the hostility.

"Let me assure of one thing, All Might. Whatever it takes…That kid of mine will beat you, someday." Endeavor said, grinning. Grinning very unheroic, it should be added. "I'll make sure of it. That's why I made him." Toshinori looked at him, he frowned. "You did what?" Toshinori asked, Endeavor glared back. "He's in a rebellious phase right now, but he will take your place. I'll make sure of it." He said.

(Okay, that was creepy)

"My old man is ambitious. He aims for the top." Shoto explained, "He used his power to make a name for himself as a hero, but he was never able to best All Might." Shoto said, "So the Symbol of Peace is living proof of his failure." Lucas started to glare as he looked from the side. "He's still at it, though, trying to take down All Might." Shoto said, Izuku looked at him, confused.

"One way or another." Shoto said, "I'm not really sure what you're getting at. What are you trying to tell me, Todoroki?" Izuku asked, "Have you ever heard of…Quirk marriages?" Shoto asked, Lucas and Izuku looked at him, worried. "They became a problem in the first few generations after superpowers became widespread. There were those who sought out potential mates solely with the intention of creating powerful children." Shoto explained, Lucas looked stunned at all this knowledge. "Many people were forced into relationships. They were simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages. But, clearly, it was unethical." Shoto explained that his father not only had a rich history of accomplishments, but plenty of money to throw at his problems. "He bought my mother's relatives to get his hands on her Quirk. And now he's raising me to usurp All Might." Shoto said, Izuku and Lucas looked at their classmate, shocked.

"That's…That's horrible." Lucas said, "It's so annoying. I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag." Shoto said, looking down angrily. "In every memory of my mother, I only see her crying. I remember she called my left side unbearable…before she poured boiling water on my face."

Lucas and Izuku eyes widened in horror, "T-Todoroki-san…" Lucas could barely muster a word to say, he…he started crying. Shoto looked at Sakai in question.

"Midoriya, the reason I picked a fight with you was to show my old man what I was capable of doing. Without having to rely on his fire Quirk." Shoto said. "You see? I'm going to show him that reject his power and I can take first place without using it." Little did the three of them know that someone else was watching.

Katsuki was listening to everything that was being said. "The life he's led is so different than mine. It sounds terrifying." Izuku thought to himself, even finding it strange that despite different childhoods, they're aiming for the same goal. "You still haven't given a reason as to why this has anything to do with Izuku." Lucas said, "Midoriya, you're obviously connected to All Might, even if you won't tell me about it." Shoto explained, "But no matter how fiercely you come at me in the future, I will defeat you using only my right side." Shoto started walking off.

Lucas looked down, glaring. "So, you're doing what he's doing, then?" Lucas asked, "What?" Shoto asked, "Regardless of whether or not you use your left side, you're still doing what he wants, Todoroki-san." Lucas said, showing his visible tears, "I can tell now…And I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Shoto looked at him, shocked. This kid…just implied he was still doing what Endeavor wants, "But there's a fact that still stands. Shoto, you're your own person." Lucas said, "How you use it is what matters. Who you are as a person is what matters."

Shoto glared at him, "That's too easy for you to say, Sakai. It's clear…you haven't suffered for your power." Lucas looked down…"No, but I know someone who did, so I try to make things easier for him." Lucas said.

Shoto looked back, Izuku just watched Shoto as he walked off.

"So this is why Todoroki's so focused. He's like a comic book character." He thought to himself, "A hero with a tragic backstory, fighting to rise above it." Izuku said.

Lucas looked down, "Hey, wait!" Izuku walked toward Shoto. "I'm only here because others have supported me. I've been really lucky." Izuku said, placing his hand on his chest. "In fact, I've had even more help since I've come to UA." Izuku remembered the people who ended up supporting him.

All Might saving his life.

Lucas supporting him like a friend, and reminding him that his dream is still obtainable.

Ochaco trying to give him her points.

His mom saying she'll support him with everything she's got.

Aizawa reminding him that you can't be a pro with just one trick.

Tsuyu saving their lives from the villain attack.

Katsuki managing to fight off a villain.

Nezu recommending to tutor him for his analysis.

Mei and Fumikage joining his team.

Finally, remembering Toshinori acknowledging that Izuku, too, can become a hero.

"All Might is constantly saving people with a fearless smile. To me, he's the greatest hero. And I want to be just like him. In order to do that, I have to be strong enough to become number one." Izuku thinks his motivation is stupid compared to Shoto's. "But still, I can't lose this, either. I owe it to everyone who's supported me to try my best." Lucas looked on, knowing he can't butt in to their personal matter. "You declared war on me, earlier." Izuku said, which made Lucas eyes widen. "So right back at you." Shoto and Izuku glared at each other, "I am going to beat you." Izuku said. Then, it was over, Shoto was walking away.

And Katsuki realized he'd heard enough and walked off himself.

Lucas put on his sunglasses and pulled his hood back up.

(Now, it's later)

The final round was starting up! The first four places, the tournament battles were beginning. Those who didn't make it to the final round will be able to participate in some side games. And they even brought cheerleaders out for this round. "So wait. Is it always a tournament?" Mina asked, "The final's always a one-on-one competition, but they switch it up every time. Last year was a foam sword-fighting match." Hanta said.

Nemuri presented herself again, holding a box that say lots. "Come closer and draw lots to see who you're up against. Then enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before we start." The 16 finalist have the option of participating in those activities or sitting out to prepare for battle. "I'm sure you all want to conserve your stamina. I'll start with the first place team." Midnight said.

Then Mashirao rose his hand. "Excuse me? Sorry." He apologized, "I'm withdrawing." This shocked a few of the students, Izuku and Tenya especially.

"But this is a rare chance for you to get scouted." Tenya told him, "It just wouldn't be right. I can barely remember from the cavalry battle until the very end of it." Mashirao explained, Lucas and Izuku looked confused. "I…think it was that guy's Quirk." Lucas looked over…he thinks he understands.

"I remember…He silenced me. His Quirk…I think I get what it is, now." Lucas looked at Shinso, who turned to his side.

"I know this is a great opportunity. I wish I could take advantage of it, but my conscience won't let me." Mashirao explained.

"Just think about this." Izuku said, trying to persuade Ojiro to see sense.

"I have, okay?" Mashirao said, "Everyone gave their all in round two, but I was just someone's puppet. No way." Mashirao didn't wanna advance if he didn't even know how he got here. "It wouldn't be fair." Mashirao said, Lucas nodded in understanding. "You're making way too much of this! Just kill it in the finals and prove you should be here." Toru said, trying to talk some sense into her friend. "Yeah, what she said, I didn't do much in the battle, either." Mina said, trying to make him understand.

Mashirao put his hand on his head, "That's not it. I'm talking about my pride here. I refuse to give that up." Mashirao said.

It was then that Nirengeki Shoda from Class 1-B was planning to withdrawal as well, "Regardless of how strong I am. This isn't how I wanted to get here. It would go against the values of the festival to advance without earning my spot." He explained, Eijirou was tearing up.

"Listen to these guys! They're so manly!" He said, Lucas agreed, "That's…actually a lot of how I thought in the entrance exam." He thought to himself.

Hizashi thought this was unexpected, "We'll have to see what Midnight has to say about all this—she's the one in charge." Aizawa said.

"This sort of talk is incredibly naive, my boys." Nemuri said, Lucas covered his eyes once more. "I should've covered my ears…" Lucas thought to himself, he heard something inappropriate.

"Shoda! Ojiro! You're withdrawn!" Nemuri then said.

"Sakai, why are you covering your eyes?" Shoto asked, "My…My papa said to whenever I'm near Nemuri-san." Lucas explained, "Huh?" Shoto looked slightly confused by that, thinking that Sakai looked a little childish.

They had to move up members from the other teams to make a grand total of 16 finalists. Itsuka Kendo from Class 1-B rose her hand, "We were frozen most of the time. Honestly, we barely did anything in the cavalry battle. Isn't that right?" She asked, asking one of her teammates. They all agreed. "You should choose from the group that kept fighting the whole time. Team Tetsutetsu." She suggested, "Kendo!" Tetsutetsu said, "I'm not doing this as a favor. It's just fair."

Tetsutetsu clenched his fists and shut his eyes, "Seriously, you guys! Thank you!" He shouted as his echo reached the sky.

(Can we stop to appreciate that it was Tetsutetsu and not Neito?)

The two spots went to Tetsutetsu and Ibara for the finals! "Take a look at the bracket, my dears. These are your opponents." The tournament bracket revealed who would be fighting who first:

Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Eijirou Kirishima

The two of them are at odds as is, "WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?" Asked Tetsutetsu.

Fumikage Tokoyami vs. Momo Yaoyorozu

"I'll give it my all." Fumikage said, "Good. That's all I ask of you."

Mina Ashido vs Yuga Aoyama

"Ma cherie." The blonde one said, "I'm afraid it's the end of the road for you." Yuga winked as Mina once again interrupted him, "I can't wait to melt your butt." She said.

Shinso Hitoshi vs. Izuku Midoriya

"I'm the first match of the first bracket. Which means I might fight Todoroki next." Izuku realized, realizing that he was going up against, "Isn't that…" Izuku asked, "That is you, right? Izuku Midoriya?" A voice came from behind him, it was Shinso.

"W-Wagh!" Izuku gasped, it was so startling. "H-He's from General Studies." Izuku thought to himself. He remembered how serious Shinso was about getting into the Hero Course.

"A pleasure. So you excited?" Shinso asked, "Uh…Ye—" Izuku was about to say something, but out of nowhere, Mashirao's tail covered his mouth. "Not so fast." He said, Shinso smirked and chuckled under his breath.

Shoto Todoroki vs. …Raito?

"Oh…" Lucas looked at his bracket. "I-I'm fighting Shoto…" he said quietly, "Sakai…" Shoto slightly stuttered.

"Lucas…" he said, which shocked Lucas. Shoto place his hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Know that I'm gonna win." Shoto said, "But don't hold back, either, got it?" Shoto asked.

Lucas took a deep breath. "Got it." He said, frowning to get serious.

"Your flame is yours, Shoto." Lucas said, Shoto just looked at him, confused. Shoto let go of his friend and looked at the potential fight he could have with Midoriya if he wins.

"He could be my second match. You just advance, Midoriya. So I can beat you with one hand." Shoto thought.

Katsuki Bakugo vs. Ochaco Uraraka

"Uraraka? Who's that?" Katsuki asked, which stunned Ochaco.

Tenya Iida vs. Mei Hatsume

"Hey, legs. You're Iida, right?" Mei asked, "Hm? Correct. I'm Tenya Iida." Mei got excited that she found him, "Oh! That's perfect! I have something nice for you!" She said.

Then, the bracket changed to recreation. "Okay! Let's press pause for a momentary interlude. Before the battles begin, it's time for some pulse-pounding side games!"

(Yay, no harmful sort of competition!)

The side games were varied, a scavenger hunt. Lucas decided to have fun here! Although, he was worried that he'd have to ask the crowd for things, he picked up a card on the ground. "A-a hat…" Lucas stuttered, he was frightened that he'd have to ask for someone's had.

"U-U-Uh…d-does someone h-have a hat…" Lucas tried to quietly shout.

"Are you trying to talk to bugs? Hardly anyone can hear you?" He heard someone say to him, "S-S-S-S-S—" Lucas started to stutter even more. "Uh…" Neito looked at the hooded boy, confused. "Sorry…" Lucas took another deep breath. "Th-This is fun, though. D-Don't-Don't you think?" Lucas asked.

"You really are an idiot. Not that I'm surprised." Neito said, smugly. "I-I'm sorry…" Lucas apologized again. Neito's smile faded,

"What's wrong with this kid? I figured he'd be more confident." Neito started feeling bad about making fun of this one, he didn't seem arrogant.

"I-I-I just meant…that this-this is better than the r-rivalries here…I wish we weren't fighting over such trivial things." Lucas said. Neito squinted his eyes, "Is this some trick? I know you must think highly of yourself for being in 1-A, don't you?" He asked.

"H-Ha! N-No way…I'm not—not strong enough…" Lucas said, which surprised him.

"Monoma. If you're not gonna play, you better come with me." Itsuka walked up to him, "You weren't picking on this one, were you?" Itsuka asked, "If I did, all he'd do is agree with me." Neito said, trying to keep his smile. "You wanna know what I'm looking for, then?" She asked, looking a little angry.

"What?" Itsuka revealed her card to Neito and it said, "Perverse-Person."

"Uh…I think you may have the wrong impression of me, Kendo." Neito said, "H-He's right, that's a little-"

Itsuka smiled at Lucas, "No worries, I won't let him bother you." She used her Quirk to grow her hands and then grabbed Neito.

"That kid's really different." He said, "You better not have said anything spiteful to him." Itsuka said, carrying him away. "That one's really down on himself, it seems." Neito said.

"Huh?" Itsuka asked.

(Tournament)

The tournament was here. The students tried to relax themselves, forgetting the point of the side-games. How could they remember, though. They used the time to calm their nerves and get ready for anything.

"After all you've witnessed you've already witnessed, it's time for the real battles are about to begin! Can ya feel the excitement?" Hizashi asked, "Our competitors are on their own now. Sometimes, heroes have only themselves to rely on!"

(Let's check on Izuku real quick)

"Hey." Izuku snapped out of his focus to see Toshinori walking to see him. "Sorry I haven't said hi. You've been great." He said, "You harnessed One For All." He gave a thumbs up. "Ah…Not really. I'm…still worried about using it." Izuku said, explaining that he imagine his metaphor of the egg in the microwave or how it felt to hit that villain.

"But I'm still not in control. It feels so unpredictable, like I might be ripped apart if I'm not completely focused." He explained, "Besides, I'm still not ready to word it. I can tell." Izuku realized that even after so much training, his body is still weak, meaning he couldn't possibly handle the power of One For All at 100 percent. "Yeah. If we're talkin' about how much of One For All you'd be able to use at this point. I'd say my closest guess would be around five percent or so." Izuku was shocked by that percentage. ONLY 5 percent?! "Wow, okay. I guess I really have been getting by because of luck and my friends helping me out." Toshinori then slapped Izuku on the head.

"Aagh!" He grunted, "All I wanna hear you say is that you'll do your best, got it?" He said, annoyed. "There's no such thing as luck. You're never gonna become the hero you want if you believe in somethin' like that."

Toshinori turned into All Might, as he continued his explanation of how to handle these situations. "Listen. Whenever you're scared or nervous about a fight. Just try and deal with it by smiling!" He said, "You've made it this far, kid. Even if you're worried, you must stand tall!" All Might reminded his protege that he's counting on him and cheering him on.

Izuku smiled and tried to look confident. He turned around and got ready.

Hizashi hyped up the audience as the first match was about to go on.

"Welcome our first fighters." The picture showed Shinso and Izuku, but Izuku looked absolutely terrified.

"Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he?" Hizashi asked, "It's Izuku Midoriya from the hero course versus…"

Izuku walked out, trying to stay confident. Ada

"Hitoshi Shinso from general studies, who really hasn't done anything to stand out yet." Shinso walked out, looking tired but keeping a confident air about him.

"The rules are simple. Immobilize your opponent or force them outta the ring. You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle!"

The two boys stare at each other.

Izuku cracked his knuckles.

Shinso brushed the back of his neck.

The staff was on standby for all eventualities, Recovery Girl for injury and Cementoss for stopping fights that get out of hand.

Izuku sighed, "So you can just give up, huh?" Izuku looked confused.

"In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is. If you know what you want your future to hold for you," Shinso prodded him, as the match began "…you can't worry about what other people think. That monkey was going on about his pride earlier. But I just think he's an idiot for throwing his chance away like that." Izuku was starting to get angry, he mocked Mashirao's choice.

"Don't you talk about him like that!" He shouted, in that moment…

Shinso smirked as Izuku stopped completely in place.

"That's it. I win." Shinso said.

(Okay! So, how was that? I hope you guys like this chapter. I know this is where I start to get more fanfic-ish because I'm having Lucas around for other scenes. And him fighting Shoto instead of Ibara is actually meant to add onto their newfound friendship. Anyways, stay strong and awesome! I'll keep praying for you guys!)