Chapter 19: U.A. Sports Festival – Part 3

Cloud navigated his way back through the bustling crowd, a paper bag in one hand and a candy apple in the other. The scent of fresh rice and soy sauce drifted from the food he carried—rice balls, sushi platters, and assorted snacks. Balancing it all with practiced ease, he returned to his seat, where the group of heroes and spectators awaited the next round of the Sports Festival.

Without a word, Cloud extended the bright red candy apple toward Kota Izumi, who blinked in surprise.

"Here."

Kota hesitated, looking between Cloud and the treat before cautiously taking it.

"...Thanks."

Cloud simply nodded, then handed most of the food to Chiyo Izumi and Shino Sosaki.

"For everyone. Share it."

Chiyo smiled warmly. "Oh, how thoughtful! Thank you."

Shino chuckled. "Guess the scary guy isn't so scary after all."

Cloud sat back down without responding, pulling out a rice ball for himself. His sharp blue eyes returned to the arena as Midnight's voice echoed across the stadium.

Midnight: "Two birds with one stone. I'm a genius! The first game for the first years is finally over, and what a game it was!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Midnight: "Now, let's take a quick look at the standings, shall we? Only the top contenders will advance to the next round. But don't be too let down if you didn't make the cut! We've prepared other opportunities for you to shine."

Cloud took a slow bite of his rice ball, chewing thoughtfully as he listened.

Midnight: "Now, the real fun is about to begin. The chance to truly move yourselves into the limelight! Give it your best! Let's see what we have in store for you next. Will your wildest fantasies come to life? What could it be? The waiting is torture! Prepare yourselves… for this!"

Cloud narrowed his eyes slightly.

Midnight: "A CAVALRY BATTLE!"

Cloud paused, the rice ball halfway to his mouth.

"Hmph. Cavalry battle..." he muttered.

Ryuko Tsuchikawa, still seated next to him, tilted her head.

"What's that look for? Not a fan of cavalry battles?"

Cloud shook his head slowly.

"No. Just thinking."

His gaze sharpened.

"Considering Bakugou's attitude, this might be hard for him. If anyone teams up with him, that is."

Ryuko laughed. "You think anyone would willingly team up with that guy?"

Cloud didn't answer.

"He's too prideful to ask for help, but he's not dumb. He knows he needs a team. Let's see what he does."

Midnight: "Oh, goody! It's time to get this party started!"

Present Mic: "HEY, HEY, LOOK ALIVE!"

Aizawa: "Mm. Fifteen minutes to pick teammates and strategize. Let's see how this unfolds."

Present Mic: "COME ON, EVERYONE! GET YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR! IT'S TIME FOR AN ARENA-THUMPING U.A. BATTLE ROYALE! LET ME HEAR YA SCREAM!"

The crowd roared in excitement.

Cloud, however, stayed quiet, analyzing the students as they scrambled to form teams.

Team Formation

Cloud's sharp gaze followed Bakugou, who stood still amidst the frantic scrambling of students. His fierce eyes scanned the crowd with disdain.

Cloud smirked slightly.

Bakugou didn't beg or plead. He simply waited. Slowly, a few students began to gravitate toward him, drawn by his raw power and determination.

Eijiro Kirishima was the first.

"Yo, Bakugou! I'm in! Let's wreck this thing!"

Cloud's smirk grew.

"One down."

Bakugou's explosive glare softened—barely.

"Tch. Fine. Don't slow me down."

Next came Mina Ashido, her energetic grin practically bouncing off her face.

"I can be on your team too! Acid makes for a good defense, ya know?"

Bakugou didn't argue.

Lastly, Hanta Sero joined, casually leaning on his tape-shooting elbows.

"Guess I'm in. Could be fun."

Bakugou scoffed.

"Fine. We're winning. That's it."

Cloud leaned back, satisfied.

"Hmph. That'll work."

Ryuko raised a brow.

"You're way too invested in this."

Cloud shrugged.

"He's the only one I bothered to train. He better win."

The Battle Begins

The arena shifted as platforms rose and terrain obstacles appeared.

Midnight's voice cut through the air.

"REMEMBER! Teams must protect their headbands! The higher the point value, the bigger the target! Let's see who comes out on top!"

The horn blared, signaling the start.

Immediately, chaos erupted.

Bakugou's team didn't hesitate. Explosions blasted in the air as he propelled his team forward, weaving through other teams with brutal force.

Cloud's eyes followed him closely.

"Good. He's aggressive, but smart. He's using Kirishima to block attacks, Ashido for defense, and Sero for mobility."

Ryuko was impressed.

"Didn't think Hothead could work with people."

Cloud remained silent, but inwardly, he was pleased.

Midoriya's Team

However, Cloud's attention drifted to Izuku Midoriya.

The green-haired boy led a surprisingly effective team, using his analytical mind to predict movements and avoid direct confrontations.

Cloud watched as Midoriya and Bakugou's teams inevitably clashed.

Explosions lit up the air, and Cloud leaned forward slightly.

"Show me something, Bakugou."

But despite Bakugou's ferocity, Midoriya's strategy held firm.

When the timer hit zero, it wasn't Bakugou in first place.

Cloud exhaled slowly, the faintest hint of disappointment flashing across his face.

"Hmph. Still hesitating."

Ryuko smirked.

"Looks like your boy didn't win."

Cloud simply took another bite of his rice ball.

"It's not over yet."

A Haunting Glimpse

As the crowd cheered, Cloud glanced toward the far end of the stadium.

His chest tightened.

There—again—stood Sephiroth.

Unmoving. Watching.

Cloud's grip on the rice ball tightened, crushing it slightly.

But when he blinked, the figure was gone.

Cloud exhaled slowly.

"Not here. Not now."

End of the Round

As the students regrouped, Cloud leaned back in his seat.

"This next round... Bakugou will have to push harder. He's still holding back."

Ryuko stretched.

"You think he's got more in him?"

Cloud's gaze darkened slightly.

"Everyone does. They just need the right push."

Cloud's mind wandered for a moment.

A/N section

A/N: Bruh I almost didn't update today