Chapter 15: Round One

Author Notes in Previous "Chapter"

"Mr. Gabriel, what are you doing?"

*Gary's Mod Gabriel turns around with a physic gun*

"What the fu-"

*Izuku is struck by a wooden desk*

Izuku was feeling good.

Scratch that, Izuku was feeling very good.

The hour-long break that began to feel like forever suddenly felt as though not even five minutes had passed. His once sour mood after his talk with Todoroki had also vanished just as quickly, both of which were attributed to a certain vine-haired girl. Even thinking about her now only caused Izuku's mood to lift even higher.

His conversation with Ibara had been very enlightening, not to mention one of the most pleasant talks he could recall. Reading the words of the Father was always an experience the angel looked forward to. Each passage captivated him in a way that no other subject had been able to, even surpassing his interest in heroes in some respects.

However, actually being able to discuss and share his thoughts with another was something Izuku didn't even realize he needed. Training with Gabriel left little time for the teen to have such a conversation. His classmates and friends were even less inclined to engage in talks regarding his faith. Not that he held it against them, Izuku understood that faith was not something that piqued the interest of some people.

It was still rather refreshing having someone to talk to about it though.

'Everyone else looks energized too.' The teen noted as he stepped out of the tunnel. 'The third round is going to be really intense.'

With Midnight's recent announcement the participants of the festival had gathered back into the center of the arena. There were two distinct groups, those that were eliminated and those that remained, the former being far larger than the latter. Izuku took his place among the other fifteen contestants who had won the second round.

"Ayy Midori." Mina waved the other teen over. "There you are, I was wondering where you were."

"Indeed, I expected you to be the first one here." Aoyama added in a teasing voice. "Don't tell me you're getting complacent, mon ami."

"Me? I would never." Izuku joked back as he joined his friends. "Just got wrapped up in conversation is all."

"Midoriya." Tokoyami greeted his friend. "You remain resolute as ever I see. No doubt you are ready for the third round."

"Ha, you're not wrong there. Though it looks like I'm not the only one." His eyes swept over those that remained. Whatever nervousness they once had was replaced by steely determination.

"I suppose the time for doubt has passed." Tokoyami agreed with a nod. "We have made it this far after all."

"Ya, it's kinda weird. I was so wound up earlier but now I'm pumped up!" The pink skinned girl wore an infectious grin. "So, bring it on!"

"It would be ungentlemanly to deny a lady her request." The navel user smirked. "Apologies in advance, I'll try not to make my victory seem too easy."

"Pfft! Ya, ok." Mina snorted in response.

"I look forward to the challenge." The angel gave a friendly grin.

"All right! I think it's time we reach our climatic finish!" Midnight had taken stage once more, garnering the attention of all those present. "Let's start the third and final round of this year's sports festival!"

Those within the crowd cheered loudly, creating a thunderous sound of excitement.

"You're all gonna love this, the final round will be…" The heroine paused, building up suspense before gesturing flamboyantly. "A one on one tournament!"

'So, it'll be two people with nothing but their quirks and wits.' Izuku thought to himself. 'A straightforward duel then.'

"Our final sixteen will face off until only one remains! So, get there and show them what you're made of!" Midnight finished with a wink towards the remaining contestants. "Now let's see what the matchups ar–"

"Excuse me!"

The hero stopped mid-sentence at the interruption, causing her and all others present to turn towards the source of the voice. Their gazes locked onto the form of Ojiro Mashirao, whose tail swayed back and forth. His hand was raised, and he wore an expression of sheepishness with an undertone of conviction.

"I'd uh like to drop out." The tailed teen plainly stated.

There was a low murmur amongst the contestants, confused mutterings of why Ojiro would request such a thing. While he did not join, Izuku could not help but raise his brow in curiosity. If Ojiro wanted to step down there was no doubt a good reason.

"Ojiro are you sure about this?! This is the opportunity of a lifetime to show the pros exactly what you're capable of!" Tenya was the first to speak up amongst the other teen.

"I mean ya you're right, but I just can't accept it." The blonde shrugged his shoulders. "I don't even remember what happened in the cavalry battle."

"Hmm, now that he mentions it I don't either." The naval user muttered to himself, though Izuku still heard him. "We were on the same team too."

"You too, Aoyama?" Izuku asked, his brow knit in concern. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine mon ami, though I get the feeling our shared amnesia is not coincidence." Aoyama replied, his eyes briefly shifting over to the tired looking purple haired student.

"You think he might be the cause of it?" The angel whispered to his friend, noticing his gaze.

"Maybe…I'll tell you later my friend." Aoyama answered back quietly. Earning an understanding nod from Izuku.

"I know this is a really big opportunity that I shouldn't throw away, but it feels wrong to take it." Ojiro continued, speaking evenly. "Everyone else got here because they worked hard for it. If I can't even remember what happened then how do I know I earned my right to be here."

"Ojiro–" Tenya began but found himself cut off.

"I too would like to offer my resignation."

Those prevent shifting their sights to a smaller boy with ice blue hair who wore a calm expression. Izuku recalled running into him a few times, remembering that his name was Shoda and that he was sort of a pseudo class representative. While Ibara and Itsuka were officially president and vice president, those within 1-B still looked to Shoda for guidance.

"Nirengeki, surely you jest?" A particularly hairy boy spoke up.

"Not in the slightest." The bluenette responded swiftly. "Ojiro's point is not only logically sound, but morally the right thing to do. I can't in good conscience deprive someone more deserving of this position because it would benefit me."

"Ara ara~ how naive of you two boys." A satisfied smile spread across Midnight's lips. "I accept both your withdrawals! Mashirao Ojiro, Nirengeki Shoda have stepped down from the final round!" She cracked her whip against the ground as she announced both contestants' resignation.

"I bet ya she accepted for more…personal reasons." Mina leaned over and whispered to Izuku. Giving a suggestive wink as she did so, prompting the greenette to roll his eyes at the girl's antics.

"Well in that case we'll have to move up two people from fifth place." Midnight let out a contemplative hum. "But how to determine who gets to move on?"

There was a brief pause as the contestants and teacher alike pondered on such a question. Until Setsuna had suddenly stepped forward, gathering everyone's attention.

"I mean come on it's pretty obvious." The greenette's arms detached, wrapping around the shoulders of Itsuka and a blonde boy. "It should be Itsuka and Monoma. They did all the heavy lifting back in the cavalry battle so its only fair that they get to move on."

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly–" Itsuka began before quickly being interrupted.

"Of course we accept!" Monoma, wearing perhaps the smuggest smile known to mankind. "It would be the highest honor to show the superiority of Class 1-B!"

"Monoma please…" The redhead sighed. Both from the blonde's words and how a good chunk of 1-B seemed to agree with him.

"Well, I guess that settles it." Midnight said, inadvertently saving Monoma from Itsuka's scolding. "Monoma Neito and Kendo Itsuka have been moved up to the final round!" With a dramatic flourish she gestured to the large screen behind her. "And now for the matchups!"

Izuku's green eyes flicked upwards, watching how the brackets for the tournament were filled with names. He took note that his name was first, which wasn't too surprising, but what got Izuku's attention was his opponent. The name was unfamiliar and after using the process of elimination he was able to determine that he would be going against the purple haired teen.

Final Round

'Midoriya Izuku vs Shinso Hitoshi'

'Kaminari Denki vs Shiozaki Ibara'

'Tenya Iida Vs Hatsume Mei'

'Aoyama Yuga vs Ashido Mina'

'Tokoyami Fumikage vs Yaoyorozu Momo'

'Kirishima Eijiro vs Kendo Itsuka'

'Todoroki Shoto vs Monoma Neito'

'Bakugo Katsuki vs Uraraka Ochako'

"What a lineup of battles, I think this year might be the most interesting sports festival yet!" Midnight cracked her whip once more. "Let's find out and see which one of these sixteen will be the one to take home the gold!"

*Ten Minutes Later*

With the reveal of the matchups the crowd within the arena quickly dispersed, with the majority returning to their own section back in the stands. Izuku for his part was sent to one of the many break rooms dedicated for those that remained. He was given ten minutes to prepare for his upcoming battle. Most of which was spent thinking about the purple haired teen.

'I'm not sure why he seems to have such disdain for me.' Izuku thought to himself. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and gaze directed at the ceiling. 'Maybe it's the fact he's in general education. He did look at all the others in the hero course the same way…but why was he looking at me more intensely than the others?'

As the angel continued to ponder to himself, his ear twitched slightly at the sound of the door being opened. Putting his thoughts on pause for now, Izuku turned his attention to the form of Aoyama stepping into the room. The blonde wore an uncharacteristically serious expression, something that Izuku noticed immediately.

"Aoyama?" Izuku said to the other teen.

"Apologies for my dreary demeanor, I've been thinking about that guy…Shinso wasn't it." The naval user replied, waving away Izuku's concern. "I'm not sure what about his quirk, but whatever it is it's not something to take lightly my friend."

"Ya, I believe you." The greenette nodded. "Any quirk that causes short term amnesia like that to multiple people must be really powerful."

"Unfortunately, that is all I can offer you in terms of information mon ami." Aoyama let out a sigh. "I simply don't remember anything else. One moment I'm looking for teammates and the next I see that my team somehow made it to the final round."

"It's alright, thanks for giving me a heads up." Izuku gave the other boy a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"MIDORIYA IZUKU, SHINSO HITOSHI PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"

"Well better not keep the people waiting mon ami." Aoyama's typical smirk returned. "I'd say good luck, but honestly I feel like your opponent might need it more than you."

"Ha, thanks for the support." The greenette laughed before giving a confident grin. "I'll make sure to give it my all out there."

Giving the blonde a passing pat on his shoulder, Izuku left the room and trekked down the hallway. It didn't take long for him to reach the tunnel, soon stepping out of the shadows into the blinding sun. Though the roar of the crowd rumbled the ground, Izuku paid the noise no mind, keeping his focus solely on the figure in front of him.

Just as Izuku climbed the small steps into the makeshift dueling square, so did Shinso. The angel's steely eyes met the tired, yet hateful glare of the purple haired teen. His previous thoughts regarding why the other boy hated him so much briefly resurfaced before quickly being shoved into the recesses of Izuku's mind. The time for thinking can come after, now was the time to fight.

Once in the ring the two teens stopped walking until they were less than twenty feet apart from one another. From her platform off the side Midnight stepped forward, hand on her hip while the other held her iconic whip.

"Hey hey listeners, we've waited long enough so let's begin with the first match of the final round!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium. "In one corner we have the lean, green, fighting machine who has dominated both the obstacle race and the cavalry battle! Give it up Midoriya Izuku!"

The crowd gave a thunderous round of applause with many shouting in support for the greenette. While he did appreciate the support, Izuku paid the crowd no mind, keeping his gaze firmly locked onto Shinso.

"And in the other corner we have the underdog from Gen Ed, a real wild card who clawed his to make it this far!" The Pro Hero continued. "Let's show some love to Shinso Hitoshi!"

The sound from the crowd was not nearly as loud, but there was still a sizable amount of people who cheered for Shinso.

"Alright boys, I want a good, clean fight!" Midnight began. "You win by either forcing your opponent out of bounds, immobilizing them, or getting them to surrender! Use whatever you got to your advantage but go for anything lethal and you'll be disqualified!" The heroine raised her whip into the air. "Are you both ready?!"

"Ready." Izuku answered evenly.

"Yeah, whatever." Shinso grunted.

"Alright! The match one begins…" There was a loud crack as her whip struck the ground. "NOW!"

Izuku felt the muscles in his leg tighten as he prepared to launch forward, intending to end this battle quickly. However, before he did the other teen suddenly opened his mouth, speaking in a bored yet condescending tone.

"You know that guy with a tail was really stupid." Shinso began, keeping his posture slouched and lazy.

Shinso's words caused the angel to pause. His green eyes narrowed from the sheer disrespect his opponent was giving his classmate.

"I mean really, talking about how he didn't earn it when other people would kill just to be standing where he was at." Shinso scoffed. "But I guess when your ego is bigger than your IQ I guess it can't be helped."

"That's enough. Do not speak of my classmate like th–"

Before he could finish his sentence Izuku felt his limbs lock into place, an uncomfortable chill wrapping around his entire being. It was as though invisible chains were tightly wound around his body, keeping the teen in place. Quickly, the greenette attempted to move to dispel the feeling, yet to his surprise he found his body unresponsive.

'Damn it, I can't move!' Izuku thought in frustration. 'It's like I'm a passenger in my own body!'

"Ha, typical hero course idiots. Full of themselves so much they get provoked at the slightest insults." Shinso taunted with a haughty scoff. "You know…I don't think it could be any clearer but I fucking hate you."

The teen spat out with a sneer, slowly walking towards Izuku's frozen form with hate in his eyes. If he could have responded the angel would have given the most 'gee, really?' look in his life, unfortunately he remained silent.

"Don't get me wrong, I hate all of you hero course pricks. Prancing around U.A like you own the place, all because you were born lucky with the right quirks." The purple haired boy growled. "But you're special. You go up there with your flashy quirk, top examinee in the entrance exam and you tell the rest of us we aren't here to win? God that pissed me off."

'So, he has a vendetta against people he sees as arrogant for having the right quirks for heroics.' Izuku thought critically. 'I can see where he's coming from but he's clearly misguided.'

"Some of us had to fight tooth and nail just to make it even Gen Ed. Some of us were given quirks that were deemed 'villainous'. Some of us gave it our all and we still lost!" Shinso stopped until he was within arm's reach of Izuku. He fixed the other teen with a stare filled with burning hatred. "But you could never understand that could you? You with your perfect quirk and everyone praising you, telling you how you're meant to be a great hero. I hate you Midoriya, more than you could ever imagine."

The chains tightened further, forcing his legs to move without Izuku's command. From within his mind the angel felt a spike of alarm shoot through him. Before Shinso even gave the order, Izuku already knew what the purple haired teen would do.

"Walk out of the arena." Shinso commanded bluntly. "Show them what a real hero you are."

"What's this?! Midoriya is walking out of the ring! Is he crazy?!" Present Mic's shocked voice blasted through the speakers.

"It's Shinso's quirk." Aizawa revealed in a tired tone. "His quirk is Mind Control and is activated by someone verbally responding to him."

"Wow what a sneaky little trick!" The other hero praised. "That means he could even bring a powerhouse like Midoriya down to his knees!"

'No! I refuse to be defeated! Not without a proper fight!' Izuku raged from within his mind.

Quickly thinking, Izuku began to flood his body with his Light in an attempt to break free from Shinso's control. Power coursed his veins as the holy light flooded through his body, unseen but very apparent. The effects were almost immediate, with the tightness around his body becoming less and less apparent. The chains that bound him snapped into many invisible pieces, freeing the angel from his bonds.

*Crick*

Stopping at the edge of the arena, Izuku rolled his shoulders as he regained control of his body. He craned his neck to the side, creating a soft cracking sound as he popped the joints. Sharply turning on his heel, the teen's eyes glowed with power as he stared into the dumbfounded look of Shinso.

"I don't believe it folks! Midoriya managed to break free from Shinso's mind control!" Present Mic shouted, capturing the shock of the rest of the crowd.

"What?! But ho–"

Izuku wasted no time in seizing on Shinso's weakness, his wings and halo phasing into existence. With tremendous speed, the angel shot forward, his arm stretched outward and grabbing the teen by the collar of his uniform. Shinso could only let out a surprised yelp as he was forcefully dragged through the air.

A powerful gust of wind blew against Shinso's back as he suddenly found himself at the other end of the arena. His feet dangled helplessly in the air as Izuku held him by the shirt, the much taller teen staring at Shinso with a hard look. The mind controller user's look of shock soon morphed into one of anger.

His hands moved to grab at Izuku's arm, attempting to dislodge the greenette's hold on him. However, Shinso's hits were all in vain, not even budging Izuku's grip even slightly. Like the dying embers of a fire, Shinso's resolve quickly fizzled out. His arms dropped to his sides, an angry yet defeated expression marking his features.

"Tch, asshole." The purple haired teen grunted.

"This fight is over." Izuku plainly stated. Without another word the angel released his grip on the other boy who landed on his rear out of bounds.

*BZZT*

"Midoriya wins by ring out!" Midnight announced to the cheers and shouts of the crowd.

"Punches may not have been thrown but still, what a heart pumping match!" The hero commentated excitedly. "If Midoriya hadn't pulled through we might have seen a swift end to his winning streak!

"It goes to show that sometimes battles aren't just fought physically but mentally as well." Eraserhead added his own input. "And that just because a quirk may not be as flashy doesn't mean it can't be a game changer."

"Wise words from my sleepy and less handsome co-host! Stay tuned folks for the next round!"

Standing over the fallen student briefly, Izuku dropped down onto Shinso's level, his shadow looming over him menacingly. However, this was offset by the fact that the angel currently had his hand offered out to Shinso. Peering up from the ground, the mind control user stared back into Izuku's eyes with the same defeated look.

"Go on, get your speech over with." Shinso grumbled, breaking eye contact.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Izuku replied back calmly. "I'm just offering you a hand."

"Ya, sure you don't." He scoffed, ignoring Izuku's offer and getting up on his own. "Like you hero course cares about offering a hand to the rest of us."

"I understand your frustration, but an attitude like that will only make things worse." The angel's arm dropped to his side. "Put aside your anger and you may find others who could relate to your struggles."

"Whatever." The teen muttered, shoving his hands back in his pockets. "Go ahead and enjoy your win."

"...I see there's nothing I could say that can convince you." Izuku let out a resigned sigh. "I know it's the last thing you want to do, but please, at the very least listen to this. Regardless of your feelings towards me it is unbecoming of a hero to disrespect their colleague like you did to Ojiro."

"..." Shinso had the decency to look away guiltily.

"You at the very least owe him an apology. If not to take the step in the right direction, do it because it's the right thing to do." The greenette offered kindly, but firmly. "Even the smallest repentance can lead to a brighter path." He walked past the other teen, offering his final words of encouragement. "I would never turn down anyone that reaches out a hand…but it's up to you to reach out first. Think about it, Shinso."

Already knowing he wouldn't receive a reply, Izuku moved past the mind control user, his wings and halo disappearing behind him. Without looking back the greenette continued to walk away until he disappeared back into the shadows of the tunnel.

As he trailed behind the winner, Shinso held a brief look of thoughtfulness, the fire in his eyes flickering. However, as quickly as it came the expression disappeared with a sharp shake of his head. Replaced by a deep scowl that demonstrated Shinso's disdain for Izuku's retreating form, the same thought was coursing through his mind since the start of the sport's festival.

'Typical egotistical Hero Course.'

*1-A Spectator Booth*

"Ayy Midori!" Mina greeted happily, causing the rest of the class to turn towards him. "That was some match!"

"Ya, I really thought you were going to ring yourself out." Ochako added.

"Naw, that wouldn't have happened." The acid user dismissed. "Midori wouldn't let himself go down so easily."

"Eh, I don't know." Sero commented from the side. "Midoriya is strong and all but even if he could fall for something like mind control." The tape user shot the greenette a sheepish look. "No offense."

"It's alright Sero." Izuku gave a friendly laugh. "I actually agree."

"And after all the defending I did on your behalf." Mina sighed dramatically. "You make my job so much harder, Midori."

"Sorry Mina, but you know I can't lie." The angel shrugged unapologetically. "Mental fortitude is just as important as being physically capable."

"A very true statement if how close you were to being eliminated is any indication." Tokoyami agreed with his friend.

"If you don't mind, Midoriya, how exactly did you escape Shinso's control?" Momo asked curiously.

"Hmm." Izuku hummed thoughtfully. Quickly thinking of an explanation that wouldn't involve the use of his Light. "The best I can describe is breaking the chains that were forcing me to move. I just kept fighting against them until they eventually broke and Shinso lost control."

"An…odd analogy but I think I see what you mean." The vice president nodded in understanding. "Thank you."

"KAMINARI DENKI, SHIOZAKI IBARA PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"

The loud, robotic voice announced, causing everyone's attention to turn back to the ring in anticipation of the fight. Izuku quickly made his way over to his group of friends and took a seat at the edge next to Tokoyami.

"Alright, be real…electricity boy is screwed right?" Mina suddenly piped up.

"I wouldn't be so sure." The shadow user replied. "You never know if–"

"Oh, undoubtedly." Aoyama bluntly added his own opinion. Earning an amused snort from Izuku, who tried his best to hide it.

"I saw in the cavalry battle how effective Shiozaki's quirk was able to counter Kaminari's." Izuku felt a little bad for saying his next sentence. "Tokoyami's right, there's always a chance, but…Kaminari's chances are pretty slim."

"Ouch." Mina let out a sympathetic wince. "If Midori says you're screwed then you must be screwed."

The four friends turned their attention to the oncoming fight, with both contestants just arriving in the ring. Kaminari for his part appeared far more relaxed than he reasonably should have been, at least in Izuku's opinion. While Ibara kept her posture straight and firm, her hands clasped together elegantly. As Midnight finished her speech once more, the vine haired girl's head dipped lightly in a silent prayer.

"Ooh a religious girl." Mina smirked, side eyeing Izuku. "I think I see why you were getting so close with her during the cavalry battle Midori."

"You are never going to let that go are you?" The angel muttered as his cheeks tinged pink.

"Ha! Nope!"

"BEGIN!"

The shout from Midnight recaptured their attention, turning their gazes back to the arena as the fight began. From his position, Izuku could see the blonde's mouth moving, though he was too far for Izuku to be able to understand. However, what it was caused Ibara's concentrated expression to monetarily drop into a unamused look.

'...there is no way he is trying to flirt with her right now.' Izuku's expression soon matched Ibara's. He's interacted enough with the electricity enough to know his antics by now. 'I don't know why but that really annoys me.'

With a confident smirk Kaminari's body began to crackle with power as he began to power his quirk up. Electricity sparked around his form like a miniature storm, creating an aura of lightning that hissed with a promise of pain. Izuku has seen the blonde in action enough to know he was moment away from unleashing his 'Indiscriminate Shock' technique. An ability that was high risk high reward that usually ended working in Kaminari's favor.

Key word: usually.

Izuku shook his head once he realized the electricity user's plan and subsequently how terrible of a plan it was. If they were in their hero basic training class the angel would have personally taken him to the side in order to explain just how bad such an idea was. Unfortunately for Kaminari, he would soon find out the fatal flaw in his plan.

The electricity surrounding him reached a critical point before being unleashed in a massive explosion of energy. However, despite the immense amount of power being expelled from his being it would all be for naught. Ibara had quickly turned her back, her vine hair extending around her and creating a thick shield.

The electricity sent towards her struck the wall of vines, leaving the girl on the other side unharmed. The same could not be said for Kaminari as he found himself immediately reverting to his 'dumb state' as he and everyone else in 1-A called it. With his mind short circuited, Kaminari began wandering the ring aimlessly, occasionally twitching as electricity sparked off him. Which was quickly put to an end when Ibara's vines extended further, wrapping around the blonde in a restrictive hold. Even if he was still conscious of his actions the electricity user would have no way to escape his binds.

"AND SHIOZAKI WINS BY IMMOBILIZATION!"

"Wow, I think that might've been faster than your fight, Midori." Mina said, looking both bewildered and impressed.

"Kaminari came in way too cocky, plus Shiozaki's quirk perfectly countered his." Izuku replied, watching as medical bots carried off the blonde. "I can't believe he would use his 'Indiscriminate Shock' so carelessly."

"He does seem to rely on it a lot in hero basic training." The shadow user offered his own input. "However, as you stated, against a quirk that counters his, it merely sped up the process to his defeat."

"I have my doubts he could have won regardless." Aoyama commented. "What do you think, Midoriya?"

"If he was able to focus his electricity more accurately, he could have sliced away at Shiozaki's defenses before electrifying her." Izuku began, a concentrated look on his face. "But then again–"

"Ha!" The boisterous sound of a certain blonde from 1-B captured the attention of 1-A booth. "How does it feel knowing that you are one step closer to being seen as the frauds you are!"

"...what is he talking about?" Toru leaned over to whisper in Shoji's ear. The multi-armed teen could only shrug in confusion.

"Look Monoma, I get that rivalries between classes are inevitable here…" The angel interjected, attempting to prevent any escalation. "But maybe let's tone it down a little."

"Ah and so the fabled 1-A president attempts to assert his dominance once more." Monoma scoffed pridefully. "Forgetting that he nearly lost to a General Education nobody in the first round."

"Hey, watch it buster!" Mina fired back. "Midori could wipe the floor with you!"

"Ha, as though I could easily be intimidated by the likes of you." The blonde haughty laughed. "Us, superior, Class 1B are incapable of losing to you 1-A plebians."

"Ya, except that Midoriya has been in first place the entire festival." Sero taunted back. "So, guess you're wrong there."

"Tch, nothing but a fluke." Monoma scowled. "In time you will see just how insignificant you really are in the face of–ack!"

His rant came to an abrupt end as Itsuka snuck up behind him and delivered a swift chop to his neck. The blonde gave a moan as he slumped forward, saved from face planting thanks to the redhead grabbing him by the back of his collar.

"Sorry about that Midoriya." Itsuka apologized sheepishly. "I looked away for two seconds."

"It's alright, Kendo." Izuku accepted easily. "No harm done."

"We'll get out of your hair." The redhead made her way back over to 1-B's booth. Dragging Monoma's limp body along the way. "Nice match by the way."

Once the two were out of earshot, Mina let out a deep, annoyed sigh.

"God that guy is a dick." The pink skinned girl muttered loud enough for the other three boys to hear.

"Hrk." Aoyama and Tokoyami attempted to suppress their snickers.

"Mina." The angel chided lightly.

"Aww come on, it's true." Mina pouted. "He's always trying to start a fight with us."

"Even so it's up to us to be better and not stoop down to that level." Izuku lectured firmly.

"Well, that won't stop me because I don't have to be nearly as mature as you." Mina stuck out her stuck. "You're prez, I'm not."

"It's like dealing with a cat." Izuku groaned in defeat.

"TENYA IIDA, HATSUME MEI PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"

"Now, this might be far more tricky to predict." Tokoyami thought aloud. "I know little about Hastume's abilities in order to gauge how well she'd do against Tenya's speed."

"Honestly, I'm leading towards gadget girl." Mina said easily. "No offense to our resident speedster but she was pulling all kinds of tricks during the cavalry battle."

"Her support items do offer a bit of versatility. It's just a matter if–" Izuku agreed before pausing once he saw both teens step into the ring.

More specifically his eyes were drawn to the support items that were currently equipped by Iida. Multiple pieces of technology covered his body, no doubt provided by and encouraged by Mei herself. The mischievous glint in the pinkette's eyes and the fact that her opponent was covered in her support items told Izuku all he needed to know.

This wasn't a fight; it was an advertisement.

"Never mind." Izuku ended flatly.

"What?" Aoyama turned to stare at his friend curiously.

"Just…nothing. You'll see."

"BEGIN!"

With the match started, Tenya's engines roared to life, allowing him to surge forward towards his opponent. However, just as he reached her metallic arms from Mei's backpack emerged, stabbing into the ground and moving her out of the way. As he backpack continued to do all the work, the girl somehow managed to produce a microphone, speaking into it energetically.

"WELCOME ALL TO THE DEMONSTRATION FOR HASTUME INDUSTRIES!"

"She…she's turning her fight into an ad." Tokoyami paused, his expression was one of pure bewilderment.

"I–I can't even be mad." The pink skinned girl said. "That is such a power move."

"I don't think Tenya appreciates it." Izuku noted.

Sure enough, as Mei continued to explain her inventions, Iida had been doing his absolute best in order to win the fight. Unfortunately, every time he came close the girl would pull out another of her gadgets. Which would then lead to another two minute explanation about what the gadget was and how it could be useful to heroes.

However, that paled in comparison to when Mei had used a capture net gun that restrained Iida greatly. Even as the glasses wearer rolled around and began shouting in his usual, exaggerated Iida way, Mei ignored him as she continued her demonstration. Iida's pain eventually came to an end when Mei, with a carefree smile, walked out of the ring after ending her advertisement.

"UH AND TENYA WINS BY RING OUT!"

Izuku couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Iida scream something to Mei, who continued to walk away with a self-satisfied smile. He knew his classmate was probably more furious at the fact that he was tricked into being a part of her advertisement more than anything else. Though he was being honest, the angel felt that the 'fights' so far have been rather lackluster.

"Welp that was a thing." Mina said plainly. "These fights have been really weird."

"I find it rather…interesting." The shadow user countered. "Not all battles can be so extravagant, sometimes subtly is the best form of engagement."

"Ya ya, whatever you say Edgelord." Mina got up, stretching her arms. "Come on, Prince Charming, let's give 'em a real show."

"But of course, mon ami." Aoyama said, also standing up. "I'll try not to beat you too quickly."

"Ha!" As the two began walking away the girl barked out a laugh.

"..."

"..."

"Mina is going to win isn't she?" Tokoyami bluntly stated.

"Oh, without doubt." Izuku answered with a small chuckle.

"AOYAMA YUGA, ASHIDO MINA PLEASE PROCEED TO THE ARENA!"

"How long do you give Aoyama?" The shadow user asked.

"Five minutes tops." Izuku replied back.

"Very generous, I give him two."

The two friends shared a friendly look before turning back to the ring, ready to see just how entertaining this next match would be.

*Gabriel getting absolutely destroyed by V1*

"Ugh, I'm too weak."

"FROM THE SCREEN TO RING TO THE PEN TO THE KI—"

*Gabriel gets up to shut off his phone before lying back on the ground*

I wanted to get all the gimmicky "fights" out of way so that way so we can actually get into the good stuff. Most other matchups going forward will be nothing, but action so expect all other fights to be far more engaging. I'm also going to try something special next chapter, so we'll see how that turns out.

Next Chapter: Fight, Fight, Fight!