Izuku had gone to rejoin his friends in the VIP Room as they watched the redo of the Cavalry Battle. It couldn't have been more different from last time as the teams were fighting like demons holding nothing back in this chance to prove themselves.
Monoma was thrown out by his team and couldn't find anybody else to form a team with him, leaving him automatically disqualified from the running in the process. It was truly delicious to see the blonde copycat writhe in despair, knowing he had nobody to blame but himself.
Shoto was able to steal enough headbands to get to 3rd place thanks to Chuchu using her Quirk and Support Items to assist while Denki, with his improved Quirk thanks to Ben, was able to provide some decent covering fire and Tenya's speed also proved helpful in that regard.
It was an intense game and it felt a lot longer than it was but eventually, time was up.
"Now that was a game! From a chaotic massacre to an intense battle for survival, this was one hell of a show!" Present Mic cheered getting the crowd to cheer in excitement. "Now it's time for a lunch break everyone! Meet back here in one hour!"
Everyone left for their own activities it was only after leaving the arena. Ochako asked where Izuku had gone and was pointed to the VIP Room but found that most of the crew was missing.
"Oh, hey Uraraka!" Himiko beamed as she came over and glomped the girl. "Izuku and some of the others went to grab a bite to eat! You wanna join us?"
Sure enough, the rest of Izuku's Crew returned with food…. but Izuku was strangely absent.
"Wait…where's Deku?"
DEVIL
"So you brought me here, now what?" Izuku questioned Shoto who remained silent. After a while Shoto still hadn't said anything and Izuku was getting more than a little annoyed. "Come on, you dragged me all the way out here meaning you've obviously got something to say, so spit it out or I'm leaving."
After another few seconds of silence, Izuku had enough and turned to leave when Shoto finally spoke up.
"You completely overwhelmed me in the first round of the Cavalry Battle. Had I still been able to use my Quirk I would have broken a promise I made to myself years ago."
"His fire..." Izuku noted as his eyes gazed on Shoto's left side.
"The sheer power and charisma you exuded reminded me of All-Might's power. The way you fight with some of your powers is similar to him and there are times when the two of you go off alone and talk. So there's obviously some connection between the 2 of you." Shoto stated.
'There's no way Todoroki knows the truth. If so, he would have talked with Hilda-Chan.' Izuku thought.
Shoto narrowed his eyes. "Midoriya tell me the truth...are you really All-Might's secret love child or something?"
As for Izuku himself, his mind just shut down. Sure he could see where he was coming from with everything Shoto just said but it was still utterly ridiculous. After taking some time to process all this, the green-haired lad shook his head.
"Wha….what? W-why would…? Of course not, don't be ridiculous! WE LOOK NOTHING ALIKE! If anything, he's mentoring me and my friends because we were lost at sea for ten years and….!"
Shoto didn't look convinced but continued on.
"My father is Endeavor, you must have heard of him so you know he's the #2 Pro Hero. So if you're connected to the #1 Pro Hero, All-Might, in some way, that means I have even more reason to beat you."
"Really? What are you trying to prove exactly?" Izuku asked.
"My old man is ambitious he aims for the top." Shoto continued. "He used his power to make a name for himself but was never able to claim the #1 spot. So The Symbol of Peace is proof of his failure. He's still at it though trying to take down All-Might one way or another."
Izuku raised his eyebrow at all of this. "Why are you telling me this then? What are you getting at?"
Shoto remained silent for a minute before speaking again.
"Have you heard of Quirk Marriages?"
Izuku bit his lip. Even out at sea and living on Sabaody Archipelago didn't mean he wasn't uninformed on the going-ons of Hero Society. Quirk Marriages were a problem that sprung up when Quirks first appeared. People would seek out powerful mates in hopes of having powerful children. It was simply viewed as old-fashioned arranged marriages, but it was still frowned upon in a lot of places.
"My father not only has a rich hero history but also 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 revealed, growing angrier with each word. "It's so annoying, I refuse to be a tool for that scumbag. In my last few memories of my mother, I only remember a look of fear and sadness on her face. I remember her flinching every time she looked at my left side before snapping one night and pouring boiling water down my face."
Izuku's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that. He couldn't bear the thought of his mother doing that to him...or dare he say Komeko.
"I picked a fight with you because I wanted to show him what I can do without using his damn Fire Quirk. You see I'm going to show him I don't need him or his damn fire and that I reject his power. That I can win with just my mother's ice." Shoto finished. "I will win this tournament with just my mother's ice. I'll prove I don't need my father's fire. Even against you, Midoriya."
As Shoto left, Izuku turned the corner to see Katsuki hiding there, having heard everything. Ben was also present, a frown on his face.
"His father's fire and his mother's ice, huh? What a moron..."
DEVIL
"Welcome back sports fans, it's almost time for our last round! But before that good news to everyone who didn't make the finals! We've prepared some amazing side games everyone can compete in! We've even got some American cheerleaders to get everyone fired up!" Present Mic was back in the commentator box with Aizawa.
It was then that both noticed something, Aizawa letting out a sigh at what he saw; the girls of both Class 1-A and 1-B all in cheerleader outfits.
"Looks like Class 1-A has gone full-on fan service!
"I can't believe Mineta, Kaminari, and Tsuburaba convinced us to do this..." Momo groaned out.
"Well, they were very convincing." Setsuna shrugged.
"Come on, just roll with it!" Tooru said, getting into the swing of things.
"Yeah! Fun time!" Pony Tsunotori cheered in agreement.
"Hey, you girls look great regardless!" Denki called out.
Kyouka flushed and looked away, throwing her pom-poms to the ground while muttering "Jerk!" to herself. Mina and Kinoko giggled at her reaction while Ibara had fallen to her knees and was praying for salvation with tears in her eyes.
"Have fun competing in those side games everyone! After they're over, we've got a special surprise for the final round of the Sports Festival!" Present Mic told the cheering audience.
"Wait, is there always a tournament?" Sero asked.
"Pretty much." Rin Hiryu shrugged.
DEVIL
After the side games were finished, it was time for the final round to begin, but Midnight was ready to hype up the crowd for the big surprise.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the final tournament! But this time, we have a special treat for you all! You see, our esteemed principal was able to pull some strings and it's only fair that we allow the big heroes who helped Class 1-A in their harrowing battle against villains at the USJ to have a chance to shine!"
Like a major league game, Izuku's crew all stepped out into the stadium, each of them taking turns going up as Present Mic excitedly did color commentary.
"FIRST, WE HAVE THE DEVIL WHO HAS SHOWN HIS POWER IN THE FIRST TWO ROUNDS! THE LEADER OF THIS MERRY CREW, THE PIRATE CAPTAIN! IZUKU 'DEVIL FRUIT' MIDORIYA!"
Izuku smiled as he put a hand to his straw hat and nodded as the crowd cheered, excited to see him show more of his powers.
"NEXT, HE'S THE EXPLOSIVE POMERANIAN WITH A TALENT FOR COOKING THAT WOULD MAKE GORDON RAMSEY SHED A TEAR! KATSUKI 'DYNAMITE COOK' BAKUGOU!"
Katsuki smirked as he soaked up the cheers, already having a feeling that his parents back home were freaking out.
"AFTER THAT, SHE'S CUTE, SHE'S CUDDLY, SHE'S DEADLY! WATCH OUT FOR THOSE BLADES OR YOU'LL BE SLASHED TO RIBBONS! IT'S HIMIKO 'TRIPLE SWORD' DRACULE!"
Himiko giggled at the cheers, even blowing a few kisses here and there.
"HE'S A MEAN BLUE AND YELLOW MOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE! HE CAN BEND THE ELEMENTS TO HIS WILL! IT'S MARCO 'SCARAB LORD' NUI!"
"Scarab Lord? Seriously?" Marco asked Click, who just chirped in a way that said "I dunno, man."
"SHE MAY LOOK ROUND AS A BALL BUT UNDERNEATH, IT'S MUSCLE, Y'ALL! GIVE IT UP FOR HILDA 'BOARHIDE' TOUKOTOYA!"
"Heh, I like that," Hilda smirked, patting her belly a few times thoughtfully.
"HE CAN BEND QUIRKS TO HIS WHIMS! BE ON HIS GOOD SIDE AND HE MIGHT GIVE YOU AN UPGRADE! HERE'S BENIO 'TWILIGHT' TOREKUROSHI!"
"THAT'S MY BABY!" Midnight cheered loudly in particular, much to Ben's embarrassment.
"Ma…."
"SHE'S CUTE AND QUIRKY BUT SHE'S PACKING SOME SERIOUS HEAT! IT'S PENNY 'MEGA BUSTER' POLENDINA!"
"Salutations!" Penny smiled, giving a wave and a salute. "I am combat-ready!"
"SHE'S A SUPER TOUGH PINK PUFF! SHE CAN CHEW YOU UP AND SPIT YOU OUT! IT'S KIRBY 'OF THE STARS' SAKURAI!"
"Poyo!" Kirby chirped happily, giving double peace signs. "Wish me luck, everybody!"
"SHE'S A REGAL LADY WHO CAN CAST LITERAL MAGIC! GIVE IT UP FOR BAKARA 'DOFUS GLYPH' JURGEN!"
"Really?" Bakara sighed. "That's the best moniker he can give me?"
"SHE'S PRINCESS OF THE ZORA CLAN! A FISHMAN WITH PLENTY OF POWER IN SPITE OF HER BENEVOLENT APPEARANCE! IT'S MIPHA THE ZORA WELLSPRING!"
Mipha giggled, shyly waving to the cheering crowds as he did so.
"SHE'S GOT ENOUGH FIREPOWER TO TAKE ON SEVERAL ARMIES BY HERSELF! SHE'S THE ULTIMATE SOLDIER, MUKURO 'ARMORY' IKUSABA!"
Mukuro kept a straight face as the crowd cheered for her, simply making her way through without so much as a change in expression.
"SHE MAY LOOK SHY, BUT BACK HER INTO A CORNER AND SHE'LL SHOW HER FANGS! IT'S KOBENI 'STREET RAT' HIGASHIYAMA!"
Kobeni did her best to hide her face from the crowds, her entire body quivering in anxiety.
"THESE NEXT SEVEN ARE A REAL TREAT! DR. VEGAPUNK'S PRIDE AND JOY! THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS USED FOR GOOD! THE SERAPHIM, MAKOTO, YAATO, CHIKARA, KOHAKU, SUMIKO, SHUN, AND KAZUYA!"
The Seraphs all went together as the crowds went wild. They could already guess that their creator/grandfather was cheering them on.
"SHE'S BUILT LIKE A 'BORG BUT SHE'S GOT THE MOVES TO SHOW OFF HER STUFF! IT'S REBECCA 'OVERKILL'!"
"Overkill... Heh, baller." Rebecca smirked upon hearing that.
"THEY COME FROM THE SPIRIT REALM TO COMMUNE WITH THE LIVING AND ENJOY ALL OF LIFE'S EARTHLY PLEASURES! THIS HERE IS MILO 'REAPER' BELLADONNA!"
"And we're trending!" Milo said, recording themselves walking through as the crowds cheered.
"THE NIECE OF THE LEGENDARY LEOPARDSKIN HERO: ROB LUCCI, MAKE WAY FOR THIS COOL CAT! IT'S NIA 'PANTHERA' HANEKOMA!"
"That's the best you got, eh?" Nia scoffed.
"SHE'S MADE LIKE A MARSHAMLLOW BUT UNDERNEATH THAT BIG SNUGGLY BELLY HIDES A STEEL HIDE! IT'S ROSA 'ABSORBING GAL' MEIHEI!"
"Awww, come on, you're making me blush!" Rosa giggled, her chubby cheeks glowing.
"FINALLY! A SWEETHEART WHO'S QUITE GOOD WITH A STAFF AND CAN BEND THE WEATHER, IT'S LILIQUE KADOKA LIPATI 'THE STORM PRINCESS'!"
"That seems a little extreme..." Lilique awkwardly noted.
"After all the action you've already witnessed it's time for the real battles to begin. These twenty-four warriors are going to pick their opponents from any of the students present and that will be their match-ups!" Present Mic said.
"I choose Koby!" Izuku said, the pink-haired boy smiling and stepping forward as Garp grinned from the stands.
"Oy! Son of Kaido! Show me just how powerful you really are!" Katsuki called out, Yamato grinning ferally in response as he stepped up.
"OCHAKO-CHAN! LET'S YOU AND ME FIGHT!" Himiko excitedly waved Ochako over, the brunette looking more than a little awkward.
"Hey, Yoarashi, right? I'd like to fight you!" Marco said to Inasa, who grinned and bowed his head so low, it hit the ground and made a small crater.
"N...I got a feeling about you." Hilda said, blushing slightly at the smirk the tea green-haired boy gave her.
"Shoto," Ben said coldly and to the point. "If you really want to fight Izuku...then you need to go through ME first."
"I wish to do battle with Seryu Ubiquitous!" Penny beamed. "I believe our skillsets compliment each other!"
"I'll go with Tsuyu, if that's okay." Kirby said, the frog-like girl croaking in response.
"Momo, I believe you are the best opponent I could ask for." Bakara smiled at her childhood friend.
"If you wouldn't mind, I shall choose Nimona as my opponent." Mipha said.
"Kaminari." Mukuro said, causing Denki to gulp nervously.
"U-Um...M-Mineta?" Kobeni squeaked out nervously.
"I'll fight Kirishima! He definitely looks like a man worth duking it out with!" Makoto grinned, Eijirou returning it with vigor.
"Eh, why not Iida. Wanna see if I can give a guy of his speed the slip." Yaato smirked, making Tenya frown slightly.
I'll go with Tokoyami and Dark Shadow, if that's alright." Chikara shrugged, Fumikage nodding.
"Hitoshi-Kun!" Kohaku said, the indigo-haired General Ed student arching his eyebrow curiously.
"Shiozaki, I believe you'd be a fun opponent." Sumiko smirked, Ibara clasping her hands in prayer.
"Hatsume. I got a good feeling about her." Shun said as Mei beamed, an idea already forming in her head.
"Monoma Neito," Kazuya said. "He insulted my Captain's Pride. I shall take it upon myself to show him his folly."
"Oh, you're giving me a chance to show you all up?" Monoma smirked, not realizing the pitying stares Izuku's Crew were giving him.
"Yo, Fatass! You and me!" Rebecca called out to Ellie, who simply laughed.
"Right back at ya, short stack!"
"I do believe Aoyama will fit my repertoire." Milo said, Yuuga beaming and striking a flamboyant pose.
"Oy! Vivi, how about it? The cat versus the desert princess?" Nia called out, Vivi smiling and nodding in response.
"Shouji-Kun!" Rosa beamed, waving the multi-armed boy over. "Let's you and me fight!"
"I want to face Chuchu...I just feel comfortable facing her since we know each other best." Lilique smiled.
"Just know I won't go easy on you, Lilique!" Chuchu warned.
Up at the stands, Garp was laughing his head off while Endeavor kept an eye on Ben in particular with a calculating gaze. The Flame Hero didn't know why, but he could tell that Ben was not someone to be taken lightly.
"Shoto...I pray that you manage to pull through. Your ice can only get you so far."
"Alright, let's spin that wheel and see which match is going on first!" Midnight said, spinning the wheel as everyone watched with anticipation...
Knightmare Lord A/N: And we're stopping there! Who's gonna be the first match-up? You'll just have to wait and see!
What do you have to say about this chapter, Mrotrax? Any highlights in particular?
Mrotrax A/N: Great work as usual, buddy! All I rreally added was an indiginat Izuku ranting at how crazy him being All Might's son is.
Keep it up! See you all soon!