Dekiru 10: The Symbol Of Peace And The Protector Of Earth

by Phantomdanger

Izuku Midoriya, previously quirkless, was offered One For All by the greatest hero, but during training, he discovered the Omnitrix. Now his on the journey to be the greatest hero, the Symbol of Peace and The protector of Earth. It's Hero Time!

25. Ch 24:The Sports Festival begin! Part: 1

It has awakened."

Izuku Midoriya found himself adrift in an endless void, an expanse of darkness illuminated by faint pinpricks of light resembling stars. Silhouettes floated around him, their forms blurred and indistinct, save for the glow of their eyes. One figure moved forward, his face marred by a deep crack that ran jaggedly across it, like the surface of shattered glass.

"It's called Danger Sense," the figure spoke, his tone heavy with authority and warning.

"Danger... what?" Izuku tried to reply, but his voice came out muffled, as though the void itself smothered his words. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling as he strained to force the words through.

"You can only use 16% of One For All," the cracked figure explained, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "We can barely reach you in this state. Especially with him struggling to escape."

Izuku's body stiffened, his heart thudding painfully against his ribcage. 'Wait-what? Someone's trying to escape? Who's he?!' The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine, and his glowing form flickered faintly, reflecting his panic.

Another voice broke through the suffocating silence. It was firm yet tempered, carrying an edge of caution. "The sharp pain in your head-it's my Quirk, Danger Sense. It alerts you to threats, but heed this warning: its signals are relentless. If you let it overwhelm you... if you react too quickly or lose your composure in a moment of panic, it could lead you straight into disaster. It's a blessing and a hindrance."

The cryptic message weighed on Izuku like an anchor, the air around him feeling heavy with meaning he couldn't fully grasp. He tried to speak again, his voice trembling. "Wh-What's happening to me?" he asked, his eyes darting between the shadowy figures, seeking clarity. "Why can't you just-?"

A soft, feminine voice interrupted, sharp with urgency. "We don't have much time. Communication with you is already tenuous... and he's fighting harder to escape your device. Be wary. Be vigilant of-" Her voice cut out abruptly, her silhouette shimmering and distorting like static.

"Wait-who is he?!" Izuku shouted, his desperation swelling.

The void trembled violently, a pulse of energy surging through it, scattering the figures like fragments of smoke. Bright cracks began to splinter through the darkness as the oppressive atmosphere threatened to collapse.

"Dark-!" Izuku tried to yell, but the word was swallowed by the chaos. The world shattered into light, the blinding brilliance overwhelming his senses as the silhouettes faded into nothingness.

With a gasp, Izuku bolted upright in his bed. His breathing was ragged, his heart pounding in his chest as he clutched his head. The sharp ache in his temples throbbed like an unrelenting reminder of the encounter.

Sweat dripped from his face as he glanced around the darkened room, his trembling hands gripping the sheets tightly.

"What... what was that?" he whispered to himself, his voice shaky as the fragments of the vestige world lingered in his mind.

...

"Sweetie! Come on, you need to get up!" Inko Midoriya's cheerful voice called from outside Izuku's room, pulling him from his thoughts.

Izuku blinked, the remnants of the dream still clinging to him like a haze. He rubbed his eyes and sat up, his heart still beating faster than normal. "Oh, that's right," he mumbled, his voice groggy as realization dawned. "Some of us went home before the Sports Festival... to spend time with our families and let them wish us luck."

Shaking off the lingering fog of sleep and the unsettling memory of the void, Izuku pushed himself out of bed. The cool morning air made him shiver slightly as he grabbed his towel and headed for the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the small space as he stepped into the shower, but his mind was far from calm. The dream replayed in fragments-the shadowy figures, the warnings, the cryptic voices-and the throbbing ache in his head seemed to echo their words.

"Danger Sense..." he whispered, the water cascading over him as he clenched his fists. "Is... That's what's been happening to me...?"

...

"Um, Izuku," Inko said gently, her voice laced with concern.

Izuku finished tying his shoes, turning to see his mother standing with a small but worried smile.

"Don't push yourself too hard. I don't want you to overdo things anymore," she said, her tone almost pleading.

Izuku hesitated, sensing the mix of emotions in her expression. She was excited for him, but the worry in her eyes was unmistakable.

He gave her a reassuring smile as sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating his face. "Mom, you know what kind of festival this is," he said with a soft chuckle. "But don't worry, I'll be fine. After today, you'll see how much stronger I've become, and you won't have to worry so much anymore!"

Inko's smile wavered before she stepped forward, pulling him into a tight hug. "Just do your best, okay?"

"I will," Izuku promised. "If you promise to worry a little less."

"I-I... I'll try," she said with a faint laugh, brushing her hand over his hair one last time.

As Izuku dashed out to the balcony, Inko lingered, her gaze following him as he leapt into the morning air. "Hisashi," she whispered, her smile turning wistful, "I hope you're watching over him."

Izuku felt a stirring within One For All as he soared through the air. It was subtle, like the faint warmth of a hand resting on his shoulder, steadying him.

The flames of One For All seemed to burn brighter, flickering with a presence that felt familiar yet distant, as though someone was watching through the light itself.

...

Izuku sat on a bench, scrolling through his phone. He was checking the latest news on heroes, but the headlines were dominated by coverage of U.A.'s upcoming sports festival. The media buzz only served to heighten his anxiety, especially with him set to represent the first-year students.

"Midoriya?"

Izuku nearly jumped, looking up to see Yaoyorozu standing nearby. She offered a polite smile before taking a seat beside him.

"Yaoyorozu? Wh-What are you doing here?!" he stammered, surprised.

"This is a train station, Midoriya," she replied, gesturing around.

"N-No, I mean... aren't you super rich? I've seen you ride around in a private limo before," he pointed out, earning a faint blush from the girl as she looked away.

"I-I just thought it might be nice to take the train for a change," she explained, her tone steadying as she straightened up. "It gives me time to clear my head during the walk to school."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, unsure but willing to accept her answer.

In truth, Momo stole a quick glance at him, her thoughts elsewhere. The truth is... I wanted to walk with him. Alone.

Izuku shifted uneasily. "W-Wait, why?"

Momo's cheeks reddened as she turned her gaze away. "We're friends, aren't we? I thought it might be nice to walk together. There's no other reason," she added, pouting slightly as her heart thumped in her chest.

"S-Sorry..." Izuku mumbled, blushing. "I just... uh..." He trailed off, unable to find the right words to ask why she wanted to walk with him without sounding ungrateful or awkward.

"What?" Momo asked curiously.

"N-No, nothing!" Izuku replied hastily, waving his arms as if to dismiss the thought.

Momo shook her head, hiding her own flustered feelings. Clearing her throat, she tried to steer the conversation. "Have you prepared your speech?"

Izuku froze, his face turning crimson.

"You do have one ready, don't you?" she asked, confidence evident in her tone. "You'll be representing all of us first-years in front of the world, Midoriya. I'm sure whatever you've prepared will be amazing-knowing you, it's bound to be memorable."

Izuku slumped, letting out a groan of despair as he pulled out a stack of papers from his yellow bag. "You have way too much faith in me, Yaoyorozu. I can barely speak in front of the class without stuttering! Now I'm supposed to give a speech to an entire stadium? To the whole world?" He slouched further, looking like he wanted to crumple his notes on the spot.

Momo chuckled softly and took a few of his notes, gesturing for him to sit back down.

"You're better at public speaking than you give yourself credit for," she reassured him, smoothing out his papers.

Izuku blinked at her, skeptical.

"I'm serious," she continued. "Since becoming class president, you've improved a lot. You've started speaking more clearly and confidently. When you're not overthinking things, you're a natural leader. I have no doubt you can come up with an inspiring speech if you just focus and trust yourself."

Izuku gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks..." he murmured before leaning back against the bench.

For a moment, they sat in silence before Izuku spoke again. "I'm still nervous, though. The sports festival is such a huge event-everyone's going to be watching us. I'm supposed to represent the entire first year. It feels like everyone's counting on me..." His voice trailed off as he remembered All Might's words about standing tall and declaring to the world, 'I AM HERE.'

Momo glanced at his notes thoughtfully. "You're overthinking it," she said after a pause. "Instead of worrying about living up to what everyone expects of you, try focusing on what's ahead. Think about the message you want to send, not the pressure around you."

Her words made Izuku sit up a little straighter. He looked at her, seeing the quiet confidence in her eyes, and found himself nodding.

"Maybe you're right..."Izuku said with some resolve but he anxiously looked at his notes.

Momo noticed Izuku staring at his speech notes again, his brow furrowed in concentration and a hint of panic in his eyes. She placed a hand gently on the edge of the paper, prompting him to look up.

"Midoriya, may I offer some advice?" she asked, her tone calm and reassuring.

Izuku blinked, then nodded hesitantly. "Of course..."

"Public speaking is as much about confidence as it is about preparation," Momo began. "It's not just about saying the perfect words. It's about making people feel your sincerity."

"S-Sincerity?" Izuku repeated, tilting his head.

She nodded. "Exactly. Think about why you're giving this speech. What message do you want to convey? If you speak from the heart, people will listen, no matter how nervous you feel."

Izuku glanced back at his notes, tapping his pencil against them. "But what if I mess up? What if I forget what I was going to say?"

"Then take a breath," Momo said with a smile. "No one expects you to be perfect. If you stumble, pause for a moment, gather your thoughts, and keep going. Everyone will respect your effort more than your perfection."

Izuku's eyes softened as her words sank in. He nodded slowly. "Speak from the heart... and don't focus on being perfect. I-I think I can try that."

...

Momo glanced down at her hands, fidgeting slightly as she scooted a little closer to Izuku on the bench. Her voice softened, tinged with vulnerability.

"Though... I-I know how you feel," she began, hesitating before continuing. "I'm always afraid of letting my family down. They have such high expectations of me, and honestly... since the USJ, I've been feeling so..." She bit her lip, struggling to find the words. "Inadequate, I suppose. When it comes to practical applications, I've felt like... like a failure."

Izuku blinked in surprise, his eyes widening at her rare display of self-doubt. "Yaoyorozu..." he murmured softly, unsure of what to say.

But before he could respond, Momo straightened up, her expression shifting to one of determination. She looked at him with clear admiration, her cheeks faintly flushed.

"... But I know I have to try my best regardless," she said firmly, clenching her fist. "I want to push myself, like you do, Midoriya. You inspire me to keep moving forward, even when it's difficult."

Izuku's face turned red as he remembered their conversation from before. "Y-Yeah," he mumbled, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Momo smiled at his reaction, her resolve growing. "I have to focus on what's ahead," she continued. "If I think too much, I'll only invite doubt into my mind. I'll start worrying about all the 'what ifs' and lose sight of what really matters."

Her gaze softened as she looked at Izuku, her thoughts drifting to Itsuka's recent words. She remembered how Itsuka had talked about taking a leap, about not letting fear of the unknown hold her back. Momo admired that courage-the willingness to act despite uncertainty.

She realized that this same quality was what she admired so deeply in Izuku. He didn't shy away from risks, even when failure seemed inevitable. He inspired others by his sheer determination to try, no matter the odds.

"I want to take risks like that too," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "To trust myself more and stop letting fear hold me back."

Izuku looked at her, surprised by her sudden honesty, but then his expression softened into a warm smile.

Momo met his gaze, and for a moment, they both sat in silence, smiling at each other, faint blushes coloring their cheeks.

...

"Deku?"

Izuku and Momo turned at the sound of the voice. They saw some of Izuku's old classmates, and Naomi's eyes went wide when she saw the boy she had mocked standing with a girl so clearly out of his league. The way she stared at him was almost catatonic, like a deer caught in the headlights, before her face morphed into a sneering smile.

Izuku groaned in annoyance, his face twisting into a look of deadpan irritation. Naomi's eye twitched. The way he looked at them-it was like they were something unpleasant he'd found in his soup or, worse, the wrong dish entirely.

Yaoyorozu stood up from her seat, her posture sharp and defensive. "So I take it these are your old classmates, Midoriya?" she asked, her tone dry, arms folded tightly across her chest. Naomi glared at her in response, the anger simmering just beneath the surface.

"Woah, Deku's with a smoking hot babe!" someone from Naomi's group shouted, their voice filled with disbelief.

"You think they're a thing?" another voice chimed in, half-laughing.

Ishida, always the loudmouth, pushed through the group. His gaze lingered on Yaoyorozu, specifically eyeing her chest and legs in a way that made her visibly recoil, her lips curling in distaste.

"Deku, who's this fine piece of ass standing before me?" Ishida asked, a smirk stretching across his face. "No way this baddie is your girlfriend." He reached forward to caress Momo's cheek, but before his fingers could make contact, she slapped his hand away with a force that made everyone stop and stare.

"Don't touch me," Momo said firmly, glaring at Ishida like he was nothing more than a nuisance, an irritating bug she couldn't be bothered to swat.

Ishida, not used to being brushed off, sneered. "Do you know who I am?" he asked with a false arrogance, his voice low and menacing. "Why waste your time with this Deku? You could do better than him. You should be with a real man."

Momo straightened herself, her composure unwavering as she responded coldly, "I have no respect for bullies." Her words cut through the air, and for a moment, everything went silent.

The group exchanged glares, their hostility shifting to Izuku. His classmates' eyes burned with a venomous rage as they looked at him, like they wanted to physically tear him apart. It was clear from the way they glared at him that they were disgusted-not by Momo, but by his audacity to stand up for himself. To them, Izuku had just "snitched" on their bullying, something they felt entitled to dismiss. It was their world, and Izuku, in their eyes, had betrayed that.

Ishida's hand crackled with electricity as he stepped forward, his tone dripping with malice. "Hey, Deku. The hell is she talking about this bullying crap?" he spat. "We're all good friends, aren't we?" His words dripped with venom, but it was clear the threat was there, hanging in the air.

Izuku stood up, the calm resolve in his voice unmistakable. "No, we're not friends," he said, his defiance clear.

Ishida's group stared at him, their glares growing more intense. Naomi folded her arms with an amused look. "Where was all this bravado when we were dating?" she mocked as she took a step toward him, her voice dripping with scorn.

"You really think just because you suddenly have a quirk that makes you better than us?" Naomi scoffed, chewing her gum lazily. "With or without that quirk, you're still that same pathetic boy who couldn't stand up for himself. Nothing's changed."

Her gaze turned colder, a sharp edge to her words. "You haven't changed a bit, have you? Still the same weak little Deku, pretending to be some kind of hero. You want to know why someone like you can never be a real hero? It's not just because you were powerless before; it's because you lack the will, the drive, the guts to do what it takes. A hero is someone who stands tall, not someone who crumbles at the first sign of trouble."

Naomi let out a mocking chuckle. "You've been spouting all this 'hero' nonsense, but you didn't even bother to work on your body, not once. Not a single day of training. You thought you could just wish your way into being a hero, didn't you? Pathetic."

Izuku's fist clenched involuntarily, the sting of truth cutting deeper than he expected. Naomi, seeing his reaction, smirked. "That's right, Izuku. You've always been full of empty words."

Her smile twisted as she stepped closer. "But honestly, the most pathetic thing about you? How you worship Bakugou. It's laughably sad. You put him on this pedestal, treating him like some kind of god, and all he's ever done is tear you down. And yet, you keep kissing his ass, hoping for a crumb of his approval."

Naomi's voice turned venomous. "It makes me sick. You're like a battered housewife who just doesn't want to upset her abusive husband. 'Oh, Kacchan's so great,' 'Kacchan, you may have blown up my face, but I still think you're gonna be a great hero'-what does that prove, huh?" She said rhetorically.

"It proves to me that you've never had any real strength, Izzy. You're weak. You don't have the will to be a hero. You don't even have the guts to oppose Bakugou, even when he treats you like dirt. You just let him walk all over you, and you call it 'forgiveness.' That's not kindness, that's submission. And it's one of the reasons that makes me want to puke when I see you."

Her eyes narrowed as she took in his expression, her sneer deepening. "Even now, with your quirk, you're still that worthless Deku. Still submissive, still too afraid to stand up for yourself. That's why you will never be a hero."

Naomi shook her head with disgust. "You'll never be a real hero, Izuku. Not with that spineless, submissive attitude of yours. You'll always be that Deku who lets someone else dictate his worth-just as you always have."

Izuku's fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white as Momo's gaze locked onto Naomi. Naomi's friends snickered behind her, and Momo was about to slap the smug girl across the face when Izuku stopped her with a firm hand on her arm.

"Don't," Izuku said, his voice steady but filled with raw emotion.

Naomi's friends continued to sneer, their laughter echoing in the air. But Izuku was far from backing down. He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Naomi's.

"You know what, maybe you're right," Izuku said, his voice surprisingly calm despite the anger boiling beneath the surface. The group's mocking sneers started.

"Finally, he's learning his place," one of them muttered with a derisive laugh.

"What a loser," another added with a sneer.

Momo's brow furrowed in concern as she stepped closer to Izuku. "Midoriya-" she started, worried for him.

But Izuku shook his head, turning his attention back to Naomi. "Maybe I am still the same Izuku from middle school. Having a quirk hasn't changed who I am," he said, his voice stronger now. He clenched his fists tighter. "A quirk doesn't excuse a person or make up for their flaws. Whether I have one or not, maybe I'm still the same person I was... But-"

Izuku's eyes burned with intensity as he leveled his gaze at Naomi, who glared at him coldly. "Without your quirk, you're nothing but bullies."

The group fell silent for a split second, their smug expressions faltering. Naomi's eyes widened slightly, her lips curling into a snarl as she stepped closer to Izuku, but he didn't flinch.

Yubi's fists clenched at his sides, his face contorting with frustration. He shot a glance at the others, his anger building. Some of the other students exchanged looks, clearly shaken by the force behind Izuku's words, though none dared to challenge him directly. They hadn't expected this.

Ishida's face twisted with rage. His eyes narrowed, locking with Izuku's. For a moment, they stood there, glaring at each other like two opponents in a standoff. Izuku held his ground, not even blinking as he stared Ishida down.

Momo, sensing the tension, smiled softly at Izuku, her expression full of pride. "Midoriya, if you wouldn't mind, I'd prefer a different way of getting to school. I'd rather not take the same train as these people."

Izuku blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her request, but then he nodded. "Oh... uh, sure," he stammered, still a bit shaken by the confrontation but relieved to focus on something else. He started walking, Momo beside him, as they both moved away from the hostile group.

But the tension in the air didn't dissipate. Ishida's glare never left Izuku, and his hand crackled with electricity, an ominous sign that things were about to escalate. Izuku's danger sense flared, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end as he instinctively tensed.

Before Ishida could make a move, Naomi's sharp voice cut through the air, her hand grabbing Ishida by the collar. "Come on, the train is about to leave. Let's get out of here." Her voice was cold, almost dismissive, as if she was more annoyed by the situation than anything else.

She dragged Ishida away, his eyes still burning with resentment as he looked back at Izuku. "I already feel sick just being around here. We need to get out of here," Naomi muttered, clearly wanting to distance herself from the situation.

The rest of the group muttered amongst themselves, clearly unsettled by the interaction. Some of them shuffled uncomfortably, while others still shot Izuku contemptuous glances. The words Izuku had said hung in the air, making them rethink their earlier bravado.

...

As the private limo glided down the road, Izuku sat quietly, his thoughts swirling. Across from him, Momo was visibly fuming, her face nearly red with anger. She sat stiffly, her hands tightly clenched in her lap, her usual composure replaced with frustration.

Izuku glanced at her nervously, her uncharacteristic demeanor making him uneasy. "Yaoyorozu, are you okay?" he asked hesitantly.

Momo didn't answer right away. Instead, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, her chest rising as she worked to calm herself. With a slow exhale, her face returned to its usual calm expression, though the anger in her eyes lingered.

"I apologize," she said finally, her voice measured but sharp. She removed her school jacket and placed it neatly on her lap, revealing her long white button-up shirt beneath. "That... must have been unpleasant for you."

"N-No, it's okay," Izuku stammered, looking away. "I mean, I kind of forgot they said they were coming to watch. I should've realized we might run into them at the train station."

Momo frowned, her voice growing firm. "To think that was your ex-girlfriend. And they were so rude, so unpleasant-just... just insufferable!"

Izuku blinked at her bluntness. It was rare for Momo to speak so harshly, and yet the irritation in her voice made it clear she had no patience for the encounter.

"I really don't like people who act that way," she continued, her voice steadier now but no less resolute. "Rude and mean, all to feel superior to others. I've had enough of those kinds of people in my life."

Izuku managed a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Oh, right. I kinda forget you're... rich."

Momo's cheeks flushed lightly at his comment, but she didn't let it deter her. "Yes, well... when people have wealth, status, or power in society, some use it as an excuse to belittle others they deem inferior, all to assert their perceived superiority. It's intolerable." Her tone sharpened. "That's why I refuse to respect those who behave that way, regardless of their power or position-especially if they impose their will on others."

Her words struck a chord in Izuku. His smile faded as shame crept into his expression, and he lowered his gaze. He thought back to all the times he had defended Bakugou, insisting he would be a great hero without any real proof beyond his power and confidence.

Memories of his past admiration for Bakugou filled his mind. He had idolized him, wanted to be just like him. He would have given anything to have Bakugou's strength, his charisma, his unshakable confidence. Back then, Bakugou had been his vision of victory-his symbol of what it meant to win.

But now...

"She... she was right," Izuku muttered suddenly, his voice heavy with regret.

Momo tilted her head, her expression softening into concern. "What do you mean?"

"About how I idolize Bakugou. I-I mean..." His voice trailed off, and Momo's eyes widened slightly as she realized he was referring to Naomi.

"Oh," she said gently, giving him space to explain.

"All my life, I've been told how amazing Bakugou is," Izuku admitted, his hands clenching tightly in his lap. "How he was going to be a great hero. Every single day, people would say he was incredible, and that I'd never be his equal."

His voice trembled as he continued. "I idolized him. I wanted to be him. I wanted his confidence, his strength. I wanted to win the way he did... to be the kind of hero everyone said he'd become. But now... I'm not sure anymore."

Momo remained silent, her eyes never leaving him as he spoke.

"He used his power to prove he was the best," Izuku continued bitterly, "by beating anyone he thought might be a rival. He'd knock people down just to show them how strong he was. I don't know if I didn't care back then... or if I was just so blinded by how much I admired him that I couldn't see it. But now..."

He shook his head, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't want to win like that. I don't want to prove my strength by pushing other people down. If that's what being the strongest means... I think I'd rather go back to being the Quirkless kid I used to be."

Momo's eyes widened at his words. Quirkless? The revelation startled her, and she opened her mouth to ask-but stopped herself. Now wasn't the time. She took a steadying breath, deciding to push the thought aside for the moment.

"I don't think I can see Bakugou as my symbol of victory anymore," Izuku admitted softly, his hands trembling as he clenched them tighter.

The frustration in his voice was palpable, his emotions bubbling just below the surface. Ever since he had shared his feelings with the dragon, his thoughts about revenge and power had shifted-and his resentment toward Bakugou had grown stronger every day.

"Hmph. In my opinion, I think that's a good thing," Momo said firmly, her tone decisive. "I don't like Bakugou, honestly, and I try to stay as far away from him as possible."

Izuku sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah... but if I can't use Bakugou as my ideal for victory, I-I'm not sure who or what to use. He's been such a big part of my life... I guess I always tried to focus on his good traits, no matter what."

Momo frowned thoughtfully. She remembered a conversation they'd had during one of their study sessions. He had mentioned someone named Kevin-a rare moment when Izuku spoke about his middle school days with genuine fondness. She didn't know much about this Kevin, but the way Izuku had described him made it clear he held a special place in his heart.

"What about Kevin?" Momo asked suddenly.

Izuku blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Kevin?"

"You mentioned him before," she said, her tone soft but curious. "It's one of the few times you've ever talked about middle school with joy. What was he like?"

Izuku paused, his expression shifting as he thought back. A small snort escaped him, followed by a chuckle. "Kevin was..." He couldn't help but grin. "Uh... he was kind of... er... a delinquent."

Momo tilted her head, intrigued.

"But he was also my best friend," Izuku continued, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "He was the guy who'd always have your back, no matter what. Sure, he got me into a lot of trouble-I think I'm banned from every arcade in Musutafu because of him." He laughed, shaking his head at the memory.

"I remember this one time-it was the first day of middle school," Izuku began, his smile widening. "Bakugou, uh... he made sure everyone had a reason to target me." He hesitated, skimming over the details to avoid mentioning being Quirkless. "I pretty much expected to get my butt kicked that day. But Kevin..."

Izuku's expression softened, a mix of admiration and gratitude. "Kevin stood up in the middle of the cafeteria and yelled, 'Alright, shitbags! Any of you come after my boy Midoriya, and I'll kick your asses so hard you'll be eating out of a straw! Your own damn mothers won't even recognize you!'"

Momo blinked in surprise before a smile tugged at her lips. She couldn't help but find Izuku's joy infectious as he recounted the story.

"Even though he was outnumbered, Kevin fought everyone-not just Bakugou. He was unstoppable," Izuku said, his grin growing. "It took nearly the entire school to stop him. The parents were furious-most of them wanted to sue or have him arrested. But Kevin? He just flipped them all off and said, 'Your kids are a bunch of assholes who prey on the weak. They're just mad 'cause someone finally kicked their butts.'"

Momo laughed softly, the mental image both amusing and heartwarming. "Your friend Kevin sounds like a hero to me," she said earnestly.

Izuku's smile softened as he nodded. "Yeah... I guess he was."

The warmth of the memories lingered as the limo continued its journey back to U.A., the tension from earlier finally starting to ease.

Fireworks lit up the sky, crackling with vibrant colors as they soared above U.A. High, signaling the beginning of the annual sports festival. Below, a crowd of spectators and reporters buzzed with excitement, some nervously waiting to get a glimpse of the action.

"The security line is huge. What's the big deal?" a reporter muttered, clearly irked.

"Well, U.A. was recently attacked by villains, so of course, they'd beef things up. Some even say they shouldn't have the festival at all," her cameraman explained, adjusting the lens.

"Perfect, nothing spices things up like a little controversy," the reporter replied, grinning. "Plus, everyone will be tuning in to watch Class 1-A and 1-B. It's a show they can't miss!"

As the conversation continued, a sudden rush of wind and a flurry of red feathers caught the attention of the crowd. The distinct sound of wings slicing through the air had everyone's eyes glued to the sky.

"H-Hawks?! No way!" a voice shouted from the crowd.

The Number 3 Pro Hero, known for his swift flight and charismatic presence, swooped down from above. His wings spread wide, casting a large shadow over the crowd as he landed with grace. The public was immediately entranced by his presence.

With a confident grin, Hawks gave a casual wave to the gathered spectators. "Yo! Looks like the party's started without me," he called out, his voice brimming with energy and charm.

The reporters, already scrambling to get their microphones in position, quickly turned their attention to him. "Hawks! What brings you to the festival today?" one of them asked, eager to seize the opportunity.

"Just thought I'd drop by," Hawks replied, giving a cocky smile. "Besides, I heard there might be some young heroes worth keeping an eye on. Gotta see what all the fuss is about!"

...

Hawks gave a casual wave to the crowd, his trademark smile lighting up the scene. Reporters quickly gathered around, their microphones held high as they attempted to catch his attention. Meanwhile, Miruko, standing nearby, was caught up in a conversation with one of them.

"So, Miruko," a reporter asked, her voice eager, "you've never taken on an intern since your debut. Will this year be any different?"

Miruko shot the reporter a toothy grin, the confidence in her voice undeniable. "That all depends on the students. If they've got the guts to show off and stand out, then maybe. But right now, I'm more interested in seeing if this batch has the stuff it takes. My instincts are telling me this year's gonna be something special," she said with a shrug, clearly unbothered by the question.

The crowd around them murmured, some excited whispers filled with curiosity.

"Miruko actually taking an intern? That's a first," one of the onlookers joked, while another added, "I thought she didn't do interns!"

The sound of powerful wings beating through the air grew louder, catching the attention of everyone nearby. A shadow descended rapidly, and a voice rang out with teasing amusement. "Rumi, you actually came? Guess I owe you 1,000 yen."

The crowd gasped as they turned to see the massive form of Ryukyu, the Number 10 Pro Hero, swooping down from the sky. Her crimson wings folded behind her as she touched down effortlessly, causing an eruption of cheers from the audience.

Mirko scoffed, clearly unbothered by the attention Ryukyu's arrival had stirred. She folded her arms, her sharp eyes never leaving the other heroine as the noise from the crowd grew louder.

"So, what's the infamous Rumi doing here?" Ryukyu teased, raising an eyebrow as she sized up her colleague.

Mirko shot her a smirk. "What? I'm not allowed to watch the festival, now?"

Ryukyu chuckled, her tone light but still sharp. "You? Watching a sports festival? Please. I always thought you hated these things. Unless..." She glanced at Mirko with a knowing smile. "You're actually planning to take an intern this year?"

Mirko shrugged casually, uncaring about the question. "Listen, Number 10, I can do whatever I want. Besides, I kinda want to see what these first years are really made of."

The two of them began walking toward the stadium entrance as the crowd continued to buzz with excitement. But their attention quickly shifted when a sleek black vehicle rolled up, drawing more gasps from the crowd.

"No way..." a voice murmured from the crowd.

The door to the vehicle swung open, revealing a tall, muscular man with blonde hair, his sharp features and commanding presence unmistakable. The crowd recognized him immediately.

"It's one of S.A.C.T.'s top officers!" someone exclaimed.

"The All Might threat level team?" another voice whispered in disbelief.

The man stepped out with an air of authority, his gaze cold and focused as he surveyed the scene around him. Whispers rippled through the crowd as cameras clicked and flashed, trying to capture the moment.

"Yeah, they're known for scouting potential threats around the world," someone explained in hushed tones. "If they're here, it means they think someone at this festival could be as powerful as All Might-or even more."

Hawks, standing nearby, watched the officer with a contemplative look. "Looks like the Hero Public Safety Commission isn't the only one keeping an eye on things," he murmured to himself.

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, as the officer's presence confirmed what many had already suspected: someone among the first-years was a potential threat, on a level that even the top heroes had to take seriously.

As the group moved toward the first-year area, the excitement turned to speculation. The All Might-level threat was a first-year?

...

Mount Lady, Kamui Woods, and Death Arms stood off to the side, watching as Mount Lady effortlessly charmed the food vendor into offering her free food.

"Do you have no shame?" Kamui Woods asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Mount Lady flashed him a playful grin. "Oh, come on, stop being such a party pooper. Besides, I have to practice my flirting."

Kamui crossed his arms, clearly unconvinced. "You're still hung up on that Four Arms guy?"

His tone was a mix of frustration and disbelief. Ever since they'd gone to that underground fighting tournament, Mount Lady had been fixated on the guy.

Mount Lady shrugged, clearly unbothered. "His manager goes to school here. If I just give him a wink or two, he'll introduce me to the big guy, and then I'll get my way with him." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke.

Kamui Woods groaned, clearly exasperated. "You're not worried about why Midnight passed along that info? She seemed to get a real kick out of it."

Mount Lady rolled her eyes, dismissing his concern with a wave of her hand. "Oh please, she's just bitter. She probably tried and failed to get with him, and now she's jealous."

"Someone like him wants someone young and cute, not old and... well, old." She grinned, clearly not taking Kamui's concerns seriously.

Kamui couldn't help but press further. "You're not even concerned with her comment about him being 'a little too young'?"

Mount Lady gave a dismissive wave. "She's old, relax."

...

[Class 1-A]

"Aw, man, I really wanted to wear my hero costume!" Mina groaned, tugging at her P.E. clothes with an exaggerated pout.

"To keep everything fair, we can't," Ojiro replied matter-of-factly.

"The other courses don't have special items like we do," Tsuyu added, her blunt tone cutting through. "So it'll be fair for everyone."

"Yeah, I guess," Mina muttered, slumping onto her desk. Her gaze drifted to Izuku, who was fiddling nervously with the Omnitrix. Her heart tensed, knowing what Kendo might be planning. "N-No, it's fine. He might not even like her... Probably. Yeah, just need to focus on the events!" she tried to reassure herself.

But as her thoughts spiraled, doubts crept in. Kendo was confident, dependable, and, let's face it, probably a better match for Izuku than her. That realization made Mina's chest tighten. She wasn't used to these feelings-this strange mix of longing and jealousy. It wasn't supposed to hurt this much.

Shaking her head to snap herself out of it, Mina slapped her cheeks, startling Tsuyu, who gave her a quizzical look. Mina ignored it, forcing a smile as she glanced back at Izuku. He was still fiddling with the Omnitrix, his usual nervous tic when he was anxious or deep in thought.

Determined to shake off her gloom and maybe help him too, she slid into the seat next to him. "Midori? You alright?"

Izuku flinched slightly, startled, before turning wide eyes to her. "Wh-Why? Oh, yeah, I'm fine! Just... a little nervous about the whole speech thing," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Kinda wish I had your confidence."

Mina propped her chin in her hands and gave him a playful grin. "Aww, that's sweet, Midori! But hey, if you're nervous, you could always picture the crowd naked," she teased, batting her eyes.

Izuku froze, his face shifting from confusion to mortification as the meaning hit him. Images of his classmates-especially the girls-flashed unbidden in his mind. His face turned crimson, and he frantically shook his head to clear the thought. "Y-Y-Yeah, I don't think that's gonna work for me!"

Mina's laughter bubbled up, light and genuine. For a moment, her worries faded. "Alright, maybe not your style. But don't stress too much! Just focus on how I'm going to kick your butt in the events," she teased, her grin infectious.

Izuku snorted, a small smile breaking through his flustered expression. "Thanks, but I'm not planning to lose."

"Oh, really?" Mina leaned back, crossing her arms smugly. "Because I seem to recall beating you in that dance-off a few days ago."

"Hey! That's not fair-you caught me off guard!" Izuku protested, his voice rising slightly in mock outrage.

Mina leaned forward, giggling. "Excuses, excuses, Midori! But hey, if you're still stressed, I know a great way to help you relax."

Izuku's blush deepened as he stammered, "I-I-I don't think that's appropriate, Ashido!"

Mina blinked, her brow furrowing. "Wait a second-what did you think I meant?"

Izuku's entire face turned beet red as he buried it in his hands. "N-Nothing! Never mind!"

Mina smirked, sensing an opportunity. "Wow, Midori! You're such a perv! I was just gonna ask Yaomomo to make some stress balls or something!"

Realizing his mistake, Izuku groaned, his voice muffled by his hands. "You tease me so much-I just jumped to conclusions!"

The girls nearby giggled at his embarrassment, while Mina leaned closer, her grin widening. For a moment, she forgot her earlier heartache.

Mineta wandered over, patting Izuku's back like a sage mentor. "Don't worry, dude, we all make mistakes."

Nearby, Momo leaned toward Mina and whispered, "You were trying to distract him from the events, weren't you?"

Mina glanced at Izuku, who was still covering his face in embarrassment. Her expression softened. "It worked, didn't it?" she whispered back.

...

"I wonder what they have in store for us in the first round," Sato said, his anxious tone reflecting the nerves rippling through the room.

"No matter what they have prepared, we must persevere," Tokoyami replied, his deep voice steady as Shoji, standing beside him, nodded in agreement.

"Right," Shoji said simply, his calm demeanor a sharp contrast to the growing unease around them.

The door suddenly swung open, and Iida strode in with his usual authoritative energy. "Everyone, get your game faces on! We're entering the arena soon!"

Midoriya sat quietly, his fingers fiddling absentmindedly with the Omnitrix as he tried to focus. A sudden sting of unease shot through him, as if directed toward Todoroki and Bakugou. Raising an eyebrow, he noticed both boys glancing his way.

The uneasy silence was broken by the sound of heavy, purposeful footsteps. Bakugou approached with a glare far more furious than usual, his crimson eyes burning with intent. Before Izuku could react, Bakugou raised his arm, an explosion crackling to life in his palm, aimed directly at Izuku's desk.

Izuku's eyes widened in shock, but before the blast could land, Iida intercepted Bakugou's arm, gripping it firmly.

"Refrain from destroying U.A. property!" Iida said sternly, his voice ringing with authority. His stern gaze locked onto Bakugou's furious one. "The school's property isn't an outlet for your frustrations. Stop acting like a child. It's unbecoming of a future hero. "

Reluctantly, Bakugou yanked his arm free, muttering, "Damn four-eyes," before turning his glare back to Izuku.

The tension in the room spiked as Bakugou pointed a finger at him, his voice filled with venom. "You've been holding back, you damn nerd."

Izuku blinked, his heart sinking into his stomach. He could feel the weight of the class's eyes on him, their murmurs filling the air as they tried to make sense of Bakugou's accusation.

"I know about your damn quirk," Bakugou growled, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife.

Izuku froze, panic bubbling under the surface. Did he mean One For All? Or the Omnitrix? Or worse-both? Thoughts raced through his mind, but Bakugou didn't stop.

"You've only been using 8% of your power," Bakugou snarled, his lips curling into a nasty sneer.

Silence fell.

For a moment, no one moved. No one even breathed.

The rest of the class stared at Bakugou as if he'd grown a second head. 8%? The same Izuku who'd gone toe-to-toe with Nomu, a monster designed to kill All Might? The same Izuku who'd shattered the sound barrier like it was nothing? He'd done all that while holding back?

"Pfft!" Sero snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Okay, dude, Bakugou, you've really lost it. Eight percent? Are you serious right now?"

Ochako crossed her arms, her eyebrows furrowed. "That's ridiculous! Dekiru gives more than 100% every time. More than anyone!"

"Exactly," Jiro added with a dismissive wave of her hand. "He'll say anything to fit his world view. Doesn't make it true."

Ojiro frowned thoughtfully, scratching his chin. "Do you even know how low 8% is? With all the stuff Midoriya can do-breaking the sound barrier, burning that Nomu to ash-you really think that's only 8%? Come on."

Tokoyami's head tilted slightly, his voice grave as he spoke. "It is a perplexing and, quite frankly, laughable assertion. To claim such extraordinary feats were performed at merely a sliver of one's power... It borders on lunacy." He crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "A foolish conclusion indeed, Bakugou."

"Yeah!" Kirishima chimed in, grinning. "Midoriya's, like, super manly! He wouldn't hold back that much. No way! Right, Midoriya?"

Kaminari laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Seriously, Bakugou, you've got to let it go. There's no way this guy-" He gestured to Izuku. "-is only running on 8%. That's, like, impossible."

Izuku sat in silence, his gaze locked on Bakugou. The room gradually quieted as everyone turned to look at him, expecting him to laugh it off or deny it outright.

"Uh... Midoriya?" Kirishima asked, his tone shifting from casual to uncertain.

"Dekiru?" Ochako asked softly, concern creeping into her voice. "Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Yeah, dude," Mina added with an encouraging smile. "Tell the guy he's delusional! No way you've only been using 8% of your power."

The room fell deathly silent when Izuku finally spoke. His voice was steady, his expression unreadable. "What if I have?"

Eyes widened all around the room as his words sank in.

"No way," Kaminari whispered, his face pale.

Izuku slowly stood, his voice calm but resolute as he looked directly at Bakugou. "If you came here looking for confirmation, then yes. It's true. I've only been using 8% of my Quirk."

The air seemed to freeze, the weight of his words settling like a storm cloud over the room.

"Eight percent," Tokoyami repeated under his breath, his tone low and disbelieving. "It cannot be. Such strength, speed, and precision... He truly is a force unparalleled." His hands clenched slightly, betraying his unease.

Shoji, usually reserved, couldn't hide his astonishment. "You're saying that everything you've done so far-the speed, the power, the flames-that was all... restrained?"

Kirishima's voice cracked slightly as he chuckled nervously. "Come on, man, you're joking, right? Right?"

"Please," Izuku said, his voice quieter now. "If that's all, leave me alone." He turned to walk away, the faint sound of his footsteps punctuating the stunned silence.

Bakugou's glare burned hotter than ever, smoke billowing from his palms. "Don't you dare walk away from me, nerd!" he snarled, his voice crackling with barely restrained fury.

...

"Midoriya," Todoroki called, his voice calm yet deliberate.

Izuku turned to see Todoroki approaching, passing by Bakugou without sparing him a glance.

"Objectively, I will admit you are the strongest," Todoroki said, his gaze unwavering. Bakugou's eyes narrowed dangerously, his mouth opening to object, but Todoroki's next words silenced the entire room.

"I overheard you mentioning only using 8% of your power," Todoroki said matter-of-factly. Izuku flinched, his chest tightening. He realized Todoroki had him cornered.

"To perform such remarkable feats-defeating the Nomu, surpassing the speed of sound, overwhelming obstacles others would consider impossible-while only using a fraction of your true power..." Todoroki clenched his fist, his knuckles white. "It's not far-fetched to say you may be the most powerful student at U.A. thus far."

The room remained deathly silent, the weight of Todoroki's words crashing over the class like a tidal wave. Bakugou glared daggers at Todoroki, but even he didn't dare interrupt again.

"And," Todoroki continued, his voice cold yet firm, "you have All Might in your corner."

Izuku froze, his wide-eyed expression resembling that of a deer caught in headlights. He gulped audibly, unable to respond.

"But I'm not going to pry," Todoroki said, and Izuku exhaled in relief. That was short-lived, however, as Todoroki's gaze hardened further. "What I will do, Midoriya, is defeat you. I'll push you past your limits and force you to use 100% of your power."

The class could only stare, their expressions a mix of awe, fear, and disbelief.

"If what we've seen is just 8%..." Shoji muttered, his voice low and almost trembling. "What does 100% even look like?"

Ojiro glanced at his tail, his face pale. "If he's holding back to that degree, it's not just about strength... It must be something else, something serious."

Momo, however, wasn't just awestruck-she was deeply concerned. She gripped her arm tightly, her mind racing. 'Restraining himself to just 8%? That must mean using more comes with a cost-something devastating.' Her gaze trailed to the faint scars on Izuku's hands, and her worry deepened.

'Quirks are physical abilities, and Midoriya's drastic transformation is unlike anything I've ever seen. I've never encountered a quirk that alters the user so significantly. Using a higher percentage could have devastating consequences-or worse," Momo thought, her worry growing.

Ochako bit her lip, her heart heavy with worry. "D-Dekiru," she thought.' Why? Why would you hold yourself back like that? No, you wouldn't do it without a good reason. Maybe... maybe it's because of those scars I noticed before the entrance exam? He's arms were wrapped up in bandages for two months everyday... '

Todoroki exhaled, his icy demeanor unyielding as he stared at Izuku. "This is my declaration of war," he said firmly. "You've heard everyone else's. Now, here's mine: I will force you to use your full power. And I will defeat you."

...

Izuku looked taken aback by the statement but quickly composed himself.

"Hehe, i-is it me, or did the room just get colder?" Denki questioned nervously, though no one acknowledged Kaminari's pun.

Kirishima immediately stood up, sensing the rising tension and worried something bad could happen. "Hey, hey, hey! Why are you picking a fight all of a sudden? Not now, we're about to start!"

"We're not here to play at being friends. So, what does it matter?" Todoroki replied with a calm, icy tone.

Izuku stayed silent for a moment, letting Todoroki's words settle before finally speaking. "Todoroki, I don't know what you're thinking when you say you'll beat me, but don't assume that I'll lose easily. In fact, I'm planning to win this whole Sports Festival. But it's not just about me-every single one of us here, and not just the Hero Course, is aiming for the top with everything they've got. I can't afford to lose today, not after coming this far."

The room seemed to hold its breath as the Omnitrix briefly glowed alongside Izuku's emerald eyes, radiating a quiet intensity. He locked eyes with Todoroki, his voice unwavering. "So, I'll also be going for the top with everything I have."

Todoroki's expression didn't waver. "Yeah," he replied coldly, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his gaze.

Meanwhile, Bakugou's expression twisted with fury as he glared at Todoroki, annoyed that his rival had declared war solely on Dekiru and not him.

Izuku exited the room, his determination palpable. The class sat in stunned silence, the atmosphere thick with the weight of the exchange.

"Wow, w-who could've guessed that our shy and reserved cinnamon roll could be... intimidating," Ashido finally said, breaking the silence.

"Are you serious? Have you somehow forgotten that our 'shy cinnamon roll' got the villains at the USJ running with their tails between their legs?" Sero asked, his tone incredulous.

"But... at 8%? What the hell does 100 look like?" Mineta asked, shivering like a leaf.

"Knowing Midoriya, there's probably a good reason he doesn't push past his 8%," Tsuyu said thoughtfully, though there was a hint of unease in her voice. "Still, it is a terrifying thought."

"Having such untamed power... I wonder, will I ever be a worthy foe?" Tokoyami muttered to himself, his tone both contemplative and somber.

"That much power must be difficult to restrain," Iida said, rubbing his chin as he analyzed the situation.

"Agreed. But still..." Ojiro glanced at the door Izuku had exited through, his voice tinged with awe. "You can't help but wonder-what does 100% really look like?"

...

"THE UA SPORTS FESTIVAL! THE BIG EVENT WHERE FLEDGLING HEROES SHARPEN THEIR SWORDS ONCE A YEAR! AND HERE THEY ARE! THE MIRACULOUS NEW STARS WHO OVERCAME ENEMY ATTACKS WITH HEARTS OF STEEL! HERO COURSE, CLASS 1-A AND B, RIGHT?!" Present Mic shouted, his voice booming over the loudspeakers, which caused the crowd to roar in excitement. The stands were packed with spectators, waving banners and cheering as the students from Class 1-A and B made their grand entrance. The entire stadium seemed to hum with energy, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

Class 1-A stepped out from the tunnel, with Izuku and Momo leading the way, their classmates walking behind them. As they moved forward, the cheers only grew louder, and the tension in the air was palpable. The pressure of being in front of so many eyes was heavy, but the class stood tall.

Izuku looked around, feeling the intense gaze of thousands of people. He'd never imagined it would be this crowded. "I-I thought it would be empty," Mineta muttered nervously, shifting on his feet and glancing around.

"Oh, man... I didn't think there'd be so many people here," Izuku added, his voice a mixture of awe and anxiety.

Kyouka poked his shoulder, a sly grin on her face. "I think I know why," she said, pointing to a group of figures in the VIP section. There, sitting in their seats with stern expressions, were members of S.A.C.T. - Miruko, Hawks, and others.

Izuku's eyes widened. "If S.A.C.T. is here..." he trailed off, unsure whether to be excited or terrified.

Sero gulped, his expression tense. "If they're watching the first years..."

Tokoyami spoke quietly but firmly, his tone grave. "An All Might-level threat could be among them."

The rest of the class exchanged uneasy glances. It was clear that most were thinking of the same thing: Bakugou. His explosive temper and unchecked power made him a target for suspicion, and the fear of being seen as a threat loomed over the group.

"Wait, how do we know they're not here for Midoriya?" Mineta asked in a hushed voice, casting a glance at Izuku. "He has the power, right?"

The class burst out laughing at the suggestion.

"Mineta, for them to consider you a threat, you'd need to be somewhat villainous," Sero teased, a grin on his face.

"Yeah, you'd need to have the makings of a villain," Kaminari added, looking at Izuku. "And Midoriya is one of the most wholesome, heroic guys I know."

"Thanks, Kaminari," Izuku said with a nervous chuckle, feeling a little embarrassed.

"And Bakugou, on the other hand, is an unhinged maniac," Kaminari said, pointing to the blonde, who scowled back at him with a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"I'll kill you," Bakugou snarled, his voice low but full of malice.

"See what I mean?" Kaminari said, laughing uneasily. "I mean, if they were here for Midoriya, it'd be like imagining Iida going off and doing something really stupid, putting others in mortal danger and going after... Pfft! I don't know, a serial killer or something!Ha!"

Nearby students chuckled at the thought, but Iida didn't find it funny. He shot Kaminari a sharp, reproachful look.

"Yes... quite villainous," Iida said coldly, his voice almost as icy as his glare.

Though Iida tried to maintain his usual composed demeanor, his mind was racing. He couldn't shake the feeling that something didn't add up about Midoriya's past. Quirks didn't appear that late in a person's life. He had suspected Midoriya might have been quirkless for a long time, but the idea that his friend had been bullied-abused, even-was more than he could stomach.

'I'll bring this up with Midoriya later,' he thought to himself. I need to know the truth.

Yaoyorozu, standing nearby, had been watching the exchange carefully. Uraraka, ever optimistic, believed Bakugou and Midoriya had just had a bad falling out.

But Yaoyorozu wasn't so sure. There was something in Bakugou's words, the cruelty in his tone, that didn't add up to a simple misunderstanding. There's something more to this, she thought, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Bakugou. I'll get to the bottom of this.

"In our first battle trial, Midoriya knew Bakugou would come after him," Yaoyorozu thought, her hand cupping her chin as she glanced between the two of them.

She then remembered her earlier conversation with Midoriya how he said he was... Quirkless... Momo's eyes widened in realization her heart sinking in realization.

She shook her head her stomach morphing into knots at the idea.'I'll talk to him when he's ready...'

"I never liked Bakugou," Kyouka thought, her gaze following the blonde. There's something off about him. This doesn't feel like a simple falling out.'Wouldn't be to surprising if the villain they were looking for was him.'

"I know he has something to do with those jerks," Jirou muttered, her voice dark.

"I just hope we can give our best performances, even though there are so many eyes on us," Iida said, trying to push aside his worries. His words were meant to encourage the group, but even he could feel the weight of the crowd's gaze pressing down on them.

Kirishima clapped Bakugou on the back, his grin wide despite the tension in the air. "Man, Present Mic sure knows how to fire people up. How are you feeling, man?" he asked, his voice bright.

Bakugou turned to him, his usual scowl twisting into something more intense-like a hunter about to pounce. "I'm not worried," Bakugou said with a feral grin. "This just makes me wanna win even more."

The crowd erupted in a new wave of cheers as Present Mic's voice rang out again, calling attention to the students from Class 1-B, who were about to take their turn under the spotlight. The energy was electric, but Class 1-A knew they had their own challenges ahead.

"And now, the other class that joined forces with Class A to defeat the villains! Give it up for Class 1-B!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium as Class 1-B made their way onto the field.

"Oh man... this is awesome!" Tetsutetsu yelled, his eyes sparkling as he looked at the roaring crowd.

"Never thought I'd be in a crowd like this," Setsuna chuckled, tossing a piece of her split body in the air before reattaching it.

"Alright, let's go out there and do our best, everyone!" Kendo called out with her usual enthusiasm. The group nodded, shouting in unison, "Yeah, Big Sis!"

Amidst the cheers, Monoma's glare landed on Izuku. His sharp eyes darted to the Omnitrix on Izuku's wrist, his lips curling into a determined smirk. "I don't know why I can't copy your Quirk, but I'll still beat you. I just need the right quirks," Monoma thought bitterly.

Kendo glanced at Izuku, her fists tightening. "I have to prove that I can do this. That I can stand by him!"

"And now, General Studies: Classes C, D, and E!" Present Mic declared. The general studies students walked in with the indigo-haired leader confidently leading the group.

"Next, Support Classes: F, G, and H!" The support course students marched onto the field, one girl smiling brightly as she waved to the crowd.

"And finally, Business Course: Classes I, J, and K!"

The pro hero Midnight, this year's chief umpire, cracked her whip, instantly drawing everyone's attention. "Time for the player pledge!" she announced, stepping forward in her usual risqué outfit—tight leather bodysuit, thigh-high boots, and her signature mask.

The reaction was immediate.

"What is she wearing?" Kirishima stammered, his face flushing a deep red as he tried (and failed) to avert his eyes.

"That's… that's an R-rated hero for you," Denki said, his voice cracking slightly.

"Is it even legal for her to wear that at a high school event?" Tokoyami asked, trying to maintain his composure but clearly flustered.

"YES!" Mineta practically screamed, his nose already leaking a stream of blood as he gave a thumbs-up. His perverted grin stretched wider than ever.

"She's... um, definitely confident," Izuku muttered, glancing at the ground, his face burning as he tried to block out the image in his mind.

"Don't we see her like this everyday what's the big deal?" Jirou said with a deadpanned expression.

"Quiet, everyone!" Midnight snapped, her voice dripping with authority as she cracked her whip again. Her commanding presence sent another ripple of blushes across the students.

"Representing the students is Izuku Midoriya from Class 1-A!" Midnight announced.

The stadium erupted into murmurs, excitement rippling through the crowd. Everyone had heard of the boy who saved All Might and many others.

Izuku's heart pounded like a drum in his chest. His legs felt like lead as he made his way toward the platform, his movements stiff and jerky like a tin man.

"Come on, you can do it! You've earned this!" Ochako called out encouragingly.

"Yeah, you broke All Might's record—give 'em hell!" Jirou said with a grin, nudging his shoulder.

Izuku hesitated, still trembling, until Mina gently pushed him forward. "Yeah, dude! You're our class rep! No one better to represent the first years!" she said with a big grin.

"Makes sense," Sero added, folding his arms with a smile. "Midoriya did finish first in the entrance exam."

A general studies student scoffed. "Only for the Hero Course exams," she muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

Jirou turned, narrowing her eyes at the girl. She crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out. "Nobody asked you, you know."

"Besides," Momo chimed in timidly, "Midoriya also scored the highest in the general exams."

The general studies girl shot daggers at Momo, making her squeak and shrink back slightly. The icy glare shifted to Jirou, who responded with an unbothered smirk, clearly unshaken.

...

"That girl obviously hates us," Sero whispered, his brow furrowed in frustration.

"Yeah, and we've got Bakugou to thank for them not liking our class," Kaminari said, eyeing Bakugou.

"Shut up or I'll kill you," Bakugou seethed through gritted teeth, his glare making Kaminari shrink down.

Izuku made it to the stage and stared at the mic for a few seconds before glancing nervously at everyone else. Sweat beaded all over his body. "Um, H-Hello... My name is Izuku Midoriya. B-But I'm sure you guys already know that... Um... Today is an important day for us all and... uh..."

Izuku's words stumbled out, his mind blank as he stared at the sea of faces before him. His anxiety was getting the better of him, and with every second that passed, it only seemed to grow. The silence felt suffocating as the crowd waited expectantly for his next words.

The audience stayed quiet, and crickets could almost be heard as they observed the boy in anticipation.

Meanwhile, students from other courses began to murmur among themselves, judging Izuku.

"He's the one giving the speech? So lame."

"For a student in the hero course, he doesn't give off the vibe of a hero at all."

"Maybe he doesn't belong here. The judges probably made a fluke."

"And here I thought we'd get something impressive from a student who survived a villain attack. What a letdown."

"He should just get off the stage before he embarrasses himself any more. I know I would."

Izuku looked at the crowd, knowing what he needed to say, what he wanted to say—but his anxiety was crippling. Just as the panic threatened to overwhelm him, he heard the familiar beep.

He looked down at the Omnitrix, which was glowing faintly. A thought shot through his mind. I need to represent the whole first year... I don't have the nerve to stand here and tell them what I need to, but... I know who does. Izuku quickly reached for the Omnitrix.

"Oh no... Dekiru..." Ochako said in concern as she watched her friend. "Come on, say something."

"Tch. Not surprising from Deku," Bakugou muttered, crossing his arms and turning away.

Kirishima scratched the side of his head, watching. "Crap. Midoriya's really blowing it right now... I feel bad for him."

Iida smiled reassuringly at his classmates, raising his hand. "No need to worry. I'm certain Midoriya is just planning his next words. After all, he represents all of us. I'm sure he wants his words to be perfect."

"I sure hope you're right, Iida. But it looks like he's frozen up there." Momo cupped her chin, studying Izuku's stiff posture. "He's definitely the type to get nervous easily."

As the crowd began to sympathize with the green-haired boy, a green flash erupted from the podium, forcing the students and Midnight to shield their eyes. The light was so intense that it nearly blinded them. When it faded, a growl rumbled through the air.

Itsuka and Ochako's eyes widened in fear.

"Oh no... Anyone but him..." Ochako whispered, her voice trembling.

"T-This... This is bad." Itsuka's voice shook with fear.

Midnight's expression turned serious, Aizawa and Present Mic froze in the announcer's booth, their faces clouded with dread.

"Shota... They're gonna hate your class," Present Mic murmured, his usual energy replaced by worry.

"Good thing Midnight's there... She'll subdue him if things get out of hand," Aizawa said grimly.

Ochako and Itsuka trembled, their fears growing. "T-They're gonna hate us..." Ochako muttered, her expression resigned.

"Ochako will be fine as long as no one sets him off..." Itsuka began, but was immediately cut off by a student yelling from the crowd.

"Eh, get off the stage! You're embarrassing—" the student shouted, but their words were drowned out by an earth-shaking roar.

"ROAAAAAARRRR!!!"

Rath's roar blasted through the speakers, its power reverberating across the stadium, rattling the walls and shaking every seat. The sheer force of his voice cut through the air like a thunderclap, silencing the crowd instantly.

Even the pro heroes, usually unfazed by most things, instinctively took defensive stances, caught off guard by the raw intensity that radiated from his roar. Tigers were known for roars that could paralyze, and Rath's was no different.

The tension in the air grew thick as the roar echoed through the stadium. Rath stood at the center of the stage, his massive form demanding the attention of every single person in the arena.

"Let me tell ya somethin', EVERYONE! CLASS 1-A, CLASS 1-B, GENERAL STUDIES, SUPPORT COURSE, AND YOU DAMN PRO HEROES WATCHING!" Rath jabbed his claw at the crowd, his voice booming with unshakable conviction. "RATH IS GONNA WIN THIS FESTIVAL, AND HE'S GONNA BECOME THE NEXT SYMBOL OF PEACE! YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!"

His declaration sent ripples through the audience. Some students clenched their fists in awe, others scoffed in disbelief. A few murmurs broke the silence, but Rath cut through it like a blade.

"SHUT UP AND LISTEN! RATH ISN'T DONE!" His roar silenced the murmurs, leaving the crowd frozen in their seats.

"In my FIFTEEN YEARS OF LIFE, only TWO PEOPLE ever told me I could be a hero! Just TWO!" Rath's voice dripped with rage, but beneath it, there was a raw, undeniable pain. "EVERYONE ELSE? THEY LAUGHED AT ME! They said I was a failure! That I was worthless! That my dream was IMPOSSIBLE!"

The crowd stilled, their breaths caught. Rath's words hit like a freight train.

"They said I'd NEVER STAND WITH THE BEST!" Rath snarled, his claws flexing as his fiery eyes scanned the stunned faces of Class 1-A and 1-B. His glare stopped on Bakugou, piercing and unwavering. "But here I am, standing at the TOP of U.A. WITH A SCORE ALL MIGHT COULD ONLY DREAM OF! His record? 200 points! RATH'S SCORE? 600! THREE DAMN TIMES HIS RECORD!"

A hush fell over the stadium. Even the most skeptical couldn't deny the truth of his words.

"Yeah, THAT'S RIGHT!" Rath shouted, pounding his chest with a resounding thud. "I'm the guy everyone laughed at, the one they said would NEVER make it! And now, I'm here proving every one of those bastards DEAD WRONG!"

He pointed to the crowd with a clawed finger. "You wanna know what I've learned? It doesn't matter what your quirk is! It doesn't matter if people think it's weak or useless! IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER HOW MANY PEOPLE SAY YOU CAN'T BE A HERO!"

Rath slammed his fist into the ground, cracking the stage beneath him. "THE ONLY PERSON WHO DECIDES WHAT YOU'RE GONNA BE-IS YOU!" His voice thundered through the air, carrying the weight of his conviction.

He straightened, scanning the audience with a fierce determination. "You're all standing here at U.A., aren't ya? That means you've already refused to give up! THAT MEANS YOU'VE ALREADY PROVEN YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP GOING!"

His gaze swept across the crowd. "But let me tell ya somethin'-that's not enough! You wanna be a hero? You can't get complacent with what you've got! Being a hero means doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to rise to the top!"

Rath's voice dropped to a low growl, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down spines. "I know what it's like to be the guy everyone laughed at. To be told I'd NEVER be a hero. But guess what? That guy? That guy is ME. And now I'm standing here, at the top of U.A., BECAUSE I DIDN'T GIVE UP!"

He took a step forward, his presence commanding and unyielding. "And as far as I'm concerned, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU is a threat. Not just the Hero Course! EVERYONE! You think I'm gonna underestimate ANYONE? HELL NO!"

The students' eyes widened in shock.

"You're at U.A., the top hero school in the world! That means you've already proven you're willing to fight for your dreams! But the question is-ARE YOU GONNA GO PLUS ULTRA?!"

The stadium erupted into murmurs of awe and determination. General Studies students clenched their fists, their resolve hardening. Support Course students exchanged determined glances. Even Pro Heroes in the audience nodded in silent agreement, inspired by Rath's fiery conviction.

Rath pounded his chest once more, his fiery voice booming through the stadium. "Because let me tell ya somethin'-RATH ISN'T HERE TO WANT TO BE A HERO! RATH IS HERE TO BE THE BEST DAMN HERO THIS WORLD HAS EVER SEEN! AND IF YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME, YOU BETTER DAMN WELL BRING IT! SO, I'M ASKING YOU-ARE YOU ALL GONNA GO PLUS ULTRA OR WHAT?!"

A resounding "Yeah!!" erupted from the crowd, though it lacked the force Rath demanded.

"IM SORRY, RATH CAN'T HEAR YOU!" Rath roared, slamming his fists into the cracked stage. The impact reverberated through the air, shaking the stands. "I ASKED YOU A DAMN QUESTION! ARE YOU GONNA GO PLUS ULTRA OR WHAT?!"

"YEAH!!!" the crowd shouted louder, their voices carrying more conviction.

Rath snarled, his fiery eyes glaring at every corner of the stadium. "FOR GOD'S SAKE, YOU'RE ALL AIMING TO BE HEROES! AND THAT'S ALL YOU CAN MUSTER?! YOU CALL THAT A SHOUT?!"

The crowd hesitated for a brief moment before unleashing a deafening roar. "YEAH!!!" Their combined voices echoed across the arena like thunder.

Rath took a step back, his chest heaving with pride. With a smirk, he reached for the Omnitrix dial on his chest. "That's more like it," he growled. He twisted the dial, and with a flash of green light, Rath's towering frame began to shrink, the primal ferocity of his alien form giving way to the determined figure of Izuku Midoriya.

Now standing as himself, Izuku raised his glowing fist high into the air, his eyes blazing with the same passion Rath had carried. He scanned the crowd-students, Pro Heroes, even the stadium staff. Every single face was now lit with a fiery determination, inspired by his words and unrelenting conviction.

"Then let me hear you scream it at the top of your lungs!" Izuku shouted, his voice carrying Rath's same ferocity. He clenched his fist tighter, the Omnitrix gleaming like a beacon. "GO...!"

The stadium fell silent for a heartbeat, the tension thick in the air, before the crowd suddenly erupted into a deafening cheer, their voices shaking the very foundations of U.A.

"PLUS ULTRA!!!"

Izuku, his chest rising and falling rapidly, panted as sweat glistened on his forehead. His heart raced, his mind still reeling from the moment. He looked up and saw All Might in the stands, a proud smile on his face, clapping in approval.

"Talk about a speech," a pro hero muttered from the stands, clearly impressed.

Izuku's grin stretched from ear to ear, his heart thundering in his chest. He looked out over the sea of faces, catching Momo's gaze. She was smiling at him, clapping, her eyes shining with pride. His stomach fluttered, and he returned her smile with a nod.

'I can't believe I actually did that!' Izuku thought, still trying to process the overwhelming experience. His hands trembled slightly, but his confidence was slowly building. As the crowd continued their applause, Izuku made his way down the stadium stairs, clapping along with them.

Momo clapped more enthusiastically, her heart swelling with pride. She knew how shy and nervous Izuku could be, so seeing him stand tall and deliver a speech like that filled her with admiration.

--

"This isn't just about aiming for the number one hero spot—he's aiming for the symbol of peace!"

"Yeah, they say he's got a quirk that's never been seen before. I'm curious to see what he can do."

"Wait, is this the same kid who saved the entire first year? He's the one who chased the villains away!"

"Manly! Those words hit harder than any punch I've ever blocked!" Kirishima wiped away manly tears, his voice full of admiration. "That was some serious guts, man!"

"Seriously! Midoriya's got my respect now!" another student added, a grin on his face. "He's got the heart of a true hero."

"I never knew that was his goal..." Uraraka said softly, smiling warmly as she watched Izuku interact with the crowd.

"But aiming for the symbol of peace?" Momo said, her voice thoughtful. "That's something you don't hear every day. No one's ever said that before. It's incredible."

"What do you mean?" Kinoko asked, curious.

"Most people want to be the number one hero to prove they're the best," Kendo explained, her eyes following Izuku. "But Midoriya… he's the first person I've met who's aiming to be more than just the strongest. He wants to inspire everyone, to be a symbol."

Her voice softened with admiration as she watched him, her expression proud.

Bakugou scoffed, clearly uninterested. "Please. That nerd will never be number one."

Jirou raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Uh, sure. He totally didn't come in first place in the entrance exam, and definitely didn't top the quirk apprehension test, either."

Bakugou shot her a glare, his lips curling into a scowl. "Tch."

Jirou stood her ground, returning his glare with equal intensity. "You're just mad because you can't stand seeing someone else succeed, huh?"

...

In the audience section, Naomi rolled her eyes. "Wow, he didn't piss himself. Good for you."

"What's your problem with him?" Yubi asked, her tone sharp.

The girl responded with a scoff. "He'll never amount to anything. He's just a worthless nobody." She scowled. "Talking about being the 'symbol of peace' and all that stuff is annoying."

Ishida leaned back, arms crossed, watching with a sneer. "That Deku actually thinks he will be a hero... how delusional."

"He's literally standing up there, representing the first years. Can't you give him a little credit?" Yubi asked, pointing out the obvious. The comment earned a round of laughter from the group, which Yubi found disheartening.

"HA! Deku? That wimp? Please!" one of the students mocked.

"Ahahaha, don't be stupid," another added.

Yubi sighed and shook her head. "If you guys want to remain ignorant, I'm going to sit somewhere else. Haven't you even thought—just maybe—just maybe, we might have been wrong? Shouldn't we grow up, apologize, and stop with the whole 'Deku' thing?"

But everyone just rolled their eyes, dismissing her thoughts. They refused to believe that the "worthless Deku" could amount to anything. They all had ambitions to be in the Hero Course but in the end, were rejected or couldn't measure up. And here was Deku, the "useless" person, proclaiming he would be the best—telling everyone he would surpass them all. It was hard for them to swallow.

--

"The stadium buzzed with energy, the crowd still riding high on Izuku's heartfelt speech.

"FUCK, THAT WAS EMOTIONAL!!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the speakers, electrifying the crowd even further. Cheers erupted anew, and Izuku's face turned crimson as he descended from the podium.

Before he could gather his thoughts, he was suddenly enveloped in an enthusiastic hug. "Midori, that was amazing!!" Toru squealed, her voice bursting with delight. Izuku's face burned as he tried to process the feeling of being hugged by someone he couldn't see. When she pulled away, her invisible presence still left a beaming energy that made him smile despite his flustered state.

Momo stepped forward, her hands clasped politely in front of her. "Yes, that was truly splendid, Midoriya," she said, her voice carrying a gentle warmth that made Izuku's blush deepen.

"See? I knew you could do it," Ochako teased, nudging his arm playfully, her grin infectious.

Jirou smirked, leaning in with her usual dry humor. "Yeah, that was really cool, Green. Though knowing you've got a transformation with Bakugou's personality is kinda terrifying."

Izuku stammered, his words fumbling as the heat in his cheeks spread. He was saved by a shout from the Class 1-B group.

"Midoriya, that was incredible!" Itsuka called, her voice carrying over the growing chatter.

"Yeah, you really hyped up everyone!" Setsuna added with her signature mischievous grin, throwing a playful thumbs-up.

"YEEEEEEEAH! EVERYBODY GIVE IT UP FOR IZUKU MIDORIYA! THAT SPEECH WILL DEFINITELY GO DOWN IN U.A. HISTORY!" Present Mic's voice exploded through the speakers once again, reigniting the cheers.

From the stands, All Might's chest swelled with pride. He clapped loudly, his grin stretched wide across his face. "That's my successor for you! Honestly, I thought he'd start muttering halfway through," he chuckled, his tone filled with nothing but admiration.

Midnight stepped up to the center stage, her usual sultry demeanor commanding attention as she spoke into the microphone. "Alright! Thank you, Midoriya, for that beautiful Student Pledge. You've truly inspired the hearts of everyone here... including mine," she added, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "But we've got to get back on track!"

She cracked her whip dramatically, smirking as the crowd's attention snapped to her. "Now, let's get started right away. The first event will be... this!" She gestured to the screen behind her, and the words lit up in bold letters: OBSTACLE COURSE RACE.

Groans erupted from both Class 1-A and Class 1-B.

"An obstacle course race," Izuku muttered as he read the screen, his brows furrowing in thought.

"What's the matter?" he asked, noticing the collective reaction.

"Midoriya," Mina started, crossing her arms, "how fast is Fasttrack?"

Izuku blinked. "Oh..." Realization dawned on him.

"Dekiru," Ochako said with a sheepish grin, "we're, like, best friends... but I'm kinda hoping you miss-transform."

Izuku's jaw dropped comically. "Uraraka!"

"Sorry!" she replied with an exaggerated sniffle, wiping an imaginary tear. "I'm a terrible friend."

"Yeah, me too," Kaminari chimed in, rubbing the back of his neck with an equally guilty look.

"Traitors!" Izuku cried, his expression one of mock betrayal. "Are you all hoping I miss-transform!?"

The group averted their eyes, feigning innocence, though the guilt on their faces was clear.

With a dramatic sigh, Izuku's shoulders sagged. A dark, defeated aura seemed to settle over him as he clutched the Omnitrix. "But... I'm still going to give it my all!"

"Yeah, we know," Kaminari said, tears streaming down his face in an exaggerated mimicry of Izuku's own emotional tendencies.

...

"As the crowd roared with anticipation, Midnight's voice echoed through the arena. "All 11 classes will participate in this race! The course will circle the outer circumference of this stadium—roughly four kilometers! The rules are simple: as long as you stay on the course, you can do whatever it takes to win. Our school's selling point is freedom!" She licked her lips with a devilish grin. "Now, take your places, everyone!"

Izuku moved to the starting line, gripping his wrist and glancing at the Omnitrix. All Might... His heart pounded as he focused on the first light of the entrance.

Please watch me go beyond... Green lightning crackled around his body as he activated Full Cowl at 8%, his muscles tense with energy. "PLUS ULTRA!" he shouted internally.

Izuku's thoughts raced as the Omnitrix's dial glowed faintly. "Fasttrack's sonic boom is dangerous in tight spaces. I'll hold off for now and get some distance first."

Nearby, Todoroki silently observed. Midoriya won't rush into using Fasttrack. He'll wait, avoid harming others, and try to finish efficiently. Typical.

He narrowed his eyes as the countdown began.

---