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SentinalSlice-The humans of the World Egg have a dormant blueprint for magical circuits in their bodies. Izuku's Quirklessness prevented this blueprint from being damaged and thus the blueprint produced a set of magic circuits for Izuku after absorbing enough ambient magical energy. The existence of this blueprint is a design inaccuracy in Olkoth's mold of humanity and thus goes against the logic of how magic circuits form in normal worlds.

Wickerstein-I appreciate the warning about the AI scammers. I've been doing my best to block as many as I can, but they just don't know when to quit, do they? In other matters, Toru definitely has not taken that expulsion well, but let's trust in Scáthach to keep Toru's head straight!

Thank you to everyone who Favorited, Followed, or Reviewed. Enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia or any Fate works, and they are the properties of their respective creators.

Tournament Uproar VII: Next Level

Student Dorms, Osaka University
Day 22, Afternoon

Like so many others in Japan and even abroad, the students of Osaka University were engrossed in watching the U.A. Sports Festival. For many, however, there was the question of which stage to watch. While the Second-Year Stage tended to have the lowest view counts overall, the choice between the First-Year and Third-Year stages was always a tough one. For this particular group of viewers though, there wasn't even a question on which to watch. After all, one of their own had a sister participating in the third event of the First-Year Stage.

Seated on a large couch in the common area, Shuhei Kendo and his friends watched the clash between Momo Yaoyorozu and Shuhei's younger sister with awe.

Leaning on the back of the couch the orange-haired boy was sitting on, an attractive girl with wool-like pink hair and sheep's horns looked forward at the television with curiosity.

"Hey, Shuhei… wasn't your sister's Quirk enlarging her hands? What was that red burst thing?"

Not shifting his eyes from the screen, Shuhei answered his girlfriend, "I don't know… that's not in her Quirk's repertoire from what I remember. What the heck was that move, sis?"

As he kept looking at his screen, Shuhei regretted his decision to not visit home during Golden Week. He'd spent the time with the Makiochis, but now he wasn't sure he'd chosen right. His kid sister seemed totally different, and he had no idea why.

Next to Shuhei on the couch, a young man with black and lime-green hair shook Shuhei with a laugh.

"Chin up, Shuhei! Gotta cheer on your sister, dude!"

Shuhei smiled at his roommate's action, "You're right, Ogai. Thanks."

'I'll head home sometime soon and ask then… but for now, I gotta do my role as her brother and cheer my sister on!'

"Well, I suppose how she got her power-up doesn't matter much right now. One thing's for certain— I know my kid sister is going to win!"

First-Year Stage, U.A. High School
Day 22, Afternoon

Invigorated by the excitement of battle and the rush of One For All, Itsuka Kendo felt on top of the world.

'This power is incredible… so this is the strength that makes the Symbol of Peace who he is!'

Even if she wasn't accessing the same 100% of One For All that All Might could, the energy thrumming through Itsuka's veins was leaps above what she could achieve before. Before the training at Dagobah Beach and even earlier today, Itsuka couldn't even control her second power, being only able to call upon it in moments of duress or raw instinct.

During the training, Itsuka made the difficult decision to speak to the Servant of one of the otherworlders, Shiro Emiya. That Servant, Ruler, had used a strange golden dagger on Itsuka, allowing Ruler to view the secrets in Itsuka's soul. It had been something the girl had been hesitant to do, but after a lengthy call with All Might, she had accepted the witch's offer. Itsuka's memories after that point were hazy, but Ruler had gotten the information she needed— One For All and Big Fist were clashing.

As humans were not intended to have excessive amounts of Quirk Factor, Itsuka's old and new Quirks were failing to coexist. Big Fist, as her original power, was pushing back against the energies of One For All. Ruler had done what she could, but she had been certain of one thing— Itsuka would never wield One For All on the level of her predecessor.

Yet even with those drawbacks, the power of One For All was still remarkable. Itsuka wasn't sure if this was her pinnacle, but it was certain she was accessing far more of the Quirk than before.

While Kendo was mesmerized by One For All, her opponent watched carefully from across the ruined battlefield. Coalescing her thoughts, Momo Yaoyorozu prepared for her next move.

'That power… I can't afford to take it head-on, possibly not even with a shield. I'll need to approach this carefully.'

As her mind bounded through various possibilities, Momo's thoughts lingered on an interview that the hero Basilion and Gang Orca had given after the Nagoya Disaster, explaining their respective roles in the battle against the Black Knight.

In that battle, Gang Orca's agency had utilized a particular Support Item to great effect, allowing Endeavor to strike the finishing blow.

Itsuka might not be anything like the Black Knight… but Momo was confident that the Orca Agency's tool would serve her well. With a burst of glowing particles, the oddly-shaped gun manifested into her hand. As she primed the tool, Momo's mind harkened back to a conversation she had once had with her late grandfather, Soken Yaoyorozu.

Momo's grandfather, unlike her father, had supported her dreams of heroism and helped her get a recommendation application for U.A. from Yoroimusha.

In the last conversation he had with Momo, Soken suggested that a hero and a scientist weren't that different, and his philosophy on the matter lingered upon Momo's heart.

"Battle is like an experiment. They say no plan survives contact with the enemy… so then, what should you do?"

The ponytail-haired girl watched as Kendo came down from her revelry, the orange-haired girl's eyes practically sparkling with power.

"The answer is to adapt your plan. And keep adapting, until you've won."

In the weeks since their death, Momo had come to accept she had no real love for her parents. They had treated her as a tool, affording not a single iota of familial love. Her grandfather, however, had loved her— just as Rider and her classmates did now.

'I'm not alone anymore, grandfather. I'll show you my growth… I'll show you I can become a hero!'

"Seems despite Kendo's display of raw power, Yaoyorozu isn't going to stop fighting! She's armed herself with a new weapon! This girl loves her guns!"

Aizawa, sitting next to his co-commentator, said nothing. Despite his silence, however, his eyes carefully followed Yaoyorozu as she began to move forward, 'That tool… I see. So that's her strategy.'

Down below, the two fighters once again prepared a clash. As Momo rushed forward, Kendo looked up at her opponent in curiosity.

'A gun? But that shape is more like…!'

Momo, who raised the gun with surprising speed, pressed down on the trigger. From the front of the support item, a stream of gray liquid sprayed out. Kendo, who dodged the shot, watched as the liquid quickly hardened to resemble the ruined floor of the battlefield.

"One of Gang Orca's Cement Guns, huh? Almost did a science project on those. However…"

Launching herself forward at Yaoyorozu, Kendo smiled, "... I'm faster!"

Yet as the orange-haired girl stared into her opponent's eyes, she didn't see surprise. Instead, she saw action. Another tool had already materialized in Yaoyorozu's hand, this one resembling a spotlight with its cover missing.

With a small click, the second tool was fired, sending a carbon-fiber net right at Kendo. The orange-haired girl didn't have time to dodge the projectile and was soon tangled up inside the sturdy net.

"Holy guacamole! Yaoyorozu's on the warpath! Kendo's all netted up!"

Momo, however, knew she hadn't won yet. Raising her cement gun once again, she prepared to hit her tangled target. Yet even while trapped in the net, Itsuka still had a way out. Boosting up into the air, the Ninth User of the One For All enlarged her fist, the carbon fiber net getting pulled right off.

'Unfortunately for Momo, she was a bit too much of a perfectionist when it came to shooting this. I got hit pretty much head-on.'

Present Mic didn't waste time, and got right to giving his commentary, "And just like that, Kendo has escaped the net! What will Yaoyorozu try next?"

Momo frowned at the words of the Voice Hero, the implications of his words clear. She had to think up something new— and fast.

'Kendo's already descending. However… I still have one card to play. I'll finish this now.'

Attaching a small supplementary add-on to her Cement Gun, she aimed carefully at Kendo, who just returned to the battlefield's broken surface.

Momo's gun discharged, sending a small green dart racing toward the Class 1-A vice-rep. At that moment, Kendo's eyes suddenly changed once again, becoming a brilliant green color.

The green-eyed Kendo then calmly leaned her body back before her eyes returned to their normal teal hue.

Before Itsuka could ponder the odd gap in her memory again, she felt the whistling of Momo's attack passing just next to her body.

'That's…!'

She recognized the dart from the battle that she, Momo, and Jiro had against Tomura Shigaraki in the U.S.J. Attack.

'She tried to tranquilize me? That's insane!'

Just as quickly as surprise overwhelmed her, Kendo reigned her thoughts back in.

'Focus, Itsuka. She just made her shot… now's my chance!'

Gambling on the fact that Momo's attachment didn't seem to have the space for a second dart, Kendo rushed forward.

"Sorry Momo… I'm finishing this. For real this time."

Grabbing Momo's cement gun, Kendo enlarged her fist slightly and squeezed, crushing it with the combined strength of Big Fist and One For All.

Yet suddenly, a stinging pain shot through Kendo's hand, and it wasn't from being cut by metal scrap. Pulling her fist away and shrinking it back to normal size, Kendo's eyes widened. Protruding out of Yaoyorozu's hand was a second dart, only partially formed.

Regardless, it was enough. Instantly, Itsuka's consciousness began to flicker. With only seconds to spare, Itsuka made a last desperate attack, kicking with all the strength she could still muster in her fading state.

Momo, not expecting Itsuka to stay conscious that long, didn't have enough time to react. Although her Quirk had already begun to produce materials for a large shield, her moment of assurance had cost her.

Simultaneously, the two girls fell and flew. Just as the buzzer went off for a victory, Itsuka crumpled to the floor from the tranquilizer.

In the last milliseconds before she hit the ground, Kendo heard the same gentle voice she'd heard earlier in the battle echo in her head.

"Good job, Ninth."

With both fighters down, the stadium was quiet. U.A. had yet to announce a victor, so they waited in quiet anticipation as Cementoss and Midnight rushed to assess the two girls.

Cementoss was first, reaching Momo's side before nodding to Midnight, who nodded back. Both teachers then signaled up to the commentators, who were busy looking over the footage. Pausing on a particular frame, Aizawa nodded to his compatriot. It was slight, but Momo's body had exited the battlefield before Kendo's body had fully collapsed. With no quick way to determine how cognizant Kendo was after being tranquilized, they knew what call had to be made.

Grabbing his microphone, Present Mic excitedly announced the results, "With mere frames of footage to decide it… the winner, by ring out, is Itsuka Kendo!"

In the wake of the announcement, the crowd roared in excitement. It was one of the closest battles that the Sports Festival had seen in years, a battle decided by less than a second of footage.

Called by Midnight and Cementoss, U.A.'s medical robots had already come to carry Momo and Itsuka away to the infirmary for treatment. Itsuka's condition in particular was of concern. They had no idea how weak or strong the tranquilizer Momo used was. While they severely doubted Momo would have used a lethal dosage, there was the very real possibility of a miscalculation being made in the heat of battle.

"Folks, what an incredible match! From earth-shattering force to tranquilizer darts, we saw it all in this battle. This is what the Sports Festival is all about folks! This is PLUS ULTRA!"

Aizawa then cut into the commentary, "We've had to say this more than I'd like… but as with prior moments of concern, we would also like to reassure you that Yaoyorozu and Kendo are both on their way to the infirmary as we speak. They'll be receiving treatment by Recovery Girl."

"In the meantime folks, we'll be moving on to the next match! Please get yourselves ready, because it's time for another 1-A showdown! Stand up and make some noise, because we've got Katsuki Bakugo facing down with Fumikage Tokoyami! An epic battle of explosions and shadow!"

As the medical bots ferried the unconscious Kendo and Momo to the infirmary, the souls within One For All found themselves immersed in conversation.

The most rambunctious of their number, Daigoro Banjo, shouted at his predecessor, Hikage Shinomori, "Oi, Hikage! Don't think we didn't catch that! You sneaking out and swapping with the little lady like that!"

The Fourth User of One For All sighed at his successor, "I'll admit I took her place for a moment… but we all wanted Ninth to win, didn't we? It is not as though I was the first to interfere. Bruce manifested before I did."

The spirit of the Seventh User, Nana Shimura, hummed in agreement, "Yes, speaking of… Kudo, Yoichi. You both shut down the argument earlier when Bruce jumped out to take Ninth's place. I think it's time you explained. I thought we were trying to avoid manifesting after what that Servant did to us?"

Bruce and Kudo stayed silent, as Yoichi moved forward to explain, "It was my suggestion. While what you say is true, it was necessary to verify that things worked as intended. Fear not, though. Since Itsuka Kendo is still unaware of our presence within her, the manifestations should not jeopardize our existence. Although that does limit us to mere seconds."

The black-haired Sixth User, En Tayutai, mused underneath his high collar, "Then perhaps we should never tell her? Perhaps we can end this cycle ourselves."

Yoichi shook his head, his messy white hair swaying with the motion, "If only we could… but we all know that isn't realistic. It took Yagi everything he had to beat my brother, and even that was a miracle. I am sure the chaos of this 'Holy Grail War' will lead to the final battle of All For One and One For All… and none of us, not even Itsuka, will be exempt."

Hikage nodded somberly, "Yes. And even if circumstances were different, had we ended up in the hands of someone Quirkless like Izuku Midoriya… I have a feeling this Quirk would still be at its end. One For All has grown beyond what a single human can handle. We need to end this battle before Itsuka's life force is burnt out."

Nana turned toward the Fourth User, her fellow user's face pensive with memories of the past. She knew what was on his mind— the end of his life, when the very Quirk he vowed to sustain began to cause his body to age rapidly, "Shinomori..."

Hikage raised his fist to chest level, assurance filling his voice, "I won't deny that I've always been the most cautious of us. I did not even fight All For One. And yet, even I know we must stake everything on this."

Kudo, who had remained largely silent until now, finally spoke. As he did so, his mind flashed back to that fateful battle in the sewers all those years ago, where Yoichi had lost his life, "We can't afford to cower. We all knew the burden of accepting this Quirk. We're going to finish this battle with All For One… once and for all."

The seven spirits of One For All smiled, while the fiery yellow echo of Toshinori flickered in the background. Yoichi looked toward a large teal-colored sun, which glowed at the edge of the yawning black abyss of One For All.

"We won't be able to assist you anymore in the festival, Itsuka. But even so, we have your back. You've got one win under your belt, so try and take yourself to the top."

Nomu Factory, Kamino Ward
Day 22, Afternoon

In his lair beneath a warehouse in the Kamino Ward, All For One listened intently to a play-by-play radio broadcast of the U.A. Sports Festival. In the past, before the era of the Symbol of Peace, the pinnacle of villainy had made it a habit of carefully watching and analyzing all three stages of the festival. Even now, blinded as he was after his clash with All Might five years ago, he still made a point of continuing this yearly ritual. The lack of eyes did make things more tricky, but All For One had ways around such things. Thanks to the presence of Nezu, he knew not to try hijacking a drone like he did in Nagoya. The rat was smart and would have noticed such an abnormality in U.A.'s radius. But as it happened, All For One did not even need to bother using his Quirk to gather the intel he needed. Instead, he made use of a radio station that helped the visually impaired experience sporting events. The nature of the medium did force All For One to wait for information about the Second and Third-year stages, but the villain had always been primarily concerned about the First-year stage anyway.

The Sports Festival was a vital part of All For One's planning, for having knowledge of the newest neophytes of hero society was key to his preparations. Even if the Grail War had moved his timetable around, the Symbol of Evil knew that numerous special threats could still rise in opposition to him— especially the Masters he had discovered within the first-year classes.

'The U.S.J. Attack proved it to me even further— my original intentions for Tomura are utterly changed.'

Prior to joining the Grail War, the Symbol of Evil had plotted to use Tomura Shigaraki as a method of succession. He would cultivate the former Shimura's hatred through overt operations, igniting a series of conflicts that would eventually lead All Might to confront and subdue him. Once "defeated", All For One would wait for Garaki to finish cultivating Tomura as a vessel of hatred— turning the young man into an avatar capable of stealing even One For All. Then, using his inextinguishable link to his own Quirk, All For One would crush Tomura's consciousness… and rise as a true Demon King, reborn into an unstoppable incarnation of destruction.

That had been the plan, at least, until the Grail came into the picture. Francesca Prelati's trustworthiness was flimsy at best, but All For One still felt confident that the Grail itself existed. Lancer and Berserker themselves were proof, and Jester Karture's work in Nagoya could not be explained as anything but magic. Even if the Grail could not grant any wish as Francesca claimed, All For One was sure it would serve as a source of great power. And like any power in this world, the Symbol of Evil would claim it as his own.

'Tomura would have made a fine vessel… but my timetable has been forcibly altered. This long cycle of One For All users will have to end before I can cultivate him fully.'

For generations, Mukuro Shigaraki had warred with this troublesome Quirk passed down from his brother. Yoichi, Kudo, Bruce, Lariat, Gaen, Daxia… and then All Might. After five years, All For One was itching for a rematch with his most hated enemy.

'It is not enough to destroy him. I must deal with his successor as well. However…'

Before the Sports Festival began, All For One had felt assured in his belief that All Might's successor was Itsuka Kendo. Yet now, after hearing about Izuku Midoriya's triumphs, he couldn't help but wonder if he had been too hasty. Could it be that All Might had heard about Midoriya's kidnapping and approached him then?

It seemed strange, but Midoriya was also the exact sort of fool that All Might would have resonated with. The Symbol of Evil needed more data on the two before he made a final assertion.

There were other potential threats to be considered as well. He was already aware of the risk of U.A.'s so-called "Big Three" Third-Years, but there were plenty of rising stars among the First-Years as well. Masters aside, individuals such as Shoto Todoroki and Hitoshi Shinso had caught the Symbol of Evil's interest.

'And then there is you… Katsuki Bakugo.'

Eager to learn more about one of the potential special threats to his rise to power, All For One focused intently on the radio play-by-play. Their coverage of Itsuka Kendo's victory was wrapping up, and very soon, All For One would have a new battle to analyze.

Chuckling lightly, Mukuro Shigaraki's scarred face stretched into a wide grin. Soon, in a few quick weeks, everything was going to come to a head. Soon, the final clash between hero and villain would occur. And from the ashes of One For All and heroism, he would rise to usher in a new era of villainy for Japan. An era under the rule of a Demon King.

First-Year Stage, U.A. High School
Day 22, Afternoon

"No more delays folks! We've got the battlefield all fixed up, and our previous battlers healing up at the infirmary, so it's time to get the battles underway once again! Coming up first, it's our confident speech-giver who placed first on the entrance exam! He's the middle school celebrity whose got an attitude that's impossible to handle— it's Katsuki Bakugo!"

Deepening his scowl at Present Mic's words, Bakugo locked eyes with his opponent. Despite the ferocity contained within Bakugo's expression, the bird-headed boy did not flinch.

'Midoriya… I know not your connection to Bakugo. However, I shall show him the power of darkness.'

"Like Bakugo, our second competitor is another finalist from Class 1-A. He's a bird-headed dramatist who was one of our Cavalry Battle powerhouses— it's Fumikage Tokoyami!"

Standing with his hands in his pocket, Bakugo continued to keep his eyes on Tokoyami, although he did not say a word.

"Let's not leave our battlers standing around! Ready… START!"

The moment the start buzzer sounded, Tokoyami burst into action, Dark Shadow unfurling itself.

"Dark Shadow… as we planned."

"On it!"

Recalling knowledge Midoriya had shared about Bakugo before the Cavalry Battle, Tokoyami already knew how his opponent would respond to his approach. Watching intently, the boy watched as Bakugo's right arm swung back in preparation for his first blow.

'There it is… the right hook.'

As Tokoyami continued his current course, however, a chill ran down his spine. Seeing small crackles on Bakugo's right arm, his eyes widened as a massive explosion tore through the arena. He'd expected Bakugo to use his Quirk to attack, but not to this degree.

'Was he holding back in the previous events?'

Bakugo snarled at Tokoyami, eager to continue the fight, "Try as you might, birdbrain… I'll crush you like the extra you are."

Putting his hands together, Bakugo made a small explosion while his red eyes gleamed with obsession, "Just get the hell out of my way. I got Fat Hands and Deku to slam into the dirt."

Despite realizing the odds of victory were even thinner than he had thought, Tokoyami remained defiant, "You are strong, Bakugo. Stronger than anyone I've faced before, even after the U.S.J. Attack. However, if you think I will simply stand aside…"

Behind Tokoyami, Dark Shadow grew as large as it could, its golden eyes gleaming. Like a black coat, it guarded Tokoyami from the sun, shrouding the boy in darkness.

"… then it falls to me to correct that misunderstanding. That is to say… bring it on."

Bakugo muttered something under his breath before yelling back, "Bring it on, huh… YOU ASKED FOR IT, BIRDBRAIN!"

Pro Hero Seating, U.A. High School
Day 22, Afternoon

Up in the seats of the First-Year Stage, a man with blonde hair and vast red wings peered down at the unfolding battle between Bakugo and Tokoyami.

His eyes moved discerningly under his yellow visor, his brain already working out the various ways the battle would go.

Next to the man, dressed in a tan turtleneck sweater, black skirt, and brown leggings was a curvaceous woman of Chinese descent. She had long black hair that reached her thighs, and a set of golden loop earrings hung from her ears.

In the minds of the Pro Heroes looking enviously at the Winged Hero, she was likely some sort of foreign actress or supermodel, a bombshell that only someone like the No.3 could hope to bag from overseas.

That of course, was not the nature of the two's relationship. The man, the Pro Hero Hawks, was a Master of the Holy Grail War. The woman, whom his colleagues probably assumed to be his girlfriend, was in fact his Servant Xuanzang Sanzang, the first True Caster of the Grail War.

Now admittedly, for the sake of disguising the War's existence, Hawks had told security that Caster was his girlfriend "Chen Yi". He knew that the press would have a heyday with it, but trying to pass Xuanzang off as a sidekick would have been difficult.

'Besides, once the war is over, I'll just say we broke up and the tabloids will go back to trying to hook me up with Usagiyama.'

One more thing Hawks had been glad he had anticipated was the presence of other Servants. Caster had told him that Command Spells tended to be granted to those with strong desires, and while he had become a hero through an abnormal method, Hawks still knew about the ardent hopes and dreams of Heroics students. If there was to be any place sure to have at least one Master and Servant, it was U.A. High School. Given the magical detection array Caster had sensed around the entire First-Year Stage, Hawks knew his theory was almost certainly correct.

'Guess that means U.A. is home to the other True Caster? Or maybe the False Caster? Eh, this whole line-up of false and true is confusing. Either way, they probably have a Caster. Although maybe detection could be an Assassin's thing? These classes seem pretty nebulous. After all, if Sun Wukong can qualify for every single class, it's gotta have some leeway. Never heard of him using a sword or bow before.'

Hawks had luckily managed to slip in Caster seemingly undetected where the Grail War was concerned. Thanks to her civilian clothes and some sutra she's chanted, she now appeared totally normal (or as normal as a woman with drop-dead gorgeous looks could be). Hawks could sense the jealousy all around him and sighed.

'Maybe framing her as my girlfriend wasn't my best option. Caster seems fine about it though, so I suppose it's whatever.'

Setting the troubles aside, Hawks once again focused on the battlefield, a small smile forming as he watched Tokoyami block another blast from Bakugo.

Next to him, Xuanzang looked over curiously, "See something you like, Discip— er, Keigo? Is one of those two drawing your attention?"

Hawks nodded, "Yep. He might be fated to lose, but I like my fellow bird's spirit. Might have to recruit him for an internship."

"Internship, internship… no, I don't suppose I understand."

Hawks chuckled, "Guess Buddha didn't tell you that, huh? I'm talking about Heroics Internships. Pros like me come here to scope out what first-years we like, and give them offers to study under us after the Sports Festival. It's something that all the Hero Schools— U.A., Shiketsu, Ketsubutsu, and the like— all participate in, although not quite all at the same time. U.A.'s up first, so that Tokoyami kid will be my first and maybe only intern this year. And well, ever, to be honest."

"You keep making predictions, my Discip— oh um… Keigo. First, you are sure the boy will lose… and now you're certain he'll study under you? Have you reached enlightenment perhaps?!"

Hawks sighed, "No, I'm not enlightened. But I have plenty of battle experience. I've learned to get a feel for how things go in these fights. As for the second one… well, I am the third most popular Hero in this entire country."

Truth be told, Hawks wasn't sure how much time he'd have for Tokoyami should the boy indeed accept his future offer. With the Grail War taking up so much of his focus and his general way of doing things, he doubted he'd be able to give the boy the same level of attention as heroes like Edgeshot or Best Jeanist. Then again, it wasn't as though he'd be the only hero with a reputation for disappointing internships. The girls who Uwabami lured in for her internships always came back annoyed, having learned nothing but an unnecessary amount of detail about the advertising process.

'If a student is really worth their salt, they'll learn something even from a boring internship. So Tokoyami… just how will you spread your wings under me?'

HPSC Headquarters, Tokyo
Day 22, Afternoon

Reaching the end of a well-illuminated hallway, a short aqua-haired woman rapped her knuckle against a large wooden door. She was dressed in a dark blue dress suit, and cradled in her arm was a large file bound with string.

In response to the knock, a calm yet commanding voice spoke from behind the door after a moment of waiting.

"Come in."

Opening the door, Mutsubi Oshari, personal secretary to the President of the HPSC, Tsukine Amakado, walked purposefully up to the large wooden desk at the back of the room.

"Madam President. I've brought the documents you requested."

The President of the HPSC accepted the documents, her expression stony even in a moment of gratitude, "Thank you, Oshari. Is this everything?"

"Yes. This is everything we've been able to dig up in regards to sightings of Lady Nagant."

Leafing through the papers, Amakado frowned, "It's far less than I was hoping for. Several weeks, and this is all we have? Tch… if I didn't know it was too risky, I'd have forced Hawks to deal with this incompetence."

The President of the HPSC had not been in a good mood as of late. With the backlash from Nagoya and the escape of a prisoner from Level Six of Tartarus, the Japanese government had been breathing down the HPSC's neck. Instead of letting the HPSC act as they pleased, they were reaffirming their legislative controls on the HPSC, forcing the commission into a troublesome position.

Amakado, however, was drawn out of her frustrated thoughts by a question from her secretary, "Madam President, why can't we use Hawks again? He's been fully recovered from his injuries in Nagoya for some time."

The President sighed, "Unfortunately, Lady Nagant is a risky target to send Hawks after. She was his predecessor, after all… I don't want to risk her turning him to her side. He is not even aware of her escape, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Hawks's actions were an increasing area of concern for the HPSC President. Ever since Nagoya, he'd seemed to be increasingly evasive, giving the bare minimum on his reports to the HPSC. In his latest bout of strange actions, he'd apparently gotten a girlfriend of all things, if the report she'd received this morning was true.

'We may have not bugged his apartment or agency due to his perceptiveness, but for him to enter a relationship completely outside of our notice? It's preposterous. Not to mention my attempts to gain information on this "Chen Yi"... it's clearly an alias. No such woman exists, and the name itself was just stolen from a fictional monk or something. Who exactly is this woman?'

Glancing back down at the files, Amakado's mind began to try and link these strange threads together, 'Hawks… Chen Yi… Lady Nagant's escape… there's strange circumstance after strange circumstance, and I don't like it.'

Amakado was no fool. There was a pattern happening in Japan, a pattern of strange and powerful people appearing out of nowhere like Jester Karture, "Archer", and "False Assassin". That was even further compounded by the chaotic incidents happening one after another. The brazen attack on Nagoya, the undersea crater near the coast of Kumano and Owase, and then the recent attack on the U.S.J. Facility… the President felt as though everything that was happening was part of a grand performance she was not aware of, and she didn't like it.

Looking up at her patiently waiting secretary, the President gave her orders while handing back the file on Lady Nagant, "Oshari. Head to records and get the files on Nagoya and the U.S.J. Attack. Bring all three sets of files to analytics. I want a fresh analysis on all three events— now."

Oshari nodded, using her free hand to salute her boss, "Yes, Madam President!"

After her secretary left the room, Amakado turned to look out the reinforced glass windows of her office, her mind focused, 'Whatever the hell is happening in my country, I must get to the bottom of it. Even if hell itself is rising, the HPSC must remain in control. We rose from the ashes of the dark era… and we will not lose this societal paradigm, no matter the cost.'

Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture
Day 22, Afternoon

"And wham! With another brutal strike from Bakugo, Tokoyami is blown back yet again! This might be it for the shadow-clad crusader!"

In a dingy motel room in the city of Fujiyoshida, Kaina Tsutsumi laid a poorly washed bed, watching the battles of the Sports Festival's First-Year Stage.

Kaina, who was dressed in an oversized gray hoodie and sweatpants, couldn't be said to be happy with her current accommodations. The room was grimy and stunk of things Kaina didn't want to know the source of, while the static-ridden audio of the room's cheap television was constantly competing to be heard over the sounds of sex coming from one of the neighboring rooms.

Yet it was the best Kaina could afford. It was cheap dives like this that didn't ask questions, and being a Tartarus escapee and all, that was very important to her continued freedom.

Besides, in the present moment, Kaina's attention wasn't on the shitty accommodations or her noisy neighbors. It wasn't even on the events of the First-Year stage, where the screen showed Tokoyami's defenses finally crumbling to Bakugo's onslaught. It was on her own memories, of times when she was a little girl with a bright smile and a sailor uniform.

'I loved watching the Sports Festival back then, didn't I? Yet now…'

While a younger and more innocent Kaina had delighted watching U.A. students duke it out year after year, her experiences being an HPSC enforcer had changed her. She had seen the worst side of hero society, and it had affected her view on heroics as a whole. Where before she saw role models in the U.A. students, she saw future victims of the HPSC's regime.

Her feelings on the Sports Festival were further clouded by her present circumstances. She wasn't just Lady Nagant, a Tartarus escapee. She was a Master of the Grail War, albeit one with a precarious relationship with her Servant. She could only call upon Assassin three times, and then her life would be forfeit.

In the weeks since her April escape from Tartarus, Kaina had taken the time to properly unpack the rush of information that her Servant had given her. By means she didn't understand, Assassin had shared his knowledge from the Throne of Heroes with her, providing her with an understanding of the Moonlit World and the ritual to achieve Heaven's Feel. It was unbelievably valuable knowledge, surpassing perhaps even a magus's level of understanding. Yet, despite all she knew, Kaina still felt as though there was no path forward.

She did not know where the Grail was, the overseer (if that was who 'Francesca Prelati' was) did not seem trustworthy, and her Servant's rules prevented her from using him in normal combat. Kaina might be able to use her sniping and martial arts skills against a human opponent, but she knew she had no chance against a Servant. What use were curved bullets when her opponents could move fast enough to catch them?

Then suddenly the answer came to her.

"The Shie Hassaikai…"

During her time under the HPSC, Kaina had encountered the powerful Yakuza group several times. She'd only met the Boss himself once, but she'd interacted with his lieutenant on numerous occasions.

'I know Chisaki's not the sort that's worth trusting, but if I can use him to get to his Boss… I might be able to join up with the Shie Hassaikai. That would give me a heading too.'

Kaina did not know where the main compound of the group was, but she did know about their branch in Hosu.

'I'll need to move there carefully. Hosu may have a degree of prominence in the underworld, but it's also part of Tokyo. The HPSC's influence will be thicker.'

Kaina clenched her fist, 'Assassin's blade is still against my neck… but now I have a way forward. And that is better than nothing.'

Ironically, unbeknownst to Kaina, her Servant was not watching her closely at that moment. Although the Second Assassin of the Holy Grail War possessed the omniscience befitting of a true reaper, his focus was currently directed not on Kaina, but at the very events she had been observing on the motel's cheap television.

Guided by an interest gleaned in the weeks prior, the King of Assassins had set his eyes upon a certain fighter amongst U.A.'s first-year classes— a girl with jacks extending from her ears.

Student Seating, First-Year Stage
Day 22, Afternoon

"Aww… Tokoyami lost."

Looking over at a pouting Ochaco Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui nodded, "Yes, but he fought well, kero."

Mina Ashido was next to chime in, giving a cry of energetic agreement, "Heck yeah! Tokoyami was super tough in that fight!"

Shoji crossed his arms, "With that battle though, we're in the Quarter-Finals now."

Indeed, as Shoji spoke, Present Mic was in the process of announcing the beginning of the semi-finals, and the bracket was being overviewed by the crowd.

Looking at the first match, Kaminari grimaced, "Yikes… I forgot Jiro's gonna be fighting Todoroki next. Tough luck."

Behind him, however, a feminine voice responded to his words, "Is Jiro's match about to start?"

Turning, the members of Class 1-A saw the familiar face of Momo Yaoyorozu coming out into the seating area.

Ashido turned with a smile, "Yaomomo! You're back!"

Yaoyorozu nodded, "Yes, Recovery Girl just cleared me to leave the infirmary."

Rikido Sato spoke up next, "How's Kendo? You did something to her in your match, right?"

Yaoyorozu's smile thinned, still slightly bitter about her loss, "I tranquilized her. Recovery Girl said she would be fine to continue though."

Mineta blanched, "A-A tranquilizer?"

Yaoyorozu blinked, "Yes, a tranquilizer. Is something wrong?"

Ochaco laughed, "It's just so intense, Yaoyorozu! You were creating like crazy down!"

Yaoyorozu chuckled in response to Ochaco's words, but in reality, her mind was elsewhere.

'That match against Kendo… even with her unexpected abilities, I wasn't decisive enough. I tried to force the fight into my tempo, but I was too worried about Kendo to make a finishing blow.'

Momo had been mentally analyzing her fight ever since she woke up, considering what else she might have done.

'I need to keep getting stronger. I know this isn't my limit… but I'm not sure what I'm missing. Rider, grandfather… I wish both of you were here to guide me.'

As Momo pondered, she was shaken out of her thoughts by Kirishima, "Outcome aside, Yaoyorozu… you killed it out there! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!"

Asui piled on to Kirishima's words, "Plus, looks like the Pros liked what you had to show. Your Quirk is really versatile, and they definitely noticed that, kero."

Momo's eyes widened in partial realization as she mumbled, "Maybe… that's it?"

Aoyama sparklingly noticed her mumbling, "Oh, is something on your mind, mademoiselle Yaoyorozu?"

Momo shook her head, but Aoyama was right. There was something important on her mind, 'That's right… this was a 1v1, but in the world of pros, I won't be alone. It's just like the Grail War— where Rider and I are a team, or that alliance the Principal organized. I still need to get stronger for my own sake… but I'm never going to be alone. Not anymore. Even there in that battle, Kendo and I's bond strengthened. It's not just strength I need… but friends and comrades.'

Before Momo could reflect further, the voice of Present Mic boomed across the stadium.

"Let's make some noise, everybody! It's time for the semi-finals! From here on out, everybody has shown us that they have what it takes to win… but can they keep up the momentum?"

After giving a moment for the crowd to roar, the Voice Hero continued, "Now, for our first match… these fighters already got my spirited introductions, but I'm not one to skimp on commentary. So let's get on with the role call!"

As the two fighters, Todoroki and Jiro, emerged from the tunnels of the stadium, they were backed by introductions from Present Mic.

"First up, it's the boy who needs no introduction but is getting one anyway! He's the harbinger of frosty decimation with a fiery determination— IT'S SHOTO TODOROKI!"

Todoroki stayed silent as he stepped up to the battlefield amidst a roar of applause. He would finish this as quick as Round 1, and further cement the power of his mother's ice in the minds of the crowd.

"Up against him is a girl who conquered the lightning with her wild beat— IT'S KYOKA JIRO!"

Jiro, who stepped up with a lesser backing of fanfare, could feel a bead of sweat moving down her brow. This would be the moment that everything came to a head. Todoroki's Quirk was a steep mountain to climb, but her training on Dagobah Beach hadn't been for nothing.

"BATTLE… START!"

At Present Mic's signal, Todoroki roared into action. Just like in the first round, he swung his arm, unleashing a deluge of ice toward Jiro. As the wave ebbed closer, Jiro retracted her jacks as much as possible. She couldn't afford to have them get frozen in the first strike.

'This is it… this is where I'll show the fruits of my training. I'm not going to go down as easily as Kirishima, Todoroki. I'll break your ice… and take you down!'

Dagobah Beach, Mustafu
Several Days Ago…

Following her Servant onto one of the concrete seawalls of Dagobah Beach, Kyoka Jiro finally voiced the question on her mind, "Saber, why are we going over here? Aren't we in the middle of training?"

Indeed, as Kyoka indicated, the rest of the group was back on the sands of Dagobah, facing off against Shiro Emiya in combat training. Calling upon the training style he had received from his own former Servant, Artoria Pendragon, Shiro had proven to be a brutal instructor. Glancing back at the beach, Jiro winced as she watched Shiro slam his tiger-strap bokken into Izuku Midoriya's gut, sending the green-haired boy flying.

'Well, maybe taking a break from Mr. Shiro's beatdowns isn't so bad…'

Kyoka's gaze was broken by Saber's response to her query, "The answer will come in a moment, Master. Now please, come take my hand."

Turning back around, Jiro saw her Servant now waiting underneath a large gazebo that was built on the end of the seawall. Doing as he said, she slowly put her hand into Richard's own.

"What's all this about?"

Richard smiled, "Well, it's quite simple— I'd like for you to be able to move when we head in. Now then…"

Suddenly, the air under the gazebo seemed to be charged with a strange energy, as Saber's voice echoed out with a new weight to it, "Play the Lion's Melody on the Round Cross… Rounds of Lionheart!"

The moment Saber spoke, the world seemed to spiral away, as the landscape transformed into the expanse of a seemingly infinite castle.

Jiro's eyes bulged in shock, "Wha-What the…"

Removing his hand from her own, Saber gestured out to the battlements and towers of the castle, "I welcome you, Master… to my Noble Phantasm, Rounds of Lionheart."

"A Noble Phantasm? Saber, what is this place?"

Richard thought for a moment, "How best to explain it… oh, if only Nimue were still here…"

Before Saber could think up a proper answer, a friendly voice cut in, "Signorina, majesty… allow me to explain."

Looking at the speaker, Jiro could see it was some sort of monk or abbot, dressed in traditional robes. His hair was cut in a style befitting his profession, but his face was decorated by a thick stubble.

The man bowed to Jiro politely, "I am Joachim, signorina. A humble monk and a vassal summoned under the Ruler class."

"Ruler… isn't that supposed to be that pale lady that Mr. Shiro commands?"

Joachim smiled, "Indeed… but I am not a Servant in the traditional sense. You see, your Servant, his majesty King Richard, has a most unusual Noble Phantasm. Through it, he calls upon multiple vassals to join him when he is summoned from the Throne of Heroes. The exact number depends on the Master, but in your case, Richard has come along with three vassals. There is myself, the Sub-Ruler, and my two companions."

Gesturing towards two men elsewhere in the strange space, Joachim introduced them to Jiro. Starting by pointing at a gray-haired elderly man dressed in a cuirass, the monk introduced the first vassal, "The Sub-Servant of the Rider class, Sir William Marshal."

Joachim then gestured to a man with white hair and bloodstained leather armor, whose golden eyes seemed to pierce Jiro's very soul, "The Sub-Servant of the Avenger class, Mercadier the Mercenary."

Finally, Joachim turned back towards Jiro, "We were also briefly joined by Lady Nimue, but alas, she only had limited time with us."

Kyoka gulped, shocked at her Servant's ability, "I still don't understand though… what is this place?"

"Think of it like a shared dream. Your physical body remains under that gazebo, but your mind has been drawn into the fantasy in Richard's soul. Normally you would be unable to move, but as his Master you have further autonomy."

"I see… but why am I here?"

William was the one to answer that, "You are here to learn, Lady Jiro. Our liege wishes for Joachim to assist you by sharing our king's knowledge of a new strength. A strength he believes you are capable of wielding."

"A new strength?"

Richard smiled, "It is a part of my story that I believe helped guide the Throne to bind our destinies together, Master. As soon as I learned about what your Quirk was capable of, I could not help but be reminded of a man I met during my crusading in Israel."

Joachim nodded in agreement with Richard, "However, a simple story would not suffice… not to mention our king tends to embellish such things with a minstrel's touch. I, however, can use my holy gifts to draw out his memories. I can help you to see exactly what you must see, without staking it on the chance nature of the Dream Cycle."

Jiro, strangely nervous, gave her reply, "I… okay. If it means I'll get stronger, I'll do it. I'll watch whatever you need me to."

Mercadier smirked and William nodded in approval as Joachim laughed, "Wonderful. Now then… this will feel a bit strange. And remember, this is all just a memory. You shall not be seen, heard, or harmed. The past is stone, and shan't be changed."

"Right. Just a memory."

Richard waved as Joachim walked closer to Jiro, "See you soon, Master!"

The abbot then put his thumb to Jiro's forehead, and a yellow light enveloped Jiro's vision as her mind was torn into an even deeper vision.

A vision of events over a thousand years in the past, set within the Third Crusade. A story set in the year 1192, outside the fortress-city of Jaffa…

First-Year Stage, U.A. High School
Day 22, Afternoon

Having sent a wave of ice at Jiro, Todoroki was sure the battle was already at the cusp of finality. This same move had soundly defeated Kirishima— what hope did Jiro have?

As Todoroki expected, when the ice reached Jiro, it exploded out, producing a sizeable prison of frozen water. It wasn't quite as much as he used on Kirishima, but he hadn't meant to use so much in the first round anyway… he'd let his emotions get the better of him back then.

Turning to Midnight, who was glad to have not been caught in the crossfire of his ice this time, Todoroki looked expectantly. Seeing the boy's gaze, Midnight sighed before preparing to call out to Jiro. From above, Present Mic continued his commentary.

"And just like in the first round, Todoroki unleashes his Quirk with a fury! Is there nothing that can stop him?"

Aizawa, however, felt a tingle in his mind. Something in his mind was telling him one thing— Jiro wasn't finished yet.

Down below, Midnight called up to the trapped girl, "Jiro! Can you move?"

Getting no response, Midnight began to worry, "Jiro!"

Inside the ice, Jiro could hear her teacher. Yet she ignored her, her mind turned inward, 'Focus, Kyoka. Synchronize with your heartbeat…'

As Jiro was in her state of pseudo-meditation, her jacks began to snake their way down her arms. Exhaling in and out nervous breaths, she did not even notice Present Mic's worried commentary. Steeling herself, she drew in one last big breath— and drove the tips of her jacks into her arms.

Ignoring the pain, Jiro did her best to keep her mind clear, as her heartbeat began to coil back into her body, 'I don't have a name for this technique yet, but that Hassan guy from the memory called his ability "Zabaniya". So I guess I'll go with…'

"Jiro isn't responding! Is she out from the cold? Looks like Midnight is about to call the match— wait a minute. Looks like something's happening?"

Down below, both Midnight and Todoroki stopped at the sound of a faint high-pitched whining sound. Then, suddenly, in a massive explosion of icy dust, the glacier trapping Todoroki's opponent shattered, blinding both the R-Rated Hero and the ice wielder.

"HOLY MOLY! I DON'T BELIEVE IT! TODOROKI'S GLACIER… HAS SHATTERED!"

As the frosty dust cleared, Todoroki's eyes widened at the sight of Jiro. His eyes trailing across her form, he quickly saw what Jiro had done, seeing the drops of blood falling from her elbows.

'She… stabbed herself?'

Feeling a sense of foreboding, he swung his arm forward on instinct, releasing another wave of ice. Yet just as it reached Jiro, the girl extended her arm to touch the ice, shattering it into thousands of pieces.

Todoroki launched two more waves, but they were just as unsuccessful. Locking eyes with Jiro, who seemed ethereally calm, he spoke with gritted teeth, "What… is this?"

Jiro spoke calmly, "Vibrations."

"Huh?"

"My Quirk, Earphone Jack, allows me to pump my heartbeat into the jacks that extend from my ears. So I was given the idea… why not force myself to vibrate?"

Todoroki was dumbfounded, "Force yourself… to vibrate? That can't be possible."

Jiro nodded, "You're right. It shouldn't be possible. And this technique isn't a forgiving one. I've only got so long till the vibrations knock me out. So…"

Leaping forward, the vibrations from her body slightly shattering the ground around her, Jiro smiled at Todoroki almost manically.

"… I'm going to finish this before that happens!"

Todoroki swept his arm upwards, trying to trap Jiro in a pillar of ice. Yet, it too shattered, unable to withstand the vibrations of Jiro's technique. As he watched Jiro continue to approach, Todoroki's mind was pulled back to the U.S.J., when he clashed with his grand-uncle in the Mountain Zone.

"You are a child who wields both ice and fire… and if you think you can reach completion with just your ice…"

Seeing Todoroki launch a slab of ice toward her, Jiro whirled her leg, shattering it like all the other attacks Todoroki had made.

"...then you are a fool."

As Todoroki mired in shock, Jiro grinned at the power she now wielded. Her body was screaming in agony, but she forced down the pain. Whatever it took… she wanted to win.

'This is the pinnacle of what I can do. This is…'

Fragile Melody: Israfil

Jiro stared down her classmate, her powerful gaze piercing into Shoto's very being. He couldn't help but wonder… what was it that drove her? What pushed her to make such an expression?

Although it was for a mere moment, a flicker of flame crackled from Shoto's right side. Even if he didn't realize it, his body had already determined the truth.

If Shoto had any chance of victory, he would need not ice… but fire.

Petranaki Public Parking, Tokyo
Day 22, Afternoon

While Japan's eyes were locked on the events of the U.A. Sports Festival, the Holy Grail War moved forward in its own way, hidden by the shadows of secrecy. The False Saber of the Grail War, who had just managed to escape the Labyrinth, was about to find himself caught in a death-defying struggle.

Leaning against one of the pillars of the public parking structure he'd emerged into, Chrysaor took the chance to catch his breath. He'd astralize soon enough, but he much preferred being in physical form in general, even if he was recovering.

'I don't know exactly where this… I suppose I will return to Umi's side. We have things to discuss.'

Yet before Saber could return to Astral Form, a familiar laugh rang out in the darkness of the structure, "Oh Saber… leaving so soon?"

Quickly drawing Kapros from his waist, Saber's eyes narrowed as the well-dressed form of False Assassin stepped out of the shadows.

"Assassin. So you've come for a Round 2?"

The French Servant bowed, "Indeed. I've come for a second act of battle… but I have not done so alone."

Suddenly, the pillar behind Chrysaor began to glow, and the Grecian Servant reacted quickly, diving away as the pillar exploded. As the alarms of numerous cars blared, Saber turned to see another figure coming out of the darkness. It was a blue-skinned woman he had never seen before, but something about the way she carried herself felt eerily familiar.

"You… who are you?"

Smiling, the woman unzipped her red boa jacket, revealing a plain black shirt. Before Saber's confused eyes, the woman then ripped at the shirt and tore it off, exposing her bare upper body to the Servant. Saber's eyes widened as he stared at the woman's chest, but he wasn't focused on the fact the woman's breasts were now on full display. His eyes were instead set on the familiar pattern of red revolver chambers embedded into her upper body. It was a pattern he had seen in Nagoya, adorning the flesh of a very memorable foe.

"That pattern… so that's another one of your guises, Dead Apostle?"

Jester, reaching down toward his soul mainframe, nodded, "Hello there, Saber. You proved to be quite the nuisance in Nagoya… so I've come for my revenge."

Saber gripped his gilded sword tight, 'Assassin, I could handle… but him and the Dead Apostle? Even if he doesn't have that strange Mystic Code from before, he was still a fearsome foe that survived a battle with both myself and False Rider. This won't be an easy battle.'

As Jester turned their soul mainframe, Chitose Kizuki's flesh gave way to his preferred form— that of a young man with light gray hair and a sharp gray suit. Saber, meanwhile, muttered a small prayer to Helios. Although he knew his patron was not a true part of this world's history, he found comfort in the action. With a thought of his beloved wife dancing across his mind, Saber reached out to the water in the pipes above his head. He wouldn't release it yet… but it would be an important resource in this battle. Poising his sword toward his two opponents, he spoke with a frigid resolve, "Then come, Assassin, Jester Karture. I, Chrysaor, the False Saber of the Grail War, accept your challenge!"

To be continued in Chapter 31: Heartbeat Assassination

Sports Festival Standings:
Round: Quarter-Finals
—
Shoto Todoroki
Kyoka Jiro
—
Togaru Kamakiri
Ibara Shiozaki
—
Izuku Midoriya
Hitoshi Shinso
—
Itsuka Kendo
Katsuki Bakugo
—

Lunar Files: Rounds of Lionheart Vol.1: Sub-Ruler
Bio:
Class: Ruler
Master: True Saber / Richard I
True Name: Joachim of Fiore
Gender: Male
Alignment: Neutral Good

Stats:
Strength: ○○○
Endurance: ○○○
Agility: ○○○
Mana: C
Luck: B
Noble Phantasm: A

Class Skills:
Magic Resistance: D
True Name Discernment: E

Personal Skills:
Clairvoyance: B+
Holy Justice: C
Visionary of Midheaven: A

Noble Phantasms:
Three Eras: Utopia Libertia
Age of the Father, Age of the Son, Age of the Holy Spirit
Rank: Unknown
Type: Anti-Bindings

Parousia Scutum Fidei
Blazing Shield Army that Defies the Citadel
Rank: B
Type: Anti-Fortress