Chapter 12 Let's Rumble Round 1
The stadium concession concourse had been transformed into a makeshift rest zone. The concrete shade beneath the massive stands provided a cooling break from the heat of the tournament floor. Fold-out tables and plastic chairs lined the area. Ice buckets and towels were stacked near vending machines.
Above, the roar of the crowd had quieted into a soft murmur—fans were off getting food, stretching their legs. But tension still lingered like humidity in the air. The next round loomed.
--
The Class 1-A Camp
A long table was filled with the usual suspects. Izuku, Rumi, Ochaco, Tsu, Kirishima, Mina, Denki, Tokoyami, Shoji, Sero, Jiro, Iida, Momo, Sato, Aoyama, and Toru had pulled their seats into an open square of friendly fire and food.
Uniforms were rumpled. Faces were flushed. Bandages, cold packs, and loose hair told stories no scoreboard could capture.
Only one of them was missing.
"Where's Mei?"
"She bolted right after the match," Denki said, chewing a rice ball one-handed. "Something about recalibrating her thruster rig."
"'The gremlin returns to her lair,'" Tokoyami murmured, oddly reverent.
"I bet she's somewhere duct-taped to the ceiling with a wrench in her mouth," Mina laughed.
"She'll reappear when we least expect it," Momo said with an amused sigh.
"Like a jump scare," Jiro added.
Near the corner, Ojiro finished his soup in silence. Several eyes slid his way.
"You doing okay?" Kirishima asked, voice gentle.
"I'm good. Really," Ojiro said. "I don't regret stepping down. I didn't fight that round—it wasn't me."
"That's pretty manly," Kirishima replied. "Takes guts to walk away."
"You did good," Shoji said, a rare softness in his tone.
Ojiro nodded. "Thanks."
Even Bakugo, sitting alone nearby with his arms crossed and scowl permanent, didn't interject.
Sato had his leg propped up on another chair, chewing slowly while icing his knee. "You guys feel that crunch during the last minute? I thought my femur screamed."
"I think I felt that from the other side of the field," Sero said, gently rotating his shoulder.
"I nearly ate a support drone," Denki muttered.
"It was filming you," Mina said helpfully.
"Great. My death would've gone viral."
"You'd get a fancy memorial," Aoyama chimed. "Very sparkly."
"That's... something?"
"Hey, Zuku," Rumi said as she leaned on the table, sipping from his water bottle without asking. "You planning to float to first place again?"
"I was thinking I'd sprint," he replied. "Gotta stay ahead of the bunny."
"Oh? You sure you're not riding the wave of my chaos?"
"You mean dodging it?"
"Same difference."
She tapped a cold pack against his neck playfully, then stole another dumpling from his plate.
"You know that was my last one, right?"
She grinned. "Guess you gotta earn dessert now."
Toru was balancing grapes in the air using bursts of her breath. Shoji caught one mid-arc and popped it in his mouth without a word.
"Show-off," she muttered.
Jiro sat with one earbud in, the other out, tapping her finger to the beat of something lo-fi and brooding. "No one better start crying before the fights start," she said. "I just rehydrated."
Momo was scribbling in a small notepad, drawing possible matchups.
"You planning strategy?" Tsu asked.
"I like being prepared," Momo said. "I just hope I'm not facing someone like Rumi."
"Aw," Rumi said. "You don't wanna fight me?"
"I like my bones unbroken."
The volume dipped as the group started winding down. Everyone had their fill, laughter giving way to long stretches of quiet chewing and slow breathing.
That's when Shoto Todoroki approached.
He stepped calmly, his steps unhurried, his expression unreadable.
Rumi's ears twitched.
Shoto stopped behind Izuku.
"Midoriya," he said.
Izuku looked up, blinking. "Yeah?"
"I'd like to speak to you. In private."
Chairs scraped quietly as people looked around.
Izuku stood without much hesitation. "Sure. Lead the way."
He gave Rumi a small nod, and she returned it—watchful, but trusting.
They disappeared down the far corridor.
And for the first time since the lunch break started, the table was silent.
—
The corridor behind the concession zone was cool, shadowed by layers of concrete and steel. Sound from the crowd was a distant rumble, like thunder too far off to touch. Shoto Todoroki walked a few steps ahead of Izuku, hands at his sides, shoulders tense but still.
He stopped beneath an overhead vent and turned slowly.
"I felt something during the Cavalry Battle," Shoto said, voice low. "Something I've only felt once before."
Izuku tilted his head slightly.
"That pressure," Todoroki continued. "Like the sky was about to fall. I've only ever felt that from All Might."
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"That presence... and it was coming from you."
Izuku blinked, stunned.
"I didn't want to use my fire," Shoto said, his voice carrying a tremor. "I swore I wouldn't. But for a second... it flared. Because of you."
He looked down at his hand, fingers curling slightly.
"I hate that part of me."
Izuku opened his mouth to respond, but Shoto kept speaking.
"My father married my mother for her Quirk. He wanted a child that could surpass All Might. I was born for that—created, basically."
His jaw tightened.
"Since I was five, he's trained me like a soldier. Not a son. And he broke her. She snapped. She scalded me—boiling water to the face."
Shoto touched the edge of his scar.
"Not out of malice. Out of trauma. Because every time she looked at me, she saw him."
Izuku's breath caught.
"Since then, I decided—I'd become a hero without using anything that came from him. I'd win without his fire."
He looked up again, his eyes clouded.
"But when I saw you out there... surrounded, targeted, still standing... I felt that pressure again. That expectation. And I hated that it made me burn."
Izuku stepped forward, voice calm but firm.
"You're strong. But if you keep holding back like this... you're going to get hurt. Or worse—someone else might."
Shoto snapped his gaze toward him.
"I know that! But I can't—!"
"I'm not saying you have to forgive your father," Izuku interrupted gently. "But you're not him. That fire—your fire—it's yours now. It can be something more."
There was a long silence.
Shoto's eyes dropped to the floor.
"You've got All Might in your corner," he muttered. "its not my place to pry but it'll just make bearing with my that much more impactful to my old man."
"This isn't about them," Izuku said quietly.
"Maybe not to you."
They stood there a moment longer, the silence dense between them. Then Shoto turned.
"I just wanted you to know. When I beat you it's nothing personal but it has to be done."
With that, he walked off into the shadows. A couple of minutes passed by as Izuku stood there processing everything he just heard
Then—
A rustle nearby.
Bakugo stepped out from behind one of the concrete pillars, arms crossed, scowl in place.
"So that's what it was about," he muttered.
Izuku looked up. "You were listening?"
"Didn't need to. You two talk like it's a damn stage play."
He turned, heading past him. As he passed Izuku's shoulder, he added—
"Just don't forget—we all gotta fight sooner or later."
And with that, he was gone
--
Back at the Table
The energy in the concession area had picked up again—Mina was stacking cups, Kirishima was mid-story, and someone had tried to balance napkins on Aoyama's shoulders.
Izuku returned slower than before. Rumi spotted him first and waved him over.
"You good?" she asked as he slid into his seat.
"Yeah. We talked," he replied, but his eyes lingered in the distance. He sat down in a nearby chair and tried to think of what to do with the information he had dumped on him.
He barely noticed the chair scrape beside him until an arm looped around his shoulder—tight, playful, but insistent.
"Hey," Rumi said, leaning in. "Get outta that broccoli brain of yours."
Izuku blinked. "Huh?"
She poked his cheek, hard enough to make him wince.
"You're spiraling again. Quit it."
He rubbed his face. "I'm not spiraling…"
"Sure you are. You've got that dumb thoughtful face on—you know, the one where you stare into the void and think you're the only one with problems."
"I don't—!"
"You do," she cut in, grinning now. "So let me help. You've got a match to win."
Izuku exhaled, just a little embarrassed. "…Right. The tournament."
"Damn right," Rumi said, standing up and cracking her knuckles. "So stop moping and get your head in the game. I wanna see what you've got out there."
She offered a hand. Izuku looked at it, then at her.
Then he smiled.
"Okay," he said. "Let's go."
--
Stadium Floor – Main Arena
The class had gathered on the floor of the stadium once again, cheers echoing from every side of the arena. Midnight stepped forward, her whip coiled and voice booming with theatrical glee.
"Ladies and gentlemen—it's time for the main event!"
The crowd roared.
"The tournament arc—uh, I mean, the One-on-One Combat Tournament—begins now!"
More applause. Sparks fired in the sky.
"The rules are simple!" Midnight said, striking a pose. "Win by ring-out, immobilization, or submission. No maiming and when I say stop you stop. Got it?"
Most students nodded. A few (like Bakugo) didn't bother.
"Now, our competitors have been randomly matched up for Round One! Let's take a look at the bracket!"
A massive hologram shimmered into view above the arena, slowly rotating to reveal the matchups:
Round One Matchups:
1. Izuku Midoriya vs. Hitoshi Shinso
2. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Fumikage Tokoyami
3. Mina Ashido vs. Tenya Iida
4. Mei Hatsume vs. Tsuyu Asui
5. Rumi Usagiyama vs. Momo Yaoyorozu
6. Denki Kaminari vs. Ibara Shiozaki
7. Katsuki Bakugo vs. Ochaco Uraraka
8. Shoto Todoroki vs. Eijiro Kirishima
Excited murmurs rippled across the students.
Rumi cracked her neck, eyes narrowing as she spotted her name.
"Oh hell yeah," she grinned. "Let's dance, rich girl."
Across the ring, Momo blinked in alarm. "Oh dear it seems I have jinxed myself. Better start preparing strategies." She muttered to no one in particular
Izuku looked at his bracket, then over to the quiet purple-haired boy nearby—Hitoshi Shinso.
Their eyes met.
No words were exchanged.
But Shinso smiled. Slowly. Confidently.
Midnight twirled her whip as the final bracket placements shimmered above the arena.
"Now then!" she called out, voice filled with flair. "For those of you who didn't make it into the tournament, or whose matches are still a bit away—please find your seats! You'll be sitting in your class sections. Class 1-A and 1-B will be neighbors today, so feel free to cheer—or taunt—your rivals!"
There were a few chuckles, and some groans.
"Oh, and for our competitors," she added, "we have designated waiting rooms just off the arena floor. Use that time to warm up, stretch, or practice your victory poses. You've earned it!"
With that, the students began dispersing. Rumi leaned close to Izuku as they walked, grinning.
"You got this, hero boy."
He smiled back. "You too, bunbun."
She gave him a hard shoulder bump before jogging off toward their class section, her energy already firing.
But before Izuku could take a step, a voice called out.
"You're Midoriya, right?"
Izuku turned—and standing there was Hitoshi Shinso, hands in his pockets, eyes tired but sharp.
"I figured I should say hi," Shinso continued. "You know, since we're about to fight and all."
Izuku opened his mouth to answer—
"Midoriya!"
—only for Ojiro to rush in, grabbing him by the shoulder. The tail-boy looked tense, eyes locked on Shinso.
"Don't respond to him," Ojiro said under his breath. "Just come with me."
Shinso raised an eyebrow, expression unreadable.
Izuku glanced between the two before nodding and letting Ojiro guide him away. They walked in silence until they reached the prep room.
"That was close," Ojiro muttered.
Izuku looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"I've been thinking about what happened during the Cavalry Battle," Ojiro said. "It's all fuzzy—I don't remember anything after he spoke to me. I think… I think his Quirk lets him control people if they respond."
Izuku's eyes widened. "Brainwashing?"
"Yeah. I can't prove it, but it makes sense."
Izuku absorbed the info, his grip tightening.
"Thanks, Ojiro."
"No problem. Just… be careful. You're strong, but he's tricky."
Ojiro gave him a nod and left for the stands. Izuku took a breath, stepping further into the prep room. Alone now, he paced, running through his options.
"Brainwashing through conversation. So if I don't talk, I'm safe… but what if he tries to provoke me? He'll definitely know I've been warned."
He sat, flexing his fingers.
"I'll just have to stay calm," he whispered. "Stay sharp. Stay quiet."
--
A Few Minutes Later – Arena Ring
The platform was the same as before—wide, white concrete with boundary lines clear and harsh. The audience thundered in anticipation.
Present Mic's voice blasted through the stadium:
"Up first he's been tearing his way through the competition maintaining first place up to this point Izuku Midoriya from Class 1-A!"
Applause.
"And facing him nothing much to say except he's the ultimate dark horse Hitoshi Shinso from General Studies!"
Less applause, but a rising murmur of curiosity.
As both boys stepped onto the ring, the silence between them was heavy.
"You may begin!!" Yelled Midnight from her platform.
Shinso stood with his hands still in his pockets.
"You know," he began casually, "you're really lucky. Born with a flashy Quirk, All Might as teacher, all the potential in the world. Must be nice."
Izuku said nothing.
"You don't have to be a jerk about it," Shinso continued. "I'm just trying to talk."
Still nothing.
He frowned. "Okay. Playing it quiet. Smart."
Shinso stepped forward.
"Y'know, it's a shame how you keep letting that bunny girl carry you," he said flatly. "She's always cleaning up after you, always watching your back. Wonder how long she'll last before she realizes she's too good for a guy who can't even win without help."
Izuku's eyes twitched.
"Or is she probably only hanging around 'cause she feels bad for you or does she just need you to scratch that itch for her you know what they say about bunnies."
The words struck harder than they should have. Izuku's fists clenched—
And he snapped back.
"Shut up."
Instantly, Shinso's eyes flashed.
"Gotcha. Now be a good boy and walk out of this ring."
Izuku's body froze.
His arms relaxed. His legs turned. And slowly—mechanically—he began walking toward the edge of the ring.
--
Commentator Booth
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. Feeling slightly bad for one of his top students.
"There it is," he muttered into the mic. "That's Shinso's Quirk."
Present Mic looked at him. "Wait, seriously?"
"Brainwashing. If you respond to him, he can control you. It's a one-time use in battle until broken, and if you know what to look for, you can avoid it. But if you don't—"
"Dang," Mic said. "That's scary."
--
Stands – Class 1-A Section
"Wait—what's going on?!" Mina shouted.
"He's walking out!" Kaminari stood up.
"Something's wrong," Momo said, eyes wide.
"Oh ho what's this the golden child of 1A about to lose to a lowly general study student. How sad." Came the snide smug remark from Monoma from his spot in class 1Bs section. No one replied as the whole close was only concerned for their friend who had fought so hard to get here
Rumi was already at the rail, fingers gripping the metal tight.
"No," she muttered. "No no no—Izuku!"
Her voice echoed across the arena.
--
Inside Izuku's Mind
What's happening?! I can't stop—my legs won't listen!
Izuku's mind was racing, panic building fast. He could hear the crowd. He could see the edge. Just a few steps more—
And then—
A shadow in the hallway beyond the ring.
Someone stood there. No—several someones.
A man tattered clothing stood at the front; he had white shoulder length hair. A woman with an athletic build and a familiar belt buckle highlighted her hero suit; the only other thing that stood out was her hair; it resembled his mothers. The user that spoke to him before in his dream was visible to. The others weren't distinguishable yet but one thing. Faint glowing eyes in the dark.
The man in the front started to speak.
"Fear not ninth remember," the man said. "We're with you."
A golden spark ignited behind Izuku's eyes.
Then—
FLASH.
A surge of energy burst through his body, violently breaking the control—his finger snapped, blood flaring as One For All pulsed to life.
The moment Izuku's foot hovered over the ring's edge—
It stopped.
His body jerked, eyes flaring green and gold. A snap echoed through the arena as he broke free—his index finger hanging limp, fractured by the sheer force of One For All.
Up in the commentary booth, Present Mic nearly dropped his mic.
"WHOA! What just happened down there?! Was that—did he just snap his own finger?!"
Aizawa's voice remained cool but alert.
"He overpowered Shinso's brainwashing with sheer force of will. That surge of power that was Midoriyas quirk."
"Man, this kid's something else," Present Mic muttered, watching in awe.
Back on the Ring
Izuku turned slowly, breathing hard.
Shinso blinked. "What…?"
Izuku didn't answer. He walked—slow, steady—toward him.
"You—how?!" Shinso stammered. "You were under!"
He backed up a step.
"Don't look at me like that!" Shinso snapped. "You don't know what it's like! People say my Quirk is evil—like I'm some kind of villain!"
Aizawa's voice cut in again from the booth."This is what I was afraid of," he said quietly. "He's not just fighting Midoriya—he's fighting the world's perception of him."
"I had to claw my way just to stand on this stage!" Shinso continued. "You had everything handed to you!"
Still, Izuku said nothing.
He stepped forward, fists raised. With no sign of lightning in sight his message was clear: no quirk, just a fair fight.
He lunged.
The first punch was clean—controlled. Shinso stumbled, reacting too slowly. Another strike to the side, then a sweep—
"Midoriya's not letting up!" Present Mic called. "No flashy powers, no tricks! Just raw, honest combat!"
Shinso was up again, throwing a desperate punch—but Izuku ducked, pivoted, and with a shoulder charge, knocked him over the edge.
"And he's OUT! Victory—IZUKU MIDORIYA!!" Midnight shouted.
The crowd erupted.
--
Commentator Booth
Present Mic whooped. "What a comeback! He turned that match around with nothing but grit—and a broken finger!"
Aizawa nodded, eyes thoughtful.
"That's Midoriya for you. He analyzes, he adapts—and he never gives up. But don't count Shinso out. His Quirk has real hero potential."
--
After the Match – The Ring
Izuku exhaled, slightly winded, finger still throbbing. He approached Shinso, who was pushing himself off the ground, frustration in his eyes.
Izuku held out a hand.
Shinso stared. "Why?"
"Because your Quirk's incredible," Izuku said. "And because I get it. I used to be powerless, too. Everyone told me I couldn't be a hero."
He paused.
"You're not the only one trying to prove something."
Shinso hesitated—then took the hand.
Izuku helped him to his feet.
"Don't give up. Keep chasing that dream. But don't rely only on your Quirk. A strong Quirk's great—but it's useless if the body can't back it up."
Shinso looked at him, jaw tight, but nodded once.
--
Stands – Pro Hero Section
Two lower-ranking heroes leaned toward each other.
"That brainwashing ability…"
"With a bit of hand-to-hand training, he'd be scary good in stealth ops or hostage rescues."
"He could definitely make it. Kid just needs the right teacher."
--
Stands – Class 1-A
Rumi let out a shaky breath, leaning forward on the railing.
"Dumbass," she muttered, but there was relief behind her smirk.
"He did it," Kirishima said with a grin. "He really pulled through."
"Damn right he did," Rumi replied. "That's my man."
--
With the crowd still roaring, Izuku stepped off the ring, bruised but victorious.
—
Top Ten VIP Box
Endeavor leaned forward, arms crossed, eyes burning with interest. "He snapped his own finger to break brainwashing… and still fought on?" He grunted. "Hmph. Reckless, but effective."
Best Jeanist, seated near the edge, adjusted his collar. "I'd say it was more than reckless. That level of control over pain and instinct? Impressive."
Ryukyu, arms folded and calm-eyed, nodded slightly. "And Shinso—he has potential. With the right training, he could easily fit into high-pressure operations."
Edgeshot said nothing, but narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.
In the back row, Crust clapped politely. "The heart of a true hero! Both of them showed that today!"
Several of the lower-ranked pros and reporters murmured in agreement.
Endeavor, meanwhile, stood up and left the box and proceeded to head down to the main floor
--
Class 1-A Section
After being patched up by Recovery Girl, Izuku jogged his way back into the Class 1-A seating area, now surrounded by energized cheers and scattered hooting.
He barely had time to smile before something white and fast launched into him.
"Zuku!!"
Rumi tackled him—full body glomp, arms wrapping around his back like a vice.
"You absolute DUMBASS," she snapped, voice shaking but her grip tighter. "You scared the hell out of me!"
"I—I'm okay," he wheezed, laughing nervously. "Finger hurts, but—"
"I saw you marching like a zombie! You were about to walk right off the edge! I was gonna leap in and slap you myself!"
The rest of the class laughed.
"Geez, leave some oxygen for the rest of us," Kaminari said.
Sero elbowed him. "Dude, let them have their moment."
Momo smiled gently. "You did well, Midoriya."
"You killed it out there, man!" Mina beamed.
Tokoyami gave a quiet nod. "A victory earned in darkness. Fitting."
From the next section over, a voice rang out:
"Well, well, well. Look who managed to win by being dramatically brainwashed and then punching someone."
Monoma leaned over the rail, arms spread smugly.
"Should we clap? Or pity you?"
"Don't mind him," Kendo muttered, yanking him back by the collar. "He's just bitter, no one cares what we're doing right now."
"We're building character!" Monoma protested.
Ibara Shiozaki, seated calmly nearby, simply offered a kind, "It was a commendable display, Midoriya."
--
Arena Tunnel
As Shoto Todoroki walked toward the arena, arms calm at his sides, a large, powerful figure stepped into his path.
Endeavor.
"Shoto," he said, voice heavy. "You've seen the others now. You know you can beat them. Use your full strength. Show them what you are."
Shoto stopped. He didn't look at his father. Didn't say a word.
Endeavor stepped forward. "Don't forget why you're here. You were born to—"
Shoto turned his head slightly.
"I'm not here because of you," he said coldly. "I'm here in spite of you."
And then he walked away.
Endeavor's expression darkened—but he didn't follow.
--
Match 2 – Shoto Todoroki vs. Eijiro Kirishima
Back in the ring, the crowd buzzed with anticipation.
"Match two!" Midnight called out. "Shoto Todoroki versus Eijiro Kirishima!"
"Let's go, horn buddy!" Mina shouted.
Kirishima stomped into the ring, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, Ice Prince, let's see what you've got!"
Shoto said nothing.
The match began—and Kirishima charged in, hardening activated.
A wave of ice surged forward. Kirishima punched through the first, the second—gritting his teeth as frost bit his arms.
But the third?
Too fast. Too thick. It engulfed the ring, freezing everything.
Kirishima was stuck mid-stride, locked into a glacier.
"Winner: Shoto Todoroki!" Midnight declared.
--
Class 1-A
"Whoa…" Kaminari blinked. "Kiri didn't even flinch—but that's just too much power."
"He tried," Momo said softly. "But Todoroki's defense is overwhelming."
"Dude's a one-man natural disaster," Sero muttered.
Rumi leaned forward, frowning. "He's still only using the ice…"
Izuku sat beside her, quiet.
"He's still holding back."
—
The frost still clung to the ring as the arena's heating systems roared to life, slowly melting the thick ice.
In the VIP observation booth, the Top Ten heroes sat in thoughtful silence—until Crust finally spoke.
"Spectacular quirk usage. That boy's got the instincts of a pro already!"
"Only using his ice, though," Ryukyu said calmly. "Not once did he tap into that fire of his."
Best Jeanist leaned forward, inspecting a slow-mo replay. "Control, precision… yet clearly holding back. Almost like he's punishing himself."
Edgeshot's voice was quiet but sharp. "He's limiting his own battlefield. Against someone stronger, that hesitation will cost him."
Endeavor who had already returned from confronting his son, arms folded tight across his chest, grunted audibly.
"He's being stubborn."
Ryukyu glanced at him. "Or conflicted."
Endeavor said nothing.
From the back, Mt. Lady, recently bumped just outside the Top Ten, chimed in. "That Kirishima kid took that ice head-on. If nothing else, he's built like a tank. Give him a year or two."
Crust gave an enthusiastic nod. "Spirit of a hero! I'd watch his career!"
—
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the next two names were announced.
"Match Three—Mina Ashido versus Tenya Iida!" Midnight's voice rang out. "Speed versus style—let's see what happens!"
In the Ring
Mina bounced on her heels, rolling her shoulders with her trademark grin. "Alright, Engine Legs! Let's see what that fancy exhaust can do!"
Tenya adjusted his glasses, his expression serious. "I shall treat this match with the utmost respect, Ashido. Please brace yourself."
The whistle blew.
Mina bolted forward, sliding low—acid coating her boots, allowing her to surf across the ring like a skater on ice. The crowd cheered at the spectacle.
"Let's go!" she shouted, twirling and launching globs of acid as distractions.
Iida activated Recipro Burst immediately.
With a mechanical roar, he became a blue-and-white blur, zigzagging to avoid the acid and then closing the distance faster than she expected.
"Oh—!"
She tried to skate out of the way, but Iida's shoulder-check hit like a freight train. Mina was launched backward—
—but recovered mid-skid, flipping and planting her hands. She sprayed acid at the floor to slow herself down, barely staying inbounds.
"Incredible!" Present Mic shouted. "Did you see that landing?!"
"She's improvising on instinct," Aizawa said coolly. "But Iida still has the speed advantage. If she can't ground him, it's only a matter of time."
Mina launched a counterattack, spraying acid in wide arcs across the floor to limit Iida's movement.
"I got tricks too, Four-Wheels!"
But Iida took a moment to calculate, then charged directly through the acid, his armored legs steaming slightly.
He grit his teeth through the burn and slammed forward again.
BAM!
Mina was launched a second time—this time over the edge.
"Ashido is out of bounds! Tenya Iida advances!"
Tenya rushed to her immediately. "Are you alright?! I deeply apologize for the impact—"
Mina, lying flat on her back, gave a dazed thumbs-up.
"Tell my slime babies… I love them…"
The crowd laughed warmly, and Iida helped her to her feet.
--
Class 1-A Reactions
Sero leaned over to Kaminari. "I've never seen her slide like that before."
"She was like a pink acid-powered ninja," Kaminari whispered.
Rumi grinned. "Tough break, but flashy as hell."
Izuku nodded. "Iida's control and speed… they're way sharper than before. He's been training hard."
—
Pro Hero Box
As Mina Ashido was helped off the field and the ring was reset, the Top Ten heroes continued observing with sharp eyes and subtle conversation.
Best Jeanist crossed his legs, fingers steepled. "That girl has flair. Messy, perhaps, but effective in her creativity."
Ryukyu nodded. "She turned acid into mobility. That's a rare application."
Edgeshot gave a faint hum. "Unrefined but instinctive. She'd do well with situational training."
Endeavor, still brooding, grunted, "She couldn't finish. Power without focus is wasted potential."
Crust shook his head. "Don't be so harsh! That was spirit! And Tenya Iida—clean, calculated, and decisive!"
"His movement has matured," Ryukyu added. "He's no longer just relying on speed. He's thinking while he runs."
--
Arena Floor
Midnight raised her whip. "Match Four—Mei Hatsume versus Tsuyu Asui!"
Tsuyu stepped forward, calm and collected, her frog-like movements smooth and efficient.
Mei practically bounced onto the field, already wearing half a dozen weird, whirring gadgets across her arms, legs, and back.
"Hi there!" she shouted. "Thanks so much for agreeing to be my test subject—I mean, opponent!"
Tsuyu blinked. "Ribbit… sure."
The Whistle Blew
Mei immediately launched herself backward, one of her spring-boots flinging her across the ring.
WHUMP! She bounced off the wall and fired a net-launcher from her wrist.
Tsuyu flipped over it with ease, landed lightly, and extended her tongue to snag a rock from the arena floor—then flicked it like a slingshot, knocking one of Mei's goggles off.
"Ooooh! Bullseye!" Present Mic laughed.
"Tsuyu's keeping her distance and watching her patterns," Aizawa observed. "Good instincts."
Mei activated a spinning gyro-belt that made her hard to pin down, bouncing and spinning like a pinball. "New stabilization system! Not market-ready but close!"
Tsuyu ducked and wove through the chaos with precise frog-like leaps, her eyes never leaving Mei.
Then—opportunity struck.
Mei activated what looked like a hover disk—but it sputtered, dipped, and dropped her toward the edge of the ring.
Tsuyu lashed her tongue out again—snagged a piece of Mei's shoulder rig—and tugged.
The added momentum spun Mei right over the boundary line.
"Winner: Tsuyu Asui!" Midnight called.
Mei picked herself up, brushing dust off her boots.
"That was awesome! I got great data!"
Tsuyu approached quietly. "You fight in a weird way… but you're fun."
Mei beamed. "Oh, I'm not here to win. I'm here to pitch my brand!"
Tsuyu gave a slow blink. "…Ribbit."
--
Class 1-A
"That girl's insane," Kaminari whispered.
"I love it," said Mina, still icing her shoulder. "We need her in a team match."
Rumi raised a brow. "Froggys cool under pressure. Smart moves."
Izuku scribbled notes which again the others didn't see him pull it out , slightly scaring Denki. "Tsuyu's spatial awareness is incredible. She adapts mid-fight better than anyone I've seen."
Monoma sighed loudly. "The inventor girl had no style. Just chaos."
"Which is funny," Kendo deadpanned, "since you're basically chaos in a uniform."
—
Pro Hero Box –
As Mei cheerfully rolled her gadgets off the field and Tsuyu exited with her signature calm, the heroes resumed their observations.
Best Jeanist crossed one leg over the other. "Mei Hatsume… unconventional. But she's an inventor first. That match wasn't about victory—it was a tech demo."
"Tsuyu, however," Edgeshot said quietly, "made no wasted movements. Her awareness of spacing, timing, and reaction speed—remarkable."
Ryukyu nodded. "She adapts in real-time, stays measured under pressure. That's rare in someone so young."
Crust pumped a fist. "She's got poise! Grace! And that tongue is no joke!"
Endeavor, "Her power is subtle, but dangerous in the right hands. She fights like a tracker—efficient. No flair. Just results."
The group turned as the next names flashed across the stadium screen.
Match 5: Rumi Usagiyama vs. Momo Yaoyorozu
Ryukyu straightened. "This will be a real clash."
Best Jeanist adjusted his collar. "A free-spirited brawler versus one of the most analytical minds in the tournament. This could be the most interesting match yet."
--
Arena Floor
The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium.
"Match Five—Rumi Usagiyama versus Momo Yaoyorozu!"
A hush of curiosity swept the audience—two standouts, both respected, both powerful in vastly different ways.
Rumi stepped into the ring barefoot, ears twitching slightly, her arms folded and her white hair blowing in the wind. She bounced slightly on her toes, her stance loose and confident.
Across from her, Momo Yaoyorozu adjusted her uniform, the flap of her hero skirt billowing. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were razor sharp.
"I've studied you," Momo said evenly. "You're fast, unpredictable, and you hit hard. But I have counters."
Rumi smirked. "Good. I'd be real bored otherwise."
Midnight's whip cracked. "Begin!"
Momo moved first, summoning a large folding riot shield from her arm and angling it low.
Rumi shot forward like a bullet.
BOOM—
Her first kick slammed into the shield, driving Momo back—but not breaking it. Momo dropped a smoke pellet from her belt and vanished into a fog.
Rumi landed, crouched low.
"Cute trick," she muttered.
Suddenly—shurikens made of carbon steel flew from the mist. Rumi dodged one, leapt over another, and snapped the third out of the air with her hand.
"Tch. You got guts, rich girl."
Momo emerged behind a tall polearm forming in her hand—clearly a halberd-like weapon. She swung wide—
Rumi ducked, rolled under it, and tried to sweep the leg, but Momo jumped back, already forming stun grenades in her palms.
The grenades dropped—
FLASH!
Light blinded the air.
Rumi flinched—but her ears twitched. She didn't need her eyes.
She kicked the ground, launched herself forward blindly, and struck Momo square in the gut before the smoke had even cleared.
Momo tumbled, rolled, recovered.
Her halberd shattered into parts as it hit the ground—trap pieces exploded around Rumi, tossing her back slightly.
Momo rose, panting but steady.
--
In the Stands – Class 1-A
"Whoa! Momo's fighting like she's prepped for every scenario," Kaminari gasped.
"I didn't even know she could make traps like that," Sero muttered.
Izuku leaned forward. "She's using multi-layered contingency—defense into offense, fog into traps, keeping Rumi reacting."
"She won't last if she stays defensive though," Shojii added. "Usagiyama'll break through eventually."
--
Back in the Ring
Rumi wiped dust from her cheek. "Alright," she said with a grin. "No more playin'."
She stomped one foot—cracked the tile—and burst forward like a cannon.
Momo summoned a barrier staff—but Rumi twisted, feinted left—
And flipped over it.
Her heel slammed down on Momo's shoulder, knocking her hard to the ground.
Before the second strike could land—Momo raised her hand.
"I yield."
Silence.
Then Midnight raised a hand.
"Winner—Rumi Usagiyama!"
Rumi stood over her, breathing hard.
Momo smiled faintly from the ground. "You would've landed the second blow."
Rumi offered her a hand. "Damn right I would've. But you made me earn it."
Momo accepted it. "I'm glad."
--
Pro Hero Box
Ryukyu smiled. "That rabbit girl's got instinct and control. But Yaoyorozu? She fought smart. Very smart."
Edgeshot nodded. "One of the only students to survive that long against Usagiyama's pressure."
Endeavor didn't look away. "She'll be a problem later. Both of them."
—
Class 1A Section
Rumi hopped up the stairs and into Class 1-A's seating section, dust still in her hair and her grin wide.
"I'm back, nerds!" she shouted, arms up like a champion.
Kaminari whistled. "She took apart Momo like it was nothing!"
Mina leaned over and gave Rumi a high five. "Okay, that was savage. I didn't even know Momo could fight like that."
Rumi flopped down into her seat—right next to Izuku—stretching with a long yawn.
"Ya see that?" she said smugly. "Told ya I'd finish it quick."
Izuku chuckled softly. "You didn't exactly finish it quick. She actually gave you a good fight."
"She did. Not bad for someone who thinks too much."
Izuku handed her a bottle of water. "Still, that was incredible. You read her rhythm mid-fight and adjusted your form without overcommitting. I saw you hold back your second kick, too."
Rumi side-eyed him, then smirked.
"Don't go getting all analytical on me now. I just didn't want to knock her into the stands in front of the cameras."
She took the bottle from him—but instead of drinking it, she leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"You keep making that face and I'm gonna have to start beating people away with my ears."
Izuku turned to look at her questionly. "What face?!"
"The proud boyfriend one," she teased, flicking his forehead with a finger. "It's cute. Just not subtle."
The rest of the class groaned.
"Ugh, you guys are so mushy," Kaminari said.
"Let them have it," Mina grinned. "They're the class power couple."
--
Class 1-B Section
"Disgusting," Monoma sneered. "Public displays of affection, flaunting their wins like royalty. What are they trying to prove?"
"Love?" Kendo offered dryly.
Monoma ignored her. "Yaoyorozu nearly won that! She had form, tactics, elegance! That rabbit brute just jumped around until something hit!"
"Sure," Tetsutetsu said, munching popcorn. "But she did win. You can't argue with results."
Ibara, still serene, spoke softly. "It was a good match. Both fought with conviction. It will be a pleasure to face either of them."
Monoma huffed. "Well someone in our class has to beat Class A before they declare themselves unbeatable."
"Good luck with that," Kendo muttered, dragging him back into his seat by the back of his collar again.
Midnight's Voice Rang Out Again
"And now—match six! Denki Kaminari versus Ibara Shiozaki! Competitors, to the ring!"
Kaminari stood up, adjusted his support gear, and exhaled.
"Alright, fellas. Wish me luck."
"You got this, sparky," Mina called.
"Don't fry your brain in front of the cameras," Sero added with a grin.
"You'll do fine," Izuku said encouragingly.
Rumi leaned back with a smirk. "If she ties you in a vine cocoon, we're not bailing you out."
—
The arena settled again as both combatants stepped onto the ring. The crowd murmured with anticipation—there was curiosity surrounding both of them. One was unpredictable and flashy; the other was composed, devout, and quietly deadly.
Midnight raised her hand.
"Match Six—Denki Kaminari versus Ibara Shiozaki! Let's begin!"
The Whistle Blew
Denki sparked instantly, hands crackling with yellow bolts. "Alright! No holding back!"
He launched a wild bolt across the ring—Ibara dodged gracefully, her vine-like hair already unfurling behind her in smooth, controlled arcs.
"Electricity is dangerous," she said calmly. "But you wield it without focus. That is not righteousness."
Denki blinked. "...What?"
The vines struck.
He leapt back, then launched a burst of static shotgun lightning—short range, high spread. It forced Ibara to back off, but only for a moment. Her vines wove into a net and grounded the energy, letting the current travel into the soil harmlessly.
"No way," Denki breathed. "She's redirecting my charge..."
--
Up in the Stands – Class 1-A
"Uhhh…" Mina blinked. "I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that."
"She's absorbing his lightning like she was born to do it," Momo observed. "Her hair must act like a grounding coil."
Rumi leaned over. "He better get in close or this is over."
--
Back in the Ring
Denki charged, switching tactics. "No more range games! Let's do this up close!"
He ran in, ducked a vine, and tried to get under her reach—but Ibara's vines spread like roots, wrapping around his wrist mid-swing and locking him in place.
"Waitwaitwait—!"
With a tug, she flipped him over—then planted him flat on his back, vines coiling rapidly around his arms and legs.
Denki's eyes widened. "Oh come on!"
"Winner: Ibara Shiozaki!" Midnight declared.
--
Commentary Booth
Present Mic couldn't help but laugh. "Talk about divine punishment!"
Aizawa sighed. "Kaminari has the energy, but not the discipline. Shiozaki overwhelmed him with control and counter-tactics."
--
After the Match
Ibara knelt down beside him, her tone serene. "You fought with passion. That is admirable."
Denki blinked. "...Thanks. Sorry if I made things weird."
She smiled gently. "You did."
--
Class 1-A Section
Denki shuffled back up the stairs, arms covered in leaf-shaped marks and face bright red.
"You good, sparky?" Sero asked.
"Dude," Kaminari mumbled. "She destroyed me and then told me I was passionate like it was a funeral compliment."
Rumi howled with laughter. "She blessed you with the sacred L."
--
Class 1-B Section
Monoma clapped, smug as ever. "Finally! A clean victory over 1-A! Thank you, Shiozaki! A model of grace and righteous victory!"
Kendo sighed. "Don't make it weird."
"She wrapped him up like a sushi roll," Tetsutetsu said between bites. "That was wild."
--
With the ring cleared again, the screens flashed:
Next Match: Katsuki Bakugo vs. Ochaco Uraraka
And the crowd collectively leaned forward.
The stadium buzzed with tension as the next match was announced.
"Next up—Katsuki Bakugo versus Ochaco Uraraka!"
From Class 1-A's section, Kaminari muttered, "This is gonna get ugly…"
Sero nodded. "He hasn't really let loose yet."
--
Commentary Booth
Present Mic leaned into the mic, his voice booming. "Our next matchup—Boom Boy himself versus the zero-gravity sweetheart! What kind of clash are we in for, Eraser?"
Aizawa, eyes narrowed behind his scarf, replied flatly. "Depends how Bakugo handles it. Uraraka's smarter than she looks, and Bakugo... he's been wound tight since school started."
--
Arena Floor
Bakugo entered the ring, silent and seething. His boots echoed as he walked—palms already hissing with tiny sparks. He didn't shout, didn't sneer. He just stood there, tension coiled like a spring.
Across from him, Ochaco stepped out with a calm but focused look, nerves held behind sheer willpower.
Midnight raised her hand.
"Begin!"
Bakugo didn't wait.
BOOM. A sharp, controlled blast ripped up the ground just in front of Ochaco. She leapt back, then sprinted sideways, trying to close the gap.
Bakugo's hands crackled again.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
Explosions chased her step by step, not trying to hit directly—but to wear her down, keep her scrambling.
--
Commentary Booth
Present Mic: "WHOA! Bakugo's already lighting her up—those blasts are serious!"
Aizawa: "He's not fighting carelessly. This is targeted pressure. But it's laced with something more—anger."
--
Class 1-A Stands
The force of the third blast made a few students recoil. Tiles cracked. Smoke billowed.
Rumi didn't move, eyes focused on the match. One of her ears twitched. She brought a hand up, scratching the edge of it while keeping her eyes forward.
Izuku glanced her way. "You alright?"
Rumi didn't look at him. "Fine. He's just loud."
--
In the Ring
Ochaco rolled under the next blast and touched a slab of tile—then another, and another as she darted and dodged.
She was setting up. Timing it. Keeping her cool.
Finally, she pulled her arm down—
And the sky fell.
Dozens of floating chunks came crashing down like a meteor shower.
Bakugo didn't dodge.
He launched upward and let out a brutal, spinning explosion mid-air that obliterated the debris above him.
The crowd gasped.
--
Commentary Booth
Present Mic: "YEEEOW! That's not a counter, that's an airborne carpet bomb!"
Aizawa: "He's not just attacking—he's sending a message."
--
Bakugo landed hard, his boots grinding into the stone.
Ochaco stood, out of breath, trembling slightly—but still in it.
He raised his hand again.
"Give up."
She shook her head. "Not a chance."
She sprinted toward him.
Another explosion hit low—not fatal, not cruel, but too strong to block.
Ochaco was thrown clear across the ring, landing hard, her back sliding over the boundary.
Midnight raised her hand.
"Uraraka is out of bounds! Winner: Katsuki Bakugo!"
--
Silence, Then Applause
The crowd was stunned at first—then the cheers broke out.
--
Class 1-A Stands
Everyone sat frozen for a second.
"That was… intense," Momo murmured.
"Too intense," Kaminari added.
Rumi scrathed one of her ears again, this time more gently.
"He's been holding that in," she said. "Since day one."
Izuku nodded. "Yeah. That wasn't just a fight for him."
--
Class 1-B Stands
Monoma practically bounced in his seat. "See look at that barbaric beast from 1A. couldn't even find the decency to hold back on such a delicate flower "
"Knock it off," Kendo muttered. "She held her own."
"She got blasted," Monoma shot back.
"She lasted longer than you would've," Tetsutetsu added.
Monoma sulked.
--
Pro Hero Box
Best Jeanist frowned slightly. "He's powerful, no doubt. But he's still a storm with no direction."
Edgeshot nodded. "There's refinement buried in there. But right now? He's a hammer. Every problem looks like a nail."
Ryukyu's gaze didn't leave the field. "And the girl? She made him work for it."
Crust: "She fought with the heart of a hero. So did he… just a very loud one."
Endeavor, arms crossed, watched quietly. He didn't comment. But his eyes now flicked between Bakugo and the next name in the bracket.
"And now—our final match of the first round! Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Fumikage Tokoyami!"
The crowd perked up, sensing this was going to be a battle of extremes.
--
Commentary Booth
"Steel versus shadow! This one's gonna be metal, folks—literally!" Present Mic bellowed through his mic
"If Tetsutetsu rushes in recklessly, he'll be picked apart. Tokoyami's strength is spacing and control." Aizawa added dryly.
--
Arena Floor
Tetsutetsu pounded his fists together, his arms already coated in gleaming metal.
"Let's go, bird dude! No tricks—just fists!"
Tokoyami stood calm, cloaked in his dark cape, shadow swirling near his feet.
"I respect your strength," he said, voice steady. "But Dark Shadow does not pull punches."
The whistle blew.
Tetsutetsu charged with a roar, fists raised. His steps cracked the arena floor with every stride.
Tokoyami didn't move.
He raised a hand—and from his side, Dark Shadow surged out, massive and coiled like a living weapon.
The two collided.
Tetsutetsu swung hard—Dark Shadow caught his punch, claws locking against steel.
The impact echoed.
--
Class 1-A Reactions
"Yo! They're just throwing hands!" Kirishima shouted, eyes wide.
"Iron bro's going full-on tank mode," Kaminari grinned.
Rumi rested her chin on her knuckles. "This is gonna come down to endurance."
--
Back in the ring, Tetsutetsu grabbed Dark Shadow's arm and swung it, trying to hurl the beast aside. But Tokoyami leaned in, adjusting, keeping Dark Shadow low and flexible, weaving and striking from odd angles.
"Dark Shadow—encircle."
The entity obeyed, moving like a serpent, wrapping Tetsutetsu in coils and slamming him down.
Tetsutetsu grunted, metallic skin scraping the stone.
"Nice trick," he spat, "but I can do this all day!"
He shoved himself upright and headbutted Dark Shadow, staggering the beast.
--
Commentary Booth
"This is brutal! It's like watching a demolition derby!" yelled Mic excitedly
"Tokoyami's conserving energy. He's testing Tetsutetsu's limits without risking himself. Smart." Came the reply from the tiered teacher next to him
--
Tetsutetsu came in again, this time faster—throwing body blows. Dark Shadow blocked some, but others got through, knocking Tokoyami back.
Then Tokoyami narrowed his eyes.
"Let's finish this. Dark Shadow—overwhelm."
The beast expanded, shadows lashing out in a flurry of strikes, blinding and fast. Tetsutetsu tried to tank it—but his arms wavered. His footing slipped.
One final shadow strike swept his legs—
—and he toppled out of bounds, landing with a crash.
Midnight raised a hand.
"Winner: Fumikage Tokoyami!"
Tetsutetsu groaned from the floor. "Alright… that was awesome."
Tokoyami offered a small bow. "You endured well. Truly... a man of steel."
Tetsutetsu laughed as he was helped up. "You're alright, goth bird."
—
1A
Kirishima clapped hard. "That's my guy! Metal to the end!"
Rumi gave a smirk. "Bird boy's got moves."
Bakugo, sitting at the edge of the section, didn't even look up. "Too slow."
--
Pro Hero Box
Ryukyu started the conversation."That's the kind of fight you don't forget. Power versus strategy."
"And Tokoyami didn't break a sweat. Impressive restraint." Edgeshot supplied
—
"Here are the updated brackets my lovelies." Midnight purred out as she struck a provocative pose.
1. Izuku Midoriya vs. Shoto Todoroki
2. Tenya Iida vs. Tsuyu Asui
3. Rumi Usagiyama vs. Ibara Shiozaki
4. Katsuki Bakugo vs. Fumikage Tokoyami
—
Class 1A Section
The roar of the crowd had dulled into background static, the energy shifting as the first round officially came to a close. Class 1-A had returned to their section, the noise outside in stark contrast to the subtle hum of conversation between students.
Kaminari sprawled across three seats like a lazy cat. "I'm gonna need an ice bath and therapy after today."
"You barely fought," Sero said, smirking. "You got hugged by a holy vine and blessed out of the ring."
"That's still trauma!"
Mina laughed as she passed out snacks she "borrowed" from a concession cart.
"I don't know about you guys," Kirishima said, wincing slightly as he adjusted the wrap on his arm, "but that steelhead from 1-B? Dude hits like a wrecking ball."
"You did great," Momo told him, smiling gently. "Everyone's shown incredible growth today."
Her eyes drifted toward the edge of the section, where Rumi and Izuku sat a little ways off from the others.
Rumi sat forward, elbows on her knees, her posture relaxed but eyes still sharp as they looked out at the arena. Her foot tapped absently against the metal step below her.
Izuku slid into the seat beside her, mirroring her lean slightly.
"You okay?" he asked softly.
"Yeah," she said, not looking at him. "Just thinking."
He nodded once. "You were amazing out there."
She gave a quiet snort, then smirked. "Damn right I was."
There was a pause. Izuku looked like he wanted to say something else—maybe dig deeper—but she shifted slightly, stretching her arms above her head with a casual grunt.
He let it go.
"You've got a tough one coming up," he said instead.
Rumi's smile widened. "You mean Bakugo? I'm gonna treat him like a drumstick."
Izuku chuckled. "That's graphic."
"That's motivation."
They both laughed quietly, the moment settling into something easy, something familiar.
After a beat, Rumi nudged him with her shoulder.
"You're up next," she said, more gently. "You ready for him?"
Izuku's expression sobered a little. "I think so. Todoroki Isn't just strong. He's… holding back. Fighting himself."
"You gonna fix that too?"
He smiled. "If I can."
"You better," she muttered. "You're the one always saying we gotta fight with everything we've got."
"Even if that means helping your opponent unlock their real power?"
"If you can handle it."
"I can."
Rumi leaned back again, arms crossed now, gaze back on the arena.
"You've got this, green."
Izuku watched her for a moment longer, then proceed to his prep room waving to his classmates as he went.
--
Elsewhere – A Final Glance
In the shadows of the stadium's entrance tunnel, Shoto Todoroki stood alone.
The cheers outside didn't reach him. The cold silence inside did.
His match was next.
And so was the decision he'd been avoiding.
Chapter End.
Hey everyone hope you enjoyed this chapter. Real quick I want to get everyones opion on something. I-Island I don't believe it will contribute much to this story with what i got planned but if enough people want to see it I'll do it. Please leave a review with your opinion.