The entrance to UA High School was packed with hundreds of reporters from all over the country and even some from overseas— a gathering worthy of an event often compared to the Olympics in its prime.
On the way there, it was the same story: tens of thousands of people waiting to enter the UA stadium.
"There are so many people…" When Allen arrived, he looked over the massive crowd. However, the lines seemed to move slowly.
A ponytailed female reporter complained, "Why is this taking so long?!"
Her cameraman shrugged. "Nothing we can do. Because of the villains' attack, they've tightened security."
Allen thought for a moment, remembering that Nemuri had mentioned security would be five times stronger.
Unohana – Ara, aren't villains supposed to have teleportation abilities?
Yuriko – It's to give people a sense of security. It's a common method in these types of situations.
Rebecca – That's why I hate politics.
Allen tried to slip past the reporters, but he was stopped.
"Excuse me, you're a student from the hero course, right?" the same reporter asked enthusiastically.
[Host, this is what you get for taking so long— all the students have been inside for an hour.]
'I had no choice— I had to give their tickets to Koichi, Knuckleduster, and Pop…'
Hero course students received several tickets for family members if they wished. Since his only "family" was Kaina and Nemuri, he didn't really need them— but he decided to request some for his group of illegal vigilantes.
"Something like that…" Allen replied.
"In that case, have you heard about Endeavor's son?"
Allen smiled. "Yes, of course. Todoroki is incredible— he'll definitely put on quite a show."
The reporter's eyes lit up, not noticing the amused glint in Allen's words.
"In your opinion, who do you think will win?"
More reporters noticed Allen, and soon they surrounded him, causing his face to appear on national television.
....
In the teachers' lounge, Nemuri paced back and forth. She would be the host and judge of the event this year, but while reviewing the students she realized Allen hadn't arrived. When she contacted Kaina, she said Allen had told her he had things to do and would arrive a little late.
"One hour is not a little late!" Nemuri exclaimed.
"Well, well, Kayama-sensei, let's calm down. Young Allen will arrive," said All Might, sitting in a suit. Over these two weeks he had recovered somewhat, but even without injuries there was a strange weakness and exhaustion that wouldn't go away.
"You should get ready," Aizawa said as he left the teachers' lounge.
"How do you expect me to concentrate if Allen isn't here?" Nemuri sighed and turned on the television to distract herself.
– "Excuse me, who do you think will win among the first-years?" –
Nemuri froze when she saw Allen on the screen.
All Might, seeing this, spat out his glass of water— it turned out Allen was at the entrance giving an interview.
....
Allen stroked his chin thoughtfully at the question. "Right now, Todoroki is skilled and can withstand a lot of damage. There's also Katsuki Bakugo, who takes hits well. And don't forget Midoriya Izuku— you can beat him to a pulp and he'll still get back up, haha."
The reporter looked stunned and uncomfortable at Allen's way of answering— why did it sound like he was judging based on who could take the most beatings?
"If we're talking about intelligence, I wouldn't underestimate Momo. Her Quirk is very versatile, and she's capable of finding all kinds of solutions to problems. Don't forget Ibara— she has a perfect balance of strength and intelligence. But personally, I'd like people to pay attention to Class 1-A. This year everyone is working hard, and you'll definitely be pleasantly surprised…"
"Um, with Momo and Ibara… do you mean Momo Yaoyorozu and Ibara Shiozaki?"
"Are there other girls with those names?" Allen raised an eyebrow.
Many boys and girls were relatively unknown even before entering UA, but it was only when they made their appearances that people really paid attention.
Among them were exceptions like Ibara and Momo, who showed great potential from the beginning— something proven in the first exam, where both ranked in the top ten.
The reporter suddenly turned into a gossip-loving aunt and leaned the microphone closer to Allen with sparkling eyes.
"What is your relationship with those girls? I mean, you seem close enough to call them by their first names!"
Allen remained silent for a second before smiling with that bastard grin.
His Chat already anticipated what Allen was about to do— these were the moments when this jerk let himself go.
"My relationship with Momo is complicated…" Allen sighed with sorrow and a trace of melancholy.
"Everything began ten years ago. I was an orphan child living on the streets, eating garbage and fighting rats for a piece of bread…"
Gwen – ...
MJ – ...
Felicia – ...
Natasha – ...
"Huh?"
The reporters—especially the female reporter—had expected some teenage romance gossip or something similar, but suddenly they heard a tragic past.
"The days were difficult, the nights harsh…" Allen clutched his heart. "I did my best to survive, but my strength was limited as a child. Eventually, I collapsed in an alley without strength. When I was waiting for my death, a luxury vehicle stopped. From it, a beautiful black-haired girl got out and ran toward me… I don't know what happened next, but I woke up in a luxurious room, in a big bed, with a maid by my side."
The suffering looked faded from Allen's face and was replaced with a sincere smile. Combined with his appearance, it moved many people— even some reporters began to cry.
"The maid ran out, and soon three people entered— Mr. and Mrs. Yaoyorozu, along with the girl from before, Momo… There was no reason to do it, but they took me into their home as part of the household staff. I grew up serving Momo-sama, and now that I've grown, I hope that someday I'll become a man good enough to walk by her side." Allen's eyes filled with determination. Somehow everything darkened, and a spotlight bathed him. "That is my goal!"
There was silence before the reporters' eyes filled with admiration for this noble, handsome young man whose heart was devoted to his lady.
The inner doors burst open, and Momo appeared running at full speed toward the entrance. For a moment everyone thought it would be a touching reunion.
But when they saw Momo's face filled with anger and embarrassment, they were left in disbelief.
"Hi, Momo," Allen greeted casually, as if nothing had happened.
"You!"
"Why is she so angry?" the reporter asked.
"Well, because everything was a lie~" Allen smiled smugly.
"Huh?"
Momo grabbed Allen by the collar and ran back inside with him, leaving the reporters in shock.
Once Allen and Momo disappeared from the screen, curses echoed throughout Japan. It was said Allen had become the most hated person in the country for playing with everyone's emotions.
....
Inside UA, Momo cornered Allen against the wall.
"I have to warn you— if you try to take advantage of me… maybe I'd let you, but I'd be very offended after an hour."
Momo blushed and took a step back.
"W-what were you t-thinking inventing such an absurd story?!"
Allen looked offended. "What do you mean by absurd? It was a good story…"
"It would have been— if it were true!" Momo stomped the floor. "Do you know what you've done?! My parents are watching this?!"
"Oh well, details. I don't think Mom and Dad will be upset," Allen said with a teasing smile.
Momo turned red like a boiled shrimp and pointed at him. "You! How dare you call them that?!"
Allen stayed silent before taking a couple of steps forward— this time he was the one cornering Momo against the wall.
"W-what?!" Momo felt like her heart would explode.
Allen leaned closer, and Momo closed her eyes instinctively.
"We're going to be late…" Allen said before turning and walking away.
Momo opened her eyes in a daze and looked at his back. Her confusion turned into anger, and she ran after him— and when Allen saw her coming, he started running too.
"This reminds me of the first time you chased me— those were the days!"
"You haven't changed at all!" Momo shouted.
"Haha."
Allen and Momo managed to reach the locker rooms. Of course, Allen said goodbye to the exhausted Momo, who had run back and forth because of him.
When he entered the changing room, everyone turned to look at him with uncomfortable expressions. Some held their phones— and of course, they had seen the news.
"You're unbelievable…" Kirishima said, a drop of sweat on his cheek.
"Thanks." Allen shrugged.
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I can't believe you dared to lie on national television!" Iida exclaimed, chopping the air rapidly with his hand.
"One of these days a girl is going to stab you," Kaminari joked.
Allen walked past Kaminari with a mocking look. "At least girls pay attention to me."
Kaminari slammed the floor. "Damn it, all handsome guys should die!"
Deku wanted to talk to Allen but stopped when he saw Todoroki walking toward him.
"Allen Walker…"
"What is it?"
"I have something to tell you."
"..."
"I know you're strong. I know maybe this event seems like some kind of game to you, but…" Todoroki's eyes shone with determination. "Don't underestimate me! I'm not here to live under your shadow! I will surpass you— you and anyone else!"
Everyone was surprised— even Bakugo and Deku.
Allen smiled faintly. Everyone expected him to make some mocking comment to annoy Todoroki, but instead, a strange pressure began to emanate from his body.
"Alright. You can try~"
Todoroki clenched his fists, thinking Allen wasn't taking him seriously. But soon his eyes widened when he met Allen's gaze.
"But don't get it wrong… when the time comes… I'll be serious."
It wasn't a threat, nor intimidation— just certainty. However, upon hearing it, most of them paled. They didn't know why, but in their minds, Allen had given the impression he would hold back in this event. Now they realized that wasn't the case.
It was true that, from a certain point of view, it might seem unfair for Allen to participate. But on the other hand, Allen also had something to prove. After being raised by four professional heroines, what kind of pathetic bastard would he be if he didn't show his worth before their eyes?
Deku remembered his conversation with All Might during the past week.
— Young Midoriya, don't worry. Do your best. You're strong—never forget that. You're capable of facing anyone… with one single exception. But don't worry, it's unlikely young Allen will take this seriously —
'You're wrong, All Might!' Deku began to sweat. 'Allen-san is serious!'
Allen's words were like molten iron falling on everyone's shoulders, and some had already given up on winning.
"I only hear words!" Bakugo shattered the tension with a murderous glare at Allen. "You ice bastard picked the wrong opponent to declare war on! If anyone's going to win this… IT'S ME! You heard him right, Walker! Don't think you can always stand at the top!"
"Kacchan…" Deku shook his head and filled himself with determination. "Allen-san, I can't lose either."
Allen smiled…
"I'm not losing either!" exclaimed Tetsutetsu.
"Me neither!" shouted Kirishima.
"Let us pursue an honorable dream," said Tokoyami.
"I won't fall without a fight!" Shoji yelled.
All the students raised their voices, refusing to be intimidated. That made Allen chuckle under his breath before his gaze turned cold.
"Then come for me…"
….
Cheers flooded the massive UA stadium; people and pro heroes had come from all over the country.
In the stands were several well-known heroes such as Mt. Lady, Kamui, Hawks, Best Jeanist, and Endeavor.
Among the crowd was a discreet trio—Koichi eating popcorn, Knuckleduster with his arms crossed looking bored, and Kazuho holding a flag in support of Allen. Of course, no one knew who Allen was yet, but that was about to change.
"You can do it, Allen!" Pop☆Step shouted.
"Idiot, it hasn't even started yet…" Knuckleduster muttered as he snatched Koichi's popcorn.
"Don't worry—when the time comes, he'll definitely surprise us," Koichi said with his usual laid-back attitude.
"I already know that!" Kazuho felt irritated.
Originally she used the Pop☆Step identity to act confidently, so since she was dressed as Kazuho, she didn't dare to shout at the top of her lungs. But, ever since she arrived, people had been talking about Todoroki as if he were the only one worth watching. That made the pink-haired girl angry.
"Allen is going to shut everyone up!" Kazuho exclaimed, but the people around her looked at her strangely.
"Who's Allen?"
"Must be her boyfriend."
"Man, I wish a cute girl would cheer for me even if I had no chance of winning."
"Shut up!" Kazuho almost lunged at them, but Koichi held her back.
Meanwhile, in the teachers' seats, everyone was present, including Kaina, who sat with her arms crossed—though her nervousness was obvious. Even she didn't expect something like this to make her anxious. As a teacher she wanted Class 1-A to shine, but personally, she wanted Allen to win the Sports Festival.
"I'm worried about Allen…" Kaina said.
The other teachers smiled wryly.
"I'm worried he might go overboard," Vlad said, scratching his cheek.
"It'll be fine~" Thirteen said confidently. "Remember how Allen chose to help instead of fight during the entrance exam."
"But now it's different. Allen also needs to stand out. In this world, heroes depend a lot on public support," said Cementoss.
"…" Kaina sighed, not sure why she felt so anxious.
Security was extremely tight; thousands of pro heroes were present—no villain would be stupid enough to attack right now.
Unable to calm her heart, Kaina stood up.
"Is something wrong, Tsutsumi-sensei?" All Might asked.
"It's nothing. I just want to patrol…"
"But the competition is about to start."
"I'll watch it. Don't worry."
Nezu, who was seated higher up, saw Kaina leave and decided to speak with the security staff, reminding them not to get distracted or careless and to review protocols in case of another attack.
Elsewhere in the stadium, a blonde girl sat in the stands humming. She was accompanied by two hooded figures who were also waiting. A wide smile spread across her face.
"Himiko Toga, put your hood on—it's dangerous if we're discovered."
"I don't want to~"
"Don't be childish—!"
The hooded figure's words stopped when they saw Himiko's murderous glare.
"I already told you—I don't want to…"
"Ugh..."
Himiko stopped paying attention and her gaze softened. "I want him to see me cheering for him if he looks this way❤️~ I want him to know where I am!🖤~"
"Let her…" murmured the second hooded figure.
"But—"
"…"
"Fine…"
….
Elsewhere, a blonde woman and a blue-haired girl were also watching.
"Haven't the first-years started yet?" the girl smiled. "I can't wait to see how much he's grown~"
She was the famous UA princess, one of the Big Three—Nejire Hado.
When Nejire smiled, her beauty stole the hearts of many present, yet no one dared stare too long after sensing the dangerous aura emanating from the woman beside her.
"Relax, Nejire. He'll come out soon," the woman said with a smile that erased the pressure and replaced it with a warm, maternal presence.
She was Ryuko Tatsuma, whose name was even more famous than Nejire's as a top-ten pro hero.
"Hahaha, crush them!"
Not far from them, another pro hero with silver hair tossed a beer while stepping on the head of a man in front of her. Despite her actions, no one dared reprimand her—out of fear.
She was the terrifying Rumi Usagiyama, a pro hero who made both villains and heroes tremble due to her obsession with fighting.
The two women exchanged glances, a flicker of coldness passing through their eyes. Still, they didn't fight—they simply ignored each other.
….
From a distant place, someone else was watching—a man radiating a terrifying, chilling aura.
It was none other than All For One…
"It's a shame you chose that path, Allen Walker. Sooner or later you'll understand that power brings fear. People will fear what you are… and that will lead them to do foolish things…"
….
"Let's go," Allen said as the class representative.
He adjusted his gloves and walked toward the tunnel exit with everyone from Class 1-A behind him.
Once their eyes adjusted to the light, they stepped out as tens of thousands of people erupted into cheers.
The cameras focused on Class 1-A—the protagonists of this Sports Festival.
The Sports Festival had begun!
====
A/N: The winter is coming 🗿?
If you want to read more, there are up to ten chapters ahead on Patreon.
Patreon.com/_Aizen