Ace and Ami join the throngs making their way toward U.A. High. The air vibrates with an electric energy, a tangible buzz of anticipation that settles over them like a warm blanket. The atmosphere is pure festival, a riot of color and sound that assaults the senses in the best possible way.
Street vendors line the pathways, hawking everything from takoyaki to hero-themed merchandise. Stalls overflow with All Might figurines, Endeavor keychains, and even limited-edition All Might figures. The aroma of grilled squid mingles with the sweet scent of cotton candy, creating a heady mix that makes Ace's stomach rumble.
This is nuts, Momotaros declares. They got everything here!
Look at those hero-themed donuts! Ryutaros exclaims. I want one!
Ace can't help but be impressed. It is hard to believe this is just a school event. He finds himself thinking back to his own school days, the drab gymnasiums, the half-hearted bake sales, the general air of enforced fun. Compared to this explosion of energy and enthusiasm, his old school events seem positively prehistoric.
Talk about a glow-up, Ace thinks.
Ami, her eyes wide with wonder, grabs Ace's arm, pulling him towards a stall selling hero-shaped taiyaki. "Look, Ace! They have All Might, Midnight, and Present Mic merch!"
Ace chuckles, letting Ami lead the way. As they navigate the crowd, he takes in the U.A. campus itself. It's unlike anything he's ever seen—a sprawling complex of gleaming glass and steel, nestled amidst a carefully manicured landscape. The main building, a colossal structure that seems to scrape the sky, dominates the horizon. Its sleek, modern design screams innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Around it, various training grounds and arenas sprawl, hinting at the rigorous physical demands placed on the students within. Ace can spot obstacle courses, mock cityscapes, and even what looks like a miniature forest, all designed to hone the skills of aspiring heroes.
This place is huge, Kintaros rumbles. A worthy stage for warriors.
I wonder if they have a dance floor, Ryutaros ponders.
As they strolled deeper into the grounds, Ace noticed something else amidst the festive atmosphere—the sheer number of Pro Heroes present. They weren't just posing for photos or signing autographs. They were strategically positioned, their eyes constantly scanning the crowd, their stances radiating alertness.
Ami tilted her head, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "Wow, there are a lot of Pro Heroes here today," she observed, her voice tinged with curiosity. "More than usual, right?"
Ace nodded, his gaze sweeping over a cluster of heroes near the entrance. "Yeah. U.A. was attacked by villains a while back," he explained, careful to keep his tone casual. "They managed to get inside the school. I saw it on the news a few weeks ago, before... well, before I got here. They're probably just beefing up security because of that." He remembered the news from his world about the USJ attack and the news weeks ago.
Ami's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh, right! That's why there's such a big deal. That makes sense."
With that unsettling thought addressed, they moved on, weaving through the throng of people. The aroma of popcorn and excitement filled the air. They stopped by a stall showcasing support items, gadgets designed to enhance Quirks. Ace watched as a young boy, no older than ten, goggled at a pair of gravity-defying boots.
Imagine if we had access to that kind of tech, Urataros mused. The possibilities are endless.
Ace snorted inwardly. You'd probably use them to pick up chicks.
Their banter was cut short when a familiar voice boomed, "Ace! Is that you?"
Both Ace and Ami turned to see Yu Takeyama, aka Mt. Lady, standing near one of the security checkpoints. She was in her hero costume, a badge clipped to her belt indicating she was part of the security detail. A wide, genuine smile lit up her face as she waved them over.
"Ace! What a surprise!" Yu was excited to see Ace again.
Before Ace could respond, Yu had already closed the distance between them, engulfing him in a tight hug that nearly squeezed the air from his lungs. Her exuberance was infectious, but Ace couldn't help but feel a twinge of awkwardness.
Easy there, tiger, Momotaros grumbled. You're gonna break the kid in half.
Yu finally released Ace, her smile still dazzling. "Ami-san! It's so great to see you too!" Yu exclaimed, turning her attention to the cafe owner with a warm smile.
Ami returned the greeting, her own smile equally radiant. "Takeyama-san! What are you doing here? I thought you were busy with hero work."
"Well, I am working," Yu said, gesturing to her security badge. "U.A. asked a bunch of us to help out with security today. Gotta keep all these future heroes safe, you know?"
Ami's eyes widened in impressed admiration. "That's so cool! I didn't realize how serious this was."
Yu then turned back to Ace, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "And you! You didn't tell me you were coming to the Sports Festival. Trying to keep secrets from me, Ace?" she teased, lightly nudging him with her elbow.
Ace scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Yu-san. Ami-san gave me an extra ticket, and it was kind of last minute." He felt the heat rising in his cheeks, a familiar sensation that always seemed to accompany Yu's teasing.
Smooth, Urataros drawled. Real smooth.
Suddenly, a gruff voice cut through their conversation. "Takeyama! Are you slacking off again?"
Yu winced slightly before turning toward the sound. Two figures were approaching—a hulking man in a construction-themed hero costume and a slender figure clad in wood-like armor. It was Death Arms and Kamui Woods.
Death Arms, his expression stern, crossed his arms over his chest. "We're supposed to be maintaining a perimeter, not chatting with civilians."
Yu's smile didn't falter. "Relax, Death Arms. They're friends. No slacking here, just a quick hello." She turned back, her hand gesturing in a flourish. "Ace, Ami, this is Death Arms, and Kamui Woods. Guys, this is Ace, and Ami, the owner of Starry Cafe."
Death Arms gave a curt nod, his gaze sweeping over them with professional assessment. "Pleasure," he grunted, though his tone suggested otherwise. Friends of Mt. Lady, he thought, probably just looking for an autograph.
Kamui Woods, however, offered a more genuine smile, his wooden features softening slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for supporting Yu—Mt. Lady—in her hero work."
As Ace shook his hand, Kamui Woods' gaze lingered for a moment, a flicker of something that Ace couldn't quite decipher. "Ace... That's an unusual name. Have we met before? You seem familiar."
Ace's mind raced. Crap, does he remember Kuuga? Or Ryuki? "I don't think so, Kamui Woods-san," Ace replied, trying to project an air of nonchalant innocence. "I'm just a barista at Starry. Maybe you've seen me there?"
Don't sweat it, kid, Momotaros scoffed. You're too handsome to forget. He's probably just jealous.
Yu gave a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of the past encounters between Kamen Rider and the tree-themed hero.
Death Arms shifted impatiently, his gaze sweeping the crowd. "Alright, Takeyama, Woods, break time's over. We've got a perimeter to maintain."
Yu sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Alright, alright, Death Arms. No need to be such a buzzkill." She turned back to Ace and Ami, her smile still bright. "It was great seeing you both! Enjoy the festival! Ace," she lowered her voice, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "if you have some time during my break, come find me. I'll be around."
With a wink and a final wave, Yu turned and followed Death Arms and Kamui Woods, leaving Ace and Ami amidst the bustling crowd.
Ami clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "Well, that was quite the introduction! But look, Ace! The festival is about to start! Let's go find our seats before they're all taken."
Ami grabbed Ace's hand, and they navigated through the last pockets of stragglers before reaching the stadium's seated rows. The sheer scale of the place hit him. Thousands of faces stretched out before them, a sea of eager anticipation. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a constant thrum that vibrated through his bones.
As they found their seats, Ami gasped, pointing towards the center stage. "Wow, look at that! This is gonna be amazing!"
Below them, the stadium floor transformed into a dynamic display of lights and sound. A massive screen flickered to life, showcasing highlights from previous U.A. Sports Festivals, each clip drawing cheers and gasps from the audience. The energy was palpable, a collective anticipation that crackled in the air.
Damn, Momotaros thought. This is gonna be one hell of a show!
Then, a booming voice echoed through the stadium, silencing the crowd in an instant. "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Welcome, welcome, WELCOME to the U.A. Sports Festival!"
Ace recognized the voice immediately—Present Mic.
"Can you hear me?!" the voice continued, the stadium shaking with its amplified power. "Are you ready to witness the birth of new heroes?! Are you ready for the most exciting event of the year?! Because I know I am! YEAH!"
The crowd erupted in a frenzy, a cacophony of cheers, whistles, and applause that nearly drowned out Present Mic's voice. Even Ace couldn't help but crack a smile, caught up in the unbridled enthusiasm.
This Present Mic guy has a really loud voice, Kintaros mumbled.
I can hear that guy from here, Ryutaros whined.
Ami was practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh my gosh, Ace, this is going to be so much fun!" she squealed, grabbing his arm and shaking it excitedly.
As Present Mic continued to hype up the crowd, Ace leaned back in his seat, taking in the electric atmosphere. He was enjoying himself, a welcome distraction from the constant pressure of his mission. It felt good to simply relax and enjoy the spectacle, even if just for a moment. He was waiting to see the students come out, when Momotaros suddenly yelled, Oi, I suddenly smell an Imagin!
"What?"
***
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Advance chapters are in my P@|r3on - Najicablitz