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Two weeks later. Sports Festival day.
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After two weeks of preparation, where several progressed to improve and prepare themselves, the long-awaited U.A. Sports Festival finally began. It was much more than a simple school competition; it was the stage where future heroes demonstrated their true potential, where reputations were forged and where the country's most prestigious agencies placed their attention. The stands were packed with families, reporters, professional heroes and fans. Millions of people watched it in real time from their homes. All of Japan was attentive, and the pressure falling on the students was as intense as the sun's heat high in the stadium. The stage was imposing. Millions of people watched the live broadcast, and almost all of Japan had their eyes set on that moment. The stands vibrated with excitement, screams, music and tension. But among all the participants... Izuku had an expression of clear irritation and tiredness.
In the middle of that electrifying atmosphere, Izuku remained standing next to his class, in his training uniform, arms crossed and a clear expression of annoyance on his face. What bothered him was the deafening noise of the crowd, the constant comments and uncontrollable euphoria. But above all, the stares bothered him. Insistent stares, that dug into him from various angles. It wasn't just the spectators, because of the incident his course experienced. But many students from other courses observed him sideways, loaded with judgment, suspicion and anger.
And it was understandable. After the "little problem" he caused a few weeks ago, his image within U.A. had been... affected. It had been an accident, of course, but not a small one. He shot out through the hallways without warning, causing chaos of considerable proportions. He took down several students, left others with minor contusions, and one even ended up embedded in the wall with several broken ribs. Nothing deadly, nothing permanent, but serious enough to call the attention of the entire school council and turn him into the center of unwanted attention.
The good thing was he wasn't suspended from the festival. However, he did receive his respective punishment: clean absolutely the entire school, without help, during the first week of preparation before the event. For anyone it would have been an endless torture, but for Izuku it was more of a relaxation he accepted without complaining, completing it in record time of only two days. When he finished, U.A. looked like a huge polished mirror: every classroom shone, the hallways were impeccable and even the dusty corners of the gym sparkled. Despite that achievement, those two weeks weren't a rest. Not physically, of course—for obvious reasons—but mentally. The real exhaustion didn't come from accusatory looks or from the scares he caused by suddenly appearing in a gym corner to train. No. The real problem was... familial. And more specifically, the challenge of living with a fox woman with dual personality who had already been granted the beloved dream of having a daughter.
A very problematic feeling to handle.
He knew Hinpan Toga had dissociative identity disorder (DID) where her two personalities changed depending on her emotions. One day she was a calm, loving woman, who prepared breakfast sweetly and combed Eri's hair with maternal tenderness, with her soft, cushioned hands. And the next day... a completely out-of-control mother. A mother who decided to take her "daughter" to tour half the city in search of sweets, candies and toys, creating some panic with her... questionable way of interacting with others. But the most problematic thing wasn't that she acted like that. What was truly exhausting was that Izuku had to stop her before she caused a scandal on a national scale.
Some days could pass with relative calm: they walked together, with the three girls, through the city streets, bought dresses, stuffed animals and had lunch together as a family. But others... others were a complete nightmare. Like that time when he ended up running across rooftops with Rei, both desperate to catch up to a giant woman, with fox ears and devastating strength capable of reducing cities to dust with a single swipe, carrying a girl with a little horn who laughed with exhilaration discovering new tastes she didn't know she could have before.
—More caramel apples for my pretty little daughter!!—Toga roared tirelessly, every second with Eri.
On more than one occasion, Izuku was dragged by that explosive duo without being able to do anything more than let himself be carried, always hanging, while Rei chased them with a furrowed brow and a fury so silent it froze anyone's blood.
At least Izuku knew when to use brute force to stop them in time, instead of stressing Rei and himself, or ending up destroying a house or store without measuring the consequences.
Truly, they were two exhausting weeks.
Something good from all that chaos, Izuku was able to take advantage of the time helping his sister with her training. He realized she already knew how to mold her quirk with better precision, but still lacked brute force; she only achieved truly powerful attacks thanks to the suit and recharge he provided her in secret. He didn't want her to become dependent on that assistance, so during those weeks they focused on improving her physical power, combining the use of the suit with a demanding routine that, although hard, gave good results. He also helped Momo and Uraraka with their quirks, who asked him insistently, proving that those two became friends with Izumi, and although he thought more classmates would approach to ask for his support, no one else did. To his surprise, that didn't bother him. Rather, it was a relief, they most likely wanted to be stronger to surpass him in their own way. So, he simply continued with his routine as best he could, balancing training with relationships with his new friends and sister, "Toga's" tantrums, Eri and Hinpan's sweetness, improvised escapes across rooftops, and Rei's watchful or sweet gazes, trying not to lose his mind in that daily chaos.
Now he was there, standing in the middle of a huge arena where millions of spectators watched him with enthusiasm, eager to see what the U.A. Sports Festival would offer them.
—Oni-chan, are you okay? I feel you're uncomfortable being here —Izumi said worriedly, while they continued presenting the other U.A. groups, she observed him with attention and concern.
—Don't worry, little sister, I'm fine. I just feel some pressure in the atmosphere, maybe it's the temperature, nothing serious. Hehe —Izuku responded with a calm voice, though his frown betrayed him.
Izumi also noticed the murmurs among students from other classes. Some pointed at him, others whispered things like "there's the crazy guy who sent half the school flying." With a quick gesture, Izumi turned her head toward them and threw them a look so cold and sharp that several straightened up instantly, lowering their gaze as if not wanting to provoke her anger.
—It's not the temperature, it's the challenge and resentment of other students. That's what happens when you send several students flying, class representative. You should have been more careful or asked for our help, as vice-representative it's my job to help you at all times —Momo commented, who had approached without them noticing. She also directed serious looks at those who spoke badly of Izuku, forcing them to shut up one by one—. But don't worry, we'll sweep them all one by one at the sports festival, demonstrating the greatness of... our group.
Izuku remained thoughtful for a moment, looking at her strangely. He knew she was proud, but not to this level. He thought. The truth was he wasn't sure, he just sighed and gave her a smile.
—Thank you for your concern, Momo. But I don't think that's an appropriate approach... though the gesture is appreciated.
Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was firm, warm... but squeezed him forcefully. Upon turning slowly, he saw Ochako's serious face. That face he didn't think he'd see again.
—You must be more careful, Izuku-kun. And don't worry... we'll end their insignificant lives for bothering you —she said without hesitation, her eyes reflecting unusual intensity.
—That's a worrying way of thinking, Ochako! I knew it was a bad idea for you to hang out with my sister during these two weeks... —he murmured, worried about his sister's new protective accomplices.
—...Well, well, let's play fair!! —suddenly exclaimed an amplified voice, loaded with mischief, that pulled him from his thoughts.
Everyone's attention was hijacked by the +18 heroine Midnight, who appeared with her unmistakable tight black and white outfit with belts, which left very little to the imagination. She was known both for her power and her provocative attitude and questionable taste for combining sensuality with teaching. Some students kept their gaze fixed on her, others simply applauded excitedly.
Izuku just tilted his head for a second, as if wondering why she had to be in charge of the first years. But in the end he didn't give it importance. At least she was a good teacher, she liked students and protected them, everything would be fine.
Well... that would be if he didn't notice she saw him for a moment and winked at him in a very naughty way.
—Let's start this festival in the best way...!! And to begin it...!! —she shouted enthusiastically—. The first-year representative will say a few words!! Izuku Himura, present yourself, my boy!
Izuku blinked, surprised. Though, deep down, he already expected it. After all, he had obtained the highest score among all students. It was inevitable they'd put him up front.
He didn't like being there, standing, with all those stares on him. The cameras, the screams, the excitement... none of that interested him. Although he disguised his discomfort very well in an elegant manner, inside he wished to finish as soon as possible. His "family" always said he had talent as a motivator, but he preferred the practical. So he decided to be brief and get off that stage quickly.
He gently knocked the microphone with his knuckles, just to check it worked. The sound echoed throughout the arena, and immediate silence fell over the thousands of spectators. Everyone looked at him. They expected something grand. An epic phrase. A declaration of war. A fiery motivation that would support this festival.
Izuku, unfazed, swallowed and spoke with his usual tone, almost monotonous and gentle:
—Ah... nice to meet you, I'm Izuku Himura. I know you're all strong, as well as skilled... and I hope to work hard to equal you. Thank you for your attention.
He made a brief bow, believing he had been short, direct and without emotions... just as he wanted.
But as soon as he raised his head, he knew, upon hearing it.
—WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, PRODIGY?!!!—the shout was from all the students. He had truly made a mistake.
The first boos began as a murmur, but quickly became a storm of screams, whistles and words full of rage.
—Do you think you're better than us?!!
—"I hope to equal you"?! What kind of mockery is that?!! You're trampling us with pretty words!!
—Are you faking humility after crushing us all in the test and when we were in your classroom?! Show-off!!
Izuku raised his hands calmly, trying to explain without raising his voice.
—No, that wasn't... that was an accident what happened that day. It wasn't my intention...
—And on top of that you play innocent?! You really are a show-off!! I assure you I'll tear you to pieces!!—shouted one from course 1-B, most likely the one he embedded in a wall.
—We should smash that good boy face of yours!!
—I'LL KILL YOU, BASTARD!! —Bakugo exploded from his place, igniting his hands with explosions—. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME, DAMN IDIOT?! I'LL SMASH YOUR FACE RIGHT HERE!!
And just when Bakugo was already advancing through the crowd with not-so-peaceful intentions, an elegant, dominant and mysterious figure appeared between them, launching a powerful whip that stopped everyone. It was Midnight, who with a quick and authoritative movement, extended her arm in front of Izuku and fixed her gaze on the crowd of hysterical students.
—That's enough!! —she exclaimed, her voice now loaded with crushing authority.
Without saying more, she wrapped Izuku around the shoulders... and suddenly, pulled him toward her firmly. Izuku was surprised to feel how the teacher pressed him against her generous breasts, partially hiding him from public view, like a lioness mother guarding her cub.
—I won't allow you to harass a student for saying what he thinks. He's here because he earned it with merit —she said firmly—. And if anyone has a problem with that... they can talk to me and the principal later. I'll give you the punishment you deserve.
Silence returned abruptly.
Only contained breaths were heard, and one or another muffled complaint from some students and adults present.
—This is favoritism... —one whispered from the stands.
—That can't be allowed... lucky bastard —a student murmured, with a trembling voice and clearly jealous.
But no complaint dared to rise beyond a whisper. No one wanted to be the first to face Midnight's punishment.
Izuku didn't move. He just looked away toward the heroine who, with a soft but clearly intimidating smile, kept her arm firmly around his shoulders as if wanting to protect him from the entire world. He felt her strong perfume, her closeness even more invasive, but something in her maternal gesture prevented him from retreating completely. It was noticeable it wasn't a simple act in front of the public. There was something more.
—Thank you... Miss Midnight... —he whispered, with a slight blush that crossed his cheeks.
—You're welcome. And please... Call me mommy —she responded with a slow wink, as if seeking to comfort him with warmth... though she only managed to startle him more.
Izuku remembered in that instant a conversation he should have given more importance to. In a message Nezu sent him about additional information from the U.S.J. meeting, he commented that Professor Midnight had read his academic and psychological file carefully. According to her own words, that had "stirred something deep." What was worrying was when he said Midnight had insisted on closely supervising his evolution and how to help him maternally.
—("That boy needs a loving mother, firm, but gentle. Someone who's there to hug him when he can't take it anymore. I'll be that mother, for that poor boy!")
At that moment he thought it was an exaggeration. Or maybe a strange joke from Nezu. But now, trapped in the jealous stares of other students and the protective embrace of a woman he barely knew, he was beginning to realize that everything was completely real.
And as if the heat on his face wasn't enough, Izuku felt the air around him become denser, loaded with emotions he knew too well. He barely turned his face and managed to see his sister's eyes fixed on Midnight with a serene expression, but as dangerous as the silence before an explosion.
Izumi had a very slight smile, the same one she used when someone touched something they shouldn't... and just before destroying it with surgical precision.
Beside her, Momo analyzed the situation with one hand under her chin and the other already near her waist, evaluating scenarios, tactics and consequences. If Midnight continued with that so "affectionate" gesture, it wouldn't be strange for Momo to start fabricating something in defense of her class representative's "honor" and "annoyance."
Ochako, for her part, barely floated above the ground, fists clenched forcefully, face inflated with contained rage and eyes fixed on the heroine, as if measuring the exact angle to launch herself at her regardless of the punishment she might receive for attacking a teacher.
Izuku was too worried. Unfortunately they weren't the only ones.
From the stands, two figures also watched him. One of them was already standing, with her powerful fox hands resting on the railing that was beginning to creak from the force she applied. The other remained seated, serene, smiling, and that was the worst. Because a smile like that, so contained and soft, could only hide a level of danger that even Midnight wasn't prepared to face.
Izuku swallowed.
—This is going to be... a long day...
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Izumi narrates:
After my Oni-chan's speech, and how that shameless bitch of Professor Midnight hugged him as if he were hers... I couldn't contain the trembling of my hands. She held him against her chest as if he needed protection, as if she could treat him like a toy just because he looks sweet and doesn't say anything. And of course, he, with that uncomfortable expression and that blush on his cheeks, did nothing to stop her. Because that's how he is... because he's too good and didn't sense bad intentions from her. WHAT A HOME-WRECKING CAT, SO DAMN EVIL!!
Oni-chan can sometimes be serious, cold and distant, but I know who he really is. I've seen him break into pieces to keep going, train to the edge of collapse and then get up again just because someone else needs him. He's the type of person who motivates his loved ones with a single look, who knows exactly what to say at the right moment so everyone believes they can surpass themselves, when he himself is on the edge of the abyss. He's brilliant. He's strong. He's incredible. But he can also be so damn naive, so charmingly foolish that it makes me want to scream, kiss him and keep him as mine so they don't take him from me.
He was so damn naive... so charmingly clumsy with topics like sexuality and romantic attraction, that he only saw the good in them, not how dark it could be. It gave me some tenderness and annoyance because he could be easy to manipulate with pretty words. How can he be so intelligent in everything and so stupid with the obvious? When one of my "friends" shamelessly hit on him as a joke, or so I thought, he gave her a confused face, then smiled at her and accepted a date, somewhat embarrassed.
At least I already took care of that wretch, upon realizing she wanted to harm me, by harming him. That damn bitch!!
But well, while I was thinking about all that, they announced the first event: an obstacle race around the coliseum. A good test to start with everything.
I was already at the starting line with the others, ready to begin. I at least wanted to approach my Oni-chan, talk to him before everything started, maybe coordinate to... but then I saw her.
Professor Midnight!
She was at his side again, stuck to him as if he were hers, hugging him shamelessly, stroking his head as if he were a puppy and whispering things in his ear.
Damn bitch!!
I wanted to throw myself at her, but I held back. The worst part wasn't seeing her so close, but my Oni-chan's reaction. He remained completely still, paralyzed after their chat. He lowered his head as if those words had struck his soul.
And then, when that shameless teacher walked away with a satisfied smile, he raised his gaze.
His eyes... were no longer the same. Serious. Cold. Loaded with decision.
What the hell did that witch say to provoke him like that? What did she whisper to change his face in an instant? I hope it wasn't... no...THAT BITCH, SHE DARES TO TAKE HIS...!!
—Begin!! —Midnight shouted, and her powerful voice resonated throughout the arena, pulling me abruptly from my thoughts.
As soon as the shout was heard, dozens of students began to run as if their lives depended on it, heading toward the course entrance. I quickly turned my head, searching for my Oni-chan among the crowd.
But he was no longer in his place.
And before I could react, the ground shook violently under my feet. A shockwave extended from a single point with brutal force, raising a gust of air that hit me head-on. Dust immediately rose, covering everything in a thick cloud that made it difficult to see and breathe. Students around fell to the ground in a disorderly fashion, some rolling, others screaming without understanding what had happened. The impact took them by surprise, left them stunned, but I didn't need explanations. I knew exactly what it was. I knew who had done it.
Oni-chan.
Without thinking twice, I got up forcefully, feeling rage in every part of my body. I put my hands on the ground and released a precise fire discharge. The impulse lifted me through the air, leaving everyone else behind. The air whistled in my ears from the speed, and the heat of my flames pushed me forward without pause. I landed firmly, without losing control, and launched myself again with another explosion. Each propulsion made me go faster. I wasn't going to brake. I had to catch up to him, and I wasn't going to waste time.
On the way I noticed how Shoto approached at full speed. His gaze was cold, tense, with no room for doubt. He wasn't coming to observe or measure distances, he came determined. He froze several without saying a word, extending a layer of ice with a simple gesture. He didn't care if they fell or got hurt, he just wanted to take them out. I supposed if they were smart enough, they'd free themselves in seconds. One of them was Kacchan, who kept the pace using his explosions to propel himself. Despite that, Shoto didn't seem to pay him attention. He was clear about who he wanted to catch up to. He followed me directly, with an intensity he didn't disguise for a second. Maybe that provocation backstage wasn't just words. Before the festival he had challenged me, saying he would defeat me, that I was an obstacle he needed to overcome. I saw it in his eyes. It wasn't just competition, it was something personal.
He had also been looking for my Oni-chan before the event. Maybe he wanted to face him too. But he didn't find him... why?
Because my poor Oni-chan went to the bathroom and then stayed eating as if it were his last meal, sitting at a stand without worrying about anything. That day that stand spent everything in minutes. Instead of annoying me, it made me sad, I knew why he did it, it was truly difficult for him to taste something good in that shitty family.
But well, enough painful memories. I had to catch up to him before that old witch seduced him and took away his innocence.
As I advanced, I began to see remains of giant robots thrown everywhere. They were the models from the entrance exams, the same ones used for the U.A. entrance test, but now they were completely destroyed. At first I thought they were just recycled obstacles, placed there to make the terrain more difficult, until I saw a pattern of a huge hole in the ground. Around it, several mechanical torsos were split in half, with large, clean holes, as if a brutal force had gone through them effortlessly. The scene was too clear. Then, an explosion in the distance confirmed what I already knew, without needing to think twice.
Oni-chan destroyed them. All of them. With a single blow.
My skin crawled. It was amazing... terrifying... and I still questioned that that was once All Might's quirk. I couldn't fall behind. With one more jump and a burst of fire under my feet, I propelled myself forward, dodging remains and advancing at full speed. Shoto and Kacchan passed it without problems too, they were starting to be annoying.
The second obstacle appeared soon: a series of unstable earth columns, intertwined with ropes and surrounded by falls so deep the bottom couldn't even be seen. But just upon arriving, I saw another huge crater at the start of the course.
I sighed, clicking my tongue forcefully. Of course... Oni-chan passed it with a jump. As if nothing...
Even so, I didn't fall behind. Although it took me a few more seconds, I crossed it without major problems, propelling myself with fire between the columns and using the ropes as support. My body was in total sync, as if every muscle knew the danger my cute Oni-chan had.
The third trap was in front of me... or rather what remained of it.
In front of me, in what should be terrain plagued with hidden explosives, according to vendors with some bombs, only a long straight line remained... a perfect, empty corridor, without a single bomb. Only dust in the air, smell of gunpowder... and footprints.
Deep footprints, marked by brutal impacts. He passed through here. And he took all the traps with him.
I felt like laughing and screaming at the same time. How can he be so exaggerated!? That cute Oni-chan simply exploded the entire field to pass faster!!
I had no other choice. I ran with all my strength, without stopping for a single second, propelling myself with bursts of fire while the air cut my skin. Shoto and Kacchan were already catching up to me, but as always the walking explosive got tangled with Shoto in one of their stupid fights declaring war on the wrong person and left me the clear path.
I concentrated everything on that last impulse, I launched myself forcefully, and crossed the finish line.
—I did it! —I shouted with a smile and out of breath. Now it was time to save...
But then I saw it. And all my hopes shattered.
A disgusting scene unfolded before my eyes. That witch, that home-wrecking cat, that damn Professor Midnight was sitting with my Oni-chan on a picnic blanket, as if they were a couple on a romantic date. And as if that weren't enough, she was using Oni-chan's biggest weakness against him: hamburgers.
The food he had tasted once and called "the delicacy of the gods." The same ones that made him as happy as a small child.
—Relax, my boy... eat calmly. There's still more on the plate, my beautiful boy —that witch said with a honeyed voice, while stroking his head.
—Delicious! —Oni-chan said with a smile, eating another without stopping—. Because of my incredible strength and excessive use of energy, I need large amounts of food to strengthen myself... I truly thank you, Miss Midnight. You've saved my life.
—You're welcome, my dear... but remember to call me mommy, as thanks.
—Miss Midnight, I don't think it's goo... Izumi, little sister!! Welcome! You got second place? Congratulations, little sister! Do you want an artisan hamburger? They're really good!
ARTISAN!? MY POOR ONI-CHAN WAS DECEIVED WITH FAKE FOOD AND TOXIC AFFECTION FROM A BITCH!
That witch had manipulated him with a smile and hot food, and the worst... the worst is she looked at me with a smile of superiority, as if she had won.
NO!! I WOULDN'T ALLOW IT!!
—DON'T TAKE MY ONI-CHAN FROM ME!! —I shouted, jumping, fire wrapping my fist, and straight at her home-wrecking cat head.
—Sister, don't...!
A cloud of smoke was generated, hiding us from the spectators' view.
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—Izuku, you got first place! You're incredible! —Ochako exclaimed, with a big smile while clapping excitedly.
—Not bad for our class representative... —Momo added, though her tone was drier and a drop of sweat ran down her forehead—. I still can't believe how incredibly strong you are, representative. I need to learn more from you —she finished with a bow.
Izuku just smiled calmly, without saying anything, while finishing the last hamburger he had left.
—What can I say? I'm someone peculiar, in a world of people...
—Brother, please forgive me, I won't do it again!—said a scolded girl who lacked manners.
In front of them, a tense and humiliating scene remained: Izumi, on her knees, with black whips wrapping her arms and legs, her face reddened both from embarrassment and contained rage, and her eyes on the verge of tears.
Although her classmates felt sorry for her, Izuku didn't let himself be fooled. He knew she had ruined it and had to think about her actions with due respect.
—You tried to attack a teacher in the middle of the arena... —Izuku spoke with the serious tone he used when something really disappointed him—. Good thing my whips withstand your flames, Izumi. It could have ended in catastrophe. I'll give you a punishment after this.
She lowered her gaze, unable to hold his.
Izuku looked up toward the stands. There were Rei and Hinpan, completely in shock. Eri hugged them tightly, trying to calm them with soft words while both struggled to contain their panic. It was evident they had tried to jump onto the field, but at least he managed to stop them in time.
He had already foreseen their madness, especially with Toga. That's why, before everything began, he left them a hidden message on their devices: a simple phrase he knew would stop them.
"If you intervene... I won't talk to you for three days."
He didn't fully understand why that was so effective. It wasn't a real threat, but for them, it seemed like a tragedy. And it worked. More or less.
He knew he would have to compensate them later. But for now, what was important was they hadn't put themselves at risk.
—And that's how the first confrontation ends! These are the results! —Midnight shouted just as the names of the 42 who had been chosen to advance appeared on the screen.
Izuku reviewed the list carefully, going over each name and result thoroughly. Upon seeing Momo and Ochako's names, he felt genuine relief. They had passed without problems. At least that confirmed the training he had put them through wasn't in vain. His methods could be criticized, but never his results. Although there was still something he couldn't ignore: mental condition. Lately, both Momo and Ochako showed strange behaviors, with episodes of out-of-place laughter, fixed gazes on Izuku or exaggerated reactions of respect and affection. Things they didn't have before. Maybe it was the extreme training? Or maybe... the pancakes? He knew putting chocolate in them wasn't good for their health.
Shoto and Bakugo had also managed to pass, occupying third and fourth place respectively. It wasn't a surprise, both were strong and had experience. However, what really caught his attention weren't their positions, but the looks both threw at him. In Bakugo's case, he was already used to it. His obsession with being the best meant any result where he wasn't in first place churned his guts. It was normal. But Shoto... there it was different.
Then he remembered what Rei told him about one of her talks with her daughter: Shoto deeply hated his father. That constant need to prove he could be strong using only his left side, completely denying his paternal heritage, was consuming him. And with what had happened lately... with Izuku and Izumi talking so much with Toshinori, it seemed that in Shoto's mind a mistaken idea had been born. Maybe he thought both were the "official disciples" of the symbol of peace. Or something even more ridiculous: his adoptive children.
After the announcement of the final scores, the teacher proceeded to present the next event: a cavalry battle. Students had to form teams of two to four people and designate a rider. The objective was to snatch the bands each rider wore on their head. Each band had a specific value, determined by the position obtained in the previous test, increasing by five. The student in 42nd place had a 5-point band, 41st one of 10... and so on.... And first place is worth...
—10 million points!!!
—("...")
—("Huh?")—that was what Izuku managed to process—. ("What kind of crazy multiplication did they do to get that number?!!")
And suddenly, as if a switch was activated, 41 gazes fixed on him with an almost murderous intensity. Desire for revenge, hunger for points, repressed frustration... all in a single wave of hostility directed solely at Izuku. The pressure was so strong that anyone would have trembled, or at least felt the impulse to take a step back.
But Izuku... actually didn't care. He actually got distracted the moment they looked at him when he smelled some hot dogs being distributed in the stands.
He also remembered he already knew how U.A. worked. Everything was designed to test students' mental resistance, especially whoever was at the top. Literate warned him about this test. He told him it was a way to remind everyone that being on top means having everyone else on top of you, looking to make you fall. It wouldn't be a problem.
He exhaled softly through his nose. It wasn't a smile, but he didn't show fear or discomfort either. Just a natural reaction, almost bored, like someone hearing a song repeated a thousand times.
—("Well... at least now it will get interesting.")
—You have only fifteen minutes to form your groups, hurry up! —Midnight exclaimed from the stage, and although her voice sounded firm, Izuku noticed the slight tremor hidden. A small crack in her professional facade, imperceptible to others.
While the rest began to move, forming quick alliances, negotiating positions and distributing responsibilities, Izuku stepped aside without saying anything. He went to a corner, sat calmly leaning his back against the wall and observed. He had no intention of rushing or asking anyone for help. He preferred to think through each move carefully. He was more focused on how he could excel without unnecessarily harming anyone, than on forming a group out of desperation.
He stayed like that, analyzing everything, until a soft, familiar voice broke his concentration. A signal of his response.
—Are you okay, my boy...?—the next conversation would initiate possible chaos.
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15 minutes later.
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—HOW AMAZING IS THIS FESTIVAL!!! ISN'T IT!? —Midnight shouted with energy, causing the stadium to explode in cheers—. The time has come to begin the game!!
The students finished grouping up, some with well-defined strategies, others armed with pure intuition and urgency. Some positioned themselves strategically, reading the terrain, observing others... but there was something everyone had clear: Izuku Himura was the main objective. With ten million points on his forehead, he was the competition's grand prize. Everyone looked at him with a mix of disbelief, annoyance and barely disguised mockery. His team was composed of only two members: a support course student who almost came in last place, excited but without intimidating presence; and a boy from his same class with a bird head and a living shadow coming out of his body. They wore devices: boots with turbines, propulsion backpacks and a light exoskeleton that helped give strength and stability to their mount. But even with all that... they didn't look like a strong team. Not against all of them.
Their rivals threw glances at each other, each one internally repeating the same thing:
—(Is that seriously his team?)
—(Does he think he's good enough to beat everyone?)
—(This is going to be easy. He's alone against all of us.)
It was almost insulting. Izuku hadn't sought to form a solid squad. He didn't recruit anyone else from class A, nor big names from other courses. It seemed he didn't care about winning, or was simply overconfident. Although there was also a small fact to consider: no student really wanted to support him. His team was improvised, the last thing left. In everyone's eyes, it was competitive suicide.
And best of all... was that everyone knew Izuku couldn't attack. As a rider, he was tied to the limitations of his position. He had to protect the head, maintain the team's balance and avoid any movement that would compromise the stability of the two companions supporting him. He was first on the table, with ten million points on his head, and that made him the perfect target. But it also turned him into a mobile responsibility, a decorative figure who couldn't afford to break his own base. With his level of power, any poorly executed blow, any explosive movement out of place, could instantly dismantle his team. Izuku was bound by his own strength. That's why the only possible strategy was to evade. Resist. Escape. That's what everyone thought. That's what everyone expected from him.
The plan was as simple as it was cruel: saturate him with attacks, surround him, take away every escape route and leave him with no room to maneuver. It wasn't a combat exercise, it was a hunt. They were going to play with him like wolves against a wounded deer. The only question was how long he would last before falling. And in that atmosphere, every second of waiting was a rope that tensed more and more.
This would be a very easy war to complete.
—Begin!!! —Midnight shouted, and as soon as the signal sounded... 10 teams launched themselves without precedent against him, ready to attack.
Forty students running at once like a human wave of determination. Some shouted to intimidate, others activated their quirks to gain advantage, and several more traced strategic routes from the sky, earth and sides.
But something unsettled them... Izuku remained firm without moving.
He didn't move. He didn't raise an arm, didn't turn his head. His face was fixed forward, with a completely emotion-empty expression. He showed no urgency, no concern, no trace of stress. It was as if he knew something the others didn't. As if the entire world was irrelevant to him. It was absolute calm in the middle of an approaching storm.
And then, when the first enemy steps were about to reach him, he reacted. Not with violence. Not with a scream. Simply, he raised a metal rod he carried on his back and drove it precisely into the ground. It was such a calm and precise movement it seemed part of a silent choreography. Then, without saying a word, everything changed.
A second of absolute silence covered the arena.
And then, the sky roared.
—BOOM!!!
A lightning bolt descended directly from above, impacting brutally on the rod. The explosion was so intense it generated a shockwave that made the entire ground tremble. The air became heavy, charged with electricity. Several teams retreated from the force of the shockwave, and a dense gray smoke cloud covered the entire terrain. Nothing could be seen. Only sparks and explosion echoes were heard. The entire stadium plunged into a mix of confusion and astonishment. The atmosphere became oppressive. The viewing screens flickered for a moment. Something wasn't right.
Not human. Not mechanical. They were hooves. Dry, strong blows. As if something enormous were walking. The sound filled the arena. No one could see anything, but everyone knew something was coming. And it wasn't normal.
And then came the roar.
A monstrous bellow, deep, harsh. It wasn't an attack cry, nor a special technique. It was a primitive roar. Animal. Savage. As if something that shouldn't exist had awakened and was announcing its arrival. That sound alone made several students stop. Some by reflex. Others by pure terror. The body simply froze. The mind found no logic. Instinct told them not to advance.
The fog began to dissipate slowly, dragged by a wind that had no direction or origin. It was as if the field itself breathed with tension, letting out what it had been hiding. Students stopped moving. Vision began to clear, but what emerged from that cloud wasn't what they expected. It didn't seem like a companion, nor a normal rival. It was a disturbing vision.
From the center of the cloud appeared a black horse, with a robust and muscular body, wrapped in several black whips that swayed uncontrollably with the wind, as if they had will of their own. Hot steam came from its nostrils, as if it carried fire inside. Its hooves struck the ground with a slow, heavy rhythm, like war drums. Its eyes were two bright points, fixed, inhuman. They didn't blink, didn't move. They were beacons of pure presence.
And upon it, its rider. A figure that needed no words or introduction. He was erect, completely motionless, as if every muscle of his body were carved in stone. He wore a suit that didn't seem like fabric or metal, but something more... dark, as if darkness itself had been molded to form his armor. He wore no helmet, but his face was completely covered by a black hood that only left his eyes visible. They weren't normal eyes. They shone with an unnatural gleam. And just by looking at them, they caused the heart to stop for an instant. It was as if each of those present were examined, judged and condemned in silence.
That wasn't the face of a classmate. Nor of an opponent. It was something more. He hadn't entered that game to win points. He wasn't there for recognition. His presence said it all: he was there to dominate. To demonstrate he was more than everyone. That fear couldn't only be created, it could be personified.
The stadium's silence was broken by a familiar voice. Midnight, who at the beginning showed herself energetic and animated, now spoke with a completely different tone. Low, grave, as if her words carried the weight of what they were seeing.
—When you're a hero, there are many things you can face... but one of the worst... is fear. What do you do when fear has form, preventing you from walking or thinking correctly? What do you do when evil doesn't hide, but challenges you without saying a word?
The woman stopped for a second. She breathed. And her next statement was more direct, harder, as if pushing the students to wake up.
—This is your answer. The strongest don't only shine when conditions are comfortable. They shine when pressure is unbearable, when the world watches them expecting them to fall. If you want to be stronger... prove it. The rules have changed. Now you decide: will you be the attackers... or the prey?
The camera zoomed in. The stadium fell silent.
—I present to you the black knight. The disaster of your spirits... The black death. The invincible intermediate enemy!!
No one moved.
It was no longer about points.
It was no longer a game.
The test had begun.
And now the challenge was... to survive.
—Are you ready to be... stronger? LET THE TRUE MASSACRE BEGIN!!
End Chapter 12