After the Sports Festival concluded, an awards ceremony naturally followed.
In the final standings, Igarashi Masata claimed first place. Shoto Todoroki took second, while Yaoyorozu Momo and Iida Tenya tied for third.
"Because Iida's family had an urgent matter to attend to, he had to leave early. We ask for everyone's understanding."
At this moment of glory, Iida was notably absent.
"That's such a shame… Iida worked so hard,"
Asui Tsuyu said regretfully from the stands, while Midoriya Izuku recalled the words Iida had said to him earlier.
"My brother… Ingenium… please don't get into trouble."
"I—am here with the medals!"
A loud, hearty voice echoed through the stadium. The next instant, All Might descended from the sky with his iconic smile, landing squarely in front of the podium.
The moment his powerful figure appeared, the audience erupted into endless cheers. In a society stabilized by his existence alone, the name All Might carried immeasurable weight.
"Yaoyorozu Momo," All Might said warmly as he placed the medal around her neck.
"Your Quirk holds limitless possibilities. Creation isn't just about weapons. I believe you'll unlock its true potential in the future."
He then turned toward Todoroki. There was still a trace of confusion lingering on the boy's face. He had met his father earlier—whether he truly hated him or not remained unclear, but beliefs ingrained since childhood were not easily overturned.
"Congratulations, Todoroki," All Might said.
"I was very glad to see you use the power of your left side in the finals. Your future is bright. Use your strength well."
"…I want to become a hero like you," Todoroki replied quietly.
"But simply untangling my own knots isn't enough. There are things I still need to confirm for myself."
He had changed—slightly, but noticeably. He spoke more than before. All Might could see it clearly. After giving Todoroki a brief hug, he turned to the champion of the Sports Festival.
Placing the gold medal around Igarashi Masata's neck, All Might patted his solid frame.
"Igarashi, I'm very pleased you fulfilled the promise you made to yourself before the match."
Hearing this praise, Masata smiled sincerely. No matter the past misunderstandings between them, All Might was someone worthy of respect—always.
"Although I'm not sure it's appropriate to say this,"
Masata grinned back at him.
"I'll surpass you someday, All Might."
Rather than being angered by the bold declaration, All Might laughed even brighter. His time as an active hero was growing shorter by the day—nothing could make him happier than seeing the next generation grow so rapidly.
After the awards, All Might cleared his throat and addressed the crowd.
"Today's top three stand before you—but!"
"Every single student here may one day stand on this podium! Just as you've seen in these matches!"
"Compete! Challenge yourselves! Reach ever higher and stronger realms!"
"You are the new generation of heroes!"
"And now—join me in shouting!"
"PLUS ULTRA!!!"
The annual Sports Festival ended amid laughter and thunderous cheers.
Following the competition, homeroom teacher Aizawa Shouta announced a two-day break. During this time, the school would also begin tallying hero agency internship applications.
"What a tiring day…"
After school, Masata, Yaoyorozu, and Uraraka (Chacha) walked home together. The nonstop battles had left Masata completely drained.
Why couldn't the Sports Festival be split into two days? That way, the school could even earn more money—though U.A. hardly lacked funding.
"You were amazing today, Masata,"
Chacha said, stepping ahead and turning back to face him.
"It wasn't anything special. Just the result of everyday effort. I'm still far from good enough."
Even as he spoke modestly, Masata's thoughts drifted to the man who had once instilled true fear in him—All For One.
Even after gaining elemental control, he still couldn't imagine confronting that monster head-on. Elementalization was his only real option—but the physical strain it caused was overwhelming. The fact that he escaped last time without incident was likely pure luck.
"You were amazing too," Masata continued.
"Especially you, Chacha. Bakugo actually took a small loss because of you. Next year, let's beat him properly!"
"What about me?"
Yaoyorozu interrupted, pouting slightly.
"Aren't you going to praise me?"
She had been waiting expectantly from the beginning, only to feel completely overlooked.
"Haha—of course you're incredible, Bai," Masata laughed.
"But your last move nearly killed me! Come on, let me hug you for comfort."
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, openly acting weak. The physical contact made Yaoyorozu's face flush bright red.
"Hmph."
She didn't push him away. The three of them continued walking, their shadows stretching long beneath the setting sun.
Leaving school didn't mean peace for everyone.
Iida rushed to the hospital and stood before his unconscious brother. Learning that Ingenium might never return to hero work after being attacked by the Hero Killer planted a dangerous seed in his heart.
Elsewhere, Todoroki visited his mother for the first time in nearly ten years, hoping to untangle the knots binding her heart.
Midoriya pondered how to develop a fighting style truly suited to One For All.
Bakugo, furious over his loss to Masata, trained his body even harder.
Even Mineta Minoru had his own concerns.
"I really want to see swimsuits…"
he muttered blankly while staring at passing legs.
At the same time, Masata and the others finally arrived home—
"Welcome back!!!"
Just as Masata inserted the key, the door flew open.
"…Eh?"