"It's tough, but it is an achievable goal." Midoriya assured her. "Besides, something like a metal rod needs to be an instantaneous creation for you. In the heat of battle, you won't always have time to make overly complicated items. You need to build a repertoire of useful items you can make instantly…" He then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Or come up with a way to shorten the time to make complex stuff."
"Hmm…" Yaoyorozu hummed, considering Midoriya's advice. "I see."
'A repertoire of things I can make instantly? Yes, I can see where he's coming from.' She thought. 'What items could I put on that list?'
"Those are my thoughts at least." Midoriya shrugged. "But I know you're capable of figuring things out on your own. I mean, you're a genius after all."
"You…give me too much credit." Yaoyorozu blushed slightly.
"Hardly. In fact, I think we take for granted how intelligent you are." Midoriya stated. "Especially during our group study sessions. I know I appreciate it; particularly in history."
"Well…" Her gaze fell to the floor. "I do need to be smart to use my Quirk properly, otherwise I wouldn't be useful at all..."
"I disagree."
Yaoyorozu stopped and stared at the verdette with wide eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Sure you need to understand molecular structure to create something, but I still believe you'd be a great Hero even if you didn't." Midoriya declared, smiling confidently. "You're more than just intelligent, Momo-chan. You're kind, resourceful, and strong. I mean, not just anyone would go the extra mile in putting together training tips for their classmates like you did."
Yaoyorozu's face became flushed.
He went on. "So, I guess with all that said, you're not incredible because you're smart. You're smart because you're incredible."
Yaoyorozu was speechless for several seconds before she could finally respond. "Th-th-thank you, Izuku…" She uttered with a small voice.
Realizing what he had said and how it could be taken, Midoriya waved his hands frantically, "I-I mean… S-sorry, I didn't mean for that to come off as a lecture or anything!"
Yaoyorozu shook her head. "No… I greatly appreciate it, Izuku. Thank you." Her soft, beautiful smile caused Midoriya's face to flush.
"Oh…um, you're welcome." He lamely replied.
Several seconds of silence passed before Yaoyorozu cleared her throat. "I believe we should get started with our training."
"R-right." Midoriya nodded. "Then…meet back up for lunch?"
"Mhmm." She nodded in agreement.
As Midoriya turned away, Yaoyorozu stopped him. "Um…Izuku-kun…"
He glanced back, curious. "What's up?"
She briefly hesitated. "I think you're more incredible."
Before Midoriya could give a response, she had already turned around and started walking toward the sweets table. "We better get started!"
"Yeah…" He shifted his focus to Kirishima, who was in the middle of hitting his shield, and began walking towards the spiky redhead… with a healthy blush still plastered on his freckled face.
Two weeks had passed, and Class 101-A had been hard at work with classes and training and attending their mandatory therapy sessions. Thankfully, it didn't appear that anyone from their class would be barred from the All-Star Games. Something Midoriya was especially grateful for, especially after how he had walked out on his session with Midnight.
It was a Wednesday night with the Games schedules for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday and Friday would feature the freshmen and sophomores respectively while Saturday would showcase the juniors and seniors battling it out together.
The Concord Dawn USA Diner was relatively busy with more than eighty percent of the tables full of hungry customers and the staff working hard to serve them. Midoriya and Coulson sat in a booth close to the main entrance in casual wear.
Midoriya was wearing a plaid green shirt, blue jeans, and his signature red-laced boots while Coulson wore a yellow collared shirt, brown slacks, and brown loafers.
As a World War III veteran and highly trained SHIELD agent, the pair left several escape routes open in the event of an attack. Paranoid? Maybe. But, given their backgrounds, it was justified.
They had just submitted their orders to the kind waitress earlier. As they waited for their food, Coulson's eyes wandered to the various Americana items displayed all around the restaurant. "Not that I don't appreciate the retro atmosphere, but I was expecting you to suggest we go to a hole-in-the-wall ramen stand." He commented, speaking in English.
"I know a few. Occhan, Yaomomo, and I go to them together when we can." He replied in English. "We can go to one of those next time."
Coulson smirked slyly. "Occhan and Yaomomo? Making headway, are we?"
Midoriya's face flushed slightly. "It's not like that."
"Whatever you say." His smirk never left. "So, how was training with your classmates the last couple weeks?"
The verdette exhaled deeply. "It's been tough for all of us, but my friends have made steady progress."
"I'd be surprised if they didn't." Coulson remarked. "I mean they had you as a drill sergeant." He then grinned a little. "Did it feel good to coordinate others PT after all the training you went through years ago?"
The corner of Midoriya's lip curled upward. "A little, I won't lie…" He then shrugged. "Still, I had to reign it in quite a bit. Didn't want to accidentally injure anyone before the Games…or scare them off." Another thought then crossed the verdette's mind. "Oh! By the way, I wanted to thank you for getting me copies of those movies."
Coulson nodded. "My pleasure. What'd you and your friends end up watching?"
"Jurassic Park."
"Oh, the original one, huh? Did they enjoy it?"
Midoriya nodded. "Sounded like they did. Tokage-san, especially. She wants a copy for herself." Another thought occurred to him. "Out of curiosity, where'd you find those movies anyway? They're not available online anywhere."
"National Film Registry." Coulson answered. "One of the few places that survived the Dark Times."
"Really?" Midoriya raised an eyebrow. "Then…how come there aren't more Pre-Quirk Era movies available to the public?"
Coulson shrugged. "No one cares to watch them… Well, if you're not a film historian, that is."
"That's…kind of a shame. Wonder why…"
Coulson frowned and tensed up ever so slightly. However, it was enough that the super-soldier's keen eyesight noticed it.
"Coulson?" He gently pressed.
The agent paused to take a sip of his water from his straw. "...It's likely because most people aren't interested in seeing films that predominantly feature Quirkless people." He tersely responded.
"Oh… I didn't even consider that." He said morosely. 'The others didn't seem to have a problem with that.'
"It's not everyone… but there is a fair amount of Quirkists out there. I should know." He took another sip from his straw.
Midoriya looked at him sympathetically. "Were you…discriminated against?" He asked carefully.
"Plenty." Coulson chuckled ruefully. "Heck… When I was a kid, there was this one time when a shoe store refused to service me. It was like the idea of serving a Quirkless person was appalling to them."
"A shoe store?" Midoriya's eyes then widened in realization. "Right… The extra toe joint." He recalled the reading of Hatsume Teruko noting that the majority of meta-users had one less joint in their pinky toes. It appeared that was still true to the present day.
Coulson nodded in confirmation. "Yep. Most shoes pinched my feet, so I had to order custom pairs. Took my parents a while to find a company that was actually willing to do it." He then pointed below the table. "Hence why SHIELD makes all of your footwear too."
Midoriya momentarily glanced down at his red-laced boots. 'Seriously?'
Coulson then sighed heavily. "The world isn't exactly kind to those with Quirks seen as villainous or niche…and especially not to those without one."
The verdette angrily clenched his fists under the table. The idea of a person's worth being determined by whatever Quirk they were born appalled him. Shouldn't a person's character determine who they are, and not some superpower they may or may not have been born with?
He paused and slumped his shoulders. 'Guess nothing's changed. The roles have only been reserved…' He thought forlornly.
Midoriya looked back at his liaison empathetically. "I'm…sorry. It shouldn't be that way."
Coulson smiled a little, shrugging. "I agree… But no sense in worrying about the things outside of our control."
Despite Coulson's dismissal, Midoriya was still troubled by the reality of Quirk discrimination. 'It was only briefly covered in the history books. But…it sounds like it may be more widespread than I was led to believe…' He looked back at him with a smile. "Well… You haven't let the fact you're Quirkless keep you down. Achieving Level 7 and all."
"Well… Thankfully SHIELD puts more emphasis on ability rather than power." Coulson gave a small smile. "That's thanks to you, by the way. You certainly set a good example for people like me."
Midoriya paused to consider that thought. 'An example, huh?'
"Anyways, you said you wanted to discuss a couple things, right?" Coulson brought up. "Well, I'm all ears."
"Oh, right." Midoriya reached into his yellow satchel and pulled out a notebook. Open to an earmarked page, he passed it across to the SHIELD agent. "I wanted to make some improvements to the suit."
Coulson sat his drink down and looked over the page. "Quicker suit up time… Integrated helmet…Shield retrieval system?" He looked back at the super-soldier. "This should all be simple enough for R and D." He ripped the page out, neatly folding it, and placing it in his pants pocket. "We'll have it ready by your internship."
'Right… Internship.'
"On that note, are you sure I can't be assigned to the you-know-who case during that week?" Midoriya asked.
Coulson shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Fury believes your skills are better suited for other missions. Besides, A-F-O has led everyone to believe he's been dead for six years now; including us! So, it's unlikely we'll be able to locate him in a week, even with our resources."
Midoriya found it a bit peculiar that an intelligence agency like SHIELD with the vast network they had could struggle to find just one person. Then again… given who this individual was, it made sense.
"I know… He's good at hiding in the shadows. It's his whole shtick." Midoriya remarked. "But maybe I can help somehow?"
Coulson placed his elbows on the table, clasping his fingers together. "Let's say you join the case, one week passes, and we still haven't found him… Would you really be able to go back to UA?"
Midoriya wanted to say 'yes'... but as he pondered the scenario further, he realized that Coulson brought up a fair point. He'd likely be so invested in the case that he'd be unable to return to his "school/social life". He'd lose his spot in the Hero Course, if not expelled for not coming to classes. His friends would likely be devastated as well; Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, especially.
Coulson nodded, getting a good read of Midoriya's current thought process. "Rest assured, we already have our best minds on the case. We'll find him. If not him, then at least we'll find where Shigaraki and Kurogiri are hiding. For now, just focus on school."
Midoriya sighed in resignation. "Fine…"
The agent paused to take a sip from his cup. "Speaking of school, the All-Star Games start tomorrow. Excited for that?"
The super-soldier nodded. "I am. Though…I have my concerns."
"Such as?"
"Well, I found out that if a Hero Student doesn't perform well, they could potentially lose their spot in the course."
The agent nodded in understanding. "Several notable Heroes from UA who didn't make the cut in the entrance exams made their debut in the All-Star Games. Your instructors Eraserhead and Midnight are perfect examples." He then quirked a brow. "You're not nervous, are you?"
"Well…" His gaze dropped to the table. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit concerned over the competition, especially my classmates. Their abilities are nothing to scoff at."
"You'll be fine." Coulson said confidently. "I mean…you're you."
Midoriya shook his head, the corner of his mouth curving upward. "You and Toshi are both fanboys, ya know that."
"Guilty as charged." The super-agent conceded. "But are you really worried?"
"I plan to give it my all, so I'm confident in my own abilities. But my opponents have more to compete for than me. Since they actually are trying to get scouted by Pros."
Coulson quickly averted his gaze.
"Phil," He used the agent's first name, staring at him flatly, "are you sure Fury won't budge on my request? If I can't be a part of the A-F-O case, at least let me join up with a Pro who potentially scouts me."
"My apologies." He sighed. "But Fury's convinced spending a week with a Pro would not only be an unnecessary risk to your cover…but a waste of time."
"Waste of time?" The verdette knitted his brows together.
"You're The Legend." He kept his voice down. "In his defense, what good is a week with a regular Hero going to do you?"
"I could stand to learn a fair amount of crucial information on the profession." Midoriya retorted.
"Information that you can learn rather quickly without risking your cover. Sorry, Izuku," he shrugged, "but this is out of my hands."
Midoriya exhaled in frustration. "Right…"
The balding agent looked at the verdette closely. "That's…not the only thing on your mind. Is it?"
"Heh. What gave it away?" He smiled wryly.
"I'm a Level 7 SHIELD Agent." Coulson deadpanned. "I was trained to read body language; regardless of how good a person's guard is."
Midoriya did not respond to that, his gaze dropping to the table. The chatter of the diners' patrons and the clinging and clanging of plates and cookware in the kitchen filled their hearing.
"So…what's bothering you?" Coulon asked, sounding concerned.
"It's just…" Midoriya paused. "Is it really wise for UA to be televising the Games? Especially when the League is on the loose?"
The balding agent nodded understandingly. "Well, Pro Heroes are constantly featured in the news, at least the popular ones. People who keep up with them already know their Quirks and move sets. Take you, for example."
The super-soldier was about to retort, but then paused to contemplate further. 'Wait… Is that it? Another way to prepare students for the profession? Makes sense…but…'
"Fair enough. I still don't think it's smart to freely broadcast our Quirks and skillset to the whole world; especially when you-know-who could be watching…" His tone sounded grave.
"Even if he is, your shtick hasn't changed. Use shield, throw shield. Punch and kick. American flag waving in the background." He joked.
Midoriya sweat-dropped. "I'm being serious here."
"I know, and I get your concerns. But think about it… UA is already under fire following the USJ. They're not going to continue with this event unless they have a solid plan in place." Coulson asserted. "Especially given who's in charge..."
"In charge?" Midoriya cocked a brow. "You mean Dean Nezu?"
Coulson nodded, his expression going stone-faced. "That man…bear…mouse being. His intellect is scary."
Midoriya paused and internally recalled Nezu's profile information. 'Analysis of Today's Heroes Volume 4, Page 13. Nedzu, though often referred to as Nezu. A mutated and experimented animal who developed a Meta-Ability called High Spec. It grants him an insane intellect that surpasses most if not all humans. He's an Investigative Hero, much like Toshinori's former Sidekick, Sir Nighteye. His track record for solving impossible cases is astounding…'
Midoriya's eyes widened as an unsettling possibility crossed his mind. "Uh…Coulson, you don't think Nezu knows… Do you?"
The fact that Coulson didn't respond immediately didn't alleviate his concerns. The super-soldier also didn't miss the subtle twitch in Coulson's visage.
He finally exhaled. "I'll be frank…I wouldn't be surprised if he knows everything by this point. SHIELD's never been able to get around that man. But unless Nezu brings up the matter, just remain undercover. It's possible he may be playing along, knowing how society would react to your return."
"Right…" Midoriya frowned at the possibility someone other than All Might in UA's faculty may know his true identity.
The waitress then returned carrying two trays of food. Coulson had ordered a simple burger and fries while Midoriya had ordered…several house specials.
As the waitress stepped away, Midoriya looked between his three plates of food and Coulson's single plate. "Uh…I can pay for my own." He said sheepishly.
"Relax." He waved off nonchalantly. "It'd be my honor to pay for the Legend's dinner."
Midoriya was instantly reminded of one time during his Takoba Beach training of Yagi bringing him lunch from his favorite ramen joint. "HA-HA-HA!" He gave his signature laugh. "To buy a meal for the Legend himself is my genuine pleasure and honor!"
The verdette sweat-dropped in exasperation. 'I'm grateful… But it can be overwhelming at times.'
"By the way," Coulson said, looking at him seriously, "have you given Toshinori's offer any serious thought?"
Midoriya didn't immediately respond. "I have."
He then took a bit from his cheeseburger. With all the training he had been doing and the Games tomorrow, he needed a ton of calories.
"Well…?"
"Huh…" Midoriya swallowed his bite. "Oh! Yeah, it's good. The burger's seasoned well. The pepperjack is good too. Right amount of condiments–"
"That's not what I meant." Coulson deadpanned.
"Oh, I know." The corner of Midoriya's lip curled upward.
The super-agent arched a brow. 'Was that sass?'
"...Aren't you going to tell me what your answer was?"
Midoriya stopped and adopted a thoughtful expression.
…
…
"No. No, I don't think I will."
He then resumed eating his meal.
…
…
Coulson blinked and just stared at him with an unamused frown. "You're really going to keep me in the dark like this?"
The super-soldier shrugged. "What was said between me and Toshinori stays between the two of us."
"But this is a serious matter." Coulson argued.
"I know… Don't get the wrong idea. I trust you, Phil." Midoriya said sincerely. "But for now, it stays between me and him. Alright?"
Coulson sighed out, frustrated. "…Fine."
A moment passed as the pair continued to eat their meals.
"The All-Star Games." Midoriya finally spoke up. "Out of the students who participate, who usually places in the top three?"
Coulson was a bit confused by the sudden question, but responded, "Hero students. Typically the ones with flashy, powerful Quirks. Why?"
"Well, I've been thinking…" Midoriya finished his first plate and pushed it aside, bringing up his second plate. "What would people think if someone, with just a plain argumentation ability, did very well in the Games?"
Coulson was momentarily confused before his eyes widened in understanding. "It would certainly challenge the notion that only people with flashy 'Heroic' Quirks can be Heroes."
"And people from all over Japan will be watching too..." Midoriya mentioned.
"Not just Japan. UA's All-Star Games are watched all over the world." Coulson added. "Not live, but tons of people watch the replays."
Both the super-soldier and super-agent gave each other knowing looks, coming to a silent agreement. Midoriya may not have the opportunity to be scouted by a top Pro Hero like his classmates…but there was something even more important he could compete for.
"I understand… Well, if anyone can do it, it's you." Coulson stated confidently.
"That's not the point." Midoriya shook his head. "I want to prove that anyone is capable of being a Hero—flashy Quirk or not." He declared determinedly.
Coulson smiled at that. "Well, there's only one thing you can do." He leaned forward with a smirk. "Win the whole f**king thing."
Midoriya took a deep breath as he walked into Class 101-A's designated waiting room after changing into the standard UA gym uniforms. As he walked in, he saw some of his peers talking amongst themselves. Some were visibly anxious, some were excited, and a few were quietly focused and determined. The tension could be cut with a knife.
He couldn't blame them as the All-Star Games would be starting soon, and even he'd admit that he was beginning to feel a tad anxious. The muffled sounds of a very large crowd in an equally huge stadium could be felt from the ceiling.
'Feels like I'm about to play in the Super Bowl or something…' Midoriya internally noted.
"Ready for the show, Midori-bro?" Kirishima approached him with Ashido by his side.
Midoriya chuckled at the nickname the redhead had given him during their training sessions. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Hey, where's your shield, Midori?" Ashido inquired. "You didn't forget it, did you?"
The verdette shook his head. "No. It wasn't approved, so I had to leave it."
The All-Star Games Evaluation Committee had denied Midoriya the use of his shield, citing that it was not necessary given the nature of his augmentation Quirk. Truthfully, Midoriya didn't mind the decision at all. Even if the shield had been approved, he would've likely participated without it to protect his cover. It'd be best not to showcase an indestructible shield on live television.
"Ah, that stinks! I get how you feel though." She glanced down at her gym uniform. "I really wanted to wear my Costume."
"It's meant to keep things fair, Mina-chan." Yaoyorozu reminded the pinkette. "Students from the other courses do not have Costumes. Gym uniforms level the playing field… Well, not counting an individual's advantage from their Quirk."
"Wonder what the first round will be like." Uraraka pondered, sitting on a bench nearby with Asui and Tsunotori.
"Yeah… It sucks not to know." Tsunotori murmured, shifting nervously in her seat.
"Well… we know it has to be an individual event of some sort. Kero." Asui pointed out. "I remember last year's first event was a crazy Dodgeball game."
"Eh, I wouldn't stress about it." Tokage said nonchalantly, leaning against her locker with her arms crossed. "It won't help you perform any better."
"Indeed." Tokoyami inserted, keeping his eyes closed and arms crossed. "Regardless of what comes our way, we must face down whatever challenges are set before us."
"Right." Shoji agreed, sitting close to the raven-headed man. "We have to prove we can handle whatever is thrown in our way."
Midoriya smiled and nodded. "Couldn't have said it better myself, guys." He then took a seat on a chair by his assigned locker.
Out of the corner of his eye, the super-soldier noticed Iida fidgeting in his chair, rapidly tapping his foot while repeatedly glancing at the clock on the wall. The super-soldier didn't need enhanced senses to tell he was very on edge.
"Are you okay, Iida-kun?" He asked, concerned.
Iida raised his head to look at Midoriya, frowning. "It's almost ten-o-clock (10 AM). We should be preparing to enter the stadium grounds, Midoriya-kun!"
Midoriya nodded understandingly. "I'm all for punctuality myself, but the event organizers said they'd send someone to come for us when they're ready." He explained. "No need to fret over it."
Iida shook his head, not satisfied with the response. "It would not look good for our class if we were not punctual."
Midoriya sighed, admitting that the bespeckled teen raised a fair point…sort of. "Tell you what, I can go check for us?" He offered.
"Really?" Iida was surprised. "Well, if it's not too much trouble…"
The tall, muscled verdette shrugged, smiling lopsidedly. "It's fine. I am the Class President, after all. I'll go see what I can find–"
"Midoriya."
Midoriya turned from Iida and met the cold, indifferent eyes of Todoroki. All conversation died off as everyone's attention was drawn to the verdette and monochrome students.
"What is it, Todoroki-san?" This was unexpected. Why was Todoroki wanting to talk all of a sudden after weeks of mostly ignoring everyone.
"Your combat skills are formidable, that much is obvious." Todoroki's gaze sharpened to a razor's edge. "Still, objectively speaking, I'm far stronger than you or anyone else in this room."
Most of the class tensed at the monochrome man's blunt statement. Bakugo bristled at the perceived slight and looked ready to tear Todoroki a new one.
Midoriya cocked a brow, bemused. 'Todoroki has kept mostly to himself since day one. Where's all this coming from?'
"What's this about?" Midoriya voiced his and everyone else's thoughts.
"I don't care if you're some highly trained soldier or not. Or that you seemingly have All Might in your corner. None of that will matter in the end." Todoroki's eyes narrowed slightly in a sneer. "Because I will beat you."
The room went silent as everyone else was shocked by the bold statement, especially when it came from one of the most reserved members of their class.
"A pity you couldn't use your shield for this competition." Todoroki turned around. "Not that it would've made much of a difference. I will crush you either way." He then began to walk away.
Midoriya remained impassive while most of the class stared at Todoroki in varying degrees of disbelief.
"Damn." Tokage broke the silence first. "Sh*t just got tense."
"Seriously…" Kaminari went agape. "He threw down the gauntlet, just like that?!"
"Hey, Todoroki-san, what's the big idea?" Kirishima walked over, placing a hand on the dual-haired student's shoulder. "The Games are about to start. What are you doing picking fights all of a sudden?"
Todoroki shrugged him off, glaring coldly at the redheaded brawler. "I'm not here to make friends." His words were as cold as his Quirk. "I'm here to prove that I'm the best."
CLANG!
Caught off guard by the sudden sound, the class turned to see Midoriya had dropped an emerald exercise band at his feet. He unclipped another from his left wrist and dropped it to the floor with a loud thud. The combined 440 kilograms (~970 lbs) of the bands had cracked the concrete floor from the fall.
Most of the class were stunned by how heavy the weights were, particularly by how casual Midoriya was about carrying them.
"I welcome the challenge, Todoroki-san." He said while nonchalantly readjusting his uniform's sleeves. "But I'm not your only competition here. Everyone else in this room is aiming to win too. I wouldn't overlook them if I were you. Also…shield or no shield, I'm going to give these games everything I have. I won't hold back." He sharpened his verdant gaze. "Can you say the same?"
Todoroki narrowed his eyes, catching onto Midoriya's hidden meaning. "I will win my way." He snarled. "Just try to last long enough for me to prove that to you."
With that, the dual-haired teen turned around and walked back across the room. The tension only lasted for a few moments before several knocks came from the door.
"101-A!" A muffled voice yelled from outside the door. "It's showtime! Report to the field at once!"
Midoriya immediately reacted by turning to face the others. "Alright, time to go! Let's make our way to the field in an orderly fashion." He said authoritatively.
"Yes, sir!" A few classmates responded with a salute.
"HEY, HEY THERE LISTENERS!" Present Mic popped onto several giant monitors hanging above the stands. "It's that time of year again! Let me hear ya make some noise!" The crowd cheered loudly, bringing a smile to the Pro Hero's face.
Stepping into a private high box suite, Yagi took a seat. "Good. Made it just in time."
"Yes, I'm pleasantly surprised." Yagi glanced over his shoulder to see Nezu walk into the suite, closing the door behind him. "You really have been making an effort to be on-time for the last two weeks. Color me impressed."
"Ah, good morning, Dean Nezu." Yagi greeted. "I'm surprised you're here. You normally only attend the Day 3 Games, right?"
The white-furred creature hopped onto a seat by the haggard blonde. "Yes… Well, I couldn't possibly miss today, especially given who's participating."
"Oh? Do you mean Young Todoroki?" Yagi questioned.
Nezu chuckled to himself, closing his eyes. "Oh, he's one intriguing prospect. But," he looked back at him with a knowing smile, "he's not who I had in mind."
Yagi cocked a brow. 'Who could he be referring to?' His eyes widened slightly. 'Could he mean Izuku?'
The pair wordlessly turned their attention to the field as the muffled sounds of the crowd filled the room.
"It's a gorgeous sunny day here in Musutafu," Present Mic announced, "and for the first time in our university's long and treasured history, Morino Hiroshi Stadium is completely sold out for the Day 1 Games! You guys and gals in the stands are awesome!" This earned even more cheers from the audience.
"Wow…" Yagi was surprised by the announcement. "That's amazing. I never knew there could be this much interest for the Day 1 Games."
"It's only natural for people to be intrigued, given 101-A's recent notoriety." Nezu shook his head, smiling. "Humans…always so captivated by new and shiny things." A hint of smugness was present in his voice.
"Get your cameras ready, media hordes! The time for our school's best and brightest to battle it out to become one of UA's All-Stars has finally come! I've only got one question for you… Are you ready?!"
The crowd roared in response to the question.
Yagi chuckled to himself. "Mic is as rowdy as ever."
"Of course he is." Nezu somehow pulled out a cup of piping hot tea, confusing the Number One Pro. When and where did he get that? "Commentating on the All-Star Games is admittedly his favorite part of the job, even if it is only once a year."
"I suppose I can't blame him." Yagi grinned. "The crowd's energy does rub off on you."
"RADICAL!" Present Mic exclaimed excitedly. "Without further ado, it's time to kick off the 2197 UA Freshmen All-Star Games! Our freshmen students are about to take the stage! Lemme hear ya make some noise!" The stadium became even more frantic.
"First up, we have the group that you've all come to see! The young warriors who fended off a Villain attack with nerves of steel just a week into their education. If there was anyone to watch for, it would be this group of rising stars! Give it up for the Hero Course's Class 101-A!"
The crowd went ballistic, roaring with applause.
Yagi clapped as Midoriya and Yaoyorozu together led their class out of the tunnel and onto the field.
"So…" Nezu spoke up. "...have you reached out to young Midoriya about you-know-what yet?"
Without turning his gaze away from the field, Yagi replied, "I have."
"Ah, wonderful!" Nezu smiled brightly. "Tell me, what was his answer?"
"Hmph." Yagi smiled wryly. "Apologies, Dean, but that stays between me and Izuku for now."
"Izuku?"
Yagi jolted up, realizing his blunder. "I-I mean, young Midoriya! That's what I meant! Heh-heh…" He chuckled awkwardly.
"You must be quite friendly to be using his given name so casually." Nezu pointed out.
"Ah…well…" He trailed off, sagging his shoulders in defeat. Dammit.
"Well," Nezu paused to take a sip from his tea, looking back to the field, "whatever the reason for the sudden secrecy, I'll let it be for now. But do expect me to bring it up again, All Might."
"Y-yes sir…"
Meanwhile, as Midoriya walked side by side with Yaoyorozu, he took a quick glance around the stadium that was full of thousands of spectators applauding and cheering. There wasn't one open seat! Additionally, there were millions more watching on the other side of the cameras posted across the stadium.
At one time in his life, the 21st Century super-soldier would've been feeling very nervous in this situation. However, experience helped him keep his composure quite well. 'It's like the Olympics and all the pro sport championship games wrapped up into one.' He inwardly mused.
"Wow…" Uraraka was awestruck. "I knew there'd be a lot of people, but actually being here makes it all so real…huh?"
"Seriously… This place is freakin' packed!" Sero mentioned, dumbfounded by the massive crowd and flashing cameras all around them.
"Yes." Iida commented from behind her. "It makes me wonder how one can expect to perform at their best with this level of pressure?" His eyes then widened in realization. "Unless this is intentional…"
"Wouldn't put it past them if it was." Jiro noted dully.
"This all does seem kind of extreme though." Tsunotori chuckled shakily.
"Better get used to it." Tokage grinned. "This is just part of the job."
Bakugo smirked roguishly at the attention. "I freaking love this."
"Let's give it up one more time to Class 101-A!" Present Mic pressed the crowd while the students made their way to the raised stage in the center. "Now let's welcome 101-A's counterparts, 101-B!"
The stadium cheered once more as the second Hero Course class walked out from the tunnel, but the difference in excitement was noticeable.
More students from the Support and non-Heroic courses were called out, though some seemed put off that their intros were not as flashy as 101-A's. Glancing behind his shoulder, Midoriya counted over a hundred students, and even spotted Shinso–whose eyes were sharp and calculating.
'Most of the students who signed up are hoping for a second shot at getting into the Hero Course. But I wonder why students from the Support Department are here. Are they trying to become Heroes too? Or is it something else?' Midoriya pondered.
Soon, all of the competitors were grouped up in the middle of the stage, ready to begin the Games.
"With the competitors on stage, it's time for some introductions!" Present Mic's voice blared across the stadium. "This is Present Mic coming to live from Morino Hiroshi Stadium and I'll be your main commentator today! And my co-host beside me is…?"
"How did I get roped into this?" Aizawa's muffled, exasperated voice rang through the speakers. "Can you keep it down? You're giving me a migraine."
"That's right! The infamous Underground Hero: Eraserhead!"
"Ugh…"
Many snorted in amusement from the exchange.
"And introducing today's referee for the Day 1 Games, it's the R-Rated Heroine: Midnight!"
The stadium erupted into another loud cheer as Midnight walked towards the stage. Many catcalls echoed from around the stadium, not that it mattered to her. In fact, she looked thrilled by the attention, waving and gesturing towards the audience with a beaming smile, and even blew a kiss and adopted suggestive poses for the cameras.
"Oh dear…" Yaoyorozu sighed.
Midoriya internally groaned. 'This is too much…'
Midnight walked up to the stage and looked over the assembled group of students, excited for the show they were about to put on. Raising her hand up, she brought it and her flogger-style whip down with a loud crack, quieting the crowd and gathered students.
"I expect all of you young men and women to behave today." Midnight instructed; her voice hooked up to the microphone. She then struck a pose as a sultry smirk crossed her lips. "Or you will be punished."
While the audience erupted into fanatic cheers, the students–including Mineta–looked nervous as her hungry gaze swept across the crowd of students. Some wondered if she was even qualified to referee this event but were too nervous to publicly voice their concerns.
"Before we select the first round, we will have a few opening words from the Freshmen Representative. He placed first in the entrance practical exam with a total score of 99! Midoriya Izuku of Class 101-A!"
Midoriya blinked twice. 'Uh, what?'
"I was not aware you'd be giving a speech, Izuku-kun." Yaoyorozu said excitedly.
"Heh… Neither did I." Midoriya commented quietly.
"Eh?" As Midoriya started walking toward the stage, her eyes widened in realization. 'Wait… Did no one tell him?!' She covered her mouth in horror, feeling sympathy for her friend. 'Oh Izuku… Just… do your best.'
Up above in the box suites, Nezu's interest peaked. "Ooh, I am curious to see what speech he has prepared. Hmm?" He then looked over to see Yagi was on the verge of a panic attack.
'Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t! SH*T! I forgot to tell him about the speech!' He internally panicked. 'I was supposed to tell him when we had lunch together a couple weeks ago! HOW THE HELL DID I FORGET!?'
"There's no need to get worked up, All Might." Nezu assured him, turning his attention back to the stage. "Midoriya will do just fine."
Yagi turned to Nezu, curious. "You think so…? I…uh, forgot to tell him about the speech, sir." He shamefully admitted.
"Even so," he paused to take another sip, "something like this should be right up his alley. He'll be fine."
Yagi blinked, befuddled. 'What? What does he mean by…' His blue eyes slowly widened in horror as an unsettling realization occurred to him. '...No… He couldn't.'
"Um, Dean Nezu… do you…" Yagi trailed off, unsure of how to phrase his question. "Do you know something about young Midoriya?"
Nezu chuckled subduedly, which unnerved Yagi even further. "Oh All Might…" He turned to him with a maniacal gleam in his beady eyes. "I know just about everythingabout my students. Ha-ha-ha!"
Yagi's face turned pale, and he could've sworn he felt his heart stop. 'Oh sh*t…'