After that night in the cellar, Izuku didn't waste any time. The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, he hauled in cartloads of dirt and stone to fill the underground chamber completely. By the time he was finished, the entrance to the cellar was gone—sealed away, invisible to anyone who might come snooping again. He stood there in silence for a long moment, breathing heavily, his fists clenched. That part of his life, that dangerous secret, had to remain buried. No one else could find it.
Days passed quickly, the pressure of the U.A. Sports Festival looming closer with each sunrise. Training intensified, nerves rattled, and anticipation built until the long-awaited morning finally came.
Izuku woke up to the smell of food wafting from the kitchen. Hisashi had prepared a feast: a towering stack of pancakes, eggs cooked perfectly, and a side of miso soup steaming in bowls. His mother smiled warmly, placing a glass of orange juice in front of him, while Hisashi leaned back in his chair with a proud grin.
"This is it, son," Hisashi said, his deep voice steady but full of pride. "The whole world's going to be watching today. Your mother and I—we'll be watching too. No matter what happens, remember we're proud of you."
Izuku smiled, though he felt the weight of expectation pressing on his shoulders. "Thanks, Dad. I'll give it everything I've got." He ate quickly, nerves buzzing too much to savor the food, before changing into his uniform and stepping outside.
As he took off into the sky, flying over the fields toward U.A., the morning light painted him in gold. Below, the roads leading to the school were clogged with reporters, spectators, and fans, all eager to get a glimpse of the students. Microphones were shoved toward camera lenses, flashes popped, and voices shouted questions.
Izuku soared overhead, drawing eyes upward as murmurs spread through the crowd. "That's him!" one man gasped. "The boy who caught a plane!" another whispered excitedly. "Class 1-A's monster powerhouse!" The name Midoriya rippled through the sea of people.
Lois and Jimmy stood near the front of the press line, their eyes snapping upward at the sight of Izuku cutting across the sky. Jimmy instinctively lifted his camera, snapping a few shots, but Lois narrowed her eyes, watching carefully, not missing a single detail.
Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of tension and excitement. Vendors sold food in the stands, children waved little flags, and pro-heroes patrolled the grounds, chatting idly as they scanned the crowds. Scouts were already marking notebooks, eager for the chance to find the next star.
Class 1-A gathered together in their matching gym uniforms. Ashido groaned, tugging at her shirt. "I still wish we could've worn our costumes! This is so plain compared to what we usually do."
"At least it's fair," Ojiro replied calmly, adjusting his tail. "Nobody has an advantage here."
"I just hope it's not something insane for the first round," Sato muttered, stretching his arms.
Iida marched in, his voice booming. "Everyone, prepare yourselves! It is almost time. We must represent our class with dignity!"
Before anyone could answer, Todoroki spoke up, his sharp voice cutting through the chatter. "Midoriya."
The entire class turned. Todoroki hardly ever initiated conversation, so his words drew instant attention.
Izuku turned, meeting his heterochromatic gaze. "What is it?"
Todoroki's face was unreadable, his tone cold and firm. "From an objective standpoint, you're the strongest in our class. But I will defeat you."
The air grew heavy. Kaminari whistled. "Man, what's with all these declarations of war lately? First that guy from General Studies, now you?"
Todoroki ignored him. "We're not here to make friends. This isn't a team exercise. Don't forget that."
Izuku didn't flinch. He stepped closer, his voice steady. "If you want to beat me, Todoroki… then you're going to have to use both sides."
The silence that followed was electric. Even Bakugo paused mid-scoff, glaring at the exchange. Todoroki's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing more.
Suddenly, the massive screens around the stadium lit up with Present Mic's grinning face. His voice roared through the speakers, filling every corner of the arena.
"YOOOOOOOO sports fans, heroes-in-training, and media maniacs—ARE! YOU! READY?!" The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, banners waving and cameras flashing. "That's what I like to hear! This year's Sports Festival promises to be the hottest one yet! And I've only got one question—ARE YOU READY TO MEET YOUR FUTURE HEROES?!"
The entire arena shook with noise.
"Then let's get this party started! First up—our shining stars, the class that's already proven they can survive a villain attack and come out stronger for it—U.A.'s CLASS 1-A!"
The gates swung open, and the students marched into the sunlight. Thousands of voices cheered, the sound rolling over them like a wave. Some of the students gawked openly at the sheer size of the crowd.
"This is… so many people," Yaoyorozu muttered under her breath.
Iida nodded firmly. "As future heroes, this is what we must grow accustomed to. The eyes of society will always be upon us."
Izuku, walking near the front, heard All Might's voice echo in his memory: You must introduce yourself to the world and proudly say, "I am here." His chest swelled with determination.
On the sidelines, Lois jabbed Jimmy sharply in the ribs as his gaze wandered toward Midnight. "Eyes on Midoriya, not the R-Rated hero," she scolded, though her own attention flickered briefly at the woman's bold outfit.
Mineta, meanwhile, was practically drooling, bouncing up and down with glee. "Best. Umpire. Ever."
Midnight cracked her whip against the stage floor, the sharp crack! silencing the entire arena. Her sultry smile curved as she addressed the audience.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this year's U.A. Sports Festival! Before we begin, it's time for the traditional student pledge." Her eyes scanned the gathered students before settling with a sly grin. "And who better to make it this year… than Class 1-A's Izuku Midoriya?"
The stadium roared again as all eyes turned toward Izuku. His classmates looked at him, some surprised, some encouraging, some tense. Izuku inhaled deeply, straightening his back as he stepped forward into the center of the arena, the spotlight burning down on him.
"Today, we stand together at the start of something more than just a competition. The Sports Festival isn't only about strength, speed, or flashy abilities—it's about spirit. It's about showing the world who we are, what we've trained for, and the dreams that push us forward."
"Each of us here has been given something unique, something special. Some were born with it. Some had to work harder than anyone else to master it. But that doesn't define our worth. What defines us is what we choose to do with what we've been given. Power without purpose is dangerous. Power guided by kindness, by hope, by the desire to protect others—that is true strength."
"Yes, this is a festival of competition. We'll push each other to our limits, and there will be victories and defeats. But every stumble, every fall, every setback is not the end—it's a chance to rise stronger, to learn, to prove to yourself that you are more than yesterday. The world may look at us and see rivals, but I see something greater. I see the next generation of heroes, each of us striving to be someone others can depend on when the world is at its darkest."
"So let us step into this festival not with arrogance or fear, but with courage, honor, and respect. Compete fiercely, but never forget compassion. Strive to win, but never at the cost of losing who you are. And above all—remember why we walk this path. Not for glory, not for fame, but because one day, someone out there will need us… and we will be ready."
"Today we don't just showcase quirks. We showcase hearts. We showcase the unbreakable will to rise, no matter the odds. Let's give the world our best—not because we want to stand above others, but because we want to lift them up."
"You're living in a dream world, kid! That's not how the real world works!"
"Good dreams save us. Dreams lift us up, and transform us into something better. And on my soul, I swear—until my dream of a world where dignity, honor, and justice are the reality we all share—I will never stop fighting. Ever!"
The stadium erupted.
Izuku returned to Class 1-A after the pledge, his face calm but his heart still racing from the sheer intensity of speaking in front of tens of thousands of people—and millions more watching from home. His classmates crowded around him almost instantly.
"Nice speech, Midoriya!" Kaminari grinned, throwing him a thumbs-up. "You really nailed that whole inspirational vibe."
Yaoyorozu nodded in approval. "It was well composed and delivered with conviction. You set the tone for all of us."
Before anyone could say more, Midnight cracked her whip again, her voice ringing out across the stadium.
"Alright, my darling participants, enough with the warm-ups! Without further ado—it's time for us to get started!" She stretched her words out dramatically, smirking as the crowd leaned in. "This is where you'll start to feel the pain! The first fateful game of the U.A. Sports Festival!"
A massive screen lit up behind her, displaying a rotating list of possible events. The text whirled like a slot machine, flipping through Tug of War, Maze Labyrinth, Quirk Tag, Survival Hunt, and more. The audience held their breath as the options spun faster and faster.
"What could it be, ladies and gentlemen?" Midnight called out, her whip striking the ground again with a loud crack!
Then—ding!—the screen froze.
The words Obstacle Race flashed across the board in bold golden letters.
Midnight thrust her hand out dramatically. "Ta-da! An obstacle race!"
The stadium exploded with cheers. Present Mic's voice boomed excitedly over the loudspeakers. "OHHHHH, a classic! This bad boy's a tradition at U.A.—a four-kilometer gauntlet of chaos circling the outside of the stadium! Obstacles, traps, and challenges galore!"
Midnight raised her whip again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "All eleven first-year classes will be participating in this race! The rules are simple: don't leave the course. Beyond that? You're free to use whatever you've got to claim victory! Push, pull, trick, or trap—it's fair game!"
Then she paused, turning her gaze directly at Class 1-A. "Except for Midoriya."
The crowd instantly fell into murmurs and gasps. Lois narrowed her eyes and leaned closer to Jimmy. "Did you hear that? They're restricting him specifically."
Jimmy was already scribbling notes. "Yeah, they said he can't break the sound barrier. Why would they call that out publicly?"
"Because if he can do that," Lois whispered, "then he's even more dangerous than they're letting on."
Back on the field, Izuku kept his expression neutral, though inside he understood Nezu's reasoning. If he shattered the sound barrier this close to people he could kill them.
"Participants, to the starting line!" Midnight announced.
The students moved into position. The narrow tunnel leading out of the stadium loomed ahead, only wide enough for a handful of competitors to pass through at once. Already, students were elbowing for the best positions at the front.
Kaminari muttered nervously, "Man, this is gonna be a bloodbath at the exit…"
Izuku, however, had already formed his plan. The exit is too tight. If I try to muscle through, I'll just waste time and get boxed in. Best option… go over. He glanced up toward the open air above the tunnel and flexed his hands.
As the lights around the tunnel began to dim one by one, tension rippled through the students. Hearts pounded, eyes narrowed, quirks sparked to life.
Midnight's voice thundered: "READY…"
Izuku crouched, his muscles coiled like springs.
"SET…"
He let his breath slow, focusing only on the moment the path would open.
"BEGIN!"
The gate burst open and chaos erupted. Dozens of students surged forward in a mad dash for the narrow exit, quirks colliding in sparks, bursts of flame, and flashes of light.
But Izuku was already gone.
With a burst of controlled speed—not enough to break the sound barrier, but still faster than any of the others could follow—he shot upward, clearing the mass of bodies before they could even register he'd moved. Wind whipped around him as he soared through the tunnel's opening from above, his shadow streaking past the front runners.
By the time the first few students stumbled out into the sunlight of the obstacle course, Izuku was already far ahead, his figure blazing a trail across the sky.
ChatGPT said:
Present Mic's voice rang across the stadium, hyped and loud as always.
"And we're off! Look at 'em go, folks! Class 1-A, 1-B, General Studies, Support, and Business—all charging into the gauntlet like wild bulls! But what should we be watching for in these early stages, Eraserhead?"
Aizawa, who was bundled up in his scarf and looking as tired as ever, didn't hesitate. His tone was dry, matter-of-fact. "The doorway. The exit's narrow. Too many students, too little space. Most will bottleneck there. It'll decide the early advantage."
"Ahh, wise words, my man! Keep your eyes on the doorway, people!" Present Mic shouted—just as the sound system buzzed. A shrill beep-beep-beep! echoed over the course.
The buzzer. The one reserved for a first-place arrival.
The stadium fell silent. The crowd froze in disbelief. Even the students mid-sprint stumbled as the announcement interrupted the chaos.
"…wait… what?" Present Mic's sunglasses nearly slid off his face. "That—that can't be right, we just started—"
But before he could ramble further, Aizawa's voice cut through the stunned silence. His expression remained neutral, though his eyes betrayed the faintest flicker of surprise.
"Izuku Midoriya. First place. Time: twelve seconds."
The words struck the stadium like thunder.
Gasps erupted from every corner. Reporters scrambled to confirm the numbers. Camera drones zoomed frantically, trying to locate Izuku's figure ahead of the pack.
"TWELVE SECONDS?!" Present Mic finally found his voice, practically screaming into the mic. "Ladies and gentlemen, you heard it here! Izuku Midoriya just crossed the finish line in twelve—count 'em—twelve seconds! That's insane! That's—ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! The course is four kilometers!"
The crowd exploded into noise. Some fans cheered wildly, others jeered in disbelief.
Among the pro heroes in the VIP section, reactions varied:
Endeavor leaned forward, flames flickering faintly around his shoulders. "Tch. Twelve seconds. He's faster than I expected. But speed alone doesn't make a top hero." His words were harsh, but his narrowed eyes betrayed that he was watching Izuku with newfound seriousness.
Best Jeanist adjusted his collar thoughtfully. "Such efficiency. Such clean execution. To complete the race in mere seconds means he avoided unnecessary conflict at the choke point. Fascinating. This boy understands more than raw power."
Mt. Lady nearly spat out her drink. "What the—? Four kilometers in twelve seconds?! He's not even sweating! That's like… that's like something out of a comic book!"
Kamui Woods crossed his arms. "No, it's worse. If the restrictions placed on him are true… then that wasn't even his maximum speed. He's holding back."
Even All Might, watching quietly from the sidelines in his small form, felt a swell of pride and dread at once. "Young Midoriya… you've truly surpassed what anyone expected. But now the entire world is watching you. You can't hide anymore."
Meanwhile, in the stands, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen sat frozen, eyes wide. Jimmy muttered, "Did he just—did he just break every known record in Japan?"
Lois's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "He didn't just break them, Jimmy. He shattered them. And that wasn't him at full power. I'd bet my career on it." She scribbled furiously into her notebook. "That boy isn't just the second coming of All Might… he's something else entirely."
Back on the course, the other students were still fighting their way through the exit. Bakugo screamed in frustration, his explosions propelling him forward. "DAMN IT, MIDORIYA! DON'T THINK YOU'RE LEAVIN' ME IN THE DUST!"
Izuku touched down softly at the finish line, the echo of his landing barely audible compared to the roar of the crowd. For once, he wasn't the center of attention—not directly. Everyone's eyes were still locked on the course, waiting to see who could possibly claw their way into second place.
He straightened up, brushing dust from his uniform, and calmly walked over to the sidelines where Midnight and Present Mic were standing with a few officials. Midnight gave him a look that was half impressed, half mischievous.
"Already done, Midoriya? You didn't even break a sweat," she teased, twirling her whip.
Izuku offered a polite smile. "I just wanted to make sure I got through cleanly without causing any trouble. Besides—" He turned his head back toward the track, where the bottleneck at the doorway was finally exploding into chaos. "—the real race is happening now."
The massive monitors lit up, broadcasting every moment to the packed stands.
At the doorway, Bakugo was blasting his way through, his palms detonating like thunderclaps. "OUTTA MY WAY, EXTRAS!" he roared, smoke and sparks trailing behind him. His sheer aggression pushed him into open ground.
Right on his heels was Todoroki, sliding gracefully across the battlefield on a highway of ice. Each flick of his hand froze obstacles solid, trapping competitors behind walls of glacial blue. His calm, calculating expression contrasted sharply with Bakugo's rage.
"Textbook use of precision quirk control," Aizawa commented from the announcer's booth, his voice dry but edged with approval. "Todoroki isn't wasting energy—he's shaping the battlefield to his advantage."
The crowd gasped as Todoroki froze a cluster of robots mid-step, creating a barricade for anyone behind him.
In another section of the track, Mei Hatsume from the Support Course had deployed a swarm of gadgets, propelling herself forward with rocket boots and grappling wires. "YES, PERFECT TESTING OPPORTUNITY!" she cackled, dragging several poor competitors into her field experiments whether they liked it or not.
Meanwhile, Class 1-B wasn't about to let 1-A hog the spotlight. Tetsutetsu was bulldozing through obstacles with his steel body, shouting his own name like a battle cry. "TETSUTETSU TETSUTETSU ISN'T LOSING TO YOU BRATS!"
The crowd was electric, cheering wildly as the students poured every ounce of creativity and power into the race.
Izuku stood silently at the finish line, arms crossed as he watched his classmates and rivals battle it out. He wasn't smug or arrogant—instead, his expression was thoughtful. Analytical.
"They're pushing themselves harder because of me," he murmured under his breath. "If I hadn't finished so fast, they wouldn't feel the pressure. Now every second counts… and they know it."
Behind him, Present Mic practically lost his voice. "Look at that explosion from Bakugo! And Todoroki freezing half the course! This is insane, people! They're fighting for second place—SECOND PLACE! Can you believe it?! Hahaha!"
In the stands, pro heroes were whispering among themselves.
Edgeshot leaned back in his seat, eyes narrowed. "The gap between Midoriya and the rest is staggering. But look how the others are adapting. He's forcing growth just by existing."
Hawks, lounging casually with wings folded, grinned. "Heh. This is great. That kid's gonna stir things up big time. I like it."
As the racers approached the final stretch, the atmosphere reached fever pitch. Bakugo and Todoroki were neck and neck, explosions against ice. Uraraka floated across debris with surprising agility, while Ida surged forward with engine legs screaming, determination blazing in his eyes.
Lois Lane scribbled furiously in her notebook, Jimmy recording holographic shots from multiple angles. Lois's sharp gaze flicked briefly to Izuku—calm, composed, watching with folded arms at the finish line—and she muttered to herself, "This boy isn't just competing. He's already setting the stage for something bigger."
The stadium shook as the first competitors finally crossed the line for second, third, and fourth place, the crowd screaming as though it were the final match of the day.
Shoto Todoroki came gliding across the finish line with a frosty precision, claiming second place. Right on his heels, Bakugo exploded through the air, teeth bared and palms sparking, landing in third with a thunderous BOOM.
"And in third place—Katsuki Bakugo!" Present Mic roared, his voice cracking with excitement as the crowd erupted into cheers.
Midnight stepped forward, her whip snapping with flair. "That concludes the first game for the first years! And what a spectacle it was. Now—it's time to see who advances!"
The massive screen behind her lit up, names flashing in rows as the top forty-two students were listed. A mixture of cheers and groans rippled through the stadium.
"Only the top forty-two will advance to the next round! But don't be too discouraged if you didn't make the cut," Midnight purred. "We've prepared other opportunities for you to shine. The Sports Festival is all about showcasing talent—every single one of you will have your chance in the spotlight!"
The crowd cheered again, but Izuku only half-heard them. He was still replaying the way people had looked at him after his ridiculous time in the obstacle race.
"Now then," Midnight grinned mischievously, "the real fun is about to begin! A chance to vault yourself into the limelight. Let's see what fate has in store…"
The giant screen behind her spun like a slot machine again, symbols flashing past in a blur. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation until, with a metallic clang, it stopped.
"Cavalry Battle!" Midnight announced dramatically.
The students immediately broke into chatter, some groaning, others whispering about strategies.
"Man, these things always suck," Kaminari muttered."How are we even supposed to split up?" Ojiro frowned, already calculating his odds.Ashido groaned. "This is gonna be so awkward!"
"Quiet, brats!" Midnight snapped her whip, instantly silencing them. "Allow me to explain before your little brains start melting!"
The screen shifted again, showing the point system. "Each of you will form groups of two to four people. Your point values will be based on your ranking from the first event. The lowest score begins at five points… and they rise in increments of five."
The students began murmuring again, piecing it together, but Midnight smirked and raised her whip. "But that's not all. Let's talk about the number one spot…"
The screen glitched, then flared bright red with massive glowing numbers:
10,000,000
Gasps tore through the stadium. The crowd roared, cameras zooming in on Izuku, who had frozen in place as the weight of every eye in the stadium locked onto him.
"That's right!" Midnight shouted, fanning the flames. "The first place finisher—**Izuku Midoriya—**is worth ten million points! This is survival of the fittest, ladies and gentlemen, a golden opportunity for the underdogs to topple the strongest!"
Izuku swallowed hard, his palms sweating despite his superhuman strength. Ten million…? They're all going to come after me.
"The rules are simple!" Midnight continued, her whip cracking against the ground. "Form your teams. The match will last fifteen minutes. Snatch your opponents' headbands to raise your score—every headband you steal must be worn above the neck. The more you collect, the harder it'll be to keep them!"
On the screen, a countdown timer appeared: 15:00
"You may use your quirks freely," Midnight added, "but deliberately forcing a team to fall will result in a red card and immediate disqualification!"
The students immediately burst into frantic strategizing. Some began whispering names, others already scanning the field for potential allies. The tension was electric.
Izuku, however, moved calmly. He walked directly up to Midnight.
"Excuse me," he asked in a polite but steady voice. "Is there a height limit?"
Midnight blinked. "…Height limit?" She touched her earpiece. "Principal Nezu, what do you say?"
Nezu's amused voice crackled through her comm. "No, there isn't a height limit. Though… after this year, we may need to make some adjustments."
Midnight gave a bemused shrug. "No limit, kid. Knock yourself out."
"Thank you," Izuku said with a small bow before moving back into the sea of students.
Whispers followed him."He's gonna fly again, isn't he?""Ten million points in the sky…""How the hell are we supposed to deal with that?"
Izuku ignored them. He scanned the crowd until his eyes landed on Mineta, who was nervously tugging at his collar. Izuku approached him.
"Mineta," he said plainly, "do you want to team up?"
Mineta blinked, wide-eyed. "Wha—me? With you?! Are you serious?!"
Izuku leaned down slightly and explained quietly. "I'm just going to take us high into the sky. No one will be able to reach us. All you have to do is hold on for fifteen minutes."
Mineta's jaw dropped. His heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement. "So… you're saying… I'll get through the cavalry battle without having to fight anyone?"
Izuku nodded. "Exactly. It'll be easy."
Mineta's eyes glistened with tears of joy. "YES! Yes, I'm in! This is the smartest plan ever!"
Izuku gave a small smile. "Good. Then let's get ready."
As the clock continued ticking down, all around them students scrambled to form alliances, suspicious glares and hushed whispers rising like static in the air.
when the timer rang out midnight shouted "Oh goody!" She cracked her whip dramatically, her voice carrying over the roaring crowd. "It's time to get this party started!"
On the commentator's platform, Present Mic leaned over toward Aizawa, who was slumped with his capture scarf wrapped loosely around his shoulders. "Yo, Eraser, wake up, man! You don't wanna sleep through the cavalry battle!"
Aizawa opened one tired eye, muttered something about "problem children," and sat up with the bare minimum of effort.
Meanwhile, Izuku turned to Mineta. His emerald eyes glowed faintly as sunlight reflected off his skin. "Are you ready?"
Mineta's legs shook beneath him, but he clenched his fists and nodded. "Y-Yeah! Just… please don't drop me, okay?!"
Izuku gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. You'll be fine."
Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium. "Ladies and gentlemen, here it comes—the most chaotic event in the festival! The Cavalry Battle! Count it down with me!"
The entire arena joined in, thousands of voices echoing together.
"Three…!""Two…!""One…!"
"BEGIN!" Midnight roared, her whip cracking against the platform.
The field erupted into chaos as students charged, quirks activating in bursts of fire, ice, tape, and explosions. Dust filled the air as alliances clashed immediately, each team targeting their rivals' headbands.
But above it all, Izuku launched into the sky with a single powerful motion, leaving a shockwave that rippled across the stadium floor. Gasps and shouts filled the stands as the green-haired boy soared higher and higher, his cape-like gym uniform fluttering. He stopped just above the stadium's dome, floating effortlessly, Mineta clinging to him like a terrified koala.
"There it is!" Present Mic shouted, half-laughing in disbelief. "Midoriya and Mineta just straight-up peaced out! They're hovering above the battlefield like kings of the mountain!"
Cameras immediately zoomed in on Izuku, his calm figure framed against the blue sky. Mineta, meanwhile, was pale and trembling, muttering prayers under his breath as he clung to Izuku's neck.
"This is absurd," one pro hero in the stands muttered. "How are the others supposed to reach him?"
Another hero, a winged veteran, crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Flight quirks are rare. Most of these kids are ground-bound. Unless they start improvising, that boy is untouchable for the full fifteen minutes."
Back in the press section, Lois's sharp eyes followed Izuku's every movement. She scribbled notes furiously while Jimmy snapped rapid-fire shots with his camera.
The arena was chaos. On the ground, teams scrambled against one another—quirks flaring, dust clouds rising, and headbands snapping through the air like colorful prizes. Explosions boomed from Bakugo's team as he rocketed toward opponents, while Todoroki's group left a trail of frozen barricades in their wake.
But high above it all, Izuku and Mineta floated calmly in the sunlight. Mineta clung so tightly around Izuku's shoulders that his knuckles had turned white.
Every few minutes, someone tried.
First, a group of support students had rigged together some kind of spring-loaded grappling device. With a loud thunk, three hooks shot upward, arcing through the air toward Izuku. He tilted his head, eyes tracking the heartbeats of the students below. A slight shift in his position, and the hooks sailed past harmlessly, dragging the stunned students to the dirt.
Next, a boy with long, rubber-like arms attempted to sling himself upward, stretching his limbs like elastic bands. He soared up toward Izuku, determination blazing in his eyes. Izuku respected the effort—but with a calm motion, he released a controlled gust of wind that sent the boy spinning back to the ground, landing in a tangled heap on top of his teammates.
The crowd roared at every attempt, gasping when anyone got close, then erupting in laughter and applause when they failed.
"Look at that!" Present Mic's voice boomed over the speakers. "Everybody wants a piece of Midoriya's ten million points, but no one can touch him! He's up there like a guardian angel!"
Aizawa sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "He's not even breaking a sweat. He's just… monitoring. Observing. Like he's already thinking ten steps ahead."
On the field, Bakugo noticed too. "Damn nerd thinks he's better than all of us," he snarled, blasting forward. His team lurched behind him as he launched an explosion that carried him into the air. He climbed higher, reaching halfway up toward Izuku.
"DIE!" Bakugo roared, his hand igniting in a massive blast.
Izuku raised a single hand. The explosion met a sudden wall of compressed air as Izuku released a burst of force. The shockwave neutralized Bakugo's blast, sending the ash-blond boy tumbling back down toward the track. He landed in a roll, snarling, furious that he hadn't closed the distance.
Mineta squeaked. "C-Can you not make angry explosion-boy any madder than he already is!?"
Izuku didn't answer. His eyes stayed focused downward, watching. They're all pushing themselves harder than ever. This is good. This is what they need.
As the minutes ticked by, more and more students gave up on trying to reach him, focusing instead on stealing points from each other. The crowd grew used to seeing him up there, a lone figure outlined by the sun, hovering like a sentinel above the battlefield.
Lois and Jimmy sat in the press box, Lois scribbling furiously in her notebook. "Do you see this?" she whispered. "He's not fighting. He's not scrambling.
Jimmy's quirk activated, projecting a three-dimensional image of Izuku floating high above, the sunlight blazing around him like a halo. "If this doesn't sell newspapers," Jimmy muttered, "nothing will."
Finally, the massive screen above the stadium ticked down the last ten seconds. The crowd counted along with Present Mic.
"Ten! Nine! Eight…!"
On the field, the battles became frantic, teams lunging for last-minute headbands. Bakugo and Todoroki clashed in the middle, their powers colliding in bursts of fire, ice, and explosions. The noise was deafening.
Above it all, Izuku didn't move. He stayed perfectly still in the air, Mineta gripping him like a lifeline. He watched, calm and steady, as the buzzer loomed.
"Three! Two! One…!"
The final horn blared across the stadium.
"AND THAT'S IT!" Present Mic shouted, nearly blowing out the speakers. "Fifteen minutes of pure mayhem, and our ten million point man, IZUKU MIDORIYA, has survived unscathed! Give it up for the unbeatable champion of the sky!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, stamping their feet and chanting Izuku's name. Cameras flashed like a storm of light, all directed upward at the green-haired boy who floated above the chaos.
Mineta raised a trembling fist in victory. "W-We did it! We actually won!"
Izuku lowered them gently back to the ground as Midnight stepped forward, grinning mischievously. "Well, well… looks like our little bird in the sky knows how to play the long game. First place again, Midoriya."
The scoreboard blazed across the massive screen, Midoriya's name standing above all others with his staggering ten million points untouched.
"Now that it's over," Present Mic shouted over the deafening cheers, "let's take a look at the top four teams that crushed their way through this round!"
The screen shifted, showing team portraits one by one.
"In first place—team Midoriya! The boy in the sky and his gutsy partner, Mineta, who held on for dear life!"
Mineta puffed his chest out, even as he looked like he might faint from relief. Izuku gave the crowd a polite wave, though his mind was already shifting toward what came next.
"In second place—team Todoroki! Ice, fire, and pure dominance all the way to the top!"
The crowd roared as Todoroki crossed his arms, stoic as ever, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes.
"In third place—team Bakugo! Explosive, aggressive, and loud as hell!"
Bakugo didn't bother waving. He just snarled at the camera, explosions crackling in his palms as if daring anyone to doubt he belonged there.
"And finally, in fourth place—team Shinso! Don't sleep on these guys, folks—sometimes brains can outpace brawn!"
Shinso stood quietly in the spotlight, his piercing eyes scanning the stadium. He hadn't said much all day, but just making top four had already silenced plenty of doubters.
The audience clapped and cheered as Midnight stepped in. "Congratulations to our top teams. You've secured your spots for the next round. For now, everyone, we'll take a short break before continuing with the Sports Festival!"
The giant screen flashed INTERMISSION – 1 HOUR. Students were escorted to the cafeteria to rest and eat before the next round.
Lois leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, eyes sharp. "So tell me, Principal Nezu… you say the world should keep its eyes open. But there's more to it than that, isn't there? Midoriya isn't just another student. He's being positioned, whether deliberately or not, for something bigger."
Nezu's smile didn't waver, though his paw tapped lightly against the porcelain of his teacup. "You certainly don't miss much, Ms. Lane."
Jimmy adjusted his camera, sensing a moment worth capturing, but Lois gestured subtly for him to hold. This wasn't a picture moment—it was a truth moment.
"You've hinted at leadership, succession, and a legacy that belongs to All Might," Lois pressed. "I need to ask directly: has there been… outside influence? Someone helping shape Midoriya's path?"
Nezu's eyes half-lidded, as though weighing every word with surgical precision. "U.A. nurtures talent. We provide training, discipline, and opportunity. But we are not the only institution with a stake in shaping the future of heroes."
Lois's pen hovered. "You mean the Hero Public Safety Commission."
A faint chuckle escaped Nezu. "Ah, you're very well-informed. Yes, the Commission… they've always had an interest in young talent. They see the long game, you might say." He took another sip of tea, his tone deceptively casual. "There may have been… conversations. Deals. Understandings. After all, when a student shows the potential to sway not just a classroom, but an entire society, it attracts attention."
Jimmy's eyebrows shot up. "Wait—you're saying they're already grooming him?"
"Now, now," Nezu said smoothly, though his whiskers twitched with something almost mischievous. "That would be a rather dramatic word. Let's simply say… Midoriya has drawn the Commission's interest. And interest often comes with expectations."
Lois scribbled quickly, her eyes narrowing. "Expectations. The kind that could decide the next Symbol of Peace?"
Nezu tilted his head, offering a sly grin. "That is a question best asked to the Commission themselves. I can only tell you this: Midoriya is walking a path few could imagine, and even fewer could endure. Whether by choice… or by necessity."
Lois caught the phrasing, the subtle suggestion that something had already been arranged—some agreement between a boy still finding himself and an institution that saw him as more than human, more than a student. She leaned back, pen poised, mind racing.
Jimmy muttered, "Lois, this is huge. Front-page huge."
Lois only nodded, fixing Nezu with a steady look. "Thank you, Principal. That's more than enough… for now."
Nezu's smile remained as unshakable as ever. "My pleasure. And Ms. Lane—be careful. Sometimes the truth can be heavier than even the strongest shoulders can carry."
After lunch, the four advancing teams filed back onto the field. The stadium lights glared brightly above, and the roar of the crowd grew louder as a massive holographic bracket appeared over the arena, each name waiting to be slotted into place.
Present Mic practically shouted himself hoarse, hyping up the crowd."LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! BOYS AND GIRLS! GET READY—'CAUSE WE'VE GOT FOURTEEN INCREDIBLE STUDENTS ABOUT TO THROW DOWN IN A ONE-ON-ONE TOURNAMENT!"
The audience erupted in cheers, stamping their feet and waving banners. The tension in the air was electric.
Midnight strutted onto the stage with her usual dramatic flair, snapping her whip against the ground. "Finalists, front and center!"
One by one, the fourteen students stepped up onto the platform, the crowd buzzing at the sight of so many young hopefuls lined together.
"Before we get started," Midnight purred, "each of you will draw lots to see who your opponent will be. Then, enjoy the rest of the festival's recreational events before the real competition begins." She twirled the microphone around her fingers and leaned forward with a grin. "Oh, and finalists—you do have the option of sitting this out. Conserve your stamina, keep your pride intact… but if you're here to fight, you'd better be ready to put everything on the line. Now, let's start with our first-place team—"
She was cut off by a raised hand. Ojiro stepped forward, shoulders stiff but eyes resolute.
"I'm withdrawing."
A wave of gasps swept through the students and audience alike.
"Ojiro?!" Kaminari blurted, eyes wide.
Ojiro bowed slightly, his tone firm. "It wouldn't be right. During the cavalry battle, I barely remember anything past the very end. I'm certain it was because of that guy's quirk." He glanced toward Hitoshi Shinso, who stood silent but unreadable. "I don't want to advance on someone else's power. For me… it's a matter of pride."
Class 1-A immediately crowded him with protests. Kirishima clapped him on the shoulder. "Dude, c'mon—you earned your spot!"
But Ojiro shook his head, unmoved. "No. Not like this."
Before Midnight could speak, another voice rang out. Nirengeki Shoda from Class 1-B stepped forward, his face calm but serious. "I'd like to withdraw as well."
The crowd stirred again, murmurs rising. Midnight tilted her head, giving a theatrical shrug. "Very well. But that means our fifth-place team will need to supply two replacements."
The fifth-place team huddled quickly. After a brief, whispered debate, they came to an agreement. Ibara Shiozaki and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu stepped forward to fill the vacant spots.
With that settled, Midnight brought out the box of lots. Each student reached in, one by one, drawing their fate. The tension was palpable as the holographic bracket updated in real time, the matchups snapping into place.
Round 1:
Izuku Midoriya vs. Hitoshi Shinso
Shoto Todoroki vs. Minoru Mineta
Mina Ashido vs. Ibara Shiozaki
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Tenya Iida
Momo Yaoyorozu vs. Denki Kaminari
Katsuki Bakugo vs. Yuga Aoyama
Hanta Sero vs. Eijiro Kirishima
The moment the last names locked into place, Mineta let out a strangled cry. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I'M GONNA DIE!"
Laughter rippled through the students, though Mineta looked genuinely pale as he stared at Todoroki, who remained as expressionless as ever.
Midnight cracked her whip against the floor, drawing everyone's attention back. "Alright, contestants! Everyone except Midoriya and Shinso, return to the seating area. Our opening match begins now!"
The crowd roared as Izuku and Shinso stepped into the arena. The sunlight glared off the polished concrete floor, and for a brief moment, everything seemed still.
Present Mic's voice boomed over the stadium."ALRIGHT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! OUR FIRST MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT! THE GREENHORN WHO SURPRISED EVERYONE IN THE CAVALRY BATTLE—IZUKU MIDORIYA! VERSUS THE MAN WITH THE MYSTERIOUS MIND-BENDING QUIRK—HITOSHI SHINSO!"
Midnight raised her whip. "Begin!"
Shinso didn't move at first. He just stood there, smirking faintly, his eyes locked on Izuku's."So… you're the one everyone's talking about." His voice carried easily across the field. "The golden boy. Must be nice to have power like that."
Izuku took a cautious step forward, scanning him. He knew about Shinso's quirk from Ojiro's warning—responding to Shinso's words would mean falling into his control. His heart thudded once, steady, before his brain began firing at impossible speed.
Don't answer. Don't respond. Just focus. He's trying to bait me.
Every twitch of Shinso's mouth, every flex of his hand—Izuku's superhuman senses caught them. The words slid past him like water over stone. His thoughts were moving faster than Shinso could trap.
Shinso's smile thinned. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? You're not mute, are you?"
Still, Izuku stayed silent, circling slightly. The crowd grew tense, watching the standoff.
Finally, Shinso snarled, dropping the act. "Do you have any idea what it's like to be me? My quirk—everyone's afraid of it. They think it's villainous, dangerous. I can't even get respect in my own class. And then there's you—born with a body that moves like a machine, strength no one can match, eyes that probably see through walls!" His fists clenched. "Tell me, Midoriya. How is that fair?"
Izuku stopped in his tracks, looking at him. He could tell the pain behind Shinso's words was real. Against his better judgment, he spoke."It's not as easy as you think."
The crowd gasped—Shinso's quirk should have taken hold instantly. But Izuku stood tall, eyes clear, mind unbroken. Shinso blinked, disbelief flashing across his face.
"What—? You should be under my control! I heard you!"
Izuku shook his head. "My brain… it doesn't work like yours. My thoughts are too fast. Faster than sound, sometimes. By the time your quirk tries to take hold, I've already moved past it." His voice was steady, but his expression softened. "And as for the power—it's not all it's cracked up to be. Do you know what it's like to hear screams from miles away and not be able to reach them in time? To feel every cry for help like it's your fault? Or to know that one mistake—one slip—could destroy someone instead of saving them?"
Shinso staggered back slightly, caught off guard by the weight in Izuku's words.
Izuku's eyes narrowed. "You're strong, Shinso. Stronger than you think. But don't envy me. This power isn't freedom—it's responsibility. And it never, ever stops."
The crowd hushed, hanging on every word. Shinso's face twisted, torn between anger and something else—understanding, maybe.
"Enough talking," Izuku finally said, stepping forward with a burst of speed that cracked the air. In the blink of an eye, he was behind Shinso, his movements too fast for the eye to follow. He didn't hit him—he simply tapped his shoulder hard enough to make him stumble forward.
Shinso turned, but Izuku was already in front of him again, cutting off every retreat with inhuman precision. It wasn't a fight—it was like being fenced in by a hurricane.
Finally, Izuku stopped just a breath away, his green eyes piercing. "This match… is over."
With a gentle push—gentle for him, but enough to send Shinso skidding across the floor—Izuku knocked him out of bounds. Midnight raised her whip.
"Winner: Izuku Midoriya!"
The crowd exploded into cheers, but Izuku didn't raise his hands in victory. He simply looked back at Shinso, who sat up slowly, frustration etched across his face.
"You're wrong, you know," Shinso muttered. "That's not weakness. That's strength. And maybe someday… I'll prove it."
Izuku gave him a small, respectful nod before heading back to the waiting area, the roar of the stadium chasing him the whole way.
As the crowd's cheers for Izuku thundered through the stadium, Shinso walked toward the exit tunnel with his head low, shoulders hunched. Every step felt heavier than the last. He had wanted to prove himself, to show everyone that he belonged in the hero course. Instead, he'd been shut down in the first round.
His fists clenched. Of course. That's what happens when you put a quirk like mine against someone untouchable. Someone with… his teeth ground together …power like his.
"Shinso!"
The voice cut through his thoughts. He blinked, lifting his head. In the stands, his classmates from the General Studies course were on their feet, leaning over the railing.
"You were awesome out there, Shinso!" one shouted, waving both arms.
Another chimed in, grinning wide. "We're proud of you!"
"Seriously—if you didn't get stuck against him in the first round, you'd have gone so much farther!"
"Yeah! You didn't tell us your quirk was that good!"
"You're the star of our program, Shinso!"
Shinso froze, staring up at them. Their voices overlapped, their smiles genuine. For the first time in a long time, people weren't looking at him with suspicion. They weren't afraid of his quirk. They weren't whispering "villain" behind his back.
They were cheering for him.
He swallowed hard, his chest tightening with something unfamiliar—warmth.
And then he heard it. The pro-heroes sitting in the commentator's booth had left their mics on just long enough for the audience to catch their words.
"That boy's quirk has incredible potential."
"With training, he could be a phenomenal capture specialist."
"I'd like to see him in the hero course. He's got the mindset for it."
Shinso's eyes widened, his steps faltering. For so long, he had told himself it was hopeless—that no one would ever see him as anything but a danger. But here, in this moment, heroes were praising him. His classmates were lifting him up.
He let out a shaky breath and straightened his back. The sting of loss was still there, but it didn't weigh him down the same way anymore.
As he passed through the exit tunnel, he thought, Maybe… maybe I do belong on that stage. Next year, it'll be different.
Shoto Todoroki vs. Minoru Mineta
The moment the match began, Mineta panicked. He hurled a frantic barrage of sticky Pop-Off spheres, trying to create a barrier between himself and Todoroki. Shoto didn't even flinch—he simply raised his hand, and a massive wall of ice surged forward, swallowing the arena floor in an instant. Mineta was frozen in place before he could even scream properly.
Winner: Shoto Todoroki.The audience was awed by his sheer control, though some whispered about the cold ruthlessness in his eyes.
Mina Ashido vs. Ibara Shiozaki
Mina opened aggressively, sliding across the floor with bursts of acid, her movements erratic and flashy. But Ibara remained calm, her vine-hair lashing out with precision. Every drop of acid that got close was swept aside by layers of writhing tendrils. Mina tried to rush in, but the vines caught her mid-charge and gently—but firmly—deposited her out of bounds.
Winner: Ibara Shiozaki.The crowd praised her composure, though Mina left with her chin up, promising she'd get stronger.
Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu vs. Tenya Iida
The clash was raw power against speed. Tetsutetsu hardened his steel body and charged like a tank, each stomp cracking the arena floor. Iida's engines roared, letting him zip around in blurs of motion, delivering sharp kicks that rang against Tetsutetsu's iron hide. But the steel hero wouldn't budge, and with one perfectly timed grab, he caught Iida's leg and hurled him out of bounds like a ragdoll.
Winner: Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu.The audience roared at the sheer stubbornness and strength, while Iida graciously accepted defeat.
Momo Yaoyorozu vs. Denki Kaminari
Momo came prepared. The instant Midnight gave the signal, she created a long, insulated staff and a metal net. Kaminari unleashed a storm of electricity, but the staff let her redirect the currents, and the net trapped him before he could push harder. With elegant efficiency, she forced him out of the ring.
Winner: Momo Yaoyorozu.Her intelligence drew admiration, especially from the faculty watching. Kaminari, still twitching, managed a dazed thumbs-up.
Katsuki Bakugo vs. Yuga Aoyama
Aoyama tried to start the match with flair, his naval laser slicing across the arena in a glittering beam. Bakugo didn't even hesitate—he blasted through it, explosions propelling him like a missile. Within seconds, he was on top of Aoyama, pinning him down with a brutal explosion to the chest that sent him skidding across the floor, his cape smoldering.
Winner: Katsuki Bakugo.The crowd roared, but many cringed at the sheer aggression. Bakugo basked in the noise, shouting for the "extras" to watch closely.
Hanta Sero vs. Eijiro Kirishima
Sero opened with tape slingshots, anchoring himself across the arena and trying to keep Kirishima at range. His mobility was impressive, swinging like a human catapult. But once Kirishima hardened, the tape couldn't restrain him. He bulldozed through every attempt, shrugging off Sero's traps until he got close enough to deliver a hardened punch that knocked Sero clean out of the ring.
Winner: Eijiro Kirishima.The audience loved his straightforward grit, cheering loudly for his indomitable spirit.
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Hero Public Safety Commission, the president of the organization called for an emergency meeting. The boardroom filled quickly—directors, strategists, analysts, and high-ranking officials all taking their seats in an uneasy silence.
The president stood at the head of the long table, her expression sharp but satisfied.
"Midoriya Izuku has exceeded expectations," she said, her voice measured. "His performance at the U.A. Sports Festival has caught the public's eye. But it is not enough. If we want the people to truly see him as All Might's successor, we must orchestrate something greater. A trial by fire—one the world cannot ignore."
The room stirred. Advisors and officers began tossing out ideas: orchestrated rescue missions, staged villain attacks, media campaigns. But most were too small, too tame. Nothing had the weight to etch Izuku into the hearts of the public as the replacement for All Might.
Then, one director leaned forward, voice calm yet carrying a dangerous edge."What if," he began, "we shortened the sentence of the villain who can summon asteroids? He's been locked up since Hosu. If we bring him out under controlled conditions, have him throw a massive meteor at the stadium…"
The room froze, listening intently.
"…even if Midoriya falls short, we'll have dozens of pro heroes present. They can prevent disaster. The boy's attempt will still be seen. The spectacle will leave an impression no one can forget."
Whispers rippled through the boardroom. Risky. Unethical. Genius.
Finally, the president spoke, tapping her manicured fingers on the desk."Do it. Bring him out. This is the push Midoriya needs. This is what the people need to see."
The decision was made.
That same evening, the imprisoned villain was dragged from his cell, hands bound, face covered with a muzzle suppressor. He was furious, snarling curses, until a transporter warped him to the outskirts of the U.A. stadium.
The Commission had intended for him to call down a meteor just large enough to frighten the public and test Izuku's mettle. What they hadn't considered was his resentment.
The moment his restraints loosened, the villain saw his chance. With malicious glee, he ignored the Commission's whispered instructions and instead lifted both arms toward the heavens. His quirk pulsed through him like wildfire, and he screamed into the sky.
Clouds split. The air vibrated. The stars themselves seemed to shift.
And then—he pulled.
From the void of space, far beyond anyone's comprehension, something massive began to move. A meteoroid—no, a continental slab of death, the size of Texas—drifted into Earth's pull. Slowly at first, then faster, streaking toward the planet with unstoppable force.
As Izuku and Todoroki stepped onto the stage, ready to face each other, a deafening boom split the sky. Heads jerked upward—and then silence fell.
A colossal shadow swallowed the light. A meteoroid, so vast it seemed to eclipse all of Japan, loomed above the clouds.
The crowd erupted into panic. Screams echoed, families clutched one another, and news drones zoomed in frantically. In the chaos, Jimmy raised his camera. He snapped a picture—just as another thunderous crack shook the air.
This time, it came from the ground.
Izuku shot skyward like a green comet, the force of his launch rattling the stadium seats. Gasps spread as the boy ascended, higher and higher, until he was nothing more than a streak of emerald against the backdrop of doom.
When Izuku reached the asteroid, he pressed his palms against its burning surface. He pushed. His arms shook, veins bulged, and his throat tore with screams—but the monstrosity wouldn't slow.
Only when Mount Fuji's peak lay directly beneath it did the rock finally begin to shudder. The crowd held their breath. For a heartbeat, hope bloomed.
But Izuku wasn't moving it. He was holding it.
In the command box, Nezu's sharp eyes noticed. He leapt into action."All flying heroes—up! Support him!"
Snapped from their shock, the pros soared into the air. Hawks, Ryukyu, and dozens of others joined Izuku. They braced themselves against the asteroid, wings and energy flaring—but even together, the impossible weight refused to budge.
Meanwhile, Nezu sprinted to Class 1-A's seats. His small frame landed before them, his voice urgent."Midoriya is the only one keeping that asteroid from killing us all. But there may be a way. Uraraka—can you lighten it?"
Ochaco's eyes widened. Her hands trembled. "I–I can try, but… if it works, it'll only last a few seconds."
"That's enough," Nezu replied, unwavering. "Every second matters."
One of the flying heroes swept Ochaco into his arms and carried her skyward."Breathe slowly," he warned her. "The higher we go, the thinner the air gets."
When they broke through the clouds, Ochaco's breath caught—not from the thin air, but from the sight before her. Izuku's body was shaking violently, blood streaming from his nose, his roar echoing through the heavens.
Her resolve hardened.
She pressed her hands to the asteroid. Her quirk surged. The crushing weight faded, if only for a heartbeat. Izuku felt it—and roared, straining with all his might.
The other heroes pushed too, their limits straining. But one by one, they faltered, gasping as the air grew thin. They pulled back, leaving Izuku alone once again.
The weight slammed back. His scream tore across the entire nation.
And yet—the meteoroid rose. Inch by inch, then faster.
Izuku's eyes were squeezed shut. He didn't realize until he opened them that the stars surrounded him. He was no longer on Earth. He was in space.
He looked at the glowing sun, and with the last of his strength, he heaved. He angled the meteoroid toward the burning star and shoved. His body convulsed, his breath left him, and the monstrous rock drifted inexorably into the sun's pull.
But Izuku's strength was gone. His body went limp, tumbling back toward Earth.
Below, the world stared as the sky cleared. The meteoroid vanished into the heavens, and silence blanketed the stadium.
Minutes passed. Then—something blazed through the atmosphere, a fiery streak tearing across the sky. The shockwave of its descent rattled the ground, and people shielded their eyes as it hurtled downward.
It struck the arena with a cataclysmic impact. A crater ripped through the stage, a wave of force knocking the audience and heroes alike off their feet.
When the dust cleared, gasps swept the stadium.
In the center of the crater, battered, trembling, and stripped bare by the flames of reentry, lay Midoriya Izuku. Naked the only thing left was his watch, scarred, and unconscious—but alive.
And the world stared at him in awe.