The next day, I was still at home, able to move a little despite the burning pain throughout my body.
Incredibly, there were classes at UA today, even after the incident and all the repercussions it had, but I didn't go because of my peculiar condition.
Himiko had gotten back from class a few minutes ago.
She said she had a lot to tell me, but went straight to take a shower before I could ask what it was, she likes building suspense like that sometimes.
While I wait for the water bill destroyer, also known as Himiko's shower, to end, I open the gray box Nezu gave me yesterday.
The box opens in a fancy way, with a few blue lights illuminating the contents.
The first time I opened it, I could've sworn it would play some kind of power-up jingle or something.
Inside are several bags of blood.
I grab one and drink it, the taste is pretty bland, like bad, unseasoned food.
According to a note from Nezu that was inside the box, the blood was a "donation" from the villains captured at the USJ.
Of course, they confirmed the villains who "donated" didn't have any diseases or anything like that.
Himiko finally comes out of the shower.
I offer her a blood bag, which she quickly refuses with a disgusted expression, she tried some yesterday and almost threw up.
It really is awful… but it might be useful, since I won't have to use as many bags to heal, so there'll be plenty left.
"So then? What did you want to tell me?" I close the box and ask her.
"Oh right! It looks like we're having a school festival in two weeks."
"Right after the attack?"
"Uh-huh, and according to Aizawa-sensei, you'll be the one giving the speech for the first years, since you got first place." She lets out a small laugh at my miserable expression after hearing that.
"Can't they make Bakugo do it? Or anyone else from the class… or other classes."
"Speaking of other classes, they all gathered at our classroom door during lunch today."
"Huh? Why?"
"Hmph, a bunch of nonsense, like wanting to see what the class that fought villains is like, and according to them, to declare war or blah blah blah…" She starts grumbling, clearly annoyed.
"Heh…" I hope I don't have to deal with trouble, like being targeted by other classes. I really don't want to go all out in these games.
'Two weeks…' I scratch my head.
"Himi, when I'm better I want to test some things."
"It won't take long before I'm well enough to train." Himiko just nods in agreement.
─── ◆ ───
Soon, the two weeks passed, and the day of the sports festival had finally arrived.
Class 1-A was gathered in our assigned waiting room, waiting for our turn to enter the stadium.
Everyone wearing training tracksuits, it wasn't allowed to use our hero costumes, apparently to keep things fair.
As I watch the others chatting, I notice Todoroki walking up to Midoriya.
"Midoriya," he begins, his voice as cold as always.
"I'll be direct. In terms of practical strength, I'm stronger than you."
Midoriya seems to pause, processing the words and trying to understand the sudden provocation. Todoroki continues before he can respond.
"I don't feel the need to interfere, but… I feel like All Might is watching you. And because of that, I want to make it clear: I will defeat you."
Kirishima approaches the two, trying to defuse a possible argument. Everyone looks a bit uncomfortable with the scene.
Midoriya takes a deep breath, his body tense but steady.
"I… think you really are stronger. Not just than me, but most of the class." He lifts his head. "But I'll go at you with everything I have. Bring it on."
Todoroki responds with a short "Oh," a hint of surprise on his face.
Sitting beside Himiko and the others, I can't help but think as I watch the scene.
'Why did one of his first interactions with the class turn into this? And why Midoriya of all people?'
I glance at Himiko beside me, exchanging a silent agreement, this is definitely something to gossip about later at home.
The loudspeaker crackles.
"CLASS 1-A, PREPARE TO ENTER!"
We follow the corridor to the massive arena entrance. Present Mic announces our name with enough energy to wake people miles away.
"AND HEEEEERE COMES CLASS 1-A!!"
The crowd erupts. It's deafening, the entire arena seems to shake with the roar of the packed stands. It looks like the recent attack on our class put us in the spotlight.
"So many people…" Uraraka shrinks a little, receiving small nods from the others, equally nervous.
The other classes enter soon after, greeted by similar enthusiasm, but clearly less than ours.
Once everyone is in position, a platform rises at the center of the arena.
Midnight appears, holding a fluffy whip, wearing her famous, and controversial, hero costume.
"Ladies and gentlemen! WELCOME to the FIRST-YEAR U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL!"
The crowd roars again.
Midnight cracks the whip in the air and raises her hand for silence.
"To begin… I will call the representative of the first-year students. The one who placed FIRST in the U.A. practical entrance exam! Come to the stage… Ken Kaneki from Class 1-A!" She sounds even more excited than when she introduced herself.
Tec…
Himiko pats my back three times, like a "good luck." I take a deep breath and walk up the stairs.
The noise of the crowd fades into murmurs, lowering more and more until it becomes almost complete silence.
I can hear whispers from other classes. Something about not remembering a student with my appearance when they previously observed Class 1-A.
I just stand there. Midnight gestures for me to begin.
Tec… I crack my fingers and take another deep breath.
"Uh… good morning, everyone."
My voice echoes across the entire arena.
"I'm not very good at this kind of thing… so I'll keep it brief."
The tension eases a little. People seem to listen.
"Most of you have probably noticed that… my appearance isn't exactly friendly, and my quirk isn't either." Murmurs return, but quickly die down as I continue.
"In fact, there are a lot of people here like that. Quirks that are scary, quirks that seem like they belong to villains… The same goes for appearance, or the urges caused by quirks." My words seem to reach some students from other classes.
"The truth is, none of us chose what we were born with."
"The only thing we can choose… is what we do with it."
"Despite everything… I decided to try to become a hero, like many others here." I notice the intense gazes from Nemuri and Himiko, both know what I really meant with that first statement.
What follows is silence. I blink, then continue.
"So… that's it."
More silence.
"Let's do our best." I lean slightly closer to the microphone, still with my usual neutral expression.
Silence…
Then—
The arena explodes into applause.
I stand there, a bit confused. But I bow my head in thanks and step down from the stage.
Himiko smiles so proudly it looks like she might jump on me right there.
"You were amazing," she murmurs, taking my hand.
"Did I say something wrong?" She shakes her head, still smiling.
Back in my place, Midnight resumes speaking, clapping excitedly.
"Very well! And with that inspiring speech… let's move on to the FIRST EVENT!"
'Already?' I think, silently thanking my classmates for their praise while ignoring an irritated grumble from Bakugo.
The giant screen behind her lights up, displaying huge letters:
PRELIMINARIES: OBSTACLE RACE!
The crowd cheers.
"A FOUR-KILOMETER race around the arena!! Between ALL eleven first-year classes!"
The students start moving toward the starting tunnel, a massive funnel where everyone is packed together.
The signal light ahead turns on:
Red.
Tec
Yellow.
"Sigh…"
Green.
"STAAAAAAAAART!!" Midnight shouts, the crowd roaring along with her.
The festival begins.
─── ◆ ───
[A/N]: Greetings everyone, I hope you are all well.
To be honest, I don't really like that festival arc in the original, and it gave me a bit of a chore not being able to think of what to write, but now it's finished.
It's not that different from the original; the real changes will become apparent later.
I used this arc for some character development, I think you'll like it.
That's all, drink water and have a good day <3
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