After the attack on Masata, life gradually returned to calm.
The scene of the incident was thoroughly investigated by the police who arrived shortly afterward, but no useful clues were found. The only suspicious discovery was what appeared to be a culture tank left behind inside Shenmu Hospital.
The battle traces at the site were of little help. Fortunately, no civilians had appeared in the area at the time, and with strict information control, news of the fight never spread. To the outside world, the authorities announced that the district would simply be redeveloped.
The briefly resurfaced ALL FOR ONE vanished without a trace once again. Nishio Hunter also disappeared completely, as if everything had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.
For the first few days, Masata remained on high alert. But when no villains made any further moves, he gradually relaxed. After finishing his daily classes, he returned home and trained together with Yaoyorozu Momo and Uraraka Ochaco.
For example—placing a hand on Momo's waist to guide her punching form, then casually catching Ochaco before she accidentally lost her balance…
In short, Masata was happier than he had ever been before.
But happiness never lasts long.
Two weeks passed quietly—and today finally arrived.
"Hundreds of reporters! Your favorite high school heroes are bursting with youth, and this year's U.A. Sports Festival is about to begin!!!"
Present Mic stood on the press stage, shouting excitedly at the sea of reporters below.
For this year's Sports Festival, U.A. High had even invited Pro Heroes from all over the country to assist with security. It could be said that the school had gathered the nation's strongest forces in one place.
"In the past, the spotlight was always on the third years—but this year's first years are absolutely worth watching!!"
"Yeah! I heard that Class 1-A repelled a villain attack shortly after enrolling! They must be something special!"
Similar conversations rippled through the crowd.
The campus, once quiet, was now packed with booths, equipment, and spectators. When Masata arrived that morning, he relied on his solid build to carve a path through the crowd so the three of them could pass.
"Hey! Isn't that the kid who defeated the Sludge Villain back then?! He's studying at U.A.?!"
Along the way, Masata was recognized by Death Arms, a Pro Hero he had interacted with before.
Walking beside him were Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady. The three of them seemed to have formed a regular team and often worked together. This time, they had also accepted U.A.'s security assignment.
"Yeah, I just entered my first year," Masata replied with a grin. "You're welcome to watch my match~"
Though Masata knew that with their duties, the three likely wouldn't have time to spectate.
After a short break, the students changed into their sports uniforms and assembled in their classrooms. Because combat costumes carried different support functions, the school banned them for fairness.
Then—at last—the Sports Festival officially began.
Amid thunderous cheers, Class 1-A entered the arena first.
Masata led the class onto the field.
Dressed in a simple but well-fitted sports uniform, the tall Masata wore a confident smile. His sturdy build hinted at tremendous strength, and the faint pressure he unconsciously emitted caused the audience's cheers to surge even louder.
As expected—Class 1-A was different.
After the Hero Course students entered, the General Studies, Support Course, and Business Course followed. But compared to the Hero Course, they felt almost like background villagers—both in Present Mic's introductions and in the audience's enthusiasm.
The referee overseeing the first-year division was the R-rated Pro Hero Midnight.
Living up to her reputation, Midnight's tight outfit and seductive figure caused many inexperienced boys to blush and hurriedly avert their eyes.
Mineta, of course, tried his hardest to burn her image into his retinas.
"Contestant oath!"
Midnight raised her hands, signaling for silence. Once the stadium quieted, she continued:
"Igarashi Masata, please step forward and deliver the oath!"
As the top scorer of the entrance exam—and a key figure during the USJ incident—Masata was the perfect representative.
With no trace of stage fright, Masata calmly stepped onto the podium. Countless eyes fixed on him, and under that attention, his blood only burned hotter.
"Oath!!!"
Taking the microphone, Masata grinned broadly.
Seeing that familiar smile, Momo's expression stiffened. She knew Masata far too well—she could already predict what would come next.
Sure enough—
"I, Igarashi Masata, will become the strongest and freest man alive!"
"And this place—right here—is my starting line!"
"A real man never backs down! Everyone in the audience—watch my performance with respect!!"
"Hahahahahahahaha!"
Ignoring the stunned silence, Masata burst into laughter and returned to the front of Class 1-A.
After several seconds of silence, suppressed reactions exploded.
"What?! Just beat one villain incident and he's already this arrogant?!"
"I really want to fight him now!"
Class 1-A instantly became the center of attention—and hostility.
The murderous pressure from all sides made even seasoned students feel tense.
"Well said! That's what a man should say!" Kirishima Eijiro, Masata's loyal brother-in-arms, shouted enthusiastically.
Meanwhile, Bakugo Katsuki, who had remained silent the entire time, stood with his scorched expression unchanged. No one could tell what he was thinking.
"Igarashi boy is quite something, huh?"
In the VIP viewing room, the thin All Might asked Masata's homeroom teacher.
"His ability is unquestionable," Aizawa Shouta replied calmly. "But from a tactical standpoint, that speech wasn't wise."
"He placed himself directly opposite everyone."
All Might smiled faintly.
"True… but I think it was fine."
"Is that because muscular people understand each other?" Aizawa sneered.
"No," All Might said, shaking his head. "I think his words weren't meant for the crowd at all."
"They were meant for himself."
Aizawa's gaze sharpened.
"Seeing a new star rise like this… must give someone a terrible headache."
"ALL FOR ONE."