"...and that's why we stand here today, not just as students, but as the future of heroism. Thank you."
I lowered the paper, meeting Aizawa's tired gaze. For a moment, silence hung in the air.
Then, Aizawa nodded. "Not bad, Midoriya. It's concise, inspiring, and addresses the concerns about U.A.'s security without dwelling on them. Well done."
I allowed myself a small smile. "Thank you, sir. Of course, this is just the outline. I'll expand on these points tomorrow."
Aizawa raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning to read it word for word?"
I shook my head. "No, sir. I find I'm more natural when I speak from bullet points rather than a full script."
"Hmm," Aizawa hummed, a hint of approval in his tone. "Good. Authenticity will serve you well. Just don't go off-script too much. We don't need any surprises."
"Of course not, sir," I said, my face the picture of earnest agreement.
As I gathered my notes, Aizawa spoke again. "Midoriya. How are you feeling about tomorrow?"
I paused, considering my answer. "Prepared, sir. I've trained hard, and I'm ready to show what I can do."
Aizawa studied me for a moment, his eyes unreadable. "Just remember, this isn't just about winning. It's about showcasing your skills, your potential as a hero."
I nodded. "I understand, sir. I'll do my best to make U.A. proud."
"See that you do," Aizawa said, dismissing me with a wave.
As I walked back to the dorms, my phone buzzed. A text from Ai:
"Midoriya-kun. Social media profiles are ready. Meet at the coffee shop near U.A. in 20 minutes to finalize the first post."
"On my way," I texted back.
The coffee shop was quiet when I arrived, just a few students hunched over laptops in the corners. Ai sat at a booth near the back, her laptop open in front of her.
"Midoriya-kun," she greeted me with a nod as I slid into the seat across from her. "I took the liberty of ordering you a green tea."
I nodded, taking a sip. "Thank you, Hayasaka-san. What have you prepared?"
She turned the laptop around, showing me sleek, professional-looking profiles on various social media platforms. My hero costume featured prominently in the header images, and the bios were concise but impactful.
"These look excellent," I said, genuinely impressed. "You've been efficient."
Ai's expression remained neutral, but I caught a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "Now we need to decide on your first post. It needs to be impactful and set the tone for your online presence."
I nodded, considering. "What are your suggestions?"
Ai pulled up a document. "I've outlined several options. A training montage video, a Q&A session, or a day-in-the-life feature at U.A. Each has its merits in terms of engagement and brand building."
I listened as she detailed each option, weighing the pros and cons. They were all solid ideas, but none quite hit the mark I was aiming for.
"Those are all viable options," I said when she finished. "But I think we need something simpler for the first post. Something that introduces me to the world, but leaves them wanting more."
Ai raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?"
I pulled out my phone, scrolling through my camera roll. "This," I said, showing her a photo All Might had taken of me after our final training session. In it, I stood on the newly-cleaned Dagobah Beach, the rising sun casting a golden glow over the scene.
Ai studied the image critically. "Excellent choice. It conveys determination and potential. When was this taken?"
"Just before I started at U.A.," I explained. "It was the end of my initial training, the moment I felt ready to start my journey as a hero."
Ai nodded, her fingers already moving over the keyboard. "I see the narrative potential. A glimpse into your origin story, something to pique public interest about your journey."
She turned the screen back to me, showing a draft of the post.
The photo was there, with a simple caption below:
"Every journey begins with a single step. Here's to the start of mine. #FutureHero #UA"
"It's perfect. Simple, but meaningful," I said.
Ai nodded. "I suggest posting it immediately after your speech tomorrow. It will capitalize on the buzz from the Sports Festival opening ceremonies."
"Agreed," I said. "Set it up to post automatically. I'll be occupied with the events."
As Ai scheduled the post, I took another sip of my tea. This was a good start. A carefully curated online presence would be crucial in shaping public perception as I rose through the ranks.
"It's done," Ai announced. "Your social media debut is set."
I nodded, appreciative of her efficiency. "Thank you for your hard work, Hayasaka-san."
She closed her laptop. "It's my job. Now, regarding merchandise options-"
I held up a hand, stopping her. "Let's focus on the Sports Festival for now. We can discuss merchandise later."
Ai nodded, understanding. "Of course. One step at a time. Rest assured, Midoriya-kun, we will make you a household name."
I made my way back to the dorms, my mind already shifting to tomorrow's events. The speech, the competitions, the watchful eyes of pro heroes and the public. Every moment would be an opportunity to advance my goals.
Uraraka greeted me as I entered the common room. "Deku! Where have you been? We were starting to worry!"
I smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I had some last-minute preparations to take care of. How's everyone doing?"
She glanced around the room, where our classmates were scattered in various states of nervousness and excitement. "On edge, I think. But ready. Your speech is going to help, I'm sure of it!"
I nodded, hoping she was right. A united, motivated Class 1-A would be a force to be reckoned with.
"Well, I'm heading to bed," I said. "Big day tomorrow. You should get some rest too, Uraraka."
She smiled, determination shining in her eyes. "I will. Goodnight, Deku. And... good luck tomorrow. Not that you need it!"
As I headed to my room, I caught sight of Todoroki watching me from the corner. His mismatched eyes were calculating, assessing. I met his gaze, raising an eyebrow in silent challenge.
He nodded once, then turned away. Message received. Tomorrow, we'd see who truly deserved the top spot.
In my room, I pulled out my notebooks, spreading them across my desk. Each page was filled with analysis – of my classmates, of potential challenges, of strategies to employ.
I'd prepared for every possible scenario. But still, a part of me thrilled at the unpredictability of it all. After all, where was the fun if everything went exactly according to plan?
A knock at my door interrupted my musings. "Come in," I called out.
The door opened to reveal Momo.
"Midoriya, do you have a moment?"
I gestured for her to enter. "Of course. What's on your mind, Yaoyorozu?"
She stepped in, her eyes widening slightly at the array of notes on my desk. "I... I wanted to ask your advice. About tomorrow."
I leaned back in my chair, studying her. "What kind of advice?"
Momo took a deep breath. "How do you do it? Stay so calm, so focused? I feel like I'm going to explode from nerves."
"Come here," I said, patting the spot on my bed next to me. As she sat down, I turned my chair to face her. "Nerves are normal, Yaoyorozu. Even I feel them."
"You? But you always seem so... composed."
I smiled, allowing a hint of vulnerability to show. "It's all about channeling that energy. Those nerves? They're just your body's way of preparing for a challenge. Use them. Let them sharpen your focus."
Momo nodded slowly, absorbing my words. "But what if I freeze up? What if I can't remember how to create what I need?"
"You won't," I said firmly. "You've trained hard, Yaoyorozu. Your quirk is incredible, and so is your mind. Trust in that. Trust in yourself."
"You really think so?"
I nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I know so. You're going to be amazing tomorrow, Momo. If you don't believe it, then believe in the me that believes in you."
A faint blush colored her cheeks at the use of her first name. "Thank you, Izuku. That... that means a lot."
I found myself leaning in, drawn by some unseen force. Momo's eyes widened for a split second, then softened. She leaned in too, ever so slightly.
My heart raced, the gap between us shrinking. This wasn't part of the plan, but in that moment, I didn't care.
Our faces were centimeters apart, Momo's eyes fluttering closed, her lips parting slightly. I could feel her soft breath on my skin.
Then, reality crashed back in. I pulled back, clearing my throat. "We should probably get some rest. Big day tomorrow."
Momo's eyes snapped open, a mix of disappointment and confusion flashing across her face. She nodded, standing up quickly. "Right. Of course. Rest. Good idea."
As she turned to leave, I caught sight of her expression. A small pout, her lower lip jutting out ever so slightly, eyebrows drawn together in the most adorable look of frustration I'd ever seen.
Dangerous, a voice in my head warned. This is getting complicated.
But before she could reach the door, I called out, "Don't forget about our date after the festival. The hero museum, remember?"
Momo paused, her hand on the doorknob. Slowly, she turned back to me, the pout melting into a soft smile. "I'm looking forward to it, Izuku."
"Me too," I said, returning her smile.
I sat in the corner of the waiting room, eyes closed, filtering out the nervous chatter of my classmates. Their anxiety was palpable, but I couldn't afford to let it affect me. This was my moment, my stage. I needed to be sharp.
Breathe in. Hold it. Exhale.
With each breath, I compartmentalized. The excitement? Fuel for the fire. The nerves? A reminder to stay alert. The desire to prove myself? The driving force behind everything.
Breathe in. Hold it. Exhale.
I let my mind wander over my plans, my strategies. Every scenario I'd prepared for, every contingency I'd accounted for. I was ready.
Breathe in. Hold it. Exhale.
As I opened my eyes, a calm settled over me. Not the nervous energy of my peers, but a cool, calculated readiness. Whatever the festival threw at me, I'd handle it. And I'd use it to show everyone exactly who Izuku Midoriya was.
"I can't believe we can't wear our hero costumes!" Mina's voice cut through my concentration. "I had the perfect look planned."
Ojiro's calm reply followed, "At least we're all in uniform. Keeps things fair."
"What do you think they've got planned for the first round?" Sero asked no one in particular.
Tokoyami's gravelly voice answered, "Whatever it is, we need to stay sharp."
I opened my eyes, surveying the room. Time to take charge.
"Alright, everyone," I called out, standing up. "We'll be entering the arena soon. Let's focus."
The chatter died down, all eyes turning to me. Good. They were looking for leadership, and I was more than happy to provide it.
"Midoriya."
I turned to see Todoroki approaching, his heterochromatic eyes fixed on mine. The room fell completely silent, tension crackling in the air.
"Todoroki," I nodded. "What's up?"
He stopped a few feet away, face impassive. "Objectively, you and I are the strongest in the class," he stated. "And you even have All Might, the number one hero in your corner. I'm not here to pry about your relationship with him, but know that I will beat you."
I raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on my lips. "Is that a challenge, Todoroki?"
"A declaration," he replied coolly.
The room held its breath, waiting for my response. I could feel Bakugo seething in the background, probably furious at being left out of this little showdown.
I stepped closer to Todoroki, lowering my voice so only he and probably Jiro could hear. "You're right about one thing. I am the strongest here. But you're wrong if you think that's because of All Might."
Todoroki's eyes widened slightly, the only indication that my words had any effect.
I continued out loud, "I look forward to showing you exactly what I'm capable of. May the best hero win."
I held out my hand. After a moment's hesitation, Todoroki shook it.
As he walked away, I turned to address the class. "That goes for all of you. Today's not just about winning. It's about showing the world what Class 1-A can do. So let's give them a show they'll never forget."
Just then, Present Mic's voice boomed through the speakers. "All right, U.A. sports festival participants! Time to hit the stage!"
As we filed out of the waiting room, Bakugo shouldered past me. "Don't think I've forgotten about you, Deku," he growled. "I'll crush you and Icy-Hot both."
I grinned. "We will see, Kacchan."
We emerged into the sunlight, the roar of the crowd washing over us. Cameras flashed, capture our every move. I straightened my back, chin up. This was it. My moment to shine.
Taking our places in the arena, I scanned the crowd. Pro heroes, potential mentors, future connections - all watching, all judging. Perfect.
Midnight cracked her whip, silencing the crowd. "And now, for the student pledge! From Class 1-A, Izuku Midoriya!"
As I approached the stage, I noticed a shift in the crowd's energy. The chatter took on a different tone - higher pitched, more excited. I caught snippets of conversation:
"Is that Midoriya? He's gorgeous!"
"Over here! Midoriya, look this way!"
I offered a small wave, just enough to acknowledge the attention without seeming eager for it.
Midnight handed me the microphone, leaning in close. Her breath tickled my ear as she murmured, "My, my, aren't you the crowd-pleaser?"
I met her gaze. "Just giving them what they want, Midnight-sensei."
I stepped forward, my heart steady. This was what I'd prepared for. Time to set the stage for my grand performance.
"Fellow students, honored guests, esteemed pro heroes," I began, my voice carrying across the stadium. "We stand here today not just as U.A. students, but as the future of heroism itself."
I paused, letting the words sink in. "Recent events have shaken our society's faith in heroes. Some might say that we are not ready for the challenges that lie ahead."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. I pressed on, my voice gaining strength. "To them, I say this: Watch us. Watch as we push our limits, overcome our fears, and rise to every challenge thrown our way. Because that's what true heroes do."
I could feel the energy in the stadium shifting, all eyes fixed on me. "We are not here just to compete. We are here to show the world that the next generation of heroes is ready. Ready to protect, to serve, to inspire."
My gaze swept across my fellow students, locking eyes with familiar faces. "But this festival isn't just about the hero course. To my peers in general studies, support, and business courses - this is your moment too. Your skills, your innovations, your strategies - they are the foundation upon which heroism stands."
I saw faces light up, hope kindling in eyes that had been uncertain moments before.
"Today, we all have the chance to prove ourselves. To show that we are more than just students - we are the future of this industry, in all its facets. So I ask you, are you ready to seize this opportunity? To push beyond your limits and show the world what you're truly capable of?"
The response was a roar, a deafening "YES!" that shook the stadium.
"Then let's do it. Let's show them the birth of a new era - of heroes, of supporters, of leaders. Let's prove that U.A. is not just a school, but a forge where the future is shaped."
My voice rose, passion and conviction ringing in every word. "Remember, true greatness knows no bounds. It's not about your course or your quirk. It's about your drive, your determination, your willingness to go beyond."
The crowd was hanging on every word, the air electric with anticipation.
"So let's get out there and give them a show they'll never forget. Let's prove that we are ready for any challenge, any villain, any crisis that comes our way. That's what it means to go beyond!"
I thrust my fist into the air, my voice booming across the stadium. "PLUS ULTRA!"
"PLUS ULTRA!" The chant erupted from the crowd, a thunderous echo of my words. "PLUS ULTRA! PLUS ULTRA!"