"Phew—finally over," Ashido sighed, stretching with a helpless smile. "I didn't expect there'd be such a boring match at the sports festival."
"Yeah, probably the first one in years," Tsuyu agreed with her usual straightforward tone.
Suddenly, Tokoyami, who was sitting quietly in the front row, turned to Iida. "Is something bothering you?"
Tokoyami's unexpected question drew everyone's attention. He was known to be reserved, only speaking up when he had something important to say.
"Oh, um… it's nothing," Iida replied, snapping out of his thoughts. Realizing his classmates were now all looking at him, he waved his hands in a flustered attempt to dismiss their concern. "I'm just… worried about my next match."
"Is it Iida-kun's turn next?" Aoyama Yuga asked, frowning as he tried to recall the matchups. "Your opponent is… Kaminari, right?"
At the mention of Kaminari's name, Ashido, Tsuyu, and the others exchanged knowing glances. They immediately understood why Iida seemed tense.
"Yes," Iida nodded with a heavy expression. "I'm thinking of strategies to counter Kaminari-kun's abilities."
"It's true," Shoji Mezo chimed in, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Kaminari's lightning is a major problem for you. You may be fast, but Kaminari's no slouch when it comes to speed either."
"Plus, if you want to win, you'll have to push him out of the ring, which means you'll need to get close," Ojiro Mashirao added. "But if you get too close, his lightning could shock you."
"So… it sounds like Iida-kun doesn't really have a way to counter Kaminari's Quirk," Ashido said with a sympathetic smile. For the first time, she and the others saw Kaminari as a formidable opponent—someone who was difficult to defeat in a straightforward match.
"Tch," Bakugo scoffed, crossing his arms. He didn't comment further, though. Even he had to admit that the gap between Kaminari and Iida was significant.
Meanwhile, Todoroki, who was leaning against the wall nearby, seemed deep in thought as well. But his focus wasn't on Kaminari as an opponent. Instead, he was more interested in figuring out what new techniques Kaminari might use.
If he's relying on those steel balls as much as I think he is… Todoroki mused. Without his 'Thunder Aegis' move, I'm confident my ice could handle him.
As these thoughts circulated, Todoroki straightened and quietly headed toward the corridor, preparing for his upcoming match.
Hitoshi Shinso… if that's all he has, this should be quick.
Just as Todoroki left, Kaminari returned to the Class 1-A seating area, chatting and laughing with Kyoka and Momo beside him. But as soon as he sat down, he noticed the entire class staring at him.
"Huh? Why's everyone looking at me like that?" he asked, blinking in surprise.
Ashido laughed awkwardly, while Iida stepped forward, clearing his throat. Taking on his usual serious demeanor, Iida extended his hand toward Kaminari.
"Kaminari-kun, we'll be facing each other after Todoroki-san's match," he said earnestly. "Let's put on a good show. I'll do my best!"
Kaminari raised an eyebrow at Iida's intensity but stood up and shook his hand with equal respect. "Alright, Iida. I won't hold back. Do your best."
As he sat back down, Kaminari turned his attention to the big screen where Todoroki and Shinso were just stepping onto the field. Thoughts about Iida's Quirk began to drift through his mind.
Hmm… actually, there's not much to think about.
Iida's Quirk, "Engine," was straightforward, he used bursts of speed by activating the engines in his legs. All I need to do is watch out for those flying kicks.
The real question is how I should approach this match. It wouldn't feel right to end it too quickly or knock him out cold. After all, he's a member of the prestigious Iida family and our class representative… Maybe I'll just run a few laps with him instead.
With that thought in mind, Kaminari settled back to watch Todoroki's match, just as Present Mic shouted his usual "Start!"
But this fight ended almost as soon as it began. On the big screen, Shinso raised his hand, signaling his surrender.
"I lost," he said, voice calm but filled with a quiet frustration. The regret in his eyes was unmistakable, and he took a steadying breath before continuing.
"I want to win… I want to keep going… but I know it would just be a waste of time."
Then, with a determined look, he raised his head. "But next year, I'll be back here. And next time, I'll be different, a Hitoshi Shinso who's put in the work!"
With those words, he bowed deeply to Todoroki and the audience, then turned and walked off the field with his head held high.
Despite the abrupt forfeit, the crowd was moved by Shinso's honesty and resolve. After all, he was a competitor who had come this far without any combat advantage, and everyone could respect his decision to return stronger.
In the stands, Iida felt a pang of anxiety. He'd hoped to have more time to think about a strategy for Kaminari, but Shinso's early surrender meant that his match was up next.
"Let's go, Iida-kun," Kaminari said with a smile. He nodded at Kyoka and Momo before turning toward the arena corridor.
Iida took a deep breath, steadying himself as he followed Kaminari. Determination filled his eyes, and his posture was one of complete focus.
"Come on, class rep!" Ashido called out, clapping her hands in encouragement. "You got this!"
"Yeah! There's always a way to win!" Tsuyu added, her voice supportive. "Show Kaminari what you've got!"
Almost everyone in Class 1-A was rooting for Iida. Despite his odds, they cheered him on, hoping he'd find a way to close the gap between him and Kaminari.
Meanwhile, Present Mic was back in full announcer mode. "Alright, everyone, let's keep this energy going! Time for the second match of the second round!"
"The electric powerhouse, Kaminari Denki, returns to the field!"
The crowd roared with excitement, but Present Mic quickly shifted the spotlight to Iida as well.
"But Kaminari's opponent this time isn't just anybody! It's none other than Iida Tenya, from the famous Iida family of Heroes! His older brother is the Turbo Hero Ingenium!"
The camera operators immediately started scanning the audience, hoping to spot Ingenium cheering on his little brother.
Iida, already standing at the edge of the arena, noticed the cameras and raised his voice confidently. "My brother couldn't be here today, as he's on a mission. But I'll give this everything I've got and make him proud!"
His voice rang out clearly, and as he turned to face Kaminari, his expression was resolute.
"You're strong, Kaminari," Iida said, determination shining in his eyes. "But I won't let that stop me. I want to be a Hero like my brother, and I won't back down!"
Kaminari grinned, his expression relaxed but focused. A spark of golden electricity flashed between his eyebrows, and he waved his hand, motioning for Iida to bring it on.
"Alright then," he replied. "Just wanting to be brave isn't enough to beat me, Iida.
***
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