After the explosion that nearly destroyed more than half of the arena stage, it was clear that both contestants had fainted and were out of bounds.
The devastating blast created chaos throughout the arena, with debris and fragments scattered in all directions. Both contestants lay helpless outside the arena boundaries, showcasing the immense and dangerous nature of their clash.
Because both contestants were unconscious and out of bounds, determining the final result of the match required reviewing footage from the infrared cameras installed around the arena.
With these cameras, the organizers could accurately determine who crossed the boundary first. The audience held their breath, awaiting the footage that would reveal the winner of this intense match.
The final result was a victory for Kamiji Moe, as Tatsuma Ryuko was shown to have crossed the boundary first. This decision was made after reviewing the infrared camera footage, which showed Ryuko falling first. Kamiji Moe was declared the winner after a grueling and exhausting battle.
Perhaps Ryuko's proximity to the explosion caused her body to be thrown out of the arena more quickly. Being closer to the blast's center resulted in a stronger impact, propelling her out faster than Kamiji Moe. This was the decisive factor in the match.
"It's unfortunate that Ryuko-nee couldn't secure the win, but I'm relieved she's okay after being so close to the explosion," I said, feeling a mix of pity and relief that Ryuko-nee didn't suffer severe injuries.
"Yumeko-san, do you want to ask the organizers to check on your daughter's condition?" asked Aunt Rei, noticing the worried expression on Aunt Yumeko's face. She was concerned about her daughter's well-being after the intense battle.
"Let me explain to the festival organizers. I'm also an alumnus of this school!" Endeavor offered confidently, showing his sense of responsibility as a hero and a proud alumnus.
"Thank you both, I will gratefully accept your help," said Aunt Yumeko with gratitude, feeling relieved by their support. Endeavor then escorted Aunt Yumeko to the festival organizers to explain the situation. They quickly navigated through the crowd, seeking the best way to ensure her daughter's safety.
The final match was postponed for half an hour due to the severe damage to the arena and one contestant still being unconscious. The earlier explosion had caused significant destruction, necessitating repairs before the next match could begin.
Normally, there would have been a match to determine the third-place winner, but due to Tatsuma Ryuko's condition, Wakasa Remi automatically took third place.
Ryuko's inability to continue prompted the organizers to award third place to Wakasa Remi without a match, prioritizing participant safety and event continuity.
After a short break, the final was set to begin, with Kamiji Moe awakening from her unconscious state. As Moe regained consciousness and prepared to compete, the audience felt a renewed sense of excitement for the long-awaited final match.
However, both spectators in the stadium and those watching on television seemed to predict the outcome. Many believed Moe's recent recovery would hinder her ability to fight at full strength.
This assumption led to expectations that the final might not be as competitive. Indeed, after a brief fight, Kamiji Moe fainted again after a few moves. The final appeared less thrilling compared to previous matches.
Moe's exhaustion from the intense battle with Tatsuma Ryuko in the previous match left her physically depleted, affecting her performance in the final. Therefore, the winner of the UA Sports Festival was Saramu Akasu, though it seemed a hollow victory for him. Akasu, who won without a fierce final fight, felt the triumph was not entirely satisfying.
Finally, the UA Sports Festival concluded, and Ryuko-nee, having regained consciousness, rejoined her mother and our group. Despite not winning, Ryuko-nee achieved a commendable result, keeping her spirits high. Seeing this, Yumeko-san was visibly happy that her daughter was safe and sound.
My father planned to treat us to dinner at a nearby restaurant. We all agreed to celebrate with a meal together after the festival. As hunger and fatigue set in, we eagerly anticipated the delicious food we would share.
However, plans changed unexpectedly. As we headed towards the parking lot, Endeavor stopped us. His commanding presence made us pause, sensing he had something important to discuss.
It seemed he wanted to talk about an internship opportunity for Ryuko-nee. Endeavor's serious and attentive demeanor indicated the significance of this discussion.
So our dinner plans were momentarily postponed as we sought an empty classroom to discuss the matter. We all agreed to find a quiet place to ensure the conversation proceeded smoothly.
As we walked through the school in search of an empty room, I asked Ryuko-nee, "Ryuko-nee, where is the school's sports field?"
"Why are you asking that? But whatever. Look over there, that's the sports field," she replied, pointing clearly to the location.
Since I had to arrive early for the festival, I hadn't completed my system mission for the day. I felt a bit rushed as time ticked away. Finishing the system mission was a priority for me.
So, while Ryuko-nee discussed her internship, I planned to complete my mission. I hesitated, unsure whether to head straight to the sports field or express my heartfelt thoughts to Endeavor before finishing the mission. This decision felt weighty, with both options holding significant importance for me.
Considering this might be our last meeting before I become a high school student or a Pro Hero, the moment felt pivotal, as today's decision would greatly impact my future.
My hesitation lingered until we reached the empty classroom. The quiet space allowed me to contemplate my choice. Noticing my indecision, Todoroki Rei, who had been glancing between me and her husband, could no longer contain her curiosity and spoke up.
"Himaru-kun, is there something you want to tell my husband?" Aunt Rei asked gently but understandingly, her question encouraging me to voice my thoughts.
"Endeavor-san, may I offer you some criticism as an ordinary civilian?" I asked seriously, gazing intently at the No. 2 Hero. I felt this was the right moment to express something that had been weighing on my mind.
Hearing my serious question, Endeavor finally responded, "Go ahead." His voice was calm yet authoritative, indicating he was willing to hear what I had to say.
"Endeavor-san, when I passed by you in the parking lot, I was very surprised." I began, hoping he would understand my sentiments. "But aside from the shock of meeting a famous hero, I also noticed a somewhat gloomy atmosphere around your family." I continued, trying to explain what I saw and felt at that moment.
"I don't know how things are at your home, but I don't like it when a hero can save others yet fails to be a hero for their own family." These words poured out with deep emotion, reflecting my concern about the essential role of a hero within their own family.
"So, I want to give you a quote." I took a deep breath before continuing, striving to choose the right words. "One cannot become a symbol of peace just because they desperately want to, to the point of obsession." I began my quote with confidence. "But someone becomes a symbol of peace because everyone desires them to be their symbol of peace." I concluded my quote with a firm voice.
My voice echoed through the empty room, creating a moment of silence. My words seemed to have a significant impact, creating an atmosphere of reflection and contemplation.
"So the question is, has your family, who should know you best and be closest to you, wanted you to be their symbol of peace?" I continued, looking at Endeavor with hope that he would ponder my words.
After that, I ran out without paying attention to everyone's reactions and refocused my mind on completing the system task.
I felt relieved to have voiced what was in my heart, even though I didn't know how they would react to my words. Now I had to finish the mission that awaited me.