The U.A. Sports Festival.
It was more than just a competition—it was the biggest event of the year, where students could prove their worth to the world. Pro heroes, talent scouts, and reporters filled the stadium, their eyes locked onto the first-years stepping onto the grand stage.
For Class 1-A, the lingering tension from the USJ attack still clung to them, but today wasn't about the past. Today was about showing the results of their training and proving they deserved to be in the Hero Course.
Across the field, the other classes stood with their own determination. Class 1-B carried themselves with confidence, knowing this was their chance to stand equal to their so-called "superior" rivals. General Studies students clenched their fists, desperate for a chance to prove they were more than rejects. The Support Course had their custom gadgets ready, eager to show off their technology. Even the Business Course students watched intently, already plotting ways to benefit from the festival's results.
This was their battlefield.
A sudden chime rang through the stadium. The large screen above the arena lit up:
—Opening Speech—
All eyes turned toward the podium. The top scorer of the U.A. entrance exam stepped forward.
Katsuki Bakugo.
He stared at the massive crowd, then at the other competitors. His voice was sharp, unwavering.
"I just want to say one thing..."
The entire stadium went silent.
"I'm going to win."
The moment the words left his mouth, the tension exploded. Some scoffed at his arrogance. Others smirked, accepting the challenge. Class 1-B muttered among themselves, already vowing to knock him down a peg. Izuku clenched his fists, eyes determined. Shoto remained quiet, but his resolve was clear. Kairo smirked, intrigued by the challenge.
The sports festival had truly begun.
A sultry voice suddenly echoed through the arena, shifting everyone's attention. Standing on the main stage was Midnight, the R-Rated Hero, her whip cracking against the ground as she grinned.
"Now then, first-years! Let's start the festival with a bang!"
The screen flickered. The words appeared.
—First Event: Obstacle Course—
A massive battlefield layout unfolded on the screen. The course was a brutal gauntlet filled with hazards—massive zero-pointer robots, bottomless pits, frozen tundras, and explosive minefields.
Midnight's voice carried across the stadium. "The goal is simple! Make it to the finish line first! Use your quirks, your wits, and your willpower to claim victory!"
The gates leading to the course creaked open.
"Ready..."
Kairo rolled his shoulders, feeling the tension in the air.
"Set..."
Shoto glanced at the competition, already analyzing his best path forward.
"Go!"
The race erupted into chaos. Explosions propelled Bakugo forward. Shoto froze the ground behind him, creating a massive ice barricade. Izuku searched for openings, dodging obstacles with calculated movements. Kairo surged forward with controlled shockwave bursts, adapting his movements mid-air. Kenta weaved through the crowd with sharp agility, eyes locked onto the best route.
The battle had begun.
And only the strongest would rise to the top.