20 Competition

Two days later -

"...and the latest reports on the daring prison riot and break out a couple days ago has the newest tallies of escaped villains at over 90. Eye-witness reports are showing massive increases in villain and gang activity across all areas of the city as police and pro heroes work to capture and contain the escaped villains. Civilians are reminded to report any suspicious activity immediately…"

The break out had been all the news had to talk about the last couple of days. The UA rumor mill had been in full production once the news broke that the villains that had gotten out were the same ones from the USJ attack. Reporters had attempted to swarm the school again, but were rebuffed by the teachers. That didn't stop them from camping out and trying to get shots of the students and statements from Class 1-A.

Izuku shook his head as he saw the cameras poking over the wall again.

"No respect," he muttered under his breath.

His class had started to walk to the classrooms, and they could hear shouts from the reporters across the yard, and it was really getting on Izuku's nerves.

His brow twitched as a particularly loud man started yelling obscenities at them.

He glanced around to see if any teachers were present, and seeing none, a wicked grin grew on his face.

"Everyone, close your eyes," he called out, his class turning to look at him. They looked surprised for a second, then obeyed.

Izuku held his hand in the air, facing the reporters.

"Flashbang," he called out.

He pulsed pure power into his hand, and it exploded out into a huge burst of light.

He heard the reporters scream in pain as they were overwhelmed.

Before they could recover though, Izuku focused and projected an Light-Bending Field around the class, shielding them from view, until they were inside the main building.

'Gonna get in trouble for that one,' he thought to himself, 'Really don't care though.'

Iida spoke up, "Midoriya, normally I would say that attacking people like that is dangerous and goes against our training, but thank you. They were way out of line and starting to affect our class."

The rest of the class nodded in agreement as they walked into the classroom, and sat down.

Izuku smiled, "Sorry if anyone doesn't agree with what I did, but no one has any right to talk to us like that."

Eiko smiled broadly, "Nah Aniki, that was a manly response to that jerk!"

The door slid open and Aizawa shuffled in, looking at some papers.

"Good morning, sensei," came the greeting from the class.

She looked up from her papers and regarded the class, "Good morning. Before we begin, we have some stuff to go over."

She stared at Izuku, "I caught that unwarranted burst of light, Midoriya. Need I remind you that quirks are not to be used outside of class?"

Izuku smiled, "No sensei, just needed to release a little stress."

Aizawa smirked slightly, "Fine. Don't let it happen again." She hated the press as much as anyone, if not more, and seeing them get a little comeuppance was worth a little bit of paperwork later.

"Next, the quirk training we have been doing the last two weeks has been going very well. We will be putting it on hold for a couple of weeks to allow you to rest." The whole class sighed deeply, and many calls of joy were heard.

"However, if you wish to continue on your own time, Gym Gamma will be available for your use. Be sure to clear it with a teacher first."

She put her papers down on the desk, and looked back up, "Next, we need to discuss the Sports Festival in two weeks. The additional training has put you all ahead of the other classes by a significant margin, and they are gunning for you. They want to prove they can beat you."

The whole class smiled confidently.

"So, do me a favor and prove them wrong."

"Yes, Sensei!" the class called out as one.

"Good. Now get ready for a pop quiz."

Groans of exasperation filled the room.

A week before the Sports Festival, Izuku had gathered forms from the class to get approval for any support items that were to be requested for the events. He had submitted his own for the Neural Interface, and was on his way to deliver them to the teacher's lounge, when he ran into Class 1-B's Student Rep, Setsuna.

"Hey Midoriya! Mind if I walk with you?" she called out behind him.

He turned and smiled, "Don't mind it at all!" He waited for her to catch up, and then they set off together.

"So how about that prison breakout, eh? How's your class handling it?" Setsuna looked at him out of the corner of her eye, testing the waters.

A dark look and frown crossed his face for a split second, then he smiled again.

"They're fine. I was concerned at first, but everyone is handling it very well. I think I'm probably the worse off, constantly keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary."

Setsuna smiled, "Well, I suppose that makes sense. It was you that did the most fighting during the attack. I know you try to play down how much you really did, but your class seems to think that you are being too humble."

Izuku glanced over at her, a smile smirk on his face, "And what do you think?"

Setsuna looked forward and shrugged, "I wasn't there, so it's not my place. But the story you tell, and what your classmates say is slightly different, and that makes me curious."

She turned to face him again, "So, whenever you are ready, you can tell me the whole truth, and I'll listen."

Izuku stopped and looked at her curiously for a couple of seconds, before responding, "The whole truth, huh? I'm not sure anyone is ready for that," he said trailing off at the end.

He looked down, contemplating her words for a second, before shaking his head, "Someday, maybe," he said with a smile.

He turned to look at the teacher's lounge door, and knocked.

"Besides, I can't give away all of my secrets before the Sports Festival."

Setsuna started giggling, "Saw right through me, huh? Powerful, cute, and smart. You really are something."

Izuku looked back her smiling, blushing at her praise.

The door opened, showing Cementoss behind it.

"Ah, Midoriya and Tokage, hello. May I help you?"

"Yes, Sensei, I have the request forms for our support gear," Izuku said, handing him the stack of papers and bowing.

"As do I," Setsun said, bowing slightly too, passing her own stack of papers to Cementoss.

He nodded, "Very good. Thank you," before closing the door again.

They stood up and started walking back to class.

"So, I hear that your class is gunning for mine," Izuku said with a smirk, glancing over at Setsuna.

She smiled mischievously, "You better believe it. When Vlad-sensei told us that you guys were doing special quirk training, we all started working even harder."

Izuku laughed, "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this, but I'm excited for the challenge."

They had arrived at Class 1-B's door.

He looked up at it, and then back down at Setsuna.

"I hope you can bring your best. I'll be bringing mine," he said with a wide grin.

Setsuna smiled and nodded, "Good. I would be disappointed with anything less."

She turned and walked into the classroom, waving goodbye.

He smiled, and walked back to class, 'Bring my best. Show the world I'm All Might's successor.

Prove I'm going to be Number 1.'

He shook his head, smiling softly.

'We're in for a wild ride….'

One week later -

The class was sitting or standing around their locker room, after they were escorted from their dorms. No foul play was allowed, so everything was monitored. Security was at an all time high, due to the USJ and the recent breakout. Dozens of Heroes were stationed around the campus and Arena, with police providing security for the entrance and parking lots.

Izuku looked around the room, surveying his classmates. Everyone was dressed in just their PE uniforms, with the exception of Izuku with his Interface. Everyone seemed nervous or excited, with smiles on their faces.

There was a knock on the door, and 20 faces looked up at it.

Aizawa walked in, and looked around, before stopping at Izuku.

"Midoriya, come with me for a minute."

Izuku looked confused, but nodded and stood up. He followed her down the hall and into a conference room, where Nezu and Mei were waiting.

"Greetings, Midoriya," Nezu said excitedly, "Sorry to bother you, but we have something we need to discuss."

Izuku smiled and sat down across from Mei who was pouting slightly.

He turned to Nezu, who continued.

"I'm sorry for the delay in getting this information to you, but we only just made a decision. Your application for your Neural Interface was approved on one condition."

Izuku looked surprised, "And what is that, sir?"

"He wants to turn off Avalonn!" Mei burst out. He could see anger in her eyes now.

"Easy, Ms. Hatsume. We don't want to turn her off." Nezu said, looking at the inventor.

He turned back to Izuku, "We want to keep things fair to the other students. In order for you to keep your Neural Interface for the Festival, Avalonn needs to be prevented from helping you in any way, other than monitoring your power usage. And even that is limited. She will only alert you if you are at your limit. No other help is to be given."

Izuku looked thoughtful for a bit.

'Thoughts?'

'Makes sense to me, boss. I'm just too good.

He chuckled lightly.

'I can disable core processes and limit myself to critical monitoring only. I will communicate status to Nezu alone. But I want something from him in exchange.'

Izuku looked up at Nezu, and smiled, "She says she'll do it. She'll communicate her status to you directly. And she has a request."

Nezu looked pleased, but interested, "Oh? And what might that be?"

The phone on the desk rang and immediately picked up on its own.

"Unrestricted access to quirk records. I need to plan ahead of time for any possibility."

Nezu looked surprised for a split second, then smiled.

"And if I say no? Just curious."

Avalonn's tone changed slightly, a dangerous edge to it.

"Let's be clear, I really don't need permission to gain access to those databases. I'm asking out of respect."

Nezu smiled broadly, "My, my, aren't we ambitious? At any rate, yes, I will provide you with legal and unrestricted access to the quirk databases I have access to. In exchange, you will shackle yourself for the duration of the Sports Festival, unless there is an emergency. Are we clear?"

"Crystal. Thank you."

The phone disconnected, and Nezu's cell phone chirped.

[AVALONN CORE SYSTEMS STATUS: ONLINE (SHACKLED)]

[AVALONN LEARNING HEURISTICS: OFFLINE]

[AVALONN COMPUTATION MATRIX: OFFLINE]

[AVALONN NEURAL NET SCAN: ONLINE (LIMITED OPERATION ONLY)]

[AVALONN SPEECH SYNTHESIS: OFFLINE]

[AVALONN PREDICTIVE SIMULATION CORE: OFFLINE]

[MESSAGE UPDATE: WAKE ME WHEN YOU NEED ME]

Izuku felt the normally cool presence of Avalonn recede slightly. He felt sorry for her, having to turn off parts of herself like that.

'See you soon,' He thought sadly.

She didn't respond, but he felt a slight pulse of encouragement.

He smiled and looked at Nezu, nodding.

Nezu nodded back, and turned to Mei, who was scowling.

"Now, you both may go. Have fun in the Festival."

They stood and left.

When the door closed, Mei launched herself into Izuku's arms in a tight hug.

"I'm sorry, Zuku. I was hoping that they wouldn't do that. I just wanted to be close to you all the time."

Izuku looked down at her, and smiled.

Then the words registered. His mouth opened in surprise, understanding flooding his brain.

Mei squeaked and pulled back from the hug in shock.

Izuku stared at her.

"What do you mean, close to me all the time?" Izuku said, cautiously.

She shifted from foot to foot, looking ashamed.

"Well, um, when I said that Avalonn was made from a human neural net, I wasn't lying. I just didn't mention that it was my brain."

Izuku continued to stare, but said nothing, prompting her to continue.

"So Avalonn is a digital version of me, sharing your brain, watching over you and keeping you safe."

Izuku looked bewildered for a split second, then looked down and thought hard.

It made sense. The commonalities between their personalities, their same soft laugh, and now that he remembered it, the face he saw after the last update. It was Mei's.

"So, you put yourself into the Interface, and have been inside my head for the last two months?"

Izuku's tone wasn't angry, more curious, which prompted Mei to look up at him.

His head was cocked in a questioning manner.

She slowly nodded.

Izuku slowly started to smile, "I mean, I can't say I'm too surprised. This is you, we are talking about. You have a tendency to stick whatever you want into things and hope for the best."

She giggled and nodded.

"Any other crazy plans I should know about?"

Mei had a gleam in her eye, "How about a crystalline metal infused into your cells to increase your strength, resilience, and power?"

Izuku stared into her eyes, searching for some hint that was a joke. But finding none, he sighed and chuckled.

"I'm guessing it's already done and waiting, isn't it?"

She nodded excitedly, "Can we do it soon? I want to see what happens!"

Izuku put up his hands, "Hey woah, first things, first. Sports Festival, then crystal metal implants."

Mei sighed dejectedly, "Fine. But you better win. I need you to show off all of my beautiful babies so I can get in with the big support companies!"

Izuku laughed and nodded, "Sure thing. Now get going, it's almost time."

She nodded, and then gave him one more hug, before bouncing off to her section of the stands.

He stood there for a couple of seconds, thinking about what she had said. She really was a little scary. But damn if it wasn't attractive.

He coughed uncomfortably, and then walked back to his class's waiting room.

Inko Midoriya was very nervous. It was one thing to get a call from her son, explaining that he had box seat tickets for her and that someone was going to pick her up. It was an entirely different thing for that person to be All Might. He had arrived in his American style truck, and after explaining his and Izuku's relationship to her in detail, he invited her to watch Izuku show himself to the world.

Her nerves were at an all time high when they got to the top box, where dozens of Pro Heroes mingled. She was introduced to many before being shown to a seat, and she took to it gladly.

"I am sorry for not preparing you more, Midoriya-san. But I felt that you should be here for this. Izuku's life will change drastically." All Might said, placing his enormous frame in the seat next to Inko's.

He turned back to face the field, looking at the crowd.

Inko looked up at his face and smiled, "Well, I'm glad that he has such a wonderful teacher. I know he'll make us both proud."

All Might glanced over at her and nodded, his smile broadening slightly.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but by any chance, are you Ms. Midoriya?"

Inko and All Might turned to see Midnight looking at her.

Inko blinked, and nodded, smiling at the recognition.

"I just wanted to say, it's a pleasure. Izuku is a real treat to have in class and is proving to be an amazing hero. It's an honor to meet his mother."

Midnight bowed slightly, before standing up.

Inko nodded, surprised, a large smile on her face.

All Might watched the women out of the corner of his eye, and then remembered that he needed to wish Izuku good luck.

"Excuse me, ladies, I'll be right back. Midnight, I trust that you can keep my guest company for a little bit?"

Midnight nodded fervently, but said, "Don't be gone too long. I'm the ref, remember?" She winked at him, and settled in next to Inko, and the two ladies began chatting about Izuku animatedly.

All Might chuckled and left the box.

Izuku was deep in thought as he approached the waiting room, but was stopped as All Might walked up.

"Hey Young Midoriya, you ready?"

Izuku smiled and nodded, "I hope I can do you proud, Sensei. I'll be announcing our plan today. It's really going to shake things up."

All Might nodded sagely, "Indeed. But it is necessary. With the events of the last couple of weeks, people need to know that Heroes are strong and that the next generation of heroes is ready."

Izuku glanced up at All Might, and nodded, "It's my turn now, Sensei."

All Might laughed softly, "Yes, it is, young man. Now go, show the world."

He placed a huge hand on Izuku's shoulder and nodded, and then turned back the way he came.

Izuku nodded, and walked into the waiting room.

Once he was inside, the class had asked Izuku what Aizawa wanted, and he explained how his interface had to have part of its functions disabled in order to be fair. They accepted that answer, and then settled back down into their thoughts, getting prepped for the upcoming events.

Izuku looked around the room, and noticed Shoto staring at him. Before he could make a move, Izuku stood up and walked to the center of the room, and cleared his throat.

"Before we head out there, I just want to give you all a challenge. We are all going out there to prove we are the best. We are all aiming to win. We all have expectations of ourselves and each other. So," he looked around at each of them, his eyes stopping on Shoto, "If you give me 100% of everything you have, I swear before you all, right now, I will use 100% of my abilities, 100% of my power against anyone that wants to prove themselves."

The whole class stood and stared.

"I know that's asking a lot of you, but I'm here to prove the same thing you are, and to give you anything less than my very best would be insulting to you and your abilities."

He smiled broadly, "I will make you work for 1st place, have no doubts about that."

He turned back to Shoto, "Todoroki, if you give me everything you have, both sides of your power, I promise not to hold back."

Shoto looked a little shocked, and glanced down to his left hand. He nodded slowly, and clenched his hand shut.

"Good," Izuku then turned to Katsuki, "Kacchan, You do the same. Give me everything you have, and I will prove to you that I am better." Izuku finished with a determined smile, and put out his hand for a shake.

Katsuki grinned confidently, and took Izuku's hand, and squeezed.

"You're gonna regret those words, Deku. I'm gonna be the best, just you watch."

Izuku nodded, and then looked back at everyone else. There was a knock at the door, "Class 1-A, it's time." came from beyond it.

Izuku smiled broadly, "Now, let's show the world what Class 1-A is capable of."

Shigaraki was watching the TV out of the corner of his eye as he finished off lunch. He had been holed up in the bar that was the League of Villains hideout for two weeks now, and was starting to grow antsy.

He wanted to stretch his legs, and go for a walk. He wanted to touch something and make it fall it apart. He wanted to kill Izuku Midoriya for making a fool out of him. Everyday in that cell just made him more and more angry.

The voice from the other TV in the room was soft yet commanding.

"Be sure to watch carefully, Tomura. This flattery and show is the best way to learn about your intended target. If you are to take his power as your own, you need to know more about it."

Shigaraki merely nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen.

"IT'S U.A.'S SPORTS FESTIVAL!! THE ONE TIME EACH YEAR WHEN OUR FLEDGLING HEROES COMPETE IN A RUTHLESS GRAND BATTLE!"

Present Mic was announcing from a box at the top of the stadium with a view of the entire field, getting the whole crowd pumped up for the coming excitement.

"FIRST UP...YOU KNOW WHO I'M TALKIN' ABOUT!! THE MIRACULOUS RISING

STARS WHO BRUSHED OFF A VILLAIN ATTACK WITH THEIR STEELY WILLPOWER!!"

"THE FIRST YEARS OF THE HERO COURSE!!"

Izuku led his class out of the hallway and onto the field, to tumultuous applause and cheering.

"IT'S CLASS A!!"

Izuku looked around at the crowd, and gave a low whistle, "Whoa, what a crowd."

Iida was walking next to him, "And we're expected to put on the best performance we can in front of so many spectators… I suppose this is merely one more necessary skill if we hope to become heroes."

Izuku nodded, and smiled. He started to wave to the crowd, playing them up a little.

"FOLLOWED BY CLASS B, AND THEN CLASSES C, D AND E OF GENERAL STUDIES!"

The rest of the classes were walking onto the field now.

"AND HERE COME THE SUPPORT COURSE CLASSES, F, G AND H! FOLLOWED BY THE BUSINESS COURSE!"

Izuku led his class to the center of the arena where a large platform stood, where Midnight was standing, waiting for them.

The students gathered in front of the platform, separated by class.

"AND THE REF FOR THE FIRST YEARS THIS YEAR-"

She brandished her cat-o-nine tails, and made them snap in the air, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

"THE R-RATED HERO, MIDNIGHT!" The stadium erupted into applause and howls and whistles.

Another snap of flog and the cheering died down.

"SHUT IT!" she said in a voice that was too sexy to be legal.

"Pipe down now. Your student representative is Izuku Midoriya, from Class 1-A. He will present the Athlete's Oath."

Izuku smiled as all faces turned towards him, and he started walking towards the stage.

He gave a meaningful wink to Ochako who blushed and gave a small wave, an act that was not missed by anyone.

He joined Midnight on the stage, and walked up to the mic.

"Let me begin by saying thank you for coming to watch our classes compete. We all worked hard to get here, and having you watch the fruits of our labors is our pleasure." He gave a slight bow. "I also want to thank each and everyone of my classmates before me. Thank you for working hard.

Thank you for reaching for your goals. And thank you for helping me make UA great."

He gave another slight bow to his class this time.

Mina leaned over to Ochako, "He really knows how to play up a crowd, huh? Being all respectful?"

Ochako smiled and nodded. 'That's Deku for you.'

Izuku continued, "Today is a special day for many of us. Many are showing our abilities to the world for the first time. Many competing against friends. And even more competing against rivals."

He looked at Kacchan and smiled. Kacchan smirked right back.

"But this day is for us. It's for you," he pointed to his class, "and it's for me." His thumb in his chest.

"Today is our day to shine, and to reach for the heavens." He put a fist in the air, and brought it down in front of him.

"Today is your day to sparkle, to slide, to run, to swing into the spotlight and to prove to the world who you are, and who you are meant to be."

Izuku paused, heart racing. He looked up at the box where he felt All Might, and saw him sitting next to his mother, and he smiled broadly.

"Today is my day. To announce to the world. I am here. " He squared his shoulders, and rose to his full height, filling out his chest.

"And I am All Might's successor."

All Might was grinning from ear to ear. But not his usual smile. No, this one was a genuine happy smile.

'He really did it. It's out there now. The whole world will know.'

He glanced down at Inko and noticed that she was crying, but was smiling broadly.

"Oh my boy, Izuku," the pride evident on her words.

All Might turned to look at his successor.

'Now to show them you mean business.'

The stadium was silent for a split second, before erupting into a cacophony of noise. Izuku bowed, still smiling, and walked off the stage, stopping next to Ochako, who was beaming broadly.

The rest of the class was staring at him incredulously, as Midnight, who shook herself out of her awe, and snapped her flog, making the noise die down.

"And now without any delay, let's get the first event started."

The billboards across the arena all started to scroll through different events, before coming to a stop.

Present Mics voice rang out, "LOOKS LIKE… OBSTACLE COURSE RACE!"

The whole class turned to look at the wall that was splitting open.

Midnight spoke up, "The rules are simple. Anything goes, just stay inside the boundaries."

She put her hand to her ear, "Sorry, last minute rule change. No Flying."

Izuku looked at Midnight who was looking directly at him. He laughed and gave a thumbs up.

He didn't need to fly.

The lights above the gate turned on, and the red light turned on, then began to flash.

He looked around him and saw too many people around him for what he wanted to do.

The yellow light came on.

He tensed his legs, crouching low. A small circle of light spun into existence on his back.

The yellow light flashed, and the green light came on.

A horn blared.