Breathe In. Breathe Out.

As I made my way back to the cafeteria, the aroma of simmering spices and sizzling meats enveloped me like a warm hug. The chatter of my classmates, once a distant hum, grew louder with each step.

I spotted Momo first, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of concern and hope. When her gaze landed on me, the tension in her shoulders seemed to melt away, replaced by a smile that could rival the sun in its warmth.

"Izuku," she breathed, rising from her seat to meet me halfway. "You're back."

I grinned. "Of course. I promised, didn't I?"

She laughed softly, her hand finding mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. "That you did. Come on, I saved you a plate."

We settled into our seats, the easy camaraderie of our classmates washing over us like a soothing balm. Kirishima regaled us with tales of their match with Monoma, his eyes sparkling with pride. Kaminari chimed in with jokes and quips, his laughter infectious and light.

For a moment, the weight of the competition, of the battles looming on the horizon, seemed to fade away. We were just a group of friends, sharing a meal and a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

But like all moments, it was fleeting. The crackle of the loudspeakers cut through the chatter, Midnight's voice echoing through the cafeteria.

"Attention, students! Please make your way to the main stadium for the announcement of the tournament brackets!"

A ripple of excitement and trepidation passed through the room. This was it, the moment we had all been waiting for. The chance to prove ourselves, to show the world what we were made of.

As we filed into the stadium, Midnight stood on the stage, her presence commanding and magnetic.

"Welcome back, everyone!" she called. "I hope you're all rested and ready because it's time for the main event - the tournament!"

The screens behind her burst to life and I scanned the brackets, my eyes landing on the matchup I had been anticipating.

Izuku Midoriya vs. Hitoshi Shinso.

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of surprise and intrigue. Shinso, the dark horse from the general studies course. The one who had managed to secure a spot in the tournament through sheer cunning and skill.

I didn't know much about Shinso or his quirk, but I had seen enough to know that he was not an opponent to be underestimated. He had declared war on us and backed it up by making it this far and for that he has my respects.

My gaze drifted to the other matchups, each one a promise of fierce battles and incredible displays of skill. But one in particular caught my eye, sending a jolt of electricity down my spine.

Shoto Todoroki vs. Hanta Sero.

Looks like if Todoroki and I both won our first matches, we would face each other in the second round.

Midnight's voice cut through my musings, drawing my attention back to the stage. "Now, before we begin, there are a few announcements to make. Firstly, two of our competitors have chosen to withdraw from the tournament."

A ripple of surprise passed through the crowd. Withdraw? Before the battles had even begun?

Midnight gestured to the side of the stage, where Ojiro and another student I recognized from the cavalry battle stood. They stepped forward, their expressions solemn and resolute.

"Ojiro, Shoda," Midnight said, her tone gentle but firm. "Would you care to explain your decision to your fellow competitors?"

Ojiro nodded, his gaze sweeping over the assembled students. "During the cavalry battle, I..." He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "I don't remember what happened. It's like there's a blank spot in my memory. And if I can't recall how I got here, if I didn't earn my place through my own skills and efforts... then I don't deserve to be standing on this stage."

Shoda stepped forward, his expression mirroring Ojiro's. "I feel the same. It wouldn't be right for me to continue, knowing that I didn't make it here on my own merits."

A hush fell over the stadium, a mix of shock and respect. To willingly give up a chance at glory, at proving oneself on the grandest stage... it was a display of integrity and sportsmanship that left us all humbled.

Midnight smiled, a rare softness in her expression. "Ojiro, Shoda... your honesty and principled stance are truly admirable. You embody the true spirit of heroism, and for that, we applaud you."

The crowd erupted into cheers, a thunderous ovation that seemed to shake the very foundations of the stadium. Ojiro and Shoda bowed, their faces flushed with a mix of embarrassment and pride.

"In light of this development," Midnight continued, "we have two openings in the bracket. And I am pleased to announce that Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki from Class 1-B have been selected to fill those spots!"

Another cheer went up, this time from the 1-B section of the stands. I caught a glimpse of Tetsutetsu pumping his fist in the air, his face split by a fierce grin. Shiozaki, by contrast, merely inclined her head, a serene smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

As the cheers died down, Midnight's expression turned serious. "Now, let's review the rules of the tournament. Each match will be a one-on-one battle, with the winner advancing to the next round. You can win by immobilizing your opponent, forcing them out of bounds, or getting them to say 'I give up'. However..." Her grin turned wicked. "We want to see some flashy battles, so don't be afraid to go all out! Recovery Girl is on standby, so give it your all!"

My gaze landed on Momo, on the fierce, unwavering belief in her eyes. She smiled at me, a silent promise, a wordless declaration of faith.

As the excitement in the stadium reached a crescendo, Present Mic's voice cut through the clamor. "Hold on to your hats, folks! Before we dive into the final event, we've got a little surprise for you!"

The crowd murmured, a ripple of anticipation passing through the stands. I glanced at Momo, my brow furrowed in confusion. A surprise?

Present Mic's grin was audible in his voice. "That's right, we've got some side games lined up for your entertainment! A little interlude to keep the energy high and the anticipation building! So sit tight, and get ready for some extra fun!"

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Momo. "Side games? What do you think that means?"

I shrugged, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Knowing Present Mic, it could be anything. But whatever it is, I should probably use this time to focus, to get my head in the game for the finals."

Momo nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Of course. Do what you need to do, Izuku. I'll do the same. Have to come up with a strategy to beat Tokoyami."

I squeezed her hand before turning to head towards the waiting room. But before I could take more than a few steps, Jiro's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Hey, wonder boy!"

I glanced back, my eyebrow raised. Jiro grinned, her earphone jacks swaying as she cocked her head. "Good luck out there. Show 'em what you're made of."

I returned her grin. "Thanks, rock star. I'll do my best."

The corridor leading to the waiting room was quieter, the din of the crowd fading to a muted hum. It was a welcome respite, a chance to gather my thoughts and steel my nerves.

But the silence didn't last long. Footsteps echoed behind me, a familiar rhythm that I would know anywhere. I slowed my pace as Bakugo fell into step beside me.

"Second place," he said by way of greeting, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You've been waiting to say that huh?"

"Yep," Bakugo said, popping the 'p' with relish. "But I guess that means you've got a reputation to uphold now, huh?"

I glanced at him, my eyebrow raised. "What do you mean?"

Bakugo's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with challenge. "I mean, we both have to make it to the finals for that rematch. So don't go losing to any other extra. We have a score to settle."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Kacchan. I'll be there, ready and waiting."

Bakugo nodded, satisfaction evident in his posture. "Good. Because when I beat you, I want it to be fair and square. No excuses."

We stood there for a moment, grinning at each other like idiots. Then, with a final nod, Bakugo turned and stalked off, his shoulders squared and his head held high.

With a final, steadying breath, I turned and made my way into the waiting room. It was empty, quiet, a stark contrast to the noise and energy of the stadium outside.

But the solitude was short-lived. Barely a few seconds had passed before the door creaked open, revealing a familiar face.

"Midoriya," Ojiro said, his voice urgent, his eyes wide. "I've been looking for you."

I straightened up, my brow furrowing. "Ojiro? What's wrong?"

He stepped into the room, closing the door softly behind him. "It's about Shinso. The guy you're up against in the first round."

"What about him?"

Ojiro hesitated, as if struggling to find the right words. "During the cavalry battle, I... I wasn't myself. It was like I was in a trance, like my body was moving on its own."

I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "What do you mean?"

Ojiro's hands clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. "I was fine at first, just focusing on the battle. But then Shinso, he... he asked me a question. Something simple, I can't even remember what it was now."

"And when you answered..."

Ojiro nodded, his face grim. "That's when it happened. The moment I responded, it was like a switch flipped. I wasn't in control anymore. I couldn't even remember what happened afterwards, not until the battle was over."

I sat back, my mind racing. A quirk that could control others like that... it would be perfect for hero work. He would be able to make a villain docile with a response. So how was he not in the hero course?

"So," I said slowly, a smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. "His quirk is triggered by a response. If I don't talk, I'll be fine?"

Ojiro blinked, surprise flickering across his face. Then, slowly, he began to nod. "I... I think so. It seems like as long as you don't engage with him verbally, he can't get a hold on you."

"Thanks, Ojiro," I said, standing up and clapping him on the shoulder. "Seriously. This is invaluable information."

He smiled back, a touch of relief in his eyes. "I just... I couldn't let you go in there blind. Not after what happened to me. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

"I won't let him do that to me," I promised, my voice firm. "I'll beat him for both of us."

Ojiro's smile widened, a flicker of his usual good humor returning. "I don't doubt it, Midoriya. If anyone can find a way, it's you."

With a final nod, he turned and left, the door closing softly behind him. I settled onto the floor, crossing my legs and letting my eyes drift closed. Slowly, I began to breathe, letting the familiar mantra fill my mind and body.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

With each inhalation, I felt the tension drain from my muscles, the chatter of my thoughts fading into the background. With each exhalation, I felt my focus sharpen, my resolve strengthen.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The world fell away, the noise and chaos of the festival receding like a distant tide. There was only the steady rhythm of my breath, the beat of my heart, the quiet certainty at the core of my being.

I was ready. Ready to give it everything I had and more. Ready to prove to myself and to the world that I had what it takes to be number one.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

It grounded me, anchored me in the present moment. And as I sat there, my mind clear and my spirit calm, I knew with unshakable certainty that no matter what the future held...

I would face it head-on. I would rise to meet it, again and again and again.

Because that was the path I had chosen. The path of a hero.

And I would walk it to the end, no matter where it led.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Let the games begin.