[42] Price of Power

"And with that, folks, we've reached the end of our thrilling first round! But don't go anywhere, because we'll be back in just an hour with the start of round two! Our remaining competitors better use this time wisely, because from here on out, things are only going to get more intense!"

I pull out my phone and shoot a quick text to Ai: "Meet me at the south entrance in 15. Got some ideas to discuss." Pocketing the device, I start making my way through the bustling corridors of the stadium.

The crowd's energy is electric, conversations about the matches echoing off the walls. As I round a corner, a small group of spectators spots me.

"Oh my gosh, it's Midoriya!" a girl with bright pink hair exclaims. "Can we get a picture?"

I smile, having anticipated this scenario. "Of course! I'd be happy to."

As they fumble with their phones, I strike up a conversation. "So, what did you think of the matches so far?"

A woman in her twenties pipes up, "You were amazing! The way you handled that brainwashing quirk was so smart!"

I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. "Thanks! Shinso's quirk is actually incredibly powerful. I just got lucky knowing what his quirk was."

We pose for a few selfies, and I make sure to ask each person's name, complimenting them on something unique – a cool t-shirt, an interesting hairstyle. It's all part of the image I want to project: approachable, genuine, someone people can relate to.

"Hey, want to see a cool trick?" I ask, noticing a young boy hanging back shyly. I crouch down to his level and hold out my hand. Focusing One For All and Bioelectricity into my fingertips, I create small, controlled sparks of green electricity. The kid's eyes go wide with wonder.

"Wow! That's so cool!" he exclaims.

I wink at him. "Maybe you'll be showing off your quirk at the Sports Festival someday, huh?"

As I say goodbye to the group, I overhear one of them whisper, "He's so nice! I hope he becomes a top pro hero."

I smile to myself. Perfect.

Making my way to the meeting spot, I spot Ai waiting by a vending machine. Her eyes narrow slightly as she sees me approach – always observant, that one.

"Quite the crowd-pleaser, aren't you?" she says, a hint of amusement in her voice.

I lean against the vending machine. "Just being friendly. So, How's our social media looking?"

Ai's lips curl into a small smile. She taps her tablet a few times, then turns it around to face me. My eyes widen as I take in the graphs and numbers splashed across the screen.

"Holy shit," I mutter, unable to keep the surprise from my voice.

The line on the follower count graph is practically vertical, shooting up at a rate that seems almost impossible. Comments and likes are flooding in faster than I can process.

"Your follower count has increased by 500% since the start of the Sports Festival," Ai reports, her tone clinical but with a hint of satisfaction. "Engagement rates are through the roof, especially after your match with Shinso and your interaction with those fans just now."

I scroll through some of the comments, a mix of excitement and calculation churning in my gut.

"MidoriyaStrong! Can't wait to see what he does next!"

"Such a humble guy, but so powerful! Future #1 hero for sure!"

"That quirk is insane! How does it work?"

"This is... better than I expected," I admit, handing the tablet back to Ai. "We need to capitalize on this momentum. Any suggestions?"

Ai nods, already tapping away at her screen. "I've drafted a post for after your next match. We'll want to strike while the iron's hot, so to speak. A mix of gratitude for your supporters and determination for the challenges ahead."

I consider this for a moment. "Good, but let's add something about my classmates too. I want to come across as a team player, not just focused on my own success."

"Smart," Ai agrees, making the adjustment. "It'll help counteract any potential backlash from those who might see you as a threat to their favorites."

A group of students walks by, their excited chatter about the upcoming matches filling the air. I lower my voice slightly.

"What about the stuff I asked you to look into earlier? Any progress on that front?"

Ai's expression turns serious. "I've been digging, but information on the League of Villains is scarce. They seem to have appeared out of nowhere, with no clear connections to existing villain groups. As for Shigaraki..." She pauses, her brow furrowing. "There's something off about him. No records, no background. It's like he didn't exist before the USJ attack. In terms of your work as Twili-"

I cut her off, not wanting to discuss that on UA grounds. "Keep digging. There has to be something we're missing."

"Of course," Ai nods, understanding. "Oh, and one more thing. I've noticed an uptick in searches related to your quirk. People are curious about the electricity aspect, wondering if it's connected to your strength enhancement or a separate ability."

I run a hand through my hair. "We'll need to be careful with how we present that. For now, let's keep it vague. Focus on the results rather than the specifics of how it works."

Ai raises an eyebrow. "Hiding something?"

I meet her gaze steadily. "Everyone has their secrets, Ai. Even aspiring heroes."

She holds my stare for a moment, then nods. "Fair enough. I'll keep things general in our official statements."

A chime from the PA system interrupts our conversation. "Attention all competitors! Please return to your designated waiting areas. The second round will begin in 15 minutes."

I straighten up, stretching my arms above my head. "Guess that's my cue. Thanks for the update, Ai. Keep me posted on any significant developments."

As we wrap up, I notice her studying me intently.

"What?" I ask.

She tilts her head. "You're different when you're not putting on a show for others. More... calculating."

I meet her gaze steadily. "Aren't we all?"

Ai smirks. "Fair point. Good luck in your next match, Midoriya. Try not to freeze up against Todoroki."

I laugh, but there's an edge to it. "Oh, I don't think that will be a problem."

I turn the corner, heading for my waiting room to meditate before my next match. The corridor stretches out before me, empty except for—

Endeavor.

The Number Two Hero's massive frame fills the hallway, his flames casting flickering shadows on the walls. His eyes lock onto mine, and I feel a chill despite the heat radiating from him.

"Midoriya," he rumbled. "I've been waiting for you."

"Endeavor," I said, my tone carefully neutral. "Can I help you with something?"

He takes a step closer. "I've been watching you, boy. Your quirk, your strength... it's impressive. Possibly even enough to rival All Might someday."

"Thank you," I reply. "I've been working hard. But if you'll excuse me, I have a match to prepare for."

I made to step around him, but his hand shot out, gripping my shoulder. "Not so fast," he growled. "I have a message for you."

"And what might that be?"

"Do your best not to give Shoto a disgraceful match. He has a destiny to fulfill, and I won't have you holding him back."

I stare up at Endeavor, his flames casting an eerie glow in the dim corridor. The heat radiates off him, but I refuse to flinch. Instead, I let a small smirk play at the corners of my mouth.

"A disgraceful match?" I repeat. "I think you misunderstand, Endeavor. I have no intention of holding back."

His eyes narrow, suspicion flickering in their depths. "What are you implying, boy?"

I take a step closer, ignoring the oppressive heat. "I'm implying that your son is going to need every ounce of his power to stand a chance against me. Both his ice and his fire."

Endeavor's flames flare brighter for a moment, his jaw clenching. "You dare—"

"I dare," I cut him off. "Because unlike you, I see Shoto's potential. All of it. Not just the parts you've decided are worthy."

I can see the anger building in Endeavor's eyes, but there's something else there too. Uncertainty. He's not used to being challenged, especially not by a first-year student.

"You know nothing about my son or his training," Endeavor growls.

"I know enough," I counter. "I know that he's crippling himself by refusing to use half of his quirk. I know that your... methods have left him scarred, inside and out."

Endeavor's hand tightens on my shoulder, his flames intensifying. "Watch your tongue, boy. You're treading on dangerous ground."

I don't break eye contact. "So are you, Endeavor. The number two hero, using his own child as a tool for his ambitions. I wonder what the public would think of that?"

His eyes widen slightly, and I know I've struck a nerve. I press on, my voice barely above a whisper.

"But here's the thing, Endeavor. I'm going to push Shoto to his limits. I'm going to force him to use every bit of his power, fire and ice. And when he does, when he finally embraces his full potential, it won't be because of you. It'll be in spite of you."

I shrug off his hand and step back, my expression neutral once more. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a match to prepare for."

I walk past him, feeling his eyes burning into my back. Just before I turn the corner, I pause and look over my shoulder.

"Oh, and Endeavor? You might want to work on your public image. A hero who can't even inspire his own son? That's not a good look."

I don't wait for his response. I round the corner and keep walking.

Endeavor is a perfect example of what happens when a hero loses sight of what truly matters. All that power, all that influence, and he uses it to torment his own family. It's pathetic, really. But it's also useful.

Every hero needs a villain to overcome. For Shoto, that villain is his father. And for me? Well, Endeavor just became another piece on the board. A cautionary tale I can point to when the time comes to reshape this broken system.

I reach my waiting room and close the door behind me, taking a deep breath. The match with Shoto is going to be crucial. Not just for the tournament, but for my long-term plans. I need to push him, to force him to confront the conflict within himself. And when he does, when he finally unleashes his full power, I'll be there to guide him towards a better path.

A path that leads straight to me.

The stadium was packed to the rafters, a sea of flashing cameras, all focused on the stage where destiny would be decided.

Across from me, Todoroki's mismatched eyes bore into mine. There's a tension in his stance, a barely contained fury that wasn't there before.

Guess daddy dearest had a little pep talk with him too.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Present Mic's voice boomed. "Are you ready for the main event of the second round?"

The audience responded with a deafening cheer.

"In the red corner, we have the prodigy of the hero course, the ice-cold powerhouse with a fiery legacy - Shoto Todoroki!"

The crowd roared, a mix of excitement and anticipation. Todoroki's reputation preceded him, his skills and potential the stuff of legend.

"And in the blue corner, the star of Class 1-A, the green-haired wonder who's taken this festival by storm - Izuku Midoriya!"

Another roar, this one tinged with a fierce, almost desperate energy.

"This is the match we've all been waiting for, folks!" Present Mic continued, his voice rising to a fever pitch. "Two titans of the first year, two quirks that defy belief, facing off in a battle that's sure to go down in U.A. history!"

Midnight stepped forward. "Fighters ready?"

I dropped into a stance. Ready was an understatement.

Todoroki mirrored me, his right foot sliding back, his left hand clenching into a fist. Ice crystals began to form around his fingertips, a chill emanating from his very being.

The world seemed to hold its breath. The stadium had fallen silent, a quiet so profound it was almost ethereal.

And then...

"Begin!"