Chapter-33

"Apparently, those two instances where Naruto-kun employed his abilities were not isolated. Over the past nine months, the area where he resides has experienced a significant reduction in criminal activity. The few residents there refuse to speak about it, either out of fear or gratitude for the person silently safeguarding their homes," the elder Yaoyorozu explained with a serious tone, this time showing a photograph. "A few weeks before Naruto-kun enrolled at UA, there was an incident where he encountered a gang of seven individuals with dangerous quirks. All of them were later discovered dead. The scant witnesses only mention seeing them stalking a blonde girl in a school uniform, and then sounds of struggle. When the police arrived, neither the girl nor the person responsible for the seven murders could be found..." The office was filled with an eerie silence, interrupted only by the sound of the chair as the UA student fell from it.

Momo stared at her mother in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the weight of this revelation. Her companion had been shouldering all of this. "You knew about this! How is it possible that neither the police nor the pro heroes are aware?" She asked, her composure slipping as she questioned her mother, who remained unwavering.

"Because we might be dealing with a necessary evil, my dear. You're still very young, and you may not fully grasp how harsh the world can be. But you're intelligent, and you understand that sometimes there must be someone willing to bend the rules to bring about change. I'm willing to keep these files hidden from the world as long as he can remain free..." Majime rose from her seat, approached her daughter, and embraced her tightly. "Furthermore, he saved the most precious thing I have in this world. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. Difficult times are approaching, Momo-chan, and I believe that if Naruto is by your side, you will be safe." With a loving kiss on her daughter's forehead, she guided her to the door. After closing the door behind her daughter, she leaned her forehead against it and sighed. This situation was growing more complex than she had anticipated.

...

The UA was bustling with attendees of the annual sports festival. Numerous food stalls and entertainment options were available for the crowd's enjoyment. Unobtrusively, several police officers and undercover civilian heroes kept watch in case anything suspicious arose. Professional heroes also roamed the grounds, vigilant for any unusual occurrences.

Fireworks illuminated the massive stadium where eager spectators eagerly anticipated the festival's commencement. Over eight classes from different departments were participating. Focusing on Class 1-A's locker room, it was evident that everyone was well-prepared.

"Uzumaki-san, isn't it unfair for you to participate in your condition?" inquired Toru, her curiosity tinged with concern. Like her peers, she was dressed in a standard blue suit with white stripes, the regulation attire for events to ensure a level playing field where their quirks couldn't be an advantage.

"The real question is whether it's fair for me to participate at all," the shinobi replied, seated while adjusting the bandages on his right arm. It was his primary injury, although the muscle soreness still coursed through his body; it was manageable. He added with a teasing grin, "Was that a pout?" noticing the invisible girl's posture as she crossed her arms.

"No... Well, yes, you are the strongest among us, and you'll probably outshine all the competition. It doesn't seem fair," Toru admitted with a sigh. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to distinguish herself, even if her quirk wasn't as flashy as others.

"Strength isn't everything, Toru. I could win this trivial festival, but it won't guarantee being selected by any of the hero departments. To be honest, I'm not very interested in this whole thing." Naruto stood up, feeling somewhat uncomfortable in the provided suit that made him blend in with everyone else. His bandaged arms and forehead, covering his right eye, remained.

"Naruto-san... why are you here?" Momo emerged from the crowd, a serious expression on her face. She approached Naruto, her gaze locked onto him. "You've expressed your displeasure with these activities, and I know you're being compelled to participate. Nonetheless, I must ask, why? Why are you here?" The other students ceased their activities, directing their attention to the class president and the strongest student in the class.

"All of this is about achieving one thing – having a title that says you're worthy of being a hero. But since when does being a hero depend solely on talent, strength, speed, or intelligence? I'm not interested in winning this festival or even 'graduating.' To me, a hero is someone who possesses the courage to risk their life to save others. That's what being a hero truly means." Naruto's words left an impact on many students, who found themselves influenced by his perspective. As he headed for the exit, someone blocked his path.

"..." Todoroki confronted Naruto, standing face to face with him. "I can respect your viewpoint regarding heroism," she began, "but not everyone shares the same perspective. Uzumaki, I know you're powerful, more than anyone else in this room or at UA. However, I assure you of one thing... I will defeat you." The audacious challenge from the class's strongest girl left everyone stunned. But what transpired next left them even more flabbergasted.

"Of course, you will, brat. Of course, you will," Naruto playfully ruffled her white and red hair with his hand. Shiori's stance grew rigid, and her expression turned somber, with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. Smiling, the unpredictable shinobi pushed her away gently as she remained motionless.

"I'm going to crush him," Shiori thought to herself, adjusting her hair and then turning her back to her classmates. She walked through the door with a single goal in mind – defeating Naruto.