Chapter 40 ~ The Final Stage.

Chapter 40 ~ The Final Stage.

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In the bustling streets of Japan, the excitement was palpable. People gathered around every available screen, from homes and train stations to cafes and workplaces, all watching the grand event that had captured the nation's attention—the U.A. Sports Festival. Conversations filled the air, with some marveling at the impressive displays of power from the first-year students. "These kids are something else," an older man commented to his friend on the train. "They'll be the pillars of the hero society before we know it."

A woman watching from her office screen nodded in agreement, "This year's festival is on another level. They're more than promising—they're exceptional."

Back at the arena, the crowd roared in celebration as the second stage of the competition came to a close. The cheers were deafening, echoing off the stadium walls, but beneath that overwhelming sound, Natsu Dragneel lay sprawled on the floor, his face pale and eyes tightly shut from dizziness. His teammates—Kaminari, Yaoyorozu, and Jiro—stood over him, expressions mixed with amusement and disbelief.

Jiro sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly, the easiest way to take Natsu down is to fight him on a moving vehicle."

Kaminari scratched his head, looking at her in confusion. "You're right... It'd be so easy to take him out if everyone knew about this weakness."

Struggling to sit up, Natsu placed his hand on the floor for support, forcing a grin as one eye remained shut. "This isn't the time to stay down," he said through the dizziness, his voice steadying. "The final stage is about to start… and I'm fired up!"

Yaoyorozu crossed her arms, glancing at him skeptically. "That's a lot of confidence for someone who can barely stand."

Looking up at the sky, she added, "At least the last stage has nothing to do with transportation. We'll finally see you fight at full strength."

A brief silence followed, broken by Jiro clenching her fists. Her voice was quiet but firm beneath the noise of the crowd. "From this point on, we're no longer teammates. We're enemies. So, Natsu, don't you dare hold back! I'm going to defeat you, seriously this time."

Both Kaminari and Yaoyorozu stared at Jiro in surprise, her sudden shift catching them off guard. They had never heard her speak with such intensity. Natsu, however, simply grinned and laughed. "I'll pummel you into the ground, don't worry."

Suddenly, Kaminari lunged at Natsu, playfully locking his arm around his neck like a wrestler, forcing him back onto the ground. "That's no way to talk to a lady! Where's your respect?"

The scene brought smiles to Jiro and Yaoyorozu's faces, a brief moment of levity before the real challenge began. The playful atmosphere was soon interrupted by the booming voice of Present Mic, the festival's commentator. "Alright, folks! We've got a little issue here!" he yelled, his voice blasting through the speakers. "We've got four teams advancing—Team Todoroki and Iida in first place, Bakugo's team in second, Natsu's team in third, and Midoriya's team in fourth!"

The camera panned to Midoriya's team, highlighting each member: Tokoyami, Uraraka, and their teammate from the support course, Mei Hatsume.

"But here's the catch!" Present Mic continued. "Team Todoroki only has two members, so we're going to need two more participants to even the odds. And that's where our fifth-place team comes in—Team Kendo!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd as Kendo, Ibara, and Kodai were shown on the big screen, their faces lighting up with excitement.

"As Kendo and Ibara placed fifteenth and eighteenth in the first race, they'll join Team Todoroki for the final stage!"

Excitement surged through Kendo and Ibara as they exchanged glances, their determination evident. They knew this was their shot at proving themselves in the ultimate event.

Meanwhile, Midnight stepped forward with her usual playful smile. "For the remaining teams, take a half-hour break. Once that's over, we'll dive into the final event of the U.A. Sports Festival!"

Natsu slowly regained his balance, standing up and wiping the sweat from his brow. Kaminari's playful grin lingered, while Yaoyorozu smirked. "This might be the end of our alliance," she said lightly.

"Maybe," Natsu replied, "but we'll be enemies for just a little while. After that, we can hang out again." He winked at Kaminari, who flexed his fingers.

"I'm not backing down," Kaminari said.

"Good," Natsu grinned, fire sparking in his eyes. "That's what I like to hear. Come at me with everything you've got."

As Todoroki and Iida exited the arena, the noise of the crowd buzzed around them like an electric current. Iida, ever focused, turned to his teammate. "Our alliance has served its purpose. We reached the goal."

Todoroki nodded. "You're right. From now on, we're enemies. Just like Natsu and the others."

Iida smiled in agreement. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

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Fifteen minutes later, the atmosphere in the hallways leading to the stadium entrances and exits had grown quieter. The once deafening roar of the crowd had dulled into a soft hum, anticipation heavy in the air. These quiet moments before the final stage felt like the calm before a storm.

Natsu wandered through the dimly lit corridors, his footsteps echoing in the empty space. He was deep in thought, muttering to himself. "These hallways all look the same… how do I even find the stands?"

As he walked, his eyes caught sight of a figure standing against the wall, flames licking the edges of his clothing. It was Endeavor. The flame hero's sharp, green eyes stared ahead, his fiery mustache casting shadows across his stern face.

Natsu stopped, eyeing him carefully. Endeavor's presence was overwhelming, like standing near the mouth of a volcano about to erupt.

"You lost too, old man?" Natsu called out with a grin.

Endeavor didn't move, his tone calm but with an edge of contempt. "Is that what it looks like? Don't lump me in with an idiot like you."

Natsu's gaze wandered to Endeavor's flaming attire, but before he could respond, his stomach growled loudly. He rubbed it, sheepish but unfazed. Endeavor smirked, a flash of amusement in his cold expression. "You plan on fighting on an empty stomach? No wonder you lack refinement."

Natsu squinted, recognition flickering across his face. "I've seen you before, but I can't quite remember where…"

Endeavor's eyebrow twitched. "What kind of fool doesn't know who I am? No matter." He began to walk away, his steps confident and unhurried. As he passed Natsu, he added with a smirk, "You're just a fake fire user. Shoto's much better than you. He'll prove that soon enough."

Natsu watched him go, unfazed. "What a weird old man," he muttered. Just as he was about to continue on his way, a familiar voice called out.

"Natsu!"

Happy came flying toward him, his small wings flapping frantically. Natsu's face broke into a wide grin. "Happy!"

The blue cat landed in Natsu's arms. "How are you, Natsu?"

"I'm good, but this isn't the time for chit-chat," Happy said, his tone urgent. "They're about to announce the matchups!"

Natsu's smile widened. "Then let's go!" With Happy in his arms, they ran toward the stands, determination burning in Natsu's eyes.

Just as they reached the entrance, Present Mic's voice boomed through the stadium once again. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience! The final stage of the first-year sports festival starts now!"

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