Chapter-34

"Hey!" Throughout the stadium, Present Mic's voice echoed from the speakers, as he stood beside the bandaged and still-recovering Aizawa. His greeting stirred the crowd into a frenzy of screams and applause, as the long-awaited event was about to kick off. "Attention, everyone, from sports enthusiasts to members of the press. Get those cameras ready because the high school teen rodeo you all love... the UA Sports Festival is about to begin!" Present Mic's booming voice resonated, causing the ground to vibrate with the emotions swirling in the stands. "So, are you all ready? Then, welcome to the UA Sports Festival!"

Class 1-A made their way slowly from the entrance tunnels into the vast stadium. The cheers and screams from the spectators filled the air, and the overwhelming attention made more than one student feel a sense of panic. "Midoriya, you need to calm down, or you'll have a heart attack," Naruto calmly commented from behind, his hands in his pockets, observing how the green-haired boy struggled to control his breathing.

"The sports festival, where our young heroes-in-training battle to hone their skills once a year and gain worldwide fame. Here they are... our incredible stars who faced villains with hearts of steel. The students of the Hero Department, Class 1-A!" Present Mic introduced Class 1-A while the stadium erupted with enthusiastic applause for the young heroes. The attack on USJ had brought a lot of attention to these students, although not all of it was positive.

"Isn't that the guy who ripped off a villain's head?" Naruto couldn't help but overhear the whispers among the cheers, and he noticed the disdainful looks directed at him. However, he remained unfazed by it all. In fact, he didn't bother listening to the introductions of the other hero departments. Although he was curious, he glanced briefly at the competition, reminiscing about his first Chuunin Exams in Suna. He had passed all the tests and even secured third place in the final tournament, quite an accomplishment for someone so young. Yet, for him, it didn't feel as impressive. With those thoughts, he hoped that this event would be at least half as enjoyable as he anticipated.

Amidst the hushed conversations of the young festival participants and the cheers of the spectators, a metallic sound resonated through the air. In the center of the stadium, a platform elevated the first examiner for the initial stage of the festival. "Silence!" boomed a female voice, echoing like thunder across the venue. On the stage before them stood Midnight, the Heroine +18, clad in her revealing Heroine costume. It was a tight white suit that hugged her figure like a second skin, complete with a corset and long stockings with garters. The outfit left little to the imagination, showcasing her curves, well-shaped buttocks, and a prominent bust. The provocative attire certainly caught the attention of most teenagers in the festival, causing some discomfort among the male participants.

"…" Raising a quizzical eyebrow, Naruto watched as the fiery teenager, Bakugo, made his way up the platform at a deliberate pace with his hands in his pockets. Upon reaching the microphone, he remained silent.

"I just want to say...that I'm going to win," declared Bakugo, inciting an uproar among the male students in the Hero Department. However, Katsuki paid no heed to the commotion as he glared defiantly and angrily at Uzumaki, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression impassive. This only seemed to fuel the red-eyed blonde's irritation.

"Why am I not surprised?" Naruto mused inwardly, shaking his head. Bakugo clearly had unresolved issues with their past clash, holding onto his resentment and seeking revenge. Turning his attention back to the professional heroine, he awaited her next words.

"With the students ready to speak, it's time to commence the first test," Midnight announced to the students and the audience, as a holographic screen appeared behind her. "This year's first test is..." She moved her whip in her hand while the screen displayed different test options, resembling a casino slot machine, until it stopped after a few seconds. "An obstacle course!" Midnight revealed, reading the selected test from the screen.

"Well, it could be worse; it could be a written exam," Naruto thought calmly, observing the varied reactions of his classmates.

"As you've heard," the Heroine continued, silencing the stadium that eagerly awaited an explanation of the event. "In this event, all 11 classes will participate in a race covering approximately 4 kilometers around the stadium perimeter, starting and ending at the same point." Midnight explained, while the screen behind her displayed an outline of the coliseum surrounded by a racetrack. Several individuals nodded in understanding. "Our school's strong suit is our love of freedom... As long as they stay on the track, everything is fair game, including the use of Quirks," she added with a mischievous smile, running her tongue over her lips.

"A peculiar version of Anko, but not too bad," Naruto thought as he felt the discrete scrutiny from the sadistic heroine. Evidently, some still harbored doubts about him. He had no intention of taking this race too seriously against these young contenders. Breaking from his thoughts, he saw the platform descending, and Midnight approached him with a serious expression.

"We're keeping an eye on you... don't try anything funny," she whispered to the black-haired girl, then turned away to address the other UA students. "Now, participants, take your positions!" Midnight ordered, and the excited fans cheered for the competition to begin. Facing the stage, the group of students made their way toward a massive door, adorned with three lights akin to a traffic signal. This imposing door would lead them to a hallway that would take them to the racetrack.

"Good luck, Naruto," Izuku, looking nervous, turned to the Uzumaki, who was standing ahead, ready to start. Nodding in acknowledgment, Naruto cast his gaze at the small entrance that all the students needed to pass through. Raising an eyebrow, he noticed that he had become the center of attention for several students, some of whom seemed eager to challenge him and gain recognition.

With his hands in his pockets, Naruto chose to completely ignore everyone and patiently waited for the starting signal.