Sport Festival

After three days, the U.A. Sports Festival finally began. The event was held in a massive, oval-shaped stadium with three floors and multiple large screens broadcasting the action live to the world. Security had been heightened, with pro heroes stationed everywhere, ensuring the event ran smoothly. The anticipation was electric—this was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

In the Class 1-A waiting room, just before they were about to step onto the field, the students chatted excitedly, trying to calm their nerves. Keigo, his sharp eyes focused ahead, smirked and said, "Can you hear that noise?"

Itachi, standing calmly beside him, nodded. "Yes."

Rumi, bouncing on her toes, was practically vibrating with energy. "This is going to be so much fun! I can't wait!"

Yu Takeyama grinned, flexing her fingers. "Now I can finally show my skills."

Ryuko, on the other hand, looked a bit anxious, rubbing her arms nervously. "I'm a little nervous, though..."

Masaki sighed, adjusting his uniform. "I feel the same."

Kaoruko wiped sweat from her forehead, fidgeting. "I'm sweating just thinking about it..."

Itachi, ever composed, looked at them and spoke in a calm, reassuring voice. "It's normal to feel nervous. This is a huge opportunity, after all. You'll be performing in front of heroes who might become your mentors or even future colleagues. But don't let that pressure overwhelm you. You've all trained hard, pushed yourselves beyond your limits, and today's the day to show it. Trust in your strength."

Ida stood up straighter, his posture reflecting his sense of duty. "You're absolutely right, Yaoyorozu. We've worked hard for this moment, and we'll give it everything we've got."

The rest of the class nodded, determination burning in their eyes. Then, in unison, they shouted with renewed energy, "GO BEYOND! PLUS ULTRA!"

Meanwhile, outside in the stadium, Present Mic's voice boomed over the loudspeakers, his excitement contagious. "HELLOOOOOO, EVERYONE! The time has finally come for the annual U.A. Sports Festival—a tournament where our Hero Course students get to show off their physical abilities, facing off in front of pros who just might hire them someday! It's a fierce competition, but in the end, there can only be ONE winner! Now, let's get started with the introductions!"

His co-commentator, Shota Aizawa, stood next to him, looking as disinterested as ever. Mic grinned and gestured to him. "And joining me is none other than my good friend, the infamous Eraser Head! Let's hear it for him!"

Aizawa barely lifted a hand, his monotone voice cutting through Mic's enthusiasm. "Hello."

Mic groaned dramatically. "C'mon, man! Show some energy!"

"Shut up," Aizawa deadpanned, his gaze sweeping over the stadium.

Without missing a beat, Present Mic continued. "Alright, folks! Let's not waste any more time! I'm pleased to introduce... the students of U.A. High!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, the air buzzing with excitement.

"First up... give it up for Class 1-A!" Present Mic shouted.

The students of Class 1-A marched out with their heads held high, their expressions a mix of confidence and determination. The crowd roared in approval, eager to see what this promising class had in store.

"And now, here comes Class 1-B!" Mic announced, as the students of Class 1-B followed suit, stepping out with just as much fire in their eyes.

"Next up, let's hear it for the General Studies students of Class 1-C, D, and E!" he continued, and the remaining students made their way out, greeted by thunderous applause.

As the students stood in line, they noticed a stage in front of them. Standing on it was none other than Midnight, striking her usual seductive stance, her eyes scanning the crowd with a sultry expression. Her presence alone stirred murmurs from the audience. One spectator, heart-eyed, whispered, "She's the new hero, right?" Another corrected him, "No, she's the R-rated hero, Midnight."

Keigo, standing beside Itachi, grinned. "Looking as radiant as ever, huh?"

The group turned to glare at him. "What? I'm just saying…" he shrugged defensively.

Itachi sighed, his usual calm demeanor unfazed by Keigo's comment. Meanwhile, Rumi jabbed him lightly in the ribs. "You perv bastard…" she muttered.

Midnight's voice rang out, smooth and commanding, "Now, for the Player Pledge..." She paused, her eyes gleaming as she announced, "From Class 1-A, representing the students: Itachi Yaoyorozu!"

All eyes immediately turned to Itachi.

Keigo smirked and leaned over, whispering, "Put your hands in your pockets. Look casual."

Itachi shook his head, his tone flat. "I'm not like you."

Yu Takeyama chuckled. "Not everyone is, you."

As Itachi made his way toward the stage, the other students watched him with growing interest. "Wow, he looks so handsome," someone whispered. In the audience, a few agency representatives sat up, eyeing him with curiosity. One of them smiled, thinking, Looks like you're doing well for yourself...

Among the crowd, the Yaoyorozu family sat in their reserved seats, eyes fixed on the stage. Yana, with a proud smile, pointed. "Look, Itachi's going up."

Beside her, Momo beamed. "Brother!"

Takashi, sitting with his arms crossed, sighed, casting a sideways glance at Momo. He thought to himself, I'm only here because she insisted. How could I say no to that face? He sighed again, his eyes following Itachi as he walked up the stage. Let's see what you're capable of, kid…

When Itachi reached the stage, Midnight handed him the microphone. Her eyes lingered on him for a second longer than necessary, and she gave him a playful, almost predatory smile. It made Itachi noticeably uncomfortable, the tension radiating off him as he cleared his throat. I wasn't informed about this… he thought, trying to maintain his composure.

In the commentary booth, Aizawa's eyes widened in realization. Damn… I forgot to tell him. He rubbed his temples, knowing the situation was out of his control now.

Itachi sighed softly, gathering his thoughts. Holding the microphone with a steady hand, he began, his voice clear and calm, though the weight of the moment hung in the air.

"Today marks a challenge that is far more than a test of your strength. It is an opportunity—an opportunity to reveal who you are, not only to the world, but to yourself."

{He pauses, allowing the words to sink in.}

"There will be moments when you falter, when doubt clouds your mind, when your body feels like it cannot move another inch. But in those moments, remember—true strength lies not in the power of your quirk, nor in the speed of your body. It lies in your will. Your resolve."

{Itachi's expression grows more serious, his eyes narrowing slightly.}

"A hero is not defined by victories alone, but by the willingness to stand up when they fall. By the courage to continue when the path ahead is uncertain."

{His tone softens, but the intensity remains.}

"Look to your peers, not as competition, but as allies in this journey of growth. Learn from their strengths, and share your own. Together, you will rise, and together, you will overcome."

The students cheer, a wave of excitement spreading across the festival grounds. The pledge leaves them fired up, ready to face whatever the competition throws their way.

The audience fell into a brief, awed silence before erupting into applause. Itachi handed the microphone back to Midnight, who gave him a sly wink. He nodded politely, though internally he hoped to leave the stage as quickly as possible.

In the audience, Takashi nodded subtly, impressed. He's composed... He knows how to command a moment.

Meanwhile, Momo watched her brother with glowing pride, her heart swelling at how confidently he represented their class.

Itachi handed the mic back to Midnight, who gave him a genuine nod. "That was impressive," she said, her voice sincere rather than her usual flirtatious tone.

Itachi offered her a small smile. "Thank you for the opportunity," he replied, bowing politely before making his way back to his classmates in Class 1-A.

As soon as he joined them, Rumi grinned and slapped him on the back. "That was sick, Itachi!"

Anan nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Your pledge made me even more confident!"

Yu smiled warmly, "That was a great speech. Really motivating."

Ryuko added, "I'm all fired up now, thanks to you."

Ida and Masaki nodded in agreement, while Kamiji smirked. "Now I feel like I can really show off my skills."

Itachi looked at them, pleased with their reactions. "Thank you. I wish you all the very best," he said with a calm smile.

Keigo, ever the playful one, grinned and added, "Yup, let's go and crush it!"

Just then, Midnight snapped a whip to get the students' attention, her voice commanding as she spoke. "Alright, let's get started right away!" she announced.

A large screen behind her came to life, displaying options that rapidly scrolled by until they stopped on the words "Royal Rumble."

The students all looked up at the screen, murmuring among themselves. "Royal Rumble?" Itachi thought to himself, mentally piecing it together. This must be like a battle royale concept…

Midnight's voice rang out again, "The first game is the Royal Rumble! There will be groups of 20 participants in each ring. You will fight until only one remains, and anyone knocked out or pushed out of the ring will be eliminated. There are no rules—anything goes. Is that clear?"

The students nodded in understanding, their excitement palpable. The screen then shuffled once again, this time displaying the names of the teams.

Itachi glanced at the screen and saw his own team in Group D composition: himself, Ida, Ryuko, and a mix of students from Class 1-B and the General Studies course.

Turning back to his classmates, he gave them a steady look. "Do your best out there," he said.

His teammates all nodded with determination, ready for the challenge ahead.

Midnight smirked, her voice full of excitement. "Now… Group A, come into the ring!" she called out.

In Group A were Rumi, Anan, and several other students. The atmosphere grew tense as they stepped into the ring, each competitor readying themselves for the battle ahead. Midnight raised her hand dramatically and shouted, "Start!"

The ring erupted into chaos as students clashed. The battle was fierce, with everyone trying to outlast their opponents. Quickly, some students were knocked out of the ring or overpowered. Anan, however, hesitated. She was nervous about using her quirk in such a crowded space, and that hesitation became her downfall.

In a swift moment, another student shoved Anan out of the ring. Itachi, watching closely from the sidelines, could see her fear and discomfort. Midnight's voice rang out, announcing the result. "Anan Kurose is out!"

Anan sat on the sidelines, her face filled with frustration and disappointment, but Itachi's gaze was steady, understanding her struggle.

As the fight progressed, more and more students were eliminated. Eventually, only Rumi remained, standing tall and proud amidst the chaos. With a confident grin, she raised her hand in victory. The crowd erupted into cheers, and even Class 1-A was chanting her name. "Usagiyama! Usagiyama!"

Midnight smiled and declared loudly, "The winner is Rumi Usagiyama!"

Rumi looked out at the cheering crowd, pride swelling in her chest. She had won the first round, and her fierce spirit showed no signs of stopping.

As Group B stepped into the ring, the tension in the stadium heightened. In this group were Keigo, Yu Takeyama, and several other students. Midnight's voice boomed once again, signaling the start of the battle. "Begin!"

Yu wasted no time, immediately activating her quirk and transforming into her towering giant form. With a swift motion, she kicked several students out of the ring with ease. Her giant smirk grew as she surveyed the battlefield, confident in her overwhelming strength.

Keigo, meanwhile, was flying high above the chaos, watching closely. He smirked down at Yu and called out, "Yo, big lady!"

Yu smirked back, raising her massive hand to swat at him, but Keigo dodged gracefully, flapping his wings and staying just out of reach. "Nice try," he taunted, as he used his feathers to launch an attack. The sharp points of the feathers targeted her, but Yu swung her arm, sending a gust of wind his way.

Keigo smirked again, his movements a calculated distraction. As Yu focused on swatting him, he dove low and aimed for her legs. With a quick hit to her leg, Yu winced in pain but tried to kick him in response. However, her large size made her movements slower, allowing Keigo to dodge her easily.

He flew behind her, landing on her back. "Hey, giant," he teased, "can you feel this?" Before Yu could react, Keigo began to tickle her, sending a shock of surprise through her giant body. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and laughter bubbled up uncontrollably as she lost her balance.

With a loud crash, Yu began to fall, and Itachi's eyes widened as she tipped dangerously toward the audience. In an instant, Keigo reacted. He used all his feathers to create a cushion around the falling giant, sticking them into the walls to slow her descent.

Yu hit the ground with a thud, safely landing just outside the ring. Midnight immediately raised her hand and shouted, "Yu Takeyama is out! The winner is Keigo Takami!"

Keigo floated down, landing beside the fallen Yu with a playful grin. "You okay, big lady?" he asked, offering her a hand.

Yu chuckled and nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for the save." She smiled, slightly embarrassed but impressed by Keigo's quick thinking.

As Group C stepped into the ring, tension filled the air. Among the competitors was Masaki Mizushima, who, despite giving it his all, found himself in a difficult spot against Kaede Fujiwara, a student with an Air Whisper quirk. Kaede's abilities allowed him to manipulate air currents, pushing Masaki toward the edge with precision. Despite his efforts, Masaki was ultimately eliminated.

Midnight raised her hand, announcing, "Masaki Mizushima is out!"

Back in Class 1-A, Masaki was met with supportive smiles and words of encouragement. "You did great!" his classmates called out, trying to lift his spirits.

Next was Group D. The participants, including Itachi, Tenya Iida, and Ryuko, stepped into the ring. Midnight signaled the start, and with a commanding voice, she shouted, "Begin!"

Ryuko wasted no time and transformed into her dragon form, her wings expanding wide as she soared into the air. With a fierce look in her eyes, she grabbed opponents, lifting them off the ground and tossing them effortlessly out of the ring. "Your place is outside the ring!" she roared, sending several students flying.

On the ground, Tenya Iida was utilizing Itachi's earlier advice. He dashed around the arena with incredible speed, kicking students out of the ring one by one. His movements were precise and efficient, every strike calculated as he cleared his path of opponents.

Meanwhile, Itachi remained as calm as ever. He didn't rush. Instead, he observed the chaos around him, choosing his moments carefully. When the time came, he used his exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills, knocking out opponents with swift, precise strikes. His movements were fluid, calculated, and powerful, sending those who challenged him out of the ring with little effort.

As he fought, a thought crossed his mind, It's a great start.

With Ryuko dominating the skies, Iida speeding through the arena, and Itachi expertly dispatching his opponents, Group D quickly became a spectacle for the audience. Cheers erupted from the crowd as they watched the students of Class 1-A demonstrate their incredible abilities.

Midnight watched from the sidelines, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she observed the teamwork and skill on display.

As the dust settled and most of the competitors were eliminated, only three remained in the ring: Itachi, Ryuko in her dragon form, and Tenya Iida. The tension in the air grew thick as they all sized each other up, ready for the final clash. Ryuko, her dragon wings flapping lightly, exchanged a determined glance with Iida.

"I'm sorry, Yaoyorozu-kun," Ryuko said with a slight smirk. "But you're too strong to let go unchecked."

Iida, always straightforward and resolute, nodded. "For the sake of this match, I agree. We'll have to work together for now."

The two moved quickly, rushing toward Itachi in a coordinated attack. Iida dashed forward, his engines roaring, while Ryuko hovered above, ready to strike with her powerful claws. Itachi, calm and composed, awaited their moves. His eyes tracked their movements, every detail and shift in their stances visible to his sharp senses.

As Iida closed in, Itachi effortlessly dodged, his movement precise and fluid. He countered with a swift blow to Iida's side, causing him to stumble. Before Iida could regain his balance, Itachi leaped back, narrowly avoiding Ryuko's dragon claw as she swiped down at him from above.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats, watching with bated breath as Itachi seamlessly avoided their coordinated attacks. Every move he made was deliberate, his timing perfect. Iida and Ryuko, though formidable, couldn't seem to land a solid hit on him.

"I knew he was strong," Ryuko muttered, her eyes narrowing as she circled in the air above. "But this is something else."

Itachi, sensing their growing frustration, stayed calm. He made no wasted movements, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Then, Ryuko swooped in for another attack. This time, her claws glinted in the light as she aimed a powerful blow toward Itachi. He swiftly dodged to the side, but this time, her attack missed him and instead connected with Iida, who was caught in the crossfire.

The force of the blow sent Iida flying out of the ring. The audience gasped as Midnight announced, "Tensai Iida is out!"

Itachi and Ryuko were the last two standing.

Ryuko, visibly upset at accidentally taking out her own ally, snarled in frustration. She turned to Itachi, her wings flaring out as she prepared for one final, decisive strike.

But Itachi was ready.

As she lunged at him, he activated his genjutsu. In an instant, Ryuko's vision blurred, and the battlefield around her seemed to shift. Her powerful dragon form faltered as the illusion took hold. Within the genjutsu, she found herself in a serene, peaceful field, disoriented and unable to continue fighting.

In reality, Ryuko collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Midnight, raising her hand high, declared, "Itachi Yaoyorozu is the winner!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Itachi stood in the center of the ring, composed as ever. His calm demeanor and expert strategy had won him the match, and his classmates from Class 1-A cheered his name with pride.

Keigo, watching from the sidelines, smirked and muttered, "Not bad at all, Itachi. Not bad at all."

As the next match was set to begin, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Group E stepped into the ring, and the crowd eagerly anticipated what would unfold. Among the competitors were Moe Kamiji, and Kaoruko Awata from class 1-A.

Midnight, ever enthusiastic, raised her whip and announced, "Group E, let the battle begin!"

From the very start, Moe Kamiji took control of the match with her fiery energy. Her quirk, which allowed her to generate and manipulate green flames from her hair, blazed wildly as she charged into the fray. The other competitors, including Kaoruko, tried to form a strategy, but the intensity of Moe's flames and her relentless attacks made it nearly impossible for them to keep up.

Kaoruko, using her Bubble quirk, created large floating bubbles, trying to slow down Moe's advance. The bubbles formed a colorful, protective barrier around her as she prepared for a counterattack. However, Moe's fiery determination was unstoppable.

With a smirk, Moe shouted, "Time to turn up the heat!" She unleashed a massive wave of fire, her green flames scorching the ground and rapidly popping Kaoruko's bubbles. Kaoruko, caught off guard, struggled to maintain her defense. The force of the flames pushed her back, and she barely managed to stay on her feet.

The other competitors in the ring weren't faring much better. Moe's aggressive style overwhelmed them, forcing them out of the ring one by one. The match was moving at a blistering pace, with Moe's flames leaving no room for hesitation.

Kaoruko, desperate to regain control, tried to create one last set of bubbles, hoping to trap Moe inside. But before she could finish her move, Moe closed the gap between them with a burst of speed, her flames intensifying. With a swift, fiery kick, Moe sent Kaoruko flying out of the ring.

Midnight's voice echoed through the stadium as she declared, "Kaoruko Awata is out!"

The audience gasped in awe at how quickly the match had progressed. Moe Kamiji stood alone in the center of the ring, her fiery hair still burning brightly. The match had finished much faster than anyone had anticipated, and the other competitors had barely stood a chance against her sheer power and aggressive tactics.

As the cheers of the crowd rose, Midnight raised her hand again, announcing, "And the winner of Group E is Moe Kamiji!"

Moe, ever confident, flicked her flaming hair and gave a satisfied grin. She waved to her classmates and headed back to where Class 1-A was standing. Kaoruko, despite her defeat, walked over to Moe and smiled.

"You didn't hold back at all, did you?" Kaoruko said, her voice light.

Moe shrugged with a playful smirk. "You know me. I like to keep things… heated."

The rest of Class 1-A cheered for Moe's victory, and Keigo chuckled, impressed. "Well, that was over quick."

Itachi, watching the entire match, nodded with approval. "Kamiji-san's intensity left them no room to fight back."

As the final stage of the current round commenced, Midnight grinned, her voice echoing through the stadium, "Well done, everyone! Now, here are the students who have made it to the next stage!"

The large screen flashed with the names of the ten students who had advanced: Itachi Yaoyorozu, Rumi Usagiyama, Keigo Takami, Moe Kamiji, Kaede Fujiwara, Riku Saito, Haruka Mori, Mizuki Sato, Hinata Ishikawa, and Sora Yamamoto. The remaining students watched on, knowing they had given it their all, but these ten would move forward.

Midnight, her eyes gleaming with excitement, snapped her whip to get everyone's attention again. "It's not over yet! The next challenge is… Capture the Flag: Solo Edition!"

The screen spun and revealed the new game, followed by Midnight's explanation: "Here's how it works: there are two flags to capture. Each flag will be held by one person, and your goal is to capture one of them within five minutes. It sounds simple, right? But here's the twist—you have to hold the flag onto your hand, and only those who capture a flag will move on to the final round!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement, and the participants tensed in anticipation. Keigo Takami and Kaede Fujiwara were handed the flags, both receiving a cheer from the audience. Keigo smiled confidently, his wings fluttering slightly as he adjusted his grip on the flag.

Midnight raised her hand and shouted, "Ready... begin!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, Keigo shot into the sky with a burst of speed, using his aerial advantage to distance himself from the other competitors. Down below, Kaede Fujiwara, clearly nervous, hesitated for a moment before sprinting into action.

Most of the students quickly targeted Kaede, hoping her grounded position would make her easier prey. Itachi, however, stood still, watching in silence, analyzing the situation. He thought to himself, Let's see how they handle this...

Rumi, with her usual lightning speed, quickly caught up to Kaede and demanded, "Hand it over!" Kaede, not wanting to give up so easily, used her Wind Quirk, creating a powerful gust that sent Rumi and the other pursuers skidding backward.

Itachi, seeing an opening, finally sprang into action. He dashed forward, his movements precise and calculated. Moe Kamiji, noticing Itachi's advance, also joined the chase, her hair blazing as she sent strands of green fire toward him, trying to slow him down. Itachi dodged effortlessly, inching closer to Kaede.

Kaede turned and unleashed another wind blast, but Itachi had already anticipated her move. With swift footwork, he sidestepped her attack, leaving Moe to slide back from the force of the wind. Without missing a beat, Itachi appeared behind Kaede, delivering a swift and precise neck chop that knocked her unconscious. He grabbed the flag, securing his place in the final round.

Just as he caught the flag, Rumi rushed forward, attempting to kick it out of his hands. Itachi dodged her attack smoothly, leaving her powerful kick to smash into the ground, causing debris to scatter everywhere. He commented with a calm voice, "Strong kick you've got, Rumi."

Rumi smirked, her eyes gleaming with determination. "That flag is mine!" She charged at him again, her attacks relentless. Itachi, however, was always a step ahead, dodging her every move with precision. As she prepared for another powerful strike, Itachi used his genjutsu, creating an illusion that made Rumi believe she had already won the flag.

She smiled in her dreamlike state and promptly fell into a deep, peaceful sleep. Itachi sighed, watching her rest as he thought, At least she'll wake up refreshed.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him trembled. Itachi's eyes sharpened as he recognized the disturbance. Someone's using a Quirk to cause an earthquake, he thought, turning his attention to Riku Saito, whose hands were pressed firmly to the ground, amplifying the tremors. The force forced Itachi to leap into the air to avoid losing his balance.

Riku smirked, thinking he had the upper hand. But before he could act, a water laser shot toward him, forcing him to dodge mid-air. To everyone's surprise, Itachi landed gracefully, as if he had predicted the attack. He looked at Riku with a calm expression and said, "It's impressive how well you work with others."

Before Riku could respond, Keigo descended from the sky, landing beside Itachi with a playful smirk. "Looks like we're the last ones standing, huh?" he said, twirling the flag in his hand. "What do you say? How about a one-on-one battle to finish this?"

Itachi gave a small smile. "I feel the same way."

As the battle continued to intensify, Mizuki Sato, who had been lying in wait, suddenly launched multiple water cannons toward both Itachi and Keigo. Acting quickly, Itachi shoved Keigo out of the line of fire, shouting, "Keigo, keep your eyes open!" Keigo, caught off guard for a moment, quickly regained his composure and nodded, ready for whatever was next.

Itachi, always alert, noticed another threat coming toward them—flowers drifting in their direction. Without hesitation, he dodged, but as the flowers exploded, they released a pungent, noxious gas into the air. The overwhelming stench filled the area, forcing Itachi to hold his breath.

This smell is unbearable... Itachi thought, his face calm but his focus sharpened. Keigo, with his quick reflexes, flapped his wings hard, sending a powerful gust that cleared the air of the foul odor.

Itachi, still holding his breath, sighed with relief and muttered, "Nice job."

Keigo smirked, his usual playful tone returning. "How could I let you die here?"

Itachi gave him a small nod. "Now let's concentrate."

Glancing at the clock, Itachi noticed they had one minute left. He smirked, his confidence unwavering. "I think we're winning," he said, and Keigo, following his gaze, saw the countdown ticking away. "Yeah, we've got this," Keigo replied, smirking back.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them rumbled once again, the tremors now more intense. Out of nowhere, Sora Yamamoto appeared, his speed and agility a clear sign of his formidable abilities. Sora was quick, tricking and feinting toward Itachi, attempting to catch him off guard. But Itachi, with his precise movements, dodged easily, though he noted the flag in his hand was slowing him down.

He's drawing energy from the sunlight, Itachi realized, noticing the faint solar glow around Sora. Without wasting a moment, Itachi moved toward the shade, but Mizuki wasn't about to let that happen. Water cannons kept Itachi at bay, forcing him to stay in the open. They're working together, he thought, observing their coordination.

Then, a massive fireball came from behind, barely missing Itachi as he dodged at the last second. He turned to see Moe Kamiji standing there with a smirk. "I'm still here," she said confidently.

Itachi gave her a respectful nod as Moe conjured another fire sphere, launching it toward him. Itachi dodged again, the heat from the attack nearly overwhelming, but his focus remained sharp. He glanced at the timer—20 seconds left.

Up in the air, Keigo was dealing with his own challenge. Hinata Ishikawa had used her cloud manipulation Quirk to form a storm around him, and now Keigo was dodging bolts of lightning and strong winds. "These clouds are too close for comfort," Keigo muttered as he struggled to stay airborne. He caught a glimpse of the timer—10 seconds remaining—and knew he had to act fast.

Despite his exhaustion, Keigo dove to the ground, landing hard but steady. With a final burst of energy, he unleashed his feathers, scattering them all over the battlefield. "I'm tired of this," he said, his feathers latching onto the clothes of his opponents and pinning them against the wall, immobilizing them for the final few seconds.

Itachi, also catching his breath, looked over at Keigo and gave a nod of approval. "Good."

As the timer hit zero, Midnight's voice boomed through the arena. "Time's up! The winners are Keigo Takami and Itachi Yaoyorozu!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as both Itachi and Keigo stood tall, victorious after a grueling challenge. The two exchanged looks of mutual respect, knowing the toughest battles were yet to come.

As the results were announced, the Yaoyorozu family was watching the event on a large screen in their VIP Audience seat. Yana Yaoyorozu, couldn't contain her excitement.

"Did you see that, Momo? Itachi did it!" Yana exclaimed, clapping her hands with joy. Her smile was wide, eyes sparkling with pride as she turned toward her daughter, who was watching just as eagerly.

Momo, feeling a sense of pride and admiration for her Brother, beamed. "Yes, mother. Brother's performance was flawless. His strategy and precision were impressive."

Yana hugged Momo tightly, her excitement spilling over. "I knew My baby can do it….!"

While mother and daughter celebrated together, Takashi Yaoyorozu, Momo's father, stood at the back of the room, his arms crossed and a more reserved expression on his face. He had watched the entire match intently but hadn't shown the same level of enthusiasm.

Yana noticed his silence and called out to him. "Takashi, aren't you proud? Look at how well he did!"

Takashi gave a slow nod, his face still neutral. "He did well," he admitted, his voice calm. "But there's still much ahead. This is only one test. We'll see how he handles the final round."

Yana sighed, knowing her husband's more stoic nature, and turned back to Momo. "Well, we're proud of him! I know he'll go far."

Momo nodded, silently agreeing, feeling a mix of happiness and anticipation for what awaited for her brother in the next rounds.

Present Mic said, "Isn't it more exciting? Itachi, the silent one, is Keigo, the bird, came in the last or final round," and Aizawa nodded with a smile, saying, "My favorite student."

In the audience, Itachi and Keigo's classmates were seated together, eagerly discussing the upcoming showdown between the two. The excitement was palpable, with everyone offering their predictions on who would come out on top.

Rumi leaned back in her chair, her usual confident smirk plastered on her face. "Itachi's got this. He's got more battle IQ, and he doesn't rely on flashy moves—he's precise. Keigo's fast, but Itachi can predict movements."

Yu Takeyama, her arms crossed, nodded thoughtfully. "True, but don't underestimate Keigo. His speed is a serious advantage. If he plays it smart, he can keep Itachi on his toes."

Ryuko, sitting beside them, chimed in. "It's not just about speed. Keigo's control over his feathers gives him a lot of flexibility. If Itachi doesn't expect the right move, Keigo could take it."

Anan, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up with a shy smile. "I think both of them are incredible. It's going to be a close match, but maybe Keigo's aerial advantage will give him an edge."

Tensei Ida was more analytical. "Itachi's calm demeanor and strategic mind are what make him dangerous. But Keigo's improvisational style might catch him off guard. I'd say it's fifty-fifty."

Kaoruko Awata playfully tossed her hair. "Keigo's good at playing around, but Itachi's more focused. I'm betting on Itachi, hands down."

Moe Kamiji, leaning forward with enthusiasm, added her thoughts. "Keigo has the charisma, but Itachi's intensity... you can't mess with that. He's always thinking three steps ahead. I'm putting my money on him."

Masaki Mizushima, typically quieter, finally weighed in. "I don't know. Keigo's unpredictable, and Itachi can only adapt so much. If Keigo plays his cards right, he could surprise us all."

As the group debated, the excitement in the air grew. With both Itachi and Keigo being incredibly skilled, no one could predict the outcome with certainty. But one thing was clear: the match would be a spectacle no one would want to miss.

There was one more person in the stands, sitting with a soft blush on her cheeks and a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "My Itachi is so strong..." she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if speaking the words out loud would make her feelings too obvious.

Her heart raced as she realized what she had just said. My Itachi... Heat rushed to her face, and she quickly covered it with her hands, trying to hide the embarrassment that overwhelmed her. How could I say that out loud? she thought, mortified, sneaking a glance at him through her fingers.

Her eyes softened as she gazed at him, a warmth spreading through her chest. He'll be working with me soon... The thought sent her heart fluttering again, and she blushed even deeper, biting her lip to stop the smile creeping onto her face. This is so embarrassing... but I can't help it... She stole another look at him, unable to hide the affection in her eyes.

Beside her, a fellow audience member leaned in, concern etched on his face. "Ahh, Lady Nagant, are you okay?"

She turned to him, surprise flickering across her features, and her cheeks flushed slightly. Quickly composing herself, she adopted a more serious expression. "I'm fine," she replied, her tone steady.

Yet, as her gaze shifted back to the stadium, anticipation danced in her eyes. The energy of the crowd buzzed around her, mirroring the excitement she felt within. She couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and eagerness for the match ahead. The tension in the air was electric, and she leaned forward slightly, her attention fully captivated by the unfolding events.

After a while, Midnight stood before the crowd and announced with excitement, "This is the final round: Itachi, Yaoyorozu, and Keigo Takami!" As the two stepped onto the stage, they exchanged confident smirks.

"All the best," Itachi said calmly.

Keigo returned the gesture, replying, "All the best to you too. Besides… I know more about you than you think."

Itachi raised an eyebrow but nodded. Keigo's gaze grew serious. "And I know you'll hold back. But I don't want that. I want you to go all out."

Itachi looked at him again, sensing the weight behind his words. Keigo continued, "If I win without you using your full power, I'll never know how far apart our levels truly are."

There was a brief silence between them as Itachi absorbed Keigo's words. Then, with a steady nod, he acknowledged his rival's request. Keigo's lips curled into a smirk, and their intense exchange was cut short by Midnight, who had been watching them closely.

With a smirk of her own, Midnight purred, "Watching you two... makes me feel wet."

Both Itachi and Keigo flinched, clearly taken aback by her comment.

In the audience, Yana's eyes widened in shock. She clenched her fists, quickly covering Momo's ears, and muttered under her breath, "I have to keep my baby away from her..." A protective fire burned in her eyes, while Takashi, sitting beside her, simply cleaned his ears, pretending not to hear.

"Mother, I heard that..." Momo said, her voice cutting through the tension.

On the other side of the arena, Lady Nagant, who had been quietly sipping her drink, suddenly choked at Midnight's words. She sputtered, spraying her drink all over her nearby comrades. Orco, sitting next to her, immediately rushed over in concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of worry.

Lady Nagant waved him off, still coughing slightly before regaining her composure. "I'm fine..." she muttered, wiping her mouth. But inside, her protective instincts flared. I have to keep Itachi far away from that woman... she thought, her mind filled with determination. You foul creature...

Back in the ring, Midnight, with a dangerously playful smirk, leaned forward and declared, "Now, let the fight begin!" Her tone oozed with excitement, though her earlier comment still lingered uncomfortably in the air.