Semi-Finals

Following their match, Himari and Mina crossed paths again in the tunnel on their way back to their seats.

"Man, that was fun even though you totally kicked my butt!" Mina exclaimed as they walked.

"But hey, do you think I did enough to get some offers?" she asked Himari, looking over.

"Absolutely, Mina. You're bound to get offers after that performance," Himari assured her, continuing to walk.

"You really showed them what you're made of!" She pumped her fist in the air, showing her support.

"Thanks, but it sounds odd coming from the one who beat me," Mina replied with a chuckle.

"Maybe," Himari mused, eyeing some food from across the way.

"Hey, are you hungry?" she asked, pointing to the food. "I could go for a snack."

"Sure!" Mina agreed with a smile.

 ...

As they approached their seats, Kaminari spotted them and exclaimed, "Whoa, look at all those snacks!" His exclamation caught the attention of others around him as they turned to see Mina holding a drink and Himari skillfully balancing a mountain of snacks.

"They had so many, I couldn't make up my mind," Himari chuckled, her voice slightly muffled from behind the pile of snacks.

The onlookers who observed the exchange sweat dropped as Present Mic's enthusiastic announcement cut through the moment.

"IT'S THE FINAL BOUT OF THE OPENING ROUND!" Present Mic boomed. "HERE HE IS, THE YOUNG PRODIGY WHO'S BEEN TURNING HEADS SINCE MIDDLE SCHOOL! WITH A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE!!! THE ONE AND ONLY, KATSUKI BAKUGO!!!"

"VS!!!"

"THE GIRL IM PERSONALLY ROOTING FOR! OCHACO URARAKA!!!" Present Mic roared.

"START!!!"

"I'm not sure I have the stomach for this match," Jiro admitted, her gaze fixed anywhere but the arena.

*BOOM* *BOOM*

As the intense match raged on, Ochacko's determination was palpable, but Bakugo seemed relentless, delivering one explosive onslaught after another. She had been waiting for the perfect moment to unleash her carefully prepared special move, pouring her heart into this last-ditch effort. With a surge of hope, she executed it flawlessly, only to see it falter against Bakugo's sheer power.

As the dust settled, Ochacko, exhausted and battered, collapsed onto the ground. Despite the setback, a flicker of determination remained in her eyes, but her body couldn't handle the stress and she fell unconscious. 

"Uraraka is unable to move!" Midnight's voice cut through the air. "Bakugo advances to the next round!" she announced. 

As Bakugo strode back to his seat, a ripple of conversation stirred among his peers. Sero, with a playful grin, spoke up. "Going for the villain role, Bakugo?" A teasing undertone to his words. 

Amidst the banter, Asui's voice chimed in. "It was an odd matchup, but you sure played an amazing little heel, nonetheless, Bakugo."

"SHUT UP!" Bakugo yelled as the conversation contiuned. Meanwhile, Himari, having finished her food, glanced down at Bakugo from her seat. 

...

"AND NOW FOR THIS GO-ROUND OF THE SPORTS FETIVAL, BOTH COMPETITORS ARE AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS!!!" Present Mic's voice boomed, electrifying the stadium with its fervor. "AND THE WORLD AINT BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH OF THEM."

"MIDORIYA VS TODOROKI!!!"

Himari's excitement reverberated through the crowd. "This match is going to be awesome!" she shouted, visibly thrilled for the impending showdown.

"Yes, I'm excited too," Yaoyorozu chimed in, her voice tinged with a touch of concern. "But isn't Midoriya at a heavy disadvantage against Todoroki's ice?"

As the match began, Todoroki launched an icy assault, aiming directly at Midoriya.

"Watch," Himari stated confidently. Midoriya's focus intensified as he unleashed One for All, swiftly evading the incoming barrage of ice with newfound mastery over his quirk.

As this game of cat and mouse continued, Kaminari spoke up, "Why isn't he attacking? He can't dodge forever!" He said as Midoriya continued to evade Todoroki's attacks.

"Idiot." She heard Bakugo mutter as she shifted her focus towards Todoroki. "He's freezing up," she observed, noting the encroaching ice gradually covering Todoroki's right side.

As Todoroki's right side succumbed to the encroaching frost, a noticeable shift occurred in his agility and speed. His once-fluid movements began to falter, slowing down gradually, creating a window of opportunity for Izuku to close the distance.

As the intense match raged on, everyone was mute, the match completely grabbing their attention.

"OOO AND A BITING BLOW STRIKES A FRAGILE FRAME!! I BET YOU ALL FELT THE IMPACT OF THAT ONE!!" Present Mic shouted as Midoriya's strike landed with precision. The crowd erupted into a mix of gasps and cheers.

Throughout the match, an unspoken dialogue had played out between the two competitors, their lips moving in silent exchange amid the uproar of the cheering crowd. But they suddenly went still and in that charged silence, a palpable tension hung in the air, thick with anticipation. Todoroki's left side erupted into vibrant, scorching flames. The area around him ignited, casting a radiant glow that mesmerized the audience. 

"SHOTO!" Endeavor's voice thundered across the stadium, cutting through the charged atmosphere.

"So, you've finally embraced your true self, have you!? Good! Excellent!" His words echoed with pride.

As he descended the steps of the stadium, he shouted once more. "Now, this is your true beginning! You, who bears my blood, surpass me! Realize my ambition within yourself!"

Casting a sidelong glance from her seat, Himari muttered, "Why say that now..." Her words held a tinge of concern, a subtle hint of disbelief at the timing of Endeavor's fervent proclamation, briefly catching Bakugo's attention.

Though everyone's attention was now on the final moments of the fight as both fighters launched their last attacks. Midnight and Cementos leaped into action, attempting to intervene, but their efforts proved futile.

In an explosive spectacle, the area erupted into a blinding blast, a crescendo of power and force that shook the arena. The shockwave rippled through the spectators, a collective gasp echoing amidst the chaos as the impact reverberated across the stadium.

As the haze of dust began to dissipate, revealing the aftermath of the explosive clash, Midnight's voice cut through the tension. "Midoriya... is out of bounds! Todoroki proceeds to the third round!"

...

In the quiet solitude of the waiting room, the golden-haired girl found herself lost in contemplation, her mind consumed by thoughts of the impending match and her opponent. "I'll end this fast," she mused to herself, as she rose from her seat and made her way towards the door. 

"GET FIRED UP FOR THE NEXT MATCH" Present Mic's voice boomed across the arena, setting the stage for the upcoming match. "THE GIRL WHO FINISHED HER LAST MATCH IN A SINGLE MOVE, HIMARI CHARLOTTE!!"

"FACING OFF AGIANST HER FORMIDABLE PROWESS, THE DARK LORD HIMSELF STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT, FUMIKAGE TOKOYAMI!" His announcement heightened the anticipation as both fighters entered the arena. 

Now, as they were at a face off, Present Mic sounded the alarm, "START."

In an instant, Tokoyami summoned his quirk, "Go, dark shadow!", directing its ominous form straight toward Himari. 

Himari swiftly dashed above Dark Shadow, reeling back her fist and landing a powerful punch that sent it crashing into the concrete.

Without hesitation, she appeared next to Tokoyami and used his momentary lapse to deliver a decisive sideways kick. Having enough force to propelling him out of bounds.

The stadium fell into silence, everyone trying to process the sudden turn of events. Then, Himari jumped off the stage, offering Tokoyami a hand up. The crowd woke from their shock, erupting into cheers.

"Tokoyami is out of bounds, Charlotte is the winner!" Midnight announced, as Tokoyami took her hand. 

"I'm ashamed to admit it but you completely bested me." Tokoyami confessed, meeting Himari's gaze before acknowledging the cheering crowd.

The golden-haired girl responded with a gentle smile before she too looked to the crowd, seeing a smile on her cousins face. 

"AND JUST LIKE THAT THE MATCH IS COMPLETE!!" Present Mic sounded as he began to announce the next match.

"Headed back to the seats?" Tokoyami inquired as they made their way through the tunnel.

"Nah, I'll chill until my next match. It's only a couple of fights away," she replied casually, prompting Tokoyami to nod before turning to walk in the opposite direction.

...

As the match between Todoroki and Iida came to an end, it was time for the last match before the final. 

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BRACE YOURSELF'S FOR THE CLIMAX OF THE SEMI-FINALS!" Present Mic's resounding voice echoed through the arena from his booth.

"FIRST UP, WE'VE GOT THE EXPLOSIVE TEEN WHO DOMINATED THE ENTRACE EXAMS LIKE A WILDFIRE!"

"GIVE IT UP FOR KATSUKI BAKUGO!" His announcement reverberated across the stadium, met with a chorus of cheers and applause as Bakugo stepped into the spotlight.

"AND HIS OPPONENT, THE SHINING STAR OF THIS FESTIVAL!!!" Present Mic's voice boomed with enthusiasm. "HIMARI CHARLOTTE!!!" 

Confidently striding onto the stage, Himari raised her head, meeting her opponent's gaze. Yet, as she glanced at him, she found his determined stare seemingly peering into the depths of her soul.

"SHOWTIME, FOLKS, LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!" Present Mic's enthusiastic voice filled the arena with an infectious energy.

Amidst the charged atmosphere, Bakugo's expression twisted into a scowl. "I'll be taking first place, goldy locks!" he shouted, his voice reverberating with intensity.

"huh?" Himari responded as she was snapped out of her focus, which only seemed to stoke his anger further. 

"START!"

"I'll kill you!" Bakugo yelled out as he prepared a big move, he launched into a rapid, spiraling motion, each explosion adding to the momentum as he spun, building a fiery crescendo of power.

"SEEMS LIKE AN EXPLOSIVE START WITH A SPECIAL MOVE OUT THE GATE, BUT IT DOESN"T LOOK LIKE IT'S FAZING CHARLOTTE."

Watching as he prepared to launched his big move, Himari stood firm. "Starting strong, huh? Show me what you've got!" she cheered, readying herself to face the attack.

A deafening *BOOM* reverberated through the arena, the explosion rocked the very foundations, shrouding the stage in billowing smoke and obstructing the view.

In the stands, a collective shock swept over the audience at the sheer display of power. Midoriya voiced his concerns, his worry evident as he turned to Ochaco. "Do you think she's alright? That blast would push anyone back, right?" He received a solemn nod in agreement from Ochaco, their shared concern mirroring the sentiments of those around them, except Todoroki who only narrowed his eyes.

Back on stage, in the smoke, Bakugo wore a grin "It's over." he said, but amidst the dissipating smoke, Bakugo's triumphant grin faltered as a voice echoed from a distance within the haze.

"Ts ts ts, ouch that burns." The distinct sound of someone's voice, laced with an almost playful tone, reached Bakugo's ears, prompting him to peer through the clearing smoke.

As the air cleared, revealing the aftermath of the explosion, Bakugo's eyes widened in astonishment. There stood Himari, a few meters away, seemingly unscathed, a trail of parallel lines etched in the concrete leading from where she had stood before the explosion.

"Crazy strong, seriously intense," Himari casually commented, patting and blowing on her arms where she'd shielded the attack.

In an instant, Bakugo, fueled by sheer determination, initiated a relentless series of his most powerful explosions. Hurtling towards her with lightning speed, each explosive strike aimed to overpower her defenses with unyielding force, escalating the ferocity of his assault.

Fending off the attacks, Himari shouted from within the explosions, "H-hey hold on!" Her words were nearly drowned out by the continuous eruptions that rocked the stadium. 'These blasts might not be much, but this smoke is something else!' she pondered amidst the chaos.

"BAKUGO UNLEASHES HIS FULL POWER! HOW WILL HIMARI HANDLE THIS BLAZING ASSAULT, FOLKS?" Present Mic's booming voice filled the air.

"DIEEE!!!" Bakugo shouted as he let loose one more huge blast before backing away, he paused to survey the aftermath, his expression a mix of anticipation and intensity, eager to see the impact of his overwhelming attack.

Cough Cough "I hate smoke." Hiamri let out after the last blast. Soot on her hair and her clothes torn up. 

"Phew, suffocating me there," Himari gasped, seizing a moment to take in a much-needed breath of fresh air. Realizing what she was doing, Bakugo propelled himself into the sky.

In response, Himari exhaled a frigid breath, unleashing a surge of frozen air in Bakugo's previous trajectory. The chilling blast instantly transformed the space, encasing it in a crystalline frost, effectively freezing the area where Bakugo had been just moments before.

"AND CHARLOTTE PULLS OFF THAT FROSTY MOVE STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CAVALRY BATTLE!" Present Mic's electrifying announcement echoed through the stadium, eliciting a thunderous roar from the crowd. The spectators erupted with excitement, thoroughly enthralled by the unfolding spectacle of this intense battle.

"I wouldn't try flying if I were you," Himari remarked, a faint smile crossing her soot-stained face. Swiftly ascending towards Bakugo, she wasted no time, seizing the opportunity.

With a precise maneuver, she grasped Bakugo by the ankle, spinning him around and sending him hurtling towards the unforgiving concrete below. But Bakugo, showcasing his talent, utilized his explosions skillfully, halting the brutal descent just before impact. Rolling back to the center of the arena, clenching on to his forearms. 

Descending gracefully, Himari closed the gap between herself and Bakugo, a subtle touch of concern softening her expression. 'Maybe things got a bit out of hand,' she mused with a sheepish smile, recognizing the intensity of her throw.

Observing Bakugo, who hadn't made a move from the ground, Himari glanced at Midnight, noticing that the referee seemed in no hurry to call an end to the match just yet.

With a feral grin stretching across his face, Bakugo rose to his feet, his palms aimed directly at Himari. His forearms began to twitch and move involuntarily, a sight that caught Himari's attention.

"Oi, wai-" she began, but before she could finish, Bakugo unleashed an attack larger and more formidable than anything he'd ever displayed with his current quirk. The sheer magnitude of the explosion surpassed all expectations, unlike anything witnessed before. The force of the blast tore through the stage, obliterating it entirely, the shockwave crumbling some walls of the stands and sending debris scattering as far as the eye could see. The very grass beneath their feet was consumed in the fiery inferno as the unparalleled explosion engulfed the arena.

As the lingering smoke began to dissipate, an eerie silence enveloped the stadium, a hushed anticipation weighing heavy in the air. The audience held their breath, their collective gaze fixed on the arena, awaiting the revelation of the last one standing.

As the final shreds of smoke cleared, the scene revealed both fighters, sprawled on the ground amidst the remnants of the battlefield. A palpable tension settled over the crowd as they observed the aftermath of the explosive clash, unable to discern who, if anyone, emerged as the victor. The silence spoke volumes, hanging in the air as the audience remained suspended in a state of suspense and uncertainty.

Immediately, Midnight hurried to Bakugo's side, swiftly assessing his condition. Her keen eyes fell upon the gashed and bleeding forearms, realizing he was unconscious but stable. With a decisive nod, she prepared to announce the outcome.

"Bakugo is unable to continue!" Midnight's voice resonated across the stadium, addressing the spectators, her attention then shifting to Cementoss, who was checking on Himari. As he extended his hand to examine her, Himari's hand instinctively grasped his wrist, momentarily startling him.

Opening her eyes and starting to rise, Himari's sudden movement caught Cementoss off guard. The surprise on his face was evident as she regained her footing, signaling her readiness to stand, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the concerned onlookers.

"And it appears that Charlotte remains standing! She secures her spot in the final match!" Midnight announced, the relief evident in her tone as the audience roared out. 

…

Walking back through the tunnel, Himari found herself unable to shake off thoughts of the intense final attack. Its impact lingered, replaying vividly in her mind as she retreated from the arena.

'That attack was way too powerful for him,' Himari thought, noticing a shadowy figure lurking around the corner up ahead. 'Has his quirk leveled up?' Her mind raced with questions as she turned the corner, only to be confronted by a towering, imposing figure blocking her path.

"That was quite the show you put on," he remarked, crossing his arms. "Surviving a blast like that unharmed? No wonder they're calling you 'mini All Might'," he said, though his tone carried a hint of condescension.

Looking up to meet his eyes, Himari spoke up. "Pleasure to meet you to, Endeavor."