And just like that, U.A. Academy returned to its usual rhythm—its halls once again filled with purpose and excitement—as it prepared for the long-awaited U.A. Sports Festival.
Now, the media had arrived. Reporters and TV crews swarmed the grounds, eager to capture every moment of the event. At the center of it all stood Present Mic, his ever-present smile beaming under the spotlight.
"GATHER 'ROUND, JOURNALISTS! THIS YEAR, YOUR FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOLERS ARE LETTING THEIR YOUTH BLAZE ONCE MORE!
THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! ARE YOU READY?!?!"
Meanwhile, in the changing room, I had just finished putting on the sports uniform—a bold, flashy outfit that clung tightly to my frame. I muttered under my breath in mild annoyance.
"This outfit's way too tight… I can barely breathe."
As I stepped out of the locker room, a soft cough drew my attention to the side—and there he was. My father, leaning casually against the wall beside the door.
"Ahem… I just… came to wish you luck," he said quietly. "I'll be watching. So… do your best out there."
A mischievous grin spread across my face as I walked up to him.
"Hehehe… So caring, aren't you, Dad?" I teased.
He coughed again—this time more forcefully—before locking eyes with me, his expression turning sharp and serious.
"And remember… hold yourself back. The department is watching you. You—and your Quirk—are now officially considered high-risk."
After a heavy sigh, he stepped closer and gently ruffled my hair.
"You always find new ways to make me worry."
I chuckled softly and gave him a wide, reassuring smile.
There was warmth between us.
***
[Two Weeks Ago]
After school, an unexpected commotion broke out. Students from other classes began pouring in without warning, whispering among themselves and creating a buzz of rumors.
"Whoa—what's going on?! Why is it so crowded all of a sudden? Could it be… they've come to witness my greatness?" I struck a dramatic pose, basking in the imaginary spotlight.
Completely ignoring me, Bakugo stepped forward, his face blank and disinterested.
"They're just here to get a look at the group that survived the villain attack. All they care about is sizing us up before the main event, the damn cowards."
Without sparing anyone another glance, Bakugo kept walking.
"No point trying to talk. Just get out of the way, you damn extras!"
"Don't call people you don't even know extras! That's incredibly rude!" Iida shouted from behind, exasperated.
Then, someone new stepped forward—his disheveled, purple hair falling over tired eyes, dark circles underlining his pale face. He faced Class 1-A calmly, but with something unsettling in his gaze.
"I see… That's disappointing. You know, a lot of us ended up in the General Education Department because we didn't make the cut for Hero Course. But based on Sports Festival results, students can be transferred into the Hero Course."
He paused, then smirked faintly.
"So tell me—why not knock down the hotshots from the Hero Course while they're still on top? Just think of this… as a declaration of war."
And just like that, they all left.
The hallway fell silent.
From that moment on, the hateful murmurs stopped completely.