"So, how does it feel? That overwhelming victory you just earned?"
The voice came just as I was enjoying a moment of solitude.
It was him—my father, wrapped in bandages like a walking mummy.
"Hm... Honestly? I'm just glad to see Midoriya that happy. He was crying from how moved he was."
My father let out a soft, bittersweet chuckle as he approached, gently ruffling my hair.
"If you have the ability to stand at the top... then why not aim for it?"
I puffed my cheeks in protest.
"As long as there's the will, there's always a way. But that's just it, Dad—I don't have that will. You know I came here just to see you smile. I'd rather let those who truly fight tooth and nail for it take that place. I may have the right, but that doesn't mean I should feel burdened by the expectation to reach the top."
He didn't respond immediately. His hand stayed on my head for a moment, then suddenly tousled it roughly in irritation.
"Geez, what a troublesome kid... Then what if I told you I want you to stand at the top?"
"Then I'll reach it."
He frowned deeply, a crease forming between his brows. His tone was laced with curiosity.
"And why's that?"
"Because a parent's wish... is absolute to me. To me, a parent is like a second god."
His eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"Well... That's not the answer I expected. But still... thank you."
I grinned mischievously.
"Then can I hug you now?"
He flinched, clearly caught off guard.
"Y-Yeah, fine... Just—make it quick. No one else is around anyway."
His body leaned back a bit as I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around him tightly, my face flushed with quiet warmth.
"You're a terrible liar, you know," I teased.
He let out a soft laugh, replying with a gentle pat on my head.
"Brat."
***
"Well then... Time to head back. I've got to return to the announcer's booth," Dad said as he began walking slowly toward the stadium. I followed behind him at a much more sluggish pace.
"So, the next match is against 'Vs', huh? Ugh... I'm really not in the mood. Is it okay if I just give up?"
Dad glanced over his shoulder, frowning. The expression on his face clearly showed he was displeased.
"What are you saying, Tsukasa? You've made it this far and now you want to give up?"
I let out a long sigh.
"Alright, Dad. I'll do my best. Just... tell me—do I have to win?"
He stopped and looked at me, his gaze deep and probing, as if trying to read something hidden within me.
"Do your best to win. If you lose because your opponent was stronger, I'll accept that."
Hearing that, I gave a small smile.
"Got it, Dad. Loud and clear."
Our footsteps finally brought us to the stadium gates. And then—
Right in front of me, my jaw dropped. My eyes widened at the sight.
The girls from Class 1-A... wearing cheerleader outfits. Their faces were a perfect mix of gloom and annoyance.
Dad slapped his forehead—forgetting, it seemed, that some of his injuries hadn't fully healed. Meanwhile, Present Mic stood frozen, his eyes bulging as he tried to hold back laughter.
[CLASS A, WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING???!!!] Present Mic shouted, his voice cracking just as his laughter exploded.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS THINKING!? IDIOTS!!" I shouted, my face flushed with embarrassment—but even I couldn't stop the laugh that escaped me.
The girls of Class A stood stiffly, clearly fuming, their lips pressed tight as they glared absolute daggers at Kaminari and Mineta, who were obviously behind this disaster.
Wiping away a few stray tears from laughing, Present Mic straightened up and gestured toward a floating hologram. It shifted and glowed, displaying the updated tournament bracket.
[ALRIGHT, THAT'S ENOUGH OF CLASS A'S LITTLE COMEDY ACT! TIME TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ROUND... THE TOURNAMENT BATTLES BEGIN NOW!!!]