"If you hadn't been there, I never would have thought about becoming a hero.If you hadn't been there, I would have spent my life just trying to please others.If you hadn't been there, I never would have known what true love is."
—Because you disappeared, I decided to become a hero.
"No costume, huh...""Midoriya's costume is still damaged, right?""Yeah. In a way, staying in my gym uniform actually works better for me...""Ughh... I'm getting nervous! No good, I need to... I need to swallow a person or something...""Ochako-chan, it's too early to be nervous."
It had been two weeks since the USJ villain attack.Class 1-A was now facing the U.A. Sports Festival.
During those two weeks, everyone had spent time preparing and training, taking the grand event seriously.So did he — Izuku Midoriya, determined to prove himself to the hero world as the successor to All Might — the next generation's rising star.
As for the festival, the recent transfer student Wolf Eightis, who joined 1-A two weeks ago, had barely interacted with anyone.Always accompanied by two pro heroes, he was sometimes seen in classes, other times in facility tours, but had hardly shown his face to the rest of the class.
"Wolf-kun... huh. Come to think of it, we don't know anything about his Quirk.""I'm not even sure he understands our language… or what country he's from.""But hey, didn't he say his name in Japanese when we did introductions?"
Midoriya and the others nodded at Sero's comment.Wolf sat silently, head down in his chair.At that, no one felt inclined to talk to him.Even Bakugo — who normally bites at everyone — hadn't approached him.In fact, he didn't even seem to consider Wolf as a rival.
Wolf — Hachiman Hikigaya — considered that a good thing.Especially with the Soubu group avoiding him completely, he felt relieved.If anyone talked to him, his cover might slip.Even Yukino seemed to be making an effort not to get involved, likely because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
(...Wait a minute. Yukinoshita didn't talk to me even two years ago, right?)
So maybe this was fine. Hachiman relaxed a little.When he raised his head, he noticed the wolf mask had shifted slightly from his line of sight and adjusted it by hand.He thought he could fix it with his Quirk during the actual performance, but maybe it was better to secure it now.As he was thinking that, a soft scrape echoed as a chair was pushed back.
One boy stood up and walked over to Midoriya — Shoto Todoroki.
"Midoriya.""Todoroki-kun... what is it?"
Hachiman watched them.The spiky-haired one was the kid who jumped out to protect All Might.He remembered him moving at the same speed as Hiratsuka-sensei.The other was at the USJ too.That surname, Todoroki, and those eyes... he must be the son of Endeavor — Enji Todoroki.
Hachiman recalled the day Endeavor trained him under the guise of "special lessons":
"My son and the sons of those others — Hachiman Hikigaya — will one day compete as heroes! Until then, keep training!""No, come on... your son's obviously a monster. I don't stand a chance."
That prediction, although still incomplete, seemed to be coming true.
"You're under All Might's wing, aren't you?""!!""I'm not here to dig into that... but I will defeat you."
A one-sided declaration of war from Todoroki to Midoriya.It wasn't hostile, nor passionate.Just a statement.His eyes were calm.Hachiman noted that they were somehow different from Endeavor's.
"I don't know why Todoroki-kun wants to beat me... but...""You're stronger than me… most people are… even objectively...""Midoriya, you really shouldn't say stuff like that...""But...!!"
Interrupting Kirishima's attempt to encourage him, Midoriya pressed on:
"Everyone… even the students from other courses are aiming for the top. I can't afford to fall behind. I'm going all out too!"
Hachiman's view of Midoriya shifted — from a timid guy to a timid guy with a strong will.Still, he wasn't particularly interested.The part about being favored by All Might was mildly notable, but not relevant.For what he had to do today, Midoriya was just another student.If anything happened, he'd deal with it.
However—
(...I don't actually know most of their Quirks, huh...)
He only knew the explosive-haired one and the fluffy-haired one.Not ideal.
As that thought ran through his mind, it became time to prepare for the athlete entrance.Iida called to the rest of Class 1-A, leading the charge out of the waiting room.
The students began filing out one by one.
Among them, Yukino glanced briefly at Wolf — at Hachiman.But he didn't return her gaze.
『The U.A. Sports Festival!! The once-a-year all-out battle where aspiring heroes clash with everything they've got!!』
The voice of the Voice Hero, Present Mic, echoed throughout the arena.This was the first-year stadium of the U.A. Sports Festival.While there were hosts for each event, Present Mic had volunteered to do the live commentary for the first-year venue.And among all venues, this one had the tightest security.
Pro Hero Endeavor sat in one of the spectator sections, holding a communication device.
"Report in."『East Gate reporting in — no irregularities at present!』『West Gate here. No issues to report either!』"Good. Maintain vigilance."
As he scanned the arena, his eyes fell on a familiar woman.Pro Hero Sun-Eyes — Haruno Yukinoshita, sitting among acquaintances and chatting in the audience.Beside her was Komachi Hikigaya, Hachiman Hikigaya's younger sister.He recalled having once invited her to live with his family after that incident two years ago. She had politely declined, saying she appreciated the offer.Next to her was a girl with light brown hair in a sailor uniform. She looked familiar too, but just as he tried to place her, Haruno's eyes met his.
Haruno smiled faintly, then turned back toward Komachi and resumed the conversation.Endeavor recalled hearing that the one who proposed the security strategy this year was Sun-Eyes herself.Inside the arena, security was split between physical-type and sensory-type heroes.Given the incident two weeks ago, when villains had used a warp-type quirk to break in, the increase in defense made sense.But knowing Haruno's nature, he doubted she was simply "involved" in security.She was up to something, he suspected.Still, he didn't think even Haruno could be swayed by threats or tricks.He shifted focus—the Sports Festival was starting. He was waiting for his son, Shoto Todoroki, to take the stage.
『I bet you're all thinking the same thing, huh!? These are the miracle rookies who overcame a villain attack with nerves of steel!!』
He twitched and looked toward the entrance gate.It had begun.
『The Hero Course!! First Years!!! It's Class 1-A, rightttt!?』
With Present Mic's energetic shout, a few dozen students stepped out from the gate.Many looked understandably nervous.Among them, Endeavor quickly spotted Shoto.He grinned. Yes... today, you're going to start your climb from here.
(...That face... What's he thinking now, I wonder—)
Sun-Eyes — Haruno Yukinoshita glanced sideways at Endeavor.She had known for a while that he was an overzealous parent.But she hadn't imagined to this extent.The way he stared at Todoroki bordered on overprotection more than simple doting.
『Also! This year we've got one special participant from overseas joining Class 1-A! Look forward to it!!』
Oh, so they're actually announcing that, huh? she thought, looking back toward the 1-A students.Of course, her eyes went to Yukino… and the transfer student Wolf — Hachiman.
When requesting increased security, the Pro Heroes weren't told anything about Hachiman or the League of Villains.They were only warned that a repeat of the USJ attack was possible. That was it.But as the executor of the current plan, Haruno had been fully briefed by U.A. and Yukino.
She was the one handling the final touches of the operation.
"...That mask really doesn't suit you.""Huh? What's wrong, Haruno-san?""Hmm? Oh, nothing at all. More importantly, let's cheer for Yukino-chan and Gahama-chan!""Ah, you're right! Here, take this too!""...What is this?"
The fan she was handed had Yukino and Yui's names written on it, with a big heart as the background.Looking past Komachi, Haruno saw Iroha Isshiki, current student council president of Soubu Middle, also holding a similar fan.But on closer inspection, she noticed Isshiki had another fan, with the name Hayato written on it too.
"Yukinon-senpai, Yui-senpai, do your best!""Come on, Haruno-san, you too!""Okaay~! Yukino-chan, your big sis is watching you~!"
Haruno shut down her emotions, donning her usual mask.This was also a good camouflage, she reminded herself.Normally, she would have shouted Hachiman's name instead and teased him a little, but she wasn't about to sabotage the operation now.
After all —this entire plan was about eliminating Hachiman Hikigaya's escape routes.
"Uuugh... There's so many people...""Indeed.""You seem totally unfazed, Yukinoshita-san.""Of course. Why should I hold back for a bunch of unfamiliar strangers with whom I have no connection? It's rather baffling.""Seriously, your nerves are made of steel... I wanna be like you...""You seem calm too, Kawasaki-san.""Yeah, pretty much."
At the rear of Class 1-A, five students from Soubu Middle were gathered together.Strictly speaking, Kaori Orimoto had only transferred to Soubu partway through, but she was still counted among them.Hachiman, standing at the very back, observed the five.He figured they must have earned their way into U.A.'s Hero Course through sheer effort.
Soubu Middle had a certain tradition:Students with particularly powerful or rare Quirks often ended up attending Soubu.Not everyone did, of course — most didn't.But every year, about ten students would match that category.
Whether the reason was noble or questionable, the main purpose was clear:to instill strong moral values in powerful children, guiding them to use their abilities the right way.
With Quirks like Yui's, which can bring inanimate objects to life, or Kaori's nearly risk-free teleportation, the potential for misuse was high.Only those who demonstrated the right mindset and aptitude would be selected to attend U.A. High School.
(…In other words, Yukinoshita and the others have proven they possess Quirks of significant power.)
Yukinoshita's Quirk involved manipulating water — a common element, but one she could use in countless forms.Yuigahama's was a rare one, capable of turning non-living matter into living beings — practically a "Legendary Rare" Quirk.Totsuka's Quirk was Wings — and not just growing wings, but something more.Kawasaki, if he remembered right, had some Quirk called Impact Conversion or something equally vague.Orimoto's teleportation needed no explanation — rare and powerful.
Hachiman turned his gaze toward Class 1-B, wondering if there were Soubu students there as well.After all, Class B was part of the Hero Course too.
"Yui!""Ah, Yumiko! Hina!""Hallooo~!"
Of course. He looked away instinctively.Yumiko Miura, Hina Ebina — two girls who had been close friends with Yui two years ago.From the looks of it, their friendship had lasted through to the present.He imagined Hayama must also be around.Tobe, with his decent Quirk, likely made it in too.
With five Soubu students in Class 1-A, it wouldn't be strange if there were five more in Class 1-B.There should be one more he hadn't identified.But he couldn't recall who it might be, and even glancing over at Class B didn't help.In truth, Hachiman could only match about ten faces to names from his time at Soubu.
He hadn't expected so many of them to be at U.A., he admitted to himself.Just a coincidence, he muttered, shaking his head, and started trudging slowly back toward the Class 1-A group.
"No movement so far. He's still positioned at the back of Class 1-A.""Understood. ...Scream Fist.""Yes?""What do you think their target is?""...Most likely, it's All Might's assassination."
In a restricted-access corridor beside the audience seating, Pro Hero Ectoplasm and Pro Hero Scream Fist — Shizuka Hiratsuka whispered in hushed voices.Their gaze was fixed on one boy in particular: the one wearing the wolf mask — Hachiman Hikigaya.
"Do you think he's capable of that?""The chance is ten percent at most… but it's still possible.""That's a generous estimate.""He's my former student. And I believe his Quirk has evolved beyond what it was two years ago. Besides, there's no guarantee he'll strike alone — and there are plenty of hostages in this arena.""We should be prepared. We've already asked sensory-type heroes to cooperate. So far, no explosives or suspicious individuals have been detected.""I also heard you've taken precautions against warp-type Quirks. Who's handling that?""Snipe is our fastest hero within U.A., but for broader coverage, we brought in Shinrin Kamui… and for sheer speed — Mirko.""Mirko!? She's here!?"
Hiratsuka grimaced. That was the last name she wanted to hear.Rabbit Hero Mirko — Quirk: Rabbit.An eccentric pro hero with no sidekicks and no agency.Yet despite that, Hiratsuka absolutely could not get along with her.
Mirko had taken an interest in Hiratsuka as a good sparring partner.Despite being younger, Mirko had no concept of holding back — her dictionary was likely full of words like "freedom", but not "restraint".On occasion, she'd drop by Soubu during patrols and forcibly spar with her.
"Ugh... I wanna run away.""I doubt she'll challenge you while on duty...""…I'm clocking out on time today.""That's probably futile, you know? Look—""Heyyyy, Fist!!""You're way too fast, dammit!!"
Speak of the devil—From around the corner of the corridor, long white rabbit ears bounced into view. It was Mirko.She walked up confidently and slapped a hand on Hiratsuka's shoulder.
"Yo! Let's hang out after work!""Denied! I'm working overtime today, thank you very much!"(That's literally the opposite of what you said earlier...)
Ectoplasm wisely kept quiet, not wanting to be the one to suffer Hiratsuka's wrath later.He decided to head toward the audience stands to avoid interfering.
"So? Why'd you call me in on a day like this? I only took the job 'cause the pay was better than usual. You're hiding something, right?"(She's as sharp as ever… it's practically instinctual.)"Did you forget about the villain attack two weeks ago? That's why.""Hah! U.A.'s gone soft, huh! ...So, that guy — you haven't found him yet? That student of yours?""...Not yet.""...But it looks like you've got a lead."
Why does she always know!? Hiratsuka shot her an annoyed glare.That rabbit Quirk wasn't just for show, apparently.With a sigh, she turned toward the stadium entrance.
"Don't worry. I will bring him back.""Damn right you will! That guy's a good fighter.""He started using kick-based techniques because of your influence...""But didn't he also train with Endeavor!? That's just not fair, he should've stuck with just me!""Don't be ridiculous. He learned to control his Quirk from Endeavor first. You're the one who barged in later and taught him hand-to-hand combat."
Hikigaya's Quirk was powerful.But it came with significant risks.To handle that, he'd learned control techniques from Endeavor.Though Hiratsuka had been his mentor, her own Quirk — based on emotional output — made it difficult to teach him full combat strategies.
Hiratsuka's Quirk converted her emotional state into physical capability.When she was fired up, she became a resilient warrior who wouldn't fall.But if her emotions were low, her strength dropped, and only her reflexes slightly improved.
Thus, they'd relied on Endeavor's expertise.However, when Mirko later showed up at Soubu to see Hiratsuka, she also noticed Hachiman and took an interest.
"But that guy can already fight close-quarters using his Quirk, right? He's totally our type!""Close-range is just a backup plan for him… Anyway, it doesn't matter right now. Not while he's still missing…""Quit looking so gloomy, Scream Fist! That guy's smart. People like that don't go down easy.""Fine, fine! When he comes back, I'll let you train him, okay? Now get back on patrol!""Heck yeah, you said it! I'm holding you to that!!"
With a big grin — Gotcha! — Mirko dashed off.Hiratsuka sighed with a bitter smile.
"Hikigaya… Even if you do return… I can already see that countless trials await you."
And she quickly pushed away the thought that she herself was one of the reasons those trials existed.Still, it puzzled her: why did someone like Mirko, a hero who never even kept sidekicks, want so badly to train Hachiman?She turned her gaze toward the boy in the wolf mask, her expression curious and unsure.
In Hachiman's line of sight stood the R-18+ Hero, Midnight, who had stepped onto the announcer's platform.Under her lead, the student oath had just been delivered by the spiky-headed Bakugo, and now Midnight snapped the baton in her hand with a sharp flick.
"Aaalright, let's get right to the first event!""U.A. really does rush into everything, huh.""It's not that sudden, though.""This is what you'd call the prelims! This is where every year, many dreams are shattered! Welcome to Tear Drink!!"
Ochako and Jiro's commentary went completely ignored as Midnight carried on.If she reacted to every remark, she'd never get through the announcements — a wise choice, Hachiman thought with a nod.And no, he definitely was not staring at her. He kept repeating that to himself.
Yukino glanced sharply at Hachiman from behind.Idiot. Don't look this way, you'll blow your cover.Hachiman quickly turned his face away.
"Now then! Our fated first event! This year... it's THIS!!!"
A giant floating screen lit up over the arena, displaying bold letters:
Obstacle Race.
There were 11 first-year classes at U.A., with over 200 students in total.Hachiman let out a sigh, already feeling drained.What kind of school is this...? he muttered internally, half-exasperated, half-impressed.
A regular race with hundreds of runners would be one thing, but an obstacle race using Quirks?This was a whole different game.
With that many people using their powers at once, the course was bound to include interference, chaos, and even accidents.But U.A. could handle it all.They had the manpower, the knowledge, and the funding.
Once again, Hachiman felt the overwhelming reality of the school he was in.
"Now now, everyone get ready and line up..."
Responding to Midnight's sultry invitation, Hachiman moved toward the back of the student lineup.He recalled All For One's instruction: You must pass the preliminaries.It was annoying, but for now, he needed to rank among the top.
(That said, there's no reason to rush ahead right at the start.)
The first of the three starting lights turned off.
Looking ahead, Hachiman figured he could slip through the crowd easily with his Quirk.But then he spotted the first problem.
The gate ahead was narrow.No way hundreds could pass at once — maybe 10 at most could squeeze through.A guaranteed bottleneck.Which meant… he'd just go over it.
The second, then the third light turned off.
Midnight's voice rang out:
"Staaaaaart!!"
The U.A. Sports Festival, First-Year Division, had begun.From this day forward, the face of the hero world would shift — even just slightly.Like melting snow revealing new ground, a fresh new landscape was about to be seen.
And in the midst of the students charging forward, one girl whispered:
"Wait for me. I will catch up to you... and hold you back where you belong."