In modern society, the rules of the Olympic Games were no longer suitable.
After all, in an era where Quirks ran rampant and "superhumans" existed everywhere, traditional competitions had long lost their meaning. In their place, the U.A. Sports Festival had become the new national spectacle—one that surpassed the Olympics in popularity and influence.
The purpose of the Sports Festival was simple: discover talent.
Students who performed exceptionally well would draw the attention of professional Hero agencies watching from the stands. They might receive internship invitations, gain hands-on experience, and even secure future employment before graduation.
Joining a famous Hero agency meant not only better training—but also greater media exposure and public recognition.
And every year, the Sports Festival was broadcast live nationwide.
It was a grand event that gathered the country's top Heroes.
"But Sensei…"
Yaoyorozu Momo raised her hand, her expression uneasy. Ever since Masata had been injured, she had become noticeably more sensitive.
"We were just attacked by villains. Is it really okay to hold the Sports Festival now?"
Aizawa Shouta paused for a moment before replying.
"…The school's stance is clear," he said calmly.
"They want to show the villains how resilient U.A.'s crisis-response system is—by holding the Sports Festival as scheduled."
"This year's security will be five times stronger than usual."
Then he looked around the classroom.
"And for you," Aizawa continued,
"this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Events like this can be canceled under extraordinary circumstances—but if you miss it, you won't get another chance."
"There are only three Sports Festivals in your entire high-school career."
"For you… this is something you absolutely cannot afford to miss."
After saying that, Aizawa turned around.
"That's all. Prepare yourselves."
With that, he left the classroom.
The moment the door closed—
The room exploded.
"I feel like my whole body's on fire!"
"As long as you stand out, you'll take a huge step toward becoming a pro Hero!"
Kirishima Eijiro led the charge, shouting enthusiastically now that Masata's condition had been confirmed as stable.
"Masata, does your body still feel uncomfortable?"
Yaoyorozu hurried to his seat, Ochaco following closely behind her.
"Relax," Masata said casually, waving his arm.
"You know how tough my body is. The injuries are mostly healed—it's just my stamina that hasn't fully recovered yet. That'll take a few more days."
"That's great…"
Both girls visibly relaxed. The Sports Festival was something they had been looking forward to just as much as everyone else.
Then—
"M-Masata! Yaoyorozu!"
Ochaco suddenly clenched her fists, her entire demeanor shifting.
"Let's all do our best at the Sports Festival!"
She raised her fists excitedly. "I'm going all out!"
Yaoyorozu froze.
She stared at Ochaco in disbelief.
"…She has this side too?"
Masata burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! Yeah, let's give it everything we've got!"
"I always thought Ochaco was just cheerful," Yaoyorozu muttered, stunned.
"…Why is everyone around me so passionate?"
She glanced at Masata, who was laughing loudly, and black lines appeared on her forehead.
"Is this really okay…?"
A hesitant voice suddenly spoke up.
Everyone turned.
It was Minoru Mineta.
Although Mineta had grown much braver than before—no longer crying at the first sign of danger—his naturally timid temperament hadn't completely disappeared. He still felt uneasy about holding a massive event like the Sports Festival so soon after the USJ incident.
"…What?"
Masata raised an eyebrow.
"Grape, I thought you'd grown into a man."
"Real men don't fear villains who can only sneak around!" Masata continued confidently.
"And on Sports Festival day, famous Heroes from all over the country will be there."
"If villains show up again, even better—
we'll wipe them out in one sweep!"
As he spoke, flames flickered faintly in Masata's eyes.
The memory of Nomu, the monster that had nearly killed him, still burned deep in his mind.
"That's right, Mineta-san," Midoriya Izuku added earnestly.
"U.A.'s motto says the same thing. A true Hero is someone who breaks through crises instead of avoiding them."
"By the way…"
Kirishima suddenly remembered something.
"Isn't the final event of the Sports Festival always one-on-one combat?"
"…Now that you mention it," Kaminari nodded.
"Even if the events change, the finals always test individual combat ability."
The moment those words landed—
Bakugo Katsuki stood up.
He shoved his way through the crowd and stopped in front of Masata.
"Listen up, magma bastard."
Bakugo had his hands in his pockets, his head lowered so his expression couldn't be seen.
"This Sports Festival is mine."
"I'll crush you in the finals."
After throwing down those words, Bakugo turned and walked toward the door.
Two days ago at USJ, when Bakugo and Kirishima reached the central pool, the battle was already nearly over.
All he saw were injured teachers, unconscious classmates, magma-scarred ground—and Nomu struggling inside it.
If I were stronger…
If I had arrived faster…
Bakugo's pride burned painfully inside him.
He wasn't as heartless as he pretended to be. Beneath his explosive temperament lay fierce self-blame—just like All Might's.
This wasn't just provocation.
It was recognition.
"Hahahaha!"
Masata laughed loudly.
"Don't worry, Bakugo! I'll be waiting for you in the finals!"
"Just don't get eliminated early—or I'll be bored!"
"Shut up, bastard!"
Bakugo slammed the door and left.
"…Masata," Yaoyorozu said cautiously,
"your relationship with Bakugo is really… terrible."
"Huh? Terrible?"
Masata scoffed.
"What are you talking about?"
"My relationship with Bakugo is great."
He crossed his arms proudly.
"This is the friendship of men."