"Masata, you're incredible! I couldn't even catch up to you!"
Uraraka Ochaco bounced in front of Igarashi Masata, her eyes shining with pure admiration.
As the qualifiers ended, all of Class A regrouped on the field, gathering beneath the massive screens suspended around the stadium.
"Haha, you did great too, Ochaco. Sixth place," Masata said with a grin, pointing up at the rankings.
At that moment, Midnight had already finalized the list of students who passed the qualifiers, displaying it prominently on the big screen.
The top six were all from Class A.
First was Igarashi Masata, followed by Todoroki Shoto and Bakugo Katsuki, whose raw power was unquestionable. Then came Midoriya Izuku, who surged forward at the last moment, followed by Yaoyorozu Momo, who advanced through careful cooperation—and finally Uraraka Ochaco.
"…Our class really is strong. Almost everyone made it," Yaoyorozu said excitedly. Fifth place was already a result she was more than satisfied with.
"…Nope. Looks like my little brother didn't make it."
Masata scanned the list again, then sighed. Mineta failing was… honestly not unexpected.
"That guy didn't get disqualified for harassing someone, did he? Wouldn't surprise me."
Though Masata didn't guess the real reason, the outcome was about right.
Nearby, Bakugo Katsuki stared at the screen in silence. Fourth place.
Not only had he been overtaken—he'd been crushed by Midoriya Izuku.
His expression looked like someone who had eaten three cans of spoiled fish and chased them down with a bottle of questionable mineral water.
Todoroki Shoto didn't look much better. Third place wasn't enough. His father was watching from the stands, and to Todoroki, anything short of first might as well be failure.
"Izuku! That was amazing!"
Masata's eyes lit up as he walked over to Midoriya Izuku, who was still catching his breath.
"It was just luck… and if it weren't for Yaoyorozu's equipment, I—"
"Luck is part of strength," Masata interrupted loudly. "And you beat Bakugo."
He made sure to emphasize that last part.
As expected, Bakugo's glare snapped toward Izuku like a loaded weapon.
"Deku! You'd better enjoy it while it lasts—I'll blow your head off next time!"
Before things escalated, Midnight stepped forward and clapped her hands.
"Alright! Everyone who passed the qualifiers, don't relax yet! From here on out, the real competition begins! The media will be watching every move you make—so don't disappoint!"
She swept her arm dramatically.
"And now—our second event!"
The massive movement sent waves through the crowd.
"Horseback Battle!"
The words flashed onto the screen behind her, drawing murmurs of curiosity from the audience.
"I know this one surprises you, so let me explain," Midnight continued.
"The rules are similar to the horseback battles you've played before—but with a twist."
"Each participant is assigned a point value based on their ranking in the qualifiers."
"Teams may consist of two to four people, forming a single 'horse.' The total value of the horse depends on the riders."
Masata immediately understood the implication. He preferred solo combat, not coordination—but strategy wasn't his strong suit anyway.
Instinctively, he glanced at Yaoyorozu Momo.
She was already looking at him.
Clearly, she'd reached the same conclusion.
"The lowest-ranked participant is worth five points. Every rank higher adds five more."
Midnight paused, smiling.
"And first place is worth—"
"TEN MILLION POINTS."
The stadium erupted.
Every gaze immediately locked onto Igarashi Masata.
Students from other classes looked at him with open hostility. Knock Masata out, steal his headband, and victory would be all but guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Class A's eyes burned with excitement. They'd seen Masata's performance at USJ. Teaming up with him meant survival—and progress.
Unfortunately for them, Masata ignored everyone and walked straight to Yaoyorozu Momo and Uraraka Ochaco.
"Let's form a team. Just the three of us."
Neither girl hesitated.
The team was formed instantly.
Around them, students scrambled to recruit partners. Kirishima Eijiro originally wanted to team up with Masata, but seeing the two girls already there, he awkwardly backed off and was promptly dragged into Bakugo's team instead.
During the chaos, Hatsume Mei enthusiastically approached Masata, proposing a team-up to gain publicity.
Masata rejected her without mercy.
The resentful look Yaoyorozu Momo shot him afterward made him feel… slightly guilty.
With no other choice, Hatsume Mei joined Midoriya Izuku, who was still struggling to find teammates. Iida Tenya, eager to compete with Izuku, joined immediately, and together they recruited the silent Tokoyami Fumikage.
Midnight's voice rang out again.
"Attention! The horseback battle lasts fifteen minutes! Points will be displayed as headbands worn by the riders!"
"If your headband is taken or your horse breaks apart, you're not eliminated—but if the rider touches the ground, that team is out immediately!"
"And any team that deliberately causes malicious injury will be disqualified!"
"The match begins in fifteen minutes!"
Yaoyorozu turned to Masata. "So… who's the rider?"
Masata laughed. "Definitely not me. I'm built like a tank—there's no way you're carrying me."