Chapter 20: Before the Festival

-On a hospital-

"I assume that we have a deal." Ronald Mayhew said to the old man in the hospital bed.

"This is an agreement. I don't make deals anymore. Understood?" The old man said. The special agent just smiles and bows before leaving.

As the two men leave, the old man's shoulders relax. He cracks his neck and breathes a sigh of relief.

"That rat. I'm too old for this."

…

In the cafeteria, four students were eating at a table. It was Momo, Denki, Kyouka/Jirou, and Araki.

"Why I applied for the hero course?" Araki asks while snacking on some chips.

"Yeah! I just want to know." Denki said cheerfully. Momo and Jirou are both as curious but they didn't ask more. Seeing their gazes, especially Momo, Araki answered.

"This may be unheroic and questionable, however, I'm in pursuit of someone." Hearing this, everyone was surprised except for Momo.

'I knew that wasn't normal. Whoever that is, they must have done something bad to Araki in the past. Like...' Momo thought to herself. The two girls didn't intend to ask more but their dunce friend is pretty ignorant about things like that.

"So, is it like a revenge thing? Coo-"

"Denki!" Momo calls out to him. Jirou also stabs him with his earphone jack making him vibrate in pain. Before that can happen though, Araki stops them.

"It's okay. It was more of a vendetta than revenge. You know, that 'you killed my family!' sort of thing. What about you guys?"

Finishing their meal, a purple-haired guy enters their frame. Seeing him, the four immediately had a Deja Vu of someone they know. However, they waited for him to speak.

"You guys are from Class 1-A, right?" the guy asks. The four just look at each other.

"Yeah, why?" Araki asks, with a mischievous smile on his face. Seeing Araki's expression, the man can't help but smile. However, what he finds out made him knit his eyebrows. He didn't bother though and expressed his intention.

"Nothing. I just hope that you guys don't get arrogant and underestimate us just like your other classmates. We also want to transfer to the hero course, after all." This made Araki's expression returned to normal. Jirou, who watched him closely, was speechless at his mood swings.

'…'

…

A black mass of darkness enters a bar. Along with him is a thin adult in a black shirt with dry-looking skin. Quickly opening the T.V., the black mass of darkness spoke.

"Master, we're back. We're also safe. Although Tomura is a bit dazed, he was back to normal."

Seconds of silence after, the T.V. omitted a static noise before a voice spoke.

"Report everything that happened to me. It seems that you both have to lay low for a while." Hearing the voice, the sullen Shigaraki jumped in aggression.

"Master! The symbol of hope is in full health! All Might is healthy!" Tomura said, pissed.

"I assure you that he's not." The voice replies.

"Then how did he defeat your gift?!"

"We've just underestimated him. That's enough. Stay there for a while and don't come out without my permission. They'll soon arrive, so I hope you get along with them."

"Them?" Tomura asks. However, the T.V. just returns to a static noise and no one answered him.

…

"Media personnel! This way to your entrance! Esteemed guests, here's yours! The Annual U.A. Sports Festival is about to start!" Present Mic's voice reverberates throughout the venue entrance.

Because of U.A.'s popularity and the popularity of the event, U.A. is brimming with people. There are also countless stands offering all kinds of products from hero merchandise to food to souvenirs. Other pro heroes are also on standby while some are enjoying the event.

Minutes later, in the big stadium filled with thousands of people, the lights highlight the entrance.

"Everyone! Ready yourselves as the start of the annual U.A. Sports Festival starts now!"

" " " "UOOOHHHHHHHH" " " "

The audience screamed with excitement as Present Mic starts the event.

"Introducing our contestants! Being one of the classes that were successful in fending off a villain attack with their heroic spirit! Let's welcome with warm applause! The First-Year Hero course, Class 1-A!!!"

…

Entering through the tunnel, most of the students are nervous. This type of experience was the first time for most of them.

"Woa-oa-oah! There are so many people!" Sero exclaims.

"Are the ladies watching me? They should as I would defeat everyone here." Mineta said as his eyes dart all around the stadium seats. Everyone in turn stood far from him.

Soon, all the contestants were introduced. Different courses were gathered in the middle of the field with a stage in front. On the stage, the R-rated hero, Midnight is standing.

"For the event's athlete's oath-taking ceremony, welcome to the stage – your year representative, Katsuki Bakugo!" Everyone looks at Class 1-A after hearing this. Even class 1-A thought of the reasons why he was the representative and thought of the entrance exam.

"Athlete's oath?" Bakugo surveys the crowd of students. There, he sees his target and stared at the three intently. Araki, Izuku, and Shoto all have different reactions. One looked back at him with a challenging look, one was intimidated, and the last was reactionless.

"I'm gonna take the first place!" His 'speech' cause not only the students but also the audience to erupt in anger, excitement, and pure hype. However, Bakugo didn't bother with them and returned to his position.

"What an enthralling oath. I feel the drive in those words. Since we're finished here, What are we waiting for? Let's start the games."

Everyone went silent as they wanted to hear the contents of the first round.

"For the first event of the first years… Let's start with the classic – Obstacle Course Race!"

"As long as you don't go out of the course, everything's A-okay. Now, racers, to your positions!"

Hearing this, everyone immediately hurried to the event entrance. Students were pushing each other just to get a place in the tunnel.

"ON YOUR MARKS!" This time, Present Mic took over the commentary.

"SET!"

"AND… GO!"

The loud noise of the green light caused everyone to rush in a hurry. With the rewards of the competition, the dreamful youths all ran on the field.

…

"Bet? Sir, I don't think we're allowed to do that." The nurse said apologetically. The old man just gave a hearty laugh before countering.

"It's just a kid' betting game, no harm in playing." The old man said while watching the U.A. sports festival with a smile.

"Okay then. What's the wager, sir?" The nurse accepts.

"If my grandson wins the first place, give me a candy. The sour bear one that Araki is frequently munching on."

"Not that I don't believe in Araki sir, but if he doesn't?"

"I'll grant you one request." "E-eeeeehhhhhh????"

The nurse was surprised by the imbalance. Being his personal nurse, the background of the old man isn't a secret to her. Knowing so, she knows the value of that one request he wagered her.

Without paying her any attention, the old man focused on the television. His smile soon lessened when he thought of something.

'Kai, are you watching this? Even if you two have bad blood, I hope you're supporting your brother too.'