Chapter 106 Shoto v/s Akira

As the battles progressed, only a few truly mattered in Akira's eyes. The majority of competitors from other classes were just there to fill the ranks.

Time flew by, and before long, the battle between Todoroki and Bakugo had reached its climax.

"Bakugo Katsuki is unable to continue! Shoto Todoroki advances to the next round!" Midnight's announcement rang across the stadium.

The audience erupted into cheers, celebrating another thrilling match.

Bakugo lay at the edge of the ring, staring up at the sky, his eyes filled with frustration. He had been so close—just a little more, and he could have turned the tide. But there were no second chances in a real fight.

"Due to the severe damage to the arena, the next match will begin in one hour!" Present Mic informed the crowd.

Despite their disappointment at the delay, the audience was still riding the high of Bakugo and Todoroki's battle. Even Endeavor, who had been watching intently, seemed taken aback by his son's growth.

For the first time, he found himself acknowledging that U.A.'s education might not be as flawed as he once believed.

---

Todoroki sat on a bench, catching his breath. His fight against Bakugo had been a grueling one. Across from him, Akira leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

"That match must've taken a toll on you," Akira said. "Think you can recover in time?"

Todoroki exhaled and sat up straighter. "I won't be at full strength, but I fought for this chance. I won't waste it." His tone was calm but determined.

Both of them knew—whoever won the previous fight earned the right to face Akira.

Akira smirked. "That's the spirit. Just don't push yourself too hard. We're leaving for the U.S. tonight—you don't want to be limping onto the plane."

Todoroki let out a small chuckle at that.

Akira glanced at Midoriya, who was still nursing his arms. "As for that guy, he went all in again. If not for Recovery Girl, he might have to sit out our trip."

At the mention of America, Todoroki's eyes flickered with something unreadable. He hesitated before speaking.

"I looked into it… The school we're attending, aside from being called Brave Academy, also has another name."

Akira raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What is it?"

"'Hell Academy.'"

Akira shrugged. "Makes sense. If you want to reach the top, you have to be willing to go through hell to get there."

Their eyes met for a brief moment. Akira had the strange feeling that Todoroki knew something more.

"What do you know?" Akira asked, narrowing his eyes.

Todoroki quickly looked away, giving a faint smile. "Nothing. Just something I read online—people calling it that because of how brutal the training is."

Akira didn't push further. Instead, he gave a light nod. "Well, focus on the match for now. Worry about that later."

---

"The match you've all been waiting for is finally here! A showdown between two of U.A.'s finest—Kitagawa Akira and Shoto Todoroki!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium.

Both fighters entered the ring from opposite sides.

"This is it! The most anticipated battle of this year's Sports Festival!" someone in the crowd shouted.

"Yeah! One is the apprentice of the Number One Hero, the other is the son of the Number Two Hero! This is going to be insane!"

The excitement in the air was electric.

---

"Hey! Shouldn't you be resting, Bakugo?" Kaminari called out in surprise.

Everyone turned to see Bakugo standing beside them, his body wrapped in bandages.

"Yeah, Kacchan, you should take it easy," Midoriya added.

"Tch! I don't need you worrying about me!" Bakugo snapped.

In his mind, he should have been the one standing in that ring. His loss to Todoroki still burned.

Kaminari grinned. "Still, you have to admit, this is the match of the tournament. Anyone who misses it is gonna regret it!"

Bakugo clicked his tongue. "Shut up, idiot. You're distracting me."

With that, all eyes turned back to the ring. The real fight was about to begin.