Chapter 12: The Calm Before the Final Stage

Chapter 12: The Calm Before the Final Stage.

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The second stage of the UA Sports Festival had come to an end. The Cavalry Battle, a chaotic test of strategy and teamwork, had left its mark. Now, only the top four teams remained to advance to the final stage.

In first place stood Team Todoroki, a force to be reckoned with. Shoto Todoroki, silent and unreadable, gripped the ten-million-point headband. By his side, Momo Yaoyorozu adjusted her sleek, jet-black hair, her intelligent eyes betraying a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

"That was close," she murmured, her voice calm but laced with lingering tension. "We were on the verge of being eliminated."

Todoroki said nothing, his gaze fixed on the headband before flickering toward Monoma. He watched the blonde boy from Class 1-B with a cold, analytical glare. Despite claiming first place, Todoroki's expression was far from triumphant. It was as though a shadow loomed over his victory, a subtle dissatisfaction at having been challenged indirectly by someone he deemed beneath his notice.

In second place, Team Bakugo was equally intense. Katsuki Bakugo stood apart from his teammates, his signature scowl etched deep into his features. Mina Ashido, with her vibrant pink hair, shot him a teasing look.

"Why aren't you smiling, Bakugo?" she asked, nudging him playfully. "Second place isn't so bad."

Bakugo's eyes narrowed dangerously as he snarled, "Second place? What the hell am I supposed to do with second place?!" His voice rose to a furious crescendo. "What's the point of this stupid festival if I can't take first?!"

Sero Hanta, ever the peacemaker, sighed and offered a wry smile. "Well, I, for one, am just glad we made it this far. Thanks for pulling together, everyone."

Kirishima clapped him on the back, his shark-toothed grin infectious. "Don't sweat it, Sero. It's teamwork that got us here, after all!"

Mina chimed in, "He's right! We're an awesome team!"

Bakugo turned away from them, his fists clenched. "Tch. Whatever. You're all my enemies in the final round anyway." His words left a chill in the air as he stormed off.

In third place, Team Monoma radiated a quiet confidence. Neito Monoma wore his trademark smirk, flanked by his teammates Kendo, Ibara, and Tetsutetsu. The team stared at their names displayed on the leaderboard, a glimmer of pride in their eyes.

"It's time to get serious," Kendo said with a determined smile.

Monoma, ever the tactician, replied, "We've done well as a team so far, but I suspect this is where our paths diverge."

Tetsutetsu punched the air, his excitement uncontainable. "I can't wait to face you all in the final round, Monoma! Don't you dare get eliminated before me!"

Monoma chuckled, a hint of mischief in his tone. "Oh, don't worry, Tetsutetsu. I wouldn't dream of it."

The fourth and final team to qualify was Team Midoriya. Izuku Midoriya, tears streaming down his face, grinned from ear to ear as he clutched the headband they'd miraculously recovered from Team Todoroki.

"I can't believe we made it," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Ochaco Uraraka glanced toward Iida, who stood a short distance away, his face unreadable. "Iida-kun really surprised me back there," she said. "What was that move called again? Recipro Burst?"

Tokoyami, ever composed, nodded. "Indeed. His speed was extraordinary. He must have been saving that technique for this very moment."

Mei Hatsume, the ever-enthusiastic support course student with her wild pink hair and golden eyes, interjected with a grin. "Well, that's all fine and dandy, but I'm just glad I hitched a ride with you guys to the final stage. Now I can show off my babies to all the big companies watching!"

The announcer's voice boomed across the arena. "And that's a wrap for the second stage! We'll take a ten-minute break before diving into the final round of the UA Sports Festival!"

The Quiet Before the Storm

As the crowd settled down, the arena's bustling energy shifted into a momentary calm. Organizers worked diligently to prepare the bracket for the sixteen students who had advanced. Each one knew that only one victor would emerge.

In the quieter corners of the stadium, Neito Monoma stood alone in one of the brightly lit hallways, his sharp blue eyes reflecting the fluorescent lights. He stared at a vending machine stocked with rows of colorful drinks, muttering to himself.

"Apple juice… Is that the right choice?"

Two men in identical uniforms, members of the UA organizing staff, walked past him, their conversation catching his attention.

"So, who do you think will be the most exciting match?" one asked, glancing at a tablet in his hands.

His colleague grinned. "Oh, definitely the kid who copies quirks versus the explosion boy. That one's going to be explosive—literally."

The first man paused, lowering his voice. "Hey, isn't that the kid who copies quirks? Think he heard us?"

Monoma's lips curled into a faint smile as he watched their retreating figures through the vending machine's reflective surface. He dropped several coins into the slot, selecting three bottles of apple juice.

"Bakugo," he murmured, the name rolling off his tongue like a challenge. "Looks like we'll be facing off much sooner than I expected."

The vending machine whirred, and Monoma grabbed the drinks with deliberate precision. As he turned, his confident smirk softened into something more contemplative.

"Perhaps a gift for Eraser Head wouldn't hurt. Or… should I say, my dear homeroom teacher?"

His quiet laugh echoed faintly as he disappeared into the labyrinthine corridors of the stadium, his steps measured and purposeful. The final stage loomed ever closer, and with it, the chance for Monoma to prove his worth not only to his peers but to himself.

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