Chapter 13: The Final Stage Begins

**Chapter 13: The Final Stage Begins**

The stadium trembled under the weight of the roaring crowd, their cheers echoing like thunder as the final stage of the UA Sports Festival was about to begin. The air was electric, charged with anticipation and the raw energy of the students who had fought tooth and nail to make it this far. High above the arena, perched in the commentator's booth, Present Mic—Yamada Hizashi—leaned into his microphone, his voice booming across the stadium like a cannon shot.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! BOYS AND GIRLS! HEROES AND HEROINES-IN-TRAINING! WELCOME TO THE FINAL STAGE OF THE UA SPORTS FESTIVAL!" His words were met with an even louder eruption of applause, the sound waves nearly shaking the very foundations of the arena. "ARE YOU READY TO WITNESS THE CLASH OF THE TITANS? THE BATTLE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST? LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD!"

Beside him, Aizawa Shota—Eraser Head—sat slumped in his chair, his entire body wrapped in bandages like a mummy. His usual scowl was hidden beneath the layers of gauze, but his tired eyes still managed to convey his signature exasperation. In his hand, he held a plastic bottle of apple juice, the same one Yamada was sipping from. The sight of the two pro heroes sharing a drink was oddly endearing, though Aizawa's expression suggested he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Before we dive into the matchups," Yamada continued, his tone shifting to something slightly more serious, "I'd like to give a shoutout to one of our students, Neito Monoma from Class 1-B, for the thoughtful gift of apple juice he sent to the commentator's booth. Much appreciated, kid! It's keeping us hydrated and ready to hype up this incredible event!"

The camera panned to the students gathered in the waiting area, their reactions a mix of surprise, amusement, and confusion. Itsuka Kendo, the tall and athletic Class 1-B representative, blinked in disbelief, her sharp features softening as she turned to her classmates. "Monoma did *what*?" she muttered, her voice tinged with incredulity. Her orange hair swayed as she shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That guy... always full of surprises."

Monoma himself sat calmly among his peers, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. He was surrounded by his classmates from Class 1-B, both those who had been eliminated and those who had advanced to the final stage. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, his metallic body gleaming under the stadium lights, leaned over and clapped Monoma on the back. "Hey, Monoma! You're up first against Bakugo! You ready to show that explosive jerk what Class 1-B is made of?"

Monoma chuckled, his blue eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, I'm more than ready. Bakugo may have scored the highest in the entrance exam, but this is a different kind of battle. Strategy, wit, and adaptability will decide the winner here." He rose from his seat, smoothing out his uniform with deliberate precision. "I think I'll head to the arena now. Wish me luck, everyone."

His classmates cheered him on, their voices a mix of encouragement and playful banter. As Monoma walked away, his steps were measured and confident, his posture radiating a quiet determination. The camera followed him for a moment, capturing the way his sharp features seemed to glow under the stadium lights. He was a picture of composure, but those who knew him well could see the fire burning in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Bakugo Katsuki was already making his way to the arena, his explosive personality on full display. His spiky blonde hair seemed to bristle with energy, and his crimson eyes burned with an intensity that could melt steel. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, but the occasional spark from his palms betrayed his restless energy. "Tch," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and dangerous. "Monoma, huh? That copycat freak thinks he can take me on? I'll blast him out of the arena before he even has a chance to use his quirk."

The crowd erupted as the two competitors stepped into the arena, their names displayed on the massive screens overhead. Bakugo's scowl deepened as he cracked his knuckles, his eyes locked on Monoma like a predator sizing up its prey. Monoma, on the other hand, maintained his calm demeanor, though his smirk had taken on a sharper edge. He adjusted his gloves, his movements deliberate and calculated.

In the stands, Midoriya Izuku watched the scene unfold with wide eyes, his mind racing a mile a minute. "Kacchan versus Monoma... This is going to be intense," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd. Beside him, Uraraka Ochaco nodded, her round cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Iida-kun, what do you think?" she asked, turning to their class representative. Iida Tenya adjusted his glasses, his expression serious as always.

"Bakugo is undoubtedly strong, but Monoma is a wildcard. His Copy quirk gives him a unique advantage, especially if he can use it effectively against Bakugo's Explosion," Iida replied, his tone analytical. "However, Bakugo's raw power and combat instincts are unmatched. It's hard to predict the outcome."

Midoriya nodded, his green eyes flickering with a mix of admiration and concern. "Kacchan is definitely strong, but Monoma is smart. If he can outthink Kacchan, he might have a chance. Still... Kacchan's determination is something else entirely."

As the students exchanged their thoughts, the rest of the competitors prepared for their own matches. Kirishima Eijiro and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu exchanged grins, their shark-like teeth gleaming as they pumped their fists in the air. "This is gonna be awesome, bro!" Kirishima exclaimed, his red hair spiked up like a flame. "I can't wait to see who's harder—you or me!"

Tetsutetsu laughed, his metallic body clinking as he flexed his muscles. "Bring it on, man! This is gonna be the manliest fight of the festival!"

Elsewhere, Ibara Shiozaki stood quietly, her vine-like hair swaying gently as she clasped her hands in prayer. Her serene expression contrasted sharply with the fiery determination in Kaminari Denki's eyes as he cracked his knuckles. "Alright, Shiozaki! Let's see if your vines can handle my electricity!" he called out, his usual goofy grin replaced by a look of fierce determination.

Yaoyorozu Momo and Tokoyami Fumikage exchanged polite nods, their mutual respect evident in their calm demeanor. "May the best of us win," Momo said, her voice steady and composed. Tokoyami nodded, his dark shadow, Dark Shadow, peeking out from his cloak with a mischievous grin.

Uraraka and Kendo shared a friendly smile, though the competitive spark in their eyes was unmistakable. "Good luck, Kendo-san!" Uraraka said, her voice cheerful. Kendo grinned, her fists clenched in determination. "You too, Uraraka! Let's give it our all!"

As the final preparations were made, the tension in the air was palpable. The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as Cementoss, the pro hero and referee for the matches, stepped into the arena. His towering figure cast a long shadow over the battlefield, and his deep voice boomed across the stadium.

"Competitors, take your positions!" he announced, his tone firm and authoritative. "The first match of the final stage is about to begin. Bakugo Katsuki versus Monoma Neito. Ready... BEGIN!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as the two competitors faced off, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Bakugo's palms crackled with explosive energy, while Monoma's smirk widened, his mind already racing with strategies. The final stage had begun, and the stakes had never been higher.