Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Sports Festival Begins
Chapter 5: The Sports Festival Begins
The roar of the crowd echoed like thunder through the grand coliseum. Cameras zoomed and panned, capturing every inch of the sprawling arena, its sheer scale leaving no doubt as to the significance of the event. The stands, filled with spectators waving banners and flags, shimmered with energy. Each cheer, each chant, reverberated in waves that seemed to shake the very ground beneath the participants' feet. The festival was more than a tradition; it was a spectacle of hope, power, and promise.
At the entrance tunnel, anticipation hung thick in the air. The voice of Present Mic, the exuberant commentator Yamada Hizashi, boomed across the stadium.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! LET'S GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF HERO SOCIETY—CLASS 1-A!"
A deafening cheer erupted as the students of Class 1-A strode into the arena. Their faces were lit with a mixture of pride and determination, each step underscoring their unique journeys. Yamada's voice carried a weight that reminded the audience of their past triumphs.
"These young heroes have faced the League of Villains head-on, risking their lives in the USJ incident! Side by side with their teachers and the legendary All Might, they stood against real danger. They've stared death in the face—and lived to tell the tale!"
The applause grew even louder, but among the crowd were murmurs of awe and whispers of the students' bravery. Leading the group was Kirishima Eijiro, his spiky red hair catching the sunlight. His wide grin beamed confidence as he spoke to his classmates.
"I didn't expect this kind of welcome! It's way more positive than I thought it'd be!"
Behind him, Mineta Minoru adjusted his purple orbs of hair, his short stature almost hidden among his peers. He glanced nervously at the cheering crowd.
"Are they… really cheering for me? Even though I didn't do much that day?" he muttered, half in disbelief.
Midoriya Izuku followed close behind, his green hair tousled from a mixture of nerves and excitement. His hands fidgeted as he looked at the countless faces in the stands.
"I hope this crowd doesn't throw me off my game," he murmured under his breath. His voice carried a quiet resolve, despite the tremor in his tone.
High above, seated in the commentator's booth, Yamada leaned toward his companion, the ever-stoic Aizawa Shota. Swathed in bandages and looking more like a walking mummy than a teacher, Aizawa's indifferent gaze followed his students' entrance.
"Hey, Mummy Man! You must be proud of your kids, huh?" Yamada teased, a broad grin on his face.
Aizawa, true to form, replied with a calm, measured tone.
"No. They've got a long way to go."
Yamada chuckled, shaking his head.
"Man, you're one tough teacher."
From another tunnel, the students of Class 1-B gathered, their golden-haired leader at the forefront. Monoma Neito stood tall, his cold blue eyes scanning the arena with calculated precision. His confident smirk was unshakable as he turned to his classmates.
"Raise your heads!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the din like a blade. "We won't be welcomed as they were, but mark my words—we are better than Class 1-A. Today, we prove to the world that our class will produce heroes capable of saving thousands, no, millions of lives!"
The intensity in his tone sent a ripple of determination through his peers. They met his gaze with solemn nods, their expressions hardening with resolve.
Yamada's voice rose again, signaling the next group.
"And now, give it up for Class 1-B! They may not have faced the limelight like their counterparts, but they're here to show us that greatness isn't exclusive to Class 1-A!"
The applause that greeted them was respectable but subdued, a stark contrast to the uproar that had welcomed their rivals. Still, Monoma walked with the same calm confidence, his head high as he led his class into the arena.
Behind them, the students of Class 1-C, led by the sharp-eyed Shinsou Hitoshi, entered in quieter formation. Their violet-haired leader's intense gaze swept over the arena, unbothered by the lesser enthusiasm for their arrival.
The procession continued as Yamada introduced the remaining classes, each receiving varying levels of cheers from the crowd. Finally, all the students converged in the center of the arena, their collective presence a testament to the scale of the event. The energy shifted as the vibrant Midnight took the stage.
Standing atop the grand platform, her black hair cascading down her back and her red-rimmed glasses gleaming in the sunlight, Midnight addressed the crowd. Her radiant smile and commanding presence silenced the murmurs.
"Welcome, one and all, to the U.A. Sports Festival! Today, we celebrate not just strength, but determination, growth, and the indomitable spirit of heroism!"
Her motivational words resonated across the arena, igniting the resolve of every student. They exchanged glances, the sheer number of competitors reminding them of the mountain they had to climb. Midnight continued, her tone rising with anticipation.
"To kick things off, let me hand over the mic to the top scorer of the Entrance Exam. Bakugo Katsuki, take the stage!"
All eyes turned to Bakugo, whose spiky blond hair and intense crimson eyes exuded raw power. He smirked, his sharp features shadowed by his overbearing confidence. Monoma's eyes narrowed, recalling Bakugo's arrogance during their previous encounter.
Bakugo strode toward the platform, his every step oozing defiance. As he reached the microphone, a hush fell over the arena. He leaned in, his voice sharp and unyielding.
"Sensei, I swear—I'll be number one."
The crowd erupted into frenzied cheers, their excitement shaking the stadium. But among the students, his words sparked irritation. Many clenched their fists, their frustration with Bakugo's cocky demeanor evident.
In the ranks of Class 1-B, some students bristled with anger, their murmurs growing louder. Monoma silenced them with a sharp glance, his tone calm yet firm.
"What are you doing? We're not here for arguments. Let the games speak for themselves. Actions, not words, define a hero."
His composure steadied his classmates, their resolve solidifying once more. Meanwhile, Bakugo returned to his class, only to face a mix of reprimands and exasperation from his peers.
"You're just making everyone hate us more!" Kirishima scolded, but Bakugo dismissed him with a scoff, his indifference as fiery as his personality.
Back on the platform, Midnight's smile widened as she clapped her hands.
"Well then, let's see what challenge fate has in store for you first!"
The screens lit up, cycling through the list of games before landing on the first event: Obstacle Race. Midnight's voice rang out, brimming with enthusiasm.
"The rules are simple! Run a full lap around U.A. High, starting and ending at this very gate. The first to cross the finish line wins!"
As the instructions sunk in, Monoma turned to his classmates, his voice low but commanding.
"Stay close to each other. I have a plan for this..."
The tension thickened as the students braced themselves. The U.A. Sports Festival had begun.
.
~ More Chapters ;
patr eon. com/Sakana0