MHA; Its me, Monoma!

Chapter 09: The Knight's Gambit

The grand hall, where the UA Sports Festival had taken place, now stood eerily silent. Midnight's sultry voice echoed through the vast space as she finished explaining the rules of the Cavalry Battle. The audience held its breath, awaiting the chaos that was sure to follow. For now, an unnatural stillness blanketed the hall, broken only by the faint rustle of students shifting in their places.

Neito Monoma stood among his peers, his sharp, blue-gray eyes glinting with thought beneath his golden blond hair. His gaze darted across the room, observing how students from various classes began sizing each other up, heads turning left and right in search of suitable teammates. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he mused, "Well, I expected smaller groups to form eventually. But I didn't exactly plan for who I'd be teaming up with."

Around him were the sixteen students of Class 1-B who had successfully advanced to this stage. The rest had fallen short, leaving these survivors to carry the class's banner. Monoma's voice cut through the tension. "Alright, listen up, everyone," he declared, his voice steady and commanding. "We need to form four teams of four. That's the best strategy for Class 1-B. Allies now, not enemies. And when the game begins, target Class 1-A and the others."

The students nodded in unison, their faces set with determination. Itsuka Kendo, her orange hair tied back in a neat ponytail, stepped forward, her calm eyes meeting Monoma's. "But Monoma," she said evenly, "how are we supposed to decide on the teams?"

Monoma returned her gaze with a nonchalant smile. "I haven't thought about that part yet," he admitted with a chuckle, shrugging. "Pick whoever you want."

A heavy silence fell over the group, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on them. Suddenly, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu's hand clapped onto Monoma's shoulder with a loud thud, pulling him slightly closer. "In that case," Tetsutetsu declared confidently, "I'm with Monoma!"

Before anyone could respond, Kendo's hands expanded to an enormous size. She grabbed both Monoma and Ibara Shiozaki in one swift motion, her wide grin disarming yet firm. "Excuse me, everyone," she said playfully, already sprinting away with her captives. "These two are with me!"

The remaining students of Class 1-B erupted in protest, their voices rising in a chaotic mix of indignation and laughter. "Hey, no fair!" one of them shouted, while others scrambled to claim their own teammates. Within moments, alliances were forming, though not in the orderly manner anyone had anticipated.

Meanwhile, Monoma, ensnared by Kendo's massive hand, could only move his head. He glanced at his captors, Kendo and the serene, green-haired Ibara. "Well," he said with a dry smile, "this is the best team I could imagine myself in. But we still need a fourth member."

Tetsutetsu, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed, strode over to the trio. He placed a firm hand on Kendo's shoulder, his frustration palpable. "Then count me in!" he demanded, his voice brimming with resolve.

Kendo's expression flickered with slight alarm at his intensity, but she quickly nodded. Monoma, on the other hand, broke into a sly, almost mischievous grin. "Oh, my dear teammates," he began, his voice dripping with mock reverence, "this is a team destined not just to qualify, but to dominate!"

The three of them—Kendo, Ibara, and Tetsutetsu—exchanged glances, their initial skepticism giving way to small, knowing smiles. "I only need you to qualify," Monoma clarified, his tone suddenly earnest. "Not to take first place. We just need to be one of the top four teams. That's all I ask."

As Kendo finally released her grip, returning her hands to their normal size, Tetsutetsu chuckled, puffing out his chest with pride. "Oh, come on, man. Don't embarrass me like that!"

Across the room, the remaining students of Class 1-B glanced warily at Monoma's newly formed team. "We're not letting them outshine us, right?" one muttered.

"Right!" came the unified response, their determination reigniting.

The frantic scramble for teammates continued as the seconds ticked away, tension mounting with each passing moment. Finally, Midnight's voice cut through the commotion. "That's enough!" she announced, raising her flag high. "Team formation time is over!"

The roar of the audience filled the hall once again, their excitement palpable. The ever-energetic Present Mic, also known as Yamada, shouted into his microphone, his voice booming. "Alright, folks! Thanks for waiting! The teams are ready, and the second round is about to begin! Are you ready?!"

The crowd responded with thunderous cheers, the entire arena vibrating with their enthusiasm.

Workers began distributing headbands to each team. Monoma, already perched atop Tetsutetsu's broad shoulders, received his headband from a staff member. The crisp white fabric bore the number 320 in bold red letters. He tied it around his head with deliberate care, the number gleaming under the stadium lights.

"This," he said, his voice firm and resolute, "is the knight's burden. The success or failure of this team rests entirely on my shoulders. And I'll carry it."

Kendo, standing behind him with Ibara, crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You know," she remarked, "it's not exactly noble for two girls to be carrying you. We should be the knights. We're lighter."

Monoma shot her a knowing grin. "Ah, but true nobility lies in taking on the weight of responsibility," he countered, his tone teasing yet unyielding.

As the teams assembled, Midnight raised her hand. "Let the countdown begin!" she declared.

Kendo's determined gaze locked onto the field ahead. Ibara's serene face betrayed a quiet confidence. Tetsutetsu's wide grin radiated unshakable enthusiasm. Monoma, ever the strategist, remained calm, his eyes sharp with focus.

The hall buzzed with anticipation as the final moments ticked away. The battle was about to begin, and Monoma's team stood poised, ready to charge into the fray.

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