Bakugo Goes All Out

The final tournament was about to begin.

And the very first match was Bakugo versus Yuto.

The stadium erupted with excitement.

The audience rose to its feet, shouting wildly.

"This is insane. Monoma's copied Explosion was already that strong. The real thing has to be even better."

"Bakugo versus Yuto right away? Is this a showdown between Class 1-A's strongest students?"

"Just thinking about it is exciting. Lose and you are out. Win and you advance. Both sides have to go all out."

Cheers rolled over U.A. like a wave.

Reporters aimed their cameras at Yuto and Bakugo. Every shot mattered now.

"Get everything. High-definition close-ups. Don't mess this up."

"The whole country is watching the final round. If we miss something, we are finished."

"Focus on Yuto. His popularity is huge. Get more close-ups."

"Right. Yuto is a fan favorite already. Make sure you capture him clearly."

In the commentary booth, Present Mic was just as fired up.

"I never expected the first match to be a headline match! Katsuki Bakugo versus Yuto Kanzaki. Monoma caused that much damage with a copied version of Bakugo's Quirk. Now we get the original. This is going to be intense!"

For the final round, even Aizawa looked more awake.

"Both of them are my students," he said. "Neither of them has what I'd call my favorite personality. But in terms of strength, both already have enough combat ability to stand beside Pro Heroes. What they lack is experience."

He glanced toward the arena.

"Bakugo has been famous since he was young. He has a powerful Quirk and has always stood at the center of attention. Yuto, on the other hand, only rose to prominence recently. His progress is staggeringly fast, and his ability to learn is outstanding. This match will absolutely be one of the best of this Sports Festival."

Present Mic added, "After all those events, the most exciting thing is still one-on-one combat. The only thing you can rely on is your own power. That's a heroic contest! Bring out your will, your technique, your body, your wisdom, and everything you know. Win and continue. Lose and go home. There are no second chances!"

To the cheers of his supporters, Present Mic announced the first competitor.

"First up, from the Hero Course, Class 1-A, Katsuki Bakugo!"

Bakugo ran out from the dark tunnel and onto the stage.

Cheers followed him all the way.

"Bakugo! Bakugo! Bakugo!"

Present Mic laughed. "I didn't expect Bakugo, who looks like a delinquent and has a temper like a dumpster fire, to have this many fans."

Bakugo whipped toward the commentary booth and roared, "Of course I have fans! Your commentary's what stinks!"

Present Mic immediately moved on. "And next, also from the Hero Course, Class 1-A, Yuto Kanzaki! The super rookie and the most talked-about competitor of this Sports Festival!"

The moment Yuto stepped out of the tunnel, the entire stadium stood.

"Go, Yuto!"

"Yuto! Yuto! Yuto!"

The cheers rolled higher than before, easily overwhelming Bakugo's.

That was Yuto's popularity now.

Present Mic whistled. "Listen to that sound. No doubt about it, Yuto's popularity has clearly surpassed Bakugo's. If you didn't know better, you might think a superstar had arrived at U.A.'s Sports Festival."

After both competitors entered the ring, Present Mic explained the rules.

"The rules are simple. You win by forcing your opponent out of bounds, making them unable to continue, or making them say 'I give up.' Don't worry too much about injuries. Recovery Girl is waiting nearby."

His voice grew sharper.

"For now, set aside hesitation. Of course, if you try to kill your opponent, you will be disqualified immediately. Heroes don't use that kind of force on classmates."

The countdown began. The match started.

Bakugo's face twisted into a fierce grin. "Yuto, I have been waiting for this."

The instant the words left his mouth, he moved.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

Explosions roared in quick succession.

The blast waves tore across the ring.

Bakugo opened at full power, using explosions from both hands as propulsion as he shot toward Yuto like a rocket.

Present Mic shouted, "As expected, Bakugo starts at full strength! Against Yuto, he can't afford to hold anything back."

In a flash, Bakugo appeared in front of Yuto.

"After losing to you last time, I trained every day just so I could beat you here!"

He raised both hands and gathered a huge blast.

Red fire flared above him before crashing down toward Yuto.

The explosion shook the stadium. A towering plume of smoke rose more than ten meters into the air, hiding the ring.

The attack had been smooth, fast, and brutal. The crowd fell silent.

"That's the real thing."

"He is much stronger than Monoma."

"A copy really can't match the original."

"Where is Yuto? Did he take that?"

"That attack power is terrifying."

Below the stage, Ochaco's cheeks flushed as she nodded. "He is fine. Yuu-kun is too strong."

Kirishima clenched his fist. "Bakugo came prepared. Anyone else would be in serious trouble, but Yuto can handle it."

The gray smoke began to clear. Two figures appeared.

"Air Shatter."

Yuto's fists had met Bakugo's head-on.

His feet had not moved.

White steam rose from his body as the power of the Gura Gura no Mi tore through the air and cracked the atmosphere.

He had broken Bakugo's explosion with his fists.

Bakugo's eyes burned. "You bastard. Stop looking down on me. I'm going to beat you. I want a first place nobody can question. If I beat you while you're still holding back, that doesn't mean anything!"

His expression grew more savage.

"Since you are standing in front of me, since you stepped onto this stage, fight me with everything you have. Stop hiding. Use your Two Sword Style, Yuto!"

Yuto's mouth curved into a smile.

"If that is what you want, then fine."

A serious attack. Good.

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