A Serious Opening

The moment Present Mic announced the next match, the stadium erupted again.

Yuto was returning to the stage.

Cheers, applause, and shouts rolled through the stadium in waves.

"Yuto! Yuto! Yuto!"

"Win this one too!"

The sound was so loud that even Present Mic looked impressed.

"Hard to believe this is a first-year student," he said. "Before the Sports Festival, Yuto Kanzaki was almost unknown outside U.A. After today, he may be more famous than some Pro Heroes."

Aizawa said, "He draws attention naturally. If he keeps growing, he will become a very popular hero."

"No argument there! But let's bring the focus back to the match."

Present Mic leaned toward the microphone.

"The Sports Festival has reached the stage where one mistake ends everything. This match matters for another reason too. Juzo Honenuki is one of U.A.'s recommended students, and many people consider him Class 1-B's strongest fighter. Yuto, on the other hand, has torn through this festival with one overwhelming performance after another."

The screen displayed both students again.

"Class 1-B's ace against Class 1-A's monster. Which class will prove itself here?"

In the stands, the audience was already debating.

"This should be close."

"Honenuki is a recommended student. He has to be strong."

"If Class 1-B has one chance left, it is him."

"I still want Yuto to reach the final and fight Todoroki."

"Todoroki? If he refuses to use his full power, he might get crushed."

Several students who had already received treatment from Recovery Girl were back in the seats.

Tetsutetsu pumped his fist. "Honenuki, show them Class 1-B is the strongest!"

Kirishima shot back at once. "Class 1-A is the strongest!"

"Honenuki is our best," Tetsutetsu barked. "Your Yuto is going down."

Bakugo's face twisted. "Like hell he is. If Yuto loses here, I'll kill him myself."

Midoriya leaned forward, fists clenched. "Yuto is stronger. Honenuki's Softening is amazing, but he will win."

Todoroki watched the ring with quiet focus. "He will win. We agreed to meet in the final."

The argument between Class 1-A and Class 1-B grew louder until both sides were shouting over each other.

Then the crowd surged again.

Yuto and Juzo Honenuki had stepped onto the stage.

Cameras from dozens of media outlets turned toward them. Every lens seemed drawn to him first, as if no one wanted to miss a single expression.

The two students faced each other across the ruined, hastily repaired ring.

Honenuki smiled. "Your popularity is something else."

"Yours isn't bad either," Yuto said.

Honenuki shrugged. "Compared to yours, it's nothing. If someone didn't know better, they would think you were the recommended student." His smile sharpened.

"But that is fine. Once I defeat you, some of that attention will come my way. Maybe your fans will cheer for me next."

His mouth curved faintly. "You're confident."

"Of course I am." Honenuki's expression turned serious. "Do you know why U.A. only accepts a handful of recommended students every year? It's because we have potential and strength that regular applicants don't."

He raised his hand slightly.

"I'm not like your previous opponents. I studied you. The Obstacle Race. The Cavalry Battle. Your fight with Monoma. Your fight with Bakugo. I watched your footage until I could see it even with my eyes closed."

His gaze sharpened. "I prepared a move specifically for you. Don't disappoint me, Yuto Kanzaki. Use one of your strongest moves and fight me."

Yuto's eyes brightened. Good. This was what he wanted.

A serious opponent who had studied him, prepared for him, and still chose to stand in front of him.

"Then I'll answer you seriously."

The countdown began. Three. Two.

One.

"Start!"

The arena exploded with cheers.

"Yuto! Yuto! Yuto!"

"Take the championship!"

Honenuki bent his knees, ready to move. Yuto moved first.

"Tremor: Earthsplitter."

He struck the air with both fists.

Crack. The air in front of him split like glass.

The vibration sank into the ground.

This time, he did not start small.

He controlled the force, focused it, and drove it forward with brutal precision.

A focused quake tore through the ring. The entire stadium shook.

The ground fractured in every direction.

The audience screamed as the repaired stage broke apart under the first exchange.

Present Mic grabbed his desk. "Yuto opens with Earthsplitter! He is not testing the waters this time. He is not holding back with his opening move!" Aizawa's eyes narrowed.

Honenuki had asked for one of Yuto's strongest moves. He had answered.

The ring began to collapse.

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