The Final Stage

In one of U.A.'s waiting rooms, Yuto leaned back in a reclining chair, looking comfortable.

The final would begin soon.

For now, he was sorting through what he had gained during the Sports Festival.

The past several matches had been valuable. Bakugo. Honenuki. Monoma. Kirishima.

Each fight had given him more experience, and experience was something the system could not simply hand him.

Still, the rewards had not been small.

He had gained a clearer grasp of Roronoa Zoro's swordsmanship.

Three Sword Style.

Three Sword Style Secret Technique: Three Thousand Worlds.

And the black blade Shusui.

One of the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords.

Yuto held the dark sword in his right hand, turning it slightly beneath the light.

The scabbard bore a wave-and-mountain pattern. The hilt had an ornate, ominous design. The blade itself was black, with a wild temper line that made it look fierce even at rest.

Shusui.

A legendary blade from another world.

The Sports Festival had given him more than he expected. Yuto's mouth curved.

"Now only the final match is left," he murmured. "Shoto Todoroki."

He intended to win. After the battles he had fought, even his Haki felt closer than before.

A few more true clashes, and perhaps that door would finally open.

By the time the final was ready to begin, U.A. High School felt more crowded than ever.

Traffic around the campus had nearly frozen in place.

Media outlets from across the country arrived early, afraid of missing a single second of the final.

Giant screens in shopping districts, plazas, and streets carried the live broadcast.

Online chatter around the final had exploded, and everyone wanted a seat.

This match had become a national event.

The winner would be known across Japan.

In the commentary booth, Present Mic was more excited than he had been all festival.

"The U.A. Sports Festival has finally reached the championship match! The top first-year will be decided here!"

His voice boomed through the stadium.

"Let's welcome our finalists!"

The first tunnel lit up.

"From the Hero Course's Class 1-A, Shoto Todoroki!"

Todoroki walked into the arena with calm steps.

Present Mic continued, "The son of the No. 2 Pro Hero, Endeavor, and one of the most talented students in this year's class. His Quirk is Half-Cold Half-Hot, an extraordinary combination of ice and fire. However, so far in this festival, he has not used his fire at all. Will that change in the final?"

The audience applauded and cheered.

"Todoroki!"

"Win this!"

"You're so cool!"

Present Mic laughed. "Todoroki's popularity is impressive. But now, let's welcome the other finalist." The second tunnel brightened.

"Before this festival, he had no public record. After today, everyone knows his name. Obstacle Race, first place. Cavalry Battle, first place. Victories over Bakugo, Honenuki, Kirishima, and more. He has delivered one stunning performance after another."

The crowd was already rising.

"Class 1-A's rising monster, Yuto Kanzaki!"

Yuto stepped out of the tunnel at an easy jog. The stadium erupted.

"Yuto! Yuto! Yuto!"

"Take the championship!"

"Win it in style!"

The sound rolled through U.A. like thunder.

In the student seats, Mineta waved both arms. "Yuto, win it! I want popularity like that too!"

Midoriya's eyes shone. "This atmosphere is incredible. I have goosebumps."

Momo watched Yuto with a soft blush, pride quietly filling her chest.

Ochaco clasped her hands tightly. "Yuu-kun..."

Present Mic shouted over the noise. "What a difference from the start of the festival! Yuto's performances have given him an enormous number of fans. Before today, saying he was more popular than Todoroki would have seemed absurd. Now, listen to this crowd!"

Amid the roar of the crowd, Yuto reached the ring.

Todoroki looked at him. "You've gotten really popular."

Yuto shrugged. "It'll be even higher after I beat you."

Todoroki glanced toward the reserved seats, where Endeavor watched from above.

"Sorry, but I'm going to win. That bastard is watching, and I refuse to lose here."

His eyes returned to Yuto. "I've been looking forward to fighting you."

Yuto's answer was simple. "The championship is mine."

The two stood across from each other. The countdown began.

Three. Two.

One. The final began.

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