Chapter 30: The Bottleneck of Ambition
The rhythmic, mechanical hum of life-support machinery was the only sound in the suffocating darkness.
Deep underground, far from the cheering crowds and the morning sun, a solitary figure sat heavily wired to a complex array of medical tubes. A single, large monitor cast a pale, flickering light across the room, broadcasting the live feed of the U.A. Sports Festival.
"Tomura's failure at the simulation joint was unfortunate, but expected," a deep, ancient voice reasoned from the shadows. The tone was smooth, devoid of any anger or disappointment.
Standing quietly in the corner of the room, the shadowy form of Kurogiri bowed his head. "He is still learning, Master."
"Indeed he is," the figure replied, his featureless face turning slightly toward the glowing screen. "However, the loss of my bio-engineered vanguard is a different matter. Shock absorption. Super regeneration. It was designed specifically to endure the crushing blows of the Symbol of Peace. Yet, the reports state it was reduced to carbonized ash in mere seconds."
The man in the shadows leaned forward slightly, his terrifying focus locking onto the broadcast. "A glitch in our grand design. A high-yield thermal anomaly. I am quite eager to see just how destructive this young anomaly truly is."
Miles away, the atmosphere was a stark, blinding contrast.
High above the roaring stands of the U.A. Stadium, perched on the narrowest steel beam just beneath the open roof, sat the Winged Hero: Hawks. His massive crimson wings were neatly folded behind his back. He did not hold a snack, nor did he wave to the thousands of fans below. He sat with one leg dangling over the dizzying drop, his sharp, golden eyes scanning the arena with the calculated precision of a predator. He was not there to enjoy a high school sporting event; his quiet, intense observation carried the invisible weight of an official reconnaissance mission.
"PAY ATTENTION, MASS MEDIA! A SWARM OF FIERCE CARNIVORES IS ABOUT TO BE UNLEASHED!"
Present Mic's booming voice shattered the lingering anticipation, echoing through the massive stadium speakers. "WELCOME TO THE U.A. SPORTS FESTIVAL! THE FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS ARE ENTERING THE ARENA!"
Class 1-A marched out of the dark concrete tunnel, stepping onto the immaculate green turf. The sheer, physical force of the noise hit them instantly. Tens of thousands of fans screamed, cheered, and waved banners, creating a deafening roar that shook the ground beneath their boots.
The weight of the world's expectations fell heavily upon the young students. Midoriya clenched his fists, his green eyes burning with an unwavering, fierce determination. Beside him, Uraraka swallowed hard, her shoulders stiff with nervous tension.
Sakazuki walked with a rigid, flawless military posture. He did not look around in awe, nor did he shrink under the immense pressure. To him, the thousands of screaming civilians and pro heroes in the stands were nothing more than a giant hiring committee. The deafening noise did not induce fear; it sharpened his practical, hyper-focused mindset.
The R-Rated Hero, Midnight, stepped onto the central podium to act as the chief umpire. Her presence immediately commanded the attention of the sprawling stadium. She raised her arm and cracked her whip through the air, producing a sharp, echoing snap that instantly silenced the roaring crowd.
"Before we begin, the student representative will lead the opening pledge!" Midnight announced, pointing her whip toward the first-year classes. "Katsuki Bakugo from Class 1-A!"
A murmur rippled through the other departments as the explosive blonde walked up the steps to the microphone. The stadium fell into a tense, expectant hush. Bakugo stood before the mic, his posture relaxed but radiating an intense, prickly arrogance. He looked out over the sea of students and pro heroes.
"I pledge..." Bakugo spoke, his abrasive voice carrying clearly across the entire facility. "...that I will be number one."
The silence held for a fraction of a second before the entire arena erupted.
A tidal wave of furious boos, angry shouts, and hostile insults crashed down from the stands and the surrounding classes. Students from Class 1-B and General Studies screamed in outrage at the blatant disrespect. The members of Class 1-A panicked, frantically waving their hands and apologizing for their classmate's brazen declaration.
Sakazuki watched Bakugo step down from the podium. He knew the explosive teenager was not simply being foolish. By declaring an absolute victory in front of the entire country, Bakugo had deliberately backed himself into a corner, forcing himself to perform flawlessly under maximum psychological pressure.
Sakazuki's expression remained stoic, but internally, a quiet, resolute thought echoed in his mind.
I apologize, Bakugo. But I will break your pledge. I must.
"Silence!" Midnight snapped her whip again, ignoring the volatile mood of the students. She gestured to the massive digital screen behind her. "Now, let us get straight to the first event! The preliminary round where many will shed their tears!"
A digital roulette wheel spun rapidly on the screen before halting with a loud chime.
"The Obstacle Race!" Present Mic announced over the speakers. "A four-kilometer sprint around the outer perimeter of the stadium! You can do whatever you want, as long as you stay on the course!"
The massive steel doors at the edge of the arena groaned open, revealing a dark, surprisingly narrow corridor. The hundreds of first-year students immediately surged toward the starting line, packing tightly together.
Sakazuki took his position near the middle of the pack. His eyes narrowed as he analyzed the architecture of the gate. It was a severe bottleneck. The true challenge did not begin on the track; it began right here. This was a test of survival and crowd displacement.
The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath. The atmosphere was incredibly, vibrantly alive.
From his spot near the front, Todoroki turned his head, shooting a cold, silent glare over his shoulder, locking eyes directly with Sakazuki. A few feet away, Bakugo popped small, dangerous sparks from his palms, furiously scanning the dense herd of competitors around him.
High up in the VIP stands, Endeavor crossed his massive arms. His fiery beard flared as he stared intensely at his son, and then at the tall, bandaged teenager standing behind him. In a separate, private booth, a skeletal All Might gripped the railing tightly, rooting deeply for his successor while remaining acutely aware of the terrifying powerhouses surrounding the boy.
Up in the steel rafters, Hawks leaned forward, his golden eyes narrowing, his feathers twitching slightly in anticipation.
"ON YOUR MARKS..." Present Mic's voice dropped to a tense, thrilling growl.
Above the narrow gate, three large green lights began to flash in sequence.
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.
"START!"
The massive crush of students surged forward in a frantic, desperate stampede, instantly creating a suffocating human jam within the tight corridor. Shouts of panic and frustration echoed as bodies slammed against each other, unable to move forward.
Instead of pushing blindly into the chaotic crush, Sakazuki rooted his heavy boots firmly into the ground. He took a slow, deep breath, feeling the dense, newly forged muscles of his chest expand. The scabbard was ready. It was time to command the environment.
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