The Analytical Hero: Ace

Chapter 4

Breathe Izuku. Kenta thinks that I'm ready for my first fight, I can't let him down. I've been training so hard these last couple weeks and watched countless fights. I know what to expect and I know how I should react, but can I really do it? I'm still significantly smaller than most, no, ALL of the other fighters I've seen. Still though, I have practice and good technique according to Kenta.

When I went down to my normal locker I found a new set of clothing and mask as well as a hand-written note. 'Tonight's the night kid. -Kenta' The clothing was pretty basic, just like I wanted them to be. Dark cargo pants as well as a simple black turtleneck. I wanted something easily replaceable in case of damage. Finally there was also a dark green mask for my eyes. This was to cover my freckles as well as hinder someone's view of my eyes. I think these features are more noticeable than my mouth, so I figured they'd be best to cover.

Taking one final deep breath I make my way into the fighting cage. I make sure my face is devoid of emotion and I'm standing up straight with my shoulder squared. "Looks like we have a new fighter tonight! They look pretty small though, hey kid what's your name?" I didn't even think of that! Oh no... Before I could completely panic I remembered something Kenta taught me.

I was hanging out at the underground club with him one night and he was teaching me to play cards! I had never really played them before so he told me Black Jack would be a good start. Each card had a numerical value, but the ace could either be a 1 or 11, making it both the highest and lowest valued card in the game! It's versatile and also necessary to get a 21 without drawing another card.

I also learned this seemed to be a consistent rule with many card games, the ace was either the highest valued card or the lowest. Which is why with little hesitation I answered, "Ace!" as my name. I caught Kenta's eye and he gave me a proud smile. I returned it and looked back at the announcer.

"Alright then! Little Ace over here is looking for a fight it seems. Who thinks they can take him?" The crowd got very loud at this question. I'm guessing most people think their odds are high against me, which may be true. I am probably the youngest person here right now and definitely the smallest. Finally a person dressed in a black bodysuit with dark purple tights beneath made their way into the cage with me.

"Raven joins the fight! Alright everyone, you got 20 minutes to place your bets. Then the show will begin!" The announcer made no more comments as everyone rushed to place their wagers.

"You're pretty young to be hanging around this dump." Raven spoke as we both took seats near the ring.

"Yeah, I guess so." I gave an awkward smile and scratched the back of my neck.

"You might be a kid, but I will warn you. I won't be holding back." Their face turned more serious with this statement. Good. Underestimating me will be a mistake.

"I'd hope not! I won't get much from this if you don't give your all." Raven's face scrunched up in confusion.

"You're a weird kid. Don't you want to win?"

"Of course! I fully intend on winning. This is my first serious fight so it is highly possible I will lose to you. But I'll give my all regardless. Whether I win or not though I gain experience." I received a small grunt in response and we sat the rest of the break in silence.

Finally the sound of microphone feedback sounded. "Alright everyone! All bets have now been finalized. Both fighters please join us back in the ring!"

Both Raven and I made our way into the cage. We gave each other polite nods and got into position. "Are we ready everyone!?" The crowd cheered happily and very loudly. "Alright 3... 2... 1... FIGHT!"