Balance (Shoto Todoroki x OP! reader)

Chapter 17- The Sports festival has just begun

The Class 1-A students line up in the waiting room, their excitement palpable yet laced with an undercurrent of nervous energy. As you adjust your PE uniform, you can't help but feel a wave of apprehension wash over you. The choice to wear uniforms is meant to ensure fair competition, showcasing everyone's abilities without any external advantages.

"You know, it's kind of strange that we have to wear these PE uniforms. Feels like they're trying to level the playing field," you comment to the classmate standing next to you. They nod in agreement, understanding the intention behind the decision.

The class is ushered out to the Freshman stage, and the cheers from the crowd reverberate through the air. The anticipation mounts as Midnight, the chief referee of the festival, steps forward to address the participants. She requests representative Katsuki Bakugo to lead the class in the traditional pledge, a symbol of unity and sportsmanship.

But true to his fiery personality, Bakugo disregards the expected formalities. He raises his voice, his words carrying a sense of determination mixed with his signature arrogance. "I just wanna say I'm going to win. Remember that," he declares, his tone leaving no room for doubt. The crowd's reaction is a mix of awe, boos, and murmurs.

As you observe Bakugo's bold proclamation, a surge of conflicting emotions wells up within you. The internal struggle between your desire to showcase your abilities and the quiet voice of Leviathan begins to intensify. Leviathan's whispers grow more pronounced, laced with pride and superiority.

"You see, my power is far superior to theirs," Leviathan's voice reverberates in your mind. "These so-called heroes-in-training pale in comparison to our might. They should be in awe of us, not the other way around."

You take a deep breath, trying to silence the voice of Leviathan, to focus on the task at hand. This sports festival is not only a chance to demonstrate your skills but also an opportunity to forge new bonds and learn from your peers. You remind yourself 'Being a hero is not about strength. It's about the heart. Making sure to do what's right no matter what

With the sound of the crowd buzzing in your ears, you take your place among your classmates, each one ready to give their all. The first event, a four-kilometer obstacle race, is announced, and the competitors' anticipation reaches its peak.

As the starting signal echoes through the air, the students surge forward, their determination propelling them forward. Shoto Todoroki takes an early lead, his icy quirk freezing some of the other participants in their tracks. However, you, Bakugo, Aoyama, and Kirishima manage to evade the icy trap through sheer agility and quick thinking.

Throughout the race, you wrestle with the inner voice of Leviathan, urging you to unleash your full power and overwhelm your opponents. But you resist its call, determined to showcase your skills without resorting to the overwhelming might of your quirk.

Instead, you rely on water-based attacks, summoning controlled streams and bursts of water to clear obstacles and propel yourself forward. The spectators watch in awe as you maneuver with finesse, your command over water unparalleled.

Todoroki's lead remains unchallenged as he freezes a giant robot, briefly impeding Tetsutetsu and Kirishima. However, the indomitable duo manages to break free from their icy restraints, their unwavering determination propelling them forward.

Momo Yaoyorozu, known for her strategic thinking, employs her quirk ingeniously, creating a cannon from the materials at her disposal. With precision and calculated aim, she takes down several of the robotic obstacles, earning both admiration and respect from the onlookers.

Meanwhile, as you navigate through the course, the internal struggle with Leviathan intensifies with each passing moment. Its voice grows more persistent, boasting about its unmatched power and belittling the abilities of your classmates.

Leviathan's prideful words echo in your mind, tugging at your resolve. It claims superiority, tempting you to unleash its full might and dominate the competition. But deep down, you know that succumbing to such arrogance goes against your principles as a hero-in-training.

With every stride, you find strength in your conviction. You refuse to let Leviathan's pride cloud your judgment. You believe in the value of teamwork, camaraderie, and fair competition. You know that true strength comes not from overpowering others but from uplifting and supporting each other.

As the race progresses, the next obstacle looms ahead—a vast canyon that can only be crossed by a narrow tightrope. The crowd holds its breath, eager to witness the daring feats of the participants.

With unwavering determination, you step onto the tightrope, your heart pounding in your chest. Leviathan's voice, now tinged with frustration, urges you to disregard the obstacle, to create a tidal wave and surge across effortlessly. But you resist, determined to tackle this challenge without relying solely on the immense power of your quirk.

Balancing precariously on the tightrope, you channel your focus, summoning a controlled torrent of water beneath you. It forms a dynamic wave, propelling you forward as you ride its crest, defying gravity itself. The spectators gasp in astonishment as you gracefully traverse the canyon, a testament to your skill and ingenuity.

On the sidelines, a student from the Support Course catches your eye. They maneuver through the obstacle using a specially designed support item, effortlessly navigating the tightrope. Leviathan scoffs at the sight, deriding the notion of relying on gadgets and tools to compete in the sports festival.

"Is this what they call 'heroic'?" Leviathan's voice sneers. "To rely on mere trinkets instead of the true power coursing through your veins."

You remain steadfast, your eyes fixed on the task at hand. Deep within, you know that being a hero isn't limited to the raw power of your quirk. It's about adaptability, resourcefulness, and the unwavering spirit to protect and inspire others.

As the race progresses, the students face numerous challenges, each showcasing their unique abilities and determination. The air crackles with excitement, a palpable energy that fuels your drive to push forward.

The next obstacle is a minefield. Something that has got to be quite dangerous, especially considering these are teenagers that are competing. How many OSHA violations does this school have? It might not be school but still, they do seem to put the students in quite dangerous circumstances. Though law systems are different depending on the country quirk filled country or not. It does run the risk of severely hurting and or killing a student.

As the finish line comes into view, you can't help but feel a mix of exhilaration and relief. The race has tested your limits, both physically and emotionally. And at this moment, you realize that the true victory lies not in defeating your classmates but in surpassing your doubts and becoming the hero you aspire to be.

With the cheers of the crowd pushing you forward, you sprint toward the finish line, leaving behind the internal struggle and the whispers of Leviathan. You cross the finish line, a surge of triumph coursing through your veins. The cheers of the crowd envelop you, their applause a testament to your resilience and determination. At that moment, you feel a sense of unity with your classmates, knowing that each of them has faced their battles and emerged stronger.

As you catch your breath, the internal struggle with Leviathan subsides, if only for a fleeting moment. Its voice, once dominant and prideful, fades into the background, overshadowed by the pride you feel for yourself and your classmates. Looking around at your classmates, their faces marked with exhaustion and exhilaration, you understand that the sports festival is not just a competition. It is a celebration of the journey you have all embarked upon, the growth you have achieved, and the friendships you have formed.

Leviathan's whispers may persist, a reminder of the immense power that lies within you. But you have learned that true strength is not measured by the extent of that power alone. It is a delicate balance between harnessing your abilities and using them responsibly, with empathy and compassion.

The first event of the UA Sports Festival has come to a close, but the challenges and trials that lie ahead remain. You stand ready to face them, fortified by the lessons learned and the unyielding spirit that burns within your heart.