Izuku The forgotten Jade emperor.

UA sports festival part 2

Back in the preparation area, the tension was palpable as everyone prepared for the next event. The chattering voices of my classmates created a backdrop of excitement and nervousness.

"I can't believe you managed to get through that field of robots so quickly, Katsuki," Kirishima said, clapping Katsuki on the back.

Katsuki smirked, crossing his arms. "It was nothing. Those tin cans were just a warm-up."

Shoto and Shiori were discussing their strategies in hushed tones. "We need to stay coordinated in the cavalry battle," Shoto said. "Our quirks can cover a lot of ground if used together."

Shiori nodded. "Agreed. We need to be mindful of our opponents' quirks as well."

Izumi and Katsumi were nearby, stretching and preparing. "You did great back there, Izumi," Katsumi said with a rare smile. "We make a good team."

Izumi smiled back, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Yeah, we do. Let's keep pushing forward."

I observed the chaos around me with detached interest. Everyone was scrambling to form teams, animatedly discussing strategies and potential partnerships. I preferred the quiet, the isolation. It was easier to focus when I didn't have to worry about others.

I quickly assessed the situation, noting the key players and their likely strategies. Izumi and Katsumi would undoubtedly team up, leveraging their synergy. Shoto and Shiori would do the same, their quirks providing a balanced offense and defense. Katsuki, with his explosive quirk and aggressive style, would be a formidable opponent.

The teams began to form, and as expected, Izumi and Katsumi joined forces. Shoto and Shiori formed their team, while Katsuki pulled together a group of equally determined classmates. I opted to join a smaller team, blending in with the crowd and maintaining my low profile until...

"Mori," a voice called, cutting through my thoughts.

I turned to see Tokoyami approaching, his dark, shadowy figure a stark contrast to the bright morning sunlight. Beside him were Momo Yaoyorozu, Kyoka Jiro, and Mezo Shoji. Their expressions were a mix of determination and curiosity.

"We've been discussing the cavalry battle," Tokoyami began, his eyes locking onto mine. "And we think forming a team with you would be beneficial."

I raised an eyebrow, my mind quickly assessing the proposition. "Why me?"

Momo stepped forward, her posture confident. "Your performance in the obstacle course showed that you have a keen strategic mind. We believe you can offer valuable insights that will help us in the cavalry battle."

Kyoka nodded in agreement. "Plus, we need someone who can think on their feet and adapt quickly to changing situations. You fit that description perfectly."

Shoji, always the silent observer, added with a nod, "You stay calm under pressure. That's what we need."

I considered their words carefully. I had always preferred working alone, relying on my own skills and intelligence. But I knew that the cavalry battle required a team effort, and aligning with strong, capable individuals could increase my chances of success.

"Alright," I finally said, my voice measured. "I'll join your team."

A small smile tugged at Tokoyami's lips. "Excellent. Let's discuss our strategy."

We moved to a quieter corner of the courtyard, away from the throngs of students. Tokoyami spread out a map of the arena, and we began to plan our approach. Momo created small models of the obstacles, allowing us to visualize the battlefield more effectively.

"Our main goal should be to avoid direct confrontations with the strongest teams," Momo suggested. "We need to focus on accumulating points by targeting weaker teams and staying mobile."

Kyoka nodded, tapping her earjack thoughtfully. "I can use my quirk to detect any incoming threats and warn us in advance."

Shoji flexed his multiple arms. "I'll provide defense and cover our flanks. My quirk will help us stay aware of our surroundings."

I listened intently, adding my own insights. "We need to keep our movements unpredictable. If we can create confusion among the other teams, we can exploit the chaos to our advantage."

Tokoyami's dark shadow, Dark Shadow, loomed beside him. "And Dark Shadow can provide both offense and defense, depending on the situation."

As we finalized our strategy, I felt a subtle shift within myself. For the first time in a long while, I was part of a team. It was an unfamiliar feeling, but I couldn't deny the tactical advantage it provided.

When the time came for the cavalry battle to begin, we gathered at the starting line, the air thick with anticipation. Midnight's voice echoed through the stadium as she explained the rules, and the students readied themselves for the challenge ahead.

I stood at the front of our team, my mind sharp and focused. Tokoyami was right behind me, with Momo and Kyoka on either side and Shoji providing a solid rear guard.

"Remember," I said, my voice low and calm. "Stay together, stay focused, and execute the plan."

The horn sounded, and the cavalry battle commenced. Chaos erupted as teams lunged at each other, jockeying for position and points. Our team moved with precision, avoiding the initial clashes and maneuvering through the arena with practiced ease.

Kyoka's earjack picked up on an approaching team, and she signaled a warning. Shoji used his multiple arms to block an incoming attack, while Tokoyami's Dark Shadow lashed out, creating an opening for our escape.

Momo quickly generated a smokescreen, obscuring our movements and allowing us to slip away from the melee. We targeted weaker teams, accumulating points steadily while avoiding direct confrontations with the more aggressive contenders.

My analytical mind worked overtime, constantly adjusting our strategy based on the shifting dynamics of the battle. I directed the team with calm precision, exploiting every opportunity to gain an advantage.

As the clock ticked down, we found ourselves in a favorable position, our points secure and our team intact. The final moments of the battle were a blur of motion and strategy, but when the horn sounded, signaling the end of the event, we stood among the top contenders.

Narrator pov
"Watch your left, Izumi!" Katsumi shouted, launching a controlled explosion to fend off an approaching team.

Izumi nodded, creating a platform to elevate them above the fray. "Got it! Let's take them from above!"

Shoto and Shiori were equally impressive, using ice and fire to control the battlefield and protect their headbands. "We've got them cornered, Shiori," Shoto said, encasing their opponents in a wall of ice.

Shiori unleashed a burst of flames to prevent any counterattacks. "Keep the pressure on, Shoto. We can't let them get our headbands."

Katsuki's team was relentless, using sheer power and aggression to dominate the field. "Come on, you extras! Is that all you've got?" Katsuki roared, blasting away anyone who came too close.

Izuku pov
We regrouped, catching our breath and taking stock of our performance. Despite the intense competition, we had worked seamlessly together, each member contributing their unique skills to the team's success.

"Well done, everyone," Tokoyami said, his voice steady but filled with a rare note of satisfaction.

Momo smiled, her eyes bright with accomplishment. "We made a great team."

Kyoka nodded, a small smile on her lips. "Yeah, we did."

Shoji simply gave a thumbs-up, his usual stoic demeanor showing a hint of pride.

I remained reserved, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with my teammates. For the first time, I had experienced the strength that came from working together with others, and it was a lesson I would not soon forget.

As we walked back to the stands, ready to watch the remaining events of the Sports Festival, my mind was already turning over the possibilities for future battles and confrontations.