Ripples of Fate

Chapter 27: The U.A. Sports Festival - From the Stands

Mailin’s POV:

The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, the roar of the crowd reverberating through the air like thunder. I sit near the edge of the stands, watching as the students of Class 1-A prepare themselves for the day ahead. It's a big moment for all of them—the U.A. Sports Festival, their chance to show the world what they’re capable of.

But my mind keeps wandering back to Shota, seated up in the announcer’s booth beside Hizashi.

I can see him from here, still wrapped in those damned bandages, trying to act like he's perfectly fine. As if everyone hasn’t already seen him get beaten within an inch of his life. I clench my hands in my lap, resisting the urge to march up there and drag him back home, forcing him to rest properly.

But I know better. Shota Aizawa doesn’t rest. Not unless you tie him down.

“Yo! Welcome to the U.A. Sports Festival!” Mic’s voice booms over the stadium, pulling me from my thoughts. His energy is infectious, and I can see the students below tensing up, readying themselves for the first event. “Today we’ve got an amazing show for you! Future pro heroes showing off their quirks, their grit, and their determination! And sitting beside me—none other than the man himself, Eraser Head! How are you feeling, buddy?”

I can practically hear Shota’s sigh from here, see the way his shoulders slump as Mic hands him the microphone. He’s never been one for the spotlight.

“I’m fine,” Shota mutters, his voice barely loud enough for the mic to pick up. “Just focus on the students.”

I bite back a smile, shaking my head. Typical Shota. Always trying to divert attention away from himself.

“And there you have it, folks—our stoic, no-nonsense Eraser Head! Keep your eyes on the field, everyone, because things are about to get intense!”

The first event, the obstacle race, is about to start. I watch as the students line up at the starting point, their faces determined, their bodies tense with anticipation. Izuku, Todoroki, Bakugou—they’re all ready for whatever’s coming.

I lean forward in my seat, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. I’ve seen these students train, I know what they’re capable of, but there’s something different about watching them in this arena, under this kind of pressure. This is their chance to prove themselves—not just to U.A., but to the whole world.

The whistle blows, and the students take off, a blur of motion and color. The ground rumbles as quirks are unleashed, the crowd cheering as the race unfolds in a dazzling display of power and skill.

---

Shota’s POV:

I sit in the booth, staring down at the field as Hizashi’s voice blares over the stadium speakers. My arms throb, the weight of the casts a constant reminder that I’m still not at full strength. But I don’t have time to think about that right now. I’m supposed to be watching the students, analyzing their moves, keeping track of their progress.

But I can’t stop my gaze from drifting toward the stands, searching for one person.

Mailin.

I know where she’s sitting, right near the front, her golden blonde hair catching the light like a beacon. She’s watching the students intently, her eyes focused on the race, but every now and then, I catch her looking up at me.

The concern in her gaze is obvious, even from this distance. She doesn’t like that I’m here, doesn’t like that I’m still pushing myself when I should be resting. But there’s no way in hell I’m missing this. The Sports Festival is important for the students, and it’s my job to be here, injuries or not.