Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 7: The Cavalry Battle Begins

The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, the roar of the crowd vibrating through the air as Midnight stands on the stage, ready to announce the next event. Kirishima watches the fans cheer, the anticipation tightening in his chest. He clenches his fists, trying to focus on the task ahead, but his eyes keep darting to Bakugou, who stands just a few feet away, arms crossed, his expression a mix of fierce determination and cocky confidence.

Midnight’s voice booms across the arena, announcing the rules of the Cavalry Battle. Forty-two students have made it past the first round and now must form teams. Kirishima listens intently, knowing that this is his chance to show what he’s made of—but he’s also worried. He needs a strong team, one that can handle the pressure, especially since the stakes are so high. The top finishers from the obstacle race, including Bakugou and Todoroki, are already catching everyone’s attention, and the others are scrambling to join their teams.

Kirishima glances at Bakugou again, and something inside him stirs. His inner alpha feels the pull toward Bakugou, that instinctive need to protect and stay by his side. But it’s more than that. Bakugou’s strength calls to him, like a challenge he can’t ignore.

With a determined breath, Kirishima strides over to Bakugou, feeling his heart race. “Hey, Bakugou!” he calls out, trying to keep his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. “You need someone tough for this round. Let me be on your team. I can handle it.”

Bakugou’s eyes narrow as he looks Kirishima over, as if evaluating him for a moment. Then he smirks. “Shitty Hair, huh?” He crosses his arms, his voice laced with approval. “You think you can keep up with me? Fine. You’re in.”

Kirishima feels a rush of excitement and relief. This is his chance. Standing close to Bakugou, his alpha instincts simmer under the surface, but he pushes them down. There’s no time for distractions. They’ve got a battle to win.

As the students scatter to form their teams, Kirishima is quick to pull in Mina and Sero. Together, they form Team Bakugou, and Kirishima takes his place at the front, his hands gripping the back of Bakugou’s waist. It feels natural, almost too natural, as if his instincts are right where they need to be—close to Bakugou, protecting him from any threat.

The countdown begins, and Midnight signals the start of the battle. Instantly, chaos erupts across the field. Teams rush toward each other, headbands flailing as everyone fights to steal points. Kirishima keeps his focus sharp, his grip tightening on Bakugou as they dart through the competition.

“I’m not letting those losers get away with this,” Bakugou snarls, his explosive quirk already crackling in his palms. He launches into the air, using his explosions to propel them forward. Kirishima stays close, using his hardening quirk to shield them from incoming attacks.

But as the minutes tick by, Team Monoma from Class 1-B starts to close in. Monoma’s smug grin and taunts get under Bakugou’s skin, and before long, Monoma swipes their headband. The sudden loss sends a wave of fury through Bakugou.

“Damn it!” Bakugou growls. “We’re going after them!”

Kirishima nods, knowing there’s no stopping Bakugou now. His dragon instincts flare up again, sensing Bakugou’s frustration and rage. His inner alpha wants to take over, to crush anyone who dares to stand in their way. But Kirishima fights it down, focusing on the task at hand.

They charge after Team Monoma, Mina laying down a slick path of acid while Sero uses his tape to pull them forward. Bakugou leads the assault, blasting through the air and shattering Monoma’s defenses with a powerful explosion. Kirishima braces himself, his hardening quirk absorbing the impact as they push through.

“Get ready,” Bakugou yells, locking eyes with Kirishima for a brief moment. “We’re taking back what’s ours.”

With a final burst of strength, Kirishima hardens his body and shields Bakugou as they break through Monoma’s air walls. Bakugou snatches the headband back, a fierce grin on his face as they reclaim their points.

They fall back into formation, but Bakugou’s not satisfied. “We’re going after Midoriya next,” he declares, his eyes blazing with determination. “I’m not settling for second place.”

Kirishima’s heart pounds as they charge forward again, but as they close in on Team Midoriya, the clock runs out. The buzzer sounds, signaling the end of the round. Kirishima exhales a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, his body still tense from the battle.

Present Mic’s voice fills the stadium as he announces the top teams. “In first place: Team Todoroki! Second place: Team Bakugou!”

Kirishima can see the disappointment flash across Bakugou’s face. Second place isn’t good enough for him. But as they walk off the field, Kirishima gives Bakugou a reassuring nod.

“We did great,” he says, trying to lift Bakugou’s spirits. “Next round, we’ll crush them for sure.”

Bakugou scowls, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—something like grudging respect. “Yeah, whatever,” he mutters, but Kirishima can tell he’s fired up for the next round.

As they head back to the waiting room, Kirishima feels the weight of his alpha instincts simmering beneath the surface. Being so close to Bakugou during the battle stirred something deep inside him, something primal and dangerous. But for now, he pushes it down. There’s still more to come in the Sports Festival, and he can’t afford to lose control.

Not yet.