𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 021

CHAPTER 21: Pushing Forward

The tension in the stadium was palpable as the U.A. Sports Festival continued to heat up. With Midoriya and Todoroki’s explosive battle still fresh in everyone's minds, the crowd was eager for more action. The remaining one-on-one matches would determine who would make it to the finals, but for the competitors, this was also about growth—about proving themselves, both to the world and to themselves.

You sat on the sidelines, your heart still racing from Midoriya’s match. His determination, even in defeat, had inspired you, pushing you to reflect on your own journey. You had come far in this tournament, but there was still so much more to prove—especially with your parents watching.

Your second match was coming up, and this time, the stakes felt even higher. You couldn’t help but think of your father in the stands, his watchful eyes taking in every move. He was still hesitant about your path as a hero, but now, after everything he had seen, you felt a shift—a slight acceptance. It made you even more determined to succeed.

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Mizushima vs. Kirishima

The stadium hushed as your name flashed across the screen alongside your opponent: Kirishima Eijiro. You stood, stretching your arms as you prepared for the match. Kirishima was known for his Hardening Quirk, which allowed him to turn his body into an almost indestructible shield. His straightforward, no-nonsense fighting style made him a tough opponent, and you knew you would have to use your quirk in creative ways to get past his defenses.

As you stepped into the arena, you felt the weight of the moment pressing down on you. Your eyes scanned the crowd, briefly locking onto your parents. Your mother smiled warmly, but your father still wore that reserved expression, watching carefully.

You took a deep breath. This was your chance.

Present Mic’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers. "NEXT UP—IT'S MIZUSHIMA Y/N VERSUS KIRISHIMA EIJIRO! Will Mizushima’s water manipulation overcome Kirishima’s rock-hard defenses? Let’s find out!"

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The whistle blew, and the match began.

Kirishima wasted no time, charging forward with his arms raised defensively. His Hardening Quirk kicked in immediately, turning his skin to stone-like armor. You could hear the crowd roar in excitement as he advanced, his movements fast and direct.

You responded quickly, summoning water from the air around you. You swirled it into a defensive barrier, using it to block his initial rush. But Kirishima didn’t back down—he plowed through the water with sheer brute force, his hardened fists cutting through the liquid shield like it was nothing.

He’s strong, but he can’t keep that up forever, you thought. I need to stay calm and wait for an opening.

Kirishima kept up the pressure, throwing heavy punches in rapid succession. You dodged and weaved, using your water to slow him down, but it was clear that his endurance was a major advantage. His quirk allowed him to absorb your hits without flinching, and you knew that a direct confrontation wouldn’t work.

"Come on, Mizushima!" Kirishima shouted, his grin wide despite the intensity of the battle. "I know you’ve got more than that!"

He wasn’t taunting you—he was genuinely excited to face a worthy opponent. It was just the kind of attitude you expected from Kirishima, someone who prided himself on his straightforward, tough-as-nails approach to life.

You smiled back, summoning more water into your hands. "You’re right. Let’s see how you handle this."

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