Wings of Awakening

Part 27

The morning buzzed with a nervous energy as Class 1-A gathered, awaiting the day's instructor. With Mr. Aizawa still injured from the U.S.J. incident, it wasn't clear if he would be in shape to teach or if a substitute would take over.

"Who do you think will be teaching us today since Aizawa isn't fully healed?" Kaminari asked, glancing around the room hopefully.

"Probably a substitute," Sero replied with a shrug, "since he looked like he could barely stand last time."

Just then, the door slid open with a forceful bang, and to everyone's surprise, Mr. Aizawa strode in. His upper body was wrapped heavily in bandages, and he looked every bit like a battle-worn mummy. A hush fell over the class as he walked to the front.

"Sit down, class is beginning" he ordered in his usual monotone, his eyes scanning the room.

Kaminari raised his hand hesitantly. "Uh, Mr. Aizawa... are you okay to be teaching?"

"If I can move, I can teach," Aizawa replied curtly, his gaze unwavering. Then, his voice softened, taking on a serious tone. "Your battle has just begun."

A few students shifted nervously, casting each other wary glances.

"The Sports Festival is upon us in two weeks," Aizawa continued, barely acknowledging their uncertainty.

"But... is it really a good idea to have the festival so soon after the attack?" Hagakure asked, her voice filled with concern.

Aizawa nodded, his gaze steady. "Yes. This is an opportunity to show the world that we will not back down in the face of adversity. More importantly, the Sports Festival is crucial for you as hero students. It's a chance for exposure, and to impress sponsors who could become your mentors when before you go pro. Train well, and show the world what you're made of."

Some students brightened at the news, while others remained skeptical.

"But what if villains try to attack again during the festival?" Mineta piped up, clearly voicing what everyone else was worried about.

"Don't worry about that. Security will be exceptionally tight, with additional pro heroes assigned to patrol and monitor the festival. They'll be scouting for talent while keeping you safe," Aizawa assured them, his tone unwavering.

As class ended and students were released to prepare, they chatted excitedly about their upcoming training. As they left the classroom, they were met by a large crowd of students from other classes gathered just outside.

"What's going on?" Kirishima asked, looking around at the crowd.

"They're here to check out the competition," Bakugo muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Probably want a look at the class that survived their first villain attack."

The crowd parted slightly as a blond boy from Class 1-B stepped forward, an arrogant smirk on his face. "So this is the famous Class 1-A? I'm not impressed," he scoffed. "You'll never surpass the strength of Class 1-B."

Izuku observed the boy with mild amusement, noting the resemblance to Bakugo's usual attitude. He thought to himself, Great... Bakugo 2.0.

But then, another figure emerged from the crowd, someone entirely different. This one had dark purple hair, droopy eyes, and dark circles beneath them, as if he hadn't slept in days. He pushed past the other students, positioning himself at the front of the group.

"You know," he began in a calm, almost bored voice, "students from other classes who perform well in the festival could transfer into the hero course. And if someone in the hero course fails to impress, they could end up transferred out of it." His words struck like a lightning bolt, leaving many 1-A students stunned.

"What?" Kaminari blinked in shock. This was news to most of them.

Bakugo sneered, taking a step forward. "Bring it on, Eye Bags! I'll just crush you under my thumb." He pushed through the crowd, muttering insults as he strode out of the classroom, Kirishima following close behind him.

The tension in the hallway was palpable, as though an unspoken rivalry had ignited between the hero students and those hoping to earn a place in the hero course. The Class 1-A students exchanged wary glances before the crowd finally dispersed, leaving an unmistakable sense of bad blood between the hero course and the other classes.

As they made their way to their next activities, a spark of determination ignited within the students of Class 1-A. With the Sports Festival just around the corner, they all knew they had to step up their game—this wasn't just about impressing sponsors anymore; it was about proving they had what it took to be heroes.