Wings of Awakening

Part 28

The two weeks leading up to the Sports Festival were intense for Izuku as he pushed himself to prepare. He took full advantage of U.A.'s gym facilities, focusing on improving his combat techniques, stamina, and control over his quirk. Most mornings, Izuku could be found running laps to boost his endurance, and he still made time to clean up Dagobah Beach, removing trash that wash up to the shore by the waves.

During his sessions in the gym, Izuku teamed up with his classmates to refine his skills. Uraraka, eager to improve her own hand-to-hand combat skills, was a constant sparring partner. "You really know your moves, Deku!" she panted, smiling after he taught her how to break a simple grab.

"Well, since your quirk is hands-based, it makes sense to improve your reaction and close-range fighting," Izuku replied, catching his breath. "You're doing great, Uraraka. Just keep practicing, and it'll feel natural!"

Izuku also trained with Iida, who was working to increase his speed and precision. They ran through drills where Izuku would dodge his attacks, zipping around the gym in the air as Iida tried to keep up.

"Your flying ability forces me to be more precise with my movements, Midoriya," Iida said after one particularly intense drill. "Thank you for helping me refine my technique."

Izuku smiled. "You're welcome, Iida! You've got incredible speed, and you're pushing me to get faster at dodging too."

Everywhere he looked, his classmates were pushing themselves to their limits, each working on unique strengths for the festival. Even in their individual training, they inspired each other to keep going.

Then, one day after class as Izuku was packing up his things, he heard a voice behind him.

"Midoriya."

Izuku looked up to see Todoroki standing there, his expression serious as he gazed at him with intensity.

"Todoroki?" Izuku said, surprised. The rest of the class, sensing something interesting, turned to listen.

"In terms of raw power, I'm the strongest in this class," Todoroki stated matter-of-factly, his tone calm but firm. "You managed to hold your ground against that Nomu at the U.S.J., but I'll defeat you at the Sports Festival."

The challenge was clear, and the entire class fell silent for a moment, processing what they had just heard.

"Oh, it looks like the strongest of the class are challenging each other!" Kaminari piped up, grinning at the tension.

Izuku, though taken aback, managed a nod, his green eyes wide with a mix of surprise and determination. "Sure, Todoroki," he said slowly, processing where this was coming from. "But... don't leave out the rest of the class in your declaration," he added, nodding towards his classmates. "They've all been training hard for the festival too. They might surprise you."

"Hey! Half-and-half!" Bakugo suddenly barked from across the room, his voice laced with irritation. "Don't ignore me like that! I'll crush both of you!" He clenched his fists, sparks flying as he glared at Todoroki.

But Todoroki simply turned away, barely acknowledging Bakugo's challenge, and walked out of the classroom. The air in the room felt charged as if everyone was still processing what just happened.

"Well... it seems things just got a lot more intense," Kirishima said, grinning as he punched a fist into his palm. "I can't wait to see what everyone brings to the festival!"

Izuku glanced around, feeling the palpable excitement and resolve filling the room. Todoroki's words had lit a fire, not just in him, but in the entire class. With newfound motivation, he packed up his things, determined to put in his best effort and show everyone what he could do at the Sports Festival.