The Quirked Martial Arts Fighting Tournament is an annual event in which a large number of heroes around the world test their combat skills against one another in a high-stakes, controlled environment.
Known for it's intense quirk fights, this tournament is broadcasted globally and is extremely popular, gathering immense support and funding, drawing in millions of spectators both in-person and via livestream, making it one of the most watched events in the world.
Participation in the QMA is highly selective, Heroes who make the cut are usually known for their flashier quirks, or dramatic fighting styles, which create long, and exciting fights that draw in spectators.
With the large number of applicants the organizers tend to reject heroes that aren't very entertaining, have unsuited quirks, or are controversial. As a result exceptionally skilled heroes like Eraserhead, who would turn the battle into a quirkless fight, or the former hero Lady Nagant who specializes in ranged attacks, often find themselves on the outside looking in, regardless of their overall combat ability, though those two likely wouldn't have applied regardless.
This year it's being hosted today in Japan, specifically Tokyo, and excitement is spread all throughout the city. Heroes and fans alike flocked to the city, eager to witness the event, myself and Asui included, as I had won two tickets from a children's martial arts tournament I'd won 3 weeks ago.
School was finished for the day, we were sitting silently on bus, making our way over to the venue. Asui was looking out the window, her eyes scanning the busy streets, while I had my eyes shut, feeling very relaxed... I think I might fall asleep.
However my gentle respite was promptly obliterated.
"Hey, Ayanokouji-kun."
My eyes that were already closed, suddenly shot back open, Asui who had been silent for most of the bus ride suddenly began speaking to me.
"I'm not trying to sound rude when I ask this, but why did you choose to invite me of all people to go with you?" She asked, placing her finger on her mouth.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I understand why she would ask that, I rarely talk to her or any of my other classmates for the few years I have been placed in the same classes. It'd be correct to call us mere acquaintances.
"i figured you might be interested. you mentioned once how you planned on being a hero."
Asui had talked to me about becoming a hero, about doing it to help support her family, that she often had to babysit from the lack of income. If you could get tickets, the QMA was fairly popular for children as well, which, weirdly enough, don't need to have an adult supervising them when visiting. Nonetheless I had chosen to invite her over my fellow orphans.
"I guess that makes sense. Still, I didn't really expect to be invited by you."
"most people probably wouldn't." I replied, having nothing more to say.
