𝙂𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡 - Bnha x oc

17 - next step

"We ended up in first place... but it was too close for comfort," Yaoyorozu murmured, still catching her breath.

Iida looked down, clearly disappointed. "I'm sorry... I let everyone down..."

Yuki's eyes widened as she turned to him, surprised by his reaction. "Come on, Iida! Don't be so hard on yourself. We won, and it was thanks to your quick thinking! So let's celebrate this victory!"

"Yeah, Yuki's right, Iida," Yaoyorozu added, nodding with a relieved smile. "That move of yours was incredible!"

Just then, Present Mic's voice blasted over the speakers, announcing Bakugo's team in second place.

Yuki's gaze drifted over to Bakugo and his team, just in time to see him shouting at his teammates, gesturing wildly before he turned his frustration on the ground, punching it with a rage that only Bakugo could pull off. She couldn't help a small smirk, averting her gaze.

Guess I made the right call joining Todoroki's team after all, she thought, stifling a chuckle.

As the dust settled from the Cavalry Battle, Midnight took center stage, her voice rising above the murmurs of the students.

"Congratulations to everyone who made it this far!" she called out, her tone carrying both enthusiasm and a hint of excitement for what was to come. "Now that we've got our top contenders, it's time for the next round... The Final Tournament!"

The screen behind her lit up, showcasing a tournament bracket with names of the students who would be facing each other in a series of one-on-one battles. Yuki's eyes scanned the screen, searching for her name.

"Each round will be an elimination match," Midnight explained, "and only those with the grit, skill, and strategy will advance. You can win by forcing your opponent out of bounds, making them submit, or rendering them unable to continue. Simple, right?"

The students around Yuki exchanged excited and nervous glances. Some cracked their knuckles, while others focused on who their first opponent would be. Yuki herself felt a mix of thrill and anxiety.

As her gaze settled on the bracket, she saw her first matchup—and her eyes widened slightly. Her opponent was none other than Iida.

She turned to find him already looking her way. Iida adjusted his glasses, a respectful smile on his face despite the intensity in his eyes.

"Well, Yuki," he said, inclining his head with a nod, "looks like we'll be testing each other's strengths."

Yuki gave him a grin, though she could feel her pulse quickening. "Guess we will. Let's give them a good match."

Just then, the speakers crackled as Present Mic jumped in with his usual, booming voice. "All right, everyone! First matchups will begin in ten minutes—don't go anywhere!"

Yuki took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay calm and focused. She quickly scanned the arena, catching sight of Bakugo, who had finally calmed down—well, as calm as he could get. His intense stare was fixed on his own opponent's name.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Yaoyorozu offering her a reassuring smile.

"You'll do great," Yaoyorozu said, her voice encouraging. "Just remember everything you practiced."

"Thanks, Momo," Yuki replied, feeling a little boost in her confidence. She glanced toward the arena floor, already mentally preparing herself.

The tournament's only just started, she thought. I'm going to give it everything I've got.