The Turbo Hero:- Midoribolt

[20] ELEMENTARY TUG-OF-WAR

As Izuku made his way back to his seat, Eri and Satsuki sprinted toward the field where the other kids were gathered. Fortunately, it looked like they hadn't started the instructions yet. Their friends and Kota turned to greet them as they approached.

"Geez, where have you two been?" Mahoro asked, hands on her hips.

"Bathroom," they answered in unison.

"You were in there that long? What were you..." Tamashiro started, but he was cut off when someone kicked him in the shin, causing him to stumble and wince in pain. He shot a glare at Mahoro, who just stuck her tongue out at him, while Katsuma helped him back on his feet.

"Anyway..." Kota said, trying to steer the conversation back as he glanced up at the podium. "Looks like we're about to start."

"All right, kids, who's ready for Tug-of-War???!!!!!" Present Mic shouted, igniting cheers from the crowd and some of the kids. Many turned to see a thick rope laid out on a white line in the dirt, likely marking the center of the field, with a flag tied to it. Most of the kids knew the rules of Tug-of-War, but they still listened intently to Present Mic. "For the Tug of War game, since there are 15 of you, you'll form teams of five, making three teams in total. The goal is to pull the rope along with the opposing team members to your side. As soon as the second mark on the rope crosses the center line, the team that pulls it to their area wins."

Those who understood nodded and began to pick their teams. Among friends, one group included Eri, Satsuki, Tamashiro, Mahoro, and Katsuma.

"I'm so glad we get to team up," Katsuma said, his excitement shining through.

"I agree! That way, we can all make it to the final match," Satsuki chimed in.

"Hehe, fear not, my friends," Tamashiro said, striking a pose as if to show off nonexistent muscles, typical for someone his age. "With my strength and quirk, I'll lead us to victory."

"Keep telling yourself that," Mahoro said, rolling her eyes before turning to Eri. "Boys these days, am I right, Eri?"

Eri, however, didn't respond; she was lost in thought, staring blankly in one direction, not hearing a word Mahoro said. Following her gaze, Mahoro noticed Eri was looking sadly at Kota, who was chatting with some of their classmates. She quickly counted heads and realized they already had five members on their team, which meant Kota would have to join another team if they didn't find an extra slot.

"Eri," she said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. If they won and his team lost, he wouldn't make it to the final game. But if his team won, all five of them would be out while he moved on.

"I wish we all could've made it all the way," Eri replied, her voice heavy with disappointment. Hearing her sadness, the others gathered around to comfort her, their eyes still on Kota, who was engrossed in conversation with the other teams.

"You think he'll help us win?" Katsuma asked.

"Normally, I'd say no, given how he used to be..." Tamashiro replied, instinctively rubbing the spot where Kota had kicked him. "But I have to admit, he's been a lot nicer since he became Sensei's sidekick."

"True that. Maybe we won't have to worry," Mahoro said, while Satsuki, standing beside her, put a finger to her lips and nodded in agreement.

"I hope he doesn't," Eri said flatly, surprising everyone on her team. They had never heard her speak like that before.

"Eri?" Satsuki asked, her frog-like eyes widening in surprise.

"Because then..." Eri trailed off, glancing at her arms. Memories of the scars from the experiments she endured with the Shie Hassaikai flashed through her mind. She knew she was still just a little girl, but the thought of her past made her feel weak and helpless. That's why she believed that by going to UA and becoming a hero like her savior, she could grow stronger and braver. "...it'd make me look weak."