The crowd was still roaring after the Cavalry Battle ended, but in the waiting area, Class 1-A and 1-B were dead silent.
Reiji stood with his arms crossed, casually leaning against the wall, his golden eyes watching the reactions around him.
Bakugo was seething, his teeth clenched so hard they might shatter.
Todoroki stood stiffly, his fingers twitching ever so slightly, frustration clearly visible beneath his cold exterior.
And Deku…
Deku was staring at Reiji, his expression a mix of confusion and determination.
[How does he keep winning so easily?]
Reiji simply smirked.
[They're all getting worked up. Perfect.]
Because now, they all had something to prove against him.
And that made things much more interesting.
The Tournament Bracket
The stadium screens flashed, displaying the final event.
U.A. Sports Festival Final Round – 1v1 Tournament!
The students tensed. This was the real battle.
Midnight's voice echoed through the stadium.
"The remaining 16 students will now compete in a single-elimination tournament! This is where true strength will be tested!"
Everyone turned toward the giant bracket appearing on the screen.
Reiji's golden eyes scanned it immediately.
The matchups were:
Reiji Kurobane vs. Kirishima EijiroTodoroki Shoto vs. Shoji MezoBakugo Katsuki vs. Kaminari DenkiMidoriya Izuku vs. Shiozaki IbaraIida Tenya vs. Hatsume MeiTokoyami Fumikage vs. Yaoyorozu MomoAsui Tsuyu vs. Tetsutetsu TetsutetsuSero Hanta vs. Shinsou Hitoshi
Reiji grinned.
[Good matchups.]
Kirishima was tough, but too predictable.
Todoroki and Bakugo were on the opposite side of the bracket, meaning if they wanted to fight him, they had to make it to the final.
[That's perfect.]
Because he wanted them to watch as he destroyed everyone before them.
The Reactions
Kirishima pumped his fist. "Hell yeah! I get to fight Reiji first!"
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "You sound excited."
Kirishima grinned. "Of course I am! You're the guy everyone's scared of. That means if I can go up against you and hold my ground, that proves I belong here!"
Reiji chuckled. He liked this guy.
But that didn't mean he was holding back.
Todoroki glanced at the bracket, his gaze lingering on Reiji's name.
[If I want to fight him, I have to win every match.]
His fists tightened.
[Fine. I will.]
Bakugo stared at the screen, his breathing heavy.
He wasn't even looking at his first opponent.
All he saw was Reiji's name on the other side.
[If that bastard makes it to the final, he's MINE.]
His fingernails dug into his palms, sparks flickering.
[I'll destroy him.]
Deku gulped, staring at the bracket nervously.
He hadn't even thought about his own match yet.
Because his mind was stuck on one thing.
[If I keep winning… I'll have to fight Reiji.]
His stomach twisted.
He wasn't sure if he was ready for that.
Announcing the First Match
Midnight waved her whip, grinning.
"Alright, students! First up—"
"Reiji Kurobane vs. Kirishima Eijiro!"
The stadium exploded with cheers.
Reiji exhaled, stretching his neck. "Well, guess it's time."
Kirishima grinned at him. "Let's put on a good show, dude."
Reiji chuckled. "Oh, don't worry."
He turned toward the exit, his golden eyes gleaming.
"I plan to make this quick."
The First Battle Begins
As the two walked into the colossal fighting arena, the ground shook from the sheer energy of the spectators.
Every eye was on them.
Kirishima clenched his fists, his entire body hardening into red steel.
Reiji?
He simply rolled his shoulders, completely at ease.
Midnight raised her hand.
"Begin!"
BOOM!
Kirishima rushed forward instantly, his hardened fists ready to strike.
Reiji didn't move.
He simply smirked.
As Kirishima's fist came barreling toward his face—
Reiji vanished.
A burst of Hellfire erupted in his place.
Kirishima's eyes widened in shock.
[Where—?!]
Then—
A searing heat appeared behind him.
Reiji reappeared instantly, his golden eyes flashing.
"Too slow."
Before Kirishima could react, Reiji's foot slammed into his back.
BOOM!
The impact sent Kirishima flying across the arena, crashing into the ground.
The crowd gasped.
Kirishima rolled to his feet, shaking off the attack.
"Damn… That speed is insane."
Reiji smirked. "If that's all you got, this'll be over in seconds."
Kirishima grinned. "Guess I'll just have to take more hits, then!"
He charged again, this time bracing for a counter.
Reiji sighed. "Fine."
Then—he attacked first.
BOOM!
A blast of Hellfire exploded from Reiji's fists as he teleported forward, launching a brutal barrage of strikes.
Each punch hit like an explosion.
Kirishima blocked some—but the heat was insane.
[He's burning me through my own Hardening?!]
Reiji's final hit connected directly with Kirishima's gut.
CRACK!
Kirishima staggered backward, gasping.
His hardened armor flickered, cracks forming.
[He's too fast… too strong…!]
Reiji tilted his head. "Still wanna keep going?"
Kirishima gritted his teeth. "Damn right I do."
Reiji grinned.
"Then let's end this properly."
His body flared with Hellfire, heat waves rippling through the air.
Kirishima charged in for one final attack.
Reiji exhaled.
Then—
He vanished again.
This time, Kirishima saw it.
[He's behind me—!]
He spun—but too late.
Reiji's flaming fist slammed into his chest.
BOOM!
Kirishima's entire body lifted off the ground, before he was blasted out of the ring.
The buzzer rang.
"Winner: Reiji Kurobane!"
The stadium erupted in cheers and gasps.
Reiji rolled his shoulders, stepping away from the battlefield.
[One down.]
As he passed Kirishima, the red-haired boy grinned weakly.
"Damn, dude… You're a monster."
Reiji chuckled. "You're not bad either."
Then, he turned toward the next match.
Because now…
He was waiting for Todoroki and Bakugo to make it to him.
And when they did…
He was going to break them.
End of Chapter 14.
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