Tsubaki studied the girl before him—Hatsume Mei, support course student, seventh place in the race, and apparently completely unafraid of becoming a target for every other team in the arena.
Her enthusiasm was genuine, if chaotic. And her reasoning, while unconventional, wasn't wrong. Being on his team would give her maximum exposure for her inventions.
More importantly, support equipment could be invaluable in a battle where everyone would be gunning for them.
"Alright," Tsubaki said, his voice calm and decisive. "You're on the team."
"YES!" Mei pumped her fist in the air, her goggles nearly falling off her head. "This is going to be PERFECT! My babies will shine! Everyone will see what they can do! Oh, I should explain what they can do—"
"Later," Tsubaki interrupted, though not unkindly. "We need two more team members. I already know who one of them should be."
He turned, his blue eyes scanning the chaotic arena floor until they found his target. Without hesitation, he began walking, Mei bouncing along beside him with barely contained energy.
Yaoyorozu stood slightly apart from the main clusters of students, her expression thoughtful as she analyzed potential team compositions.
"Yaoyorozu," Tsubaki called out as he approached.
She looked up, her dark eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Todoroki-san?"
"I want you on my team," he said directly, no preamble. "Your quirk is versatile. You can create whatever we need in the moment defensive equipment, offensive tools, tactical advantages. With everyone targeting us, that adaptability will be crucial."
Yaoyorozu's surprise shifted to consideration. Being on Tsubaki's team meant being the primary target. But it also meant...
"You're asking me because you think my quirk can help win?" she asked, wanting to be clear.
"I'm asking because I know it can," Tsubaki corrected. "Your Creation quirk is one of the most powerful tools we could have. I need someone who can think strategically and adapt on the fly. That's you."
A small flush colored Yaoyorozu's cheeks at the direct praise. As vice president, she'd worked alongside Tsubaki, but hearing such clear acknowledgment of her abilities was still meaningful.
"Then I accept," she said, her posture straightening with renewed confidence. "I won't let you down, Todoroki-san."
"OHHHHH!" Mei suddenly interjected, practically vibrating with excitement as she pushed between them. "Creation quirk?! You can make ANYTHING?! That's INCREDIBLE! The molecular reorganization alone must require insane mental calculations! How complex can your creations get? What's your size limit? Material restrictions? Oh, oh! Have you ever tried making support equipment? Because I have SO many ideas—"
"Hatsume-san," Yaoyorozu said, slightly overwhelmed by the rapid-fire questions. "Perhaps we could discuss this after—"
"Right, right, after the battle!" Mei nodded enthusiastically, though her eyes were still gleaming with technical interest. "But seriously, your quirk combined with my babies? We're going to be UNSTOPPABLE! This team is PERFECT!"
Tsubaki allowed himself a small smile at the interaction. Mei's energy was chaotic, but her genuine excitement about quirks and equipment might help Yaoyorozu's confidence the vice president sometimes second-guessed herself despite her capabilities.
"We still need one more," Tsubaki said, already scanning the arena for their final team member.
Across the arena, Bakugo stood with crossed arms as students approached him cautiously. Despite his explosive personality or perhaps because of his obvious strength multiple people wanted to team up with him.
"Bakugo! Let me join your team!" a general studies student called out.
"I can provide support with my quirk!" another offered.
Bakugo's red eyes swept over them with disdain. "I don't need weak extras dragging me down. Get lost."
"Bakugo!" Kirishima's voice cut through as he approached with his characteristic grin. "Let's team up, man! I'll be your shield!"
Bakugo glared at him. "Who the hell are you again?"
Kirishima's grin didn't falter despite the question. "Kirishima Eijiro! My quirk is Hardening! Remember? We're in the same class!"
"Tch. Whatever. You, Shitty Hair, you're on the team."
"It's Kirishima! And awesome!" He seemed genuinely happy despite the nickname.
"Bakugo! I want in too!" Mina bounced over, her pink skin and yellow eyes distinctive even in the chaos.
"Raccoon Eyes," Bakugo acknowledged.
"It's Ashido Mina!" she protested, though she was grinning.
"Same thing. You're in."
"Hey, Bakugo!" Sero called out, jogging over. "Need a fourth?"
Bakugo squinted at him. "...Tape Face?"
"SERO HANTA!" the black-haired boy laughed despite the insult. "Come on, man, we've been in class together for weeks!"
"Whatever. You've got that tape crap, right? Fine. You're the last one."
The team assembled—Kirishima, Mina, and Sero all looking pleased despite Bakugo's abrasive attitude.
"Alright, listen up," Bakugo said, his voice low and intense. "Here's how this is gonna work. I'm the rider. We're going for that ten million point headband. Ice Prince thinks he's hot shit? I'm gonna prove him wrong."
"Hell yeah!" Kirishima pumped his fist. "Since you want to lead, I'll be the front horse! I'll take the hits head-on!"
Bakugo's eyes narrowed. "You think you can handle being at the front? When get those 10 million points everyone will be after us."
"My quirk was made for this!" Kirishima grinned, activating his hardening. His skin became rough and rock-like, clearly built to absorb damage. "I can take whatever they throw at us! We'll charge straight into battle together and take those ten million points!"
For a moment, Bakugo just stared at him. Then his mouth curved into a sharp, feral grin.
"Damn right we will. You got guts, Shitty Hair. I need people who won't back down."
"That's me!" Kirishima's grin widened. "Let's show everyone what we can do!"
Bakugo's grin became even sharper. "First place is MINE. Don't slow me down."
Shoto stood analyzing the arena, his heterochromatic eyes tracking team formations with tactical precision. He needed a balanced team—mobility, power, utility.
"Todoroki!" Kaminari jogged over, his blonde hair distinctive. "Let me join your team! My electricity could be useful for offense and—"
"Your quirk short-circuits your brain when overused," Shoto interrupted, his tone neutral but direct.
Kaminari deflated slightly. "Well... yeah, but—"
"But it's also powerful and can affect multiple opponents simultaneously," Shoto continued. "You're on the team. Just don't overdo it."
"Oh! Uh, thanks!" Kaminari brightened immediately. "I won't let you down!"
Shoto's eyes tracked across the arena and landed on another target. "Iida."
Iida turned, his expression surprised as Shoto approached. "Todoroki-kun?"
"Your engine quirk provides speed and mobility. Join my team."
Iida's hand gestures became sharp, precise. His expression was serious, determined. "I will join your team, Todoroki-kun. But I want to make my intentions clear."
"Which are?"
"I intend to surpass Todoroki Tsubaki," Iida said firmly. "During the race, he took first place while I placed fifth. My brother will be watching this festival, and I need to show him I've grown stronger. By joining your team and competing against your brother directly, I'll prove that growth."
Shoto studied him for a moment, then nodded once. "Good. I want to beat him too. We'll work together toward that goal."
Iida's posture straightened. "Then I'm honored to be on your team!"
Shoto continued scanning. He needed someone else with utility, someone whose quirk could provide an unexpected advantage.
His eyes landed on a purple-haired boy standing slightly apart from the main groups—the one from the hallway confrontation. The general studies student who'd declared war on Class 1-A.
Shoto walked over directly. "Shinso Hitoshi."
Shinso's tired eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You remember my name."
"You made an impression. What's your quirk?"
Shinso hesitated, his expression becoming guarded. This was always the moment—when people learned about his quirk and decided he was villainous, unsuited for hero work.
"Brainwashing," he said flatly, waiting for the rejection.
Shoto's expression didn't change. "Explain."
"If someone responds to me verbally, I can control them. Make them do what I want until they're physically shocked out of it."
"That's powerful."
Shinso blinked, genuinely surprised. "Most people say it's a villain's quirk."
"Most people are idiots," Shoto said bluntly. "A quirk is just a tool. What matters is how you use it. Your ability could neutralize enemy teams without physical confrontation. Can you help me win?"
Shinso stared at this boy—one of the top four finishers, someone with every reason to look down on general studies students—asking for his help without judgment or condescension.
He'd been planning to use his quirk to manipulate his way onto a team. But this... this was different.
"Yeah," Shinso said, his voice firm. "I can help you win."
"Then you're on the team." Shoto turned to address all three of his recruits. "Our goal is the ten million point headband. My brother has it, which means he'll be everyone's primary target. We'll use that chaos to our advantage and strike when the moment is right."
Kaminari, Shinso, and Iida—an unusual combination, but one with clear tactical potential.
"We're going after Todoroki Tsubaki?" Iida asked.
"We're going after everyone," Shoto corrected. "But yes, that ten million points is our primary objective."
Midoriya stood with Uraraka, both of them looking somewhat overwhelmed by the chaos around them.
"We need to form a team fast," Uraraka said, her expression determined despite her nervousness. "Who should we ask?"
"What about Iida-kun?" Midoriya suggested hopefully. "His speed would be perfect!"
They spotted Iida nearby and hurried over.
"Iida-kun!" Midoriya called out. "Would you join our team? Your quirk would be—"
"I'm sorry, Midoriya," Iida interrupted, his hand gestures apologetic but firm. "I cannot join your team."
"What?" Uraraka's eyes widened. "But we're friends!"
"We are," Iida agreed. "Which is exactly why I need to do this. I'm joining Todoroki Shoto's team because my goal is to surpass Todoroki Tsubaki. During the race, he placed first while I placed fifth. I cannot grow stronger by avoiding that challenge—I need to face it directly."
His expression softened slightly. "I hope you understand. This isn't rejection—it's my path forward. You've both pushed me to be better, and now I need to show that growth."
Midoriya and Uraraka stood in shocked silence as Iida walked away to rejoin Shoto's team.
"He... he's really serious about this," Uraraka said quietly.
"Yeah," Midoriya agreed, his fists clenching. "Which means we need to be just as serious. We need a team that can compete with everyone else."
They looked around the arena desperately. Most strong students had already formed groups. Time was running out.
"There!" Uraraka pointed toward a pair standing slightly apart from the main clusters. "That's Tetsutetsu from Class 1-B! He was tenth place—he's strong!"
"And the girl with him is Shiozaki Ibara," Midoriya added, his analytical mind supplying information. "Eleventh place. Her vine quirk is powerful and versatile."
They hurried over before anyone else could recruit them.
"Tetsutetsu-san! Shiozaki-san!" Midoriya called out. "Would you join our team?"
Tetsutetsu's silver eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You're from Class 1-A."
"I am," Midoriya acknowledged. "But—"
"Then no way!" Tetsutetsu crossed his arms, his metallic skin gleaming. "Class 1-B has to stick together! We can't betray our class by teaming up with you guys!"
Shiozaki's vine-like hair swayed as she nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry, but Tetsutetsu-kun is right. Our class loyalty—"
"Don't you want to win?" Midoriya interrupted, his voice suddenly intense.
Both Class 1-B students paused, surprised by the change in his demeanor.
Midoriya stepped forward, his green eyes blazing with determination. "Everyone right now is watching the top four finishers. Watching Class 1-A. If Class 1-B wants that same attention, that same recognition, you need to make an impact that forces people to notice you."
He gestured toward the arena. "Tetsutetsu-san, your metal quirk makes you a perfect tank—you can take hits and protect the team. Shiozaki-san, your vines provide range and control. Uraraka-san has movement with her zero gravity. And I..." he clenched his fist, "I have power."
His voice grew stronger, more confident. "Tank, power, movement, and range. Our combination could work. We could get those ten million points. We could WIN."
Tetsutetsu hesitated, clearly torn between class loyalty and the logic of Midoriya's argument.
"Currently, people all over Japan are watching," Midoriya continued, his determination palpable. "Agencies are scouting. Heroes are evaluating. Everyone is focused on the top four and Class 1-A because we made the strongest impression. But if you want Class 1-B to get that focus too—if you want to prove your class is just as strong—the best way is to WIN. And this could be your best chance to make that statement."
He met Tetsutetsu's eyes directly. "Join our team. Help us win. And show everyone that Class 1-B deserves just as much recognition."
Silence held for a moment.
Then Shiozaki leaned close to Tetsutetsu, her voice quiet. "It's... not a bad idea. And his logic is sound. If we want our class to be noticed, we need to achieve something noteworthy."
Tetsutetsu stared at Midoriya, seeing the fierce determination burning in those green eyes. This wasn't the nervous, stuttering boy from the race's beginning. This was someone ready to fight with everything they had.
A grin slowly spread across Tetsutetsu's face, his metallic skin gleaming. "Fine. I'll be your shield, Midoriya. But if I'm following you, you better aim for the top with EVERYTHING you've got. Don't you dare hold back!"
Midoriya's face lit up with genuine happiness. "I won't! I promise!"
"Then we have a deal!" Tetsutetsu extended his hand, and Midoriya shook it firmly.
Shiozaki smiled softly. "If Tetsutetsu-kun has decided, then I will trust his judgment. Let us work together toward victory."
Uraraka pumped her fist excitedly. "Yes! This is going to be great! We can really do this!"
Their team was formed—an unlikely alliance between classes, but one united by determination to prove themselves.
Tsubaki moved through the arena with purpose, his blue eyes locked on his target. He'd analyzed the remaining strong students, considered quirk synergies, tactical advantages.
Only one choice made sense.
"Tokoyami."
The dark-cloaked student turned, his bird-like features showing surprise. "Todoroki-san?"
"I need your power for this battle," Tsubaki said directly. "Dark Shadow is one of the strongest quirks in our class. Offensive capability, defensive utility, and raw power. With everyone targeting our team, I need someone who can fight back effectively."
Tokoyami's dark eyes studied Tsubaki carefully. "You're asking me to join the most targeted team in the arena. Every single group will be gunning for us."
"I am."
"That's a significant risk."
"It is," Tsubaki acknowledged. "But I respect your strength, Tokoyami. I know what Dark Shadow can do. And I believe with our combined abilities, we can win."
Tokoyami considered for a moment longer. This wasn't just about tactics or winning—it was about trust. About whether he believed in his class president's ability to lead them through the chaos that was coming.
He thought back to the USJ, to how Tsubaki had fought the Nomu, had protected classmates, had shown both strength and tactical thinking under pressure.
"Very well," Tokoyami said, his voice firm with decision. "I will follow you into battle, Todoroki-san. As class president, you've earned that trust."
Tsubaki nodded, satisfaction crossing his features. "Good. Then our team is complete."
He turned to address his full team—Hatsume Mei with her support equipment and manic energy, Yaoyorozu Momo with her versatile Creation quirk, and Tokoyami Fumikage with Dark Shadow's raw power.
"Listen carefully," Tsubaki said, his voice calm but commanding. "Every team here will come after us. The ten million points make us the primary target. This won't be easy—it will be the hardest fight any of us have faced in this festival."
His blue eyes blazed with determination.
"But we're going to win. We're going to protect that headband, gather additional points when opportunities arise, and prove that the team at the top stays at the top. Understood?"
"UNDERSTOOD!" Mei practically shouted, her enthusiasm undimmed.
"Yes, Todoroki-san," Yaoyorozu said with quiet confidence.
"I'm ready," Tokoyami confirmed.
The Timer Ends
The massive screen's countdown hit zero, and a loud buzzer echoed across the arena.
"TIME'S UP!" Midnight's voice boomed. "TEAMS ARE NOW LOCKED IN!"
Students quickly assembled into their formations—riders climbing onto their teammates' shoulders, strategies being whispered, quirks beginning to activate in preparation.
The arena floor was now divided into distinct teams, each one eyeing the others, calculating, planning.
And at the center of all that attention, wearing the headband marked with ten million points, Tsubaki Todoroki stood with his team.
And dozens of other teams, all ready to fight for advancement, for recognition, for glory.
The crowd's noise reached a fever pitch. Cameras focused. Pro heroes leaned forward. The entire nation watched.
Midnight raised her whip high, her smile dangerous and excited.
"GET READY!" she called out. "The Cavalry Battle is about to begin!"
Tsubaki's hands clenched slightly at his sides. His team surrounded him, ready to move, ready to fight.
'This is it,' he thought, his blue eyes scanning the arena full of opponents. 'Everyone wants to tear me down..'
His expression hardened, determination crystallizing into absolute certainty.
'Let them try.'
The stadium held its breath.
The battle was about to begin.
To Be Continued...
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Author's note:
Hope you enjoyed that chapter and leave some power stones if you are enjoying the story.
I know some of the team ups are unexpected but hope you like the teams give me your thoughts on them.