MHA; Natsu Dragneel!

**Chapter 25: Obstacle Race Part Two**

The stadium was a living, breathing entity, its pulse thrumming with the deafening roar of the crowd. The air was electric, charged with the collective anticipation of thousands of spectators, their cheers and shouts reverberating through the concrete stands like a seismic wave. The energy was so palpable it seemed to distort the very atmosphere, making the sunlight glint brighter off the arena's polished surfaces. Yamada's voice, amplified by the stadium's speakers, cut through the cacophony with his trademark enthusiasm.

"Can you feel that energy, folks? The excitement is off the charts, and we've only just begun!" he bellowed, his words echoing across the arena. "This is what the U.A. Sports Festival is all about—raw talent, unyielding determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness!"

The buzz wasn't confined to the stadium. Across the city, in bustling streets and quiet neighborhoods alike, giant screens broadcast the unfolding spectacle. Pedestrians stopped in their tracks, transfixed by the drama playing out before them, their daily routines forgotten. In living rooms, families huddled together, leaning forward in their seats as the tension gripped them. Some muttered half-whispered predictions, while others held their breath, their eyes glued to the screen, waiting for the next twist.

Back in the stadium, Yamada's keen eyes locked onto Todoroki as he approached the first obstacle—a towering wall of menacing robots. "Look at those monsters!" he announced, his voice rising with excitement. "These are the same robots from the entrance exam, folks! But let's see if they can handle the cream of the crop!"

Before Yamada could finish, Todoroki was already in motion. With a single, fluid motion, he swept his hand behind him and touched the ground. Instantly, a tidal wave of frost erupted, surging across the arena and engulfing the largest of the robots in an icy tomb. The machine, once imposing and unstoppable, now stood frozen in time, a crystalline statue reflecting the sun's rays. The frost spread like wildfire, encasing the other robots in a glittering prison of ice.

A cold mist swirled around Todoroki as he exhaled, his breath visible in the icy air. His voice was calm, almost bored. "The same robots from the entrance exam? They should've brought something better if they wanted to stop me."

The crowd exploded in awe, their cheers deafening. Yamada's voice followed shortly after, charged with excitement. "Shoto Todoroki, everyone! He's showing why he's one of the favorites today! I don't think anyone expected less from him!"

As the frozen robot began to crack and crumble, chaos erupted across the course. The other students found themselves face-to-face with the towering machines, some launching into battle with determination, while others hesitated, fear freezing them in place just as surely as Todoroki's ice.

Among them, Jiro and Kaminari stood side by side, staring down a massive robot of their own. Jiro's lips curled into a wry smile. "Remember that insane training plan? Yamada-sensei's voice still haunts my dreams."

Kaminari grinned, sparks of electricity already flickering around him. "Yeah, training with Natsu was a nightmare, but it's time to show what we've got. No more standing in the shadows."

Jiro shot him a sideways glance, her dark purple hair shifting with the wind. "How did you even come up with that plan?" she asked.

Kaminari's expression shifted, a serious edge in his eyes. "USJ. After what happened there, I couldn't ignore it anymore. Natsu, he's easygoing—always joking around—but the gap between us was… brutal. I realized I wasn't strong enough to stand beside him, not yet. If I want to be his equal, I need to earn it."

Jiro's smile softened, understanding flickering in her gaze. "Let's start then, shall we?"

With a sudden burst of energy, Kaminari charged forward, electricity crackling violently around him. "Of course!"

As he sprinted toward the robot, Jiro's mind flashed back to Yamada's intense training. "Sound is more powerful than you realize," Yamada had said. "But relying on your ears alone will limit you. Push your quirk to its fullest potential, even if it strains every fiber of your body."

Kaminari slammed his hands against the cold metal of the robot, sending jolts of electricity surging through its circuits. As the robot sparked and struggled, Kaminari thought, *Control. It's not just about overwhelming force. Natsu was right—I've been lazy, avoiding the hard work. But if I'm going to be like Laxus, if I want to stand beside Natsu, I have to go beyond.*

Meanwhile, Jiro inhaled deeply, her lungs burning with anticipation. She let out a powerful scream, unleashing a sonic wave that tore through the air, vibrating the robot's core and destabilizing it. The combined force of electricity and sound was too much—the robot exploded in a flash of light and sound, pieces scattering across the field.

Kaminari was hurled back by the blast, crashing into Jiro, who caught him just before he hit the ground. "You alright?" she asked, her voice steady but filled with concern.

He flashed a weak grin, still breathless. "We did it… But you've got to finish the race."

Jiro smiled back, relief flooding her as she set him down gently. "I'll take it from here."

High above, in the commentary booth, Aizawa turned toward Yamada, his voice low. "Aren't you supposed to be commenting?"

Yamada smiled, pride flickering in his eyes. His usual exuberance had dimmed to something quieter, more reflective. "Kaminari… he's really grown in just a week."

His mind drifted back to a week ago. The memory was fresh—he had been packing up his things after a long day when he found Jiro waiting outside the staff room, her expression hesitant but determined.

"Jiro, right?" he had asked, surprised. "What's up? Something wrong?"

She hesitated, biting her lip before speaking. "At USJ… I was useless. I didn't do anything to help my friends, not like Natsu. He fought like a hero."

Yamada had chuckled softly. "You can't compare yourself to Natsu. We all have our strengths. Do you think I could beat All Might, even with all my training?"

"But… I don't want to be left behind, Sensei," Jiro had insisted, her voice breaking slightly. "If I have to face Natsu in the festival, I don't want him to pity me. He fights everyone strong, no matter who they are… but me? He never looks at me that way. I want to prove myself. Even if I lose, I want to fight him on equal ground."

Yamada had sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Natsu again, huh? You're not the first to come to me about this." He had smiled at her determination. "Alright, starting tomorrow, I'll train you, Kaminari, and Midoriya. But be prepared—it's going to push you harder than anything you've done before."

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The race continued, each student pushing their limits, their growth evident in every move they made. The obstacle course was no longer just a test of physical ability—it was a proving ground, a stage where the future heroes of U.A. showcased their resolve, their ingenuity, and their unyielding spirit. And as the crowd roared their approval, it was clear that this was only the beginning. The U.A. Sports Festival had truly begun, and the world was watching.

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