MHA: The Hero With the Sun (HIATUS)

Kenji sprinted through the fading golden glow, his entire body charged with the solar energy of Solar Core. Todoroki's ice shield cracked and groaned under the intense pressure of Kenji's light-based assault, shards breaking away with every strike.

Todoroki stood firm behind the barrier, his face unreadable but his movements deliberate. Kenji's relentless offense was wearing him down, but the half-and-half hero wasn't done yet.

With a burst of fire from his left side, Todoroki melted his own shield and surged forward, flames licking the air as he prepared his counterattack. Kenji reacted instinctively, releasing a concentrated flash of light to disorient Todoroki, then ducking low to sweep his leg.

The move caught Todoroki off guard, but as he fell, a stream of ice erupted from his right hand, creating a slick frost-covered surface beneath them both. Kenji struggled for footing as Todoroki used the ice to propel himself upright, creating distance.

"You're not bad, Saito," Todoroki said, his breath visible in the cold air. "But I'm not losing here."

Kenji gritted his teeth, his energy reserves nearing their limit. "Neither am I."

Todoroki launched his final attack: a simultaneous surge of fire and ice that roared across the arena, the two elements colliding in a swirling tempest of steam and raw power. Kenji had only seconds to act.

Gathering the last of his strength, he focused Solar Core into a tight, radiant beam and aimed directly at Todoroki's center mass. The beam cut through the chaotic storm, forcing Todoroki to abandon his attack to defend himself.

The collision of their Quirks created an explosion that rocked the arena, throwing both competitors backward. When the dust settled, the crowd was silent, holding their collective breath.

Kenji struggled to his feet, his legs trembling beneath him. Across from him, Todoroki did the same, but his movements were slower, more labored.

Midnight stepped forward, her whip raised. "The winner is… Kenji Saito!"

The stadium erupted in cheers, the crowd roaring their approval as Kenji sank to his knees, utterly spent.

Aftermath in the Waiting Area

Back in the waiting area, Kenji was met with a round of applause from his classmates.

"That was insane, man!" Kaminari said, clapping him on the back. "You actually beat Todoroki!"

"Barely," Kenji muttered, sinking into a chair. "I don't know how I'm supposed to keep going after that."

"You will," Momo said, sitting beside him. Her tone was calm but encouraging. "That match showed everyone just how capable you are. But you'll need to recover quickly if you want to win the final round."

Kenji nodded, her words both a comfort and a challenge.

"Hey, don't get cocky," Bakugo interjected, glaring at Kenji. "You beat Icy Hot, but you're not winning this thing. That's my spot."

Kenji smirked, too exhausted to argue. "We'll see, Bakugo."

As the students mingled, Kenji found himself reflecting on Todoroki's words during the match. He had held back—afraid of pushing too far, of losing control. But against Todoroki, he'd finally let go, embracing the full extent of his Quirk.

It felt liberating, but also terrifying.

Kenji's Internal Growth

Later that evening, as the adrenaline wore off and the aches in his body became more pronounced, Kenji found a quiet corner of the waiting area to sit and think.

The weight of everything hit him at once—the USJ attack, the Sports Festival, the expectations of his classmates and the pro heroes watching.

"Am I really ready for all of this?" he wondered aloud.

"You don't have to be ready all at once," a voice said.

Kenji looked up to see Momo standing nearby. She sat down beside him, her expression gentle.

"You've already come so far," she continued. "No one expects you to have all the answers right now. Just focus on giving your best, one step at a time."

Kenji nodded, her words easing some of the tension in his chest. "Thanks, Momo. I guess I needed to hear that."

She smiled. "We're all learning, Kenji. Even those who seem like they have it all figured out."

The two sat in companionable silence for a while, the noise of the festival fading into the background.

The Final Round

The announcement for the final match pulled Kenji from his thoughts. His body was sore, his energy reserves low, but his resolve was stronger than ever.

As he stepped into the arena once more, he locked eyes with Bakugo, who was already waiting in the center. The explosive blonde's grin was equal parts excitement and challenge.

"This is it, Saito," Bakugo said, cracking his knuckles. "No holding back. Let's see what you've got."

Kenji returned the grin, raising his fists. "You're on."

Midnight's whip cracked through the air. "Final match: Kenji Saito versus Katsuki Bakugo! Begin!"

The roar of the crowd swelled as the two launched into action, their Quirks colliding in a dazzling display of light and explosions.

Word Count: ~1,174