Ua sports festival part 4

                                    

                                          

The roar of the crowd filled the stadium, a mix of excitement and anticipation as the next match was announced: Izuku Mori versus Shoto Todoroki. I stood calmly at the edge of the arena, my eyes fixed on Shoto across from me. I knew that this fight would draw even more attention to me, and I wasn't interested in revealing too much about my capabilities.
As we stepped into the ring, Shoto's expression was a mixture of focus and determination. The half-cold, half-hot hero-in-training was a formidable opponent, and I could sense the tension in the air. Shoto's dual quirk was powerful and unpredictable, but I had already made my decision. I would lose this match, but I would do it in a way that didn't arouse suspicion.
The buzzer sounded, signaling the start of the match. Shoto wasted no time, launching a massive wave of ice toward me. I dodged it effortlessly, my movements precise and calculated. I continued to avoid Shoto's attacks, making it look like I was struggling just enough to keep the fight interesting.
"He's fast," Shoto muttered, launching another barrage of ice. "But why isn't he attacking?"
I pretended to be on the defensive, narrowly avoiding each strike. I could see the confusion in Shoto's eyes, the internal conflict about using both sides of his quirk. I knew that Shoto was holding back, just as I was.
As the fight progressed, I saw my opportunity. Shoto unleashed a powerful blast of fire, and I purposefully misjudged my dodge, allowing the flames to graze my side. I let out a grunt of pain, staggering slightly to make it look convincing. The crowd gasped, and the intensity of the fight seemed to ramp up a notch.
I continued to evade Shoto's attacks, but my movements became more sluggish, my defenses weaker. I let Shoto land a few hits, carefully controlling the damage to avoid serious injury while making it look realistic. Each hit I took added to the illusion of a hard-fought battle.
"Why won't you fight back?" Shoto demanded, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion.
I didn't answer, instead focusing on my next move. I saw the opening I had been waiting for. Shoto launched a massive wave of ice, and I pretended to stumble, allowing the ice to envelop my legs and immobilize me.
The crowd roared in approval as Shoto advanced, preparing to deliver the final blow. I made one last effort to break free, struggling against the ice, but my movements were slow and deliberate. Shoto's fist, encased in flame, struck me in the chest, and I fell to the ground, the ice shattering around me.
The referee called the match, declaring Shoto the winner. The crowd erupted in applause, but I remained on the ground, catching my breath and making sure my defeat looked genuine. Shoto stood over me, a mixture of relief and confusion on his face.
"You could have fought back," Shoto said quietly, offering a hand to help me up.
I took his hand and stood, wincing slightly for effect. "I gave it my best shot," I replied, my voice calm and measured. "You were just better."
Shoto nodded, though it was clear he was still trying to understand what had just happened. I walked off the field, my expression as composed as ever. I knew I had played my part well, and the attention would now be on Shoto's victory rather than my own abilities.
As I left the arena, I felt a sense of relief. I had managed to avoid revealing too much about myself while still putting on a convincing performance. The whispers and speculations about my quirk would continue, but for now, I was content to remain an enigma.
Back in the waiting area, I watched the remaining matches with detached interest however I did go out to watch the final.
Teacher Pov
The UA Sports Festival continued with its usual fanfare, but the teachers in the observation room were focused on the recently concluded match between Izuku Mori and Shoto Todoroki. The room was filled with murmurs and hushed discussions, the outcome of the match sparking curiosity among the faculty.