The roar of the crowd gradually subsided as the results of the "Capture the Flag" game cemented the Red Team's decisive victory. Scattered groups of students, some exhilarated, others dejected, began to make their way off the arena floor, heading towards the debriefing areas.
In a secluded observation booth high above the stadium, the U.A. faculty gathered, their expressions a mix of analysis and subtle fatigue. Principal Nezu, Eraser Head, Midnight, Cementoss, and even the perpetually cheerful All Might sat around a holographic display showing individual student performance metrics.
"Alright, that was… quite something," Midnight purred, a hand to her cheek. "Minato Namikaze truly is on another level. His tactical foresight and combat prowess are astounding."
"Indeed," Cementoss rumbled. "His ability to contain Bakugo and Todoroki simultaneously, without even resorting to his teleportation for the core engagement, was a masterclass in physical combat."
Eraser Head, however, was already looking beyond the obvious. "His restraint was more telling. He chose to fight them physically, testing himself, while ensuring his team's strategy was executed. That shows maturity and control rare for someone his age." He pointed to a data point on the screen.
All Might, a thoughtful expression on his face, nodded slowly. "He truly understands what it means to be a hero, beyond just raw power. His earlier speech… it resonated. And his performance today solidified his standing as a force to be reckoned with."
"So, the qualifiers for the next round?" Midnight prompted, getting back to the immediate task.
Eraser Head scrolled through the holographic display, reviewing data points. "We're looking for individuals who demonstrated not just power, but versatility, strategic thinking, teamwork, and resilience. Raw strength isn't enough."
They deliberated for a few more minutes, cross-referencing individual scores with overall performance and potential.
Meanwhile, down on the arena floor, Present Mic's voice boomed once more, signaling the end of the faculty's discussion. "ALRIGHT, LISTENERS! THE FACULTY HAS CONFERRED! AND WE HAVE OUR TOP 32 STUDENTS WHO WILL ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND!"
A wave of anticipation swept through the remaining students, their hearts pounding as the giant screen began to list names.
"FIRST UP, AND NO SURPRISES HERE, IT'S NAMIKAZE MINATO!" A massive cheer erupted.
"FOLLOWED BY THE FIERY BAKUGO KATSUKI! THE ICY HOT TODOROKI SHOTO! AND, MIDORIYA IZUKU!"
The list continued, name by name, each accompanied by a burst of cheers or groans depending on the student and their supporters.
"FROM CLASS 1-A, WE HAVE YAOYOROZU MOMO, TOKOYAMI FUMIKAGE, URARAKA OCHAKO, KAMINARI DENKI, ASUI TSUYU, IIDA TENYA, HAGAKURE TORU, ASHIDO MINA, KIRISHIMA EIJIRO, OJIRO MASHIRAO, JIRO KYOKA, AND SERO HANTA!"
The Class 1-A students who qualified exchanged high-fives and relieved sighs.
"AND FROM CLASS 1-B, WE HAVE SOME FIERCE COMPETITORS! SHIOZAKI IBARA, TETSU TETSU TETSU, KODAI YUI, SHISHIDA JUROTA, TSUNOTORI PONY, KENDO ITSUKA, FUKIDASHI MANGA, AND MONOMA NEITO!"
Monoma gave a smug look towards the Class 1-A students, but a cheerful Kendo promptly chopped him on the head.
"AND A SPECIAL MENTION TO THE GENERAL STUDIES STUDENT WHO SHOWED REMARKABLE STRATEGIC THINKING AND QUIRK USE, SHINSO HITOSHI!"
Shinso's name was met with a surprised but respectful applause. The remaining qualified students, including a few from Support and other departments, were also announced.
"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 32 OF OUR QUALIFIERS!" Present Mic exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "YOU'VE EARNED YOUR SPOT IN THE NEXT ROUND! BUT BEFORE WE REVEAL THE NEXT CHALLENGE, IT'S TIME FOR A BREAK!"
He paused, then his voice took on an even more enthusiastic tone. "AND DURING THIS HALFTIME, WE HAVE A SPECIAL TREAT FOR ALL YOU LISTENERS AND FANS! A LIVE HALFTIME PERFORMANCE FROM OUR VERY OWN, THE GLOBAL POP SENSATION, NAMIKAZE MINATO! SO BE READY, FOLKS, THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE FOR THE AGES!"
A fresh wave of roaring applause erupted from the crowd. Students who hadn't qualified began heading for the exits or the stands to watch the performance. The qualified students, meanwhile, were directed towards the U.A. High cafeteria for lunch, their discussions buzzing with the events of the morning and the anticipation of the next round.
Halftime Huddle: Lunchtime Conversations
The U.A. cafeteria was a bustling hub of activity. Qualified students, still buzzing with adrenaline, grabbed their bento boxes and found tables. The air was thick with the aroma of various dishes, mingling with the excited chatter.
Minato's group quickly found a table. "Dude, that was insane!" Kaminari exclaimed, already digging into his katsudon. "You seriously tossed Bakugo like a ragdoll! Twice! And Todoroki looked like he was about to pass out just from trying to keep up with you!"
Mina giggled. "Yeah, I told you guys he was amazing! Bakugo's face when he realized he was flying through the air was priceless!"
"Your strategic direction was impeccable, Namikaze-kun," Momo added, sipping her tea elegantly. "Leading from the front in the first round, then commanding the entire team effectively in the second. You considered everyone's Quirks."
"The way you evaded them both was incredible, Minato," Kirishima said, his usual loud voice toned down slightly with awe. "It was like watching a completely different level of combat. So manly!"
"Ribbit, your ability to integrate our Quirks into your strategy was very helpful," Tsuyu observed, her finger to her chin.
Minato smiled, accepting their compliments gracefully. "You all did fantastically. Mina, Toru, your quick thinking in the first round was crucial. Tetsutetsu, Ojiro, Kaminari, you held the line admirably against Bakugo and Todoroki for as long as possible. And the offensive team, Sero, Asui, Shoji, and Shinso, your flag capturing was exceptional."
Iida, chopping the air with his hand, interjected. "Indeed! While our individual performances were strong, it was our collective cohesion under Namikaze-kun's leadership that led to such a decisive victory! We must maintain this level of teamwork in future challenges!"
The conversation then shifted to the upcoming rounds. "What do you think the next game will be?" Uraraka wondered, thoughtfully tapping her chopsticks. "Something individual, maybe?"
"Probably," Tokoyami mused, Dark Shadow shimmering slightly behind him. "A one-on-one tournament perhaps? The faculty always enjoys a spectacle."
"A one-on-one tournament would be ideal for demonstrating individual strength," Todoroki stated, his voice as calm as ever, despite his earlier exhaustion. He was methodically eating his cold soba.
Minato merely nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "I look forward to it, Todoroki-kun."
Bakugo, who was nearby, grunted, aggressively chewing his food. "Just you wait, Blondie. Next time, I'm gonna blast you into the dirt. You won't get away with those cheap tricks." He still seethed from being thrown out of the building.
Minato chuckled softly. "We'll see, Bakugo."
The students continued to discuss their Quirks, potential matchups, and the sheer power demonstrated by their classmates. The atmosphere was a blend of competitive fire and genuine camaraderie. Even Monoma, from Class 1-B, who usually found every opportunity to insult Class 1-A, was mostly quiet, lost in thought about Minato's overwhelming display of skill. His earlier copied Steel Quirk hadn't even scratched Minato's composure.
Minato, however, felt a different kind of pressure. He was eating quickly, his mind already shifting gears from strategist to performer.
He finished his lunch with practiced efficiency, then gently excused himself from the buzzing conversation. "I need to go prepare for the concert. Wish me luck!"
His friends and classmates cheered him on. "Break a leg, Minato-kun!" Mina called out.
"Show 'em what you got!" Kirishima added, flexing his arm.
With a final wave, Minato left the cafeteria, his strides purposeful. He headed towards the backstage area of the stadium, the excited hum of the crowd already growing louder. The roar of the Sports Festival would soon be joined by the thunder of a different kind of performance.