After two weeks of time flying by so quickly the day of the Sports Festival came.

Naoki got up, already cold from the lack of warmth.

"Heading out? I'll walk you to the store. But, you really should eat first, Naoki. I've gotten something made, and you have a little time." Dabi walked into the bedroom, already having been up and dressed, unusual for him, as far as Naoki had seen.

"Yeah, I will eat. Not a good idea with what's going on today, and after all the training yesterday. That, and your cooking is actually really good." Naoki smiled, already part way in his uniform.

He had spent the last two weeks training with Dabi, and he was grateful. He'd also, thanks to Dabi, been remaining well-rested.

Things had died down, albeit slightly, concerning All Might's adoption of Naoki, but he was still overly careful wandering about, and even more so when he was heading to meet with Dabi. He'd ended up going home to get clothes and a few other things.

"Good. It's ready. Eat up. It's almost 7 am, so you have a little time. Any other questions or anything? We've done a bit more than just practicing your Quirk, so I want to make sure the other training makes sense, or that you fully understood it." They sat down, eating.

"No, I think I'm all good. It was a good idea though, focusing on strategy, even though I don't know what the trials will be, and it's helped a lot. I have no prior experience, and what I know and have learned since coming back is limited, but you were patient and able to help even with that.

Plus, all of the advice on in-combat strategy, mid-combat analysing, you even helped me figure out new things about some of the Quirks, and Borrower in General... I owe you.

And, then the awkward situation at the area where we practised... I'm still really embarrassed by that... My calculations were way off and..."

"I already told you to drop that. It was just a shirt. I've got more. Just glad you weren't hurt and didn't hurt me either... Didn't know you could redirect my Quirk back at me. Now we know. You can reflect attacks back at their source, but be careful with that. Others may find a way to circumvent, or even use that against you.

It could also hurt them pretty badly if they're not built for their Quirk as well, say Katsuki wasn't able to handle his blasts being fired back, you could injure, maim or possibly kill, and that's not necessarily good against your classmates or opponents in real combat.

And, it may only work with Quirks your vectors can manipulate in the first place. Something not as physical, or not even visible, may be a weakness. You done?" Dabi rebuffed, then went for Naoki's plate, only for the teen to offer to do it.

"Not a chance. I'm just picking them up. I'll clean up once I'm back. Do you need anything from your house before you go to school?" Naoki shook his head. "Alright, Let's go. Don't want to be late for the festival, right?" Dabi smirked.

"No. I'd get into trouble. Are you sure you want to walk me all the way back there? You don't-"

"No way in hell I'll let you go back alone. Said this every time. Now," He grabbed Naoki's school bag. "Let's go. We wait any longer and you will be late." Dabi interrupted, already walking out the door as he tugged his usual coverings on.

"Alright, coming." Naoki chased after him. "Hey, are you sure I can keep wearing this? I mean, it's a nice hoodie and it's warm..." Naoki asked as they walked. Dabi was wearing a pair of shades, and a surgical mask again.

"Why would I say it if I didn't mean it. I've got more. Besides, you always seem to be cold, so it'll serve you better. I know you carry books in here, but damn, kid. Why so many and why are they so heavy?" Dabi teased.

"I like to read them front to back, and the bigger they are, the longer I have them to learn from. If you want me to carry it, I can. I'm not helpless, Dabi."

"Heh. I know that. Even when training and I could tell you were overwhelmed, yet you still kept going. You're anything but helpless. I'm just carrying it until we reach the store. You can have it back then." Dabi mused.

"Fine." Naoki began, "I'll let you have that..."

"When can I see you again?" They both asked simultaneously, Naoki blushing and embarrassed as he scrambled to try and answer.

"Well... I don't want to overstay or come if you aren't okay with it... I hate feeling like a burden..." Naoki reasoned.

"You're welcome over whenever you want. Just shoot me a message first so I can make sure to meet you part way. Like I said, that area isn't the best and you're still a kid, so as they may see it, easy picking. I'm not so easy. Don't even think of doing it alone.

I'll always answer if you message, but don't just go over to my place. And, like I told you in the beginning, don't call unless it's an emergency. I know it sounds weird, but I can't answer calls as easily as texts. And that way if you do call, I know it's urgent. I'll do the same."

"I know, I know. Rule number one... And, the 'not going to your place alone, or walking home alone' is rule number two... Pretty much the only two you are this serious about... Any more, Dabi-san~" Naoki asked, teasing in the end.

"Yeah, one. If you see me in public, and you're not alone, you didn't notice me. I don't want too many people crowding me. If you are alone, then text me and I'll come to you if I can. You being a highschool student, and me an adult isn't good for many people to know about right now.

So for your sake, we need to both be careful about other's eyes when it comes to one another. Even if there's not anything illegal to this relationship between us, people judge, assume, and once things like that are out, they'll never fully die." Dabi finished as they approached the store. Behind it, Dabi grabbed Naoki's arm, pulling him into a hug.

"Do your best, kid. But don't be reckless, or worse, stupid."

After releasing him, Dabi handed Naoki his bag. "See you, kid." Dabi made to walk off, pausing when Naoki called after him.

"Hey!" He waited for Dabi to look back, "Thank you for your help. You be safe too, and not reckless or stupid. And..." Naoki paused, looking down. "I'll see you soon."

Dabi turned and walked, waving to the raven behind him.

Naoki walked to the front, seeing Yasuki sweeping.

"Hey, Nao-chan! Your dad is already at the school. You better hurry, the Festival is today, isn't it?" Yasuki asked.

"Yeah! I'm excited. I'm going, then. Thanks, Yasuki-san!" Naoki took off, running.

Yasuki pulled out his phone, sending All Might a quick message that Naoki was well, and on his way. A substitute to the Pro actually being there, that he and Tsuki had arranged with Toshinori and Naoki. Then, he went back to sweeping.

。。。

Naoki ran into Izuku on the way. "Hey! Izumi! Let's do our best today!"

"Wah! Naoki! When did you... Oh, hey, where were you training at? I asked All Might, but he just shrugged and said you were getting help from someone else. You were barely home either..."

Izuku asked as Naoki had matched paces with him. He'd found it was best to linger around others he knew as they approached, since the press would still swarm him a bit, even with the Festival going on. In fact, perhaps even more because of it.

"Yeah. I was. Remember when I tried to help with the robbery and sent you and dad, plus Kacchan and Todoroki-san into a panic... I was staying with that person again. I got sleep!

And they helped me with training. It was an awesome experience, learning from someone with a different Quirk than anyone I'd ever sparred with before, plus they cook well. We didn't just work with my Quirk, though. We focused on strategy and combat maneuvers to help in combining my Quirk's facets. I learned a lot!"

"That's good. Uh-oh... The crowd is-" Izuku began, Naoki taking his hand, the two vanishing before being noticed, but also taking upward, over the crowd, Izuku mildly panicked until they were down and grounded. "Naoki, please tell me before doing that kind of stuff!"

Naoki grinned but apologised as they made for preparing to take part in the Sports Festival.

I really hope the staff decided on letting me wear my braces... Else this is going to suck... They're nothing special, just the same as store-bought ones anyone has access to...

。。。

In the waiting room for Class 1-A, Naoki waited with the others in his class. Mina was complaining about being stuck wearing the usual gym uniform, Masashirao adding that at least that kept things fair.

Mineta spoke his curiosity about what was in store for the festival, when the door burst open, the principal peeking in, "Ah! There you are. Naoki, your request for additional attire was allowed. Please hurry, though, as you will all be on shortly. Aoyama- Oh good. You're already wearing yours."

Sighing in relief, Naoki pulled open the locker he'd put his things into.

"Wait. Why does he get special equipment?" Mineta asked.

"I've got joint damage and things like that from my past... These are just simple, store-bought, minimalistic compression sleeves so I can function at the same condition everyone else can..." Naoki explained, putting the sleeves on each of the joints he'd asked for. "Left shoulder, hip and knee. Right elbow, and-" He said, applying the last ones. "Hands."

Naoki put on the gray pressuring gloves, the only braces visible, other than the bottom edge of his elbow.

Izuku muttered, "Well, if you think about it, it is fair. He has had those injuries before his memory even begins, so it makes sense why they let him. Even in the interview he had with All Might, they explained a good portion of the injuries he had while in the hospital, so it won't be a complete surprise, and the crowd won't be likely to see it as unfair, and it really-" His muttering was interrupted as Tenya slammed the door open

"Everyone! Get your game faces on! We're entering the arena soon!!" Tenya exclaimed, calling everyone's attention.

"Hey, Midoriya." Todoroki drew everyone's eyes to his next words.

"Hey, Todoroki, what's up?" Izuku asked, a little nervous.

"From an objective standpoint, I think it's fairly clear that I'm stronger than you." Midoriya mumbled an agreement.

"However, you've got All Might in your corner, helping you out. I'm not here to pry about what's going on between you two, but know that I will beat you."

Izuku looked shocked. Before anyone could speak out right away, Todoroki turned his attention to the guarded Naoki. "Naoki, I know we have unfinished business, but for now that's out of the picture. I will beat you as well. Since you're All Might's son now, it's all the more vital I do.

What's between us from the Indoor Combat Training and everything else since or before, stops and vanishes here, until this is all finished. As of now, you're the same as Midoriya. I will defeat you."

Naoki gulped, but nodded as Denki called out. "Woah, what's with all the declarations of war lately?"

"Yeah, what's the big deal? Why are you picking a fight all of the sudden?" Kirishima marched to Todoroki, placing a hand on his shoulder, "And right before we get started?"

Todoroki threw his hand off, "We're not here to be each other's friends. Don't forget this isn't a team effort." He walked off.

Izuku spoke out, stopping him in his tracks, Naoki ready to add his own reply in as well. "Wait a sec, Todoroki. I don't know what's going through your head, or why you think you need to tell me that you'll beat me, and yeah, of course you're better than me. In fact, you probably have way more potential than me or anyone in the Hero Course. That's why you got in so easily. I know why Naoki didn't get in by recommendation, that's obvious, knowing him as long as I have, but you did, and rightfully so."

Kirishima interrupted, "Midoriya, maybe you're being a little hard on yourself, and us..." But, was cut off as Izuku continued.

"No. He's right, you guys. All the other courses. They're coming for us with everything they've got. We're all going to have to fight to stand out."

As Todoroki turned to face Izuku again, Izuku issued his counter challenge, not just to Todoroki, but everyone there, Naoki included. "But I'll be aiming for the top too."

"Fine." Todoroki replied, looking to Naoki, who he could tell was waiting to say his own reply. "And you?"

"I just wanted to say, I may have been adopted by him, but I don't seek the same things, in the same way he does. I turned down recommendation- both from him, and another person- because I want to prove more to myself than anyone else, that I am capable of doing this. I can and will become a Hero, without riding anyone's tail, I think you understand that better than anyone here.

But also that I didn't train with, learn from, or even get advice from All Might at any point since the Festival was announced. I've learned from someone else, trained just as hard, and I don't want to let that person down.

So, just as Midoriya and everyone else, I'm not going to let this chance slip, I will do my best, and I will counter you with everything I have."

Naoki turned to Katsuki, knowing the blonde was working just as hard. "And, Katsuki-san. Same to you. I will aim to surpass you as well. But because I respect you, I'll keep your Quirk out of my arsenal for the day.

I was asked to limit myself to one Quirk, but after a well-aimed hit and words from someone I admire, I won't hold back, that applies to you as well, Izuku." Naoki asserted his own will to succeed, and his desire to win. "To everyone... I'm giving this everything I've got, so you all should do the same!"

。。。

Loud-Mic could be heard from their waiting place, Naoki muting his obnoxious voice a little, so he could focus.

Dabi-san. I'll give it everything I have. I will do my best and not waste what you taught me.

They progressed onto the field, many people in the class muttered and talked.

"Now for the introductory speeches." Midnight was their referee, and Naoki saw some of the class flush and mutter about her attire. He was standing next to Tooru, more out of habit.

"I bet she doesn't bother you, huh Naoki?" The invisible girl asked, a few of their classmates' eyes looking to him.

"No, Tooru-san. Not at all. Nothing even remotely bothersome to me, but some of our class seems to enjoy it. I doubt her Quirk could bother me if I react properly... If it can interact the same way at all... Who knows. Haven't faced it yet, so I don't." Naoki answered, a little more lighthearted and joking than he was before.

"Figures not. Good luck!" She replied, Naoki nodding and returning the words as Midnight continued.

"Silence! Everyone!" She snapped her flog, "And for the student pledges, we have two for this class. Katsuki Bakugou! And! Naoki-" She paused, for a split second. "Kirahara!"

A few members of their class looked toward Katsuki, worried about his 'speech', but another commented in return, "But hey, at least Naoki isn't..." It was cut off when the blonde glared them down.

Naoki and Katsuki went onto stage. Katsuki taking the mic first, and surprising no one who knew him, with his words. "I just wanna say... I'm gonna win."

Everyone bleached at that, looking to Naoki to try and fix the hatred toward their class that had just exponentially been multiplied.

Tenya asked as if it wasn't obvious, "Why would you say such insulting things! You're representing us all!"

"Not my fault you're all just stepping stones to my victory." Katsuki gave the crowd a thumbs down.

Reactions wrang out at his arrogance and pride as Naoki stepped up, a smile and closed eyes.

"And, to represent the rest of our class," He paused to wait for the commotion to die down, rubbing the left side of his neck as eyes focused on him, associating him as the adopted son of the Number 1 Pro Hero, which both helped and made matters worse for him.

"We hope everyone does their best. We've all worked hard to be where we are, and some fell into other classes, even with astounding Quirks and capabilities. So, doing your best, no matter what, is the only way to move forward. Good Luck!" Naoki finished. Class 1-A was a little bit better saved, but not by much.

"Naoki, you saved us..." "Yeah, but not before we've already been taken the same as Bakugou..."

Naoki sighed, the crowd mumbling- and loudly. He saw Izuku watching Bakugou, his analytical face being worn.

"Well, now we're not all unfairly targeted... As badly..." Izuku said as Naoki stopped beside him.

"Sorry I couldn't help more... This is going to be rough..." Naoki muttered the last sentence as their attention was called back to the stage.

"Without further ado, it's time for us to get started!" Midnight yelled into the microphone, quieting the noise of the classes, and the crowd, even a little.

"First game-"

Naoki missed a few words, hearing Dabi's words echo in his mind. Do your best, kid. But, don't be reckless, or worse, stupid. Naoki smiled, focusing on their referee again.

"This is where you begin feeling the pain! The first fateful game of the Festival!" The screen behind her shuffled, deciding their fates. "What could it be?" And, once the option was selected, she spoke out with a "Taadaa!"

Obstacle race. This was their first game.

She explained the game, and made a remark about not wanting to restrain anyone, then gave the rule, just don't leave the course, and they were free to do whatever they wanted.

"Now then! Take your places, contestants!" The crowd roared, as each class who was aiming to participate made for their spots. At the entrance, Naoki calmed himself, focusing and waiting.

"Begin!"

Naoki pushed into the air, launching himself over the crowd and through the doorway with ease. Below him, Todoroki froze the ground, and the people there. Naoki put a barrier around Izuku to help, but up in the air, Naoki wasn't affected. When he landed, a good number of students were frozen.

"Naoki!" Izuku called out.

"Just this once, Izumi! See you around." Naoki chased after Todoroki, who was freezing the ground as he went, "Heya, nice try!" Naoki slid past him, Todoroki glaring, but remaining calm.

Once he was past Todoroki, the ice tried to catch him. "Not happening."

He tapped a foot down, shattering it from the impact, and propelling up out of the way of a possible backup attack.

He heard Momo, Katsuki, and many others getting out behind Todoroki. So, he took the chance to check out his surroundings, a chuckle when he saw the same Level 0 from the exams.

"Well well... This time, I know what to calculate for." He jumped onto the front one, crushing it as he jumped lightly, Ricochet destroying them with force he knew to calculate this go-around. Todoroki froze them off balance, taking the chance to get past them.

As he raced forward, he warned the others about his little trick. Using this, Naoki jumped to where Todoroki was headed, landing as Todoroki approached, a vector blocking the ice.

"Told you to be careful about your bodily state... I'm grounding for now, want to get an idea of that Quirk of yours, Todoroki-san." Naoki jumped long-distances rather than high up.

"I don't need your warning. Stop helping your enemy." Todoroki muttered, keeping up with Naoki, who was using very little energy. He didn't know what was next, so it was safer not to be right in front. He lingered back behind the ice-user.

"Why are you letting me take the lead?" Todoroki asked when Naoki had backed off his lead.

"I've got reasons. One is watching you, the others-" He glanced back, worried about Izuku. "Is concern. You could have injured people with that trick."

"This is a competition, so they should expect that." Todoroki replied. He tried to leave ice behind him to surprise Naoki, but found it not working. "You!" He looked back, seeing Naoki using Erasure, a smirk on his face.

"You should expect that. It is a competition. I even warned about this in the waiting lounge."

He heard over the speakers, "And that is the showing of Naoki's Quirk! Borrower! Eraser Head! That's your Quirk he's got going now, any commentary?"

"He's thinking ahead and showing his potential. What Naoki is doing is both good strategising and showing some good improvements, since in his tests, be they Quirk related or not, he has always tried to hold back. It's personal growth on Naoki's part. He's learning how to balance his stockpiled abilities, yet I can easily tell... He's still holding back. Letting another powerful competitor take the lead. A good strategy."

Naoki heard the telltale explosions behind him, knowing Katsuki would be hot on their trail soon, as well as many other students.

Naoki reached the next area right behind Todoroki. "Heh! You are gonna slide. I'll jump." Naoki did just that. With a soft step, he went flying, bouncing from one position to the next, but with a distance between each that was by far safer than his maximum. He landed before Todoroki, but both he and the blonde were close.

He once more let them both take the lead. And once at the last obstacle, Naoki sighed. It was a minefield. A literal minefield.

Todoroki had to be careful, Katsuki launched past them both. Naoki, though, vanished.

"Hey hey hey! The lead was stolen, but a competitor has vanished! Could this be Naoki's primary Quirk in action! Using Ricochet, he can erase his presence, even sensory-type Quirks will find him hard to locate! But, can it help against the mines?" Present Mic yelled out.

"Appears so! Todoroki and Bakugou are neck in neck for the lead, and headed for the finish line, but are they actually in front? What do you think, Eraser?"

"I've seen Naoki hide his presence, no doubt. But, I don't think he's even on the ground. It's more likely he'll jump from small safe spots to another, not even catching attention, and avoiding setting off the mines as he does.

While his Quirk is Borrower, he has a few that are already saved. One is Ricochet as you mentioned. It is the one he uses the most. It allows him to control vectors, in basic, but why it is so powerful a Quirk for Naoki, in particular, is because of how hard he has worked to master it.

He's already taking advanced physics and mathematical classes to help him use it better. His calculations are an essential part of safely using Ricochet. Seeing him struggle at first, and now able to do those calculations almost simultaneously, is growth I can't attribute to the classes he takes as core classes. It's his own hard work and dedication that he has to thank for that.

I imagine he calculated how powerful each mine is, and also how much force it takes to set them off. Using that, he's likely landing, even on them, but not hard enough to detonate them. By hiding his presence atop this, he can keep the others in the dark of where he really is, which is a strategic way to surprise them when he does lower it. He's got a useful Quirk, but his intelligence and keen intellect is a big part of what makes him able to use it how he does." Eraser assessed.

"Ya hear that, folks! That's one bright kid! But, how are the rest of the competitors doing?" Present Mic yelled out.

A humongous explosion sounded and Izuku was propelled into the air, passing Katsuki and Todoroki, Present Mic commenting, and the crowd responding in turn.

Naoki took that chance to land lightly on the propelled sheet of metal, releasing his vector that hid him but still keeping himself less heavy on the sheet. "Hey, Izumi! How are you gonna land?" Naoki asked, stunning the green.

"Naoki! When did you-"

"Just now. If you aren't careful, you'll get hurt pretty bad, so think on that! See ya!" He pushed off, leaving the sheet unaffected, but the shockwave did go downward, popping off three mines in front of where Todoroki and Katsuki were frozen in shock at the sheet and green flying over them.

"Damn Eyepatch Freak!" Katsuki yelled.

"I hadn't even seen him ahead of us until now." Todoroki stated.

Present Mic was still commenting as Katsuki charged, Todoroki freezing the ground to advance faster.

"Deku!!! What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Katsuki yelled, advancing on Izuku.

Naoki landed, immediately jumping back up. Izuku blasted Todoroki and Katsuki to get ahead. So, they all four entered the tunnel simultaneously.

"You damn Eyepatch! Hiding that whole time!!" Katsuki yelled.

"Good thinking, Izumi." Naoki clapped Izuku's shoulder, as they ran.

He was a bit better when it came to running than in the past, so was able to keep up with Izuku for at least this short a sprint.

With that, they exited together, the crowd screaming out their excitement.

"Izuku Midoriya and Naoki Kirahara! Well, this is going to make things difficult... Let's get the camera and playback to see!" After a few seconds, "And it is! It's a tie for first!"

Naoki gave Izuku another clap on the shoulder. "Good job... Izumi!" He was panting and fell to his rear. "Running and I still don't mix well..." Naoki sighed.

Ochaco congratulated Izuku, who looked a little upset, in his own way. Katsuki looked mad, more angry than Naoki had seen in a while.

Almost no one came toward him, which he was more than fine with. He held back considerably, and still tied for first. I wonder... If he's watching... With a smile, he fell onto his back, Izuku calling out.

"Naoki! Are you alright?!" To which, Naoki jutted two thumbs up.

。。。

After almost no time for recovering, and the last contestants came through, they were moving on.

"The first game for the first years is finally over! And what a game it was! Now, let's take a quick look at the standings, shall we? There were two in first place, a shocking first time!" The screen displayed Naoki and Izuku for first, Todoroki in second, Katsuki in third, and the rest a mixture of students and classes. In 42nd was Mineta, having overused his Quirk, and obviously in pain and bleeding. He had tried to stick to Momo, but his attempts failed.

"Only the top 42 competitors will advance to the next round, but don't be too let down if you didn't make the cut. We prepared other oppourtunities for you to shine."

She licked her lips, "Now the real fun is about to begin. The chance to fully move yourselves into the limelight. Give it your best!"

She snapped the flog, the screen shuffling their fates once more. "Let's see what we have in store for you next! Will your wildest fantasies come to life? What could it be? The waiting is torture! Prepare yourselves- For this!"

The shuffling ceased. 

***REWRITTEN VERSION***