MHA: A King's Legacy (BNHA x AOT)

Chapter 72: 72: Prelude to the U.A Sports Festival



[Location: Japan]

[Time: Early May]

The first week of May brought a blend of anticipation and tension for Aiden and his classmates at U.A. High School.

The looming Sports Festival created an undercurrent of excitement, as students threw themselves into training with renewed vigour.

For Aiden, this week had been as eventful as ever, balancing personal growth, relationships, and the external pressures brought on by his growing notoriety.

The Hero Commission's relentless attempts to tarnish Aiden's reputation were plastered across media outlets. Headlines accused him of arrogance, defiance, and even endangering the public by operating outside their jurisdiction.

News anchors debated the ethics of his actions, with some questioning whether someone with his power should even be allowed to act so independently.

Aiden, however, remained unbothered. Watching one such broadcast during breakfast in the villa, he leaned back in his chair, sipping his tea. Nimbus, perched on the table, chittered indignantly at the screen, his fluffy tail flicking.

"They're digging their own grave," Aiden commented, his tone light yet sharp. "Let them talk. Paradis stands tall, and they know it. This is desperation."

Toru, sitting across from him, gave him a wry smile. "You really don't care, do you?"

"Why should I?" Aiden replied, meeting her gaze. "They're not worth my time."

Toru chuckled softly, shaking her head. His unshakeable confidence was both maddening and reassuring.

Aiden and Toru had spent the week navigating their newly official relationship. Though they had always been close, there was now a subtle shift in their dynamic—small touches, stolen glances, and quiet moments that spoke of a deeper connection.

One evening, after a training session, they sat under a tree on the U.A. campus, watching the sunset. Toru leaned against Aiden's shoulder, her green hair catching the golden light.

"You know," she began, her voice soft, "I wasn't sure about us at first. But now… I'm glad we took this step."

Aiden smiled, his blue and gold eyes glinting in the fading light. "So am I. You ground me, Toru. And with everything going on, that means more than I can say."

She squeezed his hand, and for a moment, the world felt quiet and perfect.

Aiden's circle of friends within Class 1-A had grown stronger over the week. His efforts to support his classmates, both in training and personal growth, hadn't gone unnoticed.

Shoto had opened up more, thanks in part to Aiden's encouragement. The two often sparred, Aiden helping Shoto refine his control over both his fire and ice quirks.

Their bond was built on mutual respect, with Shoto admiring Aiden's strength and Aiden appreciating Shoto's quiet determination.

Ochaco's family had recently seen a significant financial improvement, courtesy of Aiden's discreet intervention. Grateful and determined, she threw herself into training, often asking Aiden for advice.

Their interactions were light-hearted, with Aiden teasing her about her bubbly nature, and Ochaco firing back with playful jabs.

Momo and Tenya had quickly become close friends of Aiden. Momo appreciated his innovative ideas, often brainstorming with him on strategies and quirk applications.

Tenya, meanwhile, found Aiden's presence both inspiring and grounding, his own sense of justice aligning with Aiden's unyielding resolve.

The class had used every spare moment to prepare for the Sports Festival. Aiden, with his wealth of experience and unique perspective, was often at the centre of these sessions, offering advice and challenges tailored to his peers' quirks.

One particular afternoon, Aiden stood in the training grounds, his royal robes exchanged for a simple athletic outfit. His dreadlocks were tied back, exposing the faint glow of his mismatched eyes.

"Alright, Shoto, let's see you use both quirks in tandem," Aiden called. "You're holding back too much."

Shoto hesitated before unleashing a combination of fire and ice that created a stunning display of power. Aiden nodded approvingly. "Better. But remember, balance is key."

Nearby, Ochaco worked on her precision, while Momo experimented with creating more complex tools. Tenya practised high-speed maneuvers, Aiden occasionally stepping in to demonstrate how to control momentum effectively.

Nimbus scampered around the group, occasionally "helping" by stealing small objects and returning them at inconvenient moments, much to everyone's amusement.

Despite his active involvement with his classmates, Aiden still found moments to himself. Late at night, he would sit on the balcony of his villa, the cool May breeze ruffling his hair. Nimbus often joined him, curling up beside him as they watched the city lights.

Aiden's thoughts would drift to the future—to the Sports Festival, to the growing tensions with the Hero Commission, and to his role in this world.

Yet, he never wavered in his resolve. He was a prince, a leader, and he would carve his path with unwavering determination.

As the week drew to a close, the excitement for the Sports Festival was palpable. The halls of U.A. buzzed with energy as students discussed strategies, speculated about matchups, and hyped up their chances.

Aiden, ever the enigma, remained calm amidst the chaos. He spent the day with Toru and a few of his friends, sharing a quiet meal and reflecting on the week.

"You're going to steal the show tomorrow," Toru teased, her eyes sparkling.

Aiden smirked. "I don't need to steal anything. The spotlight finds me naturally."

His classmates groaned at his arrogance, but their laughter soon filled the air. It was a moment of camaraderie, a reminder of the bonds they had forged in their time together.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the U.A. campus, Aiden stood with his friends, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

The Sports Festival was just a day away, and while the world might be watching.

-

-

Eleanor had been seething for days. The hero commission's relentless attacks on her son, Aiden, had grated on her every nerve. She had always been protective of him, but after hearing the growing smear campaign against him from these so-called professionals, her temper flared.

No one insulted her family, let alone her son, who she knew to be nothing short of exceptional. She had tried to keep her cool, but the injustices made her blood boil.

However, as the week passed and things seemed to quiet down a little, a piece of news that Seraphina brought her this afternoon did wonders to lift her spirits.

Aiden was going to participate in the UA Sports Festival tomorrow.

Seraphina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she shared the news, having overheard it from Aiden himself. Eleanor smiled, feeling a weight lifting off her chest. Finally, something to look forward to, something positive amidst the ongoing chaos.

"I think we should go and support him," Eleanor said, her voice now tinged with excitement, a stark contrast to her earlier irritation.

Seraphina smiled brightly, clearly supportive of the idea. "I think he'd love to have us there," she agreed. The young woman had always admired her brother's strength, and watching him compete in such a high-profile event would surely be something special.

Eleanor, now with a glint of determination in her eyes, made her way to Maximilian, her husband. He was training with the royal guards in the back yard, as he always did on days when he had the time.

She stood for a moment, watching him, a smile tugging at her lips.

There was something about the way he carried himself that made him seem unapproachable to most, but she had always known how to get through to him.

She approached him slowly, a flirtatious glimmer in her eyes. "Maximilian, darling," she said, her voice soft but rich with affection. He stopped mid-motion, glancing over his shoulder to find his wife standing there. Her expression was warm, but there was an unmistakable hint of mischief behind her smile.

"Are you done with your little workout?" she teased.

He raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. "I'm in the middle of something important, Eleanor."

She stepped closer, her hand brushing gently against his arm. "I was thinking… tomorrow is the UA Sports Festival. Aiden will be participating, and I think it would be nice if we showed up to support him. Don't you think?"

Maximilian paused. He had been consumed with military affairs, and the constant obligations of his role as the head of the Fritz family. He hadn't thought much about Aiden's participation in the festival.

But seeing Eleanor's expression now, filled with a longing to see their son succeed, he knew he couldn't deny her.

"You know how I feel about Japan," Maximilian grumbled, trying to keep up his stoic demeanor. But Eleanor's smile only deepened, and he sighed. "Fine. We'll go. I'll announce it to the staff."

Maximilian stepped away from the guards, who stood at attention, awaiting his command. "Alaric," he called out, his voice commanding. "You're in charge while I'm away. We're going to Japan to support Aiden. Handle things here as you see fit."

Alaric, the ever-diligent captain of the royal guard, nodded. "Understood, my lord."

With that settled, Maximilian returned to the house, where the maids and butlers quickly got to work preparing the family for their departure.

The Fritz family had always been accustomed to luxury, and every detail was managed with meticulous care.

The staff packed their bags, ensuring they had everything they needed for the trip. Within hours, the family's private jet was prepped and ready to take them to Japan, accompanied by three military jets for extra protection.

As the jet soared through the skies, Eleanor looked out of the window with a contented smile. Seraphina was by her side, humming softly, and Maximilian sat across from them, brooding as usual, but even he seemed to relax as the hours passed.

The tension that had gripped their home for weeks seemed to lift as they neared their destination. This was about family, about supporting their son, and that brought a sense of peace amidst the chaos.

The moment they arrived in Japan, the scene was nothing short of grand. The private jet touched down at a private airstrip, where several high-end vehicles awaited their arrival.

Maximilian stepped out first, his imposing figure a sharp contrast to the vibrant setting around them. Eleanor followed close behind, her regal demeanor effortlessly commanding attention.

The staff hurriedly unloaded their bags, and the family was ushered into their luxury vehicles.

The Imperial family of Japan had arranged to personally greet them, as they had done for years. When the Fritz family had visited Japan in the past, their connections had always kept things civil, and even respectful, but this visit carried more weight.

It wasn't just about diplomatic ties anymore. Aiden, the son of the Fritz family, was becoming an increasingly significant figure.

His feats in the hero world had stirred global attention, and his participation in the upcoming sports festival only added fuel to that fire.

At the tarmac, the Imperial family was waiting to greet them. Emperor Hiroshi, a distinguished man in his late fifties, stood with his wife, Empress Aiko, beside him. They were flanked by their two children, Prince Daiki and Princess Hana. The two children were roughly Seraphina's age, which made for an easy and respectful bond between the families.

"Welcome to Japan, Lord Fritz, Lady Eleanor," the Emperor greeted with a gracious bow, his tone respectful but tempered by his regal stature. "It's an honor to have you visit us again."

Maximilian gave a brief nod, not one to outwardly display much emotion, but there was a warmth in his eyes for the Imperial family. "The honor is ours, Emperor Hiroshi," he replied. "It's good to see you all again."

Eleanor smiled graciously, her posture perfectly regal. "Thank you for your hospitality. We're looking forward to the upcoming event."

Seraphina, now somewhat more relaxed, glanced at the two children of the Imperial family. Prince Daiki stood a little taller than her, with a sharp gaze that reminded her of Aiden's—focused, but distant. He gave her a polite nod of greeting.

"Seraphina, it's good to see you again," he said, offering a formal, if not warm, smile.

Princess Hana, a year younger than Seraphina, was beaming with genuine friendliness. She had always admired Seraphina's composed demeanor, and the two had a mutual respect for one another.

"I'm so excited for the festival," Hana said. "I can't wait to see your brother in action."

Eleanor beamed at the interaction between the children, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "Thank you, Hana. We are all looking forward to it."

The greeting ceremony was brief but cordial. The families exchanged pleasantries and small talk, discussing the festival and the upcoming visit to the venue. Soon enough, the Fritz family was escorted to a grand estate where they would be staying during their time in Japan.

As the staff unloaded their luggage and prepared the rooms, Eleanor and Maximilian took a brief moment to unwind in their suite.

As night fell over the city, the Fritz family gathered for dinner, and plans for the sports festival the following day were discussed. Everyone was excited, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness too.

This event wasn't just for fun; it was a chance to see Aiden perform on the world stage and perhaps secure even more influence for the Fritz family's standing in the global hierarchy.

Maximilian leaned back in his chair, raising his glass. "To Aiden," he said, his voice deep but filled with pride. "May he show them all what it means to be a true Fritz."

Eleanor smiled, the warmth in her heart growing stronger. "To Aiden," she echoed, her voice soft but resolute. "Let's make sure they know who he truly is."

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