Mha: Sand Sand Fruit

Present Mic's booming voice echoed across the field, his tone serious:

"The most important part of passing the test is to defeat the zero-point mechanism. If not, all candidates will have to retake the exam on another day."

The announcement sent a wave of panic rippling through the venue.

The one most affected by the declaration was Bakugo. He was still embroiled in a desperate struggle against the rampaging green-skinned robot.

"What the hell is going on?!" Bakugo roared as he dodged another devastating beam. "First, they say to avoid it, and now we *have* to beat it? Are these people insane?!"

Bakugo felt like his head was about to explode. The conflicting instructions made it seem as if the entire exercise was designed to mess with him.

Meanwhile, in various corners of the venue, groups of candidates began murmuring amongst themselves.

"What do we do now? None of us can handle that thing!"

One candidate hesitated before sharing their score:

"I only managed 10 points."

Another chimed in, "I got 8!"

The highest score among them was a modest 15. The realization that their combined strength couldn't match up to the monstrous robot left them disheartened.

---

A Devious Plan

As despair set in, one candidate spoke up with a plan.

"We can't defeat that thing, but we can at least ensure the make-up exam happens. All we need to do is stop the two strongest candidates—Bakugo and Akira."

Another hesitated. "But Present Mic said it's against the rules to attack other candidates."

"Use your head," the first snapped. "We don't have to attack them. We just need to block their way. If we delay them for the next few minutes, we'll secure another chance."

Reluctantly, the others nodded, splitting into two groups—one headed toward Bakugo, and the other toward Akira.

---

Akira's Resolve

Perched atop a rooftop, Akira listened intently to the broadcast, his usually calm demeanor stiffening.

"So now we *have* to fight that thing?" he murmured. "What a hassle."

He leaned back, staring at the sky for a moment. His earlier instinct to stay out of unnecessary trouble clashed with the thought of having to retake the exam later.

"Ugh... no thanks." He sighed, leaping to another building with ease. The green-skinned robot came into view, its hulking form smashing through obstacles as it advanced.

"Alright," Akira muttered. "Let's deal with this thing and get it over with."

---

Interference

As Akira moved toward the robot, a group of eight candidates suddenly emerged, blocking his path.

One of them stepped forward, arms crossed. "Sorry, Akira, but we can't let you pass."

Akira raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why's that?"

"It's simple. If you defeat the zero-pointer, we'll lose our only shot at a make-up exam. But if we hold you here, we'll all get another chance."

Akira let out a soft chuckle, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. "So, you're not here to fight—just to waste my time."

"That's right," the candidate replied confidently.

---

Behind the Scenes

In the observation room, All Might and the other pro heroes watched the confrontation unfold.

"What's going on now?!" one of the heroes exclaimed. "Why are these candidates interfering with Akira?"

Another grumbled, "They're trying to secure their own chances at passing by sabotaging him."

All Might frowned, his tone growing serious. "This is unacceptable. Akira finally decided to take action, and now these fools are in his way."

The principal tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We'll need to address this. Present Mic, issue another warning."

---

Present Mic's Broadcast

"Attention, candidates! Please be reminded that interfering with others is strictly prohibited. Any further violations will result in point deductions or disqualification."

Akira smirked, folding his arms as he addressed the group in front of him. "You heard the man. Your little plan just got exposed."

The leader of the group scowled. "We're not attacking you, so we're not breaking the rules!"

"Oh, I get it now," Akira said, his voice tinged with amusement. "You're banking on technicalities. But here's the thing—I'm not about to let you waste my time."

His tone shifted, becoming sharper. "I don't want to be here any longer than I have to. So, if you're smart, you'll step aside."

---

A Growing Storm

The group hesitated, but their leader held firm. "We're not moving!"

Akira sighed, his expression darkening. Sand began swirling around his feet, rising into the air. The once relaxed demeanor was replaced by an icy determination.

"Fine," Akira said, his voice steady but cold. "If you won't move, then I'll make you."

The tension in the air grew palpable as the sand around him started to whip into a frenzy. The candidates realized they may have underestimated him.

"Last chance," Akira warned. "Move, or regret it."