MHA: Sand Sand Fruit

U.A. High School was bustling with activity. Crowds of reporters swarmed the entrance, while colorful stalls lined the pathways inside. Above, vibrant fireworks exploded, painting the sky with streaks of light and color.

"The security checks are so tedious this year!" a female reporter grumbled as she observed the long queue of people undergoing thorough inspections.

The cameraman behind her adjusted his equipment and offered a resigned smile. "Well, it's understandable. The school was just attacked by villains not long ago. Plus, there's been a lot of criticism over holding the sports festival so soon after the incident."

The reporter's frown gave way to a sly smile. "Controversy? That just means higher ratings. And this year's highlight is clearly Class 1-A of the Hero Department."

Her enthusiasm left the cameraman chuckling awkwardly as they moved on to find a better angle for their story.

---

Nearby, Mt. Lady stood eagerly in front of a takoyaki stall, her eyes locked on the sizzling treat being prepared on the grill. Her partner, Kamui Woods, stood behind her, looking mildly exasperated.

"One takoyaki, please! No green seaweed," Mt. Lady requested, her voice dripping with anticipation as she wiped her mouth.

The stall owner's eyes lit up when he realized who she was. "Wait a minute... are you *the* Mt. Lady?"

Instead of acknowledging the recognition, Mt. Lady focused on the takoyaki. "Just one serving. Quickly, please!"

The owner handed her the takoyaki, his enthusiasm dampened only slightly by her dismissal. "That'll be 500 yen."

Mt. Lady's expression turned sheepish, and she adopted a pleading tone. "Oh, uh... I don't have any cash on me..."

The stall owner blushed furiously. "No problem at all! It's on the house!"

Her demeanor shifted instantly as she snatched the food. "Thanks a bunch!"

Kamui Woods sighed in disbelief. "Seriously, don't you have any self-respect?"

"Relax," Mt. Lady replied between bites. "By the way, I heard U.A. invited pro heroes from across the country this year."

Kamui Woods nodded. "They want us to scout talent, but since we're on security duty, we won't have much time for that."

Mt. Lady groaned. "Boring! Let's hope there's at least one standout in Class 1-A this year."

"Endeavor's son is in Class 1-A. Between him and the rest, I think this year will be one for the books."

Meanwhile, in the Class 1-A lounge, Aizawa burst through the door, his usual tired expression replaced with one of irritation.

"Where are those five troublemakers—Akira and the others?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Iida immediately stood up, his movements precise as always. "Sensei, we've been meaning to ask you! We haven't seen them for three days!"

Aizawa sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Those idiots must think the sports festival is tomorrow. What a waste of time."

Momo tilted her head in confusion. "What are they doing, Sensei?"

After a moment of silence, Aizawa finally answered. "They're preparing. After the sports festival, they're heading straight to the Brave Academy in the U.S. as exchange students."

The room erupted in disbelief.

"Exchange students?!"

"What?! The Brave Academy?!"

"Never heard of it…"

Before the class could fully digest the information, Aizawa waved them off. "Now's not the time for discussion. We need to find those five immediately."

As he turned to leave, he was met by All Might, who walked toward the lounge with Akira and the others in tow.

"All Might…" Aizawa's tone was a mix of relief and frustration.

All Might gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry, Aizawa-kun. We got here as quickly as we could."

Aizawa glared briefly at Akira and the others before motioning them inside. "Get in and rest. The festival is about to start."

---

As the students settled into the lounge, Aizawa turned to All Might. "Have they been training this whole time?"

All Might nodded. "Don't worry, Aizawa-kun. They've had five hours of rest."

"Five hours?" Aizawa's frown deepened. "You're pushing them too hard. Even with the Brave Academy looming, overtraining can be counterproductive."

All Might remained confident. "Trust me. This year's Class 1-A will be the most impressive in U.A.'s history."