NOVEL NEXT Chapter 73: Chapter 66
"Good morning…" Aizawa Shouta's voice came, sounding weak.
"Mr. Aizawa, recovery is so fast!" The students collectively complained.
Iida Tenya suddenly raised his hand. "Teacher, are you okay?"
Aizawa Shouta slowly walked to the podium, looked at everyone in the class, and said, "It doesn't matter whether I'm safe or not; the important thing is that the battle isn't over yet."
When everyone looked puzzled and worried, Aizawa Shouta suddenly said, "The U.A. Sports Festival is coming soon."
Akira was taken aback. *The Sports Festival is already here?* He didn't want to show off so much just yet.
"The ultra-campus activities are here!!" Everyone else, unlike Akira, was thrilled and energized.
At this time, Jiro Kyoka raised her hand, asking, "We've just been invaded by Villains. Is it really okay to hold a sports festival so soon?"
This was a shared concern among the students. The Villain Alliance incident had just concluded—wouldn't holding the Sports Festival so soon invite further trouble?
Since Akira had encountered the underground Heroes world, he thought it wise to remain inconspicuous during large-scale events like the Sports Festival. With people from all over the country—including pro Heroes and possibly underworld figures—attending, the risks were too high.
Fortunately, Akira's alternate identity as *The Legend of the Night* remained a secret, as his public abilities were distinct from the ones he used under that persona.
"The school wants to showcase its unshakable crisis management system by holding the Sports Festival," Aizawa Shouta explained, his tired eyes gleaming with determination. "The security for this event will be five times stronger than in previous years. And remember, the U.A. Sports Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It won't be canceled over something as insignificant as a Villain attack."
The timid Minoru Mineta nervously touched his forehead and muttered, "No way. It'd be better if they just stopped it now… It's just a festival."
Izuku Midoriya overheard him and asked, "Mineta-kun, haven't you seen the U.A. Sports Festival before?"
"Of course I've seen it. I just think…"
Midoriya's expression turned serious. *This isn't about fear. It's about proving ourselves—stepping into a larger world.*
Aizawa Shouta continued, "The U.A. Sports Festival is one of the biggest events in the country. In the past, the Olympics were the pinnacle of excitement, but as we all know, its scale and relevance have diminished. Now, the U.A. Sports Festival is the premier event, capturing the attention of the nation."
Yaoyorozu Momo eagerly added, "Top Heroes from across the country come to watch in search of new talent."
Kaminari Denki nodded enthusiastically. "If we can impress them, we might even get scouted by a big-name Hero office!"
"But don't forget," Jiro Kyoka said, narrowing her eyes. "If you join an office, you might remain an assistant forever if you don't stand out."
Kaminari looked stricken. "Wait, why are you targeting me specifically, Kyoka?"
"Because you're the perfect example," she teased.
Aizawa Shouta interrupted their chatter. "This is a huge stage to showcase your potential. But it's also an event that draws attention from hostile forces, like the Villain Alliance. Be vigilant. If you encounter anything unusual, notify us immediately."
Akira raised his hand, his voice calm yet firm. "The Sports Festival may attract Heroes, but it will also draw the eyes of Villains. Both opportunities and risks exist, so be cautious."
Sato Rikido groaned. "Akira, can't you let us enjoy this moment? Why bring that up?"
Though Akira's words made sense, they poured cold water on everyone's excitement. The students, now thoughtful, realized the event might indeed invite trouble.
Bakugo Katsuki shot Akira a glare. "Tch. What a buzzkill," he muttered. Though he wouldn't admit it, Akira was the one rival he took seriously. Bakugo had trained relentlessly over the break, determined to surpass both Akira and Todoroki Shoto.
Meanwhile, Todoroki had spent his time analyzing Akira's fighting style, identifying his own weaknesses, and honing his quirks.
Despite the tension, Aizawa Shouta appreciated Akira's level-headedness. "Akira isn't wrong. The Sports Festival is a double-edged sword. Be careful. But don't let fear stop you. This event is a rare opportunity to launch your Hero career."
"Yes!" the class replied in unison.
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**Lunch Break**
"Even after everything that's happened…" Kirishima Eijiro pumped his fists in the air. "I'm so fired up for this!"
"As long as we shine, we'll be a step closer to becoming Pro Heroes," Sero Hanta added.
Tokoyami Fumikage, sitting nearby, nodded. "This is a chance we can't afford to waste."
At that moment, Akira approached the group and said, "I'm not planning to participate."
Everyone froze, staring at him in disbelief.
"Why not?" Sero asked. "This is a huge opportunity!"
Tokoyami crossed his arms. "I understand. Akira prefers to stay out of the spotlight. He's strong enough to stand out without trying, but he knows that drawing too much attention could be risky."
"No way. Akira, are you afraid of the Villain Alliance?" Sero asked, surprised. "You took down Nomu, didn't you? You've got nothing to worry about!"