_____[POV: Third person]_____
he stands were in an uproar. The wind and dust from the explosion still reverberated through the hair and uniforms of Class 1-A, who had watched everything from the front row. Despite the shock of the battle's outcome, they had all expected Ryuji to win.
"Whoa... that was like something out of a movie!" exclaimed Kirishima, eyes wide and a huge grin on his face.
"Ryuji didn't even move, ribbit..." said Tsuyu, blinking slowly, trying to process it.
"But that explosion? What the heck was that!?" Kaminari shouted, throwing his arms up.
"I lost a bet with myself... I thought he'd finish it with just a flick," Sero joked, laughing as he fanned himself with his hands.
Iida adjusted his glasses, his expression serious.
"The fight was intense and dangerous. Fortunately, the teachers intervened in time. But Fugimoto-kun's power... it's far beyond normal parameters."
While the others kept discussing what they'd seen, Izuku stayed quiet, staring at the arena with focused eyes.
His notebook was already open, and he scribbled away as if the world around him didn't exist.
"I wonder what they talked about," Izuku murmured, his eyes shining with curiosity. "What did Ryuji say to make Todoroki unleash those flames?"
"Oh, that?" Uraraka said, scratching her head. "We were too far away—we couldn't hear anything."
"Well, I'm gonna ask him later," Izuku declared, snapping his notebook shut. "Ryuji always has a reason for every word he says."
Meanwhile, a little higher up in the stands...
"¡MÍRALO, MI NIÑO PODEROSO!" she shouted, gesturing so wildly she almost knocked off the hat of the man next to her. "¡ESO! ¡ESO FUE UNA EXPLOSIÓN ÉPICA! Pum, crack, ¡BOOM!"
Rosa jumped excitedly, her muscular shoulders swaying with enthusiasm. The horn on her forehead gleamed under the sun.
Aiko had her hands over her mouth, eyes watery and face flushed.
"My little boy... my baby... he won... oh heavens..." she sobbed, trying to hold back tears.
Josei, unsure what else to do, offered Aiko a handkerchief, which she took with an emotional smile.
"Here, Mrs. Aiko... you... you must be so proud of him..."
"So proud! He was so tiny... it feels like just yesterday he was wearing that little star-patterned shirt and... oh, Rosa, you HAVE to see his pictures from when he was three!"
"¡Por favor, muéstrame todas!" Rosa replied, eyes wide. "¡Pero primero, déjame gritar un poco más! ¡MI MILAGRO CON PERNAS!"
Josei looked down at the arena, where Ryuji still stood motionless, his shirt partially burned and the wind tousling his golden hair. She blushed without meaning to—
"He... he's incredible..." she murmured, almost without realizing.
Rosa smirked mischievously.
"Josei, you're looking at him like you want more than just to praise him, huh?"
"R-Rosa!" Josei shrank back, the fur on her face bristling slightly as she hid behind her hands. "D-don't say things like that..."
"Just teasing, chica... Ryuji's just a teenager, right? Even if he is handsome, a little sarcastic, and 100% a heartthrob for plenty of girls."
Aiko laughed through her tears.
"My Ryuji... he really is special. He always has been. And now the whole world is seeing it."
The crowd kept cheering as U.A.'s drones flew over the arena, capturing footage and recording every reaction.
But amid all that chaos, one thing was clear: Ryuji Fugimoto's name would echo across all of Japan... and maybe... even parts of the world.
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The arena was enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation. The cheers and applause of the crowd thundered through the air as the closing ceremony of the U.A. Sports Festival drew near. Standing prominently on the podium were the event's champions: Ryuji Fugimoto at the center, as carefree and relaxed as ever; Shoto Todoroki to his right, serious and contemplative; and sharing third place, Ochako Uraraka—clearly nervous and smiling a little too widely for her own good—and Kurohane Nemuri, who was too busy trying not to lie down and fall asleep right there on the podium.
Midnight, with her provocative voice and natural authority, took center stage in the arena, waving to the crowd:
"Ladies and gentlemen! This year, we've had thrills, battles, and twists… But now, it's time to honor our victors! And who better to present the medals than…" A dramatic pause, the suspense hanging in the air like a storm about to break, "...HIM!"
A gust of wind tore through the sky, and in a triumphant entrance that looked more like it belonged in a cereal commercial, All Might landed with an impact in the arena.
"I AM HERE… to hand out the medals!"
The crowd roared in response. But All Might raised his hand, smiling.
"But before that… It wouldn't be fair if U.A. High's new official mascot didn't get her own grand entrance too!"
From the arena tunnel, with a glint in her eyes and her head held high with canine dignity, emerged Rice Cake. A fluffy white ball of fur, absolutely adorable, balancing a polished wooden box on her head with millimeter precision—the medals glimmered inside.
The silence shattered into a wave of collective "Awwwws."
"IT'S HER!!!" screamed a second-year girl.
"Is that… a wolf?" some whispered.
"RICE CAKE-SAMA!!!" A group of fangirls shrieked in unison, hearts in their eyes as they melted.
"That's her! The furball that stole our food!" muttered some surprised and indignant vendors.
[You stole food?] Ryuji asked Rice Cake telepathically.
[I got hungry…] Rice Cake replied, avoiding eye contact as she walked.
Rice Cake moved with the grace of a queen, stopping in front of Midnight, who crouched down with a wide grin.
"Thank you, cutie," she said, taking the box of medals.
The fluffy little wolf sat proudly, puffing out her chest and wagging her tail as if to say, Yes, I am magnificent.
All Might then began awarding the medals, starting with the third-place winners.
"Ochako Uraraka, you showed a brave heart and steel determination. Congratulations on making it this far," he said, placing the medal around her neck.
"I-I… th-thank you, All Might! Are my parents watching this? I'm shaking!" she replied, visibly overwhelmed but with a gleam in her eyes bright enough to blind.
Kurohane Nemuri was next.
"You have talent, young one… But courage is also part of the journey," All Might said seriously.
"Nyah… I just didn't wanna die in the process, y'know?" she replied, yawning.
All Might chuckled with a crooked smile.
"I understand. Sometimes, knowing when to retreat is wisdom. But think bigger, young Nemuri."
"Nyaa… I'll think about it… after a good nap," she murmured, blinking sleepily.
All Might averted his gaze, clearly trying to keep his composure.
Now, the second-place winner.
"Young Todoroki, your performance was phenomenal, but… why did you only use your flames at the end?"
Todoroki glanced at All Might, then at Ryuji.
"Maybe because my fight with Ryuji showed me something. Something I never truly realized before… I want to be a hero like you, All Might. But I realized… I was walking a path that wasn't right. There was too much pride. Too much ego. And that… could've destroyed me from the inside."
All Might nodded.
"Unfortunately, I can't give you advice on this, my boy. It's something you'll have to figure out on your own. But I know you'll make the right choice."
Finally, the first-place winner.
"Young Fugimoto… you kept your word. You said you'd win. And you did. Your performance exceeded expectations. It was inspiring!"
All Might placed the medal around his neck.
"I look forward to seeing what else you're capable of."
Ryuji scratched his chin with a lazy smile and half-lidded eyes.
"It'll be something big… probably."
"That's the spirit!" All Might laughed, giving him a hearty pat on the back.
All Might then turned to the crowd, raising his arms with pride.
"These four young individuals have shown what it means to fight with everything they have. They've inspired not only their peers but millions across the country. They are the symbols of a new era. And their journey… has only just begun."
He raised his fist, and the entire arena joined in:
"SO… GO BEYOND!!!"
The entire arena erupted in a unified roar alongside All Might.
"PLUUUUUS ULTRAAAAA!!!"
The crowd's cheer was so loud that even Rice Cake let out an adorable, proud howl, wagging her tail.
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After the explosive conclusion of the U.A. Sports Festival, Aizawa's perpetually tired voice announced to the class that they would have two days off. For some, that meant time to relax. For others, training. For Ryuji? Peace and quiet. Or at least, that's what he hoped for.
The next morning, he left early to walk with Rice Cake through the bustling city streets. The sun filtered golden rays through the leaves of the trees, casting a dance of light and shadow on the cobblestone ground. Ryuji wore a dark long-sleeved hoodie, jeans, and a cap—but even that didn't stop the inevitable.
"It's him!"
"The first-place winner of the festival!"
"RICE CAKE-SAMA!!!"
A crowd appeared out of nowhere, as if they had sprung from the walls. People of all ages rushed to get a closer look at the boy who had won the festival with a mix of divine power, sharp sarcasm, and the fluffiest, most adorable acorn ever to step foot in the hero school.
Ryuji sighed, exhausted before the onslaught even began. Fangirls screamed his name like he was some idol. He forced a small smile and waved, while Rice Cake puffed out her chest proudly, flopping her ears back as if she were in a parade.
But when some people tried to touch her… their hands simply stopped inches from her fur, as if they'd hit an invisible barrier. The crowd murmured in confusion. Ryuji watched silently.
"You've gotten smarter, haven't you, you spoiled little furball?" he thought.
It was obvious. Rice Cake had created a zone of compressed air around her body—a shield that prevented touch, each layer of wind denser than the last until it became solid. A low-budget but effective version of Gojo's "Infinity." Ryuji pondered. She was using her Quirk in her cute form much better than before. Maybe she'd eventually become as skilled as she was in her giant form.
But now wasn't the time to philosophize about canine evolution. He needed to get out of there.
With quick maneuvering—dodging, weaving, jumping over walls, slipping into alleys, ducking into storefronts—Ryuji evaded the crowd as easily as he dodged responsibilities. He stepped through a portal at the end of an alley around the corner, quickly arriving at his destination.
Rosa's Market. Oasis. Safe Haven. Holy Land of Coffee Jelly.
As soon as he entered, he was greeted by two thick arms wrapping around him like a steamroller.
"¡Mi campeón hermoso!" Rosa squeezed him like he was a rare plushie. "You were magnificent, nene! They ate dirt till the very end!"
For anyone else, that hug would've meant broken ribs. But Ryuji wasn't exactly "normal."
"Hey, Rosa. Yeah, I won. Thanks for nearly crushing my organs."
"You were wonderful, mí milagro! I saw everything! Those clowns with their ridiculous Quarks eating dirt while you shined! Beautiful!"
Soon, Josei appeared, tall as ever, looking out of place even under the high ceiling. She gave him a shy, gentle smile.
"Congratulations, Ryuji. You were amazing at the festival."
"Thanks, Josei. It was a fun little activity, though not as much as the battle my stomach's fighting now."
"If that's the case, we've got something for you!" Rosa said with childlike excitement, nudging Josei.
The giant fox walked to the counter and pulled out an elegant set of three Premium Coffee Jelly—Limited Edition jars. The metallic sheen on the packaging looked like a heavenly invitation to caffeine-addict paradise.
Ryuji's eyes widened as if he were staring at a rare diamond.
"This… this is real? This edition hasn't even been announced yet..."
He could almost hear an angelic choir in the background. Rice Cake immediately locked onto the jars with ancestral hunger. But before she could missile-jump at them, Ryuji used their mental link.
[Don't even think about it. You've got Wangyu waiting at home.]
The wolf pup immediately stopped, letting out an indignant "Ruff!"
Ryuji thanked them with an elegant bow. "Thank you. I'll repay the favor someday."
"No need, Ryuji. You're mi milagro!" Rosa said, thumping her chest proudly.
"We just wanted to give you a gift..." Josei added, glancing away, visibly shy.
"I appreciate it. Thanks again."
But before he could savor the moment, Rosa asked what else he needed.
"Ah, right. My mom's list," he said, handing her a folded slip of paper.
"Got it! Josei and I'll grab everything real quick!"
They vanished into the market aisles, leaving Ryuji alone at the counter with the jars.
"Free stuff… always good," he murmured, watching the golden reflection of the jelly in the jar.
Then, the door opened.
A tall man walked in, long blue hair tied in a low ponytail. His amber eyes were intense, almost piercing. He wore a buttoned-up blue shirt and black pants. He strode to the counter, standing beside Ryuji.
"Is there no one here to help?" he asked calmly.
Ryuji immediately went on alert. He hadn't sensed this man's presence. Nothing. Someone like him couldn't detect this stranger's mere existence. It was as if the man had simply appeared there.
"Who the hell is this guy?"
The man then looked down, smiling as he noticed Rice Cake.
"Oh… you're new. Very cute," he said, bending down to pet her.
But before his hand could get close, Ryuji invaded his mind—
[It's not polite to read others' minds.]
Ryuji's eyes widened. His hand shot up, wreathed in pure golden energy with lethal intent. Ready to obliterate and disintegrate the target.
But then Rosa and Josei returned with the items. Ryuji stopped his movement, his eyes still locked onto the man.
"Here's everything, sweetie," Rosa said.
"Thanks..."
As he paid, he heard the man casually chatting with Rosa, asking about some products. Nothing suspicious. Nothing out of the ordinary. But Ryuji knew something was wrong.
The man thanked them and left, walking calmly down the street.
Ryuji handed the items to Josei to hold for a second, leaving her and Rosa confused. He stepped out of the market and followed the man to the entrance of a dark alley. The air here was colder, as if the space itself responded to the tension.
The man stopped.
"You're free to ask whatever you want…" he said calmly, without turning. "...Isn't that what you want, Anthony?"
Ryuji's eyes burned like blue suns, his voice low and controlled:
"Who are you? Where did you come from? And how do you know the name of my past life?"
The man slowly turned, an enigmatic yet warm smile on his face.
"Let's just say… I'm an old friend."
Ryuji approached slowly, each step echoing like a muffled thunderclap. Rice Cake followed, now growling in his giant form, fur bristling.
"Still so impulsive," the man said without turning around. "You haven't changed at all. Well, you have… but you're still the same."
Ryuji frowned, golden energy gathering in his hands.
"How the fuck do you know my name?"
The man let out a tired sigh.
"Anthony… Ryuji… God, Devastator, Hero, Monster, World-Destroyer, the Coffee Boy… I've known you by so many names."
"Last chance to talk or turn to dust."
The man raised his hands in surrender, chuckling softly.
"Easy. Just give me a minute before you kill me again."
"Again?"
"Yeah. Again. You've killed me exactly 384,582 times at this point."
"...What?"
"That's right. I've died 384,582 times. And, well… you were responsible for almost all of them."
He crossed his arms, tilting his head as if speaking to an old, irritable friend.
"My name is Adrian. I have an ability called Transcendental Return. Every time I die, I come back. But it's not a normal loop. The entire reality resets and rewinds with me. Every atom. Every future. Every choice. Everything starts over."
Ryuji stared at Adrian in shock, but soon his vision blurred, and his head throbbed—a sharp pain like a nail driving into his skull.
"This pain again…"
Ryuji began seeing visions, déjà vus of meeting Adrian before, of killing him countless times in this very moment.
Adrian stepped closer, his voice gentle:
"They're coming back, aren't they? The visions. Fragments of moments you never lived… yet somehow remember."
He pointed at Ryuji.
"You're special, Ryuji. You don't regress. You don't reset. Your power transcends the loop. Even if the entire universe rewinds, you keep moving forward. Your power grows stronger. More aware of the resets."
Ryuji panted, trying to regain his composure.
"But I… don't remember you."
"But you will. Little by little. Your soul knows who I am. We've been enemies. We've fought for millennia. But at some point… we became friends. Brothers in soul."
Ryuji forced himself up, his gaze clouded by conflicting emotions.
"Why are you telling me this now?"
Adrian looked up at the sky solemnly.
"Because they're moving."
"They?"
"The ones who put us here. The ones who started the game."
"What game?"
"All of this reality," Adrian replied, snapping his fingers. "Everything here is just a board in a much larger game. And each of us, reincarnated, is a piece. Some weak, some more important… like you. And now, the game is nearing its decisive moment. The birth of something that will change everything."
Ryuji stared at Adrian like he was insane. It sounded like some cheap conspiracy theory… yet his instincts didn't deny it. He could feel the raw truth behind it.
"I don't expect you to believe me," Adrian continued with a serene smile. "But he'll appear soon."
"He who?"
And then… the wind shifted.
A whirlwind erupted from nowhere. The ground began glowing with thin golden lines, forming a perfect triangle with an eye at its center—an arcane symbol that seemed to pierce through dimensions.
"YOHOHOHO! Boss~!"
A shrill, cynical, theatrically exaggerated voice echoed through the alley. From within the triangle, a small, floating triangular being appeared, spinning in the air like the star of some cosmic show. One eye, a mischievous grin.
"Bill…?"
"The one and only!" Bill did a pirouette midair and pulled out a tiny sign from nowhere: "Hello, Ryuji-sama 💛"."Did I interrupt a bloodbath between you and this blue-haired emo? Cause I've got serious business to discuss with ya!"
He turned to Adrian with disdain.
"Hang tight, pal, cause you're about to die more times than the creativity of the film industry."
Adrian sighed.
"Always so… theatrical."
"It's my gift," Bill retorted, snapping his fingers—golden sparks forming floating words in the air: "The End Approaches."
Ryuji stared at the floating letters, confused.
"Okay… what the fuck is happening here?"
Bill spun toward him and spoke in the most serious tone he'd ever used:
"Welcome to reality, boss. Time to wake up. Cause some really complicated guys just showed up."
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(A/N: I'm back, my dear readers! It took a while, but I finally finished the chapter. Quite a few things were revealed, huh? That's because I can now kick off the most chaotic arc I've been planning—everything you've seen so far was just a transitional arc, because what's coming next will be way more chaotic. Of course, I won't stray too far from the main plot, I promise! And for those asking about Void, I'll repeat: he's not included. The MC won't get nerfed—you may have noticed I actually gave him a buff instead, and that's because what lies ahead is no joke. This "game" is a real-time project I've been planning, and you all will be gods in it, choosing your pawns to place on the board. Since I'll lay out the rules in the next chapter, just wait until then!)