MHA: The Hero With the Sun (HIATUS)

Kenji weaved through the crowd of competitors as the massive robotic arm loomed closer. The first obstacle was designed to separate the prepared from the overwhelmed, and Kenji was determined to be among the former.

The mechanical arm swung with precise, calculated movements, forcing students to time their advance carefully. Kenji paused for a split second, calculating the rhythm of its arcs.

"Now!" he shouted to himself, lunging forward just as the arm passed overhead.

The blinding burst of sunlight he emitted moments earlier had given him a decent lead, but the competition was fierce. Students with mobility-focused Quirks—like Iida's Engine—rushed ahead, while others relied on sheer tenacity and creative strategies to push through.

Creativity in Action

Behind him, Kenji caught a glimpse of Momo using her Quirk, Creation, to craft a collapsible pole. With practiced precision, she vaulted over the robotic arm, landing gracefully on the other side.

"Nice one," he thought, impressed by her resourcefulness.

Katsuki Bakugo, meanwhile, blasted his way forward with explosive bursts, ignoring the robotic arm altogether as he propelled himself high into the air.

But the obstacle course wasn't done with them yet.

The next challenge came into view: a narrow, precarious path lined with sharp, shifting platforms. Below the platforms was a deep pit filled with foam designed to cushion falls but still disqualify those who fell in.

Navigating the Path

Kenji skidded to a stop, assessing the platforms. They shifted erratically, their movements clearly meant to throw off competitors.

"Focus," he muttered.

He activated Sunflare again, creating a brief burst of light that disoriented a few nearby competitors attempting to overtake him. Using his heightened reaction time, he stepped carefully onto the first platform, his balance steady despite the shifting motion beneath his feet.

Each step felt like a gamble, but Kenji's intense training paid off. His improved agility allowed him to dart forward with precision, landing safely on the final platform just as it began to tilt.

"Made it," he breathed, glancing back to see others struggling to maintain their balance.

The Final Push

The last segment of the race came into view—a wide, open track leading directly to the finish line. It looked deceptively simple, but Kenji knew better than to let his guard down.

Sure enough, large cannons mounted on either side of the track began firing foam projectiles at the competitors. The foam wasn't harmful, but getting hit would slow them down significantly.

Kenji zigzagged across the track, using bursts of sunlight to blind the cannons' targeting systems. His strategy worked, allowing him to avoid several near-misses.

Ahead, he saw Todoroki using his ice to create a slick path that allowed him to slide forward effortlessly. Bakugo, not to be outdone, blasted his way through with sheer force.

Kenji gritted his teeth. "Can't let them outshine me."

Channeling the stored energy from his Quirk, he pushed himself into a sprint, feeling the sunlight he'd absorbed throughout the morning fueling his every step.

Crossing the Finish Line

The finish line drew closer, the roar of the crowd growing louder with every passing second. Kenji could see his classmates ahead—Todoroki, Bakugo, and Iida leading the charge. He wasn't far behind, but the gap was narrowing too slowly for his liking.

Determined, he unleashed one final burst of sunlight, propelling himself forward with a dazzling flash that momentarily blinded those around him.

He crossed the finish line in the top ten, his chest heaving as he caught his breath.

The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers. "And that concludes the first event! What an incredible display of talent and determination from our students!"

Kenji looked around, taking in the mix of triumphant and disappointed faces. His heart pounded, but he couldn't help but smile.

"That was just the beginning," he thought. "The real challenge starts now."

The Aftermath of the First Round

Back in the waiting area, the students regrouped, some nursing minor injuries while others celebrated their victories. Kenji grabbed a bottle of water, gulping it down as Momo approached.

"You did great out there," she said, handing him a towel.

"Thanks," he replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You weren't too bad yourself."

She chuckled. "Let's just hope the next event isn't as chaotic."

Kenji raised an eyebrow. "This is the U.A. Sports Festival we're talking about. If it's not chaotic, it's not worth watching."

Their conversation was interrupted by Midnight's voice over the intercom.

"Congratulations to all the students who advanced to the next round! We'll be revealing the second event shortly, so stay tuned!"

Kenji exchanged a determined glance with Momo.

"Ready for round two?" she asked.

"Always," he said, a confident grin spreading across his face.

Word Count: ~2,067