Midoriya's eyes widened, body tensing as her final words echoed in the open air. When she handed the mic back to All Might, the stadium detonated into cheers. The students around him broke into hushed murmurs, everyone reacting, whispering, grasping for a reaction that made sense. No one had expected that.

  He caught a glimpse of All Might’s face... his smile still bright, but strained, twitching at the edges as he turned away from her and stepped forward.

  "I love the enthusiasm of this year’s first-year students," he said, his voice booming with forced cheer.

  "Right.... well these are the winners this time. But remember… any one of you could’ve stood on this podium. Competing, outdoing others, and going higher than ever."

  He raised a hand and pointed skyward. "The next generation of heroes is flourishing. Plus Ultra!"

  Shigaraki nearly disintegrated the TV.

  His hand trembled in the air above it, hovering and twitching, murder in every knuckle. "She said that?" His voice was low and acidic.

  After everything he’d done to destroy the symbol of peace, now a new one was announcing herself?

  "She’s just a stupid dreaming brat." He slammed his palm against the edge of the bar. "Kurogiri. I want her gone."

  Kurogiri, polishing the bar’s edge with calm precision, didn’t flinch. "Tomura Shigaraki," he said evenly, "she’s likely just an overexcited student. We shouldn't act on impulse."

  Shigaraki scratched furiously at his neck, nails dragging through crusty skin. But he didn’t answer. He didn’t need to. The itch under his skin said everything, something about her felt dangerous. And he hated it.

  Getting out of the stadium was harder than the obstacle course.

  Reporters swarmed like insects, cameras flashing, microphones jabbing toward Robinn. They shouted over one another, their voices a sea of questions, but she just smiled and walked ahead, the center of the storm, leading the sweaty first-years with calm that bordered on eerie.

  Eventually the teachers got things under control and herded everyone into the locker rooms. There was still homeroom to sit through.

  The boys’ locker room was a strange mix of silence and energy. A few students buzzed with leftover excitement, replaying moments, swapping theories. But a core group, Bakugo, Ojiro, Todoroki, Tokoyami, and Midoriya, changed back into their uniforms in total silence. The energy in their corner was dead.

  Meanwhile, Kaminari tossed off his shirt with dramatic flair. "Dude, I totally didn’t expect her to be such a battle genius. She’s like... crazy."

  Sero let out a low whistle as he sprayed deodorant. "Yeah. That last announcement? Chills."

  Kirishima, peeling off a bandage with too much speed, joined in. "I thought she was gonna win... but that ending? Didn’t peg her to go that hard. She is intense about this stuff, I guess we all underestimated her, huh?"

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  Mineta, crouched in the corner, was unusually quiet. He had his hands clasped together like he was praying.

  Kaminari wandered over, blinking. "Hey, what’s got you all... repentant?"

  Mineta looked up with wide, trembling eyes. "I... I repent. For every impure thought I’ve ever had about Robinn. She could literally snap me in half."

  Kaminari and Sero broke into howling laughter.

  Across the room, Shoji and Koda chatted in low voices. Shoji mentioned how Robinn was in the gardening club. Koda blinked. He hadn’t imagined her as the type to nurture anything.

  By the time they got to the classroom, Aizawa was already there, lounging behind the desk with his sleeping bag wrapped halfway around him. He didn’t scold them for being late, he was clearly early himself.

  Once everyone settled in, he spoke, voice even more drained than usual.

  "You all did well today. There's room for improvement, but that’s for another time. No classes until Saturday. Rest up and enjoy the break. And remember, the Pro Heroes who watched the festival will be sending internship offers in these days."

  A buzz of excitement ran through the room.

  When class ended, the students drifted out in groups, some yawning, some still wired from adrenaline. The air felt lighter again, more normal.

  Uraraka hung back with Midoriya. "I’m worried about Iida. Do you think his brother’s okay?"

  Midoriya blinked out of his daze. "I saw it on the news. He was attacked by the Hero Killer."

  Uraraka shivered. "I hope he’ll be okay..."

  Robinn was the last one out.

  She walked slowly, bag slung over her shoulder, her ponytail a little loose. Her smile hadn’t dimmed, but there was a lag in her step.

  Uraraka glanced back, remembering how Robinn had barely spoken in the locker room. Just a quiet "thanks" to the congratulations. She’d looked like she was holding something back.

  Uraraka stopped and waited.

  When Robinn caught up, she gave a polite nod, still walking with that same over-bright cheer.

  "Hey Robinn, you’re probably dead tired, huh? You were crazy out there." Uraraka offered a crooked smile.

  They fell into step.

  Midoriya had mentioned Robinn was probably nervous during the matches, but she didn’t look like she’d come down from anything. She looked drained. Not relieved. And maybe that made sense. After all… she had just declared herself the next All Might.

  "I'm not tired. I'm doing great!" Robinn beamed, eyes too bright.

  Uraraka hesitated. Then, gently spoke. "Why are you lying? Anyone would be tired after that."

  "I'm not lying. I'm just not tired. I'm fine."

  Uraraka frowned. "You don’t have to be perfect, you know. I mean… we’re friends. You can let your guard down around me."

  Robinn turned to look at her.

  "...We're friends?"

  The words hit like one of Robinn’s signature gut punches. Uraraka opened her mouth to say something... anything... but the words just weren’t there.

  "So what are you going to do with our days off?" Momo asked, glancing down at Jirou as they walked together.

  "Huh?" Jirou blinked, mid-hum. "Oh, right. Days off. Probably stay home and chill."

  Momo nodded slowly. They were approaching the street where they usually split. "I see..." Her voice dipped quieter than usual.

  Jirou glanced up, catching the subtle frown. Something tugged at her chest.

  "...Do you wanna go out tomorrow? Are you free?"

  Momo perked up, surprised. "I’d like that. But… to where?"

  Jirou paused at the corner. "There’s a street concert near my place tomorrow. We could go?"

  Momo blinked again. "A concert? I’ve never been to one… but… sure."

  Jirou turned, hands in her pockets, already walking. "Great. I’ll text you the details. See you tomorrow, Yaomomo."

  "See you."

  Quick Robinn chibi too.