As Antoine was waiting inside the prep room, He began to think. How should he most effectively take out Bakugou? Well the easiest answer would be to speed blitz him with the str series but that wouldn’t be very fun or assholish. All that would do is show Bakugou that he was never on my level and shouldn’t even think to compete with me or to train harder than ever before because he’s not as strong and great as he thinks.

‘Even though I love antagonizing the bastard, I am quite fond of him. I even plan on befriending him eventually. Actually there’s a few people I wanna be friends with.. Hm.. I’ll have to be more social with my fellow peers and classmates.’ Antoine decided with a strange devilish smile.

It was time for the final match to begin and the two finalists went on stage.

“AT LAST, WE’VE ARRIVED! THE BEST OF THE BEST AMONG U.A.’S FIRST YEARS… WILL BE DECIDED IT’S THE FINAL MATCH! NEIL VS BAKUGOU!” Present Mic announced.

Antoine smirked as Bakugou glared at him.

“What’s the matter? A little nervous Boom Boy?” Antoine asked.

“You’re dead meat Bush Head!”

“Unless you’re a saiyan who gets stronger after every battle, I don’t think taking care of you will be a problem.”

“START!!!!!”

“DIE!!!!!!!” Bakugou shouted as he blasted straight towards Antoine.

“Lackey. Pro Wrestling variation.” Antoine whispered as he equipped the defense series.

Antoine dropped his arms and smirked as he hunched down low, not putting up any sort of defensive stance. His arms were opened wide as Bakugou flew straight towards his face. Bakugou arrived overhead and slapped down over the hunching Antoine. Bakugou’s explosion engulfed Antoine’s figure and no one could tell what happened to him.

“IT SEEMS BAKUGOU HAS STARTED THIS OFF WITH AN BANG!”

“Hi there!” Antoine greeted as he popped his head out from the explosion and smoke, staring into Bakugou’s eyes.

The confusion could be seen in the explosive boy’s eyes as Antoine grabbed Bakugou’s outstretched arm and slammed him into the arena. Bakugou spat out as his body impacted against the arena’s floor.

“A lot of good that shit talking did ya.” Antoine said crouching over the downed Bakugou. “Here’s a little secret for the future. DON’T BE FUCKING WEAK AND TALK SHIT!” He yelled as the boy roared and blasted himself in the sky and then diving towards Antoine with rage pouring from his eyes.

Antoine stood in a casual manner as he looked up at Bakugou with a teasing smile.

*BOOM*

Bakugou let off another great explosion from above and unlike the first time where he assumed Antoine would be finished, after he landed he rapidly blasted Antoine’s back, launching him away. Antoine slid to the edge of the stage and slowly got up. His appearance looked ragged, burnt, and smoking.

“NEIL HAS TO BE FEELING THE PAIN ON THAT ONE! IT LOOKS LIKE THIS MATCH MIGHT BE OVER SOONER THAN WE THOUGHT!”

‘I barely felt a thing!!!’ “HAHAHAAHAHAH DID SOMEONE LET A FLY IN!? I THINK I GOT BIT BY SOMETHING!” Antoine loudly announced, enraging Bakugou even more.

Antoine dashed towards Bakugou and met him at the center of the ring. Antoine punched towards the pissed opponent and his arm was caught. Bakugou using his explosion to boost them, spun them around like a rocket-fueled top and slammed Antoine into the ground. The only thing present on Antoine’s was a look of joy.

Antoine grabbed Bakugou’s arm before he could get a safe distance away and was blasted by a rapid-fire of explosions to the face, but Antoine just laughed it off as he pulled Bakugou closer and leapt into the air with his feet on Bakugou’s stomach. The two spun like a tire and then Antoine flipped over in the air as he crashed into the arena’s floor with his feet planted in Bakugou’s stomach. Bakugou spat out saliva as Antoine flipped away.

“YOU’RE TOO WEAK! YOU’RE EVEN WEAKER THAN THAT ICY HOT FUCKER FROM LAST ROUND! COME ON BAKUGOU! SHOW ME EVERYTHING YOU GOT OR GET OUT OF MY WAY! FIRST PLACE IS ONLY MEANT FOR THE STRONGEST!” Antoine shouted.

“I AM THE STRONGEST DAMN IT..! I’LL BLOW YOU OUT OF MY WAY JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE! I’M GOING TO GO HIGHER THAN ANY ONE OF YOU BASTARDS! JUST DIE!!!” Bakugou blasted forward with even more power than before.

‘I kinda feel bad cheating now, seeing how much hard work and pride he’s putting into this. But…. Then again. I really don’t like pain and those explosions looks like it really hurts so, Sorry Bakugou. I’ll try and make it up to you and the others with some tech in the future.’ Antoine decided as Bakugou appeared in front of him and blasted him high into the sky.

After Antoine was launched into the sky, Bakugou began blasting himself around in a circular motion. Making a smoke tornado as he propelled himself towards the falling Antoine.

‘No way. That special move just for me? Oh man, it looks so awesome. It sucks my quirk can’t do something like that, but I’m sure I can build something that can do something similar.’ Antoine thought as he was blasted by Bakugou’s special move, the Howitzer Impact.

“BAKUGOU’S TAKEN THAT MASSIVE FIREPOWER HE SHOWED AGAINST URARAKA AND ADDED SOME SPIN AND OOPHM TO IT TO BECOME A HUMAN ARTILLERY SHELL!!! ANTOINE MANAGED TO STAND AGAINST EVERYTHING BAKUGOU THREW AT HIM EARLIER BUT WILL THIS BE THE ONE THAT ENDS IT!?”

Antoine’s figure was engulfed in the massive explosion as Bakugou fell to the arena smirking, assured of his victory.

“Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow. That stings. I guess I can’t say you didn’t put a scratch on me Bakugou.” Antoine said with his hair completely messed up and arm lightly scuffed up.

“YOU….!!!” Bakugou yelled in surprise before roaring and taking off towards the falling Antoine.

Antoine smirked as Bakugou blasted and blasted him before eventually managing to take hold of Bakugou’s jacket. He started spinning as they were falling down to the ground. The two boys tried to get on top and make the other suffer the damage from the fall, but just as they were closing in on the ground and Antoine was on top, he switched to Str series. Bakugou wasn’t able to overpower Antoine as he was nearing the ground, he shouted out in anger over the confusing situation and rapidly fired off his quirk to slow their descent.

“SMART THINKING! TOO BAD IT’S NOT GONNA SAVE YOU!” Antoine yelled as he let go of Bakugou’s jacket and slammed both of his feet into Bakugou’s stomach once again. Bakugou crashed against the arena and Antoine was above him, ready to elbow drop on his chest.

But Bakugou wasn’t out yet even after taking significant damage, He blasted himself out of the way and upward into Antoine’s face as Antoine crashed into the arena. The two boys locked eyes, one injured and breathing heavily while the other wincing in pain from having his face blasted.

“HOW!? QUIT SCREWING WITH ME AFRO BASTARD!!! I KNOW WHEN CRAP DOESN’T ADD UP! EARLIER MY EXPLOSIONS WEREN’T DOING JACK TO YOU AND NOW ALL OF SUDDEN YOU GOT STRONGER AND NOW YOU CAN BE HURT!?” Bakugou yelled.

“Yeah it is kind of strange now that I think about it… Sometimes he’s faster and I can’t see him or he’s as strong as someone with a strength-enhancing quirk.”

“What even is his quirk?”

“Shoji, you did the battle training exercise with him. Did he ever tell you?” Uraraka asked.

“No. We only talked about my quirk.” He replied.

Then all of a sudden everyone eyed Toru and Yuga. Toru put on a silly innocent face. (Not that anyone could see this.) Yuga nervously fidgeted in his seat.

“You two grew up with him so you’d have to know.”

“Tell us….” The class said simultaneously.

“I think it will be best if Antoine explains it….” Yuga suggested.

“Just wait a bit longer.” Toru said.

‘Shit he’s perspective. I better end this quick then.’

“WHAT ARE YOU HIDING AFRO BASTARD!?” Bakugou said pissed and skeptical.

Antoine switched series and suddenly appeared in front of Bakugou before switching again after taking hold of his face and launching him out of the ring. Bakugou tried to blast himself back to the ring but the force of Antoine’s throw was too much even for his explosions. He smashed into the wall outside the arena and glared at Antoine with ferocity of 100 suns.

“Bakugou is out of bounds!! So.. Neil is the winner!!” Midnight announced to a deafening crowd giving out cheers to both boys.

“And that concludes our contest! The first-year winner of U.A.’s Sports Festival is Antoine Neil of Class A!!!”

Antoine had the smile of an elitist as he walked off the stage while being showered in applause, a certain someone’s very affectionate glare, and suspicious looks from multiple classmates and teachers. His walk, face, or posture didn’t wane in the slightest as he waited until they got the award ceremony ready.

*A LITTLE BIT LATER*

Three figures appeared inside the smoke. One with his arms crossed and standing upright. One staring at the one above him with his fist clinched. The last one looking down and unfocused.

As the smoke uncovered, the three were revealed to be Antoine in first place, Bakugou in second, and Todoroki in third. Antoine had an arrogant mocking smile on his face as he looked down on all the other competitors. Bakugou stared at Antoine as if trying to gleam some sort of information from out of his body by glaring at him. Todoroki seemed lost in thought.

“Now for the medals! Presenting them this year is… you know who!!

“I AM… HERE WITH THE MEDALS! ALL MIGHT!!” All Might announced as he leapt from the stands.

He then walked over to Todoroki.

“Young Todoroki. Congratulations. You held back. You didn’t use your left side in the final match. Was there a reason for that?”

“It was my match against Midoriya… I think I’ve lost my way. I know you’ve taken an interest in him. And I’m starting to see why. I’ve always wanted to become a hero like you. But it’s not like I can just forget and get over things. That’s not enough.. There’s something I still have to settle first.”

“That’s a new look I’m seeing on your face. So say no more. Whatever you must settle, I’m sure you can do it.” He hugged Todoroki and patted him on the back.

“Young Bakugou..”

“ALL MIGHT THIS IS BULL CRAP! YOU AND ME BOTH KNOW THAT SOMETHING IS FISHY WITH THAT AFRO BASTARD! HE WAS NEVER THIS STRONG! IF HE WAS HE WOULDN’T NEED TO BUILD ALL THOSE PIECES OF TRASH! IT JUST DOESN’T ADD UP!” Bakugou raged.

Antoine kept smiling and wondered how would All Might reply to this accusation.

“Don’t worry my boy. We already have it handled. For now though take this medal.” All Might whispered as he hugged and patted the boy’s back.

“And finally Neil my boy. It seems you lived up to your promise of taking first place. Wonderful. But I must ask----”

“Hold on All Might. Sorry about the interruption but I have something to announce. To everyone.” Antoine revealed.

“Go ahead.”

“I cheated.” He stated plain and simply. The crowd was flabbergasted and erupted in a wave of jeers and boos. His fellow peers also booed along as the stares of the teachers focused in on him. Bakugou erupted and nearly attacked Antoine for his unfair win but was stopped by Midnight putting the boy to sleep.

“YOU CHEATING SON OF A B…..” Bakugou was put to sleep.

Todoroki also looked at Antoine with disapproval. Toru and Yuga were actually shocked that Antoine came out honestly. Of course, they were disappointed he had to cheat but after seeing him reveal that he was cheating, they actually felt kind of proud of Antoine. They don’t know why he decided to be honest, but they’ll find out later for sure.

“I cheated using special equipment that allowed me to defeat every single first year here and fooled everyone, including the incredible U.A. staff with my creation! This amazing gear I created made me faster and stronger than any other first year here. I’ve created gadgets, tools, and materials that will astonish any maker that knows his shit. I’ve made a flying glider that can be used by anyone whose brain isn’t filled with salt. A railgun that’s capable of blasting through multiple buildings. An AI whose potential can even surpass that of a supercomputer! All at the ripe age of 15! A fucking child genius of unparallel talent and potential!” His smile suddenly grew into a darker nature.

“Anyone looking for an untapped infinite source of wealth or power!? I am HERE!! You!” Antoine pointed at Midnight.

“Your sleep gas isn’t effective at long ranges right? What if I told you that I could easily create a weapon that would allow you to put enemies to sleep from a safe distance? Of course, if you want to know more, just contact me! Let me repeat I AM HERE!” Antoine shouted with even more force behind his voice.

“I will gracefully accept my punishment for cheating and not take the first-place medal. Let me say more one thing though before I leave this podium. ANYONE and I mean ANYONE could have worn this gear I MADE and won first place. By the way my quirk is just my shark teeth. That’s all.” Antoine bowed as he gracefully left the first-place podium and was escorted by Aizawa and a few other Pro Heroes.

He heard the entire arena erupt into chaos as he sat down and was surrounded by Aizawa and a few other pro heroes. He tried really hard not to laugh or smile despite their serious faces.

“Regardless of how you managed to cheat, you do understand this is grounds for expulsion correct?” Aizawa threatened.

“Like you all would give this fat juicy cow away to wolves. I may be young Sensei but I’m not an idiot. After that fantastic show I just put on, there’s no way you all are getting rid of me. All innocent and ripe for any greedy, corrupt, or villainous-like people to take me for their own. Maybe even potentially using my talents for not-so-good reasons that could harm innocent civilians or even certain Pro Heroes. You’ve seen how useful I was when the villains attacked. Now imagine that but on the opposite side. Could you imagine if that entire group of villains was armed with my tech?” Antoine said with his face turning serious.

Aizawa glared at the boy. His hands were effectively tied. He had no doubt that the boy’s brilliant mind would easily allow him a shining life in the future and the things he creates will similarly follow in that path. Even if he expelled the boy, it wouldn’t be long before a villain snatches him up for their own nefarious means. So, he was forced to keep the boy here but he couldn’t just let him off scot-free for cheating, forcing U.A staff to basically babysit him from all potential dangers who could use his mind for villainous purposes. He’ll have to discuss with the other members of the staff about Antoine’s punishment.

“Exactly. You can find another way of punishing me, but don’t you dare think you can get rid of me. My time here isn’t over till I graduate and get my official pro license. Now I have to go. My parents will be wondering where I’m at.” Antoine said, leaving the baffled and shocked adults behind.

“See ya tomorrow teach.”

*ON THE CAR RIDE HOME*

“YOU DID WHAT?!?!?!?!?!!?!?” Antoine’s mom shouted.

“IT’S NOT A BIG DEAL!!!”

“Antoine.. How could you cheat at the U.A. Sports Festival? His dad asked in a soft but disbelieving manner.

“BECAUSE THIS IS HOW OUR LIVES ARE GOING TO GET BETTER!”

“HOW IN THE WORLD IS CHEATING GOING TO MAKE ANYTHING BETTER!? HAVEN’T I RAISED YOU BETTER THAN THIS!? NOW THE WHOLE WORLD IS GOING TO SEE ME AS THE MOTHER OF THE BOY WHO CHEATED AT THE BIGGEST ANNUAL EVENT IN JAPAN!”

“Listen mom. Just trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

“I’m not listening to anything Antoine. You’re grounded for two weeks. No computer and No tv!”

“WHAT THE HELL AM I SUPPOSE TO DO THEN!?” Antoine shouted.

“THREE WEEKS FOR YELLING!”

Antoine grumbled in the backseat as they drove home in silence.

‘After that big speech, I’ll definitely have to protect these two.. If the school isn’t already on it. But it wouldn’t hurt to make extra sure my mom and dad are safe from any fucking scum trying to target them. I’ll have to make something for them to take when they are out and about. I’ll be fine from most things but after that festival I have a lot of shit to get started on building..’ Antoine thought before suddenly bursting out into laughter.

“Next year I don’t think they’ll allow me to participate in the sports festival.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t.” His mother said.

“I don’t think they’ll prevent you from entering.. But they will have to do extensive searching on you though.” His dad said.

“Hahah that sounds more like it dad.” Antoine laughed before getting zapped on his leg.

“DAD! WHAT THE FU- HECK!?” Antoine censored himself after being zapped by his dad’s quirk, which allows him to extend jellyfish-like tentacles from his pores. They can’t go very far though and are only good for close-ranged combat. But they can vary on their effects. His father could paralyze, electrocute, poison, sting, or even cause burning pain with his tentacles. Although he couldn’t combine the effects.

“You’re still in trouble young man. I want to see more reflecting and less laughter.” He said sternly.

Antoine groaned.

“My bad… I guess…”

So, Antoine was put on punishment by his parents and continued to spend most of his break after the Sports Festival building new equipment and such while also leveling his skills, getting ready for place of internship, and most importantly his hero name!

“See ya later Hatsume.” Antoine said as he left the development studio and heard an explosion behind him.

“I’ll take that as a goodbye.”

Antoine walked into class and noticed the unfriendly looks and a pissed off Bakugou glaring at him. He grinned.

“Alright guys. This passive aggressive shit ain’t gonna work. Say your shit or I’m gonna fuck you up.” He threatened.

“How could you throwaway the dignity of the entire school!?” Iida asked outraged.

“I didn’t throw away anything shit for brains. If anything I’ve improved the image of the school by showcasing one of their fresh talents and then being dignified enough to admit to my wrongdoings and accept full punishment for it.”

“Cheating just ain’t right man. We went into that festival with all we had and you didn’t see us cheating.” Kirishima.

“That’s because I’m a genius. If you had the tools at your disposal to cheat and win first place why wouldn’t you? Especially if you can get through without getting caught.”

“Because it just isn’t fair Neil!” Ashido yelled.

“Winning isn’t the point of the Sports Festival Neil.” Tsuyu said.

“All I’m hearing are the cries of a bunch of idiots. Maybe if you guys trained a bit harder and used your brains, you would’ve easily defeated me. I didn’t come to U.A. to play around you know. I came to win and be the greatest hero Japan has ever seen. You babies who seem to take this hero thing as a joke should just fuck off and leave. Sensei even told us on the first day that this academy isn’t something to be taken lightly.” Antoine said as Aizawa walked in.

Antoine got into his seat as the entire room turned silent, thinking about the words Antoine said and their current feelings about his cheating.

“Morning. Today we have Hero Informatics class and a special one at that.” He announced. “You’ll be coming up with your hero aliases.”

The class erupted in a joyous cheer, forgetting all about Antoine.

“How awesome!”

“Time to shine baby!”

“Mine will be the best!”

“But first… Concerning the pro drafts picks I mentioned the other day… it’s based on who the pros think will be ready to join the hero workforce after another two or three years of experience. So you could say that it’s a way for them to show interest in your futures. But there’s ample time for their interests to wane before you graduate. And any and all offers can be arbitrarily revoked. It happens quite often.

“Stupid adults and their whims!”

“So if we’re picked now, that just means there’ll be higher hurdles in the years to come!”

“Yes. Now here are the complete draft pick numbers.” Aizawa said as he revealed the numbers.

Neil – 4,400

Bakugou - 4,000

Todoroki – 4,123

Aoyama -400

Tokoyama -360

Kaminari -301

Iida -272

“There’s usually more of a spread but our top three stole most of the spotlight.” Aizawa informed.

“Gah! They’re in a whole other league!!!”

“These pros have no eyes for talent.”

“How did he get more than me!?”

“It was probably because of how badly you beat those two girls.”

“Heh. It seems the pros do understand greatness when they see it. All the hate I got earlier seems like ash blowing in the wind now.” Antoine smirked.

The class wanted to refute but the numbers spoke for themselves. The pros wanted what Antoine was selling regardless of his personality and actions. Slowly opening their eyes up to the real world of heroics.

“With that settled.. whether you were picked or not… you will all have a chance to work alongside the pros. It’s true that you all have already experienced more than most, but seeing the pros in action and taking part yourselves will still be worthwhile training.”

“That’s where our hero names come in!”

“This is getting real fun!”

“They’re only tentative, but you still want to pick something appropriate…” Aizawa said before being interrupted.

“OR ELSE YOU’LL KNOW TRUE HELL!” Midnight shouted. “The name you pick now may be what the world ends up calling you. That’s happened to plenty of pros out there!”

“Yes. True enough. And Midnight here will be assessing the sensibility of the names you pick. I’m no good at that.” Aizawa said as he got his sleeping bag. “What future do you see for yourself? The name you choose will bring you ever closer to cementing a certain image… Because names are capable of reflecting one’s true character.”

Midnight gave the class 15 minutes to decide on names.