---
The training field was loud with tension.
U.A. had announced a friendly match between Class 1-A and Class 1-B—part team battle, part individual showcase. It wasn't part of the Sports Festival, but a warm-up event. A test.
For the public, it was a spectacle. For the students?
It was war.
Ron stood at the edge of the preparation zone, arms folded. Beside him stood Midoriya, Todoroki, Uraraka, and Iida. They were Team A for Match 3.
Ron's copy system pulsed beneath his skin. His copied quirks were stable, but he could feel One For All pressing against the edge of control.
He took a deep breath.
Don't lose focus.
---
"Class 1-B's stronger than people think," Midoriya said as they reviewed the matchups. "Their teamwork is really solid."
"They're not the problem," Ron muttered.
Midoriya glanced at him. "Then what is?"
Ron narrowed his eyes.
"They're being watched."
---
In the stands, several unknown observers watched the feed from the floating drones.
"They say the copy kid's going to surpass Endeavor," one voice sneered.
"No, more like All Might."
"And how many quirks does he have now?"
"Too many."
---
Match 3: Begin!
Team 1-A burst forward. Iida used Engine to scout ahead, Todoroki created a wall of ice to split the battlefield, and Ron activated Quirk Layering.
Engine for speed.
Explosion for mid-air turns.
Half-Cold Half-Hot for wide area control.
One For All… at 5%.
He dashed forward like lightning.
Class 1-B didn't stand a chance.
Ron weaved through attacks like a ghost, countered their traps with Todoroki's ice and Bakugo's explosions. He didn't just overpower—he outplayed.
"He's using our quirks better than we do," Kaminari muttered from the sidelines.
"Copy quirk or not, that's insane…" Sero added.
---
But the battle turned.
A student from 1-B—Monoma—managed to touch Ron.
"I got your quirk now, copy-boy!"
But when Monoma tried to activate any copied power, nothing happened.
"What—?!"
Ron appeared behind him, eyes cold. "You can't copy a system."
He tapped Monoma's shoulder gently and whispered, "But I can copy yours."
And in that moment, Ron understood something terrifying.
Monoma's ability couldn't copy stockpile-based quirks like One For All—or systems. But his system had no such limit.
He was truly… without equal.
---
The buzzer blared.
Victory: Team 1-A
Applause erupted, but the teachers weren't clapping. They were watching Ron—closely.
"That wasn't a student fight," Midnight muttered. "That was a pro-level clash."
Aizawa didn't say a word.
---
Back in the locker room, Ron sat quietly.
Midoriya approached. "You didn't go all out."
"I didn't need to."
"I saw you hesitate. Why?"
Ron looked up at him.
"Because I've already become something they don't understand. If I let loose too much… even the heroes might turn on me."
Midoriya looked stunned but nodded slowly.
"You're trying to protect yourself."
Ron stood.
"I'm trying to stay human."
---
> [System Log:]
– Observation Detected: League of Villains (Confirmed)
– Hero Activity Level: RISING
– Power Sync: Stable
– Mental Stability: 92%
Ron exhaled.
The Festival was coming.
But it wasn't going to be just about fun and games.
---