MHA: A King's Legacy (BNHA x AOT)

Chapter 85: 85: Award Ceremony



The audience buzzed with an electric energy as the stadium began to settle. Conversations overlapped as spectators tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed.

"Did you see the size of that firestorm? That wasn't a match—it was a natural disaster!" a pro hero in the stands exclaimed.

"And that's a student?" another muttered, shaking their head in disbelief. "What are they feeding them at U.A.?"

Social media exploded with reactions. Clips of Aiden's final move, aptly dubbed as Ryujin Jakka (Flowing Blade-Like Flame<--Wiki translation), trended worldwide within minutes. Headlines flashed across various platforms:

"The Golden Prodigy: Aiden Fritz's Legendary Victory!"

"U.A. Sports Festival or a Quirk Apocalypse?"

"Aiden vs. Todoroki: The Duel of a Lifetime."

Parents in the stands debated fiercely.

"I mean, it was incredible, but what about safety? What if the stadium collapsed?"

"That's why the teachers stepped in! It was controlled chaos—kind of."

From the student section, Mina Ashido wiped away a dramatic tear. "I feel like I've just witnessed history, you guys. Someone pinch me."

Jirou rolled her eyes but smirked. "Yeah, but let's not forget poor Cementoss. He's got his work cut out for him."

Todoroki's older siblings, watching from the crowd, exchanged glances. "He really gave it his all," Fuyumi said with pride. "I think this is the first time I've seen him fight with everything he had."

Endeavor, sitting nearby, folded his arms with a smug expression. "He's finally tapping into his full potential. My son will be the strongest one day."

From the VIP booth, Eleanor Fritz beamed, her hand pressed over her heart. "Our son is magnificent."

Seraphina commented, "Showoff."

Maximilian, gone was his reserved nature, bellowed, "That's my son, hahaha!!" His laughter echoed in the booth, earning a loving smile from his wife.

Emperor Hiroshi leaned back in his chair, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "This generation of heroes will be something extraordinary."

-

-

As the stadium floor was cleared and the remnants of the fiery battle swept away, the podium was set up in the center of the arena.

The finalists, including Shoto, Momo, and Aiden, gathered in the spotlight, their tired faces lit with anticipation.

The crowd roared as Emperor Hiroshi stepped forward, resplendent in his formal attire. His calm, commanding presence silenced the stadium.

"Citizens of Japan, students of U.A., and guests from afar," the Emperor began, his voice carrying effortlessly through the arena.

"Today, we have witnessed not just a competition, but the birth of legends. Each of these students has demonstrated courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable spirit of a hero."

He turned to the finalists, his gaze resting momentarily on each of them. "You represent the future of heroism, a future we can all be proud of."

Hiroshi moved to the podium, where golden medals sat gleaming. "Now, let us honor your extraordinary achievements."

The crowd cheered as Momo stepped forward. Her injuries were minor, but the exhaustion on her face couldn't hide her pride.

"For your intelligence, strategy, and unwavering composure," Emperor Hiroshi said, placing the medal around her neck, "you are a shining example of what it means to lead."

Shoto's approach was quiet, his expression as stoic as ever. The applause for him was thunderous, and some chants of "Todoroki!" echoed through the stands.

"You have shown remarkable growth," the Emperor said. "May this victory remind you of the strength you possess—not just in power, but in character."

When Aiden stepped forward, the stadium erupted. Cheers, whistles, and even confetti filled the air.

Aiden waved at the crowd with a wide grin, though his movements still carried the weight of the battle.

The Emperor held up the gold medal. "Aiden Wilhelm Fritz, your performance today was nothing short of extraordinary. You wield great power, but you do so with heart, intelligence, and showmanship. You remind us all of the beauty and responsibility of being a hero."

As the medal was placed around Aiden's neck, he bowed respectfully to the Emperor, then turned to the crowd, raising his arms to incite even louder cheers.

As the applause died down, All Might stepped forward, his booming voice instantly commanding attention.

"What we've seen here today is the essence of heroism. Each of you, not just the finalists but all participants, has shown what it means to never give up."

He gestured toward the students. "You've faced overwhelming odds, pushed past your limits, and shown us that the future is in good hands. This festival was not just about victory; it was about growth. And you've all grown immensely."

Turning to Aiden and Shoto specifically, he added, "You two reminded me of my early days—pushing yourselves to the brink, not for glory, but to prove what you're capable of. That is what makes a true hero."

All Might raised a fist. "Let us continue to strive for greatness, and may we always go beyond! Plus Ultra!"

The crowd echoed the phrase with thunderous applause.

As the ceremony concluded, students mingled, congratulating each other and reliving the day's highlights. Parents hugged their children, and reporters clamored for interviews.

Shoto stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, but Momo approached him with a smile. "You were amazing out there."

"You too," he replied. "Next time, we'll both aim for the top."

Aiden, meanwhile, was mobbed by classmates and fans. Mina threw her arms around him. "Aiden, you're a legend! That move was insane!"

Kirishima slapped him on the back. "Manliest move ever. You've got to teach me sometime!"

Through it all, Aiden's grin never wavered. He waved to his family in the VIP booth, catching Eleanor's proud smile and Maximilian's approving nod. In that moment, he felt on top of the world.

-

-

Across Japan and the world, the aftermath of the U.A. Sports Festival rippled like a shockwave. Social media exploded with endless streams of commentary, memes, and debates surrounding the explosive final battle between Aiden Fritz and Shoto Todoroki.

Clips of Aiden's awe-inspiring finishing move circulated faster than wildfire, with hashtags like #GoldenProdigy, #AidenVsShoto, and #FutureNumberOne trending globally.

In cafes, offices, and living rooms, people gathered around screens, replaying the match with wide-eyed amazement. Children mimicked Aiden's dramatic gestures, pretending to unleash fiery storms in their backyards.

Teens analyzed his movements frame by frame, trying to decipher the mechanics of his firebending-like techniques.

Professional heroes and combat analysts appeared on talk shows, passionately discussing the implications of Aiden's abilities.

"It's like watching All Might in his prime," said one analyst, a retired pro hero. "The raw power, the creativity—it's as if we're seeing a new era of heroism unfold right before our eyes."

Others were less enthused, voicing concerns about the destructive nature of Aiden's quirk.

"That kind of power is dangerous," one critic said during a televised panel.

"What if he loses control in the field? We need heroes who are as measured as they are strong."

Overseas, viewers were equally captivated. In the United States, the U.A. Sports Festival had become a major cultural export thanks to its drama and spectacle. Fans stayed up late to catch the live broadcasts, and the reactions were nothing short of euphoric.

"Did you see that? That kid just leveled an entire arena!" a college student yelled to his roommates, who crowded around his laptop.

"Man, if he ever comes here, he's joining the big leagues for sure," one of them replied, already imagining Aiden as part of their local hero scene.

In Europe, professional heroes shared similar sentiments. France's iconic hero, Chevalier, tweeted: "C'est incroyable! Aiden Fritz—a true prodigy of our time. U.A. has outdone itself."

Even in nations with less favorable views of quirks, news outlets grudgingly acknowledged the spectacle. "Aiden Fritz: A hero to watch, whether we like it or not," read one conservative headline.

Somewhere over the American heartland, aboard a sleek military aircraft, Cathleen Bate—better known as Stars and Stripes—watched a recording of Aiden's final fight on her tablet.

Her sharp green eyes were fixed on the screen as the young prodigy performed his finishing move.

The raw power, the fluidity of his movements, and the sheer audacity of his strategy made her smirk with pride.

"That's my boy," she muttered under her breath, pausing the video at the exact moment Aiden unleashed his fiery inferno.

Beside her, her squad of airmen exchanged glances. They'd heard her talk about Aiden before—her prodigy from overseas.

While her reputation as America's Number One Hero was unparalleled, her mentorship of a foreign student had raised a few eyebrows in certain circles.

"You think he's ready for the big leagues, Captain?" one of them asked, leaning over to catch a glimpse of the video.

Stars and Stripes chuckled, her gloved hand brushing back a stray lock of blonde hair. "Ready? Kid's already there. He doesn't just have power—he's got presence. And that's something you can't teach."

Her smile faded slightly as she leaned back in her seat, a hint of worry creeping into her otherwise confident demeanor. "But he's got a long road ahead. A power like his... it'll draw attention. The wrong kind of attention. I just hope he's ready for what's coming."

She closed the video and stared out the window at the endless blue sky. "One day, Aiden. One day, we'll fight side by side. Until then, keep shining."

Deep in a hidden lair, shrouded in darkness, All For One watched the same clips, his pale, featureless face illuminated by the glow of a large monitor.

The cavernous room was silent except for the faint hum of machinery and the occasional crackle of static from the feed. He sat motionless, his fingers steepled as he watched Aiden unleash his final attack.

"Fascinating," he murmured, his voice a chilling blend of intrigue and malice. He rewound the clip, studying Aiden's hand movements and the controlled chaos of his quirk. "Such finesse... and such raw, untamed power."

Behind him, one of his most trusted lieutenants hesitated before speaking. "Do you believe he could be a threat, my lord?"

All For One tilted his head slightly, a faint smile creeping across his lips. "A threat? No. A resource? Most certainly. The boy's quirk is unlike anything I've encountered—an enigma of boundless potential. To shape him, to mold him... or perhaps, to break him. The possibilities are endless."

He leaned forward, his fingers gliding across the console to bring up detailed records of Aiden. U.A. Sports Festival footage, news clippings, even archival data about the Fritz lineage.

"He's not just a hero," All For One continued, his tone almost admiring. "He's a symbol. And symbols have a way of inspiring loyalty... or despair."

The lieutenant shifted uneasily. "What do you plan to do, sir?"

All For One turned away from the monitor, his voice a low, sinister whisper. "For now, we watch. Let him grow, let him shine. And when the time is right... we'll extinguish that light and make it ours."

The room plunged back into silence as the screen flickered off, leaving only the shadow of the most dangerous villain alive plotting his next move.

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