No one's POV

After the race to decide the 42 participant that will compete for the next round. Midnight started explaining the rules for the next event which is a Cavalry Battle.

Midnight: Now then, I'll explain the rules of the cavalry battle. The time limit is 15 minutes. Each team member is worth the total points of its members and the riders will wear a headband with that number on their forehead. Teams will try and grab each other's headbands until time runs out, and try to keep as many points as they can. Stolen headbands must be worn from the neck up. So the more you steal, the harder it'll be to manage them! And the most important thing is that even if your headband gets stolen, or if your team falls, you're not out!

Yaoyorozu: Which means...

Sato: Since there will be 42 people, there will be ten or twelve teams on the field the whole time?

Aoyama: That's tough.

Mina: One strategy could be to let someone take you points first so you'll be more free.

Tsuyu: It's hard to say without seeing how all the points end up getting split up, Mina.

Sarada: And the higher the point, the more targeted that person becomes.

Midnight: During the game, it'll be a cruel fight where you can use your Quirks. But it's still a cavalry battle. You'll get a red card for attacks that are trying to make people fall on purpose! You'll be removed immediately!

Teams formed will be worth their members' accumulated point value. Team's point values are listed on their headbands, which can be worn around the head or the neck of the rider. The objective of the game is to steal as many headbands as possible to raise your team's point value. If a team falls or has their headband stolen, they can still compete until the time is up. The time limit for the Cavalry Battle is fifteen minutes, and only the top four teams will advance to the finals. Midnight finishes explaining the rules with warning each team not to make each other fall on purpose, annoying Katsuki.

Katsuki: Damn...

Sora: ^_^ Too bad, my dear Katsu.

Katsuki: Screw off, Spike!

Midnight: Now you have 15 minutes to build your team, start!

The qualifying students have fifteen minutes to make teams of two to four people, and each person's point value depends on their placement in the Obstacle Race. As the students all trying to figure out which team to built, Sora ponder to himself.

Sora(mind): After getting first place, Izuku is worth ten million points. This simulates how difficult it is to be at the top, above the rest of the competition. And not only that, I say the Festival is more so about simulating real Pro-Hero competition rather than seeing how prepared the we are. In other words, unlike the Obstacle Race, the Cavalry Battle is being used to simulate working together with other heroes.

Sora looked around the arena. Since he was awarded second place, his point is around 210. And with his Quirk, he needs to find someone who is a matchup with his.

Sora(mind): Not a lot of people came to mind. So the one that is most suitable for my Quirk would be, Ochako's Zero Gravity. And with Sarada Super Strength, we could at least stop people from getting to us closely. Iida's Quirk should be useful as well. And— hmm?

It was then Sora noticed that most of his class, Sato, Mina, Shoji, Aoyama, Sero, and Hagakure try to convince Katsuki to join their team, but he has a hard time recollecting their names and Quirks, annoying them with his ego. Sora momentarily sigh.

Sora(mind): Although he's a hothead, Katsuki garners so much attention because of his versatile Quirk and placement in the Obstacle Course.

Then Eijiro tries to join Katsuki since Shoto denied him already. Katsuki forgets Eijiro's name as well, but the latter makes a strong case for his team and Katsuki decides they will go into battle together.

Sora(mind): Well, I guess he's fix. And for those who have no team yet would be.

Sora looked to his best friend, and just like he thought, everyone was avoiding him. Seeing Izuku like this, Sora couldn't help but be sorry for him.

Sora(mind): -_- Uwah... Well with 10 millions points, no wonder everyone would be gunning for his head. And he didn't show off his Quirk during the Obstacle Race, so no one is confident enough to team up.

Sora sigh to himself seeing his friend like that. He saw Izuku begins to panic, but Ochako decides to join him which made him tear up.

Izuku: Uraraka! I-Is it really okay? Everyone'll probably be after me because of my 10 million points!

Ochako: If we run away the whole time, then you'll win right?

Izuku: I-I think you're overestimating me, Uraraka...

Ochako: Like I would! Anyway, it's better to team up with people you get along with!

Sora(mind): I guess I was worried for nothing.

He scratches his head with a rue smile before slowly approaching Izuku.

Sora(mind): Well, with his great mindset, I get he is worth betting on. And it looks like I'm not the only one who thought so.

As Sora walked towards Izuku, he already saw Izuku and Sarada talking to each other and the latter was surprise that she would join his team.

Izuku: You would! Is it alright to Team up with me!

Sarada: Well fine. With your weird way of thinking and coming up with endless amount of weird strategy, I guess you're worth betting on.

Izuku: Sarada! Thank you...! For teams, it's best to be with people you can communicate with smoothly, right?

Ochako: Yup, yup!

Sarada: Now you're talking!

Izuku: Actually, with your Uraraka's Quirk, and Sarada's strength, and one other person... I thought of a plan!

Sora: To use my clones to get the other teams points while they are focus on us, right?

Izuku, Sarada, and Ochako, turned back to see Sora had approached them and already know Izuku's way of thinking.

Izuku: Sora! I knew you would come through for me! Thank you! Thank you!

Sora: Okay! Okay! You don't need to get so clingy! And you're staining my shirt!

Izuku once again started crying loudly and thanks Sora by hugging and wiping his tears on Sora's shirt. With that, the team are decided, with Sora at the front, Sarada in the back right and Ochako on the back left and Izuku as the top horse. After the fifteen minutes are up, twelve teams are formed.

Midnight: Now, let's get started!

Present Mic: Now, raise your battle cries! The U.A.'s bloody battlefield is about to light the signal fire.

Izuku was the rider of the team and ties the ten million head band on to his forehead.

Izuku: Uraraka.

Ochako: Yes!

Izuku: Sarada.

Sarada: On it!

Izuku: Sora.

Sora: Okay!

Izuku: I'm counting on you!

Present Mic: All right! You've made your teams, right? I'm not gonna ask if you're ready or not! Now, let's go! Counting down to the brutal battle royal! Three! Two! One!

Midnight: Start!

The Cavalry Battle begins and many of the teams go straight for Izuku's headband.

Tetsutetsu: It's basically a battle for the ten million points!

Hagakure: Hahaha! Midoriya, I'll take that!

Sora: I knew that this was gonna happen, but they're all targeting us. Alright, Izuku make your choice what should we do?

Izuku: Of course, our move is to runaway!

Tetsutetsu: I won't let you!

Team Tetsutetsu's Juzo Honenuki uses his Quirk to soften the ground beneath Team Izuku, trapping them.

Ochako: What is this?

Izuku: We're sinking!

Sarada: I believes it's the boy from class B Quirk.

Sora: Alright, then hang on! Rage Tempest!

Sora surround his team with a pure white color of Wind. Blowing away the mud that they were currently sinking, the team fly off into the air.

Tetsutetsu: They flew! I thought the blond hair's Quirk is Clone?! After them!

Hagakure: Jiro!

Kyoka: I know!

Kyoka tries to use her Earphone Jacks to attack them while they're in the air, but Sora once again activated his Quirk and a barrier of Wind similar to his Mother's Eight Trigrams Palm Rotation deflects it.

Kyoka: Sora!

Sora: Not gonna be that easy, Kyoka! But shouldn't you people down there be more cautious of your surroundings?

Tetsutetsu: Huh?

Hagakure: What do you mean?

Sora: Look at your headbands!

These two teams look above their head only to realized that their headbands were already stolen, surprising both teams.

Tetsutetsu: Huh?

Hagakure: Since when?!

C. Sora 1: You should look at your blind spot more!

C. Sora 2: So we'll be taking this!

It turns out Sora had created the clones once their entire team was covered by Sora's Wind barrier to conceal their movements. As the other teams was focused on Sora's team, the rest of his clones were gathering other teams headband.

Hagakure: Is that allowed?!

Midnight that was watching gives a thumbs up.

Midnight: It is allowed! As long as the real body is still connected to the team!

Izuku: As expected of you, Sora! You can even fly with your Wind!

Sora: I still can't fly for a long period of time. It put too much strain on my body! So don't rely on it too much!

Ochako: We're landing.

Izuku comments on Sora's powerful Quirk and how perfectly it suits the team just before they land using Ochako's Quirk.

Present Mic: Now then, even though barely two minutes have passed since we've started, it's already turned into a free for all! Fights over the headbands breaking out all over! Ignoring the 10 million points and going for second to fourth places isn't bad, either!

Mineta: Hahahaha!

Izuku, Sora, Sarada, Ochako: ?

Thet looked back to see Mezo rushes towards them all alone.

Mineta: Fighting? No, this is... a one-sided pillage!

Izuku: Shoji? What? By himself? But it's a team battle!

Sarada: Let's put some space between us for now. We can't be caught standing against multiple opponents!

They were about to move only for Ochako to realized that her left foot was glued to the ground. They looked down to see a purple ball.

Ochako: I'm stuck!

Izuku: That's Mineta's... Where'd it come from?

Mineta: From here... Midoriya...

Izuku mistakes Mezo for being alone, but in fact, Tsuyu and Minoru are riding on his back, shielded from sight by his tentacles.

Izuku: What? Is that allowed?

Midnight: It is!

Then a tongue also appears and it stretched long enough towards Izuku's 10 million headband. Sadly Sora already conjure another clone to slap the tongue away.

Tsuyu: I didn't expect any less from you, Sora. Your reflexes are amazing as always.

Sora: Sorry for that, Tsuyu.

They use both their Quirks to attack Team Midoriya, but sadly for them multiple of Sora's clones were protecting them from danger. Team Tetsutetsu joins the fray.

Izuku: Sarada!

Sarada: Brace yourself! CHA-NARA!!!

Sarada raised her legs and stomp them towards the ground with amazing force. The stomp was enough to break the surrounding ground forcing a number of small team to stumble. Izuku and his team flew off into the air once again with Sora's wind.

C. Soras: We'll be taking this!

Not missing their chances, all of Sora's clones immediately grab every headbands they stumble upon which irritates all team members.

Present Mic: Oh! Looks like Team Midoriya's point is increasing at an unbelievable rate! Now other team what will you do?! You all now have one target to gang on!

It was no lie. Sora's clones had grabbed a lot of headbands and it handed them all towards Izuku. This ensures them that even if the 10 million headband was stolen, they'll still be in second place.

Mineta: No fair!

Tsunotori: What an annoying Quirk!

Hiryu: How can you attack and defend at the same time!

Sora: ^_^ Too bad so sad~ Eh?

Izuku's team gains a few seconds of breathing room, as Katsuki immediately pursues them by using his explosions to fly.

Izuku: Kacchan!

Katsuki: Don't get carried away! Damn it!

Katsuki tries to blast them out of the air, but Sora's clone blocks him.

Sora: Not gonna be that easy, Katsu!

Katsuki: Damn you, Spike!

Katsuki begins to fall out of the air, but Hanta uses his tape to secure him. Midnight rules that since Katsuki didn't touch the ground, his maneuver was completely legal.

Present Mic: As expected, everyone's after the first place team, and class A is in hit pursuit! Everyone's got skills!

The crowd cheers loudly and fans comment on the skills of Class 1-A, but Present Mic announces that other then Team Izuku, no one in Class 1-A is currently placed in the top four. At first was Team Izuku with 10 million 1 thousand and 4 hundred points. Team two is Team Monoma with 1360 points. Team three is team Tetsutetsu with 1125 point. Team Kendo at 4th place with 685 points. At 5th place is Team Todoroki with 615 points. And finally at 6th Team Rin with 195 points. While the rest was at zero points. Team Monoma even manages to steal Katsuki's headband.

Neito explains that he and some of his classmates purposely throw the Obstacle Race in order to scout Class 1-A's Quirks. They remained in the top forty while Katsuki and their other rivals used their Quirk's freely. Neito comments that it was foolish on their part to obsess about the preliminary round and continues to taunt Katsuki. Neito talks about how Katsuki is famous for being involved in the Sludge Villain incident and calls him a victim. Absolutely livid, Katsuki decides to forgo his original plans and tells his team they're going to annihilate Class 1-B before going after Izuku's team.

Izuku: Class B had a long term strategy that involved throwing the qualifier, huh?

Sora: It's true that they could leave a stronger impression by overturning the mood that favored Class A before the sport festival started.

Sarada: At the same time, based on their way of thinking, it means they won't necessarily come after our team.

Ochako: Than that means...

Izuku: It'll be easier to run aw—

Izuku takes notice of Class 1-B's long-term strategy and believes that none of them will come after his team. He prepares to instruct his team to relax, but Team Todoroki confronts them.

Izuku and Shoto:...

Present Mic: Less than half the time is left now!

Izuku: It won't be that easy, huh?

Present Mic: The cavalry battle is about to enter the second half! Is this unexpected rise of Class B, who will wear the 10 million points in the end?!

Shoto declares that he will take the ten million point headband.

Shoto: I'll be taking that now.

The Cavalry Battle continues, and somehow Team Mineta has lost their headband despite their strategy to remain hidden on Mezo's back.

Tsuyu: When did you lose your headband?

Mineta: I don't know! But now, there's nothing left to lose! Shoji, full attack mode! We're gonna steal the points from those two teams with everything we've got!

Sora: I thought we would not have confrontation until later in this contest. He's going all out! Sarada, prepare to covered us with your lightning!

Sarada: You don't have to tell me that!

Foregoing defense, Mezo and his team charge at Team Midoriya, but they're not the only ones after the ten million point headband. Thanks to Shoto's leadership, Team Todoroki is able to immobilize the other teams charging for Team Izuku by using Kaminari's lightning. Then he froze the entire ground in ice by using one of Momo's creation skill.

Shoto: Less than 6 minutes left. We can't back down now. Sorry, but you'll just have to bear it.

Present Mic: What? What'd he do? Todoroki took care of that crowd of teams in an instant!

Kakashi: He froze them after Kaminari's shock stopped them...

Aizawa: I guess it should be expected, but he took into account how a lot of people avoided it in the obstacle course.

Present Mic: Nice commentary.

White Fang and Eraser Head comments that Shoto is adapting his strategy from the Obstacle Race, having used Denki's lightning before freezing his opponents this time. After freezing the other team and Shoto's team and Sora's clones all takes a few of their headbands.

Shoto: I might as well take these.

C. Sora: Sorry for that, Kendo.

Kendo: Damnit! What an annoying Quirk, Sora Uzumaki!

Kamikiri: What mine too!

As Izuku's team and Shoto's team confronted each other, one of Sora's clones tried to do a sneak attack by grabbing one of Shoto's Quirk only for him to fell towards one of Momo's trap. She created multiple rod of spike and stabbed the clones.

C. Sora: Got me there, Yaoyorozu.

Momo: We won't fall for that trick like the others.

Izuku: Yaoyorozu's Creation is too hard to deal with!

Sora: No. Kaminari is worse. As long as he keeps discharging electricity, attacking will be difficult.

Izuku's team is cornered since they were about to pass the line of the arena.

Izuku: But we still have a chance.

With one minute left on the clock, and both Izuku and Shoto's team were alone since Shoto had made a wall of ice to encage all 8 of them inside. For the latter half of the games, Team Midoriya is able to keep away from Team Todoroki by keeping their distance and staying on Shoto's left side. Not only that, Sora continues to create clones attacking on the left side as well that forces Kaminari to discharged a huge amount of electricity just to keep Sora's clone from getting near them.

Shoto(mind): Not only they're keeping their distance, staying and attacking on the left side. And not only that...

There are a total of 14 clones. Half of Sora's clone went on the attack, while the half all stood in front of the team to create a defensive barrier to block Shoto's team from advancing forward.

Shoto(mind): At this rate, if I want to freeze them over the shortest distance possible, I'll get Iida. And if he keeps moving like this, I'll do myself in if I freeze indiscriminately.

Kaminari: I'm not... done yet...

Shoto(mind): And Sarada can defend against Kaminari's electricity with her own discharge of lightning. One more minute. The bastard.

Tenya: Everyone, there's less than a minute left. You won't be able to use me after this. I'm counting on you!

Shoto: Iida?

Tenya: Hang on tight. Make sure you get it, Todoroki. Torque Over—

With time running out, Iida uses his special move Recipro Burst to unleash a burst of super speed and in an instant, they passed through destroying all 7 of Sora's clones and Shoto steals Izuku's headband.

Tenya: Reciproburst!

Izuku's Team: !!

Present Mic: What happened? So fast! So fast! Iida, if you could accelerate that fast, then show us in the prelims!

Iida's engines stall, as a result, meaning he cannot move, but he takes a moment to remind Izuku he would try his best to defeat his friend. With this the tables have turned. Now Izuku's team is on second place due to their 10 millions point headband had been stolen. However...

Izuku: We'll have to take it back.

Sarada: We're already on second place!

Sora: And to be honest, I'm getting tired from all those clones summoning.

The truth about Sora's clones is that they too share experienced. Like a Soul Corridor that connected the clones and the real Sora. If they vanished all the accumulated experience that they gain would all be transferred back into the original. That includes all their fatigue and exhaustion. With creating so many clones, reappearing and disappearing at once, it was no wonder Sora is exhausted.

Izuku: Please bear with me a little longer, Sora! And besides, if we want to aim for the top, we must got first place!

Ochako: All right! We'll get it back, Deku, Sora, Sarada! We definitely will!

Sora: Ooooooo fine! I'll push through till the end!

Sarada: That's the spirit!

With these Sora, Sarada, and Ochako all move forward with an unbelievable speed.

Izuku: Thank you all!

This reminds Izuku that he's not alone in this battle and that it's his responsibility to reward his teammates' trust. Team Midoriya rushes Team Todoroki and Izuku decides to finally use One For All.

Shoto senses Izuku's power and instinctively defends himself using the flames from his left arm. Izuku uses One For All to break Shoto's defense. Shoto was surprise that he actually uses his left side that he got sidetrack.

This opening gives Izuku the chance to take a headband. Believing the ten million points is the top headband around Shoto's neck, Izuku went to grabbed it but Sora immediately warned otherwise.

Sora: Izuku! The 10 million points is on the bottom! They switched around while you're not looking!

Shoto's team: !!

Sarada: Sorry for this. Chidori Stream!

Realizing the danger that Sora had seen through them, Shoto's team reacted in a panicked. Sarada grabbed ahold of Tenya's body and electrocuted him which paralized him for a moment. Sora also created 4 more clones onto holding down Kaminari and Momo with two each, then seizing the opportunity, Izuku went straight for the bottom headbands.

Izuku: Got it! Sora just like you said, it's the 10 million!

Shoto: Damn it! C'mon! We need to regroup!

Katsuki: Deku! Spike! Bastard!

Team Shoto makes one final attempt. Katsuki also arrives on the scene, but time runs out just as everyone is about to clash.

Present Mic: Time's up! That's the end of the second round, the cavalry battle!

Katsuki: Bastards!

Shoto: Damn it.

Present Mic: Now, let's take a look at the top 4 teams right away! In first place, Team Midoriya!

Izuku: Alright!

Sarada: We did it!

Ochako: First place!

Sora: I'm worn out.

While the trio celebrates, Sora was the only one on the ground since he was so exhausted.

Present Mic: In second place, Team Bakugo!

Team Bakugo places second, but it isn't nearly good enough for Katsuki, who screams out of frustration.

Mina: Ah, we were so close!

Sero: Well, second place isn't bad. All's well that ends well.

Kirishima: Do you really think that's how he feels?

Katsuki: Gaaaaaaaaaaah!

Present Mic: In third place, team Todoroki!

Momo: Even though we got the headband, we still loss. We were so close.

Kaminari: Sorry, Todoroki.

Tenya: I'm sorry as well... I caused everyone trouble...

Momo: That's not true. Without you, we would not have won.

Present Mic: In 4th place, Tetsu— Huh? What, it's Team Shinso?! When did you come from behind?!

Somehow, Team Hitoshi mysteriously takes fourth place, knocking Team Tetsutetsu out of the games.

Shinso: Thanks for your hard work.

Present Mic: These 4 teams... will advance... to the final round!

Shoto on the other hand continue to look at Sora whom had seen through every one of their attacks while berates himself for using his left side.. Well actually, Sora had stationed one clone to be the eyes in the sky and relay everything he saw. It's the reason why Sora only uses 14 clones in the cavalry battle. The last remaining one was hidden all the time.

Shoto(mind): Sora Uzumaki. Why just by looking at you, I felt like you and I are one and the same?

Sora who was worn out looked up into the podium and looked at his family. Both Hinata and Himawari were both applauding at Sora which made him smile. Then he looked at his attentions to his Dad which was Naruto who continues to stare at him. Both Father and Son continue to stare at each other.

Sora: Did you see that? I vow to win first place, Old man.

Naruto:...

As if hearing Sora's words despite not, Naruto was once again lost in thought as he continue to stare at Sora and how he always treated his own son.

Naruto: Sora, I guess it was my fault.

(Flashback)

Sora: If you had been there for me... then... then I wouldn't be in this mess now!

(Present)

Naruto: I forced him into a corner, so he no longer had any respect for me.

Hinata:...

All Hinata could do was stay silent as she listen to Naruto's mumbling.

Naruto: I treated him like a child and never acknowledged him and his determination to improve or even paid him any attention. And that's why he...

(Flashback)

Naruto: In order to be a Hero, you need to train hard. And I know you more than anyone that you're not training enough.

Sora: Know me more than anyone? What do you know when you never even paid me any attention?! When all you ever did is treat me like a child!

(Flashback)

Sora: Why not? Aren't you the Number Three Hero? And besides with your clones, you could at least be there?

Naruto: I can't do whatever I like just because I'm the Number Three Hero.

Sora: Huh?

Naruto: I have to think about everyone. So that we won't lose anything ever again. Just like how we lost 'him".

Sora:...

Naruto: Don't worry. That's why I'm telling you not to get involved in anything dangerous.

Sora:...

(Flashback)

Naruto: Sora, I haven't properly apologize to you, yet. About your birthday.

Sora: Don't worry about it! Your busy during my birthday, so it's fine. I guess it's my own fault for hoping too much.

Sora dismissed the subject uninterestedly.

Naruto: Sora.

Sora: But you better come home for Himawari's birthday. I don't care whether my own stupid dad is there or not, but Hima's still young. And we've been very patience with you. Mom, Hima, and I. So I know she wants you there. So promise me that you'll be there!

Naruto: Yeah. I promise.

Sora raised his hand and made it into a fist. This was a sign for a promise between two man.

Sora: If you break your promise, I'll never forgive you. This is a promise between men.

Naruto stare at Sora before turning into a gentle smile. But instead of doing a fist bump with his own son, Naruto patted Sora's head instead annoying him even more.

(Present)

Naruto: I really never tried to see him for who he is. I guess, given the circumstances, it's no wonder he calls me, stupid old man.

Hinata: Now it finally dawns on you.

Naruto looked at Hinata who gave him a solemn smile. It turns out he had been mumbling everything he had thought about with his voice out. It was no wonder Hinata heard him.

Hinata: This time, have a proper talk to him. One on one. Face to face. No more running away from him.

Naruto: Yeah...