The roar of the crowd echoed through the arena like a tidal wave crashing against the cliffs. Flags waved in the air, students and heroes alike filled the stands, and the energy was electric. This was the UA Sports Festival—a spectacle that had been the pinnacle of competition for generations. But today, it was something far more significant. Today, for the first time, the villains from the rehabilitation program were taking the stage.

I stood in the shadows with the others, lined up just out of view of the crowd. Around me were familiar faces—Class 1-A, the so-called best of the best—but also the faces of those who were now part of the villain rehabilitation program. This year, it wasn't just a competition; it was a proving ground for Nezu's vision.

"Are you ready for this?" Mic's voice boomed over the speakers, loud and enthusiastic as always. "Welcome, everyone, to the UA Sports Festival! But this year, we're doing things a little differently!"

There was a murmur in the crowd, and I could almost feel the confusion spreading through the stands like wildfire. Good. Let them wonder.

Midnight's sultry voice followed, cutting through the noise with an almost playful edge. "That's right, folks! For the first time ever, UA isn't just showcasing its hero course. This year, we're introducing a special group of participants. Let's give a warm welcome to the students of UA's Villain Rehabilitation Program!"

The arena exploded into chaos—gasps, cheers, boos, and everything in between. I smirked. Exactly as expected.

"Now, now," Mic said, trying to reign in the crowd's reaction. "We get it, this is a lot to take in! But these participants are here for the same reason as everyone else—to prove their skills, their worth, and their determination to grow. So let's not waste any time! Everyone, please welcome our competitors to the stage!"

The doors swung open, and we walked out onto the field. The moment we stepped into the light, the atmosphere shifted again.

The heroes-in-training wore their usual gym uniforms, looking as polished and prepared as ever. The villains, on the other hand, were a mismatched bunch, wearing whatever they had brought with them. Some looked awkward and out of place, while others carried themselves with a confidence that almost rivaled the pros.

I strode out with the others, hands in my pockets, my expression calm and unreadable. Around me, my classmates and the villains moved toward their designated spots, but I didn't bother falling into line. Let them have their rules and order. I was here to show the world that chaos could be far more effective.

Midnight gestured toward the crowd, her whip cracking for emphasis. "Let's hear it for everyone here today! Heroes, villains, and everyone in between—you're all here to compete, and we can't wait to see what you've got!"

Mic took over again, his energy ramping up even more. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! The first event of this year's festival is about to begin! But first, let's explain the rules!"

A giant screen lit up above the arena, displaying the words Obstacle Chaos in bold letters.

"This year, we're kicking things off with an all-new event!" Mic announced. "It's called Obstacle Chaos, and trust me, it's gonna be wild!"

Midnight grinned, clearly enjoying the tension. "Here's how it works. Everyone here will be competing against each other—no teams, no alliances, just every person for themselves. The course is full of traps, challenges, and surprises, and you'll need to use everything you've got to make it through."

"But here's the twist!" Mic added. "You're not just racing against the clock—you're racing against each other. Only the top 40 competitors will move on to the next round, so you'd better bring your A-game!"

The crowd roared in approval, and I could feel the anticipation building around me. My classmates exchanged glances, some of them nervous, others determined. The villains looked equally tense, though a few of them—Shigaraki, especially—seemed almost amused by the whole thing.

"And one more thing!" Midnight said, her voice dripping with mischief. "There are no rules. You can use your quirks, your gadgets, your wits—whatever it takes to cross that finish line. But be warned: the course is designed to challenge you in ways you've never faced before."

"No rules?" Bakugo muttered, his grin turning feral. "Finally, some fun."

I didn't say anything, but my mind was already racing. No rules meant no limits, which meant I had to be smarter than everyone else. Quirkless or not, I had one advantage that no one here could match: my ability to think three steps ahead.

Mic's voice cut through the noise again. "All right, competitors! You've got five minutes to prepare. Once the horn blows, the chaos begins!"

The crowd erupted into cheers once more as everyone started to spread out, sizing up their competition and mentally preparing for what lay ahead.

I glanced toward the villains, catching Shigaraki's eye. He nodded slightly, a silent acknowledgment that he understood what was at stake. I didn't need to babysit them anymore. They knew what they were here to prove, and I trusted them to do it.

Turning my attention back to the course, I took a deep breath, letting the noise of the arena fade into the background. 

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I was ready for this.

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Let the chaos begin.