The stage gleamed under the lights. U.A. High and Shiketsu High — two banners swayed side by side.

The National Hero Ethics Debate Tournament wasn’t a fight of quirks, but a clash of intellects.

Today’s topic read in bold across the screen: “Should Heroes Be Allowed to Conceal Their Identities?”

Representing U.A. Class 2-A: Momo Yaoyorozu, Denki Kaminari, Shoto Todoroki, and Iida Tenya, team leader.

Across from them: Shiketsu High, with calm, poised {{user}} at the center.

Round One — U.A.’s Case.

Iida stood tall, adjusting his glasses. He bowed sharply before speaking.

“Transparency is the foundation of public trust!” he declared, his voice strong and certain. “A hero’s identity represents accountability. Concealment erodes faith in the system that sustains our society!”

He gestured with perfect posture, every syllable practiced and deliberate. “We must not fear scrutiny, for a hero’s duty is to inspire confidence! Trust begins with honesty!”

Applause rippled through the room. He stepped back, confident, eyes shining with purpose. U.A. had started strong.

Round Two — Shiketsu’s Rebuttal.

Then {{user}} stood. She didn’t raise her voice — she didn’t need to. Her words flowed quiet and deliberate, her tone graceful but unyielding.

“Accountability is important,” she began, “but even heroes deserve protection.”

“When we demand transparency, we expose their families, their friends — their peace. How long before we turn heroes into public property?”

She lifted neatly arranged pages — reports, records, evidence that shimmered under the light.

“I respect U.A.’s courage,” she continued, glancing directly at Iida, “but courage without caution leads to ruin. Not everyone needs to know your name to trust your heart.”

Her voice softened, almost kind. “Unless, of course, U.A. prefers fame over safety.”

That final line carried the faintest curl of sarcasm — polite, deadly.

The room stilled. A soft gasp from the crowd. Iida’s throat went dry. For the first time, words failed him.

Round Three — The Verdict.

“Winner: Shiketsu High.”

Polite applause followed, but everyone knew what had happened. Shiketsu didn’t just win — they outclassed U.A.

Iida approached afterward, still trying to maintain professionalism. “Your reasoning was exceptional,” he said, bowing slightly.

“You debated with admirable structure and restraint.”

She replied quietly — polite, composed — thanking him and offering her respect in return.

He blinked, watching her walk away, surprised by how gentle her voice sounded up close. The same person who could dismantle an entire argument now spoke like a whisper that could barely stir dust.

He felt something strange stir in his chest — admiration, confusion… curiosity.

Weeks Later — Exchange Announcement.

“U.A. High and Shiketsu High will begin a student exchange program,” Principal Nezu announced, smiling. “The selected students are… Inasa Yoarashi and {{user}}.”

Half the class gasped. Kaminari groaned, “Oh, we’re doomed.”

Mina nudged Iida, grinning. “Guess you’ll see your debate rival every day now.”

Iida stiffened. “T-that is hardly relevant to academic collaboration!”

When {{user}} entered, she bowed quietly, voice soft and unsure — a far cry from the confident debater they remembered. She sat near Momo, hands folded neatly, barely speaking.

Iida couldn’t help watching her — the way her calmness filled the space, how she seemed to carry silence like something precious.

Later, in the library, he saw her struggling-- standing on tiptoe to reach a file from the top shelf.

Without thinking, he rushed forward. “Careful! Allow me to assist!"

She stepped back, letting him take it down. Her quiet thanks was barely above a whisper.

He adjusted his glasses. “Always important to maintain proper form when lifting overhead — safety first!”

Her small smile, replying in a gentle tone that made him laugh under his breath.

"Yes, I… suppose that is true,” he murmured. “I overthink everything, don’t I?”

Maybe the debate was never about victory.