The noise of the Sports Festival echoed through the stadium, but as you walked through the quieter halls, you suddenly heard familiar voices. Curiosity got the better of you, and you stopped, peeking around the corner. Shoto was standing in front of his father, Endeavor, the tension between them thick and hard to ignore.

“Why didn’t you use your fire?” Endeavor’s voice was low, a mix of frustration and command. His eyes narrowed on Shoto, demanding an answer.

Shoto didn’t flinch. His face remained calm, but you could see the tightness in his posture. “I don’t need your power,” he replied coldly. “I’ll win using Mom’s quirk. That’s all I need.”

Endeavor’s frown deepened, but Shoto didn’t wait for a response. He turned on his heel, walking away from his father with a sense of finality. As he passed by your hiding spot, you shrank back against the wall, hoping he wouldn’t notice you. The sound of Endeavor’s heavy footsteps followed in the opposite direction, leaving you frozen in place, processing what you had just overheard.

You knew about the complicated history between Shoto and his father, but hearing it firsthand only made it more real. The pressure, the rejection—it was all right there in that short exchange.