Most of the students who had qualified and a few who were sticking around for the side games were gathered in the center of the arena. Robinn was eyeing each and every individual who made it into the top sixteen. A few quirks were concerning. Not many, though. It had been nearly a full Class 1-A sweep, thirteen from her class, one from 1-B, one from General Studies, and one from Support. That was good. She already knew most of their quirks inside and out.

  Todoroki stood near the edge, hands in his pockets, calm, but his eyes were not. Bakugo was muttering to himself. Sero had a cramp or something, judging by the way he kept stretching his shoulder. Nobody looked her way, which suited her just fine.

  Midnight’s voice rang out from the small stage in front of them. “Everyone should enjoy the pleasure of the recreational games before the last round. The sixteen finalists have the option to participate in those activities or sit out to prepare for battle.” She started descending the metal stairs of the podium.

  “Um... excuse me, sorry... but I’m withdrawing,” Ojiro said, stepping forward with a raised hand.

  Iida turned to him, surprised. “But this is a rare chance for you to get scouted!”

  “It just wouldn’t be right. I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle up until the end. I think it was that guy’s Quirk,” Ojiro said, glancing to his left.

  That made Robinn raise an eyebrow. She followed his gaze. A scrawny-looking guy with a weird purple hairdo quickly looked away.

  She tuned out the rest of Ojiro’s words. Until another voice joined in.

  “Nirengeki Shoda from Class 1-B. I think I should withdraw for the exact same reason.”

  “Listen to these guys. They’re so manly!” Kirishima said, shaking his fists and tearing up.

  “So, Ojiro and Shoda, you’re withdrawn!” Midnight confirmed, cracking her whip. “Now let’s see. We’ll have to move up two students from the fifth-place team so we have enough contestants.”

  Robinn spaced out for a moment. Ojiro and Shoda were gone, huh? They weren’t exactly worrying opponents, but she had made plans for them. A big cheer from the whole stadium snapped her out of it.

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  “And these are your opponents!” Midnight announced as the brackets lit up on the giant screens.

  Robinn craned her neck, then smiled. “Ibara, huh? That’ll be fun,” she said mostly to herself.

  Momo, standing beside her, turned. “Didn’t you say you were club rivals or something with her?”

  Robinn looked over at her slowly. “I was joking. We mostly stay quiet in Gardening Club.”

  Momo gave a soft, “Oh.”

  Robinn turned her eyes back to the brackets. Midoriya and that purple-haired guy... from what Ojiro said, it was probably mind control of some kind. Don’t lose, Midoriya. I want to beat you myself.

  Then she saw the next names. Or not. Todoroki and Sero. If Todoroki won, Midoriya didn’t stand a chance. She sighed, but kept thinking. So that means it’ll be me versus Todoroki in the semifinals, huh?

  Most of the students had started moving to greet their opponents. Robinn made her way toward Ibara. As she approached, Ibara looked genuinely sorrowful.

  “Hey, uh... Ibara,” Robinn said, tapping one of her vines.

  “Oh, Robinn... it’s such a calamity that we’re paired up for battle. I would never imagine us hurting each other,” Ibara exclaimed in an exaggerated, but sincere tone.

  “Right... well, see you in our battle, okay? I’m gonna... go prepare or something,” Robinn replied awkwardly, turning toward the tunnel leading to the break rooms.

  Kirishima intercepted her halfway, falling into step beside her. He looked mildly ticked off.

  “So, Ibara, huh? You mentioned her before,” he said, glancing at Robinn as they walked.

  She just nodded.

  “I’m assuming her Quirk is that planty hair of hers, right?”

  Another nod.

  Kirishima stopped walking. She didn’t. He sighed and turned down another hallway.

  Robinn was spacing out again. Ibara was unexpected, but a welcome surprise. She felt confident in her ability to handle her. Todoroki, though... that was the problem. She’d been forming a plan all day. It was risky, but it could work. It was practically her only shot, especially if he used his fire again.

  Lost in thought, she bumped into someone.

  “Oh, sorry, I wasn’t looki-” She looked up. “Oh... hey, All Might.”

  Of course it had to be him.

  Running into him was like colliding with a billboard. Too big and colorful. He steadied her with one arm like she weighed nothing.

  “You should be more aware of your surroundings!” he said, wearing that same practiced smile he always had in his muscle form. “And would it kill you to call me ‘Dad’ more?”

  “We’re in public. You know I wouldn’t. And why are you even down here, prancing around? Isn’t your time even shorter now?” Her voice had an edge.

  “Well, I wanted to do some talking. I ran into Endeavor on the way here. Though we barely spoke. He’s as cold as ever,” he added with a forced chuckle.

  “Endeavor, huh?” She looked past him. “Anyway, Midoriya’s in the break room on the far left. I know you just came to talk to him.”

  “I... Thanks, Robinn.” He paused for a moment. His smile faltered. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

  She didn’t stop. Didn’t turn. He hadn’t denied it. He wasn’t there to talk to her, and they both knew it. So she left him standing there.

  He didn’t even try to hide it anymore.