MHA; Natsu Dragneel!

*Chapter 21: Shadows of Training and Rising Tensions*

The abandoned house stood as a relic of forgotten grandeur, its skeletal frame barely holding together under the weight of time. The air was thick with the scent of decay, a musty reminder of years of neglect. Dust motes danced in the faint beams of sunlight that pierced through the shattered windows, casting long, jagged shadows across the warped floorboards. The walls, once adorned with intricate wallpaper, now bore the scars of time—cracks spiderwebbing across their surface, patches of mold creeping in like silent invaders. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional creak of wood or the distant rustle of wind through the broken panes.

Kaminari stood with his back pressed against a crumbling wall, his breath shallow and controlled. His golden eyes scanned the dimly lit room ahead, sharp and alert. The tension in his body was palpable, his muscles coiled like springs ready to snap. His casual attire—a loose-fitting shirt and shorts—seemed almost absurd in the eerie setting, a stark contrast to the grim atmosphere. A single bead of sweat traced a path down his temple, glistening in the faint light. His bare feet moved soundlessly across the decaying floor, each step deliberate, each movement calculated. The faint flicker of light from a distant window cast long shadows that seemed to stretch and twist, as if alive.

Then, without warning—BOOM!

The wall behind Kaminari erupted in a shower of debris, the force of the explosion sending him hurtling backward. Instinctively, his body crackled with electricity, yellow sparks dancing around him like a protective aura. Dust filled the air, choking and thick, as Kaminari coughed and waved a hand to clear his vision. Through the haze, a familiar figure emerged, his pink hair unmistakable even in the chaos.

"Natsu..." Kaminari muttered, his voice a mix of frustration and awe.

Natsu stood amidst the rubble, his grin wide and unshaken. Flames licked at his fists, casting an orange glow that contrasted sharply with the dim surroundings. "You're still too slow!" he taunted, his voice echoing through the hollow halls. "With a Quirk like yours, you should be faster than that. Shame on you for being this sluggish, especially with a power like Laxus's at your disposal."

Kaminari landed in a crouch, his hair standing on end as electricity surged through him. The glow of his Quirk illuminated his face, revealing the frustration etched into his features. "For the last time, I don't even know who this Laxus is! Maybe he has some extra ability that boosts his speed, but me? It's not that easy to keep up with this… 'mode.'"

Natsu chuckled, the flames around his fists growing brighter. "You've got the same power, Kaminari. The trick is releasing just a fraction of it while moving. It'll come naturally with time."

Kaminari's heart pounded in his chest as he rose to his feet, his body humming with energy. He could feel it—a pulse, a rhythm deep within him, growing stronger with each passing second. It was as if the electricity coursing through his veins was alive, urging him to push further, to go faster.

Natsu's grin widened as he noticed the shift in Kaminari's demeanor. "See? You're on the right track!" Without another word, he launched himself forward, flames trailing behind him like a comet.

But before Natsu could close the distance, the door to a nearby room burst open. Yaoyorozu emerged, her presence commanding even in the chaos. Clad in her Empress of Flame armor, she moved with a grace that belied the weight of her twin swords. The armor gleamed in the dim light, its intricate designs catching the faint rays of sunlight that filtered through the broken windows. Without hesitation, she swung at Natsu, her movements precise and calculated.

Natsu ducked effortlessly, his reflexes honed from countless battles. "Not bad," he admitted, his tone light but laced with challenge. "But you're still too slow." In one fluid motion, he countered with a fire-encased punch aimed at her stomach. The impact sent Yaoyorozu crashing into Kaminari, the two tumbling to the ground in a heap.

Yaoyorozu groaned as she sat up, her armor shattering into fragments that dissolved into the air. Beneath the shattered remnants of her armor, she wore simple house clothes, a stark contrast to the warrior she had been moments ago. She pressed a hand to her forehead, wincing slightly.

"You're too slow with those armor manifestations, Yaoyorozu," Natsu said, his tone firm but not unkind. "And their strength? It's nowhere near Erza's. You're going to need to work harder if you want to match her."

Yaoyorozu sighed, brushing dust from her clothes. "This Erza you keep talking about… is she some kind of monster? What you're asking me to do sounds impossible."

Natsu's grin returned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Monsters are scared of Erza."

Kaminari, still catching his breath, added, "And like I said before, I'm not Laxus. We've got different powers, no matter how similar they seem."

Natsu extended a hand to help Yaoyorozu to her feet. "You're both on the right path," he said, his voice sincere. "You remind me a lot of Erza and Laxus—their powers, and even the way you two look."

Yaoyorozu dusted herself off, her brow furrowed in thought. "Oddly enough, I don't feel any pain," she murmured, her hand resting on the spot where Natsu's punch had landed. She turned to him, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Who are Erza and Laxus, anyway?"

Before Natsu could respond with one of his usual cryptic remarks, Happy fluttered down from above, landing gracefully on Yaoyorozu's head. His small wings folded neatly as he settled in, his blue fur a stark contrast to her dark hair. "They're old friends of Natsu's," Happy explained, his voice cheerful. "Stronger and older than you guys, especially Laxus."

Yaoyorozu shot Happy a glare, her patience wearing thin. "And who gave you permission to sit on my head?"

Kaminari, finally standing, let out an exhausted sigh. "I think that's enough training for today."

Natsu smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're right. Tomorrow's the big day, after all."

Yaoyorozu's gaze dropped to the floor, her voice barely above a whisper. "The U.A. Sports Festival..."

Natsu's grin didn't waver. "You're both doing great. I'm sure you'll shine tomorrow. But just so you know, I'm not letting either of you beat me."

Kaminari and Yaoyorozu exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. Despite the exhaustion and the bruises, a spark of determination ignited in their eyes. "Now that's the spirit!" they said in unison, their voices filled with resolve.

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The next day dawned bright and clear, the sky a brilliant blue that seemed to stretch endlessly. The U.A. Sports Festival was in full swing, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The massive stadium loomed like a colossus, its towering structure a testament to the grandeur of the event. The stands were packed with spectators, their cheers and chatter creating a cacophony of sound that reverberated through the air. Vendors lined the pathways, their stalls filled with colorful banners and enticing smells that wafted through the crowd.

Natsu stood at the entrance, his eyes wide as he took in the sheer scale of the stadium. The sunlight glinted off the metallic surfaces, casting dazzling reflections that danced across the ground. The energy of the crowd was infectious, a palpable force that seemed to vibrate through the very air.

"Wow, it's huge," Natsu marveled, his voice filled with awe. The weight of the day's events began to settle on his shoulders, a mix of excitement and determination bubbling within him.

Beside him, Happy hovered in the air, his small wings fluttering as he nodded in agreement. "A lot of people are gathering here. This is going to be one crazy day."

Natsu's grin returned, his confidence unwavering as he stepped forward. "Let's go. We've got a festival to win."

With that, he and Happy entered the stadium, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. The roar of the crowd grew louder with each step, a symphony of voices that seemed to echo in their very souls. The U.A. Sports Festival had begun, and Natsu was determined to make his mark.

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