A/N: The first part of the fight is here! The second part is already written, so expect it to be released Sunday/Monday ;)

Chapter Twentyeight - ZERO: Izuku vs Todoroki

All Might had arrived back at the first year stage just in time for the final match of the first round— Momo Yaoyorozu vs. Yuga Aoyama.

Shit, I missed more than I expected, the scrawny man thought as he looked around, eventually spotting the screen that displayed the tournament bracket. He squinted his eyes then promptly widened them as he read the results.

Class A is doing really well, as expected… But the Support Class is also still going strong, All Might thought to himself. And that next match…

He gazed at the bracket where Izuku and Todoroki were set to face off, feeling a bit of worry overtake himself. All Might decided to snap out of it and watch the match below, knowing he needed to support his students first.

Below, Momo was reflecting the oncoming assaults from Aoyama's laser blasts, the elegant boy thrusting his stomach to fire them off at her as she ran around, slowly making her way closer to him. In her hands were mirrors she had created with her Quirk that could redirect the lasers away from herself.

"Merci…! You're making this more fun than it could've been," Aoyama exclaimed, sweating a bit from the effort of keeping up his naval laser for so long, but still looking confident.

"Too bad it's gotta end now," Momo retorted. Her back began to glow a bit as she pulled out a tall shield made of tungsten. She then ran in, closing the distance quickly.

"That won't save you mademoiselle!"

Aoyama focused a strong constant blast right at the girl. She braced herself behind the shield. The laser slammed into the shield and sent it flying.

"It looks like Yaoyorozu's been blasted away!"

However, it has merely been a strategic feint. Momo had moved out of the way and ran up to Aoyama, the bright beam of light making it tough to see her as he focused straight ahead of himself.

Before Aoyama realized what was happening, Momo had already slammed him with one of the mirrors she had created, sending him stumbling backwards til he fell out of bounds, his laser sputtering out.

As the crowd cheered, All Might smiled and nodded, taking notes about those two for future lessons as he turned and hurried off, wanting to find that bright-eyed kid from the Support course…

When it was nearly time to go, Izuku racked his thoughts and went over his plan.

My limit is still three shots, he thought, examining his first and still favorite invention, the 'Flow'. It was only natural that it would be his one device, as it almost single-handedly got him through the Entrance Exam and has proven to be very effective for combat. And one shot can recharge in about ten seconds… That's the best I can do.

Izuku knew it wasn't enough, that he would need more to give himself an edge against an overwhelming opponent.

Thus, he had no choice but to add a way to break the regulators. Within the Flow, the regulators were there to insure it didn't get overcharged and didn't overwork itself, that way it wouldn't explode or short circuit.

But that might be what I need! Izuku set it up so that he could break the regulators by grabbing and pulling a wire hidden behind the backpack strap. He tested it and heard a distinct high-pitched noise as the Flow began to condense more and more air. He quickly fixed it up and nodded to himself, confirming that it would work. As long as I hear it getting overclocked, I know it worked, but I don't know how long the Flow can work in that state…

He closed up the encompassing canvas backpack, which was made of certain material that helped to stave away heat or cold damage, and put the device on, along with the accompanying gloves, and hooked everything up together before heading out towards the field. To his surprise, Yuki was there waiting for him.

"Hey, Me and the others figured you might need these," the tall boy stated, presenting some items to Izuku.

"These are…" Izuku looked over them. They were shin guards and arm guards, made of a very shiny and strong looking metal.

"After seeing you nearly break your hand on Todoroki's ice to punch it, we got some of the metalworkers of the class to get you something," Yuki explained with a shrug. "The Support students are allowed to wear costumes and accessories, so it should be fine."

Izuku nodded to him and smiled. "Tell everyone thank you for me!"

Yuki smirked. "Just tell them yourself after you beat that guy. You gotta avenge my pride, ya know."

With that, Yuki patted Izuku's shoulder and headed off. Izuku watched him go, smiling before walking again.

As Izuku rounded a corner, he stopped as he saw yet another surprising figure standing there near the entrance to the tunnel.

"E-Endeavor…?!"

The large fiery man looked over at Izuku, his arms crossed. A small smirk appeared on his very serious face.

"I'm surprised you're even bothering to go out there," Endeavor spoke.

"W-What…?"

"My creation is going to crush you. Are you sure you can handle that?"

Izuku gritted his teeth and pressed on, wanting to walk right past Endeavor, wanting to ignore the whole 'creation' subject. However, he ended up stopping just past him, his eyes downcast as he couldn't quite handle the man's stern gaze.

"...Why won't he use his flames?"

Endeavor's smile dropped, and he eyed Izuku a bit more closely now.

"Shoto has talked to you hm? I'm surprised," Endeavor spoke, scoffing. "He's in his rebellious stage, but soon enough he'll realize what I've given him."

Izuku wanted nothing more than to press the matter further, but he continued on, his head hanging low. Endeavor watched him go, leaving him with a final comment:

"If you want to be useful in your life, then at least piss Shoto off enough to get him to unleash the fire within him."

Izuku stopped and looked back, seeing the #2 Hero walking away now. Outside, the crowd was starting to cheer as Present Mic began to hype up the second round of the oncoming tournament. He turned and started to walk through the tunnel, his eyes closed as he tried to calm his nerves.

Can't let it get to me, can't let it get to me, can't—

"I am here!"

Izuku gasped and jumped back, surprised to see the scrawny All Might standing near the end of the tunnel, wearing a black business suit.

"All Might….?" Izuku clenched his fists. "Are you…" Please don't be here to try and turn me away from the fight…

The Hero rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "I missed most of the first round, but I see you did well. Are you nervous?"

Izuku nodded, and gave a simple, "Yeah."

All Might was a bit perplexed by Izuku's lack of enthusiasm. Something had changed since the last time he had seen him, and it wasn't good.

Young TTodoroki is strong, probably the strongest of the Hero classes," All Might admitted. "He's been born with powerful Quirks— And you… You're Quirkless, and have to work twice has hard as anyone else to get what you need."

Izuku clenched his fists tightly, looking away as he felt an odd shamed sensation.

"However—" Izuku looked up at All Might as the man continued. "That's exactly why you can win. Despite your backgrounds, you're still here, ready to face him on even grounds. The journey to this point by itself is a miracle."

Izuku's eyes widened, and All Might gave him a big smile, reaching out and putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Only you can decide to continue or not. And I believe that, if you do, you can accomplish great things, Midoriya."

Hearing such things from his idol was too much, as Izuku felt himself tearing up. He quickly brought his arm up to wipe them off, as All Might gave a hearty laugh.

"But of course, Young Todoroki is part of my class! I can only praise his abilities as well," All Might admitted. "But I know that you can go beyond what anyone expects of you. Everyone is watching. Show them your Plus Ultra!"

Izuku couldn't stop the smile from coming through. He knelt down and began to strap on the metal guards that his classmates had created for him.

"And now the first match of the second round is set! The hype is burning for these two!"

"I won't give up All Might! I'll become a Hero as great as you!"

Izuku stood and ran past the #1 Hero, out into the bright stadium, with the people roaring with excitement. He could feel that something had changed within himself. Before meeting Mei, he probably would've been too afraid to run out with confidence, and would be too entranced by All Might to even want to move.

I guess I was worried for nothing, All Might thought as he watched him go. He had taken a liking to the young bright-eyed boy, and had the slightest inkling that he could be a great successor for him- If it weren't for what he had seen from the third year student he had been watching.

I know you'll do great things in life, no matter what!

Why have I changed so much? It's not just Mei—

As Izuku slowly made his way up the steps to the stage, the roar of the crowd dying out in his mind as he focused, he reflected on everything that has given him the power to change.

"Izuku… I'm so sorry!"

His mother's words echoed in his mind from when he was a heartbroken child deemed Quirkless. At that moment, she didn't understand what he had truly wanted. All he needed to hear was…

"You're gonna go far, kid. Don't let… nobody tell you anything... otherwise…"

Those words from the dying Paper Mache had truly hit home. It helped Izuku see a clear path for his future, one where his best friend, his classmates, and even his idol were believing in him with everything they had. He couldn't disappoint them, so the only option was to run ahead until his body and mind gave out.

As Izuku reached the stage, he looked ahead sternly towards the new barrier that was blocking his path— Shoto Todoroki.

"It's the superstar of Support Class H, Izuku Midoriya! VERSUS— The ice-cold prodigy of Hero Class A, Shoto Todoroki!"

Izuku squatted and began to stretch his legs, knowing he was going to need to be in prime condition for his plan to work. The whole time, he and Todoroki locked eyes.

"You don't seem to understand what I'm capable of," Todoroki said as Izuku stood back up. "Otherwise you might've given up. You won't get lucky like in the Cavalry battle."

"Of course I understand," Izuku said, pointing towards him. "You have a whole 'nother half of your Quirk that you refuse to use…"

Todoroki's eyes narrowed a bit at this. Izuku smiled slightly, before thumbing to himself and continuing.

"And if you don't use it, then I'll beat you in front of your old man!"

In the stands, Endeavor was watching sternly, his flaming beard bright as he eyed his son, ready and hoping to see him embrace his whole power, but doubting a Quirkless kid could be the one to make him do it.

"But also," Izuku continued, "If you can win without it, you'll prove him wrong! So I expect you to go all out!"

Todoroki was surprised by this and the way that Izuku was smiling, the nervousness within him not as apparent as it was before. The dual-colored boy scoffed and shook his head.

"Shut up already," he muttered.

There was a loud sound of mic feedback that echoed around the arena.

"OH NO, not aga—"

"Ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the big show to begin!"

Izuku looked around, surprised to hear Mei's voice booming out into the stands.

He couldn't quite see her, but Mei was on top of the commentator's booth, having hacked into the communications system while Present Mic panicked in the booth below.

"Introducing the new and upcoming member of the Hero Class— Izuku Midoriya!"

The crowd was surprised, as talk began about a Quirkless student making it into the Hero class. Cheers rang out from Class 1-H's section, and Izuku stood proudly to make sure he looked the part.

"Watch as his superior intellect and skill drives him to become the #1 Hero!"

Suddenly Class H began to chant: "Quirkless. Hero! Quirkless. Hero! Quirkless. Hero!"

It was tough for Izuku to remain calm, as now he felt like he just wanted to cry from the overwhelming support. He gazed up towards the commentator's booth, spotting his closest friend there finally. Mei gave him a thumbs up, and he nodded to her, smiling.

"Unfortunately for you, the future will take hold of the strong," Todoroki spoke finally. Izuku looked at him with renewed confidence, knowing nothing else could be said.

It was go time.

~Mid-Chapter Break~

(Device Breakdown)

Name: Flow

Creator: Izuku Midoriya

Function: Fires bursts of air for maneuvering or attacking.

Appearance: The unit is a cylindrical shaped device, which is encased in a heat and cold-proof backpack to be worn with ease. It sucks in and condenses a lot of air, allowing the user to fire it either from connected boots or gloves. The gloves are used to send signals to the Flow unit to determine the power and where to fire the burst. (EX: Curling your right pinky in then releasing it will fire a weak burst of air from the right boot, with enough force to lift a leg off the ground. This sort of weak burst would be better used for turning in mid-air or combat.)

Mei was shortly run off by Present Mic after he discovered her, the man returning to the commentator's booth with a huff.

"OK. Maybe we can get through a match without interruption! Let's just get this show going—-! Start!"

Class H's chants for Izuku were drowned out as the crowd excitedly cheered as the match began.

Soon after though, they would all fall silent, as they watched the intense action unfold almost immediately.

Todoroki brought his right foot forward, causing the floor to grow icy and spikes of ice to shoot up in a column, heading straight towards Izuku. Of course, Izuku was prepared for a quick assault, tensing himself as he fired off air from his Flow to jump over the oncoming attack.

Unrelenting, Todoroki brought up his right hand, sending a wave of cold air that caused the ice below Izuku to grow larger, threatening to knock him out of the air. Izuku was already planning on shooting forward, releasing his two pointer fingers to blast ahead towards Todoroki, moving his body forward with his arms and legs at the ready for anything his opponent might try to do.

"In a quick instant, Midoriya closes the gap!"

Getting in close was the key, Izuku had realized after talking to Yuki some more. Though he had overwhelmed Yuki with the largest feat of ice anyone had ever seen, the class rep believed that Todoroki was ticked off about something and erupted in his anger.

Step 1… Get in close!

Todoroki tensed up and formed a wall of ice from his right at an angle, so it could both protect him while also flying right up to hit Izuku.

Izuku was able to reach him first and managed to step onto the top of the rising ice wall, jumping over as some of the ice clung to his left foot as it made contact. Todoroki gazed up at him with a bit of surprise as Izuku was able to break the distance advantage he had in mere seconds.

"It won't be that easy!" As Izuku exclaimed that, he twisted in mid-air and brought his right leg forward, kicking Todoroki right in the face.

Sliding back a bit, Todoroki created some ice to brace himself before he slid out of the arena. He felt the left side of his face where he had been struck, eyeing Izuku seriously.

"The first blow has landed! What the heck is this kid?!"

"It's already over," Todoroki spoke. Pressing his right foot down, ice formed along the ground before reaching the wall of ice he had formed earlier. It was directly behind Izuku, close enough to attack him from his blindspot.

However, Izuku was fully aware of this. From facing and watching Todoroki before, he knew that no ice was safe. If he managed to cover the entire arena in ice, it would probably be all over, so Izuku couldn't let that happen. Thus, he had taken it to himself to keep it in his mind where all of the ice Todoroki had emitted was at all times.

Pillars of ice shot out from the ice wall, almost hitting Izuku in the back. The Quirkless boy turned and brought his left leg upwards, releasing a finger on his left hand to send a burst of air from his boot, accelerating his kick as he managed to smash right through the oncoming ice, sending crystals of ice all around. At the same time, the bit of ice that had been covering his left boot shattered, freeing him from any worry of that coming back to haunt him later.

"I said… it won't be that easy!"

Izuku followed his kick through, kicking off of the ground with his right foot to rush Todoroki down, the boy surprised as he watched him coming.

That still hurt, but I'll live! Izuku thought, the metal shin guard making breaking the ice easier, but his leg still felt like it was throbbing from the force of the impact.

Todoroki held his right hand to the side, forming ice along the ground before using his right foot to move himself along the ice, escaping the edge of the arena and curving back towards the center. Izuku stopped and turned to face him.

He actually ran away…! Izuku was surprised, this action only helping his determination. He could hear the Flow making a whirring noise as it was refilling its air supply as he took off again, running towards Todoroki. But I can't stop now! I'm back to square zero— Gotta do Step 1 again!

"It's a relentless assault! Fight fight fight!"

Meanwhile, in the faculty room, the Heroes who were assisting with the event watched on with intrigue— But nobody was more amped up than Power Loader at that moment, the usually calm man man slamming his fist down onto a table.

"Go, Midoriya!"

Likewise, Class 1-H were leaning over the wall of the stands, shouting their varied support for him.

"Kick his icey ass!"

"P-Please be careful!"

"Think Midoriya! Don't be too hasty!"

The fight was just starting, but it was ramping up quickly. Izuku was ready to put everything on the line to succeed—

But could his will defeat Todoroki's own resolve?

To Be Continued

Next Chapter: RISE - Izuku vs Todoroki

A/N: Make sure to leave a Review to let me know how you're feeling about the story! :)