A/N (Another one at bottom)
First things first.
I want to thank each and everyone of you for following this story and sticking with it. I have enjoyed every moment of writing this story and I hope you've enjoyed just as much as me.
When I started writing last year I never expected to finish it or garner such a positive response.
Next. This chapter clocks in at roughly 20,000 words (I said it would be the longest yet
Now without further adieu:
Welcome to the finale My Hero Academia: Nimbus.
I hope you enjoy.
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
The flames began to fizzle out all over the highway while a blaze continued around a truck which had gone down the hill and crashed. Endeavor, the number one Pro Hero, slid down the steep hill and stopped just in front of his handiwork. He gave a slight scowl as he recognised a newcomer who was currently observing the truck.
"What are you doing Hawks?," asked Endeavor in a ruff tone, "If you were here you could've given us a hand." Hawks, who had been crouching down, stood up and turned slightly to face Endeavor, a smirk on his face.
"Ah don't bite my head off Endeavor. I just now flew in," he remarked before turning once more to face the truck.
"Any idea what the League was transporting?" Hawks had been undercover in the League of Villains for a while now. Endeavor assumed he knew what was going on. He was disappointed by what came next.
"Not exactly. All I know is that it was something important which with the League usually means dangerous," Hawks made for the back of the truck and opened up what remained of the doors. Inside were tubes and right at the back was the biggest and most technologically advanced tube of them.
"What was in there?" asked Endeavor, concern coming over him as the tube appeared to have been opened, "Some sort of new Nomu?"
"Maybe. Or it could be much worse."
"Did it work?" asked the large animalistic man who wore a brown trench coat. His name was Chimera.
"The experiment was a success. I now have All for One's quirk," replied the masked man who appeared to have been the escaped villain.
"So is it time then?" asked Slice, her red hair shining brightly from the lights emanating from the city below.
"Yes. We can now begin." Nine looked down at the city before tilting his head to one of his colleagues.
"My dream is upon us and soon yours will be to." The man he was talking to possessed jet black hair that reached down past his waist. He had his arms crossed and a smirk on his face that read anticipation.
Nabu Island:
A phone began to ring. A phone that was picked up moments later by Momo Yaoyorozu.
"Hero emergency helpline. What is the reason for your call?"
"Yep. Understood. Kaminari. Tractor needs charging up again!"
"Oh man. I'm literally a human charger," complained said boy only to be reprimanded almost immediately by a certain Class 1-A Representative.
"Kaminari! Any job is a hero's job regardless of how small it may seem!" Iida exclaimed before placing his helmet on his head and rushing off to one of his calls to action.
"I'll give you that," Kaminari shrugged before making his way over to the farmer who required his assistance, once again.
Meanwhile, out and about around the island were other members of 1-A. Todoroki was providing ice for an ice cream seller on the beach.
"Will this be enough?" asked Todoroki after creating a chunk of ice that was as tall as himself.
"You kidding? That's more than enough! Thanks kid!"
There was one person that caught the attention of many people. He was flying around the island and essentially helping out anyone who called for him.
"Can't lie. This sure is fun. The weather, the feeling of breezing through the air and of course doing hero work, despite it being pretty basic." To an outsider it would appear Goku was talking to himself. In fact he was actually talking to someone over an earpiece. Someone who was used to Goku's personality.
"I bet it is for someone who can get halfway across the island within moments," commented Kyoka Jiro, Goku's closest friend. She was currently in the call centre dealing with other situations. However, she had been communicating with Goku via earpiece ever since their class had been situated on Nabu Island. The two had been inseparable for a while now, the UA School Festival being the start of that change.
"Don't bite my head off Kyoka. I said you were more than welcome to come with me," Goku chuckled, before stopping mid-air. He focused on something that had caught his eye seconds before. His silence didn't go unnoticed by Jiro.
"Something wrong Goku?" she asked with concern. Goku shook his head before returning to his patrol.
"It was nothing. Just thought I saw something," he replied, shaking his head.
"Oh okay then," Jiro relented. Had Goku been with her in person, he would've seen her turn her head, turn off her mic momentarily and offer to help out Deku and Uraraka look for a missing child, "I've gotta sign off. See you later?"
"Yeah sure. Good luck with whatever's going on." Goku replied before shaking his head to clear his thoughts. He could've sworn he saw jet black hair but on a smaller person. He also felt an oddly familiar ki signature. It didn't matter for he had just detected the same ki signature but different somehow. As if it was mature. Deciding it would be best to let the others know, Goku placed his right index finger on his earpiece.
"Hi guys. It's Goku. Just signing off for a bit. Something's come up." He tapped a button on the earpiece, turning it off. Then he quickly stretched out and hovered down to the ground. As he landed, the first thing he noticed was that he was outside a property entrance on the outskirts of town. A nice-looking property but it seemed practically deserted. However, Goku knew better than to just shrug it off and return to patrol. He had sensed something, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. Pulling his Power Pole from its sheath on his back, Goku slowly walked forward, ready for anything. His eyes darted all around in front of him, while he listened carefully for any movement. His ki detection was picking something up and while he knew he was close and in the right place, the ki signature was throwing his own quirk for a loop.
"Where are you?" he muttered before walking up to the door of the property. He knocked three times and when there was no answer he stepped back, pondering his next move. Then he heard it. Something from behind him.
"Gotcha!" he called as he whipped round and held the Power Pole out in front of him, ready to strike. However, as he did strike he realised he was about to hit a young girl. His eyes opened wide and he quickly moved his strike to the right. His Power Pole struck the ground, while the girl began to cower in fear. Goku, realising how bad he'd screwed up, quickly pulled his Power Pole back, retracted it to its usual size and returned it to its sheath. He then bent down to comfort the girl.
"I'm so sorry! Please don't cry! I didn't realise it was you behind me!" he apologised. The girl began to calm down and opened her eyes to see Goku smiling but also looking concerned. She looked up at Goku in awe while he raised his hand to her face. She flinched at first but upon seeing his kind-hearted smile, relaxed slightly. Goku wiped her tears from her eyes and she appeared to relax into his hand. Goku was a little surprised but gave a small smile. Now that she had calmed down, Goku noticed she was actually holding his hand, somewhat lovingly. He was also able to now get a good look at her.
The girl was average height for someone her age and had a slender frame. She had a fair skin complexion, similar to Goku's yet it was slightly more tanned. She had downcast eyes and grey irises. Her shaggy shoulder-length jet black hair was put up in a ponytail, secured by a white hair-tie. She had a bang hanging over the left side of her face. She wore a red shirt and a red skirt with a brown belt, attached along with a silver buckle. She also had a pair of black compression pants on underneath the skirt. She wore a pair of ankle high golden boots. Something about her was familiar but Goku couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"What's your name?" he asked, the girl looking up at him, moving his hand from her face but still holding onto it. While meek at first, her lips eventually parted to answer him.
"Kale," she whispered. Goku smiled.
"Kale huh? That's a nice na…" He never finished his compliment for he was caught in the face by a punch from a newcomer. It wasn't powerful enough to send him flying but the strength of it caused him to stumble back.
"Stay the hell away from my sister!" threatened the attacker. Goku turned his head to see another girl who appeared to be older than Kale. This girl was slightly shorter, slender and had a fair complexion that was identical to Goku's. Her eyes were narrow yet big, with large black pupils, as well as thin eyebrows. She wore a magenta shirt, grey harem pants and a pair of pointy dark grey shoes. Her hair was what caught Goku's attention the most. It was also jet-black but unlike Kale's it was long, wild and spiky.
"So Kale's your sister? That's cool. Don't worry though I don't want to hurt her," Goku defended before finding himself on the receiving end of another attack. This time he simply caught her fist and lifted her into the air rather humorously. The girl began to squirm and kick at Goku, but her efforts were in vain. Goku couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
"Don't laugh at me! I'll kick your butt when I get free!" she announced before being dropped to the ground. She landed on her backside and groaned. Goku laughed while Kale moved to the girl's side.
"Sis! Are you okay?" she asked in concern. The other girl got to her feet and stared Goku down.
"So you two are definitely related. Nice. I never got to introduce myself. I'm Nimbus," Goku revealed but the second girl scoffed.
"What sort of name is that?" she mocked but Goku simply smiled.
"It's my hero name. You can call me my real name if you want. I'm Goku." Kale gave a small smile and approached Goku, hugging his leg. Both he and the second girl were surprised by this when Kale spoke.
"You're so easy to hug. You're warm and comforting. I like you," she said softly, nuzzling her face into his leg. Goku chuckled and rubbed her head lovingly, though he wasn't quite sure why.
"Kale! Stop hugging him! We don't know this guy!" cried the girl.
"But Caulifla. He seems really nice." Goku glanced at the girl who froze upon her name being exposed. The pair caught eye contact and for a split second Goku could've sworn he saw something familiar in Caulifla. He shrugged it off and held his hand out for her to shake.
"Nice to meet you Caulifla," he remarked. Caulifla reluctantly took his hand to shake it. Ironically the pair both squinted in pain as their respective grips were strong.
"Yowch. Strong grip you got there," Goku joked as the pair let go of each other's hands. Caulifla pulled her hand back and looked at it before looking back at Goku. A cocky smirk appeared on her youthful face.
"Not so bad yourself old man," she smirked.
"Who you calling old man?" Goku questioned, "I turn sixteen in a week." Caulifla rolled her eyes while Kale finally let go of Goku and moved back.
"So where are your parents? They out in town?" asked Goku, looking around. He immediately regretted asking as both Kale and Caulifla had sad expressions on their faces after being asked. Caulifla spoke for the both of them.
"We don't have parents. We had carers but they're long gone. Died in an attack on the mainland, not too long ago," Caulifla sadly explained. This raised a new question.
"Where were they when they died?" asked Goku sympathetically.
"Why do you care?" snapped Caulifla before calming down, "I think it was called Hosu City. Something to do with nanas attacking." Goku had to smile at that one.
"Nomus. The creatures that attacked Hosu are called Nomus. I'm sorry to hear that. I was there. Wish I could've done something. You've been alone ever since?" he asked. The pair both nodded before Goku crouched down and kneeled in front of them.
"You know, I reckon you two are strong. Not just physically, Caulifla already proved that, but also emotionally. You've managed to continue on despite what happened. I can't say I've done the same." Goku smiled sadly before removing his Power Pole sheath from around him. He looked it over for a few seconds before offering it to the two girls.
"Here. Take this. It was a gift from someone, and it got me through a loss. I still feel guilty about what happened to my grandpa, but I know he'd want me to help you. It's the Power Pole. Look after it," he said. Caulifla refused to take it, but Kale reached out and took it in her right hand. She looked it over before looking up at Goku. Her smile was all he needed.
"Thank you" she whispered and Goku smiled. He then noticed the time of day and stretched his body. Then he turned his earpiece back on and immediately heard Jiro's voice.
"Goku! Where have you been? I've been trying to get a hold of you for ages!" she cried in anger. Goku flinched before laughing.
"Sorry. Was just talking to two people. I'll be back soon." His answer was what Jiro wanted to hear but for some reason, he wanted to stay with the sisters longer. The looks they gave him kind of told him they agreed, despite Caulifla not showing it as much.
"Well you better hurry. The townspeople brought a full buffet around for us and it's going to be gone before you get back," Jiro teased and Goku's eyes lit up in anticipation but also panic.
"Whaaaat?! I'm on my way!" he turned to Caulifla and Kale and gave a small wave, "See you around girls." However, just as he went to fly off, Kale latched onto his right leg and hugged him. Goku turned, confused.
"Can you um, come back later?" she asked, clearly embarrassed. Goku smiled and rubbed her head once more.
"Only if it's cool with your sister" he joked. Caulifla turned red in embarrassment and looked away.
"Yeah sure. Whatever. I want a rematch anyway!" she announced. Goku knew that wasn't the reason but he was happy to oblige.
"It's a date then. See you guys once I've eaten and changed into something more comfortable. I think you two should do the same." With that Kale let go of his leg and he shot into the air. He waved at them before heading straight for where the rest of his class was.
"I like him," Kale said quietly, "Think he can help us find him?"
"Doubt it," Caulifla shrugged before walking towards their house. When Kale didn't follow, Caulifla turned to see her looking sad yet hopeful while staring up at the night sky. Caulifla had to admit Goku seemed competent enough and had a good heart, though she wouldn't say it out loud. Instead she sighed and offered some reassurance to her younger sister, "Then again who knows? We'll have to wait and see." Kale smiled and ran to Caulifla's side, the two opening the door to their house and walking in.
Mainland Japan:
"Will you be home soon dad?" asked the young girl known as Mahoro. Her younger brother Katsuma was beaming and waving to their father through a video call.
"I plan on catching the ferry back in a few days' time. I hope you two have been behaving yourselves," remarked their father with a smile.
"I hope you're having a good time dad! Can't wait to see you soon!" exclaimed Katsuma before the pair of them waved.
"Love you dad!"
"Love you too," he said before the call ended and his phone background appeared. He smiled at it before looking on in surprise and horror as Chimera landed in front of his car, smashing up the front completely. The car flew into the air, and laned upside down. Chimera approached and pulled his victim from his seat before throwing him to the ground.
"I love it when they squirm," he grinned, the cigar in his mouth burning. Mahoro and Katsuma's father looked up at the group of villains surrounding him.
"He has the quirk I require," Nine said as he used one of his stolen quirks to scan the man's body for strength and quirk.
"What do you want with me?" he asked in fear as Nine approached.
"It's not what I want with you. It's what I want from you." Nine grasped the civilian's head with both hands and lifted him off the ground. Seconds later screaming was heard as a strange glow appeared around Nine and his hostage. The energy appeared to be flowing from Nine's victim, onto himself. When the process was complete, Nine dropped the now unconscious man to the ground and turned around.
"Finally. I have everything I need." He raised his arms out and moments later lightning erupted from the sky, raining down terror and destruction on the city. Entire skyscrapers were obliterated, city blocks were totalled, and roads were destroyed.
"It's time. We will tear down this society and rebuild it into our image," Nine said somewhat triumphantly before he froze. Something was clearly wrong. He hunched over in pain and began to breathe heavily.
"Nine! What's wrong?" asked Slice in concern. She rushed to his side and helped to steady him. Nine weakly lifted his right hand and looked at it.
"His quirk. It doesn't work on Type O blood," he muttered through the pain.
"You're saying we did all this for nothing?!" asked Chimera in shock.
"Not quite," Nine glanced over at his black-haired ally, "Think hard about this." Nine looked down at the man's phone and saw his phone background. It showed two children; Mahoro and Katsuma.
"Of course," realised the villain, "Quirks are hereditary."
"I can't believe you ate most of it without me!" whined Goku as he finished his meal, "You know I love eating food!" Members of his class chuckled.
"What are you complaining about? You seen how many dishes you've got through?" asked Kaminari humorously. Goku looked over at his tower of dishes. He must have gotten through about thirty.
"Fair point! Not my fault it was so delicious though," he remarked with a smile as he patted his belly.
"I'll give you that," replied Kaminari.
"So where you been all day Goku? You logged off and didn't come back online for a while," asked Jiro. Deku, Uraraka, Kaminari and Jiro had gathered around him to discover his reason.
"It's nothing really. Well I mean it's obviously something but don't worry." Waving their interest away failed so Goku relented.
"I met two young girls. Their names are Caulifla and Kale and before you ask, I gave my Power Pole to Kale." Surprise was the only way to describe what the others were thinking.
"Why'd you do that Goku? Wasn't that a family heirloom?" asked Uraraka with confusion. Goku nodded.
"I wanted to give them something as a gift. The Power Pole was a gift from Grandpa Gohan and Master Roshi. I still blame myself for their deaths, but it helped me relieve some of the guilt and pain," he explained. His face then turned dark, "They didn't know their parents and the people looking after them were killed in the Hosu City attack."
The four listeners bowed their heads in respect.
"You want to keep them safe. That's it right?" asked Deku before giving a small smile, "That's really heroic Goku." The boy being spoken to thanked him.
"Anyway enough about that. Did you find this missing child?" Deku, Uraraka and Jiro all looked at each other before laughing.
"We found him alright. Turns out he wasn't lost, and his sister was with him the whole time. She wanted to discredit us in her brother's eyes by timing how long it took us to find him. They seem like nice children," Deku smiled.
"Well Midoriya here got a mouthful from the kid's sister. That was pretty funny," Jiro laughed. Goku simply smiled.
"What were their names?" he asked.
"The girl was called Mahoro and the boy was called Katsuma." Deku simply smiled before standing up, "I'm going off to practice my Shoot Style. Want to come train Goku?"
"I'd love to, but I promised to visit the girls again. I don't intend to let them down," came the reply. Goku stood up and stretched. He was wearing a black shirt and orange trousers. He put on his familiar black and orange jacket before stretching out and giving a small burp.
"Excuse me," he blushed, covering his mouth, "Anyways I'm off. See you later guys!" with that Goku walked opened the door and left. Jiro watched him go with intrigue.
"What's wrong?" asked Uraraka.
"There's got to be something else to him going to see those girls. He must have another reason," theorised the violet-haired girl before shrugging it off, "I'm off to bed. Night Ochaco."
"Night Kyoka."
Goku landed right outside the front door to Caulifla and Kale's residency. He smiled and approached the door only for it to swing open, Kale on the other side.
"You actually came back" she said meekly but Goku simply waved.
"Of course I did. We made a promise and I was never going to break it. Can I come in?" he asked only for the voice of Caulifla to answer.
"Only if you show us your quirk! I want to know what I'm going up against!" she shouted as she too appeared in the doorway.
"Fair enough." Goku opened his right palm and began to charge a small ki blast which he then threw into the air. The two girls watched it in awe before it looked just like another star in the sky. Goku gave a smug grin as he looked at Caulifla, the girl scoffing to hide her earlier expression.
"Well I'm going to need something better than that" she huffed. Goku smirked again before a golden glow appeared around his body. He soon transformed into his Super state with a yell. The blow back from the transformation pushed both Caulifla and Kale back slightly but the wonder that lit up in their eyes was unrivalled. Caulifla grabbed onto Goku's leg and tugged at his trousers.
"Teach me! Teach me! Teach me!" she begged. Goku depowered and smiled.
"I'd love to, but it only works for me I'm afraid. What are you quirks?" he asked but the two girls looked at each other.
"We don't have quirks." Kale's reply surprised Goku who looked at the pair with pity. They had been born quirkless. However, this didn't add up. Caulifla hit hard for someone who was supposedly quirkless and Goku could only assume Kale was the same, despite her not showing it.
"Hey it doesn't matter. I'm sure you can still be heroes, assuming that's what you want," he assured them. The girls once more looked at each other before walking inside. Goku stood there alone, assuming he had upset them.
"You coming in or not old man?" asked Caulifla. Goku rolled his eyes before walking in and closing the door behind him.
"I told you. I'm not old." As he entered the living room he saw that despite the age of both girls, the house was remarkably clean and tidy. Which then got him thinking of how old they really were.
"Hey Caulifla, Kale. How old are you two?"
"I'm eight years old and Kale is six. What's it to you?" questioned Caulifla.
"Just curious. Got to say this is a nice place," he admired the interior. It was spotless and he found it interesting. The only person he knew that could make a house this spotless and tidy was his mother, Gine. His heart panged in sadness at the thought of her name. He still felt guilty for not being able to do something to stop Frieza all those years ago but alas, he was only five.
"Maybe if Raditz hadn't ditched us…" he mumbled before a cup of water was handed to him by Kale. Goku graciously took it and downed the drink within seconds. Wiping his mouth with his jacket he placed the cup on the kitchen side and sat down on the sofa.
"I have to say this is nice. I haven't done something like this in years. You two are lucky to have each other." The same pain from his past re-emerged and tears appeared in Goku's eyes without him realising.
"Don't start crying on us" moaned Caulifla.
"Sis. I don't think that's very kind," whispered Kale. Goku wiped his eyes and chuckled, not thinking anything of it. However, it was here that he realised Caulifla and Kale had sat next to him and were in close proximity.
"Uh you two okay?" he nervously chuckled. Caulifla turned to face forward while Kale snuggled into his side. It still confused him, but he didn't seem to mind at all.
"Do you think you could help us find someone?" asked Caulifla after a short gap of silence. Goku looked at her in surprise at the question.
"Strange question. Why do you ask?" came his response.
"Answer the question. Yes or no?" Caulifla snapped back. Goku turned to face forward before ultimately shrugging.
"Don't know. I'm only a hero in training. I don't have the connections yet but I'm sure I could ask some pro heroes or my teachers to look. Why who are you looking for?" he admitted.
"Doesn't matter." Caulifla yawned before leaning back onto Goku's lap and falling asleep right there and then. The older boy jumped slightly at this change of events before another voice spoke up. Albeit a quieter voice.
"We have a family member out in the world. They're meant to be super strong and a true hero. We've never met them." Kale said before yawning herself.
"What's their name?"
The question fell on deaf ears for both girls had fallen asleep. T heir soft snores could be heard, and it almost made Goku want to fall asleep. Instead he gently moved them off of him and made sure they were comfortable before getting to work exploring the house. He went straight for what he assumed would be their carer's room. Silently opening the door he looked around for something, anything, to do with who the girls were. Goku checked drawers, the wardrobe and even under the bed before spying a small box. He picked it up and discovered it had a lock. Sighing, he used his strength to open the box and pulled out the folder which was inside.
"What have we got here?" he asked himself before opening it up.
He wasn't prepared for what he saw.
There were images of the two girls in test tubes, being experimented on. Their names had clearly been given to them by whoever their captor was. Goku's anger began to rise as he flicked through the folder, finding evidence of torture, quirk ability and more. It even mentioned that the girls quirks had yet to manifest despite the usual age being four years old. Then again Goku's quirk first manifested on his fifth birthday. A day he knew all too well.
"The hell?" he whispered as a short note fell from the folder. He picked it up, unfolded it and read it.
To whomever finds this, please know we were not involved in the actions displayed. My partner and I were given custody of the two girls by police officials, days after they were found on the streets. We have cared for them like they are our own children. However, we know they wish for only one thing. To meet the only member of their biological family still alive. We know not this person's name for neither of the girls will tell us, but what we do know is that this person keeps them going and instils in them the hope to live.
We hope that one day they meet this family member.
For the day they do, will be a day that will reignite the spark that rests within them.
Goku placed the note back and slowly closed the folder. He didn't say a single word but perked up in panic at the sound of movement in the living room. Goku fumbled to get out of the room while also making sure to be as quiet as possible. When he closed the door and speed walked to the living room he realised that Kale now had a blanket over her and. A pillow under her head. It was the open front door and the silhouette that caught his attention. Goku walked outside and saw Caulifla sitting down on the porch. She appeared to be looking up at the night sky. Goku took a seat next to her and rubbed her hair jokingly.
"Buzz off!" she said with a raised voice. Goku smirked before stretching his arms into the air. Caulifla simply looked at him and rolled her eyes before turning back to looking at the stars. There were no words spoken for a short time until Caulifla yawned.
"Tired?" smiled Goku.
"Hmph. What you gonna watch me while I sleep?" mocked Caulifla. Goku flinched before grinning. Caulifla couldn't help but smirk herself. The two had a small laugh together before turning back once more to the stars.
"Goku can I ask you a question?" Goku turned to Caulifla who hadn't turned her head at all.
"Sure." Caulifla breathed in and out deeply before looking down at the ground.
"Do you think you could take us to the mainland with you?" Caulifla's question caught Goku majorly off-guard. She looked sad but also desperate.
"I mean I'm not really sure if that's possible," he scratched his head nervously but Caulifla's sad expression and disappointment made him regret his answer.
"You know what? I'll see what I can do. Besides, not very hero-like if I just declined to help." The wink he gave was all Caulifla honestly wanted to see. Tears welled in her eyes, mostly due to tiredness and she squeezed her eyes shut. Goku couldn't help but smile and in a bid to comfort her he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in tight. Caulifla initially tensed up though it was difficult to tell whether it was in anger or annoyance at Goku's action. However, she relaxed and melted into his side, something Goku bizarrely didn't mind despite how random it was.
"Thank you," she mumbled as she fell asleep. Goku simply smiled before looking up to see a massive monster being the victim of Bakugo. Despite being very far way on a connected island which had ruins, the massive looked huge and Goku could still hear Bakugo's explosions and signature 'DIE!'.
"Can't sense the monster's ki which means it's an illusion or something along those lines," right on cue the explosions stopped, and the 'monster' disappeared, "Called it." Goku's yawn that followed was a clue that he had reached his limit for staying awake. He slowly slid his arms and hands under Caulifla's legs and round her back and lifted. Standing up at the same time, he turned and re-entered the house, making sure not to wake up either Kale or Caulifla. He put them into their beds and tucked them in, giving a smile as he silently pulled the bedroom door to and left the house. He closed the front door and walked down the steps, shooting one final glance at the house before flying into the air back to his temporary residence.
He entered and made straight for his room, bumping into Deku and a furious Bakugo.
"THOSE LITTLE BRATS! THEY'LL REGRET MAKING A FOOL OUT OF ME!" screamed Bakugo while Deku desperately tried to calm him down.
"Kacchan please. You didn't have to terrify them like that," Deku complained quickly before noticing Goku standing there with a confused look on his face, "Oh hi Goku. Didn't know you were still up."
"Yeah. Just got back from seeing the two girls," he said before looking down at the floor in despair, "And found out some disturbing info about their past."
"You hanging out with two kids too?! What's wrong with you two?!" bellowed Bakugo before Goku raised his index finger into the air.
"But weren't you hanging out with the same kids as Deku?" Goku's valid question caused Bakugo to freeze and tense up in realisation and anger.
"DAMMIT!" he screamed, explosions crackling in his hands.
"Kacchan! Just go to bed please!" pleaded Deku, the request earning a scowl and more shouting before Bakugo's screams were finally muffled out by the door to his room being closed. Deku breathed out in relief before turning to Goku, tiredness plain on both their faces.
"Sorry about that. Hopefully he isn't going to hold too much of a grudge against Mahoro and Katsuma," he nervously said.
"I'm going to assume those are the children you were with earlier?" asked Goku. Deku nodded with a small smile. There was momentary silence before Goku spoke once more albeit this time in a whisper, "How's One for All coming along?"
"I can still only go to eight percent before maxing out. Twenty percent if I push my body. Anything after twenty breaks my bones." Deku sighed in despair. Quirk progress for him had been slow.
"Don't worry. You've still got room to grow. Pretty sure I'm at the peak of my power," laughed Goku while placing his hand on Deku's shoulder. The latter laughed to before both nodded at each other and made for their own beds. They both desperately needed sleep.
And sleep they did. At least Goku would've had Caulifla and Kale not been playing on his mind.
"Caulifla and Kale. You two sure are an interesting duo. I wonder who this mystery relative you wish to meet is," he pondered before noticing his door open slowly. Jiro peered round and Goku beckoned her to enter.
"Shouldn't you be asleep Kyoka?" Goku tilted his head in curiosity but Jiro simply approached and sat down on his bed, legs crossed and facing him.
"I could ask you the same thing. What's on your mind?" was the reply. Goku shrugged.
"Just wondering about the two girls I met today. I'm curious about their past," he replied but Jiro frowned.
"That's not just it. You discovered something and it's been on your mind. Goku tell me. You can trust me," Jiro assured. Goku smirked. He couldn't argue with that. However, what Jiro was expecting was Goku to start tearing up and silently sniffling.
"I found a folder detailing what happened to them. Their parents were murdered in cold blood, they were taken captive and experimented on basically negating their quirks. They haven't manifested despite both girls being over the age of five. They somehow escaped and were found by police before being handed over to carers who lived here on Nabu Island. The carers died during the Hosu attack, so the girls have been alone ever since." Jiro listened intently
"There's something else." Goku was trying really hard to keep himself from crying completely. Jiro moved forward to comfort him and looked at him in the eyes.
"I'm here." Goku's eyes opened and he smiled when he saw Jiro's comforting face.
"They have a relative on the mainland. They know their name but haven't spoken it to anyone. They asked me to help with the eldest, Caulifla, asking me to take them with us back to mainland Japan," he revealed. Then after fighting it back, Goku finally broke down and held his face in his hands. Jiro flinched back in surprise not fully understanding what had set him off.
"They remind me of myself! All that pain, all that guilt and all that sadness. I thought I'd pushed it down but why is it here on this island that they rear their heads again! I can't do this all again! I don't want to!" he sobbed. Jiro felt her heart split in two. Goku had had every bad memory from his past re-emerge and only from meeting these two girls. There must have been something else going on. Something not even Goku could figure out.
"You need to get some rest. We'll talk about this later." Jiro's message fell on deaf eyes for Goku had cried himself to sleep. Jiro smiled and placed a kiss on his forehead. She then stood up and left for her own room.
"Something on your mind?" Slice walked up to the slightly armoured figure who stood at the bow of the ship, his arms crossed and hair blowing slightly in the wind.
"More like someone. Someone I haven't seen in a while. Someone I can't wait to reunite with." Slice smirked before leaning on the raising at the front of the ship.
"That sounds sweet. A woman perhaps?" Her colleague shook her head.
"He's the subject of my greatest hatred," revealed the man.
"What did he do to piss you off?" grinned Slice.
"He was born."
"And does he have a name?"
There was a momentary silence before the man parted his lips to speak.
"Kakarot. His name is Kakarot. And he is my younger brother."
"You will get what you desire." Nine approached along with Chimera and Mummy. All five of them looked out at the horizon.
"I promise you that much, Raditz."
When Goku awoke the sun was shining and the day was upon him. Deku's voice could be heard outside as well as the voice of a young boy. Goku rubbed his head, messing up his hair which then sprang back to its normal appearance as it usually did. Sitting up straight, Goku noticed his face was still wet from tears. He wiped his face and got changed into his hero costume. He flung his flowing red vest over his body and opened his door. On instinct he went to grab his Power Pole but when he felt nothing he remembered he had given it to Kale.
"Well best go get breakfast." Goku walked out and came across Jiro and Uraraka who waved.
"Goku catch!" shouted Jiro as she threw a plate filled with food at him. The food came flying off the plate but Goku acted fast. He grabbed the plate and then moving quickly positioned under each piece of food in the air, eventually collecting it all up. Then without thinking, he consumed the lot. Covering his mouth as he burped slightly he made for the door.
"Where you going?" asked Jiro.
"Out on patrol. I'll see you around." Goku's flight aura came to life and he shot into the air. However, unlike most times the ground below his feet cracked and some rock flew into the air. This didn't go unnoticed.
"Is Goku okay?" asked Uraraka. Jiro could only shake her head.
Goku flew through the air and felt the wind against his face. He needed the fresh air desperately and especially needed to clear his head. Thoughts kept spiralling through his head. He also kept having minor flashbacks to the deaths of his parents and grandpa. He also couldn't help but imagine what Caulifla and Kale were up to.
"I'll go see them," he determined changing his direction and heading for where the two girls lived. He had only just started his journey when a loud screeching was heard in his right ear. Goku grimaced in pain and stopped in the air, reaching his right hand up to his ear. His earpiece was playing up and in a bid to find out what was wrong, Goku called out for Jiro to answer.
"Kyoka? You there? My earpiece is playing up." No response came. Then Goku heard it. An explosion erupted from the ground loud enough for Goku to not only hear but see. Goku's face morphed into one of worry. Then he noticed the smoke coming from the communication tower.
"That explains the earpiece problem," Goku dropped it before reeling back in fear. He felt something. No he felt someone. Someone he hadn't felt the presence of since his fight against Kai Chisaki.
"Communications are down," Chimera gave a toothy grin at his handiwork. He then spied a group of Class 1-A students evacuating civilians on the beach and decided to have some fun.
"And they are unable to escape," stated Slice, the villain having destroyed all boats moments after the five villains crashed into the harbour. Mummy had gone to cause chaos in the town while Nine knew his goal.
"We need only retrieve the boy and then our mission is complete," reminded Nine, his emotionless eyes revealing nothing. Slice and Raditz both nodded before Raditz suddenly turned in a single direction.
"Does there seem to be a problem?" Nine's question fell on deaf ears for Raditz had simply grinned, his eyes showing pure glee.
"No. Not at all."
That was the last thing he said to Nine and Slice before Goku blasted straight into him, threw a powerful and anger fuelled punch which sent Raditz skyrocketing across the island. Goku blasted after him.
Slice went to go after them but Nine held his hand up.
"This is what he wanted. Leave them be," he said before turning in the direction of his quarry.
"Besides. One should never interrupt a fight between siblings."
Raditz crashed into the ground and skidded along the ground before digging his hand into it and slowing himself down. Using his regained control, Raditz flipped onto one knee, lifted his head, grinned and stood up straight, brushing himself off. Goku landed with a thud metres away, standing up straight himself. The two locked eyes but both felt different emotions. Raditz felt some sort of twisted joy while Goku felt pure unbridled anger.
"You know I've been dreaming of our true reunion for years." Raditz spoke first while folding his arms across his chest. He was enjoying the tension, "Though I have to admit. I wasn't expecting for it to happen here."
"Funny. I haven't given you a single thought." Goku's answer was quick, blunt and venomous. He had already readied himself for battle.
"You think I'll believe that. I've been in your head, well figuratively at least. Ever since I told you I was actually there to torment you; you've been getting ready to fight. I even had this armour custom made just for you." Raditz gestured to his battle armour.
The chest was armoured and had the UA colour scheme, possibly in an attempt to mock Goku's chosen path of life. There were two white lines going straight down the middle. Raditz wore blue bracers on both arms and black shorts where his upper body armour ended. He wore white, blue and black armoured boots. One leg was unarmoured but on Raditz's upper left leg was red armour plating that resembled a band.
"Yeah that's good and all but can it protect you from this!" shouted Goku as he raised both arms out in front of him, hands open wide and unleashed a barrage of ki blasts. Raditz stood still and smirked before batting several of the ki blasts away and dodging the others. Then he fired several ki blasts of his own.
"Those were cute. How will you handle these?" he mocked as he barraged Goku with more and more ki blasts. It didn't take Goku's ki detection to know that these ki blasts were way more powerful than the ones he had fired initially.
"Oh crap!" Goku cried as he began to jump all over the place, dodging the blasts. Unfortunately for him they were just too fast for his base form and he found himself blocking many of them. Then to make it worse, Raditz went on the attack. The older brother's first attack came in the form of him rushing Goku and slamming his right fist into the latter's stomach. Goku stumbled back slightly stunned and in pain. Raditz then threw a right hook that connected with Goku's face. The impact made Goku's skull feel like it was about to break, and he was sent crashing through buildings, despite his best attempts to not let this happen. Goku stood up after coming to a stop but opened his eyes in shock as Raditz flew towards him and landed another punch square in his face. Goku felt his nose break and couldn't even cry out in pain for Raditz roundhouse kicked him in the side, causing him to stumble away.
"I thought you were stronger than this. At least that's what your quirk manifestation told me," Raditz mocked as he approached Goku. Multiple blows were landed all over Goku's body, the boy falling to his knees.
"How? How am I losing already?" he muttered to himself. Raditz grabbed him by the hair and pulled his head back to look his opponent in the eye.
"Is that the best you can do? Here I was hoping you'd put up more of a fight." Raditz's face showed shock moments later as Goku smirked. A yellow glow appeared from his hands and two powerful ki blasts collided with Raditz at point blank. Raditz flew backwards before backflipping and landing on his feet. He grinned before the pair both blasted straight at each other. Their fists collided and then they traded blows. Goku received four punches to his body. Two to the chest, one to the stomach and one to the side of his head. Raditz on the other hand received three. One to the chest, one to the side of his head and one to his hip. They momentarily separated before both lunged forward and threw a punch, aiming for the other's head. Goku with his right fist and Raditz with his left. Both punches collided with their target simultaneously. Goku's head careened off to the right with Raditz's doing the opposite.
"Gah!"
"Ufff!"
Both brothers stumbled back and stared at each. They were currently at a stalemate which Goku didn't expect. In fact Goku figured that Raditz was hiding something up his sleeve.
"What's your endgame here?" questioned Goku. He clenched his right fist while Raditz wiped the blood from his mouth and grinned.
"I'm only meant to cause trouble. Killing you is just a bonus." It was here that Raditz suddenly froze up in confusion and turned his head to the right. He had noticed something.
"What's that ki signature?" he pondered out loud, "It seems so familiar yet different. In fact there's two."
That was when Goku's face showed horror. He too recognised those ki signatures and they were near a familiar ki signature. One that was severely weak.
"Caulifla. Kale. Deku." Goku looked out at the horizon and saw a massive explosion. Deku's ki signature weakened almost instantly before it started to plummet which meant only one thing.
"He's going to be killed."
"Guess you better get after him then." Raditz's suggestion wasn't spoken to be helpful. It was spoken to mock. Goku glared at Raditz before weighing the options. He could fight his older brother here and risk letting Deku and the two girls die.
"Shit," he growled as a familiar golden aura erupted around him and his hair stood up. He powered up into his Super state, gave Raditz a final glare and blasted into the air. His rapid ascent was halted when he stopped mid-air and flew off in the direction of the other battle.
"Go be a hero brother. I'll wait as long as I need to."
Moments earlier:
"Come on Kale. We've got to get somewhere safe." Caulifla was currently holding Kale's hand and was practically dragging her behind her. The two had heard the commotion and went to investigate only to get cut off from their home in the process.
"I hope Goku knows what is going on. He'll be here to safe us right sis?" Kale asked, fear creeping into her voice.
"I'm sure that idiot does Kale. We've got to worry about ourselves at the moment," Caulifla suddenly stopped as something came crashing through the trees and landed in front of her. The two girls screamed in surprise. The figure stood up to show messy emerald hair. Deku was panting heavily and was covered head to toe in bruises, scrapes and cuts. He noticed the two in his peripheral vision and turned his head to them.
"Are you Caulifla and Kale?" he asked quickly. Both girls nodded, "Make for the clearing and call for help. If you find two other kids called Mahoro and Katsuma, group up with them and run." A purple beam shot out from the woods and barely missed the trio. Deku grit his teeth and turned back.
"GO NOW!" he screamed before One For All activated and he sprinted into the trees. Sounds of fighting were immediately heard, being the only reason Caulifla and Kale needed to heed Deku's advice.
"Let's go!" shouted Caulifla who was barely managing to hide the panic. Both girls ran for said clearing and came across Mahoro and Katsuma who were fleeing themselves.
"Where's Deku?!" cried Katsuma, tears falling down his face. Mahoro wasn't fairing much better.
"Deku? Who's that? The mop head?" asked Caulifla bluntly. The four soon had their answer for Deku's screams could be heard. They looked into the darkness where they came from only to see Deku come flying towards them. He crashed in front of them and weakly got to his feet. He placed his left arm out to cover the four children.
"Go. Run! Get out of…!"
He never finished. A precise, purple beam pierced the left side of his chest. He collapsed to his knees in pain before two more beams connected with his right arm and left leg respectively.
Time froze for Caulifla and Kale. Mahoro and Katsuma begged Deku to get up and fight but it was pointless. The hero in training collapsed from his wounds and exhaustion. Nine walked out of the woods and made a beeline for Katsuma.
"Sis are we going to die?" asked Kale. She was trembling. She clutched Power Pole to her chest with her arms.
"No we won't. I promise you that," assured Caulifla before giving into fear herself.
"He'll be here. He'll save us. I know he will." Caulifla's prayers were seemingly heard when Bakugo arrived having seen the massive Deku hologram that Mahoro had created in her fear.
This glimmer of hope faded moments earlier when Bakugo's attacks were blocked by Nine and he found himself being crushed on the ground by one of Nine's many quirks. The quirk itself appeared in the form of a hydra.
"Crap. I think he broke my ribs," grunted Bakugo. Both heroes in training were down and things looked bleak. Nine reached Katsuma and swiped the three children he wasn't concerned about to the side. The impact caused Kale to drop the Power Pole, which skidded along the ground. She scurried for it and huddled over it. Nine reached his hand out to grasp Katsuma's head when a fist collided with his face. He was sent crashing away to the ground. When the dust settled, Caulifla, Kale, Mahoro and Katsuma looked up with new hope.
Standing with bent knees from where he'd landed on the ground was Goku with his right fist clenched and his arm still out in front of him from the punch. He was in his Super state and he looked livid. Deku weakly lifted his head while Bakugo stated motionless on the ground but still breathing.
"Goku? You're here."
"Took you long enough dumbass."
Both Caulifla and Kale looked at Goku in awe while Katsuma and Mahoro rushed to Deku and Bakugo's sides.
"No get back!" cried Goku as Nine rushed at Katsuma. He was quick but Goku managed to get in between them and took the blow head on. He crossed his arms to block and dug his feet into the ground. The impact sent him sliding backwards and the whiplash caused him to gasp. He glared as Nine straightened out his body.
"Who the hell are you and what do want with the kid?" growled Goku.
"My name is Nine and I wish to take the boy's quirk for myself." Goku tensed his body. The fact that Nine wanted to 'take' Katsuma's quirk meant only one thing.
"You got a quirk similar to All For One's?" Nine's eyes widened in surprise.
"You know about his quirk?" he questioned before relaxing his body and returning to his calm demeanour, "Yes I do. I possess a copy of his quirk. It matters not that you know just that if you get in my way, you will be unlikely to survive."
Goku blasted towards the villain. However, he found himself slamming against an invisible wall. He wasn't able to regain his bearings for Nine had raised his right hand open wide and blasted pressurised air straight at Goku. It connected with him and he was sent flying backwards. He backflipped and activated his flight to zoom straight at Nine. However, this time instead of attacking head on, Goku sped up and flew all around Nine trying to throw the villain off. He was caught by a glancing blow but regained his composure and letting his rage lose, blasted straight at Nine and threw one extremely powerful punch. As his fist neared Nine's face, a pressurised air wall manifested. Goku's fist collided with it. Goku's face morphed into one that showed immense pain. He dropped to his knees and clutched his right hand. It was mangled beyond compare, every bone in his hand having broken the moment it had connected with the air wall. Blood was pouring from his hand.
"GAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!" he screamed in pain. Nine looked down at the pitiful boy before him and blasted him with an air blast. Goku flew through the air and crashed into the ground in front of Caulifla and Kale. Both girls went to help him up, but he pushed them back slightly.
"No get back!" Goku cried before turning to Nine and coming across a single purple beam piercing his left shoulder. Goku cried out before another beam pierced his left arm. One caught him on his side and another in his right leg. He collapsed to one knee, just barely staying up from the blood loss and pain.
"You know. There's only one person who's allowed to use those beams and he died on I-Island," Goku managed a smile before another beam pierced his chest. His body finally giving out, he collapsed to the ground practically lifeless and now in his base form.
"Goku!" called Kale in fear.
"No way. You can't be dead!" said Caulifla in disbelief. Both Katsuma and Mahoro looked on in fear and silence as Nine approached. Just as he reached for Katsuma, a ki blast hit him in the back. He turned to see Goku barely able to lift his head and his left hand out. Nine fired a beam which pierced Goku's hand and the boy finally passed out from pain and blood loss. Nine turned once more to Katsuma but suddenly froze in pain himself before clutching at his chest. He fell to one knee in pain and looked on helplessly as Class 1-A arrived to rescue. Uraraka used her quirk on Deku with Tsu wrapping her tongue around him and jumping off with him. Bakugo was picked up by Kirishima and Sato who made their escape. The four children were evacuated by Momo and Tokoyami. Goku was a different matter entirely.
Iida carefully lifted Goku off the ground and placed him on the former's back. Goku was still unconscious but that didn't matter. Iida ran at high speed but gave a single glance at Nine who was trying to reach out for Katsuma before collapsing again. Iida turned and ran after the others.
"Nine!" called Slice as she ran to her leader's side.
"You fool! You overexerted yourself!" scolded Raditz as he landed on the ground. All of Class 1-A had escaped but for now they had to regroup.
"Make way!" cried Kirishima as Bakugo, Deku and Goku were all brought into the town centre and laid down on the floor in one of the rooms. The town doctors got about trying to help them. Jiro walked into the room and looked on in fear at the state of them. However, the one she was most focused on was Goku, who was definitely in the worst shape.
"Goku!" she cried as she rushed to his side, tears pouring down her face. Goku's breathing was shallow but he was still alive.
"What happened?!" she questioned Uraraka who looked sad herself.
"They fought one of the villains and he did this," she turned her head away and quickly left the room, out of shame, guilt or sadness it wasn't clear.
"Old man!" Caulifla's voice echoed through the hallway and moments later both her and Kale appeared at the door. They gasped at Goku's condition and immediately rushed over to him.
"Hey! Who are you two?" asked Jiro in surprise and irritation.
"Caulifla and Kale! Besides who cares?! Goku's in trouble!" cried Caulifla while Kale clutched Goku's side and buried her face into his costume. She held the Power Pole in her left hand.
"Excuse me," one of the doctor's spoke up to get the attention of all three girls. They turned to face him, "I know you don't want to, but it will be best if you leave. We need to get to work if we want to save them."
Jiro reluctantly nodded and tried to pull Caulifla and Kale off Goku. Caulifla swatted her hand away but stood up anyway. Kale was a different matter entirely. She held onto Goku tighter.
"Kale come on. We need to leave," said Caulifla but she was ignored.
"Listen to her. We need to let them do their job," said Jiro as she pulled Kale's shoulder. However, what no one in the room expected was for Kale to turn around and lose her temper big time.
"I'm not leaving him!" she screamed. Jiro and Caulifla flinched back in shock but Jiro saw something that she recognised. Kale's hair flared up slightly and her eyes momentarily flashed green. Jiro shook her head in disbelief before conceding and allowing Kale to stay with Goku. Caulifla also allowed her to stay and proceeded to walk out of the room. Kale turned back to Goku and clutched him tight.
"Please don't die. You promised you'd help us. We need you," she sobbed, stopping suddenly as she felt Goku's hand atop hers. He was still unconscious, but this one act was enough for Kale to feel a glimmer of hope. The next few hours would be long and hard.
"What happened?" asked Chimera as he entered the safehouse where the villains had set up base.
"The fool overused his quirks and his body is starting to degrade faster than before. Those kids are pests," replied Raditz who sat in the corner of the room while Slice saw to Nine's recovery, "Plus Mummy isn't here so we can only assume he has been captured."
"Mummy? Captured? Impossible!" said Chimera in disbelief.
"It matters not. All I need is the boy's quirk and then the children will no longer be a threat." Nine sat up slowly as he spoke, having just come to. Slice helped stabilise him while Raditz stood up.
"We set out at dawn. Our world will come to be."
It was early morning and both Momo and Kaminari had pushed their quirks and bodies into overdrive just to help keep their shelter running. Momo was exhausted and Kaminari was practically at the cusp of being turned into a complete idiot.
Deku, Bakugo and Goku faired far worse. Despite the efforts of the doctors and other medical staff, the three were still in critical condition and would be unable to fight in any upcoming battles. Goku's hand was still broken but was being supported. Luckily with him being unconscious, the medical team were able to snap some of the bones in his hand back into place, though he would feel a lot of pain once he did wake up. Jiro had been worried sick all night while Kale hadn't yet left his side and was snoring gently as she leant her head and arms on Goku's upper leg. Caulifla on the other hand was snoring loudly in the corner of the room. She hadn't wanted to leave Kale alone all night and so with permission, had gone to sit in the medical area as comfort. She had fallen asleep before Kale.
"You sure there's nothing more you can do?" The concern in Jiro's voice was legitimate, at least for Goku. The other two had other people who were worried about them.
"I'm afraid not. Their best bet is a hospital on the mainland but with all escape points cut off and no way of letting them know, it is unlikely they can be treated," replied the doctor she was addressing. Several members of 1-A had gathered to see if their classmates were okay, but this news really made the situation seem much more hopeless.
"Um perhaps we can help." Mahoro's sad voice caused the class to turn and see both her and Katsuma looking up at them nervously, "Well my brother can at least."
Katsuma pushed past them all and immediately made his way over to Goku, who was still in the worst shape. The young boy placed both hands on Goku's body and activated his quirk. A green light emanated from his hands and it travelled al throughout the older boy's body. The light woke Kale up as well as Caulifla, the pair rubbing their eyes. Everyone looked on in astonishment as Goku's broken hand healed within moments, while other injuries began the healing process quicker. However, Katsuma had only just finished patching up the pierce wound on Goku's left hand when Goku woke up and grabbed his left arm in his right.
Katsuma squealed in surprise while Goku, still in pain and numb all over, became far more serious.
"Heal the other two first. They need it more."
"But I…"
"Katsuma please. I'll be fine. It's not that bad," Goku gave his signature, confident and reassuring smile. Katsuma understood and moved to heal Deku and Bakugo, kneeling between the two and placing one hand on each of the. Like before the green light appeared and they began to heal. Goku sat up slowly and looked his hands over before examining the leg that Nine had pierced with his energy beam. He then felt Kale's warmth.
"Hey. Didn't expect to see you here," he smiled only to be tackled by both Kale and Caulifla.
"You're alive! You stayed alive!"
"Old man! You better not do something that stupid again!"
"Ow ow ow! I'm still badly injured you know! OW! Get off! This is really painful! Girls please!"
The three cried out at the same time. Then it was Jiro's turn. Caulifla and Kale pulled away, the latter sobbing and the former putting up a hard front while Jiro pulled Goku into a warm embrace.
"You big idiot. I'm so glad you're okay. I'd be lost without you," Jiro sniffed before smiling at Goku who, through the pain, smiled back. Goku slowly got to his feet, flexing his newly healed hand. He was rather impressed by Katsuma's quirk, but he now knew why Nine wanted it. Nine had appeared exhausted and just before Goku had passed out he saw Nine keel over in pain. Something about that was the reason he wanted Katsuma's quirk so desperately.
"It's good to see you up Goku." Todoroki approached from Goku's right the moment the latter left the room. Goku grinned and gave a wink.
"Never felt better. Gah!" Goku clutched his chest in pain, "Ribs still broken." Todoroki closed his eyes and gave a small smile. He had found it a little funny. Then he opened his eyes and got far more serious.
"May I discuss something with you in private?" he asked. Goku raised an eyebrow in confusion before shooting a glance to Jiro who simply nodded. She then led both Caulifla and Kale away, though the two were both reluctant. Goku followed after Todoroki and the two entered an empty room away from the others and therefore allowed them to discuss anything they wanted without anyone hearing. Unless of course someone walked by. Goku entered first with Todoroki following behind and then closing the door behind them.
"What did you want to talk about?" asked Goku before turning around.
"It's about you. I've noticed that something's been on your mind. Don't try to deny it because I've been through the same thing." Goku opened his mouth to argue but closed it, deciding to allow Todoroki to continue.
"You must have a tremendous amount of guilt. I don't know anything about your past life, but I can tell you've experienced a great deal of pain and trauma. You blame yourself for a lot of what's happened, but you must know it isn't necessarily your fault."
"Oh yeah and how would you know that?" Goku snapped, his body tensing up. Todoroki remained unfazed, however.
"Because I experienced the same thing you did. As a result I refused to acknowledge my left side for it was my father's power. I couldn't move past it for I wanted to reach number one without his power. I thought I was strong for doing that. However, my fight with Midoriya during the sports festival made me realise the truth." Todoroki lifted his left hand and looked at it.
"And what would that be?" asked an intrigued Goku. Right on cue Todoroki's quirk activated and a flame ignited in his palm. The flame was bright, hot and ferocious but it also showed acceptance and calm.
"All that pain, guilt and sorrow made me the person I am today. It made me strong."
Goku couldn't help but roll his eyes at how absurd he found the comment. Todoroki's flame died down and he opened the door behind him without a single word. He then left Goku alone with his thoughts. The boy in question shrugged it off and left the room, making his way to the room where the rest of his class, plus Caulifla and Kale, were. When he walked in, Goku realised the severity of the situation they were in. His fellow classmates were battered and bruised, with some being completely exhausted.
"What's our plan?" he asked, catching the attention of all present.
"No way to contact the mainland and no way off the island. We're trapped here. Our first priority should be to get the island's inhabitants to safety, wherever that may be." Iida rubbed his chin as he contemplated what to do next.
"Why don't you just give them me?" Katsuma's nervous voice was heard, "It's me they want so if you give me to them this will all be over."
"Absolutely not. We will keep you and everyone else safe" Deku's voice rang out from the doorway behind Goku. He was bandaged up and in pain but had been completely healed from the looks of things. Bakugo pushed past and leant on one of the walls. He too was healed but seemed to be eager to get payback on Nine for his humiliating defeat.
"How? That leader villain doesn't even seem to have a noticeable weakness," noted Jiro.
"Not exactly. At a first glance maybe but did anyone else notice him in pain after using his quirks back to back. Overuse has got to be his weakness," Goku pointed out.
"My thoughts exactly. We've just got to make him overexert himself. That's how we win," said Bakugo as he slammed his right fist into his open left hand. A micro explosion was made, with Goku nodding.
"Kacchan's right. However, we need to make sure the civilians are safe first. Why don't we try the ruins where me and Bakugo responded to that villain call two nights ago?" Katsuma and Mahoro looked embarrassed while Bakugo simply smirked.
"That's a plan. Now time to decide what we'll do."
It was early morning. Class 1-A and the entire residency of the island had made it over to the ruins, the latter group of people being escorted to a safe location. Katsuma and Mahoro had insisted on staying with Deku and Bakugo while Caulifla and Kale had refused to leave Goku's side.
"We all have our roles. We don't have to beat the villains just buy time," reminded Deku heroically.
"Nah we're going to kick their asses," grinned Bakugo as he readied himself.
"And I'm going to put an end to this sibling rivalry once and for all." Goku thought.
Mirko was busy stretching when the call came in. A call from Hawks to a number of heroes.
"Yeah flyboy what's up?" said the recently named number 5 Pro Hero.
"Those villains we were tracking. We know where they were headed." Hawks sounded serious. The strain in his voice meant one thing. The situation was dire, and he was flying at high speeds. At least that's what Mirko figured.
"Alright! Bout time! So where we headed?" asked Mirko. A massive grin appeared on her face. She was excited to get to work.
"Nabu Island."
Mirko's eyes widened in shock at the name. That shock then turned to worry and then finally to fear, an emotion she rarely showed or felt, "Nabu Island. But isn't that where?"
"Yeah. It is. You wanna save him, you better act fast and meet the rest of us at the rendezvous point. We leave immediately." Hawks knew what she was thinking, but he had to get her approval to join the rescue party.
"I'm in."
It wasn't long before Nine and his allies approached the ruins. Nine had woken up and recovered enough to be able to sense where the students were with the use of his scanning quirk.
"Now."
Rumbling was heard as boulders were sent tumbling down the hill towards the group of villains. Nine continued his approach, simply creating air walls to block all debris. Slice and Chimera separated from the group, being knocked away by the attacks. Raditz on the other had sensed something. He was being called out. How did he know?
Goku's aura had flared to life in anger.
"It's time I guess. Nine have fun," he said before flying off in the direction of Goku. Nine shot a small glance but allowed it. He had his goal and he was not going to fail this time.
Raditz's journey took him to a high up point on the mountain, where there were several ruins. He landed and began to look around before smirking.
"You can stop hiding. I know you're there. You called me here after all." Goku walked out from behind one of the ruins with a smug look on his face.
"Oh really? I never would have guessed 'brother'." Venom dripped from his tongue when he said that word. The two brother's locked eyes; Goku glaring and Raditz smirking.
"So tell me. Those ki signatures from earlier. Wouldn't happen to be those two girls I saw fleeing with your group of weaklings and cowards would they?" Goku's body tensed up immediately giving Raditz his answer.
"I thought so. I can't quite place my finger on it but there's something familiar about them. Almost as if I've met them before…" Raditz raised his hand and caught Goku's fist. Goku grit his teeth and a gold glow was beginning to emanate from him.
"You won't go anywhere near them."
"Why would I want to? You're who I'm after Kakarot. Now why don't you back off!" Raditz created an explosion from his body that blasted Goku back. Goku crashed into the ground, jumping back up the moment he had slowed to a halt. He then proceeded to crack his back before finding Raditz's fist connecting with his jaw. Goku spun around and stumbled. He was hunched over slightly and held his chest in pain. His jaw had been dislocated yet he couldn't help but chuckle. He turned and using his right hand, cracked his jaw back into place.
"Was that supposed to hurt?" he asked mockingly. Raditz began to tense in anger and threw another punch. However, this time he was surprised when Goku ducked to the side and slid up it towards Raditz, his own fist pulled back. Goku threw his punch and Raditz blocked it with his forearm. Goku grasped Raditz's arm in his attacking hand, pulling it away with brute strength and then blasting Raditz in the chest with his free hand. Raditz gasped in pain, stepping back and looking down at his chest. Where the blast had hit was now a massive hole in his armour.
"H…how?" he asked in sheer disbelief, "You couldn't land a single decent blow on me before so how are you now?!"
Goku crossed his arms and furrowed his brow, "You underestimated me. I have a job to do and I'll do it regardless of who is stronger because that's my secret Raditz. I always win!"
With that Goku went Super and charged Raditz who was unable to follow his younger brother's speed. The force of the attack launch Raditz back, Goku following behind and slamming him into the ground. Raditz grasped at Goku's arm but found his efforts futile as Goku simply picked him off the ground, lifted him over his head and slammed him into the ground again before firing a point blank ki blast that created a crater around the two. Goku stepped back while Raditz groaned in pain.
"It's over before it's even begun," said Goku but Raditz started to give off a low guttural growl.
"You think I'll just let myself lose to you? I'd die before that day ever comes," Raditz reached into a pouch on his armour and pulled out a vial with a liquid in it. Goku's eyes widened in surprise as he recognised it. Raditz was holding Trigger.
"I'll kill you, then I'll kill your friends, before finally killing all who stand in my way! I'm better than every one of you!" screamed Raditz as he slammed the syringe into his left arm, the contents flowing into him immediately. The veins on Raditz's body began to bulge up as the Trigger took effect. The ground beneath him began to shake and his aura roared to life more ferociously than before. It appeared even more ferocious than any of Goku's auras.
"You idiot! You'd inject yourself with that just to kill me?!" called Goku in fear and anger. Raditz dropped his head and glared at him with a demonic grin.
"I'd do anything." Goku didn't have time to respond for Raditz had punched him straight in the gut, the gap between the two having been closed within seconds. Goku flew backwards before being kicked in the head from below, the impact sending him skyborne but also giving him a slight concussion. As he slowed, he could do nothing to stop himself from throwing up, something that Raditz simply dodged before landing another clean blow to Goku's chest, winding the younger boy.
"This is true power Kakarot. Power you could only dream of having but you never will. You know why?" Goku swung at Raditz who deflected his attack, punched him in the gut and then uppercutted him. His fist impacted with Goku's chin and the latter's head snapped back, Goku spitting out blood as it happened. Raditz allowed Goku to regain his posture, which he did. However, it was clear for both of them that this battle would end soon.
"No," Goku muttered before being grabbed by the neck and brought to Raditz's face.
"You don't have the guts to get dirty."
Goku's eyes turned feral but it was no use for Raditz had thrown him at high speeds into the ground. Goku landed with a thud that obliterated the surrounding ruins.
"Damn. I liked those" he silently chuckled before noticing a bright pink light above him. A light that was getting bigger and from what he could sense, it was getting more powerful He looked up to see Raditz holding his right hand in the air and charging the pink energy sphere he had clearly formed. Goku's eyes narrowed as he prepared himself for Raditz's attack.
"There's no point in fighting back." Raditz spoke in a low voice before drawing his sphere into his hand and bringing his arm down to aim at Goku. The sphere then began to regrow, gaining more power.
"Ka." Goku drew his hands to his side and began to charge his signature attack, "Me…"
The blue ki began to build up as Goku's hair began to blow from the sheer amount of power he was giving off. Raditz's hair did the same thing from his own power.
"Ha. Me…"
"It's over for you Kakarot!" screamed Raditz in rage with pure determination. His eyes flashed pink as Goku's flashed blue. Finally they both made their move.
"SATURDAY CRUSH!"
"HAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
The two attacks collided in an explosion of pink and blue. From the initial struggle it was clear for both that Raditz was winning. The ground under Goku began to crack and collapse while Raditz smiled in glee. Raditz then began to pour more power into his attack and Goku began to feel his body giving out. He still hadn't been fully healed by Katsuma with the battle damage from Nine starting to take its toll with each passing moment.
"I…can't…lose here…" Goku groaned, his right eye closing in pain and from fatigue.
"What was that Kakarot?! Getting tired?! Don't worry it'll all be over soon!" gloated Raditz, "Do you want to know a secret before you die?" Goku looked up at him and snarled.
"What?"
"I knew Frieza and his father were going to attack you."
Goku's eyes opened in shock at that sentence. Rage began to build up inside him. He closed his eyes and turned his head away slightly.
"You knew," he muttered before turning and looking up at Raditz, fury in his eyes. The next words to come out of his voice were in a low, gruff and angry voice, "You knew."
"I won't let you win. I'm stronger than you!" shouted Raditz as he poured the rest of his power into his attack. Goku's rage reached tipping point and he unknowingly transformed into Super Ascended.
"No…you're…NOT!" he roared as his energy exploded outwards. His Kamehameha burst out all his power, turning into a huge beam which began to easily overwhelm Raditz who looked on in shock.
"N…no!" he screamed as the Trigger wore off, his power output having burnt it out of his system extremely quickly. Raditz screamed in pain as he was enveloped by the blast, only for Goku to fly through the blast sight and position himself above Raditz, pure unbridled rage in his eye. Goku charged his right fist in ki, pulled it back and slammed it into Raditz's chest.
"THIS IS FOR MUM AND DAD!"
With that Goku punched Raditz who plummeted to the ground. The ground exploded as Raditz hit the ground, the impact throwing plumes of dust and chunks of debris into the air. When the dust settled Goku looked down to see Raditz in the dead centre of a massive crater. Goku dropped to the ground and out of his Super Ascended state, before making his way over to Raditz. Both brothers were exhausted, bloodied and bruised. There were also singes from the ki explosion on their skin and clothes. The top half of Raditz's armour had been completely destroyed with major damage to the bottom half. Goku's red flowing vest was completely gone. Damage had been done to the rest of his costume, but he honestly wasn't bothered in the slightest. He had something to do.
Going onto one knee, Goku checked Raditz's pulse finding his older brother to still be alive. Content with that fact, Goku then stood up and went to turn only to find himself being held back. Raditz was still conscious and had grabbed a hold of Goku's arm.
"When you were born I was excited beyond belief to have a younger brother. Someone I could spar with and get stronger with. Back then I was naïve. I should've known you'd turn our parents on me." he said in a low, quiet voice. Goku couldn't believe what he was hearing. Everything from his past flooded back and his emotional state went haywire.
"Turn? Turn?" he asked in sadness, "I looked up to you. I wanted to be you. Your strength, your courage…the way you never gave up." Raditz pulled Goku closer at that and looked him dead in the eye.
"That's because people like me, the strong, have a duty. To shape the world in our image, whether the people like it or not!" he growled before finding his grip on Goku loosen as the younger boy turned away from him and walked away slightly.
"No you're wrong!" Goku turned back with tears in his eyes and raw emotion in his face and voice.
"You were everything I wanted to be!" Goku picked up the empty Trigger vial before throwing it to the ground where it shattered, "You just… threw it away!"
"You expect me to believe that?" laughed Raditz before coughing in pain, "You're nothing like me."
"No I'm better. I'm braver than you and I'm stronger than you! You were my big brother! You were the person I was meant to look up to!" cried Goku as he stormed forward, a ki blast charging in his right hand, ready to be fired at Raditz who actually tried to move. However, Goku realised what he was doing and shook his hand to dissipate the blast before clutching his head. When he let go he looked sadly at his defeated older brother.
"You know after our parents died, I always hoped you would come and find me, and we'd share the burden together. Every night I'd wait for you. I dreamt of the two of us finding a way to survive and we'd grow closer as a result. Eventually we'd both become heroes." Goku was on the verge of tears but something about his words resonated with Raditz. Goku gave him a look, "But you never did. I waited for ten whole years yet not once did you make contact. I assumed you dead. Yet here you are, five years after I gave up waiting, making my life crumble around me. You threatened my friends. You threatened my teachers. You threatened innocent people. You even hired Hit to assassinate me!"
Raditz's eyes opened wide at that last comment. He mustered all the strength he could to sit up right so he could get a better view of Goku's face.
"I didn't hire Hit."
Goku's eyes widened at this revelation, "What?"
"I didn't hire Hit. Someone else did." Goku's heart began to pound at the reality of the situation. Raditz hadn't hired his ex-killer which meant the true culprit was still out there and their identity was still unknown.
"It doesn't matter anyway. I've suffered more than you'll ever know. I just have to suppress everything."
"After all these years, you're still the same weak Kakarot from when we were children," Raditz chuckled with closed eyes. Goku's head snapped to look at him and he grabbed Raditz by the throat, the older brother unable to do anything as he was lifted to eye level.
"Say that again," Goku growled which elicited a grin from Raditz.
"You always did have a knack for blaming yourself for everything. I bet deep down you blame yourself for what happened to our parents. It wasn't your fault." Raditz grunted as he was flung to the ground by Goku who turned and began to walk away.
"You know nothing about me. I've suffered far more than you." It was Raditz's turn to snap.
"You think you've suffered?!" Goku turned in surprise at Raditz's outburst, the latter barely standing up.
"Who lived on the streets for years while you were taken in by someone else?! Who had to live with the fact that I was unable to do anything to stop Frieza from murdering our parents?! WHO REJECTED HIS ONLY FAMILY JUST TO PROVE A POINT?! ME! NOT YOU! ME! I'VE SUFFERED FAR WORSE THAN YOU EVER HAVE! COMPARED TO WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH YOUR SUFFERING IS CHILD'S PLAY!"
Goku prepared himself for another fight, not that he wanted to only to find Raditz hunched over and trembling. Then Goku noticed the tears. His older brother was crying.
"But you know what I did with that pain and guilt? Shall I tell you where I put it? I held it tight! Til it burnt my hand." Raditz looked up at Goku who didn't know how to react, "I said no more. I will never allow my weakness to get the better of me. That's why I will always be stronger than you. Because you live in the past when you should be living in the now or looking to the future."
Raditz's hand which he had balled in a fist on his chest by his heart began to tremble while his legs began to shake. He was at his limit.
"That's why I call you weak. Not because of the strength you have now, but because of the strength you could have if you just accepted it…"
With that Raditz's strength gave out and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Goku stood their silently for a moment before turning to face the lightning bolt that just struck the ground by the others. With little more than a thought, he shot into the air and headed to the scene of the battle against Nine.
When Goku arrived he saw the chaos everywhere. Nine had blitzed his way through their defences, with Goku trying to find familiar ki signatures. He eventually snapped his head to one and landed on the ground by a near unconscious Uraraka. Goku helped her to sit up as he crouched down, the girl coughing slightly before giving a small smile.
"You took your time," she joked. Goku smiled before hearing screams. He turned to face the commotion and listened closely. He heard Mahoro and Katsuma screaming as they tried to flee the weakened Nine. What concerned Goku is that he didn't feel the presence of Caulifla and Kale with the other two children. Uraraka caught the look on his face and immediately knew what he was contemplating.
"They were with Kyoka and the others. After Nine attacked, they were escorted away."
"Wait Kyoka and the girls were attacked?!" Goku panicked before Uraraka weakly placed her hand on his right arm.
"She's fine. They're fine. Don't worry yourself." Goku looked down before turning back to the sounds of screaming. He then heard the voices of Deku and Bakugo.
"I have to help." As Goku stood up he grunted and winced in pain. It hurt when he moved at all. It was Uraraka's turn to panic.
"No don't! You're in no condition to fight!" she exclaimed with worry in her voice, but all this elicited was a smile from Goku who turned to look at her.
"I'll be fine. Rest up Chaco." With that Goku shot forward and jumped down the cliffside, sliding down it. Uraraka cursed herself before laying back and closing her eyes, darkness taking hold once more. When Goku reached the bottom of the cliff he saw Nine clutching his stomach, with both Deku and Bakugo standing ready.
"What's the situation?" asked Goku as he bolted over to them, "He finished?"
"No something's wrong."
"What the nerd said."
The intuition of both boys was correct for Nine was starting to lose control of himself. The purple liquid filled cylinders on his back were beginning to crack and a storm above him was beginning to brew. An incredibly dangerous storm. Nine's clothes and armour began to disintegrate and crack respectively.
"No…no. I was so close! I will have his quirk! GET OUT OF MY WAY!" he screamed as he flung back his upper body. A massive explosion was created as his power reached its peak. The cylinders on his back shattered, the liquid seemingly floating on his back. His upper body armour was obliterated, and he began to hover, the damage from whatever was slowly destroying him becoming clear to see.
"NOW DIE!"
Multiple weather-based attacks were sent straight at all three boys who did their best to dodge. A lightning bolt caught Goku, the boy sent flying into the cliffside. He pulled himself out and wiped his mouth with the palm of his hand before staring at Nine who was literally moving the heavens.
"Screw it." muttered Goku before his eyes and hair turned red and an aura resembling flames burst into the air. Goku, now in his God form, began to dodge every attack Nine threw at him. A feat that was usually lightwork was beginning to grow harder with each passing second. Eventually Goku was struck by two more lightning bolts before being flung into the air by a powerful gust of wind. A final lightning bolt blasted him into the ground.
"GAAAAAHHHH!" he grunted as he formed a crater from the force of impact. Goku pushed himself to his feet and clutched his side. He was beginning to bleed, and the healing properties of his God form weren't keeping up with every single injury.
"Guess I found its limit," he mused before regrouping with Deku and Bakugo who hadn't fared much better against the onslaught.
They didn't need to speak to know what they were each going to do.
Deku pulled back his left fist and poured 100% of his power into it, before dashing the massive tornado surrounding Nine.
Bakugo began to blast himself into the air and spin at extreme speeds, building up power and momentum.
Goku brought both hands to his side and began to charge his attack. What was different about this was that it was red rather than blue.
"DETROIT SMASH!"
"HOWITZER IMPACT!"
"GOD KAMEHAMEHA!"
All three attacks connected with Nine's. Deku's arm broke immediately and he began to struggle. Bakugo also struggled. Goku was struggling the most. His power was practically drained and the most powerful version of the Kamehameha to date wasn't having an effect on Nine.
Then the villain beat all three of them with a single swipe of the arm.
Deku was lifted off the ground and sent flying.
Bakugo was launched backwards and collided with Deku mid-air.
Goku found himself being pushed back before looking up to see a barrage if lightning bolts. Each one hit him with a yellow flash before an explosion blasted all three of the boys apart while also completely destroying a lot of the surrounding area.
Goku was knocked to the ground and found himself covered by debris. He tried to push it off himself but found his strength completely sapped and his God form fading. He barely managed to look up at Nine.
"No…" Nine had captured both Deku and Bakugo in his Hydra quirk, hovering the two near each other. They looked completely defeated. Nine then began to approach Katsuma and Mahoro who were fearing for their lives.
It was over.
Nine had just won.
Moments earlier:
The look on Caulifla's face when she saw Nine power up was one of fear. Kale was far worse off. She'd locked up in fear, the Power Pole in her arms being her only comfort. It was the bright gold light that turned red that caused her to finally regain her composure.
"That's got to be Goku!" exclaimed Caulifla, a glimmer of hope igniting before noticing how weak the flame aura appeared. Then on instinct, and to her own surprise, Caulifla shot off and made straight for the battle.
"SIS!" cried Kale in surprise before holding Power Pole tight in her right hand and running off after Caulifla.
"No! Wait!" called Jiro who was injured and barely unconscious. She, along with the other members of her class who had been defending the civilians, were too weak and tired to follow. Though the good news was that Nine was the only villain left.
"Goku please. Stay alive."
"Finally…" said Nine as he approached Katsuma.
Goku and the other two were unable to move.
"No…" grunted Goku as he tried to move, "Move. Move!" He was more determined than ever to do something, anything to get up. As he lifted the rubble collapsed more and he was pinned once more. He looked helplessly as both Deku and Bakugo were being to be crushed. Goku started to black out from the pressure of the weight above him. It was the screams of a certain black-haired girl that kept him awake.
"Get away from them you freaky white-haired maniac!" screamed Caulifla as she rushed towards Nine and leapt at him to punch his face. Nine simply caught her arm and began to dangle her in the air.
"Irritating child" he said before noticing Kale too.
"Let my sis go!" she cried before finding herself falling to the ground as Caulifla was thrown at her by Nine. Goku's body tensed in anger and he began to fluctuate between Super Ascended and God.
Nine turned to grab Katsuma, knocking Mahoro away in the process before being hit in the side by Power Pole. He looked down its length and saw Kale with a determined look on her face, holding her arms out while Caulifla simply looked on surprised by her younger sister's sudden confidence.
"D…don't hurt them!" she declared as she closed her eyes. She reopened them to feel her grip on Power Pole loosening before having the staff yanked from her hands. Nine jabbed her in the chest with said weapon, knocking Kale to the ground.
"What do you think you're doing picking on little kids?!" asked an angry Caulifla. Kale was close to tears. Then Nine did the unspeakable. Even Goku's eyes opened in shock.
Nine squeezed on the Power Pole, which began to creak under pressure before finally splintering and snapping in two. Kale looked on in horror, fear, sadness and…
Anger.
Not just any anger. Pure unbridled rage that caused her to start trembling in anger. She looked down and her voice dropped to a low growl despite her age. Goku noticed and recognised this changes. He knew it all too well.
"Goku gave me that as a gift. How could you?" she growled while Nine looked at her in curiosity.
Her hair had started to lift up into the air slightly and was turning a shade of green as were her pupils. Her body was emanating a green glow, but this quickly faded the moment Nine knocked her out with a single blow. Caulifla felt her rage begin to boil as did Goku. However, the latter was more shocked at the turn of events. He then noticed Deku and Bakugo reaching their arms out which led him to one conclusion.
"They're going to share One for All." He turned back to Caulifla who had a familiar golden glow around her body. Her eyes flashed a greenish-blue colour while her hair kept flashing blonde.
"Why? Why'd you have to hurt her? All we want is to find him and never be parted again." Goku began to listen harder.
"Whom are you referring to?" asked Nine before lifting his hand to fire a concentrated energy beam at her. Caulifla began to shake uncontrollably as she looked up at the villain, her rage taking over.
"His name is…his name is…" she growled before her golden aura blared to life, her hair stuck up slightly and turned blonde and her eyes turned a greenish-blue. A blinding light erupted from her surprising all who were nearby and when it cleared Caulifla was standing in a small crater in a form that Goku very much recognised. She had just turned Super.
"HIS NAME IS KAKAROT! AND HE'S OUR HERO!"
That was all Goku needed to hear before time slowed for him. Caulifla faced down Nine who simply looked bored.
Memories flashed through Goku's mind. The documents he found in the house. The girls weren't experimented on. They were cloned from his DNA. They were his own flesh and blood and he never even knew they existed. His rage began to boil as he thought back on all they had been through. Deku and Bakugo's power had increased exponentially and an explosion erupted from where they were, catching Nine's attention. Goku didn't care about that. Something else was going through his mind.
"I can't do this. I'm too weak to help them. I made a promise and I'm not going to be able to keep it. I'm sorry!" he cried, tears rolling down his face.
"Stay alive, son."
"Don't forget us Kakarot."
Goku's parents were his pain.
"I'd be lost without you."
"All that pain, guilt and sorrow made me the person I am today. It made me strong."
The injuries his friends and family suffered were his guilt.
"But you know what I did with that pain and guilt? Shall I tell you where I put it? I held it tight! Til it burnt my hand. I said no more. I will never allow my weakness to get the better of me. That's why I will always be stronger than you. Because you live in the past when you should be living in the now or looking to the future."
Goku looked up and began to push. His body bulked up to appear more like his base form while his hair began to stand up. His face morphed to look more like his face when he turned Super yet also looked more hopeful and less villain-like.
"That's why I call you weak. Not because of the strength you have now, but because of the strength you could have if you just accepted it…"
"YOU WILL NOT GET IN MY WAY!" screamed Nine as he rose into the air and summoned a massive storm to finally kill Deku and Bakugo. The stood next to each other, Deku pulled his right arm back while Bakugo pulled back his left. The two began to glow, Bakugo yellow and orange while Deku bright cyan.
"DETROIT SMASH!"
The pair roared one of All Might's signature attacks at the sky as they punched upwards sending a massive shockwave and light into the air which dispelled the storm instantly. A rainbow burst out from it while Nine looked on in horror.
"Impossible…" he muttered before all three, plus Caulifla, turned to see the pile of rock Goku was under stir and then finally explode outwards as an incredibly powerful and bright beam of light shot skyward. Caulifla looked on in surprise while Kale stirred. Goku's head was lowered and his upper body hunched over slightly while the rags of his upper costume fell apart and blew away into the wind. Caulifla, who had not noticed her physical change, depowered as all looked on at Goku. Goku's appearance matched his Super state's exactly apart from a few very noticeable things.
An aura of white energy enveloped him, leaving a dark silhouette of himself in it. A shell of blue ki surrounded him. It began to crack and break apart, revealing Goku to all present before his brand-new aura burst out.
It was a vibrant, fiery and electric aura which glittered with particles of energy travelling up the aura. Goku's hair matched his Super state's appearance exactly as did his body appearance although his face looked softer. His eyes had changed colour. Nine and Goku's allies were momentarily blinded…
…by a blue light.
Goku's eyes, hair and eyebrows had all turned a dark colour of royal blue. Small cracks of blue energy materialised over his body, but he seemed completely unfazed. Goku lifted his head and knit his brow at Nine who, at this point, was livid and unhinged.
"You think this little power up will save you and these pathetic children?!" he screamed but Goku remained stern.
"It has to be enough. I can't allow them to suffer as I have" he replied, his voice sounding calm but also serious at the same time.
"You'll never beat me!" screamed Nine once more as he raised his right arm to the air, ready to attack.
"That's where you're wrong. I'm, no, we are going to beat you," Goku glanced over at Bakugo and Deku who simply nodded and prepared themselves. Then Goku moved his legs into a fighting position, placed his left hand which was balled into a fist at his hip and held his right hand out in front of him. His index finger, middle finger and thumbs were all slighting bent in a crab claw appearance. Goku's voice rose as he got more determined.
"I'll push myself further than ever before. Even if it kills me."
"What's your name annoyance?!" cried Nine despite already knowing the answer. Goku glared straight at him before giving a smile to Caulifla and Kale who along with Katsuma and Mahoro had run for cover. Then he said loud enough for the pair to hear:
"It's Goku. But I've pushed my true name away for far too long."
Goku's blue aura roared to life as his power increased to levels he hadn't ever felt before.
"My name…is Kakarot!"
Then like that Kakarot, Deku and Bakugo all rocketed at Nine who threw everything he had at them. Kakarot evaded every energy beam flung at him, using his newfound speed and agility to slide across the ground on one hand before launching himself through a flurry of energy beams. Deku and Bakugo used their enhanced One for All to avoid all attacks as well. Deku landing consecutive 100% punches and kicks while Bakugo unleashed massive explosions. This gave Kakarot the opening he needed to fly high into the air after firing a flurry of high-powered blue ki blasts. He began to charge a massive energy sphere in his hands and held it above his head.
"RRRRRRRAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!" he roared, his voice taking on a godly sound as he charged his energy sphere to breaking point. Then he aimed both arms down and unleashed it downwards in a hailstorm of energy bullets. Each one of them collided with Nine who cried out in pain as the full force of each ki bullet hit him, his body being forced to the ground. He screamed out and sent out a massive air wall that head straight for Kakarot who glared and punched through it just to dodge out of the way as soon as he noticed a massive lightning bolt heading straight for him. Kakarot began to move so fast that he appeared to teleport away from each attack, a brief afterimage being all that remained of him. When he finally stopped moving he was right behind Nine with his hands at his side and charging a Kamehameha.
"HAAAAAAA!" He thrust his arms forward, unleashing the attack. Nine attempted to block it with an air wall but both Deku and Bakugo attacked him from behind, enabling Kakarot's attack to collide with him head on. Nine screamed out in rage before an explosion erupted. The power output from all four was so great that the very earth around them was being reshaped and destroyed.
Deku sprinted straight at Nine and performed a St Louis Smash that although being blocked was then followed up by a roundhouse kick. Bakugo performed Howitzer Impact and caused major damage to the villain who turned to see Kakarot rushing at him.
"DIE!" Nine swiped at Kakarot who simply boosted past him and into a squatting position behind him. Nine turned instantly and fired another barrage of energy beams. Kakarot swiped his left hand out, creating a bluish-green barrier that reflected every single energy beam back at Nine, but this time as a massive and powerful blue blast. Nine gasped in pain. Kakarot leapt into the air during the confusion and delivered a powerful swinging downward kick to Nine's head, slamming the villain into the ground before backflipping back and holding his arms out to the side. He began to charge two energy spheres, one in each hand, and sprinted at Nine. Nine turned to launch energy beams, powerful gusts of wind, lightning bolts and pressurised air blasts at Kakarot. Kakarot stayed his course as all forms of attack collided with each other and the ground, creating a massive explosion in front of him. Kakarot leapt into the air and through the smoke before corkscrew spinning in the air and landing on the ground behind Nine. The villain was so caught up in his rage that he failed to notice Kakarot behind him. Deku's body began to glow and he rushed at Nine to distract him. Bakugo had been knocked away and landed in a massive crater.
Kakarot threw the energy spheres straight at Nine who turned his head to see them. His eyes widened in horror before they collided with him and two blue explosions were created. Kakarot pulled his arms back as he charged another two energy spheres, one in each hand.
"Rraagghh…YAH…..YAAAAAHHHHHH!" Kakarot slammed his hands together and furthered his barrage by unleashing more energy spheres. Every single one of them hit Nine who screamed out in pain before being greeted by a kick to the face, courtesy of Deku. Bakugo used his enhanced quirk to melt his way through rock before reaching high speeds and landing a clean and powerful explosion on the villain that sent him rocketing backwards. Kakarot moved to his allies' sides and the three immediately went on the offensive. Deku and Bakugo launched forward while Kakarot charged his power. He placed one foot behind the other, held his left hand back but just out at an angle while holding his right arm and hand out in front of him but bent at the elbow.
"I WON'T LOSE!" screamed Nine as he began to throw every last attack he had. Deku and Bakugo slammed into him with their own attacks. Kakarot charged towards Nine, weaving through each attack and landed a powerful punch to Nine's gut which caused the villain to hunch over in pain. Kakarot followed up with an overhead punch that launched Nine backwards. Kakarot followed after him and roared as he pull his right fist back before throwing his super-powered punch. It connected with Nine's stomach and the villain was left motionless from pain and exhaustion. Kakarot began to flood Nine with his ki before swinging his right leg upwards and kicking Nine into the air.
"Dahhh…Hnnnn…" Kakarot crossed his arms out in front of them and then raised them above his head.
"HHYYYAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" he roared as he detonated all the ki around Nine, resulting in a devastating thermonuclear-like explosion. A massive mushroom cloud erupted high into the air and both Deku and Bakugo made their move. Nine was barely conscious as he struggled to stay on his feet.
Kakarot stared down Nine before placing his hands out in front of him. He slowly began to charge up power as he drew his arms to his side.
"KA…"
Kakarot's blue aura roared to life and a micro blue pulse erupted around his body.
"ME…"
The blue pulse got bigger and began to expand outwards, coating Kakarot in a more powerful blue aura.
"HA…"
Kakarot neared charging completion as both Deku and Bakugo reached Nine, the former preparing a St Louis Smash while the latter held both arms together to unleash his most powerful explosion ever.
"ME…!"
Kakarot glared down Nine and his eyes shone a bright and powerful blue.
It was here that Bakugo blasted Nine which forced him to the ground and then bounced him into the air allowing Deku to land his kick, which then slammed Nine back down to the ground.
"Time to end this."
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Kakarot roared as he unleashed the most powerful Kamehameha ever. The beam started off around the same size as the Super Kamehameha before the effects of Kakarot's new form took a hold. The beam suddenly expanded to massive proportions with the effects of the power output not only obliterating the ground Kakarot stood on, but also pushing the hero back. He stayed firm as the beam rapidly approached Nine.
The villain attempted to create an air wall, but the Ultimate Kamehameha obliterated it instantly, leaving Nine with a look of fear as it rapidly approached.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" he screamed as the Ultimate Kamehameha completely enveloped him and shot off into the distance. The power from all three final attacks created a massive explosion that shot Deku and Bakugo away and sent Kakarot flying backwards. A blinding light went off before another explosion, the largest yet, erupted and the area was decimated. Nine was nowhere to be seen as the smoke began to dissipate.
The battle had been won.
It was finally over.
It had been hours since Nine's brutal defeat and the sun was shining. It was the late morning of the next day.
The professional heroes had arrived to the island and were horrified by what they saw. They had been greeted by a destroyed town and the under devastation of the final battle. Endeavor took Todoroki in his embrace, irritating the latter while Hawks assisted Tokoyami and Mina who had been trapped underground during their fight against Slice. Chimera had also been defeated.
"Young Midoriya. Young Bakugo." All Might kneeled beside Deku and Bakugo, the former of which was just barely conscious.
"Kid?! KID?!" cried Mirko as she desperately searched for Goku, "I swear if anything happened to him I'll never forgive myself!"
The sound of rubble moving caught her attention. She immediately rushed over to where it was coming from and quickly got to work removing it. She removed each rock one by one until she saw something that extremely worried her. Goku was barely conscious and still in his new blue form. That wasn't what worried Mirko, however.
She removed the rest of the rubble and pulled Goku to a clearing, laying him down on the grass. The blue cracks that were present when Goku first transformed had expanded all over his body and were glowing a bright blue.
It reminded Mirko of when Goku went Super Kaioken.
"Hi Mirko…took your time didn't you?" Goku's voice was weak but he could still muster a small smile.
"You idiot. Why'd you have to be so stubborn?" asked Mirko under her breath.
"Got that from you." Goku's reply was short but Mirko could just tell how much pain he was in.
"GOKU!" cried Jiro as she stumbled to his side, tears streaming down her face. Mirko stood up and moved away slightly, turning her head to the side. She had failed her student.
"Hey Kyoka. You look good," Goku said as Jiro dropped to his side and held onto him.
"You'll be okay. I promise you'll be okay! Someone please! HELP HIM!" screamed Jiro but Goku simply held her hand in his. She looked down at him and saw his small smile.
"It's okay. I chose to do this. This is my mistake and now I'm paying the price."
"Don't say that! You'll be fine! Just hang in there!" pleaded Jiro but Goku simply closed his eyes with a smile.
"Over here Kale!"
"Coming sis!"
"Hey you two," Goku greeted the two girls, "Glad to see you're safe."
"It's really you isn't it? You're here. You're actually here." Caulifla was beginning to cry but Kale had already burst into tears and leapt at Goku to hug him.
"Yeah. It's me." Jiro looked back and forth at the three in confusion.
"Dad! You came for us!" Kale exclaimed with tears pouring down her face. Caulifla couldn't hold it in anymore and fell to Goku's side, latching onto him for a hug.
"I'd rather you didn't say dad. I'm certainly not qualified to be a dad. I'm your older brother and that's the way it will always be," Goku said adamantly with both girls gently nodding as they cried. Goku glanced over at Mirko as he embraced his two sisters, the number five hero catching his eyeline.
"Mirko can I ask a favour?"
"Sure kid."
"Will you look out for them please? I'm not gonna be around for them anymore so please, make sure they're cared for and grow up to be strong and brave. Train them if you want, I don't mind. Just please do this for me," Goku asked and Mirko responded with a sad look before reluctantly nodding. Goku closed his eyes and smiled. He was content with what was going to happen.
"No! You can't…I won't…" Jiro sobbed. Goku weakly placed his hand on Jiro's face and wiped away her tears.
"All I've ever wanted was to truly save someone. I succeeded. I helped save the island folk. I saved Caulifla and Kale; the sisters I never knew until now. I saved you. Everything I've ever done has been worth it. Live a good life…Kyoka…"
Goku's voice trailed off as he took his final breathe. His eyes lost their blue colour and returned to their normal colour before his pupils became faded. His hair turned black and dropped down to its usual style. His hand fell from Jiro's face and landed lifelessly on the ground. Goku's head tilted to the side.
"No..NO!" screamed Jiro at the top of her lungs as she hunched over Goku's lifeless body. She didn't care what she looked like at this moment. She sobbed and sobbed and sobbed into his chest while both Caulifla and Kale cried into Goku's neck. Mirko had tears in her eyes and turned away to mourn.
The battle of Nabu Island had been won, but by a cost.
Son Goku had passed away.
The rebuild of Nabu Island was hopeful but also sombre. Jiro had locked herself away while Caulifla and Kale tried to figure out what to do. Goku's body had been wrapped up and placed in a coffin.
Class 1-A didn't know how to react. Bakugo had begun to destroy things in his room on the ship that arrived to return everyone home in rage. Deku held his head in his hands as he contemplated what to do. Every member of the class took it differently.
Jiro had definitely taken it the worse. No one had seen or heard from her.
Everything was already in place for Goku's funeral back in Japan. He was to be buried with his parents.
Raditz and the other villains, minus Nine, were locked up in Tartarus. In fact Nine had mysteriously vanished with many assuming he was alive but only a few suspecting the League of Villains were to blame.
Raditz had changed. After being locked up in Tartarus all he had thought about was how badly he'd messed up. His hatred for his family. Though he couldn't help but smirk.
"Heh. You really did it. You took my advice. Bravo brother. Rest easy," he muttered to himself.
"Raditz. We have some questions regarding the attack on Nabu Island." A reporter had entered and was sitting on the other side of the glass. Raditz smirked.
"Where should we start?" he asked. The reporter sorted out his pen and paper and prepared to write.
"The very beginning," he replied.
"Very well. Allow me to tell you the story of a true hero. The story of someone who gave everything he had for those he cared about. This is the story of my brother."
"This is the story of Son Goku, the hero Nimbus."
"This is the story of Kakarot."
Author's Note
It's done. Completed. Finished. This was how the story was always going to end in my mind. It was the only logical ending imo.
This has been a wild ride and I'm glad you could all experience it with me.
I got the final transformation out of the way, a transformation that was anticlimactic in DBS (imo) for it felt bland and kind of just happened.
It all led to this.
However, the story isn't yet over.
I will now reveal the title of the first planned sequel series:
My Hero Academia: Tainted
Can't guarantee first chapter release but get ready.
Once again thank you everyone for your support and feedback. I really appreciate it.
See you all in MHA: Tainted,
Ethan
