2 weeks passed by with Izuku actually managing to clear most of his class in a one on one fight barring the copy of Ben and losing often to Todoroki if he isn't able to dodge the massive sudden ice attacks. During said weeks Ben finally managed to iron out the kinks to his gene splicing nano goop and finally applied it to his costume.
Once applied the costume shrunk itself to form a chain with a DNA strand hanging around his neck that could cover Ben in itself with a thought so he'd never be without it.
The two found themselves on the same beach that Izuku cleaned up and Ben soon transformed into another one of his original aliens. Diamondhead. They were here to try and see if there was anyway Izuku could use One for All without breaking his arm. At least in a certain way. 100% of power in a single body part was still a 100% at the end of day.
They weren't entirely sure what would necessarily different this time compared to others. Maybe it was the fact that this wasn't a robot or water but a real person up close as well.
"You ready?"
"Y-Yeah."
Diamondhead soon stood his ground as Izuku let out a deep breath and nodded. Izuku thought closely on how this was a real person and not some lifeless robot. Plus the fact that he'd actually be punching Ben as opposed to letting the shockwaves push him back.
Izuku shook his head and called for the incredible power to be brought into his first once more. Feeling it he rested back and landed a solid hit to Diamondhead's stomach area causing a huge surge of energy sending Ben back while Izuku closed his eyes expecting pain. But he didn't. He opened one eye and noticed his arm looked fine. Woah!
"Oof. Could've dialed it down a little you know."
"Oh I'm sorry! Are you alright?!"
"Dude, I'm fine. Heh. But hey your arm is fine! What do you think changed and do you think you can apply that to your whole body equally?"
"I guess it was because I was sort of holding back? Like when I'm against a robot or anything else I usually go all out. But since it was with a live person, I guess I felt that I didn't need to punch too hard? I guess? Maybe I can with more practice."
Diamondhead vanished and Whampire appeared after the former made shading for the vampire to avoid sunlight.
"Try to do what you did again but punch the ground. I have a theory."
Izuku nodded and summoned the powerful energy in his arm once more and soon landed a hit to the ground with the thought of it being alive. As the ground and the sand went flying everywhere due to the impact, Izuku's hand stayed intact. He opened his eyes once more to see his hand not broken and the large crater in the sandy ground.
Whampire nods as he ahhhs.
"Just as I thought. It's not breaking your arm since it isn't using you as a method of transfer for the power. What you're subconsciously doing is releasing it at the point of contact while reinforcing your body part."
"Oh. Then how come I can't do the same for when I flick my fingers or something using One for All?"
"I'd assume you just never got the hang of it."
Whampire shrugs.
"Go ahead and try it now but I'd practice getting a feel for what you're doing now."
In a flash the vampire was gone and in its place was a white miniature alien that somewhat resembled a walking speaker.
"Once you have the hang of it I'll form clones you can practice sending shockwaves at."
Izuku nodded and turned to the ocean to practice sending shockwaves. Izuku got his hand in the finger flicking position and thought of it as when he punched Diamondhead and the ground. Soon enough he released his finger and a powerful shockwave was sent parting part of the ocean as it moved down it. He looked down and saw that his fingers weren't ruined and flapping like they usually were. They still hurt slightly though so he must not have the hang of it just yet.
"Do they hurt? If they do I'd advise you to only do long range sparingly. Try to reinforce your whole body how you did your arm now."
Izuku nodded, going to try again with his other hand. His whole body. Not just his arm, not just his hand, not just his fingers. Short range, don't forget that either. Izuku let out a breath before summoning the great power and shorting out another incredible shockwave. It didn't travel as far but his fingers weren't hurting this time. Izuku smiled trying again and getting the same result.
Echo Echo grinned as he cloned himself a dozen times over and sent 11 out to swamp Izuku.
"Now for live target practice!"
Izuku put his guard up as he saw the clones come over to swarm him. He got into position and started flicking his powerful shockwaves knocking the clones back.
Izuku noticed them shooting might sound waves his way and covered his ears while dodging to move out of the way.
Izuku soon did something a bit ballsy but it worked. He covered three of his fingers with his thumb and flicked sending out a much larger, more powerful shockwave towards the last of the clones. His fingers felt strained after that.
Not broken but almost like someone yanked them from the sockets. As the shockwave threw the clones they popped and the one still in the shade grinned as he clapped.
"Very good! Think you can use your body reinforcement to increase your speed? I bet that's how All Might moves so fast."
"I'm not sure. Let's see."
Izuku soon got into a sprinting position and tried using his body reinforcement. Once he felt the power once more he took off moving much faster than he usually did.
Everything on the sidelines seemed to disappear as he passed them and Izuku started chuckling, losing focus for a moment before feeling a sharp pain in one of his legs.
He came to a halt bouncing on his good leg and sat down in the sand seeing how far Ben was from where he started.
Guess he needed to stay focused otherwise, the energy output will become unstable. He pulled up his pant legs and saw how bruised it was. Shit.
In an instant XLR8 was at Izuku's location before turning back to Ben who got to healing his bruise with a frown on his face.
"I was worried it would slip if you didn't pay attention enough. It's a good thing you didn't break it or worse tripped at the speed you were going. Ah… actually this would be a good time to practice healing yourself with Mana. I know you just got the hang of basic constructs but what you're doing with your Quirk is basically what you do with Mana too to enhance the body's natural healing."
Ben pulled back as his Mana stopped flowing. Izuku nodded but then a dazed look came on his face as he rubbed the back of his head with a nervous smile.
"So do I need to hurt myself again?"
Ben chuckles and he shakes his head while casually biting into his thumb to make it bleed.
"No need. Try it on me."
Izuku soon got to his feet and summoned the Mana needed in order to heal Ben's bleeding thumb. Just like what he does with his quirk.
Alright focus and hold onto that focus. Izuku soon got to healing and looked in awe as he saw the wound albeit small start to heal.
He didn't lose focus however as he wasn't sure what would happen if he did. But something was telling him it'd be bad.
Ben grinned once his hand was healed.
"See? Nothing to it. Just… make sure you don't lose focus when doing it. If you do, the Mana will expand outward and act like a mini bomb or worse accidentally sever whatever you're trying to heal."
Izuku blinked at that thought and while that did sound horrifying, it did cause something to come into his mind. He actually sort of felt bad for thinking it.
"So...technically speaking I could use it as a weapon...Sorry."
Izuku said rubbing the back of his head looking to the side feeling guilty.
Ben shrugged and nodded.
"Sure. Assuming you had enough contact to establish a connection. There's even spells that do just that at a distance."
"Good god, I sounded like Kacchan when I said that. Forget I said anything."
Izuku said a hand on his face shaking his head annoyed. Ben rolled his eyes playfully as he ruffled his hair.
"Nothing wrong in thinking about all the applications of something. After all you did just that with those hero notebooks no?"
"Yeah I guess I did. Plus, as dark as it sounds, heroes can always go bad. You could always need contingencies to subdue them. Guess it doesn't hurt to think of all the possibilities."
"Exactly. While murder should never be the first choice in a given confrontation, it should always be an option on the table. Of course you'd need to make sure as few people as possible know about the lethality of your healing. For all we know you might be forced to heal a bad guy who has hostages or something."
"Yeah...and while I really don't want to have to think of killing a hero or anybody really, sometimes that's the only option you have left. But on a brighter note, you excited for this tournament?"
"Hmmm. Kind of? But it worries me honestly. Nothing prevents the group we faced before from using it to determine weaknesses for up and coming heroes along with their quirks. I also hope security is good seeing as nothing prevents All For One from dropping in high explosives or something worse."
"You got a point there. I think it's because the tournament is such a big deal and they're trying to calm everyone down by keeping it going. A choice that seems to be working but they better have some good security if they want to keep people calm."
"I would offer to help but I only really have the tracking spell somewhat mastered. If I had more I could definitely put a Mana barrier around the entire school so no one could teleport in…"
Ben sighed as he rested on the sand. Izuku soon sat next to him staring at the ocean.
"Hey don't worry about it. You're doing great and trying to help. That's all that matters."
Ben frowns and shrugs.
"Well yeah, but I keep thinking about what'd happen if All For One ramps up. I did some research and he's basically a total unknown to the public and that's never a good thing. I have half a mind to let it out that he exists and what he's capable of. I'm sure I could make a memory extractor and put All Might's memories of him in a video format."
Izuku nodded, sitting down and looking at the beach grabbing a seashell. Pro villains were definitely not people to take lightly. Izuku tossed the seashell into the water as he let out a sigh.
"All for One probably isn't going to be making any public appearances himself though. He'd probably send pawns. Or at least not at first anyway."
"True true. But one of his greatest strengths is that so few people know he exists. I'll ask All Might about it tomorrow. How about you, are you excited?"
Izuku didn't say anything as he continued to look out to the ocean before Ben spoke again.
"So want to go commit vigilantism with me?"
This shocked Izuku out of his quiet thinking and his eyes widened as he looked up.
"W-What?!"
"Do you want to go commit vigilantism with me? It's a simple question Izuku, you don't have to if you don't want to."
"N-No it just caught me off guard. I mean, I'd like to but I'm not as skilled as you in getting away before anyone notices."
Ben chuckles and pokes his forehead.
"You'll have me there don't worry. That and I can pretty easily hide your identity."
The DNA symbol on his chain glew green before it formed a tan mask in Ben's hand.
"This is a ID Mask. It creates a hardlight projection around the user. I even added a bit of zero gravity to it so you can effectively fly while wearing it just in case I'm not able to get to you in time."
Ben hands it over with a grin.
"Just think of what you want to look like as you put it on."
Izuku held the tan mask and placed it on his face before the familiar strong jawed face of All Might appeared with that fearless grin.
"Eat this!"
Izuku burst into laughter as he took the mask off and rubbed his face.
Ben laughs and shakes his head.
"Hey! Identity theft is no laughing matter! I should know, people used to use those things to commit crimes as me."
Izuku finally calmed down for his laughter as he had a look in mind to use so he wouldn't get caught.
"So what time should we go to break the law to uphold the law?"
"Hmmm I was thinking now if you were up for it?"
"Sure. I'm basically always free."
Izuku answered as he stood up and stretched to get ready for this. He was technically going to be committing a crime. Sure for the greater good but still a crime.
"You know if you're not up for this you don't have to come. I just figured I'd ask."
"N-No! I want to come! Besides, like you said. Heroes save the day regardless of what's in their way right?"
Ben nods.
"Great to hear! In that case I'll teleport us to the roof off our apartment building so we can relax a bit and you can try flying until we see a crime in progress."
Izuku smiled as he nodded ready and sort of scared to be doing this but it was exciting! Plus, true heroes don't wait for pieces of paper before saving people.
In a flash they were on the roof as Ben transformed back into human form, his suit forming over himself and he started floating in the air.
"The key to zero gravity flight is to know your up and down is whatever you want it to be. Once it's on you're in a 8 directional space. Get it?"
"I think so. Let me try."
Izuku placed the ID Mask over his face and soon felt himself levitating from the ground. Izuku smiled at this as he started moving around as up and down were whatever he wanted. This was actually kind of fun. Izuku stayed in the air for awhile before descending back to the rooftop.
"Very nice! If you ever want to pick up speed in flight it's best to act as if you're jumping in a specific direction with a fist raised to start."
Ben demonstrates as he does so pointing straight up and shooting past a cloud quickly before descending. Izuku watched and tried doing it as well, getting the same effect. He fell down smiling as he looked over the edge to see if anything was happening. Nothing was.
The two just sat on the rooftop bored for awhile as the city was surprisingly quiet which was strange in this world. So the two just talked while they waited for something to happen. Usually just battle questions.
"Who do you think would win in a fight? Four Arms or All Might?"
"Hmm well Four Arms definitely has the faster reaction time but All Might is probably stronger. If I was going to fight him I wouldn't try to out strength him, though some of my forms definitely could, I'd try to make his power useless. Ghostfreak for example could just go intangible and render his strength useless."
Izuku was about to ask another question before hearing an alarm going off. They both soon rose to their feet and saw a criminal running from a man and a woman. He seemed to have her purse. Izuku looked to Ben who only motioned forward.
"I'll let you have this one."
The teen nodded and jumped off the rooftop making use of the zero gravity and making his way to the criminal making his get away. The mask soon covered up Izuku's face with the face of some random person. He turned forward before seeing a figure drop in front of him holding his hand out.
Izuku looked forward at the criminal flicking a weaker version of the powerful shockwave at him. He wasn't trying to kill him of course. It made impact with the mugger straight in the chest sending him back before finally stopping unconscious.
Izuku walked up and grabbed the purse before returning it to the couple. Before they could ask any questions, Izuku jumped up into the air with a fist raised and seemingly disappeared into the night sky like a classic comic book hero.
The radio in the mask crackled to life as Ben chuckles.
"So, how was your first taste of herodom Izuku?"
"Holy. Crap. That was awesome! I got to help that couple and I landed in front of that mugger so well! Plus, I used my flicking thing! And-Sorry. I'm nerding out here."
"Hey don't apologise. It's adorable and perfectly understandable. I'm fine with taking you out with me a few times a week if you'd like. Though to minimize people being able to identify you… how do you feel about using weapons? Nothing lethal of course. Something like a paralyzing ray gun?"
"Uh yeah that'd be fine!"
"Actually I'll just make it come out of a gauntlet so it wouldn't be obvious it's tech."
Izuku answered before finally landing on the rooftop once more next to Ben.
Ben grinned as he looked at the mugger getting arrested.
"See that? You just helped those people and didn't need a license to do it."
"Yeah, I can see why you're doing this. Who needs a piece of paper?"
Izuku asked as he watched the mugger getting arrested and rubbed his green hair back. He just looked adorable the way he watched in excitement about his act of heroism. It was cute.
The next day after school was over Ben did ask All Might if he was comfortable about people viewing his memories of All For One with Izuku there as well since he's the next most likely to be in danger should he strike.
"I understand if you don't but the public as a whole knowing he's out there, and what he last looked like, would definitely help I feel. If only by making it harder for him to operate."
All Might states for a moment before nodding. It made sense and they wouldn't want to give All For One any advantages.
"Do what you must, Young Tennyson!"
He nods and hums a bit before sighing.
"I hope you don't mind me airing it during the tournament in 4 days. Basically everyone will be watching after all. We just need a way for it not to incite panic…"
"Perhaps, a more calming way of presenting it? Like a PSA of sorts? That'd give them the information and keep them calm."
"That…could work but there's always a possibility people wouldn't take the PSA seriously. I think the best bet would be for you to preface the memory viewing and say it's from a Quirk. You can even rightfully point to the fact he orchestrated the USJ attack and the destruction of the evidence after. After the tournament is over anyway, I wouldn't want people to be distracted during it."
"That works for me! Let's just make sure we get it right!"
Ben nods and spends the rest of the four days making a miniature version of the memory viewer that was used on him during his universal trial. The day of the tournament Ben delivered the orb-like device to All Might, explaining to him all he'd need to do is focus on the memories of All For One and the device would automatically play them on the screen used to broadcast the tournament.
They were all gathered and it was said that Midnight would be their proctor while Aizawa and Present Mic would be the spectators making comments during the tournament. An R-rated superhero?
Well it definitely got looks. Ben being the one who earned the most points on the practical exam was up to make a speech for the rest of the competitors there.
Ben shuffled nervously in front of the crowd, still not entirely used to being the center of attention, before letting out a calming breath.
"I could give a long-winded speech about heroics and trying your best but I won't. All you need to know is that so long as you try your best in saving the day no one can fault you for failing. That's all anyone can ask of you, to do your best. It's not realistic to think you can save everyone, even from themselves. The only things we can control are our own actions."
Ben smiles as he thrusts up his fist.
"So go out there and show the world what you're made of, go Plus Ultra!"
As Ben returned to the rest of the group, Midnight took over on the stand showing off her assets getting everyone's attention. While Ben was sure she meant well, it did bring up some questions.
"This is where you begin feeling the pain! The first faithful game of the festival! What could it be?"
The screen continued to spin through all the potential options of what it could be as everyone watched in anticipation. It finally landed on an option to which everyone nodded towards.
"Tada!"
"So it's going to be an obstacle race."
"All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest! They'll travel four kilometers around the outside of the stadium! I don't want to restrain anyone at least in this game! As long as you don't leave the course! You're free to do whatever your heart desires! Now then, take your places contestants!"
Ben grins as he does so Mana wrapping around him in case he needs the extra protection as he stretches before the race. Once the bell rings he transforms into XLR8 whose heightened perceptions quickly make everything appear frozen in time.
He looks back with a chuckle and decides to mess with everyone before leaving to finish the race.
In no time at all it seems to everyone else Ben was gone and all the other students had their shoelaces tied together in such a way as to trip them up. Many of the students tripped on their tied shoelace as they tried to make a break for it.
Ben himself was chilling casually on the seats past the finish line, a packet of chilli fries and a smoothie next to him as he waved at the camera. Present Mic yelling into his speaker as Aizawa Sensei just stared in curiosity and surprise.
"And Ben Tennyson is the first one to win the race in record time!"
Izuku picked up on this as he bent down to untie his shoelaces and put them back to normal. Others didn't bother with their shoelaces and made use of their quirk to go forward.
Izuku started springing forward as people such as Todoroki and Bakugo shot forward in front of him. Bakugo was extremely pissed at how Ben was able to blow right by them, especially hilm.
"DAMN IT! I'M GONNA KILL THAT BASTARD!"
They began to make good progress before seeing more of the giant robots that were in their practical exam.
Todoroki laid waste to a bunch of them, knocking them over as he continued to make his way down the race.
Many made use of their quirks either running straight through, climbing, or flying over them. Izuku didn't want to use his quirk just yet.
He pushed one of the bots back with a Mana construct knocking a sharp large piece of it out. His mana was quite hard and thick so it was helpful in situations such as these plus a specific shade of green. How curious. He grabbed the piece quickly before slicing the incoming bot in half.
I'll keep this and use it as a shield if I need to!
Soon enough they were met with a cavern with multiple ropes and rock formations that could aid them. Some of them were using technology considering they weren't in the Hero Course and it would level the playing fields a bit.
Todoroki used his ice as he slid over the ropes while Bakugo just flew over. Izuku had strapped the large piece of metal to his back and began to step over the treacherous cavern using his Mana as steps.
Aizawa frowned as he noticed the similarities between Izuku's Mana and the constructs Ben makes but refrains from commenting on it out loud.
Though once this tournament is over it's high time he sits them down for a long overdue chat.
Soon enough Todoroki had stopped as he noticed the massive minefield and began to plan out how he should go about this. Present Mic soon explained the minefield and how they wouldn't kill anyone however they would send you into the air leaving you dazed.
The other students soon made their way and did their best to avoid the mines. Todoroki was still in 2nd place, watching his footing as he made his way across.
"IT'S OVER! BASTARD! YOUR DECLARATION OF WAR WAS TO THE WRONG PERSON!!!"
The double colored hair turned to see Bakugo flying towards him and eventually passing swiping at him to which Todoroki swiftly dodged.
The two continued to run as they began sending blows towards one another. Well, in reality it was Bakugo trying to hurt Todoroki while he reacted. Soon behind them, a massive explosion that outshone the others appeared shocking everyone including the proctors.
"WHAT'S WITH THAT HUGE EXPLOSION IN THE BACKGROUND?! That one's way more powerful than it should be!"
The other students shielded their eyes from the bright light and the shockwave that was created from it before noticing something shoot up incredibly far into the sky.
The smoke cleared and it was Izuku holding onto the piece of metal he had broken from the robot. All Might cheered as he saw what was happening.
I knew piling up those multiple bombs would work!
"Whatever the case, Izuku Midoriya is suddenly in hot pursuit of 2nd place! Strike that, the lead is his!"
Yes, it worked! But shit! I didn't think of how I was going to land!
"DEKU! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Bakugo exclaimed as he shot after him while Todoroki froze the ground in order to run freely without fear of the mines detonating.
Izuku flinched at Bakugo's yelling before gritting his teeth and sending a pulse of thick Mana backward to slow him down as he wrapped himself in a thin (for him) Mana shell to prepare for the fall past the finish line as he made Mana platforms to break his fall.
Aizawa narrowed his eyes at the sight. He was seriously going to have to have a long conversation with the both of them after this.
Izuku felt himself hit the ground but not too much damage was retained due to the Mana shell he had wrapped himself in. The shell disappeared as he rose to his feet and heard all the cheering that was being sent his way.
"AND IZUKU MIDORIYA FINISHES THE RACE IN SECOND PLACE!"
Bakugo was pushed back by the thick Mana wall allowing Todoroki to pass him and get past the finish line. Bakugo gritted his teeth so hard that they might break as he landed multiple charged punches to the Mana breaking it. He soon shot off unbridled anger on his face before crossing the finish line after Todoroki.
I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL THAT DAMN NERD!
Izuku started up at all the cheering sent his way and noticed All Might giving him a smile and a thumbs up which made him tear up.
Soon enough more students started to cross the finish line as well. Izuku felt a slap on his back as he turned to see Ben smiling at him to which he returned.
"Way to use your head Izuku! I thought about destroying the mines when I passed them as XLR8 but I figured it'd be a lot less fun to watch if I did. Want some chilli fries?"
Ben asks as he holds up a fresh container.
"Sure! You think they'll give us time to eat before our next challenge though?"
Izuku would happily go for something but knowing this school, they probably don't want them to get too comfortable in this tournament. At least not yet anyway.
Ben shrugs.
"Maybe? You can at least eat a bit before the last person arrives past the finish line.
Izuku looked besides Ben and noticed that there would still be time before everyone crossed the finish line. He shrugged and nodded.
The two took a seat and began to eat as they waited for the last person to make their way past the finish line.
"So how are you liking this tournament? I've got to admit I've never really done this before."
"It's definitely exciting, I'll give it that. Never was really the person to perform in front of a lot of people. Though pro heroes are watching so I got to give it my all."
Ben frowns as he looks at the camera.
"Yeah, that's not the only group watching. I'd bet my left arm that All For One and his group are watching too."
Izuku nodded seriously, letting out a sigh. If All For One was thinking they would let him manipulate them, he was strongly mistaken.
The smart villains were always the ones you had to watch out for especially if they have power to back them up as well.
When the tournament is over they will play All Might's memory to make the general public aware of his presence.
Once the last person crossed the finish line Midnight snapped her whip to get everyone's attention as a screen was lowered down with a bunch of prompts on a wheel.
"An excellent show everyone! That speed Ben showed really got me going! So without further adu let's see what you lovlies will do next!"
The wheel spun until it landed on the prompt.
"Oh this should be exciting! A 5 v 1 King of the Hill battle Royale! Since Ben got first place he'll have to protect his spot on the hill and each of the lower 5 ranks get to choose any 3 supports from the other racers to help get to claim their throne!"
A diagram showed up on the screen with a chibi Ben sitting on a throne laughing at the people trying to seize his castle, with a chibi Izuku leading a 3 man team to try and take it for himself while fending off four others trying to take it as well.
"Whoever wins gets to choose who, if anyone, they face in the head on tournament in part 3 for the first round! Mmmmh just think of the envy the others would have if you skipped your first match!"
Ok wow that diagram was not doing well for his self esteem nor his confidence. Alright 5 v 1, this was going to be challenging. Especially considering the one was going to be Ben himself.
Izuku spent the most, well he was really the only student here who spent any time with Ben so he was the only one who really got a good idea of just how powerful he was.
Alright think Izuku! You're gonna need someone you can trust and someone who can help you at least attempt a win for this!
Izuku soon felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Uraraka who simply smirked and nodded which caused him to smile as well. They both turned and saw the teen with jet engines in his legs that they all knew and loved.
"Lida! You already know what we're going to suggest! So what do you say?"
Lida looked at the two teens with excited and hopeful expressions on their faces and only let out a small sigh before pushing his glasses back.
"I'm sorry but I'm going to have to decline."
The look of hopefulness was shattered across their faces as they exclaimed in shock to which lida began to explain.
"Allow me to explain! I still see the both of you as great friends and mean no harm! But I must focus on myself and try to win! Besides, I can't keep being on the sidelines for you, especially Izuku! So I guess I'm saying we're rivals!"
Izuku looked at his taller friend in shock but only nodded seriously. He understood. Seriously he did! But that did put a halt in his planning. Iida's speed would've been quite useful in this but now it looked like they would need to find someone else to join their group.
Izuku turned to look at the students. Most of their quirks weren't what they were looking for added onto the fact, they couldn't trust a majority of them being from different classes.
Plus, they were already seeming to group up with one another. Bakugo being the most aggressive making sure everyone knew he was going to kick Ben's ass.
Ben for his part couldn't help but chuckle. This would certainly be interesting. Knowing the school they actually had a building for this exact scenario with a literal throne to protect.
It turns out Ben's hunch was right. The building was filled with cameras and Ben himself was sat in the throne room.
An extra condition was added that made destroying the building an instant failure point for the invaders since there'd be nothing to capture but rubble.
Ben himself was given 10 minutes to set up defenses given prior warning of the 5 different invading factions as the teams sat eagerly outside waiting for the task to start.
Teams consisting of leaders with three other students to aid them in taking the throne. Izuku had gotten Uraraka, Tokoyami, and Tsu as their final group.
Todoroki stoic and serious as ever was with Momo, lida, and Kaminari. Another with Shinso, Shoda, Aoyama, and Ojiro. One more with Monoma, Tsuburaba, Kaibara, and Kuroiro.
Bakugo was pissed as always with Kiroshima, Ashido, and Hanto. All of which he couldn't bother to remember their names. Kiroshima noticed Bakugo's intensity and began to speak.
"Remember Bakugo, destroying the building is an automatic failure point! Let's just take it easy alright?"
"Heh, you got it stupid hair!"
"My name is Kiroshima!"
Ben grins as he sits on his throne, a fake crown on his head to signal he's the king of this hill, just staring at the clock so this game begins.
5 seconds.
4…
3…
2…
1!
A horn blared as the doors opened wide and sentry guns pop out along the ceiling all pointed to the entrance. They had all rushed in in their groups, all of them with different feelings about the situation.
Izuku was serious as he was well aware how powerful and tactical Ben was, Todoroki was stoic but serious, Bakugo was eager and arrogant, Shinso more bored and ignorant but kept his guard up, and Monoma who was ignorant and arrogant.
"Deku, what's our best bet against him? What should we do?"
"Well Ben is incredibly smart and skilled. Our best bet would be to catch him off guard at the last moment and take the throne that way."
Izuku explained quietly not wanting anyone else to hear him. They were all aware of just how incredibly powerful Ben was but none of them knew just how good he could be going all out. And hopefully, they won't have to.
"His power is a thing of wonder that is true. But we shouldn't let our guard down."
"Yeah, Ben may be good but he's not completely unbeatable. If we can catch him by surprise at the final seconds and steal the throne, we could actually win this. Ribbit."
Ben's voice rings out from hidden speakers with a tone of voice Albedo would use.
"Well well well, if it isn't some half assed militants trying to take my throne from me. I'll make sure you regret your decision to strike while my army is away. I'll show you the true meaning of kingship. A real king…"
The turrets light up and open fire upon the on rushing groups, each shot of paralyzing plasma sending out shockwaves.
"Is stronger than even his army combined!"
As the turrets open fire pits in the walls open up to unleash debilitating sonic howls courtesy of Echo Echo clones.
Shit! Well he's seriously going all out! Gotta think!
Izuku covered his group in a large shell of Mana and desperately tried his best to keep it up so they could think. The noise wasn't as bad in their little shell and Izuku held it up as he spoke.
"You guys got any ideas?!"
"We need to take out the turrets and then take care of the sonic screeches!"
"Well yeah! How do you suggest we do that?!"
"Kiroshima! Can Dark Shadow withstand all this pressure?!"
"Yes, but he'd need to recover afterwards and he could only take out either the turrets or the sound! Which will it be?"
As the point defenses worked Ben went about setting up the final touches of the rest. Now that everyone was inside they'll find out they aren't trapping him but are trapped by him and at his mercy.
Ben sat in the air above his throne as he sent out a pulse of Mana as a form of echo location, a grin on his face as he tapped a button.
Past the main entrance suits of armor sprung to life, each remotely controlled by the nano goop in his suit and just as versatile as the real thing.
"Uh, take out the sound! It's doing the most damage to my shell!
Tokoyami nodded and a small opening was made for Dark Shadow to escape. A shadowy figure in the silhouette of a bird screeched into life and went after the speakers the Echo Echos were using making sure to take them out. It was harmed by the turrets but got the job done and returned back to the shell.
Dark Shadow groaned as it returned back to Tokoyami's body. Alright, good. Someone else can deal with the turrets but right now they would have to move. Izuku started walking forward the shell followed them as they made it closer to the throne room.
Bakugo was getting sick of this and started charging up his fists and aimed at the turrets.
"Bakugo are you crazy?! That could bring the whole building down on us!"
"Shut it Racoon Eyes! I've got this! Those turrets are seriously pissing me off!"
Bakugo started aiming for the turrets shooting his explosions straight at them destroying them on impact. Aishido frowned at Bakugo's nickname and started forming acid in her hands.
"My name is Aishido!"
She flung the acid at the turrets with them melting as they made impact. She grinned as they soon dispatched of them all. But they were in for a whole new level of hurt once they entered the throne room.
Once they did 8 sleek robots sprung to life, each forming a different set of weapons and mobility options.
"As a replacement for my gone army I made these toys. Let's see if you lot can survive these hm?"
Without further pause two of the robots let loose a torrent of missiles armed with knock out gas as 3 sprung into the air on metallic wings. The other 3 seemed to vanish from sight as their XLR8 esque balled feet got them into close quarters.
With a casual tap to Izuku he was flung into a wall as his Mana barrier shattered from the force of the attack.
Izuku grunted slowly, rising to his knees as he opened his eyes. Alright, so Ben wasn't going to be taking it easy on them. That's fine. Just fine. Those hickory robots and those gas bots would need to go first.
Ok, so I need to plan this out. He's obviously not going to be pulling any punches with this. I need to find a way to gain solid hits on those quicker robots. But what are we going to do against those gas bo-
"TENNYSON! I'm taking that throne and I'm gonna burn you alive while I'm at it!"
Bakugo's yelling snapped Izuku out of his thinking as he looked up and saw Bakugo lay a charged fist to one of the flying bots sending it to the ground destroyed.
Izuku shook his head as he felt himself being pushed and punched by one of the quick bots. It soon started to circle him and Izuku stared only getting a brief sight of it. He had to time this right...Now!
Izuku created an especially thick wall of Mana to which the bot crashed into it, stopping it for a moment. Taking his chance Izuku created another thick Mana wall and slammed the robot in between the two crushing it.
"Yes! Augh!"
Izuku was too quick to celebrate as he was slammed once more into a wall by another XLR8 esque bot. He groaned as he looked up.
Ben probably had the smuggest smile on right now. Couldn't blame him honestly.
Ben's dark chuckle echoed through the area.
"Did you really think my toys would be so easily beat? The more you destroy the harder they'll become to kill."
The two destroyed robots started to float around each other until they joined together in a green flash. A chimera of a winged bot and a XLR8 one, encased in a metallic shell as its wings grew arms with each finger able to fire paralyzing shots.
Once fully formed it roared as electricity coarsed through it and the concrete below it cracked. Izuku dodged a paralyzing shot as his mind began to think.
This turn of events of course didn't stop Bakugo from rushing in and sending blows to crush the different robots.
Come on! There's gotta be some design flaw! Maybe after they don't reform again after already reforming once? Well it's worth a shot!
Todoroki stepped on the ground and froze a good portion of the robots to the ground. Unfortunately that also meant a good amount of people who didn't see it in time.
Izuku raises his hand once more and shot a thick Mana wall at the reformed bot to which Bakugo jumped in landing multiple punches to its chest while Kiroshima worked on the legs.
"Don't think this means I got help from you Deku!"
Izuku turned and saw his team doing their best to lay waste to the robots. Izuku knew that they wouldn't be able to destroy Ben's bots completely at least not in the time they had which was approximately five minutes.
Their last bet was to get Ben off the throne and them on it when time ran out. It'd take a lot of planning and shocking but it could work.
Izuku pushes robots to the wall with his Mana constructs, breaking parts of them as he made it to Tsu, Uraraka, and Tokoyami and started whispering.
"Tokoyami, is Dark Shadow ok for another usage?"
"Yes, why?"
"I have a plan to knock Ben off his throne and for one of us to get to hold onto it in the final seconds. But you're gonna have to follow my lead."
"Of course ribbit."
"I trust you."
"We're all yours Deku!"
Ben grinned as the final recombinations of the robots happened. 2 of each type as the scrapped flyers were turned into swords for the now giant 3 way combinations.
"Come on, at this rate I won't have to lift a finger to beat you all. I bet you'll be so exhausted that you'll get knocked out by the slightest breeze."
The two giants were far faster than their size indicated as they went to block the doors to the throne room, missile silohs appeared from their shoulders as the swords crackled with electricity.
"Sparkles! You know what to do!"
"My name is Kaminari!"
He soon let his quirk run wild, thankfully Uraraka and Tokoyami were able to dodge it in time as the electricity ran through the floor and shocked the bots while also catching some other students as well.
Uraraka and Tokoyami saw their chance and ran past the stunned bots into the throne room. Bakugo and company would've followed but soon the bots were back to guarding and fighting. Uraraka made sure to grab a bunch of parts so her quirk could be used.
"Ben! We're here for that throne!"
"Give it up!"
Ben slow claps as he relaxes on the throne.
"Oh? How're you going to face me if you're already so beat up from my defenses? Buuut if you're really that eager to lose by all means. Come, face me with everything you have."
He taps the floor with a foot and Mana chains erupt from the floor heading straight to everyone.
"If you do well enough I might just get off this throne and face you myself."
Tokoyami moved out of the way as Uraraka threw all of the debris into the air before releasing it and letting them all fall to the ground, suddenly smashing the Mana chains.
Tokoyami let out Dark Shadow and the creepy shadow bird screech making it sway to Ben on his throne with no intent of stopping.
Ben laughed as he threw up a Mana barrier and transformed as an Echo Echo took his spot on the throne.
Once the flash died down Four Arms landed on the floor making a crater, a smirk on his face.
"Allow me to congratulate you for making it this far!"
He does a 4 hand thunderclap breaking the barrier he placed and sending air currents to the others.
Tokoyami and Uraraka grunted as they were sent back by the powerful air currents but were not done yet. They only had forty seconds left!
Izuku better come in and continue the plan! Tokoyami continued to use Dark Shadow before colliding into Four Arms, sending him flying back into the wall.
Izuku noticed the barrier was down and dropped down from the vent getting ready to flick before yelling to get Echo Echo's attention.
"Hey Ben! EAT THIS!"
Izuku let out the three fingered incredible shockwave of power rushing towards Echo Echo sending the alien out of the throne and it flying through the air. They only had a few seconds left!
6…
5…
4…
3…
Soon the frog esque hero fell from the vent as well opening her mouth to let that lengthy wet tongue stretch out. It wrapped around the throne and sent her straight to it and the time soon went off and the air horns blasted! They...They did it!
"UNBELIEVABLE! IZUKU MIDORIYA AND HIS TEAM HAVE DONE IT! BEN IS OUT AND AWAY FROM THE THRONE AND ASUI IS RIGHT ON IT! THEY WON!"
Present Mic hollered into the mic causing everyone to cheer as Izuku started laughing at the news that they had done it. They really did it!
The rest of his teammates started cheering at their victory as the doors were finally opened by Bakugo who only stared in shock, mouth gaping.
Ben for his part transformed back with a laugh as the robots he made deactivated and turned to spare parts.
"That was great teamwork guys! Sorry if I went a bit overboard with the whole king role. So… Izuku, who are you going to pick to face in the first part of the tournament?"
"Thanks! Huh, I'm not sure. I don't need to be fighting anyone too strong for my first match. I'll have to look at my options."
"And you can do that and more!..After this lunch break! Great job to all of you especially you four! That display of teamworks made me all tingly! Until then, we're on break before the final part of the tournament!"
"That was pretty fun honestly. Oh, Izuku are your fingers ok?"
Ben asked as he grabbed his hand to check himself. Izuku blushed at the sudden action and simply laughed nervously. His fingers were fine, they hurt a bit though. He wasn't really thinking of the consequences then. It was a heat of the moment sort of thing.
"I'm fine don't worry about it!"
Ben frowned as he poked his forehead after his eyes glowed green for a bit to check himself.
"No need to lie to me Izuku. Besides you can't enter a tournament with anything less than your 100%! It wouldn't be fair to you or your opponent. Though… I'll obviously have to not go all out. I'd hate to flatten the stadium or worse."
Ben laughs as he notices the blush.
"Also no need to feel so flustered around me. Though I suppose it's a pretty easy way to tell if you're lying…"
"Yeah. Sorry about that. I think it's just strained that's all. But let's go get some lunch huh?"
Ben nods happily.
"It's a date! Anything in particular you want? I'm thinking of getting a shake myself..."
Izuku stared forward with a dazed smile before smacking himself back into reality. He was going to focus on something else.
"I think you have an addiction to smoothies Ben, but I'm not gonna judge."
Izuku walked forward to exit the game room so they could go get lunch with a nervous smile on his face.
Perfect deflection!
Ben pouts and sighs.
"Well I can't say you're the first person to say that…"
Aizawa steps from the shadows with his arms crossed.
"I was going to wait until after the tournament but not after that King of the Hill battle. It's time we had a frank discussion, don't you think?"
Izuku was shocked at Aizawa Sensei stepping from out of nowhere. Well looks like lunch wasn't going to happen. The two followed their teacher into a private room where they soon sat and Aizawa didn't waste anytime.
"Ben Tennyson…you aren't at all some newbie hero are you? Your Quirk frankly doesn't make sense especially since you're able to teach a part of it to others. It's hard to miss the similarities between your constructs and Izuku's after all."
Ben blinks in surprise before laughing a bit and nodding.
"Yeah you're right. To tell you the truth I'd be surprised if there was a Pro Hero with more experience than me on the planet. You see…"
It took 45 minutes and a calling down of All Might to verify Ben's story leaving Aizawa sitting on a chair across from the other three as he massages his nose bridge.
"Given everything I've learned, why exactly shouldn't I expel you? You not only have fake documentation but you've also been participating in vigilante activity. Don't be so surprised, of course we'd interview the people you caught. That ghost form and that speedy reptile definitely have the powers to do what's been reported."
Ben simply shrugged.
"I mean, technically speaking I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm helping people and saving the day. I'm not waiting around for some piece of paper that tells me I can be a hero. You guys have Good Samaritan laws here right? Sure, I'm technically breaking the law but I'm doing good things while breaking the law. You can expel me if you want but I know that when it all comes down, I'm not doing anything wrong."
Ben smiles as he rests his watch on the table and points to it.
"Besides it's not like I'm not already a member of a police force, just not in this reality. But seeing as I'm not from here… well it's your call. Of course if you try to detain me and try to stop me from Heroing…"
Ben glares.
"I can assure you I won't let that happen. I was after all fully prepared to fight the person that gave me this watch when he threatened to take it away when the Galaxy was at stake."
Aizawa took in this information and pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. He felt like he was going to regret this but he was doing it anyway.
"Well, it's apparent that you care about helping people and you're not going to let anyone get in your way. I suppose I'll just have to become deaf and mute. Just try not to get Midoriya in here into any trouble alright? Not everyone's pro level."
Ben nods seriously.
"Of course I wouldn't! Izuku is still learning after all."
Aizawa nods as he stands up to leave before frowning and looking back at Ben.
"As much as I'll regret this I'm making this a condition to you staying in UA. I'll be the one mentoring you after the tournament. I can't let loose a unqualified vigilante without taking them through their paces after all."
Ben nodded with a smile to which Aizawa groaned, holding his head and leaving the room. Izuku finally let out the terrified breath he had been holding in since they got into the room.
"Holy crap! That was stressful! But hey on the brightside, neither of us are in trouble or anything. So you said something about wanting another smoothie? I'll pay!"
Ben nods as he gets up to leave.
"If you're fine with it. What are you gonna eat?"
"I'll probably just get some rice and chicken. I'm not that hungry and I don't want to eat too much before my first fight."
Izuku explained shrugging as Izuku stood up and the two left to where the others were to get lunch. He wasn't expecting to be doing this well in the tournament but he was pleasantly surprised.
"Hmm that actually sounds really good right now. I'll get special lo mein along with my smoothie. I'm surprised you aren't choosing to skip your first fight honestly."
The two continued to talk before ordering their food and sitting down talking before Izuku could feel two pairs of eyes glaring holes into the back of his head. He turned to Ben sighing.
"They're staring aren't they?"
Ben chuckles as he waves at the two staring causing Bakugo to let loose mini bursts and Todoroki to frown and look away.
"Yeah they are but I wouldn't worry. They are probably just wondering who you'll choose to fight, if anyone. If I had won I'd have probably gone to fight Bakugo if only to legally beat him up."
Izuku chuckled at that thought. No doubt, he is interested in what way Ben would beat up Bakugo. Would he drag it out using some of his most powerful forms to show Bakugo they're nowhere on the same level?
Or would he use one alien and end it quickly to get the same message across just in a more humiliating way? Either way, he'd love to see it.
"Truthfully Ben, I think I've got my work cut out for me. But I'm going to choose an easy opponent for my first match. Don't want to wear myself out too much."
"Hmm well you could always give yourself a free pass to the finals."
"I guess but I still want to compete this way. I'd rather work my way up to the top or at least as far as I can go."
Ben chuckles as he eats a couple strings of lo mien.
"That's what I like about you, you never take the easy way out. You remind me of me that way you know? We have the same heroic drive. I bet if it came down to it you wouldn't hesitate to kill yourself to save a few more lives right?"
"Ben before we started training I was willing to ruin my arms beyond repair in order to win. Of course, I wouldn't hesitate to kill myself if it saved more people."
Izuku saw the obvious flaw in that plan but hey he would've done it if it got him to at least a reasonable spot. Though it did say a lot about him actually.
Ben nods as he hums.
"I've actually tried to do just that two years ago. Granted I obviously failed but that was because the watch I was in at the time reset itself before I could die to set free the sentient transformations trapped in the watch."
Ben smiles at the memory as he shakes his head.
"Granted at the time I didn't strictly HAVE to do it since Gwendolyn offered to kill them for me so I wouldn't have to die but… well I think we can agree that wouldn't have been right. I'd gladly trade my life to save others even if the situation was unfair to me."
"You go on the strangest adventures I swear. Though with each one, you just prove just why you're great. I hope that I can do the same."
Izuku stared forward and continued to think on who his first opponent should be. Perhaps he could just ask for a random selection.
"Heh I suppose compared to here most of my oddest exploits would definitely sound like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Like that time I was sucked into a video game or had to save Christmas during summer vacation. Between you and me that is my personal pick for oddest moment so far."
"I should really stop being surprised. This sort of thing should be expected with you. But anyway, you gonna cheer for me on my first match?"
Izuku asked, smiling and it was so damn adorable that even the worst heartless villain couldn't say no to him.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I? It'll definitely be interesting to see how well you do with whoever you end up fighting!"
"Heh. Cool."
Soon enough they were all back in the stadium field and before Izuku could speak. A lot of them were dropping out. It seemed like they weren't in control as they talked about how they don't remember anything from the second round.
That it wouldn't be right to compete if it's not them doing it themselves. What really shocked Izuku was Ojiro stepping down.
Who was he with? That guy?
He turned to see a purple haired student who only smirked. He remembered him now, he was the dude who threatened their class after they were told about the festival! Izuku was going to choose randomly but he got a better idea.
"You're all forfeiting because of that? Let me just say that turns me on!"
Everyone cringed at Midnight's wording. They all really hoped she was incredibly tone deaf. Otherwise, yikes.
"I would like to choose who I'm going up against now!"
"And who would that be?"
Izuku didn't say a word but just pointed to Shinso causing multiple looks. He didn't know what this guy was hiding or what was up with him but it must be something tough.
He wasn't going to let all of those people forfeit without defeating the cause of their problems. Izuku turned to Ojiro and nodded who only nodded back.
"Alright then! Our first match will be Izuku Midoriya vs Shinsou Hitoshi! Please come stand on the stage!"
Ben claps Izuku's shoulder with a grin.
"Good luck out there!"
Izuku smiled and nodded before making his way into the stage and stared seriously at Shinsou. Whatever this guy had up his sleeve, it doesn't matter. He wasn't going to be beaten! He was going to win this!