Shinsou Hitoshi smirked while dragging a hand through his spikey purple hair as he stood on his side of the arena.
"Should I feel honored you chose to choose me for your first fight or insulted? I bet you think I'm weak hm or that I deserve to be punished for some perceived wrong doing? I bet you didn't even win against Ben fair and square, from what I've heard you're basically the only person that he considers a friend."
Izuku obviously felt offended at the notion of Shinsou trying to discredit his achievements. Of course he had to say something. Normally you'd always say something but this match wouldn't exactly be normal.
"You don't know what you're talking about! I won fair a-"
Izuku felt himself stop talking even though he had plenty more to say to his accusing opponent. He didn't feel like he was in control of his own body. Like he was the brain and all the nerves were just cut off. Just some person in a powerless suit. What the hell is going on?!
Shinsou grinned even more as he casually stepped to the frozen Izuku.
"I bet you must be pretty scared hm? Wondering what I've done? I'll tell you… after you walk out of bounds. Do it Izuku. Forfeit this match."
Izuku couldn't do anything but follow what Shinsou told him to do. He turned around and soon began to walk towards the edge of the stage shocking everyone, especially himself. Why couldn't he stop?!
Ben frowned in the spectator stands having a feeling he knew exactly what was happening.
"Some sort of mind control Quirk…?"
"That's it Izuku. Walk out of the arena. Give me my well deserved win. I can't wait to take the place of one of you Hero course students. Then everyone will see it doesn't matter if you have a villainous Quirk… being typecast by the circumstances of your birth is idiocy. Your choices determine your path in life, and if I have to play dirty to win then so be it."
"WHAT'S THIS?! Izuku Midoriya is walking right to the out of bounds part of the stage!"
Izuku was clearly freaking out. Shinsou obviously had a mind control quirk but now wasn't the time to marvel at that! He was getting close to walking out of bounds! He did not make it this far to lose in his first match, and not like this either!
Come on! Gotta move! Gotta snap out of it!
Izuku continued to panic as the out of bounds area seemed to get closer. He needed to find a way to snap himself out of this control Shinsou had over him. If only there was a wall or something in front o-wait, that's it!
Truthfully, he had never tried to make a Mana structure just by using his mind but he had to try. He figured he had a strong enough mind and will for it. Izuku soon started to imagine the construct before hitting his head against something.
This sudden hit snapped him back into control. He stared at the Mana construct in front of him before glaring seriously and turning back to Shinsou.
What caused him to control me like that? All I did was answer him. That must be it!
Izuku glared as the Mana wall disappeared behind him. He wasn't going to answer him if that was the case. He wouldn't be controlled again.
Shinsou lets out a tsk as he rushes Izuku determined to get him past the boundary so he can win.
"What's the matter hm, too scared I know the truth of how you won? I bet you two are more than friends huh? I see the way you look at him. It's so adorable it's pathetic."
Izuku didn't bother to answer as he ran towards Shinsou as well. No he was far too smart for that. It was obvious what he was trying to do. Trying to get a reaction out of him so he can control him again. Well, it wasn't happening!
When the two were close enough, Izuku grabbed Shinsou by the arm and waist, grasping him tightly. Using all of his strength, he flipped the other teen over him down harshly onto the floor. He wasn't out of bounds but he wanted to see if Shinsou was actually any good in a fight. He backed up giving him a chance to get up once more.
Instead of doing that Shinsou went for a sweep as he stood on his hand before aiming a kick at Izuku's face.
"So you figured out how my Quirk works huh?"
Izuku took the kick to the face, backing up slightly but not going down by any means. He also wasn't answering. If this battle meant no talking, then no talking was going to happen.
Granted, Izuku could just push him out of bounds with his constructs but he wanted to test out his own fighting ability. The teen got into a fighting stance ready for Shinsou's next move.
"How boring. Fine if you really want to brawl it out I'll get my answers from you from your bloody mouth!"
With one large heave he flung his body over Izuku and as his legs past him he recentered his gravity to pull him down, wrapping his legs around Izuku's upper body and using his momentum to fling him into the floor in kind.
He didn't let up as he wailed as much as he could on Izuku's face while pinning him as well as he could with his legs, effectively straddling his chest while doing so.
Izuku grunted as he was going into the ground by Shinsou's attack. Izuku wasn't usually one to fight dirty but he has been known to break that fact as well.
Izuku raised his face from the ground before pulling back suddenly slamming his head into Shinsou's to daze him.
It worked as he felt the pin on his arms lessen and Izuku was able to move up to kick Shinsou away from him. Granted, the kick landed in more...lower places. He was going for the stomach but hey it worked.
Izuku didn't let his guard down and got straight to his feet ready for whatever Shinsou was going to try next. They had been fighting closer to the bounds so Izuku had a couple of ideas of what to do.
Shinsou eeped as he clutched his manhood and every male in the audience flinched. It hurt so much he even threw up a little as he stood shakily up.
"Fucking hell Midoriya are you wanting to leave me childless too? You fucking bastard."
Izuku would normally apologize but he just kept his mouth shut. Well now Shinsou was starting to get pissed. That gave him an idea.
Izuku just smiled smugly at him, egging him to come forward like he had no care in the world. Like he was just so sure of himself. In other words, he was acting like Shinsou wasn't shit.
Shinsou grit his teeth as he curled his hands into fists.
"What's with that look on your face, huh!? You think you're better than me, is that it? I'll wipe that smirk off your face!"
With no hesitation Shinsou deliberately aimed a kick to Izuku's privates and smirked as it connected. He didn't give Izuku the chance to recover as he grabbed his hair and raised his knee so he can break his nose over it with a loud crack.
"I'll show you not to underestimate me!"
Izuku grunted at the pain he received and almost let out a yell at the obviously broken nose. Izuku shook his head as he came to a decision in his mind. Fuck it. Pure violence it was.
Izuku stared up at him with a dangerous look in his eye. Izuku grabbed him by his shirt collar pulling him down before head butting harshly directly into his nose.
Izuku didn't give him the chance to reel back from the attack before rearing back his leg to kick, not really caring where it hit.
Funny enough it was the crotch again. Go figure. Izuku at this point didn't care, especially considering he could feel the blood run down from his nose to his mouth.
Izuku caught the out of bounds line in his side eye and decided not to waste any more time.
He could already tell the audience was getting kind of uncomfortable by this bloody battle anyway. Plus, he really didn't want to hit down in the privates again.
This is it!
Izuku grabbed Shinsou by his collar once more and the arm before using all of his strength to flip him over straight onto the ground!
Izuku breathed in and out heavily as he heard the blood from his nose drop down to the ground. It didn't really matter. Shinsou was past the border. He won.
The last thing he saw before he passed out from the pain of the 2nd hit to the balls was a faintly smiling Izuku.
"There you have it folks, Izuku is the winner for the first match! I would say something erotic but even a hit below the belt hurts like hell for women…"
Since Shinsou was unconscious Izuku could finally speak once more. Thankfully.
"I know you can't hear me, but don't ever try to downplay my successes ever again...and don't talk about Ben and I...That being said...you were a worthy opponent Shinsou."
Izuku finally finished before the crowd cheered for his victory even though it was clear they were a bit uncomfortable.
Izuku smiled anyway, the pain in his crotch finally going away or at least hurting less. He'd definitely need to see Recovery Girl for this one.
"Well without waiting another second let's see who the next match will be against!"
The screen lit up until it landed on Ben and Bakugo who was practically foaming at the mouth with how angry he was and finally getting a chance to face him.
Ben for his part only chuckled as he waved and stepped out of the spectator section walking leisurely to his spot in the arena.
Once he got there he gave Izuku a fist bump.
"Nice win there! You had me worried for a bit there but I'm glad you pulled through. I'd offer to heal you but… well I doubt you'd want me to touch you there right?"
"Thanks! A-And yeah no! Thanks for the offer though! I hope you have a good fight."
Ben nods as he waves while both of them were carted off to Recovery Girl and he waited for Bakugo to arrive. He sighs as he stretches out in the air.
Bakugo soon made his way to the stage, the familiar glare present as ever on his face. Bakugo was ready to burn this annoying pest today. He'd beat Ben even with him going all out. Unfortunately for him and his pride, that wasn't going to happen.
"I just want you to know I'm going to win. Go all out otherwise my victory will be meaningless."
Ben chuckles as he floats down to land lightly on the floor.
"Really now? You think you'll win? We both know I have forms that can neutralize your Quirk. So… I won't transform at all. I'll beat you just by using my costume and constructs."
Ben smirks as the DNA symbol on his chain glowed green and covered him head to toe in his uniform. His voice echoed as it comes out of a speaker and his eyes narrow.
"Do try to last a little while will you? I've yet to fully test out my costume yet, what you all faced in the castle was a pale imitation of my actual suits capabilities."
He stretches out his right arm as it glowed green for a bit before a hologram solidified over his elbow down forming into a cannon as ethereal wings grew from his back like some sort of angel.
"Ready when you are Katsuki."
Bakugo gritted his teeth as he heard Ben saying he wouldn't go all out. Plus Ben's implication that this battle wouldn't last long.
He didn't care how good Ben was, he was going to kick his ass! His fist closed as his red eyes shook in Ben's direction.
He didn't say anything just fired his explosions in Ben's general direction to cause smoke and shock him. He quickly moved in the direction of the smoke charging up another punch expecting to hit Ben's chest.
Ben's chuckle echoed as his fist passed through the hologram as it waved.
"Missed me!"
Up above the arena Ben's cannon arm finished charging as he let it loose right below him with Bakugo dead in the middle of the massive blast.
"Don't worry it won't kill you, it's just a paralyzing beam!"
Bakugo found himself unable to move as he was hit straight in the chest by the massive blast. Damn it! He would not be made a fool of! He wouldn't lose, especially not like this!
D-Damn it! I have to beat him, I need to beat him!
Ben frowned as he touched down from the sky and poked Bakugo causing him to fall to the floor locked in place and over extended.
"Hey Midnight, do me a favor and don't call this match yet! I was hoping he'd dodge so I can keep testing out my suit. He should be able to move in a few seconds!"
Ben called out pleadingly as he bowed even as the crowd laughed. Bakugo didn't waste any time the second he was able to move again sending multiple explosions his way. He was seething sure but he wasn't working with just anger. He knew Ben was skilled, he'd give him that.
But as that failure Deku proved, he wasn't unbeatable. Bakugo soon started moving in as he began to sweat more meaning his explosions got more destructive.
"I'M NOT GOING TO JUST STAND HERE AS YOU TRY AND MAKE A FOOL OF ME TENNYSON!"
Ben laughed as he took the explosions sans Mana shield and was vindicated when he barely even felt them. Ben casually stepped out of his lunge and Judo threw him to the floor a puzzled look on his face.
"Make a fool of you? That'd be pretty hard considering you've threatened to kill me on live TV for all the world to see. Though I suppose I could try…"
With a pull back from his left arm a Mana construct grew out of the floor thrusting Bakugo upward just in time to meet Ben's fist on it's way down landing right on his nose with a crunch, as a shockwave flew out from the force of the light punch.
Bakugo grunted from the sudden punch, didn't let up as he went to rush Ben once more, throwing several explosions his way. Though this battle was most likely one sided, the people did have to admit. Bakugo didn't give up easy.
Ben nodded as he tanked the explosions with no trouble, not even moving any as the ground shattered from them due to floating in place.
"You know, that's something I actually like about you. You don't give up even when the situation seems hopeless. This whole fight must really piss you off huh, knowing you can't really do anything against me? Surely you must know I've never even been going all out this entire tournament right?"
Ben cocks his head to the side as his cannon dematerializes and he folds his arms in front of him, a frown on his face. Bakugo only glared at the brown haired teen in front of him.
He knew Ben was holding back. That's what was irritating him so much. One of these days, he doesn't know when, he's gonna burn this fucking loser!
"It doesn't matter. I'm going to beat you regardless bastard!"
Ben laughs as he raises into the air on his motionless wings before the feathers fan out and spread to the breadth of the area.
Ben points imperiously at Bakugo as he smirks, the motion causing the feathers of the wings to turn into blades.
"Really now? Let's see how well you do against this attack. Shame I haven't thought of a cool name for it…. Oh well."
With that a hailstorm of blades flew around the arena moving through the air as if each had a mind of it's own. Bakugo kept his guard up as he used his quirk against them to shield himself.
He jumped around as well to avoid them. Bakugo was a fiery asshole but he was pretty impressive. Sure, maybe not that much compared to people like Ben but you had to give credit where credit is due.
All in all even if Ben wasn't going all out, Bakugo was doing a pretty ok job. Granted, that still didn't change the fact that Ben could use one of his weaker aliens and just push Bakugo out of bounds or even just a construct.
Ben claps as the storm of blades halts and dematerializes as his wings go to normal.
"Very nice Bakugo! Impressive reaction times and body placement memory."
In a flash of light Ben teleported down to face the panting Bakugo with a smile and a come here motion as he gets into a fighting stance.
"I know you've been wanting to punch my face for a while so I'll give you a free shot. How's that sound?"
Ben asked as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Bakugo could just rush in anger fueled as always but his pride just wouldn't be able to come back if he fucked this up. Bakugo calmed himself as he got into an offensive stance taking a deep breath before running towards Ben.
Bakugo did train hand to hand considering he knew that his quirk wouldn't save his ass all the time and relying too much on his quirk would just be stupid.
Just try and stay calm. Bakugo didn't care if he lost, well yes he did, but he just wanted to get one good hit in on Ben.
"Heh, here I thought you'd go in like a berserker like usual. Good to know you aren't as idiotic as you act like."
Ben keeps his word and doesn't try to move as Bakugo goes in for a full strength punch to the face.
The hit did connect and for all intended purposes, it did hurt. Bakugo didn't try to stop there however.
He tried a simple trick of diversion, using his right fist to make Ben think he was going for another hit to the face, while left charged up using his quirk.
Ben grinned as his head flew back and he teleported behind Bakugo, a palm on his back that quickly discharged paralyzing plasma.
"There. Hopefully you'll stop saying you'll kill me now. Oh and a hit to the face deserves one in kind no?"
Ben casually stepped around the locked in place Bakugo as his cracked faceplate repaired itself and flicked his forehead sending him flying past the arena boundary but was caught before he could hit the wall in a Mana construct.
Bakugo grunted and looked forward in shock as he was past the area boundary. No! The construct disappeared and Bakugo just slammed his fist into the ground multiple times yelling.
Izuku watched this battle with a lazy, big smile on his face. Needless to say, watching Kaachan get his was very therapeutic. That probably wouldn't stop his shivers and natural defense he had made when it came to him but this helped.
"AND THAT'S IT! BEN TENNYSON WINS THIS ROUND!"
Ben bowed at the applause as his wings demateralized before teleporting back to the viewing room with a grin.
"Sooooo how'd you like the show Izuku?"
"It was definitely exciting. Oh who am I kidding? It was awesome! Though Kaachan this is probably gonna do something bad to his pride. Shinsou and I talked in the recovery room by the way."
"Oh yeah! I meant to ask about what happened, so what'd you talk about?"
"When he finally woke up from his...injuries he started to talk about Quirk Descrimination. In other words, he had a 'villainous' quirk and was seen as wrong or bad in the eyes of others. Though, I did overhear some heroes and people in his class talking good about him and his quirk. Think that definitely made him feel a bit better."
But it did piss me however. Quirkless Descrimination and Quirk Descrimination? What the hell?!
Ben frowned as he sat down.
"Here I thought superheroes being basically pop stars was bad but people let their preconceived notions about a Quirk make them bully someone? Ugh. This society of yours sure is something Izuku. Hopefully you can change it for the better. Because if things don't change, all any villains springing up will be are self fulfilling prophecies that society could have avoided if it treated others only for their actions. It's no better than racist rhetoric."
Izuku nodded as he leaned his head on his hand sighing.
"Yeah, it definitely needs a change. Though it's not as bad in theory. I was reading a comic called 'The Boys' yesterday."
"And?"
"You'd have a stroke reading it. The 'heroes' are...really REALLY bad."
"Give me an example."
"Ok so there was this speedster running and ran straight through this dude's girlfriend, liquidizing her till she was just hands. The news said she was in the middle of the road when she was on the sidewalk and the speedster 'apologized' then joked about it in private. Sucks that the comic probably exists in the multiverse somewhere."
Ben stills as he clenches his fists in fury, accidentally releasing Mana from them like heavy fog.
"If it does I'll personally give it a visit to clean house and set up a Plumber post there."
"I'm sure they'd be thankful for it. But yeah, it's really bad. Pretty sure they're technically government officials so that might be part of it. But power is given to the wrong people, bad things happen. That plane scene was awful. There is a show if you're interested in watching stuff about corrupt heroes and governments."
Ben shakes his head after letting out a slow breath to calm himself down, the Mana flow ceasing after he's done so.
"No that's fine. The show would piss me off too much. It reminds me of these heroes back home who staged crimes they could solve. Like setting an apartment building on fire."
"That IS bad. Well, let's try to talk about something more positive. Congrats on winning your match. Without transforming as well!"
Ben chuckles while ruffling his hair.
"Hey, you're acting like I might have lost! I should thank Bakugo actually, he was pretty useful in testing out my suit. The non-lethal stuff anyway."
Izuku chuckled at that.
"He'll probably be messed up for awhile but he'll be back to thinking he's the best in a couple of days. He always bounces back like that."
"Yeah I've noticed. His perseverance is one of the few things I actually like about him. I should also thank him for making my suit basically explosion/blunt force proof thanks to the adaptability of the Nanochips."
"He'd probably try to burn you again honestly. Not that it really matters. But I think they're taking another break again. I'm not hungry but you want to go to the food court and just talk? I'm sure you're up for another smoothie."
Ben nodded and laughed as he stood up and offered his hand.
"You know me well Izuku. Want to teleport there?"
Izuku smiled as he took Ben's hand and stood up.
"Sure."
In a flash they were at the food court in front of the smoothie and burger joint.
"You sure you aren't hungry?"
"I'm sure. I'll be at that table."
Izuku said with a smile as he made his way over to a table and waited for Ben to order.
He sat down 10 minutes later with a smoothie, chicken sandwich, and fries.
"So what're you interested in talking about?"
"Comics, adventures, shows, movies? It doesn't matter really. Just as long as we can talk."
Izuku was just bored to be completely honest and he needed something to do in order to pass the time.
Ben hmmmmed as he dipped a fry into his smoothie and ate it.
"Well I could tell you more about Sumo Slammers if you'd like, or this show I used to watch before it was cancelled, all about cryptids and ancient prophecies called Weird World. It turns out the host for it was a super villain Yeti."
Izuku blinked at the description that Ben gave to him.
"Ben, that sounds so stupid and amazing at the same time. Right up my alley!"
Ben laughed as he went on a detailed explanation on Weird World, Argost, Zak Saturday, and the Secret Scientists.
"I still can't believe all the stuff happened while I was without the watch. It definitely explains all those odd news reports though. I wonder if you have Cryptids here…"
"I'm not sure if we do but I feel like you'd find some somehow regardless. You told me you had four different versions of your watch? Which was your favorite?"
"Well technically only 3 actually. The original one which recalibrated after I put it on again at 15, the Ultimatrix, and this one I have now. As for my favorite… well probably this one. It looks like a smart watch and no one gives it a second look."
"Comes in handy for secret identities? I got ya. I remember when I first thought about a secret identity but then I remembered that's not really how it works around here so it was dropped."
Izuku explained chuckling as he looked to the side.
"Though, I suppose if you're a vigilante you could still have the identity a secret."
Ben does a so so motion as he finishes chewing the last of his burger and swallows.
"Well no, when I got it my identity was public knowledge and what helps me keep my power a secret here is Master Control. With it I never actually have to touch the watch to transform."
"Huh. Your life just keeps getting more and more interesting. Hopefully, mine will be just as exciting. But what were some of your favorite missions?"
"Hmmm well the time I helped eat a planet was pretty memorable since even I don't do that often."
Izuku laughed at the thought of Ben eating a planet. Not gonna lie, the thought did make him smile more than he expected to. He pinched the bridge of his nose to stop laughing. There was only one question he had to ask.
"Did it taste good?"
"I mean not really? The species in question don't really taste anything."
"Well that's unfortunate. I'm sure there's some planet eater out who has a preference."
"Well not an eater exactly but I do know of someone who's a big fan of me that collects planets. He wanted Earth but settled for one of my old shirts."
Izuku chuckled at what Ben said, still getting used to the absurdity of Ben's adventures. He was going to say something else before feeling a presence behind him. He turned to see the double hair colored teen himself Todoroki.
"I'd like to talk with you two. Without prying ears."
Izuku didn't say anything at first before letting out a sigh and standing up from the table as Ben shrugged and finished his food before dumping it.
"Sure Todoroki."
They both say as they follow him into the network of halls in the stadium. Once they arrive Ben folds his arms while leaning against the wall casually, a quirked eyebrow raised.
"Everything ok? You don't usually talk much."
"My apologies but this was something that I needed to get out to the both of you. To you Izuku because I've noticed how you're always around All Might and he seems especially friendly towards you. And to you Ben, considering my father considers you the best. Are you two aware of the hero called Endeavor? Well he's my father."
Izuku looked up in shock at this revelation as Ben nods and narrows his eyes, he certainly didn't like where this conversation was going.
"Woah seriously?! He's the 2nd best hero in the world!"
"Exactly and that's where the problems begin. What I'm about to share with you is confidential but I want you to know regardless. My father was always obsessed with being the best but with All Might in his way he was never able to surpass number two. Second best. No matter how much he tried, he just couldn't. So he went with another route. Quirk marriages."
Ben frowned harder as he stood up straight.
"What? Was it consensual with no bribes involved? Also your father in an idiot, this is part of the problem I was telling you about Izuku. Being number 1 detracts from the actual goal of heroics, saving lives because it's the right thing to do not for fame or glory."
Todoroki nodded at Ben's small rant about their society and how it worked. Truthfully, he saw the issue with it as well and all the problems that it spawns.
"You are correct Ben, my father is an idiot. One that won't ever be getting my respect or forgiveness. He only got with my mother in order to have an offspring that would surpass All Might. Me. He wasn't a friend and he definitely wasn't a father or at least a good one. He pushed his ideologies onto me, treating me like a soldier as opposed to a son."
Todoroki clenched his fist in anger at the painful memories of his childhood. Every hit his father gave him every time he did something not to his standard just reinforced exactly why he hated him.
"Needless to say, he wasn't a good person, especially not to my mother and I. He's the cause of the reason I even have this damn burn on my face."
Ben froze as he growled Mana leaking out of his clenched fists.
"Don't tell me he gave you that burn. If he did I'll personally kick his ass and send him to jail myself."
"Physically? No. While I can understand why my mother did it given what my father put her through, it doesn't excuse it. That being said all he ever cared about was being the best. Since he's too much of a failure to do it himself, he put it upon me. Due to my hatred for him, I've never used my left side which is going to stay the same. I'm going to show him I reject his power and win this tournament without using it. So I'm just here to tell you both, whoever I end up going against, I'm going to win."
Todoroki finally finished and the two of them stared forward seriously both thinking generally the same thing.
Ben held out a hand so he didn't leave yet.
"Are you saying your father got your mother into a psychotic break and she did it to you, just so I'm clear."
Todoroki turned and stared at Ben nodding seriously.
"Yes you are. I don't harbor much negative feelings towards my mother but I will forever hate him for what he's caused."
Ben let out a slow breath to calm himself as he nodded.
"Right then. Why haven't you aired out his dirty laundry or told someone like All Might? I don't know what the statute of limitations is for something like this but it should be enough to jail him for mass negligence and abuse. Also FUCK your fire side being his power, your Quirk is YOURS and no one else's. I'm not going to pressure you into using it if it's traumatic, but I will suggest you don't deny parts of yourself."
Todoroki was shocked at what Ben had said to him and turned to Izuku who nodded before speaking.
"I can't say I'm entirely sure on the laws and specifics for it as well but your father by what you've told us is a criminal. His abuse shouldn't be allowed to continue and he DEFINITELY shouldn't be allowed to continue as a hero. 2nd best hero my ass. It's your power Todoroki. I'm not gonna say you have to but just think about it."
Ben holds out his hand as his suit makes a teleportation homing signal.
"Here. Take this. The very second you feel unsafe you press this button and I'll teleport to you. I don't care what time it is or where you're at. You could be on the other side of the Galaxy and it'd still work. I'll deal with him, you don't have to deal with this alone anymore. Just… Fair warning, once pressed the button will start doing a 360 recording for records. It might catch things you'd rather not be seen but the more evidence we have the stronger the case you'll have."
Todoroki took the device, still in shock at all the care they were giving to this and nodded.
"...Thank you. I appreciate it. Whoever I face on that stage, may the best man win."
The teen said, finally walking off as the two looked at one another.
"Yeah, you're right. This society does have issues. A lot. Maybe I can help to change it, I don't know. I'll try."
Ben nods as he resists the urge to punch a wall.
"Yeah. I'll be cheering for you. I'm… gonna go take a walk among the clouds for a bit. Want to join me? Don't worry about being late I have my suit tapped into the stadium intercom."
He holds out a hand invitingly, clearly not wanting to be alone with his thoughts right now.
Izuku could tell when people were frustrated even if they were doing their best to hide it. It'd be a mistake to leave Ben alone with only his thoughts. He nodded and took Ben's hand with a smile.
"Sure. I'd love to."
Ben smiles gratefully as they were gone in a flash above the stadium as they sat on one of Ben's Mana constructs, one of his hands outstretched as he lays down, his shirt riding up a bit as he sighs.
"Thanks for coming with me. If you didn't I'd probably have gone to kick Endeavor's ass myself and screw the evidence."
"It's no problem. I wouldn't have blamed you. He'd deserve every hit regardless."
Izuku said as he turned to look at the stadium and all the people waiting for the tournament to start up again.
His mother was watching this from their apartment. He hoped he was making her proud.
"True but it'd make his case harder…. Though I suppose his willing cooperation isn't necessary. I could just show everyone his memories of the abuse if it wouldn't be triggering for Todoroki."
"Yeah, hopefully it all works out. He doesn't deserve any of what's happened to him."
Izuku said laying down on the construct with his hands behind his head, his shirt riding up a bit as well. Izuku has become more fit which was clear due to the outline of his six pack. Had to be fit in most cases if you wanted to be a hero.
Ben frowned as he put down his arm.
"I'm worried about what'll happen to him after. The news certainly wouldn't be kind with the shock that'd follow."
"Knowing the media here, I'm not surprised. Whatever may happen, we'll be there for him."
Izuku stared at the clouds as he let out a sigh. He wasn't that much closer to mastering One for All and everything it came with. He'd need more practice. A lot more. Though maybe his fight would help him realize a few things.
Ben grinned all of the sudden as he stood up and pulled Izuku with him.
"I just had an idea! Want to play air soccer?"
Ben asked as he formed a soccer ball from his suit held aloft by Mana as the pane they were on expanded to thrice it's size to form a field with two goals.
Izuku was shocked as he was pulled up by Ben but looked around and smiled. Air soccer huh? Why not? It could be fun.
"Sure, let's do this!"
It turns out Ben's distraction was exactly what they needed to cool down for the rest of the 45 minute break until the next round of matches, whereupon Ben teleported them back to the stadium with soccer ball in hand and a laugh in his voice.
Izuku laughed as well as he rubbed the back of his head. He was going up against Todoroki next. He wasn't entirely sure how this battle was going to go but he was going to give it his all.
Todoroki made his way through the halls of the stadium before feeling a large presence over him. His eye turned as he saw his father standing there with that same gleaming stare as always.
"What do you want?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to make sure you don't lose! I don't want you to continue to rebel against your destiny! It's gone on long enough boy. I've also heard about you not using your left side. Don't try to deny yourself. After all, you are half of me. Failure is unacceptable. So don't lose."
Todoroki stared at the taller male for a moment before glaring deeper.
"I'm going to do my best out there. Not because of your bullshit 'destiny' but because that's what I want to do. I'm not going to be your puppet and confine into what you want. Not this time. Regardless of whether I use my left side or not, I'm doing this for me. Not for you or your plans for me."
The teen finished off seriously as he made his way through the stadium as Endeavor simply glared at what he had just heard.
Once Todoroki was at his side of the arena he couldn't help but stare at the spectator seats he was just in, the supposed teleporter device burning a hole in his pocket.
Ben Tennyson… you really are something else. I hope I never have to use this and your words about his fire being my power… I know that's true but the thought of using it on others makes me colder than my ice half. Just the thought of someone getting burned like me…
He shakes his head as he glares to get back his concentration.
"No use in worrying about it now… it's not like I'll give Father the satisfaction."
The crowd cheered as the two were soon on the stage, staring each other down.
"WE'RE BACK WITH ANOTHER ROUND! These two heroes in training have both been front runners in the Sports Festival! IT'S MIDORIYAAAAA!"
He'll start with an ice attack. I've got to be smart about this. While I've made good progress with not breaking my body, I can't use it as much as I want.
"VERSUS...TODOROKIIIIIIII!"
With zero hesitation Todoroki sent out a massive wave of ice in order to win this as quickly as possible. The less he uses his Quirk the less likely he is to suffer from hypothermia.
Izuku immediately flicked forward, sending a powerful shock wave that destroyed the ice on impact. His fingers didn't hurt. Good. Izuku glared forward as he waited for the next wave of ice.
"WHAT'S THIS?! Izuku Midoriya has destroyed Todoroki's ice as quickly as he made it! Incredible!"
Shoto narrowed his eyes as he started to skate around the arena while sending spikes of ice from different directions with a foot that'd intermittently touch down to the floor randomly as he did so in an effort to pin Izuku into a corner.
Izuku panicked seeing all the spikes of ice heading towards him that would effectively put him into a corner. He did some quick thinking jumping into the air before feeling his feet land on a construct.
Izuku charged his fingers again before sending off another powerful shockwave towards Todoroki.
"Why don't you try it again with me like this?!"
This construct should be helpful against his ice attacks. I'm making good progress but even still...Todoroki's still not using his left side. I can't go all out if he doesn't!
Shoto almost smiled as he did something he was sure Izuku wasn't expecting. He jumped from his ice skating line onto the strange construct Ben and Izuku seemed to somehow share, if different colors and thickness.
"Like this?"
Shoto shivered out as he sent a near point blank ice wall to his foe intent on freezing him solid, a cold gleam of victory in his eyes.
Izuku's eyes widened at the ice that was coming towards him. Come on! Think! Think! Think! Izuku's eyes snapped forward before he felt himself descend.
The side of the construct he was on disappeared, causing him to fall to the ground. Dodged the ice but he wasn't stopping there. Izuku didn't hesistate as he flicked another incredible shockwave underneath Todoroki.
Shoto almost cursed as the construct he was on and the ice he made shattered like so much glass, forcing him up and up as he flew along with them. His eyes widened as he saw himself nearing the edge as he swallowed thickly.
No! I can't lose, not yet! I want to be the best, not for anyone's sake but my own!
He pulled a page from Bakugo's book as he out stretched his left arm to the exit of the boundary before unleashing a torrent of flames to rocket himself back to his previous position and a shocked Izuku.
As he corkscrewed he let out his ice as well, arms now out stretched to aim right at Izuku as a torrent of fire sped him ever forward from his left foot, effectively creating a drill bit of super hot steam with waves of ice and fire heading straight to Izuku.
Shit! What do I do?!
Izuku tried to think of something as he saw the drill of scorching steam with waves of fire and ice head straight towards him.
Should I try to dodge it? A construct wall? Try to power through it with my flicks? I can't lose no matter what!
The powerful, spinning amalgamation continued to hurdle towards him as he shook his head and sprung into action.
Izuku sent a powerful three fingered shockwave towards the attack before covering himself in a construct. If Todoroki's attack shoots through his shockwave, he can at least be protected.
Shoto grunted as he put more force behind his flames as he added a stream of ice to keep his body from overheating, effectively creating a cyclone of steam that pushed past the force of the attack as his arms broke. He let out a scream as he powered through it.
This is nothing compared to what I've lived through! Izuku I'm going to win!
With a massive explosion Shoto finally made contact with Izuku, the penetrating power of the attack more than necessary to shatter his armor even as thick as it was letting in super hot steam and ice so cold it burned that was quickly numbed by fire burning his nerves.
As the steam cleared Shoto wasn't doing much better, his arms were bloody masses from taking the brunt of the flick head on as he barely stood up from his attack, blood spilling from his mouth as he grinned at Izuku.
"Had…. enough?"
He asked as he panted barely able to keep standing.
Izuku grunted as the blood ran down his nose and he stared at his body. The hit did do a large number on him. He also was barely able to stand as well.
Izuku called for his Mana once more trying to heal as much as he could. His breathing was a bit better, he could stand a little easier, and the burns were faded but overall not much better.
"No! I'm not done yet! I'm not admitting defeat! Not against Kaachan! Not against you! Not anyone!"
Izuku called for his constructs once more before closing them tightly around Todoroki.
Shoto grunted as they squeezed the bloody things called his arms as he glared.
"Well too bad, I'll make you surrender to me! I haven't come this far to lose!"
With a grunt of effort he let loose a stream of both fire and ice, strong enough to crack it which Shoto capitalized on as he head-butted the construct to break it apart as he smirks.
"You know I've noticed something, whenever anyone breaks one of your constructs it puts a strain on you. I'm surprised you haven't been knocked out yet."
He says as he stumbles forwards and headbutts the dazed Izuku.
The teen grunted as he took the head butted causing him to be more dazed. His vision was blurry but he could see well enough.
"Yeah? Guess I'm stronger than I look!"
Izuku landed a punch to Todoroki's face. There was a crack as his nose broke and he blacked out momentarily before gritting his teeth and headbutting Izuku as hard as he could while trying to sweep his legs from under him with a trail of ice.
Izuku groaned in pain as Todoroki head butted him once more. Izuku jumped up forward and shot the ice beneath him with another powerful shockwave.
Endeavor watched the battle between the two and groaned in frustration and disappointed.
Damn it Shoto! This is pathetic! Having so much trouble against this boy! He's nothing! You had better win or losing will be the least of your concerns.
Shoto gritted his teeth as he tackled Izuku while letting out a stream of steam from his legs acting as thrysters.
Even though it hurt he grabbed hold of Izuku so he couldn't escape, planning to throw him past the boundary as they neared it.
Izuku grunted as Todoroki held onto him, flying them to the boundary. He struggled as Todoroki's grip was iron shut. If he was going down, he was taking Todoroki with him.
As they neared the boundary and he felt his grip on him loosen, he socked Todoroki in the jaw to daze him with a free arm and wrapped them both in a tight construct.
Shoto's eyes widened as it was too late to charge course and they both zoomed past the barrier of the arena ending in the first tie.
"HOLY SHIT! Something that hasn't happened much in the history of the festival! A tie! What a surprise! Given the two contenders, most would be sure this match would be one sided! Looks like Midoriya ain't so bad!"
The construct finally released letting the two go, allowing them to separate. Izuku coughed as he got to his knees and sighed. Well...it wasn't a win but it wasn't a total loss either.
Ben teleported to heal them a bit as he smiled.
"A great match you two!"
He says as he starts taking care of Shoto's ruined arms. Izuku sat down as he sighed.
"Hey Todoroki?"
"Yeah?"
"That was a good match."
"...Yeah."
Endeavor looked at the spectacle below him, pure anger growing on his face. His fist clenched as he gritted his teeth. How could this happen?! His son losing to this...this...nobody!
You have failed Shoto! And against garbage like this?! You won't go unpunished boy.
Once Shoto's arms were mostly fine Ben pulled him up gently with a construct.
"You should see Recovery Girl for the rest of it while I help heal Izuku. Oh, and don't worry about the button. You could throw a nuke at it and it'd still work just fine."
With that Ben started helping Izuku heal his injuries. Todoroki nodded and made his way back to the stadium entrance to find the Nursing Room they had given to the Recovery Girl.
He went to turn around the corner only to see his father standing there glaring daggers straight into him. Todoroki didn't back down as he only glared back.
"What? Got something to say?"
He shrugs.
"You should be glad I even used my left side."
With that he walked past him, not letting it show how scared he was of retaliation.
Todoroki felt his father's arm being placed on his shoulder causing his breath to hitch. His grip was as strong as ever.
He felt himself being pushed back against the wall as he tried desperately to not look bothered by his actions.
"You know I can't let you walk away without punishment Shoto. I told you to win and you lost to some punk kid who looks like he'd die on the spot if you glared at him hard enough. You're doing it again with this foolish rebellion from your destiny. I must correct that."
Shoto frowned at his father.
"In front of everyone? Recovery Girl will definitely wonder how I got burned so badly. In fact, go ahead and teach me my lesson. So I can use it against you and see you thrown in jail for the monster you are."
As Shoto said this both his sides lit up as he braced himself for retaliation, scared out of his mind that he wouldn't be able to reach the button in time.
Endeavor let out a scoff as he raised his hand, ready to 'discipline' Shoto as he had done multiple times in the past.
"HEY! Get away from him!"
Endeavor paused to glare at the brunette child.
"This doesn't concern you. Leave."
Ben glares right back, a look on his face that'd make most of his villains back home quake in fear. A pissed off Ben Tennyson is the stuff of criminal nightmares.
"People abusing children IS my business. It's everyone's business. Get away from him unless you want me to knock you out."
Endeavor let out a sneer at the teen. He had guts, he could admit that. He turned away from Shoto and put his full attention on Ben.
"Do you really think you can take me on boy? Do you know who you're talking to?"
Ben stepped forward as he briefly teleported to Shoto and brought him back as he activated the teleporter recorder. He made sure Shoto was behind him as his costume sprung to life.
"Of course I know who I'm talking to. The number 2 hero and chronic child abuser. As for taking you on, I could obliterate you if I wanted to but I won't. I'll make sure you remain alive to spend the rest of your days in prison."
Endeavor turned and saw Ben guarding Shoto behind him and scoffed. Who the hell did this child think he was?
The wings and cannon rematerialized as middle pods sprung from his back.
"Out of the way boy. I won't ask a second time. Shoto has failed to win a fight against a piece of useless garbage. He must be punished for it."
Ben chuckled as he did a come hither motion.
"Why don't you pull your head out your ass and make me old man. You'll only get to Shoto over my dead body."
To home in his point he caged them in a Mana construct with Shoto safely locked outside of their match.
Endeavor only glared hardly as his flames began to flare up at the defiance that he was being given. He was the 2nd best hero and he would not be talked down to by some teenaged brat.
Endeavor went to make a move to destroy the construct so he could deal with Ben and finally Shoto.
Shoto was his son and he wasn't going to let anything stop him from making it to his true destiny. Endeavor charged a flaming fist and aimed right at Ben.
The fist went through a hologram who tsked.
"You weren't paying attention to my fights huh? Well I suppose it doesn't matter because I didn't use this particular trick yet."
With that the hologram dispersed in a wave of paralyzing plasma as Ben gave him a upper cut, his form momentarily becoming visible on contact as the full force of the blow sent Endeavor through the ceiling and the multiple stories past that until he was free falling back down.
Ben teleported to meet him a chuckle in his voice as he fell along side him.
"What were you saying about Izuku being useless garbage? He certainly wouldn't have fallen for that. But that's neither here or there. This is about teaching you child abuse is wrong. Though I suppose I should do the proper thing and let you defend yourself. So… any justifications in that hothead of yours?"
Ben asked as he quirked his head to the side and halted their free fall as people rushed outside to see what all the commotion was about.
"What I do to discipline Shoto is none of your business! It is his destiny to surpass all others and become the new number one hero! After all, that was the reason he was born."
Ben nods.
"Ah yes, your Quirk marriage you mean. Where your treatment of your wife led to her mental breakdown and that 3rd degree burn on Shoto's face. Am I right on all accounts?"
Ben asked as he righted them up so Endeavor wasn't in danger of passing out from blood rushing to his head.
"She shouldn't have gotten in the way of Shoto's destiny. The only reason I married her in the first place was for a powerful offspring."
And that was the last nail in the coffin. There just wasn't any coming back from that.
Ben grinned viscously as a hologram of Endeavor damning himself was played.
"Music to my ears. Shoto you'll be happy to hear he spilled the beans."
That was the last thing Endeavor heard as Ben sprayed him with sleeping gas and let him drop to the floor 30 feet down as he teleported raising his hands up as other Pro Heroes were in fighting stances sans Aizawa and All Might who were looking at Ben expentently.
In answer Ben just played the full recording the teleporter beacon and his suit recorded.
All Might and Aizawa listened to the recording in shock and stared at Endeavor in anger and shock. They always knew he was a hothead but they never expected that from him.
All Might had looked the most distraught. While there was obviously that rivalry they had with him being number 1 and him being number 2, he hadn't thought it bothered Endeavor that much. So much that it caused him to do all of...this.
Ben quirks an eyebrow.
"So, where exactly is he going? Also Shoto I'm assuming you want this to be made public yes, or at least used in the upcoming trial?"
"Well considering you have the evidence, which you do, he'll be transported to a prison where even the 2nd best hero won't be able to escape. He wants to act like a criminal, he's going to be treated like one."
Aizawa said, rubbing the underside of his eyes as All Might nodded at this. Shoto turned to Ben and simply nodded.
"Of course. Anything that keeps him from seeing the light of day again...Thank you."
Ben shook his head.
"You've nothing to thank me for. Any other Pro would have done the same if they knew I'm sure. But…"
Ben bit his lip as his suit dematerialized.
"What'll happen to Shoto and his family exactly? I can't imagine the news treating this as delicately as it should. I'd offer my place for you to stay but it can only really fit two people and I'm not sure how many siblings you have."
"We can provide them with a new place but we'd need a trustworthy adult to watch over Shoto and the rest of his family. Shoto would be the most mature out of his siblings but that amount of stress and responsibility wouldn't be good for him."
Ben nodded.
"Yeah that's fair. I'd offer to help, especially since there's no telling if anyone would retaliate against his family for some twisted revenge against Endeavor, but I doubt that'd be acceptable since I'm only 15 too."
Ben snapped his fingers.
"But just because I'm not there in person doesn't mean I can't secure his safety. I'd just need a few days to make a forcefield for wherever he's staying. After that nothing short of a nuke will get past it once it's raised."
"That sounds like a plan. We just do need a responsible adult to look over him and his family. You have any ideas, Shoto?"
Shoto shakes his head still trying to process that he's finally free from his father.
Ben hums in thought before looking at Aizawa and All Might.
"Um… well I only really know a few adults well enough. You two and Ms. Midoriya but I don't know if she'd be up for it or even able to afford it."
Ben shrugs.
"I'm sure my mom would be up for it. We do have room and we'd be happy to help in anyway we can."
Izuku said with a smile to the double hair colored teen.
Ben grinned at that as he gave Shoto a one armed hug.
"Excellent! Though how would it work? I'm assuming she'd get government assistance for fostering them until they are adults but what about Endeavor's assets?"
"Endeavor is clearly undeserving of his assets which includes his money. Though he does have a private bank account for their savings and financing. We could remove his name from it as he won't be using any of it for a long time."
"Hmm I'm not sure how accurate this is but am I right that they wouldn't have access to it until age 18 with only limited access from Inko to help with whatever costs they need?"
"You would be correct Young Tennyson!"
Ben nods as he looks to Shoto.
"Hey, you doing ok? None of this has to happen immediately you know or at all if you're uncomfortable with it. But if you do decide to go with Inko I have first hand experience with her treating me like a son. She's a great mother."
"Yeah, there's no one else better. I would know considering how she's treated me since the beginning! She's great!"
"No, this is all great. I'm just still taking in the fact that I'm finally free from him. Thank you...both of you."
Ben grinned before blinking and looking sheepish.
"Oh, this won't interrupt the tournament right? I hope I wasn't kicked out for my bout of quasi vigilantism."
"Actually you are disqualified from the tournament. For your bout of vigilantism and certain other bits of information that you've brought to my attention. There was even the threat of expulsion but we've already decided against it. You can't get out of everything without a consequence."
Aizawa said in his tired tone to the teen.
Ben shrugged and nodded an easy-going smile on his face.
"Sure, I wouldn't have it any other way! No one should be above the law after all. Well… since none of us are in the tournament do we have to stay for the rest of the festival? I figured us 3 could use a bit of relaxation, especially Shoto. Oh! We could visit Inko so Shoto can get to know her!"
"It sounds like a good plan to me! I should call her actually."
Izuku said getting out his phone and dialing her number before her answering wondering frantically if he was alright.
"Mom, I'm ok. Haha. But I have something I need to ask you."
Izuku went over the details and what had happened to Shoto and his family and how their father was treating them.
As he expected, she was quick to jump on board with the idea. She was always amazing like that. She then whispered into the phone.
"Just remember you'll always be my favorite Izuku. I love you."
Izuku smiled at the sentiment and replied.
"I love you too mom."
Ben grinned as he laid a hand on each shoulder.
"Want to teleport there or do you want to have the time to think from normal travel Shoto?"
Ben asked with a quirked eyebrow, glad to know Inko was on board.
"I...While I would like to meet her greatly...There's just some things I need to do first. But thank you for the offer."
"Hmm anything you need us for? If you need some alone time that's ok too. You always have the button in case you need to contact me."
"No, it's nothing I need you for. Thank you all, especially you two. But this is something I've been putting off for awhile and I think I finally need to do it."
Ben nodded and teleported both Izuku and himself with a cheery wave. The moment they were in Ben's apartment he sighed and the smile slipped off his face as he collapsed on the bed.
"Damn it. I came here to be anonymous while Heroing. I hope they keep my name out of the news as much as possible. Did you see how the other Pros were looking at me? They were in shock that an academy student could topple the number 2 Hero."
"Well I mean, it's not something you see everyday. Don't worry though. Aizawa Sensei is usually good with privacy and all that. I'm sure you'll be fine."
Izuku said, sitting down on the chair and letting out a sigh.
"Oh I forgot to tell you this but lida was in a rush to leave sometime during the festival. He didn't get to tell me why but he looked like he was about to breakdown judging by his face."
Ben sat up a frown on his face as he pushed his worries aside.
"You think we should track him down to see if he's ok?"
"I mean just to ask him what's up. If he doesn't want to talk, we should give him his space."
Izuku answered, standing up stretching.
Ben nods before teleporting back to school and back to get a piece of his costume.
"It'll only take a moment to find him with this. Ah, actually do you have the tracking spell down Izuku? This would be good practice."
"I think so. Let me give it a try."
Izuku got himself comfortable and started manipulating his Mana in order to locate lida. His eyes glowed in comparison with his constructs and he started to float as well. He soon floated down onto the chair before opening his eyes.
"He's in Hosu, on his way to a hospital. Someone important to him must've gotten hurt."
Ben grinned as he returned the costume part before taking Izuku to Hosu.
"Any idea where the hospital he's at is?"
"It should be just up ahead and a turn to the right."
The two walked forward and taking the right before seeing the purple haired individual they were looking for.
"lida! Hey wait up!"
Izuku yelled, running up to him as he turned and smiled a sad smile seeing the two.
"Ah hello you two. What's up?"
"I think we should be asking you that. Are you ok? You ran in a bit of a hurry and you seemed sad."
Ben nods.
"Yeah, is everything ok? We thought we'd check up on you since we're both out of the tournament ourselves."
"Truthfully, I'm not sure if everything is alright myself. My...Tensei was attacked earlier today and was left in critical condition."
Izuku's eyes widened at this news. lida seemed clearly hurt by telling them this news.
"Your older brother?! Seriously? Do they know who did it?"
"They have a good idea. There's this man that's going around killing other heroes he deems...'unworthy'. I suppose he was distracted otherwise Tensei wouldn't be alive...Though this isn't much better. The Hero Killer is what they've been calling him."
lida explained to the both of them tightening his fist at all the emotions of anger, sadness, and hate that was swirling around inside of him.
Ben clenched his fist. He's heard rumors of him himself but he never left any evidence behind for Ben to track, though Ben definitely knew how he looked like thanks to Clockwork.
"Iida what's wrong with your brother and how long has it been since the attack? Did he leave behind any evidence?"
"He's...He's cut up pretty badly from his chest down to his legs and it's about four hours since the attack. The only evidence he had left behind was Tensei's body and the blood he had spilt from it."
lida got out as a tear escaped his eye and flowed down the side of his cheek. He couldn't believe this. His big brother is in critical condition.
"Is he missing any limbs? If he is I have a form that can put them back just fine but if he isn't I can heal him up good as new. I'd just…. Prefer as few people as possible know about the form I'll use since the less people that know the better. It's going to be ok though. Alright?"
Ben asked as he brushed away Iida's tear with a smile as he messed up his hair to distract him.
lida was of course willing to do anything to save his brother.
"...Thank you Ben. He's not missing any limbs but there's another problem. They had alerted me on the phone about it. The nerves and tendons in his legs were severed...he won't be able to walk even after they put him through surgery...Which means he won't be able to be Ingenium anymore…"
It wasn't fair. His brother was more than enough to be a hero. He was his hero. He didn't care if he didn't match up in the Hero Killer's stupid judgment, he was wrong. No one was a better hero than his older brother.
Ben shook his head.
"Maybe through surgery they wouldn't be able to do anything but I plan on rewinding his personal time to before he got hurt. 4 hours should be easy to do. Is he alone currently?"
lida couldn't believe what he was hearing but if there was a chance he had to take it. For his brother's sake and for his.
"Yes! He's currently alone in his hospital room. I was just on my way to see him."
Ben grinned as he motioned to the hospital.
"By all means lead the way. You can even stay to see the process if you like, it won't take long."
"Of course!"
lida led them through the hospital and towards Tensei's room. Of course he was frantic, his brother was in terrible condition and Ben perhaps had hopes for a cure for him.
Just hang in there big brother. You're going to be ok!
They soon got to the hospital room and entered in slowly. They all got a good look at lida's big brother and he wasn't looking good at all.
They all looked in sadness but especially anger for what the Hero Killer did to him. lida clenched his fist at the sight of Tensei.
I swear on it 'Hero Killer'...You're not going to get away with this! I'm going to kill you!
Ben frowned and flicked Iida's forehead.
"No thinking acts of vengeance. While I get the sentiment, he's clearly out of your league if he can do this to your brother. No use in possibly getting yourself killed. Besides…"
In a flash of light Clockwork stood in his mechanical glory, a German accent now in his voice.
"... it's not like he'll be like this much longer."
The screw on Clockwork's head began to spin counter clockwise before a green time ray shot out of his chest and hit Tensei. When it was gone he was as good as new as Ben transformed back.
"There, now Tensei is not only healed but 5 hours younger."
lida looked at his unconscious brother in awe as he couldn't stop the waterworks from flowing this time. He turned to Ben and gave him a tight hug for what he's done.
"Thank you...Seriously thank you."
Ben laughed and shrugged.
"It's no trouble. Anyone else would've done the same if they could. Though if you really want to repay me, don't go after the Hero Killer, let professionals handle it. Understand?"
lida nodded. He wasn't sure if he would be able to keep the promise, but he'd try. It'd be the smart thing to do.
"I'll try to stay out of it. But for now...I'd like to be alone with my brother."
The two teens nodded, saying their goodbyes and exiting the hospital room and soon enough exiting the hospital.
Ben's been helping a lot of people lately. Heh, he's like some miracle worker. It does put some things into perspective though. I haven't been doing much to help people since I've taken All Might's quirk. Well, I'll just have to try harder and help whenever I can. That's what a hero would do!
Ben grinned as he saw Izuku staring at him. He winked as he leaned in a bit flirtatiously.
"See something you like?"
The sudden wink and question caused the teen to blush and quickly explain himself.
"H-Huh? Oh-h no! I was just thinking about all the people you've helped and how I should be working harder to help others! Nothing like the other stuff! Haha!"
Izuku explained with a nervous laugh as he looked off to the side to try and save himself.
Ben chuckled as he ruffled his hair.
"I figured it was something like that. Though seeing as this Hero Killer seems to be more active I'll definitely be making more of those teleporter beacons I gave Shoto. If anyone in the class ran into him it'd be bad news."
Ben out stretched his hand to give one to Izuku.
"Here, just in case. I've even added a communication system that works with other beacons and my watch. One push and I'm there."
Izuku took the teleported beacon and smiled. Well this would come in handy.
"Thanks Ben. I appreciate it."
Hopefully I won't have to use it too much. I'd rather be a hero who can solve things on his own than one who constantly needs to call for others for help. Hopefully, I won't end up being a hero like that.
Ben sighed and flicked Izuku on the forehead.
"What have I said about relying on others hm? It doesn't make you any less of a hero. Sometimes the smart thing is to call for backup."
Ben pouts.
"If you do it again I might not invite you to my next game marathon."
"Please, like you'd ever do that. I'm a joy to be around."
Izuku snarked as he looked to the side with a smile.
Ben blinked and laughed as he clapped him on the back.
"Ohoho! I never knew Izuku could snark! Besides you shouldn't test my willpower! I know where your mother lives young man, and she'll definitely agree with back up being appropriate for certain situations!"
Ben poked him in the stomach with a grin.
"So you've been outvoted!"
"Well even still Ben, I'd just like to be a hero who doesn't need it all the time. That's all I'm saying. But hey, at least my hand wasn't broken today. A little strained though."
Izuku said as he kicked a rock forward as they continued to walk.
"We've been over that too silly. You've already done plenty of things without help."
Ben grinned as he walked backwards for a bit.
"You hungry? There's a ramen stand nearby."
"Sure. And I'm sure I have my poor self esteem ain't letting me see it so there's that."
Izuku joked as they continued to walk towards the ramen stand. Ben nodded as he turned around to walk forwards again with a sigh, hands in his pocket as he looked down.
"Yeah stuff like that is hard to overcome. It took me 6 years to overcome my inferiority complex tied to my flawed view of the watch making me a hero and not my actions."
"Six years?! I don't have that long! Well I mean I probably do but hey you never know what could happen."
The green haired teen joked as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
Ben laughed as he rolled his eyes.
"Why wouldn't you have 6 years? After all, I'll be staying here for a while. It's not like I'd let anything happen to you."
"Jokes don't always make sense. Sometimes it's just for the randomness of it."
"Oh. That was a joke? Huh. That wasn't all that clear."
"I was never someone to spill comedy gold so that's probably why."
Izuku said as they headed towards the ramen shop and ordered their meals. Izuku rested his head on the table as they waited.
Ben joined him with a laugh, staring into his eyes.
"You ok?"
"I'm fine. You think I did a good job in the tournament? Like anyone will want me as a sidekick?"
"Sure you did. A bit odd how your matches ended up as close quarters slugfests, but if anything it just shows how dedicated you are to your goals. Those hit to the balls must have hurt like hell."
Izuku blushed in embarrassment as Ben reminded him of that.
"I didn't mean to hit him there. Though the second time, I probably wanted to get him back a bit more than I should have."
Ben laughed as the food arrived.
"At least both of your rounds were entertaining."
Izuku chuckled at that as their food arrived and they began to eat. Izuku thought about those internships that they would be getting. He wondered about which one he should go to.
Anyone where Kaachan isn't at is a better option.
"I wonder how training with Aizawa is going to go..."
"He's probably not going to be pulling any punches. But to be fair, would his quirk even work on you?"
"It shouldn't? It only works on Quirks after all and I have none to use it on. It'll be interesting to see what he has in mind. He'd probably want to see all my forms but that'd take a while. I have more than a million after all and not all of them have actual combat powers, just biological quirks like being slippery."
"Oh you think All Might played his memories for the stadium?"
Ben nods.
"The tournament is wrapping up now actually. I'm pretty curious how this All For One looks and acts like. I could share it with you but I wouldn't want to ruin your lunch. Want me to air it anyway?"
"I mean you've told me some stuff about him. He's super powerful, has multiple quirks, can steal others' quirks, and he's extremely manipulative and smart. In other words, a Grade-A villain. Bad news."
Izuku said as he continued to slurp on his noodles before setting the bowl down.
"Well yeah, but knowing something is different from seeing it. If you want me to turn it off say so."
With that a hologram popped out of All Might handing the first place medal before starting his announcement, a grim look on his face.
"While I would love to end this festival with just smiles and happiness, I am afraid I have news to share with you all. There has been an attack on our students a little while back and while we are not completely sure, we're sure enough. I'm afraid that the attack is being coordinated and controlled by one mastermind. His name is All For One. An extremely dangerous and diabolical individual. But showing you would be better than my words."
All Might soon grasped the device Ben had given him and his memories soon began to be playing of the man. He was a rather...horrifying looking individual and the actions they saw the man commit was almost enough to make the two of them sick to their stomach.
As they viewed his memories of All For One it sent a ripple through the crowd as they looked on fearfully at his might and ruthlessness.
"As horrifying as it may be, we found it to be best that you all know than be unaware and shocked and fearful later. Worry not however! While he is an extremely dangerous individual, we are working to figure out his game plan and where he is! We figure if the world knows about his existence, this'll put a halt or at least a diversion in his plans. That is all. Thank you."
The hologram ended as Izuku rubbed his green hair back at what he had seen. Ben was right seeing was much different than hearing. All For One was definitely not someone to take lightly but even then it had him thinking. All For One's name was very simple to One for All. He'd have to talk to All Might about it.
Ben finished his ramen and stood up to stretch after paying for the both of them.
"I dunno about you but I'm exhausted from everything that's happened today. Want to head home?"
Ben asked as he held out his hand ready to teleport them to his apartment.
"Yeah, today's been a tiring day."
Izuku said, grabbing hold of Ben's hand and they were soon in his apartment.
"Well, I'm gonna have a few extra people in my home now. Can't wait."
The green haired teen said, sitting down in Ben's chair next to his desk.
"You sure they can all fit in there? If not anyone is free to share mine too it should be able to fit 3 people comfortably."
"We have room and Shoto can roommate me with me if he wants. Though I'd probably need to take down some of my All Might stuff. It'd save me the embarrassment."
Izuku sighed as he fell deeper into the chair to be more relaxed and comfortable.
"Hmm I suppose I can help you with that before I head to sleep if you want help."
Ben says as he yawns.
"No, you've done enough. Get some rest, I've got it. I probably won't be going to bed anyway."
Izuku said, standing up from the chair and dusting himself off.
Ben nods as his clothes change to night wear and he topples onto his bed, asleep before his head hit the pillow.
"See ya tomorrow Ben."
Izuku said before finally leaving his apartment and heading back to his. Though rearranging his room wouldn't be the only activities that Izuku would partake in tonight. Whatever may happen, he'll deal with it tomorrow. Time to do something risky.