Boom. Enjoy. Review.

"IT'S TIME LADIES AND GENTS FOR THE SEMI-FINALS! FOUR CONTESTANTS REMAIN BUT ONLY ONE WILL WIN IT ALL! ARE YOU READYYYYYY?" The audience throughout the stadium erupts into cheers or agreement. "THEN LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR THE FIRST TWO BOYS! HAVING FORCED HIS WAY IN HOLDING NOTHING BACK WITH A BIG BAD ATTITUDE THAT WILL BLOW YOU OFF YOUR FEET. GET IT, HAHA. GIVE IT UP FOR BAKUGOOOOOOOU!" Said teen is already on stage with his arms crossed awaiting his opponent. "AND FACING HIM IS THE BOY WHO'S FOUGHT THROUGH IT ALL FACING EVERY CHALLENGE GREATER THAN THE LAST AND OVERCOMING THEM ALL, WITH A POWER THAT CAN LITERALLY BREAK HIS ARMS... GEEZ SOMEBODY GET THIS KID TO A DOCTOR! IT'S MIDORIYAAAAAAA!" Out from the tunnel steps out the quirk inheritor with a determined expression.

He stops facing away from Bakugou. The two gazing at one another.

"Are both of you boys ready?" Both nod. "Very well then..."

I'll find the answer... in this fight! Bakugou makes a few explosions sound off from his fists as he focuses on Midoriya.

No matter what, I have to win! Not just for myself, but for everyone that's helped me get this far. All Might, watch me! Midoriya lower into a stance.

"Let the first round of the semi-finals... begin!" Midnight shouts throwing her hands down.

Bakugou surges forward rearing his signature right hook.

A right hook? That means!

Midoriya pivoting out of the way to reach out in an attempt to grab his arm only for Bakugou to whip it to the side blasting himself to the left.

"I'm not falling for the same trick twice!" He shouts blasting again towards Midoriya readying a blast. "

One for All: Full Cowling 5%! Jumping out of the way, Midoriya dashes all over the arena leaving Bakugou to look around only catching a green blur.

Jumping all over the place, Deku bombards the angry teen with a series of punches

"Just because you've gotten faster, doesn't mean you're better!" He he cocks both arms in front of him to snap them to his left at an incoming Midoriya.

With the little time he has, he raises his arms to cover his face as he's blasted away. Shaking his head, he hears the sounds of explosions draw near. Lifting up, he pushes himself backwards sliding to a halt as he avoids a punch.

"Who said anything about me better?!" Pumping with his inherited quirk, Midoriya rushes forward shifting from side to side avoiding Bakugou explosions before sending a straight punch which the angry teen blocks sliding back.

"So now you're acting like you don't even know?!" Bakugou roars with clenched fists as an explosion erupts from his location creating a smokescreen.

He's hiding himself? Then that means...!

"AP Shot: Auto Cannon!"

Out of the smokescreen, orange bullet-like blast fire in quick succession. Stunned only for a moment, Midoriya quickly ducks under the first to jump between left and right quickly approaching the smoke.

Because of his vision being obscured, he can't aim so he's firing in random directions!

The volley soon ceases as does Midoriya. Looking on he sees through the smoke a orange light emanate from the center.

"AP Shot!"

From the smoke bursts a orange concentrated beam-like blast much faster than the other.

I don't have time to dodge! Tch, Smash!

Raising his balled fist forward, Midoriya flicks a finger sending out a blast of wind meeting the attack as the two collide for a moment before the blast cuts through causing Deku to jump up out of the way.

Recoiling from the pain, he has no time to check himself as Bakugou, now visible, bursts towards the now airborne teen.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?!"

Raising his hand once more, Izuku readies to fire at Bakugou, his arm coursing with One for All.

I need to fire before he gets close!

"You focus solely only on what you see. You blind yourself from what is around you. Look all around you. Take in what moves when and for how long.

Why did...?

The sounds of explosions snap the successor from his thoughts as he focuses on the incoming human.

He's coming at me fast. His posture is the same- He stops having noticed something. His hands are at his side but his right arm is slightly in front with his left behind! Which means...!

"DIE!" Bakugou thrusts his right arm at Midoriya.

Deku flicks his finger to which Katsuki blasts himself upwards with his left palm over Deku's finger.

Coming down with his arm at the ready, Bakugou's smirk turns into a look of shock as he sees Midoriya with his finger seemingly unharmed aimed at him.

It's a feint! Smash!

What?!

Boom!

Kacchan is hit directly by the air bullet sending him higher and Midoriya towards the ground.

Quickly turning himself around, his eyes widen at the oncoming cement.

That's two. And this will be the third... Smash!

Firing another blast of air, Midoriya slows his descent landing safely on the ground.

"AP Shot: Auto Cannon!"

Snapping his head up, Deku lays eyes to a shower of orange volleys descending upon the arena.

Surging with Full Cowling, he jumps across the arena voiding the hailing blasts.

"Fine! Try dodging... THIS!" Bakugou roars from above.

"What now?!" Deku retorts standing from a rolling having avoided,the last of the shower.

His eyes widens as Kacchan fires a widespread blast easily covering the whole. Face quickly beginning to sweat from the heat, Midoriya grips his fist. Red veins visible as he lowers into a stance rearing his fist back.

SMAAAAAAASSSHHHHH!

Punching with all him might above him, the attacks battling for dominance before both cancel each other out resulting in a plume of smoke.

"Ack!" Deku gives a cry of pain holding his fucked up arm as it shows a reddish color.

"Where are you looking?!"

Raising his head, he is met with a punch from the descending blonde knocking him off his feet sliding to his back.

"I'm not done with you!" He jumps above Deku extending a blast-filled palm strike.

The greenette gritting his teeth through the intense pain as he quickly rolls out of the way to get back on his feet. Bakugpu chasing at him with a series of blasting punches. Midoriya doing his best to dodge but Bakugou remains close on him. Clipping the freckled teen every now and then.

Midoriya takes a giant leap back. The moment he lands, Bakugou blasts himself forward to which Midoriya jumps under himself passing the teen making space between them.

With both boys on at opposite sides of the arena, they look to one another. Panting heavily, Midoriya can only stare at his opponent.

He's relentless... I need to find an opening. But how...?! No, calm down. Think. I have one busted arm and one good one. What can I...

The group of five students consisting of Relon, Momo, Kanao, Nunu, and Midoriya can be seen in Gym Gamma readying themselves for their training. It's been a week since they've started their group training and so far, things have been going smoothly.

"Alright, let's get to work. What do you two want to work on today?" Nunu asks, the five regrouping into a circle.

"Hmm, I can't think of anything at the moment." Momo answers.

"What about you, Midoriya?"

"Me? Um, let me think..." He goes into thought for a moment.

At first nothing comes to mind, but he notices Relon playing with one of his cards spinning it atop a finger. Looking back at all he's seen Relon do, an idea comes to mind.

"I got it!" He says with a snap.

"Oh? What do you have in mind?" Kanao asks.

"I was thinking of a kind of super move. Lucinance has a few he does with his cards from what we saw back at the USJ so maybe learning one could give me the edge in battle when I need it."

"You're referring to signature attacks heroes use in the heat of battle, correct?" Momo asks to receive a nod from Deku.

"Yeah! All Might is known for having a number of them. Each different and unique."

"How can a punch of punches be different let alone, unique?" Nunu asks.

"Well, you see. Not every punch is the same. Each of his 'State attacks' have a different effect both visually as well as physically."

"Such as?" Kanao asks.

"Well a few examples are his Detroit Smash and Carolina Smash. The first attack is where he punches at 100%. The sheer amount of power put into it is capable of creating wind pressure so great it can change the weather! As for the other, folding his arms into an "X" shape and diving toward his target, he uses the momentum from his movement and releases extreme force through a double chop attack."

"He really is a hero nerd." Nunu mutters getting Ann elbow from Relon. "My bad. Didn't mean to come across as offensive."

"No, it's fine. Being called a nerd isn't so much an insult as it should feel like. If anything, it feels like a compliment because calling me that is like you're admitting to me being smart if that makes sense."

"When you put like that, I have to agree with you, Midoriya." Momo acknowledges.

"Okay, so what kind of special move do you have in mind?"

"Honestly, I haven't even thought of the idea of one yet. Considering I'm still getting used to Full Cowling."

"If you think about it, your Full Cowling could technically be a super move of its own. But we're looking for something with more... mmff.

"Considering your quirk is a strength enhancer type, a simple move would resemble say a combination of attacks. Maybe a flurry of quick, but powerful strikes?" Kanao suggests.

"Hmm..."

All five students fall into thought before Relon gazes at Midoriya. The inheritor quickly taking notice.

"What is it?"

Slipping a card out, Relon hands it to his friend.

'Why not implement your feet?'

...

...

Here we go again. Relon silently chuckles as they all watch the destructive quirk user squat down and begin mumbling pulling out a small notepad from his pocket.

Page after page is filled within seconds as Midoriya vigorously writes down any and all ideas coming to mind.

"Should we...?" Momo begins looking to her training mate.

"No, let him be." Nunu answers. "A guy like him should be left alone during these kinds of things. I think it's called a Brain Blast ir something."

"DONE!" Deku shouts jumping to his feet surprising all but Kanao who just raises an eyebrow tilting her head at his declaration.

"So have you come up with an idea?" Kanao asks.

"Yeah. At least a few rough drafts. More so on a new fighting style but nothing on a super move."

"So all that writing was on a fighting style?" Momo asks. "That is rather impressive for how much you wrote."

"Haha, thanks. But now I know one thing.

"What's that, Midoriya?"

"I can always rely on Lucinance for advice!" He answers, his eyes gleaming with sparkles causing to Relon silently chuckle rubbing his head. "He is the one that helped me develop Full Cowling afterall."

"He did? I had no idea." Momo comments. "When was this?"

"Two days ago." Midoriya answers, both Nunu and Momo snapping their heads with wide eyes to Relon as if confirming this to be true.

Once again, all the mute protagonist can do is rub his head.

Yeah... definitely one hell of a day, haha...

"A lot happened Sunday huh, Shinn?" He nods. "Helping out Midoriya and getting together with Yaoyorozu." Relon's only answer is a shrug of his brows.

"But using my feet to attack... Honestly, I'm surprised that never crossed my mind. I feel kinda dumb for not thinking of that sooner."

"There's no need to be. It's only natural for one who just obtained their quirk to be prioritizing over one topic at a time." Kanao explains.

"Someone who just obtained their quirk?" Momo repeats with a confused expression.

"Hmm?" Is all that comes from Nunu.

Both turn from the female remnant to the green boy who now hokds a shocked expression. His stunned demeanor set on Kanao.

"H-how did you...?"

"Your injuries from Shinn saving you back at the USJ. Before you comment; no, that isn't enough to tell. Yet, from watching you train this week, the signs were obvious you were still learning how to fully control it."

Everyone is silent at her words. Relon simply nodding in agreement as the three just stare dumbfounded. Nunu being the first to recover followed by Momo who turns quickly to Midoriya still looking at the remnant.

"You entered the entrance exam with a newly acquired quirk, didn't you." She says, her tone more of a statement of disbelief than a question.

He remains silent. His only answer is a gulp. All Momo needs to put a hand to her forehead.

"Gotta say, Midoriya, I commend you for that. That takes guts." Nunu says placing his hands on his hips.

"I don't even know what to say to something like that." Momo comments.

"Nothing really to say. What I do say is we get a move on with training. Shall we?" Nunu suggests looking around.

"I have no objections." Kanao voices followed by a nod from Relon.

"Yeah, let's do it."

"That is why we're here, I suppose." Momo sighs.

She feels a hand place itself on her shoulders. Turning, she sees Relon giving a knowing smile. One which she gladly returns.

"Alright then. Midoriya and Yaoyorozu, either of you have any ideas for a super move."

"As far as a special move, I do not." Momo answers first. "Though I do have something else in mind I am still working on."

"Alright then. You said you had a kind of rough draft, Midoriya?"

"Oh, well I was thinking something that maybe would throw my opponents off-guard. Sort of like a feint. Since no one in Class A has seen me use my legs, it'll give me an advantage if I get far."

"When, you mean." Nunu corrects

"Huh?"

"When you get that far. Is what you meant, right?"

Midoriya's green eyes widen as he looks around, all his friends giving him supporting smiles.

"Everyone... Right! Let's get to work!"

With a resounding cheer, they all began their training.

That's right! Just like in my fight with Todoroki at the end.

He lets go of his bruised arm doing his best to endure the pain.

I just have to get an opening...

As if to finish his thoughts, Bakugou begins running forward blasting back to back explosions before shooting himself forward.

Feeling the familiar power course through his now visible red veins, Midoriya takes off, his bruised arm flailing behind him with the other moving back and forth.

"Why are you running, you damn nerd?! Didn't you say you'd beat me?! So stop running!" Bakugou roars firing more blasts for Deku to narrowly dodge.

The two seeming to play a game of cat and mouse all over the arena.

"I said..." He fires another blast.

This one making contact with Midoriya's damaged arm causing the boy to jump out of the way sliding on his side. He twitched his arm, the searing pain evident as blood drips down to the cement.

"STOP RUNNING!" Snapping his head up, Deku takes sight of Bakugou coming at him.

Doing the only thing he can think of, he rolls away for Bakugou to follow taking ahold of the back of his injured arm and punching the freckled teen in the gut.

"Gak!" Izuku coughs up saliva and some blood as he is blasted at point blank away sliding to a halt on his back.

"Come on you shitty nerd! Where is that confidence from earlier?" He barks, hands sparking with mini explosions as he nears to.

In response to his call out, Deku's body twitches before slowly getting back on his feet, arms and head hanging down in the front as he pants. His hair concealing all but his mouth. A mouth with a grin.

Katsuki's eyes twitch as he tightens his arms, his explosions increasing as he grits his rows of teeth against one another.

"What... the fuck... is so damn funny, Deku?!" He seethes with narrowed eyes.

Raising his head, his green eyes meets the ash blonde's red.

"Nothing's funny. It's just you really are amazing, Kacchan." His confession causes the teen's narrowed eyes to widen.

His childhood bully doesn't respond. Only looking on with his glare.

"Always getting stronger and stronger. The longer I know you, the farther you seem to get. You've become even stronger since the last time we fought. The gap just keeps getting bigger I suppose." Deku let's out a pained chuckle.

"...Shut up."

He immediately stops to look to Bakugou. The teen now shaking profusely.

"I mean, this is you-

"I SAID SHUT UP!" A huge explosion goes off silencing the freckled teen, the smoke clearing revealing Bakugou. "I've had enough of your lies!" He blasts off straight at Midoriya, the sudden attack catching the boy off guard as he raises his good arm to block but is too late as he's punched.

Staggering back, he looks back to see Bakugou.

"Always looking down on me since we were kids!" He extends his palm forward creating a flash blinding the boy as his eyes dilate before being blasted at point-blank.

Placing his arms behind him, he rockets past the flying Midoriya stopping him with two hands before blasting him once more as he slides to the ground.

"I never asked for your helped not once! SO STOP FUCKING PRETENDING, YOU DAMN NERD!" He shouts at the top of his lungs huffing in repetition.

"You're... wrong... Kacchan!" Looking over, he sees Midoriya, slowly stand. "Each and every word." He stands hunched over on wobbly legs. "I mean them! Just as I said back at the battle training and just like what I said before we started this fight!" He shouts back standing back up with clenched fists. "I meant all of it!" The power he's become so familiar with courses through his body as he surges forward.

Unbeknownst to Midoriya, he was to caught up in his own emotions he failed to realize his increase in power from 5% to 6%.

He's gotten faster!

Before he has a chance to react, Deku delivers a punch straight to the side of his face sending him careening to the other side of the arena right before the out-of-bounds line.

"That includes winning!" Raising his head, his eyes glow a vibrant green.

"Don't get so full of yourself!" Bakugou roars blasting off as Deku does the same.

Bakugou blasts forward, a orange streak racing forward as Midoriya does the same, any visibility of him lost as all anyone can ,ale out is a green streak of electricity.

"I'll show you my everything starting right!"

"Graaaaaah!"

Both boys approach one another, hands at the ready.

"So Lucinance, any ideas?"

Relon gains a thinking posture. He suddenly snaps his fingers jogging to the storage room and pulling out a training dummy.

"I guess he does." Momo answers.

He finishes setting up the dummy to turn to the others motioning for Midoriya to come closer which he does.

Backing up he takes a stance extending his hand reinforcing the dummy with energy. Rocking his head back and forth, he waits for a moment before rushing the target. Delivering a series of punches, he kick flips off of it to land on the ground before, launching himself for the dummy.

Another punch?

Rearing his hand back he extends it to the target's face. At the last moment, he angles himself forward placing his hand on the ground as he pivots his body with his back to the dummy before swinging the heel of his foot upwards. Connecting with the chin, he launches the target upwards.

No, a feint!

Flipping over back to his feet, Relon jumps high into the air past the rising target to deliver an axe kick at the abdomen sending the target shooting for the ground ending in a small burst of dust.

Relon falls back to the ground as he and the others observe his work. The training dummy completely intact with cracks in the floor.

"That was awesome!" Midoriya exclaims, eyes sparkling.

"Been a while since I've seen that." Nunu comments as they walk over.

"Wait, so that's one of Relon's techniques?" He nods.

"Back at that hell of a place, we had to call home, we had to learn hand-to-hand combat which basically is where we gained our fighting styles. And where Shinn here gained that monstrous leg strength."

"So what's the name of it?"

"What makes you think it has a name?" Kanao wonders.

"Well, every super attack you guys have used, which by the way you have a few already which is incredible, you've always announced it."

The three look between one another before chuckling.

"It's a habit we picked up as kids. As you can see, it remained." Kanao explains.

"But to answer,your question, yeah it does." Nunu follows after.

Relon stomps on the ground.

'Rising Heel Drop.'

"Simple name. I like it." Momo comments gaining a cheeky smile from her boyfriend.

'This was a go-to move I relied on a lot. At least until I started using my cards then I found no real need for it.'

"Alright, so from what I could tell, it's not a flashy move but a technique that throws off your opponent to deliver massive damage. Correct?" A firm nod comes from Relon as he steps on the floor again.

'During my training, I found I liked kicking more than punching so I wanted something that would end a fight instantly. This move was the result. Something that comes out of nowhere.'

"That fits your fighting style to a 'T' if you asks me." Midoriya chuckles.

"You're right about that. Let's get to work shall we? First up, adjusting to the change in power." Nunu states. "Since you've been using nothing but punches, before you start on this, you should get accustomed to kicking."

"You follow after All Might's style, correct?"

"Yeah, so this will definitely be a change of pace."

"Let's get started then. Easiest way to learn is through combat. As we fight, I'm sure you being the brainiac you are will find a style as we go. So. Who do you wanna spar against?" Nunu finally asks.

"... Huh?"

"Who do you want to spar against? You got four choices right here. Choose one."

"Oh. Um, lemme think for a second."

Who should I choose? Nunu is focuses more upper body than lower and with more than likely throw me around like a ragdoll once he gets into it. Kanao is agile and her attacks,may not be as strong as Nunu's but she is much faster. Yaoyorozu doesn't have much combat skill without her staff. So that just leaves...

"I choose Lucinance."

"Dang it." Nunu mutters.

Nodding in agreement, he jumps back as the others back up.

"Alright Lucinance-sensei, thanks in advance!" Midoriya calls out in a stance.

One minute later

"Ack!" Deku gasps colliding with the hard ground.

Landing cross from him is Relon.

"Well he lasted longer than I thought." Nunu states.

Walking over, Relon extends a hand which Midoriya takes lifting himself back to his feet.

"This is going to be a long day, huh?" A simple nod is his answer.

He stomps the ground for Midoriya to read.

'Once you're able to better utilize your legs, doing the technique will be a lot easier than it seems. Just remember these steps.

Clenching his fist, he throws it out to meet Bakugou's.

Step 1: Feint the first attack!

The moment before impact, he tilts forward swinging his leg around to Bakugou's surprise.

Step 2: Pivot and catch the opponent!

He pivots twisting his heel to slam into the chin up Bakugou.

Step 3: Send them flying with everything you have!

Flicking his heel, he slings Bakugou upwards.

Step 4: Follow through! Don't lose momentum and chase the target!

Flipping back onto his feet, Midoriya launches himself upwards past Bakugou reaching the highest point in the air.

And finally step 5: Kick them with all your might!

WHAM!

Rising Manchester Smash!

Delivering a axe kick into Bakugou's stomach, he kicks the blonde back downwards as an explosion erupts down below. Free falling to the ground, he covers his face as the air pressure from the explosion sends him back safely landing once again.

That explosion... Did I... do it...? He wonders panting.

Young Midoriya, you've been holding back something like this the whole time?! All Might thinks standing in disbelief.

"Midoriya did it!" Momo exclaims from the infirmary room, Relon simply grinning at the mention.

"Whoa, since when did Midoriya use his legs?" Kirishima wonders aloud.

"It must have been during our two weeks of training." Tokoyami suggests.

"To think he had something like this up his sleeve, that's rather impressive." Shoji inquires.

"But is Bakugou down for the count or what?" Kaminari asks with interest.

His training has finally paid off. To think he succeeded in it when the time truly mattered. Well done, Midoriya. A smile forms onto Kanao's face.

The smoke clears to see Bakugou lying on the ground on his stomach. Taking a step, he approaches but stops as Bakugou raises a hand turning over as he holds his chest.

"Since when... did you use your... legs...?" He demands slowly getting back up. "No matter... I'm still... going... to beat you!" He roars getting to his feet in a quick motion hunched over with aching palms at the ready.

At the last moment, he used his explosions to lessen the impact...

"Kacchan... You really are amazing. But even so... I'm still going to win!"

"I'd like to see you try, nerd!" He raises his hands firing two large explosions on after the other.

Taking off to one side of the arena, he dodges the first before running to the other side and then towards Katsuki. Once more, he fires a widespread explosion to which Deku jumps clear over as he rockets to Bakugou, leg extended.

"I meant what I said, Kacchan!" Raising his hands, Bakugou prepares to fire.

Damn it, I don't have enough time! He crosses his arms has the force of Midoriya's kick connect launching him back.

Quickly rolling back up, he looks to see Deku upon him.

"That includes my new Shoot Style!" He jumps spinning in the air to deliver a heel kick which Bakugou narrowly avoids leaning back, the sole of the greenette's shoe mere centimeters from Bakugou as the ash blonde raises a hand delivering a point-blank blast sending both back.

My direct hit didn't make it in time! Bakugou curses to see where Deku is as he watches the nuisance slide to a stop only to blitz towards him.

"IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

"DEKU!"

Both release a shout as Midoriya meets Bakugou with a kick aimed for the side of the boy's head which is successfully blocked. Bakugou readies to counter but sees Izuku's sudden footwork as he attempt to read the attack only to be punched clean in the jaw.

"Where are you looking?!" Midoriya delivers another punch to then spin about to unleash another kick but is caught by Bakugou.

"Don't get full of yourself!" He swings the boy around and around to release him as he skids to the ground quickly recovering to already have an explosion meet him.

Wasting no time, he lunges at the explosion flicking a finger cancelling out as he propels himself like a missile to the blonde.

"AP Shot!" The enraged boy bursts a orange concentrated beam-like blast directly at the quirk inheritor.

With gritted teeth, Midoriya tucks in his fist, red veins appearing on his body.

SMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!

He punches forward colliding with the beam as an air field from the pressure behind Deku over takes him and an orange explosive field Bakugou's attack as both push towards the other.

"DIIIIIIEEEEE ALREADY!" Bakugou roars increasing the power as Midoriya touches the ground pushing back with all his might as he slowly is pushed back heading for the out-of-bounds line.

"I told you... didn't I...?"

"Give yourself some credit. You've come this far because of your skills, not luck."

I bet you did awesome, Uraraka. Rest up. I'll win my match against Kacchan for the both of us!

"Give Bakugou a few hits for me."

"I don't plan... on losing!" With a newfound strength, he takes a step forward. "Lucinance, Nunu, Kanao, Yaoyorozu, Todoroki. Everyone's rooting for me and I refuse to let them down!" He bellows taking another step.

This nerd...!

"Hey, are you alright?" A young Midoriya asks extending a hand.

"We used to be so close when we were kids and then a crack formed creating a gap between us and it only got bigger and bigger distancing us. I was always envious of you because I couldn't wait to get my own. I'll show you the fruits of my labor by beating you!"

I refuse to believe any of it...! There's no way! There's no goddamn way!

In an instant, Midoriya pulls away from the beam with his arm, his glowing eyes making contact with Bakugou's. Both showing the same determination refusing to be handed a defeat. With his hand resonating with power shaking profusely, he launches it.

"SMAAAAAAAASSSSHHH!"

He breaks through the piercing beam punching it back at Bakugou. Widening he dives out of the way narrowly avoiding it.

"Ack!" Deku cries out as now both arms are, to be honest, fucked up.

"There's no way in hell..." Midoriya winces looking to his opponent. "That I'll lose to you of all people!" Veins becomes noticeable on his arms and a tic mark appears on his forehead as Bakugou's hands crack with explosions.

Reading the situation, Midoriya discards his attention from his arms as he launches himself high into the air before propelling himself towards Bakugou with a flicked finger from both hands.

This next attack will decide it! Both boys think.

Katsuki takes to the air as he begins using explosions to propel himself in a circular motion to create a tornado.

Rearing back his injured fist, both approach one another.

"You're nothing but a punching bag!"

"Well thing punching bag hits back!"

"Howlitzer.../Saint Louis..."

You really are amazing, Kacchan. Refusing to give up until the very end. That's one of the reasons I admire you so much. All Might may represent the type of hero I aspire to be but you Kacchan... represent the image of victory! And I refuse to go down... without giving it my all!

At the last moment, he shifts swinging a roundhouse just as Bakugou extends a glowing palm.

"IMPACT!/SMAAAAAAASSHHH!"

At first there is nothing. And then...

BOOOOOOOOOM!

A huge explosion encompasses the arena as smoke covers the arena down below.

"A HUGE EXPLOSION ERUPTS FROM THEIR ATTACKS AND WE CAN'T SEE A THING! IS IT OVER? IF SO, WHO'S REMAINING?!" Mic shouts.

Midnight gets back to her feet rubbing her head as she fans the smoke from around her as everything comes into view.

"The winner is..." She begins as it fully clears for all to see.

The stadium itself completely destroyed and sliding down against the walls are both Midoriya and Bakugou. Both falling to their side as they lay motionlessly. Rubbing her eyes to make sure she's seeing right, Midnight hurries to Midoriya and then Bakugou. She heads to the middle of the destroyed field where rubble lies.

"Both Midoriya and Bakugou are unable to continue! Which means neither advances to the final round!" Midnight announces with raised hands.

"Wait, then that means...!" Mina starts looking to Kanao.

"Lucinance and Nunu's match will be the final match." Jirou finishes also looking to Kano, the latter simple giving a small nod.

"Are you sure you're okay with Lucinance fighting?"

"Yes, I am. He's my brother after all. I have faith everything will be fine. Should something happen, I'll take action."

"They tied." Momo comments as Relon sits up from her lap pillow, both looking to the television. "So that means, your match with Nunu will become the final match of the sports festival." He's unresponsive as he stands to his feet. "You're going?" He gives a nod turning back to her. "Be careful and go get him!" She pumps a fist.

Walking to her, her cheery look takes on confusion.

"What are- Mm!" She's silenced by his lips connecting with hers.

Quickly overcoming the shock, she returns the affection wrapping her arms around him. After a minute, they break looking to one another smiling with blushes.

"What was that for?"

He pulls out a card pressing his forehead against hers as he closes his eyes as he places the card between their hands.

It's my thanks for all you've done for me. I'd be having a mental breakdown a lot more if it wasn't for you so thanks, Momo. I owe you a lot.

She shakes her head slightly nudging his forehead with hers.

You don't owe me anything, Relon. We're here for each other, remember? He gives a small chuckle.

Yeah, you're right.

So, was that the only reason why you decided to kiss me?

Eh, well, uh... He sighs composing himself as he hears his girlfriend chuckle. That and I felt like it since we haven't done it since the whole USJ disaster. He rubs the back of his head averting his eyes as his cheeks darken to a vermillion color. Is that so wrong?

He feels a hand gently clasp itself against his face as his eyes draw back to Yaoyorozu for her lips to plant themselves against his before parting.

Is it wrong that I wanted to kiss you just now?

Well, no.

Then there's your answer. Now get going. I'm sure Recovery Girl isn't going to heal Midoriya with those wounds.

He begins to step away, their touch lingering before they lose contact. He nods turning to opening the door looking back one last time before taking off. Minutes pass and he reaches the tunnel to be met with Midoriya and Bakugou being carried on stretchers along with Recovery Girl.

"Mr. Reckless, you truly live up to your title! Do you know that?"

WHACK!

Relon flinches as the nurse bops Midoriya on the head with her cane.

"Ouch! S-sorry. Did everything I say back in the infirmary room go in one ear and out the other? Well?!"

"I... No ma'am."

"Then why on earth did you do this? Both arms and a leg are in TERRIBLE condition! What were you thinking?" She demands hitting the ground with her cane, the other nurses carrying the two boys sweat nervously.

She is about to continue her rant but stops noticing Relon approach. She can only sigh.

"You should count yourself lucky, no blessed, that this lad has better healing properties let alone is willing to heal you. If I was him, I wouldn't. Hmpf." She walks away to Bakugou.

Entering Eramsus Mode, Relon's hand gains white circuit-like markings as his black eyes become pure white as well as his right arm as it radiates a white glow. He motions for the nurses to lower Midoriya which they do stepping back as he crouches down.

"S-sorry, Lucinance. I-I..." Relon holds up a hand motioning to hush Midoriya as he places his glowin palm on his friend's torso. Slowly, the familiar warm sensation courses the successor's body as everyone watches in awe as his burn marks and bruises cease to exist and his distorted arms and leg return to normal as if they were never damaged.

He steps away as he watches Midoriya blink a few times before lifting himself back to his feet.

"I owe you one." Relon shakes at this.

"I swear." Recovery Girl mutters as the two look to her. "Is this how it's going to be? You fight all careful until you have to go all out for the laddy next to you to come to your rescue? You really need to watch out for yourself young man. He won't always be there to help you nor will I as I've stated before. Keep this in mind."

"A... Yes ma'am."

"Good. Now then, I take it you'll take care of this stubborn boy over here as well?" She gestures to Bakugou.

"I don't... need help... old hag!"

"Shut up. My goodness, you youth are so troublesome and stubborn. I'm going to ease this headache." With that, she and the nurses leave trying to calm the short pro hero down.

Relon and Midoriya nervously chuckle as Deku stops which Relon notices.

"She's right though. She won't heal me anymore because of my recklessness. That's why I was so relieved and excited when you helped be create Full Cowling. And I can't rely on you to always be there to back me up. I have to get stronger so I don't have to rely on my friends when it really counts."

That's why we're here. Midoriya raises his head to look to Relon. We're here to get stronger so that when the time comes, we'll win with the hopefully the best of outcomes. You're getting stronger. Your fight proved that. It's only a matter of time now. The same goes for you Bakugou. Relon turns to Bakugou as he walks over crouching down.

"Shut the hell... up... I don't... need... your..."

Coming from the guy who can't even talk right. If you say you don't need my help, then you would have won but you didn't. You tied so get the hell over it. He presses a hand down as Bakugou's wounds quickly disappear.

He steps back next to Midoriya as they watch Bakugou set himself up gazing over his body before getting to his feet.

"What the hell are you two looking at?" He sneers putting his hands in his pockets.

Waiting for you to man up and get over yourself.

"The fuck did you say?!"

"L-Lucinance, what are you saying?!"

Something that needs to be said. Because if someone doesn't, than neither one of you will truly advance forward.

"I don't want to hear some dumbass speech from a bastard who refuses to speak!" He barks back.

My reasonings for not talking are a completely different matter than the issue between you and Midoriya. You know that.

"Tch. Fuck this, I'm out." He turns to leave but a card goes past his face as it expands blocking the path as well as the entrance to the arena. "You bastard, you wanna go?!" Bakugou turns around marching to Relon, palms at the ready as they crackle with miniature blasts.

Midoriya looks between the two in complete shock trying to process what's happening. Bakugou stops right in front of the remnant as the blonde glares at the card-user.

We both know at your current level, you don't stand a chance. Especially against me in this form.

"Say that again! I dare you."

"Lucinance, just let him go! We shouldn't anger him!"

All I'm asking is we talk things out. The sooner we do, the sooner I'll let him leave.

"There's nothing to talk about! And why the hell do you want to talk to me?! We don't even have anything to do with each other!"

That's where you're wrong.

"The hell does that mean?" He growls.

Wouldn't you like to know.

"Bastard!" Bakugou lunges forward, an explosion erupting as the tunnel is filled with smoke as Midoriya slides down the hall raising his recovered arms up.

Soon the smoke clears as Midoriya widens his eyes seeing the sight before him. Bakugou's hand inches from Relon's face seeming to not have any trace of even a scratch as his glowing hand grips Bakugou's hand by its wrist.

There's your one hit. Here's mine. Before Katsuki can react, a foot kicks him in the abdomen shooting him down the hall like a bullet to connect with the slamming against the card.

Midoriya stares with his mouth hanging at what just happened. Relon begins walking to the teen wheezing for air. He stops before him staring at the teen.

"Stop it...!" Bakugou growls tightening his fists. "Don't you dare look down on me just because you're different!" He roars snapping his hand up about to fire but it is kicked upwards as he is then kicked in the face followed by Relon grabbing him by his collar lifting him and pinning the angered teen against the wall.

Stop assuming shit, you idiot! Relon shouts telepathically, his altered voice silencing the teen as he looks just stares wide-eyed along with Midoriya. I don't know the history behind you and Midoriya and I sure as hell don't want to. Yet it's pretty obvious you guys were close at one point but something happened that changed. My only guess is that based off of Midoriya being a late bloomer, that's the cause. Right or wrong? He turns his head back to Midoriya who jumps at the question being directed to himself.

"Y-yeah."

"What's your point?" The Bak hisses.

My point is that you've looked down on someone because they were quirkless for a time but now that isn't the case. So here's my question; why the hell do you still treat him like a piece of shit?! Relon shoves him against the wall once more letting go of the blonde as he backs away pointing to Midoriya. What the hell did Midoriya ever do to you, huh?

"You wanna know? I'll tell you! Ever since we were kids, that nerd has always looked down on me!" He shouts pointing to Deku with a shocked expression. "Always pitying me even after I got my quirk, of course I'd hate him! Who wouldn't?! Treating me like a victim!"

"... Pity you?" Relon and Bakugou turn to see Midoriya with balled fists, his expression hidden behind his hair.

He's finally snapped. Bakugou looking to Relon whose arms are crossed taking in the spectacle about to unveil.

"You honestly think I've been feeling sorry for you? You think that gives you a right to do everything you've done?! You... you... you damn dumbass!" He bellows stomping to with gritted teeth. "Pitying someone like you is the last thing I'd ever do!"

"Oh yeah, then explain the last umpteen years then!" Bakugou retorts turning to the approaching teen.

"Simple! Your damn ego clouded your judgement, you moron! I never felt pity for you! I felt jealous if anything!" He roars, All for One coursing through his red visible veins. "Not once, not once, since I've known you have I ever felt sliver sorry for you! What sense does that even make?! You had a quirk! Not me!" He shouts once more, electricity crackling off of him onto the walls as his body glows.

Bakugou jumps back as a random arc of electricity zaps the spot where he was.

"What the hell?"

"Yet, here you are playing the victim?! Do you have any idea of the hell you put me through?!" Bakugou opens his mouth to respond but nothing comes, instead a fist collides with his face as he careens once more to collide with Relon's card before falling to the ground.

Wincing from the pain, he opens an eye to snap both wide in horror. Midoriya sways from one side to the other with every slow step. Electricity flailing in all directions.

"St-stay back!" Bakugou shouts putting on a brave face.

"Don't you remember...? Those words you said to me that day...?" Bakugou gains a look of confusion. "Of course you don't. All you ever cared about was yourself." Midoriya vanishes to reappear directly in front of Bakugou raising the blonde by his collar as their eyes stare into one another's.

For the first time since his encounter with the slug villain, Katsuki Bakugou felt helpless. The words that came next were filled with such venom. Such contempt that he knew anything he tried to say or do was useless. He gives up his resistance as he lowers his arms to hang. Sweat beginning to form.

"Go. Take. A. Swandive. Off. The. Roof."

As if told he wasn't allowed to swear for the rest of his life, his heart drops at those words.

I...

So caught up in his own thoughts, the helpless ash blonde fails to notice Midoriya cock a fist back. No more thinking let alone words comes from the broken boy. All sense thrown out the window as Midoriya allows his emotions control his actions.

Enough.

Midoriya snaps to as he slowly turns looking out the corner of his bright green eyes to see Relon gripping his reared back wrist. He looks back forward to his childhood bully. Fear and sorrow noticeable. In reaction, Midoriya lets go stepping back.

"Wha-what did I...?" Before he can make sense of anything, he covers his mouth holding back the puke as he swallows to proceeding to faint with Relon catching him easing the now unconscious boy to the ground.

You snapped. Something that was a long time coming. Relon answers solemnly.

He places him against the wall as he turns to Bakugou breathing heavily covered in sweat. Sighing, he raises a hand returning the two cards back into his sleeve.

They say the quiet ones are the most dangerous. His sudden words drawing Bakugou's attention. I've always compared myself to that quote. But now, I can see Midoriya falls under that as well. I'm sure you can too, right? Bakugou remains silent as he just looks on to the now unconscious boy he has fostered such a hatred for.

With his point made, Relon reverts to normal and simply takes his leave walking past Bakugou. The blonde soon laying back down sweating profusely due to hs nerves having finally caught up. He takes deep breathes as his eyes slowly shut.

Hopefully, those two will come to an understanding now.

Relon stops in place at the person leaning against the wall leading outside the building. The teenager turns to look Relon's way with arms crossed.

Nunu...

He pushes himself off the wall motioning for Relon to follow as he heads outside the stadium with Relon close behind. Once again in the wooded area where he had rested with both Momo and Kanao, the two stop in a spot with a knocked over tree. Nunu takes a seat on the long trunk followed by Relon. For a moment, there is silence. Both hearing the gentle rustling of leaves against the breeze and commotion from the crowd within the stadium.

"I'm guessing you took care of Midoriya and Bakugou." He asks looking forward to which Relon nods doing the same. "How do you think that went?" Relon shrugs bobbing his head slightly from side-to-side. "As good as it could have gone, huh?" Another nod. "I see. How much did you say?"

Out his peripheral, he sees Relon extend a card. Taking it, he reads.

'Too much.'

"Felt that odd talking?" Relon nods. "Baby steps, you know." Another nod. "I mean, when was the last time you've talked that much even telepathically?" A response doesn't come as quick for he thinks before spinning a finger.

'Back then...'

"I thought as much." Silence befalls the brothers before Nunu notices another spin of Relon's finger.

'Ready?'

"As much as I can be." Relon twirls a finger.

'Try to give me a challenge this time.'

"Ha, so you think you're hot shit now, huh?"

Both chuckle at their antics before returning to silence. Nunu breaking it this time.

"Don't forget." Relon finally looks to him with confusion. "My request. You better hold to it."

"Don't hold back just because we aren't using our forms. If we get matched up, face me as Shinn, our leader."

Relon turns back forward remembering now. Nunu glancing at the card in hand.

'That was my plan from the start.'

"Good. Cause I have every intention of winning." He stands stepping ahead. "So you better give it your all. I'll know if you're holding back." Relon smirks standing as both extend their fists fist bumping. "Even though you don't talk, that still pisses me off."

Tell me something I don't know.

Being the best was all that mattered. Who cared how it happened, as long as he won in the end, who cared? All Might always won. He was the Symbol of Peace, afterall. Always winning. Always proving to the world what it meant to be victorious.

All Might was his idol. He was the hero that Katsuki Bakugou wanted to be. He wanted to become number one. He wanted to become the next All Might.

Ever since he was a child, he would watch everything All Might related. His love only grew once he got his own quirk. The hundreds of praises he was given only fueled his adoration for the number one pro. Never paying the other heroes that he titled 'extras' a spare glance.

Now that he thought of it, when did he gain that attitude? Was it durijg middle school? Was it when he entered? Or was it further before even then? He didn't know.

There he stands in the excess of his mind. Memories thought to have once been tossed aside slowly resurface.

The people he's pushed around because of his attitude. Each and every single one surrounds him, their appearance seeming to be faceless students. The cruel words he once spoken onto them returns with such malice, he does the only thing he can do. Run.

"What's wrong loser, can't be as great as me?"

"Give up, weakling."

"Move, you extra!"

"DIE!"

"Stay the fuck away from me!" He finally shouts running through the faceless crowd.

"What's wrong Bakugou?"

Stopping and turning on a dime, he cocks his hands blasting everything in sight. As the smoke hangs, he can make out the silhouette of someone laying on the floor. He steadily walks to inspect the mysterious person swatting at the smoke. With one more swat of his hand, he sees who it is to stop dead in his tracks, his blood suddenly cold.

Before him lies Izuku Midoriya in a pool of blood.

"Wha... What the...?"

"Young Bakugou." Turning around, the spiked blondes comes face to face with his hero idol as he walks past him crouching next to Midoriya's corpse. "Are you happy now? Are you satisfied?" His tone deep yet resonates that as if judging Bakugou.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" He shouts. "WHY IS DEKU... HE ISN'T... right?" He grows quiet stepping back.

"Don't act like you do not know. Young Midoriya... took your words to heart."

"... What words...?" Bakugou shakes his head still backing away.

He watches as All Might grab the dead successor in his arms turning to lock eyes with Bakugou's.

"To swandive off the roof."

He continues to shake as he repeats it faster and faster.

"YOU'RE LYING!"

"You think I would joke about one's death like you? Something like that befits only a villain."

"No..."

"Young Bakugou."

"Don't say it!"

"It pains me to do so..."

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP! DON'T SAY IT!" He shouts clasping his hands against his ears attempting to block out the voice but it is to no avail.

"You."

"STOOOOOOOP!"

"Will never be a hero."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"AAAAHHH!" He shoots upwards looking around panting.

He recognizes his surroundings to be the tunnel towards the sports stadium's arena. Rubbing his hands over his face and through his hair, he takes a few deep breaths. He hunches over looking at his hands.

That was just a nightmare. My mind just created it is all.

He looks up setting his sights on Midoriya's seemingly sleeping form.

But he's a nightmare. One I created.

His eyes linger on the boy before he finally stands to his feel slowly walking over to slide against the wall adjacent from Midoriya.; one leg bent and the other crossed.

"You're an amazing person, that's why I want to beat you! No, surpass you, you idiot! Because of all the people I've met, you're the only one beside All Might, you're the one I want to surpass. Not look down on, you idiot!"

"Do you honestly think Deku is the type to look down on others?"

My point is that you've looked down on someone because they were quirkless for a time but now that isn't the case. So here's my question; why the hell do you still treat him like a piece of shit?!

"Not once, not once, since I've known you have I ever felt a sliver sorry for you! What sense does that even make?!"

He flinches at the recent memories clenching his fists on instinct but he cannot muster any power. He lifts his head gently banging it against the wall.

...

...

"Fuck." He mutters.

"Mrrgh." Bakugou's eyes widens as he drops his head seeing Midoriya slowly squirm, his eyes open revealing that green color he has seen millions of times before. "Where am I? What...?" He stops as his eyes slowly widen as his meets Bakugou's, their recent event flooding his mind.

At first, neither say or do anything as if trying to read the other. For a moment, Deku's eyes wander to the boy's cheek noticing a bruise.

Immediately he recognizes it as he jumps to his feet rushing to Bakugou.

"Kacchan are you alright?! Are you hurt? I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to- I don't... I..." Midoriya continues to correct his apology while Bakugou's eye twitches as he attempts to muster what strength he has but stops.

"Not once, not once, since I've known you have I ever felt sliver sorry for you!"

He lowers his raised shoulders and with defeat in his voice, he speaks.

"It's fine." His eyes shift to the floor

"I- ... Huh?"

"Didn't you hear me?" The childhood bully raises his head to meet his past victim's, his demeanor proof of his legitimacy. "I said it's fine. That's the least I deserve for what I've done." He looks back down. "So don't apologize. I don't deserve it."

In all his years of knowing and being on the receiving end of Bakugou, Izuku Midoriya had never seen such a side to his once childhood friend. So full of defeat. So full of... regret.

"Wha-what happened... Kacchan?" His question goes unanswered.

What happens next surprises the blonde. Midoriya plops right next to him clutching his legs seeming to go into thought.

What is he?"So what happens now?" Deku mutters, his question widening the blonde's eyes as he turns forward.

"...That brain of yours can't figure that out?" His response using a small chuckle from Midoriya.

"No, I guess not."

More silence ensues before Bakugou stands, Deku's eyes following him.

"Where are you going?"

"Somewhere that's not here."

"O-oh."

"The hell are you doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"You coming with me or do I have to drag your ass?"

"O-oh! Yeah!" Quickly getting to his feet, both boys begin their fated walk together.

For a few minutes, silence surrounds the boys. Midoriya passing quick and subtle glances at the boy looking ahead with hands in his pockets.

"So... what made you want for me to tag along? If you don't mind my asking of course." Deku asks attempting to start a conversation.

No response. He tries again.

"Are you looking forward to Lucinance and Nunu's match?"

Again, nothing.

"Maybe we should go to Recovery Girl or Lucinance to heal that wound. It still hurts right?"

This prompts Bakugou to stop shortly followed by Midoriya looking back to the blonde, his face hidden behind his spiked hair.

"Kacchan?"

...

"Sorry."

One word. A singular word Izuku Midoriya has longed to hear from his bully believing that day would never come. Of all the years since they were children, Midroiya had never heard Bakugou apologize for anything albeit when his equally angry mother made him the few times they hung with their parents.

But this was different. Here is Bakugou having just apologized of his own volition. No one forced him. Nothing was controlling his. No one was about to die. So then...

"Why?"

The blonde stops.

"Why now... I mean..." The successor falls quiet.

"I fucked up." Izuku's head shoots up to the sudden proclamation.

"What do you-

"STOP PLAYING DUMB! I KNOW YOU'RE TOO SMART TO NOT KNOW!" He snaps around, his eyes bloodshot.

One look at Midoriya's face seems to bring him back to earth as he looks to the floor solemnly. He straightens himself loosening his balled fists before speaking.

"Ever since we were kids, I always thought of you as nothing more than an annoying nerd. An 'extra' like the rest. But unlike the others, you stood out. You were... different."

Different?

"Always following me. No matter how many times I knocked you down, you kept getting up. Yet when I fell, there you were extending that hand to help me. Everything about you pissed me off so damn much. I couldn't tell if you were stronger than you looked or if I was weaker than I thought."

Midoriya specifically remembers the time they fought and Bakugou and his lackeys beat the stuffing out of the young boy.

All men are not created equally...

Then the time little Bakugou had fallen into the stream. Midoriya had,extended his hand for Bakugou to slap it away.

"You trying to help someone as strong as me. Pity someone like me. I just found ways to hate you even more. Before I realized it, just seeing your face pissed me the hell off. At least, that's what I thought... until now."

He pauses for a moment. Taking a huge breath before exhaling it, he continues.

"I thought that over all these years, it was hatred I felt towards you. But I was wrong. I hate to admit it. I really fucking do but... that card bastard made a point."

"Lucinance did?"

"When that slime villain had me, I thought I was a goner. Yet there you were. A quirkless normie charging with nothing but his backpack towards a villain in an attempt to save me. I was so frustrated that it had to be you of all people to attempt to save me. I didn't know how to feel. It was on that day, this feeling of, of weakness began to grow."

Kacchan...

"Everything that has happened since the day All Might saved us. Starting with the slime villain to the entrance exams where you managed to score in the top 10, to the ball throw where you proved you somehow had a quirk you've hidden from me to the battle training where you... you beat me..."

He tightens his fists as,much as he can before continuing.

"To the incident with the League at the USJ where while I was off fighting shitty thugs, that card bastard, his face-reading sister, and the rest of you were fending off the bosses."

"It was honestly just Lucinance, Kanao and Aizawa that did the work. We were,mainly just spectators." Bakugou gives him another glare. "Sorry, continue please." He holds his hands up.

"The USJ, then the questioning with that white haired counter bastard. The fact that he beat me with no effort whatsoever. I wasn't even a challenge for him!" He punches the wall. "I thought I was the strongest. I thought I was the best there was among us."

He lowers his head in defeat.

"You saw it earlier. My attack didn't do jack shit to that bastard. I couldn't keep up with any of them in the race let alone the cavalry battle!"

"One after another, people kept appearing and turning out to be way out of my league! It was so frustrating, I couldn't, can't, stand it!" He punched the wall again. "Then there was you, Deku." He states, his tone sounding almost calm even accepting to a degree.

"W-what about me?"

"It wasn't hatred I felt towards you. No, it wasn't like that for some of the extra- others either." He corrects himself.

"Then... what was it?"

It was jealousy."

It took a moment for the words to process through his head. When they did though, without thinking, his mouth moved.

"Of?"

He quickly motions to cover his mouth as Bakugou glares at his fellow classmate. He quickly lets exhaling another breath of air.

"You."

That declaration in turn causes Midoriya to take a step back.

"W-what about me, exactly?"

"Your growth."

"My... growth?" Deku cocks his head to the side.

"That quirk of yours I mean. You kept getting better as I remained the same. When we first enrolled, you couldn't even control it. Yet when those three came, you suddenly got better. Able to bounce around and shit. So let me guess. They helped out didn't they?" A hesitant nod comes after his question. "Thought as much. Going from breaking every bone in your body to jumping all over the place to now using your legs. Lemme guess, sir card-a-lot helped you in that department."

"... Yeah."

"Of course. And here I am... the fucking same as when we first got here. It doesn't matter anyway." He slowly turns around before walking away placing his hands in his pocket.

"What are you-

"After what I've done to- No. After what I said to you-

"Kacchan wait!"

"I don't deserve to be a hero. Not anymore."

"I said wait!" He calls for his voice to fall on deaf ears.

Ever since meeting All Might, Izuku Midoriya had always sprung into action without a second thought, but for the first time ever, his body nor the young successor himself new what to do. His time with the slime villain, his body sprung to action as if a flip was switched on. The same thing during his entrance exams when he met Uraraka. Even today during his fight with Todoroki and Bakugou, that flip has always been switched on with a sense, no, a urge to achieve a goal in mind. Yet, here he stood helplessly watching his childhood bully walk away. Unable to say or do anything to stop him.

Think! Think! Think! What can I say or do to stop him! What-

"Why do you call Bakahoe, Kacchan?"

That's it! He steadies his breathing preparing himself as he gets into a ready stance. Please let this work! He reels his head back cupping his hands to his mouth.

"BAKUGOU! He shouts to the top of his lungs. "STOP RIGHT THERE!" Sure enough he stops on a dime.

Midoriya can't see it, but the spiked ash blonde's eyes are as wide as a deer in headlights.

"YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE, YOU HEAR ME?"

"OH, YEAH?! AND WHO THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GIVING ME ORDERS?!"

THE GUY THAT YOU HAVEN'T BEATEN YET! I'VE WON ONCE AND WE'RE TIED A PIECE! I NEED ONE MORE POINT!"

"SINCE WHEN WAS THIS A GAME?!"

"SINCE YOU DECIDED TO FEEL SORRY! THAT'S WHEN!" Both huff from yelling so much before having a staredown.

"How long has it been... since you've called me that?" Bakugou wonders, his heated expression gone as he stares up to the ceiling hall.

"If I had to guess... before everything changed." Deku lowers his eyes to the ground. "Ba- Kacchan, don't go."

"You can't even keep up that, can you?"

"S-sorry, it just sounds and feels to weird to call you that."

"Obviously, you've been spouting it hundreds of times since we were kids."

"Haha, you're... right on that one."

"One reason."

"Huh?" He refocuses on his past opponent.

He lowers his head to once again face Deku.

"Give me one reason. One real reason why I should stay." He holds out a single finger for Midoriya.

A minute passes and he lowers it.

"Thought so." He turns around about to leave.

"You're one of if not the most talented guy I've ever met. You never lost at anything growing up, you scored first on the entrance exams, and you were able to take out dozens of villains albeit thugs, they were still villains nonetheless. Ever since we were young, you always strived to be like All Might. I've always compared my love for him to yours since you were the only kid I could think of that loved him as much as I did. That was thing that drew me to you; how much I admired everything about you. I meant what I said. I really do look up to you. Like All Might, you're an inspiration even though you've treated me wrong because All Might may represent the vision of what I want to be like as a hero but you are what I envision for victory. Extraordinary confidence and an unwavering spirit." He finishes raising a clenched fist towards the blonde.

After a moment, Bakugou resumes walking leaving Midoriya behind now.

"Kacchan, wait!" Running past the blonde, Deku stops with his arms extended to both sides blocking his path. "Even after all that, you're still going to leave?"

"Damn it, you really are stubborn when it counts. I asked for one thing. Not a whole damn paragraph." He says with a gruff before pushing past the greenette.

"But where are you going?"

"Where the hell else? Where the others are." Joy overtakes the freckled protagonist.

"Seriously?!" He catches up walking beside the teen.

"We're tied one point a piece and you're up by one. I refuse to lose to you. Next time we fight, you're dead so you better better not take me lightly."

"Yeah, I won't make it easy for you, that's for sure."

"I JUST SAID THAT! DAMN IT, DEKU, LISTEN TO WHAT THE FUCK I SAY!"

"S-sorry." He nervously laughs before looking ahead with a smile etched on his face. "But I meant what I said, you really are amazing. I had to get help in my training from the others in my new fighting style yet you came up with super moves all on your own."

"Hmpf. Damn right I am."

"And there's that ego again." Deku chuckles.

"The fuck did you say?" He narrows his eyes for Midoriya to sweatdrop.

"O-oh, nothing! Just how you improved a lot on your own while I needed help from others."

"... That's not true."

"What do you mean?"

"My AP Shot. I got the idea from that punch you used during the battle training." He mutters, Deku's eyes opening slightly before receding to normal.

"O-oh, I see. When you say that, I can see the resemblance. Powerful but precise."

"That's the point, Einstein."

"Well being honest, my Full Cowling I based off of some styles I've seen from heroes but a lot of it I based off your fighting style." At this revelation, Bakugou stops blinking a few times before returning to his walk. "So... what are your thoughts on it?"

A moment of silence returns again, Midoriya getting nervous as he looks back ahead.

"Your movements are too obvious." The Bak begins ushering words of wisdom. "Even when you got faster, I was able to dodge. Your chances of winning against a strong opponent are low if you keep that up."

"O-oh, right."

...

...

"I meant what I said."

"What are you talking about?"

"Dek- He inhales before exhaling as they continue walking. "Midoriya, I'm sorry for... saying that back then."

...

A snort escapes the greenette.

"WHAT'S SO GODDAMN FUNNY, HUH?!"

"Sorry, really. It's just... hearing you say my name sounds... weird. Kinda like me saying yours."

"Tell me something I don't know. Feels like I need to chug down bleach after saying it."

"Yep, some things just won't change." Izuku sweatdrops.

"The hell's that suppose to mean?"

"Nothing. But as for what you said a moment ago... Don't give it another thought. It's in the past. We're striving to be heroes, right? We have to embrace our mistakes to move forward. That's what Aizawa sensei said before the whole USJ incident happened at least."

"... Nerd."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"Tch. Smart ass."

"Kacchan."

"What now?" The red-eyed teen glances over to widen seein Midoriya raise a fist.

"Let's train harder together! You with me?"

"Better not slow me down or I'll kill you myself." He taps the back of his 'friend's' raised fist with his own.

"Isn't that too soon to say something?" A tick mark appears.

"YOU KNOW THAT WAS METAPHORICAL YOU DAMN SMARTASS!"

"R-right! So-sorry!"

Two boys completely opposite of one another. One gaining power through the bonds created. The other gaining power through sheer personal will. Two different yet both so much alike. Now that both have relinquished their own obstacles, another stands in their way. One that both will need the other to overcome.

"By the way."

"Yeah?" Deku asks.

"Shouldn't you be checking on round face instead of walking with me? It's annoying enough seeing the card bastard and her all mushy from time to time but seeing the way you two avt pisses me off even more with the fact you aren't fucking together."

...

...

"... Eh?!" His face bursts red.

"Don't even avt surprised. Y'all are so damn obvious a child could act better."

"Ah... ouch."

"Go."

"But-

"I'm fine. Hurry the hell up. I'll be with the ex- others."

"You're really trying to change, huh?"

"WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU STILL HERE?!"

"R-right, sorry and thanks, Kacchan!" Midoriya takes off.

Once he turns the corner, Bakugou's annoyed look lowers.

"Go. Take. A. Swandive. Off. The. Roof."

Fuck, I got work to do...

"Let's see, the infirmary should be... ah, there it is!" He comes to a stop knocking followed by a familiar voice.

Knowing who it is, he freezes. He then remembers what Bakugou says straightening himself before opening the door.

"Deku! What are you doing here? Wait, did I miss your match with Baku- Whoa!" Quickly moving, he catches the girl in his arms.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, sorry I-

Both widen as their eyes lock onto the others. Quickly correcting themselves, they back away from the other averting their eyes, tints of red apparent. Looking at her, he takes in her appearance. A few bandages on her cheeks and more wrapped along her arms and forehead.

"S-so, h-how did your match go?" She eases back looking to him.

"O-oh w-well..." He sighs. "I didn't win. I managed to tie though." He looks down with a grin on his face as he scratches his head.

"Oh... Well, you did your best! I mean, it's Bakugou and all so..." She forces a smile.

"Uraraka..."

"You managed to draw with a guy like Bakugou so that alone is awesome, you know?" Her voice begins to crack.

"Uraraka."

"I mean, look at me, ya know? We both tried our hardest so-

"Uraraka!" He shouts, the girl jumping.

"Yeah?" She finally takes notice of the sad look on his face.

"You're crying."

"Huh?" She raises a hand to wipe her cheek to see true to her best friend's words, she is. "Oh, that's odd." She laughs wiping the at the trails. "Why am I..." She begins shaking holding back her now runny nose for something to pull her close.

Opening her eyes, she looks to see Deku holding her close.

"Deku? What are-

"Let it out." His voice is both gentle and soft.

"Huh?"

"I'm here. No need to hold it back." Widening her eyes, she feels her body go weak.

She attempts to fight back the emotional dam but it bursts. Uraraka burying her head in his chest as her hands wrap tightly around him. The only sounds to be heard are the cries of anguish and defeat.

"YOOOOOOO, IT'S TIME FOR WHAT WE'VE WAITED ALL DAY FOR! IT'S TIME... FOR... THE GRAND FINALS OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAAAAAAAAALLLLLL!" The crowd screams in hoots and hollers. "AS CONFUSING AS THIS BRACKET HAS BEEN, I FOR ONE, AM BOTH GLAD AND EXCITED TO SEE THIS COME TO A CLOSE! YOU KNOW HIM, YOU LOVE HIM, HE HAS INSANE POWERS AND FOR ALL WE KNOW HAS YET TO REVEAL HIS FULL ARSENAL! LET'S GIVE IT UP FOR THE MAN DATING THE FAMOUS GENIUS GIRL SO MANY HAVE BECOME FANS. PERTAINING TO A CERTAIN ONYX-EYED GIRL IF YOU HAVEN'T GUESSED IT YET. GIVE IT UP FOR RELON LUCINANCE!"

Out of the South tunnel steps Relon. One would believe for him to casually be walking but his expression and aura would tell something completely different. His eyes focused directly ahead of the arena to the other figure stepping out.

"AND AGAINST HIM IS THE MAN THAT NOT EVERYONE LOVES BUT SOME HAVE STARTED TO COME AROUND TO! WITH POWER AND PORTALS ON HIS SIDE ALONG WITH A POWER SIMILAR TO HIS SISTER AND KINDA HIS OPPONENT, THE BOY THAT HAS FOUGHT HIS WAY ONE OPPONENT AFTER ANOTHER WANTING TO GET TO WHERE HE IS NOW, GIVE IT UP FOR NUNU LUCINANCE!"

Similar to Relon, Nunu holds no normal expression but rather, a look of concentration as he too steps out of the North tunnel, both boys making their way up the few steps to stand before one another. A soft breeze flows through the arena emanating the calmness before what will most likely become pure chaos.

"Thanks for accepting my request, Shinn." Is all Nunu thanks still holding his serious expression as does Shinn who responds with only a nod.

"THIS IS IT, FOLKS! THE LAST FIGHT TO DETERMINE IT ALL! BROTHER VERSUS BROTHER! WHO WILL COME OUT ON TOP?! I HAVE NO IDEA BUT WE'RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT! ARE YOU READYYYYY?" The crowd answers in cheers equal to Midoriya's and Bakugou's match if not louder.

Midnight looks between the two remnant siblings before nodding.

"One thing, sensei." Midnight looks to Nunu. "It'll be for the best if you and Cementoss don't interrupt us. As well as leave the area cause things won't be safe for you guys. You can guess why, right?" He looks to Relon who nods.

"Listen to him. We know what they're capable of so him warning you shows things are going to get hectic." Aizawa says over her earpiece.

"...Very well. Should we even bother with the out of bounds?"

"At first yeah, but when things get crazy, we'll just ignore that rule if that's fine."

"Alright then." Cementoss replies as the two teacher soon leave with only the remnants remaining.

"LET THE GRAND FINALS OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL... BEGIIIINN!" Mic shouts along with the audience, all ready to watch the spectacle... or at least that would be the case normally. "Uh, Nunu, Lucinance, did you two not hear everyone. You two can start now." Mic says from the commentator booth, although the two pay him no mind.

Nunu raises his hand revealing his DNA bracelet before materializing his short blade as he then lowers his arm down to his side. Shinn puts a hand through his sleeve to reveal a stack of cards before doing the same with his other sleeve. He sets the two stacks together on the ground before raising his U.A. sweat pants as a hand goes under those to reveal two more stacks. He looks to the sunny clear sky as he reaches into his pocket pulling out a rubber band where he proceeds to tie the four stacks together holding them in place.

I forgot he has cards in his pants. It's been forever since I've seen him use those. Nunu thinks.

"Uh, what are they doing?" Mic questions to Aizawa.

"We're most likely about to find out." Is his only response choosing to keep his eyes on the two down below.

"Isn't that...?" Momo begins to say remembering the occurences during their two week training for Kanao to nod.

"The procedure to an official match we remnants held against one another. Otherwise referred to as a... Court of Rank."

Without any indication between either remnant, the two toss their weapons to the other. The blade passing the stack of blank white cards as Relon and Nunu catch the other's weapon of choice.

Both turn their backs to one another's walking to the edge of the arena placing the other's weapon down before the out of bounds line to then turn walking back to face each other once again. Relon looks to the sky closing his eyes to reopen them gazing at Nunu, the light in his eyes devoid of any life.

You know, Present Mic was wrong about one thing. You're not Relon Lucinance. Not right now. That look in your eyes, that's a look I haven't seen since our fight on the rooftop. Anyway...

"You ready?" Nunu asks still holding his serious expression as does Shinn who responds with only a nod.

The two remnants lowering into their signature stances. Relon bending his legs slightly standing with his side facing Crono, his front arm straight down in a fist with the arm behind him bent at his side. Nunu settling in what seems like a type of boxing stance with legs bent lower than the average stance.

Both boys remain still, the only thing blowing being their hair against the wind. Only a moment lasts before-

CLAP!

The sound of Crono's fist collides with the bottom of Relon's red and black shoe causing the white haired teen to recoil a few feet back and the black haired teen to jump flipping away. The moment their feet touch the ground they burst forward.

Nunu throws a punch which Relon sees coming as he pivots his body to the side missing it. In the motion of dodging, Relon raises his rear knee aimed for his abdomen but Nunu catches it with his hand sideways. Their eyes meet before instincts tell Relon to refocus on the extended fist as he sees Nunu bend it, rearing back before launching the now turned elbow strike for Shinn's head.

Quickly, he brings up crossed arms blocking the attack sending him rolling to the ground to recover as quickly as he defended himself just to see Nunu in the air bringing down a fist.

Wasting no time, Relon gets to his feet drawing back his right hand. Black meeting black, Nunu descends motioning his fist forward as does Relon.

Come on, Shinn/Bring it, Crono!

CRACK!

Bone on bone collide, both boys wincing as they push one another away. The two clutch their hands before shaking off the ringing pain they feel almost instantly to look back. This time Shinn on the offensive approaching Crono who readies himself in response.

When Shinn draws near, he throws a uppercut to which Nunu weaves to the side throwing a punch of his own. Relon twists his extend arm bending it up to block Crono's. Out of his peripheral, he sees a hook coming. Shinn raises a hand to catch it but Crono suddenly slides one foot in a half circle and then the other in another circling around Shinn is a smooth motion.

Not good! He can only turn his head, arms still raises only to wince from a force as he bucks his side.

BA-DUMP.

His eyes widen as the headache returns. Pushing through, he continues his rotating head to see a punch coming straight at him. Instinctively, he draws his hand catching the punch.

Alright, now-

WHACK. BA-DUMP

Once again, Crono moves out of his line of sight punching Shinn's back causing the leader to let out a breath of pain, another beat hitting Shinn's head.

What's going on?

WHACK. WHACK WHACK.

He skids to a halt looking to see Crono already up in his face readying a punch. He gets into a defensive position only for his opponent to circle around him once again, this time Shinn follows as he begins blocking the onslaught.

His whole fighting style has changed! I've never seen him move like this. So what's the deal?

Shinn seeing a moment in Crono's assault ducks under a punch, hands balling to fists as he aims for his abdomen only to be blocked by a knee and hand.

Nice try! Crono in the heat of the moment grips Shinn's wrist as he begins swinging him to toss Shinn over himself. Quickly correcting himself, Shinn looks behind to see Crono running after him. He lands to immediately roll out of the way turning on one knee to block a punch as he goes rolling to his back. He motions his head to the side opening his eyes seeing his brother upon him as he forces himself to roll avoiding stomps and punches before getting to his feet backing off with Crono close after him.

He isn't giving me anytime to regain my footing.

BA-DUMP!

Tch! He holds his head momentarily, one eye closing itself. He lets his grip go as he ducks and backs away from two quick follow-ups.

He takes notice of Crono read a hook and readies a kick to counter.

If I'm right, he'll do that double slide parry again!

Sure enough, Crono does now with Shinn's back to him. Out from under his line of sight, he notices Shinn's leg move an inch and follows through his attack, both pivoting for the heel of Shinn's shoe to collide with Crono's fist one more causing the two to skid back.

Shinn lets a few breaths out catching himself.

Come on, Shinn. Gotta push through the pain. He exhales one more breath longer than the previous. Lowering his hand from his skull ignoring the beating of his brain, he resumes his stance facing off against his fellow remnant.

Crono dashes forward as Shinn does the same, both punching at one another while also grabbing the other's fist. Crono's fist next to Shinn's as is the other backwards. Neither giving nor gaining an inch. Realizing this, both boys attempt to kick the other only to have their feet stepped on by the other. At a complete standstill, both do the only thing they can do.

WHAM!

Both fall back to one knee from their sudden headbutt.

"Ack!" Crono groans in pain as does his brother albeit silently.

BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP! BA-DUMP!

Shinn clutches his head with gritted teeth wincing from the ringing pain in his head.

Not... the smartest move... Ouch...

He slowly raises himself to his feet wobbling. He widens his eyes for a moment trying to lessening the strain as much as possible.

"That wasn't the smartest move, you know." Shinn focuses on Nunu now also on his feet shaking his head.

Shinn copies the head motion swaying his head side to side until coming to a stop as both look to one another with gritted teeth.

I can't wait for Crono to make a move with the condition I'm in. At my current state, him having the upper hand is bad enough as is. Anymore of this close combat and he'll take me out before I can do anything!

With that last thought, he glances behind his opponent at the deck of cards.

He's been staying so close, I haven't had a chance to even attempt to get to them.

He resumes his focus on Crono gazing at him as if in thought as well.

If I get the chance to go for my cards, he'll most likely do one of two things; go for his blade or attempt to stop me. If it's the first option, the real fight begins. If it's the latter, then depending on the distance I'll have to make the decision.

Leave it to Shinn to be so persistent.

Crono glances past Shinn at his blade.

He knows at close quarters like this in his condition, I have the advantage so he'll want to get his cards first chance he gets. I've been keeping the pressure on him so far so I have to keep it up and I'll win. Should he get his card before I can my blade, then things will get interesting to say the least.

Shinn prepares to head for Crono.

The longer I'm moving, the worse this headache becomes. So fast but strong movements are what I should aim for. Something Crono has been doing this whole time. But I can't get caught up in another standstill. Butting heads was the worst idea.

He glances at his card for a brief moment.

I just need a chance to catch him off guard. And make the most during that moment.

His eyes shift back to Crono, more so his legs.

His hands aren't as much a threat as his legs. With that new fighting style, he circles around me making it difficult to attack. That last collision I got lucky. Knowing Crono, he won't use it as often which only makes things harder to predict. As far as I know from fighting, he's only used it to counter my attacks, never to go on the offensive. If that's the case, maybe I can somehow use that to my advantage...

BA-DUMP... BA-DUMP...

Ack, too much thinking.

Crono takes note of Shinn's sudden condition dashing at the boy. Deflecting a punch with his own, Shinn uses the same hand to deliver one of his own only for his fellow remnant to parry the fist as it shoots to the side of Crono's face.

Can't let him get a hold! Attempting to move his parried arm out of the way, Shinn grabs the dark skin's wrist with his free hand to bring it over his shoulders about to toss him.

I don't think so! Nunu brings his leg under in between Shinn's sweeping him off their feet.

If we fall, I'll be at his mercy! Thinking quickly as they descend to the tiled ground, Shinn yanks his arm still holding Crono's wrist while pulling his extended arm back spinning and turning over to be atop the dark skinned teen. His now retracted arm restraining his brother, the latter now about to hit the ground.

Refusing to let that happen, Crono raises his knees up to his chest landing in a squat, the landing causing Shinn to recoil, though his grip remains sturdy. At least until he notices Crono's muscles begin to shake, Shinn's grip loosening before he is forced to let go jumping away.

"Restraining me like that won't work, Shinn!" The white haired teen shouts rushing Shinn.

Shinn focuses on when Crono lands a foot to lung at him, the action causing the brother to widen his eyes at his carelessness.

He waited until I landed when I'm the least safe?! He raises his arms to the side blocking a kick as he is knocked from the air to the ground quickly getting to his feet returning to his stace, he looks up to see Shinn already upon him.

Remember: quick and strong attacks! Crono leans his body back pivoting out of the way ready to counter but forced to block another punch with the back of his arm. Don't stop! He feels Crono slightly reel his arm back attempting to draw him in, his instincts telling him to move out of the way which he does sidestepping bringing along an uppercut, one which Crono once again catches.

Shinn follows up with a sidekick, Crono performing his special dodge shuffling to the left.

Now's my chance! Shinn changes his straight kick to a knee pivot aimed for remnant's side.

"Nice try!" Crono responds ducking the knee and shuffling back the way he came.

Pivoting once again, Shinn spins around bringing a backfist forcing his opponent to duck avoiding the attack. He follows with a kick which Crono blocks in an 'X' motion grunting to drop onto his stomach avoiding Shinn's leg to the protagonist's surprise. As it soars over past him, He grabs it leaving him helpless as he is spun around before being lifted to slam into the ground. The force of the impact erupting a cloud of smoke. Out of it comes Crono sliding to a halt in a crouched position.

Ba-DUMP! Ba-DUMP! Ba-DUMP!

Shinn's eyes burst open as he lets out a silent ground, his vision concealed by the dust holding his reeled head. He squints his eyes rolling over to his hands and knees looking ahead seeing what is most likely Crono awaiting his next course of action.

Got to hand it to Crono, he's not making this easy. Then again, this wouldn't be much of a challenge otherwise... Alright... One shot...

He gets into a running stance.

Ready...

He arcs his rear slightly up.

Set...

He exhales a deep breath focusing solely on the outline of Crono.

Go!

He launches himself with a burst of speed, arms behind him as he approaches Crono, the dark skin smirking having readied himself from anticipation. At the last moment, Shinn jumps rearing a fist back as Crono huddles his hands closer in front of him. Crono jumps back with ease only to realize the the mistake he's fallen for.

What the?! Instead of punching the air where Crono was, Shinn dives for the ground planting a hand pivoting his body as he swings his leg for Crono's ankles. Seeing this, Crono jumps.

Shinn continues his rotation rearing his other leg back like a horse bucking back its hind legs as he stops his spinning with his back to Nunu, his posture that of a track runner.

Shit! Crono curses remembering the move from the first day of training between Shinn and Insight, crossing his arms in preparation for the oncoming attack.

Shinn releases propelling his leg forward.

All I can do is block!

BAM!

At the last moment, Shinn arcs his leg higher, the heel uppercutting Crono's chin with only a second of resistance before, like a bullet, Nunu is shot directly skywards.

"He got him!" Mina cheers.

"That must have hurt." Jirou remarks.

"That kick..." Bakugou mutters.

"Hey, that's kinda like the kick Midoriya hit you with, huh Bakubro?" A tick mark appears on the ash-blonde's forehead.

"SHUT IT, HARDASS!"

Turning away he looks at the ascending remnant.

That's what you based your move off of...

"How can you guys be so calm?! Lucinance just launched Nunu like a missile!" Mineta exclaims.

"Why should we? This is Lucinance after all. During school training, we've seen those kicks of his enough. Hell, Kirishima has been hit by a few." Sero points to the durable quirk-user.

"Man, you're not wrong there." He rubs his arm in memory of being on the receiving end of Lucinance's kicks.

"How are things looking?" Momo asks having heard her class' comments.

"We are about to see." Is all Kanao answers, neither girls' eyes leaving the rising remnant.

Out of the hall, steps Midoriya and Uraraka onto the walkway.

"Midoriya, Ochako, you're back. Ribbit."

"You did awesome, girl!" Hagakure roots.

"Haha, thanks."

Both take a seat in the front row passing Bakugou seated at the edge.

"Good match, round face."

Both turn back to see Bakugou looking up at the rising Nunu. A smile forms on their faces.

"Yeah, you too."

Kacchan.

"So what are you all looking up for?" Midoriya asks.

"To be blunt, Lucinance did this cool heel move and sent Nunu probably to the stratosphere." Sero explain from his seat.

"Heel move? Wait, did he?!" He motions to Yaoyorozu and Kanao who nod.

"Albeit not the whole action." Kanao adds, everyone resuming their watch of Nunu's form.

Damn it Shinn... He coughs, some blood mixed with saliva escaping his mouth. You and that damn kick of yours...

Crono floats lifelessly for a moment high above the stadium before beginning his descent.

Well then... His eyes shoot open, a grin plastered on his face, as he spins gathering himself before straightening himself aiming down to the arena.

What'll you do against this!

He zooms for the ground with his fist, emanating a black glow, tucked in and the other aiming ahead at the oncoming surface.

Standing straight up with peering at the sun stands Shinn. He squints his eyes noticing Crono coming into view.

Here he comes! Looking to his deck of cards at the edge of the arena, Shinn makes a beeline away from the incoming Crono missile.

Full Counter: Kickback!

The dark skinned remnant strikes the ground creating an explosion such a massive force, the whole arena bursts on impact destroying the center. The outside of the arena still intact though now there are cracks extending to every corner. The sheer force from the destruction erupting a gust of wind to shoot out in all directions forcing Shinn to dive to the ground anchoring himself as he latches onto a large enough crevice digging in his fingers. He protects his face as bits and chunks of rubble blow past and against his arm.

"Relon/Lucinance!"

"Calm down. Look." Kanao points directing everyone to her brother holding onto a rupture in the arena.

Momo and the others breath a sigh of relief.

The gust of wind soon dies down allowing our protagonist to slowly get to his feet looking on at the rising smoke. He examines the arena after the destruction. To put it simply, the arena, though still square at the edges is now inscribed with a circular crater at the center. And standing at the center as if he hasn't even started fighting, the only proof being his right sleeve torn off up to his shoulder exposing his muscled arm lies Crono.

Glancing behind him, Shinn sees no sign of his cards and looking ahead past Crono, no signs of his blade as well.

"Hey Shinn! Let's get going to stage two, shall we?" Crono calls reaching his left arm out to his side, Shinn agreeing by copying the action.

On Crono's wrist appears the DNA band as from somewhere among the sidelines popping out of the piled rubble, flies the stack of cards to Relon. Grabbing it in his hand proceeding to toss it with little effort, the cards disperse returning to his jacket and pant sleeves. As fast as it appeared, his necrolite accessory vanishes for his blade to reappear in hand, both boys retaking their stances towards the other. Shinn drawing a card out to place it between his index and middle fingers while Crono points his blade at his step-brother.

The moment Shinn and Crono points ready themselves though, their eyes widen as a memory resurfaces.

In a large empty room lies a dozens of children and two adults, although seven figures stand out amongst the rest. Five out of the seven are lined up side-by-side in the front with a man and woman in white lab coats before them, a black shirt for the man and a pink shirt for the woman, and white pants standing in front of the five holding data sheets and a pen in each hand.

On the right is a burly tan skinned man, with short black hair, his side burns arcing down the side of his face connecting to a boxed beard. He has black eyes standing at 6'2. On the left is a beautiful woman wearing circular glasses. With smooth skin standing shorter than the man at 5'8, she has black hair ending at her waist, and has black pupils and pink irises. Both wearing a black DNA bracelet on their wrists.

"Alright you five, it's time for training." The woman announces with a sweet tone to her voice.

"With that being said, get started already." The man with a grumpy attitude orders.

"Captain Fyce, you're far too mean. You really should lose that attitude, you know. The kids won't like you if you keep acting all bossy." The woman comments with a smirk looking to the man now known as Fyce.

"And you're far too nice to them, Lyria. You have your way of doing your job an I have mine so leave me the hell alone and do it." He retorts to the woman known as Lyria.

"I swear you can be too much at times." She sighs putting a hand to her cheek.

"I could say the same about you." He grumbles, the two beginning to go back and forth lightheartedly.

"There they go; acting like a married couple." A girl whispers. She has blonde wavy hair starting high on her left descending longer diagonally ending just below her right shoulder.

"You're not wrong about that, sis." A boy looking identical to her agrees. He has a muscular physique and he also has blonde wavy hair starting high on the right side of his head and descending longer diagonally to the left before ending just below his left shoulder.

"Well, the two do have the whole good cop, bad cop roles perfected." A young girl with light blue hair now tied in a long ponytail ending at her waist and pure blue eyes adds chuckling.

"You ain't wrong about that. Still annoying though." A young boy with dark skin, black eyes, and white hair agrees in annoyance at the adults before them.

"Well, you know the saying. We all come in different shapes and sizes. I believe that is the correct term to use here, no?" A boy with a slender build compared to the rest states curiously. He has white hair curving outwards and back inwards. Two bangs crossing each other forming an 'X' in the middle of his forehead.

"You brats quiet down! I've heard enough of your background noise." He grunts causing Lyria to giggle and the children to laugh at their antics. "I said quiet!" To his chagrin, they ignore his orders.

"Alright kids, let's listen to Captain Fyce before he loses it." Lyria advises to which the children soon stop.

"Damn kids. And you five! You're apart of Squad Omega so act like it!" He orders to the five in the front causing them followed by the rest of children to stand at attention. "Shinn will be here later so all of you go begin your training. That includes you five."

"So we finally get to meet Shinn, huh?" The blonde boy says.

"About time. Aqua over here has been saying a lot about him so now we'll see how much was true." The blonde girl says pointing a thumb to the blue haired next to her.

"What do you mean by that? Everything is true!" The blue haired girl defends.

"I too am curious how he will turn out." The slender boy remarks with a hand to his chin.

"Shinn... huh?" The dark skinned teen mutters to himself.

"Alright kid, before we start. Aqua, if you would be so kind." Lyria calls with a smile.

"Yes ma'am." She acknowledges stepping forward before stomping the ground, a whip of water forming from thin air on front of her as it zooms through the rows silencing any still muttering.

"Thank you. Alright everyone, time to begin training!" Lyria claps, the children going off to do what they're told leaving the seven together.

"You five for now assist the others." Fyce orders.

"You don't want us to spar against each other like usual?" The blonde girl asks.

"No, you can do that later." The man responds.

"Later? As in when Shinn arrives?" The cross haired boy wonders to gain a nod from both adults.

"We need to gather data now that Shinn can use his new form as well as matches against each of you. Although... it's quite the spectacle when you look at it." Lyria comments.

"Lyria, you talk too much." Fyce comments with a groan jotting notes down as he looks over to a pair of kids sparring. "You kids get going." He orders to which they dp as told walking off together.

"We get a chance at fighting him, huh? Sounds exciting!" The blonde girl states punching her hand with a smirk.

"Watch it, sis. Get too excited and you'll make mistakes again." The male blonde responds grinning.

"Oh, you hush!" She responds crossing her arms looking away pouting.

"Looks like you've made her mad." The blue haired girl comments with a chuckle, arms behind her back.

"She knows I'm only lookin' out for her, right sis?" He responds looking over to said sister.

"Hmpf!"

"Yeah, she knows." He states once again knowing that response to be a definitive 'yes.'

"Hey, Aqua." The dark skinned boy calls as she turns to him. "How strong is this Shinn guy? You're always going on about what kind of guy he is but you've never mentioned how strong he is."

"Now that Crono mentions it, he does have a point." The slender boy adds his two cents.

"Hmm... nothing really to say." She stops walking along with the other four as they all look to the blue haired girl.

"What do you mean? Comparing yourself to him, how much stronger can he be?"

"Much stronger." She responds flatly without a moment of hesitation earning surprised looks from the four.

"Whoa, you for real?" The blonde girl asks in disbelief already over her pout to gain a nod from her fellow female. "But you're the strongest out of all of us! I mean you can go to 30% of the Malevolence Form! The rest of us can barely maintain 10%!"

"So can Shinn. Plus, don't forget that we're Omega. Alpha has others that are skilled like the rest of us five." Aqua reminds.

"I'm curious. You have sparred against him, correct?" The slender boy, to gain yet another jovial nod from Aqua surprising the four once again.

"How did that turn out?" Crono asks.

"It was pretty close for the most part but then Captain Fyce ordered us to get serious and it was a total wipe out after that. He has a heck of a kick to boot." She mentions rolling her arm in memory of their fight.

"So this guy you're always fangirling over is able to beat you... Now I want to meet him even more." The blonde girl says.

"Well you all will later amd I do not fangirl over him! For now, let's assist the others." Aqua insists.

"Roger!" The four resound as they all split off.

Hours Later

"That's right. Don't force it." Aqua cautions assisting a girl with her Malevolence Form.

"Come on, you guys are leaving yourselves wide open after attacking." The blonde girl calls out. holding a spear with six others on their knees panting.

"Your aim is off slightly. Lower your stance like this..." The slender boy can be seen assisting a girl with adjustments to her stance.

"That wasn't a bad attack but you guys are still lacking power!" The male blonde calls out with a circular shield in hand against a few children with weapons of their own.

Off with another group leaning against a wall overlooking the children spar against one another lies Crono. Although his focus isn't truly on them as it should but rather his gazes falls off on their leader.

A guy able to beat Aqua... That's something I have to see to believe.

He shifts his gazes to the other children around his age.

"Hey, what kind of grip is that? If you're going to hold a weapon like that, then do it right."

Yeah... I'll find out for myself.

HOOOOOONK!

All the children including those apart of Omega stop what they're doing and reform in lines before Captain Fyce and Lyria.

"Good work everyone. Slowly but steadily, you're each improving." Lyria compliments looking around before back to her now filled data sheets.

"Yeah. You finished in relatively good time too." Fyce comments gaining confused looks from the children before the five up front realize the meaning behind his words.

Noticing their reactions, both he and Lyria nod stepping out of the way allowing everyone to see a single door.

I got so distracted with helping everyone I stopped sensing him. Aqua thinks to herself.

Slowly they take sight of the door knob turning to open. Out steps a young Relon in the same attire as the other children. He closes the door to then turn facing everyone. He walks coming to a stop in between Fyce and Lyria, the three facing the dozens of children.

An odd silence befalls the room as Shinn gazes at each and every fellow child before his eyes fall on the front five. A smile crosses his face as he and Aqua's eyes meet. The girl winking at him as he gives a small nod.

"Alright, Shinn. Introduce yourself." Fyce orders to which the young protagonist nods once more.

He steps forward losing his smile instantly, his sudden shift in demeanor shocking all but Aqua.

"Nice to meet you all. My name is Shinn. I am the leader of Squad Alpha." He introduces with a bow.

"In terms of strength, he happens to be the strongest out of all children here in the facility." Lyria informs smiling in a nonchalant tone surprising the children once more.

"Thereby appointing him as the leader of both squads overall according to the boss." Fyce adds in annoyance as the children begin whispering to one another.

"Someone stronger than Aqua?"

"Is that even possible?"

"Wait, so he's the leader of both Squads Alpha and Omega?"

"Can someone our age do that?"

"Quiet! We're dropping this bombshell due to the fact that Shinn will partake in your daily lives." Fyce barks silencing the room

"Why now, might I ask?" The slender boy with the 'X' shaped bangs asks with a raised hand.

"Sadly, we along are not allowed to reveal the reasons behind this." Lyria answers with what seems like sorrow though it doesn't seem to hold the real emotion.

"So you expect us to just accept him?" Crono speaks up causing all eyes to fall on him. "This guy walks in here and suddenly you guys claim he's the strongest just like that? Sorry, but I have to see it for myself just how 'strong' you claim him to be." He states walking from his line to stand before Shinn.

"Crono, can you wait a second? He just got here and already you're being unnecessarily mean!" Aqua protests.

"So what? It's simple. Beat me, I accept him as the strongest and if I win, then we see him for who he really is."

"But if what Professors Fyce and Lyria say as well as Aqua is false, why lie?" The slender boy wonders aloud once more.

"Well I for one want to see what Shinn can do! You agree, don't you bro?"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

"I too am curious." The slender boy chimes in.

"What? You guys too?" Aqua looks to her squadron is disbelief. "But Shinn..." She glances back to the newcomer.

"Seems everyone's in agreement aside from Aqua. Though it doesn't matter since you all were going to go up against him regardless." Fyce says flipping to a new data sheet.

"Now then, I take it you want to fight first, Crono?"

"Yeah!"

"Very well, but first... Squad Omega, roll call!" Lyria suddenly shouts, the five motioning to stand at attention in a single motion.

"Crono, The Distortionist!"

"Achi, The Protector!" The muscular boy introduces.

"Lles (pronounced Elize), The Aggressor!" The twin sister to Achi introduces.

"Link, The Marker!" The slender boy introduces.

"And Aqua, The Bender and The Omega Leader!"

Crono, Achi, Lles, and Link. Relon thinks to himself before focusing on the first.

"You have them memorized, Shinn?" Lyria asks to gain a nod. "Good. Alright, everyone. Stand against the walls please!" The children do as they're told leaving Crono and Relon at the center.

"Alright boys. You both know the rules so I don"t have to bother stating them, do I?" Fyce asks to gain shakes of the heads from the two boys. "Alright then..." He steps back raising a hand. "Crono of Omega versus Shinn of Alpha... Let the Court of Rank... Begin!" She announces chopping his hand down, Crono jumping back to materialize his small odd shaped blade.

"What are you doing? Hurry up and take out your weapon." Crono calls over only to gain a shake from Shinn much to his irritation. "Fine then! Don't say I didn't warn you!"

He charges intending to slash the Alpha member only for every strike to miss as Relon dodges effortlessly.

"Hold still, damn it!" Crono curses swinging once more missing the boy as he jumps away landing softly.

"Well Shinn certainly can dodge well." She comments noticing Aqua's perturbed expression. "What's wrong, Aqua?" Lles asks.

"I don't get why they force him to do this."

"Who are you talking about?"

"Shinn."

"Huh?" She looks seeing the aforementioned boy still dodging. "Why does it matter? You all were just going over how strong the guy is so what's the problem?" Lles asks, her and the others looking to their leader for the answer.

"Fight back already! What are you, scared?!" Crono huffs gripping his blade tightly.

Shinn stands from his crouched position looking on at his opponent. A moment of silence passes for him to shake his head.

"It took you that long to answer so what the hecks the problem?!"

"Aqua?" Lles calls again. "What's the problem?"

"The problem is..."

"I don't like fighting." The sudden words from the boy snaps everyone's attention to him.

"Say what?" Crono shouts. "Say that again. I don't think I heard that right."

"You did, Crono. I don't like fighting. Simple as that."

"Wait, is he serious?!" Lles questions directly to Aqua who confirms nodding her head.

"Yes, he is. He was the same with me when we first fought. I just wish they wouldn't make him."

"I wish we didn't have to either, Aqua." Everyone turns to Lyria, her gaze on the two boys. "Shinn has been a pacifist since he's been here. As strong as he is, he doesn't like fighting or sparring. He hates it."

"Then why...?!" Aqua asks.

"Because our boss orders us." Lyria counters.

"If you don't like fighting, then give up!" Crono barks

"I can't." Relon denies.

"Why not?"

"Because we can't let him." Fyce answers shifting everyone's attention to him.

His eyes shift to Shinn looking at Crono.

"Shinn." He calls, the boy's eyes looking out the corner to him. "Fight." Is the only word from Fyce's command.

Shinn's eyes and shoulders slump as he balls his hands to fists. He looks to Aqua giving an apologetic look before looking up to the ceiling closing his eyes.

"Shinn..." Aqua mutters in concern.

"Crono, I'm sorry." He says.

"Don't be sorry because this is what I want!" He readies himself.

Shinn lowers his head opening his eyes, the look in his sight orbs now seeming lifeless as too does his expression. He lowers into a stance as he rolls up both sleeves. Left palm extended forward and another down to his waist. A DNA bracelet visible on both wrists.

"Two bracelets?!" Achi shouts in disbelief seeing the sight.

"I thought a human could only hold up to one?" Link comments.

"That is the case, yes, but something happened recently so to speak that allowed Shinn to wield two." Lyria explains.

"So what are you waiting for, Shinn? Bring out your weapons!"

"No need." He states coldly.

"So you think you're all that, is that it? Damn it, I'll show you!" Crono shouts lunging for the boy.

What?! Crono widens.

The moment he takes off, Shinn is already at him.

WHAM! CRASH!

Everyone covers their eyes from the sudden crash. After the dust clears, everyone stares in awe at Crono slumped against the wall.

"Crono!" Achi calls out going to check on him.

Everyone turns back to see Shinn lowering his foot from the high position. He looks back to the ceiling letting out an exasperated sigh, light coming back to his eyes as he walks to the group of children.

"Easy, man." Achi cautions lifting Crono to his feet as he catches his breath leaning against the wall, his whole body now aching.

The hell was that? He came at me the moment my feet lifted off the ground! And that speed... he disappeared before I could realize a thing!

Shinn stops before the group. Crono wincing opening an eye to meet Shinn's.

"The hell are you looking at...?" He moves off of Achi to stand opening his other eye picking up his blade before glaring at Shinn.

"Crono, you shouldn't-

"Shut up!" He yells silencing their leader as he points his blade at the black haired boy. "I won't go down that easily, you hear? We're nowhere near done!"

Captain Fyce glances to Lyria who nods.

"Very well, continue the match." He orders.

Relon twitches at the escaping words from both his opponent amd their proctor before closing his eyes to reopen them. The light in them seeming to fade once more.

He did it again. He changed personalities. Aqua thinks taking note of his change in attitude.

Shinn lowers into a stance as he digs into his pocket pulling out a card placing it between in index and middle finger.

"Come get some!" Crono shouts rushing in followed by Shinn.

Both ready their weapons to clash as time slows down.

This is just like... Shinn mentally begins.

That day back then...! Crono finishes, both mentally stunned.

Both refocus on the other before a grin escapes Crono's face.

Back then I lost but that's going to be different now! This is a Court of Rank I plan on achieving!

He begins walking increasing his pace before breaking out into a sprint. Shinn narrows his eyes throwing his card to intercept his brother. Zooming low to the ground, the card divides itself into four pieces. Each growing to its previous size as the surround the remnant.

Slashing at the one in front first, Crono stops on place spinning to cut the next and continues his spin to a 180 turn cutting the third only to jump over the last as it zooms past where he was to take notice of it instantly turning and rising to where he is.

He spins his body still in midair avoiding the attack to turn facing the card as it once again stops in place zooming back at him. He glances out the corner of his eye behind at Shinn to see him still holding his position with a hand extended.

Let's see how you handle this!

Bringing the blade in front of him with his free hand on the flat side, he conjures a portal in front as the white card flies through.

My card...!

Wasting no time once he lands, Crono rapidly approaches leaping at his brother who side flips out of the way.

Gotcha! Crono conjures another portal directly beside Shinn just as he lands.

Seeing this, the black haired remnant ducks missing the card to quickly grab it flipping it through his fingers to block Crono's follow up attack without looking, only glancing out the corner of his eyes seeing Crono's gritting teeth. Shinn pushes his brother away before tossing the card at him.

"Hmpf!" With little effort, Crono cuts the card in two.

He looks to see Shinn in a stance.

What is he-

His thought process comes to a interrupted halt seeing his sibling punch the air where he lies, a card shooting from his sleeve. With little time to react, he rolls out of the way. Quickly looking back he readies himself as Shinn punches the air twice followed by a swing of his leg. Putting his blade in front of him, he readies to cut down the pieces of paper only to see them all pass by him to his confusion. He turns back in time to block a kick sending him careening down into the center of the crater.

Raising two fingers the cards fly upwards and with a single strong thrust in the direction of the crater, they descend circling one another. Looking up, Crono takes immediate action.

"Full Counter: Rotation!" Creating a spherical dome, the cards bounce off returning to Shin.

Another punch followed by two kicks releases three more cards cancelling the two groups out causing cyan dust to obstruct his vision. Knowing what is about to come, he slides another card from his sleeve to throw it. Just as it approaches, sure enough, Crono clashes through the dust as well as the card to clash fists with Shinn, neither refusing to be pushed back. Crono grips his hand with Shinn's before going for a swipe of his blade but stops as his gripped hand is yanked by Shinn to be delivered a knee to the gut followed by a kick in the same area once again sending him to the ground skidding clear over the crater. He recovers digging his blade into the ground coming to a halt.

Those kicks are too much. Wincing from the pain, he shakes it off to see himself on one side of of the stage with Shinn back on the other, the crater in between the two. Picking the blade from the ground, he slowly drops to a stance. Shinn resumes his stance initiating a side kick followed by a hook kick, two cards zooming to his opponent. One directly at him and the other arcing to his side. Slashing the first and about to go for the second, the follow up card arcs wider than expected past and circles Crono coming back to his front to which he narrowly slashes it.

Bringing his blade at the ready, Crono notices his brother pointing at him with his fingers downward.

Rain of Thorns!

Widening in panic, he whips his head up to see a shower of cards plummeting towards him from all directions.

Damn it! Not enough time to create a large enough rift and leaving myself stationary won't end well!

With no other choice, Crono begins running hitting a 90 degree turn every few feet as the shower of cards leaves a trail in the remnant's wake. He stops moving as the shower of cards surround him forcing the teen to raise up.

He's surrounding me? Not happening! Opening a rift where he's standing, Crono falls through with it closing soon after leaving the barrage of cards with no target instilling themselves where he once stood.

Soon after, the cards dissipate into nothingness leaving only one remaining still stuck to the ground. Sliding four from his sleeve, Shinn sends them forward enlarging them bigger than himself as he pulls another channeling energy to it before placing it back in his sleeve. The four enlarged cards now motioning to orbit him to his North, South, East, and West.

Card Orbit.

Lowering his sleeve, he causiously walks to the edge of the crater. He looks down noticing a circular shadow slowly filling the once flat area. Looking up, he takes sight of what seems like a solar eclipse from his position. Squinting his eyes, he can make out one of Crono's rifts.

A distraction? Feeling a sensation behind him, he sees a portal shoot open throwing Crono's necrolite weapon at Shinn.

The South card moving to intercept as both weapons battle for dominance over the other before, Shinn anchoring himself as the North card positions itself like a wall and the East and West move beside each other acting as a backup wall. Though Crono's blade bounces off obliterating the South card. Realizing what he just did, Shinn turns back to the fake eclipse to still see the rift empty remaining afloat high above the stadium.

Where then...? He gives off a confused expression to look behind no longer seeing Crono's blade, his cards now circling around the teen.

With alarms blaring in his mind, he looks around before suddenly feeling a presence emanating from the crater as Crono jumps out from it, blade radiating a bright black shine.

"Void Blade: Sunder!" He shouts slashing the air, a dark crescent attack colliding with the North card pushing Shinn back as he once again anchors himself pulling up his arms to cover his face from the strong winds blowing from the two's collision of attacks.

Landing at the edge of the crater, Crono doesn't relent as his blade still glows that dark color.

"Have another!" He slashes the air as a second attack adds onto the first, Crono's Sunder now an 'X' shaped attack.

Shinn begins both sliding back as well as his card to crack. Raising both his arms, all three give off a brighter cyan sheen before stacking one behind the other.

Just like when we first reunited, except I'm making this different! He points his sword at Shinn, the latter looking confused before widening as he glances to the portal to see a multiple Sunders soaring towards him.

Gritting his teeth, Shinn lowers an arm to slide a card from his sleeve. He enlarges it only instead of placing it behind the others, it begins rotating like a frisbee at high speeds. He clenches his teeth harder as it gains the glow similar to the other cards. Looking up to the oncoming crescent attack and with his one arm struggling to hold of Crono's assault, he winds the arm holding the spinning card.

"Isn't that...?" Momo wonders aloud glancing to Todoroki.

"I think so. Only he plans to use it now." Is his only response.

Card Shuriken!

Chucking it with all his might, the spinning card shoots forward it to meet the attack. Shinn's now free hand clenches as it divides the card into smaller versions; one in the center surrounded by others as the long-range attacks collide resulting in multiple explosions. The resulting pressure sending a gust of wind throughout the stadium though the boys down below remain unfazed.

A smirk escapes Crono which doesn't go unnoticed as Shinn begins to wonder to shoot his struggling attention back to the smokey sky for another Sunder to come bursting through the smoke. Although smaller than the previous, this one rotates vertically before slamming adding itself to the ongoing collision. Now an 'X' with a line down the middle, the attack cracks through the first card pushing Shinn further back.

Shinn quickly raises his hand reinforcing his two remaining cards as cracks begin to spread along it.

"Where are you looking, Shinn?" Said teen jumps in shock turning around moving the last card behind him to as Crono comes out from a portal with his blade is a swinging motion similar to a baseball player, both hands gripping the handle.

His blade glows a black hue as it extends past the tip of the blade giving the weapon an extended range.

"Void Blade: Severing Strike!" The white haired roars as necrolite meets energized paper, the resulting impact causing another blast to erupt.

Feeling his arms begins to ache for the first time in a long time, Shinn taking in the sensation looking between Crono and his tri-crescent attack. A second later, he takes sight both cards beginning to crack.

How are you going to get out of this, Shinn?! He wonders adding more power behind his swing.

As if having read his mind, Shinn answers by squatting down to jump placing a card below him acting as a platform, the resulting effect causing his two orbiting cards to break no longer being reinforced as Crono collides with his own attack.

You have got to be shitting me! He grits his teeth as anger surges through the male as he slowly overpowers the three crescents to slash through causing an explosion.

I don't sense him meaning he's entered a portal... So then he'll... Flicking a card to his fingers, he sends it high above the stadium to point downwards to the smokey area.

Feeling a force above him, Shinn raises his head up to see Crono appearing ready to cut him down only to stop taking notice of the position of Shinn's hands as he clicks his tongue turning around still in midair to be met with another hail of cards.

This again?! Wait, that means he can't move! He thinks cutting the pieces of paper with incredible speed as he descends with his back to his brother.

Giving a glance, he sees said remnant unmoving. Simply looking at Crono's figure.

But wait, if I stop now, then I'll get hit by his attack but if I keep this up then I'll just keep falling until I'm within his range!

Choosing the latter over the prior, Crono reflects a few more cards with the last an extra boost as he turns soaring to his opponent. Moving his hand from its downed position, Shinn crouches down flying out of Crono's reach proceeding to point in two fingers on the remnant's sinking figure.

He stopped his attack to regain motion over himself?! I bet he had this planned all along from the start! Now I'm back at square one!

Looking at the incoming ground, he gains an idea as his blade glows black.

"Void Blade: Sunder!" He unleashes his attack at the ground causing a gust of wind and smoke to explode hitting Crono softening his landing.

"Damn, I'm smart as fuck!" He shouts in joy to remember what his current situation is as he back flips from a barrage of card impanting themselves where he once stood.

"Midoriya, didn't you do something like that during your match with Bakugou?" The ice-user asks to gain a nod.

Looking up, his eyes widens seeing hundreds of cards surrounding him before dive bombing the white haired teen.

Snap. Punishing Blossom!

"Full Counter: Rotation!" He shouts spinning in place as a black dome materializes out of nothing pushing each and every card off colliding with one another.

When the relentless onslaught stops, so does Crono's defensive technique as all around him for the boy to put his hands on his knees panting, a thick cyan dust covers his vision. Soon, he makes out an even brighter cyan far off on what he can guess to be the edge of the tattered arena. He swipes at the dust causing the teen to stare slightly slack-jawed.

What. The. Actual. Fuck. Dawg? His mouth drops wide open and the grip on his blade begin to loosen before his quiver becomes a sturdy smirk and his grip tightens all over again at the aspect of the challenge before him. Cracking his neck and breathing a few times, he readies himself gazing at Shinn.

"It's that wall from the cavalry battle!" Shoji states looking in awe along with the rest.

"Lucinance can still do something like that? Just how much longer can he go?" Sato is the next to speak up.

"Truly a sight to behold." Tokoyami... praises?

"That is quite a spectacle." Aoyama sweatdrops.

"No it's not! That's what got most of us all knocked out!" Hagakure protests flailing her arms.

"You're still hung over that?" Ojiro asks.

"Of course! That should be against the rules! Hmpf!"

"Oh boy."

Before him standing higher than the stadium are a cluster of what is probably dozens upon dozens of enlarged cards standing on top of each other. Each visibly reinforced in the telekinetic glow and standing at the very top on the edge of a card-like platform lies Shinn looking down at his brother. His eyes seeming to have the light return to life.

Card Babylonia. Using something like this should be used early and not when I'm beginning to tire out. Breathing in and out with his arms hanging lifelessly in front of him. I had to use the rest of my cards because unlike during the cavalry battle, I wasn't as tired so I could focus on making more fakes of my cards unlike here. Using Rain of Thorns twice, a large scale Punishing Blossom, and reinforcing my Card Orbit as much as I did took a big toll. It'll be awhile before I can use another move like those. At least in my current state. He thinks looking to his right arm.

Relon looks down seeing the tiny figure that is Crono. He takes one more breath in before releasing it gripping his fists.

I can't stop now. Not yet. He slowly closes his eyes lifting his head feeling the heat from the sun grace his skin. I have a mission to accomplish.

Lowering his face to look down once more, his eyes begin to open stopping halfway, the life that had reappeared now gone.

Void Blade: Severing Strike. Crono whips his blade out, the dark hue returning for it's range to increase past the blade. Let's get it! He darts off straight ahead.

Raising a hand, he pumps it down into an open palm. The wall of cards glowing in response as some cards begin to detach from their positions to float gently like a leaf to then zoom to Crono. Slashing one after the other, Crono spins his blade into a reverse grip cutting the third in half to jump slashing the next in an uppercut landing to see more incoming. Not wanting losing any momentum, he dashes the moment his feet touch the ground as dozens of cards approach.

Flipping the card back to his normal hold, he slashes the air opening a portal which he runs through appearing to the right slicing more cards before disappearing once again. This time reappearing on the far left to vanish again now at the base of the paper energized wall. With a sideswipe of his arm, Shinn sends more cards hurtling for his fellow remnant, Crono in response creating a black dome bouncing the cards back soaring to the platform Shinn is standing on.

Seeing this, he detaches his platform from the wall before crouching as the card lifts vertically before spinning and beginning its descent. Along the way, Shinn extends his hands along the wall of cards as he pulls out others sending them ahead intercepting the missle-like cards causing another explosion of cyan dust to obstruct both boy's view of the other. Lowering a hand to be an inch off of the card, Shinn releases his foots hold now plummeting to the ground with it next to him. He begins rotating the card at high speeds.

Out of the colorful dust, appears Crono having climbed from the gaps in the wall, his blade reered behind him glowing black.

Void Blade/Card...

Shinn reers back his card.

Sunder/Shuriken!

Both boys release their attacks for another collison for the umpteenth time to occur shortly followed by an explosion. Shinn planting his feet to a card along the wall anchoring himself as to not get blown off raising his arms as to cover his face, protecting himself from the blowing wind and smoke. Crono simply disappearing into a rift. When the smoke clears, Shinn can be seen card back near the top. He takes sight of Crono appearing out of a rift to stand on one of the gaps, both eyes locking onto the others causing both to take immediate action. Their adrenaline unwavering just as their wanting to defeat the other.

Touching two cards as he leaps forward, Shinn shoots them forward before grabbing one and decreasing its size gripping the corner of it with his hand. Leaping from on gap to the other embedding his blade to assist with his climb, Crono throws two more quick crescent attacks canceling out Shin's cards, this time Shinn appearing through the smoke swinging the card like a sword to clash with Crono. Both gritting their teeth at the other as they slowly pass pushing the other back, Crono gripping the edge of a gap with his free hands and Shinn sliding against a card against the wall.

Looking at Crono, our protagonist takes note of the many open patches that have cards missing and gains an idea. He quickly stretches his fingers before raising his hand to Crono's wonder before slamming it against his Card Babylonia.

What is he-

"Whoa!" Crono gasps as the wall of cards with gaps begins to flip horizontally, the gaps being filled in by cards causing the height to lower.

After a minute, the platform lies evenly above the beat up arena.

"So this is what you want, huh? Alright then." Crono mutters resuming his stance, blade in front of him as Shinn does the same with card still in hand.

Both eye the other awaiting for the slightest of movement. Noticing Shinn's arm twitch, Crono acts launching another Sunder to which Shinn stomps the card surface for one to rise blocking the attack and move for Crono obstructing his view. Not wanting to wait, Crono rushes forward slicing the paper in half to be met with Shinn having followed close behind it swinging his energized card down on him.

Quickly moving his blade back, they clash forcing Shinn to spin launching himself over Crono and onto a card for it to open up like a trap door before pulling itself back to normal. Before he can do anything, he senses something to his right which a card opens up although nothing comes from it. Quickly looking to his left he spots another card flip open for Shinn to jump out bring down his card. Again, he bounces off doing a motion with one of his hands leaving Crono confused to realize a moment too late as the card that lifted itself only a moment ago tackles him from behind careening him to Shinn.

Touching another card below him, Shinn lifts it picking it up and adjusting it so its the same as the other to be seen now dual-wielding. Crono attempts tp move but with a quick motion of his foot stomping the card floor, two more box in Crono at both of his sides.

"You want me? Fine then!" Crono shouts holding his blade at the side, a black hue appearing as the hue extends the range of the blade.

"Severing Strike!" He shouts getting closer and closer.

Crossing his elbows and the cards, Shinn focuses reinforcing both with as much energy as he can before tightening his grip and slashing both cards horizontally as Crono strikes vertically with his blade. Instantly both feel the force behind the other's attack as the sheer power negates a collision. The force causing the cards restricting Crono's movement to dissipate as he is sent flying to the card platform's edge and Shinn to the other. Both slowly get to one knee to take in the sight before them.

Just like earlier in their fight with the arena's crater, there now lies a giant hole at the center of the card-filled platform. Both get to their feet panting clearly for all to see now.

"Let's do that again, Shinn!" Crono shouts as he and Shinn rush one another, jumping over the hole clashing one again, albeit not as strong, pushing off on another to land at opposite edges of the hole.

Shinn stomping quickly on a card to rise as he uses it as a spring-pad to soar to Crono, crossing his cards at each side causing Crono to widen once again. Quickly leaning back, he can see in slow motion the energy card slice at the spot where he once stood. Shinn corrects himself sliding to a stomp on one knee before rushing back at the recovering Crono.

Seeing Shinn approaching, his blade begins glowing a black color. Seeing this, Shinn releases one of the cards he's using before he proceeds to rotate it.

Come on, Shinn! I'm ready for you!

Rearing back his rotating card, Shinn readies to send it but instead launches his other card that has been acting as his over sword substitute to Crono complete shock.

What?! Tch! Full Counter! He hits the card for it to repel towards Shinn twice as fast.

Still in the motion of having launched the card, Shinn pivots quickly but carefully to the left as he reaches his hand for the passing card catching it with his telepathic energy. In a smooth motion, the Full Counter-Powered card spins as does Shinn a few times before gaining control of it. He stops facing Crono with two rotating cards, one much stronger than the other.

With no hesitation, he chucks the weaker one first with a spin. Seeing this, Crono rushing Shinn jumps over the first landing to take sight of his brother already having launches the second. Slamming his hands to the ground, cards rise to intercept Crono to his annoyance only to be cut down. Looking back up he has barely anytime to block the second Card Shuriken. Supporting his blade with both hands, he grits his teeth still being pushed back. Veins becoming noticeable on his arms and forehead.

"Come the fuck ooooooon!" He curses.

He used those cards as a prevention from me countering the card as well as to block my visibility of it! The white haired teen looks past the attack to realize something. Wait, where the hell he go?!

A sudden sensation flows through him, his instincts telling him to turn around. Listening to his instincts, he looks out the corner to look in confusion seeing nothing but the first Card Shuriken approach the giant hole.

"Why is it...?" He turns back to trying to push away the attack, the logic coming to him a moment later as his eyes widen in horror. "Wait a sec!" He turns his head back around in time to see Shinn jump out from the hole above the first Card Shuriken which he grabs just above his hand before landing and taking off straight for Crono, the card seeming to absorb the energy from the cards around as the platform gives way. The card growing almost twice as big as Shinn while leaving a line along the platform as if a saw has cut through it.

When he slammed his hands, he used those cards to not only obstruct my view of the spinning card, but also of him! He must have used the card he was standing on as another trap door and sticking his feet to the surface, ran upside down to the center where the hole was!

Payback! He slides swinging his arm forward.

Damn it, I can't block this!

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Shinn falls from the broken platform, calling two real cards to bounce off on and the other catch him just above the ground. Panting once more, he opens his black eyes revealing the light back in them. Looks up covering his face from the strong winds with one eye open to see the results of his attack. In the sky where he and Crono once were lies two cyan wind tornadoes. One bigger than the other rotating counter-clockwise and the latter clockwise. Between the location where the two spheres are clashing against one another is Crono. Unable to be seen by anyone.

"Oh my God, that's what happens when you get hit by one of those?!" Kaminari shouts covering his face from the wind.

"THAT'S IT! LUCINANCE AND NUNU ARE DOING WAY TOO MUCH!" Mineta shouts hanging on to dear life by one of Shoji's arms.

"This is insane!" Midoriya shouts looking at the twin twisters with an eye open protecting his face with his arms.

Card bastard can do something like this?! Bakugou grits his teeth looking at the anomaly.

Slowly getting off the card having caught his breath, Shinn stares up at the twin twisters. His hairs rustling wildly against the strong winds. Looking back at his card hovering off the ground, he touches it returning it to normal placing it in his sleeve to look at said sleeve.

These are my last two...

He looks back noticing something wrong as his eyebrows furrows. Looking to his twisters, he sees to what looks like black rings before-

WHOOSH.

His tornadoes vanish in thin air as cyan dust particles explode descending to the ground along with Crono, his figure seeming bigger as it shrinks upon landing falling to a knee panting heavy. Visibility of the remnant veiled behind the amount of dust particles.

"Damn it... what's with you and Insight... and cutting me?" He jokes in between breaths with a augmented voice. "But shit man... you really are something..." He slowly begins getting to his feet. "Even though I'm on my toes against you... you're doing moves three or four times ahead. That last move really did me in though... I'm pissed that I lost that round!" He stands up finally visible, their eyes finally locking onto one another.

Black eyes meet pitch black with a white circle in both eyelids. Crono's shirt is completely destroyed exposing his toned muscular physique, tiny cuts throughout his body covered in black markings.

So, he really did do it. Relon thinks looking on as Crono's markings recede.

"Seems you've lost that attitude, Shinn." His words catching Relon's attention. "After all, with what's to come next it makes sense..." This making Relon look on with a curious look before his eyes widen understanding what he means. "It seems you get it now, don't you?" Relon's only answer is to grip his right fight tightly, this going noticed by Nunu who smirks. "That's it- Ack!" He cries in pain falling to a knee holding where his left trapezius is.

You know you can't win... so why bother going this far-

SMACK!

"Ah, damn what the?!" Nunu looks up holding the area where is left trapezius.

He widens seeing Relon standing before him with his hand in a karate chop position. His hand covered in circuit-like markings and his eyes pure white.

One of the perks to Eramsus Mode. Being able to shut those annoying entities the hell up. Nunu's eyes far wider than before.

"So you already knew I could do it, didn't you?" He asks.

Honestly, I had no idea. Once I saw the condition you and Kanao were in, I knew you must have gotten stronger otherwise Kanao wouldn't have struggled as much as she most likely did. She would have beaten you much faster before I would have ever arrived. Though my suspicions were confirmed as we were fighting when you used you Sunder and Rotation. Those were much stronger than they were previously. That and it becomes pretty easy to figure out when you're kneeling on the ground holding the place that power resides.

"Heh, nothing gets past you, smartass. Maybe that's another reason why you were chosen as the leader..." He mutters, a dead silence falling over the two.

"By the way, how's that headache of yours?"

My headache? Thinking back to it, he remembers the painful ordeal. It disappeared once I had remembered something... I was so caught up in our fight I didn't realize it just up and disappeared...

"Pffffft, how do just 'forget' about a headache like yours?" He laughs hands on his knees. "Like, seriously, how?" He continues before eventually dying down raising back to his feet. "Ready when you are." He says in a serious tone standing upright.

Relon nods turning around and walking away jumping over the crater to turn back facing his brother reverting to normal. Nunu forward walking to the edge.

"Thanks for the help earlier... NOW LET'S DO THIS, SHINN!" He nods in agreement as both boys lower into a squatting stance with arms bent at their sides.

Gusts of wind slowly begin to swirl around both boys as it begins to pick up speed to then suddenly die out. Both look to on another smirking.

"Malevolence Form: 50%!"

Eramsus Mode: 50%!

The wind picks up much stronger than before creating a funnel around the two, one white white wisps and the other black rising to the sky.

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... GYYAAAAAAAAAA!" The black and white funnels explode in all directions, those in the audience gripping whatever they can as to not possibly be knocked off their feet once more.

The winds soon lighten as black and white gales of winds continue to swirl around the two boys. Standing with white circuit-like markings running along the right side of his body, with his right arm shining a bright white, with pure white eyes stands Relon. On the other side with black markings running all over his body, his eyes now pitch black with a white circle in each, with three huge rings floating on his back intersecting each other like that of a Venn diagram stands Crono.

Both boys release a black and white breath of air respectively taking in the sensation from their forms.

"Nunu did it!" Midoriya exclaims. "He achieved 50% mark!"

"Did you know?" Momo looks to Kanao who nods.

"During our match. I could feel it. His new strength."

"I've been looking forward to this for a long time, you know."

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't either. Took you long enough.

"I don't want to hear it coming from the guy who at one point hated fighting." This causing Relon to let out a audible chuckle telepathically.

Fine. Fine. Would you say the first stage was your win?

"Yeah, we could call it that considering much."

Then you have one point from stage one and I have one point from stage two.

"Which means I just have to win right here and now!" Crono shouts now serious once again as he launches himself, blade rematerializing in hand already having altered with the tip curving back.

Sounds right to me! Relon jumps shooting into the air avoiding Crono. He's gotten faster!

"Damn right I have!" He retorts, the top circle on his back beginning to shrink.

What is he...?

"Hope you don't mind, but I'm borrowing a move of yours, Shinn!" Grabbing a circle off his back, Crono jumps throwing it under himself as he is propelled upwards.

So you can fly too, huh? Relon ascends higher with Crono behind him. But can you keep up? Tucking in his body, Relon bursts forward at an even great speed leaving Crono behind.

"Did Lucinance...?" Mina questions sweatdrops.

"Just leave Nunu in his dust? Yes. Yes he did." Jirou answers for her also sweatdropping.

Bursting through a cloud, Relon halts taking in his new surroundings. The clear blue as far as the eye can see with puffs of clouds scattered below him partially blocking his view of the stadium and Musutafu City. A moment passes and Crono comes bursting through a cloud on his disk.

"Fuck! Did you go past 50%?!" Relon shakes his head.

Before Crono can complain, Relon blitzes the teen slamming his radiating fist into the side of Crono's blade sending him careening back down through a nearby cumulus cloud. A second later, the whole cloud disperses as black wisps explode in all directions revealing a more than slightly annoyed Crono. Not even bothering to say anything, he goes on the attack launching multiple Sunders Relon's way.

Rising high before descending down, the many crescents following on him like guided missiles. Taking note of this, he dives into a cloud with the attacks close behind entering the cloud as well. Crono gives a look of confusion seeing his Sunders fly right through the cloud before he realizes what Relon is doing.

"Can't hide from me, Shinn!" With a wave of his hand, he redirects his many crescents to break up homing in on the fluffy water and ice particles breaking it apart with ease to reveal an absent Relon. "What?!" Looking around frantically, a shadow looms above him.

Noticing out his peripheral, aa figure, he turns covering an eye at Relon in front of the sun.

"So that's where!" He throws his hand forward setting a loose his attack to then widen at the sight of a white beam hurdling straight at him.

Widening his hand, he moves the crescents to intercept the familiar beam only for it to scatter into hundreds of smaller means drowning his attack. Wasting no time in wanting to avoid the oncoming shower, Crono rips open a portal about to enter to feel a presence appear behind him. As if in slow motion, he turns his head to be met with a fist shooting him downwards off his disk.

Regaining himself, Crono opens his eyes to be met with the white shower of lasers resulting in an chain reaction of explosions all the way to the ground followed by a bigger explosion to finish off the attack. Relon coming into view hovering in place awaiting the results. Moments pass until the smoke finally clears showing the whole arena in pieces with the now bigger crater the only proof of its existence left. And at the bottom of the deep hole, a visible Crono with his blade raised high above him, his free arm radiating a dark light.

Taking one of the large rings from his back, he places it afloat above his head as the dark marked remnant reers back his glowing arm. "Full Counter: Kickback!" Crono shouts before launching it at the ring.

Said ring expanding in size as it too emanates a dark hue for a series of explosions to rockets upwards in the shape of a cone. Obviously not wanting to get hit, Relon rises higher and higher out of the blast's radius. Feeling the dark sensation that he's familiarized to be related to a Malevolence Form, he looks above to see the disk Crono was riding on early turning back into a ring.

Shifting far to the side out of the rings way, Relon has no time to react as it instantly turns back towards him. Wide eyed, he is about to shoot upwards once more.

"You're not getting away again!" Crono shouts once more widening his fingertips causing the ring to expand as Relon flies through it vanishing. The counter from Crono dying out leaving a huge cloud of smoke in its wake.

With a smirk, Crono opens a portal disappearing as well leaving everyone behind.

"Where did they go?"

"Most likely to a random location somewhere on the globe." Kanao answers.

...

...

"HUUUUUH?!"

Trees as far as the eye can see. That is all Relon sees as he flies above the tree foliage.

Where are you, Nunu...?

As if on cue, he senses the perpetrator behind his abduction near him as he feels a hand press on his back. Turning quickly around, he see Crono pulling back into the skies raising two rotating rings from his back. One hovering a few inches from his hands which are extended to his sides. He gives a grin before sending one after the other, the rings hurling for Relon at a relatively decent speed.

Without much effort, Relon flies to the left and then the right watching the two rings disappear into the forest below. Turning back, he notices the grin on his step-brother's face.

THUD.

Turning back around, Relon sees a path of tumbling trees begin to form before stopping abruptly as the two rings comes slicing through the foliage towards him.

They're getting faster?! He turns on his side and rising higher avoiding the second ring as they pass by him and then Crono to see them circle around back towards him. Damn it, they're even faster! Turning around, he dives into the forest below with the two rings close behind. Weaving through the trees he glancing behind him seeing the rings maneuver as well almost copying his movements.

How about this then? He zooms ahead turning off Eramsus Mode as he glides through the air with his hands reaching out to grab a tree limb swing. Gripping tightly, he uses his momentum to swing up and onto it turning back the way he came facing the incoming rings. Just as they are feet away from reaching him, Relon jumps forward passing in between the two rings landing down on the ground.

Quickly turning around, he sees the tree limb and the tree itself sliced as the rings continue on before circling back to him.

Damn it! What the hell's going on? He looks above the treeline seeing Crono just standing on his disk looking on. He doesn't seem to be manipulating these so how is- He stops his thoughts remembering the moment Crono touched his back. Back then. He must have marked me when I came out of his rift. So even without being in Eramsus Mode I'm still marked! He curses turning on his heel powering back to 50% before taking off jumping from one tree trunk to another as the black rings dance around him cutting tree after tree in half.

If I can't run from them then...! He lands on another tree to jump jumping to one of the spinning rings, his shining fist reared back as he collides with it. Instantly beginning to cut at his skin, Relon winces pivoting out of the way as it passes before turning around. Taking off once again, he inspects his hand seeing his knuckles cut clean off already reforming.

If punching won't work, then what about shooting? Taking off with a burst of speed, Relon turns around gesturing his hands into a gun-like fashion before firing a barrage of white lasers, the rings slicing through with ease. Those too? Could Nunu's 50% be stronger than mine with Eramsus Mode? No, it's too hasty to say that. Afterall, he just gained 50% of his Malevolence Form. It's more like these 'appendages' of his are stronger than what I've used so far.

Turning back around giving up on his shooting, he immediately pulls back as a jaguar pouces upon him from a nearby tree.

OH SHIT! He mentally screams. In sheer surprise, he bicycle kicks it over him launching it into another tree as he continues his flight. What the hell... just happened? Wait, why the hell was that thing still here?! He shakes his head refocusing taking in the sight of a treeless mountain in the distance.

"So you're heading for the mountain, huh?" Crono mutters having now taken a crouched position with a hand touching the black disk he holding him airborne looking on at the sight of trees being torn down leading to said mountain.

Standing up, he takes in a breath of air before exhaling.

"I've regained some of my fatigue... Time I get in on the fun!"

I'm almost out of the clear- Ack! Feeling a razor-like pain at from his heel, Relon turns seeing one of the rings grinding through the sole of his shoe. It caught up?! Wait, where's the other- GaK! He looks to his left to see the other ring slowly cutting through his left arm.

With zero hesitation, Relon grabs the spinning blade with his right hand gritting his teeth from the pain cutting at the inside of his palm to then slam it with the other ring knocking it down into the ground before throwing the other into the ground as well. Zooming off with another burst of speed, Relon sees the gash in his arm slowly close itself and feels the same happen for the sole of his foot.

Having now exited the forest, Relon turns to the skies narrowly avoiding a slash from Crono backflipping into a skid before coming to a halt facing the white haired teenager now off the ground. Without saying a word, both charge clashing fists once more. Ducking a slash, Relon jumps back from another before Crono raises the disk he was hovering on above himself. Relon can only watch as its shape returns to that of a ring to realize what's about to happen.

Not again! Blitzing to Crono, he prepares to deliver a kick straight to his face but stops sensing two certain prescences. Landing back on the ground, both rings shoot from the ground to his left and right.

"Where are you looking!" Refocusing on the deep voice that is Crono, Relon is met with a punch blocking his with both arms.

Immediately following by ducking his body and cartwheeling to the side landing on one hand about to push himself up from the two rings, his white eyes widens seeing Crono throw the third.

I don't have time to block it! Tch! Pushing off the ground with his hand, he spins knocking the ring away with the heel of his foot landing before being knocked away by Crono.

About to retaliate, he senses the rings coming from his left and right as well as above him. Jumping back, he avoids the fatal tri-attack as all three disappear into the ground leaving just him and a charging Crono. Raising his hands in a defensive stance, Relon begins parrying and dodging the extended blade.

I need to do something about those rings! I'm basically outnumbered! If I still had more cards, I could use Card Orbit. Leaning back from a swipe at the neck level, he backflips in an attempt to not only create space having sensed the rings begin the accent but also kick Crono in the jaw but misses with the latter having stepped back.

Landing on both feet, Relon turns flying towards the top of the mountain.

"Where do you think you're going?!" Crono shouts in hot pursuit.

Spinning to the right, Relon avoids the first ring as well as the second.

Where's the third?! Looking around frantically, it isn't until mere moments that he looks ahead to see it much larger than the other. Not again! He can only curse as he goes through the portal followed by Crono and his disks.

Flying out, he stops taking in the his surrounding.

The ocean. The middle of the fucking ocean. Really, Nunu? He questions with clear annoyance turning around to catch the sight of Crono back on a disk with the two rings headed for him.

"What's the problem? We both can swim!"

You know what I mean! He shoots down flying across the blue surface, the duo rings close behind. Before they can reach him, he performs Immelmann turn making his way back in the direction he came straight to Crono.

"Malevolent Void Blade: Sunder!"

What now?! Looking up, He sees multiple crescents much bigger and curvier hit the water causing a giant tidal wave to appear.

How does that even work?!

"By watching a whole lot of fucking anime!" Crono retorts.

Turning to his left, Relon flies through the descending tidal wave as it crashes behind him.

There's the end! He says to himself to wish he hadn't as he sees his step-brother appear readying what can only be another attack.

Aiming a hand ahead in a gun-like fashion, Relon prepares to fire before realizing his sense of the rings closing in. Before he can react, a ring comes zipping through the water cutting his extended arm. Relon wincing as he drops it momentarily to refocus on Crono deliver another crescent attack his way.

Taking in a deep breath, he dives into the sea avoiding the attack for the water to crash harmlessly. Looking to the surface with his back to the depths, Relon slowly extends his injured arm along with his still good one watching the prior already heal leaving some bloods to float in place. A few drops seeming to have dried onto his sleeve. Once again, he has to stop his retaliation seeing the two rings veering through the water. Turning around and pushing with one strong butterfly stroke, he zooms further down into the dark depths.

They're not as fast as they were before. So they're slower when in water, huh?

At the base floor, he continues towards what seems like a ridge to stumble upon schools of fish and at the bottom even further beyond lies what seems like coral reefs. Covering his face as he flies/swims head straight into a school of fish, he lowers his arms to stop instantly at the sight before him. Sharks. And a three of them swimming as fast as they can towards him.

You have got to be SHITTING me!

His tolerance now having been all but depleted, Relon rockets straight ahead towards the hundreds of sharp teeth visible to him. Diving to punch on in the gut, he shifts to the side punching another in the nose followed by a hammer strike in the same spot. He then rises up avoiding a ring to kick the other away. Spinning back around, he's met face-to-face with another shark.

Once again reacting on instinct, his hands motion grabbing the predator by its two rows of teeth spinning it.

Let's see how Nunu likes this!

Above the water

"My rings are still following him... over there, huh?" Crono mutters still standing on his disk platform to ready himself as he feels Relon's presence as well as his rings come closer to him.

Seeing a dark shadow, he readies himself for whatever his brother might throw. He sees a shadow and bring his blade in front of him but his expression changes as more shadows appear around one another. And the shadows are getting bigger.

"What the...?"

SPLASH!

A blast of water emerges as Crono raises his blade.

Now, Crono has been through his fair share of rough and even scary experiences throughout his 15 to 16 years of being alive. But nothing could prepare him for the sudden sight of dozens of large teeth mere inches from his face.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Hovering clear out of the way, he looks past at the sight of the shark falling back into the water.

SPLASH! SPLASH!

"ARE THOSE FUCKING BULL SHARKS?!" Shooting his head back around, he sees two more thrashing about towards him. Flipping upside down holding the edge of his disk by just one hand, he avoids the first shark and kicks the second away to then bring himself back atop his small platform.

Below the water

Still dodging the relentless rings, Relon dives further down to pull up once again leaving behind the rings temporarily.

SPLASH!

Taking sight of the first shark land, Relon wastes no time readying to fire an attack but for the umptenth time, his senses go off as without giving a glance, he speeds off from where he was to then look behind him seeing another shark where he once was.

Is that...? ... Perfect. Zooming towards it, he barrel rolls out of the way from a ring having risen from the depths and once again from the other.

With the shark nearing him, he runs away allowing it to give chase before U-turning and grabbing it by its tail.

Up you go!

Above the water

SPLASH!

Snapping his head, he sees another much different with a greyer shade and white underbelly already upon him.

"IS THAT A GREAT WHITE?!" With little time to dodge, he loses his blade reverting to his bracelet as he quickly grabs hold of the sea creature by both rows of its teeth.

The weight quickly plummeting the remnant to the surface of the ocean. He moves his head away as he resists the creatures attempts at chomping down.

"No, no, no. You're not doing that! It's... Time... for you... to... GO!" Having already had enough of this nonsense, he throws the legendary shark over and yards away back into the water landing with a bigger splash.

Below the water

Relon fires a constant twin laser at his 3 and 9 o'clock from his gun shaped fingers at the rings slowly them.

Tch, these things won't quit! He relents as he dives further down to pull back before kicking the two nuisances once again into the depths of the ocean.

That should hold them for a minute. He mentally sights to hear an echoing sound further in the distance. No way...! Seeing the creature gives him an idea. Sorry big guy, I promise this won't hurt. Zooming to the underbelly, he begins to rise to the surface.

Above the water

SPLASH!

"Another- OH. YOU. HAVE. GOT. TO. BE. FUCKING. KIDDING. ME!" Floating back slowly, he gazes at the world's largest mammal having been thrown in the air and is now falling directly over him. "FIRST SHARKS, BUT NOW A FUCKING WHALE?!" Crono complains rising above as the almighty sea giant lets out an echoing cry.

Please let this work! Relon runs along the back of the falling creature to jump punching its back.

Wasting no time, he rushes for its blowhole just in time as the whale lets loose giving him a boost of speed soaring high into the sky. With an almighty splash unlike any of the others.

"Damn it. Shinn that bastard!" At his comment, he sees his rings emerge from the water shooting upwards.

Looking up, he takes sight of a speeding light coming at him before-

SMACK!

Crono is introduced to a knuckle sandwich sending him off his disk and skidding across the ocean.

I'm not done yet! Roars Relon as he continues momentum to pull up before diving at his brother with a leg extended crashing into his abdomen as the two continue to skid.

Not good! At this rate! Crono opens an eye to be met with Relon's pissed off expression as he begins to submerge.

Gritting his own teeth, Crono grabs Relon's foot that's planted against him and flicks his other hand, one of the rings expanding before teleporting the boys.

Out of the ring, using both hands, Crono grabs Relon by his leg before spinning him towards the ground. Recovering a good distance away from him, Relon looks around to see he's in... a bamboo forest? On a long looking path with two sets of bamboo railings on both sides of the path; one above the other surrounded by bamboo.

Refocusing on Crono, he sees him materialize his blade. Wasting no time he performs a karate chop cutting two nearby bamboos to his personal length. Lowering into a stance with one poised in front and holding the other behind in a reverse grip, he eyes his opponent. Water dripping off both boys. Crono points his blade at Relon who responds with narrowed eyes before remembering what's been the bane of his annoyance ever since they transformed.

Looking up, he sees the spinning loops surge forward much faster like back in the forest. Turning on his heel once more, Relon flies off along the path, the two rings hot on his trail with Crono having picked himself up in hot pursuit.

Energizing the bamboo-like swords with telepathic energy, he swings one at the ring knowing it away before following up with an uppercut. Turning his sights on his brother, he brings both bamboos in front of him blocking a Sunder to push past it soaring at Crono, their weapons meeting.

"Really?! A FUCKING whale?!"

Really?! THE GODDAMN OCEAN?!

Both push off with Relon charging back in to clash once more. Looking past Crono, he notices the two rings comes soaring at them.

"Where are you looking?!" Crono headbutts the teen slashing at him causing Relon to block with one of the bamboo but the force behind Crono knocks it out of his hand along the trail.

Flying backwards, Relon holds his remaining bamboo with both hands knocking away the annoying rings to then raise to guard from above against Crono.

"Malevolent Void Blade: Severing Strike!" Crono shouts jumping off his disk tucking himself with his blade pointed forward before he begins rotating quickly giving off the appearance of a moving sphere with a black ring around him. Thering being from the extended hue off of his curved blade.

Reinforcing his bamboo with energy as it glows a cyan color, the attack meet immediately pushing Relon through the air with the two rings hot on their tails. Relon Attempts to parry his brother but Crono shifts to the alternate side of the bamboo evening the two out.

This is just like his Rotation only with the use of his blade!

Crack.

Looking at the bamboo, Relon notices it begin to crack. Not wanting to meet the inevitable downfall, he moves his arms and ducks under Crono in a smooth motion escaping his attack just as his bamboo sword breaks into pieces. Crono quickly stopping himself as he digs his blade into the path slowing his acceleration. Seeing this, Relon turns his attention to the three rings coming his way.

I'm surrounded? Well no way but up! As he begins to rise, he immediately seeing the disk having changed back into a ring drop down on him.

Diving off of the trail, he feels it cut deep along the side of his leg as he crash to the ground colliding his back against a bamboo stick. Holding his leg, he hears the whirling sound of spinning rings come his way. Getting on his hands and knees, he takes off low to the ground as his leg begins to heal itself. Seeing his brother take off, Crono begins running along the trail.

Shinn's gotten slower. Now's my chance! His black gives off a black shine.

"Sunder!"

Looking back along the trail, Relon moves deeper into the bamboo forest avoid a crescent attack erupting a ball of smoke. Once past, he widens his eyes seeing more incoming. Pointing his finger, he fires off beam after beam cancelling the attacks. Barreling to the right avoiding a ring, Relon his grabs a bamboo stick spinning around to propel him towards Crono. The latter widening his eyes as he is in the process of sending out another crescent attack.

Extending his shining fist, Relon collides with Crono's blade. Two forces, one black and the other white pushing against one another. The pressure causing the bamboo trees nearby to bend backwards. Tucking in his arm slightly, Relon shoots it forward overpowering Crono as the remnant is shot far down the trail rolling over an over on his side. Not letting his advantage escape, Relon shoots into the sky causing the rings to miss him.

Pointing both glocked hands down below, a white sphere forms at the tips of his 'pistols.' He pants heavily swaying side to side slightly before correcting himself.

Come on, stay focused! He cheers himself up taking in a deep breath as the three rings rise.

Divine Descendance!

Two white beams fire off to meet the rising three rings only for Relon to ball two fists causing the twin lasers to disperse into hundreds of beams descending to the ground. Some colliding with the rings which at first doesn't affect them but beam on top beam begins to push back before the rings are swallowed by the white shower. Seeing Crono begin to get to his feet, Relon blitzes through the shower past the rings held at bay by the many lasers.

"I need to warp away!" Finally getting to his feet, he conjures open a portal only to be kicked in his wrist knocking the blade out of his hand by Relon who using his element of surprise zips behind his brother grabbing him by the collar to chuck him into the air.

This is gonna hurt! Crono states crossing his arms, his pitch black eyes getting reflecting the light from the shower before he is struck resulting in a chain reaction of mini white explosions as he hurdles to the ground ending with a cluster of white blasts.

Anchoring himself to the ground, Relon puts an arm to his face as winds and white smoke blow past him. Lowering his arm to see the chaos, before him lies a bunch of small craters around on another. A large portion of the trail and side railings completely gone without a trace. Pieces upon pieces of the bamboo forest caught in the shower lay around burnt or blasted to smithereens.

Floating at a steady pace through the formed battlefield, Relon lands on the ground walking to a bigger crater along the rest. Peering down he sees nothing but a ring showing what appears to be the sports stadium.

Wha- Snapping his head around, he is met with one thing.

"Kickback." The almightiest of backfists shooting him faster than what one would believe to be the speed of light.

BOOM!

"They're back. Ribbit."

"But who is it?" Momo questions looking over the railing along with Kanao, Mina, Midoriya, and Jirou.

The smoke settles revealing Relon on his back.

The bastard's fanclub is something else. Bakugou rolls his eyes to refocus down below.

"It's Lucinance!" Midoriya mutters to the group.

Letting out an aching white breath, Relon opens his eyes to see the portal high in the sky as well as the stadium. Rolling onto his hands and knees, he reels his back to being in a sitting manner. Raising his hands slowly up, he clenches them.

Falling to his hands and knees, Crono pants heavily as his two rings appear back on his back.

Damn it. I couldn't absorb all of the damage.

Unbeknownst to him, the bamboo that he knocked from Relon during their earlier engagement begins to emanate a cyan color as it rises. As does the tall bamboo Relon had swung from begins to rise from out of the ground shifting horizontally towards the direction at which it is called. Which happens to be where Crono lies.

Something's coming?! From both sides?! Snapping his head up, he is met with the side of the bamboo-like sword hitting him square in the forehead as well as feeling something tackle his back causing his stomach to push out knocking him into the crater and through the ring.

With a downward motion of a hand, the long bamboo plummets Crono to the stadium floor with a loud thud.

Groaning, he gets to one knee looking at his brother who is now doing the same attempting to stand.

Managing to do so, the Omega member releases a black breath steadying himself. He knew fighting his brother of all people would prove to be difficult and so far everything has been what he was expecting. Letting a grin slip from his face, he chuckles at the thought before throwing a ring from his back below turning into a hover disk to which he jumps on taking to the skies above. The ring portal closing to appear alongside him as the last ring removes itself from his back to do the same.

Looking above at the charging attack, Relon cannot help but give a small smile. Here he was fighting his now step-brother who he hadn't seen in years. The only memories of the two being from their time in that dreaded hellhole of a home. As terrible of a nightmare as that place was, the memories if being with him and the others he cherished. And seeing how far he's come since their first meeting, it made him proud in a sense.

Clasping his hands together, the rings at both sides of Crono begin to spin turning into portals showing the black and purple void as well as summoning smaller portals all around him.

"Bit Storm!" Crono shouts, all of the rifts firing black and purple alloys of what seems like needles.

Squatting down, his right arm shines brighter than previously seen as he raises it with an open palm before slamming it on the ground. A white pulse emitting throughout the ground passing throughout all the rubble that was once the arena causing each to gain a white outline.

"What is he...?"

Sublime Ambuscade! From each white outlined rubble, erupts a cluster of white lasers instantly overpowering the needle bombardment.

"Damn it!" Pressing his hands harder against one another, more needles launching themselves against the seemingly endless attack.

"Is that a trap Relon activates? When did he set that up?"

Kanao thinks for a moment before it hits her.

"During our match against one another...!" Kanao mutters gaining the group's attention. "That explains why his Divine Descendance didn't explode on impact..." She states wide-eyed.

"So, had our match kept going, we would have been toast, huh?" Mina groans leaning back gripping the railing.

To think he had something like this from the very beginning. The longer this goes on, the more of those beams seem to sprout! Shifting his attention past the attack, Crono's eyes widen. There's so many I can't even see past any of them!

He's still holding on even against this. Then what about... Standing from a crouch, Relon stands tall looking up at the attack battling for dominance.

Motioning his right fist out to the side, white orbs begin to appear out of thin air. Squatting down, he jumps flying through the cluster strikes with the orbs injecting themselves inside his arm resulting in a brighter shine. With his left hand open towards Crono, who is completely caught off guard by the sudden appearance, Relon rears back his right arm before swinging it forward.

Crono quickly raises his clasped hands to meet Relon's fist.

Righteous Fist!

With another push, a white beam fires from his fist which forces Crono to fly out of the way cancelling his counter. The strong beam firing off into the sky before disappearing in the clouds leaving Crono to stare wide eyed still, sweatdropping at the aspect.

If I had tried to meet that head on like I was planning... He redirects his point of interest to his brother who simple turns to look down at the airborne teen. Without a word, both quickly descend to the ground.

I'm glad I acted when I did. Sublime Ambuscade lasted about as long as I thought it would. Although short, It's power makes up for it as it lays in wake until usage. Nice job avoiding it.

"Thanks... Leave it to you... to have something... like that up your sleeve." Crono responds taking a few deep breaths in between words.

Looks like we both had surprises up our sleeves. Seems like we're reached our limits though. Relon raises his hand seeing his right arm flicker its shining light.

"Well then..." Standing straight up with his rings floating around him.

Yeah... Relon flicks his wrist taking the last card out placing it between his fingers to hold it close to his face

"Let's finish this!"/Let's finish this!

Both boys raise raise their arms to the sky, the card begins to enlarge in size as it gains a cyan hue as the black rings lay horizontally turning into black disks which begins to rotate.

All the remaining power I'm currently releasing I'll put into this card! Relon buckles under the weight as he rears the giant card seemingly twice his size back behind him.

"All or nothing, huh?! I like the sound of that!" Crono shouts rearing back a ring as the other two drop from the stacked pile.

Card Shuriken!/"Distortion Disk Barrage!" Relon spins hurling his card forward with Crono throwing all three one after the other, the card pushing through to rendered at a stalemate with all three rings pushing against it to clash with a giant black and white air field encompassing the attacks.

"I'm not done yet!" Crono announces catching Relon's attention as he withdraws his curved blade. radiating a black color extending its range before rushing to slam it against the middle ring causing the card to slow push back.

I don't think so! Relon zooms raising his arms to reinforce the energized card.

"HAAAAAAAAAA!" Crono roars pushing with all his might slowly pushing the card causing Relon's arms to bend outwards.

Refusing to give in, Relon digs deep mustering out more of his holy power. Slowly pulling back his fist, he speaks telepathically once more.

Like All Might and Midoriya says... His sudden speech catching Crono's attention.

"You-

SMAAAAAAAAAASH!

BAM!

A blinding light overtakes the stadium forcing everyone to shield their eyes as wind blows in all directions.

"What's happening down there?!" Momo asks aloud covering her eyes from the bright light.

"Shinn has...!"

When their eyesight returns, the class along with the entire audience looks to the field to see Crono lodged in the stadium wall on one side and Relon on the other. Both both pulling themselves out landing o their hands and knees simultaneously.

"To think you amped yourself to 65%..." Crono mutters getting to one knee, his appearance no longer pertaining to his Malevolence Form. "Smart move... all things considered..." He chuckles panting as he slowly stands to his feet, raising his head slowly to take in the sight of his brother in all his glory.

Taking deep breaths with his shoulders raised and his back hunched stands Relon. With circuit markings along the right side of his body and his right arm flickering a pure white light, he has pure white eyes. His once all back hair now has at the end white tips and the most notable change is the very visible white and cyan mixed aura veiling the teen.

"Gone to 65% of his Eramsus Mode..." She stares taking in the sight placing a hand to her chest.

"This feeling!" Momo copies the gesture followed by the others and their classmates except Bakugou. "It's so warm."

"So serene." Midoriya adds.

"It's soothing." Jirou mutters.

"It's like I feel a sense of peace." Mina whispers.

This is...! Bakugou clutches his chest ignoring his classmates' comments to the wonderful sensation resonating through their bodies.

"THIS FEELING! IT FEELS AMAZING, YO!" Present Mic shouts.

"So this is the effect of going past 65%? It seems like everyone here feels the same thing as are." Aizawa states in a low tone eyeing the audience and their reactions.

Young Lucinance, is this that resonating sensation you mentions before? This feeling of... serenity?

With one more white breath escaping his mouth, Relon releases his Eramsus Mode.

"Looks like we're both still up... so you know what that means..." Crono tiredly calls materializing his blade from wherever it landed.

Lowering himself into a stance, Relon nods in affirmation as does Crono. Both boys now back to normal, their black eyes make contact to give one another a mental agreement.

"Ready..." The white haired teen starts

Set...

"Go!"/Go!

Both sprint to one another, Relon with his arms behind him and Nunu's moving back and forth. Reaching the middle, Relon throws the last card from his sleeve as Nunu throws his necrolite blade, both tools colliding to land embedded in the ground. The moment they collide, both boys jump with Nunu a balled fist and Relon with a leg reared back.

"This is...!"

The finishing!

!Blow!"/Blow!

SMACK!

The knuckles of Nunu's fist collide with the side of Relon's face as his heel of his foot connects with Nunu's face sending both back with a thud lying lifelessly. All is quiet until a groan escapes Nunu and a loud sigh escape Relon.

"I'm done... I can't move anymore." Nunu groans ending with a chuckle.

Looking at the bright sun, Relon closes his eyes to open them slightly adjusting to the brightness barely circling a finger for words to be inscribed into the ground.

'I've reached my limit too.'

Both boys pant as they slowly sit up. Both with one leg crossed and the other over it with an arm resting overtop of it.

"BOTH COMPETITORS ARE UNABLE TO CONTINUE? SO WE HAVE ANOTHER TIE?!" Mic shouts questionably. "What do we do about this?" He whispers completely at a loss.

"Simple. Both won so they placed first. Midoriya and Bakugou placed second and so on for those who placed third." Aizawa states in a neutral tone though his expression seemed to be of bewilderment after having seen the match transpire before his eyes.

"YOU HEARD IT FOLLKKKKSSS! FOR ONCE IN SPORTS FESTIVAL HISTORY, WE HAVE TWO CHAMPIONS! GIVE IT UP FOR RELON AND NUNU LUCINANCCCCCCCCCE!" The audience erupts into a barrage of claps and cheers.

Down on the field, Relon enters Eramsus Mode placing a hand to his chest healing himself as well as regaining his stamina. Letting out a relieving sigh, he moves his head side to side rubbing his cheek from where he was punched. He proceeds over to Nunu who has his head hung and a hand extended to raise his head as Relon stops before him. Both boys smirk at on another gripping hands as Nunu is rejuvenated. Pulling him up off his feet, he too lets out a relieved breath of air.

The two take a moment to look around at everything before them. The cheering crowd chanting their names, the confetti being shot all over the place, the balloons being released into the air along with fireworks. The jumbotron reading their names with followed by a congratulations.

Looking around, Relon's eyes fall upon the one and only Class 1-A. Everyone accounted for. All the guys clapping with Kirishima and Kaminari giving a thumbs up. Even Bakugou is giving a slowly clap though he's looking away making the mute boy silently chuckle. Looking to the front row, he sees Mina waving alongside Jirou with Kanao in the middle seeming to have finally released a breath of relief she has been holding in for so long from the sight of her hands to smile at her brothers.

"Bet she's relieved with how it turned out." Nunu comments earning a nod from Relon.

Moving over, he sees Midoriya and Uraraka next to each other, both boys looking to one another for the freckled teen to give a thumbs up which Relon returns to not only him but the others. And finally his eyes land upon the owner of two beautifully vibrant onyx eyes. Simply seeing that smile grace her beautiful face is all he needs to see to know what she's conveying.

Great job, Relon.

"Nunu!" Both boys turn to the bleachers where group 1-B sits showing Kendo with a two hands cupping her mouth. "Way to go!"

"Heh. Told you I was gonna make it!" He shouts back.

"Didn't doubt you for a second!" She responds.

Looking on at the stadium, Relon balls a fist.

We did it.

"All of the first-year events for this year's U.A. sports festival have now been completed." Midnight announces f

On the now clear ground lies all of the freshman participants with photographers far off behind taking pictures.

"And now, we'll begin the award ceremony!" At her words, more fireworks erupt along with the thousands of spectators shouting in applauses as the patio rises from out the ground.

On the first place platform stands Relon and Nunu. Both looking forward with confident looks on their faces. Next is Midoriya and Bakugou. The freckled teen showing a vibrant smile on can only describe at pride over his achievement. Although not first, today he achieved outcomes greater than placing first. Glancing to his right at Bakugou, the teen is showing his causal annoyed look with arms crossed muttering something about 'stupid Deku' and 'survivor bastards.' He chuckles lightly at his childhood friend/bully's antics.

Some things never change.

Finally in third place is Todoroki and Uraraka. The boy in deep thought and the girl showing a proud face similar to Deku.

"Now we will award the medals! The on presenting the medals will, of course, be by the one and only-

"Hahahaaaaa!" Everyone looks to the top of the stadium, the crowd for the umpteenth screaming their heads off as the silhouette jumps descending onto the scene.

"Our very own hero, All Might/ I have brought the medals here!" Both say talking over each other as the number one hero lands looking back to her grinning awkwardly.

"Sorry. Sorry." The sexy hero apologizes. "Now then, All Might, please present the medals starting with third place." He nods.

Walking to Uraraka, the hero shakes her hand handing the gravity user her medal before leaning and speaking into her ear.

"Young Uraraka, very well done on your placement. Your match against Young Bakugou proved how far you've come. With more hard work, I know you'll reach even greater heights."

"T-thank you sir!"

Moving on to Todoroki, he leans forward.

"I'm assuming your match with Young Midoriya helped you to say the least, no?" He asks hinting at the reference of Todoroki's other arm.

"During my match with Midoriya, I believed that neglecting this power was my way of proving I could achieve the top but Midoriya opened my eyes. I think I understand a little better on why you have your eyes on him. I wanted to be a hero like you but now..." He pauses shaking his head. "Now there are some things I need to settle first." All Might nods acknowledging the boy's words as does Midoriya, Nunu, and Relon having heard him.

Moving on to Bakugou and Midoriya, the number one hero places his hands at his hips looking at the two boys, Bakugou actually looking back with a neutral look and Midoriya his still smile.

"You two. Where do I start?" He asks with knowing pride.

"You have save us all the trouble of a long speech about friendship and all that crap." Bakugou answers.

"Haha, very well." Handing both boys their medals before leaning to whisper in the blonde's ear first. "Maybe now you will be able to turn all of that anger into a newfound strength that will leave Young Midoriya in awe." His words causing Bakugou to gain an annoyed twitch smirking menacingly.

Moving over to Midoriya, he leans forward.

"Young Midoriya, I couldn't be more proud. Very well done." Those words were all that needed to be said to the inheritor who nods.

"Thank you, All Might!"

Stepping back, he moves to the middle towards the brothers.

"Finally you two. Like Young Bakugou suggested, I'll keep it short. Standing here is proof that you two have overcome your past. You could even say you've overcome fate. Very well done, Young Nunu, Young Lucinance." Both boy bow as the pro places their medals around their necks.

Overcome fate... huh? Relon looks back to the pro hero.

"Thanks All Might." Nunu responds as both boys bow once more to the number one hero.

"Now then, as the champions of the sports festival, many would like to hear some words from you two." Midnight mentions walking to the group. " Or should I really say Nunu considering the obvious."

"I'll speak on behalf of both Shinn and myself if that's alright."

"Very well."

After the four placements join their classmates, the podium returns with both boys taking the center. A microphone stand in between them. Both focus on Kanao in the front who gives a small nod as they look to each other nodding.

"YOOOOO! THIS SPORTS FESTIVAL MAY HAVE BEEN THE BEST ONE YET FOLKS! BUT! BEFORE WE END IT OFF, LET'S HAVE A WORD FROM OUR CHAMPIONS!" Present Mic announces silencing the excited crowd.

"I hate speeches." Nunu mutters earning a chuckle from Relon.

Moving to the mic, Nunu begins to speak.

"I'm not one for speeches nor is my brother here so we'll try to keep it short. First off, we want to say thank you to U.A. for this opportunity as well as thank all of our classmates for giving it their all. We felt before this whole thing started that everyone had changed over these two weeks but now after, it feels like we've all gotten better and we each will continue to improve. To become a hero to help others. That is my personal goal ever since I was saved as a child. Back then, I was saved by someone who I now consider to be my savior. That guy inspired me to become a hero and it's because of him that I am standing here." This causing Relon to look at Nunu surprised.

Nunu... The black haired teen gains a grin of appreciation as his brother continues.

"I also want to thank my classmates for both their hard work as well as their support. We planned for at least one of us to reach the finals and we accomplished that." He looks to his classmates. "Most importantly, I want to thank my brother Relon and sister, Kanao for their love and support and for going all out. Nothing beats that of family and fighting against my brother proved that last bit during the match. With all that taken care of, I only have one thing left to say." He gains a smirk taking the mic from the stand spinning it in his palm before stopping with it close to his smirking mouth and pointing to one of the camera's that is broadcasting to the jumbotron. "Shinn, Insight, and Crono are here so come get some!" With that, he holds out the mic dropping it and taking one step over the podium to hop off followed by Relon to their friends.

"Now then." All Might begins taking the podium. "Anyone of you could have been up here. Just as you have seen from all of today; Competing! Improving each other! And climbing even further beyond! This generation is definitely shaping up to be amazing! So I just have one last thing to say! Everyone, please say it with me! Ready? And-

"Thank you for your hard work!/PLUS ULTRA!"

...

...

"HUUUUUUUUUUH? IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN 'PLUS ULTRA' THERE, ALL MIGHT!" The entire stadium shouts.

"S-sorry, it seemed like the right thing to say..."

Word Count Goal: 30k - Finally Achieved!

Things to note

1. It wasn't a month!

2. I got a job at amazon.

3. School is almost done.

4. Longest fight scene I've ever written as well as chapter.

5. Forgot to mention last chapter that I saw the MHA movie and boi was it amazing but damn was All Might's explanation at the end completely mind boggling. Like I literally shouted HOW?! and the entire theatre laughed and agreed.

6. I always planned for Deku and Bakugou to gain a friendlier relationship because of what I have planned for the future so I hope you all like or are okay with how I portrayed Bakugou in this chapter. First time writing something like this but I think I did at the very least; an okay job. Always room for improvement I say.

7. Almost done with the next chapter.

8. Now we can get back to what I've missed. FLUFF FLUFF AND MORE FLUFF. Having written 100k on just the sports festival, I'm taking a well deserved break from fighting scene for a while so until then... It's time to fluff this story the hell up!

9. Lemme know y'alls thoughts.

And finally...

10. Stay safe and healthy :)

See ya~