Chapter 18:
Sports Festival Part 2
Summary:
Quarter finals of the sports fest.
"BOTH OF THESE COMETITORS HAVE WON TOP MARKS IN THIS FESTIVAL SO FAR! BUT THERE'S ONLY ROOM FOR ONE OF THESE GREATS IN THE RING! IT'S MIDORIYA VERSUS TODOROKI!"
At the uproarious cheering and catcalling of the spectators and audience everyone is on the edge of their seats.
"START!"
Izuku is prepared to counter the ice sent his way from Todoroki as soon as START is called out. He flicks the incoming ice. Green Fire lighting up his fingers. Using enough strength to push Todoroki back into his Ica wall. As the ice shatters it blasts frozen air over the audience.
"THE SMASH FROM MIDORIYA COUNTERS THE ICE BARRAGE FROM TODOROKI" Present Mic comments.
Todoroki keeps sending more and more ice at Izuku. Izuku keeps countering with barely a flick of his fingers. He is trying to prolong the match. He needs Todoroki to use his fire. Izuku doesn't know enough about Todoroki's power to force him to use it though.
Up in the stands Kirishima sits next to Katsuki. "Ahh they already started?!"
"Great job making it to the next round, Kirishima" Luffy states proudly.
"Now all I got to do is take down Bakubro"
"I'll destroy you" Katsuki doesn't even glance at Kirishima; to busy watching the fight between Izuku and Todoroki. He knows Izuku is going to win, but what is his plan to shatter Todoroki's ideals of his quirk.
"I'd like to see you try" Kirishima taunts "But man. You and that Todoroki… you guys can fire off as many of those crazy-strong attacks as you want"
"You're an Idiot if you think we do not have limits" Katsuki glares.
"Huh?" most of the class is confused. How did they stuck with idiots in their class; Katsuki will never understand. "Strain your muscles and you'll tear them, run too much and you'll be out of breath. Our quirks are still physical abilities. Everyone has a limit." That's why him and his nerd spent months going over possible additions to the costumes to maximize their quirks and reduce drawbacks and weaknesses.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, so up against Insta-kill man Midobro's trying to…"
"So you are trying to stretch out the match huh?" Todoroki states "Not happening. I'll end this quickly" Todoroki propels him self forward with ice trying to close the gap between them.
"Predictable, Todoroki." As Izuku fires up OFA in his tail aiming at Todoroki's feet to break the ice. He is successful in shattering Todoroki's foot hold, as he rolls to his feet quickly dodging another blow from Izuku. The blow from the powered-up tail clips him on the right shoulder. Todoroki skids back to his Ice wall. He glares at Izuku "that was a lot stronger than before are you trying to keep me back?" Todoroki taunts while stalling.
'Impressive reaction time, he's got excellent judgement, execution and mobility… but it won't be enough.' "Look at me Todoroki, you haven't even made a scratch on me," Izuku smirks "Oh and I haven't even moved."
"Only defending and smashing my Ice you haven't managed to scratch me either." Todoroki sighs trying to stop himself from shaking 'Shit his right side is freezing, if he doesn't end this fight soon, he'll risk get hypothermia' "Sorry for all this. But I have to thank you, he doesn't look to happy"
"You think it is that easy Todoroki. I have been telling you how you have a chance to beat me."
"I'm not worried about it, right now its more about seeing whose quirk can outlast the other your healing or my ice." Todoroki states as he send more ice Izuku's way, again it is ineffective as Izuku just bats it away with his tails.
"You're already shivering. Stop this Todoroki." Izuku states "quirks are still just physical abilities; you must have a limit to how much cold you can bear." Izuku stares down Todoroki with a feral glare "But then again you could always thaw yourself out."
Todoroki freezes 'what are you planning'
"Everyone is out here giving it their all. To win, achieve their goals. Everyone is aiming for the top!" Izuku is furious right now "You can not win with only half your power"
"COME AT ME WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT, TODOROKI!"
"What are you planning?" Todoroki snaps angrily at Izuku "Everything I've got? Did my bastard of a father pay you off or something" He charges toward Izuku Ice blasting in front of him at a much slower rate. Izuku side steps it tired of talking. Slaps Todoroki across the chest with a tail swipe into his own ice wall. He can't push him out yet, it needs to be after Todoroki uses his fire. Izuku will just beat the lesson into him until one of two things happen 1: he passes out or 2: he accepts his other half.
Katsuki up in the stands analyzes the fight below 'Icy-hot's attacks are slower, maybe it's the frost covering his body, his limits are different than mine'
"so now you're on the offensive?" Todoroki asks while standing up.
"you're not just slowing down; your ice is weaker too."
Not knowing about Izuku's healing Cementoss pages Midnight "Should we stop this? Seems like Midoriya is going all out because he can be healed, he is not even feeling the pain he must be in because of the adrenaline pumping through him. But those injuries… a single session with Recovery Girl will not be enough. Even if he wins here, he will be in no condition to fight his next match!"
"That control is something else. He's not just blindly going wild out there. Even if he does know he can be healed putting himself through that much pain… takes a hell of a lot of guts" Aizawa one of the few people that know how Izuku's healing works comments. Izuku has told him before that when he was first learning OFA he would shatter his bone and Immediately heal; meaning the pain that would normally be spread out during the normal healing process is compressed and amplified over a few seconds.
"What is it that motivates you, Midoriya" All might states. Just like Aizawa, All Might knows how much pain Izuku must be in.
Up in the stands Katsuki is pissed, he didn't think Izuku's plan to breakthrough to Todoroki would involve him repeatedly breaking his fingers and hands. Come to think of it that is probably why he switched to his tail. He has no bones in his tail to break.
Izuku clenches his fist and charges Todoroki again. The pain when it connects makes Izuku scream out in pain as green flames cover his fist. Todoroki recovers fast enough and charges Ice back at Izuku. 'Shit I can't move my hand' Izuku places his thumb in his mouth and uses his cheek to flick the ice again. Again breaking his thumb. "I wanna be just like him. For that I need to be number one. I must be the strongest!" Izuku roars
"Why are you going this far?!"
"I have a lot of pressure to be the best, to save people, with a fearless smile so people see me and know they are safe. No matter what! That is the type of hero I want to be!" His hand has healed he can use it again "THAT'S WHY I'M GIVING EVERYTHING I'VE GOT" he continues his one-sided beat down on the other boy not giving time to use another Ice attack. "Your experiences" another punch "your determination" a kick to the ribs "I cant even begin to imagine what all that is like…" pulling his arm and flipping him over his shoulder causing Todoroki's back to smash against the ground "but if you become number one without giving it your all; then I don't really think you are being serious… If you wanted to deny your father everything WHY ARE YOU EVEN TRYING TO BECOME A HERO!"
Todoroki is thrown into flash backs long forgotten after his mother burned him. He was five his father was beating training into him "get up! You don't even stand a chance against third rate villains. Let alone All Might" his mother coming to his aid after the umpteenth time being smacked into the ground "Stop it! He is only 5" his mother would shout. "Yes! He is already five! So get out of my way" his father would shout as he would smack her across the room.
"Shut up!" Todoroki shouts at the memories. They won't stop crying into his mothers stomach after a particularly grueling training sessions. Muffling his cries he tells her how much he hates his father, how he doesn't want to be like him. That he won't be someone who bullies people. His father forcing him to train instead of playing the fun looking games with his siblings. The scalding water his mother dumps on his face because she can't look at him. He gets pulled out of his memories by another punch. Struggling to get up "I'll show my father—"
Izuku interruptus him shouting "IT'S YOURS" at Todoroki's shock and confused look Izuku states "It's your quirk not his. You want to be different from him fine." Another punch "You want to be a hero, right? That's fine. You are not bound by his blood. YOU DECIDE WHO YOU BECOME!"
The stage that was looking more like a frozen wasteland, in the blink of an eye turns into a raging inferno. Izuku smirks, Todoroki is serious now. Good!
"WHAT'S THIS?!"
"HE USED IT?!" Kirishima exclaims. Katsuki smirks the nerd managed to break through to Icy-Hot.
"Don't tell me you were trying to save Todoroki?!" All Might states out loud
'That's hot, though not as hot as Ace's fire'
"I thought you wanted to win? Dammit… Were you trying to inspire me. Which one of us isn't taking this seriously now?" Todoroki says with a smile.
"SHOTOOO! SO YOU'VE FINALLY ACCEPTED IT! YES! EXCELLENT! IT ALL STARTS NOW FOR YOU! WITH MY BLOOD YOU WILL SURPASS ME… YOU WILL FULFILL MY AMBITIONS!" Endeavor shouts from the stands
"A SUDDEN PEP TALK FROM MR. ENDEAVOR HUH? WHAT A DOTING PARENT."
"Incredible" Izuku smiles big. Hey he's feeling accomplished.
"What are you smiling about" pausing to let the fire warm up his right side. "with those wounds, and in this situation. You must be crazy." Todoroki powers up a fire blast "It's not my fault what happens now"
Izuku spreads his wings while pumping OFA through his legs and arm once again using everything he has his body crackling with waves of green fire and lightening. He prepares to leaps to engage Todoroki.
Flaring his Fire Todoroki prepares his final attack. The match is almost done. Regardless how it turns out they both are satisfied they gave it their all.
"MIDNIGHT…" Cementoss yells out. 'if they take this any farther. They could kill each other.' They are both thinking as Cementoss creates multiple cement barriers while Midnight unleashes her knockout gas.
"Gotta get close, and give it everything" Izuku states "GIMME EVERYTHIGN YOU'VE GOT, TODOROKI"
Releasing his fire Todoroki shouts back "COME AT ME! MIDORIYA!" just as they are about to collide Todoroki whispers out a quiet "Thank you"
Smashing though multiple slabs of cement and plumes of gas the two collide in a massive explosion. The audience waits with bated breath waiting sitting on the edges of their seats to see who comes out the victor of this fierce battle.
As the explosions and aftershocks ripple through the stadium the force created by it causes the audience and spectators to fly back into their seats. "What's Happening" "Who won." Is shouted.
"I don't believe that bigger is better, but…" Cementoss stares at the smoke cloud "That was something else."
"WHAT THE-? WHAT IS WITH YOUR CLASS!?" Present Mic shouts as he is blasted backward.
"all that chilled air was heated in an instant causing it to expand." Aizawa begins to explain
"WHAT A BLAST THOUGH, AND WHAT HEAT! CAN'T SEE A THING" Present Mic shouts excitedly. "HAS THE MATCH BEEN DECIDED?"
The smoke is cleared by a powerful gust of wind. Floating in the middle of the ring is Izuku. As he beats his wings to clear the smoke the audience can see Todoroki unconscious just out of bounds. Izuku lands and approaches the downed boy. He channels healing into the other boy. Healing all the damage he inflicted on Todoroki.
"TODOROKI…IS… OUT… OF…BOUNDS" Midnight calls.
As Izuku steps back and falls on his ass breathing heavy he takes a moment to really looks at Todoroki. The first thing he notices is the other boy is laying on his stomach breathing evenly. The second thing he notices is Todoroki's shirt has burnt off the left half of his body. The third thing he notices is the Soulmate Mark on the boy's left shoulder blade. 'That explains the glances Todoroki has been sending Ace. He probably saw it during the USJ incident'. Izuku chances a glance up at the stands and locks eyes with Ace, Ace is sporting a shocked terrified look. 'he can probably see it' He waits until Ace makes eye contact with him and subtly nods his head. Yea it is a match and yes, he's still alive is the message he is trying to convey.
Midnight approaches the two boys "He needs to go to Recovery Girl, for healing."
"I already took care of it." Izuku states as he lights his fingers in green fire and places it discreetly over a bruise blossoming over his face. Midnight watches shocked as the bruise fades away. "He is only sleeping I'll take him to the stands. He should wake up on his own in a few minutes" Izuku goes to stand up and drape Todoroki's arm over his shoulder and supports the other boys waist against his own. Before he can leap up into the stands with the other boy. Midnight stops him "Wait, don't you need to be looked at too? you took a lot of damage!" Izuku smile grateful at the older woman "No need to worry, my healing never shuts off all damage I received was gone in the matter of seconds. All that is left over is a minor ache should be gone soon." Midnight doesn't say anything else just nods at the boy. He charges one for all into his legs and jumps using his wing to fly him over to his class area.
He lands in front of Ace and Katsuki. He gently hands Todoroki over to Ace and seconds later collapses forward into Katsuki. Katsuki catches him "We are gonna talk about this Nerd!"
"Ok Kacchan, Later. Nap time now." Izuku mumbles out sleepily. He will wake up in a few minutes. He just needs a little cat nap if you will.
"That Midoriya, sure is something else."
"That power was incredible"
"WE WILL TAKE A BREAK WHILE THE ARENA IS FIXED"
Izuku snaps awake a few moments later. Katsuki is stroking the boys hair. Izuku whispers out a soft "Kacchan"
Katsuki jolts in his seat and looks down at the Nerd. His face goes from soft fondness to agitated. "What the hell nerd? Why did you go that far, to hurt yourself. The plan was to help him not destroy yourself."
"YOU WERE TRYING TO BRING IT OUT OF HIM?!" the other classmates shout, waking Todoroki up.
"I know Kacchan, but I couldn't help thinking during his fight with Sero he just looked so incredibly sad. I though maybe I should just mind my own business, but I had to help… During our fight I just couldn't take it anymore. Something needed to be done. I tried less violent methods, but they were not getting through to him. If he used his Ice anymore, he would have been left with permanent damage, not even I could heal that" Izuku states "Giving help that's not asked for… is part of what makes a hero." Todoroki sits up his head was resting on someone's lap. He tests his muscles for soreness; after that fight he was expecting to be in a lot more pain then he is in now. He just feels tired. He glance at the unfortunate person attached to the legs he has been using as a pillow. He locks eyes with the other fire user in the Class; Ace he thinks his name is. He looks down observing the damage to his body, his eye widen as he realizes his shirt is mostly burnt off. 'Shit, this is not a talk he wants to have right now.' He walks off he needs to think, and he can't do that around so many people. Moving into the hallways his path crosses his fathers.
"So you're not going to tell me to get out of your way this time?" Endeavor smirks.
"…"
"without control over your flames, going all out is dangerous." Endeavor starts "But you have finally put aside your childish rebellion." Endeavor smirks "You're ready to replace me. Surpass me, even." His smirk widens thinking he can finally mold his creation into his perfect weapon. "Work at myside after you graduate! I will guide you down the path to supremacy"
"I haven't put aside anything." Todoroki glares. "As if I could be turned that easily" he lifts his left hand and glares at it "It's just…" He pauses something fond taking over "In that moment… in that instant…" His smile is almost nonexistent "I forgot all about you" He turns and starts to walk away "Whether that's good, bad or something in between…" He stops walking "… That is something I'll have to think about" And continues to walk away. Looking for somewhere he can be alone with his thoughts. He has a lot to think about. Did Midoriya really just try to save him, even though we could have won a lot faster. From the sound of Katsuki's voice, he can come up with a theory of what happened. It seems like Midoriya was trying to get him to use his fire, Why? He is not sure. At first, he thought his father payed the other boy off. Now, he knows that wasn't it. His conversation with his father proved that. Was Midoriya really that concerned about what happened to his opponent. Why did he go so far?
In the arena Cementoss has fixed the stage. "THE STAGE HAS BEEN FIXED OUR NEXT MATCH IS LUFFY VS SHIOZAKI."
Luffy makes another entrance rocketing to the center of the stage. He has a plan to deal with his opponents vines. Luffy will use his Observation Haki he plans to let her show off for a bit and then attack. This gives him a chance to Train his Observation Haki. As the match starts Luffy closes his eyes. Seeing that her Opponent is not gonna make the first move she unleashes her vines in all directions.
"Too Slow" is heard from Luffy. Shiozaki is shocked it should not be possible to dodge all her attacks. She feeds her vines into the ground. She believes that Luffy could somehow see or hear the vines coming at him. If they come from the ground, she might have a chance to catch the boy off guard. As soon as the vines are coming from the ground Luffy moves. Dodging them all and breaking them. He powers up Gear second, in a last-ditch attempt to capture the boy; Shiozaki unleashed all her vines toward the rubber boy. Luffy uses Jet Gatling to break through all the vines. Shiozaki looks utterly defeated, but she is not out of the ring yet. Luffy powers a red hawk as Shiozaki puts up "Faith's Shield" in an attempt to block the blow. Her vines catch fire as Luffy's punch connects with the shield; breaking through the shield Luffy's punch connects with the girl she gets launched out of the ring.
"SHIOZAKI IS OUT OF BOUNDS, LUFFY CONTINUES TO THE NEXT ROUND"
Luffy goes out of the ring to help the downed girl, she groans as she sits up. She looks at Luffy a shocked look on her face "how were you able to counter all my vines?"
"Good reaction time I suppose"
"It was like you knew where they were, and you weren't even looking most of the time. So I find it hard to believe good reaction time is responsible"
Luffy shrugs and holds out his hand. He doesn't want people to know about his Observation Haki. Shiozaki notices the refusal to answer for what it is, she lets it slide and accepts the boys hand.
Luffy makes his way back to his class area. Kirishima immediately comes to congratulate him on making it to the semi-finals. Then he reminds him that Luffy's next match will be against Izuku.
"That's fine we already have a plan" Luffy states with a beaming smile on his face. Kirishima perks an eyebrow wanting Luffy to go into more detail; Luffy only smiles brighter while he sing-songs out "It's a Secret"
Present Min's voice sounds over the stadium "THE NEXT MATCH IS BETWEEN ACE AND TOKOYAMI"
Ace makes his way down to the stage. He stands across from Tokoyami, he crosses his shoulders over his chest. During the calvary battle every time Tokoyami tried to attack he would be faced with Ace's fire. Ace made a mental note that Tokoyami's Quirk Dark Shadow is weak against light. As a hero in training he also doesn't want to expose his fellow classmates weakness. He assumes the smarter villains would be watching this to gain information on the future pros. The question is how he gets Tokoyami to stand down without using his fire. He could try to make it close to him, or maybe use his fireflies to make it look like he is targeting Tokoyami instead of Dark shadow.
"You are better off not fighting me." Ace states, hoping Tokoyami would take the hint and just forfeit. "This was a bad match up for you. I know I saw during the cavalry Battle." Tokoyami's eyes go wide. "It would be bad if potential villains were to find out as well" He said a little quieter as to not be heard by anyone else.
Tokoyami doesn't want to waste the opportunity to show what he has even though it will be a losing battle. He nods he will forfeit before his weakness is exposed. He gets into a fighting stance and Dark shadow comes out to play.
Ace cocks an eyebrow he was trying to give his opponent a way out. That's fine he will stick to his less bright attacks. He unleashes his fireflies and directs them to attack behind Tokoyami.
'So he knows the weakness of Tokoyami's quirk but has decided not to exploit it. Smart thinking even though Tokoyami is has opponent he is still trying to keep his secret.
Tokoyami sends Dark Shadow to attack Ace's body, Ace hardens his body with Armament Haki, so the shadow doesn't go through him and get hurt. The force of the attack pushes Ace back a couple of feet. Ace lights hit feet on fire and flies over to Tokoyami prepared to engage him in Hand to Hand combat. Tokoyami seems to get this and braces himself for impact.
"I wouldn't try to hit me with Dark Shadow, if you remember correctly my body is fire. I have to will it to stay solid." He demonstrates turning his finger into flames. "I am protecting your weakness"
"Why we are opponents?"
"Because it I don't think it is just heroes and civilians that watch these. I think if a villain was smart, they would do research on future heroes. Find out the ones they can take out, Right?"
They cover their conversation by exchanging blows. Dark shadow only defends while Tokoyami counter using Dark Shadow to conceal his moves.
Though smart, if Tokoyami was against anyone else he would win. Ace has his Observation Haki to help him dodge. "Impressive. Are you ready to end this?" Tokoyami nods discreetly. "Put Shadow away. Imma hit you with fire. I would be suspicious if I didn't." Again Tokoyami nods Ace light his fist on fire and hit Tokoyami in the stomach causing him to land outside the ring.
"TOKOYAMI IS OUT OF BOUNDS" Midnight calls "ACE ADVANCES TO THE SEMI-FINALS"
Ace approaches Tokoyami and offer him a hand. Tokoyami gratefully accepts it. "Thank you, Ace". Ace nods "if we are ever partnered against villains, I need to make sure your weakness wasn't already exposed." Tokoyami nods. They head to the stands together.
Izuku is more alert now talking quietly with Katsuki as Ace joins them. "Hey Blasty, you should get down to your next fight, right?"
"THE FINAL MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND IS KATSUKI BAKUGO V EIJIRO KIRISHIMA"
The two boys make it to the stage. Katsuki goes over his plan in his head, keeping his expression as blank as possible. As soon as "Start is called Kirishima Hardens, while Katsuki fires off an explosion. Kirishima goes to punch Katsuki in the face Katsuki moves his head slightly to the side and gets grazed by Kirishima's hardened fist.
'not even fazed he is more then just 'hard''
"Like I said, no dice, my explosive compadre" Kirishima smirks.
"THE CHIN KIRISHIMA, GO FOR HIS CHIN!" the voice of Tetsutetsu ring out over the cheers of the audience.
"Yesterdays enemy is todays ally" states another Class B student.
"Gotta take you down fast!" There is a quiet desperation hidden by bravado in Kirishima's voice. Katsuki picks up on it. He just needs to outlast Kirishima's quirk and stress it with hit explosions.
"LOOKS LIKE BAKUGO IS STRUGGLING TO STAND UP AGAINST KIRISHIMA'S BRUTAL ATTACKS" Present Mic shouts. Katsuki Tsks what match is he watching he only got a scratch so far.
After a few exchanged blows Katsuki's fist connects with Kirishima's face. Kirishima lets out a quiet pained grunt. 'did he feel that' "you're always going on about how hard your body is, but it looks like with enough rapid attacks… you will start falling apart" Katsuki changes his stance and prepare a new move he has been working on. He extends one of his hands making a circle in front of his palm he makes rapid fire concentrated explosions. The connect with Kirishima, Katsuki is unrelenting. Finally after several rapid explosions he releases one of his stronger single fire explosions. As the smoke clears Midnight can see Kirishima on the ground clearly K. .
"And well, I knew you wouldn't last in a drawn-out fight with me."
"BAKUGO'S LOW-DOWN CARPET-BOMBING BLASTS HIM INTO THE THIRD ROUND" Present Mic Comments. "WITH THAT, WE HAVE GOT OUT FINAL FOUR, IZUKU MIDORIYA, KATSUKI BAKUGO, PORTGAS D. ACE, MONKEY D. LUFFY ALL ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINALS."
**** SOMEWHERE ELSE*****
At an unknown location 5 figures watch the line up for the next matches.
"Looks like we found our targets" A man with a bird on his shoulder comments.
"Can Blueno get us there with his doors?" Asked a female.
"I do not think that is wise, it looks like they are heavily guarded in this world" A male with a large scare nose states.
"The what do we do, Kaku?" Again the female asks.
"I believe we should join up with a group that sees these heroes as enemies." The man with the Long nose now identified as Kaku stated.
"You mean teaming up with villains, do you really think our targets are worth it?" The female considers.
"We are bound by the world government to take these two to their execution. It matters not if this world views them positively. We will end the blood line of Gold Roger and Monkey D. Dragon. If we must join a group a villains and wreak havoc here to accomplish this well that is all to complete the mission."
The other's consider this, yes, they are on a mission to end two dangerous bloodlines. But it also looks like they will be up against some powerful opponents. So logically they should team up with another group. They can't necessarily go to the authorities stating they are here to end 2 children. That leaves going in by themselves or teaming up with villains. There is another option they can keep tabs on the villains and plan their attack to strike at the same time but unaffiliated with the Villains. This league they have been hear about intrigues them and it seems possible that this might be the only option to take.
"We join the League of Villains." The bird man states.
"Yes sir." The others agree.
**** Somewhere Else ****
In a dark room sits a silver haired man with extremely cracked and dry lips. He sits staring at the screen watching the results of the fights from the U.A. Sports Fest. His eyes narrow as he watches the four kids that gave him trouble during the U.A. incident.
An altered deep voice sounds from the speaker next to him. "Pay class attention Tomura, those boys my become obstacles for you in the future."
Shigaraki grunts "Don't make me laugh" scratching his next while watching the lineup. The person talk to him is right though he needs more information on these 4. They seemed a lot more powerful then they should have been.
**** Back at the Stadium ****
"LETS GET TO THE FIRST ROUND OF THE SEMI-FINALS, WE HAVE THE FIRST PLACE WINNER FROM ALL EVENTS IZUKU MIDORIYA VS MONKEY D. LUFFY. THESE TWO HAVE FAUGHT TOOTH AND NAIL TO GET WHERE THEY ARE. BUT THERE IS ONLY ROOM FOR ONE OF THE GREATS TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT ROUND."
Izuku and Luffy walk to the stage, when they get to the center, they bow to each other as if they are preparing for a spar.
"WHAT'S THIS….?" Present Mic looks and sounds confused.
Aizawa shrugs. 'they must have decided to treat this like a spar. Show off what they have and then finish with a final move.'
At the call of start the two boys engage each other, showing off their hand to hand combat styles. Izuku is not using Haki so he doesn't hurt the other boy. Luffy nodding follows his lead. Izuku comes in hot with a rapid flow of jabs and cross-jabs, he throws some kicks in as well. He kicks Luffy away and moves on the defensive as Luffy goes into gear second.
Luffy starts off with a jet pistol aiming for Izuku's stomach. Izuku effortlessly dodges the attack moving to the left. Luffy retracts his fist and throws out a Jet Gatling. Izuku using Observation dodges each blow by a millimeter. Luffy stopping his attack gives Izuku the come-hither motion. Izuku unleashes his feathers and aims them all at Luffy. Some of the feathers are black, others are a goldish color and the rest are his paralyzing feathers. Luffy uses a combination of Observation and Armament Haki to dodge and swat away the feathers.
"WOW EVERYTHING IS MOVING SO FAST I CAN BARELY FOLLOW ALONG" Present Mic shouts. "IT ALMOST SEEMS LIKE THEY KNOW WHAT THE OTHER IS GOING TO DO. WITH ALL THE RELENTLESS ATTACKS THE TWO BOYS BARELY SEEM OUT OF BREATH"
Izuku charges Luffy again this time with Full Cowl. Green and Black fire around him as he tests his speed against Luffy's. Luffy still in Gear Second matches and returns Izuku's punches and blocks Izuku's kick.
"Let's finish this Luffy." Izuku shouts with a smile.
"You got it, go big right?" Luffy confirms.
Izuku flashes a predatory smirk at the other boy as he starts morphing into his wolf form. He did not go into his full size since he would be too big to fit on the stage. Luffy smirks as he blows air into his Thumb while moving the Air into the other fist.
Izuku powers One for All into his Tails and coats them in a small layer of Armament Haki. Luffy readies his gigantic fist to collide with Izuku's tails. Lightening clashes around them as the stage starts breaking apart with the force between the blows.
"WHAT AN IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY OF POWER!"
The aftershocks of the collision creates a massive amount of wind blasting the stands from all directions. The boys push against the other hoping to make the other move a bit. It seems like they are at a standstill. Izuku growls as he flaps his wings behind him pushing more power into his tails. The fire around him lashes out in a violent dance licking at Luffy's arms. Luffy winces but continues to hold his own. Luffy's gear third has a time limit, of approximately 3 minutes before the air leaves him and he shrinks. Luffy just needs to hold out against Izuku for a little longer then he will forfeit.
Luffy feels the grip he has on Gear third weakening. He flashes Izuku a look to convey he is out of time. Izuku understands and slowly with draws his power. As soon as Full Cowling turns off Luffy begins to shrink. Izuku catches him with his Tails and puts him gently on the ground. He morphs back into his human form. Luffy sits up he looks exactly like he did when they were 5. Luffy lays down breathing heavily as Midnight approaches. "Luffy can you continue?" Luffy too tired to speak shakes his head no. Midnight nods and hold up Izuku's arm.
"OUR FIRST FINALIST IS IZUKU MIDORIYA. THE NEXT MATCH OF THE SEMI FINALS WILL BE KATSUKI BAKUGO VS PORTGAS D. ACE!" Midnight announces.
Cheers erupt from the stadium. "Wow what powerhouses"
"Class 1-A is full of promising fledgling heroes"
"They were impressive."
"They went all out for sparring" All Might whispers to Shanks.
Shanks smirks "They have been taught to treat spars seriously. They won't hold back against each other because they know they can take it." He whispers back.
"I'm a little worried about the next fight."
"Don't be. They will be fine they are proper rivals. Ace teases Katsuki because he knows it gets under his skin. Katsuki is just explosive in general, Ace gives him an outlet." Shanks states.
On the stage Katsuki smirks ferally at Ace "Time to die Matchstick!" popping a few explosions
"In your dreams Blasty" Ace smirks he releases his Fireflies.
"FIRST MOVE GOES TO ACE ALREADY UNLEASHING HIS FIREFLIES"
Katsuki covers his arms in Armament what using Observation to block each attack. He shakes out hit arms and grins. He uses AP shot cannon and fires multiple compressed explosions toward Ace. Ace lets them pass harmlessly through him. "Did you forget that I am fire"
"Nope, not at all just showing off."
Ace launches toward Katsuki his hand turning into fire as he shouts, "Fire Fist". Bakugo coats his arm in Armament Haki and explodes the fist. They trade blows back and forth like Izuku and Luffy. Each time they separate and collide they use a different style. Katsuki uses Armament and explosions to deal with Aces fire. Ace lets most things travel through him. Katsuki attacks him with armament coating his hands and feet. Clashing with his opponent with fast jabs and kicks. He coats his knees as well and holds Ace in a grapple while kneeing the other boy in the stomach. Ace coughs out as spittle runs down his chin. He smirks as he uses the back of his hand to wipe away the drool.
To the boys this maybe a spar but they are still competing for the chance at the finals. Ace has no desire to fight Izuku, but that doesn't mean he is just gonna give the win to the explosive boy. Ace uses a flame wall to push Katsuki back.
With distance Ace points his finger in a pistol like move on both his hands with a cry of fire, he shoots his fingertips toward his opponent. Katsuki uses Observation Haki and weaves between the fire bullets. Ace smirks and continues his attack on Katsuki this time using fire lance. He shoots arrow shaped lances of fire toward Katsuki. Katsuki manages to dodge most of them but a few leave shallow cuts along his arms and legs. Katsuki stumbles a bit. "Dammit. I'm not done yet."
Katsuki has been building up sweat and decides that he can do another round of Ap Shot Cannon. He closes the distance between them and uses the explosions to cover his Armament coated fists as he lands a barrage of attacks on Ace's body. Ace unleashes most of his fire and starts to compress it into a sun like shape.
Katsuki sees the massive amount of fire and internally panics. He has one shot at defeating Ace. He jumps up into the air popping explosions to rotate the speed at which he rotates causes a vortex to form around him. The vortex pulls in oxygen to feed the flames caused by his explosions. He powers up as much sweat and heat from his palms as he is about to collide with the mini sun. he reaches the fire ball shouting "Howitzer Shot" While Ace shouts, "Flame Emperor" The attacks collide in a massive explosion.
The shock wave created by this attack pushes both the boys away from the center. As the smoke clears Katsuki is bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to get his breath to normalize. He glances up at Ace and smirks as he sees that Ace is not any better than he is at the moment. They make eye contact as Ace realizes he has been pushed out of the ring by the explosion. He looks at Katsuki's feel, Blasty is still in the ring by a few inches. Danm it looks like he has lost this battle.
"ACE IS OUT OF BOUNDS KATSUKI BAKUGO IS OUR SECOND FINALIST" Midnight called out. "WE WILL TAKE A BREAK SO THE ARENA CAN BE FIXED"
Katsuki walks off the stage with his hands in his pocket. That fight was a bit harder than he thought it would be. He can tell Ace didn't let him win but it was only by chance that he wasn't the one to get pushed out of the ring. He didn't have any sweat to slow the pushback with an explosion. He won by luck. He is a little peeved, but his mood perks up when he remembers that hew will be fight Izuku next. He is going to beat some self-preservation into the self-sacrificing nerd of his. He makes his way to where Luffy and Izuku are talking with Kirishima. Even Todoroki is sitting a little closer to the group then he normally would. As Ace comes up behind Katsuki, Todoroki's eyes flit to the other flame user. He has a thoughtful expression on his face at Aces shy smile. No one besides Izuku (because he was told by Todoroki) and himself (because he eavesdropped on their conversation) know about why Todoroki wouldn't use his fire. Katsuki thinks Ace is over thinking this and is probably assuming Todoroki is afraid of fire and that is why he won't use it. Katsuki shakes his head he won't butt in unless Ace asks for it. Or if Izuku tells him to, knowing the Nerd that will probably be the case. The nerd has to help everyone even at the cost of his own happiness and that pissed Katsuki off. Katsuki knows that because of his Nerds quirk the other boy will put him self in potentially dangerous situations for anyone because he can heal. Katsuki keeps thinking about that Nomu attack and how long it took Izuku to heal after that. What gives the Nerd any right to try to throw his life away when Katsuki fucking needs him. He must be making some kind of face that betrays his thoughts; because the next thing he knows is he is being tackled in a hug by and over energetic Nerd.
"Kacchan!?" the nerd shouts excitedly
All the rage and hopelessness that was creeping up on him with his thoughts fades to nothing as he hugs the nerd slightly less excitedly (that is shown). He still has an image to hold up thank you. He grunts out a weak sounding "Nerd" and subtly tightens his hold a bit.
"We face each other next. Do you need healing before the fight. I don't want to fight an Injured Kacchan." Izuku states tone serious. Katsuki nods yes that fight took a lot out of him. He feels like he is ready to pass out. He whispers "can you replenish my energy a bit. Ace wore me out"
Izuku nods while coating his body on flames while still hugging Katsuki. The explosive boy feels all the minor scrapes, bruises and muscle tears mending and healing. Izuku lets the flames continue healing Katsuki for a few more minutes as he can feel the tension leaving Katsuki's shoulders. Katsuki loves these moments where Izuku dotes on him, he tucks his face into the soft curls of the other boy and smiles a little fondly. After he has his fill of soaking in Izuku's warm healing he lifts his head a bit. He whispers out "I'm good now Nerd, you can let go."
Izuku smiles and nods quickly detaching himself from the explosive boy. He plops down next to him with a smile splitting his face in two. "congrats on your win, Kacchan"
Katsuki smirks "Of course I won. Were you doubting me?!" his face morphing into faux rage.
Izuku laughs bright and cheerful "Of course not I knew Kacchan would win."
"I still need to beat some self-preservation into your self-sacrificing ass." Katsuki states arms crossed around his chest.
Izuku gulps "are you still mad at me, that I went a little overboard in my fight with Todoroki?"
"A LITTLE?!" Katsuki screams in outrage. "Of course I'm still mad you didn't have to go that far! For Icy-hot of all people."
"I'm sorry Kacchan" Izuku says softly a eyes tearing up and a guilty expression on his face. He may have gotten a lot stronger, but he is still a crybaby when Katsuki is mad at him. It makes it really difficult for Katsuki to stay mad at him.
"Tch" Katsuki clicks his tongue trying his hardest to stay strong and mad at the other boy. Izuku's eyes widen and water even more. Katsuki must really be pissed if the tears didn't get him a hug right away. Izuku pouts and tried to control his waterworks. It takes a few moments but when finally settles down he apologies a few more times.
Notes:
next chapter we will have Izuku vs Katsuki, and the closing ceremony for the Sports Festival. I will also be doing cut scenes to CP-9 to give them Credibility to join the league
