Chapter 21:
The Aftermath.
Summary:
News coverage of the Hosu incident. A glimpse into the other students Internships.
"We Interrupt our previous story to bring you breaking news!" The reporters interrupt the regular news throughout the country "There have been sudden explosions, and we now see smoke rising!" the reporter pauses "Is it some sort of Accident? Or a villain on a rampage? We do not have the full story but join us as we cover the scene live" the female states. She turns to her camera man getting a glimpse of something in the distance "Get us closer, what is that? It appears the train on the rise has stopped as has a massive whole in it. What could have caused that damage? It appears first responders are on the scene. Let us get a closer look. They do not seem familiar maybe they are new heroes." She reports what she sees as it is happening. "Oh no It appears one of the young heroes is free falling off the bridge! Wait is that a wolf with wings?! He is flying up there is another person on his back going back to the hole on the side of the train. The person on the wolfs back is helping the civilians climb up onto the wolf. The wolf is bringing hordes of civilians to the ground away from the shaking tracks. Incredible! He looks to be making another trip." The news reporter notices the wolf changes direction toward another explosion after depositing the rest of the civilians on the ground.
"Follow them" She shouts. The helicopter follows the wolf to another spot in the city. "A man has jumped off the back of the wolf. Oh he is assisting Endeavor. Let's keep on the wolf for now. We will talk to endeavor later." She has the helicopter follow the wolf and two boys as they head downtown. "What are these monsters there are two more here. It looks like the pros are having a hard time dealing with these things. On landing the wolf transformed into a teen with greenish black hair. He looks to be controlling his feathers like Hawks does aiming them toward the Heroes on the ground. He released some sort of fire over them as well. He is friend or foe?" The camera keeps rolling as the reporter catches the boys holding off the monsters until the heroes are on their feet. "Oh the heroes are standing back up recovered from their injuries. Was the fire healing them?"
The camera catches a female standing up and yelling toward the two teens holding back the beast "Step Back, get out of the way. We heroes will take care of this". The reporter watches as the teens look toward the hero getting off the ground. Then the teen on the ground jumps and collides with the others and gets hit in the shoulder. One of the teens screams and runs toward the fallen boy. "Oh no!" The reporter comments not taking her eyes off the boys. "Amazing the teen just stood back up." The reporter squeals. "Kacchan I'm good. These Nomu are not built like the other one. He only managed to knock me out of the air." The reporter watches as the identified Kacchan looks relieved and sobs.
"Manual, we will find Tenya. Focus on the fight." He releases some of his green feathers "Use these if anyone gets injured, they can heal most injuries. Just stab them into the injured person like a shot." He plucks a couple of yellow feathers and hands them to the hero "Use these if there is an opening on the Nomu's they are different from the Healing ones these are paralytic they are yellow so you can't get them confused. They may just buy you a little time to get the situation under control." Getting a nod from the hero Izuku transforms into Wolf form the other two climb on his back.
"Looks like they are going to look for someone. Keep on them" The female reporter points in the direction the wolf launched off in. "They have landed in front of an ally way. I am not sure if the mic on the camera can pick it up but there is yelling coming from within. I would get closer, but the helicopter cannot fit in the ally way. We may be able to get some footage of what is happening from above" Just as she was going to direct the pilot over the roofs the two of the three teens emerge with two injured heroes. "Looks like there are two injured heroes down there. One of them is … NATIVE!" She exclaims. "Looks like the two teens are heading back into the ally. Let's follow." She directs the helicopter to hover above one of the roof tops looking over the Ally. "We can see some of the fight from here. Is that hero killer Stain they are engaged with? I wish we could get closer, but this location matches the infamous hero killers motif." She watches the fight unfold. "Looks like the teens are struggling the green head boy is on the ground not moving. The one he called Kacchan stabs him with a feather and leans him up against the wall. Oh he is rejoining the battle with the other teen. Stain appears to be talking to them. I can barely hear what is being said. "Oh Crap! No don't" What is that pressure I can feel. Oh the greenette is moving again and blocking what would have been a killing blow to the other boys."
She keeps the camera rolling while the fight progresses. "It is not looking too good for the teens right now. Where are the pro's? Two of the boys are down and it looks like it is about to be over. What's this where did this Ice come from? Oh two more boys are on the scene. One looks like … Endeavor's son?! "Todoroki? Ace Thank god" So I was correct one of the boys is the young Todoroki, the other boy that just arrived must be Ace."
"Help me hold him off. Iida and Native are outside the ally. We need to hold him here until Shanks can arrive, or we need to take him down ourselves. Whatever we do we cannot let him pass us."
"These boys are crazy to think they can take on Stain. They can't run because they are protecting the injured. Wow. Incredible. What a display of power and creativity by the young Todoroki using his Ice to slide the two unmoving boys behind them. What is this pillar of fire around the boys? The knives Stain throws toward the fire can't break through. There is that green fire again."
"So you are the healer the League is after?"
The reporter gasps "Does he mean the League of Villains that attacked the USJ? Is that what the boy meant before when he got hit by that monster. Are they students?!"
"I have no interest in letting the league capture or kill me"
"Oh you sound pretty confident but what will you do about this" The camera follows the direction Stain is pointing in "Oh no its another one of those Nomu." She stops talking as Stain begins to talk again hoping to get it all on camera. "Do you honestly think you all will survive this encounter or escape being captured. With your friends in that shape are you going to run and leave them behind. What will you do?"
"Danm where are the pros, there is no way the teens can take on this kind of threat." She can tell the healer is whispering something to his friends. His face is set in determination. They watch awed as the boy's wings unfurl in a myriad of greens, yellows, whites, blacks, and specks of gold and silver. The camera catches as the boy sparks green Lightening and fire around him as he gives a massive leap with his wing beating hard behind him. "WOW he landed on the back of the flying Nomu. He stabbed it with something. The Nomu is losing control and thrashing around. Oh my god our young hero just crashed into the building. There is too much dust and debris I can't see anything." The reporter surveys the wreckage "Oh wait I think I see something. What a miracle the boy seems to be coated in green fire and moving the debris off him." She glances at the battle happening in the ally "Oh No look. They are in trouble. When did the boy get back here. How strong are the boy's feathers? To block a slash from Stain Incredible. It looks like all the boys can keep doing is evade and dodge."
"LET US OUT!" is picked up coming from the fire.
"What's this, can the other move now. They could escape now if they can." The reporter questions, she watches in awe as the fire lowers to the ground showing the moving forms of Kacchan and the other boy. "Looks like the green teen is on another level bouncing between the walls and landing hits on the hero Killer. What amazing teamwork."
"Luffy let's finish this"
"Oh wow, look how far that boy can stretch. Can he stretch and use fire?!" She watches amazed as the teen now Identified as Luffy and the healer connect their hit causing Stain to go flying and crashing into the wall. "there is too much dust and ice to see much, the boys have not dropped their guards yet" she reports. The debris starts to clear as the camera and crew pick up the sound of voices.
"Let down the wall Todoroki. I need you to find some rope and tie him up. If he trap him in your ice, he could shatter himself when he comes to. Ace, Luffy search him and confiscate all his weapons. Kacchan help me carry him out of here."
"They did it! They won against Stain. Impressive feat" She directs the chopper to move closer to the road as she watches the young teens pull the Hero Killer out of the Ally way. Native is still there the other is gone as native reports what happened out here. Apparently, the other teen was taken by a hero to the hospital.
"Oh look Shanks is on the scene!" The reporter calls. Shanks is fairly new but usually he is seen with All Might. "A bunch of other heroes are arriving on the scene. Apparently Endeavor sent them." The reporter rolls her eyes at the comments from the heroes. When a screech rips through the night air. The Reporter gasps as she recognizes it from the one that attacked the teen earlier. She watches as the two teens drop the prisoner and leap into action. "Wow what a display of teamwork and power. With just one combo hit from the teens the monster appears to be out of commission."
The reporter hears a scream behind them and turns around "Oh no, because of the distraction the monster caused it seems the Hero Killer broke his bonds. None of the heroes can move they seem to be frozen on the spot."
"BOTH THE SHAM FILLED SOCIETY AND THE CRIMINALS WHO WEILD THEIR POWER IN THE NAME OF PETTY MISCHIEF ARE THE TARGETS OF MY PURGE. ALL FOR THE SAKE OF A BETTER SOCIETY."
"Endeavor has shown up of the scene."
"ENDEAVOR"
"HERO KILLER!"
"Endeavor wait if you launch that attack those kids will be caught in it"
"What is this darkness coming of Stain. I feel like I'm choking in fear." The reporter gasps.
"YOU FAKE… IF I DON'T FIX IT IF SOMEONE ISN'T STAINED WITH BLOOD. IF I DON'T RECLAIM MY HERO STATUS! COME JUST TRY ME YOU FAKES THE ONLY ONE ALLOWED TO KILL ME IS ALL MIGHT A TRUE HERO"
The news crew watches silently as the hero killer is apprehended by Shanks and the police. They watch as Shanks approaches the boys. "I watched your fights; I gave you all permission to use your quirks. You will be getting credit for your efforts tonight. Because if your efforts tonight the Hero Killer is being brough to justice. Izuku I heard what you guys did downtown; Because of your incredible teamwork and quick-thinking downtown, the fighting was settled with very few injuries. Manual was able to use your feathers to provide aid to those who needed it. It was smart of you guys to remove Native and Iida from harm's way, Stain probably would have targeted them if they were within reach. Holding him there was a smart decision even though it limited your movements it also limited your opponent's movements. I commend Ace and Todoroki here for their quick response time with limited information. I hope you all learned something from this experience. I also want you to know that if I felt for one second that you would not have succeeded, I would have stepped in. I have little to no doubts that the League is behind this, you all need to prepare to fight a much bigger battle."
The reporter joins the gaggle of people "I just want to say that all your achievements tonight were impressive I personally saw the whole thing. Can I ask you boys a few questions?"
Shanks glares at the reporter. "Ask your questions, the boys retain the right to refuse to answer as they are minors"
The reporter nods then addresses the boys "Can I have your aliases?"
The boys nod Endeavor's son clears his throat "I am Icy Hot" He glances at Katsuki and smirks at the other boy's widened eyes
Ace smiles "I'm Fire Fist Ace"
Luffy holds his straw-hat on his head "I'm Straw Hat Luffy"
Izuku speaks up "We will be the ultimate hero duo I am Fuji, and this is Raikan" pointing at the ashen blonde.
"I see, fitting names for rising heroes." The reporter smiles fondly. "So Fuji, Raikan can you tell the views what happened on that train."
"Sure I can give a brief summary on what happened. We were patrolling the city when I spelt smoke and urged Raikan to follow me and call for back up. We saw the damaged train car and approached. I asked the civilians if they were all ok or if they needed medical assistance. As I was applying aid to a little girl that had a gash on her leg. The entire train car wobbled I made a split-second decision to get everyone out. My quirk allows me to transform into a spirit wolf. I feared that if I transformed on the tracks that I would cause the entire thing to topple. I jumped out of the Train and transformed. Raikan climbed on my back to help the civilians get on to my back. It took two trips, but we were able to get everyone off the tracks. Shanks and Straw Hat came and guided the civilians away from the city and away from the tracks."
"That was impressive. I applaud your quick thinking and teamwork." The reporter states "When you got downtown, I noticed the green fire and feathers surrounding the civilians and heroes on the scene. Can you tell us what that was?"
Shanks is about to say something when Izuku nods "That is an ability of my wolf side, I can control my feathers to provide medical assistance and heal minor injuries like sprained ankles minor breaks, and muscle fatigue among other things. I can change the properties of my feathers for what I need it to do as long as it is medical in nature. The green fire heals major wounds, depending on severity most wounds will be non-fatal within a few minutes"
Katsuki glares at Izuku "Nerd! What the hell."
"Out of curiosity why do you not work at the hospital?" The reporter asks. Izuku knowing this question was coming answers immediately.
"I'm not a healer." He states simply.
"I am confused, and I am sure the viewers are as well, can you explain what you mean by you are not a healer?"
"Think about it for a second, If I was not here tonight and instead, I was in a hospital in a different city. How many people would have been seriously injured or worse killed tonight. I can Heal. Yes, however that is not all I am. I am a frontline fighter. If I am ever in a battle I can heal as we defend and apprehend the villain. The civilians caught in the blast radius or hurt, in the event there is debris falling I can heal them and the other officials on the scene can lead them to safety. If I was in a hospital training tonight there is no guarantee that I would have been in this city and a lot of people would have died. The hospital would have been overrun with patients ranging from sickness to major injuries. Saving the people at the battle site means the doctors and nurses can take care of their sick patients. I can only heal injuries. As far as I know I cannot heal illnesses."
"But what about those villain fights that you are not present for"
"That is no different than me being in a hospital in a different city, my mentor taught me I cannot save everyone in the world there is always someone in need of help. What I can do is save the people around me. I can make it to different cities far faster the most people. Will I make it in time, not always but I can assure that when I get to a location, I can save those I can. Those that would not have made it to a relief tent or hospital. No one can possibly be everywhere."
"I guess that all makes sense" The reporter pauses "when you got to the ally and found Native and the other hero and brought them to safety why didn't you escape and wait for the pros."
"Easy Stain is fast. Two injured people would have slowed us down enough that Stain would have eventually caught up. The plan was to keep him in the ally and wait for backup. Before Fire Fist and Icy Hot showed up we were barely on our feet. Straw hat and Raikan were paralyzed so I needed to protect them. I would not have been able to escape with all four of them. My only option was to keep Stains attention on me until help arrived. When the others showed up, we still would not have been able to make a clean get away. It became apparent that the pros would not have made it in time, so we had to neutralize the threat."
"And you all came up with this plan"
"Yes, when we arrived and saw Native and Tenya on the ground I came up with a plan. It was agreed because I can heal myself that it was better if I stayed behind to buy the others time to get the injured to safety. When they came back Stain barely nicked me, and I believe he ingested the blood and I was unable to move. Raikan and Straw hat were fighting Stain got mad and charged. I do not know if he lost control on my paralysis or if there is a time limit or if my own healing had something to do with it. But I was able to move and knock him back. There was no opening to escape safely."
"The fight location was poorly suited to Fire Fist, and me. My quirk is suited for large open areas. Fire Fist wasn't able to contain him effectively. We couldn't use more of our precise moves because there was nowhere for the other two to dodge." Katsuki supplies.
"I watched the entire fight and I believe that you all played an integral part in this accomplishment. Thank you for your efforts tonight. And thank you for allowing me to ask a few questions." She bows then turns to the camera "There you have it the full coverage of tonight's invasion in Hosu city. This is Minori reporting Live from Hosu City. Thank god the heroes responded quickly and efficiently. No injuries have been reported at this time. As we continue on with repairs and clean up, we will keep the populous informed. Thank you and have a wonderful evening."
The camera's shut off and the reporter once again gives her attention to the boys "You are all students right. I recognize you all from the Sports Festival. Thank you all for being out here tonight."
At this moment a massive Dog like man arrives on the scene "Tsuragamae! Chief of Police?!" the reporter exclaims
"Hello boys, Shanks, and Minori" the Chief greets "So you are the U.A. students… who put a stop to the hero killer stain?"
"Why are you here Chief?" Shanks states losing his patients
"The hero Killer Stain is currently in treatment for his injuries, at the dawn of this quirk filled ERA, the police moved to prioritize leadership and to maintain the status quo so they decided not to use quirks as weapons." The chief starts "The profession hero rose as one that would fill that void" He stares down the students "Authorizing the use of such might… of these powers that could so very easily kill was a heavily criticized decision at first but eventually garnered public support. All because your predecessors act morally and complied with in the laws. Woof." The chief continues to explain. "But those without permission… those who inflicted harm without explicit instruction from the police and powers that be… even facing someone like the Hero Killer… Such action would represent a stunning breach of the law, Woof"
He looks at the boys again "You five students, Tenya, Endeavor, Shanks and Manual, all must be dealt with strictly and impartially."
"Hold on a minute chief" Minori calls in the students defense. "If Tenya never acted Native would have been killed. If Fuji, Raikan and Straw-hat never showed up they both would have died. If Icy-hot and Fire Fist never came as backup all five would have died. The pros were not there to assist, and nobody even knew the Hero Killer was in town because everyone was focused on the Monsters terrorizing the city. I have the fight on tape and the Boys only used their quirks to assist each other and survive. Most of the combat was due to actual strength."
"Be that as It may, the unauthorized use of quirks needs to be addressed and dealt with accordingly"
"What of the pros lives that were saved due to these young heroes, what of the civilians that were stuck on the train threatening to collapse? This is utter bull shit Sir." Other heroes defending the boys.
Shanks at that moment pulls out a paper and hands it to the Chief. "Chief I have signed authorization from Detective Naomasa. Along with the dispatch request from U.A. to investigate the motives of a certain student interning here. We believed he was here for revenge and were tasked with stopping him if it came to that. I have told the detective that I bad feeling about this city a few days ago. He gave us the go ahead that if something happened during the boys internship that they were authorized to use their quirks to aid and assist provided a pro hero was watching. I was present at the time on the train, also downtown multiple pros were witnesses. During the Stain fight I sat on the roof and observed. I'm sure there is video evidence. Also Native was present for part of the battle."
The chief opens both papers and sees the mentioned permission and orders slip from U.A. and Detective Naomasa. "This form provide sufficient approval for the usage of quirks for aiding and assisting pro heroes in the defense and protection of the civilians and city." He states officially. Then turns to the boys "What you have done tonight is a very impressive feat, just know that you need to be prepared if there are those ill hearted people that would use the fall of Stain to seek revenge on you. I pray that you are prepared." He bows "Allow me on behalf of the City of Hosu to offer you my Thanks and Gratitude for what you have done here tonight."
The boys bow back "Thank you chief. We didn't do this for the recognition. We did this because the city needed help and we were here." Izuku states.
Shanks steps up "Well boys lets head out, let the cleanup crews do their jobs you all need your rest to replenish your energy." He waves his departure lazily. And leads the boys toward the hotel they were staying at. "Stay here all of you get some rest, do not leave. I will contact Endeavor that you two will be here for the night."
"Yes Shanks" The boys replied. As soon as they change and fall on the different beds, they are out cold.
The next morning Izuku turns on the news. Their fight is broadcasted on the news. In one of the panels near downtown he spots two familiar men on a water tower seemingly watching the fights happening throughout the city. "At present, the identities and addresses of these three are unknown. However based on their physical characteristics as well as footage of two men incidentally captured by NHA TV… show some speculation that this incident could be linked to the events of last month when U.A. Highschool was attacked by the so- called League of villains." It cuts to commercial.
"Can you believe it? They have more of those monsters." Luffy mutters.
"It's hard to imagine but not hard to believe they created more than one. But what are they planning" Ace comments.
"I believe this was a publicity stunt" Katsuki states. Izuku stays silent
"The efforts of a few U.A. students along the pros at the scene made sure the casualties stayed low. Most of the devastation was due to structural damage and damages to transportation routes. The Train services are down in and out of the city due to major damage to the track bridge. It is unclear when the tracks will be repaired. But repairs have already started. Roads are expected to be patched up some time tomorrow."
***Another location ***
Shigaraki listens to the news broadcast while reading the newspaper.
"Damn those brats" Shigaraki growls. It's a shame that the wolf kid is going to die by his hands, the league could use a healer in their ranks. Shigaraki doesn't care he will take that kid to his boss let him take the kids quirk and then kill the pest. Yea that way we wins he gets the healing power and he get to fulfill his desire to kill the kid.
"No matter where I turn… the Nomu are just an after-thought. The world didn't forget him at all. Far from forgetting about him… now it is like we are the sideshow.
*** The different hero agencies***
Best Jeanist looks at his preppy sidekicks "The incident in Hosu City or western Tokyo last night… It certainly worries me. It worries me quite a bit." He is brushing a sidekicks hair "people are so easily distracted by big events like these. But it's now, more than ever, that heroes need to remain calm and composed. Because chaos is often so good at drawing out the slumbering brutality in people's hearts. As such we'll continue our usual operations today. Just as always. Let out Tight Jeans keep our bodies and minds bound upright."
"Yes Best Jeanist" The prep squad cheers out.
At another agency Kirishima and Tetsutetsu are in the locker room when Kirishima checks his phone the mass text he got from Luffy concerned him. Also the information he heard about this morning added to his unease.
"So that location info really was an SOS! Danm I should have been there!" Kirishima shouts.
Tetsutetsu yells at him "Hey, Fourth Kind's gonna give you a smack, Let's get going! You can look at the report from the incident later."
"But Tetsu! There was mention of kids from our school being involved. What if something happened to them?" Kirishima whines desperately
"We can't do anything about it here. We can report to Fourth and ask him for information and ask if we can contact our friends"
"You're right Tetsu" Kirishima collects himself "Thank you"
"No problem let's go before I get smacked too"
The two head to the main office to report to Fourth Kind. Kirishima receives his smack and bows. "Fourth Kind we heard some of the reports from Hosu and last night I received a location drop from a classmate. May I call them just to make sure they are safe. It won't be long I swear."
Fourth Kind waves him off with a nod. Kirishima gratefully smiles at the four-armed man "Thank you sir!" and heads into the hallway. He dials Luffy's number and a couple of moments the line connects.
"Hello?" A voice that does not sound like Luffy answers. Kirishima feels his heart drop into his stomach. Rising panic clogs his throat. He forces the panic down "Hi, this is Kirishima. Is Luffy there?"
"Oh hey Kirishima it's Ace" the now identified Ace doesn't sound upset or distressed. In fact he just sounds tired "I can assume you heard about yesterday?"
"Yea, is he… are you… wait weren't you and Todoroki supposed to be with Endeavor? Why are you there? Is everyone else ok."
"Relax Kirishima Endeavor decided to take us on patrols to Hosu to hunt the Hero Killer. Three Nomus attacked, we were working with Endeavor to get the civilians to safety when Todoroki and I received an S.O.S. drop from Luffy. We arrived just in time to aid Luffy, Izuku and Blasty take down Stain. We are all fine exhausted but fine. Endeavor and Shanks are working with the city doing clean up. So shanks told us all to stay in the hotel. Luffy is fine he is just asleep. Iida was the only casualty I know of, but he is to make a full recovery. He put up a fight when Izuku arrived at the scene even though he was about to be killed. Blasty and Luffy moved Native and Iida to safety and dropped the Location."
"So you were the U.A. students that "worked alongside the pros to defend the city"? Why am I not surprised. Thanks for informing me. I need to report to Fourth Kind. Let Luffy know I called, and I look forward to hearing about your fights when we get back to school."
"Will do. See ya"
"See ya" Kirishima hangs up. Thank god they are fine. He notifies Tetsutetsu about what he was told and continues on with his day.
Ochaco is on the phone when Gun head approaches her "Uravity, let's do some basic training, Okay?"
"Oh sure see ya at school then. Sorry all that bad stuff happened. Bye!" She hangs up with a blush
"Ohh is that a possible love interest?" Gun Head beams.
"N-no! that's not it!" she shouts, "it was a call from a classmate that was in Hosu at the time."
"Oh will they be ok. I heard that some of your classmates were involved in the fighting."
"Yea the one I talked to is in the hospital he was saved by fellow students and taken to the hospital while the other kept Stain from following. He is expected to make a full recovery."
"That is good then."
*** U.A.***
All Might, Shota, and Present Mic are sitting in the break room when All Might get a call. He looks at the caller I.D. and his heart is in his stomach as he Reads Shanks. Gulping he answers "Hello Yagi here"
"Shanks. Who is with you?"
"Shota and Present Mic"
"Put me on speaker"
"Ok you're on-speaker Shanks." All Might calls alerting the other two.
"Hey Shanks" Present Mic does know his inside voice though it is still loud.
"Shanks, to what do we owe the pleasure of speaking with you at this time." Shota asks.
"The Hero Killer. I'm sure you heard what our students accomplished"
"Yea that was impressive feats. I expected no less from our finalist" Present Mic boast.
"I was only around the guy for a few minutes, but it was enough to concern me." Shanks starts
"You got rattled Shanks?" All Might gasps, Shanks is usually so calm and collected. To hear that this guy made him uneasy is worrying. "But he's in prison now. So what is wrong?"
"What really made me uneasy was the pressure of his conviction… Don't get me wrong I am not praising the guy. But you know the whole "Symbol of Peace" That sense of duty? To not fail. To give one's life for that ideal. It was like that." Shanks begins "In other words it is his Charisma, this investigation will continue. Meaning his ideals, and opinions they're gonna come out. On every media the net, papers magazines and on T.V. this age we live in that we defend is one of suppression and people are going to be moved by this."
"So heroes will deal with them like always." All Might states like its fact.
"What about the league?" Shota reminds.
"The media is already making the connection, so this league's gonna go from the gang who attacked U.A. and gotten beaten at their own game to… and organization with something to say." Shanks pauses "In other words, they're the perfect magnet. The evil of individual thugs isn't worth much but when united under a single will it'll become a thousand times more dangerous."
The other contemplate the information. Shanks continues "If this was the original plan then the head is no idiot. Steadily removing their obstacles, manipulating the entire situation according to their calculations that sort of thing."
"I've had a bad feeling about all this" All Might grumbles.
"Yeah" Shanks agrees "I feel it too, my stump throbs with the thought."
"I think we can assume that "All for One" is back again"
"To think he survived after all those wounds… I don't want to believe it." All Might say.
"The boys need to be ready, Katsuki and Izuku need to be told everything" Shanks states. "I have this gnawing in my gut since the Detective told us he never found the body years ago."
"It is not just the boys" Shota cuts in "The entire class needs to be ready. There is no doubt that if AFO is back he will set his sights on Izuku. He will try to convert him, steal his power, if those options don't work, I assume he will attempt to turn him into a Nomu. And his classmates will be in danger as well. They are more likely to attack during an event that have very few teachers on site."
"We need to work on more combat related training for now. They can work on the rescue training and other aspects after this. There is no sense in wasting time right now if they can't survive the encounter to rescue anyone."
"Yes you are right." All Might agrees "The hero classes will be battle scenarios, and team building."
"I'll help with the lesson plans" Shota levels a smirk at All Might "You suck at teaching"
"So mean"
"Anyways, for now I need to spend the next couple of days repairing the city with Endeavor. So the 5 boys will be resting today and doing strength training tomorrow. All Might meet them at the gym tomorrow. Pull them through the ringer." The others can hear the savage smirk coming from the other man.
All Might smirks "You got it"
They end the call and Shota goes to take a nap.
The next day….
After resting the day before the boys wake up fully rested and see a note on the table "Report to Red Force. Do not be late"
"Oh shit we need to go" Izuku panics.
The boys try to figure out how to get there. About to walk out the door Izuku's eye widen "fuck" he shouts.
"What's wrong nerd?!" Katsuki starts worrying.
"The fastest route is the train station but it down for repairs. A cab will take a while considering the people that would usually take the trains for the commutes are taking taxis. That leaves running or I need to fly. But if we fly it needs to be high enough that we won't get spotted using my quirk. Plus I can't fly that far in one go."
Catching on Katsuki thinks for a moment "how long do we have to get there"
"What time is it?"
"5:30AM"
"The note states we need to be there by noon"
"That gives up 6 and a half hours to get there." Todoroki states ever calmly.
"Wait did he include Todoroki and Ace" Luffy asks.
"The letter is addressed to the five of us. I think Shanks and Endeavor are going to be working on city relief today. That means we are meeting someone else at Red Force. But who?" Izuku ponders
"There is only a couple of people Shanks lets train us. My guess is Hawks, Shota, or All Might." Katsuki cuts in.
"Well whoever it is the training will only be worse if we are late. The sun hasn't come up yet. I can go use my black flames to blend in with the night sky. I will fly us as far as I can. But I'll be too tired to run after that." Izuku offers leading them to the roof.
"When you land climb on my back when you get your energy fly us as far as you can. We rinse and repeat until we reach the gym."
Izuku nods and starts shifting. Katsuki gets on Izuku's back first, Luffy and ace hop up. Luffy stretches out a hand to the nervous looking Todoroki. Todoroki hesitantly takes it and Luffy pulls him up. Katsuki lets a popping crackle enough for the wolf to feel it. The wolf pumps OFA and his wings and beat straight up. Above the clouds the wolf gives his wings a few flaps. Katsuki sees ice forming on the wolfs wings.
"Ace, Icy-Hot you are on thawing duty. If his wings freeze, we are going to fall. Ace take the right wing; Icy Hot you are on left. Heat the wings enough to melt the Ice." Katsuki commands. Getting nods from the other two boys. Luffy is acting like a seat belt to the boys. His legs wrapped around the wolfs stomach and each arm wrapped around the fire users. Katsuki is clutching the wolf neck letting the heat from his palms keep the ice off his head. He is conserving energy like hell he will let anyone carry his nerd when they land.
They fly farther then the boys thought Izuku was capable of taking them. Two and a half hours passed when the wolf angles down. He folds his wings angling his body to a clearing outside the woods. As soon as his paws hit the ground he is already transformed and barely awake as he breathes heavily. Katsuki kneels in front of him signaling the tired boy to get on his back. Ace and Todoroki help Izuku sit up and help him climb on Katsuki's back. He wraps his legs around Katsuki's waist and arms loosely around the boys neck. Katsuki grunts as he rights himself and adjusts his hold on the smaller teen. Satisfied that his hold is secure, and he can still run he nods to the other boys. They start running. Ace using his flames guides them out of the forest while guarding Katsuki left side. Luffy guards the right. And Todoroki brings up the rear holding a small flame.
About an hour later Izuku starts to stir letting out a soft "Kacchan?" The mentioned boy grunts and slows down a bit. "Where are we?" Izuku asks wiping the sleep out of his eyes.
Todoroki states "we just hit the halfway mark a few minutes ago."
Izuku nods. Katsuki's breathing is slightly heavy. "I'm rested Kacchan. Let me down so I can transform before we get close to the next city." Katsuki lets Izuku down. Izuku takes a couple of seconds to stretch out his legs and arms popping his back as he loosens his muscles and shifts. The boy's climb back on the wolf. The wolf activates OFA and takes off. They fly for another hour before Izuku starts getting tired. He pushes himself another half hour when he starts his decent. They are about 10 miles outside the city when they land.
Again Katsuki carries the worn-out teen on his back. They run to the city and through it before Izuku wakes again. They are about 5 miles outside the city when Izuku transforms into his wolf form again.
"Ok this is the last stretch we have about 2 hours left" Katsuki states. "We have about a quarter of the distance left."
About 45 minutes later the city is on the horizon Izuku gives a yip and bursts forward with a flap of his wings 30 minutes later they are landing outside the city. This time Izuku isn't too tired and jogs with the rest of the boys to the Red Force. They made it with 10 minutes to spare and share a victory cheer. They run to the locker rooms and change quickly into gym clothes. Ace gives Todoroki an extra set of clothes. They are a little smaller, but he kept them in here in case one of the boys ripped their workout clothes. They are a little baggy on Todoroki, but they fit. They head into the training hall where they see All Might, Shota and Hawks waiting for them with feral grins on causing the boys to gulp.
"Before we begin todays training, we have a few things to tell you. You may stretch at this time while we talk" Shota begins. The boys start their stretching.
"I would like to give my praise on the events and your involvement in the Hosu Attack." All Might states.
"We were tasked by Shanks and given permission from Endeavor to train you today, we need to prepare you for the possible threats coming after you. Your achievements are not just known to heroes and the civilians. It was recorded and put on national television." Shota explains.
"It is not just the league that is targeting you. We have strong beliefs that people will be after you all for taking down Stain." Hawks informs.
"So for today your opponents will be us. For today we are villains use any and all methods to take us out. Before you all 'Die'. If you get knocked out, you will be considered dead. If all of you die you lose and the villains win. We will give you 30 minutes to plan. You either need to survive until 6pm when Shanks and Endeavor get here, knock us out, or detain us. There is no escape." All Might states.
"Plan accordingly, we will not be holding anything back." Hawks states.
The boys go to the other side of the gym. "Ok Nerd what's the plan?" Katsuki smirks.
"We have trained with all three as a group, they all have vastly different fighting styles. All Might as speed and unrelenting strength going for him. Shota has extremely effective short-range attacks while also using his capture weapon to cover range. Hawks can be anywhere in the room and doesn't need to be visible to use his feathers to attack, while also being agile and quick. We need to survive until Shanks and Endeavor get here that is in a little over 6 hours." Izuku summarizes what he knows of the opponents fighting styles.
"We have never trained with all of them against us" Ace reminds.
"Ok, Todoroki how comfortable are you with your fire" Izuku asks.
"I have been training it, but I still cannot fully control it. Ace usually takes over if it gets out of hand. We will need Ace to focus on his own fires and not worry about mine." Todoroki explains.
"have you ever tried to freeze projectiles?" Izuku asks.
"No, I have never needed to. My ice wall can stop projectiles."
"That won't work, Hawks uses his feathers by controlling them with his mind. In fact he taught me how to do the same. However he can call his feathers back to him and reuse them repeatedly. As far as I know his feathers are weak against fire. I have never tried to use ice against them. He will be expecting Ace and myself to try to burn his feathers. He will be focused on us. If you can use your Ice to make him think you won't use your fire that should get him to drop his guard around you. Me and Ace can direct his feathers away from you. When his guard is down freeze the feathers. Or if you feel like practicing use your fire and incinerate them. With his feathers burnt he needs to wait three days for them to grow back. If we can take out all his feathers, then capturing him will be cake." Izuku comes up with a plan for hawks.
"That's hawks taken care of what about Shota." Ace states
"He is a close to midrange fighter he can also use his quirk to erase our quirks. The best match up we have to deal with him would be Luffy. Even if Luffy gets captured because the properties of his quirk Shota cannot erase it. So Luffy just needs to keep him distracted and find an opening to capture him. I recommend using gear second to match his speed."
"Got it" Luffy states.
"What about All Might" Katsuki licks his lips with a feral smirk.
"I'm leaving All Might to you Kacchan, once we take down Hawks Todoroki and Ace will assist Luffy if need be. I will provide healing when I can by my feathers and releasing bursts of green flames. If you feel like you need immediate healing, the closer you are to me the better. Do not separate completely stay close enough that I can heal."
"Ok we have our plans" Ace smiles "Let's do this"
"There is no plan that will give us 100% victory but it's the best chance we have. Our goal is to capture or stay alive long enough for back-up"
The boys determined walk back to their opponents. Todoroki and Ace are hidden looking for a location that gives them a better view of the battle location. Luffy is already in gear second. Katsuki is building up sweat. While Izuku is ruffling his feathers out while activating full cowling.
Waiting with baited breaths the heroes stare down the 'villains' looking for any twitching or any movement that gives away their intentions. At the first twitch Izuku shakes his feathers. Luffy and Katsuki harden their stances. Izuku releases all his feathers and surrounds his team in black and green flames. Luffy using gear second Launches himself to engage in combat with Shota, All Might tries to intercept when Katsuki barrels into him with a stun grenade at the ready. Izuku controls all his feathers to intercept Hawks feather attack toward his team. Ace and Todoroki watch as Hawks takes to the air. Ace launches fire balls at the flying 'villain' causing him to focus on Ace. He give Todoroki the signal to attempt to freeze the feathers coming at him. Todoroki pictures the feathers caught in his ice. His ice only works if he is touching a surface with his hand or foot. Ice flows from his planted foot. Not fast enough to freeze the feathers. Ace is able to control his fireflies to incinerate some of them. Izuku is struggling to keep up with the shear speed and number of feathers being thrown at him.
Just as Izuku is about to be overrun by Hawks' feathers Ace throws up a fire wall. Giving Izuku a moment to catch his breath and look over the other battles. He watches as All Might slams his fist into Katsuki's stomach causing the ashen blond to throw up, as he skids across the gym. Izuku releases waves of green fire over the battlefield focusing on his teammates he heals Katsuki and watches the other boy climb to his feet.
Katsuki wipes the vomit off his chin and grins savagely. 'ok so going in headfirst wasn't the best idea he even had.' His next plan is a little risky because if it doesn't work then he's screwed. "Nerd" he calls out. Izuku jumps over to him "Kacchan". "I need your help". "You got it" is the short conversation passed between them. Izuku gets ready as Katsuki blasts his way toward All Might. Seeing the tell-tale sign of Katsuki's Stun Grenade move Izuku increases full cowling and jumping. In air he plucks a yellow feather and stabs it into the back of All Might's neck. Izuku is swatted away. He crashes into the wall at incredible speeds. Thank god Shanks reinforced the structure of the building. Izuku winces as his green fire erupts out of him healing his broken legs and arm. He screams. A few moments later he is standing on unsteady feet. Muscles twitching from the echoes of pain he still feels.
Katsuki wants nothing more than to run to his Nerd. But he is not an Idiot; if this was a real battle the villains would use his distraction to take him and Izuku out of the fight. His only option is to hope that All Might movements are sluggish enough to actually matter. Making his choice he hardens his face with determination. The nerd will be fine, they just need to stall a few moments.
Similar looks of desire to help, confusion, distraction, resignation, and finally determination bloom on the other boys faces, as they harden their stances and attack with renew vigor.
Luffy has been fighting Aizawa for about an hour and he is starting to feel the stress on his body. He is barely able to keep up dodging Aizawa's capture weapon and quick strikes. When Luffy attacked Aizawa hasn't bothered trying to use his quirk knowing it would be ineffective against the rubber teen. Luffy is captured in Aizawa's capture weapon breathing heavily looking just shy of collapsing. To Aizawa it seems the capture weapon and determination are the only things keeping to boy on his feet.
"Are you finished?" He asks dryly.
Luffy doesn't bother answering him verbally. His glare is enough. Aizawa sighs "It is pointless. You will not be able to defeat me as you are"
Luffy coats his arms in Armament Haki and brings his Arm to his mouth. He bites down blowing air into his muscles. Aizawa lifts an eyebrow. "What's this?"
Smoke is covering Luffy's appearance but Aizawa hears what sounds like a basketball bouncing rhythmically. As the smoke clears, he gets a good look at Luffy he is almost the size of All Might but built more like a gorilla. There is steam wrapping around him like a fluffy scarf. Aizawa notices the bouncing is coming from Luffy as he watches the boy bounce on skinny legs. He has enough experience not to underestimate this new form no matter how hilarious it looks.
Deciding Aizawa is not going to make the first move Luffy disappears fist cocked and compressed. He reappears in front of Aizawa and unleashes a devastating blow to Aizawa's stomach. Aizawa's eyes widen as he uses Haki to block the blow. He skids back his arm is now useless. He cannot let Luffy land a direct hit on him in this form. The strength of that punch is on par with one of All Might's. He smirks the kid has grown he wants to know the limits of this form. Lost in thought he barely manages to dodge the compressed kick aimed at his side.
Luffy chases Aizawa using compression and kicking the air to make him look like he is flying. He kicks Aizawa and watches as he flies to the other side of the room. But still getting up on shaky legs. Luffy blows more air into his muscles and increases the fusion of Haki coating his skin to look like thick tribal tattoos. Flying to where Aizawa landed he cocks and compresses his fist again. He aims his punch to the ground using the debris to injure his teacher. He knows how much damage his blow could do to the man. When the dust clears, Aizawa is on the ground unmoving but breathing heavily. Luffy uses this time to capture Aizawa. Just as he finishes, he deflates all the air escaping him in a rush cause him to fly through the air and crash into the wall on the other side. He is close to Izuku he pants fighting to stay awake. Izuku approaches him
"Gear fourth?" As he coats the boy in green flames.
"Yea 'm so tired. I won't be able to use Haki for about 15 minutes." Luffy slurs.
"I get it. I'll let Ace know." Izuku leaps off to Ace. He lands next the flame user.
"Ace, I'll cover you over here I need you to go place a flame net around Luffy. His new move drained him completely, but he will live" Izuku quickly explains. Ace nods and blasts off toward the direction Luffy blasted off in. Arriving Ace notices Luffy is like 3 seconds away from passing out. He uses Flame Net around Luffy so he can Gather his strength. Ace inspects Luffy's prior fighting area and notices their teacher is captured. "Good job Luffy" He take a second to see the other two fights. Katsuki is struggling against All Might but before he can interfere Izuku is already on Katsuki's left. Ace smiles and heads back to help Shoto with Hawks. Between the two of them they have taken out most of the winged 'villain's' feathers. Hawks is slowing down as well. They have been fighting for about three hours now they need to finish. Ace finishes burning all Hawks' feather and grins in victory.
Hawks hides his smirk as he watches Ace come in to capture him, he take the long feather he uses as a sword and coats it in Armament Haki and slices across Ace's chest leaving a deep but not fatal would. He will pass out from blood loss though. Todoroki yells out "ACE" He blasts ice between Hawks and Ace using the ice to move the injured boy away and behind him. "Fuck Izuku and Katsuki are being pinned down by All Might". Todoroki erects an Ice dome surrounding Ace and covers Ace's wound in a thin layer of Ice to stop the bleeding. He skates and launches Ice toward Hawks, predicting the same move that 'killed' Ace. As he is skated, he is supercooling the air around them. When he gets in striking distance, he blocks the sword swing with a wall of fire while superheating the cooled air around him creating a massive explosion replicating the one from his fight with Izuku. Both fighters are thrown back by the blast Hawks is sprawled on the ground small smile on his face. Obviously giving up the fight. Todoroki is caught by his Ice but gets the wind knocked out of him. He struggles to stay conscious he watches Katsuki and Izuku fight to take All Might down.
Izuku has himself and Katsuki wrapped in green fire. Almost like his hero costume. This is protecting them from the devastating blows All Might is raining down on them. They fight in tandem always dancing around each other as they defend and counter with each other with practiced ease. Todoroki watches the matching thrilled smiles that cover the two boys faces as they work together to run out the clock. They have about 2 hours left before Shanks gets there. He might already be there and is just watching. Todoroki doesn't know Shanks that well, but he knows well enough that the combative teacher watches everything. Todoroki is impressed that the two boys can communicate and read each other's moves so well. He supposes this is the type of bond they have fighting with each other for over a decade. He hasn't seen this type of comradery before. When he heard the two boys announce to the class that they were going to be the Ultimate Duo; he doubted it. Witnessing the ease that they can fight together and move around each other; the image of them being at the top of the hero society is more than clear. Shoto watches as both boys step back bleeding from their hands they hold hand for a moment as a burst of color erupts around them Katsuki appears to go into full Cowling mode like Izuku. All Might's face is the picture of confused shock tinted with awe. Shoto watches as orange lightening covers and dances around Katsuki while green lightening mirrors it on Izuku. The boys charge a devastating punch Izuku hand coated black with fire. Katsuki fist looks almost like lava as they charge to land a combo move on All Might this is an all or nothing sort of move. If this doesn't defeat All Might then nothing, they are capable of will. The move connects with All Might enhanced punch and the impact creates shockwaves of energy that shatters the ice around the gym and shake the very foundation of the building. The dust settles All Might is standing Tall but bleeding from the mouth. Izuku and Katsuki stay on their feet for a few moments and both fall forward All Might catches the warn out boys and gently lays them down. Todoroki thinks it is about time he lets sleep overtake him. He thinks they did well considering the odds against them.
When the boys minus Izuku and Katsuki wake up the training is over, and Shanks is talking to their teachers. "Oh did you boy's enjoy your nap" Shanks teases.
Luffy, Ace and Shoto glare while pouting, but don't deny it. Shoto clears his throat and jolts into a sitting position eyes wide with panic as he searches the room. The panic rising as he doesn't find Izuku or Katsuki.
"Shoto what's wrong" A voice calls out trying to keep the distressed boy from getting up fully. Recognition clears Shoto's panicked eyes a little as he croaks "Izuku, Katsuki… What…. They… Where" not able to get his thoughts in order. All Might approaches him with a look of understanding and places a gentle hand on the boys back.
"Do not worry Young Todoroki. Young Midoriya, and Young Bakugo are fine they are sleeping peacefully in the other room. They should be rousing any moment now." All Might reassures with a smile.
Letting out a relieved breath Todoroki slumps back into a laying position. "How did we do?"
"We will go over the battles when Izuku and Katsuki wake." Shota states.
Almost as if summoned the door opens up and the grinning pair step into the room. Shoto thinks they look like they need a few days more sleep, but even he cannot deny the happy, calm atmosphere around them. Their grins brimming with a sense of accomplishment. They approach the group and situate themselves within the group of teens.
Shanks clears his throat getting the boys attentions "Today I asked All Might, Hawks, and Aizawa to come here and pull you through the ringer to prepare you for the threats will face in the future." He gets understanding nods from the boys "everyone knows about the Stain fight, including villains. They will come after you all. I need you to be prepared" getting more nods from the boys he continues "you were tasked to capture, defeat, or survive until back up arrived. You have defeated 2 of the 3 villains and survived 4 and a half hours. This is an impressive accomplishment. I was not present for the fights so now I want to hear from the villains" He looks at the pro heroes and smirks "How do you villains think our pros handled the situation?"
Shota is the first to speak up "I was fighting one on one with Luffy. He was barely keeping up in gear second. I had him in my capture weapon and he looked like he was barely on his feet. He didn't lose the fire in his eyes even as he looked like the image of defeat. I must admit I wanted to know where that look was coming from. He used a new move by coating his arms in Armament Haki and blowing air into his muscles. This move seemed to increase his base stats for a few moments I counted about 5 minutes of use before he tied me up and deflated. Then I didn't see him anymore in any of the fights. I can only assume this form is very cost heavy and used as a finishing move against a stronger opponent."
"Yes that is right I call it Gear Fourth: Bounce Man. I can only use it for about 5 minutes after that my Haki and energy is completely drained for about 30 minutes. In a life or death situation I could get back up and fight. But when I woke up, I was in Ace's Flames and could not get out without risking serious burns."
"That form is incredibly powerful, but risky as well. I would not recommend using it if Izuku is not close enough to heal the damage and fatigue. Also only use it as a last resort. That move can easily kill weaker opponents and classmates." Aizawa warns
"Yes Sensei. I understand"
Hawks addresses the group "Shoto Izuku and Ace were against me for part of the fight Until Izuku got pulled away to assist Katsuki. I can assume the plan to trap or destroy my feathers came from Izuku." The mentioned boy blushes and nods "It was effective it took a while and if I was a competent villain and not pretending to be little more than cannon fodder to All Might I would not have let you destroy my feathers in waves. But I noticed you were getting faster directing your ice with precision Shoto. While Ace was controlling his fireflies much more smoothly by the time, they finished off my feathers, that I let you practice. However Ace, your biggest mistake was thinking I was defenseless after losing my feathers. You dropped you guard for it and would have been sliced in half. Todoroki, I commend your quick thinking to get Ace to safety quickly and efficiently covering his chest wound to slow the flow of bleeding while providing protection. I was also take by surprise seeing you charge in with a look of vengeance on your face I honestly thought you were going to fall for the same move. I was not expecting the fire blast or the explosion that followed it. If I was a regular villain, I would have been unconscious, so I accepted defeat."
"I supercooled the air during my charge toward you, then released my control of my fire in faux rage which superheated the chilled air to recreate the explosion from the sports festival. It accomplished taking you out, but it doesn't mean anything if it take me out with it. Because my judgement was clouded, I was reckless and was not capable of doing anything else except watch as Izuku and Katsuki fight All Might."
"That is why we are training, so these mistakes do not happen in a life or death battle." Hawks reassures. Shoto nods.
All Might stare down the two students that were fighting him "First of all, Midoriya active your quirk" Izuku looks confused but looking at All Might he nods and stands up. He activates Full Cowling. All Might sputters out "How?"
Izuku smiles and deactivates OFA. "Do I have to speak in Code?" All Might looks around the group everyone except Todoroki know about Izuku's quirk. All Might studies his rivals son and decides the boy would figure it out eventually. So he shake his head "Summarize from the beginning so he doesn't get confused" Izuku nods.
"One of my quirks is Called One for All. Part of it allows the quirk to be transferred via DNA. There has been 9 users plus one temporary user. It gets stronger the more times it is passed down. I am the current holder." Izuku summarizes.
Todoroki face is shocked "So this is what you meant when I confronted you about being All Might's love child. I always thought the phrasing of "That's not it at all" was a weird way to deny being involved with All Might." All Might sputters he didn't know that the boy thought Izuku was his illegitimate son.
Izuku laughs "Yea, but now that you know it does not leave this group. Not A Word. If our enemies learn that it can be transferred through DNA, they will try to take it."
Shoto nods "I promise I will not speak of this with anyone, I feel honored that you would let me in on this secret. I will not betray that trust."
"Good, now as I mentioned before there is a temporary user that was Katsuki. I learned from the past users during one of my meditations that they were able to temporarily share OFA with their Soulmates. Mixed with my own powers I was not only able to share OFA but also my healing abilities. After we did that combo move OFA came back to me." Izuku explains the gist of the temporary transfer.
Shoto looks deep in thought "Izuku I have noticed and found it strange that you never refer to your healing or wolf form as a quirk. Is there a reason for this?"
Izuku studies the other boy, he already told him about OFA, so he sighs "Nothing ever gets past you huh? I don't refer to my healing or wolf form as a quirk because it is not a quirk that gives me this ability. What gives me this ability is a Devil Fruit the Mythical Zoan: 10 tailed spirit beast, model: wolf, name: Fuji. If anyone knew there was another way beside Quirks that could grant abilities, they would take us and experiment on us to try to learn more about it."
"I've never heard of Devil Fruits before" Shoto looks on in thought "What do you mean by 'Us'?"
"Devil Fruits are not from this world. When I was five, I found it on the beach and ate it. Thinking it was just a weirdly shaped kiwi, I panicked when my arm burst into green fire. I was told earlier that day that I was quirkless. So when Kacchan and I were looking for a place to see what it could do we found some weird looking people washed up on the beach. I healed them and they told me what my power was and that it came from a fruit. There are three of us with Devil Fruits. Luffy ate a rubber fruit turning him into a rubber man. And Ace ate the flame fruit turning him into fire. He can create, control and turn into fire."
"So Ace and Luffy are from another world?" Shoto looks like he doesn't believe them it is hard to wrap his mind around it.
"Yea we are from the Grandline. Shanks saved us when we were kids while we were escaping a man hunt, we capsized and washed up on a beach that Izuku found us on. We don't really have any proof besides maybe some left over currency."
"Now that you mention it there is something different about you guys that didn't seem quite right when we first met." Shoto begins "I don't mean it in a negative way, it is sort of like a pressure or a presence around you. At first, I thought it was Izuku's wolf that gave off the presence. But maybe it is your Devil Fruits. Then again it doesn't explain why I feel the same thing around Katsuki, and Shanks. Since you didn't mention them having a devil fruit it can't be that."
Shanks can't believe this kid "Impressive, what you are sensing is an ability native to my world called Haki there are a few among the pro's that I have trained myself to be able to use it. If fact I am by this worlds standards quirkless, and I do not possess a devil fruit power. I am sure you noticed my red lightening?"
"Yes I have" Shoto states
"That is the physical manifestation of my Conquerors Haki. In my world this is an extremely rare power only 1-1000000 people are born with it, even fewer ever awaken it. Here there are 4 possibly 5 of us that can use this."
"I think I know 2 other people" Shoto thinks out loud "Izuku and Katsuki"
"Yes also Ace has awoken it. I believe Luffy will also awaken it but has not shown it yet." Shanks confirms "However there are two forms that I was able to teach even people from this world, All Might, Aizawa, Hawks, Katsuki and Izuku to name a few. I will not be teaching the entire class this until later. Though it can take years to master. And the training is a little unorthodox"
All Might and Aizawa snort "A Little?"
Hawks chimed in "You spent months beating us with sticks, until we were able to dodge 100 consecutive blows while blindfolded"
Shanks laughed "Any way there is Observation Haki this allows you to predict, dodge and sense presences within a certain range. I feel you already have this ability and are using it subconsciously being able to sense the presences of the Haki in the others is a clear sign that you are almost there. The other form is Armament Haki. Hawks used it to cut Ace if he didn't use this Ace would have uninjured due to being able to turn into Fire. We have also learned that this is effective in weakening quirks to an extent. This Haki is using your will or spirit into a physical armor around you. It can be applied to weapons like Aizawa's capture weapon or Hawk's feathers. Since you are in the same amount of danger as the other boys, I need to train you in these two forms of Haki. If you are interested of course. Thought I believe when it comes to defending yourself and others you should always use everything you can learn."
Shoto goes over all this information before he looks up at Shanks "I'll Learn, if it helps me protect myself, friends and can make me a better hero then I would be a fool to deny learning something that can help me protect and fight beside those I care about." Shoto states with complete conviction.
Shanks smirks. Luffy chimes in "If you are going to be training Sho can I also ask if Kiri can participate in this extra training. He already knows about Haki."
"Sure if he is willing to learn I will teach him. Talk to him tonight if he is willing have him meet me here tomorrow after he is released from his internship."
"Thank you, Shanks." Luffy beams.
"Now then, we got a little off topic. All Might I believe you were giving Izuku and Katsuki their Evaluation." Shanks smirks
"Right, First young Bakugo. You were quick to run into battle whether you thought you could take me on or were testing your capabilities against me I wasn't sure. I hit you with a full powered punch to see what you would do. You impressed me; I didn't peg you as someone that would call for help. The plan you came up with and your conversation with Midoriya gave nothing away. I thought you were going to attempt a combo attack. Having Izuku use his paralysis on me was smart. As it did slow me down. I reacted and hit Midoriya with a full power swat to see what you would do. If you ran to check up on him, I would have used the opportunity to take you both out. Deciding to stay and continue fighting knowing your partner will be ok saved your lives. You have impressive control over your quirk and extremely quick thinking. You were able to dodge my attacks using your blasts to change directions even in midair. The versatility of your Quirk is impressive. The first time you used Stun grenade was truly remarkable. I was impressed that you were able to stay on your feet long enough to receive backup. Izuku your reaction time to providing healing to your teammates was truly remarkable. I was truly impressed with the level of your teamwork together. It is important to be able to fight with someone and not get in the way. The way you two danced around each other while covering blind spots and weaknesses. Izuku covering Katsuki with your flames to heal while still fighting was remarkable. That level of trust, communication, and awareness of each other is something very few manage to obtain. It usually takes decades of fighting with someone to achieve less than that. I have no doubt you two will be the best. Keep improving so you can claw your ways to the top."
Izuku and Katsuki look proud at the praise. All Might levels them with a curious gaze. "I was not expecting to fight two OFA users. I honestly thought Izuku was being reckless and transferring OFA on to the next user. I did not know that soulmates can use the power together. We should train this ability and find out if we can increase the time Katsuki can use it with you. Izuku did the previous users tell you anything else about sharing it. Can it be trained?"
Izuku's eye glaze over as he searches his memories finding it, he speaks "The previous users have only done it once when they were overwhelmed, they do not know. There is not much known about the full capabilities of soulmate bonds and quirk use. They told me there were rumors in their times of non OFA people being able to share the soulmates quirks during times of great physical stress. Apparently, there was a plant-based user during the thirds time that was able to use his soulmates ability of water creation to save himself and a group of civilians from being killed in a fire."
"There have been rumors but nothing has ever been confirmed" Aizawa states.
"I wonder if it is possible to train the usage of the soulmates quirk. I wonder It given time that Izuku could use explosions similar to Katsuki. While Katsuki will be able to use OFA without having to share blood with Izuku." Hawks ponders.
"I wonder if it will work with devil fruits. Like could Kirishima use my Stretching abilities, and I could use his hardening. Or could Ace train to use Ice and maybe Shoto will be able to turn into fire or something like that. Or maybe since Shoto already uses fire it could increase his capabilities with it. Or increase the overall strength of his flames." Luffy gushes excited for the possibility to share something else with his soulmate if possible.
"We will try to test out this theory in our training sessions. All of you and Kirishima will be doing increased training during our regular Combatives classes. While the rest of the class is doing the regular lessons you will be training under Shota or All Might or Myself. The others are not in as much danger as you all are. Out of everyone in the class you guys have foiled the Leagues' plans twice they are going to come after you sooner rather than later. You pose massive threats to them. You will need the extra training to ensure your survival and prevent capture." Shanks informs.
The boys agree and nod. They spend the rest of the night just chatting and coming up with training programs. Luffy wants to work on lessening the strain Gear Fourth causes and maybe come up with some other variations to increase different aspects for what he needs. Izuku and Katsuki are going to work on increasing the time they can use OFA at the same time. Todoroki wants to learn Haki and continue working on taming his flames.
Ace is intrigued by the idea of using Ice and he want to see if he can do it. Also he wants to see if there are combo moves, he can do with Todoroki. He has watched Blasty and Izuku fight together for years now. They have always had this silent understanding of how the other moves even when they were 5 and just started training. They have only been getting more efficient and coordinated with each other. He would be lying if he said that he wasn't jealous. He wants to be able to fight like that with Todoroki. It should be easy for them Ace's fire is adaptable, capabilities endless; it is just a matter of fine tuning and matching Todoroki's movements. Maybe they can create a fighting style similar to Izuku and Katsuki's that seems unpredictable and random, but one that they understand like a secret language only the two of them know. He yearns for it. He chances a glance at Todoroki, he is looking between him and the other soulmate pair. It is a little hard to know what the usually stoic boy is thinking but there is a sense of desire and yearning that matches his own. He scoots over to Todoroki.
Todoroki flashes him a small smile. "After I defeated Hawks, I was unable to move, I could do nothing but watch as Izuku and Katsuki danced around each other and All Might with practiced ease. They just knew exactly where the other would be at any given time. They knew exactly the moves the other would use and what move to use to compliment it. I have never seen a pair of people know each other so well and fight together so well before. Is it bad to say I'm jealous?"
"Not at all." Ace tells him with a smile "I'm jealous too. Luffy and I have been fighting together just as long, but we do not know each other's next move. we can't communicate silently like they can."
Shoto hums "You know, when they stood in front of the class and claimed they would be the Ultimate Duo. I didn't believe they could do it. I thought there has got to be another pair of Heroes that have claimed the same thing. I was doubtful." He looks at the pair in thought "But seeing them fighting, matching smiles and dancing lethal moves got me thinking. They could really do it. And I am really excited to watch them get there and help them achieve that dream." Shoto is still looking down in thought. "Do you think they have that because they are soulmates? I mean do you think if we worked hard enough that we would have that level of a connection?" He sounds wistful.
Ace hums "I'm not completely sure it is just because of them being soulmates. I have met other pairs and Blasty and Izuku seem more; it's like they are everything to each other." Shoto looks confused, Ace sighs and tries to explain it better "I know you haven't been around them too long, or if you have been around other pairs. The way I see it; it's like how a magnet always knows where north is. Or like it doesn't matter how different they are on the outside or personality wise they are one in the same. There is no Katsuki without Izuku, just like there is no Izuku without Katsuki." He pauses "I'm not sure if this level of connection they have is unique to them." Shoto looks almost disappointed, Ace smiles softly at him "But that doesn't mean we can't try."
Todoroki snaps his eyes up to Ace. Due to his past and watching his parents relationship built off fear and power rather than being soulmates and love. He didn't know what a soulmate bond should look like. Watching Izuku and Katsuki's relationship and how much unquestionable love and passion shared between the two; well it makes him yearn for the same thing. He has always been a stoic person, years of getting beat at the first sign of emotion forced him this way. He locked most of his emotions away in his heart and surrounded them with a thickest layer of ice he could. He wants this closeness, this connection and more with Ace. He can feel his heart thawing every time Ace smiles softly at him, every time they talk close together letting the world melt away in the background. Makes him want to smile back. He doesn't know how to express any of this in words, doesn't even know if he could express them in action; but he fears if he doesn't at least try and fight for it that he would lose something he can't even comprehend. Something in his heart clenches at the thought of losing anything concerning Ace, panic starts to take over and he is spiraling down in thoughts surrounded in what ifs coated in repressed fear. He doesn't realize he is shaking until he feels a gentle warm hand pressed on his back right over the mark that matches him to Ace.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ace watches the beautiful heterochromatic eyes snap to look at him, eyes panic stricken with a touch of unimaginable sadness. "Come on talk to me" Ace whispers gently scared that Todoroki would bolt, or perhaps break if he spoke any louder.
Todoroki wants to say something anything, but the words feel like they are trapped behind his slowly closing throat. Perhaps boldly he reaches for Ace's hand that is on his back. He holds it gently as if it is something fragile as he studies it. He hesitantly maneuvers Ace's hand to link there fingers comfortably. He looks at Ace checking to see if this is ok. Ace looks shocked so Todoroki is about to pull his hand away, when Ace's brain apparently caught up and he frantically squeezes his hand gently around the other with a small smile on his face. Todoroki can feel his face heating up a bit and he looks panicked thinking he is about to combust in flames. He takes a few breaths to try to will the heat in his cheeks away.
He is broken out of his thoughts when he hears a quiet chuckle followed by "you're beautiful when you blush" Oh. That is definitely not helping his possible overheating problem because he feels his cheeks heat up even more far surpassing dangerous temperatures. Ace chuckles again "Anyways what had you looking to panicked before?"
"Umm… I'm not sure I can explain it. But here goes nothing" Todoroki is grateful that Ace is patient with him. He takes a deep breath and squeezes their still joined hands "I'm happy but scared what that means. And I want everything Izuku and Katsuki have and more, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do or say. I know we haven't known each other for long, even less knowing that we are Soulmates. Is it wrong for me to crave closeness and intimacy with you? I have found myself wondering what it would feel like to have you surround me, consume me." He is not sure how to continue. Unleashing his emotions is overwhelming he wants to cry, laugh, scream, freeze something, and then set it on fire. He settles for a lost confusion.
Ace looks around the others are paying them no mind, but they are still so out in the open and he can see the lost, confused open vulnerability in Todoroki's eyes. So with their hands still connected he stands up. Todoroki looks at him and he nods his head in the direction of a more secluded location. Maybe they can go take a walk outside around the building. Seeing understand and open willingness shine on the others face he smiles as he pulls him to his feet. "Come with me, lets go for a walk" Todoroki nods. They walk out the doors missing the knowing looks the others are sending them. They continue walking in silence.
The Sun has set a while ago, the moon hangs over them full and massive lighting up everything on the otherwise dark path. The stars hang overhead like glitter on an ink black canvas. It is a warm night with a slightly cooler breeze around them. Ace leads Todoroki to a bench at the back of the building, there is a pond here. Shanks added it when he learnt that the calm pond with the willow tree helped Izuku get into a meditative stance. It makes for a breath-taking scene. Only when Ace stops and gestures Todoroki to sit does he speak. "This conversation is probably best done in private" Todoroki nods. Ace continues "I want to be 100 percent clear with each other, I don't want to misunderstand anything. I told you before we move at your pace. But I also understand that you might need me to show you what to do. So if you can tell me with 100 percent certainty that you are ready for the next step, I'll show you how we get there." Ace gives Todoroki some time to think.
"I'm not sure how intimate I'm ready to go. I do know that I am ready to be more with you." Todoroki states calmly.
Ace studies Todoroki's face "How do you feel about us holding hands?"
Todoroki looks at their still joined hands and smiles softly "I like it, it is warm"
Ace smiles back "How would you feel if I asked you out for a date, like a romantic outing"
Todoroki looks a little unsure "Nervous, but I definitely want to try"
"Ok how do feel about romantic touching. Cuddling, hugging, kissing, making out etc."
Todoroki blushes and looks down at his lap "When I think about doing stuff like that, I get excited, and nervous. I feel warm, my heart feels fluttery and light. I feel a bit scared because I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do in those situations. But yes that is something I want to experience with you."
Ace turns his body toward Todoroki, he takes his free hand and gently places it to cup the boys cheek. He uses his thumb to gently brush under the scar over his eye. He feels Todoroki tremble under the soft caress. He stops the movement but keeps his hand there "Is this ok?" He almost whispers. He feels Shoto swallow hard. He nods so Ace leans his head in a little closer. Keeping a firmly focused watch on the other boys face, looking for any signs of discomfort. Todoroki's eyes shine with shock, nervousness, and excitement Ace moves closer lips brushing the corner of Todoroki's mouth. Ace feels Todoroki's breath hitch, his fingers twitching under their still held hands. Ace speaks up in a low whisper "Shoto, is this ok?" His voice must do something to the other boy because Shoto shivers again Ace chuckles "Are you cold Shoto?". Todoroki responds with another shiver and quick shake of his head. Ace cups his face a little firmer to ground the other boy, or perhaps to ground himself. He feels giddy as he moves his lips over to place them over the still shivering teen. He waits for Todoroki to relax a bit and slowly starts moving his lips over the other boy's to coax him to respond. Ace can feel the hesitancy when Todoroki finally responds. Ace smiles in the kiss and lingers just a bit longer he pulls back a bit and leans his forehead against the other's. He can see and feel the tiny shivers still racking the other boys frame. Ace takes a moment to get his thoughts in order with a raspy voice he asks, "Was that ok?"
Todoroki takes a few moments to respond, he can't lie he really liked that kiss, so he nods and bites his lip. He can't get words to form and his mind is blissfully empty. He looks at Ace's lips them back up to his eyes, repeating this a few more times. Ace smiles and chuckles softly "Do you want another?" he asks just a touch of hope in his voice. Todoroki swallows and nods letting his lip slip from between his teeth. Ace leans forward again and captures the heterochromatic eyed boy's lips with his own. This time he is a little more playful, it doesn't take nearly as long for the other boy to respond. Todoroki raises his free hand to touch lightly on Aces shoulder fingers ghostly touching Ace's neck. Ace sighs and moves his free hand to the back of Todoroki's neck softly playing with the hair there; every once in a while, tugging gently. Ace accidently grazes Todoroki's bottom lip with his teeth, causing the other boy to gasp quietly. Oh. That sound. He whines low in his throat as this time he bites gently on the lip getting a rewarding gasp and shudder. He sucks on the lip in apology smiling goofily as he parts with breathless giddy chuckles. At Todoroki's confused and dazed face Ace chuckles out "I'm sorry, I'm just happy". Todoroki cracks a small almost invisible smile he can't help but agree. Ace feels Todoroki shudder again. Ace goes to stand up still holding the dual users hand. Todoroki's eye widen in panic for a bit until he notices the dazed smile still on Ace's face. Squeezing Todoroki's hand he says softly "The others are probably wondering where we are, we should head inside."
Todoroki nods a quiet "Ace" makes Ace turn toward Todoroki. "Yeah?" is the equally quiet response.
Todoroki just gives Ace a soft smile and squeezes his hand. He doesn't know what to say, but he hopes his smile and hand squeeze gets Ace to understand. Understand what? He is not sure but from look on Ace's face, he gets it.
Thank god.
NOTES:
we finally get some romance between Ace and Shoto, there will be more to come. I got the idea of having Izuku and Kacchan sharing OFA temporarily from their fight with nine in I think it was *heroes rising* and from a story I read if I can find it ill give the credit. I like the idea of being able to share a bit of Soulmates abilities. Let me know if this interests you or not. I don't think I'll use it in every fight but the major ones that would most likely result in someone's death. or high stake fights then yes I might use it.
Next time: we will do a Haki training with Kiri and Shoto. the kids will be back in school. the students react to the stain fight. All Might put the kids through the ringer. maybe more or less depends on how long the chapter gets.
