Author's Note: Before we start the chapter, the story reached another milestone. 200 Reviews and the 200th Reviewer is Spider-Man999. Thank you for setting that milestone. Now, let's begin the chapter.
Chapter 32: The Deku vs. the Brainwasher
Onboard the Death Egg, Eggman made his way back to the bridge in time for the Sports Festival to resume. He just finished with the blood transfer from Stain to Kota so the boy can get the Quirk the Hero Killer contains in his body. The minions didn't pay attention to the doctor making his return as their focus was on the screen. Snively heard the doors slide open as he saw the doctor return from the medical room.
"Doctor, you're just in time. The festival's about to resume." He said.
"Anything happens?" Eggman asked.
"You haven't missed anything. But the One on One Tournament is set though with the matchups. The Izuku boy will meet with this Shinso guy in the 1st Round while Sonic faces out a girl name Kendo. Plus, Knuckles will face that Kirishima kid and Tails against that Monoma person that he was teammates with during the Calvary Battle. Shadow facing against that bird with the bird's head and Silver facing that girl with the ponytail." Snively said.
"This should be good. What about the other targets?" Eggman asked, referring to Todoroki, Bakugo, and Iida.
"Bakugo is facing a girl name Ochako Uraraka. Todoroki is facing against a boy name Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, and Iida is facing that girl that was on that team with Izuku. Her name is Mei Hatsume. That's pretty much all the matchup there is."
"We all know that Izuku is going to use the Chaos Emerald right here right now. Let's see how this tournament unfolds." Eggman said, sitting back in his chair.
"By the way, how did the experiment go?" Snively asked, referring to the blood transfer.
"Successful. After that, they were heading to Hosu City. Part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area I'm not sure where it is. Stain said this was going to be the next training for the boy. Not sure what it is but will find more about it later. Right now, the festival continues." Eggman said.
"Very well, then," Snively said.
While they were watching, behind the door on the other side, the Ultimate Mercenary heard of the location where they were both headed.
"Hosu City? So that's where they're heading. This should be very interesting. Let's see how that boy handles the situation." Infinite said, walking away from the door.
Back in the stadium, the Sports Festival continues. It just wrapped on the Recreation Games for the students that didn't qualified for the next round. The One on One Tournament was about to begin. Cementos use the last of his Quirk to create a large ring. He added on each corner flames as pyrotechnics for the excitement. Students that were taking part in the final round sat with their class in their own seats.
"That's it. I'm pretty much done here." He said, finishing the ring with the last remaining cement.
"Thank you, Cementos!" Present Mic said. "Hey, sports fans, are you ready?!" The crowd responded with a loud roar. "After all, the action you all witnessed, it's time for the real battles to begin! Can you feel the excitement?! Our competitors are on their own now! Sometimes they have themselves to rely on! Heart, skill, strength, wisdom, and courage! They have to use all of these things to rise to the top!"
In the tunnel, Izuku stood in the corridor near the exit to the stadium. His eyes were closed with his left fist on his chest and a determined look on his face while hearing both the crowd get loud and Present Mic's voice at the same time. He and his match were the first ones to open the One on One Tournament. He still felt nervous and all but was ready for the competition to go next level.
"Hey, Izuku." The boy's mind snapped when a voice was heard. He turned around to see Sonic walking towards him.
"S-Sonic, what are you doing here? I thought you were getting ready for your match after mine?" He asked.
"I know I suppose too. But I just want to see how you are doing before you walk out of the stadium to the ring." He said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You're nervous?"
"A little." He said.
"Don't be. You got this. You made it this far despite getting the help you have. You're on your own this time. Also, you got the Chaos Emerald with you. Now it's time you're going to have to use it. Remember, don't use it too much or the emerald will turn black." Sonic said.
"That's true. I haven't been using that much in the first two rounds. Not to mention I didn't use All Might's Quirk. I almost did before Todoroki took the 10 million headband in the Calvary Battle." Izuku said.
"Maybe it's time you use it with the Chaos Emerald at the same time. You did it before on Angel Island after we got the emerald revived." Sonic said.
"That's true, too," Izuku said when they heard footsteps approaching.
"Hey!" Both turn to see Toshinori with Ryuko and Uwabami approaching them. "Sorry I haven't said hi. You've been great despite all the help by Sonic in the first two rounds."
"Sonic and I were talking about it. Not sure if I can use it yet or not." Izuku said when he saw both women. He freaked out, letting the secret out. "HOLD ON… IS THAT THE HERO DRAGON, RYUKO?! AND THE SNAKE HERO UWABAMI?!"
"Oh yeah, I didn't tell you this but… these ladies already know about my Quirk and yes my true form as well." Toshinori said, rubbing his head smiling. "Plus… they are also my girlfriends.
"GIRLFRIENDS?!" Izuku asked, with his jaw dropped on the floor before recovering it. "You have both girlfriends, All Might? I didn't hear anything on the news or magazines about this."
"I keep my personal life in secret for a reason. But these ladies are good people. And, they keep me company as well." Toshinori said as Izuku turned to Sonic.
"Relax, they know who I am including the Freedom Fighters. We meet them early this morning when we arrived. When I heard about All Might having them as his girlfriends, I was surprised by it. Then Amy went on with her love rant and all." Sonic said, rolling his eyes.
"I'm shocked All Might would have two girlfriends with him. Especially it's the heroes that I heard about," Izuku said. "It's nice to meet you two."
"Nice to meet you, Midoriya," Ryuko said with a smile on her face.
"It's nice to meet a cute boy who wants to be like my lover," Uwabami said as Izuku looks away with a blushed.
"T-T-That's my nice of you." He said, stuttering.
"Anyway, your first opponent is very interesting. Never thought that Shinso from the General Department would make it this far." Toshinori said.
"I was thinking the same thing," Sonic said turning to Izuku. "By the way, one of your classmates came by to warn you about that guy. What was that all about?"
"He told me a lot," Izuku said.
Flashback
Earlier before the next round, Ojiro dragged Izuku to the waiting rooms to talk with him about the person that the boy was planning on going against.
"What you mean?" Izuku asked.
"I'm not sure. He has some type of Quirk that can control people. Even that dark hedgehog knew for one minute when he accepts him in the team, he wants it to control. He uses his Quirk on Shoji, Tsuyu, and Mineta after Shadow ordered him to do it in order to get the headbands from them." Ojiro said.
"So that's what happened to Shoji," Izuku said, remembering during the Calvary Battle of Shoji's Team going after Izuku and his team for the headband but surprisingly ran back to the other way.
"Exactly. That's why I warn you to be careful. He'll trick you by using his Quirk. That's the only thing he'll do to win." Ojiro said.
End Flashback
"Perhaps you should've talked with Shadow about that person before you knew what was going to happen," Sonic said.
"That's true. I should be more careful." Izuku said as Toshinori does a chop hit on his head. "Ow! What was that for?"
"All I want to hear from you is to do your best, damn it!" He said, only for both ladies hitting him in the head. "Ow? Seriously?"
"Hitting a child is not the right thing," Ryuko said.
"Never thought a hero would hit a childlike thing," Uwabami said.
"Here I thought I would motivate him," Sonic said, rubbing his quails.
"Anyway," Toshinori glaring at both women before looking to Izuku. "You never going to become a hero you want people to believe in something like that." At the same time, smoke appears around him, indicating he was transforming. "Listen, whenever you scarred or nervous about a fight, just try to deal with it by smiling. You made it this far, kid. Even if you're worried, you must stand tall! Don't forget that I'm counting on you! And cheer you on!"
"That's right! I've been on your side for a while. Go out there and show your opponent who you truly are!" Sonic said as Izuku smiled at them.
"Thank you, guys. I'll make you proud!" He said with more determination, turning to the outside.
"All right, everyone! Let's get to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer!" Present Mic yelled as the crowd roared with the fire around the ring lit up. "Welcome our first fighters!" The screen shows the first match of the finals. "He looks a bit scared but he's ready to meet his destiny! It's Izuku Midoriya from the Hero Course of Class 1-A!"
The boy walks out of the tunnel, approaching the ring with the crowd cheering on. He looked to see his class mostly the girls except for Jirou who look away with a blushed look, cheering him on. Only Bakugo and Todoroki look on with cold glares The Freedom Fighters did the same where they were sitting next to Class 1-A. The others of Class 1-B of Tetsutetsu, Setsuna, and Hiryu were cheering him except for Monoma who look at him with an arrogant smile. Kendo wasn't there as she was getting ready for her match which is coming up after his match.
"And his opponent, from the General Studies who didn't expect anyone from that course to make it this far, but he's shown some courage. It's Hitoshi Shinso!" Present Mic yelled as the other boy walks out from the tunnel on the other side with a serious look. "The rules are simple! Immobilized your opponent or force them out of the ring! You can also win by getting the other person to cry, uncle! Bring on the injuries because we got our very own Recovery Girl on standby! So put your immortals on standby and don't be afraid to play dirty!"
Cementos use his Quirk to create a chair outside the ring to sit on. "I'll sit here to make sure anything goes too rough." He said.
The opponents look at one another as they were ready to fight. Izuku let out a sigh of relief, ready for the match to begin.
"So, you can just give up, huh?" Izuku look to see Shinso talking with him. "In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is. If you know what you want your future to hold for you, you can't worry about what people think."
"Ready?" Present Mic yelled as he was counting down to the match. But Shinso had other options leading up to it.
"That monkey was going on about being used earlier." He said, referring to Ojiro in a taunting way.
"BEGIN!" Present Mic yelled
"But I just think he's an idiot for throwing away his chance like that," Shinso said, which got Izuku at his tipping point.
The boy walks towards him, clenching his jaw in anger. "Don't you dare talk to him that way!" He yelled, running towards him to attack.
That became a bad idea. Shinso smiled, evilly. He caught him in his own trap as Izuku stood there with a blank face. "That's it. I win." He said.
In the Class 1-A seats, Ojiro got up, knowing Izuku made a big mistake. Other students including many of Class 1-B saw his attention. The Freedom Fighters except for Shadow saw him.
"I warn him not to say anything!" He yelled.
"What are you talking about?" Momo asked, getting worried.
"I told him about that boy from the General Department. His Quirk is a brainwashing type." He answered.
"What?" Momo asked she turn back to see Izuku in a blank face. "Izuku, wake up!"
"What's happening to Midoriya? He's not moving!" Tetsutetsu yelled.
"He can't even hear me!" Momo yelled.
"This is not good!" Ochako said.
"If he's not moving or hearing everything, then that means he's been controlled by him!" Vector yelled as Tails turn to Shadow.
"Shadow, you were teaming with that boy earlier. Do you know anything about this?" He asked as everyone turn to him.
"I already know he's Quirk. For Izuku, he's going to have to find a way to fight it." The dark hedgehog said.
"Fight it? You should of warn him about it in the first place!" Jirou yelled from her chair.
"This is not good for him," Vector said, looking on.
In the tunnel, Toshinori who went back in his normal form, stood at the entrance with Sonic, Ryuko, and Uwabami as they look at the match. It wasn't going well for Izuku as he is caught in Shinso's Trap. They could see the boy's blank face as he is being controlled.
"Crap! This is not good!" He yelled.
"And I can't do anything about it either," Sonic said, getting worried for his friend.
"There's nothing we can do. Unless he finds a way to fight out of it." Ryuko said.
"The boy has put Midoriya in his control. He'll find a way to order him to do something. It could be the end for the successor as we know it." Uwabami said.
In the seats, the Shiketsu Students look on with a shocked look as they see Izuku being mined controlled by Shinso's Quirk.
"What happening to Midoriya?" Inasa asked, standing up. "One moment he was running towards him to attack and the next minute he just stood still."
"I could hear Yaomomo's voice trying to call him out. He's not listening or anything." Camie said with a surprising look.
"He lured him in a trap with his Quirk," Seiji said as they look at him.
"What are you talking about?" Inasa asked.
"I'm shocked you two haven't noticed. Nagamasa and I were paying close attention to that boy from the General Department. He's has a Quirk that can brainwash people's minds by controlling them. During the Obstacle Race, he controlled four students that carried him throughout that race. Then he paired with a team to brainwash another team by letting the dark hedgehog take a couple of headbands. I believe that's why one of the students from Class 1-A withdrawn from the next round because he was being used." Seiji explained.
"So, what does that mean for Midoriya?" Camie asked.
"It appears he's in big trouble. Therefore, the boy has been controlled and he could easily be out of this tournament for good." Seiji said.
"Not a chance in hell he's going to lose," Inasa said, turning back to the ring. "Wake up, Midoriya! Get your mind back in control!"
"Don't lose this one bit!" Camie yelled back.
"He didn't stand out in the first round but it's possible Shinso's crazy powerful! Who could imagine this turn of events? That's the festival for ya!" Present Mic said, laughing.
"Shinso's a perfect example of why the Entrance Exam isn't so rational,"Aizawa said, who cut his mic off for anyone not to hear them.
"Huh? Why's that?"Present Mic asked.
"Since we're on to the individual matches, I got some information compile for our competitors," Aizawa said, looking at two papers of the boys who were currently in their battle. "Shinso failed the Practical Exam to get into the Hero Course. Since he applied for the General Studies, he probably figured that would happen. His Quirk is incredibly strong. But that Entrance Test consistent in fighting villains and robots. It gave a huge advantage for students who have physical powers that can show off. Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing." His eyes shifted to the Dark Hedgehog, standing with his arms crossed looking on at the match from the seats. "I wonder if Sonic's Friend knew about Shinso's Quirk once he joined on his team during the Calvary Battle."
Back in the fight, Izuku was still being controlled by Shinso's Quirk, standing there with a blank face while Shinso looked at him with a serious look.
"So here we are. You're lucky you been so blessed, Izuku Midoriya." Shinso said. "Now, turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero."
With that, Izuku turn around and walk slowly towards the way he was just walking right before the match. Pretty clear, Shinso was on the verge of winning this match.
"Midoriya's walking back to where he just came from. Thanks to Shinso's Quirk, it looks like victory's insight!" Present Mic yelled.
Back in the seats, Iida, Uraraka, Momo, the Freedom Fighters, and Class 1-B were getting very worried as they see Izuku walking towards the out of bounds.
"Izuku, wake up! You're about to lose this match!" Momo yelled, getting worried.
"He can't hear us! It's like we don't exist!" Ochako said.
"If he keeps walking to the out of bounds, he'll lose this match!" Iida yelled.
"He needs to wake up or it's too late!" Hiryu said.
"Why bother yelling at him? He's already going to lose. Guess, he just came in with luck after all." Monoma said with that arrogant smile.
"Shut up, idiot!" Tetsutetsu said, turning back to the ring. "Wake the hell up, damn it!"
"This is not good. He's getting closer in losing not only the match but the tournament as well." Tails said.
"And we can't do a damn thing about it." Knuckles said, pounding his fist on the rail.
In the tunnel, Toshinori gripped his hands on the edge of the entrance, getting very worried for his successor about to lose this match. Sonic looks on with his knee down, desperately wanting to help his friend from another almost losing situation. Ryuko and Uwabami look on very worried for the boy. The hedgehog clinched his fist, looking straight at Shinso with a glared that he never gave nor towards his rivals for many years.
A hand was holding on to his shoulder. The hedgehog turned to see the Hero Dragon, shaking her head sideways, not to intervene. Sonic understood because it would be a disqualification for him out of this tournament.
"Come on, Izuku! Wake up, buddy!" He thought.
Back in the booth, while Present Mic continues his talk on the mic, Aizawa was still in deep thought while looking at both papers of the students.
"In the Fitness Test on the First Day of School, Midoriya scored pretty high. No surprise he would use both All Might's Quirk and the Chaos Emerald at the same time in other tests. He would outperform Shinso. If they fought without powers, Midoriya would've certainly won. But he would have to overcome Shinso's Brainwashing to do that. Either way, this match would be over very quickly." He thought as he saw Izuku getting closer to the steps.
Back in the ring, Izuku was getting closer towards the steps as Shinso formed a smirk on his face, indicating he was about to win. His friends from Class 1-A, Class 1-B, the Freedom Fighters, and both Inasa and Camie were desperately trying to scream for his name to get him out of his thoughts. But the power of Shinso's Quirk was so powerful, neither of it was working. For the boy, he knew he screwed up and he was about to fail.
"What's happening?" He thought to himself. "My body's moving on its own. I feel like my brain's full of fog. I can't concentrate." He inched closer towards the steps. "No! Not like this! Damn it! I fell for it even after Ojiro warned me about his power! It's all over! Even though, so many people are counting on me! Everyone is watching!" He was at the edge of the steps with his left leg reaching towards it. "Everyone!"
Suddenly, the Green Chaos Emerald in his back pocket lit up. It grew brighter, surrounding the boy by blinding his eyes.
"The emerald activated itself! Wait a minute… if I remember… the emerald can… read people's minds… did it just… read my mind?" He thought.
"Wake up, child! Do you think you're going to give up like that? Snap out of it this instant!" a voice was heard with the sound of someone snapping their fingers was heard.
That sound forces the boy's eyes to flicker. His eyesight was back from a blank face to normal. He looks around, noticing the entire world froze around him. It wasn't the first time that happens for him from going through the sludge villain twice. He looked down, noticing his left foot was about to step out of bounds. He quickly stepped backwards from the steps.
"Now you finally came to your senses." Izuku froze when he heard a voice. He looked in front to see two familiar echidnas standing on the field in front of the tunnel he hasn't seen in a while.
"Pachacamac! Tikal! I haven't seen you two in a while! What are you doing here?" He asked with a surprising look.
"You came this close at stepping out of bounds, ending this match and your chances at the top." the chief's daughter said. "Despite being brainwashed, the Chaos Emerald heard your thoughts, erasing out of the brainwashing."
Izuku grabbed the Chaos Emerald seeing it active. "I wish it would've helped me out earlier in the match, maybe I would've won it. But it is my fault I let Shinso provoke me with insults about Ojiro." He said.
"Don't look down. You're the Protector of Earth for a reason. There will be mistakes you'll make in your life, but you can learn from them in the future. Anyway, my daughter and I aren't a concern for you. If there's anyone that is, it's these people." Pachacamac said.
"People?" He asked, the echidnas move to create an opening, pointing their fingers at the darkness in the tunnel. Eight mysterious lights appeared. Izuku looked closer when those lights form of eight silhouettes with yellow eyes, looking towards him. "Who are they?"
"Let's just say their friends of All Might. One of them is a nice person to my daughter and I. Either way, you got a match to win. I will talk more about them soon. Say hi to All Might and Sonic for us including Knuckles as well. Until then, let these eight activate One for All for you. Now, win." Pachacamac said as a wave of colors surrounds Izuku's Body. Red lines appeared on his fingers of his left hand.
The light got brighter for Izuku as he was returning to his normal time. He heard Tikal said something.
"Tell All Might if you get a chance that a certain person says hi for him." the chief's daughter said.
The world around Izuku was back to normal. A flick of his fingers by using One for All created a wind force. Both Shinso and Midnight use their arms to shield the dust and dirt coming towards them. The Chaos Emerald was still active at the same time, creating the green aura around his body. They didn't notice that Izuku was standing in front of the white line, escaping from Shinso's Quirk in the nick of time.
"What is this? Midoriya stopped in just the nick of time!" Present Mic yelled as the crowd roared.
In the seats, Class 1-A, Class 1-B, and the Freedom Fighters were all breathing a sigh of relief seeing Izuku escaped from Shinso's Quirk, inches away from defeat.
"That's the way to do it!" Iida yelled, happily.
"Whoa! I was about to freak out!" Ochako said, turning to Momo. "At least he escaped, right Yayorozou?" The Infinity Quirk user saw the girl's surprised look. "Is something wrong?"
"Look at the emerald." She answered as they saw the emerald grew brighter.
"Not a surprise he's using it. It had to be his last resort much like what he did when he saved me. Ribbit." Tsuyu said, referring to the USJ Incident.
"I'm not sure about that." Everyone turned to Hiryu in the Class 1-B Seats. "Like what the frog girl just said. He would activate the emerald by himself. There was no way he would do it while being brainwashed."
"If it wasn't him, then who did it?" Tetsutetsu asked.
"It was the emerald that did it." Both classes turn to the Freedom Fighters seats where Shadow spoke, still looking at the field with his arms crossed and a serious look. "A Chaos Emerald can sense a person's thoughts. Despite the boy being brainwashed, there was always a last resort. The emerald read his thoughts and activated quickly, escaping from the other boy's power."
"Seriously? That was the last resort?" Kirishima asked, jumping from his seat.
"Were there any reason you guys were worried that he would lose?" Shadow asked, looking to the students.
"You knew that Shinso was going to lose this whole time?" Ojiro asked.
"Don't count out Izuku one bit. He's was going to win this thing after all." Shadow said, looking back at the ring.
"That's true. Always have a backup plan and that was the emerald the whole time. Boy, I was stupid to worry." Knuckles said.
Bakugo didn't say a word despite hearing what the dark hedgehog just said. He heard about the emerald when he eavesdropped on Sonic, Izuku, and Todoroki's conversation in the tunnel during the intermission. He got a glimpse of what it can do.
Todoroki didn't say one word as he was focused on the emerald as well.
Back in the ring, Izuku took a step back, turning his body around to face Shinso. He had a serious look on his face, looking to his opponent. Shinso was shocked that someone would find a way to escape from his Quirk. The victory was within reach, but something snatched it from his hands suddenly.
"No! Impossible!" Shinso said with a shocked look. "You were not supposed to fight back! What did you do?" There was no response from the boy, which got him very angry. This time, Izuku wasn't going to fall for that trap again. "That monkey may have told him about my Quirk… unless…." He looked to the seats to see Shadow, looking at him. "That hedgehog may have talked to him about it!" He clenched his teeth in anger before turning back to the boy. "I got to get momentum back to me!
He looked back to see Izuku curled into a ball, ready for his spin attack. Shinso kept trying to talk with enough insult words but it wasn't working. The more it wasn't working; it was making him angrier by the minute Instead, he charges towards the cinnamon bun with more insult words. This time, it was Izuku's turn to attack. He launched himself with enough speed, slamming his body on Shinso's Chest, flying him back towards the wall, hitting it with enough force.
Everyone in the stadium was shocked except for Shadow. Izuku put the breaks on his attack, landing on the ring as he opens his eyes to see his opponent pinned on the wall after his attack.
"Shinso is out of bounds! Midoriya advances to the Round of 16!" Midnight yelled as the crowd roared.
"Yes! He did it!" Mina yelled in excitement.
"I knew Midori would pull it off!" Hakagure yelled.
"That was so close. I was worried for him but somehow he made it." Momo said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"That was so nerve-wracking," Ochako said, slumping to her seat, breathing a sigh of relief.
"He turned the tables at the last moment. A classic Midoriya maneuver." Iida said.
"The nerd pulls it off somehow. At least he didn't become an idiot." Jirou thought with red cheeks forming. "Wait! Why I'm blushing?"
"That was mainly at what he did," Kirishima said with comical tears.
"That's my boy, Midoriya! Another victory as usual!" Tetsutetsu yelled.
"I was so worried for him," Setsuna said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"He can learn to do a Spin Attack?" Knuckles asked.
"I think it must be his training during those 10 years. I never thought he would do that." Tails said.
"He's becoming just like us," Amy said.
"Guess he's a member of the Freedom Fighters can we say?" Vector asked as he saw Shadow walking away. "Hey, where are you going?"
"Getting ready for my match which starts soon." the hedgehog answered as he left the section.
"I got to ready myself," Tokoyami said, leaving his section.
Todoroki silently left his seat as he was getting ready for his match. The Iron Quirk user followed suit. Their match was coming up right after Sonic's and Kendo's Match. For Bakugo, he sat there gritted his teeth in anger after seeing his former friend winning his match.
"He escaped defeat again. That emerald he has holds strong powers. No wonder he was like that during the Combat Training." He thought, clenching his fist in anger. "He's definitely aiming for the top. I'll make sure he doesn't get in my way of winning."
In the other seats, Inasa and Camie breathe a sigh of relief after Izuku pulled off his victory as they sat back down in their seats.
"Midoriya pulled off that victory at the last second. Never thought he did that." Inasa said.
"You saw that emerald he had? Yaomomo and Itsuka were talking about that he uses it to save both Uraraka and Itsuka from that big robot during the Entrance Exam." Camie said.
"Seriously?" Inasa asked.
"I've never thought a jewel-like that would be that powerful to have," Seiji said.
"Interesting that he was brainwashed than the next minute that emerald activated itself, causing him to wake up from him and win it," Nagamasa said.
"I guess you guys saw it as well." Another voice caught the Shiketsu Students off guard as they turn to see the Big 3 sitting behind them.
"Were you guys hearing our conversation throughout?" Seiji asked.
"The part about the emerald that the green-haired student has? Of course." Mirio said with a smile.
"We don't know much about it anyway. Inasa and I are friends with that green-haired kid." Camie said.
"Really? Wow, we got lucky that we actually can meet the green-haired student's friends!" Nejire yelled in excitement.
"Not another bubbly girl! I already have one I don't want to deal with another." Seiji said with a deadpanned face.
"Anyway, you guys want to know more about the emerald?" Mirio asked.
"What you mean?" Inasa asked as Mirio could only smile.
"Great. Here we go again." Tamaki said, placing his hand on his face.
Minutes later, both opponents returned to the ring. Shinso still looks down in defeat despite being injured from slamming the wall. Izuku deactivated his Chaos Emerald as he looks at the boy with a normal look. Present Mic told the crowd to applaud the opponents for a great fight. Izuku decided to speak to him.
"Why did you want to be a Hero?" He asked as Shinso looked up to him for a minute. He then turned back before answering his question.
"You can't help what your heart longs for." He answered before walking off.
Izuku's eyes grew wide, knowing what he meant. "I felt the same way. Before I got both the emerald and One for All, I was just like him. But… nothing I say will make him feel better." He thought, forming a sad face feeling sorry for him.
Shinso approaches the tunnel. He was inches away from entering when multiple voices were heard from the seats.
"You were awesome out there, Shinso!" the boy looked up to see students from the General Department complement him despite losing the match.
"We're proud of you!" the girl said.
"You didn't tell us you were that good!" another boy said.
"Yeah! You're the star of our program!" the third boy yelled.
"I can't believe you put up such a great fight especially against the boy who came in 1st Place in both rounds!" the fourth boy said.
There were pro heroes also praising his Quirk. Shinso stood there with a surprising look. Despite losing, everyone praises him for a good fight. He didn't notice a pink blossom petal floated down near him.
"You hear that?" Another voice was heard from the tunnel. The boy saw Shadow approaching him. "There are many people besides me that liked your Quirk. You almost pulled off an upset. Still, you got a lot of work to do to be better. Keep it up, you'll be a great hero in the future and likely despite losing this match, there's a great chance you still be transferred to the Hero Course."
Shinso stood there with a surprising look. He closed his eyes and smiled at the same time. "You're right. Despite the results, they might transfer people to the Hero Course." He said, turning to Izuku. "Remember that. Even if it works out this time, I'm not giving up. I'll get on to the Hero Track. Get certified. And then, I'll become a pro better than any of you." He said.
Izuku was about to say something when he was caught in Shinso's Quirk again, having the same blank face.
"He fooled him again," Shadow said, shaking his head.
"He got me again! Why?" Izuku thought.
"You know people tend up when people talk to me," Shinso said with a smile. "If you not on guard, someone will defeat you." He deactivated his Quirk, making Izuku back to normal. "So be careful. You better not lose, or you'll make me look bad."
Izuku formed a determined look. "I won't." He said, only to be caught in his Quirk again.
"This boy has a lot to learn," Shadow said as Shinso stood next to him.
"Thank you for believing in me." He said before walking off.
"He'll be a great hero," Shadow said, cracking a smile on his face.
Onboard the Death Egg, Eggman, and his minions just watched Izuku's close victory. They were surprised that Shinso came close to winning it but were very relieved their target stayed in the fight.
"That Izuku boy almost lost. The other boy had very good Quirk." Grounder said.
"He must have a Brainwashing type Quirk. I'm very surprised the boy escaped from the likes of very strong power." Snively said.
"He had the Chaos Emerald to help him out," Eggman said. "Remember, it does read people's minds so my guess Izuku was talking in his head when he was brainwashed, it activated it on its own, freeing him from that power. Either way, the boy lives on to the next round."
"So, who's next in the other fight?" Cubot asked.
"It's Sonic of all people. He's going against that girl with a Quirk that can enlarge her hands." Scratch said, referring to Kendo.
"How funny will it be if Sonic loses to a girl?" Decoe asked.
"It'll be the biggest embarrassment of his life," Bocoe said.
"Not happening. Though I do want the girl to win, don't be surprised Sonic pulls out another victory. Seems this One on One tournament is getting better." Eggman said, grabbing another bag of popcorn.
Back at the stadium, Izuku went over to Recovery Girl's Office. No broken bones or anything on his fingers after activating One for All. The Chaos Emerald protected his body, preventing broken bones. But the nurse uses her Quirk kissing his hand to get the stamina he needs for the next round. Toshinori, Ryuko, and Uwabami stood next to them. Sonic was already getting ready for his match. He did tell Toshinori to pass along his congrats to the boy.
"Well, the good news no broken bones after you use All Might's Quirk. The emerald has done a great job of protecting your body." Recovery Girl said.
"Thank you. I was very lucky with my match against Shinso. I was caught off guard by his Quirk and I almost lost. But thanks to the emerald, it saved my life. It read my thoughts, escaping me out of his Quirk." Izuku said, turning to Toshinori. "Sorry I didn't smile as you would do. Shinso did some insults to one of my classmates."
"I heard some of the things he said. It must be painful to see how you relate to him." the hero said.
"Still, I couldn't let that happen. Either way, I must stay focus. Get to the top. Just like you said." Izuku said as Recovery Girl let out a sigh.
"You poor little darling." She said, turning to Toshinori with a glare. "Have you been putting too much pressure on him?"
She was about to hit him, only for Uwabami to block it. "Don't worry. Allow us." She said as she and Ryuko elbowed him from both sides of his both. Izuku turn black and white
"Ow! Seriously you two?" He asked, rubbing the pain with both arms.
"Next time don't put too much pressure on him. Even if he's your successor." the Hero Dragon said.
"Thank you, girls. At least you know how to treat a man." Recovery Girl said as Izuku realized something.
"Oh yeah. All Might, I realized something." He said as they turn to him. "I had a vision. When I was brainwashed, the Chaos Emerald active, escaping Shinso's Quirk. I saw both Pachacamac and Tikal. They were trying to motivate me. But is weird, they said they weren't alone. They both turn to the tunnel and I saw like people. Maybe eight or nine of them I'm not sure. At the same time, One for All activates and that's how I got back in it. But what I saw were eyes just like yours, All Might. Do you think, all those people that use One for All were there pushing me on?"
"Are you saying… I'm a ghost?" Toshinori asked, comically shivering.
"I thought you have answers?" Izuku asked as Ryuko pulled the hero's ear.
"Ow! Again?" Toshinori asked.
"He wants questions not being like a zombie for once!" the Hero Dragon said, taking her hand off his ear while he rubs it.
"Women are scary." He said.
"You damn right we are," Uwabami said, giving him a glare.
"All right, all right," Toshinori said, turning to the boy. "Actually, I saw something like that too. In my younger days. It's a clear sign you're getting closer to making One for All your own power."
"What was it?" Izuku asked.
"I think it's like a trace of a user's free spirit left behind One for All when it passes on," Toshinori said. "Don't worry, whatever you saw it won't be interfering with your or your progress in the future I'm sure. But I'm curious about how both Pacahacamac and Tikal were with those silhouettes especially when the Chaos Emerald freezes time. Either way, I'm grateful for them saving your life to escape from Shinso's Quirk. I wish I said hi to them since I haven't spoken to them in a while. If you see them again, tell them I said thank you for healing my scar."
"Oh, I forgot. Right before I return to my match, Tikal did mention that a certain person said hi to you." Izuku said.
"What?" Toshinori asked.
"I'm not sure what she meant. If I do see them again, I'll find out who it is." Izuku said.
"That's fine. Anyway, you get the rest you need now you're heading to the Round of 16. Keep in mind, before the next round, you will be drawn against a random opponent. Speaking of it, Sonic is about to fight in his match next." Toshinori said.
"That's right. He's fighting against Kendo. I hope he doesn't go that far." Izuku said, getting up for his chair. "I'll see you guys later. Thanks for your help, Recovery Girl."
The boy ran out of the nurse's office to get back to his class.
"So, he saw you there, too?" Recovery Girl asked, referring to one of the silhouettes in Izuku's Vision.
"That's a good thing," Toshinori said. "I wonder who that certain person Tikal mentioned?"
In the tunnels, Sonic was stretching both arms and legs, preparing for his match against Kendo from Class 1-B. Finishing up, he got up on his feet, walking his way to the ring. He would hear footsteps approaching his location. He turned to see Todoroki walking towards him. The hedgehog looks up at the ceiling with a sigh.
"What do you want? If you're here for another conversation, I don't have time for it. I got to get to the ring quick." He said.
"I want to ask you a question," Todoroki said. "I heard Shadow mentioned about the Chaos Emerald activating itself when Midoriya was brainwashed by reading people's minds. I witness it when Midoriya escaped from that boy's Quirk to win it."
"I wish Shadow never said anything," Sonic said, shaking his head. "Yeah, it does. Besides, I knew Izuku was going to win anyway. You got your glimpse of how the Chaos Emerald works. I'm done talking with you. I got a match I have to get to."
"Ah, there you are son." Both turn to see a familiar person walking towards them. For Todoroki, there's one person he never wants to encounter.
"What do you want?" He asked as Endeavor stood in front of them.
"You should be grateful I'm here to support you. Second, your acting disgraceful, Shoto." He said.
"Uh, who is this guy?" Sonic asked, looking at both men.
"Remember what I told you earlier my dad being the Number Two Hero… this is him." Todoroki said as Endeavor turns to the blue hedgehog.
"You must be Sonic the Hedgehog I presume?" the hero asked.
"Yep. That's me and you're the Number Two Hero and his dad. Your son told me a lot about you." Sonic said, referring to the conversation he had in the tunnel during the intermission.
"Anyway, I was planning to talk with my son. But since you're here, I got one advice to you." Endeavor said, leaning in front of the hedgehog. "My son's going to win this thing. I know you robbed him a chance at winning that Calvary Battle. Get in his way, or else."
"Is that threat?" Sonic asked, placing a finger on the hero's chest, avoiding the fire. "I got news for you. I told your son the only way he'll win if he uses his left side. Plus, I heard of your little conversation with All Might and Shadow. I'm not going to mention it to your son. However, if he wants to win, he needs to get through me first. And better yet, I got no problem facing you."
Endeavor light up the flames around his body. "You talk a lot for a small hedgehog. I've met your friend the dark hedgehog, and I told him about you. I will burn you to a crisp if I have too." He said.
"I'm so scared of a fireman trying to burn me. I love to see you in the ring to face you because I'm not afraid. Second, All Might is more of a Hero than you ever be. He'll kick your ass all over the floor if he has too." Sonic said, taunting him more.
Todoroki witness the staredown between the two. Deep down, he wants the hedgehog to teach his father a lesson.
"Already started the whole thing." Everyone turns to see Shadow standing with his arms crossed. "Here I am heading to the locker room to warm up, to encounter the fireman all over again. It seems you finally meeting Sonic." He turns to see Todoroki looking. "Must be a father and son moment when Sonic joined in the fry."
"It was me that was talking with him only for my father to walk in." the Dual Quirk user said.
"Either way, I'm done discussing with the both of you small hedgehogs." Endeavor said, about to walk before turning to his son. "Remember what I said earlier. Don't let me down." The hero walked away with that evil grin on his face.
"I love to smack that grin off his face," Shadow said, turning to the two. "You better get going on your match, Sonic. And you, focus on getting ready after this match. Don't let that old man get in your way."
"I'm heading there right now." the blue hedgehog said before turning to Todoroki. "Focus on doing what you can do. Just remember, it could be you and me in the tournament later."
Sonic walks off to his match, leaving both Todoroki and Shadow in the hallway.
"I wish Sonic did something to my father," Todoroki said, turning to the dark hedgehog. "So, you met the old man as well with All Might? How was it?"
"Let's just say it a… nice conversation… maybe a little." Shadow said.
Back in the seats, Izuku arrived as his class except for Bakugo, who gave him a dirty look which the boy ignored, greeted him. The Freedom Fighters also saw him, saying their congrats on his win. Members of Class 1-B except for Monoma also said their congrats to him. Momo waved to him, opening a seat in between her and Uraraka. Izuku ran up to seat in between them, getting all nervous.
"That's a great win, Deku," Ochako said.
"You had us worried there by the moment after that boy uses his Quirk. I'm glad you won." Momo said.
"Thanks. I get enough time to rest since I'm in the Round of 16." Izuku said.
"I'm still wondering how you manage to escape from that Quirk?" Iida asked.
Izuku couldn't say anything when Present Mic came on the mic again. "All right, everyone! One round is in the books, but we continue with the next match! I hope you guys are preparing for this one! With that, let's bring out on the next contestants!" The screen in the stadium changes to the next match. "This student here can take down her opponents with one big fist! She's the Big Sister of Class 1-B of the Hero Course. She's Itsuka Kendo!"
The girl walked out from the tunnel with the crowd roaring. She has a determined look but smiles as she walks the steps of the ring. She could hear her class cheering on for her.
"Go Kendo!" Setsuna yelled.
"You got this! Make Class 1-B very happy!" Tetsutetsu yelled as she responded with a thumbs up.
"I hope she's ready to face your friend," Momo said, referring to Sonic.
"Trust me. I hope she's a great Quirk to find a way to stop Sonic's Speed." Izuku said.
[Music Insert: In the Bushes by Oasis]
"Her opponent needs no introductions! He's the faster hedgehog that finds a way to sneak into the action while everyone's distracted! He's the Speed Demon from the Freedom Fighters! He's Sonic the Hedgehog!"
The blue hedgehog ran out from the tunnel instead of running. He jogged to the ring by fired up the crowd. He throws his fist multiple times and yelling let's go. The crowd cheered louder than ever. The music on the PA Speakers played throughout the stadium with the LED Lights flashing at the same time. Sonic looks up to see the Freedom Fighters cheering him on. He saw Izuku as he gave him a thumbs up. The boy returns the thumbs up back to him. He looks up the VIP Seats to see Toshinori, Ryuko, and Uwabami returning to their seat. The hero saw him, giving him a thumbs up and a smile. The hedgehog returns a thumbs up then saw Nezu applauding for him. Cream and Cheese cheered on.
Sonic jogged up the steps with the pyro rising up the fire around each corner. He saw Kendo approaching towards him as they stood at one another.
"I hope you're ready. Because I'm about to show you fast, I can be." He said, getting in his defensive stance.
"I've seen your speed in the first two rounds. Let's see if you can handle my Quirk." She said, with a serious look in her defensive stance.
"May the best fighter win," Sonic said.
"Always." She said.
"Are we ready? Then let's get in going in 3… 2… 1… FIGHT!" Present Mic yelled as the fight got underway.
[End Music]
End of Chapter 32
Author's Note: Another chapter's in the books with the One on One Tournament is underway. Don't think I have forgotten about Pachacamac and Tikal. As I said earlier in the story, they're making small appearances. Plus, I added the scene with them along with the silhouettes of the ones that holds One for All in the past.
Also, who would've thought to see both the Seiketsu Students meeting the Big 3 for the first time. Of course, I will probably not see it in the Anime but I want to add that scene in it. Finally, you'll be seeing Shinso in this story and other sequels in the future. I got big plans for him later in this story.
Anyway, I'm currently working on the next chapter and I'll try to get it posted for tomorrow. It'll be like back to back chapters on the weekend. Originally, I want to add the Sonic vs Kendo matchup and Todoroki and Tetsutetsu match in this chapter but I'll add it in the next one for sure.
Next chapter's coming tomorrow, hopefully. Only six days away from the Sonic Movie and 18 days from the MHA: Heroes Rising Movie. I hope you got tickets for those movies? Enjoy your day and review