Chapter 35: Final Fight and Second Chances
Onboard the Death Egg, Eggman, and his minions were about to watch the battle between Bakugo and Uraraka. There were eager to see the person they want to be part of their empire show off his attack. Many of his minions were having second thoughts about this, especially when a girl is facing a strong and dangerous person.
"We finally made it tour favorite person. Let's see what he's going to do in this fight." Eggman said, grinning at his future recruiter.
"Doctor, I don't want to say this but… Are you sure about this? He's facing a girl and she does look scared." Orbot said, seeing Uraraka a little scarred despite the determining look on her face.
"She doesn't look scary to me," Eggman answered, not a care for it.
"I hope he does go easy on her. I do feel bad for her." Cubot said.
"Nobody cares about people's feelings! Do I care for anyone's feelings? No! The next person that talks about that will be sent to the junkyard! Period!" Eggman yelled.
"Yes, sir." Orbot and Cubot said.
"I don't feel bad for her. That Bakugo boy is going to take her down." Scratch said.
"And she'll be going home crying to her mommy." Grounder said as they laughed.
"Either way, it's pretty much over for her," Decoe said.
"It sure is," Bocoe said.
Back at the stadium, the crowd roared as the final match of the first round of the One on One Tournament was about to begin. It was between Bakugo and Uraraka. Many were nervous about this match including Class 1-A. Izuku, Iida, and Momo were nervous about the girl than the bully. Class 1-B was also nervous including Kendo, Setsuna, and Tetsutetsu. The Freedom Fighters stood up from their chairs to see the fight. Sonic stood on the rails with his arms crossed, glaring down at the bully.
In the Heroes Seat, Toshinori, Ryuko, and Uwabami were worried for the girl. He did tell them about the boy's bullying history on Izuku. They were praying that he would go easy on her. Cream and Cheese were so worried about Uraraka. They know about Bakugo from Sonic a long time ago.
In the audience, the Shiketsu Students and the Big 3 look on. Both Inasa and Camie were worried about Uraraka. They know how dangerous Bakugo is.
Shadow and Todoroki were in the crowd near the tunnel looking at the ring with their arms crossed to observe the fight.
"You're the one who screws around Gravity? Right, pink cheeks?" Bakugo asked with a deadly glare.
"Pink cheeks?" She asked, knowing he was taunting her.
"If you're going to give up, do it now. Because I won't be holding back." Bakugo said as Uraraka flinched by his answer. Still had that determined look.
"Well, there's your answer. You knew he was going to say that." Vector said.
"I swear if he does hurt her, I hit him with my Piko Piko Hammer," Amy said.
"If she backs down, everyone will probably second guess her chances and with pro heroes in attendance she might not be picked to be in any agency." Espio said.
"Either way, she has to win. One way or another." Tails said as he saw Sonic still looking with a serious look at the ring. "Sonic's taking this match very seriously."
"Hey, Midoriya," Iida spoke as Izuku turns to his friend. Momo turns to hear. "I'm curious. What was that strategy you came up with an advantage for Uraraka against Bakugo?"
"Honestly, it wasn't really a much of a plan." He answered, looking at his notebook. "Kacchan is so strong. When it comes to close combat, he almost has no openings. The more he moves the more he sweats which makes his Quirk more powerful. Even I did beat him in the Combat Training with the help of the Chaos Emerald. He has gotten very good with his explosions when he moves around in the air. But if Uraraka can touch him, she can use her Quirk to make him float. She can send him out of bounds. That's why it's obvious Uraraka needs to get the upper hand."
"I hope so. It's the only way she'll win." Momo said, worrying for her friend in the ring. She quickly turns to her right to see Sonic standing on the rail. "Looks like your friend looking forward to this match."
Izuku turns to see Sonic looking at the ring with that serious look. He knows his eyes were on see what he can do. Especially if they plan to meet later in the tournament.
"Sonic and I are on the same boat. He knows he wants Bakugo to lose." He thought, looking back at the ring. "Either way, it's up to Uraraka to win."
"Let the tenth and final match… BEGIN!" Present Mic yelled.
The match got underway and Uraraka was the first to go. She ran towards him with that determined look. "Giving up isn't an option for me!" She yelled while running. It was going to be the same idea Izuku thought before the match started.
"She's going for the same idea you mentioned, Izuku," Momo said with a smile as she turns to the boys who were smiling. "She might have a chance to win it."
"All she needs to do is touch him one time," Izuku said.
"It won't be easy. You know, Bakugo not going to let her get close to him." Iida said.
"That's why he won't dodge. He'll focus his energy on counterattacking." Izuku said.
Bakugo readied his right hand as the girl approach him. "And now, you die." He said, forcing his right arm backward.
"There is it." Ochako thought, seeing an opening for a chance to activate her Quirk. "If I can dodge his attack—" Inches closer, Bakugo swings his right arm, activating his Quirk by sending her backward.
"Uraraka!" Izuku and Iida yelled.
"Damn it! He was anticipating that." Momo said, slamming her fist on the rail.
"He blasted her," Mineta said, shaking in fear.
"Looks like Bakugo not planning on showing any mercy. Ribbit." Tsuyu said with a finger on her chin.
"That's a dirty cheap shot he's doing!" Setsuna yelled in anger.
"What you expect from a jerk like him. He's wasn't planning on not going easy because he doesn't have a care in the world." Kendo said.
"If I was still in this tournament, I would kick his ass for doing that to a girl!" Tetsutetsu yelled.
"Guess we know who he when we're with him and Kirishima in USJ," Awase said, referring to the incident.
Sonic look on, not flinching or anything. He could see Uraraka okay after Bakugo's Attack with the smoke clearing up. "She's okay for now. That's just the first act. He's going to bring more attacks later." He thought.
"Stupid. Saw that coming and I still couldn't get out of the way." She said, seeing Bakugo in his defensive stance.
"You should've dropped out of the match." He said, looking around for her. To the left, Uraraka appeared from the smoke to try to attack. "There's no way you can't beat me!" He uses his Quirk to attack her. Turns out, he only attacked her jacket. She appeared from behind with only her black tank top.
"Whoa! She flew her jacket as a decoy! What incredible quick thinking!" Present Mic yelled.
"This is my chance to make him float!" Ochako thought, using her hand to try to touch his back.
However, Bakugo didn't fall for another trick. He quickly uses his Quirk, blasting her backward away from him. She hit the ground only to quickly get back up from it.
"Wow! Look at that reaction?" Sero asked.
"Seriously. The dude's insane. You can't get the drop on him." Kaminari said, referring to Bakugo.
Uraraka looks to the smoke to see Bakugo approaching her. She quickly ran up to him to try to touch him.
"Too slow!" He yelled, launching another attack, blasting her backward again. But seconds later, she appeared from behind again for another attempt.
"I got you!" She yelled as Bakugo again did the same attack.
"Is she okay?" Tsuyu asked.
"I can't watch this," Jirou said, covering her eyes with her hand.
"Like I always suspected, Bakugo's a total waste," Mineta said as Momo slammed her fist on the rails in anger.
"Damn it! That jerk is trying to kill her!" She yelled as Kendo stood up.
"The more he attacks her, the more she'll get hurt! Cementos should step in and end this match!" the Big Fist Quirk user yelled.
"That big bully doesn't care for anything!" Amy yelled.
"If that block guy or that girl don't do anything about this, that girl is going to be in the hospital soon!" Knuckles yelled, who made his return to his seat to catch up on the fight. He references both Cementos and Midnight.
"Look at the girl, though," Rogue said, seeing Uraraka kept getting back up despite all those attacks by Bakugo. "She's not giving up despite what that punk keeps trying to do to her!"
"But how long will she last? I admire her courage but the more she keeps doing this to herself, she'll lose all her strength and might pass out." Blaze said. "That boy has a stronger Quirk. I'm surprised she hasn't been pushed out of bounds yet."
"Unless he's not using that much to just giving her more beatings," Vector said.
"I'll be so mad if he does hurt her! I'm hit him with my Piko Piko Hammer if he does!" Amy yelled.
"I pray for that girl to be okay. That bully has one strong Quirk. He almost used it on Izuku the day we met if it wasn't for Sonic jumping in to save the day." Tails thought, turning to see Sonic with his arms crossed and a serious look while watching the match. "Sonic has been like that when Bakugo came out from the tunnel. He's not worrying but remaining calm on the match." He turns to Izuku, who was worried about the girl. "He's more worried about his friend. I can tell him trying to calm his anger on the bully. Just hoping this match ends."
In the seats, the Shiketsu Students and the Big 3 continue to watch Bakugo attack Uraraka repeatedly with the same attack. Camie was getting worried for her friend while Inasa clenched his fist in anger. He knows a little about Bakugo thanks to Izuku many weeks ago. He remembers that the boy told him that his former friend told him to jump off the roof during Middle School days.
"He's continuing to hurt her! That damn jerk!" Camie yelled.
"I swear if he continues to hurt her, I'll make sure to teach that punk a lesson," Inasa said, glaring at Bakugo.
"Do you really hate that guy that much?" Mirio asked still has that smile on his face.
"You don't want to know what he really is. Just ask Midoriya. He told me a lot about him which I won't repeat." Inasa said.
"Be interesting to hear about this if we meet him," Mirio said, referring to Izuku.
"Give that girl credit, she's fighting hard to get to him. I wonder what kind of Quirk she has?" Nejire asked.
"She's has a Quirk that like Gravity type. That's what Yaomomo and Kendo told me a couple of weeks ago." Camie said.
"I think that's why she's trying to get to him," Seiji said. "She isn't trying to attack him. She has a Quirk that can use gravity to lift an opponent in the air."
"Unless she has something, she needs a plan. The more he attacks, the more she'll wear off." Tamaki said when they heard voices from behind.
"Should the teachers step in?" a pro hero asked.
"This is getting too rough." Another hero said.
"Looks like the pros are getting to the point that guy hurting the girl too much," Tamaki said as the others look to see more pros joining in on the conversation.
"This is shameful!" Another hero yelled by jumping from his seat, pointing his finger at Bakugo. "Listen, kid, do you really want to be a hero? Then stop acting like a bully!"
"I don't blame them one bit. That punk is acting like a bully." Inasa said as hit got up from his seat to join in. "Hey! How about ending this match! If I was in this battle, I would kick your ass right now!"
Bakugo launches the same attack again as Uraraka ran towards him. He looked to the stands to see one of Izuku's Friends, yelling at him. "He's one of Deku's Friends that go to Shiketsu. I got no time to deal with him." He thought as he resumes his fight.
"He saw me but didn't say anything," Inasa said.
"Probably afraid of you but not afraid of fighting a girl. What a coward he is." Camie said as the crowd booed at Bakugo.
"The crowd is booing at Bakugo!" Present Mic yelled. "And honestly, I kind of agree of what they're saying—" He was interrupted by Aizawa, using his right elbow and the cast to hit the hero on the cheek. "Hey, what was that for?"
The Eraser Hero grabbed the mic from him. "There's the man that started this uproar! Are you a pro?" He asked as the crowd stopped booing to listen. "Because if you're being serious, you can go home and hang up your cape! I suggest looking into another career!"
"You know what he's talking about?" Izuku asked as he, Class 1-A, 1-B, and the Freedom Fighters look up at the booth. Sonic has his eyes fixed on the ring despite listening to Aizawa talking.
"I have no idea. But this one's serious." Momo said.
"Bakugo's fearless acknowledgment of his opponent's strength. He knows she's made it this far. So, he knows whatever he takes to keep it at bay to come out on top." Aizawa said.
"That was interesting." Tails said, looking up at the booth.
"He is my teacher," Izuku said as he saw Sonic still looking at the ring with a serious look. "Wonder what Sonic's thinking after Aizawa was talking?"
Back in the ring, Bakugo look at the smoke cleared up. He saw Uraraka still standing despite all the attacks he uses on her with his Quirk. "We're not finished." He thought when he saw the girl's face with a serious look. "She's not dead yet."
"I think it's about time." She said. "Thank you, Bakugo… for keeping your eyes on me."
"What?" He asked with a confused look.
"What is she talking about?" Amy asked with a confused look.
"You guys don't notice." Everyone including Class 1-A and 1-B turns to Sonic when he finally spoke. "She was busy distracting him with all his attacks on her. What he doesn't notice including us, was preparing for her big attack. Now, she's ready for that moment because… take a good look from above."
Everyone looks up and they had a surprised look. Floating debris was above the stadium.
"No way! She's using her Quirk on the debris that Bakugo made during his attack!" Kendo said, looking up.
"She's going to release it by dropping on them towards him!" Momo yelled with a smile. "Go, Uraraka! You got this!"
The girl uses her Quirk to release the debris from the air, falling towards the boy. At the same time, she charges towards him with a chance to use the Quirk on him while being distracted by the debris. However, Bakugo had other plans. He raises his right hand, aiming at the debris, activating his Quirk by sending a big explosion. The shockwave was everywhere in the stadium. Many holding on to seats and rails. Uraraka flew backward from the impact, landing hard on the floor. The impact ended within seconds as she slowly got up from the ground, looking at the smoke.
"I figured you have some stupid plan to beat me," Bakugo said as the smoke cleared up. "You are friends with that damn nerd after all."
"It took him one shot," Uraraka said with a shocked look.
"Bakugo uses a demonstration of his power! He blasted a part of Uraraka's Finishing Move and remains untouched!" Present Mic yelled.
"Damn it! She came that close to beating him." Momo said, looking down in defeat.
"He must've seen it coming at the last minute. He's too good right now." Kendo said.
"She came that close." Knuckles said.
"That's not good." Tails said.
"She gave it all he can. Unfortunately, it was his fight to win. I knew he was going to pull it out." Sonic thought before jumping off the rails and walking off.
"Sonic, where are you going?" Tails asked as the hedgehog didn't respond to him.
"What's his problem?" Charmy Bee asked.
"No idea." Espio said.
Back in the ring, Uraraka looks down in defeat. She knew it was her last chance to win. However, everything she went through, she wasn't ready to give up yet.
"Now then, time to get down to business," Bakugo said with that evil grin before charging towards the girl. "URARAKA!"
"If Deku was in this fight… he wouldn't give up!" She thought as she was ready for another round. However, with the loss of stamina and strength. She fainted to the ground which causes Bakugo to stop running towards her.
"Uraraka is down on the floor!" Present Mic yelled as Midnight approach her, using her hand to for Bakugo not to attack. The hero checks up to see if the girl was okay.
"Ochako Uraraka is KO'd. Bakugo Katsuki advances to the Round of 16!" She said as the crowd cheered.
"She lost," Momo said, sitting back down in defeat.
"Bakugo is too strong. We all knew he would win. Just win it would be Uraraka winning it." Kendo said when she saw Izuku walking away. "Where's he going?"
Momo looks up to see the boy leaving. "Izuku, where—" She couldn't finish when Iida jumped in, blocking her way.
"Just leave him be. My guess he's probably going to see Uraraka." Iida said as the girl see Izuku gone.
"Izuku." She said with a worried look.
The medical bots arrived by carrying Uraraka out of the ring to Recovery Girl's Office. Bakugo looks on with a serious look before walking to the tunnel. However, Midnight quickly stopped.
"Don't go anywhere. You need to stay here because you'll be joining the other 10 fighters to be part of the Round of 16." She said before turning her mic on. "The 10 contestants that advance to the Round of 16, please come to the ring at once!"
Onboard the Death Egg, Eggman, and his minions reacted after the battle with a surprising look. They didn't think Uraraka would almost pull it on. But no surprise that Bakugo came out on top at the last minute.
"That girl put up a fight. She came close at beating Bakugo." Scratch said.
"All she needed was that debris to crush him to win. But the boy was too powerful." Grounder said.
"She lost all that stamina and strength by his attack repeatedly. You can tell by the crowd they weren't very happy about it." Snively said.
"You have to give her credit. She tried her best to stay in." Decoe said.
"We were making fun of her and she proves to us she doesn't quit," Bocoe said.
"Either way, she lost and that's all it matters." Coconuts said, laughing before being hit by a wrench.
"Shut up, idiot! Give credit to the girl. She stayed in to fight all the way. However, as Snively said, she lost her strength and stamina after being attack by Bakugo's Quirk. She kept running towards him repeatedly and that was a mistake on her part. But, at the same time, she uses her Quirk with the debris floating above them to drop them at him as a decoy. But Bakugo was smarter than her. In the end, it was already set and won by him." Eggman said.
"So now what?' Orbot asked.
"The Round of 16 is about to begin. We're about to see some real fighting in this one. So, get ready, the next phase of the tournament is about to get unreal." Eggman said, sitting back in his seat.
Back in the stadium, Izuku was walking in the tunnel to go see Uraraka. His head was down, with shadows covering his eyes. His mind's in deep thought after seeing his friend lose. He was hoping to cheer her up as he did earlier with Momo after her loss.
"You're going to see her?" The boy looks up to see Sonic, leaning on the wall.
"Yeah. I'm hoping she's not devastated by this loss as Momo did earlier." He said, looking down before looking up. "I was looking at you during the match and you had that serious look on your face. You didn't even look worried about it."
"To tell you the truth, I knew Bakugo was going to win. Even though I did want that girl too embarrassed him. He's just too good and I don't want this tournament to be ruined. You and I want a piece of him after what happened 10 years ago. Hell, even All Might told me about that Combat Training you went against that punk. I wish I was there to see it." Sonic said.
"True. Either way, Uraraka almost found a win to beat him. Came close but not enough." Izuku said, looking down.
"Don't worry about it. I'm surprised that Bakugo didn't like to show his true colors by almost trying to kill her." Sonic said.
"Everyone in the stadium was not happy thinking Kacchan was hurting Uraraka. But Aizawa let them know about it because he showed his contestant courage by making it this far. Maybe Kacchan is seeing the light?" Izuku asked.
"Don't but into yet. Remember, he still got us left in this tournament. You know he hates us for a reason." Sonic said.
"You're right. We can't let our guard down." Izuku said as they arrive at the waiting room where the girl was located.
"This must be the place?" Sonic asked, looking at the sign next to the door.
"It is. Let's go inside." Izuku said as he opens the door, both walked inside to see Uraraka sitting at the table.
"Man, I lost. Too bad." She said, instead of crying she was smiling, rubbing the back of her hair.
Sonic and Izuku looked at her with a surprising look. They look at one another before looking back at her.
"You would think she would be crying as that other girl did." the hedgehog whispered, referring to Momo.
"It was like she just shrugged off her loss and pretend it never happens," Izuku whispered back as the girl notice Sonic was with him.
"Oh, hey Sonic. I didn't know you came with Deku to see me. By the way, congrats on your win with Kendo. Sorry I couldn't tell you that earlier." Ochako said as they approach her.
"Thanks. That girl with those big fists almost defeated me. She gave it a great fight but, in the end, I always find ways to get through." the hedgehog said. "You did a great job out there. Sorry, you couldn't beat Bakugo. I'm surprised you're not devastated by the loss."
"Guess I got carried away at the end. That Bakugo guy is very strong. Which means I'm going to have to train much harder." She said.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Izuku asked with a curious look.
"Seeing you getting hit repeatedly by that punk's quirk got you injured that much, you would've been hurt like hell," Sonic said.
"Don't worry," Ochako said, pointing her finger at the bandage on her left cheek. "Recovery Girl took care of me. She's usually careful not to drain my stamina too much though. So, I got a few scrapes and scratches." Suddenly, her phone vibrated on the table. She looks at the screen to see it was her dad calling. "Even if you lost, you always keep looking ahead to what's next. It just means I have to work harder."
"That's true, but…" Izuku tried to talk with her until Present Mic's Voice was heard on the speaker.
"We ask the 10 contestants to come to the ring at once to prepare for the Round of 16!" He said.
"We better get going or will be late," Sonic said.
"Oh, right. Will take later, Uraraka." Izuku said as he walked to the door.
"Thanks, guys. Good luck in the next round." She said.
"Will do," Sonic said as the two exits from the room, closing the door behind them.
After they left, Uraraka quickly called back to her father. She heard the ringtone on her phone until it was finally answered. "Sorry, for not picking up the phone, daddy." She apologized.
"No, no. It's fine. Sorry I was calling when you were busy." Her father said. "Your mother and I just watched you on tv; you almost won. You were amazing."
"It wasn't that close. And I wasn't that very good. I rushed it too much in the end. I didn't have a backup plan for a big move that didn't work out." Ochako said with her voice cracking. "I failed."
"You lost and I understand. But that doesn't mean you can still be a pro hero. I know I don't have the best understanding of how that works. But there's always next year. This isn't the end." Her father said, trying to brighten her mood.
"I know. But I wish I could've gone further into the festival so I can show more chances of what I was made of. The scouts' barley saw me do anything at this time around." She said, looking down with tears forming in her eyes.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Her father asked.
"It's just… I want to help you guys out as soon as I can." She said as she begins to cry, dropping tears on the table.
Her father on the phone could hear her daughter sniffling. "Uraraka… there's no need to rush. The very fact you feel that way is that you'll make a kind, caring hero one day. I'm so proud of you." He said.
Those words felt much better for Uraraka as she continues to cry.
On the other side of the doorway, Izuku and Sonic heard the entire conversation from the vent below the door. They heard her father's voice through the phone and heard her crying. The two stood up looking at one another with a smile before they walk off.
"I guess she doesn't need our help after all," Izuku said.
"Still have to feel for her though. Now I know why she was still in the fight; she wants it to help her parents out for whatever they needed.' Sonic said.
"I'll tell you more about it after the tournament. I know much about it." Izuku said, referring to the day she told him she got in the academy for the money and to help her family.
"That's fine. Also, in return, you want to tell me about what you saw during your fight with that brainwashing kid." Sonic said.
"That's right. I forgot about that one." Izuku said, realizing about that topic.
As they kept walking to the ring, out of nowhere, Endeavor appeared from the right of them. Izuku flinched when he saw the Number Two Hero appeared in front of him. Sonic was surprised by quickly rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"E-E-Endeavor?" the boy asked as the hero turn to the boys.
"Oh, I was looking for you." He said, looking at the boy.
"Him again? The second time I had to encounter this guy like earlier today." Sonic said, rolling his eyes, referring to his encounter with Shadow and Todoroki with them
"Wait? You met him for the first time?" Izuku asked.
"It's a long story I'll tell you about it later," Sonic said, turning to the hero. "Anyway, what you want? This better a good conversation because you're wasting my and his time getting to the ring. If you say something, make it quick."
"You really have a big mouth, don't you?" Endeavor asked, glaring at the hedgehog.
"Because I do. You want me to help you by spraying water on those flames. It's really making me sweat." Sonic said, taunting him.
"I don't have to deal with you." He said, walking towards Izuku. "Anyway, I watch you fought against that brainwashing guy. Your power is impressive. To create so much wind pressure by flicking your fingers. It reminds me of another Quirk. You seem to have much in common with All Might."
The boy flinched by his statement. "W-Well, … I never thought of that way." He said, looking away, nervously until Sonic jumped in.
"Hey, buddy! You don't him or anything about his Quirk. Second, he doesn't even know All Might. If I was you, I mind your business about it and secondly, I worry about your son because he could be facing me or Izuku in the next round. You might get to witness your son getting a big beat down." He said.
"Really? You think either one of you can take him down?" Endeavor asked with an evil grin on his face. "There's one thing you should know, yes he's using his Ice Quirk throughout this tournament, but he will use his Fire Quirk soon. On the two of you."
"Oh, I so scared. I triple dare to do that. Trust me, he doesn't stand a chance against any of us." Sonic said.
"I see. Okay, how about another question." the hero turns to the boy again. "That emerald he got. I heard the rumors about it make him stronger including taking down a big robot during the Entrance Exams. I've seen him use it during his fight." He turns to the hedgehog. "You've known more about that don't you?"
"Maybe. You don't know about it anyway. And speaking of it, we're done talking about it. But you'll get a chance to see it when it happens in the Round of 16. You better get a seat for that if you want to see the emerald. Let's go, Izuku." Sonic said as the two walks past the hero.
"It is possible that Endeavor knows One for All?" the boy thought, looking back at the hero before looking forward. "No. He probably would've mentioned it. He's one person I can't let him find out about All Might's Secret."
"It's my Shoto's Duty to past All Might as the Number One Hero." the hero said, forcing Izuku and Sonic to stop walking, still having their backs at the hero. "And depends if he faces either of you, it'll be a good testing ground for training he has left. So, hit him hard. Don't disgrace him by holding back. That's all I want it to say. Even though the hedgehog is a bit of annoying to me, I apologize for bothering you." The hero walked off
"About time he left," Sonic said as he begins to walk. He looks to notice Izuku still standing. "Izuku?"
"Hold on, Sonic." the boy said, turning to Endeavor with a serious look as the hero stopped walking to look back. "I'm not All Might."
"What are you talking about?" the hero asked.
"And the same goes for Todoroki. He may be your son, but he isn't you. I'll make sure of that." Izuku said before turning around, walking past Sonic.
"Congrats, idiot. You just ticked my friend off." He said, running to catch up with the boy.
"That brat." Endeavor thought as he walked off.
In the stadium, the crowd roared as the ten fighters were standing side by side in the ring. Izuku, Sonic, Iida, Knuckles, Tails, Big, Bakugo, Shadow, Todoroki, and Silver had serious looks on their face, looking towards Midnight, standing right in front of them. The Rated-R Hero waited for the crowd to be silent as she begins to speak. The ring itself was fixed again by Cementos and his Quirk. Class 1-A observes the fighters.
"Bakugo, Midoriya, Todoroki, and Iida are the only fighters in our class left," Kaminari said, looking at the Freedom Fighters. "Those guys are very tough with the best fighters they got."
"What you expect? They got that Sonic guy leading the way. We can't even beat them for once." Sero said when they heard footsteps coming towards them.
"Sorry, we're late." Everyone turns to see both Kirishima and Mina arriving back with their class.
"Kirishima! Mina! You two are okay. Ribbit." Tsuyu said.
"I was so sorry for you, Mina after that big cat tried to hug you in a submission move," Hakagure said as the Acid Quirk user sat next to her.
"I couldn't believe I was passed out that long. Not only by the hug but by Recovery Girl's Quirk. Still disappointed that I didn't put up a fight." Mina said, looking down.
"Yeah, me too. That echidna is one strong person despite the Quirk I use. Perhaps I use it too much." Kirishima said. "Anyway, what's going on? Did we miss anything?"
"We got the 10 contestants at the ring, ready for the Round of 16," Shoji said, looking at the ring.
"Where's Uraraka at?" Mina asked, looking around for the Zero Gravity Quirk user.
"She's still recovering after Bakugo gave her a beat down," Momo said. "You can see him in the ring with the others."
"Is she okay? Did that bully did something?" Mina asked, a little angry.
"It's okay. For now. Perhaps saving his Quirk for the beat down on Deku." Jirou said.
"Midori's in the next round?" Mina asked with a big smile on her face. "I hope he beats him."
"Don't count out Todoroki or Iida, they want to get to the top. Especially Sonic and the rest of the Freedom Fighters." Kendo said as Midnight begin the speak.
"Before we continue, I just want to say congrats on the rest of you for making it this far." She explained. "The ten of you made it past the First Round of the One on One Tournament. Now comes the Round of 16 you will be part of. After this, we will begin re-drawing opponents for this round. But there is one problem, this is Round of 16 and it supposed to be 16 opponents standing in front of me. Not 10 of you."
Sonic and Izuku look at the opponents standing next to them. They were surprised after counting the opponents including themselves.
"She's right. There's only 10 of us." Izuku said. "Did the academy messed up a system?"
"It should be six more opponents with us if this is the Round of 16. What's going on here?" Sonic asked when Midnight cracked her whip.
"However, there's a twist in this. This is the Round of 16 for a reason. The 10 opponents that face their competition in the last round can give their last opponents a second chance. What I'm trying to say is up to your choice. You have been giving a choice of yes or no to give the chance to show their skills one last time." She said as the fighters except for Todoroki were surprised by that announcement.
"No way! If that true, then that means…" Izuku said.
"The people we faced including that girl with her hands growing can get another shot at this again!" Sonic finished as he turns to the Class 1-A and 1-B section.
"This is awesome!" Kirishima yelled from his seat.
"So, I can get a chance at this tournament again!" Mina yelled.
"Damn straight! I'm still alive in this thing!" Tetsutetsu yelled.
"You hear that, Yaomomo? We get a chance at it!" Kendo said.
"Not only me…" the Creation Quirk user turn to see the empty seat. "Then that means Uraraka still has a chance depending on her health!" She turns to the ring. "That also means that I get another chance after my last fight ended in disappointment."
"I get a chance at another fight," Tokoyami said.
"Before we continue, both Neito Monoma Hitoshi Shinso, Mei Hatsume, and Ochako Uraraka are not to give their chances as the two boys including the girl from the Support Course agree to withdraw their names off their second chance vote. Uraraka is still recovering from her injuries which will take longer than expecting. So, her name is withdrawn. This means both Izuku Midoriya, Miles Tails Prower, Tenya Iida, and Bakugo Katsuki are excused from voting. The seven competitors must vote yes or no give their decision on their last competitors. Will start the process now with Sonic." Midnight pointed her whip to the blue hedgehog. "You're first, Sonic."
"Of course, I'll say yes to my last competitor. She almost defeated me when I pull it out at the end. She deserves a second chance." He answered.
"Itsuka Kendo of Class 1-B is officially in the Round of 16!" Midnight said as the crowd cheered.
"Yes! Finally, I get another chance!" She yelled, happily.
"Silver, your turn." Midnight said.
"I agree. My last competitor wasn't happy about the match ended in seconds. I could tell she was devastated by that loss. I want her back in this festival." Silver answered.
"Momo Yaoyorozu of Class 1-A is officially in the Round of 16!" Midnight said as the crowd roared.
Izuku and Sonic turn to Class 1-A seats to see Momo smiled happily with a tear coming from her eye. They smile back to see she was going to get another chance in the next round. From there, Midnight continues as Shadow, Todoroki, Big, and Knuckles all agree to have their last opponents be officially approved for the Round of 16.
"The six fighters that lost in the last round, have been giving a second chance to compete in the Round of 16! Those names are Momo Yaoyorozu, Itsuka Kendo, Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Ejiro Kirishima, Fumikage Tokoyami, and Mina Ashido! With the six fighters in, the Round of 16 is officially set! Let's now reveal the brackets of the eight matches that will be held!" Midnight yelled as everyone look on the screen of the bracket and the names appeared.
1. Izuku Midoriya vs. Shoto Todoroki
2. Big the Cat vs. Itsuka Kendo
3. Shadow the Hedgehog vs. Silver the Hedgehog
4. Ejiro Kirishima vs. Miles Tails Prower
5. Sonic the Hedgehog vs. Momo Yayorozou
6. Tenya Iida vs. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu
7. Bakugo Katsuki vs. Knuckles the Echidna
8. Mina Ashido vs. Fumikage Tokoyami
"These are your matchups for the Round of 16! All fighters get ready for you to match up ahead. Good luck." Midnight said.
"Thank you, Midnight! Ladies and gentlemen, your Round of 16 are now set! 16 fighters including the ones that lost in the first round will get a second chance in this one. But only one will be crown champion by the end of today!" Present Mic yelled as the crowd roared.
Izuku and Sonic look on the screen at the bracket. The boy saw his opponent and it's no surprise he would draw the one person from his class. They turn to see Todoroki, looking at the bracket. The Dual Quirk user turns to his opponent to stare at one another.
"And all likely you draw against him," Sonic said as Todoroki walk off from the ring. "I hope you're ready for this."
"I'm going to have to be ready," Izuku said, seeing the boy walk off.
Shadow saw the screen to see Todoroki going against Izuku. No surprise that they both draw one another. The hedgehog saw that he was going against his partner. It was going to be a Battle of the Hedgehogs type.
"You and I going against one another." Silver said, walking towards him.
"I know. I won't go easy on you. You know that." Shadow said.
"Exactly. May the best hedgehog win." Silver said as they shook hands.
Tails look at the bracket to see him in a match against Kirishima. He got a glimpse of the match between the boy and the echidna. He knows the boy has a Quirk that can Harden his entire body. Learning from watching that fight, he can find that weak point, but he knows Kirishima was trying a different tactic.
"You're facing that person I just faced." Knuckles said, standing next to Tails looking at the bracket. "Good thing you watched my match against him. You can learn a lot from it leading up to this match against him."
"You know he won't make that mistake again." Tails said.
"I know. That's why you better be ready when he activates his Quirk." Knuckles said
"And you're against him." Tails said, pointing his finger to where Bakugo's Name next to Knuckles.
"I know." He said, cracking his knuckles. "Of all people I'll be facing Izuku's Bully."
"You better watch your back. You saw what he did to that girl." Tails said, referring to Uraraka. He notices the bully was looking at them. "Uh, he's looking at us."
The echidna turns to see Bakugo, glaring at them. Knuckles could on flash a grin at him. "Don't worry. I won't be like one of Izuku's Friends. I'll give him a beat down he'll never forget." He said as Bakugo gave them an angry look before walking off.
"Everyone, clear out of the ring because in 30 minutes our first match of the Round of 16 gets underway!" Present Mic yelled.
In the League of Villains Hideout, Shigaraki continues to watch the festival on television. He got a glimpse of the bracket as he saw his two main targets. Izuku against Todoroki and Sonic against Momo. He scratched his neck, as usual, looking at their faces. He was still angry seeing them after the USJ Incident. His mind was in deep thought when the computer next to him was ringing. He quickly answered it, knowing it was his master's voice.
"You're still watching the festival?" the voice on the screen asked.
"Yes," Shigaraki answered.
"The first match is about to get underway soon. Our main target is facing against the son of the Number Two Hero." the voice said.
"You mean that boy with the red mark on his left face is Endeavor's Son?" Shigaraki asked.
"Indeed. This should be very interesting to see. Let's see how this Midoriya kid can handle Endeavor's Son. I heard he's very stronger with two Quirks despite using his Ice Quirk throughout the festival. Besides, Endeavor is attending the festival as we speak. Observing his son." the voice said.
"I'm wondering if that Midoriya kid is using that emerald?" Shigaraki asked, referring to the Chaos Emerald.
"He might since Endeavor's Son is stronger. This could be a very great match. I hope you're paying attention." the voice said before the computer screen turns off.
"Will see about that. Either way, I want that Midoriya kid defeated and that blue hedgehog taking out of this tournament. That will put a smile on my face." Shigaraki said, looking on the screen while scratching his neck at the same time.
30 minutes later
30 minutes has long past and the first match was about to begin. In the waiting room, Izuku sat at the table looking at his emerald. He took a deep breath, knowing the match with Todoroki is going to be difficult. It could a little easy for him since his opponent has been using his Ice Quirk, already knowing he'll be using it more during the festival other than using his left side. He remembered the conversation in the tunnel earlier today including encountering Endeavor. In his mind, he wants to win but at the same time, he wanted to help Todoroki.
The boy took a deep breath before getting up from his seat and grabbing the emerald from the table. He walks to the door, leaving the waiting room and walking through the tunnels. He turns to the left to see the end of the tunnel leading to the ring. He was surprised to see Sonic, leaning back on the wall near the outside with his eyes closed.
"Sonic, I thought you went back to your seat? Should you rest up before your fight against Momo?" He asked as the hedgehog open his eyes.
"My match won't be until later. Don't worry, I'll go easy on her. I'll make it a longer match, so she won't be devastated." He answered, turning to the boy. "Anyway, I just want to want to wish you the best of luck in your match. As I said, you got a shot at winning this. Don't let Todoroki fear you. He'll be using his Ice Quirk a lot since he won't use his left side. Besides, it's the perfect moment to use your Chaos Emerald if it gets really hard."
"I know," Izuku said, looking at the emerald in his hand. "I'm a little worried though. Not on my match but about Todoroki including the conversation we had in the tunnel during intermission and our encounter with Endeavor."
"Yeah, I remember that. But that could change today. If you beat him, I want to see the angry look at that flaming hero's face. See the disappointment of him when his son loses. You made it this far, Izuku. I believe in you. Go out there and prove to the world as All Might would say… I am a hero." Sonic said as Izuku formed a determined smile.
"I won't let you down." He said as they did a fist bump together.
"Good luck, buddy. I'll be watching in the seats." Sonic said as he walks off, leaving Izuku to face the tunnel with a serious look.
On the other side of the tunnel, Todoroki approaches the exit where the ring was outside. He had a serious look. Already remembering his conversation with Izuku and Sonic about his father using him as an object to overpass All Might. No matter what, he's determined to use his Ice Quirk throughout this festival to win. Once he approaches the exit, he saw Shadow standing in front of him with his arms crossed and a serious look.
"I see you're looking forward to this match," Todoroki said.
"I hope you know what you're doing. You know your father will be watching." Shadow said, referring to Endeavor.
"I know and I hope he does. Because I will win this festival with my Quirk rather than the other. Either way, nobody will stand against me." Todoroki said.
"I see. Very well, then. I wish you the best of luck." Shadow said, walking past him before stopping to speak again. "If you do plan to win this, you and I are going to meet later in the ring. I'll be looking forward to that."
Todoroki turns to him with a look. "I hope so. It'll be a battle to the death if we meet." He said.
Shadow took one last look before walking off, back to his seats to watch the match. Todoroki looks back before turning to the exit, preparing to walk to the ring.
In the heroes' seat, Toshinori looks at the screen of the bracket with a serious look. He was prepared to see the match with his successor against Endeavor's Son. He already remembered what the Number Two Hero said earlier when they met about using Todoroki to past the Symbol of Peace for the Number One Spot. He was very interested to see how this match progress.
"You okay?" Ryuko asked as the hero turns to her.
"Yeah, I'm fine." He said.
"You sure? You look very serious when you saw the bracket of the boy going against Endeavor's Son." Uwabami said.
"Well, still a little worry for Young Midoriya since he's facing Todoroki," Toshinori answered.
"I wonder how that conversation between, and Endeavor has anything to do with that serious look on your face," Ryuko said.
"Trust me. That conversation is something I was interested in. Either way, this match here is going to be something." He said. "Hope you're ready, Young Midoriya. I have confidence you can do this."
Back in Class 1-A section, Iida and Momo look on to see if Izuku made it to the ring as the match was fast approaching. The girl was a little worried about the boy especially going against Todoroki. She was on his team during the Calvary Battle and remember how strong Todoroki's Ice Quirk is. They came close at beating Izuku's Team only for Sonic to interfere at the last second.
"Midoriya and Todoroki haven't been calling in the ring yet and you're looking for them already," Iida said.
"Still worry for Izuku. He's going against a strong person like Todoroki." She said looking around.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. I think he can win this one." Kendo said, sitting next to the wall in Class 1-B Section.
"By the way, I'm glad you get a second chance in the Round of 16," Iida said. "I hope you're ready for your match soon. You know how that hedgehog."
"I know. He's very fast. I'll be ready for sure." Momo said when another voice was heard.
"So, the match hasn't started yet?" Everyone turns to see Uraraka made her way back to her seat to flinch in surprise to see the girl's eyes all swelled-up from crying. "Oh, good. It hasn't started yet."
"What happened to your eyes?" Iida asked as the girl sat back next to Momo.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just something in my eyes that's it." She said, smiling at Iida.
"Guess you and I are in the same boat," Momo said, remembering her crying state when Izuku motivated her. "I'm sorry about your loss."
"It's okay. I'm over it. I did hear you're going to get a second chance. That's awesome." Ochako said, smiling.
"I'm glad. I get a chance to prove myself this time." Momo said
"Hopefully your eyes get better. Because this match is about to get crazy." Kendo said as the fire lit up in each corner of the ring.
"I can feel the anticipation in the stadium! The first match in the Round of 16 is about to get underway! With that, let's welcome our contestants! First up, it's the first guy who won his last fight in a landslide and literally left half the audience frozen! The Hero Course from Class 1-A, Shoto Todoroki!" Present Mic yelled as the boy made his way up the steps with a serious look, ignoring the crowd's roar. "And this kid almost lost his first match but easily made a stunning comeback with some impressive moves! Also, from Class 1-A of the Hero Course, Izuku Midoriya!"
The boy made his way up the steps of the ring with a serious look on his face, glaring at his opponent from the other side with the wind blowing their hairs.
"So here we are," Todoroki said.
"And only one of us can win," Izuku said, activating his Chaos Emerald with a green aura surrounding his body.
At the same time, Sonic made his way back to the Freedom Fighters section before Shadow made his way back. Both hedgehogs instead of sitting stood on the rails with their arms crossed. The others look at them with confused looks.
"Uh, you know we got chairs to seat on, right?" Vector asked.
"I rather stand to watch this fight," Sonic said, with his eyes on the ring.
"Me too. This is an important fight." Shadow said, looking at the ring.
"These guys are really serious about this one." Charmy Bee said.
"What you expect. It's Izuku that's part of this match going against that boy with the Ice Quirk. You saw what he did earlier against another person. The match ended within seconds." Knuckles said, referring to Todoroki beating Tetsutetsu.
"He does have the Chaos Emerald to take him on. Hopefully, it works." Tails said.
"I hope so or it'll be another quick battle." Silver said.
"Sonic." the blue hedgehog turned to Class 1-A with Momo approaching him. "Are you sure Izuku can find a way to beat Todoroki with that emerald?"
"The only way I think he can win is if the other isn't using his left side." He answered.
"His left side?" Momo asked.
"Trust me. He'll win because I know he will." Sonic said.
"I hope you're right." She said, looking back at the ring. "Please, Izuku. Win."
"You can do it, Deku." Ochako thought.
"I hope you win, Midoriya so I can take you on in the next round." Kendo thought.
"Go Midori!" Mina thought.
"Please, Izu. Win. Ribbit." Tsuyu thought.
"You got this, nerd. I know you can do it." Jirou thought.
"I hope Midoriya wins." Setsuna thought.
"Come on, Midori. You can do this." Hakagure thought.
In the stands, both the Shiketsu Students and the Big 3 were watching both students standing in the ring. Inasa had his eyes staring at Todoroki. He already has a flashback in his mind on the day Endeavor snubbed the boy for an autograph. He was rooting hard for Izuku to win this match.
"This match should be a great one, correct?" Mirio asked as Inasa's thoughts snapped.
"Oh, yeah. This should be a good one." He said, looking back at the ring. "Come on, Midoriya. Beat Endeavor's Son for me."
"I hope Midoriya makes it out on this one," Camie said, worrying for the cinnamon bun.
"We've seen the other use his Ice Qurik that much. Should be a great fight." Nejire said.
"Either way, Midoriya needs to beat him to not lose this one," Seiji said.
At the apartment complex, Inko flooded her living room with tissues everywhere around the couch and in front of the television, watching to see her son ready for his next match with comical tears.
"Izuku." She said, crying comically.
Back at the stadium, Endeavor stood in the stands with his back leaning on the wall, ready to see his son fight. Better yet, waiting to see if Todoroki would activate his left side.
"Both of the heroes have been front runners of the festival! But which one of these fighters will advance on to the next round?" Present Mic yelled as the boys got in their fighting stance, ready for combat. "Prepare for Midoriya vs. Todoroki… BEGIN!"
End of Chapter 35
Author's Note: Another chapter is done. Took an entire week to get it done but finally got it. Also, I took it easy on Bakugo. At first, I want it him to be an a-hole type on Uraraka, but I decided to go easy on him like in the Anime. Don't worry, he'll be the biggest a-hole later in the fight against Knuckles. How big will that be once we get there? Also, I decided to give the opponents that lost in the One on One Tournament a second chance. I remember seeing the episode where Momo lost her fight against Tokoyami. You have to feel for her and I thought of an idea to build the Round of 16 for the six fighters that lost to give a second chance to show their skills again. That was my idea of moving forward.
Anyway, I hope you're ready for the big fight between Izuku and Todoroki. Going to be a crazy fight up ahead including the other matches you'll be seeing later on as the Round of 16 gets underway.
I hope everyone has a great weekend today. I hope you guys went to see My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising in theatres. I haven't seen it yet. I'll think about it. If not, I wait for it to come on Blu-Ray soon. Plus, praying to see if the Sonic Movie stays at Number One for the third straight week.
See y'all next weekend and review.