Sorry for the SUPER long wait for this update, but Adaptability, Adaptability(B), Evolution, and The new Phantom are the stories that take A LOT of time to write down and organize. That being said, I'm super thankful for the support, as it is my most followed story here on this site.


"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change." -Charles Darwin

Ch 15: Temperamental Changes

After Todoroki finished melting the remaining ice from his match with Sero, the stadium was once again ramped for the next contestants. Which happened to be Kaminari and a girl from Class B with vine-like hair named Ibara Shiozaki.

Kaminari tried to electrocute her for a quick and easy victory, but his opponent quickly shielded herself with her thick vine-like hair before ensnaring the now dazed blond with numerous vines. Eliminating him from the competition.

Midoriya was busy writing the results of the battle in his notebook, making notes about Kaminari's use of electricity and his opponent's attacks when cackling could be heard to his left, with a blonde with a deranged expression started sneering over the divide as he looked on.

"What's that? Didn't he say he'd settle this in a second? That's strange, wasn't he defeated in a second? Even though Class A is supposed to be better than Class B?" the blond cackled for a bit before locking eyes with Midoriya with his expression visibly brightening up, "Hey! You're Midoriya right? I wanted to talk to you! I wanted to sa- hrk!"

The blond was suddenly cut off and disappeared from view before being replaced with an orange-haired girl with teal eyes who said apologized for his actions and vanished behind the barrier.

'What was that just now?' the class collectively thought.

Midoriya stared at the area where the crazy blonde was for a moment before he shook his head and faced the stadium once again, eager to write how their classmates used their quirks and the kinds of moves they used to.

Kaminari's quirk is actually pretty strong, but it seemed like this particular match-up against Shiozaki put him at a disadvantage. With the vines from his opponent acting as a shield and as a means of attack. It also didn't help that Kaminari's drawback of using too much electricity held him back as well. Maybe there's a way for him to use his quirk without shorting himself out? Or perhaps a different method of attack would've been useful?

He jolted when he felt someone poke on his side, which happened to be Uraraka looking at him with a cheeky smirk on her face.

"Still writing in those notebooks, huh?"

The boy blinked in confusion before he looked around and saw that some of his classmates give him odd looks, causing him to sheepishly chuckle in the realization that he was mumbling the entire time. Though Uraraka was more than used to it by now.

"Yeah, this is the first time I've seen this many quirks in use before. I just wanted to get as many notes down as I can."

Uraraka laughed as she patted his shoulder, "You really go 'Plus Ultra' on this kind of stuff don't 'cha?"

Midoriya smiled as he continued to write inside his notebook about the different quirks that were on display as they waited for the next contestants to show up in the arena. With him feeling a bit of excitement as he saw the names of the people who were next: Mei Hatsume and Tenya Iida.

Even though Hatsume didn't have a combat-based quirk to use, she already made a name for herself through her inventions. Which he already got the chance to see from the last event and whenever he visited her in the development studio. Though while he had to get used to things exploding randomly around her, he could tell that she was really driven to make the right gear for whatever hero that she was working for. Which made him wonder just what kind of suit he would be wearing when the time came.

Though that would have to come later, as the participants were finally called to the stage. Make him move to a whole new page in anticipation between the duel of the support and heroics student, already outlining his page thoroughly to write about the upcoming battle. Yet faltered when Uraraka spoke up.

"Uh... what is Iida wearing?"

Midoriya finally looked up from his book to see Iida wearing numerous gadgets on him, with a belt-like item on his waist that something sticking out of his shoulders. He was confused for a second, wondering why his friend was wearing support items to begin with. Until he realized what must've happened when he saw the giant grin on Hatsume.

"Oh no..." Midoriya groaned as he heard the shadow inside of him start to cackle. As it already met the eccentric inventor when she wanted to ask some questions about the quirk's abilities. The others around him were confused by his reaction, but he knew they didn't have to wait long to find out.

And found out they did, with Hatsume prancing around and dodging Iida with her support items with ease. All while advertising the items that were listed on her back and on her opponent to the support companies by hijacking the speakers throughout the stadium. When she was done demonstrating her equipment, she stepped out of bounds with a giant smile on her face. Giving Iida the win. He had to at least respect her dedication, as she advertised for 10 whole minutes.

Even with the odd performance that occurred, he still wanted to write the outcome of the battle. As Iida's information might come in handy whenever he was up against him. Scribbling in his page in diligence as he shut the world around him, so tuned in to writing his notes that he failed to notice Uraraka get up from her seat and leave for the waiting room.


After that 'interesting' display, the audience didn't have to wait too long for the next match to start, with Ashido and Aoyama being the next ones to compete. Midoriya had a pretty good understanding of how Ashido used her acid to attack and move around given that he now had it, so really the match will be based on how the two will react to one another.

When the match started, the sparkling blonde wasted no time in shooting beams of light toward his pink-skinned classmate. With Ashido utilizing the acid to glide across the floor and dodge the lasers with gracefulness and ease.

Midoriya knew that Ashido was an excellent skater, but he couldn't help but notice just how much more agile she was than him when it came to jumping over obstacles with acid pouring out of her feet. They may have been using the same quirk and method of transportation, but she was definitely leagues above him in terms of moving around. Taking loads of hours of practice to get him even close to her level.

Yet Aoyama suddenly stopped shooting beams from his stomach, reaching the limit of his quirk as Ashido finally got the upper hand and knocked him out with an uppercut. Letting her gain the advancement to the tournament while his sparkling classmate was dragged off stage by the medical bots.

Midoriya was still writing inside his notebook as the matches continued on, happy for the small break in between matches so that he can write some of his thoughts down. Though he stopped when the shadow quirk suddenly popped out of him in excitement and forcibly turned his head towards the arena with its dark claws to see the next match. Which happened to be Yaoyorozu and his fellow shadow user Tokoyami.

"Izuku! The next one is starting! It's Tokoyami's and Dark Shadow's turn!"

Midoriya rolled his eyes in amusement, but found it interesting that his quirk was so passionate about his supposed 'shadow sibling's' performing. And quickly turned his notebook to two empty pages, drawing the outline for the contestants in front of him.

"Who do you think will win Izuku?"

He hummed in thought as he looked between the two opponents and considered their quirks. While the vice-president could very much use anything that she knew the structure of, it depended on how quickly it formed and the way she used it. Meanwhile, Dark Shadow was a powerful quirk that was based on stamina based on the usage of his own shadow. With the longer it was out, the more it will tire and lose strength. If anything, this battle would be a test of timing.

He was unaware that he was mumbling again as the quirk nodded at his answer in anticipation while the class looked down into the arena in thought.

When the two contestants finally stepped up to the arena, they were met by a loud cheer from the crowd as the two of looking at each with a firm gaze. Each of the participants getting their own introduction from Present Mic. Though Midoriya could've sworn that the recommended student looked a bit uneasy as she was called out by Present Mic.

The match started off quickly, with Tokoyami's Shadow quickly darting out of the user's stomach and heading right towards the Yaoyorozu as she quickly made a small metal shield to block the attack. Though the shadow seemed to have learned from the cavalry battle, as it didn't give it's opponent the chance to make her move before quickly turning and darting back towards her at high speeds. Causing his high-class classmate to lose her shield and forcing her to make a new one. Not letting her a chance to attack. This pattern continued as the quirk's constant attacks on her shields forced her back, until she was finally pushed out of bounds.

Even though he already had a copy of this quirk, it still amazed him how efficient Tokoyami was to quickly turn the tide of battle in his favor. Midoriya's Shadow cheered for its friend/brother in the stands, with Tokoyami's shadow doing a bit of showboating by flexing its nonexistent muscles next to a slightly embarrassed Tokoyami.

Yet Midoriya's eyes were on a dejected Yaoyorozu as she slumped her way out of the stadium, no doubt unhappy with her performance in the event. Maybe he should talk to her about it. He turned to talk to his gravity-powered friend to see what she may think.

Only to finally noticed that she was nowhere to be seen.


Uraraka wriggled her hands nervously as she waited in the waiting room for her match to be called, with Iida trying to reassure her about her upcoming match. She didn't want to admit it, but she was scared of fighting Bakugo after seeing what he could do during training. Trying and failing to calm herself down.

She and her engine-powered friend both looked up to the sound of the door opening. And saw the familiar face of Midoriya looking at the two of them before meeting her eyes in concern.

"Midoriya! Didn't you want to watch the rest of the matches?"

Her friend smiled reassuringly, easing her worries by a tiny bit, "I watched a bit of this one, which happened to be Kirishima and someone from Class B. They seemed to still be going after I left since they had similar quirks to each other."

They both nodded at his answer before Iida looked at Midoriya with a stern expression as he shared his own thoughts.

"Even so, I think Bakugo would at least tone down his explosions by a little, won't he Midoriya?"

"Oh no, he would definitely use a full-powered explosion."

They both faltered at his quick and deadpan answer but kept quiet as he continued sharing his own thoughts on the matter.

"Everyone is using their full strength when it comes to these tournaments. So even if it wasn't Kacchan, no one is holding back. Thought that doesn't mean you should go unprepared."

Uraraka's brow furrowed in confusion for a moment before widening in shock as Midoriya pulled out a familiar notebook. One that she has seen him write various strategizes and quirks about the people around him.

"It might not be much, but I got some ideas on how to deal with him." the greenette stated before showing a smile, "It's the most I could do seeing how you were the first person to let me copy their quirk in UA."

Her heart was touched by his gesture, even as Iida cheered alongside and commended him on his willingness to help. But even so, she couldn't help but feel like she was using her friend to pass the festival with ease. Even when Iida had boldly stated that he was challenging him during the cavalry battle.

When she explained her reasoning, her friends' eyes widened in shock, before accepting her answer with awe and determined looks. With even Midoriya's shadow coming out to give some words of encouragement. Cheering her on as a hesitant smile grew on her face, thankful for such carrying companions.


As the crowd cheered for Uraraka and Bakugo, Midoriya couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous about how the outcome of this match would go. And by the looks of his classmates around him, they felt the same way.

Uraraka charged ahead in an instant towards Bakugo the moment the match started, trying to get in a touch to make him weightless. Though the volatile blonde was already prepared for it, sending an explosion in front of her that sent her flying back. With Uraraka picking herself up and charging into the fray once more.

"M-Midoriya, you've known him the longest... he wouldn't actually do some harm to her... right?"

The rest of his classmates looked at him expectantly, with even his shadow quirk inside of him feeling a bit curious about his answer. Since to it, Bakugo didn't seem very much like a hero based on what Midoriya told him about the topic and the videos he watched with him.

Yet the boy's gaze didn't move from the conflict down below, even as smoke continued to build and the loud sound of explosions continued to ring throughout the stadium.

Bakugo was many things. He was prideful, he was tenacious, and as much as he hated to admit it, he could be a major jerk whenever he wanted to be. Yet he knew him nearly his entire life. And knew a lot about his disposition and his quirk ever since he copied it.

While it may seem a bit cool shooting off tiny sparks off their hands when they were little kids, explosion was a dangerous power. Able to cause serious damage to others if used in the right intensity and major property damage if they really pushed. It was why he was always there to keep him in check whenever he was on a rampage back in junior high. As a result, Midoriya knew a lot about the conditions of the explosion quirk and the correct amount to use it for heroics.

Realistically, Uraraka would've been dead the moment the match started if Bakugo really wanted to do harm to her.

So Midoriya knew while Bakugo may be a bit of a jerk when it came to others in the day-to-day stuff, the greenette knew deep down that he was striving to be a hero in his own unique way. Never backing down from a fight no matter how difficult the task was in front of him.

Yet just as he was about to explain, the crowd around them started to boo and hiss at Bakugo for prolonging the battle. Making the greenette grimace just slightly, since it would look bad for both parties involved if the battle was viewed negatively. Though their teacher quickly was swift to reprimand the people, stating the facts for Bakugo and Uraraka's ace: a giant wave of rocks that she made float high above the stadium after numerous waves of explosions tearing the concrete underneath.

His gravity-powered friend sent the massive assortment of rumble hurdling down to her opponent. Rushing ahead with all of her might in hopes of getting one touch on his body, no matter the cost. Yet it was all for naught, as Bakugo seemingly casually threw one of his palms up and blew the entire group of concrete away with a massive explosion. The aftershock being felt even from where Midoriya was sitting.

The entire stadium was flabbergasted by the performance from Bakugo, unable to comprehend how much power this teen was able to shoot out seemingly. Yet Midoriya knew better, as that shot no doubt would've been felt throughout his entire hand and arm due to the aftershocks.

But his gaze shifted to Uraraka when she pushed herself to keep going, standing on shaking legs as she stared down her opponent. Yet stumbled as she tried to make her way forward, desperate to win with the limited amount of strength she had left.

Midnight had to call off the match after seeing the state of her, declaring Bakugo as the winner as the crowd slowly got back into the rhythm now that the match was over.

Midoriya looked on in concern as she was dragged off the field with the medical robots, knowing that she wanted to continue in this competition. Getting up from his seat, he made his way to the waiting room, seeing that his match was next after Kirishima's rematch, seeing as he tied with his opponent earlier. He only hoped that he would find time to talk to Uraraka before he was called.


Midoriya made his way towards the waiting room for his match, his mind still worried about his friend after her match with Bakugo. Unaware of his surrounding as he unknowingly walked up to an irritated Bakugo.

"The hell you doing here Deku?!"

He nearly jumped at his sudden shout, but just raised an eyebrow as he suddenly pointed to where he was going, "I'm up next. I was just making my way there."

The blonde looked away sharply with a grunt, not wanting to be called out for his ignorance before shoving his way past him while Midoriya bit his lip nervously.

He thought a lot about the upcoming match with Todoroki and how he should go about it. While he did have hardening, acid, and float to try to counteract the ice being sent his way, he knew it most likely wouldn't be enough to stop a giant glacier of ice. Even Shadow, who managed to push Todoroki back in the Cavalry battle would still be no match for his ice at the start of the match. But maybe...

"Kacchan wait."

The blonde stopped, but didn't turn around to face him. Making the greenette bite his lip in anticipation as he built up to courage to ask for what he needed.

"I need your help. I need to copy your quirk for Todoroki's match."

Bakugo finally did turn around, with an incredulous look on his face before forming a deep scowl and stomping up to him while jabbing a finger in his chest.

"Help?! In case you didn't notice Deku, this is a competition. Why should I help someone who needs to rely on others to do anything?! What the hell do I get out of it with you winning with my power?!"

Midoriya looked away, knowing that he was right. It was a competition for the students to prove themselves to the world. Even All Might said as much when he met up with him. But he knew that if he was going to have even the slightest chance at winning, he needed to use explosion to try to go against Todoroki's ice. And he couldn't do that unless he made contact with the blonde per Nezu's request.

"I know," Midoriya met his gaze evenly, already used to encounters like this due to their upbringing, "But if I do manage to win, then we will be able to have a rematch."

Bakugo kept his stare with piercing red eyes boring into him, but Midoriya knew that he was at least interested in the idea as he slightly stepped away to hear him out.

"I know that I use other's people's quirks to advance, but this is still my power. And I will use it to become a hero. Whether you let me use it or not, I will still become one." Midoriya then had a knowing looking in his eyes, "Besides, I know how much you've been wanting a rematch."

Bakugo's expression didn't change, still looking at him with that same expression before his eyes narrowed just the slightest bit.

"Fine," the blonde growled out as he smacked Midoriya's hand against his own, completing the required contact that Midoriya needed to use his quirk freely, "But you better fucking win. That win in the battle trial was a fluke, and I will show the world who will become the next number one hero."

With that Bakugo started to stomp away from him, leaving Midoriya release a sigh of relief before he turned to go to his room as he planned to when suddenly Bakugo stopped in the middle of the hallway. Still not turning around as he asked his own question that he was wondering.

"By the way, did you tell that extra to pull off that move? The one with rocks above the stadium?"

Midoriya couldn't help the smug tone and smile creep out of him, as he knew the length that Bakugo had to go to release that kind of explosion. "No. That was all Uraraka. If you were having trouble, then that was all on her."

Bakugo didn't say anything for a moment before moving forward once more, but Midoriya could feel that Bakugo has gained just a smidge of respect for her as he continued on his way back to the stands. Leaving Midoriya to continue to walk towards the waiting room, eventually finding it after a few minutes of searching. He blinked when he opened to door to see the usually cheery disposition of Uraraka as she sheepishly scratched the back of her head. Looking completely unaffected by her loss in the tournament.

"Man! I can't believe I lost!"

He could feel himself blink along with the shadow quirk inside him, who looked at their friend skeptically as he entered the room.

"Are... you ok?" he hesitantly asked as he made his way towards her.

"Totally! Recovery Girl healed me enough so that I could walk, so I still got some scratches on me and stuff," she turned to look at him with a slight grin, "You were right about Bakugo being so strong though! I'm going to need to work harder for the next time!"

Midoriya still didn't buy the attitude she was displaying in front of him, looking at her with a doubtful yet concerned expression that made her falter just the slightest. Before announcing the next contestants to make their way to the stage.

Which happened to be him and Todoroki.

Uraraka's eyes widened as she looked at him with a guilty expression for taking up the remainder of his time. But he waved it off as he was about to leave to room to get ready before she let out her own encouragement of his match before finally letting the door close behind him.

He started at the door in concern for his friend, knowing that she was no doubt frustrated over her performance. Yet she still managed to cheer him on. Giving him a showing of encouragement even amid her own frustration and sorrow.

Oddly enough, he noticed the shadow inside of him stayed silent throughout the whole ordeal. Though he didn't have to wait for long before it spoke up again.

'Wow...'the quirk said in admiration, 'Uraraka is so cool...'

'Yeah... she is.'

A slight smile formed on his face as he reluctantly turned away from the door and made his way further into the hall towards his waiting room for him to be called. Along with newfound determination to win against Todoroki.

Everyone had worked so hard to compete in the Sports Festival, pushing themselves to the limit to be noticed by professional heroes. He couldn't afford to hesitate now that he made it this far. Steeling himself to face his classmate as he made his way towards the stadium with a concentrated look of determination.

Yet he jumped when a sudden spike in temperature was felt around the corner, and the familiar face of a flame-based hero appeared in his sights.

"E-Endeavour…"


Monoma grumbled as he rubbed the back of his neck from where Kendo knocked him out. He knew that he got a bit carried away with Class A and his gestures. But did she really have to knock him unconscious?

Now he was roaming around trying to find that boy from his rival class, Izuku Midoriya.

He wouldn't mention it to any of his classmates, but he actually admired the green-haired teen from the other class. Being with a copy quirk all his life, he knew what it was like to work with other people's quirk. The way people looked at him in fear and loathing whenever he 'stole' another person's quirk to use for himself. Or the way they complimented him on how he used others' quirks, rarely commenting on his own.

Thankfully, UA has been different from his past experiences, with his classmates in Class B being supportive of each other regardless of their quirks or backgrounds. It was a big part of why he is so ready to defend them when the time comes, wanting to give them a chance to shine as well as his own.

Even since he first wanted to be a hero, he knew that being in the spotlight was almost unrealistic with his type of quirk. The concept of his quirk always having to rely on others being a hindrance to his image and moves as a hero. Yet somehow, Midoriya was able to make it to the tournaments in the festival and win first place in the entrance exam.

He wanted to talk to him about his moves and tips for his quirk since they were both similar to each other as well as wish him good luck. At least from what he could tell from watching some of his clips from the festival. However, he felt a sudden rise in temperature around one of the corners and moved so that he could peek around, and saw that it was Endeavour speaking to the person he was looking for.

"E-Endeavour..." Midoriya said in slight hesitation.

"Hmm?" the flame hero looked down like he barely noticed his presence, "Oh, you're that quirk copier, aren't you? Izuku Midoriya? I'm surprised you even made it this far."

Monoma clenched his fist in anger at the quick dismissal of strength, already used to seeing it in himself whenever his quirk was brought up before UA. Yet he was a bit surprised to see that the same occurred to Midoriya before he made his way past the number 2 hero and towards Monoma. A similar look of frustration on the greenette's face that he was used to seeing on his own.

The hero apparently wasn't done, as he continued speaking as Midoriya passed him. "You made it this far with your classmates' strength, but Shoto's duty is to surpass All Might. Try to not make it too easy for him and give him a challenge," the flame hero said before walking away with a huff.

All while Monoma clenched his teeth and fists tightly to prevent himself from speaking out. It seemed that even pros couldn't help but look down on quirks that were reliant on others. Yet before he knew it, Midoriya managed to speak up, startling them both.

"I might be using my friends' quirks, but I'm not my classmates," the green-haired boy suddenly spoke with resolve and conviction in his voice as he narrowed his eyes to the hero from the side, "And Todoroki is not you."

Midoriya finally turned around the corner almost running face-first into Monoma, but the blond quickly put a finger towards his own lips as a signal to be quiet as they waited for Endeavor to leave. Only able to breathe a sigh of relief when they heard the heavy footsteps start to walk away and the temperature of the room started to level back to normal.

While Monoma had no idea what the statement involving Todoroki was about, he could agree with the first part. He noticed the odd and frightened look that Midoriya gave him, no doubt wondering what a student like him was doing wandering around the waiting area at this time and about what he heard.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything about what just happened right now." the blonde said with a shrug, "Mostly because I didn't really understand what was that about anyways."

After a hesitant nod, Midoriya relaxed his stance while still keeping wary eyes on the sudden appearance of another student before his match. At first, he thought it was another person like Shinso who might want to take advantage of him before his match. But changed his expression after realizing who the person was.

"You're the person who got knocked out beside us aren't you? The one from Class B?"

A grimace made its way onto the blonde's face over his first impression, but quickly nodded in affirmation before saying his own statement.

"Yeah, I am. But I didn't come here to take much of your time, I want to say something to you before your match."

He saw the greenette give an intrigued yet hesitant look, and took that as his cue to continue on as he faced the wall ahead of them.

"I just wanted to say that you inspired me, seeing you handle so many foes with your type of quirk. Seeing you take first place in both events even with the limitations set on you. Copying another person's quirk might not have been easy, but you managed to pull through with all the setbacks on you."

Monoma was too into his fascination to see the small wince that came from Midoriya, knowing that he was lying about the nature of his quirk to some degree. But Monoma continued on as he finally turned to him with a sense of pride.

"So, I guess what I really want to say... show the world what us copy quirks can do."

The green-haired teen's face relaxed a bit hearing that statement, feeling a sense of pride as a smile slowly grew before shaking hands with the smiling blond. The sudden arrival wished him luck before the two departed. With Midoriya staring at his figure for a moment before turning his head back to move into the waiting area. Both of them heading their separate ways.

Yet as they moved a bit passed each other, Midoriya finally registered the full impact of the sudden arrival's quirk looking back behind him in the empty hall wall with wide eyes. Just as Monoma felt a shudder run through his entire body before looking down at his hand in shock. Eventually shaking his head and continued making his way back to his classmates.

'It was probably nothing to be worried about,' they both thought as they continued on their way.


'I'm only going to win with my mother's ice.'

Todoroki kept his eyes locked on his green-haired classmate as he stepped onto the platform and remembered the promise he made to his opponent, uncaring of Present Mic's announcements of the two contenders as he readied himself to shoot a massive wave of ice the moment the announcer called the match to start.

He noticed that Midoriya was stretching his arms a bit before flexing his fingers for some odd reason, as he prepared himself for the match to start. While the fire-ice user had no idea what he could be planning, he didn't feel too worried about the outcome of this match a whole lot.

"And begin!"

The moment the match started, Todoroki sent a massive wave of ice toward Midoriya. Who thrusted his hands forwards and tried to swat as much ice away from him as he could with explosions before eventually being covered by ice completely. Making the entire crowd grow silent at the giant glacier.

"And it looks Is it over already?!" Present Mic screamed in shock.

Before Midnight could call the match off in worry of Midoriya being completely frozen, deep rumbles started to rumble from within the glacier. Making the audience lean forward in their seats in anticipation and Todoroki brace himself for whatever comes next.

The rumbles from the glacier seemed to be getting louder and louder with every second until a hole was blown in the middle of the glacier to reveal a panting Midoriya while Todoroki gritted his teeth as he prepared himself for combat. The crowd cheering once more at the reignited contest.

Looks like this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.


Midoriya was taking in deep breaths as he shuddered from the cold. He thought that explosion would be enough to fight off against Todoroki's ice, but he underestimated the level of skill and power that his classmate had.

Explosion was very much a sweat-based quirk, and the ice around him wasn't going to be doing him any favors when it came to using Bakugo's quirk to its full potential. As much as he hated to admit it, he would have to think outside the box in this match if he was going to have any chance at winning.

"Don't let him attack me with that move again," the green-haired teen mumbled as he saw Todoroki prepare himself to touch the ground again with his right hand.

While the command may seem unusual to the outside viewer, the dark being held inside of him didn't hesitate to burst out of Midoriya with a cackle as he made his way towards Todoroki at an alarming rate, fully recharged from its rest in between events.

"Hellooo Todoroki!", the shadow quirk called out as he rushed the dual-haired colored teen, "I hope you are ready for round 2!"

Todoroki cursed under his breath as he was forced to cancel his plan for another glacier and slide to the side with ice to avoid a swipe from the shadow quirk. With Midoriya watching Todoroki being forced to defend, sliding to the sides as shadow swung an arm downwards and across the sides trying to get a hit on Todoroki.

With his opponent distracted, he had time to think to himself about his next plan of action. While Dark Shadow was admittedly pretty strong, Midoriya knew that it was a matter of time before the quirk's stamina ran out. Especially with it forcing to break out of any ice that Todoroki managed to encase it in.

He noticed numerous shards of ice on the ground in front of him from the blasts that he made, and soon got an idea.

He placed the palms of his hands on the ground and activated zero gravity, feeling the familiar pads on the tips of his fingers start to form before sliding his hand across the ground in a sweeping motion, causing numerous shards of ice started to float around him.

He warmed up the palms of his hands by rubbing them together quickly for a few seconds that he could before he faced his palms outwards, ready to send the blast shards of ice towards his opponent.

'Shadow! Return!', Midoriya called out to his quirk through their special connection towards each other.

The quirk halted in its pursuit against the dual-quirk user and hurried back to its partner as fast as it could, leaving behind a confused Todoroki as he watched the shadow return to his classmate. The fire-ice user's eyes widening as he saw the green-haired teen's arms in an outstretched position, similar to when he watched him on the day of the battle trial.

Midoriya let loose an explosion that was just large enough to send the shards forwards with the aftershocks rather than the initial blast, causing numerous shards of ice to propel toward Todoroki at an alarming rate.

Todoroki slammed his foot down to form a small ice wall in front to protect himself from the numerous frozen projectiles heading toward him. Hearing numerous pieces of ice hit the structure as the crowd cheered at the ongoing spectacle between the two.

The boy barely managed to peek his head around his shield when he saw the green-haired boy charging his way towards him palms blazing.

Sending more ice towards Midoriya, he cursed when he saw that the ice was blown away with every swipe of the boy's hands, explosions clearing the way for him. Feeling his own body shudder as he continued to fire off a wave of ice. The shadow must've taken a lot out of him when it was chasing him, as the wave he sent wasn't as large as he expected.

Midoriya was now only a couple of feet in front of his opponent, now with striking distance for close combat.

While he got a few sparring sessions with Kirishima before the festival, he still didn't want to use hardening against someone who didn't any sort of defense. Thankfully, he got a method already in mind.

"Shadow! Cover!"

"You got it!"

The quirk draped itself over Midoriya like it did in the obstacle course. With the shadow wrapping itself onto Midoriya's arms, back, and head. Its glowing yellow eyes resting just above the forehead and covering him in a dark suit of armor. The greenette's messy curls and arms were now covered with the black substance that dark shadow was made of.

Todoroki wasn't intimidated by the act and quickly got into a stance to defend himself.

Midoriya send a shadowed punch towards Todoroki's shoulder, which he expertly swiped away and returned a swipe of his right hand onto Midoriya's left. Encasing it in a bit of ice.

While Midoriya didn't feel anything, he felt the quirk flinch a bit at the cold. Knowing he needed to end this as soon as possible, he kept up the blows against his opponent. With Todoroki occasionally dodging and throwing blows of his own. Before Midoriya finally managed to land a hit on his opponent's chest, sending him flying back towards his part of the arena.

"WOAH! After being on the defensive, Midoriya finally managed to land a hit on Todoroki!"

Even as he panted, Midoriya couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated at Todoroki. Here they were, his classmates and him giving their all to compete in the Sports Festival, while Todoroki deliberately only used half of his power. Looking at his opponent, his eyes narrowed noticed one key fact about him that he only noticed until now.

"Your trembling Todoroki..."

The fire-ice user stilled when he heard that, looking at Midoriya with wide eyes.

"There's a limit to how much you can take isn't there? Yet you still only use half of your power?! Even with everyone giving it all they got?!"

Midoriya could feel his blood boiling as he continued to rant. Frustrated at the fact that everyone was fighting tooth and nail to achieve their dreams to be a hero. With some like Shinso not even having that chance to do so. Yet Todoroki was deliberately only used half of his strength to anger his father.

'Izuku. You got to calm down.'

But Midoriya didn't calm down as he continued to yell at his opponent even when his shadow-covered limbs had a layer of ice on them. "You want to win with only half of your strength? Come at me with everything you got!"

Todoroki narrowed his eyes in annoyance, wondering why he was trying to get him to use his father's flames. Did his father somehow pay him to say it? Why would he go so far as to make him use it? But most importantly...

"Why do you care?" Todoroki said in an icy tone, "You don't even have your own quirk anyway. You just use someone else's power to move on ahead."

Midoriya froze for a second before he clenched his shadow-covered fist in anger and frustration.

Was that all he was to other people? Just a guy that uses someone else's power to get ahead in life? Someone who had it easy since he only had to look at someone before knowing how their quirk worked? He thought of the Endeavour's words before his match started, about him trying to make it worthwhile for Todoroki to pass. Dismissing him even after seeing what he could do.

'Izuku... I feel weird...' the quirk inside of him answered. But Midoriya was too deep in his anger to answer back through their connection.

No... He wasn't a stepping stone for others. His friends trusted him to copy their quirks, even after learning that he had to go through the drawbacks before using them. All Might believed in him too, giving him encouragement whenever the Midoriya needed help before an event. That guy from class B seemed to believe in him too, as he recalled what he said to him before his match started.

'...show what us copy quirks can do.'

"I do have my own quirk!" Midoriya screamed out before a drastic change happened.

While Midoriya felt the familiar rock-like stiffness in his muscles, the dark substance that was covering him at the moment suddenly hardened like a rock. The claws and hair having sharp edges at the ends and the rock-hard casing that covered his body now acted like a suit of armor for Midoriya, breaking any ice that had gathered on his arms.

"WHOA! Midoriya's shadow suddenly turned stiff! What a surprising turnout!"

The crowd cheered at the sudden turnout, anxious to see what happens next.

Midoriya panted as he looked down at his new form in shock, momentarily stunned by the sudden new transformation. Never imagining that he would be allowed to mix the two quirks together. Before panic started to form as he desperately searched through his connection for the Shadow inside of him.

'I'm here Izuku.', Midoriya heard the shadow call back to him with a slightly strained voice.

'Are you ok?'

'Yeah... I just feel a bit weird. Stronger... But I don't know how long it will last.'

The green-haired hero in training let out a sigh of relief knowing that he didn't harm the quirk inside of him due to his outburst before shifting his gaze back to his opponent. Who could only look on in slight shock, before shifting his stance so that his right foot was in front of him and sending out another wave of ice.

The attack was not as large as the others, with the highest point only reaching up to Midoriya's shoulder. Tensing his arm and swinging the right arm forward, the combination of hardening and dark shadow cut through the barrage of ice easily. Making quick work of Todoroki's ice as he slowly made his way forward.

"Why... are you going so far?" Todoroki grunted out as he continued to shoot off more ice. Though he was frustrated to see that Midoriya was able to mow it down with that new upgraded form easily.

"Because... people... are counting on me to succeed!" Midoriya called out as he slowly pressed on towards his opponent with gritted teeth, "People gave me their quirks for me to use... and I won't let them down!"

By now, Midoriya was now just right in front of the fire-ice user. Although the shadow was still covering the teen's body, it was no longer in the hardened state as Midoriya went for a punch at Todoroki.

"That's why I think you should stop messing around!"

Todoroki's gaze went unfocused as he felt ice slowly start to build on his left and watched the green-haired boy aim a punch at him, recalling the times he spent in pain from his father's 'training' sessions when he was younger. The pain that his mother went through trying to keep him away from Endeavor. The day her mother poured boiling water on his face.

He was brought back to earth when he felt the impact on his stomach, launching him a couple of feet backward and leaving him gasping for air. With labored breaths, he glared at Midoriya as he shakily got back on his feet.

"I will never... use his fire to fight."

"Damn it Todoroki! It's your power! Your quirk, not his!"

The fire-ice user halted once he heard the Midoriya's shout, as he recalled something from back in his childhood. It was one of the few good memories that he had as a child, when he watched an All Might interview with his mother. And her encouraging him to be the hero he wanted to be.

How could he have forgotten?

He gasped as he felt flames ignite his entire left side, engulfing the entire arena with a bright orange glow while radiating heat that was felt throughout the audience.

"To help out your enemy in the middle of a fight... Which one of us is messing around now?"

Midoriya could barely look at Todoroki with the amount of heat and light that was coming off of his body. His shadow had disappeared into him with a yelp the moment the light came on, and the teen was left staring at the face of his classmate in awe.

The usual stoic face of Todoroki was now gone, replaced with a giant grin that showed off none of the tension he held on himself earlier.

"I want... to be a hero!" Todoroki yelled in confidence.

Midoriya could help but give off a grin of his own, happy to see that Todoroki was able to use his quirk to the fullest on his own. The two blocked off the various other noises around them like Present Mic's announcements and Endeavour's shouts of 'encouragement', focusing only on each other for the time being.

"Don't blame me for what happens next..."

That was Midoriya's only warning before a massive wall of ice formed around the entire arena and under his feet. Chilling the entire area in an instant.

However, the greenette was already on the move using explosions to propel himself towards Todoroki. The fire that ignited from his opponent warming him up enough to get some explosions ringing out of his palms. A giant source of heat then erupted from his opponent, melting all of the ice around instantly as Todoroki slowly brought his blazing left hand up towards him.

"Midoriya..." Todoroki said in gratitude as he set his palm ablaze, "Thank you..."

Midoriya barely heard Todoroki as he threw both palms in front of him and put in everything he had into releasing explosions from his hands. The result was a giant blast had sent Midoriya flying backward in a panic even as his arms stung with the impact, knowing he was going to be sent out of bounds if he didn't do anything.

His shadow knew what he was feeling at the moment, and quickly shot two arms out from Midoriya's torso and grabbed onto the floor below to prevent Midoriya from being blown away. With Midoriya also hardening his hands to allow a better grip, wincing as his hands were dragged along the ground harshly.

When he finally came to a stop, he couldn't see anything as a cloud of steam covered the entire. Groaning, he pushed himself to his feet and grimaced at the sight of the peeled skin at the palm and fingertips. The friction on the ground against his hardened hands causing some damage.

For a while, he didn't know whether or not he was out of bounds as he tried to see through the thick wall of steam. Yet when the air finally cleared, his eyes widened at the sight of Todoroki leaning against the wall and out of the arena.

"Todoroki is out of bounds. Midoriya is the winner!"

Midoriya didn't pay attention to the announcement or the crowds cheering for him, still looking at the sight of Todoroki in a state of shock. Though it wasn't due to his condition or the fact that he managed to knock him out at all. It was the odd feature on his face that only he had the opportunity to see due to the position they were in.

Ever since getting into UA, Midoriya couldn't recall Todoroki ever having a different expression other than the cold, aloof one he made whenever he saw him talking to others. Or that cold and harsh glare that he gave him when he confronted him in the hall. But there, on his Todoroki's face...

was a smile.


Here's the preview!

Izuku- It's time for that rematch you wanted Kacchan...

Katsuki- Shut up! I'm going to finally put you in your place for stealing my quirk

Izuku- W-What do you mean...?

Next time on MHA: Adaptability

Ch 16- Explosive Revelations

GO BEYOND! PLUS ULTRA!