Izuku's steps echoed down the long tunnel, despite the upcoming fight, Izuku was still focused on the conversation within Nezu's office.

"I'm a machine designed to kill shadows. My abilities have deteriorated in the years since my creation, but when I saw the shadows appearing again, I knew I had to interfere."

He stepped out into the arena, loud cheers coming from the crowd as he did. Mic's voice shouted from the announcer's room, his introductions further exciting the onlookers: "On the left, the mask wearing thief of 1-A, IZUKU MIDORIYA! And on the right, the only general studies student to make it this far, HITOSHI SHINSO!"

Izuku recalled what Ojiro had told him, the boy had a mind-control ability, trigged by talking to him. "Do you both understand the rules?" Midnight called, gaining a nod from both teens. "Alright, start!"

"You're so lucky, to be born with such a perfect quirk." The purple haired boy called out, though he received no response from his opponent, who rushed him. "Do you really not care about the people who aren't as fortunate as you? Then again, I suppose you don't know what it's like to be on the receiving end of a corrupt system!"

That seemed to get under Izuku's skin, who opened his mouth to respond, though he quickly went silent as brainwashing took effect on him. "Turn around, and step out of the ring." Shinso's request was honoured as Izuku's body was forced to move, walking rigidly towards the edge.

"How is the body, doctor?"

"Mostly intact, sir. The death was caused by a bullet to the skull, but most of the brain was salvageable. May I ask, sir, where did you find this? Its a complete DNA match to someone who went missing months ago, but it has clearly undergone some extreme damage."

"Indeed, doctor. From my knowledge, this body was trapped in a dimension that was crumbling, the energy has seemingly mixed it with the power it once possessed. With this, my brother's power will come to an end. Truly, this is the true potential of Persona."

The ancient villain stared at the figure floating in the tank, parts of its body were human, while others were replaced by a strange white and red pattern. The most disturbing part was the face, a metallic black mask was melted into its structure, its shape emulating a bird's beak.

Izuku was freaking out. His body was moving on its own, and he found he had no way to stop it from doing so. What he was not expecting however, was for two of his fingers to shatter. For a moment, he saw seven people appear within the tunnel ahead, one was Yu, while the rest where ethereal figures.

The sudden jolt from One for All within his fingers allowed him to break free from the brainwashing. Ceasing the opportunity, he dashed towards Shinso, One for All carrying him straight into the boy. The shoulder charge was enough to knock the surprised teen off his feet, and out of the arena.

"And we have a winner! With an impressive but risky recovery, Izuku Midoriya!"

Izuku jogged down towards where Hitoshi sat, extending his hand towards him: "You ok?"

"You'll be stronger than All Might when you graduate." Todoroki stood across from Izuku in one of the stadium's many hallways, having wanted to speak with him.

"H-how can you be sure of that?"

"Your super strength is identical to his, and you have several powers on top of that, one of which includes an incredibly useful way to fight the monsters plaguing Japan. It's almost as if you were made to do so."

"What? No, it's just a random mutation."

"I see, tell me Midoriya, have you ever heard of quirk marriages?"

"Yeah, it was when two people married in order to create children with better powers, but it was made illegal a few decades ago. Wait... you don't mean..."

"Yes, I'm the product of one such marriage. Endeavour bought my mother from her family, he believed their quirks combined could beat All Might. That's why I don't use my fire, because if I defeat you without it, then I'll prove to him that I don't need his power to be the strongest."

"Todoroki-"

"That's all I had to say, goodbye Midoriya."

"Hell yeah! That was awesome!" A few members of the crowd glanced at the boy as he jumped into the air.

"Do try to be more subtle. It's hardly a surprise if he sees you from a mile away." Haru glared slightly as she spoke, causing Ryujji to go still.

"Right, of course." He shot to his seat, the rest of the teenagers around him chuckling at his fear of the girl. Their attention was drawn away from the blonde as Mic began his introductions, beginning the next round.

After a few more matches, Izuku once again found himself walking down the hallway to the arena. He had developed a few strategies to face Todoroki, however his thoughts always wandered back to what he had been told.

Stepping out onto the arena, he was met with Todoroki's gaze, determination present within his eyes. Present Mic made his intros, and Midnight clarified the rules, though neither boy was listening. The only part they heard was the shout of: "Start!" Within an instant, Todoroki had slammed his foot against the floor, chaos breaking out as he did.