Chapter 9: One-on-One Battle

As everyone was leaving the stadium for an afternoon lunch break, Tendou was still lying on the ground still in disbelief while breathing heavy.

"I still can't believe that we made it, that was such a close call..."

While Tendou was thinking to himself, he then saw a hand reach out for him but couldn't see who it was from the sun. Tendou than saw Arata reaching his hand out for him, Tendou chuckled a bit until finally accepting it. As Tendou was getting up, he saw that Gentaro helped him up instead.

Gentaro: That was a crazy one, huh buddy?

Tendou quickly let go of Gentaro's hand and began walking near the entrance leaving him behind.

Tendou: I guess...

Gentaro quickly caught up with Tendou while being excited.

Gentaro: Oh, come on man! You know it was! I almost thought that we were a goner until I finally found my rocket switch!

Gentaro than reminded Tendou about something.

Tendou: Which I was curious about, that guy hypnotized you when he asked you a question. How did you break out of it?

Gentaro was confused and began to scratch that top of his head.

Gentaro: I was hypnotized?

Tendou than immediately facepalmed himself while sighing.

Tendou: Never mind, I almost forgot that I was talking to an idiot...

Gentaro: HEY-!

Before Gentaro said anything else, he heard someone behind him catching his attention.

?: So, this is how you let Class 1-A talk to you? I told you that they're nothing but narcissists

Gentaro turned to see Monama leaning by a nearby wall with a cocky smile.

Gentaro: Monama! Buddy!

Monama: No, I would never be friends with anyone who helps and befriend the Class 1-A students! So, that means that this "friendship" is over!

Gentaro began to freak out and plead with Monama while Tendou rolled his eyes and continued to walk away until he saw Todoroki walking the opposite way towards him. Both of them looked at each other's eyes until Todoroki walked past him and made his way to Midoriya.

"I don't know what his deal is, but something about him craves victory. But it doesn't matter, I refuse to lose against him including anyone who gets in my way."


Meanwhile inside the lunchroom, Yusuke was eating with Uraraka and Iida until they heard Momotaro's shouting near the entrance door.

Momotaros: THERE YOU ARE YOU DITCHING SCUMBAG!

As Momotaros was marching towards Yusuke's table, Ryotaro and the three imagins was struggling to hold him back.

Ryotaro: Momo! It's okay! I-It's not a big deal!

Momotaros finally made it to the table but struggled to go any further.

Momotaros: So, you want to ditch Ryotaro for some other brat, huh?! Give me one reason why I shouldn't smash your face in wart face?!

Yusuke: Momo, calm down. I didn't mean to join another group. I don't remember what happened, all I remember was heading to Ryotaro until someone asked me a question and then out of nowhere the trial ended before it even began.

After Yusuke calmly explained himself, Momotaros calmed down while saying "Oh" making the other imagins fall from bliss.

Ryotaro: That's what happened?

Uraraka: Yeah, he told us the same thing earlier.

Iida: And we know that Yusuke is always honest and would never ditch a friend. That's why we believe him.

Yusuke than nodded his head with trust in his eyes.

Ryotaro: You're right, I'm sorry for assuming that you were tired of my presence Yusuke.

Yusuke: Don't worry about it, I would've felt some kind of way if the same thing happened to me.

Yusuke than gave Ryotaro a thumbs up with Ryotaro giving one back.


Later outside the lunchroom, Takumi was waiting in a line for students requesting certain things for the event. While the line was moving, Takumi spotted Kenzaki waiting in a different line.

"What is he doing here? I never thought that he would have any requests for the final round. Come to think about it, I don't think that I've seen him use his quirk in any of these events. He does it like he doesn't have one but somehow make it so far."

Takumi than lost his train of thought when the employer yelled out "Next!"

Takumi: Hey, I would like to take a request for the final round.

Employer: Okay and what would you like to request sir?

Takumi: I would like to request for my rider belt, the SB-555B requested by Class 1-A Inui Takumi.

The employer typed it in the computer and sent the request to the supervisor.

Employer: The request has been sent, we'll let you know if your request has been approved or denied.

After Takumi thanked the employer, he stepped out of the line and began thinking to himself.

"I've been too comfortable with my quirk lately; I need to continue this without using it as much..."


Later after the afternoon lunch break, the students walked out of the entrance to gather around Midnight.

Midnight: Congratulations to the winners from the last trial! You should be considered lucky because you all made it this far to participate in a one-on-one battle!

After Midnight's announcement, Hibiki thought to himself.

"Finally! Some action! Seeing everyone in the last trial seemed so strong! I'm so excited!"

Midnight: Now, we're going to draw from this box to see who would battle each other for this tournament! The 34 participants from the tournament can choose to abstain from the recreational events if those choose so. Now, we will begin with the first-place winners!

Before Midnight drew from the box, Ojiro raised his hand.

Ojiro: I would like to forfeit this match...

The students than gasped while Ojiro continued.

Ojiro: It's a hard decision for me to make, but during the last trial it felt like I did nothing to deserve this position. I want to earn it, not make it without putting any effort.

After Ojiro explained himself, Shouda than raised his hand.

Shouda: I agree, as a great opportunity it is I don't deserve it. There's no point in continuing when I did nothing, so I forfeit as well.

After both boys gave their reasoning, Midnight began to think about it.

Midnight: You know, that is a great reasoning. So, I'll allow it! Shouda and Ojiro has left the tournament! Anyone else wants to forfeit?

From hearing Ojiro and Shouda's reasoning, Yusuke began to think to himself.

"Damn, they're right. I don't deserve to continue because I did nothing to make it here! I need to forfeit as well."

Before Yusuke could raise his hand, Ryotaro quickly stopped him by grabbing his hand and shook his head "no".

"Ryotaro, even though I wasn't there for you, you still believe in me?"

Yusuke than sighed and put his hand down.

"Fine, even though I don't deserve to be here, I'll continue for you! I won't let you down!"

Later after everything is situated and Team Tetsutetsu filled in the spot, the screen switched to show who's facing who.

Midoriya vs Shinso

Gentaro vs Juuzou

Todoroki vs Sero

Shouichi vs Ryotaro

Shiozaki vs Kaminari

Hibiki vs Eiji

Iida vs Hatsume

Yusuke vs Shinnosuke

Wataru vs Kouta

Ashido vs Aoyama

Takumi vs Kenzaki

Tokayami vs Yaoyorozu

Shotaro vs Awase

Tetsutetsu vs Kirashima

Haruto vs Uraraka

Emu vs Sento

Bakugou vs Tendou

While everyone was facing the screen, Yusuke noticed that Ryotaro is facing off against Shouichi.

Yusuke: Huh, it looks like your first opponent is Shoui- OH MY GOD YOU ARE DRENCHED!

Yusuke saw Ryotaro covered in sweat creating a little puddle under his feet.

Ryotaro: W-Wow, Shouichi! T-That's cool, cool, cool!

Yusuke: Uh, Ryotaro? Are you nervou-

Before Yusuke could ask, Ryotaro quickly answered while shouting.

Ryotaro: ME?! Nervous?! Not at all!

While Ryotaro continued to sweat, Yusuke thought to himself.

"I see now, even though Shouichi is a kind guy, his quirk is nothing to underestimate. I can see why he's worried now."

Yusuke: Hey Ryotaro calm down, I know how nerve-racking it is to face someone with a stronger quirk. Heck, I'm nervous too since I'm facing someone that could potentially have a stronger quirk then me. But all you have to do is to take a deep breath and only believe in yourself because I believe in you and I'm sure that the imagins believes in you as well.

From what Yusuke said, Ryotaro started to slowly calm down while taking a deep breath.

Ryotaro: Thanks Yusuke, I'm still a bit nervous but I'll put more faith in myself and the imagins.

Meanwhile Aoyama and Shouichi are looking at the screen to see their opponents.

Aoyama: It seems like I have Mina, that poor girl doesn't know what's coming her way!

Shouichi nodded while smiling until Aoyama noticed Shouichi's opponent.

Aoyama: Huh, and you have Ryotaro.

Shouichi: Who?

Aoyama than pointed towards Ryotaro's direction in a dramatic way.

Aoyama: The short one right there!

Shouichi looked closer until he finally recognized Ryotaro.

Shouichi: ….Oh! Koungouji-san!

Aoyama than dropped a sweat from the nickname.

Aoyama: You call everyone that...


Time has passed and the arena is finally finished being built by the pro hero Cementoss.

Present Mic: Ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready for the one-on-one battle?!

The crowd than roared from excitement.

Present Mic: Good! Because the round starts off with Class 1-A's student with a goofy ass face! Midoriya Izuku!

The crowd began to cheer while Midoriya stepped out the tunnel to make it inside the ring.

Present Mic: And his opponent is a normal student from a common department! Hitoshi Shinso!

After Shinso made it to the ring, Midnight began explaining the rules. In the stadium, Ryotaro began thinking to himself while the rest of his friends were talking to each other.

"Jeez, look at Midoriya. I envy him for having an opponent like that."

Ryotaro noticed what he just said and began to have a second thought.

"Wait, what the hell am I saying? I shouldn't think like that! It's just like what Yusuke said, I need to believe in myself and the imagins even if I'm afraid!"

Ryotaro than lost his train of thought when Uraraka caught everyone's attention.

Uraraka: Look what's happening to Deku!

Ryotaro than saw Midoriya in the ring just standing with a blank expression

Ryotaro: W-What happened to him?

Uraraka: I don't know, he just froze when his opponent muttered something.

Iida: I wonder why?

Yusuke: I think I know why, that was the same guy who asked me a question and ended up in his group. I think it's his quirk, if he asks someone a question than they're in a complete hypnosis. And the thing he muttered; I think he asked Midoriya a question and now he's in a trance.

From what Yusuke said, Momotaros suddenly popped up near Ryotaro in his sand form startling the three.

Momotaros: WHAT?! So that's the asshole who did it?! I'm going to possess broccoli head to fight for him!

Before Momotaros could, he was quickly stopped by Yusuke.

Yusuke: Don't! You're not his quirk, if they found out that someone else's quirk fought for him than that could potentially disqualify him and Ryotaro!

Suddenly, Midoriya began to walk near the ring to leave.

Uraraka: NO! DEKU!

Momotaros: Don't let that jerk win or I'll beat the crap out of you dammit!

Ryotaro: Is there anything that he could do to snap out of it?

Yusuke: Not that I know of, we just have to acknowledge him for at least trying.

Suddenly, Midoriya flicked his finger to exert pressure to the ground waking him up. As the smoke cleared, Midoriya held his hand while looking at Shinso with determination in his eyes.

Iida: He did it! He somehow woke himself up!

Everyone began cheering while Midoriya ran towards Shinso to push him to the edge of the ring. Shinso than punched Midoriya in the face but he continued to push him backwards until he body slammed him outside the ring.

Midnight: Midoriya Izuku has passed this round! He is able to continue in round 2!

Everyone cheered for Midoriya's victory while some was intrigued with Shinso's quirk. As everyone continued to cheer, Ryotaro thought to himself once again.

"Even Midoriya fought someone who has a stronger quirk, but he refused to lose. Thank you both, now I know that we can do this without giving up!"


Time has passed and Gentaro and Juuzou has made it in the ring while Present Mic introduced them to the audience.

Present Mic: On our left side we have a Class 1-B student with a gnarly haircut, Kisaragi Gentaro! And on our right side is another Class 1-B student that will definitely give me nightmares for weeks, Juuzou Honenuki!

Juuzou: I hope that you're ready Gentaro, because I'm not going to hold anything back!

Gentaro: Really? Because I was going to say the same thing! I hope that we will still be friends after this!

After Midnight yelled "START!" Juuzou quickly crouched down to touch the ground. Suddenly Gentaro's feet began to sink into the ground, he tried to pull it out but failed.

Juuzou: I knew that you would forget my quirk, that's why I had to trap you before you remembered...

Honenuki Juuzou

Quirk: Softening

Whatever non-living thing Juuzou touches, it turns soft including the ground, buildings, vehicles, etc.

Midnight: Gentaro, are you able to move?

Gentaro: Yes ma'am, I can move perfectly!

After Gentaro said that, Juuzou thought to himself.

"What? What is he talking about? He's completely stuck on the ground. Even if he uses his rocket switch it would be no difference."

Gentaro than reached for his pockets to find his rocket switch to activate it, his right arm than created a rocket to help him get out but failed once again.

"Thought so, this battle is over..."

As Juuzou was about to exit the ring, he stopped to hear Gentaro break out while yelling "Uchuu KITAAA!" Juuzou turned to see Gentaro flying with a yellow drill on his left leg.

"Impossible! Did he use that drill to break himself free?!"

Gentaro than flew near Juuzou making him back up.

Midnight: As long as Gentaro isn't touching outside the line than he's fine, but Juuzou did. That means Gentaro wins this round and is able to proceed in round 2!

Juuzou was confused for a moment until he noticed that his left leg is outside the ring. After Gentaro landed, he walked towards Juuzou to give him a high five.

Gentaro: That was awesome buddy! You almost had me for a moment, give me top!

Juuzou: J-Just don't talk to me for a while...

After Juuzou left the stage, Gentaro followed him to cheer him up.


Later after the quick win from Todoroki in the 3rd match, Ryotaro took a deep breath and began to make his way towards the ring to see Shouichi in a more serious face than usual.

Present Mic: Next we have another two Class-1A students facing each other! On one side we have the student with a confident face! Nogami Ryotaro! And on the other side we have a student that always keeps his eyes shut but can somehow see, Tsugami Shouichi!

After the announcement, Ryotaro began to think to himself while taking another deep breath.

"If you guys can hear me, then I seriously need your help with this. So, I'm going to put my trust in you..."

Meanwhile in the waiting room, the imagins was watching the fight from a small television while hearing Ryotaro's thoughts.

Momotaros: Welp, it seems like the kid needs my help! I'll see you losers la-

Before Momotaros finished his sentence, the three of them heard Ryotaro continue his thoughts.

"Kintaros. I need you to help me..."

Momotaros was speechless while Urataros and Ryutaros began to laugh.

Urataros: You were saying, Senpai?

As Urataros continued to laugh, Ryutaros tried to wake up Kintaros by shaking him.

Ryutaros: Hey! Kuma-chan! Wake up! Onii-san need your help! It looks like he's about to cry like a big baby!

Suddenly, Kintaros woke up calmly from hearing a certain word.

Kintaros: "Cry"? I'll make my enemies shed many tears!

Kintaros than transported to Ryotaro's body making his eye color change to yellow and his hair grow longer reaching his back with a yellow streak. (K)Ryotaro calmly put his hair in a pony tail while a bunch of tissues began to rain out of nowhere. Afterwards, he began to make his fighting stance similar to a sumo wrestler while cracking his neck.

(K)Ryotaro: My strength, will make you cry!

(K)Ryotaro than caught the last tissue after it stopped falling from the sky.

(K)Ryotaro: Here, wipe it off with this!

The audience than dropped a sweat from the strange offer.

Uraraka: Where did the tissues come from?

Yusuke: I wish I knew...

Shouichi than stood in his usual stance while thinking to himself.

"I hope that you're watching Ryo-san, I will win this for you."


Flashback begins with middle schoolers surrounding Shouichi near a window.

Kid #1: You got a smart mouth you know that?

Shouichi: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to have a "smart mouth". Please forgive my words.

While Shouichi continued to smile, something about what he said angered the boys. The leader quickly held Shouichi's uniform but before he could harm him, he was stopped by another kid from across the hall.

?: Hey! Leave him alone! If you four bozos want to fight someone than try to fight me!

The four boys turned to see a middle schooler with light brown hair, sharp teeth, and green scales around his body. The leader of the group than scoffed and began to walk away with his friends.

Kid #1: Whatever, we don't have time for you losers anyway.

As the boys continued to walk away, the boy who defended Shouichi began to walk towards him.

?: I don't know what you did to piss them off but you were lucky that I was here.

Shouichi: I honestly don't know what I did as well, but either way thank you for helping me Koungouji-san.

As Shouichi bowed, the boy was confused with the name.

?: "Koungouji-san"?

Shouichi: I'm sorry, I have a bad habit calling people I don't know that nickname.

The boy began to laugh and slapped Shouichi in the back.

?: I like you kid, my name is Ashihara Ryo! And one day I'll become the number 1 hero! What's your name?

Shouichi: Tsugami Shouichi, it's nice to meet you Koungouji-san.

From the nickname, Ryo quickly yelled out of frustration.

Ryo: YOU FORGOT ALREADY?! IT'S RYO DAMN IT! ASHIHARA RYO!

Shouichi: My apologies, I'm also terrible remembering names so it will take a while for me to remember.

Ryo: Jeez, I see why those guys almost beat you up, I can't tell if you're genuine or being a smartass. Let's go.

Ryo began to walk towards the exit leaving Shouichi confused.

Shouichi: Where are we going?

Ryo: You and me are about to hang out. You're not busy, are you?

Shouichi than thought about it for a moment until he answered.

Shouichi: No, I don't think so.

Ryo: Great! Now let's go to the karaoke or something.

As Ryo continued to walk to the exit, Shouichi smiled and caught up with him. A week has passed and Ryo and Shouichi is in a dining restaurant waiting for their food.

Ryo: Jeez, where are they with our food? I'm starving.

Shouichi: I am too. Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something but I kept forgetting.

Ryo: What is it? Unless you forgot again.

Ryo began to laugh until he took a sip of his drink.

Shouichi: Well, when we first met you said that you wanted to become the number 1 hero, I was wondering why?

Ryo than spit out the drink and began laughing once more.

Ryo: Are you serious?! Who doesn't want to be the number 1 hero?! I want to become a hero because I want everyone to respect me, people see me and think "Eww, look at that green scaled freak"! I was always bullied because of my quirk before I grew a pair and began fighting back!

Shouichi: People don't like your scales? I think they're cool.

Ryo: Thanks, but you're the only one. Everyone just doesn't know how to respect people with a mutant quirk and it's pissing me off! But obviously I wouldn't stoop so low to become a villain, but instead become a hero and have the respect I deserve! I can hear it now, the ladies surrounding me and scream "Aww! Gills! You're so dreamy, I want to be with you!".

From the name, Shouichi became confused.

Shouichi: "Gills"?

Ryo: Yeah, well Kamen Rider Gills because I want to become a rider! Since everyone mistakes my quirk as a fish, I might as well humor them and name myself Gills.

Ryo laughed again until he took another sip of his drink.

Shouichi: Wow, that's interesting. I never really cared about heroes so I just wanted to know why someone wanted to become one.

After what Shouichi said, Ryo began coughing from almost choking on his drink.

Ryo: You don't care for them?! Didn't you say that your older brother is a pro hero? You never looked up to him or was even inspired by him?

Shouichi thought about it for a moment until he gave his answer.

Shouichi: No, not really. Of course, I'm happy that he has the position that he has but I just never saw the point.

Ryo: Um, hello?! Stopping villains?! Fighting criminals?! Protecting the peace?! Did you forget about that?!

Shouichi: I haven't forgotten, for some reason I just don't see the point. Like are these heroes really fighting for justice? Or are they just doing it for the money, fame and attention like your reason.

Ryo was quiet for a moment until he spoke up.

Ryo: Wow, you have a point. But it doesn't matter, everyone has their own reasoning on why they want to become one. Some does it for the civilians, some does it for fame and some does it just to redeem themselves. That's just how people are like, you know?

After Ryo's explanation, their food has made it to their table.

Ryo: Finally, I thought that it would never come!

Both boys thanked their food and began to eat while continuing their conversation. A month has passed and Shouichi noticed that Ryo hasn't made it to school for a week. As Shouichi was walking to his home, he stopped and grabbed his phone from his pocket to call Ryo. The phone rung but instead of Ryo answering, a woman answered instead.

?: Hello?

Shouichi: O-Oh I'm sorry, I must have the wrong nu-

?: No, it's fine. You must be Ryo's friend, I'm sorry that he hasn't appeared to school lately. He was injured from a hit and run and just woke up from a coma.

From what Ryo's mother said, Shouichi dropped his phone and began to run the opposite direction. Hours has passed and Shouichi was running through the hospital's hallways until he finally made it to Ryo's room. He opened the door to see Ryo lying down and connected in hospital equipment with his mother sitting beside him.

Ryo: Sh-Shouichi...?

Shouichi: Please don't waste your energy, I came to see you. O-Oh, I'm sorry to barge in ma'am. My name is Tsugami Shouichi, Ryo's friend.

Ryo's mother: It's nice to meet you but how did you know that we were here?

Shouichi: I didn't, I had to visit two more hospitals before coming here. Luckily the third hospital was the right one.

Ryo began to chuckle while turning to his mother.

Ryo: Hey Mom, is it okay if you can give us some privacy for a moment?

Ryo's mother: Alright sweetie, just don't move too much.

Ryo's mother than gave him a kiss on his forehead before exiting the room. Shouichi than grabbed a chair to sit next to Ryo.

Ryo: You really visited three hospitals this late? Your parents are probably worried sick.

Shouichi: It's alright, I'll just tell them everything later. What happened? Who did this?

Ryo: Who knows, it was just some blind bastard who can't take any responsibilities.

Ryo began to gently chuckle before continuing.

Ryo: The bastard left me crippled...

Shouichi was lost for words while Ryo's voice began to crack.

Ryo: Um...it apparently happened a week ago and luckily, I woke up this afternoon. The first thing the doctor told me that the driver ran over my lower spine which paralyzed me...they said that I can't walk again.

Tears began to swell on Ryo's eyes making Shouichi tear up.

Ryo: So... that means that it would be impossible for me to become the number 1 hero...all I wanted was some respect, that's all that I wanted...

Suddenly Shouichi hugged Ryo while tears ran down both of their faces.

Shouichi: I-I'm sorry that this happened to you...I'm so sorry...

Ryo than hugged tighter making both of the boys' sob on each other's shoulders which felt like eternity. After they were done hugging, both boys wiped their own tears.

Ryo: I'm really glad that you're here, I needed that. That really shows me that you and I are best friends because I usually wouldn't open up to people like that.

Both boys began to chuckle until Ryo continued.

Ryo: But seriously, I'm glad that you're here because I need to ask you for a favor.

Shouichi: Sure, what is it?

Ryo: Um...I know that you don't care for heroes and such. But, since I'm like this now, I still want my dream of becoming a hero to come true. So, can you make a promise to me and take my place to become a hero?

Shouichi was silent for a moment until he began to stutter his words.

Ryo: Please, you're the only person that I can rely on...and my only friend that could do it. So please, promise me and become a hero, for me.

Shouichi was silent once more until he finally spoke up.

Shouichi: I will, I promise that I will become a hero for you.

Ryo: Thank you, thank you very much man. I know that you'll become a great one.

Ryo than raised his fist for a fist bump, Shouichi smiled and retrieved him one. Later that night, Shouichi walked towards a large home and began knocking on the door. The door opened to reveal a man with short long dark hair wearing pajamas.

?: Shouichi?

Shouichi: Hey Makotonii-san, is it okay if I can come in?

Makoto was confused but invited him in anyways. As Shouichi entered inside, Makoto began to ask him questions.

Makoto: What made you come and visit this late? Does Dad know that you're here?

Shouichi: No, he's probably worried sick so I'm going to call him and tell him that I'm fine.

Makoto: W-Wait, so father doesn't know that you're here?! Did you run away or something?

Shouichi: No, I'll explain everything after letting him know.

Shouichi than grabbed Makoto's home phone to dial their father's number. Later after Shouichi was finished with the phone call, him and Makoto entered the living room to sit down.

Makoto: So, what's up? What's going on?

Shouichi: Uh, Makotonii-san. I came to ask you for a favor.

Makoto: Sure, what is it?

Shouichi was silent for a moment until he finally asked.

Shouichi: Can you teach me how to become a hero?

Makoto was blown away for a second until he finally spoke up.

Makoto: Where did this come from? I thought that you weren't interested in heroes?

Shouichi: I'm not, it's for a friend of mine. He was in an accident and he always wanted to become a hero, but he isn't able to walk anymore so he can't become one. So, he asked me if I can promise him if I can fulfil his dreams for him and I agreed. So please, teach me how to become a hero so I could help him reach his dream!

Shouichi bowed and tried his best to hold in his tears. Makoto was silent for a moment until he finally gave his answer.

Makoto: This friend of yours seems very important to you. But I'm sorry, it's not my job to teach people how to become a hero.

Shouichi than lowered his head from disappointment until Makoto continued.

Makoto: But I can recommend you a school that teaches students how to become pro heroes. You haven't signed up for any high schools yet, right?

Shouichi: I haven't.

Makoto: Good, because this school will definitely help you. Sign up for U.A. High and they will teach you how to become a hero. Once you graduate, then you have successfully achieved your friend's promise.


The flashback end with Shouichi still in position while Midnight yelled "START!" (K)Ryotaro began to charge towards Shouichi while he hasn't moved an inch.

End of chapter 9