Heroes Never Die It's Hero Time

by Guardian-Sigil

One would think that in a world where everyday people possess impossible abilities nothing would really be a surprise. Izuku Midoriya, who upon the age of four was diagnosed as quirkless, was denied of his dream of become a hero that can save everyone with a smile. But fate gives him a chance; allowing him access not to one but a universe of powers and abilities.

24. Ch:24 Fight! Fight! Fight!

Alright here we go, let's finish off Round One of the Tournament with a bang!

*Warning! There is a tiny manga spoiler within this chapter. It's nothing that major but just a heads up.

---

**********(Opening Theme)**********

*Lyric

*Scene

Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh Oh, woah, ohh ohh

Izuku slowly walks up a stage as he fades between his alien forms. Below him students look up in anticipation as the crowd cheers.

Instrumental

Izuku makes it to the top of the stage and looks down at his fellow students who look back up at him challengingly.

Itsuka bokura no ue o suresure ni toorisugiteitta ano hikouki o

Izuku flys through the sky on his hoverboard with a smile before running into turbulence and slipping off it

Fushigi na kurai ni oboeteru imi mo nai no ni naze ka

The teenager ends up crashing through a familiar building. A moment later he runs out as Mr. Baumann chases after him with a broom. Inside the store Nezu and Thirteen laugh as they watch the events unfold.

Fugainakute naita hi no yoru ni tada tsuyokunaritai to negatteta

Izuku walks towards class as he's joined by Ochaco and all his friends. They pass by other students such as Hitoshi, Mei, and the 1-B students and a few megawatts as they continue walking.

Sono tame ni hitsuyou na yuuki o sagashimotometeita

Izuku slows down to see Todoroki standing in front of him with a serious expression. Behind him Endeavor glares.

Zankoku na unmei ga sadamatteru to s***

Ochaco meditates as she allows One For All to flow around her as Toshinori looks on. Suddenly Toshinori turns around to look at Izuku in his middle school uniform on the roof.

Sore ga itsu no hi ka boku no mae ni arawareru to s***

Behind Izuku the shadows of his tormentors including Katsuki appear before fading, leaving just Henzu who gives a mock salute.

Tada isshun

Izuku and Henzu are seen laughing together at something.

kono isshun

The two are now standing back to back, Izuku looks sad while Henzu looks angry.

iki ga dekiru nara

Izuku turns to reach out to Henzu who walks away and slowly turns into his mutated form.

Dou demo ii to Omoeta

Izuku a single tear comes down his face before opening his eyes revealing back on the stage as the other students look up at him.

sono kokoro o Instrumental

Slowly a smile appears on his face as the other students give him challenging looks. He returns the challenge by holding his hand out in a 'come and get me' motion

Mou ichido tooku e ike tooku e ike to boku no naka de dare ka ga utau

Izuku runs across the field ducking and dodging other students as they let loose their quirks, such as Mei gliding by in support gear, Shiozaki creating multiple vines, Kendo shattering the ground with her hands and Shinso walking through it all with a cool expression.

Dou shiyou mo nai hodo netsuretsu ni

Ochaco grins as she roars out, all around her gravity begins to distort. Behind her the shadows of the previous wielders appear.

Itsudatte

me o harashita kimi ga nido to kanashimanai you ni waraeru

Heatblast destroys an oncoming glacier, XLR8 races against a certain speedster, Four Arms fights off Dark Shadow, Diamondhead dodges multiple falling rocks only to be consumed in a powerful explosion.

Sonna hiiroo ni naru tame no uta

Izuku runs out of the fire with a determined expression as he runs at all his waiting opponents.

Saraba kakagero Peace Sign

All across the universe multiple aliens look on their screens at the sports festival

Korogatteiku sutoorii o

Izuku grins as he holds the Omnitrix up.

Instrumental

The scene fades out to reveal Izuku in his Hero costume along with the 1-A students as they all head out into battle.

[Illustrated by Drag0n5on]

**********(End Theme)**********

Ch.24 Fight! Fight! Fight!

"Rahh!" cries Tenya Iida as he returns from his own fight, although fight may not be the right word to use. "That foul woman, she made me look like a fool!"

Kyoka Jiro chuckles. "It was pretty funny if you ask me."

"Gah!"

Itsuka Kendo shakes her head in disapproval. "Sheesh, I knew Hatsume was an odd one, but…"

Yui Kodai cups her chin while nodding in agreement. "Hm, hm."

Yui has black bob-shaped hair with an athletic build, cerulean eyes, and she adorns a neutral expression on her face.

The beast of Class 1-B, Jurota Shishida, adjusts his glasses with a scowl. "I think it's a disgrace to this Tournament. This is supposed to be an event that allows us the opportunity to show off our skills. Not be a ten-minute-long commercial for some degenerate's toys and gadgets."

Iida plops down into his seat beside Izuku with a frustrated scowl. "I still can't believe I fell for it!"

Izuku shivers as he recalls Iida's match. "Iida…you're too sincere, you trusted her motives."

Before the match, Mei Hatsume tricked Iida into wearing some of her inventions. She then proceeded to use his attacks and moves to help display and show off her gadgets to support companies watching the Sports Festival. But the way she went about it was a bit crueller then she needed to be. She absolutely humiliated Iida by demonstrating her gadgets and weapons out on him: flying over him with her jetpack, using specialized cables to fling herself away, capture nets, and many others.

Izuku sweat drops. "She probably made it sound like she was doing you a favor."

"Well, I thought it was fine. You and Aoyama got to wear your devices!"

Yuga Aoyama cuts in. "That is true, monsieur, however." He allows Izuku to explain further.

Izuku is happy to explain. "We put in the proper paperwork since we both need our items to use our Quirks."

Aoyama needs his belt to control his Naval Laser's output, and Izuku needs the Omnitrix to help activate his transformations.

Iida grimaces. "Now…you tell me…"

Toru Hagakure offers up a smile, or she would if they could see it. "I say your match was a nice change of pace, especially after…the one before it." She looks to Mina Ashido who's been rather quiet since her match with Todoroki.

Mina notices her concern. "I-I'm fine…" She offers up a smile hoping to appear confident. She looks over to the corner of the Hero Course viewing box to where Shoto Todoroki is silently sulking in the corner. 'Although he's the one I'm more concerned about.'

Juzo Honenuki shakes his head in denial. "You know I know Midoriya has quite the Quirk on him, but so does Todoroki. I mean that was just crazy." Seriously some of them were nearly impaled by the giant icicles.

Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu scoffs. "Ha, it was nothing! I could have taken it!" Who knows, maybe he could have.

"Hahahaha!" A very disturbed and maniacal laughter echoes through the viewing box. "Yes, it seems that 1-A has some prized geese in their flock!" Neito Monoma, with a deranged grin, leaps in front of the unsuspecting and very much startled Izuku and Iida. "But all it takes for someone to steal the golden egg to make it big." His grubby like fingers crawl in the air. "How about I try your power out for myself, huh?"

He slaps Izuku's head.

Izuku, in typical fashion, flips out and grabs at his head. "Why'd you do that?!"

"Hahaha! Is my class and I that beneath you that you never bothered to learn our Quirks?!" Monoma only displayed and explained it a few chapters ago.

Monoma sighs. "Ah, fine I will indulge you." He spins around dramatically poking his finger against Izuku's eye making sure she gets the point while also personally attacking him. "I can copy other people's Quirks when I touch them!"

While Class 1-A are stunned by the revelation, Izuku feels like the rug has been pulled right from underneath him while his stomach sucks in on itself. "What?"

"Hahahaha! Yes, it is true! I now have One Man Army!" Monoma waves his hands about at his sides as if to allow his peers to take in his full glory. "Now I will utilize your Quirk and show you what Class 1-B can truly do! Hahahahaha!" Monoma holds his pose with his mad deranged grin as everyone holds their breaths in anticipation expecting Monoma to disappear behind a veil of green light.

However, the flash of light signaling a transformation never arrives instead both classes are left in a disappointing awkwardness with Monoma just making a fool out of himself.

Monoma, still grinning, tries to save face. "Dammit, it appears you're a Blank."

"Uh, uh, uh…" Izuku is still way too stunned to form words.

So Kendo asks the question that's bugging everyone. "A…blank?"

Monoma sighs with...defeat? "It appears Midoriya is a Blank."

"A…what?"

The copycat sighs. "Well, it's my way of saying that his Quirk requires something to be stored up first before it can be properly used." He drags a hand over his eye as if trying to hold back his aggression. "My power only copies the bare-bones essence of a Quirk. But if the copied ability needs to convert some stockpiled resource into energy, or something else to even use said Quirk, then I won't be able to replicate whatever is accumulated."

Momo Yaoyorozu lights up as it all clicks together. "Oh! I get it. If you were to copy my Quirk you would need proper fats to use your lipids to create objects as well as the knowledge of the structure and materials needed to make such items."

"That is correct!" Monoma is delighted that someone else was actually listening to him. "It's an issue I run into, now and then…and the reason why I couldn't manifest his One Man Army, even after copying it."

Izuku internally sighs with relief. 'Oh, thank goodness! For a minute there…I thought we'd have another Nue on our hands.' Just the thought of another mutant monster with his powers running around is enough to make his skin crawl.

"Hahaha!"

That sudden laughter makes Izuku freeze up, he knows that laugh all too well.

Katsuki Bakugou is laughing his head off from his seat. "Hahaha! You kidding, not only is your Quirk to rip off others, it can't even rip off Deku's Quirk?! Ha, that's rich!"

Monoma instantly turns his attention on Bakugou and begins ranting about his own superiority despite his Quirk's newly established limit.

While Bakugou and Monoma have a little shouting match, Eijiro Kirishima turns to see who's up next to fight. "Well in any case. Who's up next?"

Rikido Sato responds. "It's Uraraka."

Hanta Sero raises an eyebrow. "Really? This should be interesting then."

Kirishima turns to Sato. "She's facing off against that guy from General Studies, right?"

"I think so." replies Sato

Sero has another question to add. "But what's his Quirk?"

Izuku internally gasps when he overhears their conversation. Ochaco left before he could even warn her about Shinso's Quirk. Well, it looks like there's only one way this match is going to end.

---

Ochaco Uraraka gazes out into the sunlit arena from within the dark passageway, where she is waiting for Present Mic to introduce her into the stadium. But while she waits, she tries to calm her nervousness through some breathing exercises and a few arm stretches.

And she has a good reason to be nervous, she's about to face off against an opponent without really having any real knowledge about him.

But to be fair, she sort of did that on purpose. She needs to show her worth to the world and to herself, so she purposely avoided asking Tsuyu, Jiro, and even Deku for some info. She needs to prove her worth to herself, and in order to do that she needs to rely on her own strength, courage, and skill. Of course that's easier said than done.

"Hey."

Ochaco jolts with alarm but relaxes upon seeing that it's only her mentor, Yagi Toshinori.

"Sorry I haven't said hi. You've been doing great, I'm so proud." Toshinori grins and offers up a big thumbs up. "You harnessed One For All!"

Ochaco shakes her head. "No…not yet any way." It was just a bit of instinct and adrenaline at work when she used it and didn't experience any whiplash. "But…I can feel a change. And I'm getting there. But still this power…there's still so much I don't understand about it. I'm still having trouble with the output, all those other times…I was just lucky. Even with all your training my body still can't handle all of One For All yet."

"Yeah." Toshinori cups his chin. "If we're talkin' about how much of One For All you'd be able to use at this point. I'd say my closest guess would be somewhere between five or maybe ten percent."

"Gah…! That low?!" That's disheartening. "Then I have been really lucky in these last events."

Without any warning, Toshinori karate chops his successor on the head. "All I want to hear is that you'll do your best dammit. There's no such thing as luck!"

Ochaco holds her aching head with an adorable yet puffed out pout.

"So, enough talk like that!" continues the Number One hero. "Besides, do you really think you got by on luck alone?!"

Ochaco begrudgingly thinks back on the past events: her use of One For All during the Obstacle Course and how she was able to call upon it during the Cavalry Battle.

"It was your will and determination to never give up that's gotten you this far, and that attitude will keep pushing you forward." Toshinori gazes down at his rightfully nervous successor, he's putting a lot of pressure on her. But he knows she can handle it and even if she doesn't win, he'll still be proud of her. "You may not be the most skilled, have the most versatile Quirk, or even the smartest person here!"

Ochaco pouts. 'I thought this was supposed to be a pep talk…'

"Just remember." Toshinori's body steams and with a puff of smoke, All Might stands before the girl with a massive and inspiring grin. "WHENEVER YOU'RE SCARED OR NERVOUS ABOUT ANY CHALLENGE THAT MAY COME YOUR WAY. JUST TRY AND DEAL WITH IT BY SMILING!"

"Really is that it…?"

"OF COURSE! THINK OF IT AS A SORT OF CHEAT SHEET TO GET RID OF YOUR FEARS. STAND TALL AND SMILE AGAINST ANY ADVERSARY WILL FILL YOU WITH CONFIDENCE!"

Ochaco gets it, that it's a good way to psyche herself into feeling more confident even if she's against an impossible challenge. "I'll give it my all! I'll show everyone what I got!"

"OF COURSE YOU WILL! AND DON'T FORGOT THAT I'M ROOTING FOR YOU, YOUNG URARAKA."

She smiles up at him feeling a bit better but still nervous. She turns and approaches the exit allowing the sunlight to shine down on her as All Might deflates back into his thinner form.

"Alright, alright, alright!" calls out Present Mic. "Admittedly our last few fights could have been a bit more on the rousing side of things. But even so I'm willing to bet that things will change here and now!"

The flatscreens light up with images of the two competitors.

"From Class 1-A's Hero Course we have the warm yet bubbly space girl, Ochaco Uraraka!"

The nervously smiling Ochaco strides across the field towards the battle arena as the audience cheer her name and wish her luck.

"She's up against the rather phlegmatic member of General Studies who managed to sneak his way into the finals, Hitoshi Shinso!"

Hitoshi Shinso remains impassive to the cheers of the crowd, keeping his lackluster eyes forward.

The two stand across from each other as Present Mic continues his commentary.

"Now I probably should have pointed this out sooner but bring on the injuries. Because we got our very own Recovery Girl waiting on standby!" He's hoping that this will spur these two on to have a real fight. Seriously, they need a fight otherwise they may lose the audience. "So, put your morals aside and don't be afraid to play dirty! But of course no life-threatening crap, folks. It's not allowed."

From down below on the field, Cementoss constructs a chair for himself out of cement and takes a seat before smiling at the contestants. "I'll stop anyone who goes too far." After what happened with Todoroki, they decided that he should remain ready and on standby by remaining on the field. "And I'll be sure to stop any attacks from hitting the audience." They had to thaw out some of the bleachers and even part of the audience. So it would be best if they can avoid that again.

Ochaco inhales and then exhales trying to calm her racing heart.

"Scared, are you?" inquires the indifferent yet somewhat biting Shinso. "In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is" His dark cold yet staunch gaze hardens. "If you know what you want your future to hold for you, you can't worry about what other people think."

"Ready?!" shouts Present Mic.

Shinso continues to glare at his opponent. "Broccoli head up there believes that too. I can tell."

"Begin!"

"But you…you're not like him. Are you?"

Ochaco looks like she's just been slapped across the face, is he saying that she's not as…committed or as skilled as Deku? And if so…then she can't help but feel like he's correct.

"You don't understand what it means to work hard." His glare hardens like Ochaco's very existence is an insult to him. "You're just a little girl with no sense of purpose."

Ochaco snaps, her face turning into a scowl. How dare this punk say that about her! She's gone through so much and has to work her ass off just as hard if not harder than others! No way she's going to take this smack talk lying down.

She kicks herself forward. "You don't know what I've been through!"

And like that something in her mind switches off, her eyes glaze over as she goes silent, and she comes to a stop.

Shinso continues to glare at her still form. "That's it. I win."

Up in the Hero Course section Izuku, Jiro, and Tsuyu watch on with worry. They've already figured out what's happened. Shinso tricked Uraraka into falling under his control.

Izuku groans. "Gah! Why didn't we say anything?!"

Tsuyu Asui replies. "I tried to, but she cut me off saying she wanted to figure it out on her own."

"Really?!" Could that be true? It does sound like her, but still?

"Yeah." responds Kyoka Jiro while twiddling an Earphone Jack between her fingers. "She doesn't want to rely on anybody, so she shushed us as soon as we tried to say something." She pokes her chin in thought. "Although I did give her some advice, even if she didn't want it."

Izuku lights up. "You did?!"

"Yeah, but it wasn't much. I just told her to watch what she says to Shinso."

Izuku blinks unsure if that advice was actually useful.

Jiro shrugs upon seeing Izuku's doubtful expression. "Hey, it was all I could say without her snapping at me to shut up."

Izuku grimaces because as far as any of them can tell, that advice was not enough. If anything…Ochaco is officially out of the running. 'She's…going to be devastated.'

And so Izuku can only watch on as Ochaco remains rooted to the spot with a blank and dazed expression as the stadium echoes with murmurs and questions.

Present Mic contributes to the confusion. "Huh?! Hey, hey, what's the dealio? I promised a high stakes fight with tons of action! Don't make me look bad you guys! Why aren't you moving?!"

Ochaco can't even respond; it's like her entire body is devoid of any sense of will.

"The fight has just begun and Ochaco Uraraka is…completely frozen? She's not moving a muscle!"

The audience are stunned by the news. They have no clue what's going on and are at a complete loss. They've seen this girl pull off some incredible feats so far and to have her brought to such a state so quickly is rather mind blowing to them.

"And what's with that look on her face? Could this be a Quirk at work? Shinso seems to have Uraraka completely stunned!"

---

Present Mic continues announcing from within the announcers' box. "He didn't stand out in the first rounds at all but it's possible Shinso's crazy powerful! Who could have imagined this turn of events?!"

Shouta Aizawa could have. "It's a perfect example of why the Entrance Exam isn't rational."

Present Mic raises an eyebrow at his longtime friend. "Huh? Why's that?"

"You're not the only one who did some research during the break." Within his casted arms, Aizawa holds up several sheets of paper. "Since we're on the individual matches, I had some information compiled about all our competitors." He gazes down at the info, specifically peering down at Shino's file. "Shinso failed the practical exam to get into the hero course, albeit by a small margin."

Shinso used his athletic abilities to get to the off switches located on the robots, but it wasn't enough.

"Since he also applied for General Studies, he probably figures that would happen." Mainly because of the nature of his Quirk. "His Quirk is incredibly strong, but that entrance test consisted of fighting faux villains. Robots." Basically he can't use his Quirk on nonliving things and with the rules they had in place that prevent examinees from interfering with each other, Shinso really had no opportunity to use his Brainwashing Quirk.

"The robots gave a huge advantage to those who have physical superpowers they could show off."

Like Aoyama and his lasers, Feedback and his electrical powers, Bakugou and his Explosions, and especially Uraraka's display of power that smashed an entire Zero-Point bot.

Aizawa eyes the indigo-haired boy, his eyes filled with what may be sympathy and admiration. "Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing." He peers back down at the papers. "But he's been putting in the effort."

Along with the sheets, Aizawa has a timetable from the U.A. gym and on it lists out the various times Shino has used the facility since the start of the school year. The answer is that he's been there nearly every single day. In other words, he's been preparing for the Sports Festival and covering his weaknesses since day one.

'Impressive.'

---

Ochaco remains stock still, much like a puppet dangling from its strings while the puppetmaster simply examines his newest plaything.

"So, here we are." Shinso fists clench at his side and a belligerent frown adorns his face. "You're lucky to have been so blessed, Ochaco Uraraka." After all she was born with such a unique and flashy Quirk. "Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero."

Like a zombie, Ochaco slowly turns around and slowly stomps back the way she came.

"Uh…What?!" shouts Present Mic. "Ah! Uraraka, your opponent's the other way!"

Izuku's fists clench white as he grinds his teeth together. "Come on, Uraraka. Snap out of it."

Although Izuku sympathizes with Shinso's plight, he doesn't want to see his friend lose either. But then again, he doesn't want Shinso to lose either, after all he honestly believes that someone like Shinso could be a hero. But if he doesn't make a big impression, he's not going to make it into the Hero Course… Dammit!

Izuku's emotions are stuck between a rock and a hard place, but even so it looks like there is only one way this is going to end.

Iida flails his arms out like a robot beside him. "She can't walk out of the ring! She'll lose the match if she does!"

Bakugou remains seated with an annoyed scowl on his face.

Todoroki watches wondering if this is the end for her, and if so, that is rather disappointing. He really desired the chance to confront and defeat her himself.

Meanwhile, Toshinori is in a state of panic from within the dark passageway. His fingers are digging into the edge of the gate as he fearfully eyes his successor's zombie-like demeanor. "What is this power?" It's terrifying!

Present Mic finally manages to pry Shinso's file away from Aizawa. "Oh, here we go! His Quirk is Brainwashing!" He says it like it explains everything.

Basically Shinso's Brainwashing Quirk works as such: when an opponent answers his question, it flips a switch in their minds forcing them to do whatever he says. Not every question does it, though, because he only brainwashes when he wants to.

As in the case of the blank-eyed brunette who's slowly approaching the out of bounds line.

The panicking Toshinori yelps out. "What are you doing, kid?! Get back in there and show 'im what you're made of!" What happened to her fighting spirit? Is this kid's Brainwashing that strong?!

Unbeknownst to anybody, Ochaco is actually somewhat aware of what's going on. Although she is at a complete loss. 'What's…going on…? My body's…moving all on its own…'

In truth she can't even hear the crowd or her own friends shouting down at her. It's like Shinso's voice is the only thing she can hear. That said, she can somewhat see and feel her own body moving, it's an odd sensation like she's a puppet that is unable to move unless her handler allows it.

'My head is…it's so… foggy. Wh-what's happening…?' Through her blurry vision she can see how dangerously close she is to walking out of bounds. 'N-no…! I…I have to…fight…for everybody…! I'm…I'm such an idiot…I should have…I should have asked about his power. About his Quirk…' Through her foggy mind something finally gets through. 'Hang on…it's a Quirk. Which means…it has a limit or a weakness!' She just needs to figure it somehow, but what could it be?

'But…even if I figure it out…there's not enough time. I'm…going to lose! It's all…over.' She is only a few steps away now. 'Even though…so many…of my friends and family…are counting on me…'

If she could, she'd be crying. She needs to show what she can do, so she can get scouted to a good agency so she can guarantee her success as a hero. Without that her parents will have to suffer even longer! All Might will have to wait longer for her to take over as the Symbol of Peace. And her friends and classmates will move on without her, they'll get stronger while she's still trying to figure out her own Quirks… 'They're all watching me… All of them! They'll all see me fail them!'

Something within her breaks through her sorrow, as if her very soul has been lit aflame. Her gaze trails forward for a moment to the dark passageway where her mentor stands watching.

But she doesn't see him, instead from within the dark void are shining stars that are flashing various colors that flood her vision, but despite the bright color show she doesn't flinch or gets blinded. Instead the rays of light flow into her as if giving her energy and the confidence she needs.

All too soon the color show dissipates, and the dark passageway returns to her vision but instead of being greeted by the sight of her predecessor she instead gazes upon several ominous and shrouded silhouettes. Each individual looks back at her with resolute gazes, but their gazes aren't looking at her per say but her very soul. As if they are examining her character…

And all too soon, those bright lights before come flooding back, hindering her vision. But she feels something, something…almost supernatural as One For All activates all on its own accord. Two of her fingers glow brightly with a pink aura, she can feel it happening, but…she is not the one willing it to do so.

Shinso, unaware of the phenomena, continues to glare at Ochaco's retreating form. "Even with a Quirk like this, I have my own dreams of becoming a great hero." And he will make it a reality.

At this point her foot is nearly over the line.

"So, lose for me." Lose for his dream.

Sorry Shinso but whatever force is acting upon One For All has other plans. Because Ochaco's fingers flick downward and instantly generates a gale of wind that sends out a powerful shockwave that shakes the entire battlefield and throws Shinso, All Might, Deku, and even Ochaco herself for a loop.

Ochaco pants heavily as her senses finally return and not too soon because her feet are less than an inch away from walking out of bounds.

Present Mic shouts into his microphone. "What's this?! Uraraka stopped just in time!"

The audience is going crazy, this is such an upset. They truly thought it was all over then and there.

Iida shoots out from his seat. "That's the way to do it!"

Izuku is just as excited. "Yeah, Uraraka!"

"She did it?!" cry Tsuyu and Jiro, they didn't think it would be possible to break out of Shinso's Quirk unless an external force struck her.

From above Aizawa gasps as he notices Ochaco's injury. 'Her fingers.' They're swollen and red. 'She damaged them in order to stop Shinso's Quirk…reckless but well played.'

The panting Ochaco turns and glares back at the astonished and rather scared Shinso.

Shinso backpedals to get away from the powerful beast. "No. Impossible." He growls before erupting at her. "You're not supposed to be able to fight back! What did you do?!"

The panting Ochaco is still reeling back from what just occurred to even register Shinso's demands. 'What…what was that? My hand…used One For All all on its…own… No that's not right. It was like someone else activated it…controlled it. But it wasn't me. It was like people I didn't know came into my mind. And for a split second…it was clear…could it be that…'

She recalls the secret All Might shared with her about One For All: that it's "a sacred torch that's been passed on from person to person." And just like that it all clicks together. 'Those silhouettes! Were they-'

"HOW'D YOU DO THAT!?" Shinso roars, his extremely aggravated voice interrupting her pondering.

Ochaco grips her injured hand, forgetting all about her theory for now. Right now she needs to focus on the fight, it's not over yet after all.

"What the hell are you?!"

She opens her mouth to refute back but then stops…she realizes something. During the Cavalry Battle she saw how Bakugou went silent all of a sudden. And it was when Shinso called out to him. And then there's Jiro's advice. She said to watch what you say around this guy…was that a warning, a hint?

She steadies her stance. 'That's got to be it…but if I'm wrong.. Then it truly is over.'

Shinso picks up on her deduction and scowls. 'She's not answering. Did she figure it out?' He studies her expression, her steadfast expression. 'Yeah…she did. Didn't she. Shit! This is why I was hoping to sneak my way into the Tournament without being in the spotlight. But Broccoli head had to go and screw all that up, didn't he? Did he warn her? Did he tell her…? No, he didn't. He's too modest and honorable for that. And even if he did, he knows that guys like him and me-' Shinso stands tall trying to seem imposing. '-don't give up that easily.'

But first he should test to see if she really did figure him out already. "Come on say something."

Ochaco frowns while readying herself to make a move, keeping her mouth shut the entire time.

Shinso tries to offer up a smile, maybe it will help her relax and slip up. "I didn't know you had so much power…well I mean I had an idea, but I wasn't sure." Actually it's why he was so quick to use his Quirk on her because of how terrifyingly powerful this girl is. "You really are blessed, aren't you?"

Ochaco begins to run forward, but with a slow start thanks to the pain. 'No I'm not blessed…I had to earn my place here, too.'

"Thanks to the way my Quirk works. I've always been at a big disadvantage. But someone as blessed as you wouldn't understand that!" Shinso snaps, he's beginning to freak out with her lack of a response.

'I understand…I do.' She starts to gain speed. 'You may not understand me, but I think I understand you. You were born into circumstances you couldn't control.' Much like how she was born into a family drowning in poverty or how Deku was born without a Quirk. 'But you will do anything to achieve your dream, too! Like me!'

"You're lucky enough to have a heroic Quirk! It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal!"

She's gaining more speed. 'You're half right…I am lucky, but…it'll be far from easy' She was lucky enough to be trained by the Symbol of Peace, but she still had to earn his power. She was lucky to make friends with Deku, but she still has to pull her own weight and show she can handle herself! And she only has so much more to work for! 'That's why I'm here!'

All too quickly for Shinso to follow, Ochaco is upon him, and she thrusts her good hand out at him. She'll use Zero-Gravity to push him right out of the ring and bring this match to a close. It'll be as simple as that.

But then again, she should know by now that things are much more complicated than that.

Shinso glares at her as her hand is nearly upon him, and in that moment, he can't help but think back to why he's even standing before her in the first place.

##########(Flashback)#########

It was just another day at Nabu Middle School, and a younger Hitoshi Shinso was simply minding his own business alone in his seat.

"Your Quirk is Brainwashing?" asks a rather too hyperactive classmate. "That's so cool!"

Shinso just stares up at the boy blankly before the second boy interrupts. "Seriously?! I can't think of anyone who's had that power."

Another classmate, a girl this time, interjects herself into the conversation. "I'm so jealous, Shinso."

The first student smiles. "Imagine all the cool stuff you could do by controlling people."

The other boy has a devious look in his eyes like he's thinking of something pervy and definitely law breaking. "Yeah, you can do any bad thing you want."

The girl chuckles. "And no one would ever know it was you. Just promise you won't make us your slaves, okay?"

These three are joking of course but…it still hurts. It actually hurts Shinso to know that this is how his peers see him and his Quirk, and the potential they both have. They believe he's perfect for the role of villain.

"Heh…" Shinso tries to smile it off. "Everyone always says that."

But that is not how he truly felt at the time. 'Of course, I'd probably think anyone with my power would use it for evil, too.'

In times like this he can't help but think back to the kinds of things people always say about him:

"Sounds criminal, Shinso."

"It's the perfect power for a villain to have."

"I'm afraid he'll make me do something… "

Of course there are also those who remain silent as if afraid of him and what he may do to them if they answered him.

'I'm used to people looking at me like I'm the bad guy.' But he never did get used to it or how…lonely it can be. So much that…it really hurts at times. 'But you know what? I'm not…I'm not a villain.'

########(End Flashback)#######

Shinso glares at Ochaco as her hand is nearly upon him. And with a sly smirk the wrongly judged puppeteer side steps and lets Ochaco rush right past him.

Almost in slow motion, he smirks down at Ochaco's shock expression and with a quick move he slugs her across the face knocking her away.

Ochaco nearly loses her balance before coming to a stop, holding her cheek as she wonders what just happened. How could he have been that quick?

Shinso smirks, finding her bewilderment amusing. "Sorry, but it's not going to be that easy."

Present Mic was also caught off guard by the sudden move by Shinso. "What was that?! Rather than Uraraka landing a hit it was Shinso! Are we finally going to have a real fight?"

Shinso snickers, as he takes a more combative ready stance and gestures for Ochaco to make another move at him.

The audience screams with excitement. They love this new development.

The round-faced student glowers, she's still a bit shaken by the One For All's sudden activation and with Shinso's surprising moves, she knows that if she tries to use All Might's Quirk again, she'll only injure herself further. So, for now, she can only rely on Zero-Gravity assuming Shinso will let her get a hit on him.

'If you wanna fight…then let's fight!' Ochaco leaps at Shinso again, biting her tongue to prevent herself from speaking.

Ochaco thrusts her open hand forward but Shinso grabs her wrist and pushes her away, letting her run on by without touching him.

"You've probably figured it out, but my Quirk requires you to speak." Shinso smirks. "But your Quirk has its own requirements too. That last attack, rather than going for a punch you tried tagging me."

Ochaco grimaces with worry. 'Did he figure me out?!'

He did. "To use your Quirk you need to tag me, so I just won't let that happen either."

Present Mic bellows into the microphone. "Haha, looks like Shinso read Uraraka's moves like a book! How will she cope?!"

Aizawa leans forward in his seat. "Both have their own restrictions. One can't be allowed to speak while the other can't afford to be touched." This should make things interesting. "I wonder how they'll cope."

Ochaco runs forward, with only one hand at the ready since the other is disabled. 'I have to get him! Fast!'

This time rather than sidestepping Shinso grabs her wrist and falls backwards. He takes Ochaco with him, using his weight and her momentum to pull her over him. He then kicks his leg up from under her and launches her over himself. She slams against the ground with a groan and a yelp of pain.

All too soon Shinso is back on his feet just as Ochaco pushes herself off the ground.

"I'm going to give this my all!" He roars as he jumps forward reading to deal a massive blow with a devastating knee to the face.

Ochaco acts quickly using her left arm to block and deflect the kick, throwing Shinso off balance. She leaps forward and body checks him.

"Ooff!" Shinso grunts as Ochaco smashes into his gut making him stagger backward.

Ochaco isn't done; she's already running right for him with her good hand ready to strike. 'I've got you!'

Shinso, able to pick up on her body language, grabs her wrist once again and knocks it away. However while using his arm to deflect her hand, he is left wide open and Ochaco's injured hand slams against him. Her injured fingertips light up as Zero-Gravity takes effect.

Shinso internally gasps. 'Her hand…clever. I didn't even think she'd be so reckless.' No doubt her hand feels like it's on fire from all the pain.

Shinso, despite having his body become weightless and is now slowly floating backwards, smiles. Sure defeat is imminent, there's no way he can hope to stop the effects of her Quirk. Even so he can't help but respect his opponent.

"I guess I was wrong about you."

Ochaco nearly gasps in surprise but cuts herself off, not completely trusting this guy.

Shinso snickers. "That last move was reckless…like someone who's desperate to win. It was an action of someone…who has a purpose."

Ochaco actually relaxes, she's almost relieved to hear that her opponent can understand her too.

Shinso's body is nearly over the out of bounds line. "You do know what it means to work hard don't you?"

She nods with no hesitation.

Shinso can only smile as he crosses over the line. "That's good…I'm glad to see Broccoli head isn't the only one that understands what it means to be a hero."

And just like that the match is over.

Midnight throws her hand up to signal its end. "Shinso is out of bounds! Uraraka advances on to her next match!"

The entire stadium erupts into cheers of joy. Even though that fight wasn't anything too flashy it was still a nice change of pace after everything they've seen.

Ochaco pants heavily as she releases her hold on Shinso and the indigo-haired teen's feet land back on the ground. Although his smile has softened and is a bit more…sorrowful.

Meanwhile, up in the bleachers Izuku sighs as he shrinks back into his seat. "Ugh, that was so nerve-wracking…"

Jiro nods, wiping the sweat from her brow. "No kidding, I honestly thought it was all over when she fell for his Quirk."

Tsuyu nods although her expression remains calm and neutral. "So, did I, but I'm happy for her."

And they aren't the only ones happy for her victory.

Iida is giving his classmate a standing ovation. "Turning the tables on the last moment, I expect nothing less from Uraraka."

Yui of Class 1-B isn't smiling but that could be because of her more indifferent and stoic expression. Even so she nods along with Iida's statement.

Kendo beams beside her. "Yeah, she did."

"Hm, Shinso's power is amazing." A dark and sinister snicker adorns Monoma's face. "I can really make use of Quirk like his."

Kendo sheepishly chuckles at his comment. "Stop thinking up cockamamy schemes, Monoma. You're only going to embarrass yourself."

Meanwhile, Aizawa is also praising Ochaco's efforts. 'She focused her power like she did during the Obstacle Course, and she's been using her opponent's moves against them. Like how she used Shigaraki's moment to flip him over during the USJ or how she used Shinso's own defense to leave him open to attack. She's not just learning from her experiences: she's using every trick she's picked up until now to improve her own chances.' And he's willing to bet that she's only going to accumulate more experiences to help cultivate her own abilities.

His co-host practically shouts into his ear. "Oh, Yeah! That was a somewhat more boring fight compared to the others, but yet it still had us all on the edges of our seats! So, way to go you two! You really are something!"

Back on the battlefield, Shinso stands opposite of Ochaco who is cradling her swelling and inflamed hand.

"Let's show them some love, everyone!"

The audience kindly applaud their efforts.

Ochaco's eyes cast downward as the applause fall on death ears. Although she's earned Shinso's respect, she is still bugged by what he said: '"Someone as blessed as you could never understand!"'

She gazes upon him and he kindly smiles back at her, but…she can tell. There's a look in his eyes that show how really dispirited he is from this loss.

'"It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal!"'

She can't leave things be after that. She needs to know. "Why…Why do you want to become a hero?"

It's a simple question but a question that can reveal a lot about someone's character: their goals, personality, and reasoning.

The puppeteer grunts, he should have expected a question like that from her. "You can't help the things your heart longs for." He turns and begins to walk away. "You get that, don't you?"

She does, better than anyone.

However, there is something else that bothers her. Even though he seems okay, she can tell that he's still troubled that he may have lost his opportunity to even become a hero. And here she is, a hero in training, and she can't offer up any kind, inspiring words or a smile that'll make him feel better. All she can do is watch her tragic opponent head back to his solitude and depression.

At the same time, Izuku can also sense how downhearted Shinso really is. And he understands why too because he can sympathize with him. They were both born with unfair circumstances that caused others to view them differently than everyone else. And that led to everyone around them to continuously deny their dreams of becoming heroes. That they were only chasing after impossible dreams. And yet here they are…

Izuku simmers before gripping the Omnitrix and jumping off the ledge of the viewing box.

"Midoriya?!"

"Wait!"

"What are you doing?!"

"Ahh! That's so bright!"

The light of the Omnitrix fades away and Buzzshock zooms down the side of the stadium, zipping his way to his teammate. "You were amazing out there Shinso bzz!"

Shinso blinks up at the tiny being and judging from the creatures' overly positive demeanor he easily deduces that this thing is actually Broccoli Head.

Ochaco is just as surprised to see Deku here.

"You should be proud bzz!" proclaims the Megawatt. "You gave it your all bzz! And I know it wasn't all a waste bzz!"

The puppeteer continues to blink up at Buzzshock, unsure if the little monster is messing with him or not.

"I know you'll become a hero; I just know it bzz!"

"What…?" Shinso really doesn't understand this guy. Is he just trying to get his hopes up?

Buzzshock spins around in midair before raising his hand out towards the audience. "Just listen to them bzz!"

Many of Shinso's own classmates are singing his praises from the bleachers above.

"Wow, he never said he was that good!"

"I can't believe he put up such a great fight against the gal who was in first place earlier!"

"He's so cool!"

Shinso is rightly amazed by what he's hearing.

Buzzshock can almost seem his eyes glimmering with hope but the kid's own reservedness is holding it back.

"And that's not all bzzz!"

There are pro heroes also admiring him and his Quirk.

"With a Quirk like that it would be very simple to capture dangerous villains."

"Wish I had it."

"I can't believe they stuck him in general Studies. Those idiots."

"Well, there are a ton of applicants each year. Guess sometimes people slip through the cracks."

"If only he had more combat experience."

"Yeah, I bet he would've dominated."

"What a waste."

The morphed Izuku grins down at the indigo-haired hopeful. "Shinso, you hear that, right bzz?!"

He does.

"They think you're incredible bzz…! No-" Buzzshock shakes his head and beams. "-you are incredible bzz!"

Shinso is still in disbelief…this can't be real can it?

"It's true!" shouts his previous opponent.

Shinso turns to face her, she has the look of someone who needs to get something off her chest. To offer her own words of encouragement.

"Your Quirk…your skills really gave me a tough time!" Seriously just by speaking he forced her to injure herself. "And I know…And I know that with some more practice." All Might's successor looks him dead in the eye. "You can become a great hero!"

Shinso turns away from, soaking in the warm sunlight as if soaking in her words as well. A soft breeze brushes his messy hair, as if Mother Nature herself is offering up a comforting pat to the head.

"Depending on the results, they might transfer people into the Hero Course. Remember that."

Ochaco and Buzzshock are taken back by his response.

"Even if it didn't work out this time. I'm not giving up. I'll get onto the hero track, get certified, and then…" Shinso declares up to the sky with a growl. "I'll become a better pro than any of you."

Both of the Hero Course students inhale and nod with a grunt; they hold him to that. As they release their grunts, they both fall under Shinso's spell.

'He got me again! But why? The match is over.'

'Huh, so this is what it's like bzz.'

Shinso chuckles. "You know, usually people tense up whenever they talk to me." He smiles, a genuine smile, back at them. "If neither of you are on guard, someone's going to defeat you. So be careful." That's an order brought to them by his Quirk, so they have to obey that order.

And with that, they are both free of his Brainwashing.

Shinso continues his path forward, moving past Buzzshock. "Uraraka, you better not lose and make me look bad. Especially to Greeny over there, he needs a reality check."

"Huh bzz?!" exclaims Buzzshock.

'Shinso…' Ochaco's eyebrows furrow. "You can count on it!"

She gasps as she falls for his Brainwashing again.

"…" Shinso glares back at her with an unreadable expression, while Buzzshock chuckles to himself.

Aizawa continues observing as Shinso exits the arena. The Class 1-A homeroom teacher reaches for the sheet he printed out about the boy and tucks it away for later.

---

"Mmmmwah!" Recovery Girl removes her lips from Ochaco's healed up hand as she finishes wrapping up her fingers in bandages. "That should do it." The Youthful Heroine sinks back into her chair.

Ochaco leans back in her seat and takes in the makeshift Nurses' Office. It's smaller than Recovery Girl's usual office but it serves its purpose.

The brunette eyes up at her mentor, Toshinori, who's propped himself against Recovery Girl's desk. "That match with Shinso…I…I couldn't smile through it like…like you could."

Toshinori sighs in understanding, holding the side of his neck. "I heard some of the things he said to you. And it didn't help that you couldn't go easy on him either." Situations like that are never easy.

"Yeah, I just…didn't know what to say or do... " But Deku did, he always knows what to do and say: he was able to smile and make Shinso feel at ease. Something she wasn't able to do.

Toshinori understands more than he cares to admit. "Well, no one expected you to have the answers."

Ochaco gasps up, worried that she's done something wrong.

Toshinori continues. "What I mean is…you don't have to force yourself into understanding everyone's predicaments. There are all sorts of people out there with different backgrounds, personalities, and problems. Naturally there will be those you can't connect with. No matter how hard you may try."

Ochaco sinks down into her chair, feeling more dejected than before.

"But sometimes a simple gesture can provide a lot to a person in trouble."

Ochaco peers up at her mentor.

"Sometimes all we can do is offer up our help and reach out to those that may need our help; however, they don't always accept our help. That said a simple kind gesture lets someone know that there are people out there that are willing to help, that are willing to save them." The Number One Hero makes sure to look at his successor right in the eye before he delivers his next line. "That's what it means to be a Symbol of Peace, it's a signal to those that need saving will be saved."

Ochaco smiles, taking his words to heart. And he is right, she couldn't do much, but maybe her respect and understanding to Shinso will be enough to get through to him. "Thanks All Might, I'll remember that."

"Good."

Ochaco wipes the side of her mouth with the back of her hand. "Alright, I'm good as new. I'll keep my eye on the prize and aim for the top! Just like you told me to!"

Recovery Girl frowns somberly. "Oh, dear. You poor little darling." She turns on Toshinori as does her kind demeanor which takes on a more hostile nature. "Have you been putting too much pressure on her again?!" She unforgivingly slams her fist against the Number One Hero's ribcage.

They can all hear his ribs crack even through Toshinori's loud yelp of pain.

The tall lanky man groans and rubs his aching side. "It was necessary! And that really hurt!"

Ochaco tries to cover up her giggling. Something about seeing the Symbol of Peace getting put down by a sweet old lady is just hilarious to her.

She cuts herself off and remembers something that she needs to bring up and the sooner the better. "Oh, yeah, All Might."

Toshinori hisses in pain as he continues to sooth his aching side; thankfully it wasn't where his injury lies.

"I had…some sort of vision…during the match."

That instantly grabs his attention so much, so he forgets all about his pain.

"There were…people. Maybe eight of them or so? I'm not really sure…it was also so bizarre and fast…" But she can almost recall every piece of it. "When Shinso had me under his Quirk it felt like my brain was all foggy and my senses were dimmed. But…when my sight came back, I saw them. And that's when One For All moved all on its own!" She thinks back on it and remembers how one of the figures seemed to have sunken eyes and a rather thin frame. "Actually…one of them kinda looked like you, All Might." She gazes down at her bandaged hand. "Do you think that…all the others who had your power in the past were there? Were they helping me? Guiding me? Like spirits?" She looks up to her mentor for information, but rather than finding a knowing wise leader she finds a shaking scared dolt.

"Spooky. I'm a…g-ghost?" asks the mightily disturbed Toshinori.

"Wha?! I don't know! Are you?!" That's a dumb question, of course he isn't a ghost…well then again, aliens do exist so maybe that ain't too far off.

The Symbol of Peace composes himself. "Actually, I saw something like that, too. In my younger days."

Ochaco and Recovery Girl peer up at him.

"It's a clear sign that you're getting closer to making One For All your own power."

"So…what was it?"

He considers how to best explain the phenomenon. "Hm, tell me have you ever seen the series Avatar: the Last Airbender?"

"No."

"Gah!" Her answer actually hurt him, making him fall flat on his face. "Dammit, I was really banking on that. Sheesh, you kids these days don't know good TV when they see it." Well then, he needs a different way to explain it.

"Anyway, I think it's like a trace or imprint left by the user's spirit that's left behind in One For All when it's passed on."

Ochaco silently freaks out wondering if there are eight random souls living within her or something.

Upon seeing how disturbed she is by that concept, Toshinori quickly tries to salvage the situation. "Don't worry. Whatever you saw, it won't be interfering with you or your progress in the future, I'm sure. In other words, that vision wasn't what got rid of the Brainwashing effects. Regardless of what you saw out there it was your passion that allowed you to overcome Shinso's power." At least that's what he believes anyway. "If it was only long enough for you to wiggle your fingertips and expel some energy."

Ochaco takes a moment to consider his explanation and she only has one word to describe it. "Lame." Yeah, that's the word for it. "That explanation was really lame. I thought you'd have answers not assumptions."

"Forget about it!" replies Toshinori trying to move the conversation along. "More importantly shouldn't you be worrying about who you're fighting next?"

"Huh?!"

"Next up is Young Kirishima vs. that Kendo girl."

Ochaco's eye pop open, so she jumps out of her seat and she bolts for the exit. "Oh right! I better be going! Thank you for healing my hand."

Recovery Girl smiles back at the girl as she takes off. "Of course but be careful. I don't want to see you again until the festival is over! You hear?!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Ochaco slams the door behind her and runs off leaving the two heroes behind.

The two of them remain there in silence with only the echoes of Ochaco's footsteps filling the void.

When the girl's footsteps fade away Recovery Girl peers up at the Symbol of Peace with something akin to sympathy. "So, she saw you there, too."

There is unspoken conversation exchanged between the two. Like they both know that she shouldn't say anything more than that.

The tired hero's eyes shadow over as he replies in a soft dismal voice. "That's a good thing."

---

"Welcome to the next match of the finals!" greets Present Mic as Ochaco returns to the stands. "Now after such a teeter totter of a fight let's keep the blood pumping with our next two challengers!"

The screens light up with the images of the next fighters.

"One of them's a passionate manly fighter made of rock! The Hero Course's Eijiro Kirishima!"

Kirishima claps his hardened fists together. "Bring it!"

"He's up against a spirited maiden of skill and action. It's Class 1-B's own big sis, Itsuka Kendo!"

Kendo kindly waves up at the cheering audience, appreciating their support.

"Make us proud, Kendo!" shouts Tetsutetsu. "Kick his ass!"

Juzo chuckles at the sight of Tetsutetsu. "Hahaha, something tells me this is going to be fun to watch."

"Come on Kirishima!" Mineta's shouting draws in everyone's attention. "Treat this like a video game where her clothes get ripped off!"

"You're the worst!" shouts the entire Hero Course.

Izuku readies his pen. "Kirishima definitely has the advantage considering his high defense stats. And his hardened skin can turn his arms into the perfect bludgeoning weapons. Basically he's wielding dual battle axes, and if he can land a hit it would definitely cause some major damage. In other words, I think Kirishima already has this fight in the bag. Unless of course Kendo's Quirk can attack from long range. Then Kirishima won't even be able to get close to land a single hit. Of course you can also consider the fact that-"

Ochaco taps his shoulder, interrupting his rapid muttering. "Um, Deku you're freaking everyone out…"

Izuku blinks and spins around to see everyone else staring at him with disturbed and confused expression. He smiles sheepishly before sinking in his seat trying to make himself disappear.

Thankfully, Present Mic pulls everyone's attention back to the battlefield. "Can't wait to see how this one ends! Begin!"

"Oh, yeah!" Kirishima takes off in a full sprint. "Let's make this a real manly fight!"

Kendo can only assume he means that in a nice way.

"Rahh!" Kirishima throws his hardened hand at her, but she ducks down, evading it with ease and goes in for her own karate chop to his ribs.

Her hand inefficiently taps against his rock-like skin. "Oh, boy."

"Hehe, oh come on." snickers Kirishima. "Is that all ya got?"

Kendo smirks. "No, it's not."

She thrusts her open hand up in an uppercut but just as her palm claps with his hardened chin, her entire hand expands to be nearly as big as her entire body.

The sudden expansion of her moving hand slams against Kirishima's chin.

"Gahh!" His head is thrown back and his shark-like teeth nearly bite off his own tongue.

Present Mic screams with joy. "What a move! Just when it seemed like her moves were ineffective, she slugs him with a critical hit! That's got to bite."

Kirishima grins and adjusts his aching jaw. "Damn, that hurt!"

He growls and throws another rock-hard punch her way.

Kendo expertly enlarges her other hand and catches his entire arm in her giant fingers.

Kirishima is shocked, she completely immobilized his arm.

Kendo snickers up at his astonished face. "Tell me, does this hurt?!"

She spins him and flings him away. Kirishima's hardened body bounces and then skids across the ground before coming to a halt.

Kirishima pushes himself off the ground. "Gah…uh…no." He gets back on his feet and grins back at Kendo. "But this will!"

He charges her like a berserker on a rampage, his arms swinging while letting out a battle cry. "Rahhh!"

Kendo shrinks her hands to become much lighter as she zigzags backwards evading several swings while Kirishima continues his charge. The shark-toothed redhead keeps up his assault sending blow after blow at Kendo who manages to evade each of his telegraphed attacks. When she expands her hands again to block or catch his attacks, only to deliver swift strikes with her free hand to his midsection and side.

Kendo thrusts her small hand towards Kirishima's head, but the redhead swerves his head to the side, but as her hand passes by it expands and the side smacks against his head.

Kirishima snarls and throws another punch but Kendo jumps away just in the nick of time.

"Just let me hit you!" demands the irritated redhead.

"That's not how it works!" snaps Kendo.

The crowd is going crazy; they just love an all-out fist fight.

And so does Present Mic. "Wahoo! Bring it on you two! Now this is a duel of fists! It's the untrained yet brawling berserker against the more precise and skilled moves of a martial artist!"

Kendo lands another hit before she barely has time to throw her arm in the way to block a swing from Kirishima.

"Even so Kirishima's Hardening is still providing him a wicked defensive boost."

Kendo leaps forward and throws her own enlarged punch at Kirishima, her knuckles clash against his chest and the force is so strong that Kirishima is forced backwards.

"Rahh!" Kirishima's skin clinks and clanks as it hardens even more with his fighting spirit.

He then charges like a stampeding bull with his axe like arms out at his sides ready to deliver powerful blows.

Kendo squats down with her leg behind her and one shrunk hand on the ground before her. She glares up at the stampeding berserker and just as he's upon her she literally leaps into action. She jumps into the air, but as she does, she expands her hand and uses it to propel herself further up into the air and over the very surprised and still moving Kirishima.

With a steadfast glint in her eye, Kendo twists her body around in midair and expands her opposite hand. With her spinning motion and Kirishima off balance, she easily backhands him and knocks him away.

The redhead falls to his side against the ground just as Kendo lands on her feet, using her shrunken hand to help catch herself. While panting she smirks at the fallen Kirishima. "Did that hurt?"

The audience erupts into cheers and laughs, they love a good comeback.

But she doesn't have time to soak in their praise, the fight isn't over yet. The redhead is already getting back up on his feat, so acting quickly, Kendo rushes him and tackles him back to the ground. She twists her body and by wrapping both her legs around his shoulders and head while grappling his arm in place performing a triangle hold. With this new position, he is unable to reach her with his opposite hand and with his upper body and arm bound she effectively pins him down.

"Let go of me, will ya?!" He struggles to break free, hoping his hardened skin scraping against her skin does anything to deter her, but she is far too tough for something like that to make her lose her advantage.

Kirishima tries to move his arm but all he can do is wiggle it in place, her hold is far too strong as she is far more flexible than he is. He tries to reach for her with his free arm, but his hardened skin doesn't allow him to reach over properly, so he releases his Quirk around his arm and is able to grip her leg. But it does little to deter her.

Kendo strengthens her grip. "Give. It. Up."

"No way!" Kirishima refuses to let it end here.

Summoning all of his strength and forcing his legs to comply despite the odd angle he props his feet against the ground and shakily begins to lift his body off the ground just with the power in his legs alone.

Kendo can only hang on as she's lifted into the air along with Kirishima's bound arm.

"Rahh! I'm not done yet!" Kirishima roars as he throws his bound arm down and slams Kendo's back against the hard surface of the battlefield.

"Gahh!" Kendo groans, the hit was hard enough to break her hold.

Present Mic smiles down at the students. "Way to go Kirishima! Way to show off that fighting spirit, kid!"

Kirishima grins down at his downed opponent. "Ha, weren't expecting that, were ya?"

While still down, Kendo quickly spins her body around and low sweeps Kirishima, kicking up his feet right from under him.

Even with his hardened hide, he falls to the ground hard and just as he's falling Kendo springs up and expands her hand, and with her open palm she slams her giant hand down on Kirishima pinning his entire body against the battlefield.

Kendo snickers down at the immobilized redhead. "Weren't expecting that, huh?"

Present Mic booms with laughter. "Ha, she just proved that paper really beats rock!"

Kirishima can't help but chuckle; she got him, she really got him good. He can barely wiggle his body under her immense grip strength.

Midnight fulfills her role as umpire. "Kirishima can you continue fighting?"

Kirishima accepts his fate with a smile. "Although I hate to admit it, I'm done." At least he can be proud that he gave it his all.

Midnight throws her hand into the air. "Kirishima has conceded defeat! Kendo is the winner!"

The entire stadium applauds Kendo's efforts as Present Mic's voice cuts through their supportive sheers. "And with a well-timed finishing move, Itsuka Kendo of Class 1-B takes the win! But way to fight for it Kirishima, better luck next time."

With the fight over, Kirishima finally releases his Quirk as he sits up. "No kidding. Ahh! Man that sucked!"

"Hey."

Kirishima looks up to see Kendo smiling down at him with her hand out to help him up. "You did well, if you put a little more effort into your fighting style. I'm sure you would have had the upper hand."

The redhead gives her a shark-toothed grin. "Yeah, maybe." He takes her hand and she pulls him to his feet. "But you earned this win. Just be sure to give it your all during your next match."

"You can count on it."

---

"Yeeaaahhh!" Tetsutetsu lets out a gleeful roar. "Way to go Kendo! Way to represent Class 1-B!"

Ibara smiles happily from her seat. "Yes, she did well."

Yui nods.

Sato chuckles consolingly. "Man, I thought Kirishima had this in the bag."

Sero frowns. "Yeah, I thought Hardening would have had the advantage over her Big Fists Quirk."

"Hahaha ha ha!" Monoma's rises from his seat like a vampire that's awoken from his slumber. "What was that? Is Class 1-A shocked to see us, their superiors, out class them?! Who would have guessed? Hahaha ha! Ha!"

Both hero classes deadpan, finding Monoma's tirade tiring. 'What a tool…'

Izuku is the only one not to react since he refuses to move his eyes away from his newly acquired notes. "You know, Monoma isn't that far off."

Everyone instantly reacts to the greenette's comment.

"Huh?!"

"What are you saying?!"

"Traitor!"

"He has truly lost his way."

Izuku blushes with embarrassment. "Wh-what I mean is we can't afford to underestimate anyone."

Everyone quiets down allowing him to explain further.

"W-well, for example everyone thought Kirishima's Quirk is stronger, and arguably it was. But Kendo actually knew how to put technique behind her attacks while also incorporating her Quirk."

Ochaco gets what he's getting at. "Oh, you mean to say that Kendo was essentially the better fighter because of her skills rather than just relying on her Quirk."

"Yeah!"

Bakugou scoffs. "Whatever. In the end the one that has a powerful Quirk and the skills to use it will come out on top."

The entire room stares at Bakugou like he's grown a second head.

He predictably snaps at them. "What the fuck are you all looking at?!"

Sero grins while raising an eyebrow. "Well, that was actually some sound commentary."

Mina chuckles from her seat. "Which is surprising when it comes from you."

"Shut up!" roars the ash-blonde rising from his seat. "I'll kill you!"

Sero turns away, not even bothered by Bakugou's threat. "And he's back."

Izuku chuckles sheepishly from his seat as Bakugou curses Sero's and everyone else's very existence.

Beside him Ochaco gazes down at her own bandaged hand. 'The one who can utilize their skills and their Quirk will come out on top, huh.' Her hand coils up turning into a fist. 'Then I'll be sure to use everything at my disposal.'

---

Her time may come sooner rather than later because it only seems like a few seconds later the next match is already gearing up to be a good one.

If Present Mic's hype up is anything to go by. "The boy with the electric personality! From Class 1-A it's Denki Kaminari!"

The grinning Denki Kaminari tries to suavely salute the crowd, who go along with it and cheer in response.

"And going up against him is someone cut from the same cloth as me, Kyoka Jiro!"

Across from Kaminari is the punk rocker herself with her Earphone Jacks positioned up in front of her like tiny raised fists.

Kaminari snickers at the sight of his opponent, so much so he tries and fails to cover up his grinning mug.

Jiro raises an eyebrow at the boy. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing." Kaminari tries to act all nonchalant but the sly smile on his face says otherwise. "I was just thinking about that cheer outfit you had on earlier."

Jiro quivers in place as her face turns red with embarrassment.

"Yeah, it actually looked quite good on you."

Jiro snarls, glaring daggers at Kaminari as if she's trying to set him on fire with her mind.

"Enough talk! Are you ready?!"

Even as Present Mic is about to start the match, Kaminari continues to run his mouth. "Come one don't be like that." He chuckles with a stupid grin plastered on his face. "You should take it as a compliment."

"Begin!"

Sparks dance around the electrical boy. "After this maybe-" Jiro's Earphone Jack jabs itself right into his eye. "YAAAAAAHHHH!"

Kaminari leaps back grabbing his face and his burning eye, but while he's distracted the dual Earphone Jacks embed themselves into his ears and Jiro releases a sonic burst right through them.

"YAAAAAAHHHH!" Kaminari falls over holding his ears like it's going to explode!

"That was for tricking us you pervert!" shouts the immensely aggravated Jiro.

Present Mic quivers as Kaminari withers in pain. "Poor guy, he shouldn't have poked the bear."

Aizawa sighs. "This is why I tell you not to run your mouth so much."

Kaminari continues to scream in pain and now Jiro is standing over him kicking him while he's down.

"You jerk! You perverted Pikachu looking asshole! This is for humiliating us! You prick!"

The boys of Class 1-A shiver as they watch, taking mental notes to never mess with any of the girls in any way unless they too wish to meet a similar fate.

Whereas, the girls of Class 1-A silently beam from the inside allowing Jiro's action to speak for them.

After a few short moments, an eternity for Kaminari, Midnight calls the match in Jiro's favor. Especially after blood started to seep out of his ears.

And just like Jiro firmly established the new law of Class 1-A. It's not right to mess with a woman just for one's own personal pervertedness. Hopefully Mineta was paying attention.

---

Kaminari had to be carried out off the battlefield by some medical bots while the audience, mainly the female percentage, applauded her one-sided victory.

But with such a short match, Present Mic felt the need to continue on. "Even beautiful flowers have thorns. It's the assassin from Class 1-B, Ibara Shiozaki from the Hero Course!"

Ibara Shiozaki strolls across the field towards the battlefield with a calm disposition.

"She is up against the living bomb himself, a snarling beast with the power of Explosion, Katsuki Bakugou!"

The ash blonde climbs the stairs to enter the battlefield as Ibara joins him from the opposite end. He adorns his usual scowl on his face, but this time there seems to be more of a fire behind it, like he's itching to get going.

"Keep those eyes peeled! I wanna see a super-flashy battle this time!"

"Excuse me!"

Present Mic shushes himself so he can properly hear Ibara.

"Please pardon the interruption." Ibara waves up at the commentators. "I'm not sure why you called me an assassin. I've come to the festival in search of victory not to take my opponent's life. That wouldn't be in line with the values of a hero at all, sir."

"Right. I'm sorry."

"Gentlemen, I didn't enter U.A. for wicked or selfish reasons," She holds her hands out as the heavens themselves shines down on her. "but to deliver salvation to others. It is my humble quest to spread true good across this world."

"Listen, I said I was sorry! That was my bad, okay?"

Ibara smiles up at the apologetic announcer. "I thank you for your understanding." She bows in appreciation.

Ochaco gulps. "I have a bad feeling about this."

The wielder of the Omnitrix nods. "Yeah, me too."

Ojiro overhears their concern. "Why's that?"

Ochaco turns to address the tailed blonde. "Well, from what I can tell Ibara is way more…composed and gentler than Bakugou is."

"How is that a bad thing?"

"It isn't, but…"

Izuku takes over the explanation from there. "Bakugou is far from gentle by every definition of the word."

"So, what?!"

Izuku, Ochaco, and Ojiro turn to see a grinning Monoma eavesdropping on their conversation. "I'd say Ibara's temperament is far more suited to heroism than Bakugou's!"

Nearly everyone, especially Class 1-A, agrees. "True."

Izuku, however, is the only one who has a bit more to say on that matter. "No it's not."

"Excuse me?!" barks Monoma, offended on Ibara's behalf.

"Bakugou may be a jerk… No correct that, he's the biggest asshole to ever be a jerk. But there's one thing I know for certain about him."

Ochaco eyes Izuku warily. "And that is…?"

"There's nobody else that is more driven to become a hero than he is."

---

Present Mic booms from above. "Let the final match of Round One begin!"

Ibara claps her hands together as her vines burst into the ground behind her. Like a stream of water, her vines race through the ground before erupting around Bakugou and ensnaring him in a cocoon of thorns and vegetation.

"Ibara was so fast, she's captured Bakugou right out the gate! Is it over already?!"

Izuku can't help but think that it is over…for Ibara anyway.

Bakugou grin like a predator that's about to kill its prey. And with that Bakugou releases what can only be described as a miniature A-Bomb from within the cocoon.

The vines don't stand a chance against the massive fiery shockwave that erupts out into the world. The heat, smoke, and ash swallow up the entire battlefield, demolishing it with the powerful shockwave that's set forth.

The resonating boom of the explosion shakes the stadium, so much so that many of the pro heroes standing guard outside actually thought a real-life bomb must have been dropped into the stadium.

Cementoss was at the ready but thankfully the explosion wasn't big enough to envelop or endanger any of the audience, but the display of the inferno before them silences them as the heat and wind generated wipes at their faces.

When the explosion settles down a manically grinning Bakugou is located within a smocking circle of ash as his palms smoke from the heat.

As for Ibara she was launched out of the battlefield and is now lying on the burnt grass. Her vines are charred and even flaming as it's sprawled out across the field. And it's clear to everyone that she will not be getting up any time soon.

Midnight, who was flung off her podium for standing a little too close, tries to save face. "Ib-Ibara h-has been knocked out. B-Bakugou will move on!"

Bakugou exhales before pocketing his hands and turning right around without acknowledging his opponent.

It takes a few moments for the audience to eventually register how overly powerful some of these kids really are and begin to applaud although with less enthusiasm then before as if afraid the anger prone blonde will fire off another Explosion.

Class 1-B are in a mixed state of shock and worry: shock because of Bakugou's inferno and worry for their classmate. So, none of them are able to peep a word.

Class 1-A are just as taken back, they didn't expect Bakugou to pull off such a move so quickly.

Izuku frowns at the sight of his ex-friend. 'Bakugou…you're taking this, seriously aren't you? You're aiming for the top, too aren't you?'

Almost as if he heard him, Bakugou stops dead in his tracks and glares up at Izuku.

The greenette flinches, those furious red eyes pierce into him as if to say he'll be next. Izuku gulps and nods, acknowledging Bakugou's challenge.

Satisfied that he got the message, Bakugou stomps off for the exit as medial bots escort Ibara off the field.

Izuku stares down at the Omnitrix examining its black body, white trim, and green dial. 'But you're not the only one aiming for the top. The competition is only going to get harder from here on in. I will come out on top. Count on it.'

---

And so ends Ch.24 Fight! Fight! Fight! and begins Ch.25, now those matches should be just as exciting if not more. Those matches will include the following:

1. Izuku Midoriya vs. Fumikage Tokoyami

2. Shoto Todoroki vs. Tenya Iida

3. Ochaco Uraraka vs. Itsuka Kendo

4. Kyoka Jiro vs. Katsuki Bakugou

*Just for clarification, Iida's fight against Hatsume went exactly the same as it did in the anime.

*Also, many of you wondered if Monoma would be a second Henzu/Nue because of his Copycat Quirk. I wanted to nip that in the butt, because that will not be occurring. Sorry but I think one chimera monster with alien powers is enough.

*Also, Kaminari will be fine after his battle against Jiro. None of the damage he took is anything Recovery Girl can't fix so don't worry. He won't be going deaf any time soon.

*Also I know I didn't really get to show any aliens or alien related stuff in this chapter. Don't worry I will be making up for that next time, promise.

---

Replies to "Guest" reviewers for Ch.23:

Aztec 13: I like this chapter it's fun the fights are awesome and the characters interaction are great, I can't wait to see how the other matches will play out ,please continue

CreateGunner1209: Thank for leaving a review, I hope you thought this chapter was just as enjoyable.

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Atom king: This chapter is off on a great start with Shoto explaining his mess up relationship with his dad Endeavor and I agree with you I hope endeavor gets what coming to him from there both Izuku and Ochaco tells Shoto why they want to be heroes, although it looks Shoto is being suspicious about Izuku and how his powers works, can't wait to see his reaction to Truth.

Now the match are the same only difference is that Izuku and Ochaco switch opponents, now lzuku fight with tsuyu is great it show both of their quick thinking and tsuyu finally got her payback for Izuku puns but again I think tsuyu is going to get use them if she hangs out with Izuku more maybe make more of her own puns maybe she'll start like them even , anyway it's awesome fight and nice incredible hulk reference.

Now the match between Momo and Tokoyami play out the same but I did hope it play out differently like Momo use the diamond piece that Izuku gave her when he was diamondhead.

Now the match with Mina and Shoto now before the match started Shoto was talking with endeavor now thanks to that Shoto has build up a lot anger and during the fight we see that Mina can sense Shoto anger before he use his ice powers, Mina not only she shoot out acid but can also sense or read emotions from other people wonder what other surprise you have in store for her ?

Another thing during between matches the Omnitrix recharge time has gone down from ten minutes to five minutes, you said that it's upgraded itself so does that mean it turn in the alien force Omnitrix with a new alien playlist?

Anyway can't wait to see the next round of matches like Ochaco and Shinso and Izuku and Tokoyami that one I wonder what alien will Izuku use, anyway awesome chapter .

CreateGunner1209: Thank you for writing a review, I always look forward to reading them. And yeah I am slowly going to have Izuku corrupt Tsuyu with puns. Of course, you catch my references (Hulk) and I am very happy to hear that you do. As for the diamonds I am still holding that back, it's going to take time for Momo to break down its chemical components. As for Mina's character, we are getting closer and closer to addressing her. But we need to get through a few more events first before I think it's time to really address it.

And yes the Omnitrix can now recharge in five minutes, but it is still the same Omnitrix as before. It is still the original Omnitrix. Eventually I will become the Alien Force version, but that will come later.

Finally the next chapter will kick things off with Izuku vs. Tokoyami.

---

Guest: with each person that gets one for all "it" gets stronger right?, following that logic it is unknown how powerful or devastating it could become, also one for all is a one of a kind quirk, very unique, Now where am I getting at?

Well is servantis going to see Ochaco as a dangerous treat too

Because of what she is and because of what she will leave behind?

And will Khyber see Ochaco as prey as well? after all a wielder of "one for all" sounds like a very unique and worthy prey if you ask me.

CreateGunner1209: Thanks for leaving a review, along with questions, and suggestions. I love to hear those. They help inspire future chapters or give me ideas I didn't consider.

So to be honest, I never really liked the Servantis character. He came off as more annoying to me than threatening partially because of how he was handled and because of the retconning involved with him.

Also he would have no reason to know about One For All because it is not common knowledge to the Plumbers. And even if he steals that info from their minds, then he'll also find out about All For One and see him as a bigger threat and that OFA will be necessary. Also if he tries anything then he has to go up against the pro heroes which don't have to listen to his authority. Because in the show the Rooters outrank the Plumbers, but here they don't outrank the heroes. Basically if he goes after the future Symbol of Peace then he knows that he will have U.A. and by extension the Plumbers after him because Nezu and his Plumbers are pro heroes.

This also holds true for Khyber, OFA is not common knowledge and it is a well guarded secret. So, he will have no real reason to go after Ochaco unless it's because he thinks she's powerful. But then again so are her classmates, teachers, pro heroes, etc. Basically Kybher would be hunting everyone on Earth? That doesn't seem like him. Then again having him individually hunt down pro heroes could be fun, but I think he'd prioritize the Omnitrix over everything else. We'll see it will be awhile until he's introduced.

Thanks again for asking though and I'm sorry if that disappoints you. Let me know of anything else you may think of. You never know.

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Guest: About Henzu or Nue i guess, thanks to ben 10 omniverse(season 6 episode 10) we know that Kevin turn into Kevin 11 not once but twice and two different versions of it, the second being during bens second summer vacation, is Henzu gonna get cure of his condition and then turn into another version of Nue but with 10 new unlocked aliens, a "badge even better then the last one".

CreateGunner1209: You'll just have to wait and see. I have something special in mind for the Henzu character. Just you wait and see.

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KnightKing: I'm glad your interested in implementing it even if it is just for an omake. I highly recommend you read the Ink Tank's comic 5yl tho, chapter 9 just dropped recently and it is amazing, plus the art style improves as more chapters come out. So it may look bad if your just reading the first couple chapters but the most recent ones are phenomenal.

CreateGunner1209: I'll give it a look. Thanks for letting me know.

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Guest: También pensaste en capítulos donde aparezcan el "hombre lobo" y la " momia" como antagonistas?

Me entiendes verdad?

Aún así el capítulo estuvo bueno no puedo esperar a lo que viene.

CreateGunner1209: Trust me I have every alien from Ben Ten planned out. Especially all of the monster-like aliens, that said I will be handling most if not all of the aliens differently. Especially the monster aliens, I'm going to handle them differently then how Ben Ten did.

And no I don't understand what you're saying, I need to use google translate because I lack the drive to learn Spanish. That's on me, sorry.

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Guest: Sé que no va estar en el festival deportivo, pero cuando Spitter aparezca no me imagino la reacción de los estudiantes ante su aspecto

De seguro nos vamos a reír de eso incluyendote a tí.

De todos modos buen capítulo.

CreateGunner1209: I agree, Spitter's appearance will definitely be something to see.

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Guest: Se te vino a la mente los caballeros eternos?

Creo que eso tiene potencial.

Solo digo

Buen trabajo con el capítulo

CreateGunner1209: As for the Forever Knights I just recently figured out how to incorporate them. But like a lot of my ideas they will come into play later on.

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BlueRanger-Lyric: Awesome work there buddy, really enjoyed everything that happened in this chapter, but I think that you might be slightly misunderstanding Endeavor, and his a bit more complexed then you may think, so a comeuppance may not be as necessary as you think, to get a better understanding of him, please watch this video

/S9wfjrnbfuA

CreateGunner1209: I understand Endeavor just fine and I know he's been "redeemed." In fact I actually like his character a lot better than how I did at the start. That said, I just personally cannot stand how someone can treat their family the way he did and not let there be some form of justice in that. It's just how I personally feel, that said I may not even have something like that occur though. I do have something else that should make things more interesting though.

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Ben10nMHAfan: This is a pretty good all of the chapter's you've written is awesome, when the fight comes with Izuku vs Shoto start's is it possible Articguana to make an appearance? This way that will force Shoto to use his Flames against an Alien that use Ice powers.

CreateGunner1209: Thanks for the review. Honestly, I kind of wish you told me you wanted Articguana a month ago. I was considering him for the fight but because of other opinions I'm already sold on a different idea on how to treat their match. That said Articguana is one of my favorites and I will eventually include him in this story.

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Atom king: Hey I remember in a episode of ultimate alien where Ben visit area 51 for the first time and finds out it's a illegal prison for aliens and one of them escapes and went after Colonel rozum for revenge for his family, I'm thinking the same could happen in the story like a alien went after a pro hero for putting them in prison, and Izuku has to go after them, now the pro hero who capture the alien I think Eraserhead could be one the alien is after for revenge, what you think?

CreateGunner1209: I like it and I will keep that in mind. That said I think a lot of these more Ben Ten related chapters have to occur after the Provisional License Exam especially if it involves pro heroes that aren't Plumbers. But you never know. Thanks so much for the suggestion.