The Man Out of Time

by Ultimate10

After a 150 years in ice, Izuku Midoriya finds himself in a new world where meta-abilities or "Quirks" are the norm. His journey to becoming a modern Pro Hero will have its challenges keeping his old identity a secret, facing old and new foes, and learning to let go of the past. Does the world even need Captain America anymore? Or is he just too old-fashioned? Marvel/MHA AU World.

24. Chapter 22: All-Star Games Pt 7

…

The Man Out of Time

Chapter 22

---

"There is a difference between being arrogant and confident. Arrogance is of ego while confidence is of soul."

– Unknown

---

Midoriya and Hatsume returned to Class 101-A's private suite, and the room buzzed with excitement as soon as they entered. Congratulations and praises rained down on Hatsume like confetti at a celebration.

"Hatsume! Girl, you were absolutely amazing out there!" Ashido beamed with enthusiasm.

"Yeah, seriously, that was some next-level engineering!" Kirishima chimed in, his grin as bright as ever.

Aoyama added his own flair to the conversation. "Oui! That laser attack was simply magnifique!"

Even Uraraka, who had her reservations about Hatsume, couldn't help but express her admiration. "You were awesome out there, Hatsume-san!"

More voices joined in the chorus of praise, and Hatsume grinned widely in response, thoroughly pleased with the positive feedback. "Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the acknowledgment," she said with her trademark bluntness, making her fellow students chuckle.

Then, in classic Hatsume fashion, she scratched her head and confessed, "But uh…what were your names again?" This remark caused some of the students to fall over in disbelief.

Sero couldn't resist a teasing comment. "She's as bad as Bakugo-san when it comes to forgetting names."

Asui, who appreciated Hatsume's blunt nature, added, "Kero. Though she isn't as rude, more so blunt than anything."

Iida, however, took a more serious approach. He sternly approached Hatsume and said, "Hatsume-san! While I am impressed and even inspired by your remarkable performance, I request that you put in the extra effort to remember your fellow students' names!"

Hatsume waved him off dismissively, making a tick mark appear on Iida's head. "Yeah, yeah! Sure thing, Glasses," she retorted playfully before heading to the refreshments table in the back. "Anyways, you want anything? What kind of fuel do those wonderful legs need?"

Iida blushed slightly at the compliment. "Orange juice," he replied before clearing his throat and emphasizing his point. "But don't change the subject!"

Meanwhile, Kaminari and Tsunotori observed Hatsume and Iida's banter with amusement. Kaminari couldn't help but comment, "Man, it's like watching a cheesy sitcom or something."

Tsunotori chuckled softly and playfully winked at Kaminari. "I know. At least it'll never be boring with them around." Her playful gesture left Kaminari blushing brightly, and he stammered a bit in response.

Jiro, who had been silently observing the exchange, turned away with conflicted feelings. 'Maybe… Maybe I should talk to my mom about what to do. I… I don't want to just give up on him…'

Tokage, seated beside Ashido, couldn't help but grin slyly as she watched the unfolding dynamics. 'Things are definitely getting juicy here.'

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Yaoyorozu approached Midoriya with a sports drink and several energy bars in hand. She was relieved to see that Midoriya no longer appeared troubled after his private conversation with Hatsume. A part of her couldn't help but be curious about the nature of their discussion.

"Here you are, Izuku-kun," she said, offering him the refreshments.

Midoriya nodded appreciatively and accepted them. "Thanks, Momo."

His gaze shifted to Todoroki, who remained seated alone in the front row. Though Midoriya couldn't see his face, he could tell something was weighing heavily on the dual-Quirk user's mind. Maybe it was the realization of how close he had come to defeat earlier, or perhaps it was whatever had triggered him to unleash a devastating glacier attack against Hatsume. Regardless, Midoriya knew he couldn't focus on Todoroki right now, especially with his upcoming match against Bakugo looming.

"By the way," Midoriya inquired, "do you know where Bakugo-san is?"

Kirishima, who had been talking with Ashido, responded, "Oh, Bakugo left earlier. He said he was going to stay in his waiting room."

Midoriya nodded in acknowledgment.

As the pair went to reclaim their seats, Uraraka turned to Yaoyorozu. "Hey, congrats on advancing, Momo-chan." Her smile then became sympathetic. "Although, I'm sorry the win was just handed to you like that."

"It's certainly not how I would have preferred the match to go," Yaoyorozu admitted with a shrug. "But I can only control what I can do."

Ashido leaned forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Still, making it to the Final Four is sweet!" She then glanced at Todoroki in the front row and leaned closer to whisper. "How do you feel about fighting Todoroki-san? Can you take him?"

Yaoyorozu hesitated for a moment, biting her bottom lip. "Maybe," she admitted quietly. "My options are limited against an opponent like him."

Tokage chimed in with a sly grin, "Just make sure you cover your face. Can't have the prettiest girl in class lose her title."

"Um, Momo-chan?" Yaoyorozu turned to Midoriya. "If you want to go over some tactics before your match, I'd be more than happy to help."

Yaoyorozu smiled fondly at him. "I appreciate the offer." She then gestured toward the jumbotron, displaying a 15-minute timer winding down. "But your match is coming up soon. You should get ready for it."

Midoriya agreed, acknowledging that it was time for him to prepare for his own Semifinals match. "Right," he said as he replenished himself with a sports drink and snack. "I'm going to head down. Momo, why don't you accompany me to the elevator? We can talk on the way."

Yaoyorozu felt her heart skip a beat at the invitation but pushed aside any personal feelings and nodded. "Of course."

Uraraka, showing her support, wrapped Midoriya in a heartfelt hug. "Good luck, Izuku-kun! I know you can do it!"

Midoriya, a bit flustered, but appreciative, returned the embrace. "T-Thanks, Occhan."

As he departed, all of his friends echoed Uraraka's words, eliciting an appreciative smile from Midoriya. Together with Yaoyorozu, he walked out of the suite, leaving behind a slightly envious Uraraka.

Noticing Uraraka's emotions, Ashido patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Hey, it's alright, girl."

Asui chimed in. "He probably just wanted to discuss strategy with Yaomomo in private. Kero." She gestured toward Todoroki, several rows down, who appeared lost in his own thoughts.

Uraraka managed a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Ashido grinned knowingly. "You know, when you and Yaomomo were facing each other, he never played favorites. He looked so proud watching you two in action. So don't feel like he's playing favorites between you both."

Uraraka's smile radiated warmth as her thoughts revolved around her handsome, broccoli-haired friend and neighbor.

The man who had valiantly rescued her and Yaoyorozu from a potentially perilous situation in an alley, facing down a group of menacing punks with unwavering resolve and incredible skill. The man who was her constant companion, whether they were training, studying, or simply enjoying each other's company. The man whose expertise ranged from combat techniques and historical knowledge to Heroics, but hilariously lacked any grasp of pop culture.

The man who had undeniably transformed her life for the better since their very first encounter, guiding her toward personal growth as both a Heroine and a person.

In that profound moment, the realization of Uraraka's feelings washed over her, causing her blush to deepen. 'Oh my gosh... I've got it bad, don't I?'

Ashido, Tokage, and Tsunotori exchanged knowing glances when they noticed Uraraka's flustered expression. 'Looks like she's figuring it out. Just two more to go,' they silently communicated with each other.

Midoriya and Yaoyorozu strolled down the corridor toward the elevator, their conversation revolving around strategies for her upcoming match against the formidable Todoroki.

"Without a doubt, Todoroki-san is a formidable opponent," Yaoyorozu began, her expression pensive. "Even though he isn't using his fire, his ice still poses a challenge."

Midoriya nodded in agreement, a serious expression on his face. "You need to take him down immediately," he advised, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "Todoroki will go for the easy win if given the chance."

Yaoyorozu acknowledged his advice with a nod, her mind already working on potential tactics. "I could create a cannon to blast him out of the ring." She suggested, "Nothing lethal, of course. But it would take some time to fabricate..."

Midoriya mulled over her words and then made an intriguing suggestion, "I wonder, in times when you need a weapon fast, what if you could create an object but keep it attached to yourself? You'd be able to cut down on your attack time by a significant margin."

Yaoyorozu's eyes widened with realization, recognizing the merit in Midoriya's unconventional idea. "That's... an interesting thought," she replied thoughtfully. "I'll have to explore that idea further."

The upcoming match against Todoroki had stirred up a sense of determination in Yaoyorozu, but it also reminded her of her previous doubts regarding Midoriya's abilities during his First-Round match against Shiozaki. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt about it, and she decided to address it.

Just as the elevator doors slid open and Midoriya was about to step in, Yaoyorozu halted him with a gentle touch. "Izuku..."

He turned to face her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Yeah? What's wrong, Momo?"

She began hesitantly, her demeanor reflecting her unease. "I wanted to apologize."

Midoriya raised an eyebrow in slight bemusement. "Apologize? For what?"

Yaoyorozu bowed slightly, lowering her head as she continued, "During your first match against Shiozaki, I... I doubted you. I didn't think you'd make it as far as you did in the tournament."

Midoriya blinked twice, genuinely surprised by her apology. It seemed a bit trivial to him, as he couldn't fault her for her assessment. Shiozaki had been a formidable opponent, and his victory had hinged on a single, well-timed move. Had he failed, Shiozaki would've likely thrown him out of the ring.

However, he couldn't help but smile softly, finding irony in the situation. Just as he had apologized to Hatsume earlier for blaming himself for the Arc Reactor's destruction, now Yaoyorozu was apologizing for doubting him. Neither he nor Yaoyorozu were in the wrong in either situation.

"Hey, Momo, it's okay," he reassured her sincerely. "I'm not upset with you at all. We all have moments of doubt and uncertainty. What matters is that you've grown from that experience... just as I have."

Yaoyorozu straightened up, a sense of relief washing over her as she took in his understanding response. "Thank you, Izuku-kun. You've come so far... and you've inspired me, Occhan, and all of us." Her determination shone through as she looked at him with renewed confidence. "I want to make you proud in my match against Todoroki."

Midoriya's emerald eyes sparkled with pride. "You've already made me proud, Momo," he replied, stepping inside the elevator and pressing the ground-level button.

Yaoyorozu was very pleased by that sincere statement. "Izuku-kun," she said with a confident smile. "I'll be cheering you on and… I'll see you in the Finals."

Midoriya smirked and nodded just as the elevator doors slid closed.

---

Bakugo stood at the bathroom sink, water running as he splashed some onto his face. He was careful around his slightly sore, previously broken nose. After whipping his face, he turned his gaze toward the mirror, his thoughts drifting back into the past.

In a preschool room, Young Bakugo found himself in the center of attention, firing tiny explosions from his palms. The children and two adult teachers watched in awe.

"Wow! Look at that!"

"Is he making explosions?!"

"That's so cool!"

"You're so lucky!"

The chorus of praise and admiration continued from both children and adults. The male teacher couldn't contain his excitement.

"Impressive. I bet that's going to grow into an amazing Quirk!"

The woman teacher chimed in, smiling."A flashy Quirk for a future Hero. It's perfect!"

Little Bakugo looked down at his crackling hands with a beaming smile, his red eyes filled with confidence.

"They're right… I am amazing! In fact… I bet there's no one as great as I am!" He internally declared. This epiphany would change the course of Bakugo's life.

Bakugo splashed some more water onto his face, then turned off the faucet and reached for a paper towel. The echoes of his childhood still lingered in his mind.

"Wow, Katsuki! You're so lucky!"

"Hopefully when my Quirk comes in, I can be just as cool as you."

Young Bakugo led a group of neighborhood boys into the forest, puffing out his chest. "Whatever, dorks. Doesn't matter what lame powers you wind up with, you'll never be better than me."

"Aw, c'mon! You don't have to be mean about it," one of them whined.

Little Bakugo smirked and shrugged. "That's just the truth."

Bakugo dried his face and hands with the paper towel before tossing it into the trash. He exited the restroom and walked down the hallway, his right knee causing a slight grimace.

The old hag had healed his superficial injuries, but complete recovery would drain his stamina to the point where competing would be impossible. But Bakugo couldn't let a little pain stop him. He had a goal to achieve.

'This is it. I'm in the All-Star Games Semifinals. Just as I planned from the start…'

His thoughts wandered back to his previous matches against Tokage and Kendo, where victory had been secured through last-ditch effort moves. Those wins didn't meet his standards. The next two matches had to be flawless, undisputed victories for him to claim his position as the next All Might.

However, there was a formidable obstacle in his path.

'Midoriya Izuku…' The name ignited an internal fire of rivalry within him.

The broccoli-headed, stealth-foreigner had proven to be a significant challenge. Despite lacking a flashy Quirk, he had compensated with impressive melee skills, an indestructible shield, and, most importantly, years of experience as a soldier.

Bakugo vividly remembered how effectively Midoriya had beaten him during the Battle Trials. Since that day, he had been contemplating various moves and strategies to take down the former American soldier, and he believed he finally had one that would work, especially with the open ring.

After all, he didn't make it this far on just raw talent alone.

"OW! What was that for, yah hag?!" Young Bakugo shouted after getting smacked by his irate mother.

"You know damn well why I smacked ya, brat!" Bakugo Mitsuki yelled, her temple throbbing. "Your teachers are telling me you're slacking off with your classwork. What's that about?!"

He shrugged uncaringly, pocketing his hands in his pockets. "I'm going to be the Number One Hero someday. Why the heck should I care about schoolwork?"

This was the wrong answer as it earned another smack in the head. "You little dibs**t! You may have gotten lucky being born with a great Quirk, but it won't amount to jack squat if you flunk out of school!"

Despite his complicated relationship with his mother, Bakugo was extremely grateful for her practically beating that lesson into him at a young age. It allowed him not only to excel with his Quirk training, but academically too. He graduated at the top of his class in elementary, middle school, and high school!

There was no way he'd be standing in UA University today had he skimped on his studies.

Bakugo mulled over his upcoming match. Two significant advantages were on his side: the open, gladiator-style setting of the arena and Midoriya's absence of his shield. Part of Bakugo, the competitive part, wanted Midoriya to have his shield for their rematch. He wanted to prove he could beat the green-haired bastard without any handicaps.

But Bakugo wasn't the one making the rules. Besides, Midoriya had made it this far in the games without his shield. It was clear the soldier didn't rely on it to win. A begrudging respect stirred within Bakugo, as much as he hated to admit it.

'Whatever. Shield or no shield, this is as far as he gets!' Bakugo resolutely thought.

Bakugo pushed open the door to what he thought was his waiting room, only to be met with a surprising sight.

"What the…?" he muttered, clearly taken aback.

There, on the floor, was Midoriya, effortlessly performing a handstand pushup…with one arm. Bakugo's brows furrowed in confusion and irritation.

"Bakugo?" Midoriya paused his exercise and looked up at his unexpected visitor.

"The hell are you doing here?! This is my room! Wait… Is this locker room one or two?"

"One." Midoriya replied while switching to his other arm while never flattering.

Bakugo clicked his tongue in annoyance, realizing he had barged into the wrong room.

"By the way, how's your knee?" Midoriya suddenly inquired, his voice calm and collected.

Bakugo's guard went up immediately. "What...?"

"Your right knee. The one Kendo-san dislocated," Midoriya clarified. "Does it feel okay? Oh, what about your nose?"

Bakugo clenched his fists, his anger bubbling to the surface. "Are you... showing pity for me?" he growled, his tone laced with frustration.

Midoriya, however, met Bakugo's fiery gaze with a calm, understanding expression. "Not pity. Just concern."

Bakugo's hands clenched into fists, and his body trembled slightly as he ground his teeth. "I don't need your damn concern. Don't think that just because you've beaten me in the last two events that I'm some weakling who needs saving! Got it?!"

Midoriya stopped his exercises, effortlessly hopping back up to his feet. He regarded the ash-blonde with an arched brow and a concerned expression. "Hold on… Is that what you think? When people show concern for you… you think they're looking down on you?"

Bakugo scoffed, his pride refusing to let him look Midoriya in the eye. He turned away, stopping at the door frame. "Listen up, Midoriya. Enjoy your time on that pedestal." He glanced over his shoulder, glaring daggers at his green-haired rival. "Cause I'll be knocking you off of it very soon."

With that declaration, he promptly slammed the door behind him.

Meanwhile, Midoriya was left standing alone in the locker room, contemplating the explosive teen's broken logic.

Showing concern for someone is admitting that the individual is weak? It was a perspective he couldn't quite comprehend. Though it did provide Midoriya with a glimpse into Bakugo's complex and often contradictory mindset.

"Bakugo is the complete opposite of Todoroki. He always gives it his all to win. But that pride of his..." Midoriya couldn't help but think of another character from his past, a person who shared a similar, destructive pride.

'Zak…' He frowned solemnly.

"If things continue like this with Bakugo," he mused to himself, "it won't end well for him. He'll pick a fight against a Villain he has no chance of beating alone... but will be too prideful to retreat or even call for backup."

"You're gazing upon greatness. I'm going to be Number One around here. The top hero, like All Might. I'm not overconfident or anything. I'm just that good. So, if none of you want to die or anything, you'll stay out of my way. Understand?"

Bakugo's statement from the first day lingered in his mind.

Midoriya let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders. "First Todoroki... then Mei... and now Bakugo."

He clenched his fists, determination etched on his face. "Guess it's time for another lesson."

---

In a private suite overlooking the arena, Yagi and Dean Nezu sat in plush chairs. The chatter of the crowd below and the anticipation in the air filled the room for the upcoming match.

Dean Nezu, with his tablet in hand, was scrolling through the social media comments rolling in on the university's social networking platforms.

"My, my. Young Midoriya seems to be gaining the following, Toshinori." He raised the tablet to show him.

Yagi took a quick glance at the tablet.

I get #BlondeBomber is tough…but #UASoldierBoy got this! He has ❤️ of a Hero! — DMNinja42

#UASoldierBoy and #EndeavorBoy are soooooooooo H-O-T . I hope one of them's available. — KittyTsuchikawa

KittyTsuchikawa You and me both sister 👀😜 — RealMtLady

KittyTsuchikawa RealMtLady Settle down girls! They r still in college! — Mandalay

#UASoldierBoy is a legend in the making! Marks my words, he will win this whole shebang! Yo Joe! — MonkeyDConan

Not taking away what #UASoldierBoy has done. But let's come back to reality. #BlondeBomber will blast #UASoldierBoy out of the ring. #EndeavorBoy vs #BlondeBomber in Finals! — Peakeedivi

Not everyone can be a hero. #UASoldierBoy going to learn that lesson the hard way. — Flashyraff

#UASoldierBoy has been impressive, but #BlondeBomber will squeak out another W — RealDeathArms

#UASoldierBoy isn't going to lose. The canon version of him already lost at this point in the original story arc. — MercWithAMouth

MercWithAMouth ?– Cattlega

#UASoldierBoy is the main character in a so-so fanfiction that's taking too long to get to the endgame. He isn't allowed to lose these games. That's a good way to piss off readers. — MercWithAMouth

MercWithAMouth Whatever you're on please share with us 😂 —InsaneDominator

InsaneDominator Trust me you don't want what I have…unless you're okay with ur face looking like an old bruised avocado — MercWithAMouth

On the readers behalf, Ultimate10, is #UASoldierBoy getting or already received OFA 👀 — MercWithAMouth [Comment deleted]

MercWithAMouth has been blocked by an administrator.

Yagi didn't read the last comment before Nezu deleted it.

Dean Nezu shook his head, sighing in vexation after blocking the most recent user. "Damn him. Damn that lunatic," he murmured under his breath.

Yagi blinked in confusion, unsure of what to make of the dean's recent agitation. It was the first time he had seen the highly intelligent being seem so perturbed.

However, Dean Nezu soon settled down and resumed his cheerful demeanor. "Although some of these comments bring up a fair point," he leaned back in his chair. "Bakugo is exceptionally powerful. Midoriya may have his work cut out for him."

Yagi nodded in agreement. "Young Bakugo is certainly a powerhouse. A very driven and determined one too."

"I worry if Midoriya can overcome this obstacle... unless," Dean Nezu glanced at Yagi with a glint in his beady eyes, "you gave him One For All?"

Yagi chuckled in amusement. "Trying to bait me, sir?"

Nezu shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just curious if you remembered our previous talk regarding the subject. We both agreed it'd be best to wait until the Summer Training Camp to avoid suspicion. I wonder, though, if you may have gotten ahead of yourself and passed your Quirk on to him earlier than planned."

Yagi shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Like I said, I'm keeping young Midoriya's answer close to the vest for now. But," he turned his attention to the TV screen in the corner, which was displaying highlights of Midoriya and Bakugo's battle, "I'm sure you'll figure it out for yourself soon."

Leaning forward in his seat, his cerulean eyes locked onto the arena, Yagi continued, "Young Midoriya has overcome incredible obstacles to get to this point in his life. And though I respect young Bakugo's drive and sheer will... I do believe Izuku will win out."

Dean Nezu made a mental note of how Yagi used Midoriya's first name again. His analytical gaze then returned to the stage. "We shall see. I do love to be surprised sometimes." His grin turned maniacal. "Though if Midoriya were to win, the debates and controversy that would spring from it would be fantastic!"

He proceeded to laugh wildly, once again leaving Yagi feeling uneasy in his presence.

---

Present Mic's voice boomed through the stadium, sending vibrations of excitement through the crowd. The energetic Hero and announcer knew how to electrify the atmosphere like no one else.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Are you ready for some explosive action?" Present Mic's voice reverberated through the arena, his excitement contagious. "It's time to kick off the first All-Star Games Semifinals match, and our contenders are ready to set this place on fire!"

"Hopefully not literally." Aizawa dryly commented.

The stadium erupted in cheers as the spectators eagerly awaited the showdown between Midoriya and Bakugo.

"In one corner, we have the incredible, the unstoppable, the explosive dynamo himself! He's got a fiery spirit and an even hotter Quirk! Give it up for Bakugo Katsuki!"

The crowd roared in response as Bakugo stepped onto the stage, his fiery aura matching the anticipation in the air.

"And in the other corner, we have the incredible, the unbreakable, the embodiment of perseverance! He's proven himself time and time again, and today he's here to show us what he's made of! All the way from across the Pacific–Midoriya Izuku!"

A fresh wave of cheers engulfed the stadium as Midoriya made his dramatic entrance, his resolute expression capturing the audience's attention.

Present Mic's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch as he kept stoking the crowd's excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, these two students have been locked in fierce competition since the start! Midoriya has clinched victory in the first two events, but could Bakugo be the one to thwart his path to the Finals? Stay with us because this match promises to be an intense showdown!"

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the first Semifinals match was on the cusp of commencing.

Midoriya and Bakugo positioned themselves at the center of the arena, maintaining a significant distance of at least 9 meters (~30 feet) between them. Midoriya observed his opponent closely, noting the glistening sheen of sweat on Bakugo's face, arms, and dampness on his clothes.

'He's already worked up a sweat,' Midoriya thought to himself, analyzing the situation. 'He's likely planning to end the match quickly.'

Despite his pride, Bakugo realized that his stamina was limited after receiving healing from Recovery Girl for his broken nose and dislocated knee. Prolonging the match against Midoriya could lead to more opportunities for defeat and reduce his strength for a potential Finals match.

Midoriya couldn't help but give Bakugo credit for his strategic thinking. Despite his arrogant demeanor, he was making sound decisions.

'With that much sweat, he'll likely keep his distance and utilize concussive explosions,' Midoriya deduced. 'He might even attempt a powerful blast to end the match in one move.'

Having discerned Bakugo's intentions, the World War III veteran formulated his own strategy to disrupt his opponent's plan.

"Hey Bakugo!" Midoriya called out, grabbing the ash-blond Pomeranian's attention. "I couldn't help but notice that glossy sheen on your skin. Is that a new moisturizer you're trying out? What's it called, 'Essence of Fear'?"

Midoriya felt grateful for all the time he spent around people like Bucky and James. Throwing shade and insults came naturally for those two. Hopefully they'd appreciate his attempt to emulate them.

Caught off guard by the insult, Bakugo's eyes briefly widened before narrowing into an intense glare. His ruby-red irises practically smoldered with rage as he clenched his teeth.

"What the hell did you just say?!" He roared.

Midoriya feigned a smug smirk. "Oh, just admiring your consistency, Third Place." He taunted, referencing Bakugo's Entrance Exam ranking. His gaze locked onto Bakugo's, unbroken. "But on a serious note, congratulations on making it this far, and hey, a bronze medal isn't too shabby. You'll have something to show off to your family tonight."

With that, the ash-blond practically saw red. His nostrils flared, sparks crackled in his clenched palms, and he issued a menacing snarl. "Midoriya… I'm going to kill you!"

From her pedestal, Midnight called out. "Are both fighters ready?"

"I'm ready, Kayama-sensei," Midoriya said, adopting a sprinter's stance.

"Hell yeah I'm ready!" Bakugo spat out. "Just start the damn match already!"

Midnight exchanged a quick glance with Cementoss from across the ring, receiving his nod of agreement.

She held up her whip momentarily before bringing it down. "BEGIN!"

Midoriya wasted no time, breaking into a full sprint toward Bakugo, determined to close the gap swiftly.

But instead of engaging the super-soldier head-on, Bakugo executed a nimble backwards leap, thrusting his arms forward and unleashing a colossal explosion.

"DIE!"

KA-BOOM!

The shockwaves rippled across the ring, sending concrete debris scattering in all directions and shrouding the audience's view in a dark cloud.

Reacting quickly, Midoriya abruptly halted his sprint, coming to a sliding stop on the ground as he crouched low. Just as Bakugo's eruption concealed his surroundings, Midoriya propelled himself backward, skimming the ground. While he managed to evade the full force of the explosion's shockwave, the deafening noise still pierced his eardrums.

As his back met the concrete, he swiftly rolled onto his front, pulling the hem of his shirt over his mouth and nose. He began to crawl stealthily through the lingering smoke, ignoring the ringing in his ears.

Meanwhile, Bakugo landed gracefully in a crouched position, springing back to his feet, his palms crackling and emitting smoke. 'Nice try, but I'm not falling for that!' he inwardly seethed.

Bakugo recognized Midoriya's attempt to bait him into a reckless charge, with the intent to employ an advanced melee technique. However, the Explosion-user was astute to the soldier's strategy and was determined not to give him the opportunity to make contact.

As the dissipating haze revealed the arena, Bakugo was met with a surprising sight. There sat Midoriya, his legs crossed, chin resting casually on his fist. Aside from some burnt tears in his gym uniform, he appeared relatively unscathed.

Rising to his feet with a casual grace, Midoriya flashed his opponent a sly smirk. "You're improving. I think I felt a breeze on that one."

Bakugo gritted his teeth, his temples pounding madly. He felt like his vision was being consumed by red. Without hesitation, he fired a pair of explosions, propelling himself forward at breakneck speed, closing the gap between him and Midoriya in the blink of an eye.

"You're dead, stealth-gaijin!"

'Haven't heard that nickname in a while. He must be really angry,' Midoriya mused, his eyes locked onto Bakugo's movements with unwavering focus. As the ash-blond hurtled through the air, Midoriya's keen observations led to a small grin forming on his face.

When Bakugo closed the gap between them, he initially cocked back his right arm, seemingly ready for an explosive right hook. However, at the last moment, he pulled back and led with a left hook instead.

'Like hell I'd try the same trick twice!' Flashes of Bakugo's previous fight against Midoriya in the Battle Trials raced through his mind, specifically how the green-haired fighter had effectively countered his opening right hook.

This time, Midoriya didn't have his precious shield to block the explosion. As Bakugo prepared to ignite an explosion, Midoriya reacted swiftly. He reached out and grabbed Bakugo's left wrist before the explosion could manifest. In one fluid motion, Midoriya redirected the explosion, pivoted on his feet, and slammed his shoulder directly into Bakugo's chest.

Caught off guard and reeling from the unexpected counter, Bakugo was momentarily stunned. Midoriya didn't waste a second. He seized Bakugo under his left armpit, hoisted him over his shoulder with ease, and swung the ash-blonde around before slamming him forcefully into the unforgiving concrete.

'W-WHAT!?' Bakugo internally shouted, dumbfounded. 'How'd he know?!'

Midoriya had fully anticipated Bakugo's right feint, knowing that the explosive teen wouldn't rely on a predictable attack, especially in his enraged state.

Bakugo made a guttural noise as the impact hit him hard. Still gripping Bakugo's left arm, Midoriya applied just enough of his enhanced strength to twist it until a sickening crack echoed.

SNAP!

"AAAAGGHHHH!" Bakugo's anguished scream tore through the arena, eliciting grimaces from the audience as the sound reverberated around them.

In response, Bakugo tried to unleash an explosion from his right arm, but Midoriya managed to catch his wrist and redirect it. With a forceful tug on Bakugo's wrist, Midoriya pulled his explosive opponent closer and delivered a punishing knee strike to Bakugo's abdomen. The attack left Bakugo retching and doubled over in pain.

As Midoriya prepared to follow up with a decisive jab to the head, Bakugo ignited a violent explosion from his broken left arm. While the explosion's force only grazed Midoriya instead of hitting him head-on, the deafening noise made the super-soldier wince involuntarily.

Seizing the momentary distraction, and fighting through the searing pain, Bakugo capitalized on the opening by using his legs to deliver a powerful kick to Midoriya's torso. The impact freed him from Midoriya's grip, and Bakugo used his right arm to propel himself away. He tumbled across the ground before finally managing to get back to one knee, breathing heavily.

He shot Midoriya a look of absolute fury that bordered on the edge of madness. Staggering to his feet, he snarled, attempting to conceal a grimace as his left arm dangled uselessly. He slowly tensed and flexed his right arm with no issue. Looking to his left, the arm moved only a fraction before his entire body tensed up. A grimace disguised as a snarl grew across his face as he stopped moving his broken arm and turned towards the one responsible.

"Damn you…" He growled through clenched teeth. "You…You're gonna pay for that!"

Midoriya, having quickly recovered from the blow to his torso, remained unfazed by his opponent's boiling rage. Wiping some soot off his face, he widened his stance and gestured provocatively for Bakugo to engage, challenging him further.

That "come on" gesture was all it took.

Bakugo made another guttural, almost animalistic noise before charging forward with an intense fury.

On the opposite side, Midoriya took a deep breath and maintained his composure, allowing Bakugo to cut some distance between them. He shifted his feet and began to move to Bakugo's side, staying on his left.

Bakugo slowed down his charge, his smoldering gaze locked onto Midoriya as he mirrored the verdette's movements. "You think I can't beat you with one arm!?" He growled, tracking Midoriya's steps.

Midoriya remained resolute, reading Bakugo's lips since there was a lingering ring in his ears. "I don't think; I know you can't." He said matter-of-factly.

Bakugo stomped his foot forward, his sneer deepening. "Shut the hell up!"

Midoriya countered with coolness. "You're the one doing most of the talking here," he quipped as he continued to circle around Bakugo.

Unsurprisingly, Bakugo didn't take well to Midoriya's evasive maneuvers. He couldn't contain his frustration. "Dammit! Stop running away from me!" He swung his uninjured arm forward, unleashing a larger explosion than Midoriya had anticipated.

Midoriya easily leaped to the side, rolling out of the explosion's path. Staying on Bakugo's left side made it easier for him to evade the attacks, forcing Bakugo to attack across his body.

"Tch!" Bakugo snarled, clenching his jaws tightly.

With another explosion, Bakugo sent it toward Midoriya's direction. This time, Midoriya barely managed to dodge the blast, feeling the intense heat radiating from it. Bakugo was beginning to adapt to his handicap, which meant Midoriya needed to change his tactics.

"You can't run forever, dammit!"

Midoriya agreed silently with that notion. He had to close the distance quickly if he wanted to secure a decisive victory. Given Bakugo's guarded stance, trickery wouldn't suffice this time. Also, his last two matches had shown that Bakugo would resort to blowing up the entire ring to win if given the chance.

Analyzing his surroundings, Midoriya spotted something across the ring, and his enhanced mind immediately formulated a plan. 'Okay... Time to end this,' he thought as he abandoned his slow circling and sprinted around Bakugo, still moving counter-clockwise but now narrowing the circle to close in.

Bakugo reacted swiftly, swiveling around to fire another blast where Midoriya was heading. However, the moment he started moving, Midoriya had already changed direction and was closing in from the opposite side, skillfully avoiding the explosion.

Midoriya then slowed his pace, leaning over to scoop up some rocks from the debris scattered across the ring due to Bakugo's opening explosion. He then proceeded to throw the rocks at his opponent.

As Bakugo instinctively raised his arms to shield his face, the rocks pelted his body, causing him to grimace in pain, especially when one struck his broken arm. In retaliation, he wildly fired a blast from his good arm, but Midoriya once again evaded it.

The verdette followed up by shuffling his feet and kicking loose debris at his opponent. His movements were fluid and graceful, resembling those of a professional football (soccer) player as he used his legs to launch the projectiles at Bakugo.

In response, Bakugo swiftly extended his arm and ignited another massive explosion that eviscerated the incoming debris, creating a deafening boom. As the dust and smoke filled the air, Bakugo's eyes snapped open in alarm.

Panicking slightly, he frantically scanned his surroundings but couldn't see anything through the dense smoke. Realization hit him like a bolt of lightning; Midoriya's strategy was to throw projectiles, force Bakugo to use explosions to deflect them, and then use the resulting dust cloud to obscure his vision to perform a sneak attack.

Bakugo couldn't help but begrudgingly admit how clever it was. "You damn snake!" He yelled angrily. "You think you're so much better just 'cause you were some lame soldier!?"

There was no response from Midoriya.

Bakugo remained on high alert, his eyes darting around as he scanned and listened intently for any sign of movement, blocking out the crowd noise. He was determined to maintain his guard, especially on his vulnerable left side.

The temptation to fire another explosion to blow the dust away nagged at him, but he decided against it. He had learned the hard way from his fight with Kendo that firing off another explosion at empty space would just leave him open for a surprise attack.

He lowered his right arm and took several deep breaths, all the while keeping his guard up. A few sharp rolls of his shoulders helped to ease some of the pain. He knew he could endure a couple more violent explosions if necessary.

Click. Clang. Click.

His whole body snapped to attention as something clattered on the ground to his left. It didn't sound like footsteps; it was more like the noise of a rock hitting the ground.

Bakugo narrowed his gaze sharply, determined not to fall for the same trick again. Relaxing slightly, he acted as though he wasn't expecting an attack and patiently waited. Only a few seconds remained before the haze would clear away, and a sneak attack would become impossible.

Then, he spotted movement to his left and reacted instantly. Lunging forward, Bakugo spun on his feet and thrust his unbroken arm forward with his palms glowing brightly, fully committed to finishing this battle.

However, when he swung an explosive right hook, he didn't hit anything but thin air. The resulting blast cleared away the smoke to reveal a battered ring... and a burnt gym jacket fluttering to the ground.

Before Bakugo could fully comprehend what had just happened, he suddenly felt a powerful force crash into him from the right, forcefully driving him face-first into the concrete. A substantial weight landed squarely on top of him and shifted, while his right arm was ruthlessly twisted behind his back (his palm turned to his back), causing him to grimace. Meanwhile, a knee was pressed down gently but infuriatingly on his left hand, keeping it firmly planted on the ground. To add to his restraint, a second hand firmly clasped the back of his head, pressing it down.

Midoriya maintained his unyielding hold on Bakugo, his emerald eyes locked onto his opponent with unwavering intensity. While ensuring that he was cautious with Bakugo's injured arm, he remained ready to respond swiftly if Bakugo attempted a desperate move.

"NO...dammit…" Despite Bakugo's relentless struggles, he found himself ensnared and immobilized beneath the unyielding grip. He intensified his efforts, but he couldn't budge an inch.

In the background, Midnight began a ten-second countdown for when a contestant was pinned.

"One!"

"Two!"

Heat started to emanate from Bakugo's left palm, but Midoriya responded by increasing the pressure on his left arm, forcing him to halt and grimace in pain.

'No... This...this can't be happening!' His body trembled with disbelief. 'I...I can't lose...'

"Three!"

Bakugo strained once more, emitting a series of feral growls. Yet, it remained futile. The super-soldier had him in an unbreakable hold and had no intentions of releasing him until the match reached its conclusion.

"Four!"

"Five!"

Wide-eyed, Bakugo suddenly realized the unsettling truth: he was on the brink of defeat. It marked the third time he had been cornered in this tournament, but this time, unleashing another explosion would likely knock him out of the games. Recovery Girl's Quirk would sap his stamina, and he'd be unable to compete in the Finals.

He'd only be trading a bronze medal or a silver one.

Was it really worth it?

"Six!"

"Seven!"

He didn't need to think about that one for very long.

'Screw it!' Bakugo inwardly shouted. 'I refuse to lose! I'll drag my ass to the Finals if I have to!'

Midoriya felt Bakugo's left hand heat up again and sighed heavily. 'Of course, he'll push through the injury. He's too stubborn to let a broken arm stop him,' He mused internally.

Though he respected Bakugo's determination, allowing him to further injure himself all for the sake of a school tournament was out of the question. He'd only be achieving a pyrrhic victory.

"Eight!"

"Nine!"

"Sorry Bakugo." Regrettably, Midoriya pulled Bakugo's head back and slammed it into the concrete. The impact was hard enough to effectively knock the ash-blonde unconscious without inflicting any serious injury.

Bakugo's body went limp as his left palm immediately stopped heating up.

With only a second left, Midnight stopped counting. "Bakugo is KO'ed!" She cracked her whip, concluding the match. "The winner is Midoriya Izuku!"

The audience was momentarily silent before erupting in wild applause.

"Ladies and gentlemen, what a thrilling showdown we've just witnessed!" Present Mic's voice reverberated through the stadium speakers, brimming with excitement. "GI Midoriya defied the odds, surmounted Bakugo's explosive arsenal, and landed a literal last second knockout!"

"This tournament serves as a stark reminder that flashiness alone doesn't make a Hero," Aizawa quipped in his usual deadpan tone.

"Indeed," Present Mic exclaimed, "Midoriya has been showcasing unmatched strategy and unrelenting determination throughout the day. His performance would make the First Hero himself proud! Congratulations, Yo Joe!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and chants of "Yo Joe!" echoed, a testament to Midoriya's growing fanbase. Midoriya did his best not to flinch at the mention of his Hero moniker.

Present Mic pressed on with unwavering enthusiasm. "But let's not forget Bakugo's fierce drive and explosive display! And don't fret, folks; Recovery Girl will have him back in action before you know it. Let's applaud the Pomeranian for his indomitable fighting spirit!"

The audience joined in, acknowledging Bakugo's incredible performance and resilience, regardless of the final result.

Present Mic's voice remained electrifying. "What an extraordinary match we've had, but don't touch that dial! The ring will be prepared, and after a brief ten-minute intermission, our next Semifinals match will kick off shortly!"

As Midoriya went to reclaim his tattered gym jacket, he watched as the medical robots rolled in, carefully placing Bakugo on a stretcher. As they wheeled Bakugo in the direction of the infirmary, he made his way to follow them.

---

Outside Morino Hiroshi Stadium grounds, a crowd of people had gathered to watch the first Semifinals match on one of the many monitors set up in the plaza. The atmosphere was electric as they all fixated on the screen.

The plaza suddenly fell silent as Midoriya pinned Bakugo to the ground. With the ten-second countdown commencing on the screen, the viewers were taken by surprise when, with just a single second remaining, the verdette decisively slammed Bakugo's head into the ground, rendering him unconscious.

"Bakugo is KO'ed! The winner is Midoriya Izuku!" Midnight's voice echoed through the speakers.

Reactions in the crowd were a mixed bag. Some cheered enthusiastically for Midoriya's victory, while others seemed less pleased with the outcome.

"Aw, come on! He knocked him out with a second left!?" Someone in the crowd exclaimed incredulously.

"Yeah! What's up with that? He even broke his arm!"

"Is that even allowed?" A snake-like woman questioned with a puzzled expression.

"Apparently," another person replied dryly. "Still, it is a tad extreme."

"Eh, it wouldn't be the worst injury that's happened in these Games before. Besides, that Recovery Girl should patch him up," a larger, rotund man chimed in dismissively.

"Who cares? Midoriya won that match fair and square!"

"YO JOE! YO JOE! YOE JOE!" A few people started chanting.

One person with an elephant trunk scoffed. "I can't believe the dynamite kid lost. The soldier boy doesn't even have an impressive Quirk."

"Maybe," someone standing by him said, glancing down introspectively. "Maybe that kid was onto something with that speech of his?"

Someone nearby disagreed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. It's just a fluke that green-haired kid made it this far. When he has to face Todoroki's son in the Finals, you'll see what I mean."

Beyond the plaza, a security team consisting of Death Arms, Kamui Woods, and Mt. Lady resumed their patrol. Despite the presence of numerous Pro Heroes, they understood the importance of remaining vigilant in this setting. As they approached the crowd, they stopped to ensure that everything was peaceful and there were no signs of suspicious activity.

As the broadcast unfolded, the trio of Pro Heroes observed with rapt attention, their personal interests piqued by the match's outcome.

Mt. Lady couldn't help but tap her chin thoughtfully. "I wonder why Midoriya knocked Bakugo out when there was just a second left on the clock? Does seem unnecessary."

Kamui Woods, always the astute observer, answered, "It's because Bakugo was gearing up for another explosion, much like he did in his previous matches. I saw his left palm glowing just before Midoriya KO'ed him. Midoriya was left with no choice if he wanted to win."

"Oh… That makes sense then." The blonde beauty nodded in understanding.

Death Arms let out an aggravated groan, expressing his frustration. "I can't believe I lost my bet with the others."

Curious, Mt. Lady leaned closer to her compatriot. "How much did you lose?"

Death Arms sighed heavily. "Several thousand..."

Kamui Woods offered some consolation, patting Death Arms on the shoulder. "Tough break, my friend."

"Save it," Death Arms grumbled, giving his arboreal companion a mild glare. "I know you're just humoring me. You must be feeling pretty smug right now, huh?"

Kamui Woods glanced back at the monitor, displaying Midoriya's name advancing to the Finals bracket, and a small, proud smile crept across his face under his mask. "I'm just happy to see Midoriya surpassing everyone's expectations." He crossed his arms confidently.

Mt. Lady couldn't help but wear a playful grin, adding a touch of sass to her tone. "Hot Stuff is quite the showstopper, isn't he?"

"He still has one more match." Death Arms crossed his beefy arms over his broad chest. "And that battle may be his toughest one, especially if Endeavor's son advances."

Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady both nodded in agreement, but still couldn't help but feel confidence in the broccoli-haired student.

---

"He did it! He did it!" Uraraka was screaming in her seat, her excitement echoed by Ashido, Tsunotori, Kaminari, and most of Class 1-A (except for Todoroki). They were collectively losing their minds over the victory.

Tokage grinned toothily. "Round Two goes to Greenie."

"He's two for two now." Sero added.

"I think that was the coolest fight I've ever seen in my life," Kirishima exclaimed in awe, tears glistening in his eyes.

"Kero. It was pretty unsettling seeing Bakugo's arm get broken, though," Asui mentioned, sounding queasy.

"I agree." Iida chimed in. "Still, I must commend both Midoriya-kun and Bakugo-san. What an inspiring performance from our class's top students!"

Hatsume, seated beside Iida, couldn't contain her excitement. "Izuku sure does know his way around a fight. Heck, if I could develop more babies to complement his fighting style, he'd be unstoppable!" Her inventive mind began brainstorming ideas for support gear for her new friend.

"Midoriya-san is freaking scary," Mineta remarked, shivering.

Unable to contain her excitement, Uraraka wrapped Yaoyorozu in a hug. Yaoyorozu was initially taken aback but relaxed and happily returned the embrace.

"He won! He won!" Uraraka gleefully repeated.

Yaoyorozu chuckled. "Yes, he did. He was amazing."

Present Mic's voice filled the arena. "Midoriya has been showcasing unmatched strategy and unrelenting determination throughout the day. His performance would make the First Hero himself proud! Congratulations, Yo Joe!"

Yaoyorozu turned her gaze down to the arena, watching Midoriya as he followed the med-bots carrying Bakugo to the infirmary. She thought to herself, 'You're right, Mic-sensei. The Captain would be proud of someone like Izuku.' She smiled warmly.

Uraraka paused and adopted a thoughtful expression, her mind reflecting on the notebooks she had seen in Midoriya's apartment. 'Should I say something about that?' She momentarily pondered that idea before shaking her head. 'No. Now isn't the time. Besides, I'm sure it's nothing anyway.' Though she told herself that, a part of her mind couldn't help but wonder about those peculiar notebooks.

A call then came in over the speakers in the suite, "Yaoyorozu Momo, Todoroki Shoto, please report to your waiting rooms."

Todoroki silently stood up from his seat and walked up the aisle, ignoring everyone as he exited the suite.

"I can never get a read on that guy," Sero said.

"Todoroki-san never said anything during the match," Sato noted.

"Well, he is the strong and silent type." Kaminari mentioned.

Yaoyorozu stood up from her seat and turned to her friends. "I suppose they'll be starting soon. Please congratulate Izuku-kun on my behalf when he gets here."

"Sure thing, girl." Ashido gave her a thumbs-up.

Uraraka gave Yaoyorozu another hug. "Good luck, Momo! You got this!"

Tokage smiled widely. "Kick ass down there! If you got any more tricks up your sleeves, now's the time to use 'em."

Yaoyorozu nodded in acknowledgement.

The others echoed Uraraka and Tokage's sentiments, earning a smile of gratitude from the heiress as she departed the suite. Her friends didn't miss how each movement was so graceful and confident. Against an opponent like Todoroki, easily one of the best in the class, they had expected her to be a little apprehensive and wouldn't have blamed her if she was. Maybe she was…but she was doing a good job of hiding it.

Tokage blinked in curiosity. 'Whatever she and Greenie talked about earlier, it must've really boosted her confidence.' A small smile crossed her face.

"Ooh, Glasses!" Hatsume spoke up excitedly. "After seeing that match, I just had a brilliant idea!"

"My name is Iida Tenya!" Iida reprimanded sternly. "If you're going to be a part of our group, Hatsume-san, you must learn our names!"

Hatsume ignored his rant, and continued, "What if I could incorporate my Auto Balancers into your Costume, eh?! Think about it! It's designed to improve the user's stability, maintain balance, and help you change course on a dime!" She leaned closer to him, her crosshair eyes gleaming with excitement. "They would even remove the strain on your legs, preventing serious injury down the line."

Iida pushed Hatsume back gently, adjusting his glasses, his cheeks tinted light pink. "It…sounds like it could be a useful addition," he admitted.

"Right?! It's a match made in heaven if you ask me!" Hatsume smiled brightly.

"But!" Iida interjected cautiously. "If I recall correctly, the gear you're referring to looked rather bulky; especially the parts you had on your back. It could hinder me more than it would benefit me."

"Oh, no big deal!" Hatsume waved off. "Sure, I may need to customize it to better suit your needs, but it's still something to consider, right?"

"Well…I suppose." Iida then started to vibrate wildly, much to the others' surprise. "Ah, forgive me." He pulled out his phone, which he had retrieved from his locker after his First-Round match. "I'm getting a call. Please excuse me."

"Yeah, okay! Be sure to hurry back, though!" Hatsume called out cheerfully.

As Iida left to take the call in private, Ashido, Tokage, and Tsunotori turned to Hatsume. She was happily humming a tune to herself, clearly excited about the potential collaboration.

Ashido leaned forward, whispering, "Is it just me…or is there some actual chemistry between those two?"

"Nope, I can see it," Tsunotori nodded. "They're both super-dedicated to their crafts."

"Guess the saying 'opposites attract' is accurate in this case," Tokage commented with a sly grin.

Uraraka, observing the interaction, came to the same conclusion as her friends. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of relief.

---

"Hello, Mother," Iida said as he stood outside the corridor. "I assume you saw what happened in the All-Star Games? I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to at least the Quarterfinals, but—"

"Tenya, please listen to me," the Iida matriarch interrupted with a tremor in her voice that instantly sent shivers down her youngest son's spine. "I'm sorry that you lost, but right now, you need to know something."

"Mother? What's happened?"

"It's your brother." Iida's mother paused, and her sobs were audible through the phone. "He was in Hosu City, and he was attacked by a Villain. He's in the hospital right now."

For Iida, it felt like the world had stopped spinning, and he lost all feeling in his body. Tensei, his beloved older brother, Ingenium, had been hurt by a Villain? His mind struggled to process the information for several long moments. When he finally responded, his voice was eerily devoid of emotion.

"Mother, where is Tensei now?"

"I'm… I'm sending your father to pick you up right now. He's close to the stadium, and he'll take you to the hospital."

"Do you know Tensei's current condition?"

"He was taken to the ICU, that's all I know. I'm sorry this is happening to you, but—"

"There is no need to apologize, Mother." Iida glanced down at the tiled flooring. "I will be waiting for Father; I just wish to let one of my friends know that I will be leaving."

"Of course. See you soon, Tenya. I love you."

"I love you too, Mother." Iida hung up and re-entered the suite. With Midoriya and Yaoyorozu absent, he realized there was another friend who could handle the news maturely without being distracted from the All-Star Games. He approached Asui and Sero, who were seated together, and said, "Excuse me, Tsuyu, may I speak to you alone?"

Asui and Sero exchanged a puzzled look, but Sero ultimately shrugged. Asui nodded in response, as she got up and followed Iida out of the room. Hatsume, on the other hand, couldn't help but glance back in curiosity as the pair left the suite.

In that moment, the mad genius's mind briefly shifted its focus from support gear to the unfolding situation.

Once in the hallway, Asui turned to Iida and asked, "What's going on, kero?"

"Tsuyu, I am about to tell you something in confidence," Iida said, his tone even more robotic than usual. "Please do not tell anyone else; I will do so when I have more information." He waited until Asui nodded. "I will be leaving immediately. My brother was attacked by a Villain and has been taken to the hospital. I am sorry to miss—"

Before he could finish, Asui grabbed him in a brief but tight hug and then stepped back, pointing to the exit. "Go. Just go, now. I'll handle it from here."

Dimly, Iida remembered that Asui had siblings of her own; if anyone could understand, it was her. He nodded and then ran for the exit. He had to see his brother.

'Tensei, please be all right!' He internally prayed.

---

"Ow!" Midoriya recoiled, rubbing his shin.

"You went too far this time!" Recovery Girl chastised. "Breaking his arm? That's no way to treat your opponent!"

Midoriya winced, guilt gnawing at him. "I'm sorry, Doctor Chiyo, but I needed to level the playing field a bit. Bakugo's Quirk is pretty dangerous and–"

Bonk!

"Ow!"

"I don't care! Do you have any idea of the permanent damage you could have done to that boy's arm!? Need I remind you that this is a tournament and not some death match?!" Menacingly, the elderly Hero shook her cane at Midoriya.

"I-I understand. I apologize." Midoriya lightly bowed.

"If you understand, you won't do it again!" Recovery Girl argued. "With his stamina so low, I'll have to wait to completely heal his arm. You're just lucky your own stamina is enhanced so I could heal those burns and eardrums of yours."

Midoriya nodded appreciatively. Though his enhanced healing factor would've healed those injuries, he wanted to go into the Finals as close to full health as he possibly could.

Bakugo slowly stirred in the infirmary bed, groggy and disoriented. The throbbing numbness on his temple and in his left arm served as an immediate harsh reminder of what had transpired.

Bakugo's eyes slowly fluttered open, and the first sight that met him was Midoriya and Recovery Girl standing by his bed. He couldn't help the surge of anger that washed over him. The memory of his match and his humiliating loss was like a bitter taste in his mouth.

Recovery Girl walked to Bakugo's right side. "How are you feeling, sonny?"

"Like sh*t…" Bakugo grumbled.

The doctor nodded. "I've got you hooked to an IV with some pain medication." She then reached into her lab coat and pulled out a handful of gummies. "Here. Eat some of these. They'll give you a boost of energy so I can use my Quirk later."

Bakugo didn't argue and took the candies in his right hand, eating them immediately.

She continued. "You'll need to stay here for a bit until you recover enough stamina. I may need you to return to my office on Monday so I can fully heal you."

"Right…" Bakugo grunted as he sat up, his ruby gaze turning to Midoriya on his left.

The tension in the room was palpable as the two men glared at each other; one with a fierce intensity while the other was stoic.

Recovery Girl looked between the two and sighed heavily. "I'll give you both a minute. Just don't do anything stupid!"

With that, the elderly woman walked out and gave them some privacy.

Once she did, Midoriya was the first to speak. "I apologize for breaking your arm, Bakugo-san… But Recovery Girl should have it healed before our Heroics exercises continue on Monday at the very least."

Bakugo turned away, his expression darkening. "...I lost to you," he growled under his breath. "Again."

Midoriya didn't respond immediately, his expression stoic. There wasn't anything he could say that would comfort or reassure him.

Frustration welled up inside Bakugo, and he turned his head to fix a harsh, unrelenting gaze on the verdette. "Even without your shield, you still beat me... And you don't even have All Might's strength or some flashy power. How...?" His body trembled with anger and confusion. "How the hell do you do it?"

This time, Midoriya did speak. He leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving Bakugo. "You've never been beaten before, have you?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications, and the tension in the room could be cut by a knife.

Bakugo didn't verbally respond, only scoffing. But it was all the confirmation that Midoriya needed.

"Let me guess… Before you joined UA University, you were the top dog everywhere you went. Elementary, middle school, and high school. Everyone constantly praised you too; students and teachers. Am I right?"

Bakugo narrowed his gaze but remained silent.

Seeing no response, Midoriya sighed, "The truth is that you are strong, Bakugo-san. Your battle instincts are top notch…and you have an amazing Quirk." His verdant gaze hardened. "But you're shallow. All the praise you've received throughout your life has weakened you. What you think are stepping stones are really mountains. But even great men can trip on stones if they're not careful."

"But–" Bakugo tried to argue, but the super-soldier bulldozed through.

"Let me ask you another question, have you ever pushed yourself to the brink? Trained so hard that your whole body hurts like hell and yet still charged through?"

Bakugo didn't respond to that question. Yes, he made sure from a young age to stay in top shape. But he'd be lying to himself if he said he truly went the extra mile in his physical training.

"Well, soldier…you've been pushed down now. How will you respond?" Midoriya asked. "Are you going to throw in the towel?"

"Like hell!" Bakugo vehemently shouted. "I might've lost to you again, but I won't back down! Even if I do lose, I'll get back up and keep going!" He wiped his tears away to maintain his tough demeanor, but some still remained. "Listen here, Midoriya! I will beat you and prove that I'll be the Number One Pro someday! You got that?!"

For a moment, Midoriya looked at Bakugo and seemingly studied his expression. He then smiled and nodded in satisfaction. "Challenge accepted then."

Midoriya turned away and started heading for the exit. Before he opened the door, he stopped. "Here's some words of advice though, Bakugo."

Bakugo looked at Midoriya, paying attention.

"Confidence and drive can propel you forward," he stated calmly. "But when they morph into arrogance, they become chains that shackle you to the ground." He glanced back and continued, "You possess incredible talent, soldier. Man up and do what's right. It would be a tragedy to squander your potential on meaningless pride."

With that, Midoriya exited the infirmary, leaving Bakugo to stew in his thoughts.

As Midoriya stepped out of the room, he gave a nod of appreciation to Recovery Girl before continuing down the hallway. 'Well…Hopefully he got the message.' He thought to himself. 'I really don't want to make this a regular thing between us.'

Meanwhile in the infirmary, Bakugo sneered and lowered his head, staring at his open right palm introspectively. After a moment of deep contemplation, the ash-blonde finally clenched his fist with renewed determination.

'Just you wait… I'll get stronger! You won't be on top for much longer.' He internally declared.

---

Upon rejoining Class 101-A, Midoriya was met with an enthusiastic Uraraka who nearly tackled him off his feet. She grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him excitedly, making him wince with her loud cheers.

"You're in the Finals, Izuku-kun!" She shouted in his ear. "That was so awesome!"

"Yeah!" Ashido waved her arms excitedly. "He was all 'kaboom!', and you were all 'nah', and then you broke his arm, and kicked all those rocks at him, and holy crap, you KO'ed him again!"

Midoriya wasn't quite sure how to respond to either Ashido's rapid-fire commentary or to Uraraka's enthusiasm. Instead, he settled for a small appreciative smile.

"Thanks, guys."

Hatsume suddenly appeared and patted him on the back. "Great work out there, Izuku! I expect nothing less from a fellow wielder of a super-baby."

"Super-baby?" Kaminari grinned teasingly. "Are you hiding something from us, Midori-bro?"

Midoriya sighed. "She means my shield, Kaminari-kun."

"Seriously, dude, that battle was hardcore!" Kirishima said excitedly.

Tokage chimed in. "I'll say. Breaking Bakugo's arm was unexpected though."

"I…think I heard the snap all the way from here." Jiro mentioned, looking a bit unsettled.

"S-sorry." Midoriya rubbed his shoulder awkwardly. "I…may have gone overboard, but I was trying to limit Bakugo's options. Otherwise, I would've been in a tough spot."

Kirishima perked up. "Oh! How's Bakugo-san doing?"

"He'll be okay, according to Recovery Girl." He reassured them. "His arms should be healed up by Monday."

Looking around, Midoriya immediately noticed Yaoyorozu and Todoroki's absence. Noticing him glancing around, Uraraka spoke up, "Momo-chan and Todoroki-san already left. She wanted to congratulate you, though." She smiled sweetly.

Midoriya was appreciative of that. He hoped his suggestion for Yaoyorozu would pay off, or maybe she discovered an alternate way to defeat Todoroki that he hadn't considered. Either way, he was pulling for the heiress.

The verdette then noticed another absence. "Oh, where's Iida-kun?"

Most of the group tensed up, even Hatsume, which only served to worry the super-soldier.

"W-Well, he…" Uraraka started.

"Kero. Iida had to leave after your match," Asui clarified. "He told me to tell all of you it was a personal matter, and he'd let us know what's going on later."

"I see." Midoriya nodded in understanding, but an uncomfortable feeling began to settle in his stomach. Leaving an event like the All-Star Games for a personal matter? It couldn't be good news. "I…just hope he's okay."

"Yeah… Same here." Hatsume frowned a bit. "Glasses and I were talking about upgrading his Costume before he left."

"I'm sure he'll be alright," Tokage said in reassurance. "I mean, it's Iida we're talking about."

"Yeah!" Tsunotori chirped. "And I'm sure he wouldn't want us to worry either, especially you, Izuku-kun."

"Yeah, you're right." Midoriya nodded in agreement. However, he didn't miss the small grimace flash across Asui's usually expressionless face. Whatever happened must've been serious, he thought.

Present Mic snapped the class back to the present. "Welcome back to All-Star Games Semifinals, loyal listeners! The battles have been intense, the stakes are high, and we've got an exhilarating showdown lined up for you next."

---

At the entrance to one of the tunnels, Yaoyorozu paused for a moment, gathering her composure. She whispered an encouraging mantra to herself, channeling her inner strength. "You've got this, Momo."

Present Mic continued. "This battle promises to be another doozy with both contestants coming highly recommended!"

As the signal light flickered to life, Yaoyorozu strode confidently into the arena. Her graceful poise and determined demeanor captivated the audience, earning admiration from both spectators and Pro Heroes.

"Stepping into the ring, the elegant genius herself, ready to astonish and amaze! She doesn't need a magician's hat to work her incredible Quirk—it's the phenomenal Yaoyorozu Momo!"

The crowd's deafening cheers filled the air, but Yaoyorozu remained focused, her mind honed to a razor's edge after her discussion with Midoriya. Her gaze was locked on the task at hand, blocking out the roar of the spectators.

Todoroki's formidable ice powers were well-known, and Yaoyorozu had analyzed every facet of his abilities. She understood that his long-range attacks were truly menacing. To secure victory, she knew her strategy had to be precise and swift. She could afford no mistakes. Her only chance rested on delivering a single devastating blow.

"Facing off against this prodigious genius is the young man with the power of the Ice Age, the chill master himself—Todoroki Shoto!"

While Todoroki received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, he remained undistracted. The nearly-defeat at Hatsume's hands had instilled a newfound seriousness in him. Facing Yaoyorozu was no small task, given her adaptability and limitless options. He realized that engaging in a drawn-out battle was a recipe for danger.

What worried him most was her potential for a game-changing attack. Todoroki couldn't afford to underestimate her and knew he had to secure a quick and decisive victory to avoid her potentially devastating moves.

The fact that Midoriya had taken Yaoyorozu aside for a strategy session earlier had only intensified Todoroki's motivation. He was determined to claim victory, with a plan to end the match as swiftly as possible.

Todoroki and Yaoyorozu poised themselves on the stage, their strategies in place, anticipation mounting as they awaited the imminent signal.

Perched upon her pedestal, Midnight's gaze shifted between the two students with recommendations, and she hoisted her whip. "Both contestants are ready..." With a swift motion, she cracked the whip downward. "BEGIN!"

The ensuing events transpired in the blink of an eye.

KA-BOOM!

…

…

"Wha—?!" Present Mic stammered, his words almost failing him as he needed a moment to process. "Ladies and gentlemen, you won't believe your eyes! In the time it takes to blink, the match is already over! Todoroki and Yaoyorozu just delivered a UA-style old American Western showdown, both vying for the quickest draw! And... Yaoyorozu is out of bounds! Todoroki advances to the Finals!"

A colossal wall of ice had surged forth from Todoroki's right foot, closing the distance across the ring in the blink of an eye. However, before the ice could reach Yaoyorozu, he found himself staring down the barrel of a large anti-aircraft-type cannon affixed to Yaoyorozu's right side.

Fear struck him, causing his breath to catch, and for a brief moment, he thought his heart had stopped beating. Within a second, a flash and a resounding crack echoed, and he felt a projectile narrowly pass by him, missing by a hair's breadth.

Next, Todoroki's ice attack met Yaoyorozu's defense, forcefully propelling her out of the ring and pinning her against the outer wall, the frost quickly sealing her in place. The fully formed cannon she had conjured now lay abandoned on the ground.

Todoroki stood there, still as a statue, only now fully aware of his victory. He gradually turned to glance at the outer wall behind him, where the projectile, an enlarged bean bag, lay on the ground after slamming into the wall and leaving visible cracks.

'If that had hit me... And she fired it with the cannon still attached...' Todoroki's body trembled ever so slightly.

Just an inch to the left, and he would have surely lost.

Meanwhile, still stuck to the wall, Yaoyorozu hissed in pain; her right side ached severely with even the slightest movement. The recoil had been absorbed by her cannon, sparing her ribs from further damage, but she was in considerable pain. Despite her physical discomfort, her greatest disappointment weighed on her mind.

The raven-haired heiress had put all her effort into the match, but she had faltered in her execution. In her haste to create the cannon and fire it while it was still attached to her body, she had to forgo a targeting scope, relying solely on eyeballing it. Regrettably, her aim had been slightly off to the right.

With a somber sigh, Yaoyorozu remained affixed to the wall as Todoroki stepped up to start melting the ice and free her.

---

"Aw man!" Uraraka slumped in her seat, her head hanging in deflation. "She was sooooo close."

Midoriya nodded, his expression somber. "Her shot missed by barely a few centimeters. Todoroki-san definitely felt the air on it, judging by his expression."

"I get she didn't have many options and all," Tokage said, "but…to try something that dangerous?"

"Yeah, that cannon was still attached to her," Jiro pointed out.

"That…was my suggestion," Midoriya admitted. "I thought it'd save her time if she used a weapon while still attached to her."

"Well…" Tsunotori hesitated. "You weren't wrong, per se."

Present Mic's voice reverberated through the speakers. "And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The Semifinals have concluded, but don't wander too far! Following a brief ten-minute intermission, we'll kick off the Grand Finale! Get ready to witness the clash of the underdog 'Yo Joe,' Midoriya Izuku, against the prodigal powerhouse, Todoroki Shoto!"

"Honestly, Midoriya," Sero shook his head, "I don't know how you can beat Todoroki."

"No kidding. The guy is practically invincible," Sato agreed.

"Hey, don't be counting Midori-bro out yet." Kirishima countered. "He's shown how manly he is today making it to the Finals and all." He then turned to the green-haired student curiously. "I'm sure you got some elaborate plan in the works, right?"

"Well…" Midoriya trailed off. "Elaborate is a stretch."

He watched the med-bots carry Yaoyorozu away on a stretcher after Todoroki had freed her from the ice. "I'm going to head down." Standing up, he looked at Uraraka. "Before that, wanna go see Momo in the infirmary?"

Uraraka nodded eagerly. "Absolutely!"

"Give her my best wishes," Tokage requested. "I'd come too, but," she looked sheepish, "I've spent enough time in the infirmary today for my taste."

"We probably all shouldn't crowd the infirmary, so give her our best wishes too," Jiro chimed in. "Oh, and good luck to you too, Midoriya."

Hatsume approached Midoriya with her typical enthusiasm, her bright smile lighting up her face. "Izuku-kun, you've got this! Show them what you can do, and give it your all!" She held out her fist for a bump, which he happily returned.

"Thanks, Mei," he said with appreciation.

Uraraka, who's right eye would twitch when other girls (not counting Yaoyorozu) got too friendly with Midoriya, could only smile at the friendly interaction. No longer did she feel threatened by the eccentric inventor.

Midoriya's friends echoed Hatsume's words and sentiments as he and Uraraka exited the suite together. Although the class had been impressed by the super-soldier's performance and didn't want to doubt him, they couldn't envision any conceivable way he could beat someone like Todoroki.

---

Midoriya and Uraraka entered the infirmary to find Yaoyorozu sitting up on one of the beds, her gym jacket unzipped, and white bandages freshly applied to her chest and torso by Recovery Girl.

Yaoyorozu, though visibly disappointed, mustered a small smile as she spotted her two best friends. "Hey. Mind if we come in?" Uraraka inquired.

Yaoyorozu smiled and nodded. "Of course."

Midoriya, concerned about his friend, asked Recovery Girl, "How is she, Doctor Chiyo?"

After finishing her bandaging work, the elderly medic placed a tender kiss on Yaoyorozu's forehead and activated her healing Quirk. Then she turned to the visitors and reassured them, "She'll be just fine, no permanent damage. Just some bruised ribs. She can head back up to your class's suite very shortly." She then handed Yaoyorozu some gummies, which she accepted and ate.

Uraraka stepped forward and gently rested a hand on Yaoyorozu's shoulder, her expression warm and reassuring. "Momo, you were great out there. That quick draw you and Todoroki had was epic!"

Midoriya joined in, aiming to lighten the mood. "You should've seen the look on Todoroki's face when your cannon shot just barely missed. You gave him a real scare."

Yaoyorozu chuckled tiredly, feeling the effects of Recovery Girl's Quirk. "I suppose I did catch him off guard. But I still lost."

Though disappointed, Midoriya and Uraraka couldn't help but feel immense pride for their friend. She had given her all, and her performance was nothing short of remarkable, regardless of the outcome.

Yaoyorozu then directed her gaze at Midoriya, managing a small, heartfelt smile. "Congratulations on making it to the Finals, Izuku-kun. Your match was incredible. I'm just sorry that I won't be your opponent. You must be disappointed."

Midoriya shook his head sincerely. "Of course not. Remember what I told you in the hallway? Win or lose, I'm proud of you, Momo. And you should be too."

Yaoyorozu's breath caught in her throat, her heart fluttering at his words. "Izuku…"

Uraraka leaned in, adding her voice to the chorus of support. "You've done amazing today. And you'll still get a bronze medal! Not too shabby for your first All-Star Games, right?"

Yaoyorozu's smile broadened, her eyes moist with grateful tears. "Thank you, you two. Your support means the world to me."

The touching moment was promptly shattered by a retching sound. "Will you three just shut up and get a damn room already!?" The trio turned to see Bakugo lying on his bed across the room, still hooked to an IV. "I'll start puking my guts out if you start making out or something."

Midoriya narrowed his gaze sharply at the ash-blonde while Uraraka and Yaoyorozu turned away with hearty blushes.

Before anyone could respond, the intercom system in the infirmary crackled to life. "Midoriya Izuku, Todoroki Shoto. Please make your way to the arena. Your match is scheduled to begin soon."

Midoriya turned back to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu. "I should start getting ready." The heartfelt moments were nice, but Midoriya knew he had to get his head in the game now.

Recovery Girl intervened with a stern tone. "Remember what I told you, Midoriya-san. Don't overdo it."

"I'll…do my best, Doctor," Midoriya replied, his tone not sounding reassuring.

Recovery Girl grumbled in vexation at his response before stepping away.

Yaoyorozu rose from the bed, zipping her jacket up, a serious expression in her eyes as she asked, "Izuku-kun, do you have any plans for how to defeat Todoroki-san?"

Midoriya looked away, rubbing his shoulder. "Well… I won't lie, my options are limited. That ice of his is certainly a hurdle. But, if I've learned anything, all Quirks have a limit—no matter how powerful they are."

Yaoyorozu nodded, her confidence in him unwavering. "I know you can do it, Izuku. If there's anyone I could pick to beat Todoroki, it would be you."

"Yeah!" Uraraka pumped her fist in the air, an excited fire in her eyes. "You've got this! We'll be cheering you on!"

Midoriya was moved by their encouragement, his smile reflecting his gratitude. "Thanks. I appreciate it."

Uraraka grinned, her support unwavering. "No problem! Now go knock him dead!"

Recovery Girl couldn't help but interject, "Not literally!"

"Midoriya." Bakugo called out, gaining everyone's attention. He shot the green-haired man with a serious expression. "I don't know how you'll do it…but you better beat Icy-Hot. Am I clear?"

Uraraka and Yaoyorozu were both surprised. Did Bakugo actually want Midoriya to win? Perhaps Bakugo was thinking that if Midoriya beat Todoroki, it'd make his own loss not look so bad?

Midoriya nodded in acknowledgement. "That is my goal."

---

After bidding farewell to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, Midoriya left the infirmary and proceeded down the corridor towards the entrance to the field.

His thoughts were consumed by his upcoming match with Todoroki Shoto

"I will win my way. Just try to last long enough for me to prove that to you." Those were the words Todoroki had told him in the locker room that morning.

'Win his way…' Midoriya reflected on Todoroki's words. 'He wants to beat me to prove he can become the best with just his ice Quirk…all just to spite his father.' He frowned in concern. 'If he continues down this path, he'll destroy himself. I can't ignore that. But...how can I show him he's going about this the wrong way?'

Lost in thought, he lowered his head. 'Now the big question: How do I do all that while still trying to win the match?' It was quite the quandary indeed.

As Midoriya turned a corner, he nearly collided with someone.

"Ah, it's you."

The person standing before him was none other than Japan's Number Two Hero, Endeavor. Standing at 195 centimeters (six-foot-five) with a physique rivaling All Might in his buff form, Endeavor was an imposing presence. Flames danced around his body, a testament to his fire Quirk.

"Endeavor," Midoriya responded flatly, his tone and expression neutral. His recent conversation with Todoroki regarding his father lingered in his mind.

Endeavor crossed his arms, his intense teal eyes locked onto Midoriya. "You've certainly made quite the name for yourself today," he rumbled. "I have words for you, upstart."

To anyone else, Endeavor's tone and presence would have been intimidating.

Midoriya arched an eyebrow. "Am I to presume they're not words of encouragement, sir?"

Endeavor sneered, and the corridor seemed to grow even hotter. "On the contrary, I'm here to make a request of you. I'm sure you're aware that my son is not using his Quirk to its fullest potential. As a Pro Hero, that is completely unacceptable; Heroes must give their all to their work, or risk failure and death, either their own or that of civilians. Surely you can understand this as a soldier yourself."

Midoriya nodded, acknowledging the veracity of Endeavor's words. Despite his feelings toward the Flame Hero, the truth remained.

"My request is that you push Shoto into using his flames," Endeavor continued. The fire around him blazed, intensifying the heat in the hallway. "Shoto needs to be pushed beyond the point that his ice can take him. He must see that the only way for him to be the very best is to use what I've given him." Teal eyes scrutinized Midoriya. "Although I have my doubts that you can provide that challenge, given who you are and what you've accomplished so far, perhaps you'll prove me wrong."

"Given who I am?" Midoriya squinted at him suspiciously. "Just who do you think I am, Endeavor?"

Endeavor didn't answer directly. "That is neither here nor there. Just know that it is my Shoto's destiny to surpass All Might…and you as well."

That response didn't sit well with Midoriya.

"Anyway, I'll be going now; apologies for holding you up." The Flame Hero moved around Midoriya and walked away. But he only made it a few feet before Midoriya spoke.

"I already know that your son has to use all of his Quirk," he said, and Endeavor halted in his tracks. "I want to help him with that. But everything after that is his choice—not mine, not yours."

Endeavor looked back over his shoulder, his expression inscrutable. "We shall see."

As Endeavor disappeared around the corner, Midoriya continued down the corridor, his brow furrowing over something the Flame Hero had said. 'Who does he think I am? Surely he doesn't know my identity, right?'

With little time to dwell on this, he increased his pace. The arena was expecting him, and the roar of the crowd grew louder with every step.

---

Yagi Toshinori patiently waited near the entrance of the tunnel, his blue eyes locked on the corridor as Midoriya approached. A sense of pride welled up in Yagi as he watched the super-soldier, knowing the burdens he secretly carried as the Symbol of Courage, Captain America. The weight of that legacy was not lost on him.

As the verdette drew near, a proud smile crept on Yagi's face. "Congratulations, Izuku," he greeted, his tone filled with genuine pride. "Making it to the All-Star Games Finals is a no easy feat, but you certainly made it look that way."

However, as Yagi observed the super-soldier, he couldn't help but notice something amiss. There was a shadow in Midoriya's eyes, a heaviness that didn't belong there. Yagi had come to know Midoriya well, and he knew there was something troubling him.

"Izuku," Yagi said, concern lacing his voice, "what's wrong?"

Midoriya hesitated, his gaze drifting to the ground, as if searching for the right words. Finally, he looked up at Yagi, his expression conflicted. "I ran into Endeavor in the hallway," he admitted. "And I can't help but wonder if he knows..."

Yagi's eyes widened slightly. "Knows what?"

"That I'm Captain America," Midoriya replied, his voice low and uncertain. "I mean, he said some things that made me think he might know my secret."

Yagi frowned. He remembered his own encounter with Endeavor in the stairway earlier that day. "W-What did he say to make you think that?"

Midoriya quickly recounted his conversation with Endeavor, and Yagi's frown deepened as he listened.

The green-haired man finished and rubbed the back of his head. "The way he spoke, it sounded like he definitely knew something. Of course, I can't for the life of me think of how he could've possibly figured my identity out just based on my performance today."

Yagi recounted Endeavor's angry declaration to him earlier. "Know this, All Might, I don't care what advantages nor favors you pulled for that Midoriya boy, I will mold Shoto into a Hero who far surpasses you and him. My creation won't lose out to yours. I refuse to lose to you again!"

The emaciated blonde sighed heavily, exasperated. "I can assure you that Endeavor doesn't know your true identity. He's under a false impression, and it's a misunderstanding."

Midoriya arched an eyebrow. "What does he believe then?"

Yagi hesitated. "I'll…tell you later. It's not important right now."

Midoriya nodded in understanding.

Though Midoriya looked slightly relieved, Yagi could see there was still something gnawing at the Living Legend. "There's something else, isn't there?"

Midoriya nodded and briefly hesitated before continuing. "It's Todoroki." He confessed. "I want to help him with his issues regarding his Quirk. I want to show him there's a better way, a way that doesn't involve being weighed down by his…personal issues. But if I do that, I might lose the match."

Yagi took a moment to absorb Midoriya's words. It was a complex dilemma, one that spoke to the heart of what it meant to be a hero. The desire to help others, even at personal cost, was a quality that Captain America represented. One that Yagi himself had strived to live up to himself throughout his own life.

Finally, Yagi spoke, his voice soft but filled with understanding. "There are no easy answers in situations like these. Naturally, you already know that being a hero means making difficult choices, sometimes sacrificing personal gain for the greater good. It's a path that can be challenging, but it's also what sets true heroes apart."

Midoriya nodded, though the conflict still lingered in his eyes. "I know, Toshinori. But it's not just about the match. It's about Todoroki's well-being. The path he's on will lead to his destruction, and I can't just turn a blind eye and let him go down it."

Yagi placed a reassuring hand on Midoriya's shoulder. "I understand your concern for Todoroki, Izuku. And I believe that you have the strength and wisdom to make the right choice. You've already inspired so many, myself included, and you'll continue to do so, regardless of the outcome of this match."

Midoriya met Yagi's cerulean eyes, his own filled with determination. "You're right. I can't forget what's really important here. Thanks, Toshinori."

Yagi smiled proudly. "My pleasure. Now go out there and be the Symbol of Courage you are. Whether you win or lose, you'll make a difference."

As they exchanged a final nod, Midoriya walked towards the tunnel's entrance and Yagi watched him go.

He knew that Midoriya would carry the weight of his decisions with the same strength and courage that had defined him as both a man and as Captain America.

---

"Ladies and gentlemen, Heroes and enthusiasts, the moment you've all been waiting for is finally here! It's the final match of the Freshmen All-Star Games!" Present Mic's voice was a cacophony of excitement. "Both of your finalists have proven to be front-runners throughout the games, but now, we're about to find out who's truly the top dog among them!"

Receiving the signal, Midoriya took a deep, calming breath and stepped out of the tunnel.

"Stepping out is our first All-Star Games finalist. He's the embodiment of determination, the GI extraordinaire from the Land of the Pilgrim's Pride, the one and only 'Yo Joe,' Midoriya Izuku!"

The stadium erupted with cheers as Midoriya entered the arena. Instead of focusing on the crowd, he stole a quick glance at the suite where his classmates were. Uraraka, Hatsume, and Tsunotori waved excitedly with both hands, while Yaoyorozu, Tokage, Ashido, Kaminari, Sero, Kirishima, and Jiro all grinned and cheered. The rest of the class that was present also enthusiastically showed their support.

"And our second finalist, he's a young man as ferocious as he is composed, he's the world's scariest living thermostat! Let's hear it for Todoroki Shoto!"

It was hard to tell if Todoroki received more cheers than Midoriya, but it was certainly close.

"EEEHHH!" Several young women in the front row squealed at the sight of Todoroki.

"Todoroki-sama! Over here, over here, over here!" one girl waved frantically.

"Wow!" another girl swooned. "He has such a mysterious, cool aura around him."

"I want to have your babies, Todoroki-sama!" a third girl loudly exclaimed.

"Get ready for an unforgettable battle as these two incredible contenders prepare to face off in the ultimate showdown for glory, pride, and the title of All-Star Champion! It's gonna be a match you won't want to miss, folks, so buckle up and get ready to witness history in the making!" Mic's electrifying commentary only fueled the crowd's excitement.

"So... Does anyone think Midoriya has a chance?" One Pro Hero, his voice barely heard over the enthusiastic crowd, asked.

"Well, I thought he would've lost against that Shiozaki girl... but he proved me wrong there," another mentioned. "Same with that Bakugo student. In terms of power, he's been at a disadvantage... yet he still finds a way to win."

"It really is remarkable," a Heroine complimented. "People like Midoriya and Gunhead prove that martial arts are underrated."

"True... but I think this match will be Midoriya's stopping point," another hero stated, shaking their head. "Martial arts won't save him in the face of overwhelming power."

"Maybe so. Still, it's impressive that Midoriya made it this far either way," someone countered.

"More like lucky, if you ask me," another scoffed.

"Well, even luck is part of one's potential," a more optimistic voice chimed in.

Meanwhile, on the concrete stage, the American super-soldier and the son of Japan's Number Two Hero took their positions on opposite sides.

"You made it," Todoroki said, his voice low and almost drowned out by the crowd.

"I told you this morning I'd give these games everything I have. What about you, Todoroki?" Midoriya retorted, stretching his arms to limber up. "Are you going to give it your all?"

Todoroki's bi-colored gaze bore into Midoriya with a disturbing level of intensity. "I'll show you and everyone else that I'm beyond Endeavor."

Midnight watched the two young men, who had locked into an intense staring match, seemingly tuning out everything except each other. She, like many others, had been impressed by Midoriya's performances, but she wondered how long he could last against Todoroki.

"Are both fighters ready?" she asked, receiving two nods from the opponents, who hadn't broken eye contact. She waited a few more moments before raising her whip, then finally swinging it down. "BEGIN!"

In the blink of an eye, ice exploded forward.

---

A/N: And cut! Sorry to end it here on another cliffhanger, but I felt this was an appropriate way to end the chapter. I do hope all of you enjoyed it!

Credit to Monkey D. Conan for his helpful input.

I'm also crediting a couple of authors that inspired the fight scenes.

"Have Faith In Me" by LuciaLater. Available on AO3

"Green Tea Rescue" by ss3dj. Available on FanFiction and AO3.

Be sure to check out their works if you haven't already.

The next chapter will feature Izuku and Shoto's fight and will conclude the All-Star Games arc. Izuku's response to All Might regarding One For All is revealed. What is All For One and Tomura's reactions to the Games, and how will the former alter his plans?

Please leave any comments, critique, or suggestions in the review box below. Thank you again for the support!