A/N: BA-BAM! Didn't expect to see my ass again so soon, huh?
Well, part of the reason why some of the previous chapters took an entire month to write is because I was suffering from serious writer's block. So in order to stay productive, I went ahead and worked on some future chapters. So that's why, by the time I posted Chapter 43 last night, I was already almost finished with this one.
I hope you liked it! I'll try to update one more time again this weekend. Kinda like my penance for being away for so long. Love you guys!
Opening Song:
"Vandalize" by One OK Rock
Hosu City.
The westernmost ward of Tokyo was calm, as it normally was in the weekdays. But today was special. Children were given the day off from school, but rather than running and playing outside, they were all sitting at home with their parents, glued to the television screen. Non-essential businesses closed early and, barring a handful of exceptions, even the convenience stores and other services weren't as busy today.
It was to be expected. Although life out here was slower than in Shinjuku, Kabukicho or Shibuya, the ordinary routine was made even slower by the broadcasting of UA High's yearly Sports Festival. It was a joyous time that captured the attention of the entire nation, so much so that crime itself ground to a nationwide halt on that day, as everyone sat around watching the Sports Fest for its high level of competition.
Heroes weren't the only ones interested in the athletic games. In fact, in one of Tokyo's most popular cafes, there was a famous framed picture of a Pro Hero sitting at a table with a known Super villain, drinks in hand, enjoying the Sports Festival together.
The news said it was a testament to the unifying force that was UA High, but Stain begged to differ. To him, it was an infection, a sweltering, bleeding bruise that represented everything that was wrong with this superhuman society. In the end, there was no difference between a false hero and a villain.
Stain watched from the shadows of an alleyway as a drunk man stumbled out of a Hero bar, almost being dragged by his companion.
"I'm not drunk!" The costumed hero laughed, leaning his head against his partner's shoulder. "I'm not drunk!"
"Fool! Only a drunk would try to convince a sober person that he ain't totally wasted!" His partner laughed. "Come on, let's get you back to the agency so you can sleep it off."
Stain's eyes narrowed and his breath came out in seething hot breaths.
This society was stained and deformed, and it needed be cleansed. Until they recognized it – until they were forced to see it with their own eyes, his work would continue. But he was not alone.
A tall, slender man with black hair, patchy skin with a face full of piercings and glowing blue eyes approached him from behind, hands stuffed into the pockets of his dark blue trench coat, staring at the bar's entrance, which was packed with heroes.
Suddenly the bar erupted in cheers and jubilant applause.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for our winner and still reigning Champion – "The Future" Trunks," rang out the loudspeakers from within. Around them, families in their homes who were watching the Tournament with their children also erupted in absolute joy.
"Well, would you look at that," Dabi said with a smirk. "It looks like Vegeta's little by-blow bastard of a son won the Junior League title again. Tough little tick, that one."
Stain made a dry, horrifying groan and bared his teeth.
"They fashion the young and the impressionable with a broken mold," he sneered. "They're all damaged."
"Yeah, just look at those so-called heroes down there," Dabi said, taking in the sight of the crowded bar. "They feel so safe in there, don't they? How many do you think we caught this time, Rue?"
Crouched against the wall on the opposite side, a disheveled teenage-looking boy wearing a plain white long sleeved shirt and cargo pants, rocked back and forth, gnawing on his left thumb. The chains wrapped around his torso clinked and clanked against each other with his constant rocking. He stared at the bar with wide open eyes, and his irises glowed with a scarlet light.
"Twenty," Rue whispered in a rasping, shadowy voice. He stopped his gnawing and rocking and removed his bleeding thumb from his mouth. "All intoxicated. Their unrestrained consumption of alcohol is shortening their life spans. I can see their numbers plummeting with every glass…"
"Oooh! You're thumb's bleeding again, Rue! Here, I'll nurse it for you," Toga whispered, falling to her knees beside him. She cupped Rue's hand and brought it up to her mouth, sucking on the bite wound lovingly, but Rue pulled away from her and stood up next to Dabi and Stain.
"Jeez!" Toga pouted, crossing her arms. "I was only trying to help, Old Man."
"Those sinners do not deserve the time they have left," Rue hissed, wiping to blood and drool off of his thumb on his blood-stained shirt. As he stood, his shoulder-length raven black hair began to float, along with the twin razor-sharp kunai attached to the metal chains that were wrapped around his body. The ends of the kunai curled above his head like two charmed snakes. "Allow me take it, Master. They must be purged."
Red Creed Disciple, Rue Valentine – Quirk: Bloodshot-Eyes
One of Stain's earliest disciples, Rue can see what he perceives to be a person's lifespan, written in visible floating numbers above a person's head that slowly count down. The activation of his Quirk also creates a gravity-canceling aura around him that makes his weapons' chains float, similar to Aizawa's capture weapon. Whenever he kills someone, their remaining lifespan is added to his. His current age is unknown, but it's assumed he is at least three hundred years old.
"Yes," Stain responded, reaching for the katana on his back. The chipped blade slid out of its sheath with a slithering whistle. "The streets of Hosu will run red with the blood of these fake heroes."
"Aww, we only get four each?" Toga whined with a pout, eyeing one of her blades. "That's no fun!"
"Stain has spoken, Toga" said a voice above her. Togo looked up to see the red-clad man-sized lizard, crawling along the wall above them. Dozens of blades were strapped together on his back and a red bandanna covered his eyes. Spinner gave Toga a nod. "The Creed follows Stain."
Dabi smirked, feeling the thrill of excitement rushing through his veins. Those poor little heroes felt so safe today. So the Sports Festival brought crime to a halt, eh?
They would never see it coming.
"Help..." A weak voice said from behind them. Immediately, Spinner, Toga, Rue and Stain drew their weapons and Dabi raised a fist, gathering blue fiery ki, all poised to kill this newest intruder. "Help… meee."
The pigtailed, skinny girl's mini skirt and gi were in tatters, and she was covered in grime and bruises. Her bloodied bare feet shuffled across the ground. Underneath the chin-length bangs that fell over her face, glowing red eyes were filled with tears and feverish sweat poured down her pale face.
"How sad!" Rue whispered. The ends of the kunai turned and snaked out towards the girl, poised to strike at her heart. Seven dark-red zeroes floated above her head in Rue's vision. "You poor angel. Your clock's run out of time. Come, my dear – it's time to rest now."
"Wait," Stain ordered, holding his hand up. His disciples obeyed his command and stepped back and Rue retracted the chained kunai. "She's not alone."
The next instant, five heroes dropped down from the sky wearing jetpacks that roared to life, kicking up dust and spitting fire and smoke behind them as they landed. Their polished, white armor gleamed in the light of day and the white lights shining from their visors illuminated the dark around them.
"It's the Mobile Suit Hero Agency!" Spinner gasped. "Ingenium must be nearby!"
"Squad C to Base – We found her, sir!" The lead hero called into the radio on his wrist. As he called in to his superior, he looked up at the group of five dressed in tattered clothes and wearing red bandannas and scarves.
"Oh, Christ!" One of the other heroes shouted, her helmet amplifying the horror in her voice. "Is that…?"
The lead hero's eyes widened into a panic.
"Call in the Police Force! The Red Creed- AHHHHH!"
His final cry was cut off with a gargled cry, as Stain's sword slashed forward, cutting off the hero's call for help. The helmet rolled off the hero's torso and landed on the floor.
"Captain Intake! NOOOO!" Another hero cried, surging forward. "You monster! You killed him!"
"I did," Stain said. His arm swung around, turning his blade into a blur of light, slashing at another of the heroes. "And now, you must die. Kill them!"
Without a moment of hesitation, Stain's disciples surged forward while the girl in the green gi dove to the ground, covering her head with her arms.
Mechanized bloodcurdling screams filled the alley, silenced by the steely whistle of blades and the scorch of flames. None of the heroes in the bar heard the commotion; the heroes' dying cries were drowned out by the drunken stupor and cheers as the heroes inside watched the Sports Fest.
The massacre went unnoticed.
And in seconds, it was over. All but one of the heroes who had been pursuing the terrified teen were dead, laying in a growing pool of blood. The last remaining hero had lost an arm and both legs and was attempting to crawl away.
"Mmm, so pretty," Toga cooed with a dreamy sigh, licking the blood splattered on her upper lip.
Stain dislodged the blood off of his sword with a firm shake and walked back towards the girl, examining her with his deep red eyes.
"Hmm, I know you," Stain said through clenched teeth. "You are one of the villains who attacked the students at the USJ. That's why you were being pursued."
"You saved me," the girl whispered weakly. "But why?"
"Saved you?" Stain scoffed, raising his sword over her head. "No, I put an end to those false heroes because it is my duty to do so. But you are a villain, child. You, too, must be purged!"
"No… no, please!" the girl cried, eyes watering. "I know who you are. You are the Hero Killer Stain, aren't you? I've heard so much about you. Please, let me join your righteous cause. I will devote myself to your Will, Stain."
Stain cocked his head to the side. A moaning groan escaped from his throat as he continued staring at the girl's torn gi.
"Your gi… you're a Crane, aren't you?" Stain asked, lowering his sword and placing the blade under the girl's chin. "What is your name, child?"
"My name is Yurin. And it's true, I was a Crane, but…" She whispered hoarsely, wincing back under the rusted blade. "But they abandoned me and left me to die. Then I joined the League of Villains, but they abandoned me, too. These heroes captured my precious Majin. I'd be dead now if it wasn't for you."
"So after walking both paths, you're neither a false hero, nor a villain now," Stain said, raising the girl's face with the tip of his blade to get a better look at her in the light. "Then what does that make you, Yurin?"
Yurin managed a weak smile and her eyes blazed red. A dark red Majin mark appeared on her forehead.
"Your soldier, your weapon… and anything else you'd like me to be," she said. "I pledge myself to your cause for a better world – one without False Heroes or villains."
Stain's disciples glanced at each other and then back at Stain, wondering what he would decide.
"He's not actually gonna take this lunatic in, is he?" Dabi scoffed quietly.
"Stain rescued us all from this unworthy world when we were at our lowest point," Spinner said with reverent awe. "We even took you into the Creed, Son of Endeavor, the fakest of all heroes. Don't you forget that."
"Tch. I haven't," Dabi growled.
After a moment of pause, Stain's slithery breath whistled and he lowered his weapon.
"Everyone get ready," Stain announced, turning back to face the Hero bar up ahead. "We've still got plenty of work to do."
Yurin let a relieved and exhausted sigh and she fell forward, catching herself with the palms of her hands. Toga waited until Stain had returned to the edge of the alleyway before skipping over to where Yurin was.
"Hi there," Toga squealed, her fists shaking with excitement. Yurin looked up at her weakly. Her long black, disheveled and filthy bangs fell over her eyes.
Toga smiled, revealing her sharp canine fangs as she dropped onto her haunches and hugged her knees, staring at her with childish curiosity.
"I'm Himiko Toga!" She squealed. "Oh! I can't believe I finally get to have a sister! I've always told Mister Stainy that we needed more girls in the family. Let's be BFF's, you and I, okay Yurin? You hungry? I've got this biscuit I took from one of the guys I cut earlier this morning. It's got a little blood but you can have it."
She swung her schoolgirl bag down to the ground and rummaged through it, pulling out a stale biscuit wrapped in a paper towel, and offered it to Yurin. Yurin greedily snatched it from her hands and wolfed it down. Toga smiled, watching the girl eat.
As she swallowed the food, Yurin stared up at Toga, confused by the unnatural blend of familial warmth and murderous chill in the blonde's tired golden eyes.
"You've had a rough day, huh? But don't worry, I know just the thing that will make you feel better—cutting people, like that one lady crawling away," Toga said, pulling Yurin up from the ground. She reached out and handed Yurin the bloody, sharp knife she had just used on the heroes, motioning to the last hero who was crawling away. "Go ahead. She's not so tough now, is she? She's all yours. Cut her."
"Yes," Yurin said through clenched teeth, taking the knife from Toga's hand. The handle was warm and slick with blood. Her eyes narrowed and her scowl turned into a deranged grin. "Yes. Let's cut them all!"
The hero, seeing that she was finally at death's door, activated the radio communicator on her wrist.
"L… Lieutenant Turbine to base," she grunted. "Come in, Sparkplug! A…Are you there?"
"I copy, Turbine!" the frantic operator cried from the other end of the call. "What's happening out there? Talk to me!"
"R...r…Red Creed!" Turbine grunted weakly, gasping for air as she began to lose consciousness. "Tell… Ingenium… Hero Killer Stain… Hosu City-"
The knife came down upon the fleshy part of her neck, ending the hero's transmission immediately.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR – THE SPORTS FEST VI: REBIRTH
It took Cementoss, the cement weilding hero about ten minutes to completely repair the fighting stage that had been so utterly destroyed by the clash between Goten and Trunks. By now, the afternoon sunhad passed well over its mid-arc in the sky, announcing the coming of dusk with cool breezes and rays of orange and yellow hues that shot across the blue sky.
Fireworks that shot off into the sky now blazed even brighter in the afternoon sky.
The grand arena now buzzed with anticipation as the Round of 16 matches of the Sports Festival were about to be announced. The competitors and spectators alike held their breath, eager to learn who would face off against whom in the next thrilling phase of the tournament. Standing at the center of the stage, Midnight cracked her whip in the air, capturing the attention of everyone in the stadium. Her image appeared in the screens around the stadiums.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, heroes and heroines! The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived!" Midnight's voice boomed through the speakers, her tone filled with excitement. "It's time to unveil the matches that will determine the fate of our exceptional young heroes! Will it be punishment, or pleasure?"
She reached into a golden box, filled with folded pieces of paper, each bearing the name of a participant. One by one, Midnight retrieved the slips and began to read out the pairings, her voice carrying the weight of suspense. As she named off each student, their faces flashed up on the huge screens. They were the pictures that had been taken of them at the start of the competition.
"The first match of the Round of 16 will be Izuku Midoriya of Hero Class 1A versus Hitoshi Shinso, 1C, General Studies!" Midnight announced, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between two determined contestants. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, knowing that the battle between Izuku's unwavering will and Shinso's mind-altering Quirk would be a spectacle to behold.
"Oh, crap," Midoriya sighed nervously. "Of all the people I could've gotten, I have to face the one person I know almost nothing about!"
"Hey, relax Deku!" Melissa said, looking up from her work tinkering with Gohan's scouter. "It could be worse, you know! You could have ended up facing someone powerful like-"
"Next, we have Melissa Shield, Hero Class 1A versus Fujisake Kaburagara, Vice Representative of Class Support Class 1H!" Midnight continued. Now it was Melissa's turn to gasp in horror.
"Aw, crap!" She cried with a blush.
"Shoto Todoroki will face off against Tenya Iida, both from Hero Class 1A, in a clash of ice and speed!" Midnight continued. "Videl Satan, also of Class 1A takes on Ibara Shiozaki of Hero Class 1B, testing the mettle of a martial artist against a master of nature manipulation!"
"Ibara, who the hell is that?" Videl asked Bakugo, who shrugged.
"A virtuous battle is at hand. I will proclaim salvation to all," Ibara said from Class 1B's seating box next to Class 1A, clasping her hands together. "You are strong, Satan, but I know One who is stronger. Repent, before it's too late."
Videl's expression soured instantly and she leaned against her boyfriend's shoulder.
"I'm gonna kick that self-rightous bitch in the face," she said, annoyed.
"Go for it, Babe!" Kirishima laughed, putting his arm around her neck.
The anticipation mounted as the pairings continued.
"Son Gohan will challenge Mina Ashido, promising an exhilarating confrontation of power and agility! Eijiro Kirishima squares off against Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, a battle of unyielding determination and unbreakable wills!"
"Woo-hoo! I hope you're ready, Muscles!" Mina teased, poking at Gohan's head from her seat behind him.
"Sure am!" Gohan responded happily. "I had a lot of fun fighting by your side in the Combat Trials. I can't wait!"
The crowd's enthusiasm swelled as Midnight declared the next match.
"Ochako Uraraka clashes with Itsuka Kendo in the penultimate fight of the final leg, a duel of gravity manipulation against versatile martial arts skills!" The audience anticipated an explosive showdown between two talented heroines.
"Of course," Ochaco sighed, looking down at her drink.
"Hey, you and Itsuka!" Gohan said excitedly, not noticing of Ochaco's downcast gaze. "That's gonna be exciting, huh?"
"...Yeah…" Ochaco muttered. "Right."
Finally, Midnight revealed the last match of the Round of 16, igniting the crowd's excitement to its peak. "Katsuki Bakugo will take on Momo Yaoyorozu, a clash of explosive power against strategic genius!"
"Ugh, you lucky bastard," Kaminari commented, leaning into his group so that Yoaoyorozu wouldn't overhear him. "I'd give anything to have Yaomomo step on my face."
"Bakugo and Yaomomo, huh? That's gonna be a good match," Kirishima commented with a smirk, looking at Bakugo. "I hope you're not too rough with the ladies, Bakugo."
"Yeah," Videl teased, elbowing Katsuki's elbow. "It'd be a real cryin' shame if you end up losing to a girl, again."
"I'll murder her," Bakugo growled, arms crossed.
With each match-up announced, the arena erupted into a symphony of cheers and applause. The competitors absorbed the tension in the air, their minds already racing with strategies and determination. The path to victory lay before them, a battlefield where their skills, resolve, and unwavering spirit would be put to the ultimate test.
Gohan finished clapping and looked over at Ochaco, who had remained in her seat, looking down at her drink. He finally noticed her change in demeanor and sat down, leaning in closer to the girl.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, with a look of concern.
"Hmm?" Ochaco glanced up. "Oh, n-nothing! Just a little nervous, that's all. Kendo's a really good fighter, but I'm gonna do my best!"
"That's the spirit, Ochaco! You've got this!" Gohan said with a smile. Ochaco returned the smile but glanced over casually at the seating box of Class 1B. Sure enough, the fiery redhead was staring straight at her. A glint of focused determination lit up her green eyes giving her a predatory glare. She smiled and swept her thumb across her nose in anticipation.
Ochaco couldn't help but think back on their last argument that they had had at the parking lot during the Lunch interval.
"Sorry about this, sometimes my competitive side gets the better of me, or maybe I'm just as interested in your 'best friend' as you are." Kendo had told her. "In any case, I've decided that I'm going to win Gohan over, and steal him right from under you… And I'm going to put you in your place. Ochaco Uraraka – consider this my declaration of war."
"It's just…" Ochaco began.
"Excuse me," Melissa said, tapping Gohan on the arm. "Sorry to interrupt, but can I burrow Gohan for just a second? I got the Scouter back up and running now, but there's a string of code here in Namekian that I need you to translate."
"Oh, that must be the security encryption that Dende added. Sure thing, Mel!" Gohan said, turning in his seat to help Melissa with the Scouter.
Ochaco knew better than to try and find Itsuka's gaze a second time, but she still felt it, as if it was burning a hole through her. She allowed herself to look over one more time and surely enough, Itsuka was still staring at her.
Feeling a pang of discomfort, Ochaco grabbed her empty cup and got up to go get a refill and escape the redhead's gaze, but Iida, who was sitting at the edge of the row, caught onto the situation. He stood up firmly, blocking Ochaco from Itsuka like a protective wall.
"Yes?" He asked Itsuka, with a lesser than friendly tone, crossing his arms. "Is there something you need, Kendo?"
"Heh, no, not really," Kendo shrugged and tore her gaze away with a smirk. "Sorry about that, just sizing up the competition is all."
"Hmph," Iida said with a scoff. He turned to Uraraka, who gave him a tired, relieved look. "I'm feeling a little hungry, Uraraka. What do you say you and me hit the snack bar and bring back some chips and drinks for everybody?"
"Yes please," Ochaco nodded quickly, getting up to leave with her Vice Rep. "...thank you, Iida."
"You're the best, Vice Rep!" Toru shouted. "Bring me back some Flamin' Hot Cheetos, please!"
"Me too!" Mina added.
"Funyuns, please!" Jiro asked. "And some Doctor Pepper!"
"Make it dos, porfavor!" Kaminari added in terrible Spanish.
"You got it!" Iida said, leading Ochaco away.
"Don't let her initimidate you, Uraraka," Iida said in a hushed tone so that only Ochaco could hear. "You've made it this far in the competition on your own merits – you deserve to be here as much as she does."
"It's not just that, Iida," Ochaco said, rubbing her arms as the two walked towards the concession stands. "It's just…"
"Your emotions are clouding your judgment," Iida finished with a brotherly smile. "Isn't that right? You've noticed the way Itsuka flirts with him, the laughs they share, and the genuine interest Itsuka displays whenever Gohan is around. She obviously cares about him enough to try to help him achieve great things. Deep down, you know that Itsuka has feelings Gohan, and this knowledge adds a layer of insecurity and fear to your already nervous state."
Ochaco lifted her eyes to meet Iida's.
"Y-Yeah," she stuttered, shocked. "What are you, some kind of mind-reader?"
Iida tilted his head back and laughed a hearty, infectious laugh that lifted Ochaco's mood.
"No," he said with a smile. "I'm just a Vice Rep that cares about our classmates, and our friends."
He tapped on the right leg of his glasses.
"Besides," he joked. "How could I wear these giant glasses and not see what's going on?"
Ochaco stared at Iida and then burst into a chortle.
"Those are some pretty big glassses, Tenya."
"Just remember," Iida said, placing a hand on Ochaco's shoulder and giving her a loving, brotherly squeeze. "This tournament is about showcasing our own strengths and growth. It's not about worrying over what others may or may not think. You are Ochaco Uraraka. You are incredible just the way you are. Your determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit make you a force to be reckoned with. So don't let anyone or anything make you question your own worth."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ochako's lips as she absorbed Tenya's encouraging words. He was right. Her worth as a hero didn't hinge on someone else's affections or opinions. No, Ochaco had her own path to walk and her own strengths to rely on. Deep down in her heart, she knew that Gohan reciprocated her own feelings towards her.
And even if they weren't officially together, in her heart, she knew that he cared about her, and she loved him deeply. But this tournament was her opportunity to show the world her own growth and strength. Everything else was just a distraction.
"Thank you, Tenya," Ochako expressed her gratitude, her voice steadier now. "I really, really needed to hear that. Don't worry. I'll put these feelings aside, and I won't let my fears or doubts hold me back. I'll fight with everything I have."
Iida's smile widened.
"That's the spirit, Uraraka!" he said, raising his fist. "I believe in you. Remember, I'll be cheering for you, our whole class will be – uhh, except for Bakugo, probably. The point is – you have a whole cheering squad rooting for you, myself included. Show everyone what you're capable of."
…
Izuku had made his way down to the tunnel where he would emerge to face his first opponent. From here, he could see Shinso staring at him from the tunnel on the opposite side of the stadium, with his arms crossed and a smug smile on his haggard face. His unkempt, indigo hair swayed with the afternoon breeze.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest and he could feel the numbness of anxiety gnawing at his insides. The weight of the moment seemed almost overwhelming. This time, Gohan would not be here to save him. For the first time since entering UA High, Izuku was truly on his own.
This is it, Izuku breathed. I don't really have much of a strategy, but from what I learned from Shinso, this guy relies mainly on his brainwashing Quirk. He doesn't seem overly athletic or powerful, so as long as I don't talk to him, I should be good to go.
"Alright everybody! The stage is set and our competitors are ready." Mic announced. "Sometimes, our heroes find themselves alone and have only themselves to rely on. Heart, skill, strength, courage and determination, they'll have to use all of these virtues to rise to the top."
"Hey!" A familiar voice called from behind. Izuku opened his eyes and turned around to see All Might. The man looked rough, no doubt having to exert himself to keep his muscle form throughout the day. Now he was in his true, weaker form. The navy blue teacher suit he wore was comically baggy.
"All Might!" Izuku said with a relieved smile. "Boy am I glad to see you here!"
"Yeah, I am here," Toshinori said with a tired smile. "Sorry I haven't been able to stop by to see you earlier. But I've been watching you. You've been great so far, Young Midoriya! You're well on your way to harnessing One for All!"
"Mmm, no… not really. I'm…" Izuku admitted, holding his fist against his chest. He looked down at it to see it trembling with apprehension. "I'm still worried about using it to fight someone. What if I accidentally hurt them? I don't mind hurting myself, and I get that it's part of getting used to the power, and I really have learned a lot about handling its power. But I'm still not in control. It feels so unpredictable, and the last thing I want is to seriously hurt someone. And besides, Shinso's Quirk is powerful, and I'm worried about falling victim to his brainwashing. What if I can't overcome it?"
Toshinori smiled and placed a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder, his presence a pillar of unwavering support. "I understand you completely, Young Midoriya. Truly, I do. I remember my first fight in the Tournament when I was your age. It's natural to feel nervous before a challenging battle. But remember, you possess something truly special within you."
Izuku looked back up at All Might, his eyes glistening.
"You have a heart filled with compassion, empathy, and an unyielding determination," All Might continued. "These qualities, along with your analytical mind and resourcefulness, make you a formidable hero in your own right. You've faced countless challenges and emerged stronger each time. You've faced your own insecurities in the Entrance Exam, you faced your fears when you fought Bakugo in the Combat Trials, and you faced true adversity when the League of Villains attacked the marketplace as well as the USJ. Izuku… I have no doubt that you can overcome Shinso's Quirk."
Izuku's grip tightened on his trembling fists, his gaze unwavering. All Might's words resonated deep within him, stirring a renewed sense of confidence.
"But, All Might, what if I make a mistake? What if I'm not strong enough?" Izuku's voice quivered, his self-doubt creeping back into his thoughts.
.
"Oh come on, young man, you know the answer better than anyone else! Strength isn't solely defined by physical prowess. It's about having the courage to face your fears and persevere even when the odds are stacked against you. That's why I chose you to become my successor, and the reason why I entrusted One for All to you in the first place. You possess a strength that goes beyond muscles and Quirks. It's the strength of your spirit, your unwavering desire to protect others. Trust in that power."
Izuku took a deep breath, feeling the weight of All Might's words lift some of the burden from his shoulders. The belief and guidance bestowed upon him by his idol renewed his resolve.
"Okay. I trust you, All Might. You're right. I can't let my nerves hold me back. I'll give it my all and trust in my own strength," Izuku declared, determination flickering in his eyes.
All Might nodded, a glimmer of pride evident in his gaze. Smoke lifted up from underneath his suit as he reverted back to his muscle form, his voice becoming a firm, beacon of hope.
"That's the spirit, young Midoriya. Believe in yourself, and the path to victory will reveal itself. You've trained tirelessly for this moment, and I have no doubt that you'll seize it. And if you ever get scared or nervous, just try dealing with it by smiling! Even if you're worried, you must stand tall! Don't forget that I am counting on you, and cheering you on!"
A surge of newfound confidence coursed through Izuku's veins. He straightened his posture, the nerves still present but now accompanied by a resolute determination. With All Might's words echoing in his heart, he stepped forward, ready to face Shinso and whatever challenges awaited him.
As he walked along the path that lead to the fighting stage, he was showered with the deafening roar of the crowd. The flames on each of the pedestals that cornered the stage lit ablaze, reaching up to the heavens and stoking the excitement of the stadium.
"This is it, Sports Fans!" Present Mic's voice rang as Izuku walked up the steps that lead to the stage. "You've waited patiently for this moment to arrive, so let's cut to the good stuff and not delay these finals any longer. Welcome our first fighters!"
The portraits of Shinso and Midoriya flashed on the screen. Shinso carried his usual, unburdened demeanor while Izuku's picture showed up upright, hands stiffly by his side, with an apprehensive expression in his face.
"Whoa, he looks kinda scared in that picture, doesn't he?" Mic teased. "It's Izuku Midoriya from Hero Course Class 1A, versus Hitoshi Shinso from General Studies Class 1C."
As the two young fighters met at the center of the fighting ring, Shinso gave Midoriya a smirk.
"The rules are simple," Hercule Satan chimed in. "Basically, the same rules from the Junior Division Tournament apply. You win by immobolizin' your opponent for a ten second countdown, knockin' him outta the ring, or gettin' him to cry uncle like a big baby!"
"You can also win by Knockout," Aizawa added. "Don't worry, Recovery Girl and her medic team is on standby, so don't hold back. Give it your all, everyone...or else!"
"Or else what?" Mina gulped and Jiro shivered.
"And of course, no life-threatening crap, you guys. That's not allowed. Cementoss and Midnight will step in if anyone decides to get too rough."
Izuku closed his eyes and breathed in a deep, calming sigh, preparing himself mentally for the fight ahead. Shinso cocked his head to the side and called out to him.
"Tell me something, Midoriya," Shinso taunted. "There's a really cute blonde with glasses in your class. What's her name? Is she single?"
Izuku looked up at Shinso, a blush forming on his cheeks.
"Oh, on second thought, nevermind." Shinso goaded, his voice dripping with condescension. "We've all seen throughout this tournament that she's just a quirkless nobody. I wonder how it must feel to be so weak, so insignificant? Blondie's dreams of becoming a hero are nothing but a pathetic joke."
Izuku's eyes widened into a ferocious glare and his teeth bared. The mere mention of Melissa's quirklessness, her struggles, and her dreams being belittled enraged him.
"READY?" Midnight called. "CLAAAAAASH!"
"Grrrrah!" Izuku growled, surging forward into a full speed run, blinded by his fury. "Don't you dare talk about Melissa that way, you bastard!"
In that moment, something behind Izuku's eyes snapped. Shinso crossed his arms with a confident, victorious smile and nodded.
"That's it," he said. "I win."
As Izuku's determined charge faltered and slowed to a stop, a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him. Shinso's quirk had taken hold, ensnaring Izuku's mind in its insidious grip.Oh no! Was all that Izuku could think before his very own thoughts became clouded, his willpower weakened as he succumbed to the power of Brainwashing. What is this? What's happening to me? Why can't I move?! Oh, don't tell me!
A hollow, distant voice echoed in Izuku's mind, drawing him deeper into the labyrinth of Shinso's control.
"Good job, Midoriya. I'm so proud of you. Now, turn around and walk out of bounds, like a good little hero," Shinso commanded, his voice laced with a sinister satisfaction. "You have no choice but to obey."
Without a word or any sort of palpable reaction, Izuku turned slowly, wide-eyed. His irises glowed with an indigo hue, the sign of Shinso's Quirk at work, and he began to walk towards the edge of the fighting stage.
"HEYYYY! What's the big idea?" Satan shouted angrily and confused. "Your goin' the wrong way, Midoriya! Or does this mean he's throwin' in the towel before he even starts?"
"No," Aizawa cut in. "Look at Shinso's hair. It's floating, and his eyes are glowing, just like mine do. That's his tell. This is the power of Shinso's Brainwashing Quirk."
Hitoshi Shinso – Quirk: Brainwash
If someone verbally responds to his questions or commands, Shinso is able to take control of their mind and force them to perform simple tasks.
"AHHHH!" Ojiro shouted, jumping from his seat and holding his head in despair. "I told him not to utter a single word to that maniac! That's how his power works!"
"Oh, no! Deku!" Melissa cried, turning to Gohan. "Isn't there anything we can do for him?"
"No…" Gohan said, shaking his head. "It's Shinso's Quirk at play, so it's fair game."
"Can't you talk to Midoriya through Koda like you did with Goten?!" Ochaco asked, holding her hands clasped together, bouncing with nerves.
"I can't," Gohan sighed. "It only worked with Goten because we're half-Saiyans and we carry Oozaru genes. But Izuku doesn't, so it wouldn't work… He needs to think his way out on his own this time."
In a surge of sheer willpower, Izuku fought against the force pulling him towards defeat. Every step he took towards the boundary line was countered by a fierce resistance, his determination waging a war against the power of Brainwashing. With every fiber of his being, Izuku pushed forward, his legs trembling under the strain. The battle within his mind raged on, a clash of powers and resolve. But as the boundary line loomed closer, hope flickered like a dying flame. And despite his valiant efforts, Izuku's strength waned. The brainwashing held him in its iron grip, forcing his body to obey Shinso's command. With a heavy heart, Izuku resigned himself, accepting the inevitable defeat.
I'm so sorry, Mom. All Might. Gohan. Melissa. Goten… all of you who cheered me on and put their faith in me. I was so stupid! I failed you.
"Izuku Midoriya…" A female voice whispered in his ear.
Izuku gasped. He glanced around as best as he could without being able to turn his head, but of course, nobody was around. The voice had come from deep within his head. His peripherals hazed and time slowed to a crawl, and all Izuku could hear was his beating heart, his sharp breaths and the voice calling out to him.
Am I finally losing it?! Izuku thought.
"Izuku Midoriya." That voice – he'd heard that voice before.
There, just a couple feet away from Izuku, was Moonlight Might. The beautiful woman with shimmering light skin and a loving expression. The white cape she wore swayed with the wind, framing her muscular, well-toned arms that poked out of the sleeveless dark blue undershirt, as she walked towards him. Her long, wild raven hair brushed against her angelic face and her dark eyes, sparkled in a loving, motherly manner.
Okay, it's official, I've totally lost it! Izuku blinked.
"So you're the Ninth holder, huh?" Moonlight said with a grin that seemed oddly familiar to Izuku. Where had he seen that mischievous, almost child-like half grin before?
"Wait, a second – Miss Moonlight, you've known about One for All all this time?" Izuku asked, wide-eyed. "Who exactly are you?!"
"Oops, sorry kid! I probably should've said something sooner," Moonlight said, bringing her hands together with a warm smile, cocking her head to the side. "I am the vestige of Son Gine, the Seventh Holder of One for All… and now, You and I are One."
"Vestige?" Izuku repeated. "I don't understand. Wait! I remember now! Son Gine, you were All Might's mentor, weren't you?"
"That's right, more like his adoptive mother," Gine laughed.
"I knew it!" Izuku gasped. "So that means that you're Gohan's grandmother, too!"
"Right again!" Gine chuckled.
"AHHHHHH!" Izuku shrieked, startling Gine, who jumped back in terror, gripping onto her long hair with crazed eyes.
"What is it?!" Gine shouted, terrified.
"ARE YOU A GHOST?!" Izuku screamed, pointing a shaking finger at Gine.
"N-No!" Gine said, moving her hands in a comforting wave. "I'm not a ghost and neither are you-"
"WHAT?!" Izuku looked down at his feet …and noticed that they were missing! His entire body was shrouded in a dark green cloud that emitted green currents and flashes of emerald electricity. From the corner of his eye, he could see his physical body in a trance, walking steadily towards the edge of the fighting stage.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" Izuku shouted again, gripping his face in terror. "AM I A GHOST, TOO?! Am I… Am I trapped between two worlds? Is this some kind of quirk gone wrong?" Izuku's voice cracked as he fought back tears of fear. His mind raced with thoughts of being forever trapped in this ethereal state.
"Snap out of it, Midoriya!" Gine shouted, giving Izuku a strong thwack over his head. The blow, though painful, helped to calm the panicking boy down.
"Ugh! Sorry!" Izuku whimpered, rubbing the spot on his head.
"Don't worry, kiddo. Everything will start to make sense soon. But right now, it's not really the best time to talk, now is it?" Gine asked.
"Uh, yeah! You can say that again!" Izuku shouted, his voice echoing in an ethereal manner. His physical body was probably five steps away from the edge of the ring and getting closer. Soon, he would obey Shinso's command to step out of the ring and out of the tournament.
"Yes, quite the predicament," Gine hummed to herself, rubbing her chin with her yellow-gloved hand. "Oh well, I suppose now that you're manifesting my Quirk, we can find time to talk later. So for now, just do as I do."
The woman turned away from Izuku and lowered her hand at the edge of the ring, her palm facing outward. Izuku couldn't lift his arm, but he could feel the tips of his fingers twitching. Closing his eyes he pictured them opening, forming into an open palm.
His fingertips twitched again and began to move, began to open. Izuku bared his teeth and poured every ounce of his will into opening his hand. He was now at the edge of the ring, and his foot was rising to give that final step. He was out of time!
Suddenly, the power of One for All surged within him, covering his body in radiant, sparkling stripes, making Izuku's glazed, dead eyes glow green, replacing the pale indigo tinge in his eyes.
"WHOAAAA-HOOOOO!" Present Mic screamed excitedly. "WHAT'S THIS?! It looks like Young Midoriya is fighting back against Shinso's Mind Control! Just look at that Power Level surge!"
In their ethereal form, Gine leaned forward and cupposed Izuku's hands in her larger hands. A bright orb of light formed in Izuku's palms, strikingly similar to Gohan's ki blasts.
"What… what is this?" Izuku asked, looking down at the bright violet orb of ki. Gine gave him a motherly, compassionate look.
"The power within you is a sacred torch passed down by generations, who in the name of justice, pray for peace," Gine explained. "And it is this unified power, which we pass on to you. So reach in deep within you and may the fire of our spirits light your path."
Gine dropped the orb into Izuku's waiting hands. Immediately, emerald sparks of electricity shot out from the center of Izuku's back and spiraled across his arm, meeting the gleaming red light and forming into a glowing orb of red energy, covered in green sparks. Izuku stared at the power gathered within his hands. The more he concentrated, the larger the orb grew, until it was the size of a basketball. It sizzled and charged with pure energy.
Gine smiled and nodded.
"That's it. Now aim the blast at the ground, and yell this from the depths of your heart! MAIDEN BURST!"
"H...HUH?!" Izuku gasped, his cheeks flushing red. "I can't say that, that's so… girly!"
"Just do it!" Gine shouted, her motherly tenderness melting away immediately. Her eyes whitened out in comic rage.
"Uh… right!" Izuku yelped, closing his eyes to concentrate. "Sorry!"
"One For All…" Izuku managed as the red starry power of One for All surged throughout his body, pouring out in a shower of brilliant cerise lights. "…MAIDEN BURST!"
As Izuku unleashed the ki blast, he felt a pull on his incorporeal form as his physical body leaped up into the air and contorted into a fetal position for only a brief moment, then his limbs expanded, and the blast exploded into several smaller explosions that cratered the ground underneath him and broke him out from Shinso's hold.
And suddenly, he was in his body again, this time free from Shinso's Quirk.
"WHAT?!" Shinso howled, unable to believe his eyes. "This… this is impossible!"
"YAY! Woohoo!" Ochaco cheered.
"YEAHHHHH!" Melissa shouted, jumping up from her seat. "Way to go, Deku!"
Gohan's mouth dropped in surprise as he witnessed the spectacle.
"Since when can Izuku fire off ki blasts?!" He asked with a widening, excited smile.
"Ahhh! I'm just relieved he was able to break out of that trance!" Ochaco said with a sigh of relief, falling back against her seat.
Time seemed to slow as Izuku began a slow, hovering descent back down to the stage, almost like as if he was hovering, caught in Ochaco's Zero Gravity. But as he slowly floated downward, he caught sight of a glow from the corner of his eyes. There in the distance, under the dark of the tunnel that lead to the waiting and locker rooms, stood seven glimmering shadows of different colors, hovering slightly above the ground in a spectral manner.
"Not bad, kid!" Gine's voice said in his ear. "See? I knew you could do it!"
One of the shadows, a bald, muscular figure enshrined in a smoldering violet light, crossed his arms over his chest and rolled his head back in annoyance.
"You've got to be joking, Gine!" He said with a hint of irritation in his echoing voice. "This little twerp is the one who will inherit Time Skip? His body can barely hold it together long enough to shoot off a basic kikoha blast!"
"Relax, Hit," The smallest of the eight said with a calming purr. Its opaque feline body was highlighted by a gentle red glow. The round-figured cat stroke its whiskers pensively with one paw, leaning onto a wooden staff with the other. His tail wiggled playfully behind him as he stood on two legs. "You weren't much more than a hotshot rent-a-cop when I offered you one of my whiskers, now were ya?"
"Hmph, don't remind me, Hairball," Hit responded with a friendly scoff.
"And then you went and transferred One for All to that tiny perv over there!"
"Hey!" A lime-green shadow hollered, rushing over to the feline shadow. "I don't need any lip from a pussy cat, got it!"
"Heh, about the only pussy cat lip you'll ever be getting, Guildo," the cat chortled.
"Hey, be nice, or I'll tie y'all up with Blackwhip and force you to be nice!" Another shadow responded.
"AHAHAHA!" Gine laughed out loud, placing her fists on her hips and leaning back. "Kitty Korin does have a point!"
That laugh… it sounds so much like All Might's! Izuku thought for a moment. She really did have a hand in turning him into the great hero he is.
"Who are they?" Izuku asked as Gine's astral form began to shimmer and disappear and Korin began to fight with the Guldo, the short, fat four-eyed shadow.
"They are the personification of One for All itself, or rather, the consciousness of the previous eight users," Gine said. "We're here to help you, Izuku. The singularity point is quickly approaching, and we will help you to embrace it."
Izuku looked over at her, his eyebrows furrowed as he chewed on his lip.
"The singularity point?" he asked.
"That's right," Gine responded, crossing her arms over her chest. "It is the day in which you will embrace One for All in its totality. The vestiges have awakened, to witness your rebirth. We have chosen you, to inherit our Quirks – to become the One and Only. And it all starts right here. Now it is your turn."
"But… but what if I'm not ready?" Izuku insisted, shaking his head.
"Destiny rarely waits until we're ready, kid," Gine said with a shrug and brought her fingers up to her cheeks, widening a glowing smile that highlighted her beauty. "But that's why we're here – to guide you! And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just try smiling. The people in this world who can smile through trials are always the strongest. We're counting on you, so do your best, Izuku Midoriya!"
She was right. Those who always pushed onward, past their obstacles and past their limits, were always smiling.
All Might, Gohan, Melissa, even little Goten.
This was his dream, too. I want to be able to smile, while doing something good for people…
"I will," Izuku said, forcing a determined smile through gritted teeth. "I'll do my best!"
And with that final thought, Izuku was pulled back from that astral environment and found himself falling back down onto the mat. He landed on his rear end with a painful thud. A sharp, warm pain shot up from the hand he had used to produce the Maiden Blast, and when Izuku glanced down at it, all of his fingers except for his thumb were broken.
Agh! Still hurts! Izuku thought with a whimper. Are all of these new powers going to keep breaking me on day one?!
Izuku glanced back over to the tunnel, but the eight vestiges were no longer there, but Gine's inspiring words remained in his mind. Ignoring the crunching pain of his broken bones, Izuku forced his hand into a fist and picked himself up, huffing and puffing from the exertion and the pain.
"No… no way!" Shinso gasped. His eyes narrowed in frustration and he gripped at his wild indigo hair. "How did you break free from my Quirk?!"
Izuku bit his tongue hard to resist the urge to respond. Summoning all of the strength he could muster, he lifted himself up and threw himself into a full speed run, eyes wide and focused on his target.
Dammit! Shinso cursed. Did he finally realize how my Quirk works?! And what's with that new blast attack? Gotta take him out before he has another chance to use it on me!
"What?! Now you've got two Quirks? You're so blessed!" Shinso spat. "Someone like you would never understand what I've been through."
You're right, I am blessed. And I can't let those counting on me down now! Izuku shouted in his thoughts, running towards Shinso, drawing upon One for All's power, which in turn enveloped his body with glowing sparks of emerald lightning. Smile, just keep smiling! I've got this!
The corners of Izuku's lips lifted into a confident smile, baring his teeth against the pain. As Izuku's determined gaze locked onto Shinso, his body surged with renewed energy. The pain of his broken bones became secondary to the burning resolve within him. With each step he took, the sparks of emerald lightning crackled around his body, a tangible manifestation of One for All's power.
Shinso couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease as he observed Izuku's unwavering smile. The confident expression that adorned Izuku's face unsettled him, causing him to involuntarily take a step back. The sight of his opponent's resolute determination was enough to send a shiver down his spine.
What the hell is up with this guy? Shinso thought to himself. He's a walking corpse, yet he still keeps coming! What's driving him?!
With a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, Izuku closed the distance between himself and Shinso in an instant. Shinso quickly composed himself, realizing that he couldn't afford to be overwhelmed by Izuku's newfound strength and resolve. Gathering his own determination, he braced himself for the impending clash, and ran towards Izuku with a furious cry.
Shinso swung his fist forward and connected with Izuku's jaw. Izuku whimpered, but pressed on, slamming his one good fist into Shinso's abdomen. Shinso was knocked back, feeling all the wind in his body rush out, leaving him wheezing.
The arena trembled with the intensity of their clash, and the spectators were on the edge of their seats, captivated by the sheer ferocity and tenacity displayed by Izuku.
Midoriya did not wait for Shinso to recover. He continued his charge forward towards the indigo-haired Shinso, who could do little more than wheeze.
I got him up against the ropes now, Izuku thought to himself, analyzing his frustrated opponent. Without any combat training and relying solely on his brainwashing Quirk, Shinso's not prepared to face a Hero student. Gotta finish this now!
Shinso slammed his fist against the mat in frustration and jumped to his feet. But he was still winded and wasn't ready to defend himself as Midoriya leaped forward, crashing into his chest with his head. The blow knocked Shinso even further back, until his body slid to a stop, just inches away from the edge of the competition.
"DAMMIT! What's the matter, punk?!" Shinso shouted in desperation as he rose to his feet, attempting to launch a hook with his left fist. Izuku's emerald lightning surged with renewed intensity. He evaded Shinso's assault, ducking under the swinging fist effortlessly. "Aren't you gonna say something?"
Actually, there is one word that comes to mind!
Seizing the opportunity, Izuku's fist tightened and shot straight at Shinso's vulnerable core.
"SMASSSSSHHHHHHH!"
The devastating super attack connected with a resounding impact, striking Shinso with a force that lifted him up sent him sprawling backward. The clash echoed throughout the arena, silencing the spectators for a moment, who stared in awe.
Time seemed to slow as Shinso crashed to the ground just outside the ring, where he crumbled, defeated. The battle had come to an end, and Izuku stood at the edge of the fighting stage, chest heaving, a mix of exhaustion and triumph etched on his face.
"Ring out!" Midnight called. "Shinso is out of bounds! Midoriya wins!"
The entire stadium burst into cheers. As the realization of his victory washed over him, Izuku's unwavering smile widened.
Breathing heavily, Shinso picked himself up weakly onto his hands and knees and stared at the ground, a mix of exhaustion and disappointment etched across his face. Doubts flooded his mind, and he couldn't help but question his own worthiness.
"I... I guess this is it," he muttered, his voice tinged with resignation. His fingers curled around the grass below. "The teachers were right… I'll never be a hero. My quirk, my limitations... they're just too much."
As tears began to fall from his eyes, he heard soft footsteps walking up to him. He glared up at Izuku, prepared to hear the taunts that he so desperately deserved. But to his surprise, Izuku's eyes were full of compassion and understanding. He crouched down in front of Shinso and extended a hand out to him.
Shinso stared at the outstretched hand, confused.
"I don't understand," he said, shaking his head. "After everything I've done… all the cruel things I said to you… why?"
Izuku tilted his head and smiled. "Because I can recognized the turmoil in your eyes, Shinso. They look just like my own. I understand the weight of self-doubt, having faced my fair share of obstacles on this journey."
Shinso lowered his head in shame and Izuku placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Shinso, I know how it feels to doubt yourself and your abilities," Izuku began, his earnestness shining through. "But you know? Something I learned from a good friend is that being a real hero isn't just about having the perfect quirk or never facing setbacks. It's about the strength of your heart and your desire to make a positive impact in people's lives. Isn't that why you want to be a hero, too, Shinso?"
Shinso's gaze lifted, his eyes meeting Izuku's determined gaze.
"Growing up, everyone was afraid to talk to me," he muttered. "All I've ever wanted to do is to help people, but they're scared of me. They call me a freak, say I've got the Quirk of a supervillain, instead…"
"They're wrong. You have an amazing, unique Quirk, Shinso," Izuku continued, his voice growing stronger with every word. "One that has the power to shape the outcome of battles, to influence others, and to protect those in need. It may not be flashy or conventional, but it's a gift that can bring about change."
A flicker of hope ignited within Shinso's eyes, the embers of his dreams reigniting through Izuku's compassion and kindness. He had never considered his quirk in such a light, never imagined that it could be a force for good.
"Izuku, I... I don't know if I can change my destiny," Shinso admitted, his voice laced with a mix of uncertainty and hope. "This society is pinned against people like you and me. So how do you do it? How do you keep up such an optimistic view?"
Izuku smiled.
"You deal with it by smiling. Because no one can change your destiny but you, Shinso. If you're willing to embrace your Quirk, to strive for growth, and to never give up, then there's no limit to what you can achieve. You have the potential to become an extraordinary hero."
As Izuku's words sank in, a glimmer of hope flickered within Shinso's gaze. He slowly reached out and grasped Izuku's hand, allowing himself to be lifted to his feet.
"I won't deny that it's tough, Shinso," Izuku continued. "But if you want to become a hero, don't let this defeat be the end. Learn from it, grow stronger, and keep pushing forward, past your limits. Embrace the unique power of your quirk, and let it be a force for good."
Shinso stared at Izuku, his eyes welling with a mixture of gratitude and newfound determination.
"Thank you, Midoriya," Shinso whispered, a newfound fire kindling within him. "I see now that the path to heroism wasn't a straightforward journey, like I thought it was, but a series of challenges and lessons. I can see now why they call you a Hero. I won't give up. I'll strive to become the hero I've always dreamed of, no matter the obstacles. And maybe, just maybe, our paths will cross again someday."
Izuku's smile grew wider, his gaze filled with admiration. "I look forward to that day, Shinso. Remember, you're never alone in this journey. We'll all be cheering for you."
With those words of encouragement echoing in his heart, Shinso took a deep breath and walked back towards the tunnel that lead to his classroom. As Shinso made his way back to his seat, a mix of exhaustion and disappointment still lingering within him, his classmates cheered him on.
"Way to go, Shinso!" His friends called from their seats. "You were amazing!"
"Yeah, thank you for representing us all in Gen Studies!"
"Hey Shinso, listen to what the pro's are saying!"
The voices of the Pro Heroes carried whispers of admiration and praise for his quirk, words that he never thought he would hear.
"Did you see Shinso's control over his opponents? Impressive, isn't it?"
"That Brainwashing quirk of his is a game-changer. With proper training, he could become a force to be reckoned with."
"Shinso has so much untapped potential. He just needs the right guidance and opportunities."
Those words reached his ears, piercing through the cloud of self-doubt that had settled around him. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a new perspective on his abilities. The voices of experienced heroes echoed in his mind, highlighting the strength and potential that others saw in him. A spark of hope ignited within Shinso's heart. These seasoned heroes, respected and renowned, recognized something unique in him. They believed in his Quirk, in his potential to make a difference. It was a validation he had never anticipated, and it struck a chord deep within his being.
The doubts that had plagued him moments ago began to fade, replaced by a renewed determination. He realized that his journey had only just begun. There was so much more to explore, to learn, and to master. The whispers of encouragement, along with Midoriya's words, fueled his spirit, igniting a fire within him to push beyond his limits.
With newfound resolve, Shinso took a deep breath and settled into his seat, the voices of the heroes now serving as a symphony of motivation.
"Izuku Midoriya," Shinso said, rubbing his chin. "What an interesting guy..."
For his part, Izuku made his way to Recovery Girl to heal his broken fingers. Then, taking one last look and waving at Shinso, Izuku turned and returned to his seat.
Ending Song:
"Child-error-" by My First Story
"That was incredible!" Gohan cheered excitedly, bringing his fists up. "Great job, Izuku! That blast was amazing! Since when can you fire off kikoha blasts?"
"Thanks!" Izuku laughed, waving his bandaged hand in the air. "Oh you know, I've been watching you fight and well, I guess I kinda got inspired by you, Gohan. Oh, also, the strangest thing just happened to me while I was down there! I had a vision-"
Izuku immediately bit on his tongue when he saw Bakugo and Shoto's gazes shoot towards him, intent on what he had to say.
"Whoa, really?" Gohan asked, eyes wide. "What kind of vision?"
"Uhm… what I meant was that my vision doubled… because of the pain!" Izuku said quickly.
"Well yeah!" Gohan said with a laugh. "Ki blasts are pure energy that courses through your body! Firing off ki blasts with no training will definitely break some bones."
Bakugo's eyes narrowed, but he looked away, to Izuku's relief. Todoroki was still watching them when Melissa was called up to fight.
"Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to witness an unprecedented clash of strength, skill, and wit. Melissa Shield of Class 1A versus Fu, of Class 1H, show us what you've got! In this thrilling battle of powers, technology, and the unknown, who will emerge triumphant? Will Melissa's gadgets and intellect overcome the enigmatic abilities of Fu? Or will Fu's otherworldly talents prove too formidable for Melissa to handle? Only time will tell as these young budding heroes step into the ring, ready to give it their all and captivate the audience with their remarkable skills. May the best fighter emerge victorious!"
"Welp, guess I'm up!" Melissa said, standing from her seat and twirling her Power Pole in her hand, sheathing it behind her back. "Oh boy… wish me luck, you guys!"
"Good luck, Melissa!" Ochaco cheered. "You got this!"
"Huh…" Izuku hummed rubbing his chin.
"What is it, Izuku?" Gohan asked as he attached the newly repaired Scouter to his face and pressed the power button. A cracked, green lens shot out and covered his left eye.
"Just wondering… has anyone seen Fu lately?" Izuku asked.
"So the next fight after this one is between Todoroki and Iida and then Videl versus Ibara," Mina said, counting on her fingers. "Ugh! I still have to wait four more rounds before I get to fight Muscles, of all people."
"Yeah, that's going to be an interesting fight," Jiro asked.
"But where's Iida, anyway?" Ochaco asked, looking around for their Vice Rep.
…
Away from the bustling stadium, Iida raced with every ounce of his being towards UA's majestic arched entrance, his leg engines whining in determination. A few meters ahead, standing beneath the arch, were two figures adorned in striking white armor. The sun's rays glinted off the metallic surface, accentuating the familiar faces of his older brother, Ingenium, and his mother, Chromea.
"Mom, Tensei!" Iida gasped, his voice strained and breathless. He skidded to a stop, kicking up a swirl of dust as he reached them."I just received your text. What's happened? Is something wrong?!"
"Tenya, there's been an incident in one of the nearby boroughs," his mother replied, her eyes concealed behind the protective visor of her chrome helmet. However, the concern in her mechanized voice was unmistakable. "Your brother and I are heading there to assess the situation."
"Oh no!" Iida exclaimed, his worry intensifying. "Is it serious?"
His mother remained silent, but Tensei, ever the optimist, dismissed the gravity of the situation with his characteristic nonchalance.
"Ah, some villains decided to cause a bit of a ruckus in Hosu City," he shrugged. "It's an emergency, but don't worry – we're teaming up with Dad, our sidekicks, the Police Force, and local agencies."
"Wow, that many?" Iida gasped, his eyes widening. "It sounds truly grave, Tensei."
"It is, but trust me, Tenya! We'll handle it just fine," Tensei reassured, offering a confident smile. "I apologize for leaving right before your first match."
"No, no. It's alright, I understand," Iida replied, swallowing his disappointment and flashing a genuine smile. "You and Mom are both esteemed heroes, and people need your help. I couldn't be prouder of that."
"Tenya…" Tensei's voice softened, his hand delivering a hearty yet affectionate pat on Iida's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, little brother. Show them what an Iida is capable of, okay? Give it your all in the tournament, and maybe I can wrap things up in time to witness you raising that first-place trophy."
"Tensei…" Iida's voice caught in his throat, emotions overwhelming him. With an embarrassed blush, he cleared his throat and nodded resolutely. "I will!"
Tensei beamed, offering one final nod to his little brother. He swiftly secured his helmet upon his head, while Iida stepped back, as the powerful engines in their elbows and ankles roar to life. With a deafening blast, Ingenium and Chromea shot off into the distance, leaving Iida standing alone by the entrance, his eyes following their departure until they vanished within a cloud of swirling dust.