Path of the Dragon: The Story of Gohan

by zzEclipse

Quirkless young Gohan is 15 Years Old when a dormant, mighty power within him awakens and sends him on a journey to discover what it means to be a hero. But to save the world and those he loves, he must shatter past his doubts and limits and go beyond - Plus Ultra! ((Major AU set in the MHA World with elements of DBZ/S))

47. TheSports Festival IX: The Quarterfinals

A/N: Hey everyone! Here's the next chapter of this story. Because it's kind of long, *not unlike the previous ones), I decided not to write the Review Responses for the last chapter here and consequently make the chapter a lot more bloated.

Next chapter is a lot shorter, so I should be able to respond to all the reviews there.

Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this latest chapter!

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Opening Song:
"Vandalize" by One OK Rock

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Gohan and Ochaco sat together, waiting for the next match to be announced. Melissa and Izuku had already made their way downstairs towards the tunnel.

"Well…" Gohan said, breaking the silence, arms crossed. "This is gonna be an interesting fight."

"Mhm," Ochaco nodded, her fingers fidgeting together. "Izuku and Melissa… imagine having to fight your best friend. The nerves must be killing them both!"

"Yeah, well you won't have to imagine it for too much longer," Gohan said with a playful grin. "That's gonna be us when we get to the final, right?"

"Obviously!" Ochaco said cheerfully, mirroring Gohan's childlike smile. She playfully punched his arm. "I'm gonna kick your butt, Gohan!"

Urgent footsteps pounded behind them and the class turned to see Itsuka Kendo rushing out of the stairway. Her orange hair was frayed and her emerald green eyes had a glint of panic.

"Kendo?" Ochaco asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"

"Gohan!" Itsuka cried. "I can't find Valese anywhere! I LOST HER!"

"Valese? Oh no…" Gohan said, rising to his feet.

"She-She was supposed to head back to the waiting room with papa, but she never made it back!"

Gohan and Ochaco exchanged worried glances. Ochaco patted Gohan's hand.

"Gohan, you can use the Scouter to look for her, can't you?" She asked.

"Yeah, good idea!" Gohan nodded, tapping on the device . "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Mhm," Ochaco nodded.

Gohan leaped up from his seat and landed next to Itsuka, with a comforting smile.

"Come on, Itsuka!" He said. "Let's go find Valese!"

…

Valese's small feet carried her joyfully as she skipped through the halls, her eyes fixed on the autograph she held in her hands. Ochaco's signature on her notebook seemed to glow with a magical allure. Lost in her own little world of admiration, Valese failed to notice the signs that indicated she had strayed from the familiar path back to the waiting room.

As she looked up from the signature, a sudden realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. The bustling hallways, once familiar and welcoming, now appeared foreign and labyrinthine. Her heart began to race with alarm, pounding in her chest as a feeling of disorientation washed over her. The endless corridors seemed to blend together, transforming into an endless maze.

Valese's eyes darted around, searching for any recognizable landmarks or friendly faces that could offer guidance. Yet, every turn she took only seemed to lead her deeper into the labyrinth of the festival stadium.

A sense of vulnerability washed over her, and a knot formed in her stomach. Panic settled in and Valese's footsteps quickened into a run. She sprinted down a randomly chosen corridor and darted through the bustling crowd. But in her haste, she failed to notice the figure standing directly in her path.

Vegeta had been engaged in a heated phone call, his voice sharp and filled with anger.

"What do you mean you need backup?" He barked into the voice receptor built into his red scouter, seething with annoyance. "Can't you handle a band of villains by yourselves? I don't have time for your incompetence!"

On the other end of the line, a frantic voice tried to reason with Vegeta, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, but Vegeta cut him off.

"I do not care about what's happening in Hosu! My son's match begins shortly and I refuse to waste my time on your problems. You're heroes – figure it out yourselves!" Vegeta sneered. Without waiting for a response, he abruptly ended the call just as Valese ran right into him and stumbled backward.

Vegeta turned and glared at the child with a scowl, his patience already worn thin. Valese's eyes met the piercing gaze before her, and time froze as those glowing blue eyes stabbed through her stomach like a blade.

Those eyes…

Valese tried to gasp, but the breath caught in her throat. The world around her faded away, overshadowed by the sheer intensity of Vegeta's cruel blue eyes, as if the very essence of evil had materialized before her.

Images of destruction and agony flooded her mind, memories of flames, of merciless laughter, and the feeling of imminent doom. It was a nightmare that had become her reality, and now, right in front of her, stood the embodiment of that nightmare—Vegeta. The resemblance was uncanny.

Valese's heart raced, pounding against her chest as if attempting to break free from the clutches of fear. She clutched her notebook tighter, seeking comfort in its presence, desperately hoping it would shield her from the paralyzing grip of those icy blue eyes.

Those eyes…

The eyes that haunted Valese in her sleep and in the times she found herself alone in the dark… they had caught up to her at last. The same malevolence that had consumed the fire villain, the one who had orchestrated the attack that shattered Valese's world, now emanated from Vegeta's every pore.

Every fiber of her being screamed at her to run, to escape the clutches of this evil presence. But her legs felt chained to the ground as if fate itself had decided to hold her captive. Her chest constricted with the weight of her traumatic past, threatening to suffocate her spirit.

"Watch where you're going, clumsy girl," Vegeta's voice dripped with contempt, his cruel eyes boring into Valese's trembling form. "You need to be more aware of your surroundings. After all, you never know who you might run into."

The flames of his Super Saiyan aura brightened, the sight of blazing fire triggering Valese's trauma even more.

Those eyes…

The fire…

Valese could only whimper as tears welled up in her terrified eyes.

"Valese?" A voice called out to her. "There you are! We've been looking all over for you!"

Valese was barely able to tear her gaze from Vegeta's eyes and turned to see a face she hadn't seen since that fateful encounter with the fire-wielding villain—the face of her rescuer. The young hero who had selflessly risked his own life to pull her from the clutches of that inferno, was here.

Her eyes widened, glistening with tears at the sight of him. Although he wasn't wearing the purple gi, the white cape or the whie scarf that covered his face, she instantly recognized him.

Gohan's excited smile dropped, noticing immediately the distress in her crying eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, he closed the gap between them. In a fluid motion, Gohan's strong arms enveloped Valese's trembling form, lifting her off her feet and cradling the eight year old gently against his chest, just as he had held her when he rescued her that night.

"Gohan... it's you!" Valese finally found her voice in his arms. Her voice quivered with overwhelming emotions.

Gohan's eyes softened with a tender warmth. He held her a little tighter, his voice filled with a soothing reassurance. "Yeah, it's me. You're safe now, Valese."

Valese clung to Gohan, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek. She couldn't hold back her emotions anymore and began to cry into Gohan's chest.

"Heyyy, what's wrong?" Gohan asked, lowering his voice to a soothing whisper. Valese's small, trembling fingers clutched onto his clothes.

"Those eyes..." Valese whispered in between sobs, as she struggled to find the strength to utter her fears aloud. "Th-those eyes..."

Gohan's teeth clenched as he glared up at Vegeta.

"What's your problem, Vegeta?" Gohan barked. "Don't you see she's terrified of you? Does scaring a little girl make you feel big and tough?"

"Aww, why, it's little Gohan, all sentimental and soft," Vegeta taunted, his words dripping with derision. "Gohan, the son of my greatest enemy, reduced to a weak little babysitterwhen you could be the perfect weapon! It's pathetic!"

Gohan locked eyes with Vegeta, and suddenly, what he saw made his blood run cold—Vegeta's eyes glowed with an otherworldly blue light. The incandescent energy pulsated within them, casting an eerie glow across the sharp features of his face. But it wasn't the mere sight of Vegeta's transformed irises that unsettled him. He had already seen the Saiyan Lord in his Golden Form before.

No, there was something inherently unsettling about the radiance emanating from his eyes—a haunting familiarity within those glowing blue eyes that sent a chill down Gohan's spine…

Realization crashed over him like a tidal wave. The puzzle pieces of a dark and haunting secret began to align. The words of the fire villain Gohan had fought in Namek echoed in his mind, a chilling revelation that now took on a new meaning.

"You know, my old man is a Hero, too." the fire villain from back then had told him. "All of my life, I wanted to be a hero just like him. But you know what happened when he saw that I could never be the perfect little hero he had envisioned? He cast me out."

The pieces fell into place with stunning clarity. The fire villain, the one who had inflicted pain and fear upon Valese and countless others, was none other than Vegeta's own son. Gohan's heart began to quicken with the realization.

"This hero society is rotten. I'm going to burn it down with my flames. But first, I'm going to show the world what a perfect little weapon my father created." The villain's words chilled Gohan to the bone.

Vegeta's keen senses picked up on a subtle shift in Gohan's demeanor. Intrigued, he narrowed his eyes and took a step closer to Gohan.

"What's the matter, Gohan? Don't tell me you're scared of a little fire, too," he taunted. "There's something off about you. Spit it out!"

Gohan's gaze wavered under the weight of the horrible truth he now carried. The body of the villain had never been recovered. Only charred ashes of his victims, and his burnt clothes had ever been found. Had Vegeta known the fate of his son? And had Shoto known the fate of his brother? Is that what made Shoto hate Saiyans so much, on top of all the trauma that Vegeta had inflicted on him and on his family?

"Vegeta, I… I'm so sorry…" Gohan whispered.

"Sorry? For what?" Vegeta spat.

"I… I can't say anything right now," Gohan responded, his voice tinged with compassion and sorrow as he walked past the Saiyan Lord with Valese in his arms. "It's not the right time. There are… certain things you need to discover for yourself."

Vegeta's eyebrows narrowed, but Gohan held his ground. This was not the time and place; not in front of Valese.

"You represent everything I loathe about myself, Gohan. You… Endeavor… Nappa… you lot are all the same – a heartless race of savages." Shoto had told him at the start of the Sports Festival.

Shoto's cutting words echoed in Gohan's mind. The weight of the accusation settled upon him, and he couldn't deny the validity of those words now – his connection to Vegeta, and his indirect involvement in what ultimately led to the death of Shoto's brother, the fire villain, was inescapable.

After defeating him, Gohan had tried his best to save the villain, who perished in the flames he himself had created. Still, Gohan couldn't help but feel slightly responsible. Questions plagued his thoughts, tormenting him with uncertainty. If he hadn't confronted the villain, would Shoto's brother still be alive? Could he have found a different way to resolve the situation, one that didn't result in his death?

But… no…

This was not the time for him to worry about his own feelings. There was a trembling, frightened child in his arms who was suffering from the trauma of that same horrible experience. He had to comfort her, despite the hurricane of emotions and doubts storming within himself.

Gohan pushed aside his own thoughts and focused on tending to Valese's immediate needs. He remembered one of the first lessons he learned from All Might: deal with it by smiling.

Gently, Gohan shifted his hold on Valese, ensuring she felt secure and protected in his embrace. He brought forth a warm smile.

"There, there, Valese," Gohan whispered soothingly, his voice gentle and tender as he pressed his cheek against the side of her head. "Don't worry about a thing. I've got you. We're safe here."

Valese, still trembling, looked up at Gohan. As she met his warm smile, a glimmer of hope flickered within her gaze.

"You're... smiling, Gohan," Valese murmured, her voice quivering but touched with curiosity.

"Mhm," Gohan said, his voice soft and reassuring, as he gently rubbed his hand on Valese's back. "Whenever we feel scared, a smile can help us feel stronger and can help us remember that there's always hope. It's something All Might taught me. Would you like to give it a try?"

Valese looked up at Gohan with wide, tear-filled eyes, her small body still trembling. She nodded hesitantly, her trust in Gohan evident despite her fear.

"That's the spirit, Valese!" Gohan said. "Let's take a deep breath together, and on the count of three, we'll give our biggest, bravest smile. Ready?"

Valese nodded again, taking a deep breath as she tried to steady her trembling. Gohan mirrored her actions, his own breath steady and calming.

"Okay, here we go," Gohan said softly. "One... two... three!"

As Gohan said 'three,' he broke into a wide smile, his eyes shining with warmth and kindness.

Valese looked at Gohan's beaming smile, his contagious positive energy washing over her. Slowly, she mirrored his expression, her own small lips curling upwards into a brave, wobbly smile.

"That's it, Valese! You did it!" Gohan cheered. "Your smile is so beautiful and brave. Remember, no matter how scared we feel, we can always deal with it by smiling."

Valese sniffled and nodded. She nestled closer to Gohan, finding comfort in his reassuring presence. Her trembling and crying slowly subsided, replaced by gentle sniffles.

"Good girl," Gohan said. "Do you want some water?"

"Y-Yes, please." Valese nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gohan walked over to a nearby vending machine and bought a bottle of water for her, unscrewed the cap, and offered it to Valese, ensuring she had a secure grip on the bottle.

"Here you go, Val," Gohan said, his voice soothing and reassuring. "Take your time and drink as much as you need. It'll help calm you down."

Valese took the bottle with trembling hands, her grip shaky. She brought it to her lips and took small sips, feeling the cool water easing the tightness in her throat and gradually soothing her frayed nerves. As she drank, Gohan maintained a comforting, protective presence, allowing her the space to recover from the overwhelming emotions that had enveloped her.

Once Valese had taken a few sips and felt a sense of calm washing over her, she lowered the bottle, her breathing steadier. She looked up at Gohan.

"He's a liar, you know," Valese whispered.

Gohan furrowed his brows in confusion.
"Who, Valese?"

"Mister Endeavor," Valese said. "He's lying about you. You're not weak or pathetic at all. You are a brave hero who's always there when we need you. You're my hero, Gohan."

Gohan's eyes widened in surprise, his heart swelling with emotions. Valese's innocent, kind words and her belief in him reached through the veil of his own self doubt to comfort him.

"Thanks Valese," Gohan replied. "Thank you for saying that. It means a lot to me."

"I mean it, Gohan," Valese beamed, her eyes shining with admiration and trust. "You're strong and brave, just like a real hero should be. I've seen you protect people on TV and you always do your best. You inspire me."

Gohan's smile widened. It was his job to comfort Valese, but in reality, she was the one comforting him, now.

"Thank you so much for saying that, Valese," Gohan said. "I promise, I'm gonna keep working hard to be the hero you see in me."

In that moment, the heavy weight of Gohan's self-doubt lifted as he realized the impact he had on Valese.

Just then, as Valese finished her water and Gohan absorbed the impact of her heartfelt words, a familiar figure appeared around the corner. It was Itsuka, her face flushed with worry and relief.

"Valese!" Itsuka exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of concern and relief. "There you are! We've been searching everywhere for you. Are you okay?"

Valese's eyes brightened at the sight of her sister, and she rushed into Itsuka's open arms, seeking the comfort and security only a sister could provide. Itsuka held her tightly.

"Oh, Valese," Itsuka said, her voice trembling slightly, "I was so worried. I didn't know where you had gone. Thank goodness you're safe."

Valese nodded against Itsuka's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Itsuka. I got lost, but Gohan found me and took care of me. He's amazing."

Itsuka's gaze shifted to Gohan with a smile.

"He is, isn't he? Thank you so much, Gohan. I knew I could count on you!" Itsuka said, her voice filled with sincere gratitude. "I can't tell you how grateful I am that you were there for Valese. Again. You really are our hero."

"No worries," Gohan nodded, a humble expression on his face. "We take care of each other, Itsuka. That's what friends and family do."

Gohan glanced at his watch, realizing that he needed to return to his class seat for the ongoing events.

"Hey, I've got to get back to my class, but I promise we'll see each other again soon," Gohan said. He crouched down to be at Valese's height and took her hand in his. "In fact, Itsuka and I are gonna bring you to the carnival in the Namek City Promenade. How does that sound?"

Valese's eyes widened with excitement, her face lighting up with joy.

"Really, Gohan? The carnival? I can't wait!" She squealed happily.

"Yes, really! It'll be a fun day filled with games, rides, and all sorts of treats. I'll make sure we all have an amazing time together."

"You're in for a treat, Valese," Itsuka chimed in, her voice filled with genuine excitement. "Gohan and I will make sure you have the best time at the carnival. Get ready for some unforgettable memories."

As Valese squealed with delight and hugged Gohan tightly, Itsuka watched on with a hint of sadness in her smile. She couldn't deny the pain of the unrequited feelings that still lingered within her, knowing that Gohan had recently started a relationship with Ochaco.

Itsuka had accepted this, had even stepped away from her challenge to Ochaco from earlier in the day. Though she kept her emotions hidden, a wistful smile graced her lips, wishing for Gohan's happiness to be with her. But still…

Gohan, oblivious to Itsuka's internal struggle, gently patted her shoulder.

"I'm really looking forward to our day at the carnival, Itsuka. But for now, I need to get back to my class. Take care of Valese and yourself, okay?"

Itsuka swallowed her emotions and nodded
"I will, Gohan! Thank you for everything!"

With a final smile, Gohan bid farewell to the girls and turned to make his way back to his class seat. Itsuka watched him, her gaze lingering for a moment longer before she let out a sad sigh.

---

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IX – THE QUARTERFINALS

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The atmosphere was charged as the Sports Festival reached its next exciting stage – the Quarterfinals. Despite having spectated hours of thrilling sports competitions, the crowd continued to erupt in cheers, their energy permeating the arena.

Melissa Shield's heart pounded with furious anticipation. She had emerged victorious from her intense battle against Fu and the adrenaline coursing through her veins now pushed her forward, propelling her into the Quarterfinals match. Her next opponent: none other than her best friend, Izuku Midoriya.

As the tension and excitement mounted outside, Izuku and Melissa found themselves caught in a quiet moment of reflection amid the clamor of it all. They stood facing each other at the entrance of the tunnel.

Melissa smiled, a glimmer of nostalgia shining in her eyes, and Izuku couldn't help but notice it.

"What are you smiling about, Melissa?" He asked, tilting his head.

"Oh Deku," she said with a laugh, "I was just thinking about how far we've come. Remember when you saved me from that giant freakin' robot during the Entrance Exam? It feels like a lifetime ago!"

"Yeah, it really does," Izuku agreed, thinking back to that dreadful day of Entrance Exams. "And then you returned the favor by saving me from falling. It's incredible to think about how much our paths crossed from that point on."

"We've faced so much together since then," Melissa's eyes sparkled with fondness. "The villain attacks, the combat trials, the maze exam, the Quirk test... We've overcome every obstacle together, side by side. And when my mother rejected me, you were there for me, reminding me that I wasn't alone. I'll always be grateful for your all of your support along this journey, Deku."

"Melissa, you've been an incredible friend to me too," Izuku said sincerely. "I'm glad we've made it this far."

"And now, here we are, ready to face each other in this match. But no matter what happens, our friendship won't change, right?"

"Are you kidding? No way!" Izuku said, shaking his head. "You're one of my best friends! This match won't change that."

"I appreciate that, Deku," Melissa nodded with a smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen! It's time for the rockin' Quarterfinals to begin! The first of these four showdowns is between two extraordinary competitors! Two brainy students from Mister Aizawa's Class 1A!" Present Mic's voice boomed through the stadium, capturing the attention of the audience. "Izuku Midoriya and Melissa Shield, please make your way out of the tunnel and take your places at the fighting stage!"

"Melissa Shield," Aizawa commented. "The first ever Quirkless student to get into the hero course here at UA… she's really come a long way. Facing off against her is Izuku Midoriya, who started out straggling behind but has begun to find his pace."

"Little broccoli head even won first place in the obstacle course, and blondie came in second!" Hercule added. "This will be an interestin' match. Melissa has a weapon, but Midoriya has super powers. Who's gonna rise to the top and clench the win?!"

"Good luck!" Izuku said, extending a fist out that Melissa bumped with her fist.

"Thanks! You too, Deku!" Melissa responded. "Let's do our best and make Uncle Might proud!"

As they emerged, the cheers of the crowd swelled, engulfing them in a wave of energy and anticipation.

Izuku and Melissa made their way to the fighting stage where the alluring Midnight stood waiting for them. Izuku breathed in a heavy sigh and forced himself to set aside his nostalgic reflections and his budding feelings for Melissa, and embrace the competitive spirit that had brought them here.

As Midnight's voice echoed through the stadium, Izuku and Melissa took their places, their eyes meeting one last time before the match officially began. One final brief pause, filled with unspoken sentiments, set itself briefly between them. Melissa blinked and the warmth faded from her clear sky blue eyes, replaced with a competitive glimmer. With a deep breath, they embraced the moment, ready to showcase the strength they had developed side by side.

I can win… I will win, Izuku told himself, staring at Melissa as she reached for her Power Pole. I will win, without hurting her…

Izuku's green eyes gleamed with a steely resolve as he activated One for All, channeling the immense energy within him. It swirled with bursts of green electricity that poured out through his body. He flexed his fingers, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through his veins.

I'll fight hard, but I won't go all out either, Izuku resolved. If I do, I could hurt myself and seriously injure Melissa. I can't do that… I'll focusonbeating her without hurting her. No ki blasts or full-powered punches...

Melissa tightened her grip on her Power Pole and leaned forward into a fighting stance, a flicker of anticipation dancing in her sky-blue eyes. Her blonde hair flowed with the afternoon breeze. The Power Pole gleamed in the waning sunlight, poised at the ready.

"Izuku Midoriya versus Melissa Shield! Ready? CLAAASH!"

Izuku charged forward, his agility and strength propelling him with lightning speed. Melissa met his advance with a nimble swiftness of her own, running on the balls of her feet, swinging the staff behind her, at the ready.

As soon as they met, Melissa twirled her staff in her hand, feinting a high strike before reversing the pole and bringing it from underneath by her side, delivering a sudden thrust towards Izuku's stomach. Caught off guard, Izuku's reflexes faltered for a split second, and the staff jabbed deep into his midsection. A gasp escaped his lips as he staggered backward, gasping for air.

Melissa swiftly spun on her heel, bringing the Power Pole around in a calculated arc, aiming for Izuku's face. Her attack carried the momentum of her rotation, designed to catch him off guard once again. But this time, Izuku was ready. He deftly raised his arms, crossing them in a protective guard, shielding his face from the incoming strike. His arm crackled with green electricity as the pole glanced off of it.

The impact of the staff reverberated through his arms, making his teeth clamor. Izuku winced in pain, but he stood firm.

He pushed back against the force of the strike, looking for an opening to turn the tide in his favor.

"Smash!" Izuku shouted, aiming his fist at the center of the pole. The force of the blast pushed Melissa back, and she dug her heels into the solid mat.

Izuku's arm tingled at having just exerted three percent of his power, strong enough to create a powerful blast of wind, but not quite enough to cause Melissa any serious damage.

Melissa, momentarily taken aback by Izuku's counter, adjusted her stance, readying herself for the next attack. Her hair flapped wildly against the wind of Izuku's smash.

Melissa looked up and shot him an excited grin. A flicker of recognition blazed in her eyes from the familiar attack.

"Heh. Nice trick, Deku!" Melissa called out. "What do you say we double up the fun?"

She tapped a button on the Power Pole and the staff separated into two billy clubs with a hiss.

Now armed with two lightweight clubs, Melissa's hands became a pair of red streaks. She launched herself at Izuku, her strikes becoming faster, although slightly less powerful than before. The change in her weapon allowed her to unleash a flurry of glancing blows, that nearly overwhelmed Izuku.

Izuku retreated backwards and powered up his arms again, feeling the immense flow of electricity within him and using it to cushion the blows as he blocked and parried each biting swing. Melissa gave off a determined smile as she began to push him back, her clubs occasionally slipping past Izuku's defenses to thrust into his stomach or slash away at his face.

Izuku grunted with pain, but continued his defense.

Melissa's strikes darted towards Izuku from unexpected angles. She aimed to keep him on his toes, capitalizing on her increased speed to overwhelm his defenses.

I have to find a way to turn the tide, Izuku thought as he parried the swift strikes. He leaped backwards, only for Melissa to surge forward, pressing him with her attack. She was relentless. Melissa's speed is impressive, but speed can also be a double-edged sword.

Melissa crossed her clubs together, blocking Izuku's fist as he shot off another smash. With a grunt, Melissa pushed Izuku back, her breathing labored and ragged from the strain. Izuku stumbled back and Melissa powered through towards him, pummeling at his defenses.

Speed comes with its own drawback, Izuku strategized. It takes a ton of energy to keep it up. Plus, she's putting all of her power behind each swing, which meansshe's goingto wear herself out. If I can keep my defense solid and keep retreating, she'll exhaust herself in the process. That's when I can strike.

With each step backward, Izuku maintained a solid defense, deflecting Melissa's blows and evading her attacks. He relied on his agility and reflexes, keeping a watchful eye on her movements while conserving his own energy. The strain of Melissa's relentless assault began to show, evident in the subtle signs of fatigue that crept into her movements.

Fatigue from their previous fights tugged at their bodies, and as she began to run out of steam, Melissa's swings became more predictable.

Her movements slowed and weakened from the constant strain. With each swing of her Power Pole, Izuku easily evaded the strikes, analyzing her patterns and identifying the perfect moment to strike.

Exhausted, Melissa retreated and swung the clubs together, reconnecting the staff to its full length again. Her shoulders heaved up and down with heavy, ragged breaths.

But she gritted her teeth and straightened her posture, surging forward and resuming her attack.

As Melissa swung her Power Pole towards him once again, Izuku leaned back, just slightly out of range as the end of the pole swung past his face. She missed. And now she's going to twist and bring the other end around to strike again – there! This is gonna hurt…

Leaving his face momentarily open for an attack, Izuku enticed Melissa to take the bait. Melissa reared back and swung, and he braced himself for the impact, his mind focused on the bigger picture. Melissa's Power Pole struck his face, causing a surge of pain to shoot through his body. Despite the stinging pain and the ringing in his ear, Izuku fought through it, staggering back to encourage Melissa to press the attack again, which she did.

Izuku knew that she wouldn't miss the opportunity to press her advantage. He dug the balls of his right foot on the mat, ready to capitalize on her predictable swing. As expected, Melissa swung around for another pass, her momentum carrying her forward, hoping to catch Izuku off guard.

Izuku propelled himself forward and reached out with his right hand, catching the end of the pole. It hummed and glowed a vibrant crimson as it activated the stun feature, but Izuku was ready. His hand was wrapped in the green electricity that emanated from his core and it crackled, shooting off sparks from the high voltage contact. His hair and his irises took on an impressive green glow as his power surged through his arms. He saw the flicker of exhaustion in Melissa's eyes, the confusion and slight hesitation in her movements. It was the opening he had been waiting for, the perfect opportunity to strike.

Without wasting time, Izuku pulled on the pole, hard.

Melissa yelped as she stumbled forward and Izuku's left fist shot out, connecting with the back of her hand on the Power Pole. Melissa cried out in pain and her grip loosened, and at that moment, Izuku yanked the pole out of her hand and tossed it as hard as he could behind them. The staff spun through the air before clattering to the ground and rolling off the fighting stage.

Melissa's eyes widened in realization that her weapon was now unrecoverable. Before she could react, Izuku launched himself forward with all of his might, swiftly closing the distance between them.

Izuku slammed against Melissa with his shoulder, tackling her to the ground. Melissa felt all of the wind escape her body instantly as the two tumbled to the mat and rolled. As they fell, Izuku placed one hand beneath Melissa's head, creating a cushioning barrier to prevent any impact that could potentially injure her. At the same time, he adjusted his body weight and ended up on top of her, pinning her to the ground to prevent her from escaping by resting his weight on her midsection.

Melissa, caught off guard by Izuku's sudden maneuver, found herself completely immobilized beneath him. Her attempts to break free were met with the firm resistance of his weight and the strength of his grip.

"Oh no!" Mic yelled as Izuku shifted his weight on top of Melissa to keep her down. "It looks like Shield is in trouble! Midoriya has pinned her to the ground leaving her totally immobilized!"

From his VIP seat in the I-Island box, Sam rubbed his hands together worriedly.

"Oh, dear…" he sighed. "Keep it cool, Dave. It's just a competition. Nothing more…"

"Oh, I'm cool," Dave said through his teeth, his eyes twitching as he forced a strained smile. "Cool as a freakin' cucumber, Sam…"

"W-Well," Gohan chuckled nervously. "That's… one way to win, I guess."

"Mhm," Ochaco nodded, a flustered blush shooting across her face.

"Tch. Damned nerd," Bakugo growled. "Of course he has to baby his opponent."

"He's doing us all a favor," Kaminari said, elbowing Bakugo's shoulder. "What, don't tell me you wouldn't hold back from hurting such a cute angel."

"Hmph. Watch me," Bakugo said, crossing his arms.

"Hm-hm, my, what a compromising situation we have on our hands here. Will Melissa break free of her bondage, or will Izuku continue to exert his dominance on top?" Midnight added suggestively, with a lick of her lips. "Let's start the countdown, shall we? One… Two… Three…"

As the countdown began, Izuku's heart raced with conflicting emotions. He really wanted to win, but the thought of causing Melissa any more discomfort or harm pained him. This… this was the only way…

His grip remained firm, his hand a supportive cushion beneath her head.

"Ngh! NO!" Melissa's eyes squeezed shut as she fought against the weight of Izuku's body pressing down on her. Her muscles strained, her body twisting wildly in an attempt to wriggle free, but to no avail. Izuku had left her with no room for escape.

Each passing second seemed to stretch on endlessly, amplifying the frustration coursing through Melissa's mind. Her instincts screamed for action, for a burst of strength that would allow her to break free from Izuku's grasp. Yet, no matter how much she struggled, his hold remained unyielding.

"Four… Five… Six…"

Melissa's efforts grew more desperate, fueled by a surge of adrenaline. Beads of sweat glistened on her brow as she strained against the weight and pressure restraining her.

Izuku stared at her with a worried, pained look.

"Stay down, Melissa," Izuku's voice trembled with genuine concern as he held Melissa's wrist. His teeth bared with emotion. "Please, stay down. I know you're strong, and you want to keep fighting, but I can't watch you get hurt."

The intensity of the moment heightened the awareness of their closeness, their bodies pressed together and their hot, ragged breaths intermingling. For a fleeting instant, their eyes met, a myriad of unspoken feelings passing between them. Melissa's gaze locked with Izuku's glowing emerald green eyes, and a multitude of emotions swirled within her.

"Please," Izuku begged. "This is the only way…"

Time seemed to slow as they both registered the electric charge in the air. The rush of the battle, the proximity of their bodies, and the depth of their connection converged, creating a momentary pause in the fight. Their connection transcended the boundaries of friendship, into unknown territory.

As Izuku maintained his hold on her, a sudden flashback transported Melissa back to the harrowing USJ Incident.

In her mind's eye, Melissa vividly recalled the chaos and danger of that fateful day. Gohan had transformed into a raging beast and had unleashed a fiery attack that surged towards them, forcing Izuku and Melissa to seek refuge underwater, in the Shipwreck Zone, desperate to evade the sweeping inferno. In that desperate moment, their survival had depended on a single oxygen breather device, which they shared, their faces brought incredibly close together, just inches apart.

The memory washed over her, the weight of their vulnerability and closeness in that life-or-death situation resurfacing. As the memory faded, the present reality of their pinned-down positions crashed back into focus.

The final moments of the match unfolded with Melissa's struggle subsiding, and her gaze locked onto Izuku's green eyes with deep, tired breaths.

"Why…? Why, Deku?" Melissa's voice trembled. "Why do you always worry so much about me getting hurt? And don't you dare say it's because I'm a girl!"

"It's not that," Izuku said. "Melissa, you're not just a friend to me. You're someone who has always been there, supporting me, believing in me, even when I doubted myself. You've always inspired me to keep growing. The thought of seeing you get hurt, physically or emotionally… it hurts me too. I know it probably sounds silly, but I can't bear the thought of you suffering because of our fight or because of any other circumstance. Protecting you is important to me."

Melissa's eyes widened at the indirect implications of Izuku's feelings, poured out right in front of her. Her heart fluttered, touched by the depth of Izuku's care and the sincerity in his words. A soft smile graced her lips, warmth radiating from her eyes.

"Izuku… you dummy…" Melissa whispered. "Is this really the best time to start saying weird stuff like that?"

Midnight's voice counted down the remaining seconds, each passing moment sealing Melissa's fate.

"Eight… Nine… TEN! Melissa Shield has been immobilized and eliminated! Izuku Midoriya WINS!"

The realization set in—she had been pinned down, unable to break free in time.

Melissa rested her head back on Izuku's hand, and her eyes remained fixed on Izuku, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips. She had fought with all her strength, but it wasn't enough this time. A resignated sigh escaped her lips, accompanied by a genuine sense of pride for the effort she had put forth.

As Izuku's powers subsided and the electricity dissipated from his body, the intensity of the moment gave way to a tender aftermath. He released his hold on Melissa, concern etched on his features, his voice tinged with remorse.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, extending a hand to help her stand. Melissa shook her head, a reassuring smile gracing her lips as she accepted his hand.

"No, I'm okay," she said.

Izuku's gaze lowered, his shoulders slightly slumped, burdened by a sense of regret.
"Melissa... I'm so sorry. I didn't want it to end this way for you. I just…"

Melissa's smile grew, her hand patting Izuku's shoulder affectionately.

"C'mon, Deku, there's no need to apologize. This is a competition, and in competitions, there has to be a winner. We both knew that going into this. Besides," she continued, her voice filled with sincerity and her eyes twinkling, "I wouldn't have wanted to lose to anyone else. You pushed me to my limits, and that's something to be proud of. And… it's so nice to have a wonderful, caring friend like you looking out for me."

Izuku's eyes lifted, the weight of his remorse seemed to lighten as he absorbed her words.

"You're right, Melissa," Izuku replied. "We gave it our all, and we should be proud of how far we've come. Thank you so much for understanding."

"And besides, I'm off the hook now," Melissa shrugged. "You get to fight Todoroki or Videl next. So have fun with that, Deku!"

"Ah! Don't remind me!" Izuku shivered.

"I'm just teasin'! But you should probably get your cheek checked out, though," Melissa said with a giggle. "It's starting to swell up… it's kinda gross."

"Well yeah," Izuku said, rubbing his growing bruise. "You whacked me pretty good. Talk about not holding back."

"Yeah, sorry about that!" Melissa broke out in laughter. "Plus Ultra, right?"

"Heh, right," Izuku laughed.

…

As she made her way back to her seat, Melissa couldn't help but find her thoughts occasionally drifting back to that moment. She wondered about the feelings it had stirred within her, the unexpected intimacy shared with Izuku, whom she cherished as a good friend. Flustered emotions and curiosity intermixed within her, leaving her contemplating if there was a deeper meaning behind their connection than just really good friends.

Deep down, Melissa knew she needed to confront her own feelings and understand the significance of that moment.

She climbed up the stairs and made her way back to her seat only to find the girls, Mina, Kyoka, Ochaco and Toru all staring at her with knowing, mischievous grins.

"What?" Melissa asked innocently.

"Hey, Melissa," Mina leaned forward, hugging her knees. "Tell us, is there something more than meets the eye between you and Izuku? That pinning move seemed a little… hmm… too cozy if you ask me!"

"W-What?" Melissa stuttered for a moment, caught off guard by Mina's directness. "No, Mina! It was just a part of the match, that's all! Deku was trying to win without hurting me… "

"Aww! You see?" Toru chimed in, holding her hands up to her invisible face. "He does care about you! What a sweetheart!"

"Ha! You're blushing like crazy, dude!" Kyoka laughed, poking at Melissa playfully. "Admit it, there's something special brewing between you two!"

Melissa's eyes darted between her friends, her cheeks growing even warmer. She struggled to find the right words, her thoughts racing as she wrestled with her own feelings. Deep down, she knew there was something more to the connection she shared with Izuku. But she knew how love-crazy these girls were. Give them an inch and they would find a way to get themselves involved.

"You all have overactive imaginations," Melissa laughed instead, taking her seat. She glanced back down to where Izuku was receiving care for the wound on his face. The green haired boy smiled and graciously thanked the android bots that took care of him.

He's thanking the Juniors, even though they're just robots… how cute… Melissa allowed herself an amused smile.

She sighed.

"Izuku and I are just really good friends," she said with a sincere smile. "You all know the crazy things we've all been through together. I always ended up next to him through it all, and we've become really close friends, but that's where it ends. Honest."

As Melissa's friends continued their playful teasing, a part of her couldn't help but ponder the significance of her evolving feelings towards Izuku. The intimate moment they shared on the fighting stage had sparked something within her, a curiosity that begged to be explored. She wondered what these newfound emotions meant and how they might shape their friendship moving forward.

…

The second match of the Quarterfinals saw Shoto Todoroki face off against Videl Satan. As soon as Midnight called for the clash to begin, Videl immediately charged at Shoto.

"Come at me with everything you've got, Todoroki!" She yelled confidently.

Shoto's stoic expression remained unchanged as he absorbed her words, his eyes revealing nothing but a quiet intensity as he traced Videl's zig-zagging trajectory as she charged towards him, fists behind her back.

"Hey! Don't ignore me, freezer burn! I'm talkin' to you!" Videl shouted. Though initially confident, she couldn't help but feel a chill running down her spine. There was something offputting about Shoto's silent stare that unnerved her. It hinted at a power that surpassed any words he could muster.

Shoto's icy composure remained unyielding, his emotions locked away, seemingly untouched by Videl's attempts to provoke him. Through her Star Sight, Videl could sense the absence of the emotional fuel that normally emanated from her opponents, and that she so heavily relied upon to power her superhuman abilities, leaving her own power feeling somewhat diminished.

Thankfully for her, Videl still had Kirishima, her dad and her loyal fanbase cheering her on, providing all the fuel she needed.

Videl weaved through the air with acrobatic grace, delivering a series of powerful kicks and punches. But Shoto anticipated her moves, evading her strikes with cold precision, dodging, weaving and sidestepping away from every punch and swing with ease.

"What's the matter?" Videl taunted. "I'm not good enough for your Ice Wall or your Flash Freeze?"

Shoto remained silent, mindful of his recent exertions. In a fit of rage, he had overexerted himself in his previous match against Iida, and overused his Quirk. In order to recover in time to face Izuku and later, Gohan or Bakugo, he decided to approach this fight with a more conservative strategy. The remnants of fatigue still clung to his body, urging him to restrain his energy usage.

Shoto formed two ice gauntlets that ran from his fists down to his forearm, and he used those to block and parry Videl's attacks. Her punches and kicks landed with force, but Shoto's arm blurred as they swung up, intercepting the strikes, refusing to surrender a single inch. Shoto expertly dodged and blocked, using his precise movements to evade the full force of Videl's blows and began to push her back.

Occasionally, when presented with a prime opportunity, Shoto unleashed short bursts of ice to momentarily put distance between himself and Videl. He strategically chose when and where to deploy his ice powers, opting for precise and controlled maneuvers rather than overwhelming displays of power.

As the fight progressed, Shoto's conservative approach paid off. His calm demeanor contrasted with Videl's increasingly frustrated aura.

Though Videl pressed on, her attacks began to lose their initial potency. Shoto's calculated defense and measured counterattacks gradually wore down her energy reserves. With each passing minute, Shoto's control over the battle became more apparent.

"Is that the best you can do, Todoroki?" Videl taunted through ragged breaths. Sweat streamed down her hairline, making the lose strands of fair stick to her forehead. "I expected more from a supposed prodigy. Are you really holding back or are you just not as strong as they say?"

"I don't need flashy displays of power to win this fight," Shoto finally spoke up, his voice pure ice.

"Tch! What's the matter? Are you scared, Todoroki? Scared that if you unleash your full power, you'll still be no match for me?"

"I'm not scared," Shoto gave Videl a rare smirk that sent a chill down her spine. "I simply don't think you're strong enough to warrant it."

Videl's face flushed several shades of furious red and a raging scowl twisted over her face.

"Oh yeah? This'll teach you to underestimate me, Todoroki!"

As they resumed their intense bout, Videl's attacks intensified and became more erratic.

In the final moments of the fight, Shoto seized a brief opening. Videl's glowing red fist shot towards him, and Shoto summoned a wall of ice that intercepted her punch, weaving around her arm and freezing her in place, leaving her completely vulnerable.

"You think Quirks are the only way to win," Shoto calmly remarked. "But there is more to fighting prowess than superpowers alone."

With a swift movement, Shoto closed the distance between them.

"Strength comes from within, not just from the power of one's Quirk. Understanding the art of combat is all about harnessing the full extent of all of your abilities and blending them together. I have trained tirelessly to achieve that balance, and this is the result – a move I like to call Frost Bite."

With a quick flick of two of his fingers, Shoto brought his hands forward, blurring with motion, striking several precise pressure points on Videl's body with his right hand, channeling his energy with remarkable precision.

"Eagle Nest!" Videl shouted, activating her Quirk to create a red barrier around her body, but it was too late. The impact sent a surge of energy coursing through Videl, and long, pointed spikes of ice sprouted instantly from the areas where Shoto had just struck.

Videl screamed out in agony as the ice sprouted, bursting through her skin. She fell to her knees, the pain instantly rendering her unconscious.

"VIDEL!" Kirishima yelled desperately from the stands.

"Ooooh! What a technique!" Mic yelled. "That's gotta hurt!"

"Oh no, my precious angel!" Hercule shouted. "What has he done to her?!"

"Uh…" Midnight gulped. "Videl Satan has been K.O'd! Shoto Todoroki wins!"

As Videl's unconscious body fell back, Shoto swiftly moved to catch her, cradling the unconscious girl in his arms. He raised his left hand and quickly used his heat to immediately melt the ice before it could cause permanent damage.

"Relax," Shoto called out as wheeled robots rushed in to take Videl to Recovery Girl. "I melted the ice long before it could reach any organ. She's going to be out for about thirty minutes, and wake up sore. Other than that, she'll be fine."

As Videl was carried off by the bots, Shoto returned to his seat, a warm towel wrapped around his neck to ease the strain of the intense battle. As he settled back, he noticed Kirishima approaching him with a concerned expression.

"Hey, Shoto, why isn't Videl waking up?" he asked worriedly. "Is she going to be okay?"

"Damned Pigtails. What an idiot," Bakugo huffed. "She should've known better than to try a direct approach on Icy-Hot. Now she gets the nap she so desperately deserves."

"Don't worry, Kirishima," Shoto said. "The Frost Bite is meant to temporarily incapacitate. Videl will wake up in about 30 minutes. She'll be fine."

Shoto got to his seat and noticed the one directly next to his was empty.

"Where is Yaoyorozu?" He asked Iida. "Hasn't she made it back from the waiting room?"

"No, unfortunately she won't be joining us," Iida told him. "She took her elimination really hard, so she left early. We'll probably see her on Monday when school starts again."

For a brief moment, Shoto's stoic mask faltered and his jaw clenched.

"Oh…" he said, barely above a whisper. "I see…"

"Hey, Shoto, that was incredible!" Gohan said from his seat. "I knew you were powerful, but you really showed some great martial skill out there!"

Shoto's focus remained fixed ahead, his gaze distant and unyielding, as if lost in his own thoughts. Gohan's enthusiasm faltered, a tinge of disappointment creeping in. He had hoped to connect with Shoto over their shared love for martial arts and commend him for his skills.

"Alright, if you're not in the mood to talk, that's fine," Gohan said, with a strained grin. "But I just wanted to let you know that I admire your abilities. Maybe we can spar sometime and learn from each other."

Still, Shoto didn't respond, his focus seemingly fixed on something beyond their immediate surroundings. Gohan sighed softly, realizing that Shoto's aloof nature and his own Saiyan heritage might be contributing to this lack of acknowledgment.

Well, I guess he's still holding a grudge, Gohan sighed. But I can't let that get to me. I'll keep showing him that I'm not the enemy he thinks I am.

With a nod, Gohan moved on, leaving Shoto to his thoughts. He understood that sometimes bridges took time to mend, and he hoped that with patience and persistence, he could eventually earn Shoto's trust and respect.

Meanwhile, Shoto remained silent, staring off with his eyes full of clouds.

…

The time for the third match between Gohan and Kirishima had arrived.

Kirishima charged forward, his hardened feet stomping loudly against the stage as he aimed to overpower Gohan with sheer force, relying on his impenetrable skin to break through any attack.

Gohan raised his hand and channeled his energy into a blast, unleashing it towards Eijiro. The glowing orb of energy crackled and whistled through the air as it shot off towards Kirishima. But rather than ducking away or falling back to block, Kirishima ran full steam ahead, bringing his sharpened arms up in an x and slashing out. To Gohan's surprise, Kirishima sliced through the blast effortlessly, emerging unharmed.

"C'mon, Gohan!" he taunted playfully. "It's gonna take a lot more than that to take me out, Blaster Boy!"

"Did… Did you just slice through my ki blast?" Gohan asked wide-eyed. "Nice! I didn't know you could do that!"

"Heh, neither did I! Thanks man!" Kirishima responded with a boyish smile, dashing forward at Gohan. "Alright Gohan, I want you to hit me with everything you've got, alright? Don't hold back, because I won't!"

"You sure about that, E?" Gohan asked with a smirk. "It's gonna hurt…"

"I can take it, man!" Kirishima shouted competitively.

"Are you really sure? It's going to really, really hurt!"

"I'm unbreakable, man!"

"Okay then, Kirishima," Gohan said, chuckling at Kirishima's playful banter. He knew it was all in good fun, and he was more than happy to oblige. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Gohan waited for the perfect moment to strike back, winding his fist back.

As Kirishima closed in, Gohan disappeared and reappeared directly in front of Kirishima, shooting his fist forward. It connected with an explosion of power, causing a shockwave that rippled through the air. The impact was so powerful that it comically contorted Kirishima's hardened face before sending him soaring through the air like a rocket.

The crowd erupted into laughter and cheers as Kirishima sailed out of the ring and crashed into the stands, his arms and legs flailing comically.

"RING OUT!" Midnight called. "Kirishima is out of bounds! Son Gohan WINS!"

Kirishima groaned as he climbed out of the hole his hardened body had made. His expression shifted from playful taunting to sheer surprise.

"W-Wait, what just happened?" he asked groggily. "How did I end up all the way up here?"

Gohan couldn't help but laugh, jumping into flight and hovering over to where the redhead was crawling. With a genuine smile, Gohan extended a hand towards Kirishima.

"Sorry about that, E!" he laughed. "You did ask me to go all out."

"Yeah, you were right… this actually hurts a lot," Eijiro whimpered with a laugh, rubbing his head. "Damn! You've got one heck of a punch!."

"And you still didn't break, did ya?" Gohan asked. Kirishima's eyes widened, realizing that he was still in his hardened form, with not even a kink in his armored skin.

"You're right! I'M UNBREAKABLE!"

"Easy there, E…" Gohan laughed. "Here, take my hand."

Kirishima, still slightly dazed, accepted Gohan's hand and rose to his feet, his face reddening in embarrassment. The crowd continued to cheer and applaud, thoroughly entertained.

Side by side, they raised their hands in a show of camaraderie and sportsmanship and the stands erupted in cheers and applause as Gohan's friends, including Ochaco, Izuku, and the others, celebrated his victory.

"Ughhh! So chivalrous!" Midnight squealed, squirming like an enamored schoolgirl. "Oooh! That turns me on!"

"That's it," Chi-Chi said, throwing her hands up in the air, her irises lighting up with a raging fire. "Hold me back, I'm gonna kill her!"

"Oh, good," Inko said worriedly, as Chi-Chi marched towards the guard rails. "There she goes again…"

…

"Ahem," Midnight cleared her throat, passing her fingertips delicately across the patch on her cheek that she received from Recovery Girl after Chi-Chi had a little talk with her. "The final battle of the Quarterfinals will commence in five minutes! Will Katsuki Bakugo and Ochaco Uraraka please prepare for your match!"

Gohan entered the waiting room where Ochaco was. The Dragonball charm on his bracelet hummed and glowed as it neared the one Ochaco was wearing, catching the attention of Melissa, Izuku, Tsu, Mina, Toru and Iida. They turned towards him, their eyes widening with curiosity and excitement.

"Hey, everyone," Gohan said with a wave, bringing his tail to wrap around his waist. "Ojiro said I would find Ochaco here."

"Gohan! You're here just in time!" Melissa's voice rang out first, brimming with excitement. "Yeah, Ochaco's feeling a little nervous about her upcoming fight with Bakugo, and could use some words of encouragement. Get over here and say something to her."

"Can you blame her?" Izuku said innocently. "Bakugo's not really the type to ever hold back, no matter who he's fighting. He'll surely be going all out, especially against someone smaller than him like Ochaco."

"NOT HELPING!" Ochaco cried, half-jokingly, half-seriously.

Gohan chuckled softly, understanding Ochaco's nerves and the well-intentioned words of his friends. He approached her with a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, Ochaco, don't worry. I know Bakugo can be intense, but you've trained just as hard for this moment," Gohan said. "Cooler heads always prevail. Just fight smart and be patient, then use your agility and your zero gravity to catch him off guard. You've got this."

"Gohan's right," Tsu chimed in. "Ochaco, remember when we fought the Android Juniors during the Maze Exam? You were the only one that got out without getting hit, and half of those little creeps were using Bakugo's Explosion Quirk! Why? Because you've got something amazing, Ochaco! Something none of us has… except probably Gohan. You can fly, Ochaco! So fly high! You've faced tough challenges before, and this will be no different. Stay focused and believe in yourself."

Iida nodded and added his own words of encouragement.
"You all ran back into that maze to rescue Gohan, despite the fact that all of you had made it out and had practically passed the exam. But you bravely returned. That bravery, Ochaco, that determination is truly inspiring," Iida affirmed. "Let that drive you forward. Stay true to yourself, and don't let Bakugo's intensity intimidate you. Show him what you're made of!"

"Just be your amazing self, Ochaco!" Melissa exclaimed. "Stay agile, think on your feet, and remember to have fun out there. We're all rooting for you!"

"And don't forget, a certain someone will be watching," Mina teased, hitting Gohan with her hip and pushing him forward.

"I know," Ochaco giggled, feeling a weight lifting off her shoulders when her gaze met with Gohan's. "Thank you, everyone. Your words mean the world to me. I won't let my nerves get the best of me. I'll fight with everything I've got and make you all proud! Besides, I gotta get Bakugo back for his little stunt at the Obstacle Race. That sneak attack hurt, you know!"

The room filled with cheers and laughter, and Ochaco could feel the camaraderie among her and her friends growing stronger. The PA speakers crackled to life and Present Mic called out for the contestants and Ochaco breathed in and out, giving off a confident smile. She rose to her feet and planted her hands on the table.

"Okay, this is it," She said. With a final nod of self assurance, Ochaco pushed off the table and walked towards the door, but stopping right before she exited. She turned around and give Gohan a thumbs up, with a mischievous wink. "See you at the semifinals… babe…"

Ochaco's playful remark drew a collective gasp and a wave of laughter swept through the room. Gohan, caught off guard by her sudden teasing, blushed slightly but couldn't help but smile. He nodded and gave her a shy wave as he watched her go, a sense of pride swelling within him. He knew Ochaco had the strength and the drive to overcome any obstacle.

With a final heavy breath, Ochaco exited the waiting room and marched towards the fighting stage. Gohan walked with her as far as he could, stopping short of walking outside of the tunnel.

There she went, off to face her greatest challenge, alone. As he watched Ochaco make her way to the fighting stage, he couldn't help but feel a deep admiration for her courage. Her small figure growing smaller in the distance evoked a sense of warmth and affection within him, stirring a strong desire to always be there to protect her.

Gohan's cheeks were still buzzing with a blush when, right around the corner, Katsuki walked out. His intense red eyes fell on him and he scoffed, giving off a smirk.

"Hey, Ricebowl," Bakugo sneered, "I hope you're ready to watch your precious Uraraka get crushed in the ring. And when I'm done with her… when she's lying on the ground in pain, just remember, it's all your fault for not taking this competition seriously enough."

"...what did you just say to me?" Gohan asked, his eyes hardening at the thinly veiled threat.

"I said," Bakugo's face contorted into a sneer. "This little part right here is called 'consequences'. After I destroy her, you're going to face me in the next round, and you're gonna do it with all of your power. No holding back. Use that damned Dragonfist on me. One way or another, you will! YOU GOT THAT, YOU MONKEY-TAILED FREAK?!"

Bakugo's voice had risen to a ferocious shrill. He didn't wait for Gohan to respond. He violently shoved past him and continued walking towards the stage, his hands in his pockets.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," he growled, emerging from the tunnel.

Gohan felt a surge of adrenaline and hot rage rising up from his stomach from Bakugo's taunts. He tore his stare from Bakugo's back and made his way up the stairs, taking his seat with his classmates. A terrible, sinking feeling settled in his chest, overshadowing the excitement of Ochaco's match. His mind kept replaying the encounter with Bakugo, and the warning about something terrible happening to Ochaco weighed heavily on his thoughts.

His friends noticed the change in Gohan's demeanor. Melissa, Izuku, Tsu, and the others exchanged concerned glances, their expressions reflecting a mixture of worry and curiosity. They knew Gohan well enough to recognize when something troubled the usually joyful, wide-eyed happy teen.

Melissa leaned in closer, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Hey, Gohan, is everything alright? You seem really upset. What's on your mind?"

Gohan sighed, his gaze fixed on the stage but his thoughts elsewhere.

"I… I can't shake off this feeling that something bad is going to happen to Ochaco. Bakugo passed me a moment ago. The way he talked, it felt... ominous."

Izuku's expression mirrored Gohan's concern.

"I understand how you feel, Gohan. Kacchan likes to intimidate people. That's one of his tactics… But remember, Ochaco is strong and capable. She's faced challenges before, just like the rest of us, and she's come out even stronger. You believe in her, right?"

"Midoriya's right, ribbit!" Tsu chimed in. "You remember the last round, right? Everyone thought that Kendo was going to win, and Ochaco managed to beat her. Let's have faith."

"Yeah, what she said," Mina said, reaching over to pat Gohan's back. "Don't worry, hun. Once Ochaco wins, you'll get your chance to face off in the semifinals and pin her down, like Midoriya did with Shield."

"Ahem…" Izuku cleared his throat, blushing uncomfortably and Melissa gave off a shy gasp.

"You're right, you guys. I guess I'm just overthinking it," Gohan nodded, taking a deep breath and choosing to have faith in Ochaco's resilience. Still, the nagging worry in his heart remained.

…

"Uh, this last match is kinda disturbing," Present Mic said. "It's Ochaco Uraraka, the flying master of ZeroGravity, VERSUS! The angry Bombing King himself, Katsuki Bakugo!"

Ochaco breathed in and out, steadying her nerves and beating heart when Bakugo called out to her with a scornful laugh.

"Been waiting for this one, Pink Cheeks!" Bakugo barked with a smirk.

"PINK CHEEKS?!" Ochaco gasped angrily.

"Just promise me one thing, no matter how rough it gets, you won't back out of the fight." Bakugo raised his open palms by his side.

"Finally, something we can agree on," Ochaco called back, raising her fists. "You should know me by now. Giving up is never an option for me."

Bakugo's smirk melted into a threatening scowl.

"If you think I'm playing around, I'm not. I'm gonna kick your ass and smash your face in. And guess what? You can't run to your precious Gohan for help this time. No… he gets to watch me blast your ass all the way to hell!"

"Gohan-? Hold on. This… This is about Gohan?" Ochaco asked. Slowly, realization set in and she turned to look up at Gohan, who was standing from his seat, clutching the handrail with a worried look on his face. Now it all made sense…

"You... You're using me as a means to get to Gohan?" Ochaco's voice trembled in disbelief. "Bakugo, you jerk! I'm the one you should be focused on now, not-."

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Bakugo's gaze fixated on Ochaco, his expression twisted into a snarl. "All Ricebowl's been doing is laughing, treating this competition like some kind of joke! But not with me! Now, he's going to watch me grind you into the ground, and then he'll face me at his full power. That's the only thing that matters to me. I want to prove once and for all that I can overcome Gohan and his fancy little Dragonfist Attack, even at his best!"

Lifting his hands, Bakugo unleashed a torrent of explosive blasts, the air crackling with his fierce energy. Ochaco felt her jaw clench, an unnerving sense of unease settling in as she confronted her classmate's deranged, wild eyes.

"That's why it has to be you, Uraraka," Bakugo sneered, his voice dripping with sadistic glee. "That's why you've got to suffer. So do me a favor and scream, nice and loud!"

"CLAAAAAAASH!"

The match began, and both fighters sprung into action. Ochaco hanged low to the ground, leaning forward with her hands open, fingertips ready, closing the gap between them.

"Nice speech, Bakugo," she said, tapping her hands together. Her pink aura sparkled to life and she lifted off the ground into flight one leg outstretched behind her and the other bent at an angle. "But I'm not going to give you the pleasure!"

"Then you're even dumber than you look," Katsuki scoffed, utilizing his powerful blasts to propel himself up into the air with incredible speed. "DIE!"

Bakugo set off a short burst of explosions that gave him a spin in midair, gathering a larger explosion as he spun. Bringing his arms out, he delivered the compressed bomb, setting it off to intercept Ochaco, who was flying in towards him. The deafening explosion rocked the stage, creating a plume of black smoke in its wake.

But Ochaco skillfully adjusted her altitude, shooting up high into the sky and maneuvering with graceful fluidity to evade the bomb.

Bakugo didn't wait for Ochaco to regain her footing. Lurching forward, he brought both hands together and unleashed a quick salvo of orange orbs that shot out like fireballs, detonating around Ochaco as she flew around them.

Ochaco's light body became a blur of motion as she twirled and swayed through the air, evading the searing blasts from Bakugo with an innate grace.

With each explosive attack hurled her way, Ochaco anticipated the trajectory of each blast and effortlessly navigate through the chaotic battlefield. She seemed to have an intimate connection with the currents of the air, harnessing their invisible strength to guide her every move.

As she came in for a pass, Bakugo set off another explosion, but Ochaco flipped in midair, narrowly dodging the blast and coming down with both feet, striking Bakugo's chest. The blonde gasped out as Ochaco's pink shoes made contact, propelling him out of his flight pattern, but he quickly regained his focus, using two well placed blasts to propel him even higher into the sky, chasing after her.

"STILL HERE, URARAKA!" Bakugo called out, blasting off another salvo of explosions.

As Ochaco gracefully evaded each explosive blast, her presence seemed to defy the chaos around her.
Bakugo's frustration grew evident as Ochaco floated out of his reach again and again, her evasion tactics effectively nullifying his relentless attacks. He gritted his teeth, determined to find a way to land a hit on her, but Ochaco's mastery of her flight proved to be a formidable defense.

"Ugh! Stand still, you damned fly!" Bakugo roared, firing off explosive blasts that reached out to Ochaco and narrowly missed her.

With each explosive blast that missed its mark, Ochaco's confidence grew. She had honed her skills and strategized for this very moment. The power of her quirk, combined with her sharp reflexes and tactical awareness, allowed her to stay one step ahead, gracefully slipping through the gaps in Bakugo's explosive offensive. But she had formulated a plan through her careful observation of his fighting style, and it was time to implement it.

With a burst of energy, Ochaco zipped around one of Bakugo's explosions and dove down towards him, reaching out and touching his shoulder. It was little more than a tap, but it was enough. Ochaco activated her Quirk, surrounding Katsuki with an aura of weightless gravity.

As gravity shifted abruptly, Katsuki found himself caught off guard, his balance momentarily destabilized. Sensing the golden opportunity, Ochaco swiftly seized the advantage, launching into a rapid and precise barrage of strikes. Every powerful punch sent Bakugo hurtling even higher into the air, spiraling out of control.

With lightning speed, Ochaco continued her relentless onslaught, her attacks flowing seamlessly one after another. An uppercut, a strike with her knee, a kick. She had taken the upper hand now.

Ochaco pushed herself and flew past his barreling body, twisting and bringing her leg out in a kick that sent Bakugo flying back down to the stage.

The fury of Ochaco's assault left Katsuki scrambling to regain his control, his defensive instincts pushed to their limits. Ochaco sommersaulted and took a dive, aiming a fist down at him that connected with his back.

"RELEASE!" Ochaco shouted, and the two fighters plummeted back down to the stage.

"Is that all you got, you damned extra?!" Bakugo shouted, bringing his hands together. "Eat this! STUN GRANADE!"

With a thunderous explosion, Bakugo unleashed his powerful Flash Grenade attack, a blinding burst of light and concussive force that enveloped the arena. The intense radiance flooded the stage, obscuring vision and disorienting all who stood in its path.

Caught off guard, Ochaco found herself engulfed in the blinding brilliance, her eyes watering from the brilliance and her senses momentarily overwhelmed.

"AH!" Ochaco squealed in pain, the dazzling light and the ringing in her ears left her completely stunned and vulnerable.

The deafening sound of the explosion echoed in her ears, momentarily disorienting her as the concussive force rattled her senses.

Bakugo, seizing the advantage, swiftly closed the distance between them. Exploiting Ochaco's temporary disorientation, Bakugo seized the upper hand. His speed and relentless assault overwhelmed her, exploiting every opening with a calculated ferocity. Explosions rained down upon Ochaco, each blow reverberating through her body with his explosive power.

Ochaco, struggling to regain her bearings, fought against the waves of pain and confusion that threatened to consume her. A particularly large explosions set off directly under her chin. She screamed as she fell back down to the fighting stage, crashing against the mat and rolling away as she clutched her eyes and side.

Katsuki used his explosions to descend back down, bringing with him another explosion he used against Ochaco. Now with the upper hand, an unsettling shift occurred in Bakugo's demeanor. His attacks grew increasingly hostile and aggressive, the explosions fueled by his mounting frustration and desire to dominate the match.

Bakugo's explosions erupted with more force and ferocity, shaking the arena with their raw power. His relentless assault left little room for Ochaco to breathe, as she was tossed across the stage like a rag doll.

Bakugo's explosive fury drove him forward, pushing him to unleash devastating blows with relentless speed. The crowd watched in both awe and concern, recognizing the escalating intensity of the battle. The hostility in Bakugo's attacks raised the stakes, creating an atmosphere tinged with unease and anticipation.

Gohan and Izuku winced at seeing Ochaco bounce around. Still, the brown haired girl continued pushing herself up and rushing at Bakugo from different angles, only to get herself blown away again and again.

As she was sent soaring through the air once more, Ochaco's mind raced, analyzing the battle from every angle. She knew she needed to think outside the box and find a way to disrupt Bakugo's overwhelming attacks. Gathering her resolve, she focused on finding a weakness, a gap in his relentless assault.

In a brief moment of respite, Ochaco devised a plan. With determination etched on her face, she used her Quirk, Zero Gravity, to manipulate the surrounding objects, sending them hurtling towards Bakugo. The sudden diversion caused Bakugo to momentarily lose his footing, giving Ochaco a momentary advantage.

Seizing the opportunity, Ochaco launched a counterattack, striking with precision and speed. Her calculated blows landed with impact, briefly staggering Bakugo. The crowd erupted in cheers, inspired by Ochaco's resilience and unwavering spirit.

However, Bakugo quickly regained his composure, his anger fueling a surge of power. He retaliated with even greater intensity, his explosions increasing in magnitude, overpowering Ochaco's efforts to gain the upper hand.

Gohan, watching the brutal exchange, felt a surge of frustration and concern welling within him. His hand tightened around the rail, his knuckles turning white, as his concern for Ochaco grew. He struggled with the desire to intervene and the knowledge that this was her battle to fight.

Ochaco's resilience shone through as she refused to back down despite the overwhelming odds stacked against her. Despite the many times she kept getting knocked down, she always pushed herself up, fighting back with all her might, utilizing every ounce of her strength and strategy. But the relentless onslaught from Bakugo pushed her to her limits, leaving her battered and bruised.

Gohan's heart raced with worry and frustration. He longed to rush to Ochaco's aid, but he knew she needed to face this challenge on her own. The conflict within him, the desire to protect and the need to let her prove herself, created a tumultuous storm of emotions.

With each brutal blow that landed, Gohan's dread deepened. He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white, his eyes never leaving the unfolding battle. His mind raced with thoughts of support, almost willing Ochaco to find the strength to persevere.

With a final, devastating blow, Bakugo sent Ochaco into the air, only to follow her up and send her hurtling back down to the fighting stage with a massive blast. Ochaco cried out in pain as she crashed onto the ground, her body bruised and battered. Pain coursed through her, making it difficult to muster any more strength to rise.

As Ochaco weakly attempted to get back on her feet, Bakugo's taunts pierced through the air, adding insult to her injuries. His voice dripped with arrogance and superiority, a cruel reminder of the current state of the battle.

"You actually thought you could stand against me?" Bakugo sneered, his tone laced with mockery. "Pathetic. You're nothing compared to my power. Stay down, you weakling."

With an explosive burst of energy, Bakugo surged forward once again, his attacks fierce and relentless. Ochaco, despite her best efforts, found herself struggling to defend against his onslaught. Each blow landed with precision, creating explosions that rocked her body.

Despite the pain and exhaustion, Ochaco refused to surrender. She fought back with all her might, determined to prove her strength and tenacity.

But Bakugo's skill and ferocity continued to dominate the battle. With each exchange, Ochaco's movements grew sluggish, her energy waning. She cried out in frustration and pain, her spirit unbroken but her body pushed to its limits.

"I can't watch this anymore!" Jiro cried, covering her mouth with both hands. "I think I'm gonna be sick!"

"Gohan!" Melissa begged, gripping his arm and giving him a firm shake. "You've got to stop this! Ochaco is getting seriously hurt out there! Can't you see that?"

"You're the Class Rep," Toru pleaded. "PLEASE! STOP HIM!"

"I…" Gohan stammered, glancing back down. Another explosion rocked the fighting stage, sending Ochaco flying through the air, screaming in pain as she landed and rolled away in a smoking heap. Bakugo leaped out after her, unleashing another blast.

Gohan's heart sank as Ochaco's cries of pain reached his ears. The anguish in her voice and in those of his classmates stirred a fire within him, fueling a desperation to put an end to the brutal battle. With tears welling up in his eyes, he cupped his hands over his mouth and turned towards the referee stand where Midnight was watching the fight intently.

"Please, Miss Midnight, you have to do something!" Gohan implored. "Bakugo is hurting her! Can't you see that? This is going too far!"

Midnight glanced up at Gohan and tapped the microphone that hanged from the side of her face.

"I understand your worry, Gohan, but as the referee, I can't step in unless there is a life-threatening attack or a severe breach of regulations," Midnight explained. "The safety of the fighters is of utmost importance, but we must also respect the integrity of the match."

"But he's practically killing her! Can't you see that?" Gohan's desperation grew, his voice quivering. "Ochaco can't take much more of this!"

Just as Gohan pleaded, Aizawa's voice chimed in through the PA system, his tone calm but firm. "Look at Ochaco and tell me, Gohan. Has she given up yet? Is she staying on the ground when she gets knocked down? No. She hasn't given up yet, and calling off the match while she's still fighting would imply a lack of confidence in her abilities. We must respect her resilience and let the battle play out."

Gohan's fists clenched, his heart torn between his desire to protect Ochaco and his respect for the rules and the fighters' determination. Deep down, he knew that Ochaco had her own strength, that she had fought through countless challenges before. He had to trust in her spirit and resilience.

Ochaco pushed herself off into flight, but Bakugo landed on top of her, pinning Ochaco to the mat with his knee on her back.

"This is it, Uraraka!" Bakugo growled. "I got ya right where I wanted ya. Now that we've got your little boyfriend's attention, do me a favor and SQUEAL!"

He placed both hands on Ochaco's back, unleashing a merciless barrage of explosions that tore at Ochaco's back.

"AAAAAHHHHHH!" Ochaco cried out in sheer agony, unable to defend herself from the direct attack. Gohan's heart shattered as he heard Ochaco's anguished cries pierce through the air. Tears overflowed from Ochaco's eyes, running down her cheeks freely. The pain in her voice resonated deep within him, overpowering his resolve to let the battle play out. Unable to bear the sight of his loved one in agony any longer, Gohan's emotions burst forth.

"That's enoooooough!" Gohan's voice cracked, booming across the stadium, his hands clenched into fists and his jaw tightened. "Tell him to stop iiiiit!"

His plea reverberated through the arena, capturing the attention of the crowd and the officials. Midnight, sensing the genuine concern in Gohan's voice, paused for a moment, and exchanged a hesitant glance with Cementoss.

Gohan's eyes glistened with unshed tears, frustration and worry etched on his face. He wanted nothing more than to rush to Ochaco's side and protect her from further harm. His love for Ochaco clashed with his understanding of the rules and the respect he held for the fighters' determination.

Gohan's desperation reached its peak as he made one last desperate appeal to Bakugo, his voice trembling with emotion. "Please, Bakugo, I'm begging you. Stop this! Ochaco can't take any more. Show some mercy!"

Bakugo's eyes narrowed, a cold smirk playing across his face. He scoffed at Gohan's plea, his voice dripping with disdain. "Blame yourself for getting involved, Gohan. This is the price she has to pay for standing against me. There's no room for mercy in a battle like this."

A surge of dread coursed through Gohan's veins as he realized Bakugo had no intention of relenting. His heart sank, knowing that Ochaco was defenseless against Bakugo's devastating ultimate move. The weight of his helplessness bore down on him, amplifying his anguish.

With a fierce determination, Bakugo unleashed his ultimate move, Howitzer Impact. The force of the attack shook the entire arena, the ground trembling beneath their feet. Ochaco, already weakened and battered, was unable to mount a defense against the overwhelming power bearing down upon her.

The impact sent Ochaco sprawling across the stage, her body limp and broken. Gasps of shock and worry rippled through the crowd as they witnessed the extent of the devastation. Gohan's heart shattered as he saw the toll that Bakugo's relentless pursuit of victory had taken on Ochaco.

As Ochaco lay barely conscious on the ground, her senses dulled by the intense pain coursing through her body, she strained to make out Gohan's words amidst the chaos. His voice, filled with worry and desperation, reached her ears, resonating deep within her.

In that fleeting moment of clarity, Ochaco's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions. She felt a profound love for Gohan, his concern for her well-being shining through his every word. His support had been a pillar of strength, giving her the courage to face her battles head-on.

But alongside that love, a hint of sadness flickered within her. She sensed a shift in Gohan's confidence, an undercurrent of doubt that she had never witnessed before. It tugged at her heart, adding a new layer of pain to her already battered state.

As she struggled to maintain consciousness, Ochaco's mind raced, seeking to understand the source of her sadness. She knew that Gohan's worry stemmed from a place of love and protection, but it also reflected a lack of confidence in her own abilities. It pierced her soul, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncertain.

As Ochaco's consciousness waned and she teetered on the brink of unconsciousness, a hazy flashback flooded her mind, carrying her back to a moment from her childhood. In the depths of her memories, she saw her younger self, determined and full of hope, making a heartfelt promise.

In the flashback, Ochaco stood before her parents, their faces etched with weariness and worry. She looked into their eyes, filled with a determination beyond her years, and made a vow. "Don't worry, Mom, Dad. When I grow up all big and strong, I'll help you out any way I can! I'll become a hero, and I'll help lift the weight off your shoulders. You won't have to struggle anymore."

The memory brought a bittersweet smile to Ochaco's lips as she clung to the belief that had fueled her journey. It reminded her of the dreams she had nurtured and the unwavering resolve that had led her to this point.

But as the flashback faded, the reality of the present settled upon her. The pain, the exhaustion, and the knowledge of her defeat weighed heavily on her heart. It was finally over, her valiant efforts ending in a knockout. Ochaco had fought with everything she had, but it hadn't been enough.

Unable to hold her head up any longer, Ochaco dropped her head into her arm, her brown hair spilling out, and her body collapsed limply.

Gohan's mouth dropped as he stared at Ochaco's motionless body crumpled on the floor while the stadium cheered on for Bakugo. His eyes were wide with rage, his irises dancing on Ochaco's body. It felt as if all the breath in his body escaped at once.

Bakugo pounced in her direction, preparing to unleash yet another explosion on the downed girl when Gohan exploded that stopped Bakugo in his tracks.

"No more! I won't watch her suffer any moooooore!" Gohan shouted with a voice that resonated with the fury of a storm.

"...Gohan?" Izuku asked, taking a step closer.

That was the last thing he heard. Gohan's eyes whitened out and his expression dropped, feeling an indescribable surge of pure hot rage bursting out from within. He doubled over, supporting himself on the handrails, but his grip tightened, crushing the metal rail with ease.

The intensity of his rage burst through his veins like a dark tempest, unleashing a torrential power from within him.

"GOHAN!" Melissa was shouting in his ear, but it sounded distant and faded. Shocks of electricity, golden and blinding shot out from his body as a terrible moan escaped from his trembling body. The afternoon skies above crackled with electric energy as dark clouds coalesced above, obscuring the sky over the stage with an ominous aura.

"Huh? What gives?" Mic said over the speakers. "It wasn't supposed to thunderstorm today. There wasn't a cloud in the sky two seconds ago!"

"What's happening?" Ojiro shouted over the thunder that crackled and roared around them, as heavy winds began to pick up. "I can feel a terrifying aura rising from within Gohan! Is that…?"

Shoto's eyes narrowed and he stood from his seat.

"I recognize that glow…" he said through gritted teeth. "Gohan is a Super Saiyan."

"He's… He's…" Izuku's eyes widened. "He's changing the weather!"
"Just like Uncle Might..." Melissa said, as her hair whipped around wildly.

"GOHAN!" Tokoyami surged from the furthest row down to his friend's side. "I understand you're hurting right now, but you cannot let the darkness win! Fight it! Do not succumb to the monster within!"

Memories Gohan had made with Ochaco throughout the day flooded in his mind.

Ochaco helped him reunite with his mother and little brother. She had celebrated his birthday with him and gotten him a special gift to remind him of home. She had danced a song dedicated to him, had encouraged and helped him win throughout the trials of the Sports Fest.

And she had accepted him as her boyfriend, taking their relationship to the next level.

All of these things swirled in his mind, mixing with his turmoil, his rage and his feelings of helplessness. Gohan leaned back with a monstrous roar, his tail unraveling and twitching uncontrollably. A sudden burst of lightning shot out of him, knocking those closest to him to the ground.

"Melissa!" Izuku shouted, catching her in his arms as she flew back. Tokoyami grunted in pain, but Tsu used her tongue to pull him back to safety.

A blinding aura illuminated the entire arena, casting an ethereal glow. Gohan's hair stood on end on spikes, shimmering with a vibrant golden hue. Gohan opened his eyes and a bright green light blazed with an incandescent fire, reflecting the raw power that coursed through his Super Saiyan form.

As Gohan's aura intensified, bolts of lightning danced across the sky, the thunderous rumblings echoing through the stadium. The very earth trembled beneath his feet, as if in awe of the extraordinary energy emanating from him. The spectators gasped in astonishment, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe.

Sharp needles of rain poured down in torrents, drenching the battlefield. Thunder roared and lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the ferocity of Gohan's power. The storm was a mirror that reflected his inner turmoil, his desire to protect those dear to him. The heavens seemed to respond to his transformation, as if acknowledging the immense strength he possessed.

And then, almost as soon as it began, it subsided as the Golden power eluded him once again. Gohan's hair dropped back down, the glow dissipating from his hair and his irises. Gohan leaned against the handrail he had just demolished with his bare hands, feeling exhausted from the rush of power he had just experienced.

"I don't get it, what the heck just happened?!" Mic said, glancing up at the skies as they began to clear. "Was that Gohan just now?!"

"Just what the heck are ya feeding your students, Aizawa?" Mister Satan asked, trembling.

Bakugo looked up at Gohan with a satisfied, sadistic smile.

"That's it, Ricebowl," he said. "That's exactly the reaction I wanted out of you!"

Gohan lifted his gaze, staring murderously at Bakugo. He leaped over the railing and vanished in midair, reappearing at the stage between Uraraka and Bakugo.

"Alright, Bakugo," Gohan growled. "Now you answer to me!"

But before he could do anything else, Midnight raised her whip.
"That's enough!" she shouted. "Gohan, it's over! Uraraka is K.O'd. Bakugo wins!"

It didn't matter anymore. Not to Gohan. The only thing that mattered was getting her away from Bakugo.

Gohan's steps faltered, his momentum abruptly halted by the announcement. His gaze remained locked on Bakugo, an intense exchange of unspoken rivalry passing between them. Yet, the reality of the situation settled in, and Gohan's attention shifted.

With a profound sense of loss, Gohan turned his focus towards Ochaco, as he ran to her side. He reached her side, cradling her delicate form in his arms.

"You did so well, Ochaco," he whispered, his eyes watering. "I'm so... so proud of you!"

The weight of the moment pressed upon Gohan's shoulders as he stared down at Ochaco, her body still and battered from the fierce battle. His hands gently cupped her face, his touch tender and filled with worry. He could feel the rise and fall of her chest, a reassuring sign of life amidst the aftermath of their clash.

Emotion welled up within Gohan as he surveyed the damage inflicted upon Ochaco, his heart heavy.
"I'm sorry, Ochaco," Gohan whispered. "I'm so sorry..."

Ochaco stirred in his arms, opening her eyes weakly. Her brown eyes, which were always so full of life and vibrant color were dull and unfocused now.
"Daddy?" she squeaked in a dilirious monotone. "I can do it... Daddy... I'll be... a hero..."

The android Juniors came rushing to his side, but Gohan stood up with Ochaco in his arms.
"No, I'll personally take Ochaco to Recovery Girl. I won't leave her side," Gohan stated resolutely. "Not anymore."
"That's very noble of you, Gohan," Midnight nodded. "Go ahead and take her, then."

"Hey, Gohan," Bakugo called. "You like what I did to your little girlfriend?"

Gohan's eyes blazed with fury and his teeth clenched. Bakugo's words struck a nerve. The venom in his taunts ignited a fire within him once again.

"She'll probably be in a wheelchair and miss out on the Internships – if any agencies would actually wanna bother with a weakling like her, that is." Bakugo laughed. "She probably won't even be able to wipe her own ass for weeks-"

"Bakugo!" Gohan's voice rang out through clenched teeth, distorted and monstrous. When he turned to look at Bakugo, a green light blazed from his eyes, unnerving Bakugo. "Next match, it's you and me, and I'm gonna win. I'm gonna destroy you, you bastard!"

The intensity of Gohan's words reverberated through the arena, silencing the crowd for a brief moment. The challenge had been issued, and the stage was set for an explosive showdown between these two fated rivals.

Ochaco moaned weakly, bringing Gohan's focus back to her. He cradled her protectively in his arms and without another word, he took flight towards Recovery Girl's care.

The stage was set for an epic confrontation, where the full force of their abilities and the depth of their rivalry would finally collide.

Bakugo's smile widened, a twisted satisfaction evident in his eyes. His taunts had struck a nerve, achieving their desired effect. He had succeeded in igniting a spark within Gohan, provoking a response that promised a battle at full power. There would be no more games, no more holding back.

Gohan, fueled by his rage and clouded by his feelings, had taken the bait. Bakugo reveled in his achievement, knowing that he had managed to rattle Gohan's composure. This was what he had wanted all along—a true test of strength against a formidable opponent. The prospect of a battle with Gohan at his peak was an opportunity for Bakugo to prove his own power and superiority.

"Bring it on, Gohan, you damned nerd!" Bakugo said with a sadistic smile, watching Gohan's body envelope in a golden aura and blast off with Ochaco cradled in his arms. "I've been waiting for this. I'll show you what it means to truly fight at full power. Get ready to be crushed!"

---

Ending Song:
"Child—error-" by My First Story

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A/N: I love Ochaco. This was one of the hardest chapters for me to write. Sure, it was all a match in a sports tournament, and there are things like the Senzu-based recovery beans and of course, REcovery Girl herself, but it doesn't make their suffering less real. But the next chapter is the one we've all been waiting on. Justice for Ochaco and retribution for Bakugo for provoking Gohan. Don't miss it! Sorry again for not responding to reviews this time, but I will definitely include them all in the next chapter!