Opening Song:
"Vandalize" by One OK Rock
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE - THE SPORTS FESTIVAL XI: WRATH OF THE DRAGON
After the snowfall subsided and the fighting arena had been cleaned and repaired, it was finally time for the final fight of the semifinals. The anticipation in the arena was palpable as the crowd eagerly awaited the next match: Bakugo versus Gohan. The tension filled the air, and all eyes were fixed on the stage where the two powerful contenders would soon face off.
"The next match will decide the other finalist for the The Finals Tournament! Will Katsuki Bakugo and Son Gohan please report to the fighting stage?!"
As the tension reached its peak, Midnight's voice reverberated throughout the stadium, calling for Gohan to step forward and face Bakugo, who was already standing on the stage, waiting for him with a huge smile on his face. But moments ticked by, and Gohan remained conspicuously absent, prompting a flicker of doubt in Bakugo's mind.
"Uhh, Son Gohan?" Midnight tried again. "Please report to the fighting ring, or you run the risk of being disqualified by default!"
A hint of a smirk tugged at Bakugo's lips as he sneered, reveling in the notion that Gohan might have fled from the fight. "Looks like the coward couldn't handle the pressure," he taunted, his voice carrying a mixture of confidence and disdain.
Suddenly, a thunderous noise shattered the silence. Heads turned, eyes widening in awe and surprise as a blazing golden blur streaked across the sky, breaking the sound barrier with its incredible speed. The encircled the stadium, flying furious rings around it again and again and again in a dizzying display of power, leaving onlookers in awe.
With a deafening crash, the golden object slammed into the stage, unleashing a shockwave that sent Bakugo tumbling backward. The impact left a deep crater, an unmistakable symbol of the raw power that had descended upon the arena.
In the heart of the crater stood Gohan, his golden god-like aura radiating an overwhelming surge of energy. His blue-green eyes blazed with an intensity that mirrored the flickering flames of determination within his soul. The raw power that coursed through him was palpable, charging the air with an electric current.
Bakugo's eyes widened, his pride momentarily shaken as he realized the gravity of the opponent standing before him. Surprise and excitement coursed through his veins, stoking the flames of his competitive spirit.
Gohan rose and stood tall, his presence commanding, his every movement imbued with an unparalleled strength. The weight of his anger propelled him forward, ready to face Bakugo with an unyielding resolve.
"Bakugo," Gohan declared with a growl. "It's time to face the consequences of your actions. I won't hold back. Brace yourself."
The arena cheered and trembled with the anticipation of the clash between these two titans, their powers converging in a battle that promised to be nothing short of epic. Gohan, overflowing with an unparalleled power, prepared to confront Bakugo, their rivalry reaching its peak as they stood on the precipice of an intense showdown.
"WHOA! Now that's what I call an Entrance!" Mister Satan announced cheerfully. "My money's on Goldilocks! What about you, Mic?"
"Oh yeah, Gohan's got this in the bag!" Mic responded.
"We're supposed to be unbiased, you guys…" Aizawa reminded them.
"You're gonna regret what you did to her, Bakugo," Gohan warned, his eyes blazing with rage.
Bakugo smirked, unyielding in the face of Gohan's warning.
"Regret? Ha! I don't regret anything!" he shot back, his voice laced with defiance. "I did what I had to do to win, and I'll do it again if I have to!"
Gohan's fists clenched, his anger surging through him like a tidal wave.
"You don't understand, do you?" Gohan retorted, his voice low and intense. "You think winning is everything, but being a hero means more than that. It means protecting those who need it, not using them as stepping stones!"
Bakugo's eyes narrowed, his own anger matching Gohan's.
"I don't need a lecture from a self-righteous Saiyan!" he spat back, his voice dripping with scorn.
The tension between them was palpable, and the crowd held their breath, fully immersed in the charged atmosphere of the impending battle.
"Fine, if you won't listen to reason, then I'll show you with my fists!" Gohan declared, bringing his fists up and lifting up into the air. His golden aura blazed, stoking Bakugo's competitiveness.
Bakugo's grin widened, eager for the challenge.
"Bring it on, Monkey Boy," he taunted, his hands crackling with explosive energy. "Show me that famous Dragonfist of yours!"
"That's what you never understood, Bakugo," Gohan said with a point of finality. I AM THE DRAGONFIST!"
"Katsuki Bakugo VERSUS Son Gohan!" Midnight declared. "READY? CLASH!"
As soon as the word was uttered, both fighters completely vanished from sight, leaving the spectators bewildered. The air seemed to crackle with energy, and the ground tremored with each impact. Present Mic's eyes widened as he tried to make sense of what was happening.
"W-What? Where the hell did they go?" Satan demanded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we've got ourselves a battle of lightning speed!" Present Mic exclaimed, his voice booming over the speakers. "Both fighters are moving so fast, we can't even see them!"
The audience gasped and whispered in amazement as they strained to catch any glimpse of the intense battle unfolding before them. The supercameras deployed around the stage became their only source of insight into the blistering contest, projecting the fight onto the screens.
"Wow, look at that, Iida!" Melissa said, amazed. "Who knew Bakugo could move at such a high speed?"
"He… can't…" Iida said, worried. He let out a sad sigh.
"Huh?" Melissa gasped. "Then that means…"
"Yeah… this is Gohan's fury unleashed."
Through the high-tech lenses, the audience caught glimpses of Gohan's incredible speed, seemingly teleporting around Bakugo, striking him with a barrage of powerful punches that were almost impossible to track. Bakugo struggled to defend himself against the lightning-fast attacks, unable to predict Gohan's movements.
"Did you all see that? Gohan's speed is off the charts!" Midnight exclaimed, her excitement evident in her voice.
"And Bakugo is having a tough time keeping up!" Mic added, his eyes locked on the supercameras' feed.
With each passing second, Gohan's advantage became more apparent. His Saiyan reflexes and training allowed him to move at a pace that was almost incomprehensible. He expertly maneuvered around Bakugo, exploiting every opening, and delivering precise and powerful strikes.
Bakugo gritted his teeth against the powerful punches and the crushing speeds at which his body was being thrown around. He tried to counter with blasts of explosive energy, trying to create openings to strike back, but Gohan flew right through each explosion, unscathed.
The supercameras captured the incredible spectacle unfolding before the audience, revealing the true extent of Gohan's speed and skill. The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps with each lightning-fast exchange, fully absorbed in the breathtaking display of power.
Gohan's attacks were swift and precise, fueled by his raw emotions. His fists blazed through the air like lightning, striking Bakugo with unrelenting brutality. Blow after blow connected, each impact resounding through the arena.
Bakugo's attempts to counter Gohan's onslaught were met with little success. His defenses crumbled under the overwhelming might of Gohan's strikes. Despite his own formidable abilities, Bakugo found himself outmatched and outmaneuvered at every turn.
Each strike landed with a resounding impact, each hit pushing Bakugo closer to his limits. Bruised and battered, Bakugo fought to stay on his feet, his resolve refusing to crumble completely.
But it was clear to everyone present that Gohan's power surpassed anything Bakugo could muster. The gap between them was insurmountable, and as Gohan continued his relentless assault, Bakugo's strength waned.
The pummeling continued, blow after blow raining down upon Bakugo until he could no longer stand. Gohan swung his leg up, striking Bakugo in the chin and an explosion of iron taste invaded Bakugo's mouth as he swung back. As he flew far from the fighting stage, Bakugo watched as the green grass rushed up to meet him.
It was over – ring out!
But Gohan caught him by the foot before Bakugo could land, spun him around and sent him hurling back to the ground, where he landed on the fighting stage, his body battered and broken, his spirit diminished. Gohan's victory was undeniable.
"What?" Gohan asked with a sinister smile, his blue-green eyes shining through the smoke. "You thought we were done?"
Bakugo rolled around onto his back and lifted his hand, clutching at his wrist and unleashed several explosions.
"Eat this, you damned nerd!" he shouted.
Gohan smirked.
"Those are explosions, Bakugo?" he asked, shaking his head. He raised his hand, palm open. "Nah, these are explosions."
With that, Gohan unleashed several small ki blasts that whined as they zoomed towards Bakugo, exploding and sending the teen rolling towards the edge of the ring in pain. Gohan landed like a missile on top of the downed blonde, stepping on his cheek with his boot, pinning his head to the mat as he stood above him.
Back in her hospital bed and now fully awake, Ochaco's heart raced with anxiety as she watched the brutal exchange between Gohan and Bakugo from her room's TV. Her worry for both of them weighed heavily on her, and she wished she could do something to stop the violence.
But she couldn't tear her eyes away, even though the sight was distressing. She saw the pain in Bakugo's red eyes, and the animalistic rage in Gohan's eyes, his emotions consuming him like a raging inferno.
As Gohan pressed his boot against Bakugo's neck, the young hero's defiant words pierced through the air. Ochaco felt a pang of sadness for Bakugo, knowing that his unyielding desire to win and prove himself had led him down this path.
"Stop it, Gohan, please!" Ochaco whispered, her voice filled with desperation. She knew her words wouldn't reach him from afar, but she couldn't help but speak them, hoping against hope that somehow he would hear.
But Gohan's fury remained unchecked. Bakugo's words seemed to enrage him further, fueling the fire of his anger. Ochaco felt a sense of helplessness, unable to intervene and fearing the consequences of this relentless battle.
As Gohan stretched out his hand, his palm facing Bakugo's ribs, Ochaco's heart sank. She knew what was coming next. Gohan's Dragon Fist, a devastating and merciless attack, loomed over Bakugo, threatening to shatter him completely.
"No, Gohan! Please, stop!" Ochaco called out, her voice choked with tears. But her pleas fell on deaf ears as the fierce warrior prepared to unleash his deadly strike.
In that moment, Ochaco wished more than anything that she could be there, standing between them, to remind Gohan of the compassion and empathy he had always shown.
But all she could do was watch, her heart breaking as the battle reached its devastating climax. The echoes of their struggles and cries reverberated through the walls, and the spectators held their breath, witnessing a confrontation that had become so much more than a mere tournament.
Gohan's fury blazed like an inferno, each strike landing with merciless force. Cementoss and Midnight desperately tried to intervene, using their respective Quirks to restrain the enraged Saiyan. Cementoss erected massive stone walls, attempting to separate Gohan from Bakugo, while Midnight released her somnambulent aroma in an effort to quell the Saiyan's aggression.
But Gohan's power and emotions were too overwhelming. He plowed through Cementoss' walls like they were made of paper, the stones crumbling under the sheer force of his blows. Midnight's tranquilizing aroma couldn't subdue the fiery determination in Gohan's heart.
"He's too strong! We can't stop him!" Cementoss shouted, his voice tinged with frustration.
Midnight gritted her teeth, trying to think of another way to intervene. "We have to find a way to reach him, to break through that anger!" she exclaimed, her mind racing for a solution.
Amidst the chaos, Melissa tried to reach Gohan once more.
"Gohan, this isn't the way!" he shouted, his voice full of urgency. "You're better than this! You can't let your anger control you!"
"What's the matter, Ricebowl? Can't finish the job?" Bakugo taunted, attempting to provoke Gohan further. You're… nothing!"
Gohan slammed his boot on Bakugo's neck, pinning him down.
"Shut… up!"
As Bakugo's broken arm rested weakly against Gohan's leg, he struggled to muster even the smallest explosions, their feeble bursts doing little more than sending vibrations up Gohan's limb. In that moment, a realization washed over Bakugo, one that he had stubbornly denied throughout their fierce battle—he couldn't beat Gohan.
The reality of the situation settled in, and Bakugo's fierce determination began to waver. Gohan, with his godlike strength and power, had proven to be an indomitable force. No matter how much Bakugo had pushed himself, he couldn't match the sheer might and resolve of the young Saiyan warrior.
An unwelcome taste gathered in Bakugo's tongue – frustration, bitterness… defeat. He had always prided himself on being strong, believing that he could overcome any obstacle with sheer force and power of will. But now, faced with the reality of his limitations, Bakugo was forced to confront the truth – he had reached his limit.
Gohan was a force that he couldn't surpass.
"Damn you… G-Gohan…" Bakugo growled weakly, his red eyes burning fiercely and blurring with tears that streamed down his bruised and bloodied cheeks. "I'm not… gonna let you… beat me! Even if it means… that I have to break myself… again and again, I won't… lose to you!"
"Shut up!" Gohan growled, pressing down on his boot. "SHUT UP!"
"I am going to… win!" Bakugo cried, his voice strained and gagging under the boot. "Because… that's what it means to be… a hero!"
"You still won't shut your mouth," Gohan said, burying his shoe against Bakugo's neck. "If that's the case, then do me a favor…"
Gohan stretched out his hand, palm facing Bakugo's ribs. Bakugo's eyes widened and dilated, contorting with visceral fear.
"Squeal!" Gohan roared. A light ignited, and his hand twitched, firing off several ki blasts that tore into Bakugo, sending him into a macabre dance.
Bakugo roared out in pain, his teeth rattling and his eyes whitening out as his body shook and convulsed violently under the merciless assault as each blast buried him deeper and deeper into the stage, cratering a hole around his body.
The whine and whistle of each ki blast, followed by the ear-shattering explosions they produced drowned out Bakugo's pained screams.
Flashes of golden light illuminated the cruelty in Gohan's eyes and the sharpness of his features as he continued to blast at Bakugo, pouring out his unbridled rage on him.
And yet, there was no catharsis.
The searing anger boiling within Gohan did not release from his heart.
BLAST!BLAST!BLAST!BLAST!
The flashing ki blasts finally ceased and Gohan's palm closed into a fist.
Bakugo's head slumped back against the concrete with a distorted gasp for air, his clothes ripped and his body broken in different places. A pained groan escaped Bakugo as he gasped for air. His left arm lay, twisted in an unnatural manner to his side while his right hand weakly pawed at Gohan's boot which was still pressed against his neck.
"How does it feel, Bakugo," Gohan crouched down, glaring at Bakugo who stared up at him with one eye open, his wheezing breath labored and raspy. "How does it feel to be thrown on the ground, to feel the weight of someone's boot on your neck? Do you understand now, even just a fraction, the pain and fear you inflicted on my friends?"
Bakugo let out a pained whimper through his bloodied teeth, glaring up at Gohan defiantly.
"I want you to always remember that feeling," Gohan growled quietly, raising his right fist in the air. "I hope you never forget what it feels to lose to me. And one more thing – stay the hell away from my friends, especially Ochaco and Izuku. If you so much as look at them the wrong way, I will crush you, you bastard."
"This... isn't… over!" Bakugo moaned, his eyes intermittently whitening out as he struggled to remain conscious.
"You're so right, Bakugo. This isn't over. It's time for the final blow. The Dragonfist you've been asking for this entire time!"
Bakugo's eyes widened in realization, and for the first time in his life, a flicker of fear crossed his face.
"Damn… You! You… Bastard!"
"Prepare yourself, Bakugo!" Gohan yelled back as the wind picked up into a whirlwind, charged with fire and electricity that swirled up his arm and around his fist. "You're the one who asked for this, Bakugo. And now you'll witness the full force of my strength!"
The atmosphere around them crackled with electricity. The energy swirled around his fist, forming a blazing golden aura that intensified with each passing moment.
"No, Gohan! NO!" Koda shouted from the stands.
"Stop, Gohan!" Melissa cried out desperately next to him. "Don't do it! He's done! Please!"
"This isn't you! Please, stop!" Dende called out.
"Snap out of it, you punk!" Nail shouted. "You're representing us all!"
But Gohan's rage deafened him to his friends' cries.
"This is for Ochaco, for Izuku and for everyone else you've hurt!" A cruel smile stretched across Gohan's face, chilling Bakugo to the bone. "Brace yourself, Bakugo! Here comes the famous Dragonfist you've been asking for!"
Electricity shot out from Gohan's body and ran up his raised fist in circular waves that shot off smoke. A sulfuric smell bounced off of the rays that continued to speed up, racing up his fist. The heavens above darkened and shook with the stadium with tremendous power. Bolts of lightning raced down from the storm clouds, striking the earth around them.
With an earth-shattering roar, Gohan thrust his fist forward, unleashing the full might of his Dragonfist. The golden aura exploded outward, tearing through the air with an unstoppable force. A scaly body constructed of fire and electricity surged out, arching over the sky and turning to hurtle back towards Bakugo.
Bakugo's body tensed, his eyes widening as the fiery head of a dragon roared at him as it closed in on him. Time seemed to stand still for a fleeting moment before the devastating impact occurred.
Bakugo couldn't even attempt to move, his body too broken to escape or defend against the incoming blazing Dragon head whose jaws opened up to swallow him whole.
But the blow never landed.
Like a flame that flickered off with the wind, the roaring dragon suddenly dissipated into thin air. The golden aura vanished, leaving Gohan momentarily stunned in midair. The golden aura and the immense power swelling out of him moments ago had disappeared as if it had never existed. Unable to manipulate his ki, Gohan fell the remaining distance to the fighting stage, landing with a roll.
Gohan swung himself into a leaping stand, jumping back to his feet and looking up at the glowing red orbs staring at him from the commentator's box.
Mister Aizawa, his stern expression unchanged, stood before them, his eyes glowing, erasing Gohan's powers. His hair floated up around him.
"That's enough, Gohan!" His booming voice held an air of finality. "This battle is over."
"What?" Gohan growled. "Why? Why did you intervene?! I had him!"
"You were about to cross a dangerous line, Gohan," Aizawa said firmly. "My priority is to prevent any unnecessary harm or serious mistakes during these matches."
"But what about when Bakugo hurt Ochaco?" Gohan retorted, clenching his fists in frustration. "You didn't step in then."
Aizawa's gaze softened slightly, understanding the anger and concern in Gohan's words.
"I didn't intervene then because the situation didn't reach a critical point where I felt immediate action was necessary," Aizawa explained. "As soon as she was down, Bakugo refrained from further attack."
"That still doesn't make it right," Gohan said, his voice tinged with frustration. "Ochaco was seriously hurt; he had to know what it felt like!"
"You care deeply for your friends, and that's commendable," Aizawa nodded, acknowledging Gohan's concerns. "But as a hero, you also need to learn how to balance your emotions with rational judgment. And right now, you're so blinded by your anger that you haven't even realized that your opponent has been KO'd for some time now."
Gohan's eyes shifted downward, and to his surprise, he saw Bakugo lying motionless on the ground, his eyes whitened out, his chest heaving with jerking gasps, clearly defeated.
"He... He's out?" Gohan panted, falling to one knee.
"Yes. The battle has reached its conclusion," Midnight said, glaring at Gohan cautiously. "Bakugo is KO'd! Gohan wins and advances to the finals to face Shoto Todoroki… Now please… just… exit the stage."
As Midnight spoke, medical bots rushed to the scene towards Bakugo's broken body. They quickly and efficiently attended to Bakugo, carefully lifting his battered body onto a stretcher.
Gohan breathed heavily, feeling the adrenaline and the rage coursing through his veins begin to subside.
"Serves you right, you bastard…" Gohan growled under his breath and he lifted himself up. But as the red haze of rage dissipated, and as Gohan watched Bakugo's broken body being carefully loaded onto a stretcher, a heavy wave of guilt washed over him. The cheers and excitement from the audience seemed distant as he focused on Katsuki's beaten face. The once proud and arrogant fighter now appeared vulnerable and defeated, his face scrunched together in a pained and helpless frown.
Aizawa was right. Gohan had let his anger and rage consume him, and in doing so, he had allowed himself to lose control. His actions had consequences, and now, seeing Bakugo in this condition, he couldn't help but question whether he had gone too far.
Gohan's hands trembled with emotion, his heart torn between the desire to put Bakugo in his place and the nagging guilt for the pain he had inflicted on him at the same time. He had fought to protect Ochaco, but had he lost sight of his own principles in the process?
In the midst of his turmoil, Gohan's thoughts drifted back to the supportive words of his friends and mentors. Izuku, Melissa, Ochaco, Tsu, All Might, Nail, Dende, Piccolo, Moori, Eighteen, Goten, his mother and especially little Valese…
Their faith in him had served as a source of strength, reminding him of the hero he aspired to be. Yet, here he was, standing in the aftermath of his battle, his knuckles stained with Bakugo's blood, wrestling with the consequences of his actions.
As the Android Juniors hurried Bakugo away, Gohan felt an overwhelming need to make amends. He wanted to apologize, to tell Bakugo that he hadn't meant for things to escalate like this.
"Take him to Recovery Girl, quickly!" Midnight instructed with urgency, her eyes dropping the teasing glint she always had, replaced with an air of concern.
"I... I'm sorry… I didn't want to hurt him like this," Gohan spoke up. "I swear…"
"Katsuki! KATSUKI!" A woman cried out among the joyful cheers of the crowd. Gohan turned towards the sound to see Bakugo's mother crying out to her son from the stands, reaching out towards him as if she could touch him through the distance. Tears streamed down her cheeks and her eyes were wide with terror.
That's… his mother, Gohan realized, feeling a crushing pain in his chest.
"Why isn't he waking up?" she cried hysterically at a nearby hero. "Why isn't my son waking up?!"
The heart-wrenching sound of a mother's anguish pierced through the bustling noise of the stadium, causing Gohan's heart to ache even more.
In that moment, Gohan saw Bakugo not just as a rival or an opponent, but as someone's child, someone's family. He realized that his actions in the ring had far-reaching consequences, not just for Bakugo himself, but for those who cared about him as well.
A heavy weight settled on Gohan's shoulders as he took in the scene before him. He felt the weight of his own guilt intensify, knowing that he had played a part in causing Bakugo's injuries and his mother's anguish.
Chi-Chi stood beside her, her eyes wide with shock at what she had just witnessed.
Those same eyes that had stared in horror that night when his powers lashed out and hurt her…
Gohan wished he could undo what had happened, to take back the anger that had consumed him and led to this outcome. He wished he could turn back time and find a different way to confront Bakugo, one that didn't result in such devastating consequences.
Feeling his heart sink down to his stomach, he turned in desperation to the man who had been his compass, who always had an answer. But as his eyes scanned the crowd, he saw Piccolo stand and turn his back, making his way towards the stairs. The three Namekian boys that had accompanied him got up to leave as well. Even Moori and Nail, their expressions somber got up, shaking their head and headed towards the stairs.
And finally Dende, who was staring at him with pained eyes. His antennae twitched sadly and he let out a sigh, sliding his hand from the rail and turning to follow the rest of the Namekians towards the exit.
In the classroom stands, Kirishima and Melissa ran towards to the exit as well, leaving Shoto Todoroki, arms crossed, glaring down at Gohan with accusing eyes.
From behind him, Vegeta's laughter echoed throughout the stands, his taunts aimed directly at Gohan. The sound of his mocking laughter and the clapping of his gloved hands cut deep, stirring a mix of frustration and self-doubt within Gohan's core.
"Good job, Gohan! Wow! It seems I was wrong about you," Vegeta said with a cruel smile, his eyes blazing with pride. "You're nothing like your father at all. Maybe you do have a backbone after all! HAHAHAHAHA!"
Vegeta's words twisted the knife of self-doubt deeper.
"Yeah!" someone from the crowd yelled. "Good on you for putting that little punk in his place!"
"What he said!" someone else called. "Don't worry, Gohan. We're on your side! Someone needed to teach that bully a lesson."
"Karma! He won't be doing that again, will he?"
"What was he thinking? Everyone knows not to mess with the Demon Clan!"
As the crowd's cheers filled the stadium, showing their support and appreciation for Gohan's victory, he felt a pang of guilt and sadness deep within him. Despite their enthusiasm and admiration, he couldn't shake the weight of what he had done to Bakugo.
The cheers, meant to celebrate his triumph, only served to remind him of the consequences of his actions. He knew that his victory had come at a cost, and it wasn't something he could easily overlook or forget.
The conflicting emotions within him intensified, making him feel even more isolated. He wondered if the crowd truly understood the toll his actions had taken on him, or if they saw only the power and strength on display in the arena.
The noise from the crowd became a cacophony of voices, each one reminding Gohan of the pain he had caused. He could hear Bakugo's mother crying out for her son, and it only deepened his sense of guilt. He wanted to apologize, to make amends for his actions, but he knew that words alone wouldn't be enough.
Feeling a whirlwind of emotions crashing upon him, Gohan's spirit felt shattered, his steps heavy and laden with shame. The weight of his family's disappointment bore down upon him, threatening to consume him whole. It was in this moment of vulnerability and anguish that he sought solace, a place to hide from the harsh reality.
With a heavy heart, Gohan rushed towards the tunnel, seeking an escape from the crowd and his own self-condemnation.
…
"Miss Uraraka, please don't do that!" Nurse Ian begged Ochaco as she pulled herself up from her bed, still bandaged up.
"I'll be fine, sir," Ochaco responded firmly. "Even if I can't… use my legs right now, I can still fly."
"But you're not fully healed yet, Ochaco!" Ian grasped his hair in frustration. "You're still recovering from your injuries, and it's not safe for you to be moving around like this. Please, let the medical staff take care of you."
"I understand your concern, but I can't just sit here knowing he's hurting," she explained, her eyes shining with resolve. "Gohan needs me, and I need to be there for him."
Without another word, she used her good hand to touch her shoulder, activating her Quirk on herself. With a sparkling pink aura, she began to levitate.
"Miss, please!" the nurse called. "Come back here!"
But Ochaco refused to let anything stand in her way. Ignoring the pleas of the medical staff, she mustered her courage and managed to slip away from her hospital bed. Her desire to be there for Gohan, to offer him the comfort and support he needed, was too strong to be contained.
Ochaco launched herself out of the window and into the air, feeling the rushing winds pulling her hair back behind her as she flew back towards the stadium. The wind rushed past her, but her focus remained on one thing – Gohan.
As she neared the stadium, she could see the crowd's excitement and the cheers for Gohan's victory. But she knew that inside, he was struggling with guilt and pain. She had to be there for him, to let him know that he wasn't alone.
Ochaco flew in low through edge of the tunnel, her eyes scanning desperately for him until she finally caught sight of Gohan's figure, looking lost and overwhelmed. His eyes were glassy and disconnected, as he slowly wondered the hall alone. Without hesitation, she flew towards him, her heart beating with worry and affection for the boy she cared so deeply for.
"Gohan!" She called out to him, reaching out with both arms. "I'm here."
Gohan heard her voice and turned to look at her, his tearful eyes filled with both relief and surprise as the smaller girl flew straight into his arms. Gohan caught her, feeling the reassuring warmth radiating from her body against his.
"Ochaco?" he said, his voice tinged with concern. "You're awake?"
"I'm sorry! I know I should be resting but I just couldn't stay away," she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly.
"Ochaco, I…" Gohan gulped as his fingers clung onto Ochaco's hospital gown. "I…"
Unable to contain his emotions anymore, his tears flowed freely as he buried his face in Ochaco's embrace, his body trembling with shame, sorrow, and relief. Ochaco held him gently, rubbing the back of his head with a tender touch, offering a safe space for him to let go.
"I didn't mean to go that far," Gohan sobbed, his tears wetting Ochaco's shoulder. "I'm so sorry. I let everyone down. I let you down."
Ochaco's heart ached for Gohan as she held him close, letting him release all the pent-up emotions he had been carrying. Deep underneath his strength and god-like powers, he was still just a young man with his own fears and doubts, clinging onto her for support.
"Shhh, it's okay," she whispered soothingly. "You didn't let anyone down, Gohan. We all have our moments of weakness. You're still learning to control your powers – that doesn't make you a bad person."
Gently, she pulled back slightly to look into his tear-filled eyes, wiping his tears with her thumbs. "You're human, just like the rest of us. And you're also one of the most compassionate, kind-hearted person I know."
Gohan sniffled, trying to regain his composure as he listened to her words of comfort. "But I hurt him... I hurt Bakugo," he choked out, the guilt still overwhelming.
Ochaco's gaze softened as she cupped his cheek, wiping away a tear with her thumb. "Bakugo may be strong and brash, but he can handle himself. He's a hero too, remember? And I know he'll learn from this experience, just like you will."
Gohan's eyes locked onto hers, searching for reassurance.
"I promised myself I'd never lose control like this again after I hurt my Mom and Goten the first time. But still-"
"But still, sometimes our emotions get the better of us," Ochaco interjected gently. "We're training to be superheroes… but we're still just teens, Gohan. It's ok to feel anger, frustration, and even rage. What's important is how we choose to act on those emotions."
She brushed a strand of hair from his forehead and gently placed her hand on Gohan's chest, right over his heart. "Gohan, you have a kind heart. I know you never want to hurt anyone, but sometimes life puts us in situations where we have to make tough choices. It's okay to feel remorse. The guilt proves that you're a good person."
She leaned in closer, her forehead touching his. "You've saved countless lives, and I know for a fact that you'll continue to make a difference in this world, and shine a light in it, just like All Might."
Gohan smiled faintly, grateful for her understanding and encouragement.
"Thank you, Ochaco," he breathed, feeling the weight on his shoulders lift. "I'm so lucky to have you."
"And I'm lucky to have you too," she replied, gently brushing her lips against his in a tender kiss. "We're in this together, right?"
As they shared that moment, Gohan felt a newfound sense of peace within himself. With Ochaco's love and understanding, he knew he could face the challenges ahead and become an even better person and hero.
They stayed in each other's embrace, finding strength in each other's presence, and the world outside seemed to fade away as they focused on the love they shared. Whatever the future held, they were ready to face it together, as a team.
Gohan and Ochaco stayed in each other's arms for a while, finding peace in the warmth of their connection. After another loving kiss, the two teens finally pulled away, and Ochaco smiled warmly at him.
"Now, let's focus on the future, 'kay? You have the Grand Finale coming up, and I know you'll do great. I'll be cheering for you every step of the way."
"Yeah!" Gohan said with his usual cheerful smile.
Footsteps filled the air and Gohan turned his attention towards the six familiar figures that approached them. Elder Moori, Piccolo, Nail, and Dende had not abandoned him after all; instead, they had left their seats to make their way down, showing their support for him.
Gohan's eyes widened feeling a swell of gratitude in his chest as Elder Moori stepped forward.
"Gohan that was…" He began, his eyes grave and weathered.
Gohan winced, bracing himself to get scolded.
"...one hell of an arm you got there," Moori finished, dropping his serious expression. A glint of pride flashed before his eyes. "You've mastered the art of the Dragonfist! Seeing the fires of the Dragon come alive… I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime. You really are the embodiment of the Dragon Clan, Gohan."
"Wait… you're not mad at me?" Gohan asked.
"Mad?" Moori laughed. "I am livid! You made us look like the old Demon Clan again. But... we've all had our fair share of mistakes, haven't we, Piccolo?"
Piccolo nodded, a hint of a smirk on his face.
"Indeed, we have. And some of us are still trying to atone for those mistakes. We were all once filled with anger and hatred, seeking revenge and power. But we've learned and grown from those experiences, and I know that you will too, Gohan. You will become a beacon of light for this world one day, I have no doubt about that."
"It's true," Nail added. "You remember where I was when we first met. I used to be consumed by vengeance and rage, one step away from making the biggest mistake of my life, but you saved me, Gohan! If it weren't for your kind heart, I would never have had a second chance, and who knows where Dende and I would've ended up."
Dende smiled warmly and nodded at one of the three Namekian boys, who came forward with the hachimaki, washed and dried. Dende took it and handed it to Elder Moori.
"You dropped this," he said with a smile. "Try to be more careful next time, okay? It's very, very old."
Gohan's guilt began to lift, and his eyes welled up with tears once again, but this time they were tears of gratitude and of purpose.
"Thank you," he said, bowing down respectfully. "Thank you for reminding me of the lessons I still need to learn and the impact my actions can have. I won't forget this. I'll work hard to keep my emotions under control and to set a good example."
"Hey, what's with the formality?" Piccolo said with a shiver. "It's creepy… and annoying. Knock it off!"
Moori took the hachimaki and tied it around Gohan's forehead again with a proud grin.
"That's what it means to be Namekian," he said with a nod. "That's what it means to be the Dragon Clan. We bend, but never break. Now, enough with the waterworks! You've got a tough match coming up! So get out there and show everyone what the Dragon Clan's made of!"
Ending Song:
"Child –error-" by My First Story
The first thing he felt was pain, coursing throughout all his body.
It felt like he had just been hit by a freight train. The rise and fall of his chest alone sent shocks of stabbing pain down to Bakugo's stomach and he groaned, stirring in bed.
That's when he realized he couldn't move.
His eyes fluttered open, vision still hazy, to find himself staring up at two amused, grinning faces that stared down at him, eyes wide, teeth bared.
"Ugh… what the hell?" Bakugo groaned as the faces of Eijiro and Videl came into focus.
"AAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Videl and Eijiro were practically doubled over in laughter, Videl pointing a finger at Bakugo's face while Eijiro held his stomach, howling with tears in his eyes. Bakugo's initial confusion gave way to annoyance as he realized they were laughing at him.
His eyes whitened out with rage and he bared his teeth. He tried to lash out at them, only to find his arms and legs completely sealed tightly against his torso in a body cast.
"Grrrrr!" Bakugo growled, unable to move. "What the hell are you idiots laughing at?!"
Videl, wiping away tears of laughter, managed to compose herself enough to speak.
"Oh Bakugo, you really thought you could take on Gohan at his full power?" he mocked. "That's just adorable!"
Eijiro chimed in, struggling to catch his breath between fits of laughter.
"Oh man, you really blew up your own ego, didn't you? I mean, come on, Gohan at full power? Good luck with that!"
Bakugo seethed, his face turning several shades of red. He attempted to rise from his hospital bed again, but his body cast held him down, firmly immobilized.
"Sh-shut up!" He lashed out, his voice almost a whine. "Just you wait until I get out of this cast. I'll show you all!"
Mina, Denki, and Kyoka had gathered around, unable to resist the opportunity to tease the explosive sandy blonde.
"Awww, look at poor little Bakugo," Mina teased, poking his cheek. "He's like a little firecracker with a broken fuse!"
"Hey, you guys!" Kaminari joined in. "I just thought of something hilarious!"
"Tell me!" Kirishima said with a mischievous smile.
Kaminari giggled and brought his hands up in the air.
"Bakugo vs Super Saiyan Gohan! What a joke!"
"AAAAHAHAHAHAHA!" Videl and Eijiro roared.
"That's a nice look, Kacchan," Jiro teased with a smile. "Like an angry Pomeranian with a muzzle."
"Write this down, Jiro, write this down!" Kaminari nudged Jiro with his elbow. "Brand New Katsuki Bakugo action figure, complete with a body cast and wheelchair accessory!"
"And a hospital bed, to boot!" Kirishima added. "We'll call it, the 'Injured Hero Edition'! Limited stock, get it while it lasts!"
Bakugo's scowl deepened even further, a frustrated growl escaping from his lips.
"You guys are all idiots," he growled.
Videl chimed in, pretending to be a salesperson.
"Introducing the 'Grunt Feature'! Comes with a special button that makes him scream every time he gets punched!"
She demonstrated, pressing an imaginary button and mimicking Bakugo's injured grunts, which only made everyone laugh even harder.
"Wait, wait!" Mina said, joining the playful teasing. "And for a limited time offer, if you purchase the 'Injured Hero Edition,' you'll receive a mini Gohan figure that will beat him up!"
The room erupted in laughter again, and Bakugo slumped his head back in defeat. This was literally hell – wrapped in a cocoon-like body cast, unable to escape the smiling, teasing faces of these demons who for some reason would not leave him alone.
The door to his room opened and Recovery Girl stood there, with an amused grin
"Alright, alright, that's enough teasing for now," Recovery Girl said as she entered the room, her stern expression giving way to a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Well, well, well, Mister Bakugo! You're finally awake," she said, walking to his bedside. "The good news is that I was able to remove all the bone fragments from your destroyed body. The surgery went well, and you're expected to make a full recovery. The bad news is that it looks like you'll be in a wheelchair for the next month or two. I won't sugarcoat it, my dear. It's going to be a challenging road to recovery, and you'll miss out on the first two months of your internship. You probably won't even be able to wipe your own ass for weeks!"
Her words caused an unexpected eruption of laughter from the gathered friends. Bakugo let out a loud, audible sigh through his clenched teeth, which were pressed together by the cast under his chin. He didn't explode the way he always did, nor did his eyes ever acquire that cocky, arrogant look he always had.
Instead, Bakugo's eyes lowered.
"No way" Bakugo groaned. "No way…"
Recovery Girl chuckled.
"Oh my! Well, it's not every day we get to see the great Katsuki Bakugo brought down to this level. I hope you're enjoying your humbling experience! Let's be honest, my dear. You picked a fight with Gohan, a formidable opponent, and you didn't hold back. You went after his girlfriend, Ochaco, and that was like poking a lion with a six-inch stick. Now you get to feel what you put that poor frail girl through."
Bakugo stared silently at his body cast, unable to move.
"...I wouldn't call Uraraka frail…" he mumbled.
For a moment, a new emotion seemed to pass through his usual angry gaze.
Pain, disillusionment… and maybe even regret?
Recovery Girl sighed, giving him an understanding look.
"I understand that this news is difficult to accept. It's natural to feel downhearted. But remember, Mister Bakugo. it's not the end of your journey. We'll be here, guiding you every step of the way. And it's so nice to see a room full of young people, caring for one another. But tell me one thing, Bakugo."
Bakugo's red eyes lifted to look at Recovery Girl.
"Yeah, what do ya want?" he growled.
Recovery Girl looked at Bakugo with a curious expression, her sharp eyes analyzing him.
"I noticed something interesting about Ochaco's injuries," she began. "The impact near her spine wasn't as severe as it could have been, considering the force of your attacks. It seems like you held back a bit, didn't you?"
Bakugo rolled his eyes with a scowl.
"What if I did?" he grumbled. "I didn't feel the need to go all out against someone weaker than me."
"Is that so?" Recovery Girl raised an eyebrow, not convinced by his explanation. "You're a mighty warrior, Katsuki Bakugo, and tenaciouis indeed, but you're a terrible liar."
Bakugo huffed, rolling his eyes defiantly.
"What's it to you, anyway? I don't need anyone questioning how I fight or what I do."
Recovery Girl smiled softly, her expression surprisingly gentle.
"You know, I've been doing this for more than fifty years. I've seen many heroes come and go in my time, and I can tell when someone's hiding something. There's more to your story than you let on, isn't there? You're not just a hotheaded bully. There's a sense of heroism in you, no matter how buried it might be. I can see it in the way you pulled back instead of going all out against Uraraka."
Bakugo glared at her, but she didn't back down.
"Maybe I just didn't feel like obliterating her, okay? Doesn't mean I care or anything."
"Of course," Recovery Girl chuckled softly. "You don't have to admit anything to me, Mister Bakugo. But remember this: the spirit of true hero urges one to protect and save, even if it means holding back. Deep down, you have that spirit within you. Embrace it or ignore it, it's your choice."
Bakugo huffed, clearly irritated by the insinuation.
"Whatever. It's none of your business anyway. Just fix me up and let me get out of here."
"Yeah!" Videl said, pulling along Bakugo's wheelchair. "Give him to us so we can have fun taking him places he doesn't want to go! Look, Kacchan! We all pitched in and got tiny little bomb and explosion decals for your wheelchair! How cute is that?!"
The others snickered behind her.
"WHAT?!" Bakugo exploded when he saw the glossy, brightly colored decals on the wheelchair. "I ain't ridin' on that damned thing!"
"Oh, come on, Bakugo!" Kirishima chimed in, a playful glint in his eyes. "You can't resist the flaming wheels of justice! They suit you perfectly!"
"No way! I don't need any of this crap!" Bakugo scoffed.
"Oh, really? Then how about this?" Videl said with an excited smirk, reaching into her bag and pulling out a tiny red capsule. She pressed the button and the capsule burst open with a small puff of wind, decompressing to reveal an adorable stuffed red dragon, its tiny wings spread out. It sported a determined expression in it's huge cute eyes. Videl caught it and gave it a playful squeeze."TA-DA! Meet, Explo-chan! I bought him from the CC Mascot Vendor in the Gift Shop downstairs. He's your new mascot for your wheelchair. Isn't he the cutest little thing ever?"
Bakugo's eyes widened with disbelief.
"You gotta be kidding me!" he roared. "Explo-chan?"
"Get it?" Kirishima offered with a smile. "It's a play on the word 'explosion'-"
"I get it, ya moron!" Bakugo groaned.
Videl placed the Explo-chan on the armrest of the wheelchair, giving him a little pat.
"See? Now your wheelchair is officially the most stylish one in the whole hospital! Isn't he perfect? He's just like you – a fierce little dragon, but with a cute side too!"
Bakugo's eyes widened with disgust.
"CUTE?! I am not – GRRR! SHUT UP!"
"Heh heh heh. You're lucky to have such good friends who care about you," Recovery Girl remarked, gesturing towards Eijiro, Videl, Denki, Kyoka, and Mina, who were still playfully teasing Bakugo from a distance. "They may have their own quirky personalities, but they stick by you through thick and thin. Treasure them, Katsuki."
Bakugo lowered his gaze and grumbled something unintelligible, but the slight softening of his scowl showed that her words had registered with him.
"I'll let you get back to recovering now," Recovery Girl said with a warm smile. "Take this time to reflect on what it means to be a hero and what kind of hero you want to become."
With that, she patted his shoulder before moving away to attend to her other duties. Bakugo was left alone with his thoughts, his mind buzzing with the words she had spoken. A part of him wanted to reject her observations, to hold onto his pride and stubbornness, but another part couldn't help but wonder if she was right.
Recovery Girl smiled as she left the hospital room. She knew that change wouldn't come overnight. But maybe, just maybe, her words would plant a seed of self-reflection and growth in the explosive young hero's heart.
Only time would tell.
A/N: Whoooo here we are at the end of this double chapter feature. It actually turned out to be a lot longer than I had first anticipated, but overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I tried to show different sides to all of the characters, from Shoto's deep-seeded hatred towards his heritage, to Gohan's feelings of remorse when he realizes how far he's gone.
Don't get me wrong; beating Bakugo to a pulp was something I had been looking forward to writing for a long time. But Gohan is a pure-hearted and innocent boy, who would no doubt feel the weight of his actions once he came back to his senses.
I also wanted to highlight the slow formation of the Bakugo Squad. Explo-chan is a CC Mascot concept I made up, inspired by the red dragon that Bakugo is riding on in that Fantasy AU Ending from MHA Season 2. He's gonna become the official mascot for Bakugo and his future Hero Agency. And he's gonna have a recurring presence as the unity of the Baku Squad.
But for now, the stage is set for the grand final – Shoto vs Gohan!
Get ready, it's going to be the biggest fight of the entire tournament and the exciting conclusion of the Sports Festival, and I can't wait for you all to read it!