Written by Aduubo and Buckichamp
Edited by Aduubo, Buckichamp, and PKSpartan.
A/N: Read the Author's Notes at the end. You've waited a long time for the chapter, so enjoy!
"Wait, WHAT?!"
The entirety of class 1A screamed at the top of their lungs. All of that tension, all of that build up. All of it led to coming at a grindingly complete halt. The class had never felt so cheated.
"ONE?! What the fuck do you mean by that?!" Bakugo yelled before he went to check the clock.
The large projection, accompanied by Gamagori's giant pointer finger, showed that it just turned 8:59 a.m. Bakugo's palms sizzled into the pavement with rage so hot that it started to liquify it.
"ALL OF THAT BULLSHIT AND THEN WE HAVE TO WAIT FOUR HOURS?! TO HELL WITH THAT! JUST FIGHT ME NOW!"
"ABSOLUTELY NOT. WE WILL STICK TO THE SCHEDULE. THAT'S WHAT WE CALL DISCIPLINE! AND THOSE ARE THE RULES!"
Gamagori put his foot down with an aura so powerful and overwhelming, that it was like he appeared to have grown into gargantuan size. That alone was enough to make the blonde tense up.
"Tch! Fine!" Bakugo shouted before throwing his hands down in a fit.
"We will meet back here at the designated time. Don't be late!" Gamagori said finally. And with that, everyone was dismissed to a recess and were free to roam within the premises. Bakugo stomped past Todoroki without acknowledging him.
"Now what are we supposed to do?" Todoroki wondered while tucking his hands into his pockets.
Stairs were deployed, stemming from the arena to the bleachers so that everyone could get off safely.
"One o' clock? But why would they have us come so early?" Iida pondered, trying to figure this out.
"That time was probably meant to be for the other students to fight it out and make their way to the top of the pillars. But, that still doesn't make much sense," Yaoyorozu did her best to decipher.
"Yeah, the Elite Four were on those platforms almost instantly. There was no way those guys were going to get up there. And they took us up right after," Ryuko added.
"Almost as if they were destined to fail to begin with," Tokoyami said grimly.
"Harsh," Sero said.
"So, they never had a chance? Regardless of if you all were here or not? That's horrible," Tanaka felt his heart sink. That amount of cruelty was something that would definitely be up Nui's alley.
"This whole island is a fucking nightmare. Somehow, after I finish up with Satsuki, I'll find a way to save these people," Ryuko said with an iron fist.
"Slow down, Ryuko. Right now, I think everyone needs time to relax," Senketsu pointed out.
Ryuko sighed while she and everyone else reached the other side of the stadium. They got off to join the rest of the class, with a select few who were about to go and explore on their own.
"What's the plan, Matoi?" Jirou asked.
"Since Satsuki doesn't know shit about how to throw a party, all we can do is kill time. I guess Mako and I could show you guys around the school," Ryuko shrugged.
"Better than nothing," Kaminari quickly accepted before he noticed something. "Is Bakugo going off on his own?"
Everyone turned their glances towards the blonde, who recently just blew off Kirishima before heading inside the halls by himself.
"Rejected. Ouch," Jirou cringed a little.
"Man, how crazy is he?" Kaminari said before shuddering. "This place gives me the creeps. I don't even want to be caught alone in this school."
"Thankfully we don't have to! We can all go together as best friends!" Mako cheered and stretched her arms out to pull everyone into a hug.
"Actually, you guys go on ahead. I think I'd better check on Izuku. After what happened, he probably needs some space," Ryuko spoke up.
"I've never seen him so shaken up like that. I hope you're okay Midoriy-" Tanaka cut himself off, now noticing that Izuku was nowhere in sight.
"Huh? Where's Midoriya?" Yaoyorozu asked while searching around.
"Izuku? Izuku!" Mako hollered.
"Yo! Midoriya!" Ashido also called out, not hearing a sound from him.
"W-Where did he go? You don't think-" Ryuko's mind started to race.
"Calm down, Matoi. He was just here with us. There's no way someone could have taken him," Iida said to calm her down.
"Not good. He must have gone off on his own. Who knows what could be going through his mind after what happened?" Tanaka said worriedly.
"We'd better go find him then!" Ochako cried out.
"Alright, split up into groups then. We notify each other immediately if something happens," Iida said to everyone.
"Right!" they all said together before breaking off from the formation. Ryuko and Kyouka ran down the halls at a quick pace.
'Izuku, please be okay!' Ryuko thought.
..~~~HLK~~~..
The atmosphere of Honnoji was daunting, putting a lot of pressure on anyone who dared set foot in it. Finding a place to feel safe was scare, but not impossible. Izuku was able to find one that was just down the hall and in the bathroom, where he had his head above the toilet bowl. All of the stress completely weighed down on him. As bad as Honnoji was, they at least kept their bathrooms clean. Izuku spit into the water one last time before using the sink to clean his face and left.
He definitely needed the space so that he wouldn't make a scene, but it was kind of reckless to run off like that. His friends were probably looking for him right now. Izuku had to get back to them fast. Being found all alone out here would be a death sentence.
"Midoriya."
Izuku froze in place. Out of all the people that could find him in this school, why'd it have to be her?
"You made quite a scene outside. Have you settled whatever inner turmoil you're struggling with? I hope you're not planning on sitting out the sudden death run off," Satsuki said.
Izuku didn't say anything, nor did he look back at her. He didn't even want to talk to her.
"It'd be a shame since I was quite eager to see more of your performance once you've arrived. Uncovering information on Honnoji and challenging Matoi to a near stand-still are quite impressive feats. You've already well proven yourself over the one-stars," she continued.
"You're just toying with them!" Izuku growled, his hair obscured by a fallen shadow.
"Hmm?" Satsuki raised an eyebrow.
Izuku whipped his head back, his fierce gaze unexpectedly putting her on the back foot.
"Those students were never given a fair shot! You had them go through whatever hell they faced for an entire week, only to rip everything out from under them! This was their chance to get a better life. How could you do that to them?!"
For the first time ever, Satsuki paused as she couldn't find her words immediately. Throughout her life, she always faced resistance; either from smug business executives, bratty students, and loud-mouthed heathens like Ryuko Matoi. They were all the same overconfident fools that she could easily stomp out.
But Izuku Midoriya was different. The soft spoken boy who looked like he'd never hurt a fly, appeared to be ready to fight her right here. And right now.
"You really know nothing about this world, do you? It's greed and apathy that brought these pigs here," Satsuki said back to him.
"And what about you? Have you really ever had to work a day in your life? Or did you just flaunt the money that Ragyo gave to you?" Izuku hissed.
Satsuki's lips parted. Ragyo was never hidden from the public, as she was the face of REVOCS. But knowing how persistent Midoriya was, there may not be a limit to what he could find out.
"Honestly, the fact you're concerning yourself with these pigs tells me many things," Satsuki scoffed. "That you so-called heroes are weak, lack discipline, and are unable to do what truly needs to be done. This is why your streets run rampant with vermin like the league of villains."
Izuku's hands tensed up as Satsuki laid out her verbal assault. Hearing her disparage something that he had been following for his entire life hurt, stinging like barbed wire.
"You possess a god-like power in the palm of your hand, yet you waste them on commoners. You want to help them see a better version of themselves. Your aspirations are misguided. But I do have to admit, it does have its uses. Like with Matoi."
Izuku gasped in disbelief. What did this have to do with Ryuko? What was Kiryuin talking about? Then it hit him. Ryuko's stand at the sports festival. And last night at the ball. Satsuki walked past him as he was still processing what she said.
"You have qualities of a leader, Midoriya. There are better uses for them than over at UA. Do you remember the offer that was made to you?"
Izuku pulled his attention back to the retreating Satsuki Kiriyuin, whose eyes bore into his very soul. But even with that, he held himself firm, not letting this newfound vigor from the Head of Honnoji get to him.
"Yes, I do. I made it very clear that I'm not interested. And that little wager you made with Ryuko killed any hope for you getting me to even think about it," Izuku retorted back.
Satsuki met him with a glare to show that she wasn't going to just let him bark back at her like this. But it softened into a small grin, followed with a chuckle.
"What a shame. But, your sense of loyalty is one of your best traits. Some of the Elite Four were eager to work with you. And I was interested to see what you would bring to the table."
Izuku's eyes opened up a bit more. He knew that Inumuta, and Sanageyama to an extent, were interested in him enrolling. But to hear anticipation from Satsuki herself completely took Izuku by surprise.
"Take note that such opportunities coming from us are next to none. Meaning we expect much from you. So when your match comes,"
Satsuki slammed her katana down, making him pull up his fists out of caution.
"Don't you dare disappoint me. I expect the same level of vigor from the Sports Festival…"
Satsuki turned away from him as she prepared to leave.
"...and when you fought the Hero Killer."
All of Midoriya's stored resolve was slashed away when he heard Kiriyuin say that. How on earth did she know about his fight with Stain? That information alone could spell trouble for UA.
"Let this be your reason, Midoriya. If you fail to perform adequately in the elections, I will have Inumuta leak the footage of your nightly "incursion" in Hosu."
Izuku gasped after Satsuki made such a threat. For someone who he first saw as collected, she was quick to go off the rails. It horrified him.
"W-What?! How can you say that?! You're going to put UA's reputation in jeopardy just like that? All because I won't join Honnoji?"
Izuku tightened his fists as fury was starting to take form in him. Satsuki could see his power amping up as his veins glowed. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't be able to tell what his intent was.
"I always believed that everyone played fair when trying to establish their status, that you worked hard to earn it. Even with the methods you used."
His eyes glowed past the bangs that hung over his face as he stared Satsuki down. She tightened her grip on the hilt of her Bakuzan with caution.
"But you… You use underhanded tactics like a coward."
Satsuki's eyes widened ever so slightly. Midoriya was mad before, but this look he had, it was different. A dangerous aura was brewing from it. She was on high alert, but at the same time, this was what she was looking for.
Satsuki chuckled lowly. "Your thoughts betray you, Midoriya."
Izuku's brows furrowed further as he once again was unable to understand what she meant right away. Just once he wished that she'd get right to the point.
"Just because you believe in fair play, doesn't mean that you can expect others to do the same. That is just poor, wishful thinking. That is what defines the problem with you heroes. Why so many aspiring heroes die young."
Satsuki stared Midoriya down with a cold gaze that rivaled his, nearly putting him back on the backfoot.
"I see the world for what it truly is; A jungle where you must kill to survive. I will do whatever it takes to fulfill my ambition."
Satsuki turned back around and walked, making her exit.
"I have no need for yours or anyone's approval. Because I know my actions are utterly pure."
Izuku's lungs swelled as he tried to take a deep, much-needed breath. He couldn't believe it. He was so worried about possibly seeing the Elite Four in Shibuya, but they had been watching him the entire time.
He planted his hands against the wall to support his weight, as he struggled to stand. What was he going to do? UA's reputation was on the line! And as of now, Izuku wasn't sure if he was in any condition to fight.
"Looks like Satsuki's given you an earful, huh?"
Izuku flinched and nearly fell down the wall. Upon catching himself, he turned around to find Mikisugi leaning against the wall.
"M-Mr. Mikisugi!" Izuku said as he fixed his posture. "What are you doing here?"
"I saw you splitting off from the group earlier. So, I wanted to check and see if you were okay," Mikisugi said earnestly.
"Oh. Umm, I'm okay now. I just needed to get out of there," Izuku responded softly.
Silence filled the cold hallway as Izuku said nothing further. Mikisugi could see the way Izuku looked away, rubbing his arm while sinking into his shoulders. There was something that he caught onto immediately.
"You're thinking about what Satsuki said, huh?"
Izuku nodded. His lips quivered, as he was still very much upset. There wasn't any point in hiding it.
"S-Sorry. I don't mean to waste your time with my problems."
"Don't sweat it, kid. I know that must have been hard for you," Mikisugi brushed off his apology.
"It's just…" Izuku paused briefly. "What Satsuki said has made me so angry. A-And those students…"
He tightened his fists out of fury.
"Yeah. I saw that too. It's horrible what's happening to them," Mikisugi sympathized with Midoriya's concern.
"Because of our quirks, Satsuki used us to take away what worth they had left. That's not why I wanted to be a hero. Yet, all I did was shut down and let my emotions get the better of me," Izuku mulled.
"I couldn't even face her properly. And now, she's threatening to leak something that could get us all in trouble."
"Damn it!" Izuku then punched the wall beside him, creating a rather deep dent in it.
Aikuro stayed silent so that Izuku had room to breathe and calm down. Thankfully, he had less of a temper than Matoi.
"You feel their pain because that's who you are."
Izuku turned to Mikisugi, not fully understanding where he was going with this.
"Sounds like a great hero to me," Mikisugi said with a smile. "Don't listen to what Satsuki said. She only thinks that because she sees people as disposable."
Mikisugi then stepped forward and placed his hand on Izuku's shoulder.
"That's where you heroes come in. To make sure that she doesn't get away with it. After all, it's why I reached out to UA in the first place."
Izuku's eyes widened a bit. Everything that transpired; this fight, Life Fibers, him meeting Ryuko again, it was all because of him.
"So believe me when I say that you'll do fine. Don't worry. Just show them what you got," Mikisugi said before he let go and took a few steps back.
The shaggy teacher perked up a bit as he could hear footsteps approaching in the distance.
"Oop, gotta run. I think you've got some company," Mikisugi said as he was about to turn around the corner he came from.
"Mr. Mikisugi, wait!" Izuku called out, which halted the bluenette.
"Thank you," Izuku said. He had a fierce look on his face, but his eyes shined brightly once again. Mikisugi smiled, knowing that his job was done.
"Anytime," he said before taking his leave, just before Ryuko and the others entered.
"Izuku! There you are!" Ryuko said as she stopped in front of him, slightly out of breath.
"Ryuko?" Izuku wondered.
"We were worried sick about you. Are you alright?" Yaoyorozu asked him.
Along with those two, Mako, Iida, and Uraraka joined the huddle around the greenette.
"I'm okay. I was umm, not feeling too well and needed to make a stop in the bathroom," Izuku explained. "Sorry that I didn't say anything."
"It's okay. I can't really blame you after all the shit Satsuki was giving you," Ryuko put his apology to rest.
"We're just happy you're okay, Izuku," Ochako spoke up.
"Whoa! Looks like they found Midoriya!" Kaminari said in the distance as he was in close proximity. He was accompanied by Jirou, Ashido, and Tanaka.
While everyone took turns talking to Izuku, Ryuko felt guilt wash over her. Just like before, she felt responsible for something that happened to Izuku. He suffered a panic attack because of the things he saw at Honnoji. All because Izuku wanted to help her accomplish a goal she had been chasing for so long.
"Glad to have you back on board!" Mako chirped as she patted Izuku's back.
"Thanks, Mako," Izuku chuckled lightly.
"Mankanshoku and Matoi were about to give us a tour around the school. This will be a good way to take our minds off of things," Iida said.
"YEAAAH! Let's get the tour train going!" Mako shot her fist into the air triumphantly.
"Finally. We can finally enjoy something in this hellhole," Tanaka exhaled while tucking his hands into his pockets.
"Hey Mako? Why don't you take the lead for now? I think I might have forgotten my way around here, since I've been at UA for so long," Ryuko asked.
"Aye aye! Captain! I won't let you down!" Mako saluted with a goofy grin. "Let us be off then!"
Mako marched forward, guiding everyone with her. Ryuko decided to hang in the back beside Izuku. She wanted to keep an eye on him, but she also didn't want her mood to make this trip even more troublesome.
..~~~HLK~~~..
Tap…
Tap…
Tap…
The sounds of clicking echoed throughout the room. The only one who heard it was Katsuki Bakugo, who sat in an empty classroom that he snuck into. He sat with his posture leaning forward, and his chin resting on his knuckles. The boy was deep into his thoughts.
'Impenetrable shield, huh? What the hell could that mean?'
Katsuki ran multiple game-like simulations in his head of how Gamagori's shield would turn out. Each level played different strategies for any kind of situation. He tried to see if he could predict anything based off of what Gamagori was wearing, but he looked so casual. There wasn't any noticeable gear that could be useful. Katsuki just couldn't narrow it down.
"Damn it," a hiss escaped his gruff voice as he slammed his hand down on the desk.
As he was growing frustrated, Katsuki was then put on high alert when he heard the door opening. He was about to ready his palms for an explosion. His expression then turned to disgust once he saw that it was Todoroki.
"Huh, didn't think I'd find you here," Shoto said as he entered the room.
"What do you want?" the blonde asked with disinterest and sat back down.
"Since we're both the first to fight together, we should come up with a strategy on how to beat Gamagori," Shoto said.
"Tch, the only strategy you need to follow is to stay the hell out of my way. I can break that big brick wall by myself," Katsuki shook his head, practically shooing Shoto away.
"Don't be stupid. We don't know what these guys are capable of. You know how strong Matoi is-"
"Don't you fucking bring Shank up to me," Katsuki growled as he cut him off.
"We'll have a better chance at winning if we work together. Do you really want to lose when we both have the advantage here?" he asked.
With his patience reaching its absolute limit, Katsuki was quick to violently stand from his desk, knocking a couple of other ones over.
Shoto did not move one bit, having seen past Bakugo's anger. All he did was give a cold stare that asserted his position.
"I don't want to hear another word. I can win this all by myself," Katsuki snarled through his bare teeth. His fists shook with anger, barely keeping themselves from swinging at Todoroki. Katsuki turned away abruptly, leaving the room.
Shoto exhaled deeply through his nose as he watched the blonde walk away. He took a seat on the desk Bakugo sat on and stared ahead.
"What are we going to do?"
..~~~HLK~~~..
Mako didn't know it before, but it turned out that she was really good at telling stories. Despite only being a second year, she had a lot to tell about the desolate field known as Honnoji Academy. Whether it was the spot where Ryuko's tennis match happened, or in the biology club's lab where Mako was rescued, the brunette always had a tale for it. Thanks to that, it gave everyone a lot to ask and talk about, filling in the time until Gamagori's match. The members of 1A were all hooked!
Now that the school had been completely toured, the gang sat down at Mako and Ryuko's spot where they had lunch.
"Ryuko told me that a lot of you were coming, so I made sure to pack a lot of croquettes!" Mako chirped before pulling out her backpack.
"Really?! Ooh, I've been waiting to finally try them!" Ochako said with glee.
Mankanshoku unveiled a large stack of bento boxes, which might be more than what the group could eat at the moment.
"Whoa, t-that's a lot," Ashido blinked twice to make sure she saw things correctly.
"Yeah, I think my Mom made these for the entire class! It sucks that some of them were already eating in the cafeteria," Mako said.
"How did you fit all of that in your bag?" Tanaka tilted his head as he was puzzled. .
"More for us then! I can't wait! C'mon Mako, open them up!" Ochako cut him off and urged her fellow brunette.
Mako grabbed a box and set them onto her friends' lap one by one, along with pairs of chopsticks. She stood at a distance before bowing.
"Dig in, everyone!"
Everybody proceeded with caution, as they had no clue what a wildcard like Mankanshoku could be hiding in there. At the same time, they took off the lids and were blown back by a cloud of steam. After the smoke settled, they all paused upon inspecting what they had on their plate.
There was the usual batch of veggies and hot dog slices, which was as typical as a bento box could get. Then there were the croquettes; they were strangely shaped and had a dull brown color with a crusty texture. Kaminari swore that he saw something sticking out of it. The scent surprisingly wasn't bad - It actually smelled pretty nice.
A few members of the group were a bit hesitant on taking the first bite out of the croquettes. However, Uraraka wasn't deterred in the slightest. She took a big whiff of the scent, savoring it as it enticed her appetite. She scooped three of them before stuffing the batch into her mouth in a matter of seconds. They watched with wide eyes as she munched everything down. Mankanshoku was quick to pass some tea along to her so that she could wash it all down.
Uraraka gulped the last remnants of her food before her lips curved upward into a large grin. She faced Mankanshoku with the brightest glow in her eyes.
"Delicious!"
"Thank you very much!" Mako bowed.
Izuku was next in line to take the first bite of his meal. Immediately, he was gifted with a pleasant taste. The croquettes were salty, and not quite as flavorful as his mother's cooking. But he still enjoyed it! Not too long after, one by one, everyone put their chopsticks to work and started eating.
While everyone had lunch, Ichiro glanced over at them all. They were all having a good time. It was as if everything that transpired hours earlier didn't even happen. And it was all thanks to Mako Mankanshoku, who Tanaka recognized as the native inhabitant of Honno City.
But how was that possible? How could someone always be so cheerful while attending a hellhole like Honnoji?
"So, Mankanshoku," Ichiro started.
"Call me Mako!" she reminded him.
"Er- Mako. You're the only one here that didn't come from UA. You're a student here at Honnoji right?"
"Yep!" Mankanshoku answered again.
"I'm curious to know, where do you live?" Tanaka asked.
"Since I'm a no-star, my family and I live down in the slums! But it's no biggie! We're doing just fine!" Mako said with a mouthful of croquettes.
"Don't talk with your mouth full, Mako," Iida reminded her.
Ichiro's gaze widened with worry, wondering how she wasn't affected by the harsh living conditions.
"Uhm, how so?" he asked further.
"Cuz we're working hard everyday so that maybe one day we can live a life of luxury! No matter how bad things get, we don't let that stop the Mankanshoku's!" Mako stated proudly.
Ryuko couldn't help but smile as she heard Mako's declaration. She wasn't the only one who tuned into the conversation however. Izuku's ears perked up, picking up a few words before giving his full attention.
Ichiro stared down at his bento box. He felt nothing but hopelessness the moment he set foot on Honnoji's grounds. Everyone attending was so cut throat and willing to maim one another to get a leg up. The city down below even gave him chills. It was difficult for him to believe that Mako was powering through this so easily.
"From what I've already seen, Honnoji really sucks. It's gotta be a lot to handle. Doesn't that get you on the edge a little?," Tanaka asked.
"Oh, don't you worry about me, Ichiro! It's nothing that I can't handle!" Mako cheered once again. Her face then softened, showing a smile that hid something more somber.
"Besides, It's not fair if I just focus on my problems. My family is doing everything they can so that we can live. My dad provides for us, mom cooks and cleans every day, my younger brother looks out for me, and our dog is just the cutest. I want to do my part too."
Ichiro struggled to find the words that he wanted to say. Compared to them, he knew nothing of these kinds of struggles on a personal level.
"As long as I have a chance to give them the good life, I'll keep working hard. I'll take whatever Honnoji dishes out," Mako said while tightening her fist. "Because that's what people should do, help each other out."
Izuku gasped lightly as he heard her words. They reminded him about why he was so upset. And why Satsuki was wrong about him being weak. Izuku wanted to be the hero that helped people. The kind of hero that Mikisugi called a great one.
Ichiro was touched by Mako's statement. It was so simple, but endearing. A warm chuckle came from under his lips. He still wasn't sure how he could respond to something so powerful, but he was able to stumble onto a few words.
"That's sweet, Mako. I'm sure that they're very proud of you."
"Mhm…" Mako muttered softly while looking off to the side. "That's what we Mankanshoku's are all about."
"I'll say. Your mother makes amazing food, even when her options are limited," Ichiro complimented her.
"Thank you," Mako said.
Izuku turned his attention down to the bento box, staring at the croquettes. Mako brought all of this food just to support everyone in the Sudden Death Runoff. He took two croquettes and ate them whole in one mighty bite.
The fire in his eyes burned away any worry he had earlier. The threat that Satsuki made didn't even cross him. Izuku swore to himself that when it was his turn to fight, he would win!
Ryuko flinched when she saw Izuku gobble down two croquettes in one swoop. At first, she thought he was reinvigorated and was ready to fight. But at the same time, it could be Izuku trying to stomach his feelings so that he could participate. The thought ate away at Ryuko, making her unable to finish her croquettes. She didn't want that for him.
Izuku hadn't been chosen yet as an opponent, so Ryuko still had some time to do something about it.
..~~~HLK~~~..
There were 15 minutes left before Gamagori's match against Bakugo and Todoroki would start. Everybody made their way back to the arena. Katsuki and Shoto were the first to return. Ryuko saw that her group was the last to arrive, which made things a lot easier for her.
"Izuku," Ryuko said and grabbed his hand before they were outside.
Izuku was initially confused as to why she stopped him. But, it only took him one moment to look at her and understand what was wrong.
"Yeah, Ryuko?" he answered softly.
"I need to talk to you real quick," Ryuko said.
"Okay," Izuku nodded before he turned around to face her. Ryuko let his hand go right afterwards.
"L-Llisten…" Ryuko muttered.
"I don't want you to go through what happened earlier again. If you need to sit these fights out, I get it. You shouldn't have to suffer from my mess."
It didn't take Ryuko long to say what was on her mind. If letting Izuku bail from the battle would guarantee his safety, she'll make that decision without a second thought. And in the same situation, she'd do it again.
Izuku quickly took Ryuko's hand and held it with both of his hands. Her eyes widened from the sudden action. All she saw was boldness in his eyes as they stared into hers.
"Don't say that, Ryuko. Whatever happened earlier isn't your fault. I wasn't prepared for how bad things were going to be out here."
Ryuko's eyes drooped down. Once again, her tendency to blame herself attacked. Maybe if she did more to warn him…
"But that doesn't mean I'm backing out now."
"Huh?" Ryuko gasped.
"If beating Satsuki, here and now, is going to bring you some closure on your father, then I'll tough it out until the end!" Izuku declared.
There it was again. That look Izuku had. Whenever he would get like this, Ryuko knew that there was no way to stop him. She smiled a bit, knowing that her only option now was to fold.
"O-Okay. But, if you're ever feeling anxious…"
"Don't worry. That's not going to happen again. Besides, I also have my own reason to want to fight," Izuku said before he gently pulled Ryuko's hand to follow him. "Come on, Kacchan and Todoroki's battle is about to start."
Ryuko's brows curved upwards, as she grew curious. His own reason? What did he mean by that? That would have to wait since they were already outside on the bleachers, seated next to their friends.
Katsuki sat far away from his classmates, making sure that anyone who would dare visit him took the hint. He looked up at the pillars and scoped out the pecking order known as the Elite Four. And above them all stood Satsuki Kiryuin. Katsuki eyed her real closely, trying to find anything she had up her arsenal.
Suddenly, Kiryuin's eyes shifted right in his direction. It was almost as if she looked right into his eyes. This struck something in Katsuki, forcing him to take his gaze off of her for a few seconds. Even with how headstrong he is, Katsuki knew that Kiryuin was really strong. Especially since she can give Matoi hell.
But that didn't stop him from looking back at her. He was going to win this fight no matter what.
'Get ready. Because when I'm done mopping the floor with your idiot friends, you're next.'
Satsuki put her focus back on the main arena before she raised her sheathed sword, slamming it on the ground with a loud clank to get everyone's attention.
"Begin."
The polling place sounded off an alarm before stairs unfolded from Gamagori's platform and the bleachers, connecting towards the main platform. Katsuki quickly made his way down, with Todoroki following him. He was the first one on the platform, even before Gamagori.
"You're looking quite eager, Bakugo," Ira snided.
"Yeah. Eager to blow that stupid look off your face," Bakugo said before spitting on the ground.
"Heh, good. You've got optimism," Gamagori grinned before wearing a serious face.
"YOU'RE GOING TO NEED IT WHEN YOU LOSE THIS FIGHT!"
The three branded stars on his collar sparked with light before shining brightly. Class 1A shielded their eyes while Satsuki and the Elite Four watched without hindrance.
"THREE-STAR GOKU UNIFORM: SHACKLE REGALIA!"
Gamagori emerged from his transformation. Once the light settled, everyone was able to get a look at what he looked like in his battle phase. They were speechless. Gamagori smirked, as he was curious to what ran through their minds; were they intimidated? Were they blinded by the majesty of his shackle regalia? Could it be that-
"Is he wearing a gimp?" Mineta asked, pointing at the ball gag in his mouth.
Gamagori's mouth dropped agape as his world turned black.
"PFFT, Oh my god, he is! Look at that ball gag!" Kaminari covered his mouth, struggling to stifle his laugh.
"He's… He's like a kinky mummy…" Jirou held onto the railing before collapsing on the ground. She tightly wrapped her hand around her chest, trying to hold it all together before inevitably bursting out into laughter.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
It was not long before Sero, Kirishima, Ashido, and Hagakure fell victim to the ever spreading laughing fit. Ryuko too would find herself joining in, but more willingly than others.
"He looks- HAHA! SO STUPID!" Ryuko cackled.
Strained grunts and stutters could be heard from Gamagori as the air was filled with laughter. This was his moment to make his presence to a rival school. And he became a laughing stock. Izuku tried his best to keep a straight face, but he ended up placing his hand onto his mouth to hide his chuckles.
"What's a gimp?" Todoroki wondered, being oblivious to why everyone was laughing.
Bakugo kept a complete straight face before he scoffed and shot into the air with his explosions. The deep booming sound shut everyone up, which worked in his favor. Now they all were focused on him as he made his first move towards Gamagori. With an open palm ready, he aimed it right for the chairman's chest.
"DIE!"
-BOOM-
The explosion was quite large, being one of the biggest that he'd ever unleashed. The force of it was enough to send Bakugo high into the air before landing safely.
"Holy crap!" Kirishima called out.
"Looks like Bakugo wanted to finish this quick, huh?" Sero said.
"I will say, that was quite a fierce attack," Yaoyorozu noted.
Everyone was commentating over the fight, thinking that Bakugo had to have done significant damage to Gamagori. But Katsuki frowned. If his strike really did anything, he would have completely blown Gamagori away. Instead, there was resistive force that pushed him back.
The smoke soon settled, and just like he predicted, Gamagori stood tall. He was completely unscathed.
'Looks like that impenatrable shield crap wasn't just all talk after all,' Katsuki thought. He then got into a ready position. His next target was Gamagori's legs. They probably had the least amount of protection to compensate for his entire torso being bulked up.
Katsuki shot forward, going low this time. Once he got within a few feet of Gamagori, Katsuki blasted himself towards the side of his opponent. He fired off another explosion at Gamagori's legs to trip him and throw off his center of mass.
But once again, the explosion only sent him sliding back. Katsuki had to fire off a mini explosion to keep himself from falling off the edge. The boy gasped once he found that Gamagori did not even move an inch from that.
"What's the matter? Is that all the "winner" of the Sports Festival can do?" Gamagori mocked as he rotated himself to face the blonde.
Bakugo wasn't naive to Gamagori's obvious use of sarcasm. It didn't take a genius to know that his tie with Matoi had to be settled somehow. Being reminded about the entire thing made his blood boil.
"For someone who challenged Matoi, I'm disappointed by your performance so far," Gamagori further taunted Bakugo. Gamagori's train of insults was cut short when a giant wall of ice collided with his back, completely shattering in the process.
"Hmm?" Ira wondered and turned to face Todoroki. Once again, he was unaffected by their attacks.
"For someone who's strict about rules, you're quick to lose focus and waste our time with talk. I fail to see what's so "disciplinary" about that," Todoroki made a snide comment towards Gamagori.
"Heh. If that's all you're taking away from this, you're more simple minded than I thought. Look at him. Just about to bare his fangs. If Bakugo can't take the same pathetic and distracting words he dishes out, then he's already lost," Gamagori responded.
"ARE YA GONNA KEEP WASTING TIME OR FIGHT?!"
With Bakugo's patience running thin, he lunged at Gamagori with sparks lighting up in his hands.
"BAKUGO, WAIT!" Todoroki tried to stop him. Earlier Todoroki wasn't sure if he was seeing things, but it looked like Gamagori was a little bit more bloated after he sent his ice wall.
Katsuki bombarded the Chairman with a flurry of explosions. It was like he became an anti-air gun! So much smoke was taking up the entire stage that he and Todoroki were nearly invisible. But, Gamagori's mass grew more and more, standing above the cloud of smoke.
"Yes… Keep trying to vent out your frustrations. I can take the punishment. Your methods are nothing compared to my special techniques for discipline," Gamagori grunted, but he did not sound like he was in any pain.
"Is he… Is he enjoying this?" Mineta wondered out of horror.
"I hope you two are ready… for my HIGI JIJO-JIBAKU!" Gamagori roared out.
"What?!" Katsuki wondered. Ira looked so bloated that he was on the verge of bursting. Before the two teens could get at a safe distance, it was already too late. Gamagori then showed them an eruption of his own, sending all of his binds flying everywhere.
Bakugo and Todoroki were blown back by Gamagori's multiple whips, with the two landing just a few feet from the edge.
"THREE-STAR GOKU UNIFORM: SCOURGE REGALIA!"
"EVERYONE GET DOWN!" Ichiro alerted everyone before ducking beneath the railing.
The rest of 1A did whatever they could to safely avert the onslaught of tendrils. Bakugo and Todoroki were mercilessly whipped and thrashed, each hit stinging more than the last. Not a second was given for them to breathe. Any time the two tried to get up, Gamagori would knock them right back down.
"You two were boasted to be the best the Hero Society had to offer, but to think they produced such shoddy instruments. None of you would have lasted a week here in Honnoji, not like we'd want you anyway," Ira gloated, returning to his Shackle Regalia form.
Katsuki slowly rose to his feet, taking a few steps toward his opponent. All the while Shoto remained on the ground, wanting to catch his bearings.
"What are you doing, Bakugo? We need a plan of attack! I think everything we throw at him just turns into power for his Goku uniform-"
"SHUT UP!" Bakugo shouted, cutting the half-and-half teen off from his statement.
"The last thing I need is you or any of those damn extras yapping in my ear on what to do! So what if this guy can absorb attacks? I'll just keep hitting him until he can't take any more. Once I take him down…" Katsuki ignited an explosion from his palm.
"I'LL SHOW EVERYONE ON THIS DAMN ISLAND WHO'S THE STRONGEST!"
Silence filled the arena as Gamagori took in all of the explosion user's words. A small chuckle emerged as his lips curved into a smirk.
"Huh?! What's so damn funny?!" Bakugo demanded.
"You. You're the reason I'm laughing, you arrogant punk. The fact you believe that you could beat me alone is laughable on its own. With what, your insignificant explosions and the crass excrement you call a personality?" Gamagori insulted, causing Bakugo's blood to rise.
"Here in Honnoji, strength is one of the many pillars that has held this island since it was built. This island has and will remain one of the bastions of strength for the new world!" Gamagori bellowed.
"As for you, Katsuki Bakugo, your brand of strength means nothing. The only reason you say you're strong is because of your Quirk. You haven't fought, bled, suffered for the pursuit of strength. Not like us, not like the rest of Honnoji. And certainly not like your classmate, Izuku Midoriya!"
That comment alone caught Bakugo's attention. Why would this guy be talking about Deku?
"What does Midoriya have to do with this, Gamagori? Last time I checked, outsiders aren't welcome in Honnoji. They haven't been for years, so why the sudden change?" Todoroki asked, now standing from his position.
"I guess explanations are in order, now aren't they?" Ira mused.
Frustration built more and more in the back of Katsuki's throat until it exploded into a loud bellow of rage. He then stomped down hard on the ground.
"Just get to the damn point already, I've got no time for monologues!"
Gamagori took a giant step forward, the weight of his foot causing the arena floor to crack.
"If you want to know, then come at me! Unless you don't think you can handle it!," Gamagori taunted once more.
Katsuki had enough with all of this big talk Gamagori was spewing from his mouth. WIthout a rational thought, he launched himself with his explosions towards the gargantuan wall.
"Dammit Bakugo! This is what he wants! We need to find a better way to win!" Todoroki shouted. He stood back up and prepared to summon another wall of ice to back him up.
"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP! I CAN WIN THIS ALL BY MYSELF!"
Katsuki unleashed a flurry of explosions, each one stronger than the last. Somehow, this didn't leave him collapsing on the ground writhing in the pain in his arms. Either he was getting stronger, or the adrenaline from his anger numbed him to it. But that didn't matter. Every attack only applied more kinetic force for Gamagori to absorb. He continued to laugh at how he was gaining power so easily.
"And there it is! One of the reasons why we never went after you. You always felt entitled to what others have! The putrid stench of pride! And your own unwillingness to see past your own failures, just going off and blaming everyone else! That will be the flaw that will weigh you down!"
Gamagori unleashed Scourge Regalia, pushing the explosion user back with a torrent of whips. Katsuki was thrown all the way back towards the edge of the ring.
"THAT IS WHY YOU ARE WEAK!"
"Bakugo!" Todoroki cried out, creating an ice wall to keep him from falling.
"True strength comes from within, not from some genetic lottery. Face it, Bakugo. Without that Quirk of yours, you're nothing. Say what you will about Midoriya, he at least has value outside of that flaw," Gamagori said, looming over the two.
"Dammit…" Bakugo growled, huffing as sweat dripped down his brow and onto the platform.
"We've barely put a scratch on him," Todoroki breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath.
Shoto and Bakugo were on the ropes. There wasn't much they could do against Gamagori. His defenses were impervious when using Shackle Regalia and whatever hits they landed would subject them to the devastating power of Scourge Regalia. Was there really that big a gap between his strength and theirs?
"COME ON, KACCHAN! YOU CAN DO IT!"
Bakugo whipped his head back to the stands, looking to see Deku up from his seat.
Izuku was standing with his hands cupped together to help amplify his cheers. He took a few breathes before inhaling deeply.
"DON'T YOU DARE QUIT NOW! ESPECIALLY AGAINST HIM!"
"Izuku," Ryuko whispered out, shocked that her friend is even cheering for Bakugo.
"YEAH, MAN! BLAST THAT SUCKER TO NEXT YEAR! HE'S GOT NOTHING ON YOU OR ANYONE IN UA!" Kirishima cheered also, a response the rest of the group wasn't surprised about.
Hearing the cheers from his classmates was enough to annoy the blond bomber, but a small distraction from Gamagori's insults was appreciated. Picking himself up, Bakugo made his way to Todoroki. All the while, not breaking eye contact from the Disciplinary Chair.
"You done moping around, Icy-Hot? Cuz I'm sick of listening to this nerd talk," Katsuki said, earning a look from Todoroki.
"I've been done. But what can we do? We can't hurt him no matter what we try to do," Shoto added, seeing the current dilemma they were in.
"Of course I know that, dumbass. The giant made it pretty fucking obvious. Think for a minute, what happens when he attacks us?" Katsuki asked, with Todoroki raising his eyebrow in response.
"What are you sayi-"
"I'VE GIVEN YOU TWO ENOUGH TIME! NOW PERISH!"
Gamagori rushed the two students by extending his tendrils towards them. Todoroki unleashed another wave of ice but stopped as he saw his partner running toward their opponent.
"Clearly, you haven't learned your lesson before. Allow me to fix that!"
Using his whips, Gamagori ensnared Bakugo in a tight bind before bringing him towards his body. Once he was in close proximity, he reverted back to his Shackled form. The wrapping tape squeezed Bakugo inside, seemingly crushing him. It was like watching a venus flytrap at work. Some of the UA students had to shield their eyes as it was a horrid sight.
"Oh no, Bakugo!" Kirishima cried out.
"That idiot! Why would he think that would work?!" Ryuko yelled, all the while Izuku said nothing.
"He figured it out."
The UA students turned to Izuku, who was looking at the arena with a smile on his face.
"Kacchan's a massive jerk. Always full of himself and makes it a mission to tell you how much you suck at something. I don't think there's anyone out there in the world with an inflated ego like his," Izuku said, gaining questionable looks from his friends.
"Okay, yeah? But what does that have to do with what's going on right now, Midoriya?" Kaminari asked.
"But despite all of that, there's something most people tend to overlook."
As they UA onlookers continue to watch the fight, something interesting happens. Out of nowhere, the wrappings around Gamagori and Bakugo's bodies start to inflate.
"Whenever Kacchan brags about his skills…"
-BOOM!-
Almost by command, the wrappings explode, causing Bakugo to fall from his captive state and Gamagori to be sent back a few feet.
"...he will always find a way to back that shit up!" Izuku concluded, his face now adorned with a giant smile.
Somewhere in a distant land, Inko dropped a plate on the floor after feeling whiplash out of nowhere.
Gamagori let out pained groans as he was reduced to his knees, the wrapping tape pooled down all over the ground around him. Smoke could be seen emanating from burn mark on the star on his chest, a sign of the true pain he felt.
"You… You actually damaged me. H-How?"
Bakugo slowly rised from the ground, with a wild grin plastered on his face. Using his thumb, he rubbed bits of blood and dust off his cheek, all while not breaking eye contact.
"You always go back into that Shackle form whenever you were done beating on us. I thought it was some way to mess with us, to goad us into hitting you. Then it hit me. Behind all those wrappings, you're completely vulnerable. Sure, you take the pain from outside, but never any of the real damage," Bakugo concluded, surprising Gamagori.
"So that got me thinking. How the hell can I hit you without getting whipped harder than my old man in his marriage? Simple: Get up close and personal. If I can't hit you when you're using your whips, then I'll hit you the moment you go back into your Shackled form!" Katsuki declared, letting out an explosion from his right hand.
"So come on, Gamagori! LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT THE FUTURE NUMBER ONE HERO LOOKS LIKE!"
Katsuki struck him with another explosion. Due to the heavy blow that Gamagori received, his defenses wavered a bit. The concussive blast actually managed to send him on the backfoot this time.
"HRRRAAAGH!" Gamagori's patience was wearing thin, which led him to start attacking a little more recklessly. He unleashed more tendrils at Bakugo, who dodged around and continued to get a few lucky hits on him.
Todoroki picked himself back up so that he could come in with the assist.
'Finally. It looks like we have something for Bakugo to actually hit. But can he keep this up for long? There's barely any openings," Shoto wondered, trying to figure something out as he looked over to his comrade.
The only window they had was when Gamagori exposed himself with his scourge regalia, but that was only possible after feeding him enough kinetic energy. They weren't in any shape to take any more of the resulting attacks from that. Todoroki tried to think; was there a way to force him to open himself up in their favor?
Shoto's eyes widened. An idea had come to mind, and it just might save this match.
"Bakugo."
"A little busy here! If you don't have a plan, I don't wanna hear it!" Bakugo shot back as Todoroki lit a flame in his left hand.
"I do have a plan. Are you ready to finish this? You're the one who has to do it," Todoroki stated as his gaze narrowed on the disciplinary chairman.
Bakugo raised an eyebrow, baffled at what the heterochromatic teen was trying to get at.
Without another word, Todoroki blasted his flames into the arena. Gamagori braced himself for the upcoming attack. He then saw that the fire did not strike him at all. The dancing red and orange waves spread, only encompassing the entire perimeter of the platform.
"This is a waste of my time! You seriously think that fire is going to affect me?!" Gamagori bellowed, unwrapping himself and ready to go on the offensive.
"I… am Lady Satsuki's impenetrable shield! AND YOU U-A DELINQUENTS ARE NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED HEROES! THAT'S WHY YOU MUST BE PUNISHED!"
But he had to admit, the youngest Todoroki's heat was impressive.
"Now I get it," Katsuki chuckled with a smirk plastered on his face, more sweat trickling off his body. "Not a bad idea, icy-hot."
Bakugo spat out any remaining loose saliva in his mouth before preparing his stance. It was time to let loose.
"Time to take this loser out with the trash!" he roared, his glare locked on to the target ahead. His palms ignited as Gamagori launched his assault of barbed whips, and Bakugo couldn't wait to give the giant a taste of his own medicine.
"DIE!"
The blonde bomber finally blitzed in, moving so fast that it caught everyone off guard.
"HRAGGH!"
With another ignition, Gamagori was blasted back several feet as all the onlookers in the stands gazed in awe.
"Midoriya," Tanaka piped up to grab the greenette's attention. "Am I going crazy or did his explosions get a lot more… explosive?"
Tanaka and Izuku both gulped, but the latter nodded in response.
"Todoroki is a genius. He's taking advantage of Katsuki's Quirk to give them a chance. But there's not much time," Izuku analyzed.
"What do you mean?" Ryuko asked, genuinely curious. "I know how and why Katsuki's powered up, but what about time?"
"This is almost like what happened back at the sports festival," Yaoyorozu noted. "Even though it's not injury that's caused him to gain more power, Midoriya's correct. This is a gamble that Todoroki knows won't last long."
"They both sustained a ton of damage prior to this," the greenette added. "If Todoroki tries to cool them off now, it could give Gamagori a chance to reset. And Todoroki doesn't have as much control over his left side yet."
"Meaning he likely is trying harder to not kill everyone with his fire," Tanaka fixed his gaze on the ring below. "Either of them could pass out from the heat or the battle-damage sustained from the entire fight if they don't beat Gamagori quickly. This is going to be close."
Back down on the battlefield, the effects of the flames were taking its toll on Todoroki and Gamagori, but Katsuki just seemed to be getting more pumped. That crazed, manic smile hid the exhaustion he was feeling in his body. He was just running off whatever adrenaline he had while sweat continued to trickle away, making each explosion more brutal than the last.
'That actually hurt!' Gamagori gritted his teeth as he closed up again following another, more powerful hit, but that didn't matter to the teen with an explosive attitude.
"That's not gonna save you, you moron!"
Katsuki blasted at Ira in quick succession, each explosion pushing him closer to the fire at the platform's edge.
"HOW DID YOU GET THIS STRONG?!" Gamagori shouted through the blasts, his shackles getting burned in the process.
"This isn't good. I don't think Gamagori is going to last much longer," Inumuta fretted, with Jakuzure peering over at the information chairman.
"He wasted too much time and didn't finish them off. Now Bakugo's sweat glands are doing the rest of the work."
"His sweat?" Nonon and Uzu questioned.
"Did you two forget what we reviewed before?" Satsuki looked down to her other lieutenants, clearly displeased they could forget such an important detail.
'Oh shit!' Sanageyama and Jakuzure collectively thought.
"Do it, Bakugo!" Todoroki called out. The youngest Todoroki wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to stand. His vision was getting blurry from the general exhaustion.
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" Katsuki shouted back.
The chairman growled as his body felt like lead, his limbs feeling like bricks. He wouldn't let these two brats beat him. He needed to take out the blonde – and fast!
"If you think that'll be enough to defeat me, you're living in a dream world!" Gamagori called out before attacking one last time in a desperate attempt.
"TAKE THIS WITH YOU IN YOUR NIGHTMARES! DIIIIIIIIEEEEE!"
With one more blast, Bakugo pushed an off-balance Gamagori over the edge and hurling toward the ground below. He landed with a loud thud, reverting out of his transformed state and laying flat on the ground, sweating profusely and breathing heavily. The black stars on his three-star uniform were scorched, but he was alive.
"HE DID IT!" Kirishima and Kaminari cheered as the rest of Class 1A, Tanaka and Mako hooted and hollered. Midnight and Cementoss looked on with relief, finally able to breathe a little easier after the intense finish.
"Here."
Todoroki quickly let a cold wave glaze over the platform as a cold ice block formed next to Bakugo's left arm.
"I don't need your help!" Bakugo shouted before looking away. "But thanks," he grumbled soft enough that no one could hear him. He had to admit, if it wasn't for Todoroki's quick thinking, Katsuki would have never gotten the chance to knock the giant down.
"Yeah, you're welcome," Shoto huffed as a vein popped on Bakugo's forehead.
To Be Continued…
Aduubo A/N: HAPPY LATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY TO KILL LA KILL! Can't believe it's been a decade since the anime came out! I was a little kid at that time. Hope you all were celebrating!
Anyway, It's been quite a while, which means I have to explain where I've been the past month or two. I'll be releasing an "update" chapter to catch everyone up on everything tomorrow. Until then, have a good one!