Hero La Kill Ch. 48: Monkey see, Bunny do
Written by Aduubo
I OWN NOTHING. KILL LA KILL IS OWNED BY STUDIO TRIGGER AND KAZUKI NAKASHIMA. MHA IS OWNED BY TOHO ANIMATION AND KOHEI HORIKOSHI. _
Side note: I like to imagine that 'Lost Judgment OST Disc.2 - 17 Unwavering Belief' plays during the final phase of Sanageyama's fight. You'll know when to cue it up.
"Finally, I get my turn," Sanageyama grinned as he stood up.
"Oh? I didn't know Satsuki gave second chances. Guess she's becoming a big ol' softie! Alright, I'll give you another whooping!" Ryuko chuckled and wound up her arm.
"Heh, you'll have to get in line, Matoi. I'm not fighting you," Sanageyama shut her down.
"Huh?" she tilted her head.
Sanageyama raised his hand up high to the sky. His hand closed into a fist while his pointing finger remained extended. He then slowly let his arm fall, locking right on Izuku.
"Midoriya. You're the one I want to fight."
Everyone in the stands froze in place, especially Ryuko and Izuku.
"Me?"
"Now hold the hell on! Wouldn't it make more sense if you went after me? Ya know, for revenge? What are you trying to do?!" Ryuko stepped in front of Izuku, as if to shield him.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Uzu shrugged ever so nonchalantly. "It's my turn to fight. And I chose to fight Midoriya. Those are the rules you stated right, Lady Satsuki?"
"Correct. Does there appear to be a problem?" Satsuki asked with a tone that demanded only one answer.
Ryuko snarled and clutched the hilt of her weapon. She bent her knees, planning to shippu her fist straight into Satsuki's teeth.
"No."
Ryuko gasped and turned to Izuku, who had his gaze set on Satsuki.
"But first, could I first talk with my teachers for a quick minute? There's something I need to discuss with them," Izuku requested, hoping that would be enough to get the dictator's permission.
"You may not," Satsuki simply scoffed.
"Huh?" Izuku gasped, confused by her proclamation.
"I've allowed more than enough breaks for today. It's time that we finally settled this."
"Wh- But that was only one break!" Ryuko shouted at her.
"If you all have a problem with it, you can simply choose not to participate. But, that also means you forfeit the match."
"You damn bitch!" Ryuko wielded her Scissor blade. She was quickly stopped from attacking once Izuku straightened his arm out in front of her.
"I'll fight."
The joyful rivalry he had towards Satsuki and the Elite Four was completely sapped. Dread burrowed deep in his voice, like he had no way out of this. It didn't feel like a simple tournament anymore to Ryuko. Deep in her core, she could tell that something more insidious was rising.
"Perfect," Sanageyama chuckled, growing more eager to get into the match. Satsuki tapped her sheath on the platform below her, which rolled out a flight of stairs for Izuku.
"H-Hold on, Izuku!" Matoi grabbed Midoriya's hand before he could walk. "Are you sure? I don't like this."
Ryuko's entire demeanor changed. Her voice became soft and worry took up her entire expression. She donned a protective nature over Izuku, which contrasted her usual hardheadedness. It sparked a memory of when they were kids. When she protected him from Kacchan.
The corners of Izuku's lips rose as he forgot the fear he felt a few seconds ago.
"I'm sure, Ryuko. Don't worry."
He laced his fingers around hers. Izuku was trying to ease the tension she felt. Ryuko didn't relent from wanting to keep him far from danger. However, she had to trust him. If he was certain, then she wasn't gonna argue any further.
"...Okay," Matoi's hand tensed before she let his go.
"I advise you to listen, Matoi. Unlike the previous match, I will not allow any outside interference for this battle. Anyone who dares to jump into the fight, Izuku Midoriya will be disqualified immediately!" Satsuki declared, earning disgusted looks from the students in question.
"Midoriya, prepare for battle."
Sitting back down with a huff, Ryuko looked back to the arena. All she could think now is what the hell Satsuki has to gain from having her friend struggle like this. Izuku nodded and begrudgingly took a step on the edge of the stand. He walked down the path before meeting his opponent.
"Good to see you again, Midoriya. Let's make this good for the audience, shall we?" Uzu greeted.
The only thing Midoriya gave back was a glare, not returning the courtesy.
"Quiet, huh? That's new," Uzu raised his brow.
"Look, I'm going to make this very clear. We're far past the point where this could be fun for anyone. So if it's alright with you, let's just skip the warmup," Izuku cracked his knuckles, his focus fully dialed in.
"Straight to the point. Fine by me. Permission to tango, Lady Satsuki?" Sanageyama asked.
"You have it. Round number four! Begin!" Satsuki sounded off.
"I've been itching to see how much stronger you've gotten since you fought Matoi," Uzu smiled. "Because I've gotten stronger too."
Izuku noticed something odd about Sanageyama, particularly his eyes. It looked abnormal. Without knowing it, Izuku felt his body tense up. He was immediately on guard. Sanageyama however didn't look like he changed his stature at all. That was until Izuku could see Uzu's muscles buckling down. He wasn't the only one that saw something strange about the monkey.
"Something's wrong," Senketsu said, which stirred up more anxiety in Ryuko.
"Huh? What do you mean?" she questioned.
"This feels different than last time," Senketsu said in a cold sweat.
Uzu gave himself a moment to breathe in and breathe out deeply.
"I'm going to show you what happens when a man is forced to change."
The three stars imprinted on his collar flashed. Like his fellow Elite Four members, a blinding light soon struck the arena as he began to change.
"THREE STAR GOKU UNIFORM: BLADE REGALIA MK. II!"
Large, bulky, robotic arms and legs emerged as his suit's transformation sequence had been completed. What stood in front of Izuku was a beefy mech suit equipped with strong durable plating. Sanageyama's Goku Uniform looked the most efficient for close quarters combat compared to his peers.
Izuku analyzed Uzu's armor and noticed a couple changes from the last time he saw it; It was sleeker, losing only bits of its overall bulkiness. But Izuku remained sharp, as it could still make a noticeable difference in the monkey's maneuverability. He saw just how fast Sanageyama was able to blitz around Ryuko when they first fought. Izuku slipped into his stance, going light on his feet.
'One for all: Full Cowling. Eight Percent!'
Green electricity flowed around his body in small bits. It looked so contained, yet still so powerful. Like there was something greater hidden away. Sanageyama was eager to see it unleashed. He ejected a wooden sword from a barrel within his armor, clutching at the hilt.
"Shall we?" Uzu asked.
Midoriya crouched and moved first. He leaped at Sanageyama with his arm held back. The Kanto monkey readied his stance, anticipating a punch. But, as Midoriya got closer, Uzu noticed the muscles in his leg tense up.
'A fake out!'
Uzu ran forward and slid under Midoriya's leg, dodging the kick before standing right behind him for a follow up attack. Izuku then stepped to the side to avoid the downward swing. He tried to catch Sanageyama by surprise and swung his leg back towards him, only for the monkey to evade once more.
'Sanageyama's tengantsu is going to make this impossible to win if it drags on. I need to finish this quickly!' Izuku thought before rushing back in, but with a different strategy in mind.
'He ragged on Ryuko for having predictable moves. I'll just have to keep mixing things up.'
Izuku threw a series of punches at Sanageyama, who dodged them accordingly. He made sure to evade whatever counter attacks came his way too. Izuku started off with slow and wide swings, making them rather easy to telegraph. But at random intervals, he swung faster, forcing Sanageyama to block one of his hits. Izuku could see that his moves were shaking him up a bit. All of those boxing lessons with Ryuko were paying off.
Ichiro tried to keep up with what was going on in the fight. To him, it looked like Midoriya was having trouble landing a hit on Sanageyama. Some of the others were thinking this too. But Bakugo could see a pattern forming.
Deku was putting the monkey through repetition with the same punches. But with a few changes to throw him off. That way when Sanageyama lifted his blade to block again, Izuku grabbed it and sent his fist colliding into the Blade Regalia's chest plate. He managed to hit him hard enough that it sent Sanageyama flying.
"OOF!" Uzu used his wooden katana to stop himself from sliding any further.
"Whoa! He actually hit him!" Ryuko did a double take. "Way to go, Izuku!"
'Damn! That hurts!' Izuku felt his knuckles. 'I knew it was tough, but not that tough! I might have to increase the percentage of Full Cowling so that I don't break my fingers.'
Izuku channeled his energy to power up to nine percent. For now, it was good to increase his power a little past his comfort zone. As long as he didn't use ten percent for a while, he could avoid fatigue.
"-cough- Nice moves! You actually managed to hit me!" Sanageyama rubbed where his chest was, feeling a small dent on it. "Don't count on that happening again, though."
Izuku knew that, of course. Sanageyama just wanted to say it to intimidate him. And he would be lying to himself if he wasn't in the least. Something else was off putting too. Izuku noticed that Sanageyama actually wasn't using Tengatsu at all. He essentially gave Izuku a free hit. What could he be planning?
Sanageyama charged him this time, prepared to put his katana to use. Izuku braced himself and followed suit. He saw that Sanageyama was going to try an overhead strike. The greenette then ducked, sliding underneath Uzu as his blade hit the ground. Izuku was right behind him!
Iida's eyes widened as he recognized this move. It was what Midoriya used against Stain! Izuku jumped up, winding up a punch for the back of Sanageyama's head. Whatever he was planning, with tengatsu or not, Izuku wasn't going to waste the chance! Disorienting him could work out in his favor!
Uzu aimed his arm in Midoriya's direction, firing a shinai blade into his stomach. Izuku coughed out in pain as he was sent skidding across the floor. The crowd gasped at the unexpected counter on Midoriya. He was able to roll to steady himself, but he struggled to stand and held his abdomen.
"I saw you trying to get a peek at my eyes, Midoriya. You should be careful. Matoi might get jealous," Sanageyama said.
"How did he…?" Izuku focused on Sanageyama, before his breath was caught short upon closer inspection.
"Ryuko, look!" Senketsu urged.
The Kamui wielder did as she was told and looked into Sanageyama's helmet. She noticed that there were marks, in the shape of stars, in place of his eyes.
"What's wrong with his eyes?!" Ryuko wondered in disbelief. "Are… Are they sewn shut?"
Her classmates glanced at her with worried looks on their faces. Mineta and a few others started feeling sick to their stomachs just thinking of something like that.
"HE'S REALIZED HIS MISTAKE AND SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO FIGHT AGAIN! KEEP THAT IN MIND, MATOI!" Satsuki called out, drawing up everyone's attention.
Sanageyama turned around to face Midoriya, gripping his katana tightly.
"En Garde."
Izuku's heart began to pound loudly, nearly echoing in his ears. But it wasn't as loud as the large imposing steps that Sanageyama took in his direction.
'Not good!' Izuku nearly froze.
The katana was lifted up high, ready for another hit. Izuku dodged at first, but Sanageyama quickly ambushed him, forcing Izuku to block a multitude of swings. The muscles in his arms and shoulders ached from the hardwood's abuse. Izuku might have been able to still trade some blows back with Sanageyama, but he could feel that it was getting much harder to move freely.
"You're getting a lot more worried, aren't you, Midoriya?" Sanageyama said. "I can tell by your breathing and the smell of your sweat. I see what you're thinking now, clear as day."
Uzu performed a side kick into Izuku's chest. He knocked the boy away so that he could continue his monologue.
"Yeah, I can see more clearly now! More than I ever could with my eyes. I could see everything!"
"Shingatsu. The eyes of the mind," Satsuki continued.
"What?!" Ryuko's jaw dropped.
"With his eyes sewn shut, he's even more in sync with his Goku Uniform," Satsuki said.
"Men! Dou! Kote! Men! Dou! Kote!" Sanageyama kept the pressure on Midoriya, moving with speed that would outmaneuver him. Attacking with strength that would break through his guard.
"Now his Goku Uniform takes place as his mind, his nose, and his ears. He has acquired the power of the Shingatsu!" Satsuki started raising her voice.
"Izuku!" Ryuko cried out.
"AND NO MATTER HIS OPPONENT, NO ONE CAN ESCAPE HIS ATTACKS! WITNESS WHAT IT MEANS TO TRULY USE POWER, MIDORIYA!"
"MEN! DOU! KOTE!" Sanageyama was wiping the floor with Izuku, rupturing the rubble with every hit. Dirt and grime stained Izuku's costume. Shrapnel tore at the seams. And his hood was lost.
The Kanto monkey performed an upward strike, sending Izuku high up into the air. Just like he predicted, Sanageyama's new shingantsu was adapting to his moves, compensating for whatever he could come up with. This was getting bad.
Izuku kicked up full cowling once more so that he could prevent himself from completely crashing into the ground. He landed on all fours before faltering.
"Man, this bites. I was starting to have fun," Sanageyama hung his sword over his shoulder. His face under the helmet showed disappointment. Izuku could see it all.
"You really should have taken Inumuta's offer and ditch your dinky school."
Izuku's pupils shrunk. Through all of the pain in his body, he felt some fire light up within.
"Like hell I'd ever do that! What does it even matter to you that I join?! You're already one of the strongest at this school!" Izuku shouted at him.
"Are you kidding? After seeing all of that untapped potential at the sports festival, I was excited when Inumuta tried to recruit a powerhouse like you! Your strength and skill shows that you belong to Honnoji! You could do so much more over here than with these losers!" Sanageyama stretched his arms off, as if to emphasize the scale of Midoriya's potential.
Izuku growled with his teeth barred, the lighting around his body shook violently. Sanageyama was disrespecting his friends with little to no care!
"Don't you dare talk down at UA! I've gotten this far because of them! I would never trade that for anything! I don't need this damn school-"
Izuku's breath hitched when he was met with a katana just inches away from his nose.
"You wanna know something?" Sanageyama said coldly. He had completely dropped the cocky attitude he demonstrated earlier.
"I've seen how much you've improved, and it really pisses me off. Not because it wasn't up to snuff, but it's because you're not giving it your all. You're still holding back."
Izuku looked at him, confused about what he was getting at.
"You're scared that you might accidentally go too far. That's what heroes train every day to prevent. It's pathetic," Sanageyama scoffed.
"You have all this power, and you want to use it in service of others? How lame! What strength is there if you don't even use it for yourself? Now, I don't know about using it to rule like how Satsuki would, but using it to bust some heads and show who's the top dog? That's how it's done."
As Midoriya stood and listened, he grew more and more incensed at Sanageyama's logic. How could a person think like that? He always dreamed of saving people because there was a strength in doing a service. But to selfishly wield power for the sake of having fun?
He wasn't having any of it.
"Join us. We'll give you an arena where you can unleash your strength on the world. Come with us to Honnoji Academy."
"THAT'S IT!" Ryuko shouted. "I'm going in!"
She attempted to jump into the arena, but was stopped by Ochako, and Jirou soon after.
"Matoi, wait! You can't! Kiryuin said that Izuku will be disqualified, remember?!"
"B-But, I can't just stand here!" Ryuko cried out.
"Ryuko, listen to her! Think about what you're doing!" Senketsu tried to reason with her.
"Let me go!" Ryuko tried to pull free, but refrained from using all of her strength.
"RYUKO, WAIT!"
Matoi froze at the sound of Midoriya shouting at her. She looked down at him as he was able to sit on his knee.
"I can handle it. I'll be okay. So please, sit back down," Izuku said softly.
Ryuko was understandably hysterical right now. But for Izuku, all she saw was him smiling. It made her muscles relax, making it easier for Uraraka and Jirou to bring her back down. Ryuko didn't want this, but she couldn't do anything about it.
"See, it's that kind of thing that'll hold you back," Sanageyama rolled his eyes, snapping Midoriya back to reality. "Getting attached like that is a waste of time."
"Shut up."
"Huh?" Sanageyama's eyebrow raised beneath his suit.
"You're a fucking selfish idiot! If you even knew a damn thing about me, you'd know I'd never subjugate anyone! I've seen what that can do, and it's sickening," Izuku tightened his fist as he stared at the ground, all of the distraught and hopeless faces from the Honnoji students were burned into his mind.
"What? Why not have fun when you have power?" Uzu mused, clearly not understanding the point Midoriya wanted to articulate.
"You'd never understand," the boy spoke through gritted teeth, powering Full Cowling back up to eight percent before letting the valve loosen a little more.
"Power isn't a toy for anyone to flaunt."
Izuku stood back up, which made Sanageyama lower his weapon. He could see a fighter's spirit in Midoriya's eyes as they gazed at one another. There was something different to it however.
"Now get back to your side. We're finishing this," Izuku said coldly.
"Heh. Here I thought you were going to go nuts and punch my lights out. Guess we're doing this like a duel then! I like that!"
Sanageyama did what he was told with the utmost enthusiasm. Once he was at the correct spot, he raised his katana and got into his fighting stance.
"You've got resolve, kid! Let's see how far it can take ya!"
Sanageyama beckoned him forward, feeling the rush of the fight. Izuku slowly breathed in through his nose, relaxing his body before breathing out. What he was about to do, he needed to be absolutely ready for it.
'One For All! Ten Percent!'
Izuku felt a bit of weight buckle down on his body. Ten percent wasn't something he had grown accustomed to yet. But it wasn't like he couldn't handle it either. Midoriya rushed at Sanageyama, but now the older greenette was caught off guard by this sudden burst of speed.
'Did he just get faster?!' Uzu realized.
One good kick to the head threw Sanageyama off kilter, surprising all of Midoriya's classmates and even the teachers.
"What the heck just happened?! He's so fast now!" Tanaka leaned forward, probably one of the few people who could track that speed.
"It's like he kicked up his power output. But I thought he could only do that by injuring himself. How is he managing to do this?" Iida questioned, astonished by this sudden change.
'Is he…?' Ryuko wondered, letting her mind drift back.
"I can actually use 10% now," Izuku chuckled. "Gran Torino and Miruko's methods were… unorthodox."
'Even I haven't seen this power output yet. I hope Izuku knows what he's doing,' Ryuko gulped.
Satsuki Kiriyuin also had similar feelings toward this development. Seeing Midoriya suddenly catch one of her best fighter's off guard was astonishing, to say the least.
"How in the world did he improve in such a short amount of time? What type of training could have helped achieve this?" Kiriyuin wondered, tightening her hold on her Bakuzen. Not knowing the answer was something the head of Honnoji never enjoyed.
Back in the match, Sanageyama tried to counter Midoriya's sudden burst of power. The way he changed his fighting style also added difficulty to countering his moves. It didn't matter though, as Sanageyama was enjoying every minute of it.
"Yeah, yeah! That's it! Good! This is different from what I saw during your internships. So either you weren't giving your all even back then, or you've gotten stronger in such a short time! Doesn't matter though! I'm glad I get first digs!"
Sanageyama found an opening in the onslaught and struck Izuku's abdomen with his sword, the first drops of blood were now spilt. Ryuko was horrified from seeing it out of Izuku's mouth.
"You're getting there, Midoriya. But it's not going to be enough. Guys like you got big dreams right? Why dream about being a hero when you could be something greater? Your strength can get you to the top!" Uzu said.
"Because that's not what matters."
Uzu raised a brow, doing a double take. Before he could ask anything, he felt Midoriya grab hard on the sword. Uzu attempted to pull back, but found that what he could match in speed, he couldn't match in raw strength.
Izuku pulled hard, lifting Sanageyama and his heavy armor over his head. He threw Sanageyama into the ground hard, knocking the absolute wind out of him. Small cracks even started to surface on his armor.
Before Sanageyama could fully stand, Izuku went on the offensive. He had to hit him as many times as he could. And by any means necessary. Whenever Sanageyama struck him, Izuku struck right back. It had gotten to a point that he was eating attacks from Sanageyama, just so that he could close the distance between them immediately. The blade regalia was fast, but not fast enough to dodge mid-attack.
Trading blows like this hurt a lot, but it was Izuku's only chance to make the shots land.
Izuku latched his arms onto Sanageyama's torso, using the weight of the armor to body slam him into the ground again. He then pinned him down, not only to keep Sanageyama from moving, but also because it was a lot easier than moving the rest of his own aching body. While Izuku had Uzu subdued, he found a rock that was in arm's reach. It looked like it could fit his entire palm.
'Mind, nose, and ears, huh? I hope that the armor can protect his ear drums.'
Izuku grabbed the rock, raising it high over his head. Even with his eyes sewn shut, Uzu's face showed fear that Izuku could very well see.
"Sorry about this."
He slammed the rock right on the side of Sanageyama's helmet where his right was covered.
"GGGYYAAAAAAGH!"
Sanageyama writhed in pain, shaking violently as the stinging sound rang in his ears. Just like Izuku predicted; the monkey's senses had been kicked into overdrive to replace his eyes, which in turn made them more sensitive. The only way to get an advantage was to overwhelm those senses. Specifically his hearing.
"Using power to control others, or to stomp on them. You guys like that, right?" Izuku raised his voice, making it loud enough for everyone to hear. Especially Kiryuin.
"Because it's easy! People won't question anything and will do what you say. Just like your own students! They'll do anything just for a chance at a better life, even when you rip it out from under them! Everything you aspire for is nothing but shallow desires!"
Satsuki's hands shook as she tightened her hold on her Bakuzan. Being told that she had no ambition? Her? Much less by someone lesser than her? The cold glare in her eyes showed that she was infuriated.
Sanageyama couldn't believe it. Just a moment ago, he was completely in control of the fight. Now he was fighting like hell to keep it. Midoriya was rapidly gaining on him. He had to act fast. Uzu was able to free his wrist from under Midoriya's foot, slamming the coiled digits into his cheek to send him away. Izuku rolled onto his hands and knees, but wasn't able to stand right away.
"I want to use mine to save people, so that they can still have a bright future. It'll be hard. Some might not want my help. But if there's even a chance my actions can help guide them in the right path, I want to try. That's what matters! It's why we go to UA, why we've gotten so strong," Izuku stood up slowly.
"And why we're standing here right now."
His voice was hoarse, and his body was screaming for him to stop. Izuku was at his limit. He couldn't go on for much longer. This was his final push, and he was going to have to make it count.
"So, I don't care about what any of you say about me. As long as I have a chance to help people, just like many have helped me, I'll keep working hard. I'll take whatever the world dishes out."
Izuku slipped into his stance for the last time.
"Because that's what people do, help each other out."
The entire stadium was silent, letting Izuku's words sink into Sanageyama and Kiryuin's minds. Even Ryuko was left speechless. Mako stood up from her seat and started clapping, which guided everyone's gaze to her.
"KICK HIS BUTT, IZUKU! KICK IT! SHOW HIM WHAT FOR! SHOW HIM WHAT THE LITTLE GUY IS ALL ABOUT!"
Tears poured out of her eyes like a fountain. What she told Tanaka earlier about wanting to help people, that came from her heart. Izuku heard it and shouted it to the world she was fighting in. Her efforts were being recognized and it made her so happy. Another set of hands began to clap, coming from one Honnoji student that was seated up above her.
Ryuko turned to see that more and more students from Honnoji were joining the applause; from other no-stars to even the two-stars.
"YEAH, GET HIM!"
"GOOD LUCK! BEAT HIM!"
"I DUNNO YOUR NAME, BUT WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU, HERO GUY!"
"YOU CAN DO IT, DEKU! DON'T GIVE UP!"
The audience's eyes drew towards the sound of that voice, guiding them to Ochako. Tears were running down her face as she continued to shout for Izuku. Once they knew of his identity, the name 'Deku' echoed throughout the stadium through unanimous praise.
Ryuko felt a grin tugging at her cheeks. Izuku's ambitions, his goals, people were noticing just what kind of hero he wanted to be. Ryuko could feel tears swelling in her eyes, but wiped them off before shooting her fist into the air.
"BUST HIS ASS, DEKU! YOU GOT THIS!"
Her classmates soon joined the round of applause. Midnight and Cementoss watched with content as Midoriya paved the way for what could be the future generation of heroes. While Mako continued to cheer, she could hear the ground shake beside her. She turned around to see Gamagori, who commended Midoriya with loud thunderous claps.
"HEY! Who's side are ya on?!" Jakuzure shouted at him.
"Would you look at that? Midoriya's taking a stand against Honnoji," Mikisugi pointed out.
Tsumugu didn't say anything, but he was amazed by what he was watching. Midoriya was defying the Kiryuins. He had something to prove; and he didn't do it with his strength, but with his character.
"I can see why you've got a soft spot for the kid now," Mikisugi brought up.
"The hell are you talking about?" Kinagase faced him.
""Diamond in the Rough," was it?" Aikuro reiterated.
"What- How did you-?" the hitman stuttered.
"A little birdie told me after your run-in with them months ago. Don't worry, you're not the only one that he grew on," the teacher in disguise reassured his comrade.
Tsumugu scoffed, turning away from Aikuro so that he could continue watching the fight. The bluenette chuckled, knowing that he was right about Kinagase. He shifted his focus back to Midoriya, feeling proud.
'Way to go, kid. I knew you had it in ya.'
"Do you see the crowd, Sanageyama? This is how you use power! To lift others up! That's what I want to do! That's what I want the hero name Deku to mean to people!" Izuku shouted proudly.
Sanageyama stayed idle for a moment, taking it all in. Seeing the way everyone rallied together with Midoriya really got him thinking. It left him wondering. But there was no time for that now. He had a match to win.
Soon, he stood back up on his feet, being on opposite ends from Midoriya. He pointed his sword at him, showing that this was the final push. Izuku noticed a different look on his face, seeing that Sanageyama was taking this as seriously as he was, almost as if that they came to an understanding. Izuku nodded back, acknowledging his motion.
The two got into their stances, taking deep breaths to ready themselves. Through all of the aching muscles in their bodies, the taste of blood in their mouths, and the rattling in their joints, this was the calmest they had ever felt during battle. This was exactly what they needed.
The two green fighters both rushed each other, continuing this dance once again. Deeper dents were made in the blade regalia. Rock shields were destroyed by the force of the shinai. And spare wooden blades were dispensed in place of the ones that Midoriya destroyed. They were getting reckless. The small mistakes they let slip cost them a great deal of pain. As long as they could dish out some hits, so be it.
It was no longer a battle of skill or strategy. Only strength.
The drawn out fight was starting to wear down on Sanageyama. His reflexes weren't as fast as the beginning of the fight. Izuku grabbed another rock and hurled it right at Sanageyama, who used his blade to smash it into little pieces before it reached him. But in the small cloud of smoke, he soon found Midoriya engaging with him head on without warning.
This time, Izuku tossed a batch of concrete that were much smaller than what he used earlier. As desperate as the situation was getting, Izuku did not want to fatally wound Sanageyama. Luckily, it seemed to do the trick. Each rock colliding with Sanageyama's helmet proved to distract him greatly, like firecrackers.
Izuku capitalized on this by jumping on his head, wrapping his legs around it tightly. He then leaned his entire body back, pulling Sanageyama off balance.
'Twelve… percent!'
Midoriya used all of the leg strength he had left to lift Uzu off his feet and sent him straight into the ground once more. Uzu cried out in pain as cracks formed on the concrete beneath him. The new move worked! Izuku had Mirko to thank for that. The Kanto monkey felt sore all over, finding it more and more difficult to continue. But he had no time to writhe as he saw Midoriya coming down on him with a fist ready.
'THIRTEEN PERCENT!'
With barely a moment to dodge, Uzu leaned to the right, Izuku's knuckles met the ground next to him.
-CRACK!-
A large crater formed around Izuku's hand, making the ground sink under him and Sanageyama! Long cracks spread throughout the arena, violently shaking it as air escaped from within.
Everyone was astonished by Izuku's strength, especially the Elite Four. Any more of those could make the entire stage break right from the center. Uzu could feel himself choking on the air as he tried to breathe. His eyes widened once he saw that Izuku's fist was inches from doing that to his face.
Uzu quickly shoved Midoriya off so that he could recollect himself. Izuku's hand shook from the pain of shattering concrete, but he shrugged off the pain as he tightened his knuckles. Dust popped off from the sheer force of his grip.
Sanageyama was only able to keep himself on his knee at the moment. He was absolutely spent. The same could be said for Midoriya as he was breathing heavily and couldn't stand properly. Thirteen percent was taking a heavy toll on him. Whatever move they were going to make, it was going to be their last. They had to finish this now.
Izuku tightened his fist while Sanageyama clutched his Katana. In one final push, they came at each other swinging.
-BAM!-
The air was completely silent, not even gasps came out from the audience. All that was heard was Izuku coughing up blood, as he was struck in the abdomen by the Kanto Monkey's blunt weapon.
"It's over."
Izuku could feel his body giving out, his knees weakening, and his shoulders falling. At this moment, it was certain that Sanageyama won. But out of nowhere, sparkles popped out from the blade regalia. Heavy amounts of steam were pushed out from the exhaust vents of his suit.
"Hmm?" Satsuki was perplexed.
"You're kidding!" Iori was in disbelief as he leaned over the railing.
"Huh?!" Uzu exclaimed before his armor reverted him back to his normal state. The Goku Uniform had completely burned itself out.
"No way! What the hell happ-"
-WHAM!-
Izuku's fist to Sanageyama's face left a thundering clap that echoed throughout the entire stadium. He landed a clean hit straight into Uzu's cheek. Both fighters lost all feeling in their bodies before collapsing, hitting the ground at the same time.
Not another word was muttered for a long time. Confusion was the only expression that took up the entire crowd watching them.
"Damn it…" Izuku grated his fingers on the concrete.
Ryuko's eyes were fixed on the two knocked out fighters. Did Izuku win? She couldn't tell. She wanted to say Izuku won with the last punch, but it wasn't her call to make.
"What happened there?" Inumuta wondered.
"His Goku Uniform overheated. That's what. I… I didn't expect it to use that much power," Iori said.
"Damn…" Sanageyama said through labored breaths. He was completely wiped out. There wasn't a hint of movement he could feel anywhere in his body. No use getting up now.
"Your power surpassed the Uniform's limitations, Sanageyama. However, that does not mean you failed," Satsuki said.
Everyone collectively gasped as they heard her.
"You landed the finishing blow. The outcome would have been very different if Midoriya hadn't found an opening at the last moment. Which means that you're the victor."
"No!" Ryuko cried out.
Tears ran down Izuku's face. He failed. Sanageyama beat him. And it was going to cost them everything.
"Iida…Todoroki… Everyone… I'm sorry…"
The worst part of it all was that he still had just enough energy to pick himself up. Izuku slowly sat up and wiped his tears off, wishing he used that strength to actually win.
"My lady, wait!"
Izuku froze, dropping his arm to see that Sanageyama was calling out to Satsuki. Sanageyama was still seated, showing that his situation was no better than his.
"Please reconsider. Midoriya knocked me out fair and square. It may have been after my blade regalia burned out, but if I had been more careful, maybe the fight would have ended sooner."
Sanageyama shifted in place, taking a knee while firmly pressing his fist against his chest.
"I humbly ask that you make this fight a draw."
"Huh?" Izuku wondered, and so did the audience that listened to him.
"You know what the consequence for failure is. Are you sure about this, Sanageyama?" Satsuki asked.
"I am, M'lady. This fight has taught me that there are deeper roots to what strength is. Right now, I think that's a lot more rewarding than winning," Sanageyama said contently. No hesitation was heard in his voice.
"So, please. Make it a draw. I'll take whatever responsibility that comes my way."
Izuku's lips quivered as he was getting emotional again. Sanageyama stood up for him. Izuku knew how loyal the Elite Four were to Satsuki and would almost never question her, but Sanageyama went out of his way to go against Satsuki's judgement. Thinking hard, she closed her eyes and exhaled deeply out of her nose. Satsuki reopened them once she came to a decision.
"Very well. The fourth round of the runoff will be set to a draw," Satsuki announced with the speakers promptly sounding off.
A share of shaky huffs and puffs overtook the crowd. They couldn't believe the outcome that Satsuki was willing to allow. The silent air was drowned out by the rousing cheers from below, as everyone was satisfied with the conclusion to this fight.
Ryuko fell back into her seat, clutching her chest as she felt a sigh of relief. Never before did she think that anyone at this crazy school, except Mako, was capable of compassion. But Gamagori and Sanageyama proved otherwise. It was strangely cathartic.
Uzu relaxed himself. He got everything that he could have wanted out of this fight. All of the intense training he did up until today had paid off. He was proud.
"Sanageyama?" Izuku spoke. Uzu looked up towards him.
"Thank you."
Izuku lent his hand out to him.
"Thank you for giving me a good fight, and teaching me a few things too," Sanageyama smiled and happily took his hand. Midoriya helped him stand back up.
The two looked off to the audience that cheered for the both of them. Sanageyama could feel something swelling inside him. Instead of looking at him in fear, everyone was praising him for his actions. Sanageyama let out a melancholic chuckle. It all reminded him of the Northern Kanto gang. His comrades always had his back. Their loyalty didn't waver even after he left and joined Honnoji. He missed them greatly.
"Welp, here's where we go our separate ways. I've got a punishment coming," Uzu gently pulled his hand back.
"Sanageyama wait," Izuku stopped him.
"Come with us. Y-You don't have to endure it. UA can keep you safe. Maybe we can find a way to-"
"Midoriya, it's cool. I appreciate the offer, but I'm loyal to Lady Satsuki. Don't worry. I have a feeling that things are starting to change," Uzu smiled while he briefly looked at Satsuki.
"I'll see you at the stands."
Sanageyama patted Izuku's shoulder before he walked off. Izuku was clearly worried for him, but he saw that Sanegayam wasn't afraid at all. Maybe he was right. This was the time when things will change. Izuku had to believe in it.
"Good luck."
He then shortly after turned around and returned to the stands.
"I knew the kid had guts, but I didn't expect him to actually rub off on Honnoji like that. These UA kids are amazing," Mikisugi tilted his glasses.
Kinagase watched closely as Midoriya supported Sanageyama, even offering to help him. Initially, he didn't think much about his actions, that they were the results of naivety. But after seeing Midoriya like this, making himself known to Honnoji. Tsumugu started to believe there might be a chance.
He could be the key to ending the war.
Once Izuku hiked his way back to his peers, Ryuko got up from her seat and ran towards him.
"Izuku!" she wrapped his arms around him, but not too tightly.
Everyone else from 1A circled around them. Mako joined in on the embrace as well.
"I'm so happy that you're alright. I don't know what I would have done if things got worse out there," Ryuko said.
"I'm a little bruised, but I'll still be able to watch the rest of the runoff. I did survive training with you after all, Ryuko," Izuku smiled and returned her embrace.
"IZUUKUUU!" Mako wailed while sticking her face in his arm. "You did a great job kicking Sanageyama's butt!"
"Thanks Mako," Izuku chuckled.
"It's a shame that it ended off in a draw, but I think you've won everyone over with what you said today," Iida said.
Mako felt her cheeks start turning red, getting embarrassed.
"Yeah, it was really moving. I could have sworn it almost sounds like something someone else said earlier," Tanaka spoke up, cheekily eluding to Mako.
"Ah!" Mankanshoku covered her face.
"What's wrong, Mako?" Izuku asked.
"Umm, Err, it's just that - I didn't expect you to be listening. But, I'm really happy that you were. That was really cool, what you did out there," Mako said bashfully as she lowered her hands slowly.
"Most people don't listen to what I say because I'm not that smart and that I'm too silly."
Mako's words really hit close to home with Izuku. He knew what it was like to be ignored. Izuku was curious to know if there were any more similarities between himself and Mako.
"I know that feeling, Mako. People were like that to me too because they thought my dreams were dumb or silly. I started to believe that I didn't have what it takes," Izuku said before he smiled.
"But after meeting some new friends, and reconnecting with old ones, I'm learning that's not the case anymore."
Ryuko's demeanor brightened up, knowing that Izuku appreciated her company.
"There are people that will listen to you, Mako. Make your voice heard, okay?" Izuku asked her.
"Yes! I will!" Mako shook her head up and down rapidly. "I'll keep working hard for my family! And for you guys too!"
"That's the spirit, Mako! Kick ass out there! But don't forget to keep sending letters too," Ryuko ruffled Mako's hair.
That was the last of the matches with the Elite Four; 1A currently had a lead over Honnoji, thanks to the wins against Gamagori and Jakuzure. But Ryuko knew that that wasn't going to be enough to settle things for Satsuki. Which meant there was only one obstacle left to cross.
The Kamui Wielder looked up to the high tower that the Student Council President stood on.
"It seems that you and your classmates survived the Elite Four, Ryuko Matoi."
"Damn straight! And it looks like we have more points than you, which means we win! So how about it, Satsuki? You gonna tell me what happened to my dad?" Ryuko pulled out her scissor blade, pointing it high in Satsuki's direction.
"Or do I hafta beat it outta ya?"
Izuku watched Satsuki's expressions with caution. Things were never concrete when it came to her. She could mix things up at a moment's notice and catch everyone off guard. And Satsuki did exactly that when a small grin tugged at the corner of her lips.
"You may try, Matoi," Satsuki's voice cut through the valley of silence, causing a stir among the Honnoji faithful.
"Let us fight."
To be continued…
A/N: WOOHOO We're nearing the end of the Honnoji Arc! Hope you're all enjoying it so far! This was super fun to write! Thank you all for continuing to stick with the story! It means a lot! While I'm at it, I may as well peek at some of the reviews received!
crowsong0dark: (So much text I can't even fit it)
Aduubo: Okay wow, that's a LOT LMAO. All I can say without revealing too much is that you're actually pretty close on the ball with some of the stuff you're saying! I won't tell what though. And yes, I did see the mistake of misplacing Jirou and Jakuzure in the last chapter and fixed it. Thanks! As for season 3 equivalent of content? I can't reveal too much! Lol
DedeTC:
I think you nerfed Momo and Shoji here, Inumuta would of used his Optics Camouflage to battle.I feel like Momo been given the short end of the stick a few times in this fanfic, maybe have her earn a well-served victory very soon
Aduubo: Yeah. Looking back, I feel like I should have implemented Inumuta at least using his camoflauge. But at the same time, he was able to read Ryuko's moves in the anime. So it would make sense that he'd have a much easier time against fighters that don't have super speed like she does. And in Yaoyorozu's case, it only gets much easier when you have an opponent who is unable to recover.
Guest:
So by any chances when will Mankanshoku family meets class 1A? Or better, when will Ryuko meets the Bakugo parents? Considering she was there when they were kids.
Aduubo:
Maybe! As for Ryuko meeting Bakugo's parents? She's most likely met them before when she and the others were kids. But nowadays, I don't imagine Ryuko willingly going to Bakugo's house, considering how dicey things have gotten between him, Ryuko, AND Izuku lmao
I must venture off now. See you all at the finale of the Honnoji Arc!