Angel: I said this last chapter, but we are not at the point where Izuka's hero name is revealed yet lol. We still have to get through the Sports Festival, guys! Although some of the suggestions I've gotten makes me doubt the name I chose a little bit. Then again, her Quirk is based off of space, so there are a lot of good suggestions for hero names. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint people when it's revealed.
This is only episode 7 of the season, and the name appears in episode 13, so gotta wait like 3 more weeks. Also to answer the question, no I will not be writing the openings and endings for this story because there's too many of them this time around to tackle compared to Dr. Stone. I'm sorry! If anyone out there wants to do it, go ahead! As for the rest of the openings since we're only in season 2, interpret them as you wish.
"Welcome to the first match of the finals tournament!" Present Mic announced while Izuku and Hitoshi were standing a few feet away from each other. "It's Izuku Midoriya from the hero course, versus, Hitoshi Shinso from general studies!"
Class 1-A was watching from their own stand. "The rules are simple: Immobilize your opponent or force them outta the ring! You can also win by getting the other person to cry uncle." Toshinori was peeking from the hallway out into the field.
Izuku then took a deep breath. "So you can just give up, huh?" Hitoshi called out to him, getting the boy's attention. He gasped as he looked up at his opponent. "In a way, this is a test of how strong your spirit is. If you know what you want your future to hold...you can't worry about what other people think."
"Ready?" Present Mic's voice boomed, though Hitoshi ignored it as he narrowed his eyes.
"That monkey was going on about his pride earlier, and your sister is trying to show everyone that she's capable with a Quirk that may or may not exist," He continued as both Mashirao and Izuka were watching closely. The girl was sitting between Ochaco and Tenya.
"Begin!"
"But I just think he's an idiot for throwing away his chance like that. And no matter what your sister does, she's just as idiotic for thinking that she has one," Hitoshi stated without any hesitation.
Izuku gasped sharply from the insults being thrown at his classmate and his sister. He then growled, gritting his teeth. He slowly stepped forward before racing towards his opponent. "Don't you talk about Ojiro and my sister that way, you hear me?!"
Hitoshi grinned as Izuku suddenly stopped moving, as he felt like he saw a flash or something. "That's it. I win."
Izuka gasped sharply as she got onto her feet.
Mashirao groaned while standing up, holding his head. "I warned him not to say anything!"
Toshinori gasped from his spot, everyone confused at Izuku suddenly just...not responding. And one would think he would attack given what Hitoshi had just said. "Huh?!" Present Mic continued talking while Tenya and Ochaco stood up in shock.
"Come on, Deku!" The brunette pleaded even though he couldn't hear.
"Why in the world isn't he moving?" Tenya sweated a little.
Izuka's eyes were shaking in a bit of concern for him. "Izuku...what's gotten into you?" She murmured while looking at him and clenching a fist in front of her heart.
"It should start out with a bang!" Izuku's eyes were white, and not his usual green. It felt like his brain had stopped functioning. "The fight has just begun and Izuku Midoriya is...completely frozen? He's not moving a muscle! And what's with that look on his face? Could this be a Quirk at work?" The audience was just as baffled as Izuku's own class. They couldn't understand anything of what could be going on. "Hitoshi Shinso seems to have Izuku Midoriya completely stunned!"
Hitoshi just stared at the boy as if nothing unusual was going on. "He didn't stand out in the first rounds at all, but all, but it's possible Shinso's crazy powerful!" Present Mic held his head in shock. "Who could've imagined this turn of events? That's the Festival for ya!" He then let out a bit of a maniacal laugh.
"This is a perfect example of why the entrance exam isn't rational," Mr. Aizawa spoke up, confusing his comrade.
"Huh? What's that?" He couldn't help but wonder, leaning in a bit.
"Since we're on to the individual matches, I had some information complied about our final competitors," He was holding information about both students. This included what middle schools they came from and what courses they were in. "Shinso failed the practical exam to get into the hero course. Since he also applied for general studies, he probably figured that would happen. His Quirk is incredibly strong, but that entrance test consisted of fighting faux villains. Robots."
Izuku prepared to punch just as Izuka fired off her shooting star. He then punched the robot just as the shooting star hit. "It gave a huge advantage to those who had physical superpowers they could show off," He then stared at the purple-haired boy. "Despite his abilities, Shinso never stood a chance at passing."
"So here we are," Hitoshi spoke up again. "You're lucky to have been so blessed, Izuku Midoriya." He paused before looking Izuku straight in the face. "Now turn around and walk out of bounds like a good little hero."
Izuku slowly turned around and did as asked. He then started to slowly walk in the opposite direction. "Uh-what?! Ah! Midoriya's obeying him!" Present Mic screeched in disbelief.
"Oh no, Deku, what are you doing?" Ochaco cried out in worry.
"He can't walk out of the ring!" Tenya rapidly waved his hands around. "He'll lose the match if he does!"
Katsuki only stared with narrowed eyes, not saying a word. He felt like Izuku wasn't strong enough to not obey. But at the same time...he did wanna see if this would play out like Hitoshi wanted it to. Toshinori gripped his hands in anticipation, staring at Hitoshi, who didn't look fazed in the slightest. In fact, he seemed to know exactly what he was doing.
What is this power?
Izuka bit her lip nervously, glancing at Hitoshi. His power...I think I know exactly what it is. And why my brother can't seem to stop himself right now...
Hitoshi Shinso! His Quirk: Brainwashing! When an opponent answers his question, it flips a switch in their minds, forcing them to do whatever he says. Not every question does it, though. He only brainwashes when he wants to.
"Not very flashy..." Present Mic commented while Mr. Aizawa looked at the papers again.
In the fitness test on the first day of school, Midoriya scored pretty low for a student who'd been accepted into the hero course. And the same could be said for his sister, even if on the surface, she should be used to her Quirk. Still, even in tests where he didn't use his Quirk, he outperformed Shinso. Hitoshi continued to watch Izuku walking away from him. If they fought without powers, Midoriya would almost certainly win. Hm...but he'd have to overcome Shinso's Brainwashing to do that. Either way, this match will be over quickly. Mr. Aizawa stared as Izuku got closer to the out of bounds area. Izuka looked concerned towards Hitoshi, since he seemed to be an underrated opponent rather than a front-runner...up until now at least.
That boy's Quirk seems to be the most likely explanation as to why Izuku isn't in control. And why he has to follow Shinso-San right now. My brother wouldn't blindly follow an order like that unless it was because of Shinso-San's power. The real question is...how is he gonna get out of it so he can turn things around like he always does? Just by watching him, Shinso-San's power is kind of like Mr. Aizawa said: like a crutch since he doesn't have any fighting abilities like others in the hero course. But when used with lots of training, can prove really useful in the future against villains.
Toshinori gasped from his spot, letting out a yelp. "What are you doing, kid? Get back in there and show him what you're made of!" The blond man was internally panicking while trying not to make himself seem noticeable. However, Izuku still couldn't disobey. He couldn't hear anything at all, so that wouldn't help matters.
This Quirk most likely affects Izuku's eyesight and hearing ability when it's in effect, so getting his attention won't be easy. I can't even interfere myself or else I'd be disqualified. No...! Izuka gritted her teeth at being unable to stop him. If she tried using her Quirk on him even discreetly, there were cameras practically everywhere. It wouldn't be hard to deduce the source with hundreds of people around. If she wasn't trying to disprove the rumors, she would've easily decided to get his attention easily by shouting or throwing something. But...not this time, she had to rely on him to snap him out of it.
What's happening? Izuku thought to himself, though still wasn't in control of himself. My body's...moving on its own. I feel like...my brain is full of fog. I can't concentrate. No! He was almost to the out of bounds line. Not like this! Gotta...stop! Dammit!
Mashirao was shaking from his spot, still on his feet as his eyebrows furrowed. I fell for it, even after Ojiro warned me about his power. I'm an idiot. This is all my fault!
In one of the waiting rooms, Izuku gulped after hearing the explanation from his classmate. "So his Quirk is that he can control other people?" He wondered a bit anxiously, and his Quirk was definitely more of a physical one. "Can I beat something like that?"
"Yes," Mashirao nodded at him. "By not giving him a chance to use it. He didn't get into my head until I answered a question he asked me before the second round. I think that's the secret behind his power."
"So I have to be careful not to say anything or I'll lose for sure," Izuku looked very nervous now.
"Not exactly. Even if he gets you, there's still a chance." The green-haired boy gasped while glancing upwards. "For round two...I don't remember anything at all except the very end of the battle." At the time, Hitoshi had just snatched a headband from Tetsutetsu. "I think we were running away after Shinso took Tetsutetsu's headband. I bumped into another person, and it was like I woke up," He had the same eyes as Izuku when a girl bumped into him, snapping him out of it. Hence why he was so confused by being in third place when the teams were announced. He gasped and looked around.
"I was me again. And suddenly I was able to think clearly," Mashirao stared at his hand, Izuku narrowing his eyes in thought.
"...So that bump broke his hold?" He asked after a few seconds.
"Maybe. It's only a guess. Still..." Mashirao then leaned back in his chair. "I don't know how much of a shock it would take to break his spell. And in a one-on-one match, you can't count on an outside force intervening to help you. So while Mido would be able to tell what's up, all she can do is watch like everyone else." He then got onto his feet. "Anyway man, I hope that's helpful, cause it's all I know."
"Thank you so much!" Izuku got onto his feet gratefully. "You're a good guy, Ojiro!"
Mashirao looked at his fist with a small frown. "I know this sounds selfish, but I'll say it anyway," He then held out his fist to Izuku. "Beat this guy for you, me, and your sister, all right? I don't think either of us forgot that he was hinting she was the one who might get transferred out."
"I'll do my best," Izuku declared, nodding in determination with a small smile.
Izuku continued to walk, as it felt like his body was on autopilot. I...can't...stop it.
He held out his own fist to Mashirao, and they bumped them.
Izuka gripped the edge of the balcony in anticipation, sweat dripping down her face. I'm going to lose. It's all over...He then thought of Mashirao's smile, the blond currently watching on the edge of his seat like everyone else. Even though...so many people counting on me... This included Ochaco, Tenya, and Toshinori. Everyone is watching...everyone!
Izuka clenched her fists in hope while watching her brother. Come on, Izuku, snap out of it! I believe in you, I know you can do this and win! I know you can't hear me, but I hope you can feel how much I need you to continue on!
And as soon as she thought of this...he could see in the distance 8 lights from the doorway, the same one Toshinori was in, actually. There was a flash and suddenly he could see 8 figures in darkness, all of them with glowing yellow eyes. They all looked too different from each other, and he couldn't recognize most of them. Suddenly it felt like a flow of power was coming towards him, even though no one else could feel it except for Izuka. She flinched in alarm as she stared at the doorway, and she saw a flash. The same 8 people flashed in her mind, but only in brief periods of time kind of like a camera reel.
She gritted her teeth as she felt like her head was pounding, a hand on her forehead. It was like the 8 figures wanted her to know of their presence, but she had no idea why.
What...is...that...? The twins wondered at the same time as Izuku's power activated. Izuka stayed dormant in her spot as his fingers sparked with energy. They twitched and he suddenly came to a stop, just in front of the out of bounds area.
Wait...
"Even with a Quirk like this...I have my own dreams of becoming a great hero," Hitoshi spoke up to Izuku. He then narrowed his eyes a little. "So...lose for me."
Izuku's fingers moved and a huge gust of wind flew in. Hitoshi braced himself, Toshinori looking towards Izuku with a light gasp. Midnight looked up in confusion and once the wind settled, Izuku let out a sharp gasp. He panted as his eyes were back to normal, his feet just about to touch the out of bounds line. As soon as this happened, Izuka placed a woozy hand on her forehead, as her head was spinning. Even though her vision wasn't as clear as his during the whole thing.
"What's this? Midoriya stopped just in time!" Present Mic announced in shock.
"That's the way to do it!" Tenya shouted with a big smile, waving his fists into the air.
"Whoa, I was about to freak out!" Ochaco smiled in relief at him.
Mr. Aizawa then gasped at his student, seeing something most others hadn't seemed to have noticed. "His fingers..." Two of them were broken, just like how he'd break a limb back when he was still getting used to One for All. "He broke them in order to stop Shinso."
Izuku then glanced back at his opponent. Mashirao sighed in relief, sitting back down with a hand over his chest. "Whew, that just about killed me."
Meanwhile, Izuka wobbled backwards, her hand still over her head as she fell into her seat. Her eyesight was currently blurred and she closed her eyes. The brunette glanced out of the corner of her eye and flinched in alarm.
"Huh?! Hey, Mido!" Ochaco bent down to her in concern, Tenya gasping at the girl.
"What happened?" He asked the brunette, who had a small frown, their classmates looking towards the front in concern. The girl let out a small groan as she didn't respond to them, feeling very dizzy all of a sudden. And she couldn't understand why at all; if it was relief for her brother, she'd be happier, not losing consciousness.
"I don't know, she was watching Deku and then the next second, she was falling," She stated as some of her classmates surrounded her.
"Is she okay?" Denki asked in a bit of worry.
"Mido..." Momo's eyes shook in concern for the girl.
"She looks like she might be getting sick," Tsuyu pointed out, a finger on her chin.
Tenya got Izuka onto his back. Her eyes were closed and her arms were limp. The whole crowd cheered while the rest of Class 1-A watched Tenya run off.
"I'll take her to Recovery Girl immediately! One of us should inform Midoriya as soon as his match is over," He told them as they all watched with small frowns.
"I'll stay behind so that I can catch up with him," Ochaco called out and Katsuki himself stared at Izuka the whole time. As Tenya passed him, he glanced over his shoulder as she hadn't gained consciousness.
"I hope she'll be okay in time for her match," Eijiro gave a small frown towards the two. "Maybe it's a twin thing or something given the timing."
Katsuki gritted his teeth a bit, glancing back towards Izuku. Deku...her fall happened as soon as he snapped out of it. Does this have to do with his Quirk?
Hitoshi let out a sound of surprise; no one had ever broken out of his hold before. "No. Impossible," He then let out a small growl. "You're not supposed to be able to fight back! What did you do?!"
Izuku gasped and covered his mouth with his hand. I'm the one who used One for All. But I'm not the one who moved my fingers just now. It was like...people I didn't know came into my mind. And for a second...it was clear. Could it be...
"One for All," Toshinori started off while light came from his palm, his hair flying. "A sacred torch that's been passed on from person to person."
His eyes widened in realization. Those people. Were they the ones who cultivated this power? He then looked towards his shaking broken fingers. Did they save me? Is that even possible?
"How'd you do that?!" Hitoshi demanded once again, but didn't get an answer. Izuku gritted his teeth while holding his arm.
Later. I don't have time to figure things out right now. He shook his head rapidly just as Tenya arrived at Recovery Girl's temporary office with Izuka. He laid her down on a bed, the nurse walking over to her in a bit of confusion. I have to focus.
Hitoshi gritted his teeth again after getting silence. He won't answer. Did he figure it out? No...he's known. That monkey must have told him. I have to get him to talk again. Izuku stared at him with a straight face, and Hitoshi shook a little. He then straightened up, deciding to taunt Izuku to get him to talk. "Come on, say something." He still got no answer. "...I didn't know you had so much power in your fingers. I'm kinda jealous of you," Hitoshi then tried to compliment him.
I know what that jealousy feels like. I've been there! Izuku came charging in.
"Thanks to the way my Quirk works, I've always been at a big disadvantage," Hitoshi grinned a little. "But someone as blessed as you wouldn't understand that!"
I get it. Even though he's right. I have been blessed.
"You're lucky enough to have a heroic Quirk!" Hitoshi screamed at him, now looking a bit angry. "It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal!"
Tenya ran back to his classmates, watching in anticipation. Izuku then squeezed his eyes shut, still running toward his opponent almost like a bull. I've been blessed by others! He then grabbed Hitoshi's shoulder, placing an arm in front of his chest. That's why I'm here! He started pushing Hitoshi backwards, causing the purple-haired boy to growl.
"Say something, damn it!" He punched Izuku right in the face, and this gained him a nosebleed, but he still wouldn't say a word.
I can't lose this! Hitoshi gasped from the determined look in Izuku's eyes, grabbing his wrist. I'll do it for them!
Hitoshi grunted while looking behind him. He's pushing me out! He punched Izuku's hand with the broken fingers, causing him to grunt in pain. Hitoshi then threw him off. "You've gotta be kidding me!" He shouted, Izuku turning back. Hitoshi then grabbed his face to push him away. "Get out of this ring, you lucky brat!" He was about to push Izuku to the out of bounds line himself. Izuku grabbed his shirt and wrist, yelping in pain. He slid to a stop and then threw Hitoshi over his shoulder. Katsuki's eyes slightly widened at him.
No! I refuse to let this be the end! He let go of his opponent, who landed with a slam into the out of bounds area. Everyone stared with open mouths, Izuku himself a bit shocked.
Midnight raised a hand. "Shinso is out of bounds! Midoriya advances to the next match!"
The crowd cheered while Izuku was left panting and slightly bloody. He straightened himself up, processing what just happened.
Three years ago...
At Nabooh City Middle School, one of the students gave an amazed smile. "Your Quirk is brainwashing?" He looked down at Hitoshi, who was sitting in front of him. "That's so cool!"
"Seriously!" Another student walked over to him. "I can't think of anyone who's had that power!"
"I'm so jealous, Shinso," A female classmate walked over.
"Imagine all the cool stuff you could do controlling people," The first student smiled a little, crossing his arms.
"Yeah!" The second student looked excited, smoke coming from his nostrils. "You can do any bad thing you want."
"And no one would ever know it was you," The female classmate added, looking away a little. "Just promise you won't make us your slaves, okay?"
He then placed a hand on the back of his neck. "Heh..." He had a small smile on his face. "Everyone always says that."
Although, in the back of his mind...he couldn't help but agree with them. This happened every single time someone asked him what his Quirk was. 'Of course. I'd probably think anyone with my power would use it for evil, too. 'Sounds criminal, Shinso. It's the perfect power for a villain to have.' Even now, some of his classmates were staring at him like he was gonna use it against them. 'I'm used to people looking at me like I'm the bad guy.'
"...But you know what?" A single cherry blossom petal fell. "I'm not."
Hitoshi slowly opened his eyes to the blue sky as he could faintly hear cheering. He then clenched a shaking fist, still on the ground. "And with that expertly performed throw, we have our first victor of the finals!" Hitoshi had a bitter look on his face for his loss, as he wanted to prove he could win...with a power that no one else could possibly use for physical strength. "Class 1-A's Izuku Midoriya!"
Unfortunately, Izuka was still in the nurse's office, so she didn't hear about her brother's win. She currently was still unconscious as Recovery Girl gave her a big smooch on the forehead. However, this wasn't enough to wake her up.
The crowd cheered while Ochaco sighed in a bit of relief, sitting down. "Ugh, that was so nerve-wracking!" She admitted while Tenya clenched a fist.
"Turning the tables at the last moment—a classic Midoriya maneuver!" Tenya complimented, getting the attention of his classmates.
"Is Mido okay?" Ochaco and Momo both asked in unison.
"I wanted to stay, but Recovery Girl said she needed privacy. I know she'll help Mido make a smooth recovery," He informed the class, the two girls sighing in relief.
"Well, at least she'll be alright," Momo said in relief, a hand on her chest.
"Still, it's pretty weird that she happened to faint just as Midoriya was unfrozen," Denki commented while staring up ahead. "Didn't they say that their Quirks weren't connected at all when we were heading to the USJ?"
Katsuki let out a small hum in thought, narrowing his eyes. There were only two options: one, she lied, or two, there really was some truth to what Izuku told him after combat class. But it wasn't like he had any solid proof either...
"He's pulled that shoulder throw on you before, huh?" Denki demonstrated to Katsuki, who wasn't paying attention to him.
"Shut your damn face, Sparky," Katsuki replied back in annoyance. That jerkwad. He's definitely aiming for the top. He then gritted his teeth while Denki looked a bit sullen from the insult that Katsuki gave him. And that purple-haired guy fell for his trap! Meanwhile, he doesn't even know mousy's in recovery because of him freezing. She better not pull that crap in the 9th round.
Mr. Aizawa then remembered when Izuku had thrown the ball in the Quirk Apprehension Test. He focused his power like he did in the fitness test, and used the throw from combat training. When Izuku had done that throw, Katsuki was just as off-guard as Hitoshi was. It's not just he's leaning from his experiences; he's using every trick he's picked up to improve his odds.
Present Mic appeared on the big screen after it announced Izuku's win. "Oh, yeah! That was actually kind of a boring first match, kids. But both of you fought bravely. Let's show them some love, everyone!"
Izuku bowed his head a little, holding his arm as the audience started to clap. "Someone as blessed as you could never understand!" He looked up at Hitoshi, who frowned towards the floor. "It'll be so easy for you to reach your goal!"
He then slowly looked up at his opponent, as a curious question came to mind. Given his Quirk and attitude, it just...didn't make sense to him on why Hitoshi was pushing so hard to get into the hero course. "Why do you wanna be a hero? What's driving you?"
Hitoshi let out a small gasp while looking up. He then remembered what he said to his middle school classmates.
"I'll be a hero," He said almost softly.
The boy then turned away from Izuku. "...You can't help the things your heart longs for," He simply said, Izuku flinching in shock. He couldn't help but feel a bit sad, since...he had felt similar when he was told he was Quirkless. And when Izuka wanted to give him her Quirk, although...she never could've since it wasn't a transferrable one.
I felt the same way. Before I inherited One for All, I was just like him. He watched Hitoshi go down the steps, but in silence...even if he could come up with anything, it wouldn't change the fact that Hitoshi did lose. But...nothing I say is going to make him feel better.
Hitoshi continued walking towards the hallway when one of his classmates got his attention from above his head. "You were awesome out there, Shinso!" He stopped in shock, looking up to see some of his classmates smiling at him.
"We're proud a' you!" A girl waved to him.
"You didn't tell us you were that good!" A boy smiled down at him.
"Yeah, you're the star of our program!" A shorter boy called out.
"I can't believe you put up such a great fight against the dude who was in first place earlier!" Another boy grinned widely. "Listen to them!"
Hitoshi had a look of disbelief as he blinked, one of his classmates jerking a thumb behind him. One of the girls glanced behind her towards the section of pro heroes. "With a Quirk like that, it would be very simple to capture dangerous villains," One of the pros rubbed his chin. "Wish I had it."
"I can't believe they stuck him in General Studies," A woman with a mask over her face gestured to Shinso. "Those idiots."
"Well, there are a ton of applicants each year," Another one spoke up nearby. "Guess sometimes people slip through the cracks."
"If only he had more combat experience," A hero with a robot head stated, another one just like him nodding.
"Yeah, I bet he would've dominated. What a waste."
"Shinso, you hear that?" His classmate turned to him with a smile.
"It's great! They think you're incredible!"
Izuku couldn't see Hitoshi's face upon learning this, but a single cherry blossom petal did fly by. "Depending on the results...they might transfer people into the hero course. Remember that. Although...I do have to take back what I said about your sister. If she's as determined as you are...then I have no doubt she'll prevail in her own goal. Even if it didn't work out this time, I'm not giving up. I'll get onto the hero track, get certified, and then, I'll become a better pro than any of you!" He declared while gritting his teeth.
Izuku took a deep breath and then nodded sharply. He then gasped as his eyes looked the same as when he was brainwashed. He got me again! But why? The match is over!
Hitoshi gave a small chuckle. "You know, usually people tense up whenever they talk to me," He then glanced over his shoulder with a small smirk. "If you're not on guard, someone's going to defeat you. So be careful." Izuku gasped as he snapped out of it. "You better not lose and make me look bad."
Shinso... He almost wished he didn't win just so Hitoshi could have even a shred of a chance, even if the pros thought he had a great Quirk. "I won't!" He declared, gasping as Hitoshi had gotten him again...
Once he snapped out of it, he went back to Toshinori, who didn't look happy for him. He blinked while staring at the man, knowing that he had something important to say. "...What is it, All Might?" He blinked as he didn't like this feeling at all, he could tell that something had happened.
"I got a call from Recovery Girl. Your sister passed out during your match," Izuku let out a sharp gasp, his eyes slowly widening.
What...? But how?
"What happened?" Izuku asked him while trying not to panic.
"Seems as if she felt dizzy and it caused her to fall. Young Ida got her to the nurse's office, she's still there in recovery. I'll take you to her," Toshinori turned around and walked off. Izuku's eyes shook a little while following the man.
Once they arrived, Recovery Girl healed him with a smooch. "Mmmmwah! That should do it," She then put bandages around his fingers.
"Thank you. What about my sister, how's she doing?" Izuku turned to her lying in bed, her eyes closed.
"Mido's doing well," Recovery Girl looked at her as well. "Although I don't know why she lost consciousness during the match. She should be waking up soon and well enough to continue the Sports Festival."
Both Izuku and Toshinori sighed in relief. "That match with Shinso...I couldn't smile through it like you would," He confessed to the two.
Toshinori sighed, a hand on his neck. "I heard some of the things he said to you. It must've been painful, knowing how much you could relate to him."
"Yeah," Izuku frowned a little, placing a hand on top of his sister's forehead. "But I still couldn't go easy on him. And it might've overwhelmed her so much that she passed out..." He didn't know the real reason she fell, and so he was associating the reason that she had to watch him almost lose. "I have to keep my eye on the prize. Aiming for the top. Just like you've said. And supporting my sister too."
Recovery Girl gave a small sigh. "You poor little darling," She then glared up at Toshinori. "Have you been putting too much pressure on him again?!" The lady demanded, punching the man hard in the side. Izuku looked at the display wide-eyed.
"It was necessary, and that hurt!" He wheezed out in pain, rubbing his side with a groan.
Due to all of the noise, Izuka slowly opened her eyes, seeing the light from the ceiling. She placed a wrist over her eyes with a small groan. "What...what happened...?" She wondered while slowly sitting up. "And why does my head hurt so much?"
All of them turned to her in alarm. "Izuka, you're alright, thank goodness!" Izuku smiled happily at her.
"Why am I in the nurse's office?" She couldn't help but wonder, Recovery Girl handing her some water. She took the cup in both hands and took a small sip.
"According to some of your classmates and what Recovery Girl told me, as soon as your brother broke himself out of Young Shinso's Quirk, you lost consciousness," Toshinori explained to her. "Young Ida brought you here, and it's only been a little over a half hour."
"Huh?" Izuka blinked in confusion as she could faintly remember falling backwards during the match. "I fainted...? That's kinda embarrassing, not gonna lie," She gave a sheepish look since everyone was so worried over her. "Thank you, Recovery Girl."
"Not a problem, dear."
"Uh!" She turned to her brother in realization that she must've slept through his fight with Shinso if she was just now waking up. "Did I miss your match?! You won, didn't you?"
"Yeah...I did," He gave a small smile to her. "I used what I did in combat class after I broke out of his hold."
"Oh, that's so great, Izuku!" She lunged forward to hug him, causing him to laugh.
"Hey, don't forget I'm not the one who passed out and needs to rest," He gently pushed her away, Toshinori giving a small smile. "You worried me there for a minute, you know."
"I'm fine," She hummed while sipping some more water. "As long as I don't miss my own match, that is."
"Oh, yeah, All Might," Izuku turned to him as he was scratching at his side. "I had...some kind of vision in the match." Both his sister and Toshinori looked at him attentively. "There were...people. Maybe eight or nine of them? I'm not sure. When I was under Shinso's control, it felt like my brain was full of fog or something. But when the vision appeared, it completely drove the fog away. That's when I was finally able to move for a second. Just my fingertips." He then recalled a distinct figure. "One of the figures had eyes just like yours, All Might."
Izuka slowly looked up wide-eyed as...she could faintly remember seeing the same 8 or 9 people. Bits and pieces were now coming back to her. "Do you think all the people who've used One for All in the past were there, pushing me on? Like spirits?"
Toshinori was shaking in fear staring at the boy. "Spooky. I'm a ghost?"
"Huh?!" Both of the twins exclaimed in disbelief.
"I-I'm pretty sure you're not a walking spirit, Mr. All Might," Izuka gave an awkward smile.
"Actually, I saw something like that too," He informed all of them. "In my younger days."
The two gasped in surprise. "It's a clear sign that you're getting closer to making One for All your own power."
"What was it?" Izuku asked him curiously.
"I think it's like a trace of the user's spirit that's left behind in One for All when it's passed on," Toshinori explained in thought. "Don't worry. Whatever you saw, it won't be interfering with you or your progress in the future, I'm sure. In other words, that vision wasn't what got rid of the brainwashing effects. Regardless of what you saw out there, it was your passion that allowed you to overcome Shinso's power, even if it was only long enough for you to wiggle your fingertips and expel some energy."
Izuku then looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, that explanation is so not satisfying..."
"Forget about it!" Toshinori pointed at him, Izuka clenching a fist into her blanket. Izuku flinched and turned to her curiously.
"Wait a minute...you fainted just as I broke free from Shinso, didn't you? What's the last thing you remember?" Izuku asked her seriously and she turned away in thought.
"I remember thinking that you had to snap out of Shinso-San's Quirk...and then...I saw those same 8 or 9 figures in the doorway behind you. I felt like you, that I couldn't move, and...they kept flashing in my head, like it was faint but something that I felt like I had to see. Then the next thing I knew, I woke up here."
"Uh! No way..." Izuku murmured in disbelief, his eyes shaking. "You...you must've seen what I was seeing earlier. But how? You don't have One for All. Our Quirks are entirely different, and you don't have All Might's DNA like I had to get."
"Hmm...it could be because her power is similar to yours in a way. Or because you two have that strong of a bond," Toshinori glanced between the two of them. She's been there for Izuku every step of the way ever since he got his Quirk. It's possible that her sight of them wasn't so clear because she doesn't possess the Quirk. Which must've resulted in her getting overwhelmed and fainting from it all. I didn't mean to indirectly cause this...
"Well...I did sense that you were willing for me to snap out of it," Izuku turned to her sister, who blinked at him. "And deep down...I wanted to win so that I could make you proud of me for your help."
She blinked and then smiled happily. "I already am," She revealed without hesitation, earning a smile from her brother.
"More importantly, shouldn't you two be worrying about who you're fighting next?" Toshinori reminded the two and they flinched in alarm. They realized that they were going up against strong opponents, and they needed strategies.
"You're right!" Izuku opened the door. "Thank you both very much!"
"You're all ready to get back out there, I'm sure some of your classmates must be worried. Several of them already tried to visit you," Recovery Girl turned to Izuka, who gasped.
"Oh no, I-I must've scared them when I fainted!" She took off the blanket and ran after her brother who waited for her. "Thank you again for your help!" She waved behind her.
"You're welcome!" Recovery Girl called back.
"Goodbye!"
The two then ran off to join the rest of the audience to watch the matches. "So, they saw you there too," Recovery Girl spoke up seriously after a few seconds.
"...That's a good thing," He said softly, biting his lip a bit. He would tell Izuka why she fainted, but he'd save it for later. She had the Sports Festival to deal with.
Shoto walked away from the waiting room. Of course Midoriya won. He then turned the corner, coming to a stop and glaring at the person up ahead. "What do you want?" He demanded from his own father, who was leaning against the wall. The man had been waiting for his son the whole time.
"You're acting disgracefully, Shoto," Endeavor scolded the boy with a deep frown. Shoto simply walked up ahead. "If you simply used the power in your left side, you would've had an overwhelming victory in both of the first rounds." The boy simply continued to walk right past him. "It's time to stop this childish rebellion of yours," This made the boy grit his teeth. "You have a duty to surpass that imbecile All Might. Do you understand what I'm saying? You're different from your siblings. You're my greatest masterpiece."
"...Is that all you have to say to me, you bastard?" Shoto finally retorted back while never looking back. He also didn't look pleased at all to be talking to his father. "I'll win this match and advance using only Mom's Quirk. I won't give you the pleasure of seeing me use yours."
Endeavor took a moment to think about what he said. "...Even if that works for you in this tournament, you'll soon find the limits of that power."
Shoto kept his eyes towards the ground, feeling like this was only to taunt him. But the way his father treated him like a trophy...he wanted nothing to do with it at all. What he did with his Quirk was his choice and no one else's. Not to satisfy some jealous vendetta towards a hero that the boy himself only respected.
The twins headed back to their class seats. "Ah! There you are, Deku!" Ochaco greeted, gasping as she saw Izuka walking in behind him. "Mido!" She ran up to the girl, some of the other classmates looking relieved. "Oh, I'm so glad you're okay, you had us worried!" The brunette brought the girl in for a hug, surprising her and Izuku.
"I-I apologize, I didn't mean to make you and everyone worry..." Izuka stared at the back of her head that the girl was this concerned over her. It almost made everything better that she had someone like Ochaco looking out for her safety.
"Oh please, you walking around again is enough for me," Ochaco told her in a truthful manner. "And you did good, Deku," She gave him an encouraging smile.
"Come on down here, we've saved seats for you both!" Tenya pointed to the seats surrounding the two.
"Ha! Thanks, guys," Izuku gave a small smile, looking towards Mashirao. He held up a fist with a smile, and the boy nodded. He walked down the steps to take his seat, Izuka passing by Katsuki. Once she did, he grabbed her wrist to stop her and she glanced back in confusion. He just stared at her with his piercing red eyes and she blinked from the suddenly kinda tense atmosphere. This was Katsuki, so she had no idea if he was gonna do something or not.
He then slipped a piece of paper into her hand from his sleeve and let go of her. The blond turned away as if nothing happened and she let out a small breath. Izuka shook her head to snap out of it and skipped down the steps to join her friends. She sat between Momo and Ochaco up in front.
"I'm glad to see you well, Mido," Momo gestured to herself, her eyes saddening. "I've actually been meaning to apologize to you."
"Eh? Apologize? For...for what?" Izuka turned to her incredibly.
"For the way I behaved during the cavalry battle. I'm sure you were surprised at how hard we were trying to snag your team's points. But...you do understand why I did it, don't you? And that we're still friends?" Momo frowned a little, some hope in her eyes.
Izuka blinked slowly and then turned away with a small smile. "Yaoyorozu-Chan...you don't need to apologize for that." Momo gasped while turning to her, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "You and Uraraka-Chan I...I start to feel like we're becoming really good friends. And that type of friendship...is something I've never had in life. So...I think I can understand how important it is for both of you how you do in the Sports Festival. But don't think this means I won't try as hard as you...Yao-Chan," She looked up with a determined smile, as she wanted to convey it was friendly rivalry, not something that she should worry about.
Momo's eyes glistened before she inhaled to keep her composure, nodding sharply with a smile of her own. "I don't expect you to hold back, Mido!"
"By the way, Recovery Girl said you were the one who took Izuka to see her. Thank you," Izuku looked at Tenya gratefully.
"Think nothing of it, Midoriya. She's my friend, and as class rep, I had to see to it that she got the proper care," Tenya gestured to himself; even though he was rivals with the twins, that had went out the window when Izuka had fainted.
"Thank you for your help, Ida-San..." Izuka spoke up softly, bowing her head thankfully.
"Enough standing around. Now welcome to the ring, our next players," Present Mic gave a big grin, as it was Shoto versus Hanta. "He's got skills, but at the expense of some really creepy-looking elbows," Hanta stretched his fingers, unfazed by that introduction. "From the hero course, it's Hanta Sero!"
"That was uncalled for," He commented towards Present Mic.
"Versus, an early frontrunner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good. Someone who rightfully got into the hero course based on recommendations! It's Shoto Todoroki!"
Shoto's eyes didn't convey that he wanted to be there fighting against Hanta. The rest of their class watched from the stands. Denki wasn't there, since his match was coming up. Izuku himself watched closely since his next opponent was Shoto, and he wanted to see what his rival would do. "And now, for the second match of the finals." Katsuki and Izuka were watching closely as well, even having the same look as Izuku right about now. The girl blinked as she realized that Shoto didn't really look as fierce as he did before when he challenged her and Izuku. In fact, he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else right about now.
He looks upset...and that look in his eyes is something I've had myself growing up. Something must've happened before the match.
"Ready?"
Hanta cracked his neck to prepare his muscles. "Well, I don't really feel like I can win this fight," He started off, knowing that Shoto's power was too strong.
"Begin!"
Hanta then fired off tape immediately, trapping Shoto in it. "But man, I don't feel like losing, either!" He then flung his elbows, dragging around Shoto like a rag doll almost.
"That attack could throw his opponent out of bounds!" Present Mic complimented instead of being biased. Some of his classmates were shocked by Hanta's move. "A brilliant, surprise opening from the underdog! Way to start off strong, Sero!"
Shoto had an intense look on his face. "Apologies," His voice sounded much more dark too as he moved his foot, sending ice Hanta's way. He then let out a yelp before there was a shake throughout the stadium.
"Is that...an earthquake?!" Recovery Girl looked up in confusion while Toshinori glanced around.
"What the heck is goin' on? Is that..."
Present Mic's glasses tilted a bit, Mr. Aizawa looking on in shock as well. The twins, Tenya, and Ochaco all gasped in horror as there was a block of ice right in front of them.
Kamui Woods and Death Arms looked pretty shocked as well at the sight. Ice was above their heads from the stadium. "Holy crap..." He murmured in shock, as a HUGE block of ice covered a part of the stadium. And all of it came from Shoto. He let out a small pant, his right side covered with frost.
Endeavor scoffed at this as he had seen the whole thing. Shoto then broke off his restraints since they were also frozen over. "Um..." Hanta was trapped in the huge block of ice. "Don't you think you went overboard?"
Midnight was shaking as her right side was covered in ice. "Tell the truth, Sero. Can you move at all?"
"Are you kidding?" His teeth chattered as almost his entire body was in ice. "Obviously not. My body is freezing!"
"Sero has been immobilized! Todoroki advances to the second round!"
The whole crowd was in utter silence from Shoto's power. Hanta didn't stand a chance against something like that... "Um," A pro hero pressed his hands together. "Well, nice try!"
"Nice try!" A pro hero called out next to him.
"Nice try!" The audience all said in unison.
"Nice try!"
"Nice try!" They repeated back as Shoto approached him.
"Sorry. It was a bit much," He agreed with Hanta, reaching out his hand and having steam come from it. He glanced away in irritation. "I was angry, is all."
Both the twins looked nervous, for different reasons.
As the crowd shouted, trying to make Sero feel better...Todoroki took a moment to melt his opponent from the ice prison he'd created. For some reason...in that moment...he looked very sad.
Even though almost no one questioned it, I knew myself that...it had to be something family-related for him to act this way. I've shared that same look as him growing up having people think I didn't have a Quirk.
She then blinked as she realized she didn't open the note Katsuki gave her. And since everyone was distracted, it was the perfect time to read it. She slowly slipped into her pocket to grab the paper, opening it up. The girl then recoiled back a bit.
At least you're alive. You better bring all you've got, mousy. I'm not accepting anything half-assed.
She then gave a small smile, feeling...a bit weird that he was being encouraging. But she could tell how much he wanted to win even without the note. She then groaned to herself, closing her eyes. That boy was honestly both terrifying and yet admirable at the same time, and she couldn't even believe she was admitting it...