My Hokuto Academia
I DO NOT own Hokuto no Ken or My Hero Academia, they belong to their respective creators, Tetsuo Hara, Buronson, and Kohei Horikoshi. Support the official releases, especially of Souten no Ken. Oh, someone's already translating Souten no Ken: Regenesis [manga version] already!
Italics = Flashback
"Italics" = Speaking in a Different Language
'Italics' = Inner Thoughts
Italics = Flashback
"BOLD" = All-Might's tone or Present Mic [excited]
Chapter Fifty-Nine: Shattered [Almost]
UA High School
This was the worst outcome.
"You have a lot of nerve being here..." growled All-Might, all 220cm [7'2.5] and 255kg [520lb] staring at Kensei who was 190m [6'3] and 100kg [220lb]. The latter didn't flinch at the Number One's response.
"Do we have a problem, All-Might?"
"There's a laundry list!" spat All-Might. "I know who you really are... You've gone on long enou-"
"You know... if you have a problem with me. At least specify," Kensei interjected. "Otherwise, you're wasting words," All-Might growled a bit, taking a stance. The group of students was very worried, especially Midoriya. Ashido realized that a fight might occur within a minute. The gears in her head turned, formulating a plan or at least a workable one. Her horns were twitching a bit, then straightened up.
'I only hope this works...'
Mina turned towards Midoriya, saying "Midori, I have a plan. You trust me, right?" The green-haired boy looked at her with a sense of hope. "Do you?"
"Y-Yes, I do. Okay, tell-MMPH!"
Mina planted her lips on Izuku's, shocking him and causing his cheeks to go red. Both Kensei and All-Might are caught off-guard by this! The group just stares with various reactions...
Momo just blushed, sputtering if this is the time and place for it. Shoto raised an eyebrow, confused at what just transpired. Ochako covered her eyes immediately, muttering this is a little embarrassing.
"T-T-That was y-your plan?!" stammered Jiro, red as Kirishima's hair. The red-haired boy gave a thumbs-up, albeit awkwardly.
"Was she always bold like that...?" Kendo asked, curious.
"Going to be honest with you, Kendo. Yes and no," responded Kirishima. Tsuyu kept a poker face, wanting to say something but ultimately kept it to herself. The two aggressors were gawking a bit...
"Y-Y-Young Ashido, there's a time and place for everything...!" All-Might responded, the tension in his voice gone. Replaced by a sense of embarrassment. "Y-You're s-still on school grounds!"
"Hi, pot. Meet kettle," Kensei said sardonically. The Number One ignored it, trying to regain his composure. The former then turned towards the couple, saying "Well... you two work fast," with a smirk on his face. Mina slowly separated, leaving Izuku still red. The pink girl was a little embarrassed, twirling one of her horns. However, her plan succeeded. She successfully prevented a fight between Kensei and All-Might.
"Oh... I just remembered," grumbled All-Might. "Young Togata has a training session with Gran Torino... I just hope he doesn't crush him too badly..." he said, walking away from the situation. Kensei sighed a bit, thinking he might be in the clear. That would be wishful thinking.
"Just so you know, Kasumi..." All-Might said, briefly turning around. "We'll continue this at another time."
"Take a number and get in line," responded Kensei. All-Might keeps walking after that, grumbling. A few minutes pass, prompting the former to say, "Alright, since that's over. Let's go," motioning for the group to come along.
"So... you and Midoriya are official~" teased Carmilla, walking alongside Kensei. Mina had a lilac blush on her cheeks while Midoriya's still red and stunned. "He might need some help, you don't mind, right?"
Mina shook herself free and grabbed Midoriya, the rest soon followed.
All-Might's Office
"Who does that bastard think he is..." grumbled All-Might, collecting a few things. On the other hand, Kasumi wasn't doing anything wrong. Yet. Collecting a few papers, ranging from study plans to a file on Izuku Midoriya. "The other issue is this. How did Kasumi manage to convince a small group of students? From1-A, nonetheless!"
YOU HAVE A PHONE CALL! YOU HAVE A PHONE-
"Hello?"
"Hey, Toshi!" barked an older voice.
"G-Gran Torino?" shakily responded All-Might. "How is Young Togata so far?" he said, recovering part of his composure.
"A third-year who needs his hands held, he keeps defaulting to Permeation!"
"He's... still adjusting to the workout routine I planned for him, I promise, he'll get better!" he responded, almost pleading.
"He better, Toshi... I swear, what was Nighteye thinking? I'll give credit where credit is due: Mirio is gonna be an excellent hero but he's missing a key element."
All-Might stood silent for a minute, wondering what exactly was Togata missing. However, he was not going to dismiss Torino's opinion. "What ex-"
"Togata seems to be the guy that would figure it out himself instead of being told," Torino bluntly added. "If he was trained by your ex-sidekick, I'm sure there are some smarts in that noggin of his."
Click!
He hung up. Just like that.
"He's going to crush him very likely..." said a sighing All-Might. "Looks like I need to intervene... again."
Kasumi Residence
The train ride and walk to Kasumi's house were uneventful. By the time they entered, they were instructed to go into the sparring room.
"Change into something comfortable, that's all."
In a period of two minutes, they were dressed and ready to spar. All of them were in sports gear or workout shorts in the case of Tsuyu. Rouga and Carmilla came in, inspecting everyone and the wolf-like fighter said this next, "One-on-One spars. FIve Minutes. Let's go! First off! Kendo and Jiro!"
Kendo vs. Jiro
Jiro keeps her distance... but the moment Kendo closes in. The violet-haired fighter aims for an oblique kick, stopping her right on the spot. She backs away once again, keeping her stance. The ginger-haired karateka engages once again, launching a jab. Kyoka quickly held her guard up...
No impact.
She let down her guard...
BAM!
Kyoka stumbled back a bit... a big mistake. Kendo capitalized on it but aimed somewhere else.
BANG!
A strike to the liver made Kyoka gag but there was a smirk on her face, muttering to her, "... got you..." She grabbed her head in a clinch and unloaded a whole volley of knee strikes.
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
WHIFF!
Kendo grabbed one leg, stopping her barrage, and drove her to the ground. However, she didn't go for a striking barrage, wrapped her arms around her neck, putting her into a guillotine chokehold.
Kirishima vs. Asui
Asui was using hit-and-run tactics on Kirishima who was on the defensive.
WHAM!
The red-haired boy sent an uppercut straight into Asui's lighter frame, splaying her on the ground. "Rib...bit..." Asui sputtered, surprised by the impact of Kirishima's punches. "Kirishima... you need to pull back a bit... ow..."
"Oh, crap... you-" Kirishima was cut off by Asui leaping into the air and hitting him in the temple with a roundhouse kick. She kept her distance, only striking when he got into range.
Yaoyorozu vs. Midoriya
Midoriya was on the defensive, dodging or side-stepping. Yaoyorozu was like a cobra, biding her time and striking at the right moment. He had to give her that, especially with how she used Phantom Spider's Pace against him.
WHIFF!
Yaoyorozu was surprised by how fast Midoriya parried her oncoming strike... then followed up with a palm strike to the face. Midoriya followed up with a small combo of his own, forcing her back. The girl dodged by sidestepping and dashing right in...
BOOM!
Midoriya felt that, knowing that Momo definitely improved. He didn't mind, in fact, he was glad.
Todoroki vs. Ashido
The bi-haired boy was surprised by Ashido because of two reasons. One. Her insane reflexes. Two. She's really good at exploiting blindspots. Every time he tried landing a strike, Ashido sidestepped to the left. Then responded with a snap kick to the face!
WHAM!
Shoto was briefly stunned, then formed a small grin... "Not bad, Ashido."
"Oh cr-"
He quickly gripped the pink girl's leg and swept the other one, felling her to the mat. Ashido quickly put up her guard, just in time for Shoto to unleash a barrage of strikes. The pink girl really didn't know how potent Todoroki's strikes were.
Uraraka vs. Carmilla
Uraraka was in an uphill battle, the vampire heroine was a better striker than her. She didn't ex-
BOOM! BANG! BENG!
The gravity girl's thoughts were quickly shut down by a three-strike combo from her. She was reeling for a bit, her guard was open... but she dipped low. She dashed towards Carmilla's legs, lifting one leg up and sweeping the other.
BAM!
She slammed the vampire heroine into the mat, but instead of striking her. She went for a lock: the armbar. Uraraka did not plan on letting go... but Carmilla managed to break out of the hold and then follow up with a straight punch. Into the face.
BOOM!
Ten Minutes Later...
The whole session was a bit of a mess... except for Carmilla who gave Uraraka a thumbs up for lasting as long as she did. She only had minor bruising in comparison to the rest. Momo had bruises on her arms, a bandage on her nose, and an ice bag for her cheeks; Midoriya had a stinging bruise on his chest, bruising on his forearms, and a bum knee.
Uraraka had a bloody and bruised face which was covered in bandages and gauze; Todoroki had a sore cheek with his chest feeling sore, he didn't expect Ashido to hit that accurately. Ashido had a bloody nose with mid-level bruising on her forearms; Kyoka needed an ice bag for her nose. Kendo had an ice pack for her chest, still muttering if Kyoka was lifting weights prior. Asui had an upset stomach but she had a thumbs up; Kirishima had a cut above his temple and imprints of multiple kicks, courtesy of Asui.
"Ow..." muttered Ashido. "Todoroki... who did you train with again?" she said, rubbing the bruises.
"Ryuki-Sensei. I know how it feels."
"Jiro, you're more durable than I thought," spoke up Kendo.
"After my debut fight, I had to be," Jiro said. "Especially after beating that sadistic bitch. Ow... damn... who trained you? A drill sergeant?" the violet-haired girl said with a bit of bite.
"Hehehe... you have no idea how right you are..." Kendo responded, nervously. Kyoka, in turn, was a bit scared. Rouga was rough, Kendo's trainer might be on a similar level.
"I'll bite, who is he exactly?" asked Kyoka.
"My grandfather. He has a different definition of restraint." Kendo's answer left the violet-haired girl with some shivers.
"Hmm... I do need to be quicker," Asui said, critiquing herself. "Especially when I'm going to have to deal with villains physically bigger than me."
Kirishima had a similar thought too, needing to be faster when reacting to lighter opponents who will be quick on their feet. "I mean, they might be frail in comparison but what use is that if I can't tag them in the middle of a fight."
"Hmm... I work better with grappling," Uraraka said to herself. "I should work on that more... what do you think?"
Kendo and Kirishima both agreed, the latter saying "If you combine that with your Quirk, that would make you a force to be reckoned with!"
Momo is nursing her bruises. "Hmm... I'll have to use more feints when dealing with fighters of your caliber, Midoriya." The green-haired boy agreed to that.
"I'll have to focus on reading enemy attacks more, you definitely got me a few times," he said. "If anything, if this was a real fight... you or Kendo would have gotten me more times than you think." The onyx-haired girl was a bit surprised by this but he continued. "Yaoyorozu, you have the advantage of feints and misdirection. Kendo has enough raw power to be par with me."
As the group conversed some more, Kensei, Rouga, and Carmilla believed that the first sparring session did get results. They're getting better but there's room for improvement.
"I believe it's time for the study session," Kensei said, getting the group's attention.
Kensei's Study
The whole group was at a table that was set up. Yaoyorozu and Midoriya are at the front, going over some notes and questions that will likely trip people up. One of the tricky topics that stumped a few, Mina especially. The dreaded quadratic formula.
"Evil..." Ashido hissed, prompting a few to stare at her.
"Math's not evil, Ashido," deadpanned Jiro. "I mean, it's a bit tricky at times. Evil? It's not." she added while looking over a few math problems that involved the formula.
"Still evil..." hissed Ashido.
A few problems from past exams and homework were put on the board.
As they finished up and handed them to Yaoyorozu... she was a bit worried. "Uh... I know some of you have difficulty following Mr. Ectoplasm's way of teaching. I do too at times," she said. "However, this is a good thing..."
Ashido wondered how, Uraraka too.
"It exposes where our weaknesses are," Midoriya piped up. "I mean, it's better to know them now than be surprised later on, right? Especially when we become heroes."
"Good point, Midori. I just wish I knew how math's connected to beating villains," Ashido said, pouting. Midoriya tried coming up with an analogy, helping Ashido and math connect more.
"I'm thinking we're learning this stuff to train our brains... when you think about it. A hero needs to be prepared mentally too, whether it's rescuing people from a progressing disaster or defeating a villain," he explained. Mina raised an eyebrow at that.
"Oooh... wait, I get it, I think!" interjected Ochako. "It's about because not every situation's gonna be the same, right?"
Yaoyorozu nodded, nudging her to continue on.
"You need to think quickly and clearly to find the solution to it," Ochako continued. "Otherwise, you're gonna panic, letting the problem become bigger than it is."
"Yes. Exactly, Uraraka!" exclaimed Yaoyorozu. Ashido had a pensive look on her face, the analogy slowly getting to her. Her face broke into laughter right after, sliding to the floor.
"O-Oh god! I expected that from Midori or Yaomomo!" The pink girl's laughter continued for a few more seconds. "Ha... oh... man," she said, calming down. "I think, I think I get it now."
"Wait-" sputtered Midoriya
"Yea... I get it. Villains are like math problems. Every problem needs a workable solution AKA a hero working around a villain's Quirk to beat them. That's the gist I'm getting, right?"
Midoriya nodded along with Yaoyorozu.
Mina was a different person, saying "Take That!" or "Got it!" when finishing a math problem. Midoriya checked over the assigned problems, he was proud. Ashido, who was struggling academically, was much more focused. Sure, there were one or two problems that she answered wrong. Overall, she improved.
"Quadratic formulas are not that evil now," Ashido said. "At least these problems. But hey! I'm getting better."
"That's a good sign, Mina."
Jiro and Uraraka were happy for the pink girl, the former giving a thumbs-up and the latter wondering if her outburst really did help that much.
"Should we still have another study session like this next time?" the purple-haired rocker. Yaoyorozu turned her head around, stopping her corrections of Kirishima's work.
"I agree definitely. Midoriya?"
"Yes, I think it can definitely work out in the long run," he responded. "And sparring sessions?"
Todoroki agreed right away, followed by Ashido, Momo, Kirishima, and the rest.
"Can Rouga or Carmilla be the ref if things get too rough please?" Uraraka asked, nursing her wounds from that spar with Carmilla. "My nose is still healing from her punch... ow... it still stings."
"I'll ask him to confirm," said Midoriya as he walked off.
"Yes, no question about it, Izuku." His quick response surprised the green-haired boy a bit but was grateful for it. "On top of that, you and the rest of your friends have shown improvement, mentally and physically. However, there's another thing to ask..."
"Yes, Sensei?"
Kensei had a smirk forming on his face. "You and Mina?"
"W-W-What?! B-B-But h-her and I aren't to-together! We're just f-friends!" sputtered Midoriya. "Friends!"
"Sure. For now," Kensei responded, still holding that smirk.
"Senseiii..." he whined.
"I'm guessing you never had the talk, did you?"
"Uhh... uh... uh... yes," the boy said in a squeak. "Oh god, you saw my reaction when Mina hugged me," Izuku said, eyes widening in realization.
"Guilty as charged," in a teasing tone. "Plus first name basis already?"
"Uh. She's not known to be formal!" Izuku exclaimed, trying to divert things. "Y-Yea, she's casual!"
"Oh ho, really?" Kensei teased, knowing the answer. Midoriya's throat dried up, wondering if he's revealed too much. Yes, Mina was a friend of his. One of the only friends he made prior to U.A. High.
"I mean, her personality compliments her cute appear-"
Kensei's smirk grew bigger.
"W-Wait, I take it back!"
"Oh, she's not cute then?"
"No! I m-mean... she's cute and all-I'm just digging myself further, am I?"
"Oh, don't mind me. Keep going." The smirk never left his face, making Izuku stammer some more. "I can definitely see the sparks between you two."
"Sensei!"
"I mean, it's clear as day as the blush on your face," Kensei said. Midoriya's blush getting redder by the minute. Sputters included. Izuku's mentor was just doing this in good fun though. "However, I'm being serious. I can see a bond developing between the both of you."
Midoriya was still red but he managed to answer without a stutter. "Mina... she's a good friend... but I won't deny that I might have some feelings for her... I'm being... real sappy, aren't I?"
"No, they're valid. She's also one of the first few friends you made... oh. I see. You don't want to ruin that, am I correct?"
Midoriya nodded.
"Don't worry, my apprentice. Take your time," the smirk was replaced by a warm smile. Midoriya's blush went away, now feeling relieved and glad his mentor wasn't just teasing him.
Might Tower
Yagi was sitting in his office, going over lesson plans for next week and also the file on Young Midoriya. The file on the green-haired boy was interesting, he was noted to be a troublemaker according to Aldera Junior High but that stopped during his second year.
'Interesting...'
"This is conflicting... is Midoriya really the troublemaker his old school made him out to be? On the other hand, his outbursts during the cafeteria add to the impression of one," he said, clasping both hands together, wondering what to think of him. The pink elephant in the room was this... what was Kensei Kasumi doing on U.A. grounds?
'Did he convince a group of hero students somehow? Wait... wait... I'm overthinking this. They may not know about Shichisei at all, just Kensei Kasumi the teacher,' the hero thought.
"Kensei Kasumi, what are your true intentions with Young Midoriya and the rest of those students. Do you aim to pull them away from Heroics?" he questioned, anger evident. As he stewed over this, he clutched some of this previous wounds. The ones that both Shichisei and his archenemy inflicted. Reminders that he's still vulnerable and human at the end of the day.
"I need to speed up Young Togata's workout regimen... wait..." Yagi said, thinking. "I wonder if my old friend, yes, maybe he can help. I-Island should have testing areas sufficient enough to fully test Togata."
He needed to make a call. Right now.
BRING! BRING!
"... be patient."
BRING! BRING!
He heard the other end pick up.
"Uncle Might? You're calling a little late, don't you think?"
"Oh..." Yagi said, surprised. "Young Melissa. I apologize for the late-night call but this is a matter involving your father."
"Ah, understood! Dad should be finishing up a new blueprint by now. I'll get him right now."
...
"Toshinori? It's been a while, how are you?" said a male voice, older.
"It's been good, David. However, there's one matter of importance I need to speak to you about..."
"Shoot."
"It is about my apprentice, a third-year at U.A. named Mirio Togata. I believe you might be able to help."
"Wait, apprentice? App-oh... Oh!" David paused, immediately getting Yagi's implication.
"Correct. What do you say?"
"Let me make a few arrangements, I believe my daughter can help assist Togata too."
Undisclosed Hideout
A small meeting was taking place, though the group in question was slightly bigger from the start. Shigaraki was sitting on a bar chair, waiting for the TV to turn on. The rest of the League was also waiting too.
"He's a little late, don't you think?" the scarred man, Dabi said.
"Be patient," barked Shigaraki. "He'll be appearing..." As soon as he finished that, the TV switched on.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Young Tomura, it seems your League has increased by one member."
"Yes, Sensei. The two other ones were just defects," Shigaraki responded. "Bloodgash verified that."
"Interesting but unsurprising. Do you plan on recruiting more?"
"Of course, Sensei," answered Bloodgash. "However, I need to make sure they're not fanatics in any sense of the term. There's the chance of their fanaticism turning against us."
"Valid point, Bloodgash. However, I may be of some assistance," spoke the benefactor. "I may or not have a few connections with a few high-grade prisons. A few owing me a favor or two."
"I'm listening... who do you recommend?"
Though they may have not seen it, a grin was forming on the benefactor's face.
"Some of them are mercs like you..."
Bloodgash was a bit surprised by this but the shock wore off. He folded his arms, saying "You have my attention... do you mind giving me a sneak-peek?"
"Not a problem. Kurogiri, if you may."
Kurogiri nodded, walking towards Bloodgash and showing him a list of known mercenaries, all from his phone. However, Bloodgash swore he heard the shadowy butler make a snort. He ignored it as he saw the list. Aside from one name that was a red flag for him, the whole list checked out.
"Brat, Christmas came fucking early this year..."
Author's Notes: This is my last chapter for 2021. Now, to answer reviews [I need to do that more]. Plus there will be more fluff on the way [cue people complaining] all to prepare for the bloodier events. :)
Guest: ... why does everyone forget that All For One is very a shadowy figure? Everyone keeps forgetting that. Plus Kensei would have likely never heard of him.
Death Star: That will come at the right time.
D3lph0xL0v3r: ...
Saramus92: Understatement of the year.