Chapter 12: The Attack on the USJ

Cloud arrived at the rendezvous point in the shadows of the early morning. The location was a secluded warehouse on the outskirts of the city, its dim lighting and damp walls befitting the type of meeting villains favored. Cloud adjusted the wolf mask covering his face, its sleek, featureless design hiding his expression and giving him an air of menace.

Inside, the room buzzed with energy. Villains of all shapes, sizes, and quirks milled about, some stretching, others boasting loudly about how they'd be the ones to take down All Might. A large monitor at the front displayed the U.A. training facility, the U.S.J., in real-time.

Cloud leaned against the far wall, arms crossed as he silently observed. He wasn't here to make friends, and he certainly wasn't impressed by the crowd's bravado.

The Plan Unfolds

At the center of the chaos stood Tomura Shigaraki, his disheveled hair and eerie hand-covered face making him stand out. He paced back and forth like an impatient child, scratching his neck compulsively. Behind him loomed a hulking creature—the Nomu. Its massive frame, exposed brain, and featureless expression gave it an unsettling presence.

"All Might isn't even here," Shigaraki grumbled, his tone petulant. "What's the point if he's not here to see us crush his pathetic little students?"

Kurogiri, standing beside him, responded with a measured calm. "Patience, Tomura. If All Might does not appear, the children will serve as suitable bait to draw him out."

Shigaraki waved dismissively. "Fine, fine. Let's get on with it. Everyone knows their assignments. And remember—kill anyone who gets in your way."

At his signal, Kurogiri extended his dark, swirling portal across the room, engulfing the gathered villains. Cloud felt the strange pull of the warp gate and let himself be transported, the scene shifting in an instant.

The Chaos Begins

Cloud appeared on the U.S.J.'s central platform, amidst a sea of villains. The facility's sprawling, disaster-themed zones spread out before him, with pockets of students scattered throughout.

"Stay in the back," Cloud muttered to himself. He lingered near the rear of the villain horde, his glowing blue eyes scanning the battlefield from behind the wolf mask. The kids were putting up more of a fight than he'd expected. Despite being outnumbered, they fought back with impressive coordination and bravery.

Good. At least they're not just sitting ducks, he thought.

Quietly, Cloud activated Barrier Materia, casting invisible shields over the scattered students. The translucent layers shimmered briefly before fading into invisibility, their presence unnoticed by anyone except Cloud. The barriers wouldn't stop attacks entirely, but they'd absorb enough damage to give the kids a fighting chance.

Shigaraki's grating voice echoed through the dome as he surveyed the scene, growing increasingly agitated. "Where is he?!" he snarled, scratching his neck with renewed vigor. "All Might should have been here by now! What's the point if we don't get to kill him?"

Kurogiri remained composed. "He will come. The Symbol of Peace cannot ignore an attack of this scale."

Shigaraki groaned in frustration before turning his attention to the battle below. "Fine. Let's see how long these pathetic kids can hold out."

Eraser Head's Stand

Near the central plaza, Aizawa (Eraser Head) had already taken action. His scarf lashed out like a whip, pulling villains to the ground as he systematically disabled their quirks. His movements were fluid and efficient, each step calculated as he neutralized foe after foe.

Cloud watched with mild interest, leaning against a pillar as Aizawa fought through the horde. "Not bad," Cloud murmured under his breath. "Efficient. No wasted movement."

The villains, however, were relentless. As Aizawa took down one group, another rushed in, forcing him to constantly reposition and adapt. Even so, the teacher held his ground, his sharp gaze sweeping the battlefield.

Nomu Unleashed

Shigaraki's patience finally snapped. "Enough of this!" he screeched, pointing dramatically at Aizawa. "Nomu, show him what real power looks like!"

The massive creature lumbered forward, its every step shaking the ground. Aizawa turned to face it, his expression grim. His scarf whipped out, aiming to immobilize the Nomu, but the creature didn't flinch. It tore through the bindings like paper, its sheer strength overwhelming.

Shigaraki's voice rang out, gleeful and mocking. "This is a bio-engineered weapon! Designed specifically to kill All Might! But I guess you'll make a decent warm-up, Eraser Head."

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, readying himself for the fight of his life.

Cloud's Quiet Observation

From his vantage point, Cloud observed the unfolding chaos. He made no move to intervene, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp. His purpose here wasn't to pick a side—yet. He was here to gather information, assess Bakugou's progress, and perhaps have a little fun of his own.

But as he watched the Nomu advance on Aizawa, a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. The hulking creature's raw power was undeniable, but it lacked finesse, relying solely on brute strength.

"Let's see..." Cloud muttered, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of the Buster Sword strapped to his back. For now, he'd stay in the shadows. But if things escalated further, he might just make his presence known.

Shigaraki's grumbling voice carried across the battlefield as the Nomu raised a fist the size of a boulder. "This would've been so much easier if All Might had just shown up already!"