The air was heavy in the temporary facility that the police had set up near the USJ. Despite the days that had passed, the atmosphere remained tense due to the recent attack. A light breeze stirred the leaves of nearby trees as a vehicle from Monarch Inc. pulled up to the entrance.
Tanaka-San was the first to step out, followed by Dr. Nakamura, who carried a briefcase filled with equipment and documents. The two exchanged a brief glance before heading toward the building. Tanaka, usually calm, seemed nervous, while Nakamura appeared curious, though with a hint of discomfort.
As they entered the room where the Nomu's body lay, Tanaka froze, his eyes widening at the grotesque experiment before them. The Nomu's twisted and disfigured skin looked almost alien. Its disproportionate musculature was evident even in its lifeless state.
-"This is... This is a monster,"- Tanaka murmured, taking a step back, his face pale.
Dr. Nakamura, though clearly affected by the sight, stepped forward with determination. His eyes studied every detail of the Nomu with a mix of scientific fascination and moral disgust.
-"No, Tanaka, it's not just a monster,"- Nakamura said gravely. -"This is a human being... or what was once one."-
Tanaka looked at him in disbelief.
-"How can you say that? Look at this! There's nothing human about it!"- His tone was almost desperate.
Nakamura leaned over the body, adjusting his gloves before beginning a preliminary visual inspection.
-"Because, even with all this,"- he said, pointing to the grotesque musculature and scars that covered the body, -"you can still see it. The skeletal structure, the nerve connections... it's all there, though distorted beyond recognition. This isn't natural. This is the result of extreme surgical and genetic manipulation."-
Izuku, who had been silently observing from a corner of the room, stepped forward.
-"That's what we suspected,"- he said, his voice tense. -"According to the shadows I summoned, each Nomu contains the 'lives' of at least three different people. They were killed, and their bodies were repurposed to create these things."-
Nakamura turned to him, his expression a mix of respect and concern.
-"That explains why their physiology is so unstable. Combining multiple quirks and bodies... It's a feat that defies everything we know about human biology. But it's also terribly cruel."-
Tanaka swallowed, his discomfort palpable.
-"This is... This is something that shouldn't even be possible. Who would do something so atrocious?"-
Nakamura pressed his lips together, averting his gaze to the Nomu's corpse.
-"Someone with no scruples or limits to their ambition. The technology and knowledge required to do this are beyond what most scientists could handle. This isn't the work of a single individual. This is the result of a network of resources and twisted minds."-
Izuku nodded, his jaw clenched.
-"That's why we need you to examine it, Dr. Nakamura. We need to know how they did it and, if possible, prevent something like this from happening again."-
The doctor straightened, adjusting his briefcase.
-"I'll do everything I can, Izuku. But I need full access to the body and any samples you've collected. This won't be easy, but if there's anything we can learn, I'll find it."-
Tanaka, though still trembling, finally regained some composure.
-"I'll coordinate with the police and make sure you have everything you need."-
Izuku gave them a serious look, though with a hint of gratitude.
-"Thank you, both of you. This is just the beginning, but every step we take brings us closer to stopping those who did this."-
With those words, the room fell into a solemn silence, broken only by the faint hum of monitoring equipment. At that moment, everyone understood the magnitude of what they were facing.
Dr. Nakamura set up in an improvised laboratory, filled with advanced equipment provided by Monarch Inc. The room was illuminated by bright white light that highlighted every detail of the surgical instruments, microscopes, and scanners. In the center, on a metal table, lay the Nomu's body, motionless yet still imposing. Nakamura, clad in his white lab coat, quickly reviewed his briefcase before pulling out a series of analysis devices.
-"Alright, let's start with the basics,"- Nakamura said to himself, adjusting his mask. He activated a 3D scanner that began projecting a real-time holographic image of the Nomu, mapping its skeletal structure, muscle tissue, and nerves.
-"The musculature is overdeveloped,"- he murmured, taking notes on a tablet. -"It seems designed to maximize brute strength, but at the cost of efficiency. The skeletal structure has metal reinforcements... this isn't natural."-
With a fine needle, he extracted a blood sample from the Nomu, carefully depositing it into a series of test tubes that he placed in a centrifuge. As the machine spun, Nakamura reviewed the holographic images.
-"Interesting... the neural connections are completely distorted. It's as if someone tried to redirect the brain's functions toward a single purpose. That would explain the lack of autonomy and their almost animalistic behavior,"- he said, frowning.
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Nakamura proceeded with a more detailed analysis of the cells. He used an advanced microscope connected to a computer that could identify traces of quirk factor in the blood sample.
-"This is... both astonishing and terrifying,"- he murmured, observing the readings. -"There are traces of at least three distinct quirks here. One of accelerated regeneration, another of enhanced strength, and... this one is peculiar. It seems to be a quirk related to kinetic energy absorption. How did they manage to combine these traits without the body collapsing?"-
He entered the readings into his database, comparing them with other records. Meanwhile, he adjusted an electron microscope to observe the molecular structure of the cells.
-"The mutations are artificial,"- Nakamura concluded, speaking aloud for his recorder to capture every word. -"This isn't a natural phenomenon. Someone manipulated the quirk factor of these individuals, forcing a compatibility that shouldn't exist."-
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Nakamura also conducted physical tests on the body. He used sensors to measure the density of the muscles and bones, discovering that they were significantly denser than those of an average human.
-"This explains their resilience... but these modifications must have been extremely painful. I can't imagine anyone enduring this consciously."-
With a pair of tweezers, he removed a small metal plate embedded in the Nomu's arm. Upon examining it under the microscope, he found a serial number engraved on it.
-"An identification number... this could be an important clue,"- he said, jotting down the code.
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After several hours, well into the night, Nakamura organized his findings and called Izuku and the police officers to brief them.
-"What I have so far is this: the Nomus are the result of inhumane experimentation. Their bodies were modified to withstand multiple quirks, which would have killed any normal person. The traces of quirks I found suggest that at least three individuals were used to create this specimen. Additionally, I found a serial number on one of the mechanical modifications,"- he said, showing images from the analysis.
Izuku listened intently, his face reflecting a mix of anger and determination.
-"This confirms what we suspected,"- Izuku said. -"We need to find out who's behind this and how we can stop them."-
Nakamura nodded.
-"I'll keep working on this. Maybe I can find a way to reverse some of the effects or at least better identify the quirks used. But it will be a long process."-
With those words, Nakamura returned to his work, determined to unravel the dark secrets the Nomus held within.
Izuku let out a long sigh as he headed toward the exit of the facility. The bright lights of the laboratory contrasted with the darkness beyond the windows, where night had fallen hours ago. The sound of his footsteps echoed softly in the empty hallway as he paused briefly by a window, gazing at the horizon of Musutafu illuminated by city lights.
"It's only just beginning..." he thought, feeling the weight of the situation. Everything he had witnessed that day, from the Nomus to the meeting with Nezu and Nakamura's analysis, was just the tip of the iceberg. There were too many unanswered questions, and each one seemed darker than the last.
As he walked toward the exit, he checked his phone. He had several messages from Momo and other classmates, all concerned about him. Some messages were words of gratitude, while others simply wanted to make sure he was okay. Izuku smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I have to stay strong for them," he thought, closing the screen and putting the phone back in his pocket.
At the main entrance
The large building was deserted except for a couple of Monarch Inc. security guards, who greeted him respectfully as he left.
-"Mr. Midoriya, do you need transportation?"- one of the guards asked.
Izuku shook his head.
-"No, thank you. I'll walk. I need to clear my mind."-
The guards nodded, though with some concern. Izuku stepped through the massive main doors, feeling the night breeze hit his face. The silence of the night was soothing, but his mind wouldn't stop racing. The images of the Nomus, the screams of his classmates during the USJ attack, and Nakamura's words kept replaying in his head.
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The walk to his home on Dagobah Beach was relatively quiet. The streets were deserted at this hour, and the sound of his footsteps was the only thing breaking the silence. As he walked, he couldn't help but reflect on everything that had happened.
"What kind of person would do something so horrible?" he thought, recalling Nakamura's words about the people transformed into Nomus. "Experimenting with human lives as if they were mere tools... This isn't just villainy. It's something worse."
He clenched his fists, feeling a mix of rage and sadness. He had seen the face of suffering in many forms during his time with Monarch, but this was different. This wasn't just a physical attack; it was a complete violation of humanity.
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Finally, he reached Dagobah Beach. The sound of the waves and the tranquility of the place greeted him like a balm. The beach, now completely clean and transformed thanks to Monarch's efforts, seemed like a reflection of his own growth. He walked to the shore, letting the water wet his shoes as he gazed at the horizon.
"I have to be stronger," he told himself. "This won't stop here. If the Nomus are just the beginning, then I can't afford to falter."
He closed his eyes, recalling the words of the first shadow wielder. "I can summon their memories... their shadows. If I truly want to know more, I have to be willing to face the truth, no matter how painful it is."
The idea scared him, but it also motivated him. He knew he had the power to make a difference, but with that power came immense responsibility. A responsibility he was willing to bear, even if the weight of it crushed him.
Izuku turned toward his house, a solitary silhouette against the moonlit night. With each step, he felt his determination grow. No matter how dark the path became, he was ready to face it.
"This is only the beginning, but I'm ready to start."
It was past midnight, and the soft sound of the waves at Dagobah Beach provided a brief respite for Izuku as he reviewed his notes at the dining table. Silence reigned in the house until a light tap on the window snapped him out of his thoughts. He frowned, rising cautiously and walking to the front door. He opened it and, to his surprise, there stood Toga, with her usual mischievous smile but a faint trace of weariness in her eyes.
-"Toga? What are you doing here?"- Izuku asked, closing the door behind her and gesturing toward the couch. -"Did something happen?"-
Toga flopped onto the couch with a sigh, playing with a strand of her hair. Her makeshift school uniform was wrinkled and covered in dust, a clear sign that she'd had a rough night.
-"I found out some interesting things, Izuku,"- she said, looking up at him. -"And, well, I was... there, at the attack."-
Izuku felt the air in the room grow heavier.
-"What do you mean you were there?"- he asked, his voice firm but not accusatory.
Toga gave him a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
-"Relax, I didn't join the fight... at least, not the way they expected. Let's just say I did what I could to sabotage some things from the inside."-
Toga began to explain how, from the moment the League of Villains planned the attack, she had been gathering information. She had listened to Shigaraki and Kurogiri's orders, analyzed their movements, and found small moments where she could act without being detected.
-"For example, remember how the villains seemed a bit disorganized at first?"- she asked, leaning forward. -"That was because I made them think the initial plan had changed. I altered some of the timings and gave them false information."-
Izuku crossed his arms, processing the information.
-"That explains why some of them seemed to act without coordination..."- he murmured to himself.
Toga continued, describing how she had discreetly sabotaged some of the portals Kurogiri had opened, slowing down the arrival of reinforcements and giving the students a bit more time to regroup.
-"It wasn't easy, you know. If Shigaraki found out, I'd be dead,"- she said with a touch of drama, placing a hand on her chest. -"But it was worth it."-
Izuku sighed and sat down across from her, looking her directly in the eyes.
-"Toga, I don't know if this is sustainable. You're risking too much, and I can't ask you to keep doing this."-
Toga tilted her head, her smile returning.
-"You're not asking, Izuku. I'm choosing. You were the only one who didn't see me as a monster. Why not help you change this world a little?"-
Izuku remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly.
-"What else did you find out?"- he asked, changing the subject.
Toga told him about a mysterious man Shigaraki referred to as "the master." Though she didn't know much about him, she understood that he was the source of the power behind the League of Villans and the one who had provided the Nomus.
-"I heard Kurogiri mention something about more experiments... about stronger Nomus,"- she said, her tone more serious. -"And I think they're planning another attack, a much bigger one."-
Izuku clenched his fists, feeling a mix of frustration and determination.
-"Thanks for telling me, Toga. This is important. I'll pass it on to the right people."-
Toga stood up and headed toward the door, but before leaving, she stopped and looked at Izuku.
-"Take care, Izuku. I can't protect you if you get into too much trouble."-
Izuku smiled slightly.
-"I should say the same to you."-
As Toga disappeared into the darkness of the night, Izuku stood staring at the closed door, his mind racing. "This is only the beginning," he reminded himself, as he took out his phone to call Nezu and share what he had learned.
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The morning sun shone through the windows of Class 1-A, filling the room with a warm light that contrasted with the tense atmosphere among the students. Sitting at their desks, some of them spoke in hushed tones about the recent events at the USJ, while others remained silent, clearly affected.
-"I can't believe something like that happened..."- Mina murmured, breaking the silence with a nervous tone. -"And to think that all of it was real."-
-"It's amazing how quickly they overwhelmed us,"- Kirishima commented, clenching his fists on his desk. -"But it's also impressive how some of us managed to stay calm."-
-"Some, yes,"- Todoroki said, his tone neutral, though his eyes were fixed on the window. -"Others still have a lot to learn."-
The conversation continued, but it stopped abruptly when the classroom door opened, and a familiar figure entered. Izuku Midoriya walked to his seat calmly, his expression composed, though his posture exuded a confidence and maturity that seemed unusual for someone his age.
Silence fell over the room. All eyes were on him.
Since the incident at the USJ, Izuku had been the center of attention, and not by choice. Leaked security footage had circulated in the media, showing his actions during the attack: how he had protected his classmates with the shadows, faced the Nomus with unwavering determination, and made quick decisions under pressure.
-"Look who's here, the hero of the USJ,"- Bakugo commented sarcastically, crossing his arms.
Izuku ignored him, heading to his seat while feeling the gazes of his classmates fixed on him. Finally, it was Mina who broke the silence.
-"Izuku... is it true what they're saying? That you... you did all that?"- she asked, her tone filled with awe.
Izuku sighed and turned to face the group.
-"I did what I had to do to protect everyone,"- he replied calmly. -"That's all."-
-"That's all, he says,"- Kirishima repeated, smiling with admiration. -"Dude, you faced those Nomus like they were nothing! That was manly as hell!"-
-"And the shadows..."- Jiro added, crossing her arms. -"They were like something out of a horror movie. It was... impressive, but also a little scary."-
Ochako approached Izuku, her eyes filled with gratitude.
-"Thank you for protecting us, Izuku. Really. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."-
Izuku nodded, accepting the compliments with humility.
-"I just did my part. Everyone did their best in that situation, and that's what matters."-
-"But not all of us lived up to it, did we?"- Todoroki interjected, his tone cold. -"Next time, we should be more prepared. Relying on one person to save us all isn't sustainable."-
The comment left an air of discomfort in the room. However, Izuku didn't react to the provocation.
-"You're right, Todoroki. This shouldn't depend on just one person,"- Izuku said firmly, looking at the rest of the class. -"That's why we need to work together and learn from this experience."-
The door opened again, and Mr. Aizawa entered with his usual tired expression.
-"Alright, stop staring at Midoriya like he's a ghost,"- he said sarcastically. -"What happened at the USJ was extraordinary, but it doesn't change the fact that all of you need to work harder to be prepared."-
Izuku let out a small sigh of relief as his classmates' gazes finally shifted away from him. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he also knew that, with effort and determination, everyone in Class 1-A could overcome any challenge.
Aizawa walked to the front of the classroom, dropping his sleeping bag on the desk with a thud. The students, still trying to process everything that had happened at the USJ, looked at him with expressions ranging from curiosity to concern.
-"Listen up, Class 1-A, because what I'm about to say is important,"- he began, crossing his arms. -"The battle isn't over yet."-
Aizawa's words made some of the students tense up. Ochako tilted her head in confusion.
-"What do you mean, sensei?"- she asked.
Aizawa looked at them with his usual tired expression, but his eyes revealed a determination he rarely showed.
-"I know the attack at the USJ left its mark on you. That's normal. But if you think that was the worst you'll face as heroes-in-training, you're wrong."-
The room fell completely silent. Aizawa continued.
-"Society is watching. UA has always been a symbol of excellence, but after the incident, we're under public scrutiny. And that means you, as future heroes, are too."-
Aizawa leaned on the desk and pointed at the group with a gesture of his hand.
-"That's why you need to prepare for the next big challenge: the UA Sports Festival."-
The students' eyes widened in surprise.
-"The sports festival?"- Kirishima repeated, with a mix of excitement and doubt. -"We're still going to participate, after everything that happened?"-
Aizawa nodded.
-"Exactly. The sports festival is our chance to show the world that UA is still strong, that we won't back down from any threat. But more importantly, it's your chance to prove your worth."-
The class erupted in murmurs.
-"That sounds exciting!"- Mina exclaimed, slamming the table with enthusiasm.
-"But it's also a lot of pressure,"- Jiro said, crossing her arms nervously.
-"It's the perfect stage for professionals to evaluate our skills,"- Todoroki interjected, with his usual serious tone.
Izuku remained silent, taking in the information. The sports festival was something he had always dreamed of seeing, but now he would be at the center of it all. After everything that had happened at the USJ, he knew the expectations would be sky-high, both from the teachers and the public.
Aizawa watched them carefully before adding:
-"For some of you, this will be an opportunity to shine. For others, it will be a harsh lesson. The sports festival isn't just a spectacle; it's a platform for professional heroes to evaluate you. If you want to be noticed, this is your best chance."-
Bakugo smiled confidently, slamming his desk.
-"This is my time to shine!"- he declared.
Momo, who had been quietly reflecting, looked at Izuku, who seemed deep in thought.
-"Izuku, are you okay?"- she asked softly.
Izuku looked up, his eyes shining with determination.
-"Yeah, I'm fine. This is exactly what we need. An opportunity to show what we've learned and grow even more."-
Aizawa interrupted them, his tone becoming more serious.
-"But don't be mistaken. This won't be easy. It's not just a competition among yourselves; it's a test where you'll face your limits, a test where the other courses will try to take your spots. Prepare to give it your all, because nothing less will be acceptable."-
The room fell silent again, but this time the tension had shifted. It wasn't fear they felt, but a mix of anticipation and challenge.
-"The sports festival begins in two weeks,"- Aizawa concluded. -"You have time to prepare, but don't waste it."-
As the class ended, Izuku looked out the window, his mind filled with thoughts. The sports festival would be his chance to show the world, his classmates, and himself what he was capable of. But it would also be a challenge where he would have to face the memories and shadows of what had happened at the USJ.
When the class ended and the students began to leave the room, Momo stayed close to Izuku, waiting for the right moment to talk to him. She watched as some of her classmates excitedly discussed the sports festival and how they would prepare for it. Kirishima was talking to Mina about increasing his endurance, while Iida discussed training strategies with Uraraka.
Momo took a deep breath and, with determination, approached Izuku.
-"Izuku, can I talk to you for a moment in private?"- she asked with a friendly smile, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Izuku, who was packing up his things, nodded.
-"Sure, let's go outside."-
They left the classroom and walked through the halls of UA until they reached a quiet area near the gardens. The cool afternoon breeze blew softly, moving Momo's hair as she stopped and looked at him intently.
-"What did you want to talk about?"- Izuku asked curiously.
Momo intertwined her fingers and took a deep breath before speaking.
-"I wanted to ask you something..."- she said, lowering her gaze slightly before looking back at him. -"Could I train with you at your house to prepare for the sports festival?"-
Izuku blinked, surprised by the request.
-"Train with me?"-
-"Yes,"- Momo nodded with determination. -"Since you came back, I've noticed how much you've grown. Not just in terms of power, but also in strategy and leadership. During the team combat test against Bakugo and Todoroki, I saw how well you think and act under pressure. I want to improve, and I feel like training with you is the best way to do that."-
Izuku looked at her for a few seconds in silence, considering her request. He knew Momo had great potential, but he was also aware that, despite her talent, she lacked confidence in herself.
-"Momo... you don't have to compare yourself to me or anyone else,"- he said sincerely. -"You're amazing just as you are."-
Momo smiled softly.
-"Thank you, Izuku, but I want to improve. I want to be ready for any situation and prove to myself that I can give my best. Besides... training with you would make me feel more comfortable than training alone."-
Izuku thought for a moment and then nodded with a smile.
-"I'd love to train with you."-
Momo let out a sigh of relief and smiled widely.
-"Thank you, Izuku! I promise to give it my all."-
Izuku put his hands in his pockets and looked at her with amusement.
-"When do you want to start?"-
-"How about tomorrow after class?"- Momo asked eagerly.
-"Sounds perfect,"- Izuku replied.
Momo nodded with determination, feeling motivated.
-"Then, I'll see you tomorrow at your house."-
Izuku nodded, and both returned to their homes with a sense of anticipation. The UA Sports Festival would be the perfect stage to showcase their growth, and now, together, they would make sure they were more prepared than ever.
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The training room was almost empty, except for two figures: Bakugo and All Might. The air was filled with the metallic scent of sweat and the constant thuds of punches against training bags. Bakugo stood in the center, his fists clenched and his jaw tight, his breathing heavy from exertion. Since receiving One For All, he had been trying to force it to respond to his will, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't unleash its true power.
All Might, in his skeletal form, watched him with his arms crossed and a serious expression.
-"Katsuki,"- All Might called with a firm but patient tone. -"The UA Sports Festival is the perfect opportunity for the world to see who you are. You need to show them that you're here, that you're the next symbol of peace."-
Bakugo breathed heavily and gritted his teeth.
-"I know... but... DAMN IT!"- he exploded, launching a powerful explosion at a sandbag that sent it flying into the wall.
All Might looked at him unfazed.
-"What's going on?"- he asked calmly. -"Are you still unable to use the full power?"-
Bakugo shot him a furious look, but there was something else in his eyes: frustration.
-"I can't even use it at 10%!"- he growled. -"This power is supposed to be mine! I'm supposed to destroy everyone with it! But it doesn't respond the way it should!"-
All Might frowned and stroked his chin, thoughtful.
-"Interesting..."- he murmured. -"When I received One For All, I had no trouble using it, though the accumulated energy was much less. The same was true for my predecessor."-
Bakugo clicked his tongue.
-"Don't tell me that like it's supposed to help me!"-
All Might fell silent for a moment before speaking again.
-"One For All isn't just a simple power, Katsuki. It's not just about forcing it to obey you. It's a legacy, a will that's passed down from user to user. Maybe your problem isn't a lack of strength, but that you haven't yet understood how to connect with that legacy."-
Bakugo punched the wall hard, leaving a visible crack.
-"That's bullshit! I don't need to 'connect' with anything! This power is mine, and I'll make it mine my way!"-
All Might sighed.
-"Katsuki... if you don't understand what One For All truly is, you'll never be able to use it to its full potential."-
Bakugo clenched his fists tighter until his knuckles turned white.
-"Give me more time... I'll make it work."-
All Might looked at him intently, with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
-"You have until the sports festival,"- he said finally. -"But remember... if you can't control it, this power could destroy you."-
Bakugo didn't respond, just stared at his hands, feeling the frustration of not being able to make the power that was supposed to be his stepping stone to greatness truly his. Something wasn't right, and though he didn't want to admit it, deep down he felt that One For All was rejecting him.
Time was running out, and with the festival approaching, the pressure on his shoulders grew heavier.
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The night breeze swept across the training field behind Izuku's house on Dagobah Beach. The dim light from strategically placed street lamps created a warm and relaxed atmosphere, but inside the combat zone, the air was charged with tension.
Izuku and Momo stood facing each other, both in combat stances. They had already been training for over an hour, but time seemed to have vanished between them.
-"Let's go one more time,"- Izuku said, his breathing still controlled but with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
Momo nodded, but she was exhausted. Her muscles burned from the intensity of the training, but her pride wouldn't let her stop. She wanted to prove that she could keep up with Izuku, that she didn't need him to protect her, but that she could fight by his side.
Izuku wasn't giving her any special treatment, which she appreciated. She knew he respected her enough not to hold back, though he always made sure the training didn't become dangerous.
-"I'll use a different strategy this time,"- Momo said with a small smile.
-"That's what I want to see,"- Izuku replied, his eyes filled with determination.
Momo ran toward him, quickly generating a combat staff with her quirk. She tried to deliver a side strike, but Izuku dodged it easily, moving with a fluidity that only someone with his level of training could achieve.
-"You're fast, but you're still too predictable,"- he said, catching the staff with one hand and pulling it to destabilize her.
Momo, however, had anticipated that. She released her grip on the staff just before he could use it against her and instead created a small smoke bomb that exploded between them, temporarily blinding Izuku.
-"Nice trick..."- he murmured, stepping back and closing his eyes for a moment to focus on Momo's movements.
Suddenly, he felt her presence behind him. Momo had taken advantage of the distraction to move quickly and deliver a strike with the hilt of a short dagger.
But Izuku had already anticipated her move.
In an instant, he pivoted, catching Momo's wrist with impeccable precision. Before she could react, he tilted her slightly backward, making sure she couldn't move without losing her balance.
Their faces were now inches apart.
Momo felt her breath catch in her throat. Her heart was pounding, but not just from the fight. She could feel the warmth of Izuku's breath, the intensity of his emerald eyes, the overwhelming closeness of his body.
Izuku also fell silent for a moment. He had intended to stop her attack, but now he found himself in a position he hadn't anticipated. His eyes met Momo's, and for the first time that night, he felt his concentration waver.
-"I've got you..."- he murmured, trying to regain his composure.
Momo swallowed, feeling a faint blush on her cheeks.
-"It seems so..."- she replied, not looking away.
The silence between them stretched, and the tension in the air became almost palpable. Izuku felt a strange impulse, a new sensation for him, but deep down, he knew what it meant.
Momo was the first to react.
Taking advantage of Izuku's slightly lowered guard, she moved her leg and gently pushed his, causing him to lose his balance a bit. With a quick motion, she freed herself from his grip and spun around, now pressing her back against his.
-"Now I've got you,"- she whispered with a playful smile, trying to mask her own nervousness.
Izuku smiled, acknowledging the move.
-"Touche..."- he murmured, still feeling the warmth of her closeness.
Momo released him and stepped back, but the air between them remained charged.
Izuku turned to look at her, and for a moment, the training no longer mattered. All he saw was Momo, her breathing heavy, her eyes shining, and her expression soft yet determined.
-"I think we should take a break,"- Momo finally said, trying to hide her agitation.
Izuku nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.
-"Yeah... good idea."-
They both stepped away, sitting on the ground as they tried to calm their racing hearts.
Momo pulled out a water bottle and offered it to Izuku.
-"Here, you look exhausted."-
Izuku took it with a grateful smile.
-"Thanks... though you look pretty tired too."-
Momo let out a small laugh.
-"I am... but it was worth it."-
Izuku took a sip of water and glanced at her.
-"You're amazing, Momo. Your quirk, your intelligence, your determination... not just anyone could keep up in a training session like this."-
Momo felt a shiver run down her back at those words.
-"You're amazing too, Izuku,"- she said softly. -"Ever since I met you, you've always inspired me. And now... seeing you become what you are..."-
Izuku looked at her, waiting for her to finish.
Momo averted her gaze with a small smile, though the blush was still present on her cheeks.
-"I just wanted you to know that,"- she murmured.
Izuku felt his heart beat faster, but he didn't press further.
The silence that followed was different from before. It wasn't uncomfortable, but heavy, as if both were processing something they couldn't yet put into words.
It was Momo who, after a moment, made a decision.
She looked away for a moment and then raised her gaze again, this time with a resolute expression. She leaned slightly toward Izuku, her fingers brushing his intentionally.
Izuku felt the touch and looked at her in surprise, but he didn't pull his hand away.
-"Izuku..."- she whispered, with a slight hesitation in her voice.
No words were needed.
Izuku, without breaking eye contact, leaned in slowly.
Momo did the same.
The seconds felt like an eternity until finally, their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss that soon deepened.
Izuku felt Momo's warmth enveloping him, the slight tremble in her hands as she touched him gently. Momo, for her part, felt as if time had stopped, as if this moment had been inevitable from the start.
The sea breeze blew softly over the terrace of Izuku's house, where he and Momo remained in their own world after the kiss. Their breaths were still uneven, their faces flushed, and their hands remained intertwined, as if neither wanted to break the moment.
Momo smiled, lowering her gaze slightly.
-"Well... that was... interesting,"- she whispered, with a mix of shyness and excitement.
Izuku let out a small laugh, not letting go of her hand.
-"Yeah... I guess it was."-
The silence between them was comfortable, but before they could say anything more, a third voice interrupted the moment.
-"Waaaaaahhh! Are you guys ignoring me?! That's not fair!"-
Momo and Izuku jumped in surprise, quickly turning toward the voice.
There, leaning against the terrace railing with a playful and mischievous expression, was none other than Himiko Toga.
She wore her usual dark outfit and a loose jacket. Her smile was wide and playful, but in her eyes, there was a glint of mischief and something more... something that made Momo feel a shiver run down her spine.
Izuku frowned, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.
-"Toga... how long have you been there?"-
Toga pouted and crossed her arms.
-"Long enough to see you guys eyeing each other and then kissing like lovebirds in spring,"- she replied with a giggle. -"It was so cute! But..."-
Suddenly, her expression changed to one of exaggerated fake anger and jealousy.
-"Why didn't you invite me?!"- she said, puffing out her cheeks. -"That's not fair, Izuku! You and Yaoyorozu are hogging all the romance and leaving me out!"-
Momo felt her face burn with embarrassment.
-"W-what? What are you talking about?!"- she exclaimed, trying to regain her composure.
Toga looked at her with a charming smile and tilted her head.
-"Ohhh, come on, Yaoyorozu~,"- she said in a sweet voice. -"You know exactly what I'm talking about. After all, you're both handsome, strong, and fascinating. And I..."-
She paused dramatically, placing a hand on her cheek and pretending to sigh.
-"I want to have fun with you two too~."-
Izuku felt a slight twitch in his eye.
-"Toga..."- he sighed, already resigned.
Momo, on the other hand, was still trying to process what she had just heard.
-"D-did you say both?"- she asked, her eyes wide.
Toga stepped closer with a light and carefree step, looking them over.
-"Well, yes. Did you think I was only interested in one of you?"- she laughed. -"Izuku saved my life and gave me a purpose. And you, Momo, are incredibly beautiful and smart..."-
She leaned slightly toward Momo, with a coquettish smile.
-"How could I not fall for both of you?"-
Momo felt her brain short-circuit for a moment. Izuku was also clearly surprised.
Toga, on the other hand, just enjoyed watching their reactions, as if this were the best entertainment in the world.
-"But anyway,"- she continued with a giggle. -"I don't want to ruin your romantic night, so..."-
Before they could react, she leaned forward and, with impressive speed, planted a quick kiss on Momo's cheek and then did the same to Izuku.
Both of them froze completely.
-"Hehehe! Now we're a little more even, don't you think?"- Toga said, winking at them before jumping back and leaning against the railing.
Izuku brought a hand to his face, completely defeated.
-"Toga..."-
Momo, on the other hand, was too shocked to say anything coherent.
Toga just smiled widely, enjoying every second of the chaos she had caused.
-"Well, guys, I think I've had enough fun for today~. But Izuku..."- she said, looking at Izuku with a more serious expression. -"I need to talk to you about something important. Something related to the League."-
Izuku quickly regained his composure and nodded.
-"Understood. Let's go inside."-
Toga turned and entered the house, leaving behind a completely confused Momo and a slightly headache-ridden Izuku.
Momo finally managed to react and looked at Izuku in disbelief.
-"Does this happen often?"-
Izuku sighed.
-"I'm thinking it'll happen more often than I'd like to admit."-
Momo brought a hand to her forehead, closing her eyes for a moment.
-"This is going to be... interesting."-
Izuku could only nod.
Because, definitely, it would be.
Izuku, Momo, and Toga entered the house, the warm light illuminating the room as the sound of the ocean still filtered in from the terrace. Toga flopped onto one of the couches with a carefree expression, but Izuku noticed that her eyes reflected something more... a latent concern.
Momo, still bewildered by what had happened on the terrace, sat down next to Izuku, keeping some distance from Toga.
Izuku crossed his arms and looked at her seriously.
-"Alright, Toga. What do you know?"-
Toga played with a strand of her hair before sighing and becoming more serious.
-"Well, as you know, I've been maintaining my 'cover' within the League of Villains. And lately, they've been very restless. The attack on the USJ was just the beginning, and even though they consider it a failure due to Izuku and the heroes' intervention, they also learned a lot from it."-
Momo frowned.
-"What do you mean they learned?"-
Toga rolled her eyes, as if the answer were obvious.
-"They learned about you. About how you fight, about how prepared you are... and about how unprepared you are."-
Izuku narrowed his eyes, feeling a weight settle on him.
-"So they're planning another attack?"-
Toga nodded.
-"It seems so, but there's more. They're moving much more carefully now. They've realized that UA has much stronger defenses than they expected, so instead of a direct attack, they've started looking for reinforcements."-
Momo leaned forward slightly, interested.
-"Reinforcements?"-
-"Yes,"- Toga replied, her tone more serious than usual. -"Rumors are that the League wants to recruit individuals with powerful quirks, but not just that... they're looking for people with a very specific mindset. People who hate heroes. People who have been forgotten or abandoned by the system."-
Izuku felt a pang of unease.
-"They want to expand their ranks with people who have real reasons to join."-
Toga smirked and gave him a playful look.
-"Isn't it ironic? It's almost the opposite of what UA does, don't you think? While you guys look for the best to become heroes, they look for the best to destroy them."-
Momo swallowed, taking in the information.
-"Do you have names? Do you know who they might recruit?"-
Toga shook her head.
-"Not yet. I've only heard rumors. But what I do know is that Shigaraki is obsessed with finding people with high-level quirks. He wants to make sure that the next time they attack, there's no way they can lose."-
Izuku slammed the table with his fist, causing Momo and Toga to look at him in surprise.
-"We can't let that happen."-
Toga let out a soft laugh.
-"Izuku, Izuku... Always so noble."-
-"It's not just about being noble, Toga,"- Izuku said firmly. -"If the League manages to strengthen their ranks with powerful individuals, the next attack will be worse. And we can't let that happen."-
Momo took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
-"We need to inform UA. Nezu and the others need to know."-
Izuku nodded.
-"Yes, but we need to be careful. We can't let the League find out that we have information on them."-
Toga shrugged.
-"Don't worry, I know how to cover my tracks."-
Momo watched her carefully.
-"Toga... why are you helping us?"-
Toga blinked and then smiled widely.
-"Ohhh, dear Momo, isn't it obvious?"-
She leaned toward them, her expression playful.
-"I like you two, and that's reason enough."-
Izuku sighed, while Momo looked away, feeling her face heat up again.
-"No matter what your reason is,"- Izuku said. -"what's important is that you're here and willing to help us."-
Toga made a victory sign with her fingers.
-"Exactly! And you can count on me to keep bringing you firsthand information."-
Izuku stood up.
-"Alright, I'll prepare a report for Nezu and contact him in the morning."-
Momo also stood up.
-"We need to be careful. If the League finds out Toga is with us, she could be in danger."-
Toga made a dismissive gesture.
-"Oh, please. I'm an expert at covering my tracks!"-
Izuku looked at her seriously.
-"Still, be careful. I don't want you ending up like the Nomus."-
Toga fell silent for a moment, her smile fading slightly.
-"Yeah... I don't want that either."-
The atmosphere in the room grew tense for a moment, until Toga shook her hair and smiled again.
-"Well, well, enough sad stuff! I'll see you guys soon!"-
With that, she headed to the window and nimbly jumped out of the house, disappearing into the darkness.
Momo watched her until she was out of sight and then sighed.
-"She's... chaotic."-
Izuku smiled slightly.
-"Yeah, but deep down, she's just someone trying to find her place."-
Momo crossed her arms.
-"I hope she finds it on the right side."-
Izuku looked toward the window where Toga had disappeared.
-"Me too."-
.
.
.
.
The atmosphere at UA was charged with tension. With the Sports Festival approaching, the hallways were filled with murmurs and expectations. However, as they reached the door of their classroom, Class 1-A encountered an unexpected obstacle: a crowd of students from other classes blocking the entrance.
-"What the hell is this?"- Bakugo growled with disdain, crossing his arms and frowning.
The rest of the class was also perplexed at the sight of the gathered students, all with intense gazes directed at them. In the center, two figures stood out more than the rest: Neito Monoma from Class 1-B, with his usual mocking smile, and Hitoshi Shinso from Class 1-C, with an analytical gaze.
Monoma was the first to speak, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
-"So these are the 'chosen ones' of Class 1-A. The spoiled kids who hog all the attention at UA, the superheroes of the attack."-
Bakugo let out a derisive laugh.
-"Tch, and what about you? Did you come here to cry because you're not in Class 1-A? Go home if you can't handle it."-
Monoma smiled even more, as if he had expected that reaction.
-"Handle it? Please, Bakugo. It's not about handling it, it's about putting things in their place. All this time, you've been in the spotlight. Villains attack the school, and suddenly, Class 1-A is the center of attention."-
-"Because we're the best,"- Bakugo interrupted without hesitation, his gaze challenging. -"It's not our fault you're mediocre."-
Several students from the other classes tensed at his arrogance, but Monoma kept his smile.
-"Oh, sure. And how do you explain that everything you've achieved is just because you were put on the right path? What have you actually done to deserve it?"-
-"By beating everyone at the damn Sports Festival and humiliating them in front of the whole school!"- Bakugo exclaimed furiously. -"That's how I'll prove it!"-
Some students shifted uncomfortably, while others clenched their teeth. Bakugo's attitude only heightened the hostility in the air.
Izuku, who had remained silent until now, sighed and decided to intervene.
-"The Sports Festival isn't just a competition of brute strength,"- he said firmly. -"It's an opportunity for everyone to show what they can do, no matter which class they're in."-
Shinso, who had been silently observing the interaction, crossed his arms and looked directly at Izuku.
-"That's easy for you to say, Midoriya, but the reality is that the system favors those with flashy quirks. Some of us had to settle for the general courses because we couldn't prove our potential in a test that only measured combat."-
Izuku held his gaze.
-"If you think the system is unfair, the Sports Festival is your best chance to prove it."-
Shinso didn't respond immediately, but a slight glint in his eyes indicated he took those words seriously.
Monoma clicked his tongue.
-"Hmph, how boring. But it doesn't matter. We'll see if the 'prodigies' of Class 1-A can prove something more than arrogance."-
The group of students began to disperse slowly, but before leaving, Shinso turned to Izuku one last time.
-"We'll meet in the arena."-
Izuku nodded.
As the crowd finally disappeared, Class 1-A collectively let out a sigh.
-"Well, that was awkward,"- Kaminari murmured.
-"Pff, let them do whatever they want,"- Bakugo scoffed, with an expression of absolute disdain. -"I'm going to crush them all anyway."-
Hey guys? How ya doing?
I finally managed to catch up with the fanfic in Spanish, So from now on, both will go hand in hand.
Let me know how it is so far, do you like the fanfic? Which character do you like the most? Do you hate any? Tell me everything, I'm a tomb and I won't say anything to them ;)