Arc 1: Fresh Faced Fools
Chapter 5: Battle of USJ pt.1
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As class began, the students of 1-B sat at their desks, buzzing with anticipation. They waited for Vlad King to arrive and announce the day's activities, hoping for something a bit more exciting than usual. Word had spread that they would be doing their heroics class earlier than scheduled today.
Finally, the door opened, and Vlad King strode into the classroom. The students immediately quieted down, taking their seats and waiting for him to speak.
Vlad surveyed the room with his usual gruff expression. "As you know, today we'll be having your heroics class early," he began. "This is because we have a very important lesson planned, and there will be three supervisors watching over you: Myself, All Might, and someone else."
'Someone else?' Izuku thought, curiosity piqued. 'Who could it be?'
Pony excitedly raised her hand. "What are we going to be doing today, sensei?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
"We'll be conducting a disaster simulation," Vlad announced. "Today's lesson will focus on how you handle sudden natural disasters and teach you the proper protocols for dealing with various situations. Remember, it's not always villains that cause chaos."
The room buzzed with excitement and a hint of apprehension. The students were eager to start the lesson but also curious about how they would simulate natural disasters.
Vlad let the anticipation build for a moment before dropping the bombshell.
"For this lesson, we will be heading to the USJ," Vlad announced, his voice resonating through the classroom.
"Universal Studios Japan?" Tetsutetsu asked, a confused but hopeful look on his face.
Vlad shook his head with a small smile. "No, though I understand the confusion with the name. UA's USJ stands for Unforeseen Simulation Joint, where we've incorporated various disaster situations," he explained.
"Awesome!" Awase exclaimed, his excitement evident.
"Sounds like this will be a bit more challenging," Reiko added, her tone thoughtful.
"Mhm," Yui hummed in agreement, her eyes reflecting quiet determination.
Vlad nodded, pleased with their enthusiasm. "Now then, put on your costumes and meet me down in the courtyard. We'll need to take a bus to get to the USJ," he instructed.
With that, Vlad dismissed the class to change into their hero costumes. As the students filed out, buzzing with anticipation, Vlad himself walked towards the courtyard, his mind momentarily drifting to Nezu's recent words about Izuku.
"Like me... he's born cursed,"
The principal's words echoed in his mind, making Vlad pause as he watched Izuku walk away with his classmates. There was a weight to those words, a recognition of shared struggle and burden. But Vlad shook off the lingering thoughts, refocusing on the task at hand.
Once everyone was ready, they gathered in the courtyard where Vlad was waiting. A sleek bus stood ready to take them to the USJ, its doors open and inviting the students inside, and as they filled in, they all to seats and began to converse as the bus drove them to the USJ.
"So, are you guys excited about this?" Shoda asked his friends, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
Kinoko nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! I wonder what kind of simulations they'll put us in?"
Juzo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I wonder what kind of training we'll be doing while in those disaster zones. I mean, what kind of disasters will we be facing?"
"Maybe like floods or landslides?" Setsuna suggested, her imagination running wild.
Izuku, always thoughtful, added his own guess. "Maybe even a forest fire or a burning building?"
"How classic!" Kinoko said with a grin, enjoying the speculation.
Their conversation flowed from one topic to another, their excitement palpable. They discussed other interests and started planning which movie to see over the weekend. Shoda and Izuku suggested the latest anime and superhero movies, while Kinoko and Pony leaned toward a romantic film. Juzo and Shihai, on the other hand, were all for a horror flick, and Setsuna pitched one of the new kaiju movies.
After a lively debate, they finally settled on the new Godzilla movie, much to Setsuna's delight. She was a big Godzilla fan and adored The Kaiju-Hero: Godzillo. Her excitement was infectious, and soon everyone was looking forward to their weekend plans.
Suddenly, the bus came to a stop. Vlad King stood up and turned to face the students. "Alright, everyone off!" he announced. "We're here."
The students quickly gathered their things and disembarked, their eyes widening as they took in the sight of the USJ. Vlad led them to the entrance, where they could see different areas designated for earthquakes, floods, fires, and more. It was clear that this was going to be a rigorous and enlightening experience.
"Hello, students! Welcome to the USJ!"
Hearing the new voice, the students turned to see that off to the side of the entrance stood the Space Hero: 13. Clad in their distinctive spacesuit, 13 exuded an aura of calm authority.
"Here at the USJ, you will be learning how to save lives and the proper way to conduct a search and rescue mission as a hero," 13 began, their voice clear and reassuring. "Today, I want you all to remember that while you have amazing powers, your powers are not meant to inflict harm—they are meant to protect and rescue those in need. I hope you leave here today with the understanding that your role is to help people."
The students listened intently, the gravity of 13's words settling over them. The excitement of the simulation was balanced by the serious responsibility of their future roles as heroes.
Vlad King then leaned over to 13 with a raised brow. "Where's All-Might?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Taking a nap," 13 replied. "He did some heroics before coming here and got tired, so he's in the nap room."
Vlad groaned in annoyance. "Of course that happened," he said with a sigh. Turning to his class, he continued, "Alright then, All-Might should be on his way here soon, but for now, we'll start without him."
13 nodded, maintaining their chipper tone. "Alright. Now then, I'll explain what each of you will be doing and how this exercise will work."
As 13 began explaining the lesson to the students, Vlad's sharp ears picked up a faint sound from down below, near the central fountain. It was subtle but enough to set off his internal alarms. He instinctively glanced down and saw a black vortex forming out of thin air. His eyes widened in horror as the vortex expanded, and a pale, gnarled hand emerged from it.
"What's that?" Pony whispered, noticing Vlad's sudden tension.
Emerging fully from the vortex was a man with disheveled hair, covered in disembodied hands. His presence exuded a chilling malevolence. Vlad's heart raced as the portal grew larger, spewing forth a multitude of villains. The sheer number was overwhelming, far exceeding anything Vlad had anticipated.
"Stay back!" Vlad shouted, his voice echoing with urgency as he stepped protectively in front of his students.
13's explanation faltered as they too noticed the unfolding horror. "Everyone, stay together!" 13 commanded, trying to keep the students calm and focused.
"We need to get them out of here!" Vlad said, his mind racing through potential strategies. He turned to 13, his expression grave. "We can't let these villains near the students."
From down below, standing ominously together were Shigaraki and Kurogiri. The young villain's eyes scanned up the steps, taking in the sight of the two heroes and the clustered students. Yet, their real target was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is All-Might?" Shigaraki's tone was harsh and hoarse, filled with frustration.
"I do not know, young Tomura," Kurogiri replied, his voice calm and measured. "Our information indicated he would be here."
Shigaraki shrugged, a sinister grin spreading across his face. "It doesn't matter... I'm sure he'll come... if we kill a few students."
Vlad's eyes narrowed into a fierce glare as he cracked his knuckles, turning to 13 with a resolute expression. "Get them out of here, 13. I'll handle this."
Knowing what his teacher was about to do, Izuku stepped forward, his face filled with worry. "Sensei, you can't fight alone!" Izuku cried out. "There are too many! Let us help!"
Vlad shook his head firmly. "No, this is my job," he replied, his voice unwavering. "No matter the odds, a hero does not back down."
Izuku was taken aback by the conviction in Vlad's words. He watched as his teacher, brimming with resolve, leaped down towards the villain army.
Vlad landed heavily, the ground shaking under his impact. He stood tall, a lone barrier between the villains and his students.
"Who the hell is he!?" a panicked villain cried out, his voice echoing through the USJ.
Another villain, more composed, stepped forward with their quirk at the ready. "Who cares! Gun squad, fire!" he declared.
The villains with long-range quirks unleashed their attacks, hurling projectiles at Vlad. But the blood hero was ready. He quickly formed a large shield of blood in front of him, deflecting the onslaught with ease. The projectiles bounced harmlessly off his barrier, and as the gun squad ceased their barrage, Vlad's shield morphed into gauntlets around his fists.
Without hesitation, Vlad charged into the fray. His first punch sent one villain flying backward, crashing into the ground with a heavy thud. He spun on his heel, delivering a devastating strike to another villain's gut, causing them to double over in pain. A swift backhand took down a third, and with a powerful uppercut, he sent a fourth villain sprawling across the floor.
In mere moments, Vlad King had incapacitated four villains with a display of sheer strength and skill.
Up above, Izuku watched in awe, his heart swelling with hope. He marveled at his teacher's combat prowess, believing that perhaps they could win this fight against the villains.
"Midoriya! Snap out of it!" Itsuka's urgent voice cut through his thoughts. "We need to get out of here!"
Izuku shook himself from his stupor, turning to face his classmate. "S-Sorry! I'm on my way!" he cried, quickly following her.
As 13 and the students made their way to the door, their escape was abruptly blocked by a swirling mass of black mist. Emerging from the darkness was Kurogiri, his presence immediately ominous.
The purple-clad villain looked at the group with cold, calculating eyes. "I'm afraid I can't allow that," he said, his voice dripping with menace.
The students froze, their path to safety now obstructed. Izuku's mind raced, trying to come up with a plan.
13 stepped forward and activated their quirk, the powerful vortex beginning to suck up Kurogiri. For a moment, it seemed like the plan was working as the villain was drawn toward the singularity. However, Kurogiri remained unfazed. With a swift, almost casual movement, another portal appeared between him and 13, and another one behind 13.
In an instant, 13's back was caught in their own quirk. They cried out in pain, falling to the ground as their quirk deactivated.
Kurogiri's voice was cold and mocking. "An impressive Quirk, but you lack the necessary battle experience. You stood no chance, hero."
"You're going to pay for that!" Tetsutetsu roared.
Fueled by rage, Tetsutetsu and Rin charged at Kurogiri, ready to avenge 13. But before they could reach him, they were enveloped by the villain's black mist.
"My role is to scatter you golden eggs of UA," Kurogiri said, his voice dripping with malice. "And ensure you are tormented and tortured to death."
Suddenly, the black mist spread out, engulfing most of the students. Despite their attempts to escape, many were swallowed by the darkness and scattered across the vast USJ.
Izuku, Pony, Kinoko, Manga, Bando, and Reiko managed to avoid the mist, finding themselves stranded atop the steps. They looked around in horror, seeing their friends disappear one by one.
Izuku's heart raced as he scanned the area, his eyes wide with panic. Setsuna and Juzo were nowhere to be seen. The fear that had been simmering beneath the surface now threatened to overwhelm him. He clenched his fists, trying to steady his breathing, but the worry gnawed at him—what if they were in more danger than he and the others were now?
"Setsuna... Juzo..." he whispered, his voice trembling. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The uncertainty of his friends' safety was a knife twisting in his gut.
Pony noticed his distress and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Midoriya, they'll be ok!" she said, her tone firm yet gentle.
Kurogiri's form shifted slightly as he observed the remaining students. "How admirable, your hope," he said. "But it will not save you,"
Izuku's fear morphed into a blazing anger. Without a second thought, he sprinted toward Kurogiri, moving with such speed that it momentarily stunned the villain. Just as Izuku was about to close the distance, a portal materialized before him, and a foot shot out, striking him hard in the face and sending him sprawling backward.
"Midoriya!" Manga shouted, his voice echoing with concern.
Izuku rolled across the ground, but he quickly regained his footing, determination etched on his face. He looked up to see a horrifying figure emerging from the portal. It was a thin, pale creature, clad only in tattered pants. Its brain was exposed, and its hands were elongated claws. A sinister grin stretched across its face, revealing rows of sharp teeth.
The aura of malevolence that radiated from the creature was unbelievable.
Kurogiri hummed with amusement. "How generous of you to loan us this Nomu, Inko," he muttered under his breath.
Izuku's eyes widened as he followed Kurogiri's gaze to the rafters. There, watching the unfolding chaos with a wicked smile, was Inko. She giggled softly, her eyes gleaming with a disturbing excitement.
"Let's see if all our hard work paid off, Inko," she said aloud to herself, her voice carrying a chilling edge.