A/N: Before we begin, I'd like to address developments that happened during my three-month inactivity.
First, it has come to my attention that Rooster Teeth has finally shut down. While I'm still getting into RWBY and whatnot, I can't say I'm surprised that this has happened. The company was experiencing some trouble from various issues and scandals. Though I have no attachments to Rooster Teeth, I am quite saddened that the show won't get a proper conclusion. Even if there was a decline in viewership, RWBY is still one of those shows that had the potential to be great but was muddled with poor decisions. That's just my opinion though, so take it with a grain of salt.
Then, with such news devastating news, we are all saddened by the passing of Akira Toriyama. From Blue Dragon and Dragon Quest to the legendary Dragon Ball franchise, Toriyama-sensei has touched generations of fans and readers alike with his work. I remember buying a pirated DVD of the Namek Saga and watching it a gazillion times for the story, emotion, and like any early 2000s kid, the first-ever Super Saiyan transformation.
He may no longer be with us, but there is no doubt that his influence and impact throughout the anime community and culture in general will be felt for more to come. Legends never die and Akira Toriyama is one such legend that will be remembered for more than a lifetime.
Well, I guess I shouldn't leave you all hanging and proceed with the chapter.
Chapter XVIII: Realizations and Confessions
Calling the events that had occurred "controversial" was putting it mildly, at least that's what Mirko thought of the whole thing. While the bunny-themed heroine was known for her aggressiveness against villains, she would never stoop to the level of that Bakugō kid and how he relentlessly tormented a girl who couldn't fight anymore. It was somewhat fine in the field since villains don't play fair but in a sanctioned match with pre-established rules, even Mirko knew not to take things too far.
On another note, she had to give that Kurosaki kid some props. To think the boy would have the stones to call out his teacher like that in front of a nationwide audience. Her opinion of him grew increasingly as the festival went on, making her decision to do something she never thought possible much more likely.
Mirko couldn't help herself but chuckle at everyone's reaction. It was entertaining to see how slack-jawed the watchers were after the kid used the F-word on Eraserhead. Heck, even the school staff was left silent; the only one amused by the whole thing was the rat supreme, Nezu.
The bunny-themed hero was about to leave when she caught someone in the corner of her eye. She grinned upon seeing the person approaching her. "Well, well, if it isn't Mister Bigshot himself. Are you here to see your kid?"
Endeavor dismissed the clear jab at him as he approached his fellow hero. "I simply came here to remind Shoto of his duty."
"Duty, huh?" scoffed the rabbit heroine. Mirko never had a good impression of Endeavor. Sure, the guy's one of the best heroes in resolved cases, and his work ethic is second to none, but there's just something wrong about him. "And what duty is that?"
"I don't see this as any of your concern, Mirko," answered the fiery hero. "And I have no intention of divulging anything concerning my goals for my son."
It was brief, but Mirko couldn't help but scoff at this reply. She knew there was more going on with Japan's second-ranked hero's family. She couldn't put a finger on it, but the way his son's eyes burned with hatred spoke volumes of how their relationship was going.
In the end, it was none of her business; so, she let it go. Mirko may be a battle junkie, but she had no intention of getting in between whatever squabble existed among the Todoroki family.
"Well, whatever. That said, what do you think of the prospects this year?"
Endeavor eyed the contestants once more and gave his comments soon after. "They're all impressive, no doubt. The fact that they managed to survive an attack from the League of Villains proves their capability."
"Wow, that's some praise…"
"However, I still don't expect any of them to triumph over Shoto," Endeavor cut her off. "Regardless of their Quirks, Shoto will win this and become what I envisioned him to be."
"Figures…" Mirko said under her breath. She completely disagrees with her fellow hero. While Shoto Todoroki was indeed powerful, there was one person who outstrips in both power and skill. "That boy, Kurosaki, says otherwise."
Oddly, Endeavor remained silent.
"What? No rebuttal?"
"Should I?" Endeavor asked in return. "I see no reason to discuss an individual who will eventually fall to my son. Curiously, I find it strange that you would talk about him. Have you taken an interest in the boy?"
Mirko knew that her question was dodged, and she didn't mind. "You could say that…"
Endeavor observed his fellow hero, following her line of sight which fell on the boy in question. He didn't want to admit it, but there was a large margin when it came to skill and power between Shoto and Kurosaki. However, instead of feeling frustrated that someone other than his creation, the Flame Hero saw this as a prospect for Shoto to prove his superiority, and therefore, his ambitions. Kazui Kurosaki wasn't the only one who would propel his son to the top. There was also Izuku Midoriya and his space-manipulating Quirk. If Shoto manages to defeat those two, then he will be one step closer to his goal.
As for Mirko, she has come to a decision; all she needs to do now is fill up the UA form and submit it the next day.
-o0o-
After Kazui's bold words, the medic bots finally carted off an unconscious Uraraka to the infirmary. Bakugo was declared the winner, much to the audience's dismay, and Present Mic announced the end of the first round—an hour-long break for those who managed to pull through to rest.
Within the halls of the stadium, Izuku was hurrying to the infirmary where his friend was taken with Kazui and Momo not far behind. Though the two were concerned for their injured classmate, they were more attentive to the emotional state of their fellow spirit warrior.
Both the heiress and the reaper could see the shadowed eyes of their green-haired friend as they made their way to check on Uraraka's condition. The amount of Curse Energy they could feel earlier emanating from Izuku was indeed concerning. Had Kazui been a little late in taking action, things would've devolved catastrophically.
"What the…?"
They stopped when they heard a familiar voice on the staircase next to them. As misfortune would have it, the individual they stumbled upon was responsible for Ochako's condition and… to Momo and Kazui's fear, Izuku's ire.
"You!" Bakugō yelled as he pointed a finger at Izuku. He stomped his way to the greenette until he was face-to-face with him. "It was your idea. Only someone fucking shitty as you could think of something so desperate."
Normally, Izuku would've flinched at the accusation even if it wasn't him. This time, he just stood there, silent, and unresponsive.
The angry ash-blonde took this silence as a form of defiance, something he utterly hated ever since he entered UA. "Oh, so you're not gonna talk, huh? Why don't I blow you up like what I did to Pink Cheeks earlier."
The hairs on Yaoyorozu's back stood up. She looked at Midoriya and felt a steady stream of Curse Energy flowing out of him. It was invisible to Bakugō but was noticeable to Kazui. They both shared a look, signifying that if things escalate, they will jump in.
"You're not talking, you little shit." Enraged by the lack of an answer, Bakugō did the unthinkable and grabbed Midoriya's shades and threw them away. He froze for a moment, a sudden chill running up his spine when he laid eyes on his middle school victim. For the first time in his life, he saw Izuku hold an emotion he never thought possible.
Hatred.
The majestic Six Eyes shimmering with an otherworldly glow compounded by an animosity directed only at the one who hurt Uraraka.
After what felt like an eternity, Izuku finally answered. "I wasn't the one who came up with that plan." The answer was more of a murmur, but it was audible all the same. "I offered to give her some strategies against you, but she turned me down. If you found that battle a little closer than you thought, it was all because of her."
"I didn't help that you took your time on her that she managed to almost get the jump on you," Kazui remarked off-handedly, making the Explosion user grit his teeth.
"Come on, Izuku," Momo spoke, gesturing to end this conversation and head to the infirmary. "We still need to check on Uraraka before the second round starts."
"Alright." Midoriya turned around and followed Kazui and Momo, leaving Bakugō.
The boy stared at the trio with hateful eyes. Thinking back, to be reminded that some nobody chick almost beat him and for it to be the damn Deku to remind him of it.
"I'll show you… all of you."
Bakugō couldn't wait for the second round to start to blow off some steam.
-{}-
When Kazui, Momo, and Izuku arrived at the infirmary, they were greeted by two individuals looking over the sleeping form of Ochako in one of the beds. They could tell from the brown hair and the pink blush marks on the woman that these two were her parents. Both adults noticed their arrival and approached them.
"Oh, you three must be my daughter's friends." The woman held out her hand. "I'm Tomiko Uraraka and this is my husband, Hideki."
Izuku was the first to accept the greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. And Mr. Uraraka."
"You must be Izuku Midoriya," Hideki said, surprising the green-haired boy.
"Yes… but how'd you know?"
"Easy, Ochako likes to talk about you."
"She does?"
"Yes. Though, let's get to know her other friends." Hideki mirrored his wife's action. "It's nice to meet you…"
"Kazui Kurosaki," answered the reaper.
"It's nice to meet you, too. My name is Momo Yaoyorozu," introduced the heiress.
Having people look after their daughter made both Tomiko and Hideki smile. "I'm glad that Ochako made friends here in UA."
"We wouldn't trade her for the world," commented Kazui as they all approached Uraraka who was still asleep and recovering.
Uraraka's arms were covered in bandages. The burns on her skin, specifically her face were already gone. However, the healing process must've depleted her stamina as a side effect of Recovery Girl's Quirk.
"How's her condition?" Izuku asked his friend's parents.
Both Tomiko and Hideki's faces turned glum upon the question. "Well, she was never in danger thanks to Recovery Girl, but she'll be out of it for another hour or two."
The room returned to silence, and they gazed at sleeping Ochako. They knew about her reason for becoming a hero and how far the brunette was willing to go. Her parents were proud of her despite the loss she suffered. They promised to support her and watch her performance throughout the festival. Both of them expected their daughter to not make it that far considering all the competition, but it still pained them that she had to go through all that during her match against Bakugō.
"I should've helped her regardless…"
All eyes turned toward Izuku whose regretful blue eyes were hidden behind his black-tinted glasses.
"Before her match, I offered to give her some strategies on how to beat Bakugō, but she turned me down." Izuku showed his notebook full of data on heroes and their Quirks. "I thought I could help her fulfill her promise to meet me in the finals, but in the end, I didn't do much at all. Instead, when she was about to leave for her match, she… cheered me on. She's been cheering me on."
Hideki and Tomiko couldn't see it, but the quivering of Midoriya's voice was enough of an indication that he was torn inside; holding himself responsible for their daughter's condition.
They've heard so much from Ochako about this boy, Izuku, and how he saved him many times. Seeing his concern for her, now they understand Ochako's fascination and high opinion of him.
Mrs. Uraraka slowly approached Izuku. She leaned forward, her face close to the boy's, which made him somewhat flustered. "Can I see your eyes?"
"Huh?"
"My husband did say Ochako talked a lot about you before, remember?" Izuku nodded at her question. "She kept mentioning how beautiful your eyes were. I want to see them as well."
Hesitating for a bit, the protégé of the Honored One removed his tinted spectacles, showing the two parents Six Eyes in full glory. There were tiny pools of tears forming in the corner of his eyes, yet it didn't diminish how mesmerizing they were. In truth, it added more to the splendor of the ethereal orbs, making them sparkle more in divine innocence.
"She was right," Tomiko said softly. "They are indeed beautiful… and it reflects the kind of person you are, Izuku." She continued. "I know you care about our daughter so much given that you wanted to help her. We appreciate it, and so does Ochako."
Hideki approached Midoriya and added, "Listen, kid, the reason why she didn't accept your help wasn't just because this is a competition and that both of you are rivals; the truth is because she wanted to prove herself to everyone that she can stand beside all of you."
"But she doesn't have to prove anything!" Izuku retorted. "We recognize her strength already. It's not just us here but the rest of our class."
"…And we know," Mr. Uraraka quickly answered. "But it isn't as simple as that. Ochako already realizes that you all recognize her. However, to fully recognize that you all accept her, she must first prove that to herself. My wife and I have known our daughter since she was a little girl, so I know that meeting all of you made her feel like she needed to catch up. She's glad to be part of a class with such amazing people, that's why she wants to prove to herself that she deserves to be with all of you."
Listening to Ochako's father speak, Izuku couldn't help but compare himself to his friend. From what he heard, Ochako's inner struggle was very similar to his before he got Limitless. They both felt like they didn't belong – looking for a purpose that would define their very being. The main difference, however, was that while Ochako was accepted with open arms by Class 1-A right from the get-go, he had to fight tooth and nail to be recognized and it was more due to having a power greater than any Quirk.
"How ironic after hearing all of that…"
Gojo, who was listening quietly throughout the whole conversation, had noticed just how similar both Uraraka and his protégé viewed themselves. While both had the same goal to reach, the means to getting there were ultimately different with Midoriya's being filled with more struggle as a consequence of being a Jujutsu Sorcerer.
"Now, do you understand?" It was Tomiko who asked this time. "This was a matter of pride for her… and she needs to accomplish this herself. All we ask… all she would ask… is for your support."
Izuku nodded. "I understand." He wouldn't put up a fight because, in the end, Ochako just wanted to help and show that she could help. Sure, her ultimate goal is to uplift the burden off of her parents, but to do that, she needs to show that she's capable and acknowledged in a profession where the competition is fierce.
"Thank you, Izuku." The words coming from Ochako's mother were sincere. Sadly for the child of Limitless, he didn't notice the sly smirk on her face. "It's no wonder our daughter took a liking to you."
Blushing hard, Midoriya almost stumbled after the revelation. "Wait, what does that mean!?"
From behind his wife, Hideki Uraraka let out a hearty laugh at the boy's expense. Meanwhile, the two other friends of the gravity girl had their little conversation.
"Is it just me, or does this look like a guy getting introduced to his girlfriend's parents?" Kazui whispered to Momo.
"Yeah, it does," she nodded. "Plus, I can already tell that they like him."
"No doubt about that," agreed the reaper.
-o0o-
"Well, that was… productive," Kazui said after exiting the infirmary.
Having had a meaningful talk with her parents, Izuku was now at ease regarding Ochako's condition and motivations. Furthermore, it seems that he had entered the Uraraka couple's good graces, much to his embarrassment.
"I'm going to go ahead," Momo said to Izuku and Kazui. "I'm going to make a call, so I might take a little while. Catch you later." The heiress ran ahead and turned around a corner.
"Okay. See you later!" Kazui said with a wave.
"Yeah, Momo," Izuku added.
They then continued walking in silent anticipation for the next round. They were in the infirmary for a good thirty minutes, meaning they still had ample time to rest and prepare for their prospective opponents. Just as they were about to pass by the same corner where Momo headed, a figure emerged covered in bright violent flames.
The two spiritual warriors were caught by surprise, but they quickly recovered and held serious expressions upon coming face-to-face with the man.
It was Endeavor.
"So, you two must be Kazui Kurosaki and Izuku Midoriya. I was looking for the two of you." Endeavor stood in front of the two, towering over them in his fire-coated stature.
"Oh? Why would Japan's second-ranked hero would grace us with his presence?" Kazui asked with sarcasm; something which the Flame Hero took notice but paid no mind.
"I watched both of your fights during the first round and, I must say, both of your Quirks are pretty impressive," said Endeavor. "To be able to control energy like that. The closest individual within UA with the same ability is that Hadō girl in the third year; yet, hers was never as diverse or as sophisticated as yours." Shifting his attention toward Izuku, he continued, "And to manipulate space at an atomic level. Suffice it to say, no other Quirk exists like that in Japan… maybe even the whole world."
Kazui scoffed, making it obvious to Endeavor before asking, "We appreciate the compliment, but what do you truly want, Endeavor?"
"I'll make this clear for the two of you – it is my Shoto's duty to surpass All Might and become the number one hero," the Flame Hero answered. He narrowed his eyes and further said, "His match with the two of you would prove to be a great testing ground for how much training he has left. So, hit him hard. Don't disgrace him or yourselves by holding back."
After making his intentions known, Endeavor continued his scrutiny of Kazui and Izuku to further drive his point across. The two teens didn't falter under his gaze until one of them spoke.
"We are not your puppets, Endeavor," Midoriya said, much to Endeavor's mild surprise. "We are not some stepping stones for your son to overcome, but most of all, Shoto isn't you."
"Besides, I've never been one to hold back much but thanks for the permission," Kazui added with a shrug. "However, these expectations of yours have put Shoto on a path of self-destruction."
With their messages sent, both teens began walking from an insulted Endeavor. But, before they finally exited for the arena, Kazui and Izuku turned to look at Japan's number two hero.
For a moment, Endeavor felt like he was in the presence of something divine. These boys… they froze him with their stare.
"If you want us to not hold back, then I don't think we can guarantee Shoto's safety."
Kazui's words were compounded when his eyes shifted from the dark and gold to the five pupils while Izuku's Six Eyes shone in mystic determination.
After the first round, the match between Kirishima and Tetsutetsu which ended in a draw was settled by, funnily enough, an arm wrestling contest. Again, due to both students sharing similar powers, their impromptu match lasted longer than expected but, eventually, Kirishima managed to pull through with the win. Despite losing, with a little bit of manly sportsmanship, Tetsutetsu just formed a manly friendship with his fellow hard case.
Now, the jumbotron went through another randomization program to decide the matches for the second round. The screen read as the following:
Shoto Todoroki vs. Izuku Midoriya
Katsuki Bakugō vs. Eiji Kirishima
Shiozaki Ibara vs. Tenya Īda
Kazui Kurosaki vs. Momo Yaoyorozu
With the matches now decided, it was time for the quarter-finalists to prepare themselves to face their opponents.
"I CAN FEEL THE ANTICIPATION IN THE STADIUM, MEANING THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND IS GONNA BE EPIC!"
Riled up thanks to Present Mic's hyping announcement, the crowd roared in excitement as they could not wait for the first match to start.
"First up, it's the guy who won by a landslide and left the audience frozen! The Hero Course's Shoto Todoroki! And the next, this kid almost walked out of his first match-up but made an epic comeback by sending the competition into a cement wall. Also from the Hero Course, Izuku Midoriya!"
"So, here we are," Todoroki said while having a staredown with Midoriya.
"…And only one of us can win," Izuku said with equal fervor.
-{}-
In the stands, Class 1-A are coming up and sharing some ideas regarding who would be the victor of this bout. Tenya, specifically, asked his classmates their opinions.
"Who do you think would win this match?"
Tokoyami closed his eyes and pondered before replying, "It'll all depend on whether or not Todoroki manages to bypass Midoriya's Infinity. Otherwise, Midoriya could just let Todoroki tire himself out and deal the finishing blow."
"I see."
-{}-
In the Teacher's Booth, All Might silently watches as Midoriya and Todoroki stare at each other, waiting for the announcement to begin. That feeling of caution when looking at Midoriya and the suspicions he has of the boy never faded. More so, the desire to know where this power, Limitless, came from grew even more. That is why he is here, taking an interest in this match. Maybe, with Limitless being used against a powerful adversary, he can gather clues about it…
And maybe a way to overcome it should his fears prove to be correct.
"I've read the reports regarding that boy's other personality." Thirteen said while curiously looking at the spectacles-wearing greenette. "Satoru Gojo – should he surface during battle, we might be forced to intervene."
"I know," answered the number one hero. "Though I dare say, we might find ourselves in a tough situation should that happen."
"I have to agree." Thirteen straightened herself. "I know my black holes are powerful, but Midoriya can create the same with much more potency and control. Let's not even forget that red orb that blows everything to kingdom come. And with Infinity, Limitless could potentially be the most powerful Quirk to ever exist."
"It just might be…" thought All Might. The only other Quirks that could go toe-to-toe with Limitless would be his own Quirk, One for All, his nemesis' All for One, and his protégé in America, Catherine Bates, who possesses Territory.
At the end of it all, one thing is clear – should Midoriya be a recipient of his blessing, then he will be vigilant for the day when the child of Limitless shows his allegiance to the world.
-{}-
"Both of these students were frontrunners in the Sports Festival, but which among them will emerge victorious!?" The audience's cheer grew even louder thanks to Present Mic.
Shoto stood at the ready while Izuku merely held his steady stance, his eye exposed as his glasses rested low on the bridge of his nose.
"Prepare for Midoriya versus Todoroki… BEGIN!"
Shoto didn't waste any time and launched a massive tidal wave of ice at Midoriya; nearly everyone in the audience ducked or shielded their faces as the ice came dangerously close. Cementoss had to bring up a barrier of cement to protect the watchers from the frozen wave.
However, the main target of the attack was unaffected. Izuku stood unfazed and unharmed thanks to Infinity protecting him. Todoroki tried again, creating multiple waves of ice that, again surged toward Midoriya. Much to his displeasure though, it still wasn't able to bypass Infinity.
"This is too easy," Gojo commented within his vessel's mind. "No matter how many times he attacks you, it won't land. That's just how good of a defense Infinity is."
"That much is obvious," Izuku mentally agreed. "However, this match isn't about who's stronger."
"Funny you should say that when you have the same dilemma as Vanilla Velvet over there."
The Honored One's protégé knew what his mentor meant. "That's something that I'll have to figure out on my own. Now, though, I need to make Todoroki realize that he's breaking himself over his fire."
"Good luck then. I'll be watching and if things get hairy, I'll jump in. although, I get the feeling that won't be necessary."
"It won't. Trust me."
With a mental nod, Gojo sunk deeper into Midoriya's consciousness, opting to watch the fight in interest.
Now that he could focus on the battle, Izuku pointed a finger at Todoroki as Curse Energy gathered, forming a blue sphere. "Curse Technique Amplification: Blue."
The azure black hole fired at the fire-ice Quirk wielder. Todoroki, knowing the danger of the incoming attack, leaped out of its way before it could reach him. It was a good thing he did for the ground he once stood on was sucked into the miniature event horizon.
"Face it, Todoroiki," Izuku called out, "No matter how you see it, you won't win unless you can bypass Infinity."
Shoto snarled. "Doesn't matter. I will find a way to get through that Quirk of yours and beat you!" He swiped his hand and sent an arching blast of icicles.
Midoriya swatted them away before running at full speed toward the dual-haired boy. Caught off guard at the sudden change in his adversary's approach, Shoto wasn't able to block a fist hitting his face. He staggered back and retaliated by trying to freeze Izuku in place, but the ice just formed around Inifinity. Luckily, when the greenette went for another strick, Todoroki managed to block it.
Izuku knew that block was going to be followed by another ice attack, so he took his hand away and held his left hand under Shoto's gut. "Red."
A bright glow followed by a miniature explosion sent Todoroki tumbling to the ground. he was lucky that the blast didn't send him over the edge.
Izuku was confident that victory would be his. That said, there was still a slim chance that Todoroki could catch him by surprise. Infinity was for sure an impenetrable defense, but it still had a weakness. For one, he needed to consciously activate Infinity for it to work. He didn't have the same capability as Gojo who had his always activated. This means that every time he uses an attack, he will have to take his defenses down. If Todoroki manages to figure this out, the son of Endeavor may just have a slim chance of winning.
"But I won't give him that chance…"
Midoriya began closing in on his opponent. Todoroki answered by creating blocks of ice hurtling to the heir of Limitless. The green-haired boy jumped and rolled over the glacial attack before pressing forward. The son of Endeavor continued launching more ice attacks at Izuku but the young sorcerer either destroyed the cold constructs or let Infinity do all the work.
Getting desperate, Shoto erected a thick wall of ice to protect himself from Midoriya's assault, but it shattered. Black and red sparks flickered wildly as the debris of ice made way for a fist coated in black electricity.
"Black Flash…"
However, the defense Shoto created gave him just enough time and space to inch away from the devastating attack. Sadly, he was still blown away by the shockwave it created.
"Is that it, Todoroki?" asked Izuku as he stared at Shoto struggling to get up. "Face it, you're never going to beat me like this. Stop holding back and try harder!"
"What the Hell are you saying, Midoriya?" sneered Shoto, now up on his feet. A thin sheet of frost was forming over his body. "I am giving it my all."
"No, you're not," the greenette corrected. "I don't see you using all of your abilities."
Shoto knew what he meant. "If you're goading me to use that bastard's Quirk, then you're damn stupid because I won't ever acknowledge that man and his power!"
"His power?" Izuku questioned. "Are you that delusional that you'd rather run the risk of hypothermia than use your fire?"
"Yes! No matter what happens, I won't ever use Endeavor's Quirk. I will not let that monster win by using his fire."
Izuku sighed in disappointment. "Damn you, Todoroki."
Shoto slammed his hands on the arena and summoned a volley of ice spears.
Izuku jumped over the ice attack and ran on top of it. Seeing this, Shoto conjured more ice to deter the young sorcerer's advance. However, the ice was expertly evaded when Midoriya vaulted over them.
Upon reaching Todoroki, he landed a swift kick on the fire-ice user's head. The world suddenly felt dizzy for Shoto and Izuku didn't hesitate to capitalize on this.
The greenette slapped his opponent in the face and followed it up with a backhand. He did two jabs onto Shoto's body – one on the sternum and another on his collar before getting in another slap to the face. From then on, the Honored One's apprentice followed it up with a brutal combination before finishing it up with another slap to the face and a right hook that sent Todoroki flying.
"Oh my goodness!" Present Mic exclaimed. "I have never seen someone play a drum solo on someone else's body! That three-piece combo was extra crispy that it sent Todoroki flying like a wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube man!"
"That has got to be the most impressive combination of adjectives I have ever heard." Aizawa was impressed. Although, he was still a little shaken by the criticism he received from his homeroom class president.
-{}-
"Oh shit!" Kaminari shouted in alarm. "That combo was meaner than what Yaoyorozu did to Ashido."
"Damn it, Kaminari!" the pink girl chastised his electric classmate. "Don't remind me of it."
"Still, who knew the normally timid Midoriya would dish out one sick thrashing onto Todoroki of all people!" Sero commented, equally surprised by the bout. "You'd at least think that Todoroki would get in a lick or two."
Kazui just shook his head in amusement. "That combo was so sadistic that it slapped the goofy out of Todoroki."
The rest of Class 1-A burst into laughter. "Bruh, that's one way of putting it," Kirishima remarked. After the arm wrestling match, he immediately sat next to his classmates to watch the following fights.
Meanwhile, Bakugō was silently observing both Shoto and Izuku. He didn't want to admit it, but he might face a challenge with whoever won between these two. The ash-blonde knew that the son of Endeavor could use two elements but refused to use his fire. This would give him an exploitable advantage should Todoroki advance to the next round. However, that would be unlikely since the damn Deku was winning. That blasted Infinity of his seems to have no weakness that he could take advantage of.
Finally, there was Kazui who, despite making light-hearted comments on the battle, was secretly observing the fight with a keen eye. He and Izuku had promised to snap the delusional boy back to reality. Given that his green-haired friend was pitted against the fire-ice user, it was up to him to complete the task.
"You're close, Izuku," thought Kazui. "A little more push and Todoroki will finally be free from his chains."
-{}-
"Look at you Todoroki, you can barely stand up." Midoriya stood unharmed and unexhausted. "You're shivering. The more you use your Quirk, the more your body suffers from the cold from your ice. If this goes on, you'll freeze. You have a way to counteract that, however. You have your fire, for Christ's sake, so use it!"
"Why the Hell are you so hellbent on wanting me to use my fire!?" Shoto roared in anger. "What the Hell did my monster of a father do, bribe you or something!?"
"I'd rather chuck that fool into a full-powered Azure Glow than accept anything from him!" countered Izuku. "Can't you see, Todoroki? You're doing exactly what you swore you wouldn't do; you're letting Endeavor control your life!"
"You don't know anything!" Shoto threw a blast of ice in a fit of rage.
Izuku just swatted the attack away with his arm laden with Curse Energy. "You're right, I don't. But what you're doing right now is an insult to all Hero Course students who are giving it their all. This obsession of yours of wanting to stick it to your father has put you on a path of self-destruction!" He took off his glasses to look at Shoto with his own eyes. "If you want to reject Endeavor, then fine! However, you have no right to call yourself a hero if you limit yourself to this state all because of a grudge!"
"I will reject him, Midoriya!" Shoto replied adamantly. "I will reject Endeavor and everything he stands for, especially his Quirk!"
"No, Todoroki, you're wrong." Izuku looked Shoto in the eye. "It's your Quirk, Todoroki, not Endeavor's. You may think that using his fire would put you under his control, but in the end, it is always your decision… your choice to use it. It's always… been… you."
It was as if time stood still; that simple declaration froze Todoroki as his mind was rocked to its very core.
"Is it… is it that so simple? So obvious?" Todoroki looked at his trembling hands. Whether they shook from the cold or his emotions, it didn't matter. he remembered the gentle words of his mother; the one who urged him to be a hero.
"You are not a prisoner of your lineage, my son. It's okay to be a hero as long as you are true to yourself. And that power of yours? No one can dictate how you use it. Only you can, Shoto, and with that power, you will be a great hero just like how I know you will be."
There was a pause; the crowd was roaring but to the two boys, there was only silence and the distance between them. Then, with a primal howl, flames erupted from Shoto's left side, rising nearly as high as the glacier he created earlier before settling back down. the ice on his right melted away, and life surged through him once again.
The power he had denied for years gave Shoto such a rush that he couldn't help but give Midoriya a mad grin.
-{}-
"YES, SHOTO!" Endeavoer never felt so much joy. Seeing his greatest masterpiece let go of his idiotic rebellious fit and accept the power of his fire made the flame hero burst into flames. "Have you finally accepted your purpose?" he asked while descending from the steps of the higher balconies of the arena. "This is the dawn of a new era for us! With my blood in your veins, you will surpass me!" He placed his hands on the railing and shouted, "You finally live up to the reason why I crea–-"
Something whizzed right passed Endeavor, nicking his cheek and drawing blood. Caught by surprise, he slowly touched the tiny wound and felt a small drop of blood on his fingertips. He scanned the area, hoping to find the one responsible and teach him a lesson. His eyes landed on the booth of Class 1-A, specifically the familiar orange-haired boy he had met earlier.
Kazui had enough of this man's ramblings and decided to silence him. His Quincy bow still fresh with smoke, he had fired a spirit arrow at the number two hero. When they made eye contact, he made it clear that he wasn't afraid if a confrontation were to erupt – something his classmates weren't so eager to find out.
"Dude, what the fuck!?" Jirō questioned in alarm. "Why the Hell did you shoot Endeavor, of all people, with your magic bow!?"
"He was get ting on my nerves…" was Kazui's reply.
"Class rep, I know you want all the smoke, but this is Endeavor we're talking about!" Sato reminded with hands flailing about.
"…And?" Kazui never broke eye contact with the flame hero. "If he's insulted, then I'm ready to fight him, consequences be damned." A white substance was slowly forming over his right eye that was expanding to the right side of his face. A broadsword made of Reishi formed in his left hand. "Let him come."
The crowd who was seeing this was just speechless. No one ever dared to challenge a hero among the top ten, let alone Endeavor who was the number two. But, here is this kid with a sword who isn't afraid of him. Class 1-A was just dumbfounded that their class representative had the guts to do this. He already dropped the F-bomb on their homeroom teacher, and he was now picking a fight with the man whose only rival was All Might. Heck, even Bakugō knew not to mess with Endeavor.
As for the man himself, something about this child sent shivers down his spine. Those eyes made him remember his encounter with him earlier. It made him feel that he was up against something truly dangerous and, to his feelings, incomprehensible. The roaring flames he had that showed his excitement slowly calmed as he backed down.
-{}-
"You know, I should give Kurosaki my thanks," Shoto said with a chuckle. "I've never seen my old man get shut up."
"I think he'll appreciate it more if you do it yourself," Izuku answered back. Then, an idea came to him. "How about we end this with a bang?"
Curious, Shoto probed further. "What do you mean?"
"Our strongest attacks," clarified the wielder of Limitless. "A combination attack with your fire and ice against my technique reversal at maximum output. What do you say?"
Had this been his earlier resentful self, Todoroki would've just scoffed at this. However, upon realizing how stupid he thought himself was, the idea of showing off seemed so appealing.
The biggest middle finger to Endeavor saying, "I can use this fire better than you and there's nothing you can do about it!"
Todoroki aimed both his hands at Midoriya; his right hand oozing with cold mist and frost while his left hand had flames flickering to life. "Bring it!"
An eager grin formed on Izuku's face he did the same action as Shoto but with only one hand. "Then get ready, Shoto."
Fire and ice danced around Todoroki's hands while a red orb of condensed Curse Energy coalesced in Izuku's. For the former, there was only one thing he wanted to say to the one before him:
"Thank you, Midoriya." More fire and ice began gathering in his hands. "Get ready, Midoriya, because you're about to get a taste of my first ultimate move! FROZEN HELLFIRE!"
Two enormous columns, one of ice and the other of fire, ripped through the arena at insane speeds. The contrasting temperatures battled each other; the intense flames superheating the ice causing it to melt and evaporate before the sub-zero glacial column froze the air once again.
As the dual elemental attacks surged their way to him, Izuku was having a short conversation with his mentor. "I don't think I can gather the same amount of Reverse Curse Energy for this as you can."
"You don't necessarily have to," Gojo clarified. "As of right now, you've barely delved into the intricacies of Reverse Curse Energy and already, you're doing a fine job in understanding it. I do not doubt that you can one day master it, but for now, this is as much you can muster for a maximum technique given you're still adjusting to having Curse Energy as a whole."
"Okay…"
"Be that as it may, I am impressed that you managed to get that kid to snap out of his delusions. However, the real battle is still far from over and it isn't even this one."
"I know…" His attention now on the incoming fire-ice combination attack, he unleashed his technique upon Todoroki with devastating effects. "Curse Technique Reversal – Maximum Output: Scarlet Glare!"
The main idea behind Red was repulsion and rapid expansion. When both attacks collided, it did just that. It expanded rapidly with such power that Frozen Hellfire was utterly extinguished and hit Shoto so hard that he flew like a missile and shot through the wall of the stadium into one of the hallways. The collision also caused a powerful shockwave that rocked the entire structure, fissuring its integrity as miniature an earthquake rumbled within Musatafu for a few seconds.
-{}-
"Inko, you never told me Izuku had that kind of power!" Mitsuki cried while holding onto her seat for dear life.
The sudden earthquake caused by his son made Inko sway uncontrollably. "I knew Limitless was strong, but I never expected this!"
Meanwhile, Tsumiki was steadying herself as she looked on in amazement. "So, this is the power of Satoru Gojo…" Her eyes glanced over to Inko who was frantically keeping herself upright. "Who knew that it was my godson that would inherit it?"
-{}-
In the Teacher's Booth, the faculty did what everybody else was doing: clinging on for dear life.
"Somebody needs to review the file on Midoriya's Quirk because this was not part of that entry!" Power Loader screamed.
"It is!" Hound Dog corrected. "Red was already in his entry, but we didn't expect it to be this powerful. None of us knew he could use it at maximum output."
"Be that as it may, he has made this year's Sports Festival unforgettable!" Principal Nezu exclaimed in glee.
However, All Might was looking hard and fearful at Midoriya. That attack alone had enough to rival his smashes. It was all the more reason to keep the boy under close observation.
-{}-
"It's over!" Even with his Quirk and the arena's sound system amplifying his voice, it was still drowned out by the collective screams of the audience. Even when they just had a mini earthquake courtesy of one of the competitors, it didn't deter the watchers from expressing their excitement at such an impressive match. "Izuku Midoriya has won this match with an earth-shaking victory! He is our first semi-finalist!"
Izuku watched as medic droids picked up Shoto and carted him off to the infirmary. He felt a sense of accomplishment for making his classmate realize his mistake. Although, maybe he should've toned down the power of that technique reversal… or maybe even avoided using the maximum technique altogether and just used the regular one. Still, he needed to rest and prepare himself for two more battles, one of which would undoubtedly be the most difficult he'd ever face.
-o0o-
The two subsequent matches weren't as exciting as the first one, but they put the crowd on the edge of their seats. In the match between Tenya and Ibara, the speedster blitzed his opponent and pushed her out of bounds. He refused to lay a finger on a girl even in a sanctioned battle such as this. The act earned him points from the girls in the Hero Course, something they all wished a sex-crazed gremlin could learn.
The second bout was between Bakugo and Kirishima. It was a battle of attrition; something both teens excelled at. With his hardening Quirk serving as good defense, Kirishima was able to weather Bakugō's onslaught of explosions. Sadly, drawn-out fights served the ash-blond better. The more he sweats, the more his explosions grew in power. With that fact, it was only a matter of time before Kirishima's rock-hard defense gave in, giving Bakugō the win for his match and advancing to the semi-finals.
"After those two exhilarating matches, we move on now to our final match for the second round!" The crowd cheered in response to the DJ-themed hero's announcement. They enjoyed the two previous bouts after Midoriya's, but they didn't have the same excitement the first battle had. The audience hoped that this last one would be different. "Here are our contestants! First up, she's our genius chemical mistress who isn't afraid to get into a scrap. Give it up for Momo Yaoyorozu! Her opponent is the kid who isn't afraid of anybody, be it his homeroom adviser or the number two hero. Quick, efficient, and ruthless, it's Kazui Kurosaki!
Separated by the distance between them, Kazui and Momo both sported looks of anticipation. When they found out that it was the two of them who would fight, the pair glanced at each other knowingly. They were going to give it their all, especially Momo since this was her chance to test herself against a truly powerful foe…
A deity.
"I never once expected you to be my opponent, Momo," Kazui said. "I can't wait to see how you fair against me, but I'm gonna have to apologize because I'm winning this."
The raven-haired girl chuckled. "Funny, that's the same thing Mina said right before I beat her."
"Oh, I'm different." Kazui positioned himself in a unique stance that Momo saw for the first time. It was a Hakuda stance.
"We'll see." She did the same thing, this time in a stance reminiscent of Wing Chun.
"It looks like our two contestants are eager to get things going. So, what are we waiting for, folks? Let the final match of the second round… BEGIN!"
The two competitors rushed at each other. Both their right fists reared back for a powerful punch – Kazui's glowing with Blut Arterie while Momo's was empowered by her Heavenly Restriction. Once they met at the center of the ring, they threw their respective punches at each other, colliding with such force that a shockwave blew outward that could be felt by the audience.
Momo went straight for a fistfight, throwing in quick and precise jabs and kicks that were expertly parried or deflected by Kazui. The boy returned in kind, but the girl was just as adept at maneuvering herself through the volley of attacks he sent her way.
The ravenette threw in two quick openhand jabs. Kazui parried the two strikes and barely deflected a sneaky elbow. He tried kicking the girl to get her off balance, but Momo kicked his kick instead before grabbing his arm and elbowing him in the sternum.
Blut Vene protected his body. He twisted the hand that she held so that he was now grabbing her instead. The hybrid positioned himself with her behind his back. Using his body as a lever, Kazui performed a Judo throw on Momo, but she managed to land on her feet with the torso up to her hamstring parallel to the ground. The girl held his shirt and pulled, positioning him onto one of her legs, and threw him with an unexpected counter.
Kazui flew a few feet away from the Zen'in princess. He was able to right himself midair and land gracefully with little issue. He immediately ran at Momo who was now standing up anticipating and engaged once more.
Momo jumped and performed a spinning triple kick airborne. Kazui blocked the three strikes with the help of Blut Vene and answered back with a kick of his own. The girl bent backward, barely avoiding the Reishi-infused leg. They then converged on each other and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks that dazzled the audience.
-{}-
Mina felt cold sweat drip down her forehead as she watched Kazui and Momo battle it out below. She was thankful that her friend didn't go this far on her and opted to just throw her out of bounds once she was weakened enough.
The others watched on in fascination. Kazui and Momo's movements looked more like a dance with how they weave in and out of their attacks. It was already evident that their class representative was skilled but the last thing they expected was for Class 1-A's vice rep to be just as adept, if not better, than the gingerhead.
This was more evident with Mashirao who is also a practioner of martial arts. Looking at the duo who were fighting in the arena, he admits that if he were to fight either one of them in a battle of pure martial arts, he'd lose.
"Oh man," the tailed kid muttered. "I have a lot of catching up to do."
-{}-
Kazui and Momo were exchanging fast jabs at each other. They were countering each other's moves so precisely that it seemed they were at an impasse. Luckily for Momo, she managed to get a successful back fist into Kazui's face. She followed it up with two strikes strikes. One landed on her opponent's shoulder, but the other was caught.
She yelped when she was suddenly pulled close. Kazui delivered a solid forearm chop into Momo's ribs, making the girl wince. Before he could get another hit, she pried her hand off of him and jumped away.
While both managed to get some hits in, it was clear that the exchange, tiring as it may seem, barely did anything to their stamina. Sharing glances at each other, they can tell that the other hasn't gone all out yet.
That all changes now.
"Why don't we skip the warm-up and get serious?" Momo suggested.
Kazui raised an eyebrow.
"Don't give me that look, Kazui. I know this isn't all that you're capable of. After all, I know what you are and the true extent of what you can do. Grant me this opportunity to test all that I have against someone like you."
There was no need to think about this. Kazui would grant Momo's wish regardless. Besides, there was no way he was going to deny those pleading eyes of hers.
"Okay, Momo, let's do this."
The heiress smiled – one of sincere gratitude – before turning into a feral grin of a combat junkie. "Oh, and by the way, when I mean everything that you have, I was referring to your zanpakūto as well." She held her right hand over her left shoulder as if she were to grab something. To the surprise and utter disgust of the audience, something appeared over her shoulder.
It was a worm-like creature stretching to about three feet long with its head resting comfortably on her shoulder while its tail was neatly wrapped around her waist. It had a bulbous head with human-like eyes and a mouth that suddenly opened to reveal a red handle.
Momo grabbed the protruding object and pulled it out, revealing an ornate three-sectioned staff and a strange-looking spearhead connected by a chain.
"What the heck is that!? Ladies and gentlemen, some ugly worm just appeared around Yaoyorozu and gave her weapons! Is this even legal?" Present Mic questioned. His sentiments were shared by the watchers as well.
Midnight was also questioning whether or not this was permitted. She tapped her coms and asked the principal if this was allowed. After a few seconds and nods, she announced what the organizers had said regarding this strange turn of events.
"The executives have allowed contestant Yoayorozu to use her… erm, worm, and the weapons it provided!" She then turned her attention toward Kazui. "This also means that contestant Kurosaki is also permitted to use his weapons if he has any. However, the rule of no fatal blows is strictly implemented, am I clear?"
Both combatants nodded. Kazui decided that it was time for him to summon his weapon. Raising his hand high, he willed Mangetsu to come to him. The soul-cutter sword traversed the inner halls of the stadium, even managing to bust down the door of the room where it rested. Once it finally got into the open, it finally found itself in the hands of its owner.
Unsheathing his weapon, Kazui fell into a stance – sword running parallel to the ground and held close to his face. Momo got into stance as well, holding the further ends of the staff while the chain was wrapped around her hand.
Silence reigned for a few tense seconds. The two fighters sizing one another before making a move. Then, in an instant, both vanished and appeared in the center of the arena at imperceivable speeds. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying as they pushed against each other.
Momo looked at Kazui and smiled. It wasn't her warm smile, however, but the one she only reserved for those whom she deemed strong. That is the instinct of those who possess her type of Heavenly restriction; they seek out the strongest.
The ravenette's strength won, pushing Kazui a few meters back. She vanished from his sight, leaving only a large cloud of dust behind. The hybrid immediately raised Mangetsu just in time to block the tri-staff but the force behind the blow was so strong it sent him tumbling on the ground for the first time since he arrived on this world.
Momo pursued Kazui, not yet finished with her intent. She twirled around her weapon in a hypnotizing dance of doom that put the hybrid on the backpedal. The heiress caught Kazui's hands with one of her flurries and delivered a palm strike to his chest. He staggered, allowing Momo to wrap her weapon around his neck and fling him across the arena.
The Yaoyorozu girl loosened the chain in her hand and let the strange blade dangle. She spun the spearhead and threw it at Kazui. It was deflected, but it gave her more than enough opportunities to get close. Once within his space again, she took the blade and swung.
Kazui wasn't able to raise his word in time and opted to protect himself with Blute Vene instead. But, much to his shock, his defensive skill failed him as blood flew from the wound he received.
-{}-
Class 1-A was shaking while they watched the battle unfold, more so at Momo than anything else.
They knew she was skilled, but this? They always viewed the young heiress to be gentle, motherly even. That's why they consider her Mama Bear and Kazui Papa Bear. But here? This was a beast wanting to throw hands at anyone and it showed.
"God almighty," Kaminari muttered. "I'm starting to thank the gods above that I didn't get to fight her."
"Same here," Sero agreed.
Mina gulped. "I'm just glad she didn't go ballistic on me like she's doing now."
Izuku wondered if he had a chance against Momo, so he asked Gojo for his input. The answer he got surprised him.
"You would lose by a slim margin, Izuku."
"How so?"
"Your match with Todoroki earlier heavily relied on Infinity. He didn't have the means to bypass it, but Momo did. See that spearhead?" Izuku nodded. "That is the Inverted Spear of Heaven, a cursed tool that can negate all curse techniques. You know what that means, right?"
Izuku understood what his mentor implied. "It can nullify Infinity, leaving me vulnerable."
"That's your major disadvantage. Another is your lack of combat experience. Sure, my techniques and experiences are bleeding into you, but you still haven't trained enough to fully utilize them in combat. Momo, on the other hand, has been training all her life and it shows. Add her Heavenly Restriction into the mix, and then you have someone who could one day surpass the Sorcerer Killer. In a straight-up fistfight, you'd lose."
"I understand, Gojo-sensei." Izuku wasn't disappointed. He just accepted that he still has more to improve upon.
"Don't worry kid, we'll eventually get there."
-{}-
"Surprised?" Momo questioned. She held the spearhead for Kazui to see. "This is the Inverted Spear of Heaven. It's one of our family's great treasures along with Playful Cloud," she held the staff as well. "This spearhead can negate any curse technique while the staff amplifies the strength of its user with its Cursed Energy. Since we already concluded that Reiryoku and Curse Energy are the same, I took a shot if these tools can harm you and the results speak for themselves."
Kazui's shocked expression slowly faded as a chuckle followed. "You really are special, Momo."
"I… um… thank you, Kazui," the girl stuttered as a faint blush tinted her cheeks.
"That said, I'm not about to lose to you." The young reaper readied himself again. This time, he conjured a Reishi broadsword, dual-wielding it together with Mangetsu. "Now, the real fun begins."
Her blush disappearing, Momo's demeanor reverted to her battle-ready stance. "Then show me what you got, Soul Reaper."
"Likewise, Sorceress."
They engaged in swordplay once again. Momo leaped and swung the oddly-shaped blade at Kazui who deflected it with Mangetsu. He crouched low and rotated on his right foot, swinging his broadsword at the girl who deftly backed away. The heiress threw the curse-nullifying blade at her opponent. The hybrid dodged the bladed missile but noticed Momo pulling on the chain. Sensing the danger, he ducked and avoided the weapon from clipping him from behind.
Momo continued pulling on the chain and wrapped some of it around her leg. She manipulated the metallic link and changed its trajectory, making it swing in a wide arc heading for Kazui.
"So, that's how you want to play, huh?" A chain made of Reishi formed, connecting both his swords. He spun the two weapons like helicopter blades and deflected the incoming dagger.
CLANG!*
With the weapon deflected, Momo pulled on the chain to retrieve her weapon but noticed something shiny heading her way. Her danger senses ringing, she immediately ducked and avoided a pointy missile in the form of a Reishi broadsword.
"Let me show you how it's done, Momo." He pulled on his chain and retrieved his weapon before throwing it again. This time, though, he ran at Momo right after the broadsword was deflected by the heiress. He covered the remaining distance with a jump and swung Mangetsu at her.
The Zen'in princess blocked the heavy strike but was too late to anticipate two follow-ups. Two wings came – one nearly making her crumble while the second was an upward slash that blew her away. Kazui didn't stop there as he closed in on her again. He threw his soul cutter which nearly caught the heiress had she been inattentive. The young hybrid closed in on her and threw a slew of wild punches and kicks all while pulling his swords by the chain and using them as flails.
Momo was having great difficulty defending herself from such an unpredictable fighting style. She could see no pattern in his attacks whatsoever.
In a desperate bid to gain control, Momo chucked the Inverted Spear of Heaven at Kazui. Preparing to deflect it, he was caught off guard when it wrapped around his broadsword. She pulled on the chain again and it arced in such a way that the blade nicked him in the cheek. Momo capitalized on this and lunged at Kazui, using her strength to sever the chain linking the two swords and disarming him with his Reishi weapon.
The young sorceress swung Playful Cloud, hitting Kazui in the head which staggered him a bit. She used this opening to wrap the chain of her weapon around him. What Kazui didn't know was the chain itself was a cursed tool known as the Chain of a Thousand Miles. It can stretch to any length the user desires. Now with it binding Kazui, she pulled on its links with all her might, throwing the boy over her.
However, Kazui's body was entirely covered in glowing red lines. Blut Arterie now activated, forced himself free. Landing safely and away from Momo, he thought about how this fight had been going.
Kazui had to admit, the Zen'in heiress edges him out in terms of pure combat capabilities by a slim margin; he at least expected that. However, what truly caught him off guard were the two weapons. Playful Cloud increased Momo's strength tenfold and she was already strong to begin with. Then, there's the Inverted Spear of Heaven that negated his Blut Vene. Kazui concluded that even if he reinforced his defenses with Hierro, it wouldn't matter since the dagger could cut through Spiritual Energy itself.
He needed to disarm her of those two curse tools. And, given that Momo was a master of martial arts at such a young age, it'd be a very difficult battle.
"I guess I do need to take her more seriously." Deciding to take things up a notch, Kazui did something that surprised Momo. "Ye Lord, the mask of blood and flesh; all creation, flutter of wings. You who bears the name of man, truth, and pandemonium; the sea barrier surges. March onto the south! Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
Momo dove out of the out of the way in a panic. When she looked up, she saw Kazui conjuring another spell.
"Hadō #4: Byakurai!"
A blast of pale blue lightning passed by the heiress' face right as she tilted her head in time to not get hit. However, she didn't expect the next attack from her opponent.
"Hadō #11: Tsuzuri Raiden!" With his hands touching the ground, Kazui sent a current of electricity at Momo. The bolts of electrical energy crawled on the arena as they made contact with their intended target.
"KYAAAAH!"
Momo's scream pained Kazui, but he had to get this win. Seeing as she was now immobilized, the young reaper took this opportunity to disarm her. "Disintegrate, black dog of Rondanini. Look upon yourself with horror and tear out your throat! Bakudō #9: Hōrin!"
A hued tendril emerged from the teen death god's hand, shooting itself and wrapping around Momo's weapon. Kazui pulled on the ethereal rope and Momo was now weaponless, the three curse tools landing harmlessly outside of the ring. Using this opportunity, Kazui pounced on his enemy to end this match and move on to the next round.
However, Momo wasn't done. As Kazui drew closer, she reached for her pet curse and took out another weapon.
The sound of metal clanging rang throughout the arena. On the edge of their seats, the audience was surprised to find that the recently disarmed Yaoyorozu now had another weapon to use against Kazui.
"Just as when we thought Kurosaki had the upper hand after separating Yaoyorozu from her weapon, she manages to surprise us by pulling out her own sword from the worm on her shoulder. This competition has been a nail-biter with the constant back and forth between our two contestants! Can any one of them truly get the advantage and pull the win!"
-{}-
Class 1-A had to agree with what Present Mic said – this current match was the most intense fight between two Hero Course students. The sheer ferocity of both contestants was a testament to the skills they cultivated before entering UA. They were all clutching their seats tightly as their nerves were high and their heartbeat pounded with excitement.
However, with Momo unleashing the final weapon in her arsenal, this battle will take on a whole different level.
-{}-
"She took it out!" Tsumiki mentally exclaimed. While she knew that her daughter would be facing an uphill challenge in the form of a genuine death god, she never expected Momo to resort to using that weapon of all things.
That said, she was proud of her to have lasted this long, even getting some hits here and there. Even if she lost, Tsumiki was sure that Momo had made her ancestors proud; the name of a once-tarnished family was now in the hands of a woman who would bring it to a bright future.
The mother grinned. All that's left now is for Momo to end this match with a spectacular finish.
-{}-
Momo pushed Kazui off their blade lock, creating some space for reprieve. Meanwhile, Kazui was eyeing the new weapon with scrutiny. The sword was a katana with a traditional handle and a fur-coated tsuba. It may look inconspicuous to any other person, the death god knew for certain that this weapon was dangerous. If he had to make a comparison, this new weapon was like a zanpakūto.
"What is that weapon, Momo?" he asked, though not expecting any direct answer. "Why does it feel similar to Mangetsu?"
"It's called the Split Soul Katana," she answered. "You can already guess what this bad boy does with a name like that."
Now with the sword's ability out in the open, Kazui's eyes grew wide at its implication. "That weapon is a proto-zanpakūto!"
This just got interesting. Zanpakūto are the weapons wielded by Soul Reapers. Translated as "Soul Cutter," their basic function is to cut through any spiritual substance regardless of any physical hindrances. If this sword is similar to a zanpakūto, then whoever forged Split Soul Katana was one heck of a swordsmith to ever coming close to replicating a death god's weapon. If he were alive, maybe Ōetsu Nimaiya would want to meet the guy.
Both fighters readied themselves one more time; raising their swords parallel to the ground and tip pointing toward their adversary. This is it – the final stage of their match.
Kazui and Momo lunged at each other, creating a series of sparks as their weapons collided repeatedly against each other. The two fighters weaved seamlessly through the onslaught of their shared attacks.
Momo swung downward, forcing Kazui to block and parry the blade. Soul Split Katana slid down Mangetsu before the young reaper did a diagonal slash. Momo gripped the offending hand while she spun around and found herself behind Kazui, ready to slash him.
The boy sensed her intent; he held his weapon behind, meeting the soul-cutting cursed tool. He maneuvered himself to face his opponent and struck a quick thrust which was easily deflected. However, Kazui slid his sword over Momo's weapon which managed to nick her shoulder.
They engaged once more in an intense blade lock. The heiress twisted her wrist, creating an opening that she used for an upward strike. Sadly, the god of death caught her hands, preventing the blade from reaching his face. Momo kicked Kazui in his right knee, forcing him down.
Kazui rolled to the side right before the katana hit him. He quickly stood up and brought two slashes at Momo. The strength of the hits caused the Zen'in princess to recoil and get pushed back, allowing Kazui to apply the pressure. He sent two horizontal slashes followed up by using his fellow competitor as a springboard to jump on and get in a solid kick.
Unperturbed, Momo pounced on Kazui with equal ferocity; unleashing a hail of precise and calculated strikes that served to put the death god in the backfoot. The heiress continued her assault, but the young reaper managed to step on her sword, momentarily binding her. He was about to strike when she grabbed his arm and did a shoulder throw. It was supposed to be a good counter if Kazui didn't sneak a hammer fist into her forehead.
The death god fell on his back but quickly recovered. He closed in on Momo and performed a series of thrusts aimed at her head. Thanks to her superhuman senses, the princess of the Zen'in Clan bobbed her head seamlessly and avoided the zanpakūto's tip. However, she didn't expect the reaper to grab her PE uniform and arm to get thrown to the other side of the ring. Luckily, she was able to right herself and avoid falling out of bounds.
They crossed blades again, this time with Kazui taking advantage. Having parried one of Momo's attacks, he spun and elbowed her in the face. The girl flinched and took a step back. He rushed at her to deal the finishing blow, but the gifted girl did a backflip and kicked his hand, effectively stopping his advance.
Momo rushed at Kazui while staying low. She did a sweeping kick, but Kazui jumped over it. The reaper closed in on her, but she was quick to counter his advance. They swung at each other – Momo doing an upward diagonal slash while Kazui performed a downward strike.
Seeing an opening, Kazui swung at Momo's exposed abdomen. The heiress expected this and jumped over it, doing a graceful backflip as she sailed in the air. The reaper readied himself. He knew that Momo wouldn't be able to dodge as she landed. All he needed to do was hit her hard enough with the butt of his sword and knock her out.
Kazui prepared to finish this match. When Momo's feet touched the concrete arena, the son of the Transcendent swung hard… but his attack didn't connect because the heiress did something he didn't expect.
Momo did the splits as she landed.
-{}-
All the men in the audience immediately lost their collective shits. Among the students of Class 1-A, Mineta was fantasizing about having his face scrunched between the ravenette's thighs. He was having the best daydream when he was snapped back to reality courtesy of Tsuyu tongue-slapping him.
"Hey! What the heck did you do that for!?"
"We know what you were thinking about, you pervert," Mina said to him.
"Don't make us sic Kurosaki at you, Mineta," Hagakure warned, smirking when she got a reaction from her purple-haired classmate. "You don't want to get punished by him again, do you?"
Not liking the prospect of getting on the bad side of their class representative, Mineta quickly shook his head.
"The same goes for you too, Kaminari!" Jirō pointed at her yellow-haired friend.
"Me!?" yelled the boy in question. "I didn't even do anything!"
"But you were thinking of it, I'm sure!"
-{}-
"What the fu–" Kazui didn't get to finish his thoughts when Momo swept him off his feet, clipped him with her legs, disarmed him of his zanpakūto, and pointed her weapon at his throat.
Huffing heavily, the heiress felt a sense of satisfaction when she finally got Kazui under her and vulnerable. She grinned as before saying, "Yield."
"I don't believe it!" Present Mic yelled causing an uproar among the watchers. "After, dare I say, a 'flexible' counter, Momo Yaoyorozu has managed to put Kazui Kurosaki in a submission hold! Will contestant Kurosaki be able to escape and continue the fight, or will Yaoyorozu finally get that win after a grueling battle!?"
"Kurosaki, can you still fight?" Midnight asked the bound competitor.
"I still can!" answered the gingerhead.
"I don't think so, Kazui," Momo said otherwise. "Unless you have something else up your sleeve, then this is my win."
Truth be told, Kazui did have something that could turn this situation around. It was something he'd been thinking of more and more ever since that endearing moment he and Momo shared at her mansion. It would no doubt surprise her just enough to get him the win, but it was the message he wanted to convey that what he was going to do was what truly mattered.
Activating Blut Vene, Kazui pushed Momo's hand aside just enough so that there was nothing in between. He then reached out, cupping the back of her head, and pulled.
"Hey! What are you– mphhh!"
At that moment, Momo's mind went blank as she felt the soft touch of Kazui's lips on her own. All the cheering died down as more than a hundred thousand in personal attendance, and a few billion watching worldwide, watched as the pair of teenaged heroes share a kiss.
Momo couldn't believe what was happening. Sure, she expected something unorthodox coming from a deity, but this was the last thing she expected! However, she'd be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it. All the feelings she had kept in her heart that were building in the months that they'd known each other were slowly, but surely, rising to the surface. She let go of her weapon, letting it bounce on the arena in a series of clangs before her mind drifted into bliss as she cupped the boy who had stolen her heart and deepened the moment they shared.
-{}-
"YES! YES! YES!"
Inko, Mitsuki, Masaru, and nearby festivalgoers all looked at Tsumiki in bewilderment. The woman in question was shouting at the top of her lungs with utmost joy.
They thought she must've shipped the two teens together.
As for what the mother was thinking, she was just overjoyed that her daughter was finally in a relationship. She isn't expecting grandkids any time soon, but she was just glad that Momo had someone special to be by her side.
-{}-
Nearly a quarter of the students in the reserve section for the Hero Course, both classes A and B, let out wild cheers, none quite so loud as Mina. Her exact words were, "Yeah! Frickin' finally!"
"You go, Papa Bear!" Tōru yelled, practically wrapping herself around a blushing Mashirao's tail. "Stake your claim on Mama Bear!"
Most of the boys, at least the ones with an interest in girls, performed a series of mental gymnastics to figure out their remaining options and chances. The remaining students were half-groaning and half-cheering. There was a secret betting pool on who among the students in the Hero Course would be in a relationship and with whom. Surprisingly, it was Koji who raked in the most, happily receiving wads of cash from his frustrated classmates after their bets were lost.
It goes to show that it's always the quiet ones.
-{}-
Engrossed with the feel of Kazui's lips, Momo barely realized that she was being lifted. His left arm tucked under her knees while the other firmly held her shoulders, she recognized that she was being held in a princess carry. However, that realization was merely a minor thing when your senses were solely focused on the person in front of you.
That feeling of bliss, sadly, would be her downfall.
"Momo Yaoyorozu is out of bounds! Our winner is Kazui Kurosaki who will move on to the semi-finals!"
"Huh!?" Midnight's declaration snapped Momo out of her stupor. She looked around, first seeing Kazui with an apologetic look and the seductress-themed umpire giggling suggestively. When her eyes landed on the ground, she found her feet firmly planted outside of the legal zone of combat. "Wait, what!? Kazui, did you…?"
"I… I did. Sorry.'"
"Kazui, you jerk!" Momo screamed while hitting the reaper in the chest. It wasn't meant to be painful, however, but rather a playful gesture of irritation. "You tricked me! You even kissed me just so I could let my guard down."
"I know I did, but the kiss wasn't." The pounding on his chest stopped. Momo's wide-open eyes gradually met with his. "I may have taken advantage of that… embarrassing situation, but what I feel for you, Momo, I poured it all in that kiss."
"Then…"
With a sincere smile, Kazui lightly pressed his lips on Momo's forehead. He was enjoying the flustered look on her, an expression one wouldn't normally find on the young heiress. Still, those feelings of longing… of protectiveness he had for her, he can finally express them with these simple words:
"I love you, Momo."
A/N: Now, for those who were wondering where I was, I was busy with real life and whatnot. It's the tail-end of Paril and the beginning of May which means that the school year here in the Philippines is coming to an end. Preparations for the commencement exercises and graduation will be underway as well as making and giving out the final set of examinations before the end of the month. It's pretty hectic with serving not just as a teacher to the school I'm working in but also being its property custodian and supply officer.
However, I'm happy to say that June will be a free month for me which would give me the time to continue my stories. Reapers Among Faires will be put on hold until then while I focus more on this fanfic.
Despite my current situation, I'm so happy that you are still with me. I promise to continue when I'm finally free from all my responsibilities and give you all the stories I wish to tell with these franchises. I have plans concocted for something big. To those who saw the connections sprinkled here and there, kudos.
Well, this is it for now. Be sure to watch out for the next chapter because we'll be seeing a painful lesson in humility. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about.
See you next time!