As All Might faced the Nomu, his heart pounded with fury and a deep, protective rage he hadn't felt in years. Since waking up that morning, a dark feeling had gnawed at him. He'd felt it in the chill of his morning coffee, in the quiet as he walked the halls of UA, in the way the sun seemed hidden behind thick clouds. But nothing had prepared him for the sight of Iida, tearing through the streets faster than he'd ever seen, wide-eyed and desperate, shouting that the USJ was under attack.
Now, he stood before the creature.
He forced himself to breathe steadily, but every glance he took at his students, lying scattered and bruised around him, threatened to unhinge his control. There was Katsuki, who had been so bold and ready to fight; there was Todoroki, frost trailing from his hands, muscles tight with the effort of holding his stance; Minato, Kirishima, Jiro, Yaoyorozu—all of them beaten down, their faces streaked with dirt, sweat, and blood.
And then, his gaze settled on Izuku.
The boy's shoulders were slumped, his eyes distant, Sharingan blazing behind his mask, casting an eerie red glow. All Might's breath hitched, his jaw clenched so tight his teeth ground together. This was not the way it was supposed to be. This boy should have been worrying about exams, laughing with his friends, learning to be a hero, and not facing down monsters engineered to kill. Not being forced to use the Sharingan, the power that had cost Izuku his family, the power that haunted him still.
All Might's fists tightened, the tendons in his forearms bulging as his anger roiled like a storm within him. He thought he could be ready for anything, but seeing this—seeing his students forced to fight for their lives, forced to dig deeper than they ever should have had to—ignited something primal. He was their teacher, their symbol of peace, and he had failed to protect them from facing this nightmare.
I should have been here,he berated himself, his mind replaying the moments before he'd found Iida on the street. He'd ignored the sinking feeling, pushed it down, and assumed it was nothing more than a fleeting worry. But it hadn't been. He should have known—heshouldhave known. All Might stood amidst the plaza ruins, the air thick with dust and the acrid scent of smoke. The weight of his failure pressed heavily upon his broad shoulders, but he pushed it aside. There was no time for self-reproach—not when his students needed him.
He locked eyes with the Nomu—a grotesque amalgamation of muscle and malice. Its vacant, bird-like eyes reflected nothing but the intent to destroy. The creature's chest heaved with each breath, the muscles rippling beneath its dark, scarred skin.
A tense silence settled over the battlefield, broken only by the distant crackle of dying flames and the ragged breaths of his students. All Might's gaze shifted briefly to Uraraka, crouched beside Thirteen's fallen form. She whispered words of comfort, her hands trembling as she reassured the injured hero that everything would be alright. Even in the face of such overwhelming fear, her courage stirred something within him—a reminder of what he was fighting for.
"All Might!" Izuku's voice cut through the haze, raw and desperate. He stumbled forward, clutching his injured side. "The Nomu—it's not just strong! It's designed to counter your power!"
All Might turned his attention to Izuku, his eyes widening. "What do you mean, young Midoriya?"
Izuku took a shaky breath, forcing the words out between labored breaths, "It has some kind of super durability and regeneration! Physical attacks won't be enough! It was made specifically to kill you!"
All Might's jaw tightened. So that was it. This creature, the Nomu, was supposed to be his... antithesis. All Might will have to see.
"Thank you, my boy," All Might said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The familiar spark returned to his eyes, igniting the fire within. His trademark grin spread across his face, not just for himself, but for them—for the future heroes who looked to him for hope.
He straightened to his full height, the shadows casting a formidable silhouette. "Well then," he declared, his voice echoing across the shattered plaza, "If physical attacks don't suffice, I'll just have to go beyond!"
The Nomu let out a guttural growl, its muscles bunching as it prepared to strike. All Might and the creature locked gazes, a silent understanding passing between them. This was a battle of titans, and neither would hold back.
In an instant, both figures vanished from sight.
Gasps rippled through the students as they strained to follow the motion blur. It was as if time had paused, the air trembling with the force of their movements. Minato's eyes widened, his mind struggling to comprehend the sheer speed.
"That's not teleportation," he whispered. They're moving so fast we can't even see them."
A shockwave exploded outward as All Might and the Nomu collided mid-air, the impact sending cracks spiderwebbing across the ground. The force of their clash blasted debris outward, forcing the students to shield their faces as dust and rubble rained down. All Might gripped the Nomu's massive fists, his muscles bulging with the effort.
"You're strong," he grunted, "But so am I!"
The Nomu pushed back, its expressionless face inches from All Might's. It dug its feet into the ground, the concrete buckling under the strain. The two were locked in a brutal stalemate, neither giving an inch.
"Look at them," Todoroki muttered, "It's like watching forces of nature collide."
Katsuki scowled, his fists clenched tight. "Dammit," he growled, "We're just standing here, useless."
"Not useless," Yaoyorozu said, "We need to be ready. There might be more villains lurking."
Izuku's gaze darted between his classmates and the fierce struggle before them. He could feel the raw power radiating from both combatants, each blow sending shockwaves. But he also knew that the Nomu's abilities posed a real threat, even to All Might.
"He's still at a disadvantage," Izuku murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
All Might's muscles strained as he held the Nomu's massive hands, the ground beneath them splintering like shattered glass. Every fiber of his being screamed with the effort, but he ignored the familiar, dull ache in his side. The old wound throbbed, sending a pulse of pain through his ribs. He pushed the pain away, locking it deep within his mind. Now was not the time to falter. His students' lives depended on him.
With a roar, All Might wrenched himself free of the Nomu's crushing grip, a gust of wind exploding from the force of his movements. The creature's reaction was instantaneous, its fist swinging toward him like a battering ram. But All Might was already moving, dodging to the side, his eyes narrowing in focus.
The world blurred around them, each movement a streak of color and sound. All Might twisted mid-air, driving a powerful punch into the Nomu's face with all his might. The impact was thunderous, like a cannon going off, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. But the Nomu didn't even flinch. Its head snapped back only slightly before it turned to face him again, unfazed.
All Might's eyes widened as his fist remained buried in the creature's grotesque face. "What...?" he muttered, disbelief flickering in his eyes. No effect.
Shigaraki's voice rang out, "What's wrong, All Might? Feeling a bit weak?" He let out a twisted laugh.
"The Nomu's Quirk is shock absorption! No matter how hard you hit it, it'll just soak it all up."
The words hung in the air, their weight sinking into the hearts of the students watching. Uraraka's hands flew to her mouth, a look of horror spreading across her face.
But All Might... he grinned.
Shigaraki's laughter faltered, confusion flashing across his face as he watchedTheNumber One Hero. All Might's grin wasn't forced—it was genuine, bright, and unwavering. He looked like a man who had just been freed from a burden he didn't know he was carrying.
"Shock absorption, you say? Not Nullification?" All Might called out, his voice booming across the battlefield. He wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his grin widening even further, "That's good news for me!"
The Nomu lunged, but All Might didn't back down. He leaned forward, muscles rippling like coiled steel, and drove his fist into the creature's stomach. "You see," he growled, pushing the Nomu back with sheer force, "Absorption means there's a limit. You may be able to take a lot of hits..."
All Might's fists were a blur, each punch coming faster than the last, a relentless onslaught of power. The air crackled with the force of his blows, the shockwaves rippling outward, threatening to topple the students standing at the edge of the battle.
"...but you can't take them forever!"
Minato's breath came in sharp gasps. He turned to Izuku, staring intently at the battle before them, his Sharingan spinning as it tracked the high-speed movements.
"Midoriya!" Minato shouted, wiping the sweat from his brow, "You said All Might is at a disadvantage. What did you mean by that?"
But Izuku didn't respond. His eyes remained glued to the scene before him, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation. The way All Might's movements were slowing, the beads of sweat dripping down his brow, the slight hitch in his breath—it was clear to Izuku that the Symbol of Peace was reaching his limits. But how could he explain that to Minato? How could he voice his fear that the hero he admired most might not be able to win this fight?
Minato opened his mouth to press him further, but the question died in his throat.
All Might's muscles screamed in protest with every punch, his fists crashing into the Nomu's rock-hard flesh like sledgehammers hitting stone. The shockwaves from their blows tore through the air, sending ripples across the shattered ground. Each impact was a thunderclap reverberating through the USJ. But despite his relentless onslaught, the Nomu barely budged.
Damn it,All Might thought, gritting his teeth,This this is built to withstand anything I throw at it.
He dodged to the side, avoiding the Nomu's crushing fist that slammed into the ground, creating a crater where he had just stood. Dust and debris erupted into the air, momentarily obscuring the battlefield. All Might backpedaled, putting distance between himself and the relentless monster. He needed to think. The Nomu was fast—too fast. Its strength was monstrous, and its regenerative abilities seemed almost limitless.
But more than that, All Might knew he had a limit, too. I don't have much time left, he reminded himself, feeling the familiar, dull ache in his side where his old wound throbbed. He could feel the invisible timer ticking down inside him, counting the seconds before his strength would give out. He had to end this quickly. But how? The creature was designed to counter everything he had—his speed, power, and resilience.
The Nomu let out a guttural growl, its hollow eyes locked onto him, sensing his hesitation. It lunged forward, its massive fists swinging like wrecking balls, each strike a blur of motion. All Might dodged left, then right, narrowly avoiding the blows. But the creature was relentless, its attacks unceasing, driving him back, back, back.
The sound of their clashing blows was deafening, the air vibrating with the sheer force of their battle. All Might's fists hammered into the Nomu's torso, but it was like punching solid iron. The creature absorbed each hit, its body rippling like the surface of a dark, oily lake before returning to its implacable state.
I'm running out of time,All Might thought, frustration gnawing at him. He pushed himself harder and faster, willing his body to keep up and give just a little more. But he could feel his limit approaching like a shadow creeping closer.
He had to change tactics.
The ground quaked as All Might's feet skidded across the cracked concrete, his breath coming in sharp, measured gasps. Dust swirled around him in thick, choking clouds. He could feel the eyes of his students on him, their desperate hope hanging in the air like a fragile thread.
I can't let them down. Not here. Not now.
The Nomu straightened, its grotesque muscles flexing and rippling beneath its dark, scarred skin. Its hollow, bird-like eyes were locked on All Might with a singular focus.
All Might knew he was running on borrowed time. His heart thudded painfully against his ribcage, but there was no room for hesitation. His students' lives depended on him going beyond those limits—pushing past the pain and exhaustion.
With a deep breath, he adopted a new plan. Speed. If strength alone wouldn't break the Nomu, he'd have to use every bit of his agility to outmaneuver it. He'd make it chase him, wear it down until he found the needed opening.
All Might's gaze hardened, his grin returning, even if it was tinged with exhaustion.
"Alright, beast. Let's see how fast you really are," he muttered.
The Nomu lunged forward, its massive fist crashing into the ground where All Might had been standing a split second before. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the plaza, chunks of debris flying into the air. But All Might was already gone, a large blur darting around the monstrous creature.
The students watched in awe as All Might danced around the Nomu, his movements fluid and precise. Whenever the creature struck, All Might stepped ahead, dodging to the side, leaping into the air, or sliding beneath its colossal swings. It was like watching a storm in motion—unpredictable, wild, yet somehow controlled.
"He's... he's faster than the Nomu!" Minato breathed, eyes wide as he tried to follow the rapid exchange.
"But for how long?" Izuku whispered, his Sharingan tracking each movement, each explosive clash. He could see the slight hitch in All Might's breath and the tremor in his fists when he struck. All Might pushed himself to the edge, burning through the last of his reserves.
But All Might's strategy was working. The Nomu was becoming more aggressive, more erratic. It swung wildly, trying to catch the hero in its massive hands, but All Might slipped through its grasp like smoke each time. He darted around the plaza with an annoying fly.
BOOM!
All Might's fist connected with the Nomu's side, sending it staggering. But the monster didn't fall—it never did. Instead, it roared, swiftly turning and swiping at All Might with its claws. The hero ducked, the claws missing his face by mere inches, leaving only a gust of wind in their wake.
"You're not going to catch me that easily!" All Might shouted, his voice full of defiant energy. He pushed off the ground, launching himself into the air and twisting mid-flight to deliver a crushing axe kick to the Nomu's skull. The impact was like a thunderclap, the ground beneath them cracking from the force.
The Nomu's head snapped forward, its neck bending at a grotesque angle. But then, with a sickening crunch, it snapped back into place, the twisted cartilage and muscle knitting back together almost instantly.
"Izuku was right," All Might muttered under his breath. "This thing is built to endure... But let's see if it can keep up with this!"
All Might launched forward again, striking the Nomu with a barrage of punches that sounded like machine-gun fire. His fists blurred, each strike accompanied by air pressure that sent shockwaves rippling outward. The Nomu's skin rippled under the onslaught but refused to go down.
CRACK!
The Nomu's arm swung wide, catching All Might's side. Pain exploded through his ribs, nearly doubling him over. But he gritted his teeth and pushed through, refusing to let the pain slow him down. He couldn't afford to stop.Not now.
Move. Keep moving.
With a grunt, All Might twisted out of the Nomu's grip, using the momentum to launch himself across the plaza. He skidded to a halt, his muscles screaming in protest, but there was no time to rest. The Nomu was already coming at him again.
This time, All Might waited. He watched how the Nomu's muscles bunched and how its eyes tracked his every move. He could see the rhythm now, the slight hesitation before each strike.
"There," he whispered, his eyes narrowing. "That's my opening."
As the Nomu's fist came crashing down, All Might didn't dodge. Instead, he charged forward, closing the distance between them in a blink. He ducked under the blow, using his momentum to drive his fist into the Nomu's exposed stomach. The impact was like a bomb going off, the shockwave sending a blast of air that rippled through the entire plaza.
The Nomu staggered back, a soundless scream tearing from its throat. All Might didn't let up. He followed through with a knee to the creature's chin, then a powerful uppercut that sent it reeling. But it wasn't enough.
The Nomu's regeneration kicked in almost instantly, its wounds closing before All Might's eyes. It was like trying to drain an ocean with a spoon.
"Dammit!" All Might growled, frustration seeping into his voice. He could feel his strength waning, his time running out. He needed to finish this—now.
The Nomu lunged again, faster this time, its movements almost a blur. All Might dodged to the side, but the creature anticipated his move, swinging its other arm around to catch him off guard—the blow connected, sending All Might crashing into the floor.
"ALL MIGHT!" Izuku's voice was raw with panic. He could see the blood trickling from the corner of All Might's mouth, the way his breathing had become labored.
But All Might didn't stay down. He pulled himself to his feet, wiping the blood away with the back of his hand. He was bruised and battered, his clothes torn in multiple places, but his spirit remained unbroken.
"I won't let this thing take me down," he muttered, "Not while my students are watching. Not with Izuku was watching."
All Might's fists blurred as they pummeled into the Nomu with unrelenting fury, each blow a thunderous detonation that reverberated through the shattered remains of the USJ plaza. His knuckles met the grotesque, sinewy muscle of the Nomu's chest, sending shockwaves that cracked the ground beneath them. The air around them seemed to ignite with the sheer force of their clash, a violent dance of titanic strength.
The students could only watch in awe and terror, their breaths stolen by the sight before them. To most, it was chaos—two monstrous forces colliding, fists flashing faster than the eye could follow. But to Izuku, who stood at the edge of the battlefield with his Sharingan spinning furiously, it was a symphony of calculated violence. Every move, every strike, was precise. All Might was testing the limits of the Nomu's shock absorption, probing for a weakness.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears like a drum. "Come on, All Might..." he whispered, clenching his fists so tightly his nails bit into his palms. His vision swam with the afterimages of their blows, the air crackling with energy as the two titans clashed. Every time All Might's fist connected, the force rippled outward like a shockwave, but it wasn't enough. The Nomu's grotesque body simply absorbed each hit, its regeneration nullifying any damage.
"All Might's slowing down," Izuku muttered, his voice barely audible amidst the cacophony. His eyes narrowed, his Sharingan picking up the subtle tremors in All Might's movements, the slight hitch in his breath. He knew it—his hero was reaching his limit. But All Might refused to back down. He couldn't. Not while his students were still in danger. Not while they were watching him.
The Nomu's hand slashed through the air, aiming for All Might's throat with deadly precision. But All Might twisted at the last second, ducking low and delivering a brutal uppercut to the creature's chin. The impact was like a bomb going off, sending the Nomu staggering back. It seemed like All Might had gained the upper hand for a moment.
But then, the Nomu's head snapped back into place with a sickening crunch, its twisted neck realigning as if nothing had happened. Its empty, bird-like eyes locked onto All Might again, and it lunged forward, its speed almost doubling as it adapted to his attacks.
All Might growled, dodging another swing that would have shattered his ribs. He countered with a series of rapid punches, each faster and more powerful than the last. His fists were a blur of motion, each strike a cannon blast that left the air sizzling in its wake.
But the Nomu matched him blow for blow. Fist met fist, counter-punch met counter-punch, their strikes colliding with enough force to send shockwaves through the air. Dust and debris swirled around them, obscuring their forms in a haze of chaos.
To the onlookers, it was like watching gods clash. But Izuku, with his Sharingan active, could see the pattern in their movements. All Might's punches were not random; they were targeted and calculated to test the limits of the Nomu's shock absorption. Every third punch was aimed at the same spot on the Nomu's chest, just below its ribcage, where its muscles seemed to twitch in response.
Izuku's eyes widened as he realized what All Might was trying to do. "He's trying to overload it..." Izuku muttered. "He's repeatedly targeting the same spot, trying to break through its defenses."
But the Nomu wasn't giving All Might an inch. It retaliated with a ferocity that sent All Might skidding back, his boots digging into the shattered concrete as he struggled to maintain his footing. The creature's fists were like sledgehammers, each swing threatening to crush bone and shatter muscle. All Might could feel the strain in his arms, the burning ache in his side where his old wound throbbed with each movement.
Come on, Toshinori...All Might thought to himself, gritting his teeth against the pain,Just a little longer. You can't fall here. Not in front of them.
With a roar that shook the air, All Might launched himself forward, his body a blur as he drove his fist into the Nomu's chest with everything he had. The impact sent a shockwave rippled through the ground, cracks splintering outward like spiderwebs. All Might's vision blurred momentarily, sweat dripping into his eyes as he drove forward with every ounce of strength he could muster. The Nomu's grotesque form loomed ahead, its monstrous fists swinging with a speed that defied its size. All Might's muscles screamed in protest, the strain of every punch, every dodge, making his old wound throb like a red-hot knife. But he refused to stop. He couldn't stop now, not with his students watching."
"Move!" All Might shouted at himself, his instincts screaming as the Nomu's fist came crashing down toward his skull. The creature's bird-like eyes were empty, hollow, devoid of emotion, yet filled with a singular intent to kill. All Might twisted his body to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. The air crackled with the force of the swing, the sheer pressure grazing his cheek, leaving a stinging cut behind.
But All Might didn't have time to register the pain. He ducked under the Nomu's follow-up strike, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the spot he had been targeting—just below the ribcage, where the muscles seemed to twitch with each hit. He had to break through. He had to find that weak point.
With a guttural roar, All Might launched himself forward, driving his fist into that spot with all his might. His muscles rippled, the force of the blow sending shockwaves through the air like a bomb going off.
CRACK!
For the first time, the Nomu slid backward, its feet skidding across the shattered concrete, leaving deep gouges in its wake as it struggled to find traction. All Might's eyes widened slightly in surprise, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. He watched as the creature's monstrous frame wavered, its muscles rippling to stabilize itself.
The Symbol of Peace grinned—a fierce, determined grin that seemed to light up the battlefield, even amidst the chaos.
"Heh," All Might chuckled, wiping a trickle of blood from his lip with the back of his hand, "So, you can be pushed back, huh?"
The students, who had been watching with bated breath, gasped as they saw the seemingly invincible Nomu stagger. Even Katsuki's eyes widened. Todoroki's gaze was intense, the frost melting off his arm, slowing as he watched All Might in awe.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest, his Sharingan eyes glowing crimson. He could see it now—All Might's strategy. He was wearing the Nomu down, pushing it past its limits. The relentless barrage of strikes aimed at the same point was beginning to pay off.
"All Might, " Izuku whispered, "He's going beyond his limits just like he always does."
The Nomu, however, was far from defeated. With a guttural snarl, it lunged forward, its eyes locking onto All Might with a renewed, vicious intensity. Its monstrous arms swung like wrecking balls, each strike powerful enough to shatter steel. But All Might was ready. His grin never wavered, his spirit burning brighter than ever.
"You think I'll let you win?!" All Might roared, his voice booming across the battlefield. He blocked the Nomu's next strike with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave that rattled his bones but didn't stop him.
"I won't let you harm my students! I won't let you take away their future!"
The Nomu's other fist came crashing toward his side, aiming to crush his ribs. But All Might twisted at the last second, dodging the blow and countering with a powerful right hook to the same spot on its torso. The sound of his fist connecting with flesh was like thunder, the force sending tremors through the ground.
"Take this!" All Might shouted, driving another punch into the Nomu's chest. This time, the impact was even more powerful. The Nomu's body shuddered, its feet skidding back even further, the concrete beneath it cracking from the pressure.
For a moment, it seemed like the tide was turning. All Might's blows were finally starting to take their toll. The Nomu's movements were slower and less precise. Its regeneration was struggling to keep up with All Might's damage. But the monster was relentless. It roared, its twisted face contorting in a grotesque parody of rage as it swung both arms in a desperate attempt to crush the hero before it.
All Might dodged, his body moving with a speed and grace that belied the exhaustion gnawing at his muscles. "I can't give up now," he muttered, his eyes blazing with determination. "I've got to protect them. I've got to show them that heroes never back down!"
With one final burst of speed, All Might closed the distance between them, his fists a blur as he unleashed a devastating barrage of punches. Each strike was more powerful than the last, his fists crashing into the Nomu's body with the force of a freight train.
"DETROIT... SMASH!"
The ground beneath them shattered as All Might's fist connected with the Nomu's torso, the sheer force of the blow sending the creature flying backward. The air rippled, the sound of the impact echoing like a cannon blast.
But it wasn't enough.
The Nomu's body twisted mid-air, its claws digging into the ground as it skidded to a stop. The wounds on its chest began to close, the flesh knitting itself back together at an alarming rate. All Might's eyes widened, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "It's still regenerating," he muttered through gritted teeth.
From the sidelines, Shigaraki's mocking laughter rang out. "What's wrong, All Might?" he taunted, his voice dripping with malicious glee. "I told you—this Nomu was created to kill you! No matter how hard you hit it, it'll just get back up!"
All Might's grin didn't falter, but his breath was coming in ragged gasps now. He could feel his time running out, the ticking clock in his chest counting down to zero. But he couldn't stop. He wouldn't stop.
He looked back at his students, their eyes wide with fear and hope. They were counting on him. He couldn't let them down. Not now, not ever.
"Listen up, everyone!" All Might shouted, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "A real hero doesn't give up! A real hero keeps fighting, no matter the odds! And I'll show you... that no matter how powerful the enemy, we can always push beyond our limits!"
All Might's breaths came in ragged gasps, but he couldn't stop now. Not when he could feel it—the flicker of power still surging within him, a faint yet familiar fire that refused to go out. His eyes burned with a determination that set the air around him alight. For a moment, everything else—the screams, the dust, the chaos—faded into the background.
This was it. This was his moment.
The Nomu stood before him, a towering, unyielding wall of muscle and monstrous power. But All Might knew what he needed to do. He wouldn't hesitate. Not when his students were counting on him, watching him, hoping for the miracle that only he could deliver.
As he planted his feet, the ground cracked beneath him, the concrete splintering like fragile glass. The weight that had been pressing on his shoulders and the exhaustion that had seeped into his bones seemed to lift as if the world itself was giving him a brief reprieve. His body felt lighter, his movements quicker, and the pain that had gnawed at his side for years suddenly dulled.
What... What is this feeling?He wondered, his mind racing. It was as if something deep within him had awakened. The power of One For All pulsed through his veins, a torrent of energy that made his muscles tighten and his fists clench with renewed vigor. This was more than adrenaline; it was the power of every hero who had come before him, the legacy of those who had entrusted him with their strength.
He locked eyes with the Nomu. The creature's hollow, bird-like gaze was as empty as ever, its grotesque muscles flexing in preparation for another attack. But this time, All Might was ready.
The air around him crackled with energy as he lunged forward faster than ever before. The ground beneath his feet exploded as he launched himself toward the Nomu. In an instant, he was in front of the creature, his fist already cocked back. The Nomu's eyes barely had time to widen before All Might's punch connected with its chest.
BOOM!
The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, blasting debris in every direction. The Nomu's massive frame was thrown backward, its feet skidding across the ground as it struggled to maintain its balance. But All Might wasn't done. Not yet.
"Let's see if you can absorb this!" All Might bellowed, his voice a thunderclap that shook the very air. He closed the distance in the blink of an eye, his fists a blur as he unleashed a flurry of punches. Each strike was more powerful than the last, fueled by the heroes' collective will who had passed One For All down to him.
The Nomu tried to counter, its fists swinging wildly, but All Might was a blur, dodging with impossible speed. He ducked under a massive swing, driving an uppercut into the Nomu's stomach. The creature's body twisted under the force, black ichor spraying into the air as it was lifted off its feet.
"I've got you now!" All Might roared, his fists moving so fast they became a blur of blue and gold light. He could feel One For All surging within him, the power collecting, building, amplifying with each strike. It was as if every punch he landed fed the power back into his body, fueling him even more.
The Nomu was no longer absorbing the blows. It was being overwhelmed. All Might's attacks broke through its defenses, each strike reverberating through its grotesque body like a sledgehammer smashing into concrete.
"Texas... SMASH!" All Might's fist collided with the Nomu's jaw, sending it crashing into the ground with a thunderous impact. The creature's body convulsed, cracks spiderwebbing through the concrete beneath it. But All Might didn't let up. He knew he couldn't. Not until this abomination was truly defeated.
He leaped high into the air, the wind whipping around him as he gathered every last ounce of strength within him. The world seemed to slow as he reached the apex of his jump, the Nomu lying sprawled below him, its twisted limbs flailing in a desperate attempt to recover.
The power of One For All burned brighter than ever before, the heat of it coursing through his veins like molten lava. All Might could feel the collective strength of those who had come before him, urging him on, pushing him beyond his limits.
All Might's muscles coiled as he twisted in mid-air, his eyes blazing with unwavering resolve. The world seemed to hold its breath, the air charged with anticipating the final, decisive strike. He lands before the Nomu. The Nomu was sprawled out, limbs twitching, its grotesque form writhing as it tried to regenerate the damage All Might had inflicted—the beast attempted to return to its feet. But there would be no more time for it to recover.
The heat of One For All burned through All Might's veins, every ounce of power he had left flooding into his clenched fist. The sky above the USJ dome reflected the afternoon sun, its daylight piercing through the swirling dust and debris. But he only had one thought:I have to finish this.
The ground seemed to tremble beneath the weight of his determination, and the shattered remains of the USJ plaza stood as silent witnesses to this final, desperate struggle. He could hear the gasps of his students far below, the faint cries of Izuku and Todoroki, but the roaring wind drowned out their voices as his fist plummeted toward the Nomu. This was it. This was his moment to protect them, to show them what it truly meant to be a hero.
"All of you watch closely!" All Might roared, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "This is what it means to push past your limits!"
His voice tore through the air like a battle cry, filled with all the fury and desperation he had bottled up. As his fist descended, the sheer force of his momentum created a shockwave, the air splitting around him in a deafening roar. His fist, glowing with the brilliance of One For All, became a blazing comet, leaving a trail of golden light in his wake.
The Nomu's vacant, bird-like eyes locked onto him, its instincts screaming danger. It raised its arms in a desperate attempt to block, its grotesque muscles bulging, the shock absorption quirk flaring to life. But it was too late. All Might's speed was unmatched, his power beyond anything the Nomu could absorb.
The impact was cataclysmic.
All Might's fist connected with the Nomu's torso, right where he had been targeting throughout the battle. The force of the blow was like a bomb going off, the air igniting with a burst of heat and light. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, concrete fragments flying outward in a swirling maelstrom of debris. The sound was deafening—a thunderclap reverberating through the entire USJ facility, shaking the walls.
The Nomu's eyes bulged, its grotesque mouth opening in a silent scream as the shockwave tore through its body. For the first time, the shock absorption quirk failed to keep up. The Nomu's flesh rippled, bones cracking under the immense pressure. All Might didn't relent; he poured every last drop of power he had into that punch, pushing beyond the limits of his own body, ignoring the searing pain in his side.
"GO BEYOND!" he roared, "PLUS! ULTRA!"
The force of the punch propelled the Nomu upward with such speed that the very air seemed to shatter around it. Its massive form was sent rocketing toward the sky, piercing through the cracked glass dome above. Shattering glass echoed like a symphony of destruction, shards raining down like glittering stars as the Nomu was launched into the heavens.
For a moment, everything seemed to freeze. The Nomu's twisted form hurtled higher and higher, a black silhouette against the sun's light until it became nothing more than a speck against the sky. The air around them was still, the shockwave from All Might's final strike still rippling outward, rustling the shattered remains of the dome.
The air was tense as the dust settled, revealing the aftermath of All Might's devastating strike. For a moment, there was nothing but silence—a silence so deep that it was as if the world itself held its breath, waiting to see what would come next.
All Might remained frozen in his final pose. His fist raised high, the remnants of One For All's power still crackling like electricity around his arm. He was panting, each breath a ragged gasp that sent sharp jolts of pain through his ribs. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but his grin was wide and unwavering, a symbol of the unbreakable spirit that defined him.
He stood there, a solitary figure amidst the ruins, his silhouette framed against the sun's light filtering through the shattered dome. His eyes scanned the sky, searching for any sign of the Nomu, but there was nothing. The creature had been launched so high, so far, that it had vanished from sight, a mere speck swallowed by the heavens.
A wave of relief washed over him, but he didn't dare lower his fist. Not yet. Not until he was sure.
And then, from behind him, a voice broke through the haze.
"HE DID IT!" Izuku's shout was raw, almost disbelieving. His hands clutched at his chest as if his heart might burst from the sheer force of his relief. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his crimson Sharingan fading back to his normal green eyes as he watched his idol stand tall, triumphant.
"Yep," All Might says, "I've slowed down." He clenched his fist, "In my heyday, all I would've needed was five punches. But that was over 300 punches."
The other students cheered, their voices hoarse with exhaustion and elation. Uraraka collapsed to her knees, covering her mouth as sobs of joy wracked her small frame. Kirishima let out a triumphant whoop, pounding his fists together, while Yaoyorozu sagged against some rubble, tears welling in her eyes. Even Katsuki was grinning through bloodied lips, unable to suppress the rush of victory that surged through him.
"That was... awesome!" Kaminari shouted, his voice cracking with excitement.
But as the students celebrated, manic, twisted laughter cut through the air like a knife.
Shigaraki's voice was high-pitched, almost hysterical. He stood on the plaza's edge, his fingers twitching uncontrollably, scratching at his neck until it was raw and red. His eyes were wide, wild with disbelief and fury.
"No... no, no, no!" he screamed, his voice breaking into a shriek.
"This isn't fair! He wasn't supposed to win! The Nomu was designed to kill him!"
Shigaraki's fingers dug into his neck with such force that the skin began to tear, blood trickling down his collar. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each one sounding like a mix between a sob and a growl.
"Damn it... damn it all!" he howled, slamming his fist into the ground. His eyes darted wildly, like a cornered animal searching for a way out, for some way to salvage the situation.
Kurogiri appeared beside him, his dark mist swirling ominously. "Shigaraki," he said, his voice calm, almost soothing, as if trying to placate a tantrum-throwing child.
"We must retreat. The plan has failed."
But Shigaraki was beyond reason. His eyes were locked onto All Might, hatred burning so intensely that it seemed to scorch the air around him.
"This isn't over!" he spat, "I'll kill him. I'll kill all of them!"
All Might turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Shigaraki. His grin had faded, replaced by a look of grim determination. He stepped forward, his entire body screaming in protest, his knees nearly buckling under the weight of his exhaustion. But he forced himself to remain upright, to keep moving. He couldn't let his students see him falter. Not now.
"Young heroes!" All Might's voice boomed across the battlefield, strong and clear despite the fatigue gnawing at his bones. "Stay back. This fight isn't over yet."
Izuku's heart sank. He could see it—the way All Might's shoulders were trembling, the way his breath came in short, sharp bursts. The Symbol of Peace was running on empty, his time limit nearly reached. And yet, he stood between them and the villains, refusing to back down.
"No..." Izuku whispered, his hands shaking. "All Might, you've done enough. Please... just rest."
But All Might couldn't hear him. His gaze was locked onto Shigaraki. His fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white. "You've hurt my students," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I won't forgive that."
Shigaraki's lips twisted into a snarl. "You think this changes anything, All Might?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.
"You're just one man. You claim to be a symbol of peace. You're just a tool for violence! Hurting others to keep a stupid status quo! And we're going to tear it all down!"
All Might's gaze hardened as Shigaraki's words hung in the air. The villain's fingers twitched erratically, scratching at his neck until red marks blossomed under his nails. The disembodied hands clinging to his form seemed to tighten their grip, mirroring his agitation.
"You speak of justice, yet all you sow is chaos," All Might retorted, "You accuse me of upholding a flawed system, but what do you offer in its place? Destruction? Fear? You're a hypocrite, hiding behind grand words to justify your malice."
Shigaraki's eyes widened, a flicker of rage igniting within them.
"Don't you dare lecture me!" he screamed, "You, who smiles while crushing others under the weight of your so-called peace! You're blind to the rot in this world!"
Without warning, Shigaraki lunged forward, his movements sudden and erratic like a marionette pulled by unseen strings. His outstretched hand, fingers splayed, reached for All Might's chest.
All Might's instincts kicked in. Despite the exhaustion weighing down his limbs, he reacted with lightning speed, drawing back his fist. Muscles coiled, he prepared to deliver a decisive blow. Time seemed to slow as his fist arced toward Shigaraki, the air rippling with the force of his impending strike.
But just as his punch was about to connect, a swirling vortex of darkness materialized between them—a portal, its edges crackling with ominous energy. Kurogiri's interference was precise, the portal swallowing All Might's fist and leaving him momentarily off-balance.
From across the battlefield, Izuku's eyes widened, the crimson glow of his Sharingan capturing every detail. He saw the portal form, All Might's fist vanishes into the void and instantly understood the peril. His heart pounded against his ribs, fear twisting in his gut.
"No!" Izuku shouted, legs propelling him forward with desperate speed. But even as the world sharpened around him, every detail shown to him, he knew he was too far away. The distance yawned like a chasm, his earlier injuries dragging at his every step.
I have to get there!His mind screamedI have to help!
All Might gritted his teeth, trying to retract his arm, but the portal held firm. Another portal began to open from behind him—a dark maw positioned to sever his trapped limb. Shigaraki's eyes gleamed with malicious glee.
"Say goodbye, Symbol of Peace!"
Izuku pushed himself harder, muscles burning, lungs aflame. But it was no use. Even with his enhanced perception, he was simply too slow. A crushing sense of helplessness washed over him. "I'm not going to make it!"
Suddenly, a flash of yellow lightning streaked past Izuku—a blur of motion that resolved into Minato. With impeccable timing, Minato materialized beside All Might, "Hang on!" he shouted, grabbing All Might's shoulder.
In an instant, they vanished, reappearing a safe distance away just as the portals snapped shut with a clang. All Might stumbled slightly, surprise flickering across his features before he steadied himself.
But Minato wasn't finished. Sensing Shigaraki's frustration, he anticipated the villain's next move. Minato teleported directly before him as Shigaraki spun around, searching for his prey. "Not so fast," he said, swiftly kicking Shigaraki's midsection.
The impact sent Shigaraki reeling backward, his eyes wide with shock. "You—!" he gasped, but before he could recover, Kurogiri's dark mist enveloped him.
"Enough," Kurogiri's disembodied voice echoed. "We must retreat."
Shigaraki's face contorted with rage, but he nodded begrudgingly. "This isn't over!" he snarled, his gaze burning into All Might and the assembled students.
"You will all pay for this!"
With that, the swirling darkness consumed them, and they vanished, leaving only the lingering tendrils of mist that dissipated into the air.
A heavy silence settled over the plaza, broken only by the distant sounds of sirens approaching. The students stood in stunned disbelief, the adrenaline of battle giving way to exhaustion. Izuku slowed to a halt, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Relief and frustration warred within him—relief that All Might was safe and frustration at his perceived inadequacy.
All Might straightened, his shoulders sagging slightly as the tension drained from his body. He glanced at Minato, a grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you, young Namikaze," he said, his voice tinged with genuine appreciation. "Your timely intervention was invaluable."
Minato nodded modestly, "Just doing what I could, sir."
Izuku approached them, his eyes reflecting a mix of awe and concern. "All Might, are you okay?" he asked softly.
All Might turned to him, the ever-present smile returning to his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine, my boy," he reassured, placing a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Thanks to all of you."
Around them, the other students began to gather—bruised, battered, but alive. Uraraka offered a shaky smile, tears glistening in her eyes. "We did it," she whispered. "We really did it."
The police and ambulances arrived in a flurry of lights and sirens, their red and blue flashes dancing across the broken remains of the USJ. Teachers who had rushed over from UA stood like sentinels amidst the chaos, their faces pale with worry. Recovery Girl was already making her rounds. With a touch of her lips, she healed the worst of the students' injuries. The relief on everyone's faces was palpable, their fear dissipating into exhaustion.
But amidst the wave of relief that swept through the crowd, Izuku stood apart. His shoulders were hunched, eyes cast downward, his heart beating painfully against his ribs. All Might had smiled reassuringly at him and patted his shoulder even, but the warmth of that gesture hadn't reached Izuku's heart.
He had recounted the events to his classmates with reverence, celebrating their victory despite the odds. But this time, in the thick of it, he couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that ate away at him.
The Nomu had been a nightmare incarnate—a creature engineered specifically to counter All Might, the very symbol of peace. And Izuku... he had been useless. He couldn't even get to All Might in time and couldn't move fast enough when it mattered most. He had stood there, paralyzed with fear, while his hero fought for his life.
If it hadn't been for Minato's intervention, if Minato hadn't been there, All Might would have lost. Maybe worse.
Izuku clenched his fists, his knuckles white against the stained bandages that wrapped his hands. He could still feel the sting where he had driven a kunai through his flesh in a desperate attempt to snap himself out of his paralysis. The pain had grounded him, but by then, it had been too late. The Nomu had nearly crushed them all, and it had taken everything All Might had to bring it down.
And even then, it wasn't enough.If Minato hadn't been there...
The thought looped in Izuku's mind as he followed the others toward the waiting ambulances. Around him, his classmates supported each other, limping or leaning on one another as they approached the paramedics. Uraraka kept a steady hand on a pale and trembling Jiro while Todoroki walked beside Yaoyorozu.
But Izuku, he walked alone.
The hospital room was quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor. A cool breeze whispered through the open window, bringing the scent of rain from the city outside. Izuku sat on the edge of the bed, bandages wrapped tightly around his abdomen and hand, his eyes staring vacantly out at the overcast sky.
He had been there for hours, unmoving, his mind replaying every moment of the battle over and over again. The clash of fists, the sound of concrete shattering, the look of pain in All Might's eyes as he pushed himself beyond his limits. And all the while, Izuku could only watch, powerless.
He clenched his hands in his lap, the bandages tightening painfully around his fingers. He wanted to cry, to scream, to lash out at something—anything. But instead, all he could do was sit there, the bitter taste of defeat heavy on his tongue. He had trained so hard and pushed himself so far, yet when it mattered most, he had frozen.
Useless. He had been useless.
The door to his room creaked open, and Izuku glanced up, Inko and Akane rushing in hugging him. Telling them they were terrified when they heard about the Incident. Their worry warmed his heart, but the young Uchiha's heart was too cold to be warm by pure love. Despite the mask of gratefulness, he hated being in that bed. He hated having the people who cared for him worried. He loathes the fact he couldn't rely on his strength.
As soon as he recovers, he will return to Akira, and they will make him strong. He was strong enough to rely on his strength to defeat all enemies—to kill Itachi.
ACT 2 COMPLETED
COMMENCE ACT 3