"OUR NEXT MATCH IS KIND OF POETIC IF YOU ASK ME! THE GIRL WHO CAN CREATE ANYTHING VERSUS THE BOY WHO CAN TRANSFORM INTO ANYTHING! IZUKU MIDORIYA VERSUS MOMO YAOYOROZU!"
Midnight's announcement thundered across the stadium, met with an eruption of cheers. The energy in the air was palpable, each spectator leaning forward with anticipation. Izuku stepped onto the arena, his green eyes glowing with quiet determination. His breaths were steady, his movements precise. This wasn't just a battle; it was a test of everything he had learned.
Across the arena, Momo Yaoyorozu stood tall, her fingers twitching with a mix of nerves and resolve. Anxiety clawed at her, but she refused to let it show. Her onyx eyes locked onto Izuku's, her heartbeat hammering in her chest.
"This is it," she thought, taking in a sharp breath. "My chance to face him, to prove myself. Midoriya won't hold back, and neither will I."
Her grip tightened, her muscles coiling like springs. "He's smarter, stronger, and faster... but that doesn't mean I'll give up. I'll find a way to win."
--
From the Class 1-A stands, the tension was palpable. Conversations were scattered, uncertainty in every voice.
"Man, who do we even cheer for?" Kaminari asked, slumping back with a groan.
"I'm rooting for Midobro," Kirishima said, cracking a grin. "Yaoyorozu's insanely smart, but Midoriya? He's got smarts and power. No contest."
"I don't know about that." Ashido pumped her fist in the air. "Go Yaomomo! She's got this!"
"Yeah, Yaomomo!" Hagakure chimed in.
Iida, sitting rigidly, adjusted his glasses. "Observing this match is crucial. Either one could be my next opponent."
"Really? I figured you'd wait in your room," Kaminari teased.
"I would prefer to witness their strategies firsthand," Iida replied.
Kyoka crossed her arms, smirking. "You just don't want to wait ten minutes for them to fix the arena after Midoriya wrecks it."
The group chuckled, though Kaminari raised a brow. "Wait, do you really think he'll-"
Everyone stared at him blankly, the silence heavy with certainty.
"...Oh. Right. Never mind."
--
"Are you two ready?" Midnight's voice silenced the crowd, her presence commanding as she raised her whip.
Izuku gave a single, firm nod. He pressed the Omnitrix, the device lighting up with its iconic glow. The dial spun rapidly, silhouettes of alien forms flickering across the hologram.
On the opposite side, Momo's breath hitched. Her stance shifted, her heart pounding in time with the growing anticipation.
"Midoriya will want to end this fast," she thought, her mind racing. "If he transforms into Fasttrack, I won't be able to keep up. Most of his forms have an advantage over me... but that doesn't mean I'm defenseless."
Izuku's hand slammed down on the Omnitrix. A flash of emerald light erupted, bathing the arena in a blinding glow. As the light faded, Diamondhead stood tall, his crystalline body catching the sunlight and scattering rainbows across the field. He rolled his shoulders, the sound of crackling crystal echoing like thunder.
"BEGIN!" Midnight's whip cracked, signaling the start.
Diamondhead moved first. With a sharp, ground-shaking rumble, jagged green crystals erupted from the arena floor. They shot toward Momo's position like spears, forcing her to leap to the side in a burst of speed.
The air was filled with the sound of shattering concrete as Momo's Quirk activated. Her hands moved with practiced precision, creating a cylindrical canister in an instant. She hurled it into the air before rolling again, narrowly avoiding another spike of crystal.
The canister hit the ground with a hiss, releasing a thick cloud of gas that spread across the arena. Momo quickly slipped on a gas mask, her breathing steady as she disappeared into the haze.
Diamondhead paused, his crystalline nostrils flaring as he stepped back cautiously. "Knockout gas," he thought, his jagged features grimacing. "Smart move, but it won't save you."
He crouched low, his sharp eyes scanning the fog for any sign of movement. A loud thud echoed through the smoke. Without hesitation, Diamondhead's arms shifted, morphing into deadly spikes. He launched a volley of crystalline projectiles toward the sound, their velocity cutting through the air like whistling knives.
The projectiles struck something solid-a massive diamond cannon. Momo stood behind it, her hands steady as she adjusted its aim. The cannon fired, launching a shimmering projectile straight at Diamondhead.
The impact was deafening. The crystal cannonball slammed into Diamondhead's chest, shattering into glittering shards. Izuku barely flinched, his feet sliding back slightly as he absorbed the hit.
"Not bad," he muttered, his voice reverberating like grinding stone.
Momo's mind raced. "He's too durable. Even using diamond against him won't work... but I can't stop now."
She fired another shot, the cannonball gleaming in the sunlight as it soared through the air. Diamondhead swatted it aside, the projectile exploding into shards that scattered harmlessly. He advanced, his heavy footsteps reverberating across the battlefield.
Suddenly, jagged spikes erupted from the ground around Momo, destroying the cannon as she dove to the side. Her shield formed in an instant, blocking a barrage of incoming projectiles. The effort left her winded, but she pushed on, her hands moving to create another tool.
"Think, Momo, think!" she urged herself, her thoughts flashing to all the times she had strategized with Izuku.
Diamondhead's relentless approach didn't slow. He swung his arm, launching another volley of crystalline shards. One pierced through Momo's shield, grazing her cheek and leaving a thin trail of blood.
Her eyes widened. "Tungsten... and he pierced it like paper. He's on a completely different level."
Izuku's mind was equally focused. "Her creativity is impressive, but it won't stop me. I just need one opening."
The smoke began to clear, and Diamondhead emerged, his towering figure cutting through the haze like a shining juggernaut. Momo's chest heaved as she scrambled for a new plan, determination blazing in her eyes.
"I can't give up," she thought, clutching her latest creation. "Not yet."
Momo nervously seeing the gas disapte had anxiety growing knowing Diamondhead would have clear view of her and take down.'Come on, Momo I need to come up with a plan.'
Momo's heart raced as the gas began to dissipate, the fog of confusion and concealment slowly fading away. The anxiety that had been bubbling beneath the surface now intensified. Diamondhead would have a clear view of her, and without the cover of the mist, she knew he wouldn't hesitate to take her down. Come on, Momo. Think. I need to come up with a plan, she thought desperately, trying to control the rising panic.
Her mind was a blur for a moment, her thoughts scattered. But then, like a spark of clarity, she remembered something fundamental-something from the basics of physics. Crystals... sound. Her eyes widened as realization struck her like a bolt of lightning. Crystals shattered when exposed to high-frequency sound waves. It was a simple principle, but it could be her key to turning the tables.
A fierce, renewed determination crossed her face. She turned to Midoriya, her resolve hardening like steel. "I'm going to create something really big!!" she exclaimed, her voice unwavering despite the knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach.
Diamondhead's eyes widened, clearly realizing what that meant. He knew all too well that in creating something large, her quirk would inevitably tear through her clothes-leaving her exposed.
A tense moment passed. As Diamondhead tensed, Midoriya slammed his fist into the ground with all his might. The arena trembled, and massive green crystals shot up from the ground, forming a thick, emerald-hued prison around the two combatants. The jagged crystals erupted from the earth, forming a high barrier that blocked the audience from seeing inside.
"MY ARENA!!!" Cemento's voice echoed in mock horror as the ground shifted beneath him.
"HEY, WHAT THE HECK?! WE CAN'T SEE ANYTHING!!" Present Mic's voice came out in frustration, a mixture of confusion and irritation rippling through the crowd.
Aizawa let out an exasperated sigh, his gaze focused on the crystal walls. "Yaoyorozu can create anything, but her quirk tears through her clothes when she makes larger constructs. Midoriya, being respectful, created this crystal barrier to shield her from the audience."
The men in the stadium groaned, visibly disappointed by the loss of the visual spectacle.
Aizawa's voice cut through the murmurs like a sharp edge. "Do I really have to remind you she's 15?" His tone was low but firm, a clear warning that caused the crowd to quiet in an instant.
The men, embarrassed and awkward, fell into an uneasy silence. The women in the stadium, however, couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation mixed with reluctant admiration for the young boy.
'Dammit, and he's a gentleman,' some of them thought, their eyes narrowing with a mixture of exasperation and respect.
...
Within the crystal dome, Aizawa's voice echoed in Izuku Midoriya's mind-Never take your eyes off your opponent. Diamondhead tried to focus, tried to prepare for whatever Momo was going to throw at him.
But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate, there was one thing he couldn't stop staring at.
'Look at her eyes. Look at her eyes. Look at her eyes.'He repeated the mantra in his head, but it didn't help.
Momo, in her usual calm and collected manner, created a massive speaker out of thin air. The force of it caused her sports bra and gym shirt to rip apart, leaving her momentarily exposed. A sharp rush of panic hit her, but with steady hands, she quickly created a new shirt and slipped it on. She sighed in relief, still blushing a little from the moment.
'Focus, Momo. Focus.' She cleared her throat and, with a slightly flushed face, looked over at Diamondhead. "Keeping your eyes on your opponent, right? Mr. Aizawa always preached that... sorry."
Diamondhead didn't know how to react, his own internal battle raging as he struggled to regain composure. If he could blush, he would be as red as Four Arms.
He cleared his throat, a little too late to hide the fact that he was caught in the moment. "N-No worries..." he murmured, the smile he wore a mix of embarrassment and contentment.
D eer ed e The image of her bare chest, her perky nipples burned into his brain. "I'm never going to forget this..."
Diamondhead assumed he had thought that silently, but his lips betrayed him, and the words spilled out loud. Momo, caught off guard, let out an adorable squeak.
"Eep!"
"I said that out loud, didn't I?" Diamondhead groaned.
Momo nodded sheepishly, but a blush quickly crept onto her cheeks. She shook it off, a fierce determination crossing her features.
"I'll make it up to you... after I win!!" she declared, putting on a pair of headphones and pressing a button. With that, a deafening sonic blast erupted throughout the dome. Diamondhead's crystalline form shook violently as the walls of the arena began to tremble.
The sound was like nothing anyone had heard before. The audience immediately clasped their hands over their ears, desperate to shield themselves from the overwhelming frequency. In the arena, the sound was so intense it felt like it could pierce through solid steel.
Momo's voice rang out, barely audible through the chaos. "Since the USJ, I made sure to study as much as I could in my free time, learning everything I could! I wanted to make sure what happened there... wouldn't happen again!" She screamed, her words a declaration of both frustration and resolve.
But Diamondhead, already reeling from the intensity of the sound waves, couldn't even hear her. His body trembled as the vibration of the sonic blast rattled him to the core.
'Dammit everytime! My body... it's shaking. It feels like I'm going to shatter!' Diamondhead thought desperately, his limbs shaking as he struggled to maintain his footing. Each step he took was a battle against the overwhelming power of Momo's sonic attack. The cracks in his crystalline form deepened with every second.
"I know I'm not as smart as you! Or even as strong... but!" Momo's voice cut through the chaos, filled with emotion. "If you would just help me grow stronger...Because I admire you so much Izuku!"
Diamondhead fell to one knee with a heavy thud, his crystals splintering as the damage finally took its toll. His vision blurred, and the cracks in his form deepened.
He gritted his teeth, desperate to hold on, but the power of the sonic waves pushed him to the brink. He could barely see Momo through his shattered vision as she continued to speak, but he couldn't stop himself from faltering.
Suddenly, the intense pressure of the sonic blast was too much for the crystal dome to bear. The walls, already cracking under the strain, shattered in a violent explosion of green shards.
The deafening sound continued to rip through the air as the dome disintegrated completely, exposing the two combatants to the open arena.
...
Outside the dome, the audience watched in stunned silence. For the first time, they saw Diamondhead, the seemingly indestructible force, brought to his knees.
The indomitable fighter they thought would never fall was now barely holding it together, his crystalline form in pieces, unable to withstand the raw force of Momo's sound attack.
"Holy shit... Yaoyorozu might actually win this!" Mineta shouted, his voice piercing through the sound waves, filled with disbelief.
"What?!"
The rest of the class exclaimed, trying to make sense of what they were seeing. The sonic blast had left their ears ringing, and it was hard to hear anything, but the sight before them spoke volumes.
"I-I couldn't even break through that!" Bakugou growled under his breath, his fists clenched in anger.
His red eyes burned with irritation as he stared at Momo.
'That ponytailed bitch... managed to shatter him!?' His words dripped with frustration, mixed with a deep respect that he wouldn't readily admit.
...
Diamondhead slammed his fist into the ground, sending a shockwave through the arena as jagged crystals erupted from beneath the surface. The sharp shards ripped through the air, piercing the speaker Momo had created, shattering it instantly.
Momo stumbled back, trying to regain her footing, but the strain of using so many lipids, combined with the overwhelming fatigue, began to take its toll. Her body was still moving, but creating any more objects would be a serious challenge.
The ground beneath her trembled ominously, and before she could react, long, jagged, pale green crystals erupted from the earth, surrounding her in a jagged cage of crystalline spikes. The column of sharp points encased her, trapping her in a beautiful but dangerous prison.
Izuku, struggling to maintain his form after the sonic assault, touched the Omnitrix and transformed back to his normal self. He dropped to his knees, breathing heavily from the attack. His body was rattled, the strain evident in every labored breath. 'Note to self, thank Melissa for those sonic training sessions. It would've knocked me out if it weren't for them.'
Izuku pushed himself up, his vision blurry as he stumbled forward, hearing a rumble from behind him. His eyes snapped to Momo just as the crystal column shattered. He instinctively raised his arm to shield his face as shards of crystal flew across the battlefield, causing the audience to gasp.
Through the falling debris, Momo stood, clutching a small speaker, her breath ragged. Both of them were exhausted, the air thick with tension as they panted heavily.
The world seemed to slow around them as they locked eyes. Izuku couldn't help but stare at the sight of Momo's usual spiky hair now undone, cascading around her face in soft waves of black. In that moment, he thought she was one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen, his heart pounding in his chest.
Their smirks faded into determined expressions. This was the final stretch. Izuku's fingers moved quickly, activating the Omnitrix once more.
Momo, on the other hand, was struggling to stay on her feet, her lipids nearly depleted. Her legs shook, but she was ready for what was to come. The fight wasn't over yet.
Izuku slammed his palm onto the Omnitrix's faceplate, and a bright green flash enveloped him. The light flickered and vanished, leaving Goop in his place.
"GOOP!!" the newly transformed Izuku shouted in his slimy, goo-like form.
The audience's reaction was immediate-shock and disgust filled the air as they took in the sight of the human-shaped slime.
"Ew," they all muttered in unison, cringing at the sight of Goop's gelatinous, green body.
"MIDORIYA REVEALS ANOTHER FORM-the HUMAN SNOT ROCKET, GOOP!!" Present Mic bellowed, his voice booming across the stadium, adding to the spectacle of the moment.
Momo acted quickly, her instincts kicking in despite her fatigue. She sprinted toward Goop, who, in turn, extended his gooey arms toward her with a slurping sound. Momo barely managed to evade, but Goop's arms snaked around her, catching her in midair before slamming her body into the ground.
With her body pinned against the gooey mass, Momo fought back, launching two canisters from her belt toward Goop. The canisters released a burst of nitrogen, and the air grew colder as nitrogen flooded the area. Goop's gelatinous form stiffened, freezing as the temperature plummeted. The audience gasped at the sudden turn of events.
Goop's form shuddered, frozen stiff, but Izuku quickly reacted, using his strength to hurl Momo out of bounds. She was sent flying across the battlefield, crashing into the wall with a heavy thud.
"Momo Yaoyorozu is out of bounds! Izuku Midoriya wins!!"
The arena erupted in cheers and applause, the crowd buzzing with excitement after the fierce battle they had just witnessed.
Izuku quickly touched the dial of the Omnitrix, reverting to his human form. However, as the transformation completed, he winced as nitrogen frost crept across his skin, the residual chill from Momo's attack biting deep into his muscles. He shivered but pushed through the discomfort, his focus shifting entirely to his opponent.
Momo, visibly drained from overusing her Quirk, wavered on her feet. Her breathing was labored, and her vision blurred, the strain of the fight taking its toll.
Before she could collapse, Izuku activated Full Cowl, green lightning sparking around him as he dashed forward in an instant. Catching her just before she hit the ground, he held her carefully in his arms.
"Yaoyorozu!" Izuku called out, his voice laced with concern. He adjusted his grip on her, trying to assess her condition. Momo's eyes fluttered open briefly, hazy and unfocused, but she managed a soft smile.
"Thank you, Izuku..." she murmured faintly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her use of his first name sent a wave of heat to his face, and he blushed deeply. Before he could respond, Momo's eyes closed, and she fell unconscious, her exhaustion finally overtaking her.
...
Later, in the infirmary, Izuku sat bundled in a thick coat, his body still trembling from the aftereffects of the nitrogen. A steaming mug of hot cocoa sat in his hands as he tried to absorb the warmth. Ochako sat beside him, her brows furrowed in concern.
"Are you still cold?" she asked softly, watching him carefully.
Izuku nodded, taking a small sip of the cocoa. "Yeah... but I'm starting to feel a little better," he replied, his voice still carrying a slight tremor.
Across the room, Nurse White bustled about, setting up more supplies. He glanced at the group with an exasperated sigh. "I have a feeling I'll be making a lot of hot cocoa today. You students really know how to push yourselves," he muttered.
Tsuyu and Kyoka were seated nearby, each nursing their cups of cocoa. Ibara and Itsuka had joined them as well, their quiet presence adding to the comforting hum of the infirmary. Izuku's gaze flickered to Itsuka for a moment, and a faint blush crept across his cheeks before he quickly looked away.
The room was a calm sanctuary after the chaos of the arena, but Izuku's attention kept drifting toward the bed where Momo lay. The steady rise and fall of her chest, the peaceful expression on her face-it was a relief to see her recovering, though the IV drip in her arm reminded him of just how much she had pushed herself.
He finally turned his focus back to the group. "Shouldn't you guys be watching the next match?"
Tsuyu took a sip of her cocoa, her tone casual. "The arena's still being repaired after your fight with Yaoyorozu."
Kyoka smirked, setting her cup down. "Is this going to be a regular thing-destroying the stadium every time you step in?"
Izuku scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I'm, uh, trying not to make it a regular thing," he said with an awkward chuckle.
His eyes drifted to the monitor in the corner of the room. It displayed the tournament brackets, highlighting the next match: Bakugou versus Iida. Anxiety coiled tightly in Izuku's stomach as his gaze lingered on the name he would likely face next.
Ibara noticed his unease immediately. "Hm? Is something troubling you, Midoriya?" she asked, her head tilting slightly as she sipped her cocoa.
Izuku shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his blanket. "W-Well, it's just... my next match," he murmured.
Ochako followed his gaze to the screen, her expression softening. "Oh... Bakugou," she said quietly. She reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You'll be okay, Izuku," she said with a gentle smile.
Izuku gave her a small, grateful nod, though the tension in his shoulders didn't ease.
Itsuka glanced at the monitor, her brows furrowing. "Bakugou, huh?" she said, her tone holding a hint of distaste.
She turned back to Izuku, noting his nervous expression, and offered him a confident grin. "Don't overthink it. Just do what you always do. You've got this."
Izuku tried to return her smile but ended up squirming a little under the encouragement. "Y-Yeah, I guess.." he said softly.
Ochako crossed her arms, her face scrunching as she recalled Bakugou's explosive temper and the recent fight. "I kinda get why you're nervous. That guy's really scary when he's mad," she admitted with a shiver.
"And he always seems extra mad when it comes to Midoriya," Tsuyu added bluntly."Midoriya fighting Bakugou quickly becomes a very angry and dangerous Bakugou."
Kyoka leaned back in her seat, a teasing smirk on her lips. "Usually, he's a walking rage factory, but when it's Midoriya? He's a ticking time bomb just waiting to blow. And yes, the pun was absolutely intended."
Izuku gave a dry laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah... Kacchan really hates losing, more than anyone I've ever met. He's always been at the top, and when he thinks someone's threatening that... well, let's just say it doesn't go over well. Especially for the person standing at his way to the top..."
He trailed off, his voice faltering as memories of their shared past bubbled to the surface.
Itsuka frowned, her arms folding tightly across her chest. "I've met guys like him before. They think their Quirk is everything and can't handle losing. Just a bunch of bullies trying to cover up for their massive egos."
Ibara nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, after all. He does seem like the prideful type-always fighting to prove something. That kind of pride can't lead to anything good. It's destructive, for him and for everyone around him."
"Sero being a prime example." Kyoka said
Izuku stared down into his cocoa, her words ringing uncomfortably true. "Yeah," he said quietly. "That's just how Kacchan is..."
...
Itsuka's stern expression softened as she glanced back at Izuku. "You've faced Bakugou before, right? Remember when you got the top score and broke All Might's record? You totally stood up to him then."
Izuku's stomach churned as the memory surfaced. The day he'd shattered All Might's record should have been one of celebration, but Bakugou had cornered him, livid and accusatory. "You don't belong here," Bakugou had snarled. "How the hell did someone like you get in?" The words were still sharp in his mind, as was the memory of his own frustration. His grip tightened around his mug, and the ceramic cracked slightly under the pressure.
Kyoka raised an eyebrow at the sound, quickly trying to diffuse the tension. "Yeah, you've handled him before," she said with a smirk. "No need to get your panties in a twist."
Izuku gave her a weak smile, but his doubt lingered. "Maybe, but this time is different," he said, his voice low. "This is an unrestricted arena. He has full permission to go all out and beat me up as much as he wants." He hesitated, sighing. "And, well... Kacchan is kinda-"
"An unhinged lunatic with explosions?" Tsuyu said bluntly, her flat tone earning chuckles from the group.
Izuku chuckled dryly. "Y-Yeah... That pretty much sums it up," he admitted. "But I just don't feel like I can beat him." His voice wavered as he spoke, and he could feel the bubbling mix of anger and doubt clawing at him. The thought of facing Bakugou again only made it worse.
Ibara's calm voice broke the silence. "Midoriya, you need to have faith in your own abilities," she said with conviction. "To win any battle, you must first find inner strength. Without it, the fight is lost before it even begins."
"Yeah, dude, inner strength and junk," Kyoka added, her tone light yet firm. "Are you seriously forgetting how you totally owned him during our first battle trial? You've only gotten stronger since then."
Ochako nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly, Dekiru! You just need a little faith in yourself. You've already proved you can hold your own against him."
Izuku scratched his head uncomfortably, still unable to shake his doubts. The truth was, Bakugou had been an overwhelming presence in his life for ten years.
He'd taken more beatings from him than he could count. That dynamic-Bakugou as the Bully and Izuku as the victim-was so deeply ingrained it felt impossible to overcome.
Tsuyu's blunt voice cut through the room again. "Midoriya, you need to stop being so passive," she said, her gaze unwavering.
"Huh?" Izuku blinked, confused.
"You're way too submissive," Tsuyu continued, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I get that you and Bakugou have history, but you can't let that define how you fight him now."
She leaned forward slightly. "You've beaten him before. You're strong, Midoriya. But if you go into this thinking you've already lost, you'll just get in your own way."
Ochako suddenly stood, her fist clenched in determination. "She's right, Dekiru! You've got to show him you're not someone he can push around anymore."
She stepped closer, almost uncomfortably so, as she threw her fist into the air. "Just go out there, give him a Four-Armed knuckle sandwich, and win!"
"Yeah!" Ochako added with renewed energy, practically bouncing in place. "Come on, Dekiru! I know Bakugou's scary, but you've got this! Don't let him walk all over you. Do what you always do-prove him wrong!"
Itsuka nodded, her expression firm but encouraging. "Exactly. Plant your feet, look him in the eyes, and make it clear you're not going to back down. No matter what he throws at you, show him you're not going to back down."
Izuku's gaze dropped to the cracked mug in his hands, their words echoing in his mind. "An undefinable win," he muttered to himself, recalling how Bakugou always fought winning no matter what. Taking down anyone to prove his own strength.'No... I just need to beat him...'
Momo began to stir in her sleep, her movements slow and groggy. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes before sitting up. "Midoriya..." she murmured softly, her voice still heavy with sleep.
"Shouldn't you all be watching the matches?" Momo asked, blinking as she glanced around at the group.
Izuku scratched the back of his head nervously. "W-Well, they're still cleaning up all the crystals, and Cementos had to repair the arena...again. So, the next match hasn't really started yet." He paused, his face reddening slightly. "Plus, I needed to recover a bit after, um, the nitrogen blast you shot through the air."
Momo gasped, her eyes widening in alarm. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Please don't tell me you suffered any permanent damage!" she exclaimed, quickly scooting closer to Izuku and scanning him for injuries. Her hands hovered uncertainly, as though ready to check for bruises or wounds, causing the boy to blush heavily under her attention.
Kyoka, Ochako, and Tsuyu exchanged subtle looks, their eyes twitching in barely concealed annoyance. Kyoka coughed into her fist, while Ochako placed a hand on Momo's shoulder, stopping her.
"Dekiru's fine," Ochako said quickly, though there was a faint edge to her tone. The boy in question looked like he wanted to melt into the floor, his face a deep shade of crimson. "He just needed a bit of rest, that's all."
Momo hesitated, looking at Izuku with a mixture of concern and guilt. "I-I see," she said softly before glancing at the rest of the group, her expression turning slightly puzzled. "But...if the match hasn't started yet, why are all of you here?"
"Oh, we're here to make sure another Jirou incident doesn't happen," Tsuyu said bluntly, her tone as flat as ever.
Kyoka's head snapped toward Tsuyu, her cheeks instantly burning. "H-Hey!" she stammered, clearly flustered.
Momo raised an eyebrow, looking slightly taken aback. "Don't be absurd. Unlike some of us, I have control over myself," she said, her tone elegant yet pointed as she shot a glance at Kyoka.
Kyoka crossed her arms, muttering just loud enough to be heard. "Says the girl who rubbed his abs."
Momo froze, her composure shattering as her face turned a vivid shade of red. "I-I did no such thing!" she stammered, turning away with an indignant "Hmph!"
Before anyone could say more, Ibara spoke up, her expression one of stern, comedic horror. "Wait—cuddling? Rubbing his abs?! Did Midoriya even consent to these situations?!" She turned her wide eyes to Izuku. "Midoriya, are you some kind of...sexual deviant?"
Izuku practically choked on his words, his face now glowing scarlet. "Uh—n-no! I mean, it's not like that! I—I didn't—!"
Kyoka snorted, smirking despite her earlier embarrassment. "Sure, that's convincing," she teased.
Tsuyu, ever blunt, waved her hand dismissively. "The match is going to start soon," she said, steering the conversation back on track.
Izuku seized the opportunity to escape the awkwardness, quickly shrugging off his coat and standing. "Then we should go see the match," he said, clenching his fist with determination. "I want to watch Iida and Kacchan's fight."
Ochako pumped her fist in the air, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Yeah, let's go watch Iida kick Bakugou's butt!"
Itsuka mirrored her excitement, grinning as she raised her own fist. "Absolutely! Let's cheer him on together!"
Meanwhile, Momo, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly pulled her blanket tighter around herself, her face bright red. The shift in her demeanor caught Izuku's attention, and realization hit him like a freight train. He remembered her wardrobe malfunction from earlier, and his own face immediately turned crimson.
"Uh, w-we should, um, head to the stands," Izuku stammered, trying to focus on anything but Momo's flustered expression.
Ochako nodded, glancing at Momo with a reassuring smile. "Yaoyorozu, do you think you'll be able to come watch the match with us?"
Momo hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, but..." Her voice was soft as she glanced at Izuku. "Midoriya, do you think we could stop by Lunch Rush first? I've lost some lipids, and I'd prefer to replenish them before watching the match."
"H-Huh? Oh, sure," Izuku said quickly, his nervousness returning.
The group made their way out of the infirmary, but Momo gestured for Izuku to stay behind.
"You girls go on ahead. We'll catch up soon—I just need to eat something. I feel completely drained," Momo said with a polite smile.
Kyoka raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You sure? We could wait—"
"No need," Momo interrupted quickly, her tone firm but still carrying a hint of her usual grace. "Midoriya and I won't be long."
Kyoka narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious, but before she could press further, the others reluctantly began heading off.
"H-Huh? Wait, Yaomomo!" Kyoka called after them, but Momo and Izuku had already turned the corner.
...
The cafeteria was warm and bustling, the savory aroma of fresh bread and steaming dishes wafting through the air. Momo and Izuku each grabbed a meatball sub before settling at a quiet table tucked away from the crowd.
Izuku sat stiffly, his hands wrapped tightly around his sandwich as if it were a lifeline. His eyes darted toward Momo, then back to his plate.
'She's definitely mad at me. I saw her boobs for god's sake!' Izuku thought, his stomach twisting with guilt as he forced himself to take a bite. 'And from how she reacted when I accidentally touched her boobs last time she's going to hate me.'
Momo, meanwhile, was visibly flustered, though she tried to maintain her usual composure. Her half-lidded eyes occasionally flicked toward him, a soft blush painting her cheeks. Her grip on her sandwich tightened as her heart pounded, her thoughts a jumbled mess.
'Just ask him. It's not that complicated... right?' she thought, shifting nervously in her seat. But the warmth radiating from him, combined with the softness in his awkward movements, made her chest tighten further.
Izuku could see the girl seemed to be steeling her own nerves.
She cleared her throat, gesturing to the seat beside her. "Midoriya, would you mind sitting here instead? It's... easier for us to talk this way."
Izuku blinked, startled by the request, but quickly nodded. "O-Oh, sure!" He stood awkwardly, almost bumping into the table before moving to sit beside her.
Momo exhaled slowly, steeling herself. Her hands trembled slightly as she set her sandwich down, her mind racing.
"Midoriya..." she began softly, her voice tinged with hesitation.
Izuku froze. His heart leapt into his throat, panic settling in. 'Oh no, she's about to say something serious. I need to apologize now—maybe that'll fix everything!'
They both spoke at the same time.
"I'm sorry!"
"Will you go out with me?"
The words collided, hanging in the air as both of them stopped, eyes widening. Izuku turned to her, his expression one of utter disbelief.
"H-Huh?" he managed, his mind grinding to a halt.
Momo's face turned a deep crimson as she realized how her words must have sounded. She waved her hands in front of her, her voice rising in flustered urgency. "N-No! I didn't mean it like that!"
Izuku blinked rapidly, his heart still racing. "Y-You didn't?"
Momo took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, though the blush refused to leave her face. "What I meant was... my parents are hosting a formal event to celebrate my performance at the Sports Festival." She glanced away, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her napkin. "Usually, I have boys pestering me to attend as their date, and it's... exhausting."
She paused, stealing a quick glance at him. Her voice softened as she continued. "I thought... it would be nice if you came with me instead."
Izuku stared at her, his mind slowly processing her words. Momo felt her heart race faster as she clenched her sub in nervousness. She had never felt more anxious in her life. The idea of asking someone out was already nerve-wracking enough, but the fact that Izuku hadn't immediately responded was making her panic.
'Why isn't he saying anything? Did I mess up?' Momo's thoughts raced, the fear of rejection creeping in. Her heart was in her throat, her breathing becoming shallow.
"D-Do you not want to go?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Izuku's head shot up, his eyes wide as he took in her worried expression. Panic surged in his chest, and he blurted out, "W-Wait! I thought you were mad at me for... you know, looking when your clothes ripped during our fight!"
Momo blinked, tilting her head in genuine confusion. "Why would I be mad?"
Izuku averted his eyes, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "W-Well... last time... when I accidentally—" His voice dropped to an embarrassed mutter. "You were pretty mad when I touched... you, and I thought..."
For a moment, Momo simply stared at him, then a soft giggle escaped her lips. Izuku froze, caught off guard, as she spoke with a playful, almost sarcastic tone.
"Yes, Midoriya, I'm absolutely furious with you," she teased, a light smile gracing her lips.
Izuku's face flushed a deep red as he stammered, "O-Oh... um..."
Momo leaned back slightly, placing a hand delicately over her chest as she continued, her tone mock-dramatic. "How dare you glance at me, even though we were in the middle of a heated match? And let's not forget that I'm the one who ripped my own clothes to make my equipment."
Izuku blinked, the tension easing from his shoulders as he realized she was joking. "S-So... you're not mad?"
"Of course not, Midoriya," Momo said, her voice softening as she placed a reassuring hand on his. The warmth of her touch made his heart skip a beat. "Though it's sweet of you to worry and apologize regardless."
"O-Okay, sorry though," Izuku mumbled reflexively, his cheeks still pink.
Momo chuckled, shaking her head. "You don't have to apologize for everything, Midoriya."
He nodded, looking down at their hands briefly before glancing back up at her. Momo's confidence wavered as a blush spread across her face. Her fingers curled slightly, fidgeting in her lap as she tried to refocus.
"S-So... about your answer?" she asked hesitantly, her voice tinged with hope. "It's just... it's an annual gala my family hosts to celebrate the National Sports Festival. My family was among the few who helped create it when U.A. first opened, and..." She trailed off, twirling her fingers nervously.
Izuku didn't need her to explain further. He offered a small, genuine smile, his voice soft but resolute. "Yes. I'd be honored to go."
Momo's face lit up, her eyes widening in surprise before a radiant smile spread across her lips. Her blush deepened, but she couldn't look away from him, the moment stretching between them.
Izuku's own blush darkened as they locked eyes, and after what felt like an eternity, they both quickly averted their gazes.
"Thank you, Midoriya," Momo said quietly, her voice almost a whisper.
Izuku nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. For the first time that day, a calm warmth settled between them.
"Ahem." Momo cleared her throat, straightening her posture. "I'll accompany you to get formal suits during our free time. We can spend some time at the mall and look for whatever you might need," she said with a composed smile, though there was a faint trace of excitement in her tone.
"Shopping?" Izuku asked, tilting his head curiously.
"Of course!" Momo said, her smile brightening. "I can even make a schedule for us. And there's this adorable cat café I've been meaning to visit—they have the most amazing coffee and tea." Her enthusiasm bubbled over, her hands clasping together eagerly.
"Er... Yaoyorozu, I actually already have formal wear," Izuku said, scratching the back of his neck.
Momo froze, her excitement faltering. "Oh..." she muttered, shrinking slightly as her shoulders drooped.
Izuku blinked, noticing the disappointment in her tone. His gaze lingered on her flushed cheeks as realization dawned on him. "Yaoyorozu... do you just want to go shopping?" he asked gently.
Momo hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I... I had a place in mind where I wanted to spend time with you," she admitted, her voice soft but sincere.
Izuku's face reddened slightly, and he smiled awkwardly. "Oh, um... sure, I'd like that."
Momo's expression brightened, her confidence returning as she nodded. "Wonderful! I'll finalize everything and let you know the plan."
As they began walking, Izuku hesitated for a moment. "Oh... Er... Yaoyorozu, you called me by my first name before you blacked out."
Momo took a moment to process his words before her face flushed slightly. "I-It seems I did..." she muttered, her blush deepening.
Izuku, feeling the heat rise to his own face, fumbled with his words. "D-Do you want to call me Izuku?" His voice was quieter than usual, and Momo's face lit up even more.
She tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear, trying to compose herself. "Yes," she said softly, before clearing her throat. "Ahem. Yes, I would... Izuku," she finished, her heart racing at the sound of his name on her lips.
Izuku blinked at her, his face still flushed. "Okay... Momo," he said, and Momo's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but wonder if he could hear how hard her heart was pounding.
As they continued walking, Momo and Izuku chatted easily, their earlier awkwardness forgotten. By the time they reached the Class 1-A seats, they had fallen into a comfortable rhythm.
"You two took your time," Kaminari teased, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively. "You weren't off doing something... more exciting, were you? Something Mineta might do?"
Momo rolled her eyes and took her seat. "Please. We just went to get some food."
Kaminari nudged Izuku, a grin on his face. "So, Midoriya, how did they look?" he whispered.
Izuku raised an eyebrow in confusion. "How did what look?"
Kaminari smirked. "Dude, don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Yaoyorozu's boobs."
The words hung in the air, and Momo's face turned crimson.
Izuku stared at Kaminari, trying to process what had just been said. Then, without warning, he slapped himself in the forehead, completely flustered. "So the match is about to start," he quickly changed the subject, taking out his notebook to focus on the match.
Kaminari wasn't ready to let it go. "Come on, man. You can't keep that kind of info to yourself!"
Izuku, still trying to keep his composure, looked at Kaminari with a blank expression. "What info?"
"You know, Yaoyorozu's boobs!" Kaminari said, grinning.
Izuku blinked, his face now pale as he tried to feign innocence. "Whose boobs?"
"Yaoyorozu's!"
"Wait, she has... boobs?" Izuku said, genuinely confused.
Kaminari blinked, thrown off by the response. "Wh-I... You're avoiding the conversation, aren't you?"
Izuku turned away with a sheepish smile, trying his best to maintain his "pure" image. Just as Kaminari was about to press further, Kyoka's irritation reached its peak, and she was about to intervene with her earphone jacks when Toru suddenly spoke up.
"You know, it'd be a real shame..." Toru's voice rang out, "If Ester found out about... all of this."
Kaminari's face drained of color.
Kyoka tapped her chin thoughtfully. "The whole trying to trick us into cheerleader uniforms, getting tricked by a pretty girl, and now trying to get Greenie here to talk about..." she gestured vaguely at Momo's chest, "I don't know if I were Ester, I'd dump you on the spot."
Kaminari started sweating buckets, his eyes wide with panic. "N-No! I'll be good!"
Kyoka raised an eyebrow, turning to Toru. "Hm... Toru, did that sound convincing?"
Toru shrugged nonchalantly. "Not really... Hm."
Kaminari, now desperate, began to beg, trying to kiss up to both Kyoka and Toru. "I'm sorry! I'll never do it again!" he pleaded, his face a mixture of sweat and embarrassment.
The rest of the class watched the scene unfold with exasperation, and everyone collectively groaned.
"Man, that's just sad," someone muttered, and the rest of the class nodded in agreement.
...
"BOTH FROM CLASS 1-A, THE RESIDENTIAL SPEEDSTER WHO NEVER SKIPS LEG DAY!! TENYA IIDA VERSUS THE POSTER BOY FOR ANGER ISSUES, KATSUKI BAKUGOU!!!"
Bakugou walked into the arena with his hands shoved into his pockets, his jaw set in frustration after hearing his introduction. The crowd's mixed reaction only seemed to fuel his irritation.
Iida entered soon after, his eyes locked onto Bakugou with the intensity of a seasoned athlete, ready for the fight.
"Oi, four eyes, you all chummy with that nerd?" Bakugou sneered.
"If you're referring to Midoriya, then yes, we are friends," Iida shot back, keeping his voice steady. "I don't know what your problem with him is."
"Are you two ready?" Midnight called, her tone cutting through the tension.
The atmosphere thickened, anticipation humming in the air. Bakugou squared his stance, his hands falling to his sides as black smoke started to curl from his palms. Iida crouched low, the engines in his legs rumbling like a wild animal about to charge.
Midnight raised her whip, then brought it down. "Begin!"
In an instant, Bakugou blasted forward, the sheer force of his explosion propelling him across the arena with deadly speed. Iida matched him, his engines roaring as he shot forward, determined not to be outdone.
Bakugou quickly aimed his hands at Iida, and a powerful explosion rang out, creating a massive cloud of smoke where Iida had been a moment ago. But before Bakugou could celebrate, he felt the rush of wind—his instincts screamed just in time for Iida to come from behind, delivering a devastating kick to Bakugou's back that sent him crashing into the arena floor.
"Damnit, when did he get so fast?!" Bakugou cursed, his body aching from the impact.
Explosions erupted from his hands, and Bakugou shot into the air, forcing himself upward to put distance between him and his opponent.
"STUN GRENADE!!" Bakugou shouted, slamming his palms together. A blinding light flashed across the arena, and Iida was forced to shield his eyes. He could hear the thundering roar of another explosion coming, and instinctively, he ducked and dashed.
"DIE!!"
Bakugou shouted, unleashing another explosion directly at Iida. The force of the blast hit him with an ear-shattering crash, sending Iida spiraling backward with violent force, the air knocked from his lungs. The shockwave pushed him off course, but Iida quickly regained control, using his speed to stop himself midair.
With a deep breath, Iida rocketed forward, determined to make his move. Bakugou reacted just as quickly, thrusting his palms to the ground, and in an instant, he was airborne once more.
"Four eyes won't catch me up here!" Bakugou yelled, spinning in midair, taunting his opponent.
Iida gritted his teeth. "We'll see about that."
With a burst of blue flame from his exhausts, Iida shot up after Bakugou, closing the gap. The air crackled as Bakugou's eyes widened in shock just before Iida's foot connected with his chest. The force of the kick sent Bakugou plummeting toward the ground, his ribcage cracking under the brutal impact.
Iida landed, but his knees buckled from the landing, his body scraping across the arena floor before he pushed himself up.
"IIDA WITH A DEVASTATING KICK, SENDING BAKUGOU CRASHING TO THE GROUND!!!"
Bakugou groaned, coughing blood as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. His chest ached with every breath, but his fury only grew.
"This isn't over, you bastard!" Bakugou roared. His palms glowed ominously, and he shot back into the air, spinning wildly as he gathered momentum. His body twisted like a cyclone, sparks crackling around him as he prepared to unleash his strongest attack.
"I WAS SAVING THIS FOR DEKU AND THAT ICY-HOT BASTARD!! BUT YOU REALLY PISSED ME OFF!!" Bakugou screamed.
His body began to spin faster, faster, gathering the power of his explosions into a swirling vortex of energy. The arena seemed to hold its breath as Bakugou's movements became a blur, the air itself bending with the intensity of the energy he was creating.
Iida's eyes widened as he realized what was coming. He bolted toward the opposite side of the arena, his engines firing on all cylinders, hoping to outrun the impending attack.
But it was too late.
"HOWITZER IMPACT!!!" Bakugou roared, his body unleashing the full force of the attack. The explosion that followed was on a scale unlike anything Iida had ever encountered.
A violent, twisting tornado of fire, smoke, and raw explosive energy shot from Bakugou's palms, collecting momentum and oxygen in a whirlwind of destruction.
The intense heat and pressure forced him to close his eyes, but it was no use. The shockwave hit with the force of a missile impact, throwing Iida off his feet. The explosion consumed everything in its path.
"WHOA, KATSUKI BAKUGOU TURNED HIMSELF INTO A HUMAN MISSILE!! DID YOU SEE THAT EXPLOSION?! IT WAS LIKE A LIVING ARTILLERY SHELL COMING AT HIM!"
Iida's body was hurled like a ragdoll, his speed unable to outrun the sheer magnitude of the blast. The explosion tore through the arena, and Iida found himself crashing into the reinforced stone wall with a sickening thud, the impact sending cracks through the concrete behind him. The force of the shockwave continued to push, launching him out of the arena entirely.
Iida tumbled across the floor, his body battered and burned. The scorched marks on his body glowed from the force of the blast, his breathing ragged and shallow.
His glasses were gone, but there was still a fierce look in his eyes as he slowly rose to his feet, smoke trailing from his charred uniform.
"Tenya Iida is out of bounds! Katsuki Bakugou wins!!!" Midnight said.
...
Class 1-A and B looked on in awe, their expressions a mix of admiration and fear from the sheer power behind Bakugou's attack.
"You saw that move?" Kaminari shouted, his voice filled with excitement.
"That's one hell of a super move!" Kamakiri added from the Class B section, his voice carrying over.
Sero, who had returned to his seat wrapped in bandages, scowled. Thanks to Recovery Girl, he was relatively okay, but frustration and disgust were clear on his face. "The guy's talented, I'll give him that," he muttered.
Izuku stood there, slightly shaken by the force of the explosion, his body trembling from the impact. Bakugou, standing on the ground, clenched his smoking fists. A sadistic smile stretched across his face as he turned away toward the tunnel.
'I'll win with everything I've got,' Bakugou thought, determination in his eyes. 'I'll have an undeniable victory.'
"Iida lost," Uraraka said quietly, her tone filled with sadness as she looked at her injured friend being carried away on a stretcher.
"Yeah, I was really rooting for him," Tsuyu added, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Izuku couldn't tear his eyes away from Iida being carted off. Anger bubbled up inside him as he watched the scene unfold. He thought back to Ochako's fight, how she had been blasted across the arena by Bakugou's explosion. Something deep inside him churned, and sparks of One For All crackled around his clenched fists.
He gritted his teeth, his breath ragged as the intensity inside him began to build. Izuku abruptly stood, his posture tense. "I'm going to check up on Iida," he said, his voice low but firm.
Ochako opened her mouth to respond, but he cut her off. "No," Izuku said, his gaze focused forward, his hair falling like a curtain to hide his face. "I... I want to be left alone for a bit."
The tension in the air thickened. "So... that means Midoriya and Bakugou will be going up against each other," Shoji said, his voice heavy with concern.
Everyone looked grim, the realization settling in. It wasn't that they doubted Izuku's ability to win, but it was clear that the fight would be more than just a physical battle. Bakugou's anger toward Izuku was something they all knew well, and the emotional weight of their rivalry was about to come crashing down.
The girls exchanged uneasy glances, their concern for Izuku growing as they watched him walk away, clearly battling something within himself. Izuku made his way to Recovery Girl's office, opting for the long route to clear his head.
...
Deku.
You useless freak!
Someone like you doesn't belong at U.A.
Bakugou's words echoed in Izuku's mind as he walked, each step feeling heavier than the last. He clenched his fists, feeling the old memories rise up to the surface—memories he had tried so hard to suppress. The anger and frustration he had buried for so long surged back, twisting within him. His blood boiled, and the feeling of being worthless, of never being enough, flooded his mind.
Izuku's fist tightened even further, the pain in his palm sharp as blood began to drip from his clenched knuckles. His breath came in ragged bursts, his entire body trembling with the force of the emotions crashing over him.
...
Izuku continued walking, but something felt off. A strange sensation in the air, like an impending storm, made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. As he reached the door to Recovery Girl's office, he hesitated for a moment before pushing it open.
Inside, Iida was sitting up, clearly in much better shape than before.
"Midoriya?" Iida greeted, his voice still tinged with exhaustion.
Izuku stepped in, a slight relief in his tone. "Oh, you're fine?" he asked, eyeing his friend's improved condition. Iida gave a small nod.
"Though I lost," Iida added with a rueful smile.
"Hey, you made it this far. I'm sure your brother would be proud," Izuku said, offering a reassuring smile.
Iida's eyes lit up as his phone rang, and he quickly glanced at the caller ID before answering. "Ah, speaking of him..."
He answered the call.
{Tensei: Hey, little brother.}
Iida's smile widened as he heard his brother's voice. "Tensei! I'm sorry, I-I lost... I probably looked foolish."
{Tensei: No, no, you gave one hell of a fight! The arena isn't exactly made for speedsters, but I watched it and... well, it wasn't boring at all.}
Iida chuckled softly, his heart warmed by his brother's encouraging words. "Thanks, Tensei."
Outside, the atmosphere shifted, growing heavier with each passing second. The air turned cold, and a strong gust of wind swept through the area. The pro heroes, who were used to sensing danger, could all feel it—something was coming.
"You feel that too, huh?" Hawks muttered, her ears twitching as a scowl crept onto her face.
"Yeah," she growled, her instincts telling her that something wasn't right.
Endeavor squinted, his piercing gaze focused on an unseen threat. He tensed, as if sensing something lurking in the distance.
Izuku's danger sense flared, and a surge of unease swept through him. The Omnitrix on his wrist glowed briefly with a purple hue, an intense sting like hot iron searing through his skin—but only for a moment. He shook it off, brushing it aside.
"Something isn't... right," he muttered under his breath.
Aizawa's thoughts mirrored Izuku's. A cold shiver ran down his spine, his usual composure slipping for just an instant as an unsettling feeling washed over him.
Toshinori, too, felt the ominous presence. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. This chill—he had felt it before. It was the unmistakable sign that disaster was about to strike.
And just as quickly as it arrived, the chill in the air dissipated, leaving a lingering sense of unease behind. The scent of blood faintly hung in the atmosphere, an unsettling reminder that something dark was on the horizon.
...
[Hosu City]
A man stood in the shadows, his presence commanding and foreboding. His gold-colored mask glinted faintly under the dim light, its stern visage matched by the chainmail hood draped over his head. Atop it, a gray-painted crown added an air of grim authority. His chest bore a burgundy surcoat emblazoned with the emblem of the Forever Knights.
"Sir, he's ready," a subordinate said from behind him, voice low and deferential.
"Excellent." The man, known as Enoch, turned, his tone cold and deliberate. "For three weeks, we have labored for this moment. His return shall mark a dark chapter in history." A mirthless chuckle escaped him, echoing with quiet menace.
"You have the devices?" Enoch asked, his voice cutting through the silence.
The subordinate nodded, gesturing to other men nearby. They carried large boxes, each marked with a name—the names of heroes, their fates unknowingly tied to the contents inside.
"Good," Enoch said, his tone laced with satisfaction. "Let the world see the fall of their so-called champions."
...
Izuku had left Iida to his own devices as he began walking as he walked the anxious feeling as he turned a corner he saw from afar Mina Ashido the usually energetic was subdued she was taking deep breathes.
"Mina?" Izuku approached the girl but she gained a determined look and suddenly ran off Izuku suspected towards her battle with Todoroki. Izuku tried to call out but she was already off.
...
Izuku was walking to the infirmary, but in the back of his mind, his anxiety only grew. "What if I lose? Can I beat him? Do I even have a chance? They all going to be watching me! They will be screaming 'I can't do this' or 'You should've backed out' They will be calling and screaming 'Deku' throughout the whole fight, I-I- can't do this, I only fought him when I was an alien, I haven't faced him with my own eyes!" The walls around Midoriya felt like they were closing in on him, His heart was beating he had to clutch his chest, he's palms became sweaty.
...
...
"THE CORROSIVE CAPED CRUSADER RETURNS! MINA ASHIDO!!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as Mina, donning a bright, confident smile, stepped onto the arena floor, waving enthusiastically to the spectators.
"VERSUS! THE PRODIGY WHO LEAVES HIS OPPONENTS IN FROZEN PRISONS! SHOTO TODOROKI!!"
Todoroki entered with his usual stoic demeanor, his cold eyes fixed on Mina as he positioned himself on the battlefield.
"BEGIN!"
The match started with Todoroki immediately sending a massive wave of ice racing toward Mina. He had underestimated Kyoka in his earlier match but had no intention of making the same mistake now. The ice spread quickly, threatening to overwhelm the entire arena, but Mina wasted no time. Skating effortlessly on a trail of her acid, she darted forward, leaping into the air with a twirl. Acid sprayed out mid-spin, melting through the advancing ice with a loud hiss and filling the arena with steam.
As the ice cracked and shattered under the relentless acid, Mina emerged from the mist, closing the distance between herself and Todoroki. His eyes narrowed as he raised an ice shield to block her approach, but Mina was undeterred. Her acid splashed against the shield, eating through it rapidly and causing it to collapse into fragments.
"ASHIDO SCORES AN ATTACK!" the announcer shouted as Mina landed a glancing spray of acid on Todoroki's forearm. He winced as the searing pain forced him to step back, but Mina pressed on, launching a flurry of punches and kicks. Using her agility, she swerved around his counterattacks, her acid providing openings as she landed a clean jab to his jaw.
The crowd roared as Mina's relentless offense forced Todoroki to stay on the defensive. However, the tide turned when Todoroki, taking a direct punch to the face, grabbed her arm and swept her legs out from under her. Mina hit the ground hard, and before she could react, Todoroki encased her body in ice, leaving her hands free but immobilizing the rest of her.
"You could melt through this," Todoroki said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact. "But your clothes wouldn't survive."
Mina glared at him but let out a frustrated sigh. "I surrender," she said, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Todoroki quickly melted the ice, stepping back as Mina got to her feet, soaked. Seeing the faint sadness in her expression, he added, "If you had your hero costume, this fight would've been a lot tougher for me."
Mina hung her head low. "Thanks I guess."
Todoroki gave a short nod and turned to leave, clutching his burned arm. "Yeah, whatever."
The crowd erupted once again, applauding both fighters for their skill and determination.
...
"...Mina?"
The unmistakable voice of Izuku made Mina jump, her shoulders tensing instinctively. Slowly, she turned her head, meeting his concerned gaze. His tone was soft but carried a weight that only made the knot in her stomach tighten.
"Midoriya?" Her voice lacked its usual energy and bubbly tone, carrying a hint of guilt she couldn't hide. She quickly averted her eyes, turning her back to him as if that would shield her vulnerability.
"Uh... W-What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready... with Bakugou?" she stammered, her words tripping over themselves. Her face flushed a faint lilac as she became painfully aware of how soaked she was, a vivid reminder of her humiliating defeat.
Izuku hesitated, his gaze flicking to the brackets displayed nearby. He shifted uneasily, taking a small step forward before sitting down beside her. "N-Not exactly excited to go on and fight Kacchan," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck nervously.
Mina squirmed uncomfortably, hugging her knees closer to her chest. The embarrassment of being seen like this—by him, of all people—felt unbearable.
"A-Are you okay?" Izuku asked cautiously, though the answer was painfully obvious.
"Yep." She sprang to her feet, forcing a cheerful tone and an exaggerated smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Totally fine! Though I got totally slaughtered," she added, trying to make light of it.
Izuku frowned, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure?"
Mina glanced over her shoulder, her forced smile still in place. "Yeah, dude!" she said, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual. Turning away again, her expression faltered as she stared ahead. "Though... losing like that kinda sucked. Just be careful out there, alright?"
"Mina..." Izuku's soft voice carried a weight of understanding that made her chest tighten.
She began walking away, her steps hurried and uneven. 'No, why did he have to show up now?' she thought bitterly, the wet fabric of her uniform clinging to her uncomfortably. 'I'm completely soaked... Ugh, this is so humiliating.'
"You know, you don't have to check up on me," she said, her voice faltering slightly. "You should probably head back. You gotta give Bakugou a knuckle sandwich for me," she added, forcing out a laugh.
Izuku watched her retreating figure, noticing the slight droop in her shoulders and how her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Something about her forced cheerfulness felt hollow, wrong. His legs moved before his brain fully registered what he was doing, and he bolted in front of her, blocking her path.
"Eep!" Mina let out a startled squeak, stumbling back a step.
"Mina, wait!" Izuku's tone was urgent, his wide green eyes fixed on her.
She froze, her lips trembling as she avoided his gaze. "Look, Midoriya, y-you don't have to cheer me up, okay?" she said, her voice cracking. "I let you down twice already... You shouldn't waste your time with me."
Izuku blinked, taken aback by the raw emotion in her voice. "Mina..." he started, but she cut him off.
"I-I mean, what kind of friend turns you down when you needed them most, right?" She tried to laugh it off, but her voice wavered, betraying her.
Izuku's heart clenched at her words. He wanted to tell her she was wrong."Is... This about the Capture the Flag? Look I'm not mad–"
She sighed heavily, dropping back onto the bench with a defeated slump. Hugging her knees again, she rested her chin on them, her wet hair sticking to her face. "It's not just about the Capture the Flag thing," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's everything."
Izuku sat beside her again, waiting patiently for her to continue.
"It just... it feels like I'm letting everyone down," she admitted, her words coming out in a rush. "You, Kendo, Kirishima—everyone's getting stronger, and I'm just falling behind." Her hands tightened around her legs. "My grades are average at best, and at the USJ? I was completely useless. I froze up, Midoriya! How am I supposed to be a hero if I can't even move when it counts?"
She sniffled, refusing to meet his gaze. "And then there's you. You're always out there, doing the impossible, making everyone believe they can do better, and I just..." Her voice trailed off as she glanced at him briefly, her cheeks flushed lilac.
"I let you down."
The words were heavy, like they had been building inside her for far too long. "I know it's stupid, but I can't help feeling like I've been nothing but a burden to you."
The residual cold from Todoroki's ice made her shiver, but she didn't bother moving. She felt too small, too vulnerable.
"Mina..." His voice was soft, full of empathy. Hugging his knees, he rested his chin on them, mirroring her posture. "I think I get what you mean."
She turned her head slightly, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"I used to think I was a burden too," he continued, his tone introspective. "There was someone who helped me a lot, and no matter what I did, I felt like I could never repay them. Like I didn't deserve their kindness."
Mina blinked, surprised by his honesty.
"And when Kacchan says I don't belong here or calls me useless..." His voice cracked slightly, his grip on his legs tightening. "Sometimes I believe him. I feel like I'm not good enough to be here. Like I'm letting people down, just like you said. But..." He turned to her, his green eyes meeting hers with unwavering sincerity.
"I can't let those thoughts pull me down—and neither should you." His voice grew stronger, more confident.
Mina stared at him, her heart pounding as his words sank in.
"You're one of the most amazing people I know," Izuku said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Every time you smile, it makes everyone feel like they can do anything. That's something only you can do, Mina. It's what makes you... you."
Her lips parted slightly, her defenses crumbling as warmth spread through her chest as her heart pounding at his words.
"You've won so many of your matches! You got stabbed and still managed to smile with your opponent!" he said, his tone a mix of awe and admiration.
That made Mina chuckle softly despite herself, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"You haven't let me down, Mina," Izuku finished, his voice gentle but firm. "Not even once."
Mina stared at him, her chest feeling a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, she could believe him.
Mina's face broke into a bright smile as she tucked her damp, fluffy hair behind her ear. "God... you're right," she said, letting out a small laugh. "Seriously, what was I thinking?" She slapped her cheeks lightly, as if snapping herself back to reality.
"Thanks, Midori..." Her voice softened as she glanced at him, her amber eyes meeting his.
Izuku's breath hitched, and he quickly turned away, his gaze dropping to the ground as if it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world. "N-No problem," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Mina didn't look away, her eyes still on him. After a moment, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. Izuku stiffened, his entire body going rigid as his heart pounded furiously in his chest.
The soft scent of bubble gum filled his nostrils, and he froze, his face going bright red.
Mina giggled, her breath warm against his neck. "I can practically hear your heart pounding, you know," she teased, nuzzling lightly into his shoulder.
"A-Ashido..." Izuku stuttered, his voice cracking.
Mina didn't respond, choosing instead to enjoy the embrace. Her grip tightened slightly, her warmth seeping into him. "You're such a dork," she murmured with a small smile.
NOW FOR OUR NEXT MATCH!! FROM CLASS B, WE HAVE PONY TSUNOTORI!! VS THE ONLY GENERAL STUDIES STUDENT, HITOSHI SHINSO!!" Present Mic's booming voice echoed through the stadium, snapping Izuku out of his daze.
"A-Ashido, we should head back and watch the matches," Izuku said nervously, though he made no real effort to pull away from her.
"Sorry, Ashido's not in the house right now," Mina said with a mischievous grin. The way her soaked uniform clung to her only made the situation worse for Izuku.
"M-Mina!" he exclaimed, his face somehow turning an even deeper shade of red.
"Fwahaha!" Mina threw her head back, laughing playfully. "Come on, Midori! Suffer in my embrace!" She snuggled closer to him, a blissful smile spreading across her face.
Izuku sighed in defeat, his shoulders slumping. Hesitantly, he returned the embrace, his arms wrapping around her awkwardly.
Mina beamed, nuzzling against him once more. "See? Isn't this nice?" she said softly, her tone laced with satisfaction.
"Y-Yeah," Izuku admitted quietly, his heart still racing.
...
Pony stepped onto the arena, the earlier conversation about Shinso replaying in her mind. 'Why did Izuku ask about him? Why was it so important that they talked?' she wondered, furrowing her brow. 'Is he's trigger not touched based?'
She replayed Shinso's fights in her head, they did touch him but they also had spoken with him.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Shinso strolled into the arena, his casual demeanor betraying nothing of the tension in the air.
'Whatever it is, Izuku's usually right when it comes to quirks. Better to stay on the safe side,' she resolved, aiming her horns at him with determination. 'I won't talk or touch him, with my quirk I don't need to do either.'
Shinso smirked, his sharp eyes scanning her. "You Class B types... you're basically second-rate heroes, y'know that?"
Pony didn't flinch, her lips pressed tightly together as she maintained her stance.
He tried again, raising his voice. "You were on that team with that transforming loser, right? Let's be real—he carried your whole team!"
The insult landed, but Pony didn't bite. Instead, she stamped her hoof with force and launched her horns straight at him. The projectiles flew with precision, slipping under his arms and locking him in place. Shinso quickly got irritated.
"What the—?" Shinso yelped as the horns lifted him off the ground, carrying him toward the edge of the arena. He squirmed against the grip, frustration mounting. "C'mon! Talk! Say something!!"
Pony remained silent, her focus unwavering as she flung him out of bounds. Shinso tumbled onto the grass with a groan.
"TSUNOTORI PONY WINS!! HITOSHI SHINSO IS OUT OF BOUNDS!!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium, eliciting cheers from the audience.
Shinso rubbed the back of his head as he sat up, glancing at the arena before looking up at the sky. A small, resigned smile played on his lips. "Honestly... I didn't think I'd make it this far. After my first fight, I was sure everyone would figure out my Quirk. But thanks to Monoma's distractions, I managed to hold out. Thank him for me, will ya?"
Pony blinked before nodding rapidly, her usual energy returning.
"Still not going to talk, huh?" Shinso asked with a dry chuckle, raising an eyebrow.
She shook her head from side to side, her determination unwavering.
He laughed quietly, pushing himself to his feet. "Fine, fine. Just don't lose, alright? You're gonna make me look bad."
Pony nodded again, offering a small, confident smile before turning back toward the arena. The crowd's applause swelled as the two exchanged a brief, mutual nod of respect.
Pony beamed with excitement, hopping slightly in happiness. Her fluffy tail wagged enthusiastically, drawing murmurs from the crowd in the stadium.
"She's so cute," The crowd muttered.
...
Mina walked alongside Izuku as they made their way back to the stands. She opened her mouth to speak, but a booming announcement cut through the air, startling them both.
"AND THAT'S IT FOR THE QUARTERFINALS! SPORTS FANS, WE'RE MOVING ONTO THE SEMI-FINALS! FIRST UP, THE EXPLOSIVE BOMB BLONDE, KATSUKI BAKUGOU, VERSUS THE ENTERTAINING M.V.P. OF THE TOURNAMENT, IZUKU MIDORIYA! THE MATCH STARTS IN FIVE MINUTES!"
Izuku froze mid-step. His shoulders tensed, and his head dipped slightly as if the weight of the announcement pressed down on him.
"Already?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.
Mina caught the shift in his posture, her bright demeanor dimming for a moment. She moved in front of him, hands on her hips, her pink brows furrowing. "Hey, dude, don't stress! You totally got this," she said, her voice radiating enthusiasm.
Her beaming smile worked like a charm, lifting some of the tension in his chest. Izuku's heart swelled, and a faint, almost bashful smile began forming on his face. Before he could thank her, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.
The pair turned to see a group of girls rushing toward them-Class 1-A, along with a few from Class 1-B.
"There you are, Dekiru!" Ochako called, panting slightly as she reached them.
"We were worried when Iida came back without you," Momo added, her tone soft yet tinged with concern.
"Yeah, dude! We wanted to help you strategize to take down Bakubitch," Toru chimed in with a playful grin, her carefree attitude cutting through the tension.
Izuku blinked at the nickname, momentarily distracted. "Is that going to be a regular thing now or...?" he asked, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement despite his nerves.
Setsuna stepped forward, her smirk widening. "Plus, our big sis over here was totally freaking out since she couldn't find you," she said, jerking a thumb toward Itsuka.
Itsuka immediately turned bright red. "Setsuna!" she hissed, fists clenching at her sides as she fought the urge to knock her classmate out.
Izuku's face flushed as well, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Itsuka sighed and crossed her arms, recovering enough to give him a firm nod. "You've got this, Izuku. Put that blonde idiot in his place."
"Ribbit, don't let him push you around," Tsuyu added, her blunt but straightforward tone carrying a reassuring weight.
"Mh." Yui stepped forward, her calm gaze meeting Izuku's. "You're going to win," she said with such flat certainty it was as if she were stating a universal truth-like the sky was blue or water was wet.
Toru suddenly bounded up to him, her energy infectious. Izuku instinctively took a small step back, his face heating slightly. "You've totally got this, Midoriya! You've already shown everyone how strong you are-now prove it to yourself," she said, her voice brimming with sincerity.
Even Ibara, normally reserved, gave him a gentle nod of encouragement, her green eyes warm and unwavering.
Izuku felt a wave of emotions swell in his chest as he looked around at their expectant faces. Their support hit him like a tidal wave, overwhelming but comforting. His throat tightened, and he quickly wiped at his eyes, embarrassed to find a few stray tears escaping.
"Thanks," he said softly, his voice carrying the weight of his gratitude.
The girls' expressions softened, but the quiet moment was shattered as Izuku's head snapped to the side. His Danger Sense flared.
"Deku," a low growl echoed from the shadows.
The group turned as Bakugou stepped into view, his red eyes blazing with malice.
The tension skyrocketed instantly, and the girls instinctively moved closer together.
Izuku clenched his fists, feeling a familiar gnawing heat rise in his chest. That bubbling anger threatened to surface, but he forced it down, inhaling deeply to steady himself.
Bakugou sneered, pointing a finger directly at him. "Listen, you damn nerd. No more of that holding-back crap you've been pulling with these extras," he snarled, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
Ochako's eyes widened, and Toru's jaw dropped in disbelief at Bakugou's words, but the blonde didn't stop.
"You're giving me everything you've got. A hundred percent! I'll show everyone why a Deku like you doesn't belong here!" Bakugou's voice was venomous, his glare piercing.
He turned his ire toward the others, scoffing. "By the time I'm done, everyone will know who's on top. I'll make you extras bow before me!"
The group stared in stunned silence as Bakugou shoved past them, his final words hanging in the air. "I'll destroy you and that stupid watch. No one will question that I'm the strongest!"
Izuku stood frozen for a moment, inhaling deeply before exhaling through his nose.
"Dekiru..." Ochako began cautiously, her voice hesitant.
Izuku cut her off, his voice calm but firm. "Don't worry. I'm fine."
He turned and walked in the opposite direction without another word.
The girls watched him leave, unease settling in their chests. Something about him had shifted. They couldn't quite place it, but it was there-a quiet intensity that hadn't been there before.
--
Before Izuku knew it, the world blurred around him. The buzzing noise of the crowd became distant as he stepped into the arena. The bright, blinding light greeted him, and the roar of the audience filled his ears.
He was ready.
...
"Midoriya versus Bakugou? This is going to be a massacre!" one student exclaimed, barely able to hide their glee.
"Yeah, watching him get torn apart is going to be entertaining as hell!" another chimed in, their laughter cutting through the murmur of the crowd.
"Finally, that useless Deku will be shown his place!" Ishida shouted, his voice echoing across the arena. His eyes gleamed with cruel satisfaction, a smug grin plastered across his face. He leaned back in his seat, folding his arms as if the outcome was already decided.
"Poor guy doesn't even stand a chance. It's almost unfair," someone whispered, though their tone carried no real sympathy.
"You think Bakugou's gonna hold back? Nah, he's gonna wipe the floor with him," another student added with a snicker, as if the fight was nothing more than a source of entertainment.
Ishida smirked, his voice cutting through the chatter. "Deku thinks he's special now because he's got a quirk. Too bad for him-quirks don't make up for being weak. And weak is all he'll ever be."
Naomi looked anxiously.