[Miruko's Agency]

Miruko, Itsuka, and Izuku staggered back into their agency after a grueling night. The air was heavy with exhaustion as they sank onto the floor, muscles aching from their outing. Izuku glanced over at Miruko, expecting her usual drill-sergeant energy to kick in, but instead, her sharp eyes were glued to her phone, her posture uncharacteristically relaxed.

"Uh, Miruko... shouldn't we start training soon?" Izuku asked hesitantly, confusion flickering across his face.

Miruko barely glanced up, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Relax, Midoriya. Even I know when to let you brats catch your breath. Rest up while you can-training resumes at noon. After that, we're heading to Hosu."

Itsuka straightened slightly, concern flashing in her eyes. "Hosu? What's going on there?" she asked, her voice calm but probing.

Miruko's expression hardened, her tone taking on its usual no-nonsense edge. "Hero Killer's been spotted. Some pro ranked 123 barely crawled out alive after he got to them. We need to move before he takes another life."

Izuku's eyes widened in shock, his voice a little shaky. "T-The Hero Killer? In Hosu? I thought he'd move on after-"

"Yeah, I figured that too," Miruko interrupted, leaning back against the wall, her ears twitching slightly as if already preparing for action. "But this guy's smarter than most. Looks like he's sticking around for more. Which means it's our problem now."

Itsuka and Izuku exchanged a nervous glance, doubt creeping into their expressions. Itsuka spoke first, her voice steady despite her unease. "Wait, Miruko, are we even allowed to come with you? Legally, I mean?"

Miruko rolled her eyes but her grin softened the gesture. "You're with me, aren't you? That's all the permission you need. If someone's got a problem, they can take it up with me later. I'll handle it."

Izuku's chest swelled with gratitude, and he stammered, "T-Thank you, Miruko. That means a lot."

"Don't thank me yet," Miruko replied, crossing her arms as her gaze sharpened. "I'm not dragging you along out of charity. You both proved yourselves last night. You kept your heads on straight when things went sideways. That's rare. I can't stand dead weight, and you two aren't it."

Itsuka smiled, her eyes alight with determination. "We won't let you down," she said simply, leaning forward, her body language radiating confidence.

Miruko smirked, her usual fierce energy creeping back into her posture. "Good. 'Cause whether or not you wanted to come, I was going after him anyway. You're just lucky I'm letting you tag along."

Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Y-Yeah, that sounds about right."

Miruko's tone turned serious again, her crimson eyes locking on both of them. "Listen up, though. Day-to-day patrols? They're more than just busywork. They're how we remind people we're here, watching out for them. It's not just about beating bad guys. It's about showing up when it counts."

Izuku's face lit up with understanding. "Like All Might! He's always there for people-saving them, inspiring them!"

Miruko's grin widened, her sharp canines flashing. "Exactly. But let me be clear-heroes who don't actually do anything? Just sit around waiting for glory or cash? They're a waste of space. You're not out there helping or catching the scum tearing society apart? You're not a hero in my book."

Itsuka nodded firmly, absorbing the words. "Understood," she said, her voice steady.

...

[GunHead's Agency]

Ochako was in the midst of a rigorous training session at the dojo, surrounded by her peers and instructor GunHead. With a determined look on her face, she yelled out her punches as she threw them: "Right! Left! Right! Left!"

GunHead, a seasoned expert in hand-to-hand combat, observed his students with a keen eye. "Remember, don't just go through the motions," he emphasized, striking a pose to demonstrate his point. "Focus on each individual punch, and don't forget that it's your basic physical strength that's behind each one."

Ochako's eyes widened in admiration as she gazed at GunHead's pose. She couldn't help but think, "Look at how cute that pose is!"

But her attention was quickly snapped back to the task at hand as GunHead called out to her.

"Ochako, keep your guard up and focus on your technique!" he instructed his voice firm but encouraging.

Ochako nodded, and her determination was renewed. She refocused on her punches, throwing each one with precision and power.

...

[Edgeshot's Agency]

Kyouka stood in the midst of Edgeshot's agency office, a serene space steeped in the traditions of Japan. Delicate bonsai trees and shoji screens contrasted with the sharp-edged kunai and training dummies scattered about.

Her Earphone Jacks floated in the air like coiled serpents, vibrating subtly as she attuned herself to the faintest sounds.

With her eyes shut, her breathing slowed, allowing her heightened senses to dominate. She had to stay sharp; Edgeshot's training demanded nothing less.

A sudden shift in the air was her only warning. A kunai hissed toward her, and she twisted out of its path just in time.

Her heart thundered, but she kept her focus, her earjacks snapping toward the direction of the attack. Without hesitation, she unleashed a piercing sonic scream.

The blast tore through the tranquil office, shattering the bonsai trees and sending shards of wood scattering like shrapnel.

"Dammit," she muttered, her voice tinged with frustration as she saw the destruction she'd caused.

Edgeshot appeared in the chaos, his thin, wiry frame blurring as he zipped through the room. He was barely a flicker in her peripheral vision. She spun, trying to track him by sound alone.

Her earjacks twitched, catching the faint rustle of his clothing. When another kunai flew her way, she caught it on reflex, the blade nicking her palm. She hissed at the sting but used the pain to fuel her next scream.

This time, her sonic blast clipped him. He reformed a few feet away, his thin body coiling back into its natural state. Edgeshot winced, rubbing his ears as though he'd heard the worst guitar feedback of his life.

"Better," he said, his voice calm despite the chaos around him. "But you're still too reactive. A shinobi's greatest weapon is their mind. Stay aware of your surroundings, and never lose focus. Your back remains your most glaring weakness-one that could prove fatal in the field."

Kyouka frowned but nodded. She wiped her bleeding palm against her pants, wincing as the pain flared again. "Got it," she muttered, trying to mask her irritation. But she couldn't deny he was right.

For two days, Edgeshot had put her through relentless drills, sharpening her instincts and teaching her techniques she'd never considered before. He wasn't cruel, but his expectations were sky-high. Each failure gnawed at her, not because of his criticism but because she wanted to prove herself-to him, to her classmates, and, though she wouldn't admit it aloud, to someone else.

As they sat on cushions in the center of the room, Edgeshot poured tea, the act serene despite the debris littering the floor. His sharp eyes studied her as he spoke. "You're wondering why I offered you this internship."

Kyouka stiffened, startled. "How-?"

"It's written all over your face," he said with a faint smile. "As a shinobi, I've learned to read expressions and body language. You have potential, Jiro. I've seen it. During the cavalry battle, you made quick decisions under pressure, rescuing Midoriya when he was surrounded. And during the third event, you stood your ground against Todoroki. You didn't let fear stop you, and you used your wits to stay in the fight. That's the spirit of a true shinobi."

Her heart skipped at the mention of Midoriya. "Thanks," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Edgeshot's tone grew serious as he set his cup down. "Unfortunately, your training will have to be cut short. The Hero Killer has been sighted in Hosu. The Commission has tasked several top-ranked heroes, myself included, with tracking and capturing him."

Kyouka's stomach twisted. Hosu. That meant danger-and not just for civilians. Her mind raced to Midoriya, who was interning with Miruko. The thought of him facing someone like the Hero Killer without backup made her chest tighten.

"Will... Miruko be going?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Edgeshot raised an eyebrow. "It's likely. She's not one to ignore a fight. Why do you ask?" His gaze sharpened as he studied her reaction. "Is there someone you're worried about?"

Heat crept up her neck. "What? No! I mean, not specifically. I just... care about everyone's safety," she stammered, staring pointedly at the floor.

Edgeshot chuckled softly, the rare sound catching her off guard. "It wouldn't happen to be a certain green-haired boy, would it?" he teased, his tone light but knowing.

Kyouka's cheeks burned, and she glared at him. "That skill of yours-reading people-is starting to piss me off," she muttered, crossing her arms to hide her embarrassment.

Edgeshot smirked but quickly sobered. "Romantic distractions aside," he said, "your scouting skills will be invaluable during this mission, but remember: Stain is not your responsibility. If you encounter him, inform me or one of my sidekicks immediately. Understood?"

She nodded, her blush fading as his words sank in. "Got it."

"Good," he said, leaning back. "You're doing well, Jiro. Don't lose sight of your strengths-or your goals. You'll need both in this line of work."

...

[Best Jeanist Agency]

Best Jeanist stood in the center of his sleek, minimalist office, flanked by his team of sidekicks, each poised as though awaiting a fashion show rather than a hero debriefing. In his hand was a comb, gleaming under the soft, tailored lighting.

Across from him, Bakugou Katsuki sat slouched in a chair, his usual scowl deepening with every passing second. His explosive nature seemed barely contained, simmering beneath the surface.

"To be a hero," Jeanist began, his voice smooth yet authoritative, "is not merely to act with strength. It is to inspire. A hero's very presence must bring calm to the frightened, hope to the hopeless. Capability is critical, but charisma-elegance, poise, restraint-these are what define a true hero." He gestured with the comb, his polished manner making it seem almost like a scepter.

Bakugou sneered. "Tch, as if that'll stop villains."

Jeanist ignored the remark and gestured to Bakugou's freshly styled hair-a precise replication of Jeanist's own towering coiffure. "Presentation, young Bakugou, is an extension of your identity as a hero. A frayed appearance suggests a frayed heart."

Bakugou's eyes widened with visible horror as he caught his reflection in a nearby mirror. His hands shot to his hair, ruffling the carefully arranged strands. "What the hell did you do to me?!" he barked, his face burning with a mix of embarrassment and fury.

"Another masterpiece, sir!" Jeanist's sidekicks chorused.

Bakugou growled under his breath, his fists clenching. "This is a joke. A damn joke. I picked the wrong damn agency." His gritted words were barely audible, but Jeanist caught them with ease.

Jeanist, unbothered, held up a bottle of high-strength hair gel, examining it thoughtfully. "Ah, it seems we'll need a more... industrial solution to tame your rebellious locks. Your hair mirrors your spirit, after all-untamed, volatile, and resistant to structure."

As Jeanist reached for Bakugou's head again, the boy swatted his hand away, glaring daggers. "Touch me again, and I'll blow this whole place to bits!"

Jeanist's calm never wavered. Instead, he took a step back, clasping his hands behind his back. "Very well. Let us move beyond appearances for now. Tell me, Bakugou-what, in your own words, is a hero?"

Bakugou narrowed his eyes. "What kinda stupid question is that? A hero's someone who always wins. That's it. No excuses, no compromises. They crush anyone who gets in their way. Like All Might."

Jeanist raised a brow, his expression one of mild disapproval mixed with intrigue. "Ah, yes. Strength above all else. Victory as the ultimate measure of worth. It's a philosophy, certainly, but is it sustainable?" His gaze sharpened, pinning Bakugou in place. "Tell me, young man, what happens when you lose? Does that strip you of your identity as a hero?"

Bakugou's glare intensified, but he didn't respond immediately.

Jeanist pressed on, his tone turning slightly sterner. "You speak of victory as the sole benchmark, yet you've tasted defeat. At the Sports Festival, no less, where your peer Midoriya-a boy you seem to loathe-excelled. By your logic, does that not make him the better hero?"

Bakugou's jaw tightened, his teeth grinding audibly. "Shut up," he muttered, low and dangerous.

"Midoriya... You refer to as Deku?"

The name alone made Bakugou bristle, his hands instinctively curling into fists. "What the hell are you getting at?" he snapped.

Jeanist remained calm, gesturing with a measured hand. "Consider this: Midoriya won the Sports Festival. He bested you, did he not? He has overcome trials at UA that most students would falter under. He stood against the villains at the USJ, aiding in saving your entire class and Class 1-B. Every challenge he's faced thus far, he has overcome. By your logic, that makes him a hero."

Bakugou's expression twisted into one of barely contained fury. "Deku's not a hero!" he growled. "He got lucky! He's just a weak, useless-"

Jeanist interrupted, his tone sharp yet steady. "Is he? Or are you clinging to this notion because it threatens your worldview? You measure heroism by victory alone, and yet the very person you dismiss as 'Deku' has achieved what you hold in the highest regard: he has not lost."

Bakugou's jaw clenched, his glare burning. "Tch, that damn nerd doesn't even know what he's doing half the time! He just... stumbles through it!"

Jeanist tilted his head, his calm demeanor unyielding. "Perhaps. But stumbling through adversity and still emerging victorious is a hallmark of resilience. Resilience, young Bakugou, is what separates those who merely win from those who inspire. Midoriya, despite his flaws, rises to the occasion time and time again. He is not perfect, but he learns. He adapts. Can you say the same?"

Bakugou's teeth ground together audibly, his mind racing. A part of him wanted to lash out, to deny everything Jeanist was saying. Yet, somewhere deep down, a small, unwelcome voice whispered that there was truth in the hero's words.

"You may find it difficult to accept, but the fabric of reality is woven with undeniable truth. His record is pristine, each thread a testament to his victories, unmarred by defeat. In contrast, your tapestry bears the marks of loss. By the very standards you uphold, he is the hero, while you are not."

'Damm you Deku...'

...

[With Mina]

Mina stood in front of the mirror at the hero agency, her eyes taking in the reflection of her hero costume. The purple and turquoise bodysuit clung to her body, accentuating her curves in a way that made her feel confident. She admired how the tight fit highlighted her figure, her thoughts drifting as she studied herself.

Her fingers lightly grazed her chest. "Did they get bigger?" she wondered, testing the fabric.

She let go, watching as her body responded with a little bounce. A soft blush crept up her cheeks, her smile playful. "Hm... Does Midori like them big?" she mused, her mind drifting to Izuku. A goofy grin spread across her face. "Hehe, maybe I should show them off more. Get him flustered... maybe something will happen."

Mina turned around, glancing over her shoulder to get a better view of her backside. She gently ran her hand along her hip, contemplating, "Or is he more of an ass guy?"

Mina was fairly certain Izuku had little experience with girls, judging by how nervous he always seemed around them.

The poor guy was so innocent, she thought, smiling at the idea that he probably never gave much thought to women in that way.

"Probably not," she mused aloud. "But what kind of girl would he like?"

She examined her body again, a self-assured smile tugging at her lips. "Well, in both areas, I've got it covered. Great curves and a perfect waist!"

Her face shifted slightly as she pouted in thought. "Though, I have to hope he doesn't have preferences in either area... Momo's got the curves, and I think Ochako's got the bigger... Butt," she muttered, crossing her arms with a light frown.

Shrugging it off, her playful grin returned. "But even if that's the case, I'm sure I'm the one who'll keep him on his toes!" she giggled, thinking about her upcoming plans to spend more time with him. "I'll just keep getting closer, breaking him out of his shell, nice and casual."

Her thoughts swirled with ideas for teasing him, each more mischievous than the last.

...

[With Toru]

Toru stood in front of the mirror, eyes scanning her form with a critical eye. She tilted her head slightly, studying her figure and unconsciously squeezing her hips giving her ass a playful squeeze.

Her cheeks flushed as she recalled Midoriya's kind words about her being pretty, especially the moment when he saw her in her full form.

"Ugh, seriously... Is this really what Midoriya sees when he looks at me?" she muttered, feeling her face heat up as she recalled the time he'd called her pretty. Her fingers lingered on her waist, feeling the curve there before she sighed. "I wonder if he thinks I'm too plain compared to someone like Mina... She's got that cute pink skin, fluffy hair, and-ugh, I swear, he's always talking about her hair."

Toru crossed her arms, her thoughts tangled in comparison. "Sometimes I wish I could just go back to being permanently invisible. At least that way, I could stand out in my own way..." She glanced at her reflection again, self-conscious.

With a frustrated huff, she collapsed onto her bed. "Okay, okay... But I'm probably not as interesting as Mina... She's so vibrant and cute, and I-" She paused, staring at her reflection one last time, deep in thought.

"What kind of girls does Midoriya like, anyway?"

...

[Edgeshot]

Kyoka Jirou stood in front of the mirror at the Edgeshot agency, adjusting her sports bra. Her eyes lingered on her reflection, and she gently cupped her small breast. She sighed softly, a slight frown on her face.

'I wonder what kind of girl Greenie likes...' Kyoka thought, her fingers lightly brushing against her earlobes as she stared at her reflection. Her cheeks warmed, and her gaze shifted to her chest. Compared to Momo's curves, she felt... plain. Her frown deepened. 'Compared to Yaomomo, I'm definitely... smaller.'

She sighed, her insecurities creeping in. Then her mind wandered to Mina, whose easy confidence seemed effortless. 'Ashido always has so much fun with him...' Kyoka's stomach churned at the thought. 'Maybe he likes that about her... someone who's bubbly and bold.'

Her gaze dropped to her legs, toned from years of training. She remembered the whispers she'd overheard-Kaminari and Tsubaraba commenting that her legs were her best feature. Even Bullfrag-Izuku-had said it outright during the sports festival. The memory made her blush, a strange mixture of pride and doubt swirling in her chest.

"Ugh, did that dork actually mean it?" Kyoka muttered, her face heating up as she recalled the way Izuku's eyes lingered.

'He couldn't stop staring... practically drooling over me. Ugh!' Kyoka groaned, dragging a hand down her face. 'Why does him looking at me, even remotely like Mineta does with the other girls, feel so... so...' She trailed off, her heart pounding hard in her chest. 'Argh, what's wrong with me?'

Kyoka Jirou plopped on her bed, her fingers nervously tapping against her phone. She couldn't stop thinking about what Izuku-well, Bullfrag-had said during their last training session. "Your legs are your best feature." His words kept echoing in her mind, making her stomach flip every time. Was it just an alien thing? Or did he really mean it?

She let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Screw it," she muttered, dialing his number before she could change her mind.

The phone rang twice before Izuku picked up. "Jirou? Is everything okay?"

"Do you like my legs?" she blurted, cutting straight to the point.

There was a long pause before Izuku's panicked voice broke through. "W-Wait, what?!"

Kyoka groaned, her face burning. "You heard me," she snapped, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. You said my legs were my best feature when you were Bullfrag. Was that just some alien thing, or...?"

" Uh, w-wait, is this a trick question?" Izuku stammered, clearly flustered.

Kyoka groaned, her frustration bubbling over." Urgh, no! Just forget it!" she snapped, ready to hang up and bury herself in her blankets.

" W-Wait! Hold on!"Izuku's voice came urgently through the phone, stopping her. She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the end call button.

There was a long pause before he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper." I-If I'm being honest... Yeah, they're pretty... um..."His words faltered, but Kyoka could hear the sincerity in his tone. Her cheeks burned as she clutched the phone tighter.

" You really think so?" she asked softly, her heart racing.

" I-I do..." Izuku admitted, his voice still flustered but honest, Kyoka placed her phone to her ear as she lied on her bed.

Kyoka bit her lip, her usual sarcastic edge dulled by the nervous flutter in her chest. "Like... anything in particular? What I wear, I mean," she asked, her voice softer than usual. She rubbed her thighs self-consciously, unsure why she felt so exposed asking him something so personal.

There was a cough on the other end of the line, and she could almost picture Izuku rubbing the back of his neck, his cheeks bright red. "I-I just think they're really nice... Slender and perfect..." he muttered, his voice honest and unfiltered.

Her heart felt like it might leap out of her chest. It was like he didn't even realize the weight of what he was saying. To Izuku, it was as obvious as the sky being blue, but to her, it was an avalanche of emotions.

"Y-Your punk look is really cool," Izuku continued, his tone growing more earnest. "And, um... pencil skirts, leggings, fishnets..." His voice faltered for a second before he added, "They really suit you."

Kyoka's face burned as she pressed the phone closer to her ear, her grip tightening. She could feel her whole body grow hotter, her heart racing faster with every word.

"And I mean, it's not just your legs," Izuku continued, his voice soft but sincere. "You're... you're really beautiful, Jirou. Everything about you just... fits. It's kind of hard to explain, but it's like... it's just you, and it's perfect."Izuku muttered out unconsciously.

Her heart pounded against her ribs, Izuku's words replaying in her head on a loop.

Kyoka tried to play it cool, but her voice betrayed her with a slight tremble. "Didn't think you'd have a thing for fishnets, Greenie," she quipped, forcing a playful tone to mask her nerves.

"I-I don't have a thing!" Izuku blurted out, his voice rising in panic. "I just think they... suit you, that's all!"

Kyoka couldn't hold back a quiet laugh, the tension in her chest easing a bit. "Relax, I'm just messing with you," she said, her voice softer now, almost fond. "But... thanks. That's all I wanted to know."

"Y-Yeah... no problem," Izuku replied, still clearly flustered.

Kyoka smirked, feeling lighter than before. "Talk to you later, Greenie," she said, ending the call before he could stammer out another word.

She set her phone down and let out a deep breath, a small smile playing on her lips.

Dork.

...

[Gran Torino agency]

Gran Torino eyed Tenya with a small smirk, clearly pleased. "You're improving, kid. You can almost dodge properly now."

Tenya grinned, feeling a swell of pride. "Thank you, sir!"

Gran Torino's grin didn't fade, but his tone became teasing. "Don't get too cocky, though. You're still as stiff as a board."

Tenya's expression shifted to one of determination. "I'm working on it, sir. I'm focusing on becoming more flexible and fluid."

Gran Torino raised an eyebrow, his voice turning serious. "That's part of the problem, kid. It's not just about flexibility. Your attitude's too rigid. You're too set in your ways."

Tenya blinked in confusion. "Sir? I thought it was a good thing to want to follow in Tensei's footsteps."

Gran Torino snorted, shaking his head. "Tensei's a damn fine hero, but you can't just copy him, kid. You need to forge your own path. You can't expect to become a hero just by mimicking someone else's style."

Tenya's eyes narrowed in thought, and he tapped his chin, absorbing the lesson. "I understand now, sir. I need to be more adaptable... and think outside the box."

Gran Torino's grin returned, proud of Tenya's realization. "Now you're getting it. Let's see how that new mindset holds up when we go villain hunting tonight."

Tenya's eyes lit up, his enthusiasm clear. "Really, sir? But I thought you were trying to keep me from rushing into danger like that."

Gran Torino chuckled, shaking his head. "We're not going after the big leagues, kid. This is about the smaller fry. I want you to see there's more to being a hero than just throwing yourself at the biggest bad guys."

Tenya nodded eagerly, his sense of responsibility kicking in. "I'm honored that you trust me enough to bring me along, sir."

Gran Torino waved a hand dismissively. "Don't go puffing your chest out too much. We're just hopping on the bullet train to Shibuya."

Tenya straightened, his determination rising. "I'm ready for this, sir."

Gran Torino chuckled. "Fastest? Ha! It's fast if nothing goes wrong, but if things do, it's just a junkyard on wheels."

Tenya's eyes widened in realization. "I see now, sir. The bullet train may be fast, but it's limited to its tracks. Just like I need to be flexible in my thinking, rather than rigidly sticking to one path."

Gran Torino stroked his beard, impressed. "Look at that. You finally get it, kid."

Tenya bowed, his grin wide. "Thank you, sir. I'm starting to understand your lessons much better."

Gran Torino's grin turned mischievous as he swiftly kicked Tenya in the face. "Not everything I say is a damn lesson, kid."

...

[League of Villains Hideout]

Stain sat on the counter, sipping a glass of whiskey while Kurogiri quietly poured himself a drink. The dim light reflected off the purple haze of his portal, casting long shadows across the room. "Hero Killer," Kurogiri began in his smooth, measured tone. "I'm curious. How did you manage to lure so many pro heroes to one district? Especially ones with... less-than-stellar reputations?"

Stain placed the glass down deliberately, his scarred face set in grim satisfaction. "The Knights have ears everywhere-janitors, secretaries, even the people they pass on the street. We sent word to those false heroes, threatening to unmask them. Their greed and pride did the rest. They came running, and my blade did the talking." His voice dripped with venom, a fiery conviction burning in his eyes.

Shigaraki leaned forward from his seat, his posture lazy but his tone sharp. "Enough of your self-righteous speeches. You came here because you want to join me, right?"

Stain met his gaze, unflinching. "I do. But don't mistake my intent. Your goals are chaos for chaos's sake. I aim to cleanse this society, to reform it."

Shigaraki's expression twisted with irritation, his fingers twitching against the table. "Spare me the sermon. You're just another zealot clinging to your own warped sense of justice. But I'll admit, that conviction of yours is too useful to waste."

Stain's lips curled into a thin smile. "Conviction? You wouldn't know what to do with it. Your hate lacks purpose, Shigaraki. I'm heading to Hosu. The streets there will run red with the blood of false heroes. Watch and learn what it means to fight for something greater than yourself."

Shigaraki scoffed, his voice laced with mockery. "Learn? From you? You're nothing but a hypocrite with a god complex."

Stain's eyes burned with restrained fury as he stood, his voice low but razor-sharp. "And yet, I've inspired people. Not by empty promises or vague destruction, but by action. Something your so-called League of Villains can't seem to manage."

Shigaraki's teeth clenched, but before he could retort, Kurogiri's calm voice cut through the tension. "Gentlemen. If you're done trading philosophies, we have more pressing matters to attend to."

The swirling purple mist engulfed them, and in an instant, they stood atop a shadowy rooftop overlooking the city.

...

"This place looks nicer than I expected," Tomura said, stepping through the swirling portal and onto the rooftop, his tone teetering between sarcasm and disdain. His red eyes scanned the city below, a world bathed in the warm hues of a setting sun.

Kurogiri followed, his form materializing from the mist. "So, Hero Killer, what exactly is your plan here?"

Stain stood near the edge, his silhouette sharp against the fading light. "To reform this city," he said, his voice calm yet resolute. "But to do so, I will require more... victims."

Kurogiri tilted his head, his voice even as he questioned, "But Hero Killer, you've already slain 45 pro heroes and crippled at least a dozen more. Why continue your purge here in Hosu?"

Stain let the silence hang in the air for a moment before answering, "A message must be sent. My return cannot be ignored. And when the false heroes realize that no city is safe, they will crumble under the weight of their own corruption."

Kurogiri nodded slightly. "I see. A demonstration, then. To show them that even their strongholds offer no sanctuary."

Stain's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "At least someone understands."

Tomura crossed his arms, his tone petulant. "I feel like you're mocking me."

Stain turned slightly, his gaze cutting. "Hero is a title that should be earned through great deeds, not thrown around like a cheap commodity. Yet here we are, surrounded by money-hungry frauds and lustful charlatans. Until this society sees the error of its ways, I will continue to act."

Without another word, Stain leapt from the rooftop, his form vanishing into the city below as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Night enveloped the city, and Tomura stood silently, his fingers twitching at his sides as he stared into the distance.

"Kurogiri," he said suddenly, his voice sharp. "I've had enough of him."

Kurogiri's eyes glowed faintly, but his tone remained measured. "Shigaraki, I must caution you. The Hero Killer is a powerful ally, and your master values his contributions."

Tomura sneered, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. "Master said I could enact my plan, and if the Hero Killer ends up as collateral damage, well, that's just a bonus."

He turned sharply toward Kurogiri. "Are you certain he's in Hosu?"

"Positive," Kurogiri replied. "He's currently in the city, moving alongside a top pro hero. Miruko. But I must remind you, this plan could jeopardize our partnership."

Tomura's grin widened, his tone dripping with mockery. "Partnership? That guy wants a world filled with All Might clones. Isn't that just perfect? Heroes scrambling to prove themselves while I tear their precious society apart. And the fact he wants to protect the nuisance is annoying.

He stepped forward, his gaze gleaming with a dangerous light. "How many Nomu do we have?"

"Seven," Kurogiri answered. "The doctor has been increasing their production since hearing about the child who defeated one."

Tomura's grin twisted into something monstrous. "Seven will do."

With a wave of his hand, Kurogiri opened a portal, and seven smaller, gray Nomu emerged, their forms hunched and twisted but radiating raw power. Shigaraki's eyes sparkled with manic excitement as he surveyed his forces."As if I'd let him get away with stabbing me like that. If wants to go on a rampage we'll let him."

"Has the good doctor prepared his pets?"

Kurogiri nodded. "Yes. His mutant pets will take siege to the city."

The air grew thick with tension as terrifying growls and snarls echoed through the distance, like a chorus of monsters. The sound sent shivers down the spine, a chilling reminder of the horrors that lurked in the shadows. A few haunting howls pierced the night air, making the hairs on the back of Shigaraki's neck stand on end.

He revelled in the terror that his plan inspired, his grin growing even wider. "Let the game begin."

...

...

The bullet train carrying Tenya and his mentor, Gran Torino, screeched to a violent halt as its side was suddenly smashed open. A pro hero was hurled into the car at breakneck speed, crumpling the metal like paper. Tenya barely had time to react before a massive, gnarled hand reached through the wreckage, grabbing him and tossing him into the open air.

Adrenaline surged through Tenya as he twisted midair, engines roaring to life. He angled his legs sharply, firing bursts of propulsion to counter the momentum and soften his landing. His feet hit the ground in a controlled slide, leaving cracks in the pavement.

Before he could catch his breath, a deafening shockwave rippled through the air. He looked up to see Gran Torino launch himself at the hulking creature responsible, his small frame a blur. With a powerful kick, Gran Torino struck the Nomu square in the chest, sending it hurtling through the sky like a meteor. The force of the impact was immense, distorting the air and scattering debris in every direction.

"Nomu!" Tenya shouted, his voice strained with a mix of alarm and dread. His eyes locked onto the monstrous figure as it crashed into a distant building, its exposed brain glistening under the city lights.

All around him, chaos erupted. More Nomu engaged nearby heroes, one of whom wielded chainsaw-like blades on multiple arms, each strike emitting a metallic screech. Tenya's engines hummed steadily as he landed, scanning the battlefield with a growing sense of unease.

Gran Torino zipped to his side, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a stern, focused expression. "Good, you're in one piece," he said curtly. "Plans have changed. They need every hero for this mess, so I'm heading in. Listen carefully, Iida-use your Quirk to evacuate civilians and escape danger if necessary. You have my permission for that. But if I catch you fighting any villains, I'll personally see to it that they throw the book at you. Understood?"

Tenya nodded deeply, a mix of relief and guilt tightening his chest. "Yes, sir."

Gran Torino took off in a blur, leaving a trail of dust in his wake. Tenya watched him go, his resolve wavering. This is my chance, he thought, clenching his fists. The Hero Killer is here in Hosu. I can bring him to justice... for Tensei.

But as he gazed at the battlefield and the chaos unfolding, Gran Torino's words echoed in his mind. His brother's condition flashed before his eyes-the pain, the loss of his hero career. Shame crept over him like a shadow.

Tenya bowed his head, whispering softly, "I'm sorry, Gran Torino."

...

Flames roared like living beasts, consuming the city with a ferocious appetite. Ochako dodged through the chaos, her Gravity Quirk a lifeline to civilians trapped in the nightmare. Smoke burned her throat, and every breath felt heavy, but she pressed on. GunHead and his sidekicks were beside her, their movements precise as they worked to pull people from the rubble and fight back the terror of the Nomus.

"Uravity, focus!" GunHead barked, his voice cutting through the cacophony.

"Yes, sir!" Ochako responded, planting her hands on a crushed car. With a spark of her Quirk, the wreck lifted effortlessly into the air, revealing a frightened couple trapped beneath. GunHead immediately reached in, pulling them to safety as Ochako gently released the car to the side.

"Clear this zone and then move forward," GunHead ordered, giving her a sharp nod. "Remember, your priority is the people. Keep moving. I'll handle the Nomus here."

Her heart pounded as she nodded, her legs already carrying her toward the next street. The air was thick with smoke, and her ears rang from the constant sounds of screams, explosions, and the monstrous screeches of the Nomus rampaging through the city. Everywhere she looked, people were in danger, trapped under debris or cowering in fear.

"Everyone, this way!" she called out, using her Quirk to lift a massive chunk of concrete that had pinned down a man clutching his young daughter. The weightless slab floated upward, and she quickly helped the two to their feet. "Go! Follow the path and keep running until you see a hero!"

The man nodded, his voice trembling as he thanked her, but Ochako was already sprinting to the next cry for help. She barely noticed the strain building in her arms and legs. Her Quirk required precision, but she didn't let herself falter. Not now.

As she turned a corner, a Nomu came crashing through the side of a building, barreling toward her with terrifying speed. Its grotesque form loomed closer, the exposed brain glistening under the firelight. Ochako froze for a split second, her instincts screaming at her to move. She stepped back, but her foot caught on a piece of debris, sending her tumbling to the ground.

Her heart pounded in her ears. "Crap!" she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut as the beast lunged toward her.

BOOM!

The sound of impact reverberated through the street, followed by a high-pitched screech. Ochako's eyes snapped open just in time to see the Nomu sent hurtling through the air, crashing into a building with enough force to shatter its walls.

Standing between her and the chaos was Gran Torino, his yellow boot still raised from the kick. The old hero crouched low, scanning the scene with sharp, calculating eyes. His presence, though diminutive in stature, was overwhelming.

"Gran Torino!" Ochako gasped, quickly scrambling to her feet. Relief flooded her, but it was short-lived.

The old man's face was grim, his lips pressed into a thin line. "That idiot kid," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than to her. "Tenya... He's going to get himself killed."

Ochako blinked, her mind racing. "Iida? What do you mean? Where is he?"

Gran Torino's gaze didn't meet hers. Instead, he looked into the distance, his fists clenched tightly. "That damn fool went after the Hero Killer, didn't he?" he muttered, his tone low and angry. Without another word, he launched himself into the air, zipping toward another corner of the city to join the fray.

Ochako stood frozen, the realization hitting her like a punch to the gut. The Hero Killer... Stain.

She heard Izuku's voice echo in her memory: "When we lose someone we care about, it's easy to let anger and pain guide us into doing something reckless."

Her breath caught. Tenya wasn't just chasing justice-he was after revenge.

"No, Iida..." she whispered, her hands trembling. "You didn't... You can't..."

Gran Torino was gone, leaving Ochako alone amidst the chaos. But she couldn't stand still. Not now. Not when her friend was out there, throwing himself into a battle he wasn't ready for. She clenched her fists, determination hardening in her chest.

"I'm not going to let you do something stupid ," she vowed, breaking into a sprint.

...

A few minutes earlier...

Itsuka, Miruko, and Izuku walked the dimly lit streets of Hosu, their patrol having been uneventful so far. The occasional copycat or minor villain had posed no real challenge, leaving the trio in a lull. Itsuka stretched her arms over her head, suppressing a yawn. "Man, patrols can be so boring sometimes."

Miruko shrugged, her hands tucked casually into her jacket pockets. "Not every day's about throwing fists at supervillains or chasing down aliens, kid. If you're in this for the excitement, you're in the wrong job."

Itsuka smirked and slowed her pace to match Izuku's. "Speaking of aliens... Izuku, how'd you end up turning into that Megawatt thing last time?"

Izuku scratched the back of his head, his expression thoughtful. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I woke up, the Omnitrix was glowing yellow, and Buzzshock just kind of... showed up."

Itsuka raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Buzzshock? You mean the zappy little gremlin you turned into?"

Izuku nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I think it's a cool name!"

Itsuka chuckled, crossing her arms. "You and your names. They're usually so... dumb."

Izuku feigned offense, gasping dramatically. "Hey! They're clever! Like Amphibian-that's a great name!"

Itsuka rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure thing, Dekiru 10."

Izuku shot back with a grin, "Ha ha, Battle Fist!"

Itsuka's cheeks flushed, and she jabbed a finger at him in mock indignation. "Hey! Battle Fist is objectively a cool name!"

Miruko, walking slightly ahead, smirked as their banter played out behind her. Though she wouldn't admit it, she found the dynamic between the two oddly endearing. She shook her head to clear the thought, her ears twitching as she forced her focus back to the patrol. Her gut told her the quiet wouldn't last.

And then it hit.

Izuku froze mid-step, his face contorting in pain as he clutched his head. His breath hitched, and his eyes darted around frantically. "Danger Sense... something's wrong!" he hissed, his voice tight with urgency.

The shift in atmosphere was immediate. Miruko's ears twitched, and she instinctively sniffed the air, her nose wrinkling. "What the hell is that stench?" she growled, her tone sharp as her body coiled with tension.

Before Izuku could answer, a screech tore through the air, chilling them to the bone. The trio whipped their heads upward just as a Nomu came hurtling toward them from above, its massive wings spread wide and its grotesque form illuminated by the streetlights. The creature slammed into the road with an earth-shattering impact, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the pavement.

"Nomu?!" Itsuka exclaimed, her voice shaking as she instinctively moved into a fighting stance.

"Stay sharp!" Miruko barked, her crimson eyes locking onto the creature. But before she could make her move, another Nomu-a hulking green monstrosity-emerged from an alleyway to their right, its guttural growl rumbling like distant thunder.

The green Nomu lunged, its massive arm swinging toward Miruko with bone-crushing force. With a snarl, Miruko ducked low and surged forward, her powerful legs propelling her into a spinning kick. Her heel connected with the Nomu's torso, the impact resounding like a thunderclap. The force of the blow sent the creature hurtling through the air, crashing into the side of a building and leaving a gaping hole in the concrete.

Izuku barely had time to process Miruko's display of raw power when his Danger Sense flared again. His head whipped toward a shadowy alley, where a smaller, faster figure darted toward him. Glowing eyes locked onto his arm, and its unhinged jaw revealed rows of razor-sharp teeth. The creature lunged, and Izuku felt a cold sweat break out as time seemed to slow.

The creature's maw was unnaturally wide, its rows of razor-sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. It wasn't just aiming to bite; it was poised to rip his arm clean off. Time seemed to slow as Izuku froze, unable to fully process the imminent danger. He could feel the heat of its breath as its teeth came within inches of his forearm.

"IZUKU!" Itsuka screamed, her voice tinged with panic.

Just as the creature's teeth grazed his skin, the Omnitrix flared to life. A sudden, blinding pulse of energy erupted from the device, slamming into the wolf with the force of an explosion. The creature's head disintegrated in an instant, shards of bone and flesh scattering across the alley. Its headless body crumpled to the ground in a twitching heap.

Izuku stumbled back, breathing hard as he stared at the Omnitrix in disbelief. "W-What just happened?!" he muttered, his voice trembling.

Miruko was at his side in an instant, her hand gripping his shoulder as she scanned him for injuries. "You tell me, Dekiru. You good?" Her tone was firm, but there was an edge of concern beneath it.

"Y-Yeah," Izuku stammered, still catching his breath. He glanced at the smoking remains of the creature. "I think the Omnitrix... did that on its own. I didn't even activate it."

...

Miruko turned her attention to the Nomu with wings, which was slowly staggering back to its feet. Its unfocused, milky eyes locked onto Izuku. "D... ku..." it rasped, its voice distorted and hollow.

At the same time, the green Nomu, eerily similar in appearance to the one at USJ, charged toward the trio at blinding speed. Its muscular body moved with unnatural precision, each step cracking the ground beneath it.

Miruko tensed, her instincts screaming that this thing wasn't human. "Dekiru 10," she asked, her voice sharp, "are these things even human or some alien monstrosity?"

Izuku's mind raced. He thought back to Detective Tsukauchi's words about the Nomu. If they were human, killing them was a mercy. "No," he said grimly, his voice steady despite the rising tension. "They're not human anymore. The one at USJ... I had to turn into Ash to stop it. They won't stop, no matter what."

The moment the words left his mouth, Miruko launched herself forward. In a single, devastating strike, she crushed the green Nomu's head. It collapsed in a heap, twitching once before going still.

The winged Nomu took to the sky, its malformed wings flapping noisily as it ascended. Miruko clicked her tongue, glancing up. "Tch. Coward." She turned to the others, her tone commanding. "We need to keep moving. There might be more people who need help."

Itsuka and Izuku nodded in unison, but before they could take another step, a voice echoed through the air.

"Oh, I don't think you're going anywhere."

The male voice was smug, dripping with condescension. Izuku's stomach dropped as recognition set in.

Before he could react, there was a heavy thud behind them. Dust and debris flew into the air as vehicles were pushed back by the force of the impact. The sound of a deep croak reverberated through the street, sending a chill down Izuku's spine.

Emerging from the cloud of dust was a frog-like monstrosity. Its moss-green skin glistened, and its light-green throat expanded as it croaked again. Two small horns jutted from its forehead, while bone-like spikes protruded from the sides of its head. Its four red eyes glowed ominously, and olive-green spiked lumps ran along its grotesque body.

Izuku's eyes widened in horror. "No way..."

Itsuka glanced at him, confused. "What is that thing?"

Miruko's sharp eyes narrowed. "That thing's not natural."

Izuku's voice was shaky as he answered. "I know that croaker. That's Dr. Animo's frog!"

"The guy from the mall?" Itsuka asked, her brows furrowing.

Before Izuku could reply, a figure stepped forward, standing atop the frog's massive back. His red-tinted goggles glinted in the light, and his sleeveless black vest, adorned with metallic accents, caught their attention. Two oversized mechanical arms extended from his sides, whirring ominously as he smirked down at them.

"Dr. Animo!" Izuku shouted, taking a cautious step back. "How did-"

"How did I find you?" Animo interrupted, his tone smug and self-assured. "Oh, it wasn't difficult, boy. Your little exploits have made quite the splash. You've been leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for me to follow!"

Izuku clenched his fists, his mind racing.

"And I didn't come alone," Animo continued, gesturing grandly to the shadows. "Let me introduce you to my new friends."

The words barely left his mouth when six hulking, mutated wolves slinked out of the darkness. Their mangy fur bristled, and their glowing eyes radiated pure malice. Each step they took revealed unnaturally sharp claws and jagged teeth, glinting as they growled and snarled.

Izuku's blood ran cold. "Friends...?!" His eyes darted between the creatures and the Nomu. The realization hit him like a truck. "You're working with the League of Villains!"

Dr. Animo chuckled darkly, the sound dripping with unhinged glee. "Oh, very clever, my little genius. You think you've got it all figured out, don't you? But no, no, no! I've simply aligned myself with others who recognize my brilliance. And you... you will not deny me my place in history again!"

He pointed an accusing finger at Izuku, his voice growing more manic. "You think you're so special because of that gaudy wristwatch! But you'll soon learn what true genius looks like. And you," he said, turning his attention to Miruko, "must be the famed rabbit hero. An albino, yes? Fascinating attributes!"

Miruko's brow furrowed. "Huh?"

Before she could say more, the wolf pack let out a collective, guttural growl. Their muscles coiled as they prepared to pounce, their jaws snapping hungrily.

"Wolves are natural predators of rabbits," Animo said, his voice seeping with malice as he gestured toward the six hulking beasts that encircled them. "In the wild, they hunt in packs, using their speed, their cunning, and their relentless nature to exhaust their prey. Now imagine that, but with my enhancements. Faster, stronger, smarter-truly the perfect hunters."

Izuku and Itsuka instinctively stepped back, the tension in the air palpable. One For All began crackling faintly around Izuku's arms as he prepared himself for the inevitable fight. Beside him, Itsuka clenched her fists, enlarging.

The oppressive silence was shattered by the piercing cry of hawks. Two massive, mutated hawks descended from the sky, their talons scraping the roof of a nearby building as they perched above, gazing down at Miruko.

Their wings stretched so wide that they cast an ominous shadow over the entire street.

"Hawks," Animo continued.

"Nature's silent assassins. Their vision is unmatched, their strike deadly. They don't just hunt their prey-they own the sky."

Before anyone could respond, the soft rustling of fur on stone caught their ears. Two mutated foxes slunk into view, their bushy tails twitching in rhythmic anticipation. Their eyes were sharp, circling Miruko and the two students like predators playing with their food.

"Foxes," Animo purred, his voice practically oozing with admiration. "Clever, nimble, and endlessly adaptable. Outmaneuvering their prey is second nature. A perfect counter to a rabbit's speed and tenacity, wouldn't you agree?"

The soft hiss of scales dragging across the pavement snapped their attention toward an alley. A monstrous, two-headed rattlesnake emerged, its forked tongues flicking out in opposite directions as both heads swayed in eerie synchronization. Its body coiled tightly before unfurling.

"And last, but certainly not least," Animo said, his tone dripping with triumph, "my masterpiece-a two-headed rattlesnake. It strikes from multiple angles, faster than the human eye can follow. Even for someone with your reflexes, Miruko, it's an impossible task to dodge both heads at once."

Miruko's gaze swept over the creatures surrounding her. The wolves growled low, their saliva pooling onto the ground. The hawks flapped their wings, the gust of air forcing loose papers and debris into the air. The foxes moved closer, tails swishing as if mocking her. The snake coiled tighter, both heads swaying.

Animo grinned, relishing the tableau of chaos he had orchestrated. "So, Miruko, the great Rabbit Hero. Number seven in Japan, a paragon of agility and ferocity. How does it feel to stand surrounded by your natural predators, each of them enhanced to their very limits? Tell me... who will have the honor of tearing you apart first?" He clenched his fists.

Izuku's breath hitched, expecting fear or hesitation from Miruko. After all, anyone else in her shoes would have faltered. Even he felt the weight of the overwhelming odds bearing down on them. But Miruko...

She grinned.

Not a smirk. Not a nervous, defiant smile. A full-blown, wolfish grin. Her crimson eyes gleamed with unrestrained excitement, and her fingers cracked as she balled her fists.

"Not bad," she said, her voice dripping with anticipation. "I gotta admit, you put on a hell of a show, Froggy. But if you think I'm scared..." She crouched low, her muscles coiling like springs, her ears twitching to pick up the subtlest of movements. "You don't know me. I don't run from a fight."

Her grin widened, feral and unrestrained. "I dive right in."

...

Iida surged through the streets of Hosu, his engines roaring with fury. Guilt, frustration, and the unrelenting thirst for justice clouded his thoughts. He'd been warned not to seek out the Hero Killer, but his brother's broken body haunted him. He couldn't stand by any longer.

"Fool," came a low voice from an alleyway. Iida skidded to a halt, peering into the shadows. Stain stood over a fallen hero, blade glinting in the dim light. "A man like him doesn't belong in my new world." The Hero Killer's voice dripped with disdain. "But you... so loud, so reckless. You'll be dealt with soon enough."

The sight of Stain pushed Iida's rage to the surface. Without hesitation, he launched forward in a blur, engines roaring. Stain turned, his blood-red eyes narrowing.

"Pathetic," Stain growled, sidestepping Iida's attack with terrifying ease. His sword flashed, slicing into Iida's shoulder. Pain exploded through him, halting his momentum.

"Impressive speed," Stain admitted, his tone cold. "But raw power without purpose is nothing." He glared down at Iida, who staggered but stood firm. "A child playing at being a hero."

"I'm no child!" Iida snapped, his voice trembling with rage. "I am Ingenium, the brother of a true hero-and I'll defeat you!"

Stain's lips curled into a sneer. "Your eyes burn with vengeance, not resolve. A hero driven by hatred is nothing but a hypocrite."

"You crippled my brother!" Iida shouted, fists trembling. "You destroyed the career of a man who saved countless lives! You took his dream, and now-now I'll end you!"

Stain's gaze hardened. "You speak of dreams and justice, yet here you stand, blinded by anger. Your brother... weak. You... weaker. Neither of you understands what it means to be a true hero."

"Shut up!" Iida roared, surging forward again. But Stain moved like a shadow, darting around him effortlessly. A swift kick knocked Iida to the ground, and in an instant, Stain's blade was at his throat.

"Look around, fool," Stain hissed, gesturing to the fallen hero, Native. "While you wallow in your selfish vendetta, others suffer. A true hero saves lives without thought for themselves." His voice was icy, every word cutting deeper than his blade. "You've lost your way, boy. You're a legacy chaser, not a hero."

Iida's body trembled, but Stain stepped back, his piercing gaze unwavering. "Reflect on yourself. Save others first. Only then might you grasp what it means to be worthy of the title 'hero.'"

...

Tenya glared up at Stain, his body paralyzed, fury and shame boiling within him. A villain lecturing him on heroism-it was unbearable. Yet deep down, Iida knew the truth in those cutting words.

"Gran Torino was right," he thought bitterly. "I was blinded by vengeance, ignoring everything I'd been taught."

Stain's crimson eyes narrowed as he raised his blade, licking the blood from its edge. "And that," he said coldly, "is why you must die."

Iida strained to move, but his body refused to obey. "I... I can't move!" he realized, helpless.

"Goodbye," Stain intoned. "May your death cleanse this world of false heroes."

The blade descended-but suddenly, Stain's movements faltered. His body jerked backward, as if invisible strings had yanked him off balance.

"What-?!" Stain snarled, his eyes snapping to the side, where Ochako Uraraka stood with one hand extended, her fingers trembling as she controlled his weight.

"U-Uraraka?!" Iida gasped, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Ochako's jaw clenched, sweat beading on her brow as she manipulated Stain's movements, lifting him off the ground. With a forceful motion, she slammed him into the side of a building, cracks spidering out from the impact.

Stain growled, his body tensing against her control, but Ochako pressed on, tossing him into the alley wall again and again, each impact more forceful than the last.

Stain snarled, his bloodthirsty gaze locked onto her. "You're a hero, I take it?" he spat, his voice venomous. "What drives you to wear that mask?"

Ochako's hands trembled, but she didn't break eye contact. "I became a hero to help my parents," she said firmly. "They've worked hard their whole lives, and I want to give them a better future."

Stain's sneer deepened. "Pathetic. A hero driven by selfish desires. You're no different from the fakes I've cut down."

"That's not true!" Ochako retorted, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'll save as many people as I can! I won't let anyone down!"

Stain's muscles tightened as he fought her control, his strength staggering. He flipped mid-air, his blade flashing as he cut through a chunk of debris Ochako hurled at him. His speed was terrifying, his movements fluid as he closed the gap in an instant.

"Do you think your naive ideals will save you?" he hissed. "Would you risk your life for someone else? Sacrifice your family for strangers? No. You're nothing but another pretender."

Ochako's heart pounded, fear threatening to overtake her, but she stood firm. What would Dekiru do? she asked herself, her determination solidifying.

She raised her hand again, forcing Stain's body to the ground with crushing gravity. He snarled, trying to rise, but Ochako kept the pressure steady. "Iida," she called out, her voice steady despite the strain, "I'll get us out of this. Just hold on!"

"You think you can stop me?" Stain growled, his body trembling under her control, but his murderous resolve unbroken.

"I'm a hero," Ochako said, her voice calm and unwavering. "And I won't let you take anyone else."

...

"You know, Midoriya," Miruko said, crouching low with her muscles taut, her sharp grin cutting through the tension in the air. "When this week started, I thought it was gonna be boring... just another job." She shot him a sidelong glance, her eyes glimmering like molten gold.

"But now?" She let out a bark of laughter, the sound raw and wild. "This is the most alive I've felt in years!" Her voice rang out with unrestrained excitement as she flexed her legs, ready to spring forward.

Izuku, surrounded by the mutant beasts of Dr. Animo, couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. But Miruko? She was practically vibrating with anticipation, her gaze locked on the villain sitting atop his grotesque, mutated frog.

"You're the puppeteer pulling the strings on these freaks, huh?" she growled, her smirk widening as her sharp teeth caught the light. "Good. That just means I take you out, and this whole circus falls apart!"

Before she could charge, the sound of hurried footsteps and sharp gasps broke through the chaos.

"What in the world...?" one hero stammered, his eyes widening in shock as he skidded to a halt. "Are those... mutated animals?!"

Another hero stepped back, her hand flying to her mouth in horror. "This is insane! Those poor creatures... we need to protect the students!"

The third hero's face darkened, his jaw set in grim determination. "Evacuate the area, now. We can't let anyone else get hurt!"

"Miruko's tough," the first hero said, his voice wavering as his gaze flicked to the beasts circling. "But those kids? They're not ready for this. We've gotta move!"

Miruko just let out a low chuckle, her ears twitching as the massive frog beneath Animo leapt high into the air. Her stance shifted, sharp and controlled, as the two-headed serpent launched itself at her with fangs bared. She twisted her body at the last second, dodging both heads with razor-sharp precision.

The hawks weren't far behind. Their talons sliced through the air with a deafening screech, aiming for her exposed back.

Before they could strike, a green blur cut through the chaos. A thunderous shockwave followed as the hawks collided with a pair of massive red fists.

The impact sent them hurtling into a nearby building, the wall crumbling under the force of their landing.

Four Arms landed heavily, the ground cracking beneath his weight. Beside him, Itsuka stood tall, her enlarged fists.

"Destroy the device on his chest!" Four Arms bellowed. "That thing's controlling them-take it out, and everything stops!"

"On it!" Miruko and Itsuka shouted in unison, their resolve clear in their voices.

But before they could act, Miruko's ears twitched and Four Arms stiffened, Danger Sense prickling at the edges of his mind. The ground beneath them trembled.

"What now?" Four Arms muttered, his tone tinged with irritation.

Miruko's grin only widened. "Don't sound so worried-this just got more fun!"

Without warning, Four Arms was blindsided by a massive, gnarled trunk that slammed into his midsection with the force of a freight train. The trunk coiled around his body like a steel cable and flung him through the air, sending him crashing through a nearby building.

The structure groaned under the impact before collapsing entirely, burying him in a mountain of debris.

Itsuka flinched as she felt her phone buzz.

She glanced down to see a message from Ochako, her location pinging in Hosu. Her stomach churned. "Ochako? She's in Hosu? This can't be good," she murmured.

Before she could process further, the deep, resonant bellow of a trunk shattered her focus. She turned sharply, her eyes widening as she saw the source of the sound. Emerging from a dark purple vortex

Mutant Mammoths burst from the portal the stomps creating tremors throughout.

At nearly twenty-five feet tall, it dwarfed Four Arms in size, its presence casting an oppressive shadow over the battlefield.

Her breath hitched as her gaze flicked to the familiar yellow eyes of Kurogiri peering out from a purple vortex slowly closing in the distance. "The portal villain..." she whispered.

Before she could react, the rubble exploded outward in a cloud of dust and debris. Four Arms burst free, his massive form charging forward like an unstoppable juggernaut.

He leapt high into the air, his four fists raised, and brought down a thunderous punch. The force of the impact sent a deafening shockwave through the air, the mammoth's head snapping violently to the side.

Four Arms didn't stop, following up with a brutal left hook that caused the beast's massive frame to stagger.

The mammoth trumpeted in fury, its trunk lashing out, but Four Arms ducked low and countered with an uppercut that cracked against its jaw, the sound like a cannon firing.

"Izuku!" Itsuka shouted urgently, her voice struggling to rise over the din of battle. She pointed to her phone, panic in her eyes. "Ochako's in trouble! She just sent her location!"

...

Four Arms' expression hardened, his golden eyes glowing with determination. "Ochako... in trouble?" His voice carried a deep rumble, protective and unyielding, as his four massive fists clenched, muscles rippling with raw power.

The ground quaked violently as one of the colossal mammoths lashed out, its trunk sweeping toward him like a battering ram. Danger Sense flared, and in an instant, One For All ignited, red lightning sparking chaotically across his towering frame. With a guttural roar, Four Arms caught the trunk in all four hands, his grip crushing into the thick hide like iron clamps.

"You think that's enough to stop me?" he growled, his voice reverberating through the battlefield.

With a mighty heave, he swung the beast over his shoulder like it weighed nothing, the colossal mammoth crashing into the ground with an earth-shattering BOOM! Before the dust could settle, Four Arms lifted the stunned creature high above his head, its massive legs flailing uselessly.

Two more mammoths charged from the shadows, their thunderous steps shattering the pavement as they bore down on him. But Four Arms was ready. With a feral snarl, he slammed the first mammoth in his grip down onto one of the charging beasts, the collision sending a deafening shockwave through the streets. The force flattened cars, shattered nearby windows, and caused a nearby lamppost to buckle under the strain.

As the second mammoth stumbled, Four Arms swung the beast in his grasp like a battering ram, slamming it into the remaining creature with bone-crunching force.

Both beasts toppled, their colossal forms sprawling across the broken street, but they weren't down for long. The moment one began to rise, Four Arms was on it.

He leaped forward, his fists descending like sledgehammers. BOOM! BOOM! Each blow drove the mammoth further into the pavement, creating massive craters beneath it. The second mammoth attempted to get back on its feet, but Four Arms moved with terrifying speed, planting a foot on its head and forcing it back down.

"Stay. Down!" he roared, slamming a final, devastating punch into the struggling beast's skull. The ground split beneath it, a spiderweb of cracks spreading outward as the creature went limp.

The beast in his grasp groaned weakly, its fight drained, but Four Arms wasn't done. With a guttural roar that echoed like thunder, he hurled the mammoth high into the air, its body vanishing into the night like a shooting star.

"16%," he growled, his muscles surging with power. Red lightning danced along his arms as he cocked back one of his enormous fists, the air crackling under the strain.

As the mammoth plummeted, Four Arms launched his punch with titanic force. The moment his fist connected with the beast's face, the world seemed to pause.

BOOOOOOOM!

A shockwave erupted, ripping through the streets of Hosu like a typhoon. Windows shattered in waves, streetlights bent like reeds, and nearby buildings trembled as if caught in an earthquake.

The winds roared like a beast unleashed, parting the night clouds above and leaving a gaping view of the moonlit sky.

It pierced the atmosphere like a missile before disappearing as a faint twinkle in the distance.

The winds howled violently in the aftermath, forcing even Miruko and the others to brace themselves against the gale. Dust and debris swirled before finally settling.

Four Arms stood at the epicenter, his chest heaving as he panted heavily, red sparks still flickering across his frame.

Every eye was on him, the sheer scale of his strength leaving even the most battle-hardened heroes speechless.

As the wind died down, it carried with it the faintest whisper of awe-a testament to the raw, unparalleled power he had just unleashed.

"D-Damn,"Miruko whispered her fluffy tail wiggled slightly.'Did I just stutter?' A blush crept onto her face.

'Hot. So, so hot,' Itsuka thought, her cheeks flushing trying not to rub her thighs.

The three pros looked on in awe."Holy shit." Came the unison of a few bystanders who were being evacuated and pros alike.

A hero gulped nervously."Guess t-the students don't need our protection."

Another hero just gave a shaky nod.

...

Ochako was terrified. Her hands trembled, heart pounding like a drum. 'What would Dekiru do? Analyze the situation.' She forced herself to focus. Native lay bleeding against the wall, Iida motionless on the ground.

"Iida, why are you here?" she demanded.

Iida's eyes widened. "Uraraka, why-?"

"When Dekiru said you might do something reckless, I didn't understand," she cut in, gaze locked on the Hero Killer. "But when that old man-Gran Torino-called your name, I had a bad feeling. I was right."

She stepped in front of Iida, fists clenched. "Can you move?"

Iida struggled but failed.""No... I can't. He cut me, and now-" His breath hitched. "It's his Quirk."

Stain sneered, eyes cold. "Fakes. You disgrace the title of hero. Weak, spineless, driven by greed." His voice sharpened, dripping venom. "You both deserve to die."

Ochako's stomach twisted. His presence alone was suffocating, like a weight pressing down on her chest. 'He feels like Kaine from USJ. That aura... it's paralyzing.'

But she stood firm, fists rising instinctively, mirroring Dekiru's stance. "The pros are busy with the Nomu. That means it's my job to protect them."

Stain's lips curled into a sinister grin. In a blur, he lunged, blade glinting in the moonlight as it streaked toward her.

Ochako's palms glowed faintly pink, and in an instant, Stain stopped mid-air, suspended as though trapped by invisible chains.

His eyes narrowed. "Telekinesis?" He smirked. "No... Gravity manipulation."

Sweat beaded on Ochako's forehead as she strained to hold him. "Just keep him there!"

...

Stain's eyes widened briefly, a flicker of surprise breaking through his usual cold demeanor. He thrashed against the invisible force locking him in place, his body suspended mid-air like a helpless puppet.

For a moment, it seemed she had him. But Stain wasn't a man who succumbed easily. With a twisted grin, he ejected a blade from his gauntlet and hurled it with blinding speed.

Ochako gasped, too slow to react as the blade embedded itself in her shoulder with a sickening thunk. Pain shot through her body, and her concentration wavered. The force keeping Stain aloft vanished.

He dropped to the ground with a controlled thud, landing in a crouch before rising to his full height, blade glinting ominously.

Iida stared in disbelief. "Y-You have another Quirk?!"

Stain chuckled darkly, spinning the blade in his hand before calling it back through some unseen force, the hum of magnetism faint but undeniable.

"Not a Quirk," he spat, licking the blood from the blade with a grotesque grin. "My body is a weapon. Every inch of it."

Ochako's breath hitched as she fell to the ground, her limbs frozen. Panic filled her voice as she struggled to move. "I... I can't... I can't move..."

Stain advanced, dragging his blade along the ground, the metallic scrape grating in her ears.

"Corrupt. Greedy. Power-hungry," he growled. "You are no hero."

His blade rose high, ready to end her. Iida's voice broke. "NO!"

Suddenly, a deafening scream tore through the alley. "Earphone Echo!"

The sonic blast shattered windows and forced everyone to their knees. Stain staggered, disoriented as his blade slipped from his grasp.

Before he could recover, a fiery inferno surged forward. Flames engulfed him, throwing his body into the wall with a resounding crash. Smoke filled the alley as Shoto Todoroki and Kyoka Jiro emerged from the shadows.

Iida's eyes darted across the alley as he saw two familiar figures approach through the chaos. His heart raced. "Todoroki? Jirou? You two?!"

Ochako let out a sigh of relief, her body visibly relaxing as the two classmates arrived. "You got my message!" Her voice wavered, but there was a sense of hope in it now. They were here. She wasn't alone anymore.

Todoroki's icy expression remained unchanged as he surveyed the scene. His left side ignited in flames, crackling with intensity as the heat radiated from him. "Uraraka... Your text was kind of sudden. I needed to decipher your message." His gaze hardened as he stepped forward. "Next time, kindly give more details before requesting my aid."

"Oh right, sure, next time she'll provide a detailed description," she said with a slight roll of her eyes as she plugged her jacks into her boots. "How about we focus on making sure that there is a next time?"

Todoroki nodded solemnly, his eyes narrowing at the villain before them. "Agreed. Let's end this."

...

Back with Four Arms, Izuku stood beside Itsuka, his brows furrowed as he checked his phone. A green flash lit the screen as he swiped it open. "An alleyway? Don't tell me...!" he muttered

"Itsuka, I'm going after Ochako," Izuku said, his voice firm with resolve. His muscles tensed, and the faint crackling of One For All radiated around him as his determination set in.

Itsuka gave him a nod, seeing the intensity on his face. "Go," she said, her tone unwavering. "We'll handle things here."

Izuku looked over at Miruko, his voice rising above the chaos. "Miruko! Do you trust me?"

Miruko, already locked in battle with the charging wolves, flashed him a nod. "You never bail without a damn good reason. Go, and if anyone gives you trouble about using your quirk, tell 'em to shove it!" she yelled, her sharp gaze never leaving her foes.

Izuku's green eyes gleamed as he nodded, his body already crackling with One For All's power. But just as he started to move, two mutated hawks dove toward him with speed.

"I've got this!" Izuku shouted, his voice commanding and full of urgency. He sidestepped the first hawk's vicious talons, his movements a blur as he slipped between its wide wingspan. But there was no time to rest-he saw the second hawk coming and jumped, twisting in mid-air to avoid its strike.

Then, the voice of Miruko echoed behind him. "Dr. Animo's not gonna let you off that easily!"

Izuku's eyes hardened. "I know," he muttered, twisting and landing on the ground just in time to see a mutated fox charge at him from the side. His reflexes kicked in, and he spun, sending the fox flying with a punch that rattled the ground. Miruko followed up with an axe kick, taking down another creature in a flurry of action.

Miruko crouched next to him, her expression grim. "This isn't random. He's been waiting for this moment."

Izuku's frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

"All the animals he mutated are predators of a rabbit," Itsuka explained, her voice thoughtful. "He knew you'd be here, Izuku."

Izuku paused for a beat, the gravity of their words sinking in. "So he knew I was interning with you, huh?" He clenched his fist, frustration rising, but he pushed the thought aside. "No time to waste."

He raised his arm and slammed it down onto the Omnitrix, the green symbol glowing as the device whirred. A flash of light enveloped his body.

In a flash of green, Izuku's body shifted, his form dissolving into translucence as his skin turned a sickly pale green, black lines snaking across his ethereal body. His glowing green eye shifted independently, scanning the surroundings.

"Ghostfreak, huh?" Izuku muttered, a voice not entirely his own slipping out. The eerie sound of it sent a chill down his spine. "Didn't pick you... but this will work."

The mutated hawks screeched, their beaks snapping toward Ghostfreak as they dove in for another attack. Without hesitation, Ghostfreak vanished into the air, his body flickering like a wisp of smoke.

He reappeared behind the hawk, his claws swiped at the hawks with deadly precision, slicing through their eyes and blinding them.

Before he vanished and reappeared his claws raking through the first one's wings. The sound of tearing flesh and breaking bone echoed as Ghostfreak's claws sliced through the hawk's wings, sending feathers flying. The creature let out a piercing screech, its talons flailing helplessly as Ghostfreak's claws sliced deeper into its flesh, blood spraying across the ground.

With a swift movement, Ghostfreak drove his claws into the hawk's exposed throat, slashing upward with vicious force.

The hawk's cries were silenced in a gurgle as its life was extinguished. The second hawk, attempting to flee, had no chance.

Ghostfreak's tail lashed out like a whip, wrapping around the creature's neck and snapping it with a sickening crunch.

The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, and Ghostfreak stood amidst the chaos, his glowing green eye scanning the fallen bodies of the hawks. But his thoughts weren't on the destruction; they were with Ochako.

"Ochako!" His voice echoed, a distorted wail in the silence.

With a burst of speed, Ghostfreak's form flickered again. He vanished in an instant, leaving behind only the faint trail.

His body blurred as he moved, the power of One For All enhancing his already supernatural speed.

His ghostly form sliced through the air, leaving the world behind him in a blur of motion.

As he moved, the flames devouring the city below seemed to twist and recoil.

Ghostfreak caught a Nomu, its grotesque, misshapen body casting an oppressive shadow over the chaos.

With a guttural roar, it launched a bus filled with panicked screams into the air, the terrified faces inside locked in a moment of helpless horror.

Ghostfreak surged forward, his translucent form cutting through the smoke like a blade."Hold on."

His tattered outer skin peeled back as his writhing tentacles shot out, catching the bus in a seamless motion.

The bus descended gently under his control, the tentacles retracting as it touched down. The doors burst open, and the passengers spilled out, some falling to their knees in shock and relief.

Their grateful eyes flicked between him and the monster ahead, whispers of thanks barely audible.

Hovering above the ground with an eerie grace, Ghostfreak turned his eye-a cold, unblinking orb.

His claws extended. "Stay down here where it's safe, head to a pro where it's safe." he said to the bystanders. Before his orb eye turned to the Nomu flickering to purple so slightly

"Ochako, hold on. I'm coming for you-but first, let's see if this thing can bleed." As he brandishes his claws like blade.

...

Iida gritted his teeth, l as his eyes burned with frustration. He watched helplessly as Jirou, Todoroki, and the Hero Killer fought fiercely in the narrow alley.

Todoroki stood behind Kyouka, his icy blue eyes fixed on the Hero Killer. Flames flickered around his form, the heat radiating off him like a furnace. she launched another massive sonic wave that cracked the concrete around them, rattling the walls of the alley.

The sound crashed into the Hero Killer, sending him stumbling back with a grunt.

Stain quickly regained his footing, his eyes flashing with disdain. He moved with eerie speed, his sword cutting through Todoroki's flames with a swift slash, the air sizzling as if the fire had met something colder than ice.

"It's good to see you using your flames," Kyouka commented with a small nod, but Todoroki's expression remained impassive.

"Yeah," he muttered, his attention fully on the fight.

The Hero Killer's lips curled into a cruel sneer. "So, you're here for glory?" he spat, voice dripping with malice.

Todoroki's reply was cold, his voice steady. "I'm answering a distress call." He thrust his hand forward, sending a burst of fire. The flames surged from his fingers, exploding into a torrent of red and orange that seemed to boil the very air.

Stain grinned, moving quickly to avoid the deadly wave, but the heat was overwhelming.

"Feh, your blood will tell," Stain spat, his eyes narrowing as his hatred filled the alley. "And your father is a disgrace to the word Hero."

The Hero Killer hurled a knife with lightning speed, aiming for Todoroki's throat. But Todoroki was faster-he sidestepped just in time, the blade grazing past him and sinking deep into the wall behind him with a sickening thud.

Todoroki's voice was steady but edged with frustration. "Huh. Never thought I'd agree with a mass murderer, but this month has been full of surprises."

Before Stain could retort, Kyouka unleashed another sonic scream, her earlobes vibrating as a wave of sound crashed toward him like a physical blow. The impact pushed Stain back, He staggered, but he was far from down.

"We just have to keep him at bay," Kyouka said, her tone sharp, eyes narrowed as she prepared for the next move.

Todoroki watched Stain closely, his gaze calculating. "He's been hit with everything we've got, and he's barely flinched," he muttered, irritation clear in his voice.

Stain's eyes glinted with rage. "Your voice is... irritating," he snarled. In a flash, he sent another blade flying toward Kyouka with terrifying precision.

Todoroki reacted in an instant. He shoved Kyouka out of the way, taking the blade full-force in his shoulder. The sickening sound of steel cutting through flesh echoed, and Iida's stomach twisted. Blood seeped from the wound, staining Todoroki's uniform.

Iida's blood ran cold. His breath caught in his chest, and his voice cracked with fury. "No! This has nothing to do with you! I inherited my brother's name! This is my fight!"

Kyouka groaned, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Yeah, a fight that you're winning."

"Seriously?" Ochako's voice came through weakly. "Sarcasm, now?!"

Kyouka turned to her, an apologetic glance flickering in her eyes. "Right, sorry-serial killer in front of us." She quickly turned her attention back to the battle, trying to stay focused.

Todoroki, still not looking away from Stain, spoke urgently. "Uraraka, can you keep him suspended?"

"I... I can barely move..." Ochako gasped, her voice strained. "He paralyzed me like he did to Tenya. If he cuts you-" Her voice faltered.

Kyouka's jacks hovered over Native, her brow furrowed with concern. "He's out cold, and he needs help fast. And I really don't like seeing the wounds Iida and Ochako have."

Stain's cruel laughter cut through the tension as he mocked Iida. "Ah, showing concern for the injured? How touching. Take notes, boy."

Iida's face flushed with fury. "Shut up! You two need to take Uraraka and Native and go! This is my fight, and I don't need your help! Why are you even here? This doesn't concern you!"

Kyouka's gaze hardened, her voice low but steady. "B-Because helping someone-even when they're not asking for it, even when the guy's a total dick-is what makes a real hero." Her eyes burned with an unwavering resolve. "At least, that's what Midoriya does."

Ochako, still paralyzed, smiled faintly as she drifted into her thoughts, her expression softening with the memory of Izuku's words and actions. Todoroki, too, seemed momentarily lost in his own memories, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Iida's anger wavered as he looked at Kyouka, then Todoroki, his resolve faltering for a moment. His gaze lingered, as if searching for something deeper in their expressions. For the first time, he felt the weight of the situation-and the sincerity of their words.

Todoroki's left side suddenly ignited in a brilliant flare of flames, his voice cutting through the tension with icy certainty. "We're here because we're heroes, and we'll protect these three no matter what."

Kyouka's face hardened with determination as she summoned all her strength. She released a powerful sonic blast that rattled the walls of the alley, but Stain merely grinned maniacally, his eyes alight with sadistic pleasure.

"You're worth keeping alive for now," he hissed, his voice dripping with twisted delight.

Undeterred, Todoroki summoned a torrent of ice, encasing Stain in a prison of frozen shards. The ice creaked and cracked under the pressure before shattering as Stain violently freed himself, his blade slicing through the air with ease.

Kyouka followed up immediately, unleashing another barrage of sonic waves. The force of the sound shook the very earth, crashing into Stain with the power of a tidal wave. But he didn't flinch.

Instead, he dug his blade into the ground, his eyes locking onto Kyouka with a chilling, unblinking intensity. As the sound waves pummeled him, Stain's body seemed to defy the very force of Kyouka's assault, inching forward as if he were climbing an invisible mountain.

His ears bled, his movements grueling, yet his resolve remained unshaken. He continued to advance, his blade cutting through the air.

Iida watched in horror, the weight of the situation crashing down on him. His heart was heavy with guilt and shame.

Kyouka's screams echoed in his mind like a cruel reminder of how helpless they were against this monster.

Todoroki's wound his blood trickling down, and Ochako's paralysis, weighed on him like a lead weight in his chest.

"Please stop... I can't watch this... None of you should be here," Iida whimpered, his voice breaking under the weight of his emotions.

Kyouka coughed raggedly, the strain of her Quirk evident as she caught her breath. Sweat trickled down her temple.

"I think we're way past that now!" Ochako shouted.

Stain's laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. "Even now, after your friends rush in to save you, you cling to this farce. Revenge, greed... that's all you know. You disgrace the very title of hero. Society is drowning in frauds like you, and I will purge every last one."

Kyouka's glare was sharp, her voice cutting through the tense air like a blade. "Oh, give me a break with your holier-than-thou act, you self-righteous maniac."

Kyouka's grip on her earlobe jacks tightened as her frustration boiled over. "Don't act like you're some noble crusader! You're just a lunatic using your Quirk to butcher people and call it justice! And you think you've got the right to shame Iida for wanting revenge? You're the one who wrecked his brother's life!"

Stain stepped forward, blade gleaming, his silence more chilling than any threat. Kyouka's fists clenched.

Kyouka's eyes burned with fury as she advanced on him. "What did you expect, huh? That Iida would just sit back and thank you for ruining his family?!" She jabbed her jack forward snaking one to her boots.

Stain's eyes flickered to Iida, paralyzed but seething with silent rage. He turned back to Kyouka, his tone icy. "Heroes like you are the problem. You don't understand sacrifice. You cling to a broken system because it's easier than fixing it."

"And don't talk about heroes doing it for fame and money-how many have you let go so they could spread your name around like you're some goddamn messiah? You're not saving anyone; you're just a psychopath trying to justify your pointless killing."

Stain's calm cracked, a snarl twisting his face. "You're just a naive little girl playing a hero. True heroes fight for justice, not glory."

Kyouka's lips curled into a bitter smirk. "And true heroes don't need to spill blood to prove a point. You're nothing but a killer hiding behind a twisted ideology."

Stain lunged, blade gleaming. Kyoka's breath hitched, her hands trembling as she plugged her earphone jacks into her boots. "Heartbeat Distortion!" she growled, her resolve hardening.

A sonic blast erupted, shaking the alley as the ground cracked beneath her, shards of stone flying. The vibrations thundered outward, distorting the air with sheer force.

Stain blurred into motion, darting up the wall like a phantom, his movements swift and precise. He paused on a ledge, looking down at her with a sneer. "Impressive. But not enough."

Shoto shot a torrent of flames at Stain, the heat crashing into the alley like a wave of molten lava.

Stain, however, moved with lightning speed, twisting mid-air, evading the flames as though they were nothing more than an obstacle.

Shoto gritted his teeth and shouted, his voice raw with determination. "Last I checked, Ingenuim didn't act like this! Guess you've got a dark side, too!"

Iida looked up at Todoroki, confusion flashing in his eyes as he tried to make sense of it.

Todoroki didn't flinch. His gaze locked onto Stain, and with a fierce yell, he launched a massive column of fire from his palm, sending it spiraling down the alley. The fire roared, crackling with power as it surged toward Stain, aiming to engulf him completely.

"You want to stop this? Then stand up! Fight for your friends as the hero you want to be! Your own hero!" Todoroki shouted.

Stain grinned darkly, his eyes narrowing in a cruel focus as he leapt forward, his body contorting mid-air like a beast in pursuit.

The flames raged toward him, but with inhuman agility, Stain sliced through them, his body a blur as he dodged each flame.

"Let's free you from your father's flame now, shall we?" Stain taunted, his voice dripping with malice. As his blade descended, it on directly for Todoroki's left arm.

But just as the blade was a hairsbreadth away from its target, Ochako screamed, her voice cracking through the chaos.

"I-I can't move, but at least I can stop him from moving!"

In an instant, Ochako forcing her Quirk activating with a burst of pink light in her hands her body still paralyzed.

Stain's body seemed to freeze mid-air, the force of gravity no longer anchoring him to the ground. His legs flailed uselessly, his sword hanging in the air, barely inches from Todoroki's arm. The stillness was deafening, the tension palpable.

Todoroki blinked, his heart pounding as he stared at the blade suspended in front of him, the weight of the moment crashing down on him.

"I can't do anything else!" Ochako gasped, her voice strained with the effort. "I've got him-he's stuck. You need to finish this!"

With that, Iida shot forward like a bullet, his body moving with a burst of sheer speed. He lashed out, his leg extended in a devastating kick.

The blow landed with a sickening crack as Iida drove his foot into Stain's chest. The force of the impact sent the villain skidding back, crashing into the wall with a brutal thud.

Stain groaned, his body rolling as he quickly rose, barely fazed by the assault. His lips curled into a snarl, and he drew another blade from his armour with a swift, fluid motion, the sound of the metal sliding free like a snake unsheathing its fangs.

Kyouka, her expression a mixture of exasperation and disbelief, couldn't help but ask,"Where do you keep getting all these swords?"

Stain didn't respond. Instead, his eyes flashed with renewed fury. ''Ugh, so many interruptions."

He twirled the blade in his hand with a flourish, preparing for his next attack.

Iida stood tall, his chest heaving with guilt. Tears welled up in his eyes, his voice tight with regret. "I'm so sorry. This had nothing to do with any of you. My selfish actions dragged you all into this mess. I put you all in danger because of my own mistakes."

Stain sneered. "Apologizing won't get you anywhere, boy. You're just another flickering flame that needs to be snuffed out before it spreads."

Shoto stepped forward, his voice cold and unwavering. "Don't listen to him, Iida. He's nothing more than a hypocritical psychopath."

Iida looked down, his fists clenching tightly. "No... he's right. At least about me." His voice was low. "But I won't let anyone else die because of my foolish mistakes. I won't let my friends shed blood because of my own recklessness. Gran Torino warned me, Midoriya tried to help... but I let my anger blind me. Tonight, I will stand not as Tenya Iida, but as the hero Ingenuim! The right way."

Stain scoffed, his voice dripping with venom. "You're hopeless. You think a little speech will save you? How many have tried to talk their way out of death just so they could escape their deserved fate? You can't change who you are overnight, boy."

...

Ochako remained on the ground, trembling, but her voice rang out with defiance. "Shut up! You don't know anything! How can you change society if you won't even give people the chance to change themselves?!"

Stain's lips curled in disdain, his eyes blazing with contempt as he spat onto the cracked pavement. "Spare me your sanctimonious drivel." He glared.

"I won't listen to your whorish mouth. You're in this for the money. You're in this for fame and fortune-just another parasite. You have no right to speak of justice."

Her chest tightened at the insult, as if she'd been struck, but her resolve burned hotter, consuming the sting. Stain moved, a blur of deadly precision, his blade gleaming in the dim light as he closed the distance with terrifying speed.

Before he could strike, Iida erupted into the alley in a streak of white, his engines roaring.

His leg shot forward in a devastating kick aimed for Stain's head. But the Hero Killer moved like a phantom, dodging effortlessly before catching Iida's leg mid-air. With monstrous strength, he hurled him into the alley wall. The impact thundered, a web of cracks splintering the stone as Iida crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

A glacial torrent burst from Todoroki's hand, jagged columns of ice erupting toward Stain in a deadly wave.

Stain leaped, his movements impossibly fluid as he twisted through the air, spinning his blade in a deadly arc that carved through the ice like paper. He landed gracefully, the clang of his sword cutting through the silence.

Kyoka was already moving, plugging her earphone jacks into her boots, unleashing a deafening shockwave that cracked the earth itself.

Stain staggered as the vibrations disrupted his balance, his footing faltering.

Iida seized the opening. With a burst of speed, he ricocheted off the walls, his engines roaring like thunder. His foot connected with Stain's head in a brutal strike, driving the Hero Killer into the ground.

The moment of triumph was fleeting. Stain rolled through the impact with unrelenting ferocity, his iron grip latching onto Iida's leg.

With a guttural roar, he slammed Iida into the wall again, the impact reverberating through the alley like a drumbeat. Iida's body slumped to the ground, a pained gasp escaping his lips.

"Enough!" Stain's voice was a savage growl, his blade gleaming as he raised it high, ready to end Iida's life in a single strike."Now let me kill you!"

Todoroki's torrent of fire surged forward, a searing inferno that tore through the narrow space, blasting Stain backward. The flames licked at his flesh, scorching his armor, but he didn't falter. With a primal snarl, Stain sliced through the fire, his eyes alight with unyielding determination.

"So persistent," he sneered, his voice dripping with venom.

...

In one fluid motion, he yanked the blade from Todoroki's shoulder, the wound fresh and bleeding. Before the blood could even drip, Stain brought the blade to his lips and, with a cold, calculated movement, he licked the edge.

The instant his tongue touched the blade, a wave of paralysis coursed through Todoroki. His body went rigid, muscles seizing, leaving him completely immobilized.

...

Kyouka's eyes widened in horror as Stain turned toward her, his grin savage. In an instant, he threw two blades in quick succession, aimed at her earjacks. She pulled back instinctively, her heart pounding as the blades whizzed by her head, missing by mere inches.

But then, before she could even react, Stain closed the distance in an instant. He kicked Kyouka, sending her slamming into the wall with sickening THUD.

The wind was knocked out of Kyouka as she slammed against the hard surface.

Before she could react, Stain's katana came down like a lightning strike, its razor-sharp edge sinking deep into her shoulder.

"Gack!"

The steel tore through her flesh with sickening force, blood spurting from the wound as the blade impaled her into the wall.

"Argh!"She choked on a cry, her vision blurring from the intense pain.

Twisting the blade with sadistic glee. The motion sent a fresh wave of pain crashing through her, the edges of the wound grinding against the bone, her scream echoing off the walls.

Blood began to pool beneath her, soaking into her clothes and staining the floor.

"You're worth letting live," Stain sneered, his voice oozing malice.

...

Ochako's breath hitched as Stain's looming figure towered above her, the blade in his hand gleaming menacingly in the dim light. Her body was frozen, each muscle locked in place, her mind frantic as her body refused to obey. Her heart raced in her chest, but she couldn't move, couldn't scream. Every nerve screamed for her to act, yet she remained helpless.

Todoroki, his own body paralyzed, managed a strained whisper, barely audible through clenched teeth. "Crap..." His voice was barely a breath, full of frustration and fear.

Jirou tugged at the blade lodged deep in her side, her face contorted in pain, but it wouldn't budge. Panic edged her every movement as she fought against the blade's firm hold.

Iida, still clutching his cracked rib, was rooted to the spot. His chest tightened as he watched everything in agonizing slow motion. The blade, that cold, cruel edge, inched closer to Ochako's throat. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak. She could only watch, wide-eyed with fear, as the inevitable happened.

It felt like time was stretching-each second torturously long as the reality hit her. She was going to die.

The sharp whisper of the blade against her skin sent a chill through her. She could feel the cold steel nearing her neck, the finality of it unmistakable. This was it. The end.

Then, she felt it.

A violent, sharp gust of wind, as though a bullet had cut through the air with unimaginable speed.

WHOOSH!

The alley seemed to crackle with energy, the air pulsing around them, as if the very space was being torn apart.

In the blink of an eye, Stain's head snapped violently to the side. His body was yanked off the ground, his feet lifting as if they were nothing more than a ragdoll's. His eyes widened in disbelief, but there was no time to process.

BOOM!

A thunderous sound erupted, a shockwave ripping through the alley like a sonic blast. Stain's body was thrown backward with such force that it seemed to warp the air around him. He hurtled through the narrow space, his form a blur, crashing into the ground at the far end of the alley with a sickening scrape. His blade dug into the earth, the momentum finally coming to a violent halt. Blood splattered from his cheek, a streak of red marking the brutal impact.

"What the-" Stain's voice was choked, barely able to comprehend the force that had just sent him flying.

The silence that followed was suffocating, and the others stood frozen in disbelief.

Then, from above, a voice cut through the air-raspy, cold, filled with a fierce command.

"Don't you dare touch my friends."

The words sent a chill down everyone's spine. They looked up, eyes searching the sky, frantically trying to locate the source. As his green eye turned purple.

And there, floating above Ochako, a dark, ghostly figure began to take shape.

Ochako's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as the familiar presence materialized before her. Her chest tightened, a mix of awe and terror filling her as Ghostfreak's form faded into existence.

Tears filled her eyes. "Dekiru..."

...

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