Two blades struck the ground—one landing inches from Aizawa, the other embedding itself just past the Nomu.
The Nomu's fist descended in a blur of black muscle, a murderous streak toward Aizawa. But in that heartbeat of a moment, Minato flashed forward, seizing Aizawa by the collar and vanishing to the distant kunai before the creature's blow could impact. They reappeared just out of reach, the air displacing around them, the Nomu's punch halting with unnatural speed. The creature's reaction was near-instantaneous; its dead, hollow eyes locked on them as it adjusted its fist mid-swing, lunging forward to strike again.
But they were barely out of the Nomu's range. With that space barrier, Minato tossed a kunai a few feet away and transported them to it. The creature's fist halted mid-air again, seeing its attack would connect to nothing. Its muscles bulged grotesquely as it absorbed the momentum with unnatural ease. Its hollow eyes locked onto Minato and Aizawa, and without hesitation, the Nomu adjusted its massive body and lunged again with blinding speed.
"Move!" Aizawa shouted, but the warning came almost too late. Minato's reflexes kicked in, and he grabbed Aizawa again, teleporting them a mere fraction of a second before the ground where they'd stood exploded into rubble. The shockwave from the Nomu's punch radiated outward, a force so intense it sent them skidding across the floor despite their escape. Minato's boots scraped against the concrete, struggling to find purchase as he gritted his teeth against the impact.
The Nomu straightened slowly, its gaze emotionless, like a predator assessing its prey. It turned its head toward Minato, its movements eerily fluid for something so massive. The creature's skin glistened under the harsh lights of the USJ, muscles rippling like coiled steel cables beneath the dark, scarred flesh. It was as if the concept of pain or exhaustion was foreign—a living weapon engineered for a single purpose.
The Nomu's form loomed over the shattered plaza, its muscles coiling like serpents beneath taut, dark flesh. Every muscle tightened. Its empty, bird-like eyes fixated on Minato and Aizawa, void of emotion but radiating a primal intent to destroy. Staring at the beast made Minato appreciate that he left Tsuyu and Mineta behind. They've been too terrified to move.
Aizawa's gaze sharpened as he locked eyes with the Nomu. He activated his Quirk, his hair floating weightlessly around his face. But as his scarlet eyes bore into the creature, nothing happened. The Nomu didn't falter, didn't slow. It was as if Aizawa's Quirk was a mere whisper against a hurricane.
"What—?" Aizawa's breath hitched. His Quirk had no effect.
The Nomu lunged, the ground cracking beneath its feet from the sheer force. It was a blur, an oncoming storm of raw muscle and speed. Minato barely had time to react. He grabbed Aizawa, teleporting them a few meters away, reappearing beside one of his embedded kunai. The Nomu's fist collided with the spot they had just vacated, the impact sending a shockwave that shattered nearby windows and sent debris flying.
Izuku stood frozen at the edge of the chaos, his heart pounding like a war drum in his chest, each beat faster than the last. His mind spiraled back to that night—the suffocating darkness, the searing pain, the feeling of helplessness as the Nomu bore down on him. He had fought with everything, and it hadn't been enough. The memory wrapped around him like chains, each link forged from fear and self-doubt.
He didn't even notice his Sharingan fading, the crimson glow in his eyes dimming to nothing. His vision tunneled, the world around him blurring as panic gripped his throat. He could hear his ragged breaths and feel the cold sweat on his skin.
The voice in his head was relentless—a harsh, familiar timbre that cut through the fog. Pathetic, it sneered, sounding unnervingly like his father. An Uchiha would never cower like this. You disgrace our name.
Izuku clenched his fists, his nails biting into his palms. He tried to move, to force his legs into action, but they felt like lead. He was rooted to the spot, a spectator in his own body. Minato was risking his life, and here he was—useless.
Move! He screamed at himself internally. Do something! A guttural roar snapped him back. The Nomu charged again, relentless, its massive form barreling toward Minato and Aizawa. Minato's movements were becoming sluggish, each teleportation taking a heavier toll.
He reappeared beside another kunai, but the distance was shorter this time, the gap between them and the Nomu shrinking. Izuku's eyes widened as he watched Minato strain, his usually composed face etched with fatigue. The Nomu was adapting, adjusting to Minato's timing. Its speed was unreal—like watching All Might in his prime, but twisted, corrupted.
He's going to die, Izuku realized with a cold dread. A surge of determination ignited within him, cutting through the paralysis. His hand moved almost independently, reaching for a kunai at his side. The metal was cool against his skin, grounding him.
He stared at the blade, the sharp edge gleaming under the harsh lights.
"I can't... I won't be helpless."
Without hesitation, he aimed the tip of the kunai against the back of his other hand. Pain exploded as he drove it through flesh, the shock snapping his mind back into focus.
His breath hissed through clenched teeth, but the fog of fear receded, replaced by a burning clarity. He pulled the blade free, blood dripping from his hand.
The pain was sharp, honest—a reminder that he was alive, that he could act.
Izuku's blood-slicked hand tightened around the kunai as he steadied his breathing, feeling the pain throb in time with his heartbeat. Every nerve in his body was electrified, his senses sharp and clear. He locked his gaze on Minato, shouting with all the force he could muster, his voice piercing through the cacophony of destruction.
"Namikaze! Teleport to me!" Minato's head jerked in his direction, his face a mask of exhaustion and focus. Izuku could see it—Minato was running on fumes, each teleport taking more from him than he could give. His face was pale, his chest heaving, and his once-fluid movements were sluggish, lacking their usual grace.
He vanished in a flash and reappeared just as the Nomu's fist barreled toward him, narrowly dodging the strike that shattered the concrete where he'd been a moment before. He looked ready to collapse.
The Nomu snarled in frustration as Minato slipped through its grasp again. Its soulless, bird-like eyes locked onto Minato and Izuku, its next target chosen with eerie precision. With a primal roar, the creature lunged, its hulking body cutting through the air like a missile, each movement brutal yet calculated.
Izuku's body stiffened involuntarily, but he fought against the rising dread. This was it. There was no turning back. "Namikaze!" he called again, his voice fierce.
"Move toward me!"
In a blur, Minato took the bait, teleporting to the kunai at Izuku's side, landing heavily with a wince.
"Midoriya, what are you—?" he began his words barely a breath. But Izuku didn't hesitate.
His Sharingan snapped to life behind his mask, his vision sharpening as the world slowed to a crawl. The Nomu's charging form became sluggish, its once-frightening speed echoing Izuku's heightened perception. He saw the creature's every muscle fiber straining, every movement laid bare, and, for the first time, he could see a path through the chaos.
Izuku pivoted, pushing Minato aside just as the Nomu's fist came crashing down. He ducked low. The kunai gripped tightly in his bleeding hand. Every ounce of focus, every memory of training, every second of his terror-fueled instinct drove him forward. He twisted his body in a fluid, seamless motion, launching himself toward the Nomu's exposed face.
The creature's hollow, empty eyes tracked his approach, but it was too slow. Izuku was there, in its blind spot, his kunai poised like a spear. He drove the blade into the Nomu's eye with a force that made his arm tremble, plunging it deep into the creature's skull.
The Nomu froze.
For a single heartbeat, there was only silence. Then, an ear-splitting roar erupted from the creature, the sound reverberating through the entire USJ. It thrashed wildly, its massive body convulsing as it tried to dislodge the kunai embedded in its eye.
Black ichor streamed from the wound, spilling down its grotesque face like a river of ink. The Nomu's scream shattered the air, a primal, bone-chilling cry that seemed to resonate with the walls around them.
Izuku was thrown back from the force of the creature's thrashing, landing heavily on the ground. The shock reverberated through his bones, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to his feet. The pain in his hand flared, but he ignored it, his eyes locked on the Nomu's writhing form. It staggered, clawing at its damaged eye, each movement creating shockwaves that cracked the ground beneath it.
"Namikaze!" Izuku shouted over the noise. We need to keep it off balance!"
Minato, breathing heavily, nodded. "I'll try to distract it," Minato said as he pulled another kunai from his pouch, his grip steady despite the tremor in his hands.
Izuku's breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as he watched Minato struggle to stay on his feet. The adrenaline surging through his veins was the only thing keeping him upright. Blood dripped from his wounded hand.
The Nomu's agonized roars echoed around them, but Izuku knew they had only seconds before it recovered.
"Minato," Izuku rasped, his voice hoarse. "Get Aizawa-sensei out of here. He's injured and slowing us down."
Minato's eyes widened in protest. "We can't just leave you—"
"I'll distract it," Izuku cut him off, "You need to get him to safety and wait for backup."
Aizawa, clutching his damaged arm, shook his head, "No. I'm not leaving my students behind. It's too dangerous."
But Izuku met his teacher's fierce stare, "You're hurt, and we need you alive. Trust me. Namikaze, come back once you're done."
Izuku's heart hammered in his chest as he locked eyes with Aizawa. There was determination etched on his face, but a trace of something softer lingered in his gaze as he looked back at Izuku's masked face.
"You're using it, right?" Aizawa asked quietly, his gaze flicking to the faint red glow beneath Izuku's mask, the sign of his Sharingan. There was a hesitation, a hint of uncertainty in Aizawa's eyes, as though he was trying to come to terms with Izuku wielding the Sharingan. But there was no time for reservations, not with the monstrous Nomu bearing down on them.
Izuku nodded firmly. "I'll manage. Please, get him out of here, Namikaze."
Minato's brow furrowed, glancing between them. "What do you mean by 'it,' Sensei?" he asked, confused.
But Aizawa ignored the question, his gaze never leaving Izuku's. "You're not to let that thing take you down, got it? Hold your ground."
Izuku met his teacher's gaze, "I can handle it. Just go."
Minato hesitated, clearly reluctant to leave Izuku alone with the monster. But a firm nod from Aizawa and a quick, assessing glance at the monstrous Nomu made him relent. Without another word, he grabbed Aizawa by the collar, vanishing in a blur of motion, the air displacing around them. And then, it was just Izuku and the Nomu.
The Nomu straightened, its empty eyes locking onto him. Izuku took a steadying breath, his fingers tightening around his kunai. His pulse pounded in his ears, his senses hyper-focused, his Sharingan etching every detail of the Nomu's form into his mind—the grotesque muscles, the hollow gaze, the deep wound he'd inflicted just moments before.
But his momentary satisfaction faded as he watched. In a nauseating twist, the kunai he'd lodged in the creature's eye fell to the ground, slick with black ichor. Veins and twisted muscle fibers knitted together in a grotesque ballet, regenerating tissue and reforming a new eye in mere seconds.
Izuku's stomach twisted in disbelief, his pulse racing.
It can regenerate too?
Not only did it possess strength that rivaled All Might, but it could also heal itself with inhuman speed. Izuku's mind churned, the cold grip of dread tightening around him. This thing was a force of nature, a weapon designed to kill. But there was no time to recoil. He had to act and push through the fear gnawing at him.
The Nomu's focus returned to him, its new eye gleaming with malevolent purpose. With a guttural growl, it lunged, its fists swinging like wrecking balls, each blow aimed with the precision and speed of a predator in its element. Izuku's body moved on instinct, his Sharingan analyzing the Nomu's every motion, giving him a second warning as he twisted and dodged, evading each monstrous strike by the narrowest of margins.
The ground shook with each impact, fissures splintering outward as the Nomu's fists left craters in the concrete. But Izuku was relentless, keeping his gaze locked on the creature, his movements fueled by a raw, burning determination.
But the Nomu's assault didn't waver. It adapted, its blows becoming faster, sharper. Izuku's lungs burned, his legs screaming in protest as he dodged and rolled, the intense strain on his body compounding with each maneuver. He was nearing his limit.
And then, a piercing whistle cut through the air. In the next instant, a shell streaked across the plaza, slamming into the Nomu with an explosion that rocked the entire USJ. The force of the blast sent Izuku stumbling back, shielding his face as debris rained down around him.
When the dust settled, Izuku's heart sank as he realized the Nomu was utterly unfazed. Standing amidst the smoke and rubble, its body charred but intact, it slowly turned its head, directing its hollow, unfeeling gaze toward the source of the attack.
Izuku followed its line of sight, his eyes widening in surprise.
At the plaza's edge stood Yaoyorozu, pale and exhausted but resolute. Beside her was Todoroki, and Jiro, clutching a dazed Kaminari, watched the scene unfold.
Yaoyorozu was positioned behind a massive, freshly created cannon, her face lined with fatigue as she braced herself against the weight of another shell, sweat glistening on her brow.
Without hesitation, she loaded another shell, the strain evident in her shaking hands. The cannon fired with a deafening roar, another explosive shell hurtling toward the Nomu. But this time, the monster was ready.
With an almost contemptuous swipe of its arm, it knocked the shell away, sending it careening into the far wall, where it detonated in a blaze of fire and smoke.
A high-pitched, childlike laugh echoed through the air, shrill and unsettling.
Izuku turned, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Shigaraki. The villain watched the battle gleefully, his red eyes wide with delight
"Oh, this is just too good!" Shigaraki crowed, clapping his hands like a child watching his favorite cartoon, "Isn't it wonderful, Nomu? They're giving us such a show!"
Izuku's chest heaved as he locked eyes with Shigaraki, the villain's mocking grin only fueling the dread coiling in his stomach. The Nomu stood like a dark god amidst the shattered remains of the plaza.
"Oh, please!" Shigaraki's voice cut through the heavy silence, laced with sadistic amusement. He spread his arms wide, gesturing to the Nomu with a reverent sort of pride.
"You think these little tricks will stop it? This creature was made to kill All Might!"
His red-rimmed eyes gleamed with a deranged light, "You're nothing to it. Just... amusements."
"Go on, though," Shigaraki chuckled, tipping his head in mock encouragement, "Keep struggling. After all, it's your lives at stake."
Izuku's breath trembled, but his gaze didn't waver. He knew fear—deep, bone-chilling fear—but beneath it, something sharper took root—a defiant spark. The Nomu was a mountain standing in his path, a nightmare he could not flee. He felt the sting of blood trickling from his wounded hand, a reminder of his resolve. He'd faced the Nomu's wrath before and survived its hellish strength by sheer will alone. He wouldn't go down without a fight.
But the Nomu let out a low, guttural growl before he could respond. In an instant, it lunged toward Izuku, its body a blur of dark muscle and speed that defied its size. The ground shook beneath its charge, and a cloud of dust billowed around its feet as it closed in with terrifying precision.
"Get back!" Yaoyorozu shouted, her voice hoarse as she hoisted another shell into her cannon. Sweat poured down her face, her hands trembling from exhaustion, but her expression was resolute. She aimed at the Nomu's massive back, firing in a blaze of explosive light. The shell slammed into the creature, detonating in a deafening explosion that should have sent any ordinary being flying. Smoke and shrapnel erupted from the impact, cascading down like falling embers. But the Nomu did not falter. The blast barely staggered it as if the explosion was little more than a gentle nudge. It kept charging, its eyes fixed solely on Izuku, its monstrous strength seemingly unaffected.
Izuku braced himself, his heart hammering in his chest as he watched the Nomu surge closer, relentless, unyielding. He activated his Sharingan, the world sharpening into vivid clarity as his gaze tracked every movement, every ripple of its grotesque muscles, every shift in its balance. His body tensed, ready to dodge, his mind racing through every possible move, every desperate strategy.
The Nomu's fist shot forward with the speed of a bullet, a blackened blur aimed directly at Izuku's head. He sidestepped at the last possible moment, the punch grazing his shoulder with enough force to send him spinning, his arm erupting in pain. The sheer power behind the Nomu's blow left a crater where he'd been standing, cracks spiderwebbing outward in a grotesque reminder of the creature's raw strength.
But Izuku didn't let up. He steadied himself, his vision still blazing with the clarity of his Sharingan, his heart pounding in his chest as he faced the Nomu once again. The creature was adjusting, its movements more precise, and each swing was calculated to cut off his escapes. It was studying him, learning his patterns.
"You're not invincible," Izuku muttered, barely audible over the creature's guttural snarls, "You're just... just another obstacle."
He could feel the exhaustion setting in, his muscles screaming with every dodged blow, but he couldn't afford to slow down. Not when everyone's lives were on the line. Not when he was the last line of defense against this monstrosity.
Just as the Nomu swung again, a massive arc of ice shot out from the left, encasing the creature's arm in thick, glistening frost. It stumbled, the sudden weight briefly disrupting its balance, and Izuku seized the opportunity.
"Todoroki!" Izuku called, relief surging through him as he spotted him standing tall, his left side shimmering with a faint cold mist.
Todoroki's face was set in a grim determination. His gaze locked onto the Nomu with a steely focus. "I can't hold it for long," he warned. His breath was visible in the cold air surrounding him, his body taut with the effort of maintaining the intense frost. "It's stronger than anything I've ever frozen."
The Nomu let out a furious roar, its trapped arm straining against the ice, muscles bulging grotesquely as it began to shatter the frozen prison with raw force alone. Cracks spread through the ice, splintering outward as the creature pulled against the bonds, each fracture sending chills through Izuku's spine.
"Jiro, now!" Yaoyorozu shouted, her voice barely holding above a tremble. She created a pair of high-frequency speakers and tossed them to Jiro, who caught them with a determined glint in her eye. Jiro steadied herself, plugging her earphone jacks into the speakers, her face twisted with concentration.
"I'm not letting you terrorize my friends," she hissed, her voice shaking with fury as she sent a piercing wave of sound reverberating toward the Nomu.
The creature's reaction was immediate. It staggered back, clutching its head as the sonic waves assaulted its senses, the vibrations piercing its skin like knives. The high-frequency sound sent a ripple of discomfort through its body, slowing its movements for a moment.
But even that wasn't enough. The Nomu let out a chilling scream, its body contorting as it fought against the pain. It ripped its frozen arm free, shards of ice scattering like glass, and swung at the air wildly, desperate to escape the onslaught of sound. The force of its movements sent shockwaves through the plaza, its roars mingling with the shriek of Jiro's attack. Izuku gritted his teeth, seizing the momentary distraction. He launched forward, adrenaline overriding his exhaustion, his kunai gleaming as he aimed for the creature's exposed back. But as he closed the distance, the Nomu spun with unnatural speed, its vacant gaze snapping to him as it lashed out with a brutal swipe.
The blow hit him square in the chest, sending him hurtling through the air. He slammed into the ground, pain exploding in his ribs as the impact reverberated through his entire body. He gasped, struggling to catch his breath, his vision blurring as he fought to push himself up. The Nomu, unfazed, turned its attention back to Todoroki and Jiro, advancing toward them with deadly intent. Jiro's sonic waves faltered as exhaustion took its toll, her body swaying as she struggled to keep the attack going. Todoroki was at her side, his ice spreading out in a desperate attempt to hold the creature back, but they were clearly reaching their limits.
Izuku's vision swam, his body refusing to move as the pain in his ribs throbbed with every shallow breath. He could hear Shigaraki's high and mocking laughter as he watched them struggle.
"Pathetic," he sneered. Do you really think you could stand against this? Against me?"
A surge of defiance flared within Izuku, drowning out the pain. He pushed himself to his feet with a trembling hand, his gaze locking onto the Nomu again. It was stronger than them, faster, relentless. But he refused to give in.
They were all fighting with everything they had. He couldn't let them down. He steadied his breathing, focusing on the Nomu's movements, his Sharingan flickering to life as he analyzed every shift, every twitch of its muscles. He could see it now—the faintest pattern, the slightest opening. It wasn't much, but it was something.
"Yaoyorozu!" he called, his voice hoarse. "Do you have any more shells?"
She looked at him, her face pale, but nodded. "One! Maybe two left!" she panted, her body shaking from the strain.
"Use them!" Izuku ordered. "Aim for its legs!"
Yaoyorozu's hands trembled as she loaded the final shell into the cannon, her muscles straining under the weight. Every fiber of her body screamed for rest, but she ignored the fatigue. She couldn't stop, not now. Her classmates' lives were hanging by a thread. She aimed the cannon at the Nomu's legs, hoping to immobilize it—if only for a few precious seconds.
"Just... one more shot," she whispered.
But her whisper didn't go unnoticed. Shigaraki's gaze flickered toward her, a malicious glint in his eyes. His gaze turned to Kurogiri.
"Kurogiri," Shigaraki drawled, "There's a mosquito buzzing around. Would you mind... swatting it?"
Kurogiri's mist coiled and tightened, his dark form shifting to focus on Yaoyorozu. Instantly, a portal opened directly before her cannon, intersecting the shell's trajectory the moment she fired.
Yaoyorozu's eyes widened as the shell disappeared into the swirling darkness. Her heart skipped a beat, a sinking feeling washing over her as she realized what had happened. The sound of the shell's redirection filled the air, an eerie, echoing whistle as it reappeared, hurtling straight toward her position. Izuku's heart seized in his chest, his voice a desperate scream as he watched the redirected shell hurtling toward her.
"Yaoyorozu! Move!"
But it was too late. The shell struck, and the world erupted in a blast of fire and debris. The ground shook as smoke billowed out, thick and choking, obscuring everything in a cloud of darkness. Izuku's heart hammered, fear clawing at him as he staggered back, his wide eyes fixed on the spot where Yaoyorozu had been standing. He could feel the weight of the silence pressing down on him, the horrible, numbing dread that filled the space where her figure had been.
"Yaoyorozu..." Jiro breathed her voice barely a whisper. The name was a plea, a hope against hope.
The air hung heavy with anticipation. Todoroki clenched his fist, ice crackling around him in waves of barely contained power.
"Enough," he muttered, his voice low and filled with fury. His right hand extended, releasing a wave of freezing cold that surged toward the Nomu with a force that could freeze a river solid.
The ice expanded, spreading across the ground and climbing Nomu's body, encasing it in a prison of frost. The creature struggled, its muscles straining as it tried to break free, but the ice continued to crawl, spiraling up its legs, freezing the joints, and creeping toward its torso.
In seconds, the Nomu was locked in place, a towering sculpture of muscle and sinew trapped beneath a layer of glistening frost.
Silence filled the plaza, the smoke still swirling thickly in the air. Todoroki's breath came in harsh, shallow gasps, his vision fixed on the frozen Nomu, his mind refusing to acknowledge the possibility that Yaoyorozu had been caught in that blast.
And then, out of the smoke and debris, a familiar, furious voice rang out.
"Move it, extras!"
A shock of blond hair burst through the haze, a figure propelled by explosive force as Katsuki soared through the air, Yaoyorozu slung across his back. Her face was smudged with ash, her expression dazed but alive.
Behind him, Kirishima followed, charging through the rubble with a protective stance.
"Yaoyorozu!" Izuku shouted, relief flooding through him like a wave.
Katsuki skidded to a halt, dropping Yaoyorozu onto her feet. She stumbled, disoriented, but quickly steadied herself, giving a shaky nod to her classmates. Standing beside her, Kirishima grinned widely, his sharp teeth gleaming through the dirt smeared on his face.
"We couldn't let you have all the fun," he said, flashing a thumbs-up.
Katsuki scoffed, crossing his arms. "Try to keep up next time, princess. I don't save people twice."
But before anyone could respond, a crack echoed across the plaza, the ice surrounding the Nomu splintering, spiderweb fractures crawling up its frozen form. The creature was moving again, the relentless force of its muscles breaking through the frost. The sound was deafening like glaciers shattering under immense pressure. With a final, violent twist, the Nomu's arms burst free, sending shards of ice cascading to the ground.
Todoroki's face paled, his body filled with exhaustion. "It's... breaking out," he whispered, horror dawning in his eyes as he watched the Nomu's grotesque form emerge from its icy prison, unharmed, its hollow gaze fixed on them once more.
The Nomu bared its teeth, a low, guttural growl resonating deep within its chest. It was a nightmare made flesh, an unstoppable force that refused to yield. And now, it was angry.
"Get back!" Izuku shouted, pulling everyone to the side as the Nomu lunged forward with terrifying speed. The creature's fist slammed into the ground where they had stood, the impact creating a shockwave that sent them sprawling. The ground cracked and splintered beneath the force of its strike, dust, and debris flying in every direction.
The Nomu's head turned, its empty gaze settling on each of them, unblinking, remorseless. The sheer weight of its presence was suffocating, an aura of destruction that seemed to consume everything around it. It was more than a creature. It was a weapon of pure devastation.
Katsuki clenched his fists, explosions crackling in his palms as he glared at the Nomu with fury.
"I don't care how tough you are, you overgrown freak," he spat, stepping forward, "You're going down."
Kirishima nodded, his hardened fists raised, a fierce grin. "Yeah! Let's take this thing down!"
But as the Nomu advanced, Izuku's gaze sharpened, his Sharingan flickering to life again. He could see the Nomu's movements in crystal-clear detail, every muscle twitch, every shift in balance. It was moving purposefully, adapting to their attacks, learning their strategies. It was no mindless beast—it was a predator.
Izuku's voice was steady, but there was a note of warning in his tone. "We can't take it head-on. It's too strong, too fast. We need to wear it down and find an opening.
"Todoroki," his face still pale from exhaustion, nodded, "I can keep it at bay with my ice, but I'll need cover."
Katsuki's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous spark. "Cover, huh? Leave that to me." He leaped forward, unleashing a barrage of explosions, each illuminating the Nomu's dark form with flashes of fiery light. The creature staggered back under the onslaught, its massive arms raised in defense.
Kirishima charged in next, his hardened fists striking the Nomu with a force that sent tremors through the ground. Each punch was met with a sickening crunch, but the Nomu barely flinched, its body absorbing the blows with unnatural resilience. Still, Kirishima didn't relent, his movements a blur of relentless attacks as he pushed the creature back.
Todoroki, seizing the opportunity, unleashed another wave of ice, freezing the ground beneath the Nomu's feet. The creature stumbled, its footing unsteady as the frost climbed up its legs, slowing its movements.
But the Nomu wouldn't be held down. With a furious roar, it wrenched its legs free, chunks of ice flying as it lunged forward, its monstrous hand closing around Kirishima. He gasped, the air driven from his lungs as the creature lifted him effortlessly, squeezing with a strength that threatened to crush him.
"Kirishima!" Yaoyorozu cried out, her hands flying to her mouth in horror.
The Nomu's grip around Kirishima's torso tightened a vice-like squeeze that drove the air from his lungs. His hardened skin began to crack under the pressure, splintering like stone under a hammer. Kirishima gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out, but the pain was becoming unbearable. The creature's dead eyes bore into him, its monstrous strength relentless.
"Damn it," Kirishima muttered through clenched teeth, "I... won't... break!"
But the Nomu's fingers continued to dig deeper, and Kirishima's resolve faltered. Blood trickled from the corners of his mouth as he struggled to maintain his hardening. The Nomu's strength was beyond anything he had ever faced; it was like fighting against the pressure of a collapsing mountain.
Before the world could close in on him completely, a flash of silver streaked through the air—a kunai glinting under the harsh lights. It buried itself into the ground just beneath Kirishima's dangling feet. In a burst of light, Minato appeared beside the kunai, his eyes sharp with focus. Without hesitation, he grabbed Kirishima, teleporting them away in a flash just as the Nomu's grip tightened for a final, crushing squeeze. They reappeared on the other side of the plaza, the air whipping around them as Minato released Kirishima.
"Can you stand?" Minato asked, his voice steady but strained. He was pushing his limits, which showed in the tightness of his jaw and the sweat beading on his brow.
Kirishima nodded, wincing as he straightened. "Yeah... just need a sec."
But there was no time for rest. The Nomu turned its attention toward Minato, its soulless eyes narrowing. It let out a guttural roar and charged, the ground cracking beneath its feet.
"NOW!" Minato shouted.
At that precise moment, Todoroki unleashed a wall of ice, freezing the ground beneath the Nomu and trapping its feet. Simultaneously, Katsuki leaped into the air, a feral grin plastered across his face. "Eat this, you freak!" he roared, releasing a massive explosion that bathed the Nomu in fire and light.
The blast was deafening. It tore through the plaza, sending shockwaves that rattled the walls and filled the air with a thick cloud of debris. For a moment, everything was consumed by dust and smoke, the entire battlefield shrouded in darkness.
As the dust settled, the figures of Todoroki, Minato, Kirishima, and Katsuki stood panting, their bodies tense, waiting for any sign of movement.
But then, a low, rumbling growl echoed through the haze. The smoke parted to reveal the Nomu—completely unscathed. The creature's charred skin regenerated before its eyes, knitting itself back together as if nothing had happened. Its hollow gaze was locked on them, a silent, implacable fury radiating from its form.
Izuku's heart sank. He could hear Shigaraki's laughter rising above the din, a manic, grating sound that sent chills down his spine.
"Oh, this is perfect!" Shigaraki cackled, clapping his hands together. "Keep trying, you brats! Struggle more! It only makes it sweeter!"
Izuku's breath came in shallow gasps. His Sharingan flickered as he tried to analyze the Nomu's movements, but nothing he saw could help them. The creature was beyond anything they could handle. Its speed, strength, and regenerative abilities were on a level that defied reason.
Izuku realized then they couldn't win. Not as they are.
The Nomu moved again, faster this time. It swung its massive arm, catching Katsuki in mid-air. The impact sent him flying across the plaza, slamming into the concrete with a sickening crunch. Todoroki was next, trying to encase the creature in ice, but the Nomu powered through, its sheer strength shattering the frozen barrier like glass. A brutal backhand sent Todoroki skidding across the ground, his right side steaming from the frost he had been channeling.
Minato attempted another teleport, but the Nomu anticipated it, grabbing him mid-flash and hurling him into Kirishima. The two of them collided, their bodies crumpling to the ground in a heap. Shigaraki's delighted laughter drowned out the sound of their gasps for breath.
Izuku stood alone now, his friends scattered, injured, struggling to get back up. The Nomu turned its gaze toward him, its twisted face contorting into something that resembled a grin. He could feel the weight of its gaze, the sheer malevolence radiating from it.
I can't do this, Izuku thought, panic threatening to overtake him again. We're all going to—
BOOM
A thunderous explosion rocked the entire USJ. The shockwave was so intense it rattled the walls and sent a ripple through the ground, knocking everyone off their feet. Izuku's eyes widened as he turned toward the source, his heart pounding.
A figure stood silhouetted in the entrance, backlit by the fiery explosion behind him. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he stepped forward, his presence alone enough to still the chaos.
"All Might..." Izuku whispered, nostalgia washing over like a tidal wave. It's years since he's been this happy to see All Might.
The Symbol of Peace strode into the plaza, his necktie loose over her shirt and trousers. His eyes were blazing with an intensity that sent a chill through the air. He didn't have his usual smile. No, it was more of an expression of wrath. He surveyed the scene—the fallen students, the wreckage, the Nomu—and his jaw clenched.
"Everyone, don't worry," All Might said, his voice booming confidently. "I am here!"
For a moment, everything stopped. The villains froze, their smug expressions faltering. Shigaraki's laughter died in his throat, his red eyes widening in disbelief.
"All Might!" Shigaraki spat, "You're late!"
All Might ignored him, his gaze locked onto the Nomu. "Young heroes," he called his voice like a clarion bell, "Fall back and recover. Leave this one to me."
Katsuki staggered to his feet, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. "Like hell, I'm gonna—"
"Bakugou," All Might said, his tone leaving no room for argument, "This is an order. Protect your classmates."
Katsuki growled but didn't argue. He knew better than to question the number one hero, especially when he was looking at them with such determination.
All Might turned to the Nomu, his expression hardening. The air around him seemed to vibrate with power, a force of nature that could not be denied.
"You," he said, his voice low and filled with a promise of retribution, "You've hurt my students. I won't forgive that."