Chapter 9 Karate Queens Challenge
Izuku bent down to tie his shoes, glancing up at Mei and Toga. "Hey, I just activated telepathy for all three of us. We can talk during class without anyone noticing."
Their eyes lit up as they started testing the skill.
"Wow, this is amazing!" Mei's voice echoed in their heads, filled with excitement. "Do you know how much chaos we can cause with this?"
Toga joined in, chuckling through the mental link. "Oh, the pranks we could pull. This is going to be so much fun!"
Izuku laughed along with them as they imagined scenarios. The day proceeded smoothly despite the whispers buzzing through the halls about his upcoming fight. The rumor mill had turned the rooftop showdown with Itsuka into a legend. By lunch, people were calling him the "Green-Haired Yakuza," comparing him to a mob boss. Izuku was bewildered by the nickname, especially since he didn't have any "goons."
Later, on the rooftop, Izuku sat with Mei and Toga, enjoying the lunch he had prepared. His cooking skill had made the food exceptionally tasty. Mei and Toga insisted on feeding him between bites, giggling as they took turns.
"Yeah, good broccoli boy," Mei teased, holding up a perfectly cut piece of meat to his lips. "Enjoy the food. You're going to make me a lot of money one day."
Izuku raised a brow at her. "Why does it feel so wrong when you say that?"
"Nothing's wrong! It's just the truth," she replied with a mischievous grin.
Before the playful banter could continue, a boy strode onto the rooftop. He had blonde hair and a smirk plastered on his face. He carried himself with an arrogant air, making it clear he thought himself superior.
The blonde stopped in front of them, crossing his arms. "So, this is the loser who's going to fight Kendo, huh?" He laughed, pointing at Izuku. "I'm Neito Monoma, and I've got to say, you're doomed. Kendo has years of martial arts training and actual hard work under her belt. She's going to crush you, and there's nothing you can do about it. Maybe you should just cry now and get it over with."
Izuku blinked at him, unfazed, and resumed eating. "Uh… do you want to fight me? I'm confused."
Monoma scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Fight you? I wouldn't waste my time on some quirkless loser like you. I'm just here to warn you. When Kendo wipes the floor with you, maybe you'll realize how pathetic you—"
Before he could finish, a loud blast interrupted him. Mei, holding a blunderbuss, had launched him backward with a gust of wind magic. Monoma crashed into the rooftop fence with a comedic yelp, limbs flailing.
Mei casually switched to her pistol and sauntered over, pressing the barrel to his forehead. "Keep talking," she said, her tone calm but terrifying.
Monoma stared wide-eyed, his words frozen in his throat.
Toga appeared next to Mei, a ball of fire swirling on her finger. "Want me to go next? Just say the word," she said with a sadistic smile, her fox ears twitching slightly.
Both girls looked furious, their anger radiating like a tangible force. Izuku, in contrast, continued eating his lunch.
Monoma, trembling, managed to blurt out, "Call off your ugly guard dogs!"
Izuku paused mid-bite, his knuckles cracking as he stood up. "What did you just say?"
He walked over, grabbing Monoma by the collar and slamming him face-first into the fence. Monoma groaned in pain, his smug expression long gone.
"Okay, okay!" Monoma stammered, grabbing at Izuku's hand. His body shifted into a slimy form, slipping free from Izuku's grasp.
Mei reacted instantly, firing a shot from her pistol. The blast, infused with electricity, forced Monoma to revert back to his human form, his body convulsing slightly from the shock. Toga raised her hand, the fireball on her finger growing larger, ready to incinerate him.
The rooftop door slammed open with a bang, and Itsuka Kendo stormed in, her orange hair swaying dramatically as her eyes zeroed in on Izuku and the chaos unfolding. Her steps were quick and purposeful as she marched right up to him.
"Seriously, Midoriya," she said, hands on her hips, "are you bullying Neito?"
Izuku blinked, utterly baffled. "Bullying? What? No! The guy just showed up out of nowhere and started running his mouth."
Kendo's eyes narrowed, then shifted to Neito, who was shakily dusting off his uniform and muttering something unintelligible. She sighed heavily and slapped him on the back of the head. "What the heck is wrong with you, Monoma? Why do you always pick fights with people?"
Neito winced, rubbing the back of his head. "I wasn't picking a fight! I was just, you know, talking a little sportsman trash talk! Gathering intel!" He straightened his jacket in an attempt to regain some dignity.
"Intel?" Kendo crossed her arms, her voice dripping with disbelief.
Neito pointed at Izuku dramatically. "I was trying to figure out his quirk, okay? I mean, come on, Kendo, you said he can heal, but that's not the whole story!"
"I already told you, he can heal," Kendo replied, exasperated. "You didn't need to antagonize him to find that out!"
Neito huffed. "Healing could be just one part of his quirk. Besides," he added with a sly grin, pointing at Izuku, "I don't think he has a quirk at all. When I touched him, I didn't copy anything."
Izuku, who had been quietly eating through most of this, finally stood up, looking unimpressed. "So let me get this straight," he said, brushing crumbs off his lap. "You came here to scout what I could do… so you could give the information to your orange-haired girlfriend?"
Neito's face flushed slightly as he tried to look suave, adjusting his collar. "Exactly!" he declared, puffing out his chest.
Kendo's face turned bright red as she slapped the back of his head again, harder this time. "I am NOT your girlfriend!" she snapped, her voice cracking slightly.
Neito rubbed his head with a sheepish grin. "What? We're not friends, then?"
Kendo groaned, throwing her hands up. "No! I mean, yes! Ugh, we are friends, but sometimes you're so insufferable I don't know why I bother with you!"
"I try to tone it down around you," Neito said with a shrug, as though that somehow justified his behavior.
Izuku raised an eyebrow at the two of them, glancing between their bickering forms. "Are you sure you're not dating? Because you two have some… energy going on. You know what? Never mind. I'm not touching that mess with a ten-foot pole."
Kendo rounded on him, still fuming, her finger pointed accusingly. "It doesn't matter what it looks like. Just be prepared for after school!" Her glare softened slightly as she sighed and turned back to Neito, who was still grinning smugly despite his disheveled appearance.
"Come on, you," she muttered, bending down to scoop him up in her arms as though he weighed nothing. "And stop acting like a brat."
"Hey!" Neito protested weakly, his face turning red as Kendo carried him away like a sack of potatoes. Over her shoulder, he glared at Izuku, sticking out his tongue. "You'll see! Next time—"
"Cut it out," Kendo snapped, her voice stern. "You're embarrassing yourself."
As the door closed behind them, Mei leaned back on her hands, shaking her head with a grin. "Okay… what the hell was that?"
Izuku exhaled, sitting back down. "I don't even know. Let's just eat and forget whatever that was."
"Agreed," Toga chimed in, spearing a piece of meat from Izuku's bento with a mischievous smile. "But they were kinda fun to watch. That dynamic? Comedy gold."
Mei laughed, joining in on the teasing. "Yeah, they're like a couple straight out of one of those bad rom-coms. The kind where everyone knows they're going to end up together except for them."
Izuku groaned, shaking his head. "I'm pretty sure I don't care. Let's just focus on the food before someone else decides to drop in."
They all chuckled, the tension lifting as they dug back into their meals, leaving the bizarre encounter with Kendo and Neito behind—at least for now.
As Izuku and the girls finished their lunch, they began to hear more whispers circulating around the school. The rumors were gaining traction, painting an increasingly bizarre and exaggerated picture of their group.
"Did you hear?" a girl at a nearby table whispered to her friend. "That pink-haired girl—Mei? She's apparently his arms dealer. I mean, she's always messing with machines and stuff, so it makes sense, right?"
Her friend leaned in closer, eyes wide. "And Toga? I heard she awakened her quirk as soon as he transferred! They're saying she's, like, his enforcer or something. Someone even said she's in charge of… disposing of bodies."
"No way!" the first girl gasped, clutching her bento box. "That's so creepy. But, you know… kinda cool too?"
At another table, a group of boys exchanged hushed words, throwing glances at Izuku and his girls. One of them, a lanky kid with messy hair, snickered. "So, get this—word is that broccoli boy is actually Yakuza. And the pink-haired chick? She's selling firearms to students."
Another boy, his mouth full of rice, mumbled, "Explains why no one messes with him. Did you see the way he beat up that guy earlier in the photo? Heard that he knocked him out because he was pushing on his turf."
"Yeah," the lanky kid added, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. "And apparently, he's recruiting bullies from other schools. Trying to make some kind of delinquent gang."
"What's he planning to do, take over the school?" a third boy asked, half-joking but clearly nervous.
"Probably," the lanky boy replied, leaning back with a smirk. "But don't worry. Word is, Kendo's gonna stop him. She's not scared of anyone."
Meanwhile, Toga was happily chatting with a group of students, showing off her new fox ears and tail.
One boy, wearing an oversized jacket and a cocky grin, approached Toga, twirling a pen between his fingers. "Hey, foxy," he drawled, the nickname dripping with condescension. "So, is it true? Are you the broccoli boy's… plaything?" His grin widened, clearly expecting a reaction.
Toga's cheerful expression faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing. Before she could respond, Izuku stood up from his seat and calmly walked over. His emerald eyes locked onto the boy's, and without a word he activated. He let overwhelming presence seep into the air.
The boy froze mid-grin, his bravado draining as if someone had flipped a switch. He stumbled back, his breathing quickening. The pressure seemed to crush the very air around him, and he fell over a chair, landing awkwardly on the ground.
"Hey, man, look!" the boy stammered, scrambling to his feet. "I'm sorry, okay? It was just a prank! A dare! I didn't mean anything by it!" He bolted for the door, tripping once more before disappearing into the hallway.
Izuku exhaled softly, the oppressive aura vanishing as he muttered under his breath, "Who's spreading these rumors?"
In the next room, a familiar, arrogant voice could be heard holding court.
"Yeah, no, broccoli boy's completely nuts," Neito Monoma declared, his voice carrying just enough to be heard by passersby. "The pink-haired banshee? Total arms dealer. That fox girl? Definitely burning bodies. I mean, she's got a fire quirk, doesn't she? Add it all up, and it makes sense."
Several classmates leaned in, eating up every word. "And Izuku?" Monoma continued, his voice dripping with mockery. "Yakuza vibes, am I right? I mean, the way he talks to Kendo—he's practically unhinged. Probably trying to turn the school into a cesspool of delinquency."
One girl gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "That's awful! Why hasn't anyone stopped him?"
Monoma's smirk grew wider. "Because our savior, Kendo, is going to handle him. She's already planning to put him in his place. Just wait—you'll see."
Back in the cafeteria, Mei burst out laughing as she overheard fragments of Monoma's tirade. "Did you hear that, Izuku? I'm an arms dealer now! Honestly, kind of flattering."
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, exasperated. "Yeah, flattering. Great. That copycat blonde is going to make me lose my mind."
Toga giggled, twirling a lock of her blonde hair. "Apparently, I'm some kind of sinister fire-wielding hitman. Should I lean into the role? You know, start carrying a suspicious briefcase or something?"
Mei grinned. "Only if you want to match my aesthetic. Maybe we should embrace the rumors. Become the school's official bad-boy entourage. Ooh, I could make business cards!"
Izuku groaned, slumping back in his seat as the girls laughed. "Why is it always me?" he muttered, shaking his head.
Right before the final class ended
Izuku sighed as he read the string of texts from Mei. His thumbs hovered over the keyboard as he mulled over his next response.
Mei: It's just cosplay! Come on, Broccoli Boy. It'll be fun! You know you want to try it.
Izuku: No, absolutely not. This is a horrible idea. Pretending to be Yakuza? Arms dealers? Body disposal experts? It's insane!
Mei: Pleaaaase? Look, it's not like we're actually doing anything illegal. Just dress up. For me?
A moment later, another text buzzed on his phone—a picture of Mei making exaggerated puppy dog eyes, her lips slightly pouting. Izuku groaned and began typing.
Izuku: No. We're not doing this.
A second later, another message came in.
Mei: Okay, what if Mama gives you something special? A little one-on-one time?
His face burned as he read the text.
Toga: Ooh, I'll join in on the one-on-one time!
Izuku cursed under his breath, his face turning beet red as the images flooded his mind.
Izuku: Fine! We'll do it.
The response was immediate. Mei and Toga sent a flood of laughing emojis, clearly reveling in their victory.
Mei's school lab
Mei's school lab was buzzing with excitement—or at least, Mei was. The pink-haired inventor zipped around the room, adjusting, styling, and accessorizing as if preparing for a high-stakes photoshoot. Izuku stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting his white three-piece suit. The coat hung perfectly on his frame, with its broad shoulders giving him a commanding presence. His vest, a rich green, contrasted sharply with the pristine white of the suit. Mei had insisted on styling his hair to perfection, slicking it back in a way that gave him the air of a seasoned Yakuza boss.
The dark green gloves on his hands, though subtle, were his modified shock gloves. Mei had not only improved their functionality but had added sleek detailing that made them look like high-end fashion pieces. A chest holster held a grappling gun, which peeked out just enough to make it clear he was armed. His belt was adorned with pouches containing other gadgets Mei had crafted, each one carefully polished and discreetly designed.
Mei handed him a pair of round green sunglasses, which he hesitantly put on. They completed the look, giving him an air of untouchable cool. He sighed, staring at his reflection. "I look like I'm about to shake someone down for their lunch money."
Mei beamed, her own outfit a masterpiece of contrast. She wore a sharp black business suit tailored to perfection, complete with a white blouse that peeked out beneath the blazer. Her pink hair was styled into a sleek, refined updo, with loose curls framing her face. A luxurious fur coat draped over her shoulders, adding a layer of extravagance to her already striking ensemble. She pushed pink glasses up the bridge of her nose and twirled a suitcase in her hand—a prop, but one that made her look every bit the calculating underboss.
"You look amazing," she teased, taking out her phone to snap a picture. "C'mon, boss. Gimme a scowl! Make it look like you're about to make someone an offer they can't refuse."
Izuku rolled his eyes but indulged her, giving her his best "intimidating glare." Mei squealed in delight, giggling as she clicked away.
Toga, meanwhile, was putting on her own ensemble. Her shrine maiden outfit was both eerie and elegant. The traditional white top bore patterns of bloodstains, intricately designed to look like splatters frozen in time. The red hakama pants she wore flowed gracefully, their vibrant color adding to the haunting aesthetic. The words Disposal were written in bold kanji on the back of her outfit, painted in a dripping, blood-red font. A fox mask rested on the side of her head, smeared with streaks of "blood" to match the rest of her look.
Her fox ears twitched slightly, and her tail swayed behind her as she admired her reflection. "This is so me," she said with a mischievous grin. She adjusted the mask to sit perfectly tilted and looked over at Izuku. "What do you think?"
Izuku nodded, impressed. "You look incredible. Menacing but... still elegant."
"Good answer," she said, her cheeks tinting pink for just a moment before she regained her composure.
"Alright, alright!" Mei clapped her hands, pulling a box from the desk. She opened it to reveal fake cigars. "Okay, no tobacco. These are props, but they light up at the end for that authentic glow. Follow my lead." She handed one to each of them and placed one delicately between her lips. "Now, boss, you've gotta act like you own the place. No hesitation. No nerves. You've got two gorgeous lieutenants by your side, and you're here to show the world who's in charge."
Izuku put the cigar to his lips, the small LED tip glowing faintly. He exhaled, trying to match the air of authority Mei exuded. His face hardened into a stoic expression, and he gave a small nod. "Got it. Let's do this."
Mei squealed again, grabbing her suitcase and slinging it into the crook of her arm. "We look amazing. We're like the perfect villain trio!" She snapped one last picture of all three of them before stepping to the side and motioning dramatically toward the door. "Lead the way, boss."
Izuku placed a hand on each of their shoulders, pulling them in gently and kissing them both on the lips in turn. Their faces turned bright red, but neither protested.
"Alright," he said, adjusting his suit jacket and stepping forward. "Let's get this over with."
The three of them walked in unison, exuding an air of intimidation and confidence as they headed for the rooftop. The light click of Mei's heels, Toga's soft fox tail swishing, and the faint creak of Izuku's gloves made it clear—they were ready to make an unforgettable entrance.
Now on the rooftop
The rooftop was buzzing with excitement as a larger-than-ever crowd of students gathered, the chatter growing louder with every passing moment. Neito Monoma was in his element, moving through the crowd like a carnival barker, hyping up Kendo and sowing disbelief about Izuku.
"This guy? A wannabe gangster, trying to intimidate everyone! But Kendo's gonna put him in his place, just you wait!" Neito declared, his voice filled with exaggerated confidence.
"Are you sure about that?" one skeptical student asked. "I mean, he did beat those dojo kids and... well, the rumor about what he did to the blonde pomeranian guy—"
"Pfft! Lucky fluke," Monoma interrupted, waving a dismissive hand. "Kendo's got years of training. She's the real deal. That broccoli head is just a poser."
Meanwhile, Kendo paced near the center of the rooftop, mumbling to herself, "Where is he? He's not going to stand me up again, is he? Coward!" She clenched her fists, her oversized hands flexing in anticipation.
The rooftop door suddenly creaked open. The chatter came to a halt as everyone turned toward the entrance. The atmosphere shifted instantly.
There they were.
Mei Hatsume entered first, holding a sleek phone to her ear. She ended the imaginary call with dramatic flair, flipping the phone shut and sliding it into her blazer pocket. Her pink hair was styled in a sharp, elegant updo, and her business suit screamed authority. She adjusted her fur coat with a casual flick of her hand. "Alright, let's get this over with, boss," she said in a clipped, businesslike tone. "I've got deals to finalize after this."
Izuku stepped in next, the light reflecting off his white three-piece suit. His round green sunglasses caught the faint glint of the rooftop's fluorescent lighting, adding to his already commanding aura. He walked with deliberate slowness, exuding confidence. "Of course," he replied, his voice low and calm. "Once we wrap this up, you can handle the deals—and maybe we'll have some fun after."
Toga trailed behind, wearing her blood-stained shrine maiden outfit with a mischievous grin plastered across her face. Her fox mask tilted jauntily on her head, she let her tail swish back and forth as she chimed in, "Fun with both of us, right, boss?" Her red eyes gleamed playfully.
Izuku smirked, glancing at both girls. "Naturally. My two favorite girls."
Mei stopped mid-stride, taking out a fake cigar from her briefcase and dramatically placing it between Izuku's lips. She made an exaggerated motion of pretending to light it with a small gadget that emitted a faint flame. Izuku took a long "drag," the LED on the cigar tip glowing red as he exhaled a cloud of harmless vapor. The display was ridiculous and theatrical, but somehow, it worked.
The rooftop erupted into whispers.
"Whoa, he looks like he just walked out of a gangster movie," one boy said, his jaw practically hitting the floor.
"I-Is he really a Yakuza boss?" a girl stammered, clutching her notebook tightly. "He's… kinda hot, though."
"I heard he wiped out a whole dojo by himself," another boy said, his eyes wide. "If Kendo doesn't win this, we're all screwed."
Neito Monoma's jaw clenched as he stared at the spectacle. What the hell is this? he thought, sweat forming on his brow. I made all that stuff up! Are they seriously living up to the rumors?
Meanwhile, Kendo stood frozen, her mind racing as she tried to process what she was seeing. What is this guy doing? And what's with those girls? She glanced at the crowd, hearing their growing awe and fear. She couldn't let herself be fazed by this ridiculous act. Taking a deep breath, she cracked her knuckles and marched forward.
"Alright, enough theatrics!" Kendo barked. "Let's settle this quickly!"
Mei and Toga walked over to the benches, clearly unbothered. Mei nonchalantly draped Izuku's white coat over her lap, her hands busy cleaning a small firearm she pulled from her briefcase. The crowd collectively gasped.
"Why does she have a gun?" one student hissed. "Isn't that illegal?"
"Shh! Don't make eye contact," another whispered. "She's definitely an arms dealer!"
Toga leaned back casually, twirling a ball of foxfire on her fingertip. Her fangs glinted as she smirked. "Don't worry," she said, addressing the crowd with mock sweetness. "We're just here to watch."
Kendo stepped forward to face Izuku, her arms crossed. "What's with the outfit?" she asked, her tone tinged with annoyance. "You trying to look cool or something?"
Izuku smirked, adjusting his gloves. "What? I can't wear my personal attire?"
She rolled her eyes. "I just didn't think you'd want to get your fancy clothes dirty, that's all."
Izuku shrugged, stepping into the clearing. "I could say the same about you," he said, gesturing to her school uniform. "Ready to get this over with?"
Kendo grinned, her confidence unwavering. "Don't worry. I'll make it quick."
The two fighters squared off, their stances firm. The crowd held its breath in anticipation, the tension on the rooftop palpable.
Mei glanced at Toga, smirking as she whispered, "This is going to be good."
Toga chuckled, her fox mask slipping slightly. "Yeah, but don't blink, or you'll miss it."
Izuku blitzed forward, his right fist cocked and ready to strike. The crowd gasped as Kendo sidestepped the first punch, her movements fluid and practiced. Izuku didn't stop, transitioning immediately into a sharp left jab aimed at her ribs. Kendo blocked it with her forearm, the sound of the impact reverberating through the rooftop. Her counterattack was swift—a sharp hook from her right hand aimed at his temple.
Izuku ducked under her arm, the wind of her punch brushing past his hair. He pivoted on his left foot, swinging his body around to deliver a spinning roundhouse kick. Kendo barely managed to raise her arms in time, blocking the blow. The force pushed her back, her shoes skidding across the concrete.
"That kick—he's got real power," a student in the crowd murmured.
"Is he seriously quirkless? There's no way someone without a quirk moves like that," another whispered.
Kendo straightened, shaking off the sting in her forearms. "Not bad," she said, her tone steady, though her chest heaved from exertion. She surged forward, her arms expanding rapidly. The crowd gasped as her giant fists swung toward Izuku with a crushing force.
Izuku sidestepped the first blow, the rush of air making his jacket flap. He ducked low to avoid the second swing, weaving between her attacks with sharp, precise movements. He slid under her next strike, his left hand grazing the rooftop as he propelled himself forward. His right leg shot up in a powerful kick aimed at her stomach.
Kendo caught his leg mid-strike, her hands closing around his ankle like a vice. With a grunt, she swung him around in a wide arc, her strength evident as she hurled him away. Izuku twisted mid-air, landing on his feet in a crouch, his green vest flaring as he stabilized himself.
He pressed his sunglasses higher on his nose, smirking. "Not bad at all," he said, spitting out a thin stream of blood from his split lip. "You really do pack a punch."
Kendo rolled her shoulders, her giant hands returning to normal size. "Thanks," she replied, her voice firm. "But I'm just getting started."
Before she could charge again, Izuku slammed a small metal ball into the ground. It burst open with a loud pop, releasing a thick cloud of smoke that enveloped the rooftop. The crowd erupted into shouts of confusion.
"What's he doing now?" someone yelled.
"I can't see a thing!"
Inside the smoke, Izuku's glasses activated, their green lenses glowing faintly. The haze cleared in his vision, revealing Kendo crouched and on guard. He rushed her, his movements swift and silent. He spun into a roundhouse kick aimed at her head. Kendo barely caught the motion, ducking under his leg, but Izuku was already twisting into a back kick aimed at her midsection. This time, it connected, and the force sent her flying out of the smoke cloud.
She hit the ground hard, rolling once before springing to her feet. Her sharp eyes caught movement, and she raised her hands instinctively. Another metal ball hurtled toward her, and when it exploded, shrapnel flew in all directions, driving her back with sheer force.
The crowd gasped in horror. "Is that allowed?!" one student shouted.
"Isn't this going too far?" another whispered, though their wide eyes betrayed their fascination.
Kendo gritted her teeth as she steadied herself, wiping a thin trail of blood from her cheek. "You're cheating," she growled, her eyes narrowing at Izuku as he emerged from the smoke.
He laughed loudly, the sound carrying across the rooftop. "Cheating? This is a fight! No holding back!"
Kendo didn't waste time arguing. She charged forward, her fists growing large once again. Izuku met her head-on, the two exchanging blows with blinding speed. His right hook collided with her shoulder, sending ripples through her frame, but she retaliated with an uppercut that caught him under the chin, snapping his head back.
Izuku stumbled slightly, shaking off the hit as he delivered a sharp left jab followed by a quick right cross. Kendo blocked the first punch and sidestepped the second, countering with a powerful spinning kick aimed at his ribs. Izuku raised his arm just in time to block it, though the impact sent him sliding back a few feet.
The crowd was on edge, their voices rising in excitement.
"This is insane! They're evenly matched!"
"Kendo's got the strength, but he's faster. Who's going to win?"
"Did you see that kick? That would've broken someone's ribs!"
Izuku rolled his shoulders, his smirk returning. "Not bad," he said, his voice calm despite the blood trickling from his mouth. "But you'll have to do better."
Kendo clenched her fists, her expression determined. "Don't worry," she shot back, her voice steady. "I plan to."
Izuku charged forward, his fists tightly clenched, his green gloves gleaming in the sunlight. Kendo matched his aggression, her expanded fists ready to meet him head-on. As they clashed, the sound of their strikes echoed across the rooftop like gunfire. Izuku threw a sharp right hook, but Kendo ducked and drove her enlarged fist into his ribs, the impact reverberating through his body like a hammer hitting steel.
He staggered back, coughing, but his smirk didn't falter. "Not bad," he muttered, wiping blood from his mouth. "You've got power, but I've got speed."
"You'll need more than speed to beat me," Kendo shot back, rushing forward.
Izuku anticipated her strike, flicking a smoke pellet from his belt to the ground. The rooftop was immediately engulfed in a dense cloud, drawing gasps from the crowd.
"Again with the smoke!" someone shouted.
"I can't see anything!"
Through his special glasses, Izuku could see her silhouette clearly. He moved swiftly, darting to her side and throwing a powerful kick aimed at her midsection. Kendo, barely catching the movement, turned just in time to block the kick with her arm. Even so, the force sent her skidding back, her shoes scraping against the concrete.
As she steadied herself, Izuku didn't let up. He lunged again, but Kendo anticipated his movement, her oversized hand swinging in a brutal arc. It connected with his side, the impact sending him flying back into the smoke. A metallic clink rang out as she stepped forward, her keen eyes narrowing.
Before she could advance further, a small, bright object flew toward her. Instinctively, she raised her hands, but the flashbang pellet exploded with a deafening bang and a blinding light.
"Ah! What the hell?!" Kendo shouted, stumbling back, disoriented.
The crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps.
"Did he just use a flashbang?!"
"That's not fair!"
Mei leaned forward from her spot, smirking. "Smart move, broccoli boy. Use her momentum against her."
Toga clapped her hands, her eyes gleaming. "She's tough, though. Look at her—she's still standing! This is so much fun!"
As the smoke and light cleared, Izuku emerged, his movements swift and calculated. He closed the distance, his fists flying in rapid succession. A left jab caught Kendo on the jaw, her head snapping back slightly. He followed it with a powerful right uppercut that connected with her stomach, forcing a grunt from her lips as she staggered.
Kendo growled, her determination only growing. She threw a wide haymaker, her enlarged fist whistling through the air. Izuku ducked, barely avoiding the blow, but Kendo spun on her heel, using the momentum to swing her other hand toward him. The punch landed squarely on his shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
"She's good!" Mei muttered, her eyes wide. "She's keeping up with him—and actually landing hits."
Izuku groaned, rolling to his side as Kendo loomed over him. He planted his hand on the ground and used his legs to kick upward in a scissor-like motion, catching her under the chin. Kendo stumbled back, her footing momentarily unsteady.
Blood dripped from the corner of Izuku's mouth as he scrambled to his feet, his green gloves smeared with red. "You're tougher than you look," he admitted, his breath ragged.
"And you're more annoying than I thought," Kendo replied, cracking her knuckles. Her eyes gleamed with determination as she rushed him again, her fists swinging wildly.
They exchanged brutal blows, each strike growing more intense. Kendo's punches were like sledgehammers, each one powerful enough to crack the concrete beneath their feet. Izuku, despite his speed, couldn't dodge every hit. Her fist connected with his cheek, sending him spinning. Blood spattered onto the rooftop as he crashed to the ground.
The crowd gasped, some wincing at the sound of the impact.
"Is he okay?" one student whispered.
"Don't count him out yet," another said. "He's like a cockroach—he keeps getting back up."
Izuku pushed himself to his feet, his movements slower but no less determined. "Not bad," he said again, his voice strained but steady.
He reached into his belt and threw another pellet—this time a small, metallic sphere that rolled toward Kendo's feet. She instinctively jumped back, but the device exploded into a web of sticky material, ensnaring her legs. Kendo snarled, ripping through the binding with her oversized hands.
"That's enough tricks!" she shouted, rushing him again. This time, her speed caught him off guard. Her fist collided with his chest, sending him skidding back dangerously close to the edge of the rooftop.
Izuku coughed, blood splattering onto the ground as he steadied himself. He smirked despite the pain, adjusting his stance. "Alright, let's see what you've got."
Kendo growled, her patience thinning. She charged at him, her movements almost reckless in their intensity. Izuku ducked low, aiming to sweep her legs, but Kendo jumped over his attack. Her foot swung downward, aiming for his shoulder. He rolled away, narrowly avoiding the blow.
As he rose, Kendo spun, her enlarged hand catching him square in the chest. The force sent him stumbling back, his heels teetering on the edge of the rooftop. The crowd collectively held their breath.
"Is he—he's at the edge!" someone shouted.
The rooftop was silent, save for the grunts, gasps, and brutal impacts of the fight. Kendo's eyes were blazing with determination, while Izuku's face remained calm, almost detached, as though he were entirely in control. Around them, the crowd could only watch in stunned silence, a mix of awe and horror at the ferocity of the fight.
Neito Monoma was frozen, his usual arrogance stripped away as he gripped the railing tightly. He couldn't look away, his mind racing. This isn't a fight. This is a war. How are they going this far? This isn't training anymore—it's like they're trying to destroy each other.
Kendo's face twisted into a grimace as she launched forward, her massive fist reeling back for a powerful uppercut. The crowd gasped as her strike connected with Izuku's midsection. The force sent him flying backward, the air rushing out of his lungs in a harsh gasp. His body sailed over the safety railing, and for a split second, everyone went still.
"He's falling!" someone screamed, their voice echoing over the rooftop.
Kendo's face turned white as she realized what she'd done. "No!" she shouted, leaping toward the edge, her arm outstretched to grab him. But it was too late—Izuku's body disappeared over the side.
Mei and Toga both screamed. "Izuku!"
Neito's legs wobbled as he clutched the railing, his face pale. Did he just—? No, this can't be real.
The gasps of the crowd turned to silence as they stared over the edge, waiting for the sound of his body hitting the ground. But no sound came.
Suddenly, a metallic click rang out, and from below, a grappling hook shot upward, latching onto the edge of the building. A moment later, Izuku came soaring back up, propelled by the grappling gun in his hand. His body flipped through the air with practiced grace, landing on the rooftop with an authoritative thud. His glasses glinted as he stood tall, unscathed, and he exhaled slowly, smoke pellets falling from his hand and bursting at his feet.
The rooftop was engulfed in a thick, choking fog. His voice cut through the haze, sharp and cold: "Let's finish this. I'm tired of holding back."
When the smoke cleared, Izuku's appearance had changed. Psychic constructs wrapped around his fists like glowing, translucent gauntlets, their jagged edges radiating an intense energy. His body seemed to hum with latent power as he activated his psychic enhancements, the constructs shimmering brighter.
"He's using his quirk now?" one student muttered, wide-eyed.
Another whispered, "This fight just went to a whole new level."
Toga grinned, her sharp canines glinting. "Oh, now it's getting fun."
Mei was on her feet, her pink glasses slipping down her nose as she stared at him in awe. "Atta boy, broccoli boss. Show her why you're number one."
Kendo growled, shaking off the disorientation from the smoke. "You think that makes you stronger? Let's see how tough you really are!" She charged, her fists swinging like wrecking balls.
Izuku moved like water, weaving and ducking under Kendo's powerful, sweeping punches. Each of her strikes was a testament to her martial arts training—calculated, strong, and disciplined. But Izuku's speed and precision gave him the edge. He closed the distance between them in an instant, sliding under one of her wild swings. Planting his hand firmly on the ground, he twisted his body and delivered a devastating kick to her stomach.
The impact reverberated through her body, knocking her backward and out of the smoke. She stumbled, clutching her midsection, but her fierce expression didn't waver. Her eyes burned with determination as she rushed him again, throwing a flurry of punches.
Izuku danced around her attacks, dodging and weaving with a grace that almost seemed inhuman. As she left herself open for a split second, he seized the opportunity, landing a precise punch to her gut. His Stun Skill activated, freezing her movements for five seconds.
"You're good, but you leave too many openings," he muttered as he clenched his fists. With her momentarily frozen, Izuku unleashed a barrage of punches, each one faster and harder than the last. His Flurry of Blows skill turned his strikes into a relentless assault, and every time the stun effect was about to wear off, he delivered another precise hit to keep her locked in place.
The onslaught lasted for a full fifteen seconds. With his final move, Izuku activated Power Strike, delivering a devastating blow to her stomach. The sheer force sent her flying backward, her body slamming into the steel door of the rooftop entrance. The door buckled under the impact, bending around her frame as a guttural scream escaped her lips.
Kendo slid down the door, coughing violently as bile spilled from her mouth. She wiped her lips, glaring at him with a mixture of pain and determination. "This… isn't over," she growled, her voice hoarse.
Izuku smirked, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth. "You've got heart, I'll give you that."
Kendo roared, pushing off the door and rushing at him again, her fists swinging wildly. He leaped into the air, aiming a flying kick at her. Her hands shot up to block, but Izuku used his Telekinesis to push himself downward, landing gracefully on the ground behind her. Before she could react, he delivered another Power Strike, his leg snapping upward to connect with her solar plexus.
The impact was devastating. Kendo's body was launched through the steel door, which tore off its hinges as she flew through it, tumbling near the edge of the stairwell. Her body lay precariously close to falling over the railing, but before gravity could take over, Izuku darted forward and grabbed her by the neck.
"Enough," he said firmly, his voice calm but cold.
She struggled, trying to raise her arms to strike, but they wouldn't move. Her body trembled with exhaustion and pain, and her eyes betrayed her frustration. Izuku wagged a finger at her, his smirk returning. "Stop. You fought well, but it's done."
Suddenly, a high-pitched yell broke through the tension. "Don't touch her!"
Izuku turned his head just in time to see Neito Monoma barreling toward him, his legs enhanced by a borrowed Cricket Legs quirk. He had built up incredible momentum and was mid-air, aiming a flying kick directly at Izuku's chest.
Izuku's eyes narrowed. Without flinching, he activated his Telekinesis, lifting the bent steel door from the ground and positioning it just in time. Neito's groin connected—right into the sharp edge of the door.
A sickening crunch echoed as Neito's groin collided with the steel. His face turned pale, and his voice caught in his throat before a blood-curdling scream escaped. "My—MY—AAAAHHHH!"
The crowd winced collectively, several boys clutching themselves instinctively. "Oh my god!" one of them whispered. "Did he just…?"
Mei burst out laughing, slapping her thigh. "Oh, that was beautiful! Aim for the weak spot—classic move, boss!"
Toga snorted, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to contain her laughter. "I think you just made sure he won't be bothering anyone for a while."
Neito crumpled to the ground, clutching himself and groaning in agony. Izuku, still holding Kendo by the neck, turned his attention back to her. With surprising gentleness, he set her down by the wall, ensuring she wouldn't fall over the railing.
"You fought well," he said, his tone sincere.
Kendo coughed, looking up at him with dazed eyes. Her pride was wounded, but there was no denying his skill. She didn't say a word, just nodded weakly.
Izuku turned away, walking back to the rooftop entrance where Mei and Toga were waiting for him. Mei draped his jacket over his shoulders with a proud smile, and Toga looped her arm around his.
"Ready to go, boss?" Mei asked playfully.
Izuku adjusted his glasses, his smirk returning. "Yeah. Let's get out of here."
The three walked off, leaving the crowd stunned into silence. Mei and Toga grinned smugly, glaring at the other students as if daring anyone to challenge them. The whispers started again almost immediately, fueled by awe and fear.
As they disappeared from sight, one student muttered, "That guy… he's something else."
As the crowd slowly dispersed from the rooftop, murmurs filled the air. Groups of students huddled together, animatedly discussing the brutal fight they had just witnessed.
"Did you see that? He used actual gadgets! Like, who even has stuff like that?" one boy said, wide-eyed.
Another girl nodded. "I told you, he's gotta be Yakuza. No way a normal guy would have all that gear. And that outfit? He's not even hiding it anymore."
A third student scoffed. "You're all ridiculous. Yakuza? Really? You think a gang member would be dumb enough to parade around in school like that?"
"Uh, did you not see him launch a door into Neito groin-first?" the second girl retorted. "That was some hardcore 'don't-mess-with-me' energy."
Meanwhile, a light-haired girl with a healing quirk knelt beside Kendo, her hands glowing faintly as she examined her injuries. "Hold still," she said gently. "Let me check your vitals."
Kendo, still slumped against the wall, let out a frustrated sigh. "I'm fine. Just a little bruised ego is all."
The healer frowned. "You're 'fine'? You slammed into a steel door so hard it broke off its hinges, and you're saying you're fine?"
"Yeah, well…" Kendo stretched her arms experimentally.
The healer's glow faded as she looked at her hands in confusion. "Your severe injuries are already… mostly healed. Do you have a hidden regeneration quirk or something?"
Kendo blinked. "Nope. My quirk doesn't do anything like that. That broccoli boy did something. When he grabbed me, I felt this weird… warmth? Like, I don't know. It didn't hurt as much after."
"Then what the heck? This doesn't make sense." The healer sighed, finishing up on the smaller cuts and scrapes. "Well, you're good to go now, I guess. Even though I didn't really do much."
Kendo pushed herself up, flexing her arms and legs. She threw a few quick punches into the air, grinning. "See? Told ya I'm fine. Thanks for patching me up, though."
Her friend Neito, still sprawled on the ground, groaned. "Good for you. Meanwhile, I can't even walk."
Kendo rolled her eyes and squatted down in front of him. "Come on, get on. I'll carry you."
Neito turned red. "What? No way! You just got out of a fight! I'm not letting you do that."
She smirked, hopping back up to her feet and shadowboxing. "I feel great. Thanks to that broccoli boy, apparently. He gave me a proper beatdown, and then patched me up. Guess he doesn't want to deal with the guilt."
Neito hesitated but finally climbed onto her back. "Fine. But you're not allowed to make fun of me for this."
"No promises," Kendo teased, standing up effortlessly. "Now let's get you home before you start crying about your legs again."
As she walked off with Neito, one of the bystanders commented, "So… what was with his outfit, anyway? It's like he was trying to cosplay as a Yakuza boss or something."
"'Trying to'?" another student chimed in. "He is Yakuza! Come on, you saw those moves. He's brutal. And the gadgets? A grappling gun? Smoke bombs? That's some professional-level stuff."
A skeptical boy shook his head. "You guys are nuts. He's just… I don't know, resourceful. That doesn't make him a gangster."
"Yeah, well," a girl muttered, "resourceful or not, he looked terrifying. Did you see his face? He looked like he was ready to kill her."
Kendo overheard the last comment and turned her head. "Relax, everyone. He's not that bad. Sure, he fights hard, but he's not out to kill anyone. If he wanted to, I wouldn't be standing here right now."
Neito, still clinging to her back, grumbled, "You sound way too impressed for someone who just got their ass kicked."
Kendo laughed. "Maybe I am. But that fight was awesome. Honestly, I kinda wish someone had recorded it."
Meanwhile, back at the shack
Mei was practically vibrating with excitement as she replayed the fight footage. "Oh my gosh, look at this! This angle is perfect! You can see every punch, every kick—my babies captured it all!"
She gestured to the table, where a few small drones rested, their cameras blinking faintly. "I tweaked their range and added stabilization algorithms. These things are so much better than before!"
Izuku sat on the beanbag chair, drinking a health potion. "Next time, let's run through the gear before the fight," he said, inspecting his gloves. "I didn't even realize you'd added potion slots to the belt."
Mei shrugged, grinning. "It's called a surprise upgrade. You're welcome."
Toga, sitting cross-legged nearby, watched the footage with a wide grin. "I love how you looked at the end there, Izuku. So calm, so badass." She pointed at the screen, where Izuku was walking away with his jacket draped over his shoulders. "Look at that! You could've stepped right out of a gangster movie."
Mei laughed. "That's because I designed it! You think the suit happened by accident? Nah, that's all me."
Izuku chuckled. "Thanks, Mei. You really outdid yourself." He leaned back, letting out a long sigh. For the first time that day, he felt relaxed. "Let's keep refining the gear. I've got a feeling we'll need it again soon."
Izuku stretched his arms as he stood, smoothing the wrinkles from his crisp suit. With a flick of his hand, he muttered a quick spell, cleaning his clothes to a pristine condition. The gangster outfit still clung to him, a strange but fitting symbol of his newfound confidence and grit.
"I need to pay someone a visit," he announced to Mei and Toga.
Mei tilted her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "What kind of visit? Can we come?"
Toga leaned closer, grinning. "Sounds interesting. Who's on the hit list?"
Izuku shook his head. "No hit list. It's personal. Just something I need to handle on my own."
They pouted simultaneously, but Izuku smiled and waved them off, stepping out of the shack. The brisk city air met him as he walked down the streets. Spotting a flower shop on the corner, he stopped, brows furrowing in thought before stepping inside. After a few moments, he emerged with a modest bouquet of fresh daisies and lilies.
The hospital
Izuku approached the reception desk. "Excuse me," he said, adjusting his glasses, "can you tell me which room Katsuki Bakugo is in?"
The nurse glanced at him, her professional demeanor faltering for a split second when she took in his sharply dressed appearance. She nodded quickly and directed him to the correct room. As Izuku approached the door, he could already hear faint grumbling from inside.
Pushing the door open, he was greeted by Bakugo's scowling face. The explosive blonde was seated in a hospital bed, his arms in slings but looking surprisingly well-rested. His legs, however, were still encased in casts. Upon seeing Izuku, Bakugo's red eyes widened in recognition before narrowing into a glare.
"You!" Bakugo snarled, his voice echoing in the sterile room. "Get the hell out of here, Deku! I'm gonna blast your face off for showing up here looking like that!"
Izuku chuckled, stepping in and closing the door behind him. He walked calmly to the side table, placing the bouquet of flowers down. "Relax, Kacchan. I just brought you some flowers. Thought you could use some… cheer."
Bakugo's scowl deepened. "Cheer? You're gonna need 'cheer' when I blow your damn teeth out, Deku!"
Izuku ignored the threat and glanced around the room. "Wow," he remarked, taking in the barren bedside table, "only one set of flowers? Not much of a fan club these days, huh?"
Bakugo's face burned red as he snarled. "Shut up, Deku! Don't act all smug just because you got a lucky shot in! Next time—"
"Next time, I'll put you back in this bed," Izuku interrupted, his voice calm but laced with an edge. He walked over to a chair in the corner and dragged it closer to the bed, sitting down with deliberate slowness. He crossed his legs, leaning back like he owned the place. "But that's not why I'm here."
Bakugo's mouth opened to retort, but he froze as Izuku unbuttoned his suit jacket, revealing the shirt underneath. Bakugo's face twisted in fury as he took in the image printed across the fabric—a graphic depiction of his own beaten, bloodied form from the alley.
"You bastard!" Bakugo roared, sparks sputtering from his palms.
Izuku smirked. "What? You don't like it? I thought it was a nice memento of our last chat."
Before Bakugo could attempt anything reckless, the door swung open again, and Mitsuki Bakugo strode in. Her fiery demeanor filled the room instantly.
"Katsuki! What did I tell you about using your quirk in here? The sprinklers will go off, and you'll flood the whole damn floor!" she barked, hands on her hips.
Bakugo grumbled, his temper cooling only slightly. "He started it!"
Mitsuki turned to Izuku, her eyes softening as she noticed the flowers. "Oh, Izuku! That's so sweet of you to bring flowers for this little delinquent. You didn't have to do that." She stepped closer, pulling Izuku into a quick hug.
Izuku returned the gesture briefly before stepping back. Mitsuki's gaze shifted to his shirt, and her eyes lit up with amusement. "Wait… is that… Katsuki?" she asked, pointing to the graphic image.
Izuku nodded, smirking. "It's a limited edition. I thought it captured the moment perfectly."
Mitsuki burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "Oh, I have to get one of these! Imagine his face every time I wear it!" She turned to her son. "Serves you right, you little brat. Maybe this'll teach you not to be such a jerk all the time."
Bakugo's face burned crimson. "You can't—what? You can't wear that!"
"Of course I can," Mitsuki shot back, grinning wickedly. "It's a life lesson. Actions have consequences, and this is yours." She turned back to Izuku. "How much for a shirt? I'll take two."
Izuku chuckled. "I'll make sure you get one, free of charge."
"Good boy," Mitsuki said, patting his shoulder. "You've turned out so sweet. Unlike this little terror."
Bakugo growled lowly, his frustration boiling over. "Mom, you can't just—"
"Quiet, Katsuki!" Mitsuki snapped. "Let me enjoy my moment."
Izuku adjusted his jacket, buttoning it back up as he stood. "Well," he said, turning to Bakugo, "I just wanted to check up on you. Glad to see you're still in one piece. Mostly."
As Izuku made his way toward the door, Mitsuki called out after him. "Come by for dinner sometime, Izuku! You're always welcome. Don't let this idiot keep you away."
Izuku turned and gave a polite nod. "I'll think about it. Have a good day, Mitsuki."
Bakugo, seething and unable to retaliate, shouted after him, "You're dead next time, Deku! You hear me?! Dead!"
Izuku walked out, his smirk widening as he heard Mitsuki's voice echo down the hall. "Oh, shut up, Katsuki, before I start wearing that shirt every day!"
Author's Note
That was such a fun and action-packed chapter to write! I hope you guys enjoyed the fight sequences as much as I did. The rooftop clash had me on the edge of my seat while typing it out. Honestly, seeing the characters come into their own during these moments has been incredibly rewarding.
Also, don't worry, Neito (our lovely copycat quirk user) is getting some much-needed character development. I know his constant instigating can be a bit much, but I promise I'll make him a little more bearable moving forward. He'll still stir the pot because, well, it's in his nature, but I'll make sure he's more than just the guy who picks fights.
And let's talk about those outfits! I'm loving how Izuku has embraced the craziness with his crew. The costumes are over-the-top in the best way possible, and they add so much to the dynamic of the group. It's great to see him loosen up a bit and play into the chaos Mei and Toga bring to his life.
Thanks again for sticking with me, and as always, your support means the world! Stay tuned for more madness, growth, and maybe even a bit of humor as we continue this wild ride.