Y'all are wondering where the complex went? It gets hidden whenever Kuro experiences happiness and friendship in this arc.
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Todoroki wasted no time in executing his strategy, intending to end the match as quickly as possible. With a single movement, his right hand touched the ground, and in an instant, the entire building was engulfed in ice. Frost crept up the walls, encased every object, and rapidly spread through the structure like a tidal wave of cold.
The suddenness of the move shocked everyone watching in the observation room. Even All Might raise an eyebrow at the sheer scale of Todoroki's attack. "Well, that's one way to assert dominance," he muttered to himself, impressed by the sheer power on display.
Inside the building, Kuro felt the temperature plummet. The chill was biting, and his breath became visible as the cold air surrounded him. Tsuyu, standing beside him, shivered uncontrollably.
Frogs, being cold-blooded creatures, naturally slow down in cold temperatures. She blinked slowly, her movements sluggish. "Kero... I'm... getting sleepy," she whispered, her body beginning to shut down from the cold.
Kuro's eyes flicked over to Tsuyu, knowing she was vulnerable in this situation. I can't let this go on. He could already feel the freezing energy starting to creep toward them, but he wasn't about to go down so easily.
With a dramatic flair, Kuro smirked, deciding to lean into his "villain" persona for the match. "Oh? Such a grand move, Todoroki. Perhaps you'll be a worthy challenge after all, mortal," Kuro declared, his voice echoing through the frozen room. Even in a mock battle, he couldn't resist taunting his opponent.
Concentrating, Kuro channeled his Ki into the floor beneath him. Light purple energy crackled around him, forming a barrier of sorts as it spread through the ground. The tangible energy shielded him from the intense cold, pushing back the ice that threatened to freeze everything around him.
With a deep focus, Kuro used his Ki to lift the bomb slightly off the floor. By elevating the bomb and keeping it separated from the ground, he prevented Todoroki's ice from reaching and freezing it. The bomb, now suspended in the air by the invisible force of his quirk, was safely shielded.
Meanwhile, back on the ground floor, Todoroki stood still, his breath visible in the frozen air. He waited for the telltale sound of victory—the alarm that would signal the villains had been defeated by his overwhelming ice attack. But instead, there was nothing. Silence.
His expression remained mostly neutral, but a flicker of annoyance passed over his features. It should've been over by now, he thought, his icy blue eyes narrowing as he looked up toward the higher floors. How are they still resisting?
Shoji, standing behind Todoroki, extended one of his dupli-arms, feeling the frost creeping up the walls. "They're still up there," Shoji confirmed, his extra arms picking up the faintest sounds of movement. "I think Kuro's using his quirk to hold off the ice."
Todoroki's eyes narrowed slightly. So, he's using his Ki to shield himself. Interesting. He exhaled, already planning his next move. Fine. If that's how you want to play it, I'll just have to use more force.
The class in the camera room watched with wide eyes as Todoroki's ice took over the building.
"Wow," Kaminari said, shaking his head in disbelief. "He just froze the whole thing instantly. That's crazy strong."
Bakugo, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, scoffed at the display. "Tch. He's trying to end it without even fighting them head-on. What's the point of winning like that?"
"I don't know," Jirou added, "seems like it's working so far."
Iida, ever the voice of reason, adjusted his glasses. "It's a sound strategy. He's using his quirk efficiently to incapacitate the villains before they have a chance to fight back. That's the mark of a good hero."
Meanwhile, Izuku was watching intently, his eyes flicking between the screens showing Kuro's and Tsuyu's positions. Kuro's still holding on... he thought, gripping the edge of his seat. But how long can he keep that up?
Inside the frozen building, Kuro could feel the pressure building. The ice hadn't reached him yet, but the temperature was dropping by the second. Tsuyu, though tough, wouldn't last much longer in these conditions.
"Tsuyu, hold on," Kuro said, his voice laced with focus. He knew he couldn't just stay on the defensive forever. "I'll handle this."
He planted his feet firmly on the ground, his Ki flaring up around him. The light purple energy intensified, creating a larger barrier as it pulsed through his body. If Todoroki thought he could freeze them out without a fight, Kuro was going to make sure he regretted that.
"Let's make things interesting," Kuro muttered, his eyes gleaming. With a sudden burst of energy, he surged forward, breaking through the layer of ice that had formed around them. His Ki-enhanced speed allowed him to dash across the room, moving toward the stairs that led to the lower floors. He knew he couldn't let Todoroki dictate the pace of the match.
...
Kuro, now fully immersed in his role as a villain, was carrying Tsuyu on his back along with the bomb, his purple Ki aura crackling around him. He had destroyed the ice surrounding them, ensuring that the bomb remained intact and Tsuyu could recover. As cold as it was, Kuro's adrenaline was pumping
Despite the overwhelming odds, the thrill of the battle had reignited something deep inside him—a sense of excitement that made him feel alive, as though victory was still possible.
This... this feels amazing! Kuro thought, his eyes gleaming. The last time he felt such an adrenaline rush was during the bet he won against Iida. Impossible odds? Who cares?
Meanwhile, Shoji and Todoroki walked into the frozen building, their breath visible in the cold air. Shoji, despite his calm demeanor, was irritated by the icy environment. His sleeves weren't long enough to protect him from the freezing temperature, and his exposed extra limbs were stiffening in the cold. He turned to Todoroki.
"Can't you use the 'hot' part of your quirk?" Shoji asked, shivering slightly.
Todoroki's expression remained neutral, his breath misting in the cold air. "No."
Shoji, confused by Todoroki's terse response, didn't push further. It wasn't his style to pry, but it was odd to him that Todoroki refused to use the fire half of his quirk when it would help the situation. There must be something more going on, Shoji thought but quickly dismissed it. They had a mission to complete.
As Shoji continued to survey the room with his extended sensory arms, one of his extra ears twitched, picking up something. His eyes narrowed.
"Kuro's on the move," Shoji said, his voice calm but urgent.
Without missing a beat, Todoroki raised his hand and slammed it to the ground, creating another ice wall to block their opponent's path.
From behind the ice, Kuro charged at full speed, the light purple aura of his Ki wrapping around him, intensifying with each step. He grinned, the ice wall only adding to his excitement. With a powerful strike, he smashed through the ice, sending shards flying in all directions as he broke through Todoroki's defense.
Todoroki's eyes widened slightly, though his expression remained cold. Kuro's raw power was undeniable.
Kuro immediately lunged toward Shoji, aiming to take him down first. Shoji reacted quickly, moving behind Todoroki, who formed another ice wall to protect him. The walls of ice were forming rapidly, but Kuro smashed through them again and again, his Ki-enhanced strikes giving him the strength to shatter the frozen barriers.
But as Kuro was about to break through one more wall, Todoroki made his move. Ice erupted from the floor, surrounding Kuro, encasing him in a frozen prison. The building was now covered in layers of ice, and Todoroki, breathing heavily, was beginning to feel the toll of the extreme cold on his body.
Shoji, now out of immediate danger, took advantage of the moment and decided to leave the building. Using his agility, he quickly scaled the exterior of the frozen structure, aiming to approach from above. His extra limbs gave him the reach and flexibility to move swiftly, and he planned to flank Kuro from a different angle.
As Shoji moved, he kept his ears tuned in, picking up the faintest sounds from inside the building. If Todoroki can hold him off a bit longer, I can get the bomb, Shoji thought, his focus unwavering.
Inside the frozen shell, Kuro's purple Ki flared up even brighter, breaking through the layers of ice that encased him. With a powerful burst, he shattered the ice, sending chunks of frozen debris flying in all directions. His breath was heavy, but his eyes gleamed with defiance.
He turned to Todoroki, a confident smirk playing across his lips. "Did you truly think that would be enough to stop a god?"
Todoroki, though growing weary from the cold, narrowed his eyes slightly. He's still going strong. But Todoroki wasn't one for banter. He simply took a step forward, raising his hand again, preparing another icy assault.
"This ends now," Todoroki said, his voice calm but with a clear intent to finish the battle.
Kuro grinned even wider, his heart racing. "You're going to have to try harder than that, Todoroki."
...
Kuro continued to smash through Todoroki's ice, his purple Ki flaring as he powered through every barrier Todoroki erected. Each time Kuro destroyed another wall of ice, he taunted Todoroki relentlessly.
"Is this all you've got, Todoroki?" Kuro called out, his voice echoing through the frozen air. "A god expects more from a challenge!" The smirk on his face was infectious, the thrill of the battle pulsing through his veins.
Todoroki, on the other hand, was beginning to feel the effects of overusing his ice quirk. His breath came in ragged gasps as frost began forming on his arms, creeping up his body. The intense cold of his quirk was taking its toll, freezing even him.
He raised another ice wall to block Kuro, but it wasn't enough. Kuro broke through once again, charging directly at Todoroki, ready to land a decisive hit.
But just as Kuro's fist was about to connect, he stopped. His hand hovered inches from Todoroki's face. The air was cold and heavy between them.
Kuro narrowed his eyes, looking Todoroki directly in the eye. "What's wrong with you? Why aren't you using the fire part of your quirk?" he asked bluntly. His voice lacked the usual taunting edge—there was genuine confusion there.
Todoroki's expression remained cold, but his voice was tight with strain. "I'm good at using it... I just won't."
Kuro's expression softened, just slightly. "No matter how strong I get, I'll always fight someone with everything I have. So, what's this shameful display? Is this all you can show a god?"
For a brief moment, Todoroki's calm façade faltered. His mind flashed back to his childhood, to the grueling training sessions with his father, the pressure to be the best—to be better than All Might.
His father, the No. 2 hero, Endeavor, had always drilled into him that his fire quirk was a tool for power, something to dominate with. But Todoroki had vowed never to use the fire half of his quirk. Not after everything his father had put him through. Not after—
But now, facing Kuro, that familiar sense of ego in Kuro's taunts—that same arrogance, reminded him so much of his father. That bastard.
Something snapped
A sudden, explosive wave of flame burst from Todoroki's left side, pushing Kuro back with sheer heat and force. Kuro was flung backward, skidding across the icy floor but catching himself before he could hit the wall. His eyes widened, and a grin spread across his face.
This—this was what he wanted. The thrill of battle, the feeling of facing an opponent giving everything they had.
Todoroki's fire blazed around him, melting the ice on his body as his anger flared uncontrollably. His eyes blazed with a mixture of fury and frustration, but there was something deeper there—something unresolved. "Is this what you wanted?!" Todoroki shouted, his voice shaking with emotion. "Are you happy now, Kuro?!"
Kuro, standing back up, brushed the dust and ash from his coat, still grinning. But now, he could see it—Todoroki wasn't talking to him. This wasn't about their fight anymore. No, this was something personal. Some trauma. Or maybe... daddy issues? Kuro thought, smirking inwardly. Whatever it was, Kuro didn't care.
"I'd say I'm more than happy," Kuro replied, his voice a mixture of amusement and satisfaction. "This is the kind of fight a god deserves."
Meanwhile, Shoji was scaling the outside of the building, his multiple arms allowing him to feel the structure and find footing. But the ice made it almost impossible to climb effectively. The windows and openings were all frozen shut, and his hands slipped on the icy surfaces. He gritted his teeth in frustration
This ice is everywhere. Shoji thought, exasperated. The battle between Kuro and Todoroki inside was affecting the entire structure, and the intense cold had frozen everything solid. Climbing was becoming a tedious, near-impossible task.
Shoji considered going back inside to confront Kuro and Todoroki directly, but he quickly dismissed the thought. No. That's suicide. He knew that if he tried to enter now, he'd get caught in the crossfire of their clash, and that was the last thing he needed.
With a deep breath, Shoji decided on the only option left. He continued climbing until he reached the top of the building. Once there, he would have to break through the roof to get inside. He tightened his grip and kept going, determined to get the upper hand despite the obstacles.
The students in the camera room watched with wide eyes as Todoroki's fire erupted on the monitors. It was an intense, unexpected turn of events.
"Whoa..." Kaminari whispered, his eyes glued to the screen. "Todoroki actually used his fire... I didn't think he ever would."
"I didn't even know he had a fire quirk," Jirou added, equally shocked.
Izuku, sitting on the edge of his seat, could feel the weight of the moment. He understood—Todoroki had been holding back, probably for personal reasons. But why now? What had Kuro said to push him to this point?
All Might, observing closely, felt a heavy pit form in his stomach. This is something more than just a simple match, he thought. He knew Todoroki's complicated history with his father, Endeavor, and it was clear that something about this battle had triggered those emotions.
Bakugo, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, smirked. "About time, half-and-half. Guess Kuro pulled something useful out of him."
Momo, sitting beside Iida, seemed concerned. "This... isn't going the way I expected," she said softly. "Something's off."
Iida, ever focused on the rules, nodded. "Todoroki's emotions may be getting the best of him. But that's why this exercise is important—to learn how to control one's power, no matter the circumstance."
Back in the building, Todoroki's flames burned brightly, melting the ice around him and illuminating the room with a harsh, flickering light. Kuro stood across from him, his purple Ki still flaring, though now competing against the intense heat of Todoroki's fire.
Kuro's grin never wavered. "So, you do have some fire in you after all. But I'll say it again—if you want to beat me, you'll have to give it everything you've got. No holding back."
Todoroki's eyes were blazing, but his voice was quieter now, more controlled. "This ends here."
...
His thoughts swirled back to his father, Endeavor, pushing him to be stronger, to use his fire, to surpass All Might.
This is my quirk, not his, Todoroki repeated to himself, though with each passing moment, the conviction wavered. But looking at Kuro, with his unrelenting confidence and overwhelming strength, something shifted in Todoroki's resolve. They're the same... Kuro and Endeavor... both with inflated egos, both obsessed with strength.
As he fought harder, Todoroki made a silent promise to himself: After this, I'll never use his quirk again. But for now... I'll bury it here.
Kuro, while dodging another wave of fire, couldn't help but notice something different about Todoroki's expression. He seemed... sad. There was no longer just frustration or rage in his attacks, but a deeper, more personal pain.
Is he... trying to kill me? Kuro mused, dodging another intense flame blast. He grinned to himself. Well, that just makes this all the more fun.
Despite the heat and intensity, Kuro's mind wandered for a moment, wondering how Iida would have handled this situation. Probably with a lot more restraint, Kuro thought, laughing to himself as he narrowly avoided another searing blast.
Meanwhile, at the top of the building, Shoji had finally broken through the icy roof with a powerful strike from his dupli-arms. The ice shattered, and he dropped inside, but as he landed, his eyes quickly scanned the area—only to find that the bomb wasn't there.
Where is it? Shoji wondered, frustration creeping in. The entire building was covered in ice, making every movement difficult, and every minute spent searching felt like wasted time. His muscles ached from the freezing conditions, but he pushed forward. It must be one floor above. He began climbing again, determined to find the bomb before it was too late
As Todoroki continued his assault, his mind spiraled further into memories of his father. Endeavor... pushing me to use the flames... always pushing me to be better, to fight harder, to be the best. Why can't he just leave me alone?
The image of Endeavor's harsh face flashed in Todoroki's mind, mixing with the intensity of the battle. Kuro's constant grin, his relentless confidence—it reminded Todoroki too much of his father. The heat of the flames, the suffocating pressure to be perfect, all swirled inside him, and it was becoming unbearable.
No, I won't let him control me. I won't be like him.
Todoroki tried to calm himself, to regain control of his quirk and his emotions. But then Kuro, in his usual playful tone, said something that cut deeper than any ice or fire attack.
Dodging another blast of flames, Kuro chuckled. "You know, Todoroki, I bet your mother would be proud of you if you just stopped holding back and went all out. This is so much more fun when we can fight at our best.
It was meant to be a light-hearted tease, part of Kuro's usual banter. But the words landed with a devastating impact.
Todoroki's entire body froze mid-attack. His mind flashed back to memories of his mother, of the pain and suffering she endured because of his father—and because of him. His mother, was the one person who had always cared for him, even when she was afraid of his quirk. The person whose scar he carried in his heart, not just on his face.
Todoroki's expression darkened, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and grief. "What do you know... about my mother?"
Kuro, realizing he had struck a nerve, started to backtrack, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Whoa, hold on, Todoroki. I didn't mean it like—"
But before Kuro could finish, Todoroki's palm shot forward, slamming against Kuro's stomach. A massive burst of flame erupted from Todoroki's hand, blasting Kuro backward with intense force. The flames tore through the building, creating a gaping hole in the wall as the explosion rocked the entire structure.
Shoji, still climbing through the building, felt the shockwave from the explosion ripple through the ice-covered walls. His arms instinctively reached out to stabilize himself, but the sheer force of the blast sent vibrations through the entire building. What the—? Shoji thought, his eyes widening as the heat from the explosion momentarily thawed the ice around him.
Todoroki... did he just...? Shoji didn't have time to dwell on it. He knew the fight between Todoroki and Kuro had just reached a new level of intensity, and he needed to find the bomb quickly—before things escalated any further.
Back in the observation room, the students and All Might watched the battle unfold, each with their reactions to the intense clash.
Ochaco gasped when she saw Todoroki's flames erupt, covering her mouth with her hands. "That was... too much, right? He's going all out now!"
Momo, sitting beside her, watched with concern. "This isn't just about winning the match anymore," she said softly. "Todoroki's... struggling with something deeper."
Izuku, sitting tensely, could feel the weight of Todoroki's conflict. He had always sensed there was more to Todoroki's reluctance to use his fire quirk, but now it was clear. He's fighting something else, not just Kuro.
All Might, standing beside the students, narrowed his eyes as he watched the flames rip through the building. He could see the deeper struggle too—the way Todoroki's emotions were taking control. "Todoroki... you need to keep your heart steady," All Might muttered under his breath. He knew that sometimes, battles weren't just physical—they were emotional. And this one was quickly spiraling out of control.
Bakugo, meanwhile, was watching with a mix of surprise and frustration. "Tch, he's finally using his fire, but what's up with that emo crap? Just fight already!"
Iida, ever the voice of reason, tried to maintain some level of calm. "This... this is more than just a practice match. We might need to stop it before someone gets seriously hurt."
Yaoyorozu agreed, "But at the same time...it's clear, they want to settle this."
...
The intense blast from Todoroki's flames left Kuro's body scorched, his once-flaring Ki aura dimmed and his skin charred black. Todoroki, still catching his breath from the powerful attack, looked at the aftermath in disbelief.
For a moment, his heart sank. Did I go too far? The flames had been so intense that even Todoroki, who had sworn not to rely on his fire quirk, felt the weight of his actions.
The observation deck was silent as the students and faculty witnessed the aftermath of the blast. All Might's usual cheerful demeanor was replaced with a look of concern, and Aizawa narrowed his eyes, taking in the situation carefully.
"Was such a large blast really necessary... for a match?" Momo voiced, her eyes wide with worry.
Ochaco had her hands clasped over her mouth. "Is Kuro okay?"
Even Aizawa, who was usually composed, showed a flicker of surprise. "That was... excessive." He glanced over at All Might. "You should be prepared to intervene."
All Might, his hands clenched into fists, was seconds away from jumping in if things went any further. This is supposed to be training, not a battlefield.
However, Bakugo watched the scene with a different kind of intensity, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips. "Tch. You guys don't get it, do you? If there's one thing Kuro hates more than anything, it's losing. Especially when he's in the middle of one of his 'god complex' rants."
The rest of the class watched in stunned silence as Kuro, his body charred, remained standing in the wreckage of the building.
Todoroki, still reeling from the battle, turned around to face what he thought was the end. But what he saw sent a chill down his spine. Kuro, burned and battered, stood in the debris, his clothes tattered and his skin scorched, yet one eye was open, glowing faintly with determination. He was still standing.
How...? Todoroki thought, his heart pounding in his chest. He had thrown everything he had into that attack. It should've been over. Kuro should've been down.
But Kuro's expression was different now. Something darker, more intense, had surfaced in him. As Todoroki prepared to speak, to maybe call for a halt to the fight, he could feel something off in Kuro's gaze.
For the briefest of moments, Todoroki thought he saw something in Kuro that didn't resemble a hero at all.
Before Todoroki could react, Kuro surged forward with surprising speed. His charred body moved with an unnatural quickness, and in one swift motion, Kuro's foot slammed into Todoroki's temple with brutal force. Todoroki's eyes rolled back as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he could even register what had happened.
Kuro stood over Todoroki for a moment, breathing heavily, his body still covered in burns but his stance firm. With a smirk that barely masked the pain he was in, Kuro leaned down and picked up Todoroki's limp body, carrying him with ease despite his injuries.
In a single fluid motion, Kuro walked to the edge of the building and dropped Todoroki outside onto the ground below. The match was over, and Kuro had won.
A few minutes before Kuro knocked out Todoroki, Shoji had finally located the bomb on the floor above.
Moving quickly, he made his way toward it, hoping to secure the objective before the battle below spiraled even further out of control. The sounds of Kuro and Todoroki's clash echoed through the walls, but Shoji knew they wouldn't hear him. He had to act fast.
Just as Shoji was within arm's reach of the bomb, a swift kick landed squarely in his stomach, sending him stumbling backward. He grunted in surprise, his reflexes kicking in as he narrowly dodged a sharp piece of ice aimed directly at his head.
Shoji's eyes darted around, trying to locate his attacker. Dropping down from the ceiling with an agile leap was Tsuyu Asui, fully recovered. Her frog-like quirk made her movements swift and fluid, and she landed gracefully between Shoji and the bomb.
Tsuyu gave a slight frown, her normally calm expression replaced with a focused determination. Kuro's plan worked perfectly, she thought. While Kuro had been keeping Todoroki busy and enduring the flames, Tsuyu had been slowly reheating thanks to the fire, allowing her to recover from the cold-induced hibernation.
Shoji, regaining his balance, realized what had happened. Kuro planned this. He knew Todoroki would use his fire quirk and intentionally positioned Tsuyu to reheat.
"You're not getting to the bomb that easily," Tsuyu said, her voice calm but firm. She had planned to distract Shoji with the ice attack and use the capture tape to finish the match quietly. But it was clear now that Shoji wasn't going down without a fight.
Shoji, his expression calm despite the situation, shifted his stance. His dupli-arms extended from his back, giving him extra limbs to attack and defend with. "You won't stop me," he said simply, focusing on Tsuyu.
Tsuyu's tongue flicked out, ready to use it to disarm Shoji, but she knew this wouldn't be easy. Shoji was fast and had excellent reflexes. It was clear a fight was inevitable.
The two faced off in the narrow space, the air heavy with tension. Tsuyu made the first move, leaping into the air and flicking her tongue toward Shoji in a swift, almost snake-like motion. Shoji, anticipating the attack, used his extra arms to deflect her tongue mid-air, pushing her back with a strong swipe.
Tsuyu landed on the wall, her hands and feet sticking to the surface as she quickly changed positions, darting around the room to keep Shoji on his toes. Her agility was a clear advantage, but Shoji's awareness and adaptability made it difficult for her to land a clean hit.
Shoji, with his extra arms now fully extended, launched a counterattack. His fists moved in rapid succession, aiming to corner Tsuyu and force her into a vulnerable position. But Tsuyu's flexibility and nimbleness kept her just out of reach, leaping from wall to wall like a blur.
However, Shoji wasn't without his own tricks. Using his dupli-arms, he suddenly extended one of his arms toward the ceiling, using it as leverage to swing toward the bomb. His plan was to grab it while Tsuyu was focused on dodging, but Tsuyu saw the move coming.
With a swift flick of her wrist, Tsuyu tossed the capture tape in Shoji's direction, aiming to entangle him mid-swing.
The students watching from the observation deck were glued to the monitors, torn between the brutal aftermath of Kuro and Todoroki's battle and the tactical face-off between Shoji and Tsuyu.
"Is Kuro... okay?" Ochaco asked nervously, her eyes wide with concern as she watched Kuro drop Todoroki outside.
Momo frowned. "This is getting out of hand. Someone should intervene."
Iida, ever the voice of reason, adjusted his glasses. "Yes, the intensity of the battles is escalating beyond normal training. This... isn't good."
Bakugo, however, couldn't help but smirk as he watched Kuro. "I told you, didn't I? When he's backed into a corner like that, Kuro's true side comes out. He won't lose."
All Might, still watching with concern, prepared himself to intervene if necessary. That last strike... there was something in Kuro's eyes. He wasn't sure if what he had seen in Kuro's gaze was the resolve of a hero... or something else entirely.
...
As Shoji and Tsuyu faced off, the tension in the room was palpable. Shoji's eyes flicked back and forth, analyzing Tsuyu's movements, but then, the sound of footsteps—slow and limping—echoed down the hallway.
It was Kuro.
His charred body dragged itself into the room, covered in burns, his clothes in tatters. Blood and ash dripped from his mouth as he took a singular look around the battlefield. With a grim expression, Kuro spat a bit of blood onto the ground and scanned the scene.
Kuro's gaze landed on Tsuyu, his partner. His voice, though raspy, still carried the tone of his unwavering confidence. "Tsuyu... want my help?"
Kuro didn't usually like intervening in someone else's fight, but Tsuyu was his teammate, and he always prided himself on being reliable when needed. Tsuyu, however, shook her head.
"No, thanks, Kuro. I got this, kero," she said calmly, her usual unflappable demeanor returning. Even though she had been weakened by the cold earlier, she was still ready to handle the situation.
Kuro, seeing that Tsuyu didn't need his help, gave a small nod before his body seemed to relax all at once. The injuries from Todoroki's flames had finally caught up to him. He slumped to the ground, unconscious, his body unable to take any more.
Shoji, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief. If I had to fight Kuro right now, even in his injured state, that would've made this a 2v1... and there's no way I could've handled that.
Shoji took a deep breath and refocused on Tsuyu. With Kuro out of the way, the path to victory was clearer, but Tsuyu was still a formidable opponent. He charged forward, intent on reaching the bomb before she could react.
But just as he was about to make a move, his foot stuck. Shoji froze for a moment, confused. He had been careful to avoid any obvious traps—there were no puddles of water or ice around him that could have tripped him up.
His eyes darted down, and realization hit him as he looked back up at Tsuyu. It's her saliva...
Tsuyu stood a short distance away, calm as ever. "Frog saliva... it looks a lot like water, kero," she explained, slowly making her way toward Shoji, holding the capture tape in her hand. "It spreads easily, but after it sits for a while, it gets really sticky.
Shoji glanced down again, seeing the faint sheen of saliva on the floor where he had stepped. He had walked right into her trap. She planned this all along.
With swift and precise movements, Tsuyu wrapped the capture tape around Shoji, binding his arms and legs before he could react.
Shoji sighed in resignation, knowing he had been outsmarted. "I admit defeat.
Back in the observation room, All Might and Aizawa watched the final moments of the match unfold, impressed by Tsuyu's clever use of her quirk. Despite being at a disadvantage earlier in the match due to the cold, Tsuyu had turned things around with quick thinking and precise execution.
All Might smiled widely as he made the announcement. "The winners of this match... Kurokami Tenshin and Tsuyu Asui, the villains! With 2 minutes and 12 seconds to spare, they have successfully defended the bomb and defeated the heroes!"
The rest of the class, who had been watching with bated breath, erupted into a mix of applause and surprise.
"That was brilliant!" Kaminari exclaimed, his eyes wide. "I didn't even know Tsuyu could do that with her saliva!"
"Her thinking was impressive," Iida added, adjusting his glasses. "She effectively neutralized Shoji without needing to engage in a prolonged fight."
Bakugo, who had been watching with crossed arms, scoffed. "Tch. That damn Kuro didn't even stay down after that blast... but I guess Froggy did her job."
Ochaco looked relieved, glancing between the monitors showing Tsuyu and the unconscious Kuro. "I'm glad they won, but... is Kuro going to be okay?"
Back in the building, Tsuyu let out a small breath of relief as she stood over the restrained Shoji. Her calm expression belied the strain she had been under throughout the fight, especially after the cold had weakened her earlier. She glanced at Kuro's unconscious form, lying not far away.
He really gave everything, she thought. But... he'll be okay.
The sound of All Might's voice echoed through the building, signaling the end of the match. Medics were already rushing in to tend to Kuro's severe injuries, and Shoji, despite being restrained, was unhurt.
Tsuyu, though victorious, felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She had done it—they had won—but it hadn't been easy. The cold, the pressure, and the overwhelming strength of Todoroki's flames had made this one of the most challenging training sessions yet.
But as the medics(Yes, they have medics, this is UA, of course they do.) carried Kuro out, she couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of pride. We did it.
...
As the dust settled from the intense battle, All Might and Aizawa took a moment to calm the tension in the room. The class, still buzzing with excitement and lingering surprise, began to settle down. Aizawa, his usual stern demeanor in place, addressed the students.
"Now, let's take this opportunity to grade the contestants," Aizawa said in his usual monotone, though his sharp eyes scanned the class, waiting for their input.
Stepping up as Vice President, Momo Yaoyorozu cleared her throat and took the lead in providing feedback. "Both teams performed exceptionally well," she began, her voice confident and analytical. "However, it's clear that the strategy and quick thinking by Kuro ultimately showed whose plan was superior. Todoroki's opening move with the ice was powerful and impressive, but Kuro adapted quickly."
She continued, her assessment precise. "The frozen environment wore both Todoroki and Shoji down over time. The ice made it difficult for Shoji to navigate the building and find the bomb efficiently. In a regular environment where the building hadn't been frozen, Shoji would've had a better chance of locating the bomb faster. Additionally, fighting Tsuyu in a less vertical environment would've limited her ability to move around freely, giving Shoji and Todoroki a distinct advantage."
Aizawa, internally sighing at how detailed Momo was, gave her a nod of approval. "Good analysis. But there's more to it."
He turned to Todoroki, who had recently rejoined the group after being carried out of the building. His face was impassive, but the lingering guilt from his earlier actions was evident.
"Todoroki," Aizawa began, his tone sharp but instructive, "you could've won this match easily. Your quirk's versatility wasn't used to its full potential. You focused too much on overwhelming your opponents, but what you really needed to do was distract Kuro and Tsuyu. Had you properly utilized both aspects of your quirk—ice and fire—you could have worn them down and secured the win."
Todoroki stood silent, absorbing the critique. He knew Aizawa was right. He had been reckless, allowing his emotions to guide him instead of his strategy. I was being childish, Todoroki thought. For a hero, that was... shameful.
Aizawa then shifted his focus to Shoji. "Shoji," he said, his tone slightly softer. "For what it's worth, you did amazing."
The compliment from Aizawa, known for rarely handing out praise, took the entire class by surprise. A few students even exchanged shocked glances, not expecting such a positive remark.
"You acted fast and made solid decisions. You recognized Tsuyu's strengths and tried to work around them. If it hadn't been for Tsuyu's pre-planned trap with her saliva, you would've succeeded in securing the bomb. My only critique is to be more cautious of your environment. Small details, like the floor's texture, can change the course of a battle."
Shoji nodded, appreciative of the feedback. He understood that he had been outplayed by Tsuyu's clever tactics, but hearing Aizawa's praise reassured him that he had done well overall.
All Might, relieved that Aizawa had taken on the more serious critique, stepped forward with his usual broad smile. "Excellent job, everyone! I'm proud to see how much effort and skill you all put into your roles—both as heroes and villains. But remember, this is just the beginning! You'll have plenty of chances to improve and learn from these battles."
With a quick glance at the clock, All Might clapped his hands together. "Now, let's keep this momentum going! Our next match will begin shortly!"
The students perked up at the mention of the next match, curious to see who would be battling next.
All Might checked the roster, then called out, "Eijiro Kirishima and Mina Ashido versus Yuga Aoyama and Mineta Minoru!"
The announcement sparked immediate reactions from the class. Kirishima, the embodiment of enthusiasm, cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Alright! Let's do this, Mina!"
Mina, equally excited, struck a pose and gave a thumbs-up. "We're gonna rock this match!"
On the other hand, Mineta groaned audibly, looking less than thrilled about his opponent. "Ugh, I'm up against Kirishima? This is gonna be rough..."
Yuga Aoyama, always dramatic, struck a pose of his own, winking at his classmates. "Fear not, mes amis, for I shall dazzle the battlefield with my brilliance!"
The class chuckled at Aoyama's over-the-top theatrics, but there was a sense of excitement as the next match was about to begin.
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[Auther: Yo, time to give Kuro a Zenkai Boost...haha...]