Chapter Text
Katsuki stretched in front of his locker, doing some last-minute Pilates and exercises. He calmed himself, hoping the mic teacher would just announce the fight and get this over with. They had five more minutes until the next match, given that some of the arena got damaged by Punk Chick during her fight with Frog. The blonde bomber looked back as he stretched his arms, seeing Horngirl doing some leg work. She performed some rapid squats up and down before taking a swig of water and closing her locker. Her blue eyes turned, and sky blue met ruby.
Huh, Horngirl really thought she had a shot against him. Fat chance, but she got this far, and rushing in half cocked already gave one more win to Deku than he deserved. This far into the festival, Katsuki couldn't afford to make that kind of mistake.
He remembered during the race, how fast she was riding her horns over the minefield. If he remembered right, she'd probably take to the skies, try and get some advantage over his explosion. From there, Katsuki could only guess, but it would leave her without a set of horns to defend against him for the first few seconds.
Above him, sirens blared, the loud mouth teacher getting the crowd ready for the next fight. He scoffed at Horngirl's glare as he shut his locker and walked out the door, giving only a single glance back to confirm that she was coming out.
All that mattered right now was to win. Katsuki saw the TVs on the ceiling showing highlights, bottom scrolls, and social media feeds of the Sports Festival.
Once he beat her, he'd be one step closer to facing Parker, if he didn't fuck up against Vinegirl. Although… Katsuki couldn't contain a soft chuckle and a smirk. The prospect of either besting Icy-Hot or blasting Deku to the moon in the next round was incredibly tantalizing. He felt his quirk pop and simmer under the surface as his expression shifted back to a stoic visage.
The roar of the crowd came forth as the two walked out together into the stadium, the hype of the start of the Second Round boiling over.
"ALL RIGHT AND WE ARE BACK! WE HAVE A BIG CONTRAST IN STYLES AND POWER, BUT THIS MATCH MAY PROVE TO BE ONE OF THE MORE INTERESTING ONES YET TO START OFF OUR SECOND ROUND SLATE!" Present Mic boomed as the two walked up to the arena.
"IT IS ALSO OUR SECOND IN HERO COURSE CLASS CLASHES! CLASS 1-A VERSUS 1-B!" Katsuki took his side of the field, as Horngirl took hers. He glared, narrowing her eyes. Most people tended to falter or wilt with his intimidation. Always useful for getting an edge.
All Horngirl did was glare back, hands at her sides as her blue eyes focused on him. They turned to the side, and Katsuki followed her gaze. In the Class 1-A box, Parker was cheering, and he could make out her name being called.
The blond rolled his eyes and focused on his opponent as Present Mic finished his little hype speech.
Katsuki knelt down, both hands behind him and ready to Turbo Rush her. A quick and fast ring-out and-
Horngirl got down on all fours in a sprinter's position, her horns vibrating as she looked up at him.
Katsuki could feel a rush down his spine. Anticipation. The thrill of battle coursing through his veins. Birdbrain was nothing but a walk in the park.
This would be his real warmup. In preparation for Deku or Icy-Hot as the real challenge. From there, come what may, he was standing on that podium with a number one around his neck. In all likelihood, either Parker or Vinegirl will be his last obstacle.
'I will be the one closest to All Might when all is said and done. No one else.' His gaze went to the stands, narrowing at a certain American. 'And certainly not you.'
"Both fighters are ready and set!" Midnight declared from her perch, Katsuki's gaze of steel meeting Horngirl's iron glare. "BEGIN!"
Katsuki took off, explosions blasting off behind him while Horngirl's horns detached as she ran. She got onto her horns and Katsuki saw his target.
Take out the horns. Remove her aerial capabilities. He lashed his hand out, grunting as he blasted, only for Horngirl to leap over his blast, sacrificing her horns. Katsuki didn't bother looking back, employing Turbo again and avoiding two horns clattering off the ground where he once stood. He pivoted on the spot and blasted off as he saw the girl land on a new set of horns, new ones taking their place.
She could fly, yet in terms of breakneck speed over short distances, explosions were unrivaled! Katsuki bared his teeth, leading with his right hand. Horngirl gaped in surprise at his speed as he released, firing an explosive blast point-blank.
Before he could feel comfortable, he felt two horns slam their flat edges against him and push him back! The same move she used against Orange! Katsuki yelled, twisting and contorting his body and speeding up his corkscrew motion with his Explosion, destroying the horns in the process.
'Not all that tough, they're more like hardened fingernails than ivory, but they have mass,' Katsuki thought as he landed, seeing the smoke fade as Horngirl stood standing, singed and her U.A. uniform in tatters, but nonetheless undaunted. She lowered her head, and fired another duo of horns.
Katsuki blasted off, glaring at her as he remained silent, charging for her as he reared back his right hand, destroying the projectiles and continuing his Turbo rush towards her. He made it through the smoke, swiping with his left hand at the spot where Horngirl was.
His explosive blast caught nothing but air. "Huh?" Katsuki uttered before he felt his stomach get slammed by something hard. The boy gasped and coughed as he was knocked off his feet by a double hoof-kick, grunting as he landed and skidded on the ground. He got back on his feet using his Explosion to propel him up. Right on time too, as two horns zoomed past where he was lying down. He landed, glaring hard at the girl as she regrew another pair, her hooves patting against the ground akin to an enraged bull. All she did was glare back, nostrils flaring.
'She got me with that.' He rubbed his stomach, wincing in pain. That shot would definitely leave a bruise. After a moment, the crowd erupted in a jubilant roar. Katsuki narrowed his eyes. 'For all flying her horns give her, she's got some pretty shit maneuverability .' He aimed his hands, avoiding another pair of horns as he dashed to the side. 'She can only use two, that's her max before she starts losing it. And one good hit on her, and she's done!'
Horngirl looked at him, eyes hard and set as Katsuki gritted his teeth. She wasn't backing down. Perhaps her style wasn't well matched against Icy-Hot and more against someone like him, huh? Was that idea going through her head, giving her confidence?
Time to show her where she belonged on the totem pole.
"Come and get me, Hafu," Katsuki uttered, and Horngirl fired two horns at him, making him dodge to the right. He looked down, seeing her land on another set of horns as he narrowed his eyes, not grinning even though he felt satisfaction rush through his being.
She'd taken the bait.
(X)
This was going to end poorly.
Shouta watched as the two students circled one another, both of them probing the capabilities of the other with long-range shots. Surprisingly Bakugo was the one on the defensive, using explosive bursts to defend against Tsunotori's horn missiles.
He'd been keeping his quirk toned down, limiting his shots until the right moment. Bakugo was looking towards the other potential fights, yet every bit of his attention was focused on his opponent. The first opponent that had given her the attention that she deserved.
Present Mic barely talked about her contributions in the war during the break's rundown, but she had still earned second place in the Obstacle Course. No matter what people thought she looked like she was no china doll, she'd earned her place here.
And unlike her class representative, Bakugo would have no reservations against using his all if she forced his hand. Right now, it seemed to Shouta that Bakugo was only using as much as he thought he needed. It could cost him later, but it gave him an advantage if he needed to ramp up. The second of surprise that would come with seeing Bakugo's true capacity would be more than enough to earn the berserker a victory.
However, watching Bakugo's blast hit a little too close for Mic's liking if his wince was anything to go by. Combining the nature of his quirk with the stubbornness that the girl has been showing since the finals started….
He turned his gaze to the stands, where a certain loudmouth student was literally on the edge of his seat.
Shouta turned back to Bakugo. The boy knew what was at stake, he was paying attention when Shouta explained the importance of the Festival. But, even if Bakugo was giving his opponent the respect she deserved, the black haired man remembered the first Battle Trial e when he fought Midoriya.
He would stop this match, faster than the refs could if he needed to.
(X)
It was strange. Running around, firing her horns under the sun, the heat biting at her skin. It almost felt like home.
Except, the ranch never had this many people visit.
And the heat came from the fiery explosions, not the sun.
Pony dug her hooves into the ground, but a blast lit up her vision. Heat and air sent her tumbling back. Blinking the stars out of her eyes, Pony dragged herself to her feet, her horns at the ready.
Only for another blast to snipe her horns out from over her head. Superheated air slammed into her face, throwing her back to the ground. Her vision swirled as her head hit the concrete. Her arms felt sluggish, but they managed to find the ground beneath her and push her back up.
"If you're just gonna lay there, you can hurry up and die!"
Instinct flared through her, her hooves finding purchase and flinging her to the side. Pony felt her right side light up with the heat, and she barely managed to stop herself from going over the arena's edge. She looked up, the great flaming torch greeting her as her eyes focused. Ignoring the pain, she dragged herself back to all fours, glaring back at her opponent. Despite that early hit, Bakugo didn't even look winded as he threw those bombs her way.
He probably could do a whole lot better, he'd turned that zero pointer's head to nothing earlier today. Even so…
"I'm not done yet."
Bakugo scoffed, "Good, 'cause crying uncle at this point wouldn't do you any good."
She launched a horn at him, only for him to blast it away with one hand and fling an explosive wave her way with the other. Pony launched herself into the air, catching herself with her horns, Bakugo's glare followed her every inch as she ascended.
"I know, but heroes don't back down. I'm not, and Peter-"
Bakugo's eyes narrowed, "Oh give me a break!"
He brought his hands together, and unleashed a ball of fire that went under her? Pony barely had time to wonder why before the shot went critical on the concrete below her, pelting her with rocks and hot air, causing her to fall the small distance to the ground. It was only about six feet, but she hit hard, scraping her side and making her arm burn against the ground. She seethed, groaning in pain.
"Parker this and Parker that, is everyone part of his fucking fanclub or something? The foreigner gets a cool suit, which he then loses for being weak, throws a few pathetic one-liners, treats this entire Sports Festival like a goddamn joke, and I'm just supposed to accept that his joking ass is supposed to be Number One? The closest one to All Might!? I refuse that!"
Pony winced as she tried to move her arm, but she could deal with it. Rising once again, Pony found herself the target of Bakugo's burning glare.
Only, it was even angrier as he marched towards her.
"Wake the fuck up. He's not the one fighting here, so quit thinking of him and fucking focus on what you're here for." He snarled. "You're strong and capable! So get back up and fight for yourself and no one else, you stupid cow!"
Pony's eyes narrowed, her teeth bared. They were standing in the middle of the arena now… She charged.
'Just get him a little closer, and I got'im!' She thought to herself as she darted forward, low to the ground, horns still in her head and at the ready. Bakugo shifted into a stance as he reared back his right hand.
She got in close and sidestepped left, firing only to get a quick blast to the face for her troubles. Pony yelled, rolling across the ground before recovering, ignoring the pain in her body. 'Not yet!' She regrew her horns and charged again, Pony focusing on the smoke and debris. She saw a hand, and she fired.
A horn missed, but she heard Bakugo grunt from getting nicked. "Die!" And Pony's world spun with the force of another blast. She skidded across the hard floor, getting back up onto all fours. Her blonde hair was in tatters, burns and bruises all across her body as she yelled like a berserker. She wasn't going to lose like this!
Bakugo saw her approach as he swung his arm, getting rid of the dust and debris that she charged straight through.
Fast as she could, she conjured two horns, and they spun around her back, another set sprouting out of her head. Bakugo aimed his hands and Pony fired, going right. Two thunderous blasts rang out, destroying the horns and Pony covered her face as the heat and dust made her ears ring, but she charged regardless.
He hadn't moved!
Pony pounced, leading with her head as Bakugo sidestepped her charge. Her horns grazed his shirt, tearing it as she ducked a potential right-handed swipe. She kicked upwards, the blond avoiding a thrusting hoof.
"Just die already!" Bakugo roared, Pony saw him aim down as she smirked.
With a crackling ember, a flaming horn that had been hiding behind the brazier to the corner of the arena slammed into Bakugo's back, catching him completely off guard and missing his right-handed strike. Bakugo yelled in pain at the searing hot projectile, twirling around to destroy the horn…
Only to get a double-hoof kick to the head for his troubles as Pony pushed up with her arms, her horns firing into the ground to give her extra propulsion, saliva and sweat blasting off his head like a boxer getting sucker-punched. Bakugo staggered, eyes unfocused as Pony regrouped and charged. He raised his right hand to stop her advance out of instinct...
The other burning horn slammed into his hand, redirecting it as he howled in agony from the searing hot strike, before being tackled by the Texan in the gut. They tumbled to the ground as Pony got behind him. She brought her arms to his neck, bringing him to a rear-naked chokehold as she squeezed, her muscular horse-like legs pinning Bakugo's down.
She didn't hear the gasp of the audience, or the cry of Present Mic. All she focused on was the win, baring her teeth as she pulled on her arm around Bakugo's neck. Just needed to make him pass out or tap out. Papa had done this with pigs and villains many a time back home after all!
Bakugo gasped, his fingers clawing and scraping at her arm that betrayed just how muscular she was under her seemingly cute and delicate frame. Pony tugged tighter. 'Pass out, damnit!' He grabbed her arm and fired off Explosions like firecrackers. The blonde girl screamed in pain, only making her squeeze harder. She heard the blond bomber struggle and writhe as they tussled on the ground, the concrete scraping her and making her bleed as blood poured down her head.
Bakugo brought his hands down beside him, and with the gasping roar of an animal being crushed under jaws of a predator, Pony yelped as he fired a full blast Gauntlet-less Explosion at her sides, causing a violent eruption in the center of the arena.
(X)
"Pony!" Parker yelled, hands on the suite's rail, stood up with widened eyes as he saw Kacchan set off a detonation akin to those ones he used during the War. So close to the ground and so close to her…
"Amazing… she had Kacchan beat and…" Izuku's jaw was on the floor, not even writing as his eyes were transfixed on the fight while the smoke and dust cleared. Even the Class 1-B suite which had been cheering went silent.
"Does Class 1-B have that strong of a student?" Asui asked in utter bewilderment.
"How the hell do you Americans get so strong?" Eijiro asked with wide eyes, looking back to Peter before his gaze returned to the arena.
The dust began to clear.
Kacchan had always been a symbol of victory in his life. There was nothing Kacchan couldn't overcome or excel at from what Izuku had seen. From fighting off bullies when they were super young (before he turned on Izuku when he was Quirkless) and not even shedding a tear, to becoming the honor student at Alderna with perfect marks across the board, Kacchan hadn't been challenged and yet…
Here at U.A., he'd never seen his childhood friend pushed to the brink like this. Izuku was bewildered. He'd looked like he was about to lose before he used a Gauntlet-less blast on the ground beside him to escape Tsunotori's hold!
Looking over, he saw Peter gripping the rail, eyes wide and face filled with dread as his hands were… twisting the rail.
(X)
Nemuri's jaw was slack, her hand gripping her bullwhip as she saw the fight before her. In terms of power, Bakugo was superior… yet the most fundamental lesson of being a Hero wasn't always about the most powerful Quirk. It was in how it was used and by god did Tsunotori use her horns and her bovine/equine physiology to the fullest extent of her abilities.
Before them, Tsunotori was on all fours, in her sports bra as her blue U.A. shirt was in utter tatters and shreds, hair hanging from her locks as she panted, arms and legs shaking to hold her up as she was on her feet and hands. Before her, Bakugo was on his knees, but gasping and breathing hard, his blue U.A. shirt likewise in tatters as he was covered in burns and bruises. The price to pay to get out of the American's submission chokehold. Cementoss as on the edge of his seat, hands gripping the armrests to call the fight if need be.
The two stared long at each other, blood running down their crowns as they panted. Bakugo rose first, wincing and seething as Tsunotori did the same… Nemuri saw her look to the stands, towards her suite… or at least the general area, and the Pro Heroine could see Tsunotori's eyes moisten up… She said something, Nemuri couldn't catch it.
Tsunotori lost her footing, collapsing onto the ground in a heap as Bakugo stood up, panting even as he was drenched in sweat and blood, bruised and battered as his arms shook in pain.
Cementoss took to the field, going to her as he sprinted and checked Pony's fallen form. The audience gasped and muttered. He knelt down, putting a hand to her neck and nodding, giving her a thumbs-up as he waved his arms for the medical bots. Alright then…
"Tsunotori is unable to continue." She raised her bullwhip. "Bakugo wins!"
The crowd roared, cheers erupting as Bakugo just stood there, panting with wide eyes as the medical bots took her. He walked over, seeing her being placed on a stretcher as he gazed at her, almost in awe before he wiped his head of blood. His stoic visage came back as he exhaled as he put his hands in his pockets, walking back to the tunnel.
"WOOOOOOW! WHAT A MATCH! THAT WAS THE MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT RIGHT HERE! WHAT A WAY TO START THE SECOND ROUND! PONY TSUNOTORI THREW EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK AT BAKUGO KATSUKI, BUT CAME UP JUST SHORT! WE ARE GOING TO BE REMEMBERING THAT FIGHT FOR A LONG TIME!"
"Yes, those two will make fine Pros someday, if they can get there that is." Aizawa added, and Nemuri couldn't help but agree. Even if Tsunotori had lost the fight, gazing up to the stands and seeing many a Pro Hero in attendance whispering to themselves alongside the talent scouts… she and Bakugo had certainly left an impression.
She was concerned at first, since Tsunotori was a sweet girl, but the Sports Festival paved a way to a Tsunotori she did not know or expect, with her performance during the Race and now this. And Bakugo himself did well showing restraint only until he was pushed. Yet not too much to insult her either. He'd taken her seriously for a time, but Pony was able to get the drop on him, forcing him into a corner. He suffered burns and bruises galore from using his own Quirk on himself, but it helped him get out of that chokehold lest he pass out.
Nemuri knew a thing or two about asphyxiation after all. Bakugo had been close too, and that Tsunotori girl knew her stuff.
Seeing Bakugo march off to the tunnel, Nemuri allowed herself a soft smile. Surly and harsh he may be, but the boy wasn't joking when he said he wanted to be the best.
It was as Aizawa said. Those two are going to become fine Pros indeed.
(X)
A Pro Hero in Training.
Bakugo Katsuki.
Those words made Peter sick as he stood ramrod straight, his hands on the railing, clenching his jaw as he watched his classmate walk back to the tunnel
Pony deserved to win. She should have gotten the win. She was so… so close!
Bakugo is here to win, just like everyone but yet… to fire Explosions of that ferocity, even damaging himself? How far would he go for victory? Even against a peer.
Actually, that last one shouldn't even be a surprise the more Peter realized it. Not with the Battle Trial. Not with the USJ.
"Peter-san?" He turned, Momo gazing up at him in concern. "I'm sorry that your friend didn't win. Are you oka-"
"I'm good," he said quickly, "Just frustrated is all."
Momo nodded slowly, though she didn't exactly look okay with the match either. Between him, and watching Pony get wheeled away, everyone seemed uncomfortable. Taking a deep breath, he jerked his head towards the door.
"I need to use the restroom." He uttered softly under his breath, tense as he walked past as the other students who pulled in their legs to give Peter a way out.
"Parker-san, are you s-" Peter rounded, seeing Midoriya standing up in concern, trailing off as Peter stared back, staring into those green orbs. He could see Midoriya's eyes widen, but right now? Peter didn't care.
"Restroom." He hissed before finally leaving the suite.
Pro Hero in Training. Bakugo Katsuki.
No one should ever have to pull that kind of stunt in an arena. Cementoss should have called the fight. Not that Pony didn't hold her own, she did amazing. Just… there was a limit. He walked through the halls, with only his thoughts to himself as he went to the locker room. He heard footsteps behind him, seeing Todoroki following him, with Midoriya close behind. That's right, their match was up next.
He needed time to himself. And to check on his first friend.
Peter continued to walk through those halls, meandering as the words and sight of the fight replayed in his head, eventually finding the infirmary. He knocked, taking a deep breath.
"Come in." Recovery Girl said from within. Peter walked inside, seeing Pony in one of the beds and breathing softly. Several Medical Bots were close by, as were some TA nurses busy cleaning and dabbing Pony's injuries. "Is there something you need? Parker-san?" She asked, looking up as Peter walked in. He glanced at the healer before returning his gaze to Pony, idly noting that another bed had canvas wrapped around it off to the side.
"How is she?" He asked, the anger dissipating as Pony groaned. She was covered in medical patches and had two IVs in her..
"She'll be alright. The girl has a lot of vigor to her, so the healing will be done within the hour." The old nurse stated. "She will need to rest and fill up on fluids, of course."
"Pe...ter?" Groaned out the blonde as Peter took his place beside her, pulling up a chair. He allowed a smile to come forth.
"Hey… Pony." The brown-haired boy tried smiling, seeing the girl open her eyes and look back at him, her chest rising and falling as she breathed. Pony closed her eyes.
"Sorry… I couldn't win." She groaned, and Peter shook his head.
"I-It's okay Pony! I mean, you kicked so much ass!" Peter said in English, grinning wide. "I mean, wow. You were so strong out there! You were kicking his ass! Left and right!" He felt his heart clench, but it was true. Pony gave it her all out there, even outsmarting that… that thug and she had almost claimed a well-deserved victory in her hands!
"I know…" Pony took a deep breath. "I still lost though… I… I wanted to win so badly…" She closed her mouth, biting her lip as she fought back tears.
"Hey, easy." Peter patted her head, and Pony's eyes widened. "You'll get him next year, ok? We'll both get stronger." The blonde's jaw was ajar as she closed her eyes, before she finally smiled.
"Yeah… we will. Together."
"Is that all? Tsunotori needs her rest." Recovery Girl stated from her chair, walking over as the TA nurses stepped aside. Peter looked back and nodded.
"Okay." He stood back up. "Thank you."
"Just doing my duty. Do you wish to speak to your classmate as well?"
The temperature dropped as Peter focused his gaze on the canvas'd bed. From the corner, he could see Bakugo looking out from an open slot in the canvas.
Red eyes met brown as they glared back before Peter walked to the door, seeing Pony drift to sleep after Recovery Girl gave her a big smooch..
"He'll live." He uttered, closing the door and marching down the hallway sternly.
Peter saw All Might marching past in his gaudy-looking yellow pinstripe suit. "Ah! Young Parker! How do you do…?" He trailed off, seeing the demeanor that the American was emitting, eyes as hard as steel.
"Fine." Peter uttered, walking past and not giving the Number One Hero a second glance. He would always be thankful for his words after the USJ incident. He'd been an upstanding, great hero. He is the Symbol of Peace for all in this world.
Peter's eyes hardened as he walked down the lonely hallway. This Sports Festival… was supposed to be a game. Guess he was wrong.
…
Bakugo has always been an asshole ever since they met in that elevator a month ago.
Then the USJ…
Now this.
Peter breathed hard through his nose, nothing but the empty hallway to stew in his thoughts.
(X)
Izuku was still trying to process it all as he walked out of the suite Hopefully he doesn't encounter Parker, given that look in his eyes… He was somber back during the speech… After Tsunotori's fight, he looked like he was hiding his anger, albeit barely.
Still, to think that Kacchan was pushed to such a limit… Never in his entire life has he seen him come so close to losing. Yet in the end, Kacchan managed to win out by force of will. Even though Tsunotori got in some really good hits that probably even caught his childhood friend by surprise, those Explosions took its toll on her. She was only human after all, yet so was Kacchan as well.
'Everyone's trying their best, going Plus Ultra… Tsunotori has been doing so all day with her performance at the race.' Izuku looked down at his hands, seeing the scars of his long hard year of training along with the times he saved others using All for One at 100%. 'Parker. Shiozaki. Tsunotori. Kacchan. All of them have stood out as amongst the best of the best. I've got my quirk under control but… Have I really stated 'I am Here' to the world?' Izuku thought, gripping his fist. 'I have to make an impact… here and now.' He raised his head, looking dead ahead. 'I need to win, to make my declaration. All Might is expecting me and-'
"Hey kid." Came a gruff voice, and Izuku jumped, suddenly feeling very warm as he turned. He was greeted with the imposing and towering form of the Number Two Hero in the country. The Flame Hero Endeavor.
Oh gos the Number Two hero! He's right there! Izuku's jaw gaped as he sqwaked out his name. "E-Endeav-"
"I found you. Getting ready for your match?" Endeavor asked, his green eyes boring down at him. It was like being close to a bonfire Izuku was beginning to sweat. He gulped lightly, gazing up at him. He's only seen him on TV but…
He's so intimidating up close! "E-Endeavor sir, I-I know you're working security… on a r-round?" Izuku squeaked out. The Flame Hero crossed his arms.
"In a way. I have to say, that Quirk of yours… it reminds me of All Might's in a way, albeit far weaker." Endeavor spoke aloud, and Izuku's heart clenched. "However, that Hafu girl who fought that Bakugo kid had a plain quirk, yet she was able to go beyond and push him to brink of defeat. But, going by the power and speed you displayed during the Race and that War of the Flags…" Endeavor pointed down at him, and Izuku never felt so small.
"You have talent and a head on your shoulders. So I admit you have potential to be good someday soon, and going by that 'Smash' you yelled during the War, you must be quite the fan of All Might aren't you?" He asked, and the green haired boy's blood went cold. He didn't tell anyone! Wait, did Todoroki tell- No, he and Todoroki aren't on good terms. He wants to spite him, so why the comparison?! What was he getting at?
Izuku shook his head. No! He can't focus on such things! He'll bring it up with All Might after the fight with Todoroki! For now, one match at a time!
"I-I appreciate your time t-talking to me sir, but my match is-" Izuku saw an arm pressed against the wall, and Endeavor loomed over him. In his way.
"My son, Shoto. He is your opponent in the next fight. He has a very valuable responsibility placed upon him, bestowed by me." He growled, leering down as Izuku as his emerald eyes burned like embers. "And that is to surpass All Might in every way. This fight will prove to be most valuable." Endeavor oiled before a chuckle came out. "Besides, the boy's true potential can only be brought out with adversity. You and your classmate did so before after all." Izuku stopped, feeling the flame hero pat his shoulder. "I saw his actions in the last minutes of the war. You also drew out the fire within him…" He can tell that the older man was smirking down like a cat preying upon a mouse. Izuku's brain worked, remembering the highlights…
That's right, Todoroki used a bit of fire to repel Parker.
"Do put on a good show and give it all you got." He smirked. "Make him struggle and test him. Only you and Parker have the potential to make him grow out of his stupid rebellious phase." He even chuckled lightly. "Hell, if you put on a good showing, I may even extend you an invitation to intern my firm young man."
Izuku was frozen on the spot as Endeavor pulled back his hand, finally realizing after meeting Todoroki's father… just how callous and cold he was despite the heat and fire he emitted.
"In short, the plan was for me to never use my left side. To be a hero using only my right, to spite that monster who calls himself my father." Todoroki Shoto looked up, eyes burning with a controlled and focused rage. "I will deny him the pleasure of trying to live through me, and I will get to the top using only my Ice. And yet, both you and Peter Parker made me break that vow out of instinct." He scoffed. "I bet he's laughing right now… but no more. Those times were just aberrations."
"Midoriya Izuku. You're strong. You keep getting stronger too, I admit that." Izuku eyes widened, heart skipping. "That's why I want to beat you… and beat the best in this class. Peter Parker. I will surpass you both. Don't you forget that."
Those eyes Todoroki had… they were so angry. So clouded.
In a way… they were just like Endeavor's. Driven by ambition and desire for a goal, even if it forsakes others or even themselves, in a path towards self-destruction. Endeavor failed to surpass All Might, now he is living through Todoroki to accomplish what he could not.
"I apologize for my bluntness, I thank you for hearing me out." Endeavor walked past the green haired boy, his footsteps in echoing the hall.
"Mr. Endeavor, sir." He spoke out, and he heard the Pro Hero stop in his tracks. "I… I am not All Might."
"Well, obviously." Endeavor replied with a roll of his eyes judging by his tone. "You're-"
"And neither is Parker-san… he's not All Might either. None of us are our mentors and role models, a-as much as aspire to be like them. And…" He gripped his fists and looked back, green meeting green. "Todoroki is not you! You're not him!"
Endeavor stared back with wide eyes as the two stood in the hallway.
Izuku stood his ground, even as the shock passed, and the temperature ramped up as he saw Endeavor glaring at him hard before huffing, marching down and away. Izuku turned back, looking at the hallway that lead to the tunnel.
Todoroki… he's trapped on that path because of Endeavor. Because of everything in his life, forcing him to deny his full potential out of spite for that man. To never become the best hero that he can be.
To get a possible internship with the Number Two Hero though if he fought well… No… He's not going to fight Todoroki harder just for that.
The successor to the Symbol of Peace strode on, no longer aiming to just say 'I am Here'. Izuku has something else to do.
(X)
His left side itched.
It was a problem that started when Shoto made his commitment to using his right side. All that ice, freezing his left side to the point it burned and only using the miniscule sparks from his left side to thaw himself out only made the feeling even worse.
And when he let out the heat, when he tapped into that power, the feeling left with it.
'You disgrace me, Shoto'
Those words made the dual-haired boy grit his teeth. What right did he have to say that to him? He'd gotten this far, made it the Elite Eight, allowed his team to dominate the War of the Flags for as long as they did, all without using the old man's quirk. He was dominant.
With only two exceptions.
Knowing that man, he was probably getting back to his spot at the top, readying himself to watch Shoto fight one of those exceptions. His mother's quirk would be enough though, even with Midoriya's power, Shoto only needed to tire him out and then freeze over him as he did Tokage. Midoriya broke the ice with Sato's help. On his own? He doubts it. The only surefire way Midoriya can shatter his ice is to unleash that kind of raw strength that broke his body during the Entrance Exam, Battle Trial, and during the USJ incident.
But in doing so, it would be like facing down one of All Might's punches. Even the galeforce winds that come from Midoriya's all-or-nothing strikes can shatter stone like wet paper.
'Remember, your duty is to surpass All Might.'
Still with one punch, no matter how big, his glacier would shatter like glass.
But he has two shots. After that, he's dead in the water. One quick freeze up and it's victory.
No matter the speed of his mother's quirk, there was the chance that Midoryia could go faster.
And if that happens….
'You'll reach your limit, soon enough. You did so twice after all. You're falling into a pattern. You need me. You need my gift. Because you are just like me in the fact that you despise losing, maybe even more than you hate me.'
Shoto bit his lip till he tasted copper, seething at the memory of the old man talking to him before he came out to the arena. That man was wrong. Number Two Hero or not, he was nothing more than an overgrown child who couldn't make it to number one on his own. He would sit there in the stands, he would fume with those flames of his.
And he would watch one of the exceptions get swept aside by a quirk that wasn't his. The quirk that belonged to a family he took advantage of and made their daughter their sacrificial lamb to cover for their mistakes.
Hero. Endeavor is anything but.
Footsteps echoed through the hallway, but they were drowned out as the alarm blared. Surprisingly, Midoryia was quiet as the two met the crowd, marching forward with his face set in stone. Shoto ignored them all, finding that man sitting exactly where he thought he would be.
Shoto glared, even if he wasn't able to see it.
"AND HEADING RIGHT INTO THE SECOND MATCH OF THE SECOND ROUND, WE'RE BRINGING YOU ONE BASS BLASTING POWER SHOW! CAUSE IN THE RED CORNER, HE'S GOT TWO COLORS, HE'S GOT THE FAMILY, IT'S THE POWERHOUSE AMONG POWERHOUSES, TODOROKI SHOTO FROM CLASS 1-A!"
Another roar, these people never stopped screaming about useless things.
"AND IN THE BLUE CORNER, ALSO FROM CLASS 1-A, WHILE SUPER PLAIN WITH A MOP OF GREEN HAIR, HE'S BEEN A BLAST OF LIGHTNING! WILL HE KEEP THIS STREAK UP IN HIS FIRST TRUE FIGHT IN THIS TOURNAMENT? GIVE IT UP FOR MIDORIYA IZUKU!"
Midoriya swallowed the praise but recouped, focusing on him as his green eyes were hard. They were like before in the war. Determined.
Good, he won't hold back.
Next to them, Midnight didn't bother with the introduction. The second she raised her bullwhip, the crowd went quiet and Shoto took a deep breath.
He took on last glance at the old man.
'You better watch old man.'
Midnight glanced at him, Shoto nodded, and reached for the cold of his right side, visible warm air exiting from his nostrils.
'Because you should know after this.'
She looked to Midoryia, and he nodded, and Shoto could already see the small sparks of lightning that was about to arc across his skin. They shuffled their feet, eyes focused on each other.
'I'm not your tool! And I never will be!'
"Begin!"