"We are nothing alike!"
Responding to the Hero Killer's words, Midoriya's mind was racing to come up with a plan. He also held Iida Tenya tightly to stop him from rushing forward. They needed to stay calm.
"Really?" The Hero Killer grinned at Midoriya's answer. He stared at the black-haired boy and said:
"The Werewolf Incident, the Butcher Incident, the Sludge Incident... Why did you do these things if you're not a hero?"
The Hero Killer, Stain, listed incidents that Midoriya had experienced under the identity of "Steel Wire Death God" Akaya Kaiun before entering U.A. High School. The media later reported these events, making the name "Steel Wire Death God" well-known.
"I saw it, so I had to do it!"
"Hahaha!!"
Midoriya Izuku's firm and decisive answer made the Hero Killer laugh heartily, which made Iida even more eager to punish the enemy who had harmed his brother.
"Sure enough, you and I are very similar! You became a hero because you like to meddle in other people's business?"
"......"
The Hero Killer's questioning attitude made Midoriya frown in confusion. He couldn't understand the enemy's thoughts, but now was not the time to waste words.
He threw a smoke bomb with his left hand and used the steel wire from his "Death God Gloves" with his right hand to wrap around the immobilized professional hero in the corner. These actions were completed in an instant.
In a flash, white smoke covered the entire alley. Midoriya pulled the professional hero wrapped in steel wire back, blocking the Hero Killer's view and completing the rescue.
Midoriya's plan was to prioritize getting the injured out of danger.
"It's all good now! You ask why? Because I am here!!"
All Might's entrance line echoed through the smoke. The smoke bomb was called "All Might Smoke Bomb," a very useful tool Midoriya used during the USJ League of Villains invasion.
"Maybe this will make the 'Hero Killer' cautious?"
Thinking this, Midoriya dragged the injured pro hero in front of him and pulled Iida Tenya back with his other hand. He was still shocked by the sudden change.
What seemed like a long action actually took Midoriya only three seconds. He pulled the pro hero to his side, the smoke bomb obscured the view, and he pulled Iida Tenya away. Now was not the time to fight the 'Hero Killer' head-on.
However, as Midoriya was about to retreat, he felt a chill down his spine. He became very alert and quickly pulled out the "Steel Anchor" from his waist and threw it forward. The sound of metal clashing rang out in the air.
Sparks flew, and the harsh sound of metal clashing was heard. A blade and the "Steel Anchor" fell to the ground at the same time.
"Oh—quick reflexes, huh?"
The 'Hero Killer' slowly stepped out of the smoke. He bent down to pick up the blade again, habitually licking the blade with his tongue, and said to Midoriya, who was ready to escape:
"If you think you can escape with such a trick, you're underestimating me."
"Did he see through it..."
Midoriya felt that the enemy in front of him was very tricky. The "All Might Smoke Bomb" he made would shock and stun both heroes and enemies for more than ten seconds the first time they saw its effect. But the 'Hero Killer' saw through the smoke bomb's true nature.
"There are only four living people here. All Might didn't come."
"Tsk..."
Midoriya clicked his tongue. He just realized the situation when Iida Tenya was discovered. Could the 'Hero Killer' sense how many people were around just by their presence?
"Iida-kun, can you take him away from here?"
Pointing to the injured pro hero dragged back to his side, Midoriya Izuku stared at the Hero Killer, preventing him from making any other moves.
"But, Midoriya! Isn't this the perfect time to capture the Hero Killer!!"
"Don't forget your duty, Tenya! You are a hero now!!"
Iida Tenya, blinded by hatred, was unwilling to leave. Midoriya angrily scolded him. Now was not the time to consider personal feelings.
"Seventeen heroes were killed, and twenty-three heroes can no longer continue their hero activities. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Staring at the 'Hero Killer,' Midoriya's words were directed at both the Hero Killer and Iida Tenya.
So many heroes were harmed by the enemy in front of them. The 'Hero Killer' was a tough and powerful enemy. Midoriya Izuku and Iida Tenya alone couldn't guarantee defeating him. They had to ensure the safety of others and themselves first.
"Damn it!!"
Iida gritted his teeth and picked up the immobile pro hero, running back. Midoriya Izuku's words were very correct. Now he had to do what a hero should do.
As the prey tried to escape, the 'Hero Killer' made a move. He threw the blade at Iida Tenya's back, but another person acted immediately.
The steel wire wrapped around the blade in mid-air. Midoriya pulled it back with his right hand, and the thrown blade was stuck in front of the 'Hero Killer.'
"Don't even think about it!!"
Standing in front of the 'Hero Killer,' Midoriya was in full combat mode. After Iida Tenya rescued the injured pro hero, he had to cover their retreat.
Iida Tenya's "Engine" accelerated, and the Hero Killer lost interest in chasing the prey as they escaped. Instead, he looked at Midoriya Izuku with great interest.
"I remember you are 'Quirkless,' right?"
"So what? It's none of your business!"
The Hero Killer kept trying to distract Midoriya with conversation, but Midoriya stayed focused on him, thinking of ways to stall until "Lemillion" arrived.
"Interesting kid, even without a Quirk, you want to be a hero?"
"Being a hero isn't about having a Quirk. I just want to help others!"
Although he didn't know the Hero Killer's intentions, Midoriya decided to use words to stall for time, hoping Iida would notify "Lemillion."
"You're a good kid, I acknowledge you!"
The Hero Killer Stain laughed wildly and said to Midoriya with satisfaction:
"I acknowledge you! You are a true hero!!"
"....."
Hearing this, Midoriya remained silent. The Hero Killer Stain felt very strange to him, unlike any enemy he had encountered before... almost like a fanatic willing to die for his beliefs.
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