Chapter 27 - Izuku Midoriya versus Shoto Todoroki

==Somewhere in a city==

Sirens can be heard all around the city. Chaos can be considered to call for this situation. But that chaos radiates from one person hidden from public.

Somewhere away from the numerous police sirens, a pro hero was running nonstop before pressing a button to his left earpiece and commanded, "Squad A, go north! Squad B, check west side!"

"Squad A, roger!"

"Squad B, roger!"

Both squads confirmed as the pro hero continued the search alone. Until...

"Is that...?" Stopping his tracks, he ran back to the alleyway where he saw a silhouette of a human.

Activating his Quirk from his elbows, he went from a wall to another wall until he's in the air.

Seeing where he landed, his eyes furrowed with confirmation. "(There's no doubt.)"

Using his Quirk again to slow down his descend, he landed without harm. But the harm he had now, is right behind him as he turned around and pressed on his earpiece.

"I found him!"

A dark alleyway. That's where the pro hero is. The person he's looking for matches the description in the wanted list of every pro heroes and police department in Japan.

Wearing dark combat sleeveless suit, a messy tattered cloth that hides the person's face, and most of all, he's armed with sharp weapons.

"Hero Killer!"

Standing before the pro hero is a notorious vigilante. Just like the name itself...

The vigilante killed many heroes. Those eyes of his are letting out the intent to kill whoever's on his path, especially a pro hero like the one right now.

This pro hero is Ingenium, none other than the older brother of Tenya Iida. And the mission he's in?

...

To capture The Hero Killer before he will kill more heroes in the future.

"Today's a hassle, huh, Ingenium?" The Hero Killer asked sarcastically while drawing a sword from the scabbard.

"It's the end of the road for you!" Ingenium raised his guard as they're ready for the battle. A life and death situation.

Would it be the end of The Hero Killer's ways? Or will Ingenium get killed?

Time to find out soon.

==U.A High School==

...

...

...

"But you want to be a hero, don't you?"

"It's okay for you to be one."

...

"Good luck out there, Kawakami-san."

"Thank you, guys." With that, the red-haired girl left, preparing for the first match of the quarter finals tournament. Ten minutes have passed and everyone are now back at their respective places.

"Welcome back, guys! Here is the first match of the quarter-finals round!" The mass people are, again, shouting with excitement, eager to see the action of these combatants that have passed to the next round.

"Here are the first students!" Present Mic started. "With her hair, she can immobilize her opponent quickly without any damage! From the Hero Course, the angel, Ibarra Shiozaki!" The mentioned girl showed her happy expression, knowing that Present Mic introduced her correctly.

"Versus! What is she? The next Iron Man? Ah, wait, the next Iron Woman with that Quirk of hers. Also from the Hero Course, Amelia Kawakami!" The fourth wall broke as the readers, along with the author, fixed it as Amelia fist pumped in the air, ready for the match.

"Let's have a friendly match." Ibarra bowed.

"Likewise." Amelia followed her act, showing that even if this is a competition match, they would have no grudge against each other whoever won this match.

Two Hero Classes, 1-A and 1-B, are cheering for their own classmate, hoping to defeat the other and advance to the semi-finals.

"Without wasting time, let's get this match started!" With this, Ibarra turned her head to the side as her hair move towards the foe while watching intently and carefully.

Amelia ran diagonally to the left, wanting to avoid the vines and closing in on her opponent at the same time.

With the vines getting closer, Amelia tried to hover in the air by using both her palms and let out two photon beams that are slightly hot not enough to make a hole. It was a successful try, but she was soon overwhelmed by the vines.

She was immobilized, like what happened to her classmate Kaminari. But clearly she's not giving up.

Thankfully, her palms are not facing her legs. It was facing outwards. She let out the beams as they crack open to the vines. Slightly twisting to the back, it also create space for her hands to move.

"(No good.)" Ibarra thought. "(If I keep doing it, who knows what'll happen to her hands.)" Worried for her rival, she cu of her hair and only watched her opponent break free.

Amelia saw this opportunity and succeeded. She saw the vines connected to Ibarra are separated.

"Why did you do that?" She questioned and received an answer.

"I was thinking if you continuously using your Quirk, something bad might happen." The innocent girl of Class 1-B replied.

"(No kidding. If she keep me from freeing, I might gonna have my hands burnt. Gotta thank her later.)" Amelia pondered on herself before focusing on the battle. She was holding both her slightly hot hands before charging towards the green-haired girl.

Seeing Amelia's advance, Ibarra to the side, avoiding the red-haired girl since she watched how good she is in close range combat a few minutes ago.

She's getting closer and closer, and Ibarra had no choice but to stop her advance by making a large vine wall in front of her.

Amelia immediately sliced the wall horizontally, afraid of losing sight of the green-haired innocent girl. Her fears came true as she indeed lost her. She jumped over the remaining wall to check where did she go.

She's nowhere. Until her left ankle was wrapped by vines and got lifted in the air like she's in a forest and was caught in a trap. Her world has turned upside down, surprised why it moved on its own.

Then, the vines moved out, revealing Ibarra hiding under the remaining vine wall.

"Clever girl." The captured girl whispered under her breath, smirking at Ibarra Shiozaki's intelligence.

The green-haired girl stood up and works on finally caging the opponent by wrapping her hands into a fist, unable to use her Quirk. Amelia sighed and smiled warmly at her rival. She defeated her fair and square.

"Do you surrender?" The Class 1-B girl asked with worry, hoping it didn't destroy her pride.

"Yeah." The Class 1-A student answered truthfully.

"Kawakami surrenders. Shiozaki advance to the finals." With the deafening roar from the crowd, the Vine Quirk user gently lowered Amelia to the ground safely.

"Nice battle, Shiozaki-san." The red-haired girl compliments.

"Likewise." Then, they shake hands with a smile on their faces. Class 1-B cheered up while some of Class 1-A are saddened by their friend's defeat.

Izuku, on the other hand, was smiling warmly while clapping at the match. Ochako, Tenya, Tsuyu, Momo and Jiro saw this and followed his way.

"She gave everything she got." Momo stated, and her classmates agreed.

"Well, I have to go for my next match." Izuku stood up.

"Good luck, Deku-kun."

"You can do it, Midoriya-kun."

"Go all out, Midoriya!" He smiled before waving at them and left the stands.

As for the second round combatants, Eijiro Kirishima and Katsuki Bakugo, they're already in their respective waiting room as soon as the first round of the quarter-finals round started.

Five minutes have passed. Present Mic shouted, "Now then, let's go with the next round!" The screen pops up the two friends that are going to fight against each other.

"Blasting his way to rounds, from the Hero Course, Katsuki Bakugo!" The said student glares at his friend, former teammate and a rival.

"On the other side, the boy with a hardened heart that can't be easily taken down! Aalso from the Hero Course, Eijiro Kirishima!" The boy made a war cry, loud enough to rile the crowds' excitement up.

"Don't you dare hold back, Bakugo!" Kirishima smirked as he activated his Quirk and received a scoff from his friend.

"Ready? Go!"

As soon as they heard the 'Go' signal, the ash-blonde boy wasted no time blasts his way at his foe.

His palm is already out front as Kirishima raised his arms, creating an 'X' formation as he activated his Quirk and braced for impact.

Next thing that happened is an explosion in the battlefield. Out of the smoke was the red-haired boy sliding backwards, almost out of bounds.

"Damn. That's some power." The Hardening-Quirk user muttered with a smirk. It's his turn to attack. Charging forward, he saw Bakugo attacking again with his right arm. Being a student of Hero Course has it's perks. Eijiro quickly dodged to the right and lands a punch on his friend's face.

This angered Katsuki as he shouted, "You bastard!" The threat behind his eyes and actions grew worse as he attacked again, and it landed on the face.

Blood came out of Kirishima's mouth as he staggered back. Feeling the punch, backing down is not an obvious option in this match.

Before he can even scan his surroundings, he was met with a small blast, blinding his vision before he felt something grabbed his face and was put down face first to the ground.

Katsuki then grabbed his arm in a crossbar position while keeping his knee at Kirishima's back.

Grunting at the pain, he deactivated his Quirk and surrendered, for Nemuri Kayama to declare the winner.

The crowds roared, but the ash-blonde boy paid no attention as he released his grip and walked away with his hands on his pockets.

Eijiro stood up and stared at his rival before he stated, "Oi, Bakugo. Nice match."

The Explosion-Quirk user stopped for a moment before he grunted, "Whatever."

Eijiro smiled back before leaving the area and left the stadium as Present Mic announced the next match after a five-minute break.

And just like that, folks, the match is about to start in an instant. It doesn't feel like five minutes already.

"Now! It's time for the next round!" Just like always the face of the combatants are shown.

"Looks like this will be a fantastic match! Let's see how well they can fight for advancing to the next round!"

"From both Hero Course, it's Izuku Midoriya of Class 1-A and Itsuka Kendo of Class 1-B!" Along with the crowds, the Hero Course classes are cheering for their respective classmate, sans the shouting of Monoma wanting to beat Izuku to a pulp by his their class president.

As they continue, Izuku and Itsuka are already on the stadium, just a few feet away from each other with a look that's dead on for the 'W' of this match.

"Hey, Midoriya-san."

"Hm?"

"Don't hold back."

"I don't intend to." He smirked. Getting into a battle position, they heard the 'Go' signal.

Wasting no time, Itsuka rushed forward with her right hand ready. As for the hero nerd, he kept his guard, but also knew what she's going to do.

Seeing her right fist growing, his left arm's turning black. He was ready to block her, but he didn't expect her to jump forward as soon as she's near him. He abandoned his defense strategy for now and jumped over, with her giant fist nearly hitting his feet.

Itsuka followed his body, landing and rolling before her eyes met his. She charged again as Izuku already formed a large shield on his left forearm.

Little did the orange-haired girl know that this is just a setup and it happened as soon as she closed the gap. The shield retracted to the boy's body as he used his legs and did a drop toe hold move against her.

She fell face first to the floor before twisting her body, attempting to swat away her opponent. She missed due to Izuku jumping away from her large hand.

Standing up, the girl faced him again with a smirk even though her face is a bit sore. Thinking about her last two missed attacks, Itsuka decided to hold back her attack and think of how to beat the unstoppable opponent of hers.

Even though he didn't use his Quirk in the first match, everyone watching him knew that this is just the surface.

Izuku noticed this and took the chance to walk around, keeping his distance.

As soon as they found the comfortable spot, they met head on, fists ready for the landing.

There's a slight difference.

Itsuka activated her Quirk on her right fist. Seeing this, Izuku thought it's fair to have his own as well.

Shadow overheard his thoughts and covered Izuku's arms with black gooey that turns into a large fist that's the same size as his opponent.

The girl stretched her fist in front in a flash and so does the hero nerd.

Their fist were met with force.

"Agh!" The orange-haired girl howled in pain as she quickly step back and her fist deflated back to normal. But she held her hand as if she punched a wall denser than stone or brick.

Looking at him, studying the damage from the parried attack, she must end this quickly.

Then, she had an idea. It's a risk one, but she believed at it. With a deep inhale, Izuku eyed her actions, with high alert and curiosity.

All of a sudden.

"PLUS ULTRA!!!"

Screaming her heart out, Itsuka quickly enlarged her fists and swiftly brought down the hammer.

The force of strength is strong in this one as she literally made a small earthquake at the arena, catching everyone off guard, including her opponent.

This indirect attack made the green-haired boy staggered and lose balance. The opportunity is open for the Class 1-B president as she launched forward and opened her fist.

Izuku saw her hand and maneuvered in mid-air as he and Shadow prevents themselves from getting caught by pushing back her fingers. His arms are pushing her thumb while the legs are on the ring and index finger.

Shadow supported his partner by pushing back the index and middle finger.

Izuku was gritting his teeth. The strength Itsuka has is pushing Izuku over the limits. What strength!

She's a formidable opponent. And he's grateful.

You can even hear in the background that Present Mic was explaining what was happening, like a World Wrestling Federation (WWF) commentator.

Giving everything she got, she tried to grab hold of Izuku's body, but the opponent was strong to push back.

Izuku can't hold it out much longer. Even if he's physically strong, he has limits. Looks like he have to look for a new angle.

He caught a glimpse of it. There, just above his head, an opportunity for him because right now the orange-haired girl is running towards the end of the arena.

Not sure how, but all he knows is that any second, it's over for him if he tries to hold back.

The line he sees, he predicted it. All he have to do... is to time it. In some situations that involves fighting, people tend to rush, but for Izuku?

He has patience.

Just a few seconds left and they're near the borderline. Itsuka's non-dominant arm is ready. Her plan is to pressure Izuku and let go as soon as the hero nerd's within the outside boundary. The next attack is a palm strike that sends the green-haired boy out of the arena.

With that strategy, she'll be the winner.

And soon, they're near the borderline.

"(Now!)" She let go of the pressure, but was surprised. Why? Because Izuku swung from her thumb and leaped forward. His hand stretched out and got a grip of her left shoulder.

"(It's over.)" With the support of his grip, he went over her and performed a strong dropkick to the back.

Itsuka was sent flying and landed on her side. But where did she land?

It's totally obvious.

"Itsuka Kendo went out of bounds. Izuku Midoriya's the winner." Waiting for the declaration, Izuku ignored the cheers and went down to help his defeated opponent.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow." She whispered in pain while holding her back. "(What a strong kick.)" She thought before a hand entered her vision and displayed a look of sympathy from his face.

"Sorry about that."

"Heh. Don't mind." She nonchalantly responded as she accepted the offer and finally stand up.

"Agh. That's one way to become a chiropractor." She tried to make a joke while twisting her body to ignore the pain.

"Sorry."

"What did I say? I don't care." Then she stretched her hand as she continued. "Nice fight. Also, thanks for not holding back."

He accepted the offer with a respond. "Same to you, Kendo-san." With that, they left the arena at the same direction, which confused the president of Class 1-B.

He answered in a logic way. They're near the hallway where Itsuka came out and he must save energy for the next round.

All she said is fair enough and together they left the visions of the crowd and heard in the distance that there's another five-minute break for the next one. That'll be the last match for the Quarter-Finals round.

It'll be Shoto Todoroki versus Tenya Iida.

As soon as Tenya Iida was waiting in the room, his phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket, he saw the person calling him.

"Mother?" Then, an uncomfortable feeling lingers in his spine until it reached his heart. Something's not right. He immediately answered.

"Hello, Mother?"

"Tenya." She said with a wavering tone of worrisome.

"Listen calmly," She added.

...

"Your brother, Tensei... a villain got him!"

...

In that moment, the surroundings went dark. The irises from his eyes went small from the horrible realization. A shocked expression was displayed on his face as he slowly, but surely lowered the phone.

Ignoring the noise outside, his heart fell into his stomach and suddenly, tears leaked out.

"Mother, I'll go there." He said.

"But-"

"No buts, Mother. Family is always my priority." Swiftly interrupting her, Tenya ended the call and burst out of the waiting room and went to the place where he declares that his opponent will be the winner.

Tenya's big brother, Tensei Iida known as Ingenium, was defeated by The Hero Killer. And the question is...

How critical is his condition?

==Somewhere in the city; Rooftop==

Looking at the city with a very intense glare and a sinister smile, The Hero Killer raised his blood-stained sword near his mouth and slurp the blood like a cannibal.

"You guys haven't noticed this warped society is covered with hypocrisy and vanity." He muttered to himself.

"To all who are called heroes," He added. "I will make you notice how corrupt this world is."

All he can hear is the breeze of the wind, and the sirens of chaos all around the city in this moment when suddenly...

'Whoosh'

Like a ninja, he pointed his sword behind him, sensing the danger like a trained ninja or mostly followed his instincts.

The tip of his sword touched the floating gooey mist.

"Please stay calm. We are of the same mind." It says without any grudge, but has a serious tone from its voice.

The Hero Killer turns his head around and saw yellow eyes within the dark purple mist. "I have been looking for you, Hero Killer Stain."

This is none other than Kurogiri of the League of Villains, inviting the said person of some reason.

"I have heard of your notoriety and wanted to meet you." The Hero Killer narrowed his eyes from the suspicions of the invitation.

"May I have a moment of your time?"

As this was happening, in a dark room of an unknown building, a certain villain was watching the feed of what happened. The feed of the Hero Killer running away in an alleyway.

The person paused at the moment Stain was about to go out of the vision. With eyes slightly shivering, he only let out a word in a whisper.

...

"Stain..."

==U.A High School==

"Attention, everyone. Tenya Iida declared to never continue battling due to personal reasons. As of result, the winner is default as Shoto Todoroki shall advance to the next round." It wasn't Present Mic who explained it. It was Shota Aizawa.

"What?" The question came from Ochako Uraraka. The sudden announcement about their friend and classmate shocked her and everyone in Class 1-A.

Some of them questioned what happened or hoped that he's okay. As for Amelia, she looked down with both her hands intertwined, praying for Tenya.

"(I hope you're okay, Iida-kun.)" Then it was Present Mic that disrupted the worried atmosphere of the class.

"Putting it aside, it's time to shuffle the combatants for the Semi-Finals round."

Those who advanced to the next round stared at the large screen that emerge behind Midnight.

Four cards shuffled for a few seconds before finally revealing it.

Both eyes of Izuku and Shoto narrowed as they're the first combatants for the round. While Present Mic was speaking of it, Izuku left the stands and went to the waiting room.

Shoto stayed in the same room he's in.

Three minutes have passed and Present Mic called the first students.

Hearing the signal, both stood up and left the room and head their way to the arena.

For Izuku, while on his way, he was met with a certain someone that made his stare turned into a glare.

"Endeavor."

"Shadow." The hero spat back. He was one of the heroes who was informed of the vigilante's identity.

They both glared for a moment, never said a word until its enough as Izuku walked past him.

"As much as I hate to say this to a vigilante like you," Endeavor started to talk, causing the student to stop walking and listened intently, but dared to never look back. "It is Shoto's duty to surpass All Might."

Then he added, "This match against you will be a very instructive test bed. And don't you dare be a disgrace to everyone."

A frustrated sigh came out of the hero nerd's mouth. "You never listened, huh? I'll say it again."

Turning his body to face the No. 2 Hero, he continued. "Everyone here is giving everything they've got. And I don't intend to hold back. Also..."

Eyes narrowed and brows furrowed, Izuku scowled intensely at the old man.

"Todoroki-kun isn't you, Endeavor. And you sure as hell that I'm not All Might. Say that Shoto will surpass All Might again and I swear I'll break your fucking face." The young boy swear.

"I don't care if you're a pro hero and I'm just a student, just watch your fucking mouth, No. 2. You've tortured Todoroki-kun long enough and soon?"

On cue, Izuku turns around and walked towards the arena, but without saying this.

"You'll get a taste of your own medicine."

Scoffing at the statement, Endeavor left to go towards the stand to watch the battle.

"Here it comes! The big match for the third round! The boy who literally froze everyone in his way and almost catching the million-point headband from the Cavalry Battle! From the Hero Course, Class 1-A, give it up for Shoto Todoroki!"

"And at the other side, the boy who's first at everything. First place at the Obstacle Course without using his Quirk, staying alive at the first place in Cavalry Battle where he finally uses his Quirk. From the Hero Course, Class 1-A, shout out loud for Izuku Midoriya!"

The flames ignited, crowds cheering, heroes and students watching as the two combatants are on the stadium, few feet away as they stopped walking and looked at each other.

"You're here." Shoto uttered out.

"Todoroki-kun." Izuku whispered.

Katsuki was eyeing his enemies before leaving to prepare for his battle against the holy girl of Class 1-B.

"Tokoyami-san, what do you think of the match now?" Amelia asked, facing her classmate with a hawk-like face.

"It depends on how Midoriya jumps in close to Todoroki."

"Same, but how can Deku-kun deal with that ice?" Ochako asked as Amelia's vision went back to the arena.

All Might's focus is on the battle, but heard Thirteen asked him a question. "Those two tried save you back then, didn't they?"

"Young Midoriya's the one who tried to save me." Toshinori Yagi corrected her.

"But," The No. 1 Hero added. "For some reason, they give the same vibe. Only that Young Midoriya's more intense."

The three persons, Vidal, Vincent and Nana, had their eyes on the father and were slightly shocked, but they already knew that due to the performance these last few rounds.

When the children of Toshinori and Vidal first witness Izuku, they were flabbergasted about his skills, especially the fight with the girl named Kendo.

For the Big Three, the boys noticed Nejire is all silent, which is very unusual. She was cheering for her kouhai against Shinso and Kendo respectively. This time?

The blue-haired senpai's literally silent. No subtle movements, only watching the battle that's about to start. She's the opposite of what she's doing everyday.

At the Participant Waiting Room, Miruko's at her usual place, leaning against the wall with arms crossed while Kamui Wood's group finished eating and their attention is on the screen, displaying the match.

While the villain named Tomura Shigaraki was watching with irritation as he heard Sensei telling him something.

"Watch carefully and prepare, Tomura Shigaraki. Someday, those two will be a huge obstacle towards your goal someday."

Scowled at the statement, he scratches his neck while responding. "I've heard a lot of bullshit today. But I guess I'll see why."

Back at the arena, Present Mic shouted. "At this year's Sports Festival, both have shown top class performance! It's like two great rivals going against each other!"

"Now," Both students bend their knees to a slight extent. Izuku saw Shoto put his right foot forward, knowing what'll happen at the first move.

"Let the match of Midoriya versus Todoroki..." Inhaling and holding their breath, both combatants are waiting for the cue.

...

"Begin!" Shouted with a voice crack, the battle started with Shoto's first turn. He used Ice Wave.

Large ice waves at that, coming at the speed of light.

Izuku, for a moment, didn't know what to do. Without noticing it, he unconsciously pulled his right arm and punched the ice.

Coming in contact, the large ice stopped and then...

'Crack'

'Whoosh'

The huge ice cracked, creating a strong wind pressure heading straight towards the bi-colored boy.

Shoto's widened eyes already tell. He wasn't expecting this as he quickly formed a small ice wall behind him and shielded himself.

The wind passed to the crowds behind Shoto. Their arms raised to cover their head as one of them muttered.

"S-S-S-So cold!" A female pro hero shivered with eyes closed. All of the heroes felt it as well because of the wind pressure carrying some small ice that melted quickly, and mixed with the air.

There's still ice flying around, but before they knew it, the wind dissipated.

"(The hell was that?)" Pretty sure what Shoto's thinking is on everyone's mind. Their eyes wide open from the move.

"What was that?!" Present Mic heard the minds and lets it out.

Katsuki Bakugo had his eyes wide open, but his jaw never dropped and only whispered two words.

"The fuck?"

The Big Three, Miruko, Yagi Family, Mt. Lady and her group are also in awe like Katsuki. Only difference is the swear word didn't came out of their mouth.

"Ack!" Izuku reeled back and held his arm in pain. Gritting his teeth, he felt like the nerve got cut off and the feeling of pain is like a thousand needles stabbing him back and forth.

His hand and forearm are purple, and it leaks blood in some places.

"(Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!)" He thought to himself. "(What the fuck was that?!)" Questioning himself, he wasn't notified or have the knowledge of the power he released.

"(Hang in there, Izuku!)" Shadow began to cover his partner's injured arm. The hero nerd felt something's inside his arm, twisting and moving every single muscle tissues.

The thought of it made him feel like skipping food or puke.

On cue, Shadow retracted back and his right arm is in healthy condition, shocking everyone. Again.

Slowly moving his fingers to check, no pain was sent through his spinal cord and brain. It's back to normal.

Then, his Spider-Sense went out as he saw Shoto's ice coming at him. Thinking the same, Shadow covered Izuku's non-dominant arm, forming a large fist like before and punched the ice.

Shattering the large ice, the bi-colored hair boy sends another ice wave at his opponent. But Izuku ran to the side as he smash it. Noticing there are some shards, an idea popped in his mind.

Jumping in the air, he got two ice shards while Shadow created four tentacles to grab four shards.

As soon as he got those shards, he quickly threw them one at a time. Shoto created a wall of ice to stop those incoming sharp objects that are used to be a part of his Ice Quirk.

Then...

'Shatter'

His ice wall broke into pieces, surprising him thanks to Izuku whose left fist is enlarged and covered with black goo that shattered his wall.

At his left is a quick kick to the jaw that sends the bi-colored boy flying. Although landing inbounds, Shoto created another ice wall to stop the momentum.

Opening his eyes, their looking at the ice he created. Turning around, Izuku was advancing quickly. Everything was so fast, but Shoto kept his composure as he let out another wave of ice at the incoming hero nerd.

Forming another large, durable fist, Izuku was managed to smash the ice wave, but he found no one behind, just a small ice wall.

At the corner of his left eye, he saw Shoto running while looking at him before he was met with ice.

Instead of punching it, Izuku dodged to the left, wanting to intercept Shoto.

Guess what? Izuku's got one trick up in his sleeves. There's something he needs to try it out and that something is his first time using it.

Shoto stopped running and fully faced Izuku, who halted and stared back as well.

"(I have to end this quickly.)" The bi-colored haired boy furrowed his eyes and sends another large ice wave, bigger than before.

Forming a large spike ball, the hero nerd swung his right arm to the left and shattered the attack before jumping a few feet away.

This confused everyone. Looking back, the green-haired boy checks his back. Nearing at the border, he stopped and his attention is at his opponent.

Lowering his body, he's in a position to start running. Running where, you ask?

At Shoto Todoroki.

Doesn't know what his opponent is planning, but all Shoto is knows is to defeat his classmate and advance to the final round.

One last ice can't hurt, right?

And he did send it.

"(Here it comes.)" Izuku thought, ready for bracing the attack? Or something else?

Then, his left leg glowed as the cloth around it ripped, exposing his skin that was covered in red linings.

On queue, the boy jumped forward. Closing the distance, and for the first time, Izuku dodged the large ice wave, surprising the opponent.

He was going fast and was about to face Shoto head on. Shoto, surprised, but calm and quick in his mind, duck down and successfully avoided the hero nerd.

In a mere second, Izuku's in a boundary he wasn't supposed to be in. He's going out of bounds.

Until...

The nerd turns his head, staring at his opponent, changing his body position mid-air, stucks both of his arms out and then...

'Thwip'

"Huh?" Shoto uttered a shocked response as he saw two long white strands that immediately attached to the ground a few inches behind him.

Both of them leads to izuku Midoriya. Organic webs came out of his wrists with pinky, index fingers and thumbs sticking out. Grabbing them with his hands and with all his might, he pulled himself forward.

In a blink of an eye, Izuku kicked the air out of the Todoroki boy as he was sent flying back, kept on rolling before it stopped.

He didn't get to make an ice wall that stops the momentum. The pain is really bad, maybe even worse, but not worse than the torment he has endured years ago.

"Huwhat?!!!" Present Mic shouted.

"What the hell happened?! A second ago, I thought Midoriya's gonna be eliminated and then the next, he's in bounds?! Midoriya cheated 'death', everybody!"

Everyone was stunned. Most were cheering, but there are some who were speechless. Miruko, Yagi Family, Class 1-A and B, the Big Three, and Mt. Lady's group is one of those speechless group.

Landing on his back, the hero nerd stood up while watching Shoto, who was struggling to get up. Seeing this made him smirk as he knew he had the upper hand. Shadow already healed his left leg.

And just as he had his turn to attack, something caught his attention.

"Huh?" He felt his right foot is heavier than before. Looking down, he checked what's the problem. Immediately, he saw it. His right foot is covered in ice.

"(He got me.)" Izuku thought. What happened is that the moment he landed a kick on Shoto's chest, the bi-colored haired boy only need a touch, and he did.

The distraction is what Endeavor's son needed as he let out a fast ice wave at Izuku, who immediately looks up thanks to the Spider-Sense.

A fraction of a second, the son of No. 2 Pro Hero caught the opportunity while the other was interrupted. And soon, the former vigilante closed his eyes and braced the impact.

After a few seconds, he opened them. He was immobilized by ice. Shoto caught him. Frozen, he can't do anything, only watching Shoto to finally stand up.

"Tell me, Midoriya. What was that? The one where you punched the ice and all of a sudden, you're injured." The bi-colored haired boy questioned.

Izuku wanted to answer, but he's far more concerned on what Shoto's about to say next.

"For me to stay away from you, checking my movements, and now you're immobilized. With this, you can give up."

A small breath of cloud came out of Shoto, glaring at the green-haired boy with his hair covering one eye. At that point, Izuku heard them. The side comments from the audience.

Saying that Shoto Todoroki is already better than an average pro hero, that's what someone will get if they're the son of a top ten Pro Hero.

"(The nerve of these people. Quick to judge.)" Izuku grimaced at those comments before looking at his opponent.

His eyes widened as he saw his state. Todoroki's right arm is covered in ice, which is common because he's always using his Ice Quirk.

There's something deeper than that.

...

Shoto Todoroki was trembling.

"(That's... how it is?)" The thought of it made him look down with his bangs covering his eyes, but his jaw was dropped.

"Sorry and thanks, Midoriya. That old man of mine is clouded over because of you." The boy looked at the stands where his bullshit father is watching the round.

While hearing that statement, Izuku felt like the world turned darker and quieter. Flashbacks came running down upon his mind and eyes. His speech, his talk with the Yagi Family and Miruko, cheering up his friends, and the one that hits him home is his conversation with his opponent.

There's only one word about what he's feeling right now.

Disappointment.

No need for the author to repeat it.

Izuku was disappointed that Shoto's only using his ice, without involving the other one. And it pisses him off.

For him to have the audacity to not go Plus Ultra is a disgrace.

"Without using my damn old man's Quirk, I can finally spat it in his face that I will never use his Quirk and win the first place."

Teeth aggressively grinding against each other, the hero nerd was fuming in anger as time passes on.

"With you stuck in my ice, you can't fight anymore, huh?" The Half-Ice, Half-Fire Quirk user asked.

No response came out of the nerd's mouth, only his teeth of anger can be shown. From everyone's perspective, it must be that he's angry that he lost. 'Does he really wanted that win? What a fool.' These thoughts are coming from immature or inexperienced pro heroes.

After that, Shoto looked at Midnight, who stared back as they both nodded, knowing that the match has-

"Where are you looking?"

Quickly turning his attention back, Shoto was surprised at how dark and deep his voice is, including Midnight.

Everyone saw that half of the ice wave was smashed into pieces. But how?

Shoto quickly saw the cause. Izuku's right hand clenched into fist and his whole arm is purple. Hurting, the nerd ignored the pain as he punch the air in front of his opponent with his very injured arm.

That punch resulted to a strong wind that sent Shoto back.

You can imagine the shock in everyone's face.

Miruko, Mt. Lady's group and the Big Three stared in silence with eyes wide open.

The Yagi Family had their jaws dropped.

The students have mixture of the mentioned names above.

At the arena, Izuku brought his fist down to his left, making the ice explode.

"Ngh!" Gritting and holding his pained voice, he was free from the ice.

Todoroki, finally stopped, was staring at him with a stunned look.

Did he... hear two voices?

"What... was that?" Flabbergasted by his move, he then heard Izuku spoke.

"Giving Todoroki-kun the win because he froze me? Who decided that?" There it is, two voices coming out of the green-haired boy's mouth. That statement is enough for the bi-colored haired boy to shiver.

While that's happening, Shadow began to cover his right arm for his partner to recover back to a healthy condition.

"Telling me to give up? Who also decided that?" Eyes darting at Shoto, that one gaze made the son of Endeavor felt like he's staring at a devil.

"I'll be the one who decide when it's over!" Shadow accompanied Izuku from that last speech. The crowd shuddered and getting chills from their spine when they heard him.

Closing his eyes, inhaling and exhaling through his nostrils, the killing intent that was emanating from Izuku dissipated.

Calming himself down, he responds. "You're trembling, Todoroki-kun." Only one voice this time. It was from Izuku Midoriya himself as he opened his eyes.

"Quirks are physical abilities, too. There's a limit to how much you can take the cold, isn't there?" He added.

"Isn't that can be solved with your left side?! Then, why won't you use it?!" Izuku shouted his heart out.

"(Did he...?)" Shoto was feeling it. His anger rising up just from hearing those two words that connected him from his dastard of a father.

"Did my old man buy you off?!" The boy argued back.

"Your shitty father has nothing to do with us now, right?! It's only you and me, in this arena!" Izuku answered.

Teeth gritting, his opponent puts a pressure on his right foot, sending an ice wave, but something's wrong.

"(He can't hold the cold much longer. And the ice is slower.)" Izuku dodged to the right before charging forward.

Shoto, feeling him reaching the limit, decided to stop and retreat by going to the left. But that's where he's wrong as soon as he thought that decision.

'Thwip'

The web from Izuku's left wrist landed on Todoroki's shirt. He caught him. Pulling it with full force, Izuku kicks him to the side, but Shoto's fingers grazed Izuku's left shoulder before he was sent back flying.

The nerd was shocked to see that his shoulder was frozen. Decided to take a step back, he gazed at it before he felt the cold. Shadow heard his thoughts and smashed the ice into pieces.

Thanking Shadow in his mind, the green-haired boy gazes back at Todoroki, who was stood up despite the tremble in his legs.

The arena is filled with small cold clouds thanks to Izuku smashing the ice so many times.

"It's taking a toll on you, Todoroki-kun! Use your right side!" The boy tried to convince the trembling Shoto.

"Shut up! You already know why!"

"Then you'll never become a true hero!" Those words stopped Shoto from attacking. Shocked to the core, he felt like his world was crumbling into pieces until Izuku responds.

"You saw our classmates! You saw them! Giving it all they got, no matter what! Even those class sections below us?! They're giving everything they've got, because they're here in U.A High School, where we'll become heroes in the future!"

"And yet, you want to fight half of your strength?! You're a disgrace to the generation!" That last one is an icing to the damaged soul of the bi-colored haired boy.

Unfortunately, everyone heard it. Shoto Todoroki, a disgrace to the hero generation this day? No way in hell. He's the son of Endeavor, the No. 2 Hero of Japan, for Kohei sake!

The mentioned hero narrowed his eyes. Where is that Midoriya boy going?

"Want to redeem yourself?! Then come at me with everything you've got!"

Some were confused, but a very few of them understood the situation, notably the ones who experienced fighting against villains for a long time.

All of a sudden, flashbacks rushed into Todoroki's mind. Memories of his childhood years with his family.

"Stand up. If you can't stand up from something like this, then forget beating All Might. You can't even fry small villains with you like th-"

"Please, stop. He's only five."

"He's already five, so get out of my way!"

'Smack'

Shoto wouldn't forget that moment. Out of all the beatings from the 'father', that scene hits him home.

After getting hit to the stomach as a five-year-old, what comes next is the start of his hatred towards Endeavor.

It's where his mother convincing Endeavor to stop, but failed to do so as the husband smack Shoto's beloved mother to the face.

Seeing frozen in place, Izuku charged forward. While that's happening, Todoroki's left side began to cover in ice, slowly and surely for his opponent to see.

"Shut up..." He muttered as tears trickling down his cheeks. No one would understand the pain and abuses he endured those years as a child.

"Mom, I'm sorry... but I... I don't wanna be like Dad! I don't want to become someone who bullies you, Mom!"

"But you want to be a hero, don't you? It's okay for you to become one. As long as you have a future you feel strong about."

A kick to the gut interrupted the moment Todoroki is having. Everything began to move so slow as another flashback stops within the core of his mind.

It's a scene where he's on the second floor, watching two of his siblings and a friend playing soccer until one fell and everyone laugh.

He wished he was down there, playing with his siblings like every kids before Endeavor grabbed him by his arm and forcefully drag him to God knows where.

"Don't look at them, Shoto. They're from a different world you wouldn't understand."

Landing on his back and struggling to stand up, the darkest memory haunts him this time.

It was night time as the young Todoroki woke up and decided to grab a drink of water. Then, he noticed the kitchen light is open before he heard his mother's voice.

"Mother, I'm going crazy. I can't take it anymore. Every day, the children seem to become more and more like him. Shoto's... that child's left side sometimes looks very unsightly to me. I can't raise him anymore... I feel like I shouldn't..."

Those are the last words coming out of his mother's mouth before she shivered and turned around, giving him the stare he didn't know it surface from his mother.

She was horrified as they stare at each other. And there's one word that can describe the gaze.

She... was looking at a living monster. A monster every children feared to encounter and started to cry as parents try to comfort them.

But for this scene? It's simple, but so deep. Especially within a family that words can't describe.

Two people in one room, the mother and the son. The mother became like a child, because of her husband's abuse to the family and the son became a monster.

And you know what she did?

While talking to Todoroki's grandmother, on mother's side, a kettle was there, filled with hot boiling water.

Shoto's mother threw it... at him. Screaming in agony, the young Todoroki fell back to the floor while she fell on her bum before she blinked so many times and realizes... the damage was done.

Her hands raised to cover her mouth as she burst in tears before she crawl quickly to the youngest son as she craddled him within her arms, hugging him on her chest and did all she can to comfort him and heal his already pained soul.

"Shoto... I'm sorry... Mommy's sorry... Forgive me, Shoto... Mommy's... so sorry..."

"No matter what..."

"Good grief, this is an important time, too..."

"Where's Mom?"

"Hm? She injured you, so I put her in a hospital."

"...It's your fault."

"Huh?"

"It's your fault. You're the one who made Mom... like that."

Todoroki won't forget the leer his bastard father. Unimpressed, disappointed, no empathy. Just a 'Here we go again' look with disdainful expression.

"I... will reject... my old man's Quirk..."

Seeing how stubborn his opponent is from not using his other power, there's one last thing for Izuku to do.

...

"It's your Quirk, isn't it?!"

...

Silence.

After hearing those words, Shoto Todoroki hears no sound. Only vision... and mind as one last flashback came.

"Yes, that's right. Children inherit Quirks from their parents. However, the most important thing is not that connection, but recognizing your own flesh and blood. Recognize yourself."

The flashback shows a scene where young Shoto and his mother are watching a news. A topic related to the situation they're in that time.

"That's what I mean when I say 'I am here'! You see?"

"You want to be a hero, right? Then it's alright to be one. Be a hero you wanted to become."

...

"(Looking back at that time, before I knew it, I had forgotten...)" Shoto thought as his emotions began to pour through his shivering eyes as he heard one last voice... coming from her mother.

"You don't have to be a prisoner of your own blood. It's okay... for you to become... who you wanted to be."

...

'Fwoosh'

"I-Is this?!"

In a burst, flames rose through the air and in the arena, letting out a very hot temperature and emanates a strong wind that narrows people's eyes who are close to the arena.

"(He used his left side.)" Bakugo thought with eyes slightly big.

"(You made him use his fire side? Young Midoriya, don't tell me...)" Toshinori thought.

"(You're trying to save your opponent?)" Mirio thought, continued what Toshinori was about to say inside his mind.

"Never seen him used his left side..." Miruko said to herself, analyzing the bi-colored haired boy. For Izuku to made him use the other side is a feat. The Rabbit Heroine smirked as she compliments. "You have my respect, Midoriya."

Back at the arena, Izuku was staring in awe before he was interrupted by Shoto, who stated, "Telling me I was a disgrace, redeeming myself by using my other half... Damn it... To help your enemy... I..."

For the first time in his life, Shoto smiled with a determined look that shows his teeth.

"I want to be a hero, too." Just hearing those words after using all of his power, Izuku was satisfied to see the results by showing his toothy smile.

Then...

"Shoto!" One certain pro hero shouted his voice out, confusing everyone even Present Mic who muttered a 'Huh' word.

As he walks down the staircase to go near the arena, he stated, "Have you finally accepted yourself? That's it. Good. It all starts from here for you! With my blood, you'll surpass me... and you'll fulfill my desire!"

Shoto never paid attention from the 'motivation' of his father, but only to Izuku as he shed one last tear before it evaporates due to the high temperature of his Fire Quirk.

Present Mic speaks, "Endeavor suddenly shouts... encouragement? Such a doting father." Little did he know it's not encouragement, but more of selfish desire.

Izuku's smile never faded as he continue to watch the spectacular power of Shoto. as he uttered, "Amazing."

"Why are you smiling?" That question confuses Izuku, who dropped his smile before he heard him next.

"You smiling at seeing me use everything, you're crazy."

"That I am." The hero nerd smirked.

"Don't blame me for what happens next." Shoto declared.

"I won't. I have no regrets." Izuku answered.

Bending his knees, Shoto took a step forward as Ice began to spread and the fire grew larger and hotter.

The adrenaline rush made Izuku's heart beat faster and unconsciously the power inside him began to show as he, too, step forward and soon he, too, was showing his true power.

"Midnight!" Cementoss shouted as he touched the floor and manipulated the cement. "If they keep going, it'll be bad!"

Midnight was about to rip apart of her clothes, but Izuku interrupted both of them. "Midnight-sensei! Cementoss-sensei! Don't interrupt the match!"

This confused the two pro heroes.

"Let this be the final attack and we'll see who's the winner for this round! Please!" Izuku begged as they ignored his clause. Midnight, however, looked into his eyes. Those eyes of determination and that he wanted this without any interruption from any people. It's just them and them only.

Soon, Cementoss followed and understood how much the hero nerd and Shoto wanted this to end.

A sigh came out of his mouth before he whispered, "Very well." Then he pressed the earpiece and ordered Midnight.

"Midnight, find cover. I'll cover around the arena as soon as they start."

"Roger." Midnight followed his instruction before jumping off and landed on the side. She went behind a wall where she used to be, but not before looking at the two students.

A smile appeared on her face before she thought, "(Don't hold back, you two. Go.)" Then she went behind covers.

Seeing Midnight evacuates her place, Izuku returned his attention to Shoto, who was ready and fully prepared.

No one said a word, just holding their breath for the final attack. As seconds come by, the people felt like their life span decrease.

Then...

Shoto took the first move, sending a large ice wave that's bigger than the ones he did before.

Izuku jumped forward with all his strength from his left foot. He saw an ice blocking his view. With no other choice, Izuku used his left fist to punch through.

Cementoss quickly wasted no time to make a wall around the arena.

"Then come at me with everything you've got!"

Izuku's voice rang in Shoto's mind, remembering that statement before preparing his final blow.

The ice behind him melted fast and switched his power from Ice to Fire as Izuku was flying towards him fast.

"Midoriya..." Shoto uttered while raising his left arm. "Thank you..."

Left palm stretched out forward, flames began to show eruption. Izuku, neglecting the excruciating pain from his left arm, pulled back his right arm, the part to match Shoto's attack.

Covered with red linings, Izuku did just like Shoto, except it's a fist. Izuku punched and two powerful attacks collided.

The next thing happen is an explosion and an earthquake that violently shakes the stadium. In a sequence, a powerful wind occurs, causing everyone to cover their view. One of Mezo Shoji's arm grabbed Minoru Mineta. The small pervert was thrashing in the air.

Denki Kaminari was flabbergasted as he exclaimed, "Seriously!"

"That's some power..." Momo spoke with one eye opened.

"That's strong." Amelia said.

The Big Three and pro heroes outside the stadium were also stunned.

A large dust cloud expanded to the top until it's out of the stadium. Everyone was speechless except one.

"What... was that?" Present Mic asked with him fell on his back.

"The air that had been cooled thoroughly suddenly heats up and exploded." Eraser Head said nonchalantly, he wasn't affected by the strong wind and a mini earthquake that only lasts two seconds.

"So that's what caused this huge explosion? Just how hot is that? I can't even see a damn thing!" His emcee partner adjusted his shades.

The dust cloud still hadn't cleared up, but it made the crowd see the explosive results from an intense match.

Everyone's still silent, with hearts clenched, mouth slightly open with a serious or astonished emotion.

After a few seconds, the result finally appeared before everyone's eyes and they cannot believe it.