Chapter 22
"There is a difference between being arrogant and confident. Arrogance is of ego while confidence is of soul."
– Unknown
Midoriya and Hatsume returned to Class 101-A's private suite, and the room buzzed with excitement as soon as they entered. Congratulations and praises rained down on Hatsume like confetti at a celebration.
"Hatsume! Girl, you were absolutely amazing out there!" Ashido beamed with enthusiasm.
"Yeah, seriously, that was some next-level engineering!" Kirishima chimed in, his grin as bright as ever.
Aoyama added his own flair to the conversation. "Oui! That laser attack was simply magnifique!"
Even Uraraka, who had her reservations about Hatsume, couldn't help but express her admiration. "You were awesome out there, Hatsume-san!"
More voices joined in the chorus of praise, and Hatsume grinned widely in response, thoroughly pleased with the positive feedback. "Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the acknowledgment," she said with her trademark bluntness, making her fellow students chuckle.
Then, in classic Hatsume fashion, she scratched her head and confessed, "But uh…what were your names again?" This remark caused some of the students to fall over in disbelief.
Sero couldn't resist a teasing comment. "She's as bad as Bakugo-san when it comes to forgetting names."
Asui, who appreciated Hatsume's blunt nature, added, "Kero. Though she isn't as rude, more so blunt than anything."
Iida, however, took a more serious approach. He sternly approached Hatsume and said, "Hatsume-san! While I am impressed and even inspired by your remarkable performance, I request that you put in the extra effort to remember your fellow students' names!"
Hatsume waved him off dismissively, making a tick mark appear on Iida's head. "Yeah, yeah! Sure thing, Glasses," she retorted playfully before heading to the refreshments table in the back. "Anyways, you want anything? What kind of fuel do those wonderful legs need?"
Iida blushed slightly at the compliment. "Orange juice," he replied before clearing his throat and emphasizing his point. "But don't change the subject!"
Meanwhile, Kaminari and Tsunotori observed Hatsume and Iida's banter with amusement. Kaminari couldn't help but comment, "Man, it's like watching a cheesy sitcom or something."
Tsunotori chuckled softly and playfully winked at Kaminari. "I know. At least it'll never be boring with them around." Her playful gesture left Kaminari blushing brightly, and he stammered a bit in response.
Jiro, who had been silently observing the exchange, turned away with conflicted feelings. 'Maybe… Maybe I should talk to my mom about what to do. I… I don't want to just give up on him…'
Tokage, seated beside Ashido, couldn't help but grin slyly as she watched the unfolding dynamics. 'Things are definitely getting juicy here.'
Amidst the lively atmosphere, Yaoyorozu approached Midoriya with a sports drink and several energy bars in hand. She was relieved to see that Midoriya no longer appeared troubled after his private conversation with Hatsume. A part of her couldn't help but be curious about the nature of their discussion.
"Here you are, Izuku-kun," she said, offering him the refreshments.
Midoriya nodded appreciatively and accepted them. "Thanks, Momo."
His gaze shifted to Todoroki, who remained seated alone in the front row. Though Midoriya couldn't see his face, he could tell something was weighing heavily on the dual-Quirk user's mind. Maybe it was the realization of how close he had come to defeat earlier, or perhaps it was whatever had triggered him to unleash a devastating glacier attack against Hatsume. Regardless, Midoriya knew he couldn't focus on Todoroki right now, especially with his upcoming match against Bakugo looming.
"By the way," Midoriya inquired, "do you know where Bakugo-san is?"
Kirishima, who had been talking with Ashido, responded, "Oh, Bakugo left earlier. He said he was going to stay in his waiting room."
Midoriya nodded in acknowledgment.
As the pair went to reclaim their seats, Uraraka turned to Yaoyorozu. "Hey, congrats on advancing, Momo-chan." Her smile then became sympathetic. "Although, I'm sorry the win was just handed to you like that."
"It's certainly not how I would have preferred the match to go," Yaoyorozu admitted with a shrug. "But I can only control what I can do."
Ashido leaned forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Still, making it to the Final Four is sweet!" She then glanced at Todoroki in the front row and leaned closer to whisper. "How do you feel about fighting Todoroki-san? Can you take him?"
Yaoyorozu hesitated for a moment, biting her bottom lip. "Maybe," she admitted quietly. "My options are limited against an opponent like him."
Tokage chimed in with a sly grin, "Just make sure you cover your face. Can't have the prettiest girl in class lose her title."
"Um, Momo-chan?" Yaoyorozu turned to Midoriya. "If you want to go over some tactics before your match, I'd be more than happy to help."
Yaoyorozu smiled fondly at him. "I appreciate the offer." She then gestured toward the jumbotron, displaying a 15-minute timer winding down. "But your match is coming up soon. You should get ready for it."
Midoriya agreed, acknowledging that it was time for him to prepare for his own Semifinals match. "Right," he said as he replenished himself with a sports drink and snack. "I'm going to head down. Momo, why don't you accompany me to the elevator? We can talk on the way."
Yaoyorozu felt her heart skip a beat at the invitation but pushed aside any personal feelings and nodded. "Of course."
Uraraka, showing her support, wrapped Midoriya in a heartfelt hug. "Good luck, Izuku-kun! I know you can do it!"
Midoriya, a bit flustered, but appreciative, returned the embrace. "T-Thanks, Occhan."
As he departed, all of his friends echoed Uraraka's words, eliciting an appreciative smile from Midoriya. Together with Yaoyorozu, he walked out of the suite, leaving behind a slightly envious Uraraka.
Noticing Uraraka's emotions, Ashido patted her shoulder comfortingly. "Hey, it's alright, girl."
Asui chimed in. "He probably just wanted to discuss strategy with Yaomomo in private. Kero." She gestured toward Todoroki, several rows down, who appeared lost in his own thoughts.
Uraraka managed a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, you're probably right."
Ashido grinned knowingly. "You know, when you and Yaomomo were facing each other, he never played favorites. He looked so proud watching you two in action. So don't feel like he's playing favorites between you both."
Uraraka's smile radiated warmth as her thoughts revolved around her handsome, broccoli-haired friend and neighbor.
The man who had valiantly rescued her and Yaoyorozu from a potentially perilous situation in an alley, facing down a group of menacing punks with unwavering resolve and incredible skill. The man who was her constant companion, whether they were training, studying, or simply enjoying each other's company. The man whose expertise ranged from combat techniques and historical knowledge to Heroics, but hilariously lacked any grasp of pop culture.
The man who had undeniably transformed her life for the better since their very first encounter, guiding her toward personal growth as both a Heroine and a person.
In that profound moment, the realization of Uraraka's feelings washed over her, causing her blush to deepen. 'Oh my gosh... I've got it bad, don't I?'
Ashido, Tokage, and Tsunotori exchanged knowing glances when they noticed Uraraka's flustered expression. 'Looks like she's figuring it out. Just two more to go,' they silently communicated with each other.
Midoriya and Yaoyorozu strolled down the corridor toward the elevator, their conversation revolving around strategies for her upcoming match against the formidable Todoroki.
"Without a doubt, Todoroki-san is a formidable opponent," Yaoyorozu began, her expression pensive. "Even though he isn't using his fire, his ice still poses a challenge."
Midoriya nodded in agreement, a serious expression on his face. "You need to take him down immediately," he advised, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "Todoroki will go for the easy win if given the chance."
Yaoyorozu acknowledged his advice with a nod, her mind already working on potential tactics. "I could create a cannon to blast him out of the ring." She suggested, "Nothing lethal, of course. But it would take some time to fabricate..."
Midoriya mulled over her words and then made an intriguing suggestion, "I wonder, in times when you need a weapon fast, what if you could create an object but keep it attached to yourself? You'd be able to cut down on your attack time by a significant margin."
Yaoyorozu's eyes widened with realization, recognizing the merit in Midoriya's unconventional idea. "That's... an interesting thought," she replied thoughtfully. "I'll have to explore that idea further."
The upcoming match against Todoroki had stirred up a sense of determination in Yaoyorozu, but it also reminded her of her previous doubts regarding Midoriya's abilities during his First-Round match against Shiozaki. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt about it, and she decided to address it.
Just as the elevator doors slid open and Midoriya was about to step in, Yaoyorozu halted him with a gentle touch. "Izuku..."
He turned to face her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Yeah? What's wrong, Momo?"
She began hesitantly, her demeanor reflecting her unease. "I wanted to apologize."
Midoriya raised an eyebrow in slight bemusement. "Apologize? For what?"
Yaoyorozu bowed slightly, lowering her head as she continued, "During your first match against Shiozaki, I... I doubted you. I didn't think you'd make it as far as you did in the tournament."
Midoriya blinked twice, genuinely surprised by her apology. It seemed a bit trivial to him, as he couldn't fault her for her assessment. Shiozaki had been a formidable opponent, and his victory had hinged on a single, well-timed move. Had he failed, Shiozaki would've likely thrown him out of the ring.
However, he couldn't help but smile softly, finding irony in the situation. Just as he had apologized to Hatsume earlier for blaming himself for the Arc Reactor's destruction, now Yaoyorozu was apologizing for doubting him. Neither he nor Yaoyorozu were in the wrong in either situation.
"Hey, Momo, it's okay," he reassured her sincerely. "I'm not upset with you at all. We all have moments of doubt and uncertainty. What matters is that you've grown from that experience... just as I have."
Yaoyorozu straightened up, a sense of relief washing over her as she took in his understanding response. "Thank you, Izuku-kun. You've come so far... and you've inspired me, Occhan, and all of us." Her determination shone through as she looked at him with renewed confidence. "I want to make you proud in my match against Todoroki."
Midoriya's emerald eyes sparkled with pride. "You've already made me proud, Momo," he replied, stepping inside the elevator and pressing the ground-level button.
Yaoyorozu was very pleased by that sincere statement. "Izuku-kun," she said with a confident smile. "I'll be cheering you on and… I'll see you in the Finals."
Midoriya smirked and nodded just as the elevator doors slid closed.
Bakugo stood at the bathroom sink, water running as he splashed some onto his face. He was careful around his slightly sore, previously broken nose. After whipping his face, he turned his gaze toward the mirror, his thoughts drifting back into the past.
In a preschool room, Young Bakugo found himself in the center of attention, firing tiny explosions from his palms. The children and two adult teachers watched in awe.
"Wow! Look at that!"
"Is he making explosions?!"
"That's so cool!"
"You're so lucky!"
The chorus of praise and admiration continued from both children and adults. The male teacher couldn't contain his excitement.
"Impressive. I bet that's going to grow into an amazing Quirk!"
The woman teacher chimed in, smiling."A flashy Quirk for a future Hero. It's perfect!"
Little Bakugo looked down at his crackling hands with a beaming smile, his red eyes filled with confidence.
"They're right… I am amazing! In fact… I bet there's no one as great as I am!" He internally declared. This epiphany would change the course of Bakugo's life.
Bakugo splashed some more water onto his face, then turned off the faucet and reached for a paper towel. The echoes of his childhood still lingered in his mind.
"Wow, Katsuki! You're so lucky!"
"Hopefully when my Quirk comes in, I can be just as cool as you."
Young Bakugo led a group of neighborhood boys into the forest, puffing out his chest. "Whatever, dorks. Doesn't matter what lame powers you wind up with, you'll never be better than me."
"Aw, c'mon! You don't have to be mean about it," one of them whined.
Little Bakugo smirked and shrugged. "That's just the truth."
Bakugo dried his face and hands with the paper towel before tossing it into the trash. He exited the restroom and walked down the hallway, his right knee causing a slight grimace.
The old hag had healed his superficial injuries, but complete recovery would drain his stamina to the point where competing would be impossible. But Bakugo couldn't let a little pain stop him. He had a goal to achieve.
'This is it. I'm in the All-Star Games Semifinals. Just as I planned from the start…'
His thoughts wandered back to his previous matches against Tokage and Kendo, where victory had been secured through last-ditch effort moves. Those wins didn't meet his standards. The next two matches had to be flawless, undisputed victories for him to claim his position as the next All Might.
However, there was a formidable obstacle in his path.
'Midoriya Izuku…' The name ignited an internal fire of rivalry within him.
The broccoli-headed, stealth-foreigner had proven to be a significant challenge. Despite lacking a flashy Quirk, he had compensated with impressive melee skills, an indestructible shield, and, most importantly, years of experience as a soldier.
Bakugo vividly remembered how effectively Midoriya had beaten him during the Battle Trials. Since that day, he had been contemplating various moves and strategies to take down the former American soldier, and he believed he finally had one that would work, especially with the open ring.
After all, he didn't make it this far on just raw talent alone.
"OW! What was that for, yah hag?!" Young Bakugo shouted after getting smacked by his irate mother.
"You know damn well why I smacked ya, brat!" Bakugo Mitsuki yelled, her temple throbbing. "Your teachers are telling me you're slacking off with your classwork. What's that about?!"
He shrugged uncaringly, pocketing his hands in his pockets. "I'm going to be the Number One Hero someday. Why the heck should I care about schoolwork?"
This was the wrong answer as it earned another smack in the head. "You little dibs**t! You may have gotten lucky being born with a great Quirk, but it won't amount to jack squat if you flunk out of school!"
Despite his complicated relationship with his mother, Bakugo was extremely grateful for her practically beating that lesson into him at a young age. It allowed him not only to excel with his Quirk training, but academically too. He graduated at the top of his class in elementary, middle school, and high school!
There was no way he'd be standing in UA University today had he skimped on his studies.
Bakugo mulled over his upcoming match. Two significant advantages were on his side: the open, gladiator-style setting of the arena and Midoriya's absence of his shield. Part of Bakugo, the competitive part, wanted Midoriya to have his shield for their rematch. He wanted to prove he could beat the green-haired bastard without any handicaps.
But Bakugo wasn't the one making the rules. Besides, Midoriya had made it this far in the games without his shield. It was clear the soldier didn't rely on it to win. A begrudging respect stirred within Bakugo, as much as he hated to admit it.
'Whatever. Shield or no shield, this is as far as he gets!' Bakugo resolutely thought.
Bakugo pushed open the door to what he thought was his waiting room, only to be met with a surprising sight.
"What the…?" he muttered, clearly taken aback.
There, on the floor, was Midoriya, effortlessly performing a handstand pushup…with one arm. Bakugo's brows furrowed in confusion and irritation.
"Bakugo?" Midoriya paused his exercise and looked up at his unexpected visitor.
"The hell are you doing here?! This is my room! Wait… Is this locker room one or two?"
"One." Midoriya replied while switching to his other arm while never flattering.
Bakugo clicked his tongue in annoyance, realizing he had barged into the wrong room.
"By the way, how's your knee?" Midoriya suddenly inquired, his voice calm and collected.
Bakugo's guard went up immediately. "What...?"
"Your right knee. The one Kendo-san dislocated," Midoriya clarified. "Does it feel okay? Oh, what about your nose?"
Bakugo clenched his fists, his anger bubbling to the surface. "Are you... showing pity for me?" he growled, his tone laced with frustration.
Midoriya, however, met Bakugo's fiery gaze with a calm, understanding expression. "Not pity. Just concern."
Bakugo's hands clenched into fists, and his body trembled slightly as he ground his teeth. "I don't need your damn concern. Don't think that just because you've beaten me in the last two events that I'm some weakling who needs saving! Got it?!"
Midoriya stopped his exercises, effortlessly hopping back up to his feet. He regarded the ash-blonde with an arched brow and a concerned expression. "Hold on… Is that what you think? When people show concern for you… you think they're looking down on you?"
Bakugo scoffed, his pride refusing to let him look Midoriya in the eye. He turned away, stopping at the door frame. "Listen up, Midoriya. Enjoy your time on that pedestal." He glanced over his shoulder, glaring daggers at his green-haired rival. "Cause I'll be knocking you off of it very soon."
With that declaration, he promptly slammed the door behind him.
Meanwhile, Midoriya was left standing alone in the locker room, contemplating the explosive teen's broken logic.
Showing concern for someone is admitting that the individual is weak? It was a perspective he couldn't quite comprehend. Though it did provide Midoriya with a glimpse into Bakugo's complex and often contradictory mindset.
"Bakugo is the complete opposite of Todoroki. He always gives it his all to win. But that pride of his..." Midoriya couldn't help but think of another character from his past, a person who shared a similar, destructive pride.
'Zak…' He frowned solemnly.
"If things continue like this with Bakugo," he mused to himself, "it won't end well for him. He'll pick a fight against a Villain he has no chance of beating alone... but will be too prideful to retreat or even call for backup."
"You're gazing upon greatness. I'm going to be Number One around here. The top hero, like All Might. I'm not overconfident or anything. I'm just that good. So, if none of you want to die or anything, you'll stay out of my way. Understand?"
Bakugo's statement from the first day lingered in his mind.
Midoriya let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders. "First Todoroki... then Mei... and now Bakugo."
He clenched his fists, determination etched on his face. "Guess it's time for another lesson."
In a private suite overlooking the arena, Yagi and Dean Nezu sat in plush chairs. The chatter of the crowd below and the anticipation in the air filled the room for the upcoming match.
Dean Nezu, with his tablet in hand, was scrolling through the social media comments rolling in on the university's social networking platforms.
"My, my. Young Midoriya seems to be gaining the following, Toshinori." He raised the tablet to show him.
Yagi took a quick glance at the tablet.
I get #BlondeBomber is tough…but #UASoldierBoy got this! He has ❤️ of a Hero! — DMNinja42
#UASoldierBoy and #EndeavorBoy are soooooooooo H-O-T . I hope one of them's available. — KittyTsuchikawa
KittyTsuchikawa You and me both sister 👀😜 — RealMtLady
KittyTsuchikawa RealMtLady Settle down girls! They r still in college! — Mandalay
#UASoldierBoy is a legend in the making! Marks my words, he will win this whole shebang! Yo Joe! — MonkeyDConan
Not taking away what #UASoldierBoy has done. But let's come back to reality. #BlondeBomber will blast #UASoldierBoy out of the ring. #EndeavorBoy vs #BlondeBomber in Finals! — Peakeedivi
Not everyone can be a hero. #UASoldierBoy going to learn that lesson the hard way. — Flashyraff
#UASoldierBoy has been impressive, but #BlondeBomber will squeak out another W — RealDeathArms
#UASoldierBoy isn't going to lose. The canon version of him already lost at this point in the original story arc. — MercWithAMouth
MercWithAMouth ?– Cattlega
#UASoldierBoy is the main character in a so-so fanfiction that's taking too long to get to the endgame. He isn't allowed to lose these games. That's a good way to piss off readers. — MercWithAMouth
MercWithAMouth Whatever you're on please share with us 😂 —InsaneDominator
InsaneDominator Trust me you don't want what I have…unless you're okay with ur face looking like an old bruised avocado — MercWithAMouth
On the readers behalf, Ultimate10, is #UASoldierBoy getting or already received OFA 👀 — MercWithAMouth [Comment deleted]
MercWithAMouth has been blocked by an administrator.
Yagi didn't read the last comment before Nezu deleted it.
Dean Nezu shook his head, sighing in vexation after blocking the most recent user. "Damn him. Damn that lunatic," he murmured under his breath.
Yagi blinked in confusion, unsure of what to make of the dean's recent agitation. It was the first time he had seen the highly intelligent being seem so perturbed.
However, Dean Nezu soon settled down and resumed his cheerful demeanor. "Although some of these comments bring up a fair point," he leaned back in his chair. "Bakugo is exceptionally powerful. Midoriya may have his work cut out for him."
Yagi nodded in agreement. "Young Bakugo is certainly a powerhouse. A very driven and determined one too."
"I worry if Midoriya can overcome this obstacle... unless," Dean Nezu glanced at Yagi with a glint in his beady eyes, "you gave him One For All?"
Yagi chuckled in amusement. "Trying to bait me, sir?"
Nezu shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just curious if you remembered our previous talk regarding the subject. We both agreed it'd be best to wait until the Summer Training Camp to avoid suspicion. I wonder, though, if you may have gotten ahead of yourself and passed your Quirk on to him earlier than planned."
Yagi shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Like I said, I'm keeping young Midoriya's answer close to the vest for now. But," he turned his attention to the TV screen in the corner, which was displaying highlights of Midoriya and Bakugo's battle, "I'm sure you'll figure it out for yourself soon."
Leaning forward in his seat, his cerulean eyes locked onto the arena, Yagi continued, "Young Midoriya has overcome incredible obstacles to get to this point in his life. And though I respect young Bakugo's drive and sheer will... I do believe Izuku will win out."
Dean Nezu made a mental note of how Yagi used Midoriya's first name again. His analytical gaze then returned to the stage. "We shall see. I do love to be surprised sometimes." His grin turned maniacal. "Though if Midoriya were to win, the debates and controversy that would spring from it would be fantastic!"
He proceeded to laugh wildly, once again leaving Yagi feeling uneasy in his presence.
Present Mic's voice boomed through the stadium, sending vibrations of excitement through the crowd. The energetic Hero and announcer knew how to electrify the atmosphere like no one else.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Are you ready for some explosive action?" Present Mic's voice reverberated through the arena, his excitement contagious. "It's time to kick off the first All-Star Games Semifinals match, and our contenders are ready to set this place on fire!"
"Hopefully not literally." Aizawa dryly commented.
The stadium erupted in cheers as the spectators eagerly awaited the showdown between Midoriya and Bakugo.
"In one corner, we have the incredible, the unstoppable, the explosive dynamo himself! He's got a fiery spirit and an even hotter Quirk! Give it up for Bakugo Katsuki!"
The crowd roared in response as Bakugo stepped onto the stage, his fiery aura matching the anticipation in the air.
"And in the other corner, we have the incredible, the unbreakable, the embodiment of perseverance! He's proven himself time and time again, and today he's here to show us what he's made of! All the way from across the Pacific–Midoriya Izuku!"
A fresh wave of cheers engulfed the stadium as Midoriya made his dramatic entrance, his resolute expression capturing the audience's attention.
Present Mic's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch as he kept stoking the crowd's excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, these two students have been locked in fierce competition since the start! Midoriya has clinched victory in the first two events, but could Bakugo be the one to thwart his path to the Finals? Stay with us because this match promises to be an intense showdown!"
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the first Semifinals match was on the cusp of commencing.
Midoriya and Bakugo positioned themselves at the center of the arena, maintaining a significant distance of at least 9 meters (~30 feet) between them. Midoriya observed his opponent closely, noting the glistening sheen of sweat on Bakugo's face, arms, and dampness on his clothes.
'He's already worked up a sweat,' Midoriya thought to himself, analyzing the situation. 'He's likely planning to end the match quickly.'
Despite his pride, Bakugo realized that his stamina was limited after receiving healing from Recovery Girl for his broken nose and dislocated knee. Prolonging the match against Midoriya could lead to more opportunities for defeat and reduce his strength for a potential Finals match.
Midoriya couldn't help but give Bakugo credit for his strategic thinking. Despite his arrogant demeanor, he was making sound decisions.
'With that much sweat, he'll likely keep his distance and utilize concussive explosions,' Midoriya deduced. 'He might even attempt a powerful blast to end the match in one move.'
Having discerned Bakugo's intentions, the World War III veteran formulated his own strategy to disrupt his opponent's plan.
"Hey Bakugo!" Midoriya called out, grabbing the ash-blond Pomeranian's attention. "I couldn't help but notice that glossy sheen on your skin. Is that a new moisturizer you're trying out? What's it called, 'Essence of Fear'?"
Midoriya felt grateful for all the time he spent around people like Bucky and James. Throwing shade and insults came naturally for those two. Hopefully they'd appreciate his attempt to emulate them.
Caught off guard by the insult, Bakugo's eyes briefly widened before narrowing into an intense glare. His ruby-red irises practically smoldered with rage as he clenched his teeth.
"What the hell did you just say?!" He roared.
Midoriya feigned a smug smirk. "Oh, just admiring your consistency, Third Place." He taunted, referencing Bakugo's Entrance Exam ranking. His gaze locked onto Bakugo's, unbroken. "But on a serious note, congratulations on making it this far, and hey, a bronze medal isn't too shabby. You'll have something to show off to your family tonight."
With that, the ash-blond practically saw red. His nostrils flared, sparks crackled in his clenched palms, and he issued a menacing snarl. "Midoriya… I'm going to kill you!"
From her pedestal, Midnight called out. "Are both fighters ready?"
"I'm ready, Kayama-sensei," Midoriya said, adopting a sprinter's stance.
"Hell yeah I'm ready!" Bakugo spat out. "Just start the damn match already!"
Midnight exchanged a quick glance with Cementoss from across the ring, receiving his nod of agreement.
She held up her whip momentarily before bringing it down. "BEGIN!"
Midoriya wasted no time, breaking into a full sprint toward Bakugo, determined to close the gap swiftly.
But instead of engaging the super-soldier head-on, Bakugo executed a nimble backwards leap, thrusting his arms forward and unleashing a colossal explosion.
"DIE!"
KA-BOOM!
The shockwaves rippled across the ring, sending concrete debris scattering in all directions and shrouding the audience's view in a dark cloud.
Reacting quickly, Midoriya abruptly halted his sprint, coming to a sliding stop on the ground as he crouched low. Just as Bakugo's eruption concealed his surroundings, Midoriya propelled himself backward, skimming the ground. While he managed to evade the full force of the explosion's shockwave, the deafening noise still pierced his eardrums.
As his back met the concrete, he swiftly rolled onto his front, pulling the hem of his shirt over his mouth and nose. He began to crawl stealthily through the lingering smoke, ignoring the ringing in his ears.
Meanwhile, Bakugo landed gracefully in a crouched position, springing back to his feet, his palms crackling and emitting smoke. 'Nice try, but I'm not falling for that!' he inwardly seethed.
Bakugo recognized Midoriya's attempt to bait him into a reckless charge, with the intent to employ an advanced melee technique. However, the Explosion-user was astute to the soldier's strategy and was determined not to give him the opportunity to make contact.
As the dissipating haze revealed the arena, Bakugo was met with a surprising sight. There sat Midoriya, his legs crossed, chin resting casually on his fist. Aside from some burnt tears in his gym uniform, he appeared relatively unscathed.
Rising to his feet with a casual grace, Midoriya flashed his opponent a sly smirk. "You're improving. I think I felt a breeze on that one."
Bakugo gritted his teeth, his temples pounding madly. He felt like his vision was being consumed by red. Without hesitation, he fired a pair of explosions, propelling himself forward at breakneck speed, closing the gap between him and Midoriya in the blink of an eye.
"You're dead, stealth-gaijin!"
'Haven't heard that nickname in a while. He must be really angry,' Midoriya mused, his eyes locked onto Bakugo's movements with unwavering focus. As the ash-blond hurtled through the air, Midoriya's keen observations led to a small grin forming on his face.
When Bakugo closed the gap between them, he initially cocked back his right arm, seemingly ready for an explosive right hook. However, at the last moment, he pulled back and led with a left hook instead.
'Like hell I'd try the same trick twice!' Flashes of Bakugo's previous fight against Midoriya in the Battle Trials raced through his mind, specifically how the green-haired fighter had effectively countered his opening right hook.
This time, Midoriya didn't have his precious shield to block the explosion. As Bakugo prepared to ignite an explosion, Midoriya reacted swiftly. He reached out and grabbed Bakugo's left wrist before the explosion could manifest. In one fluid motion, Midoriya redirected the explosion, pivoted on his feet, and slammed his shoulder directly into Bakugo's chest.
Caught off guard and reeling from the unexpected counter, Bakugo was momentarily stunned. Midoriya didn't waste a second. He seized Bakugo under his left armpit, hoisted him over his shoulder with ease, and swung the ash-blonde around before slamming him forcefully into the unforgiving concrete.
'W-WHAT!?' Bakugo internally shouted, dumbfounded. 'How'd he know?!'
Midoriya had fully anticipated Bakugo's right feint, knowing that the explosive teen wouldn't rely on a predictable attack, especially in his enraged state.
Bakugo made a guttural noise as the impact hit him hard. Still gripping Bakugo's left arm, Midoriya applied just enough of his enhanced strength to twist it until a sickening crack echoed.
SNAP!
"AAAAGGHHHH!" Bakugo's anguished scream tore through the arena, eliciting grimaces from the audience as the sound reverberated around them.
In response, Bakugo tried to unleash an explosion from his right arm, but Midoriya managed to catch his wrist and redirect it. With a forceful tug on Bakugo's wrist, Midoriya pulled his explosive opponent closer and delivered a punishing knee strike to Bakugo's abdomen. The attack left Bakugo retching and doubled over in pain.
As Midoriya prepared to follow up with a decisive jab to the head, Bakugo ignited a violent explosion from his broken left arm. While the explosion's force only grazed Midoriya instead of hitting him head-on, the deafening noise made the super-soldier wince involuntarily.
Seizing the momentary distraction, and fighting through the searing pain, Bakugo capitalized on the opening by using his legs to deliver a powerful kick to Midoriya's torso. The impact freed him from Midoriya's grip, and Bakugo used his right arm to propel himself away. He tumbled across the ground before finally managing to get back to one knee, breathing heavily.
He shot Midoriya a look of absolute fury that bordered on the edge of madness. Staggering to his feet, he snarled, attempting to conceal a grimace as his left arm dangled uselessly. He slowly tensed and flexed his right arm with no issue. Looking to his left, the arm moved only a fraction before his entire body tensed up. A grimace disguised as a snarl grew across his face as he stopped moving his broken arm and turned towards the one responsible.
"Damn you…" He growled through clenched teeth. "You…You're gonna pay for that!"
Midoriya, having quickly recovered from the blow to his torso, remained unfazed by his opponent's boiling rage. Wiping some soot off his face, he widened his stance and gestured provocatively for Bakugo to engage, challenging him further.
That "come on" gesture was all it took.
Bakugo made another guttural, almost animalistic noise before charging forward with an intense fury.
On the opposite side, Midoriya took a deep breath and maintained his composure, allowing Bakugo to cut some distance between them. He shifted his feet and began to move to Bakugo's side, staying on his left.
Bakugo slowed down his charge, his smoldering gaze locked onto Midoriya as he mirrored the verdette's movements. "You think I can't beat you with one arm!?" He growled, tracking Midoriya's steps.
Midoriya remained resolute, reading Bakugo's lips since there was a lingering ring in his ears. "I don't think; I know you can't." He said matter-of-factly.
Bakugo stomped his foot forward, his sneer deepening. "Shut the hell up!"
Midoriya countered with coolness. "You're the one doing most of the talking here," he quipped as he continued to circle around Bakugo.
Unsurprisingly, Bakugo didn't take well to Midoriya's evasive maneuvers. He couldn't contain his frustration. "Dammit! Stop running away from me!" He swung his uninjured arm forward, unleashing a larger explosion than Midoriya had anticipated.
Midoriya easily leaped to the side, rolling out of the explosion's path. Staying on Bakugo's left side made it easier for him to evade the attacks, forcing Bakugo to attack across his body.
"Tch!" Bakugo snarled, clenching his jaws tightly.
With another explosion, Bakugo sent it toward Midoriya's direction. This time, Midoriya barely managed to dodge the blast, feeling the intense heat radiating from it. Bakugo was beginning to adapt to his handicap, which meant Midoriya needed to change his tactics.
"You can't run forever, dammit!"
Midoriya agreed silently with that notion. He had to close the distance quickly if he wanted to secure a decisive victory. Given Bakugo's guarded stance, trickery wouldn't suffice this time. Also, his last two matches had shown that Bakugo would resort to blowing up the entire ring to win if given the chance.
Analyzing his surroundings, Midoriya spotted something across the ring, and his enhanced mind immediately formulated a plan. 'Okay... Time to end this,' he thought as he abandoned his slow circling and sprinted around Bakugo, still moving counter-clockwise but now narrowing the circle to close in.
Bakugo reacted swiftly, swiveling around to fire another blast where Midoriya was heading. However, the moment he started moving, Midoriya had already changed direction and was closing in from the opposite side, skillfully avoiding the explosion.
Midoriya then slowed his pace, leaning over to scoop up some rocks from the debris scattered across the ring due to Bakugo's opening explosion. He then proceeded to throw the rocks at his opponent.
As Bakugo instinctively raised his arms to shield his face, the rocks pelted his body, causing him to grimace in pain, especially when one struck his broken arm. In retaliation, he wildly fired a blast from his good arm, but Midoriya once again evaded it.
The verdette followed up by shuffling his feet and kicking loose debris at his opponent. His movements were fluid and graceful, resembling those of a professional football (soccer) player as he used his legs to launch the projectiles at Bakugo.
In response, Bakugo swiftly extended his arm and ignited another massive explosion that eviscerated the incoming debris, creating a deafening boom. As the dust and smoke filled the air, Bakugo's eyes snapped open in alarm.
Panicking slightly, he frantically scanned his surroundings but couldn't see anything through the dense smoke. Realization hit him like a bolt of lightning; Midoriya's strategy was to throw projectiles, force Bakugo to use explosions to deflect them, and then use the resulting dust cloud to obscure his vision to perform a sneak attack.
Bakugo couldn't help but begrudgingly admit how clever it was. "You damn snake!" He yelled angrily. "You think you're so much better just 'cause you were some lame soldier!?"
There was no response from Midoriya.
Bakugo remained on high alert, his eyes darting around as he scanned and listened intently for any sign of movement, blocking out the crowd noise. He was determined to maintain his guard, especially on his vulnerable left side.
The temptation to fire another explosion to blow the dust away nagged at him, but he decided against it. He had learned the hard way from his fight with Kendo that firing off another explosion at empty space would just leave him open for a surprise attack.
He lowered his right arm and took several deep breaths, all the while keeping his guard up. A few sharp rolls of his shoulders helped to ease some of the pain. He knew he could endure a couple more violent explosions if necessary.
Click. Clang. Click.
His whole body snapped to attention as something clattered on the ground to his left. It didn't sound like footsteps; it was more like the noise of a rock hitting the ground.
Bakugo narrowed his gaze sharply, determined not to fall for the same trick again. Relaxing slightly, he acted as though he wasn't expecting an attack and patiently waited. Only a few seconds remained before the haze would clear away, and a sneak attack would become impossible.
Then, he spotted movement to his left and reacted instantly. Lunging forward, Bakugo spun on his feet and thrust his unbroken arm forward with his palms glowing brightly, fully committed to finishing this battle.
However, when he swung an explosive right hook, he didn't hit anything but thin air. The resulting blast cleared away the smoke to reveal a battered ring... and a burnt gym jacket fluttering to the ground.
Before Bakugo could fully comprehend what had just happened, he suddenly felt a powerful force crash into him from the right, forcefully driving him face-first into the concrete. A substantial weight landed squarely on top of him and shifted, while his right arm was ruthlessly twisted behind his back (his palm turned to his back), causing him to grimace. Meanwhile, a knee was pressed down gently but infuriatingly on his left hand, keeping it firmly planted on the ground. To add to his restraint, a second hand firmly clasped the back of his head, pressing it down.
Midoriya maintained his unyielding hold on Bakugo, his emerald eyes locked onto his opponent with unwavering intensity. While ensuring that he was cautious with Bakugo's injured arm, he remained ready to respond swiftly if Bakugo attempted a desperate move.
"NO...dammit…" Despite Bakugo's relentless struggles, he found himself ensnared and immobilized beneath the unyielding grip. He intensified his efforts, but he couldn't budge an inch.
In the background, Midnight began a ten-second countdown for when a contestant was pinned.
"One!"
"Two!"
Heat started to emanate from Bakugo's left palm, but Midoriya responded by increasing the pressure on his left arm, forcing him to halt and grimace in pain.
'No... This...this can't be happening!' His body trembled with disbelief. 'I...I can't lose...'
"Three!"
Bakugo strained once more, emitting a series of feral growls. Yet, it remained futile. The super-soldier had him in an unbreakable hold and had no intentions of releasing him until the match reached its conclusion.
"Four!"
"Five!"
Wide-eyed, Bakugo suddenly realized the unsettling truth: he was on the brink of defeat. It marked the third time he had been cornered in this tournament, but this time, unleashing another explosion would likely knock him out of the games. Recovery Girl's Quirk would sap his stamina, and he'd be unable to compete in the Finals.
He'd only be trading a bronze medal or a silver one.
Was it really worth it?
"Six!"
"Seven!"
He didn't need to think about that one for very long.
'Screw it!' Bakugo inwardly shouted. 'I refuse to lose! I'll drag my ass to the Finals if I have to!'
Midoriya felt Bakugo's left hand heat up again and sighed heavily. 'Of course, he'll push through the injury. He's too stubborn to let a broken arm stop him,' He mused internally.
Though he respected Bakugo's determination, allowing him to further injure himself all for the sake of a school tournament was out of the question. He'd only be achieving a pyrrhic victory.
"Eight!"
"Nine!"
"Sorry Bakugo." Regrettably, Midoriya pulled Bakugo's head back and slammed it into the concrete. The impact was hard enough to effectively knock the ash-blonde unconscious without inflicting any serious injury.
Bakugo's body went limp as his left palm immediately stopped heating up.
With only a second left, Midnight stopped counting. "Bakugo is KO'ed!" She cracked her whip, concluding the match. "The winner is Midoriya Izuku!"
The audience was momentarily silent before erupting in wild applause.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what a thrilling showdown we've just witnessed!" Present Mic's voice reverberated through the stadium speakers, brimming with excitement. "GI Midoriya defied the odds, surmounted Bakugo's explosive arsenal, and landed a literal last second knockout!"
"This tournament serves as a stark reminder that flashiness alone doesn't make a Hero," Aizawa quipped in his usual deadpan tone.
"Indeed," Present Mic exclaimed, "Midoriya has been showcasing unmatched strategy and unrelenting determination throughout the day. His performance would make the First Hero himself proud! Congratulations, Yo Joe!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and chants of "Yo Joe!" echoed, a testament to Midoriya's growing fanbase. Midoriya did his best not to flinch at the mention of his Hero moniker.
Present Mic pressed on with unwavering enthusiasm. "But let's not forget Bakugo's fierce drive and explosive display! And don't fret, folks; Recovery Girl will have him back in action before you know it. Let's applaud the Pomeranian for his indomitable fighting spirit!"
The audience joined in, acknowledging Bakugo's incredible performance and resilience, regardless of the final result.
Present Mic's voice remained electrifying. "What an extraordinary match we've had, but don't touch that dial! The ring will be prepared, and after a brief ten-minute intermission, our next Semifinals match will kick off shortly!"
As Midoriya went to reclaim his tattered gym jacket, he watched as the medical robots rolled in, carefully placing Bakugo on a stretcher. As they wheeled Bakugo in the direction of the infirmary, he made his way to follow them.
Outside Morino Hiroshi Stadium grounds, a crowd of people had gathered to watch the first Semifinals match on one of the many monitors set up in the plaza. The atmosphere was electric as they all fixated on the screen.
The plaza suddenly fell silent as Midoriya pinned Bakugo to the ground. With the ten-second countdown commencing on the screen, the viewers were taken by surprise when, with just a single second remaining, the verdette decisively slammed Bakugo's head into the ground, rendering him unconscious.
"Bakugo is KO'ed! The winner is Midoriya Izuku!" Midnight's voice echoed through the speakers.
Reactions in the crowd were a mixed bag. Some cheered enthusiastically for Midoriya's victory, while others seemed less pleased with the outcome.
"Aw, come on! He knocked him out with a second left!?" Someone in the crowd exclaimed incredulously.
"Yeah! What's up with that? He even broke his arm!"
"Is that even allowed?" A snake-like woman questioned with a puzzled expression.
"Apparently," another person replied dryly. "Still, it is a tad extreme."
"Eh, it wouldn't be the worst injury that's happened in these Games before. Besides, that Recovery Girl should patch him up," a larger, rotund man chimed in dismissively.
"Who cares? Midoriya won that match fair and square!"
"YO JOE! YO JOE! YOE JOE!" A few people started chanting.
One person with an elephant trunk scoffed. "I can't believe the dynamite kid lost. The soldier boy doesn't even have an impressive Quirk."
"Maybe," someone standing by him said, glancing down introspectively. "Maybe that kid was onto something with that speech of his?"
Someone nearby disagreed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. It's just a fluke that green-haired kid made it this far. When he has to face Todoroki's son in the Finals, you'll see what I mean."