Beyond the plaza, a security team consisting of Death Arms, Kamui Woods, and Mt. Lady resumed their patrol. Despite the presence of numerous Pro Heroes, they understood the importance of remaining vigilant in this setting. As they approached the crowd, they stopped to ensure that everything was peaceful and there were no signs of suspicious activity.
As the broadcast unfolded, the trio of Pro Heroes observed with rapt attention, their personal interests piqued by the match's outcome.
Mt. Lady couldn't help but tap her chin thoughtfully. "I wonder why Midoriya knocked Bakugo out when there was just a second left on the clock? Does seem unnecessary."
Kamui Woods, always the astute observer, answered, "It's because Bakugo was gearing up for another explosion, much like he did in his previous matches. I saw his left palm glowing just before Midoriya KO'ed him. Midoriya was left with no choice if he wanted to win."
"Oh… That makes sense then." The blonde beauty nodded in understanding.
Death Arms let out an aggravated groan, expressing his frustration. "I can't believe I lost my bet with the others."
Curious, Mt. Lady leaned closer to her compatriot. "How much did you lose?"
Death Arms sighed heavily. "Several thousand..."
Kamui Woods offered some consolation, patting Death Arms on the shoulder. "Tough break, my friend."
"Save it," Death Arms grumbled, giving his arboreal companion a mild glare. "I know you're just humoring me. You must be feeling pretty smug right now, huh?"
Kamui Woods glanced back at the monitor, displaying Midoriya's name advancing to the Finals bracket, and a small, proud smile crept across his face under his mask. "I'm just happy to see Midoriya surpassing everyone's expectations." He crossed his arms confidently.
Mt. Lady couldn't help but wear a playful grin, adding a touch of sass to her tone. "Hot Stuff is quite the showstopper, isn't he?"
"He still has one more match." Death Arms crossed his beefy arms over his broad chest. "And that battle may be his toughest one, especially if Endeavor's son advances."
Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady both nodded in agreement, but still couldn't help but feel confidence in the broccoli-haired student.
"He did it! He did it!" Uraraka was screaming in her seat, her excitement echoed by Ashido, Tsunotori, Kaminari, and most of Class 1-A (except for Todoroki). They were collectively losing their minds over the victory.
Tokage grinned toothily. "Round Two goes to Greenie."
"He's two for two now." Sero added.
"I think that was the coolest fight I've ever seen in my life," Kirishima exclaimed in awe, tears glistening in his eyes.
"Kero. It was pretty unsettling seeing Bakugo's arm get broken, though," Asui mentioned, sounding queasy.
"I agree." Iida chimed in. "Still, I must commend both Midoriya-kun and Bakugo-san. What an inspiring performance from our class's top students!"
Hatsume, seated beside Iida, couldn't contain her excitement. "Izuku sure does know his way around a fight. Heck, if I could develop more babies to complement his fighting style, he'd be unstoppable!" Her inventive mind began brainstorming ideas for support gear for her new friend.
"Midoriya-san is freaking scary," Mineta remarked, shivering.
Unable to contain her excitement, Uraraka wrapped Yaoyorozu in a hug. Yaoyorozu was initially taken aback but relaxed and happily returned the embrace.
"He won! He won!" Uraraka gleefully repeated.
Yaoyorozu chuckled. "Yes, he did. He was amazing."
Present Mic's voice filled the arena. "Midoriya has been showcasing unmatched strategy and unrelenting determination throughout the day. His performance would make the First Hero himself proud! Congratulations, Yo Joe!"
Yaoyorozu turned her gaze down to the arena, watching Midoriya as he followed the med-bots carrying Bakugo to the infirmary. She thought to herself, 'You're right, Mic-sensei. The Captain would be proud of someone like Izuku.' She smiled warmly.
Uraraka paused and adopted a thoughtful expression, her mind reflecting on the notebooks she had seen in Midoriya's apartment. 'Should I say something about that?'She momentarily pondered that idea before shaking her head. 'No. Now isn't the time. Besides, I'm sure it's nothing anyway.' Though she told herself that, a part of her mind couldn't help but wonder about those peculiar notebooks.
A call then came in over the speakers in the suite, "Yaoyorozu Momo, Todoroki Shoto, please report to your waiting rooms."
Todoroki silently stood up from his seat and walked up the aisle, ignoring everyone as he exited the suite.
"I can never get a read on that guy," Sero said.
"Todoroki-san never said anything during the match," Sato noted.
"Well, he is the strong and silent type." Kaminari mentioned.
Yaoyorozu stood up from her seat and turned to her friends. "I suppose they'll be starting soon. Please congratulate Izuku-kun on my behalf when he gets here."
"Sure thing, girl." Ashido gave her a thumbs-up.
Uraraka gave Yaoyorozu another hug. "Good luck, Momo! You got this!"
Tokage smiled widely. "Kick ass down there! If you got any more tricks up your sleeves, now's the time to use 'em."
Yaoyorozu nodded in acknowledgement.
The others echoed Uraraka and Tokage's sentiments, earning a smile of gratitude from the heiress as she departed the suite. Her friends didn't miss how each movement was so graceful and confident. Against an opponent like Todoroki, easily one of the best in the class, they had expected her to be a little apprehensive and wouldn't have blamed her if she was. Maybe she was…but she was doing a good job of hiding it.
Tokage blinked in curiosity. 'Whatever she and Greenie talked about earlier, it must've really boosted her confidence.' A small smile crossed her face.
"Ooh, Glasses!" Hatsume spoke up excitedly. "After seeing that match, I just had a brilliant idea!"
"My name is Iida Tenya!" Iida reprimanded sternly. "If you're going to be a part of our group, Hatsume-san, you must learn our names!"
Hatsume ignored his rant, and continued, "What if I could incorporate my Auto Balancers into your Costume, eh?! Think about it! It's designed to improve the user's stability, maintain balance, and help you change course on a dime!" She leaned closer to him, her crosshair eyes gleaming with excitement. "They would even remove the strain on your legs, preventing serious injury down the line."
Iida pushed Hatsume back gently, adjusting his glasses, his cheeks tinted light pink. "It…sounds like it could be a useful addition," he admitted.
"Right?! It's a match made in heaven if you ask me!" Hatsume smiled brightly.
"But!" Iida interjected cautiously. "If I recall correctly, the gear you're referring to looked rather bulky; especially the parts you had on your back. It could hinder me more than it would benefit me."
"Oh, no big deal!" Hatsume waved off. "Sure, I may need to customize it to better suit your needs, but it's still something to consider, right?"
"Well…I suppose." Iida then started to vibrate wildly, much to the others' surprise. "Ah, forgive me." He pulled out his phone, which he had retrieved from his locker after his First-Round match. "I'm getting a call. Please excuse me."
"Yeah, okay! Be sure to hurry back, though!" Hatsume called out cheerfully.
As Iida left to take the call in private, Ashido, Tokage, and Tsunotori turned to Hatsume. She was happily humming a tune to herself, clearly excited about the potential collaboration.
Ashido leaned forward, whispering, "Is it just me…or is there some actual chemistry between those two?"
"Nope, I can see it," Tsunotori nodded. "They're both super-dedicated to their crafts."
"Guess the saying 'opposites attract' is accurate in this case," Tokage commented with a sly grin.
Uraraka, observing the interaction, came to the same conclusion as her friends. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of relief.
"Hello, Mother," Iida said as he stood outside the corridor. "I assume you saw what happened in the All-Star Games? I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to at least the Quarterfinals, but—"
"Tenya, please listen to me," the Iida matriarch interrupted with a tremor in her voice that instantly sent shivers down her youngest son's spine. "I'm sorry that you lost, but right now, you need to know something."
"Mother? What's happened?"
"It's your brother." Iida's mother paused, and her sobs were audible through the phone. "He was in Hosu City, and he was attacked by a Villain. He's in the hospital right now."
For Iida, it felt like the world had stopped spinning, and he lost all feeling in his body. Tensei, his beloved older brother, Ingenium, had been hurt by a Villain? His mind struggled to process the information for several long moments. When he finally responded, his voice was eerily devoid of emotion.
"Mother, where is Tensei now?"
"I'm… I'm sending your father to pick you up right now. He's close to the stadium, and he'll take you to the hospital."
"Do you know Tensei's current condition?"
"He was taken to the ICU, that's all I know. I'm sorry this is happening to you, but—"
"There is no need to apologize, Mother." Iida glanced down at the tiled flooring. "I will be waiting for Father; I just wish to let one of my friends know that I will be leaving."
"Of course. See you soon, Tenya. I love you."
"I love you too, Mother." Iida hung up and re-entered the suite. With Midoriya and Yaoyorozu absent, he realized there was another friend who could handle the news maturely without being distracted from the All-Star Games. He approached Asui and Sero, who were seated together, and said, "Excuse me, Tsuyu, may I speak to you alone?"
Asui and Sero exchanged a puzzled look, but Sero ultimately shrugged. Asui nodded in response, as she got up and followed Iida out of the room. Hatsume, on the other hand, couldn't help but glance back in curiosity as the pair left the suite.
In that moment, the mad genius's mind briefly shifted its focus from support gear to the unfolding situation.
Once in the hallway, Asui turned to Iida and asked, "What's going on, kero?"
"Tsuyu, I am about to tell you something in confidence," Iida said, his tone even more robotic than usual. "Please do not tell anyone else; I will do so when I have more information." He waited until Asui nodded. "I will be leaving immediately. My brother was attacked by a Villain and has been taken to the hospital. I am sorry to miss—"
Before he could finish, Asui grabbed him in a brief but tight hug and then stepped back, pointing to the exit. "Go. Just go, now. I'll handle it from here."
Dimly, Iida remembered that Asui had siblings of her own; if anyone could understand, it was her. He nodded and then ran for the exit. He had to see his brother.
'Tensei, please be all right!' He internally prayed.
"Ow!" Midoriya recoiled, rubbing his shin.
"You went too far this time!" Recovery Girl chastised. "Breaking his arm? That's no way to treat your opponent!"
Midoriya winced, guilt gnawing at him. "I'm sorry, Doctor Chiyo, but I needed to level the playing field a bit. Bakugo's Quirk is pretty dangerous and–"
Bonk!
"Ow!"
"I don't care! Do you have any idea of the permanent damage you could have done to that boy's arm!? Need I remind you that this is a tournament and not some death match?!" Menacingly, the elderly Hero shook her cane at Midoriya.
"I-I understand. I apologize." Midoriya lightly bowed.
"If you understand, you won't do it again!" Recovery Girl argued. "With his stamina so low, I'll have to wait to completely heal his arm. You're just lucky your own stamina is enhanced so I could heal those burns and eardrums of yours."
Midoriya nodded appreciatively. Though his enhanced healing factor would've healed those injuries, he wanted to go into the Finals as close to full health as he possibly could.
Bakugo slowly stirred in the infirmary bed, groggy and disoriented. The throbbing numbness on his temple and in his left arm served as an immediate harsh reminder of what had transpired.
Bakugo's eyes slowly fluttered open, and the first sight that met him was Midoriya and Recovery Girl standing by his bed. He couldn't help the surge of anger that washed over him. The memory of his match and his humiliating loss was like a bitter taste in his mouth.
Recovery Girl walked to Bakugo's right side. "How are you feeling, sonny?"
"Like sh*t…" Bakugo grumbled.
The doctor nodded. "I've got you hooked to an IV with some pain medication." She then reached into her lab coat and pulled out a handful of gummies. "Here. Eat some of these. They'll give you a boost of energy so I can use my Quirk later."
Bakugo didn't argue and took the candies in his right hand, eating them immediately.
She continued. "You'll need to stay here for a bit until you recover enough stamina. I may need you to return to my office on Monday so I can fully heal you."
"Right…" Bakugo grunted as he sat up, his ruby gaze turning to Midoriya on his left.
The tension in the room was palpable as the two men glared at each other; one with a fierce intensity while the other was stoic.
Recovery Girl looked between the two and sighed heavily. "I'll give you both a minute. Just don't do anything stupid!"
With that, the elderly woman walked out and gave them some privacy.
Once she did, Midoriya was the first to speak. "I apologize for breaking your arm, Bakugo-san… But Recovery Girl should have it healed before our Heroics exercises continue on Monday at the very least."
Bakugo turned away, his expression darkening. "...I lost to you," he growled under his breath. "Again."
Midoriya didn't respond immediately, his expression stoic. There wasn't anything he could say that would comfort or reassure him.
Frustration welled up inside Bakugo, and he turned his head to fix a harsh, unrelenting gaze on the verdette. "Even without your shield, you still beat me... And you don't even have All Might's strength or some flashy power. How...?" His body trembled with anger and confusion. "How the hell do you do it?"
This time, Midoriya did speak. He leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving Bakugo. "You've never been beaten before, have you?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications, and the tension in the room could be cut by a knife.
Bakugo didn't verbally respond, only scoffing. But it was all the confirmation that Midoriya needed.
"Let me guess… Before you joined UA University, you were the top dog everywhere you went. Elementary, middle school, and high school. Everyone constantly praised you too; students and teachers. Am I right?"
Bakugo narrowed his gaze but remained silent.
Seeing no response, Midoriya sighed, "The truth is that you are strong, Bakugo-san. Your battle instincts are top notch…and you have an amazing Quirk." His verdant gaze hardened. "But you're shallow. All the praise you've received throughout your life has weakened you. What you think are stepping stones are really mountains. But even great men can trip on stones if they're not careful."
"But–" Bakugo tried to argue, but the super-soldier bulldozed through.
"Let me ask you another question, have you ever pushed yourself to the brink? Trained so hard that your whole body hurts like hell and yet still charged through?"
Bakugo didn't respond to that question. Yes, he made sure from a young age to stay in top shape. But he'd be lying to himself if he said he truly went the extra mile in his physical training.
"Well, soldier…you've been pushed down now. How will you respond?" Midoriya asked. "Are you going to throw in the towel?"
"Like hell!" Bakugo vehemently shouted. "I might've lost to you again, but I won't back down! Even if I do lose, I'll get back up and keep going!" He wiped his tears away to maintain his tough demeanor, but some still remained. "Listen here, Midoriya! I will beat you and prove that I'll be the Number One Pro someday! You got that?!"
For a moment, Midoriya looked at Bakugo and seemingly studied his expression. He then smiled and nodded in satisfaction. "Challenge accepted then."
Midoriya turned away and started heading for the exit. Before he opened the door, he stopped. "Here's some words of advice though, Bakugo."
Bakugo looked at Midoriya, paying attention.
"Confidence and drive can propel you forward," he stated calmly. "But when they morph into arrogance, they become chains that shackle you to the ground." He glanced back and continued, "You possess incredible talent, soldier. Man up and do what's right. It would be a tragedy to squander your potential on meaningless pride."
With that, Midoriya exited the infirmary, leaving Bakugo to stew in his thoughts.
As Midoriya stepped out of the room, he gave a nod of appreciation to Recovery Girl before continuing down the hallway. 'Well…Hopefully he got the message.' He thought to himself. 'I really don't want to make this a regular thing between us.'
Meanwhile in the infirmary, Bakugo sneered and lowered his head, staring at his open right palm introspectively. After a moment of deep contemplation, the ash-blonde finally clenched his fist with renewed determination.
'Just you wait… I'll get stronger! You won't be on top for much longer.' He internally declared.
Upon rejoining Class 101-A, Midoriya was met with an enthusiastic Uraraka who nearly tackled him off his feet. She grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him excitedly, making him wince with her loud cheers.
"You're in the Finals, Izuku-kun!" She shouted in his ear. "That was so awesome!"
"Yeah!" Ashido waved her arms excitedly. "He was all 'kaboom!', and you were all 'nah', and then you broke his arm, and kicked all those rocks at him, and holy crap, you KO'ed him again!"
Midoriya wasn't quite sure how to respond to either Ashido's rapid-fire commentary or to Uraraka's enthusiasm. Instead, he settled for a small appreciative smile.
"Thanks, guys."
Hatsume suddenly appeared and patted him on the back. "Great work out there, Izuku! I expect nothing less from a fellow wielder of a super-baby."
"Super-baby?" Kaminari grinned teasingly. "Are you hiding something from us, Midori-bro?"
Midoriya sighed. "She means my shield, Kaminari-kun."
"Seriously, dude, that battle was hardcore!" Kirishima said excitedly.
Tokage chimed in. "I'll say. Breaking Bakugo's arm was unexpected though."
"I…think I heard the snap all the way from here." Jiro mentioned, looking a bit unsettled.
"S-sorry." Midoriya rubbed his shoulder awkwardly. "I…may have gone overboard, but I was trying to limit Bakugo's options. Otherwise, I would've been in a tough spot."
Kirishima perked up. "Oh! How's Bakugo-san doing?"
"He'll be okay, according to Recovery Girl." He reassured them. "His arms should be healed up by Monday."
Looking around, Midoriya immediately noticed Yaoyorozu and Todoroki's absence. Noticing him glancing around, Uraraka spoke up, "Momo-chan and Todoroki-san already left. She wanted to congratulate you, though." She smiled sweetly.
Midoriya was appreciative of that. He hoped his suggestion for Yaoyorozu would pay off, or maybe she discovered an alternate way to defeat Todoroki that he hadn't considered. Either way, he was pulling for the heiress.
The verdette then noticed another absence. "Oh, where's Iida-kun?"
Most of the group tensed up, even Hatsume, which only served to worry the super-soldier.
"W-Well, he…" Uraraka started.
"Kero. Iida had to leave after your match," Asui clarified. "He told me to tell all of you it was a personal matter, and he'd let us know what's going on later."
"I see." Midoriya nodded in understanding, but an uncomfortable feeling began to settle in his stomach. Leaving an event like the All-Star Games for a personal matter? It couldn't be good news. "I…just hope he's okay."
"Yeah… Same here." Hatsume frowned a bit. "Glasses and I were talking about upgrading his Costume before he left."
"I'm sure he'll be alright," Tokage said in reassurance. "I mean, it's Iida we're talking about."
"Yeah!" Tsunotori chirped. "And I'm sure he wouldn't want us to worry either, especially you, Izuku-kun."
"Yeah, you're right." Midoriya nodded in agreement. However, he didn't miss the small grimace flash across Asui's usually expressionless face. Whatever happened must've been serious, he thought.
Present Mic snapped the class back to the present. "Welcome back to All-Star Games Semifinals, loyal listeners! The battles have been intense, the stakes are high, and we've got an exhilarating showdown lined up for you next."
At the entrance to one of the tunnels, Yaoyorozu paused for a moment, gathering her composure. She whispered an encouraging mantra to herself, channeling her inner strength. "You've got this, Momo."
Present Mic continued. "This battle promises to be another doozy with both contestants coming highly recommended!"
As the signal light flickered to life, Yaoyorozu strode confidently into the arena. Her graceful poise and determined demeanor captivated the audience, earning admiration from both spectators and Pro Heroes.
"Stepping into the ring, the elegant genius herself, ready to astonish and amaze! She doesn't need a magician's hat to work her incredible Quirk—it's the phenomenal Yaoyorozu Momo!"
The crowd's deafening cheers filled the air, but Yaoyorozu remained focused, her mind honed to a razor's edge after her discussion with Midoriya. Her gaze was locked on the task at hand, blocking out the roar of the spectators.
Todoroki's formidable ice powers were well-known, and Yaoyorozu had analyzed every facet of his abilities. She understood that his long-range attacks were truly menacing. To secure victory, she knew her strategy had to be precise and swift. She could afford no mistakes. Her only chance rested on delivering a single devastating blow.
"Facing off against this prodigious genius is the young man with the power of the Ice Age, the chill master himself—Todoroki Shoto!"
While Todoroki received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, he remained undistracted. The nearly-defeat at Hatsume's hands had instilled a newfound seriousness in him. Facing Yaoyorozu was no small task, given her adaptability and limitless options. He realized that engaging in a drawn-out battle was a recipe for danger.
What worried him most was her potential for a game-changing attack. Todoroki couldn't afford to underestimate her and knew he had to secure a quick and decisive victory to avoid her potentially devastating moves.
The fact that Midoriya had taken Yaoyorozu aside for a strategy session earlier had only intensified Todoroki's motivation. He was determined to claim victory, with a plan to end the match as swiftly as possible.
Todoroki and Yaoyorozu poised themselves on the stage, their strategies in place, anticipation mounting as they awaited the imminent signal.
Perched upon her pedestal, Midnight's gaze shifted between the two students with recommendations, and she hoisted her whip. "Both contestants are ready..." With a swift motion, she cracked the whip downward. "BEGIN!"
The ensuing events transpired in the blink of an eye.
KA-BOOM!
…
…
"Wha—?!" Present Mic stammered, his words almost failing him as he needed a moment to process. "Ladies and gentlemen, you won't believe your eyes! In the time it takes to blink, the match is already over! Todoroki and Yaoyorozu just delivered a UA-style old American Western showdown, both vying for the quickest draw! And... Yaoyorozu is out of bounds! Todoroki advances to the Finals!"
A colossal wall of ice had surged forth from Todoroki's right foot, closing the distance across the ring in the blink of an eye. However, before the ice could reach Yaoyorozu, he found himself staring down the barrel of a large anti-aircraft-type cannon affixed to Yaoyorozu's right side.
Fear struck him, causing his breath to catch, and for a brief moment, he thought his heart had stopped beating. Within a second, a flash and a resounding crack echoed, and he felt a projectile narrowly pass by him, missing by a hair's breadth.
Next, Todoroki's ice attack met Yaoyorozu's defense, forcefully propelling her out of the ring and pinning her against the outer wall, the frost quickly sealing her in place. The fully formed cannon she had conjured now lay abandoned on the ground.
Todoroki stood there, still as a statue, only now fully aware of his victory. He gradually turned to glance at the outer wall behind him, where the projectile, an enlarged bean bag, lay on the ground after slamming into the wall and leaving visible cracks.
'If that had hit me... And she fired it with the cannon still attached...' Todoroki's body trembled ever so slightly.
Just an inch to the left, and he would have surely lost.
Meanwhile, still stuck to the wall, Yaoyorozu hissed in pain; her right side ached severely with even the slightest movement. The recoil had been absorbed by her cannon, sparing her ribs from further damage, but she was in considerable pain. Despite her physical discomfort, her greatest disappointment weighed on her mind.
The raven-haired heiress had put all her effort into the match, but she had faltered in her execution. In her haste to create the cannon and fire it while it was still attached to her body, she had to forgo a targeting scope, relying solely on eyeballing it. Regrettably, her aim had been slightly off to the right.
With a somber sigh, Yaoyorozu remained affixed to the wall as Todoroki stepped up to start melting the ice and free her.
"Aw man!" Uraraka slumped in her seat, her head hanging in deflation. "She was sooooo close."
Midoriya nodded, his expression somber. "Her shot missed by barely a few centimeters. Todoroki-san definitely felt the air on it, judging by his expression."
"I get she didn't have many options and all," Tokage said, "but…to try something that dangerous?"
"Yeah, that cannon was still attached to her," Jiro pointed out.
"That…was my suggestion," Midoriya admitted. "I thought it'd save her time if she used a weapon while still attached to her."
"Well…" Tsunotori hesitated. "You weren't wrong, per se."
Present Mic's voice reverberated through the speakers."And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The Semifinals have concluded, but don't wander too far! Following a brief ten-minute intermission, we'll kick off the Grand Finale! Get ready to witness the clash of the underdog 'Yo Joe,' Midoriya Izuku, against the prodigal powerhouse, Todoroki Shoto!"
"Honestly, Midoriya," Sero shook his head, "I don't know how you can beat Todoroki."
"No kidding. The guy is practically invincible," Sato agreed.
"Hey, don't be counting Midori-bro out yet." Kirishima countered. "He's shown how manly he is today making it to the Finals and all." He then turned to the green-haired student curiously. "I'm sure you got some elaborate plan in the works, right?"
"Well…" Midoriya trailed off. "Elaborate is a stretch."
He watched the med-bots carry Yaoyorozu away on a stretcher after Todoroki had freed her from the ice. "I'm going to head down." Standing up, he looked at Uraraka. "Before that, wanna go see Momo in the infirmary?"
Uraraka nodded eagerly. "Absolutely!"
"Give her my best wishes," Tokage requested. "I'd come too, but," she looked sheepish, "I've spent enough time in the infirmary today for my taste."
"We probably all shouldn't crowd the infirmary, so give her our best wishes too," Jiro chimed in. "Oh, and good luck to you too, Midoriya."
Hatsume approached Midoriya with her typical enthusiasm, her bright smile lighting up her face. "Izuku-kun, you've got this! Show them what you can do, and give it your all!" She held out her fist for a bump, which he happily returned.
"Thanks, Mei," he said with appreciation.
Uraraka, who's right eye would twitch when other girls (not counting Yaoyorozu) got too friendly with Midoriya, could only smile at the friendly interaction. No longer did she feel threatened by the eccentric inventor.
Midoriya's friends echoed Hatsume's words and sentiments as he and Uraraka exited the suite together. Although the class had been impressed by the super-soldier's performance and didn't want to doubt him, they couldn't envision any conceivable way he could beat someone like Todoroki.
Midoriya and Uraraka entered the infirmary to find Yaoyorozu sitting up on one of the beds, her gym jacket unzipped, and white bandages freshly applied to her chest and torso by Recovery Girl.
Yaoyorozu, though visibly disappointed, mustered a small smile as she spotted her two best friends. "Hey. Mind if we come in?" Uraraka inquired.
Yaoyorozu smiled and nodded. "Of course."
Midoriya, concerned about his friend, asked Recovery Girl, "How is she, Doctor Chiyo?"
After finishing her bandaging work, the elderly medic placed a tender kiss on Yaoyorozu's forehead and activated her healing Quirk. Then she turned to the visitors and reassured them, "She'll be just fine, no permanent damage. Just some bruised ribs. She can head back up to your class's suite very shortly." She then handed Yaoyorozu some gummies, which she accepted and ate.
Uraraka stepped forward and gently rested a hand on Yaoyorozu's shoulder, her expression warm and reassuring. "Momo, you were great out there. That quick draw you and Todoroki had was epic!"
Midoriya joined in, aiming to lighten the mood. "You should've seen the look on Todoroki's face when your cannon shot just barely missed. You gave him a real scare."
Yaoyorozu chuckled tiredly, feeling the effects of Recovery Girl's Quirk. "I suppose I did catch him off guard. But I still lost."
Though disappointed, Midoriya and Uraraka couldn't help but feel immense pride for their friend. She had given her all, and her performance was nothing short of remarkable, regardless of the outcome.
Yaoyorozu then directed her gaze at Midoriya, managing a small, heartfelt smile. "Congratulations on making it to the Finals, Izuku-kun. Your match was incredible. I'm just sorry that I won't be your opponent. You must be disappointed."
Midoriya shook his head sincerely. "Of course not. Remember what I told you in the hallway? Win or lose, I'm proud of you, Momo. And you should be too."
Yaoyorozu's breath caught in her throat, her heart fluttering at his words. "Izuku…"
Uraraka leaned in, adding her voice to the chorus of support. "You've done amazing today. And you'll still get a bronze medal! Not too shabby for your first All-Star Games, right?"
Yaoyorozu's smile broadened, her eyes moist with grateful tears. "Thank you, you two. Your support means the world to me."
The touching moment was promptly shattered by a retching sound. "Will you three just shut up and get a damn room already!?" The trio turned to see Bakugo lying on his bed across the room, still hooked to an IV. "I'll start puking my guts out if you start making out or something."
Midoriya narrowed his gaze sharply at the ash-blonde while Uraraka and Yaoyorozu turned away with hearty blushes.
Before anyone could respond, the intercom system in the infirmary crackled to life. "Midoriya Izuku, Todoroki Shoto. Please make your way to the arena. Your match is scheduled to begin soon."
Midoriya turned back to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu. "I should start getting ready." The heartfelt moments were nice, but Midoriya knew he had to get his head in the game now.
Recovery Girl intervened with a stern tone. "Remember what I told you, Midoriya-san. Don't overdo it."
"I'll…do my best, Doctor," Midoriya replied, his tone not sounding reassuring.
Recovery Girl grumbled in vexation at his response before stepping away.
Yaoyorozu rose from the bed, zipping her jacket up, a serious expression in her eyes as she asked, "Izuku-kun, do you have any plans for how to defeat Todoroki-san?"
Midoriya looked away, rubbing his shoulder. "Well… I won't lie, my options are limited. That ice of his is certainly a hurdle. But, if I've learned anything, all Quirks have a limit—no matter how powerful they are."
Yaoyorozu nodded, her confidence in him unwavering. "I know you can do it, Izuku. If there's anyone I could pick to beat Todoroki, it would be you."
"Yeah!" Uraraka pumped her fist in the air, an excited fire in her eyes. "You've got this! We'll be cheering you on!"
Midoriya was moved by their encouragement, his smile reflecting his gratitude. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
Uraraka grinned, her support unwavering. "No problem! Now go knock him dead!"
Recovery Girl couldn't help but interject, "Not literally!"
"Midoriya." Bakugo called out, gaining everyone's attention. He shot the green-haired man with a serious expression. "I don't know how you'll do it…but you better beat Icy-Hot. Am I clear?"
Uraraka and Yaoyorozu were both surprised. Did Bakugo actually want Midoriya to win? Perhaps Bakugo was thinking that if Midoriya beat Todoroki, it'd make his own loss not look so bad?
Midoriya nodded in acknowledgement. "That is my goal."
After bidding farewell to Uraraka and Yaoyorozu, Midoriya left the infirmary and proceeded down the corridor towards the entrance to the field.
His thoughts were consumed by his upcoming match with Todoroki Shoto
"I will win my way. Just try to last long enough for me to prove that to you." Those were the words Todoroki had told him in the locker room that morning.
'Win his way…' Midoriya reflected on Todoroki's words. 'He wants to beat me to prove he can become the best with just his ice Quirk…all just to spite his father.' He frowned in concern. 'If he continues down this path, he'll destroy himself. I can't ignore that. But...how can I show him he's going about this the wrong way?'
Lost in thought, he lowered his head. 'Now the big question: How do I do all that while still trying to win the match?' It was quite the quandary indeed.
As Midoriya turned a corner, he nearly collided with someone.
"Ah, it's you."
The person standing before him was none other than Japan's Number Two Hero, Endeavor. Standing at 195 centimeters (six-foot-five) with a physique rivaling All Might in his buff form, Endeavor was an imposing presence. Flames danced around his body, a testament to his fire Quirk.
"Endeavor," Midoriya responded flatly, his tone and expression neutral. His recent conversation with Todoroki regarding his father lingered in his mind.
Endeavor crossed his arms, his intense teal eyes locked onto Midoriya. "You've certainly made quite the name for yourself today," he rumbled. "I have words for you, upstart."
To anyone else, Endeavor's tone and presence would have been intimidating.
Midoriya arched an eyebrow. "Am I to presume they're not words of encouragement, sir?"
Endeavor sneered, and the corridor seemed to grow even hotter. "On the contrary, I'm here to make a request of you. I'm sure you're aware that my son is not using his Quirk to its fullest potential. As a Pro Hero, that is completely unacceptable; Heroes must give their all to their work, or risk failure and death, either their own or that of civilians. Surely you can understand this as a soldier yourself."
Midoriya nodded, acknowledging the veracity of Endeavor's words. Despite his feelings toward the Flame Hero, the truth remained.
"My request is that you push Shoto into using his flames," Endeavor continued. The fire around him blazed, intensifying the heat in the hallway. "Shoto needs to be pushed beyond the point that his ice can take him. He must see that the only way for him to be the very best is to use what I've given him." Teal eyes scrutinized Midoriya. "Although I have my doubts that you can provide that challenge, given who you are and what you've accomplished so far, perhaps you'll prove me wrong."
"Given who I am?" Midoriya squinted at him suspiciously. "Just who do you think I am, Endeavor?"
Endeavor didn't answer directly. "That is neither here nor there. Just know that it is my Shoto's destiny to surpass All Might…and you as well."
That response didn't sit well with Midoriya.
"Anyway, I'll be going now; apologies for holding you up." The Flame Hero moved around Midoriya and walked away. But he only made it a few feet before Midoriya spoke.
"I already know that your son has to use all of his Quirk," he said, and Endeavor halted in his tracks. "I want to help him with that. But everything after that is his choice—not mine, not yours."
Endeavor looked back over his shoulder, his expression inscrutable. "We shall see."
As Endeavor disappeared around the corner, Midoriya continued down the corridor, his brow furrowing over something the Flame Hero had said. 'Who does he think I am? Surely he doesn't know my identity, right?'
With little time to dwell on this, he increased his pace. The arena was expecting him, and the roar of the crowd grew louder with every step.
Yagi Toshinori patiently waited near the entrance of the tunnel, his blue eyes locked on the corridor as Midoriya approached. A sense of pride welled up in Yagi as he watched the super-soldier, knowing the burdens he secretly carried as the Symbol of Courage, Captain America. The weight of that legacy was not lost on him.
As the verdette drew near, a proud smile crept on Yagi's face. "Congratulations, Izuku," he greeted, his tone filled with genuine pride. "Making it to the All-Star Games Finals is a no easy feat, but you certainly made it look that way."
However, as Yagi observed the super-soldier, he couldn't help but notice something amiss. There was a shadow in Midoriya's eyes, a heaviness that didn't belong there. Yagi had come to know Midoriya well, and he knew there was something troubling him.
"Izuku," Yagi said, concern lacing his voice, "what's wrong?"
Midoriya hesitated, his gaze drifting to the ground, as if searching for the right words. Finally, he looked up at Yagi, his expression conflicted. "I ran into Endeavor in the hallway," he admitted. "And I can't help but wonder if he knows..."
Yagi's eyes widened slightly. "Knows what?"
"That I'm Captain America," Midoriya replied, his voice low and uncertain. "I mean, he said some things that made me think he might know my secret."
Yagi frowned. He remembered his own encounter with Endeavor in the stairway earlier that day. "W-What did he say to make you think that?"
Midoriya quickly recounted his conversation with Endeavor, and Yagi's frown deepened as he listened.
The green-haired man finished and rubbed the back of his head. "The way he spoke, it sounded like he definitely knew something. Of course, I can't for the life of me think of how he could've possibly figured my identity out just based on my performance today."
Yagi recounted Endeavor's angry declaration to him earlier. "Know this, All Might, I don't care what advantages nor favors you pulled for that Midoriya boy, I will mold Shoto into a Hero who far surpasses you and him. My creation won't lose out to yours. I refuse to lose to you again!"
The emaciated blonde sighed heavily, exasperated. "I can assure you that Endeavor doesn't know your true identity. He's under a false impression, and it's a misunderstanding."
Midoriya arched an eyebrow. "What does he believe then?"
Yagi hesitated. "I'll…tell you later. It's not important right now."
Midoriya nodded in understanding.
Though Midoriya looked slightly relieved, Yagi could see there was still something gnawing at the Living Legend. "There's something else, isn't there?"
Midoriya nodded and briefly hesitated before continuing. "It's Todoroki." He confessed. "I want to help him with his issues regarding his Quirk. I want to show him there's a better way, a way that doesn't involve being weighed down by his…personal issues. But if I do that, I might lose the match."
Yagi took a moment to absorb Midoriya's words. It was a complex dilemma, one that spoke to the heart of what it meant to be a hero. The desire to help others, even at personal cost, was a quality that Captain America represented. One that Yagi himself had strived to live up to himself throughout his own life.
Finally, Yagi spoke, his voice soft but filled with understanding. "There are no easy answers in situations like these. Naturally, you already know that being a hero means making difficult choices, sometimes sacrificing personal gain for the greater good. It's a path that can be challenging, but it's also what sets true heroes apart."
Midoriya nodded, though the conflict still lingered in his eyes. "I know, Toshinori. But it's not just about the match. It's about Todoroki's well-being. The path he's on will lead to his destruction, and I can't just turn a blind eye and let him go down it."
Yagi placed a reassuring hand on Midoriya's shoulder. "I understand your concern for Todoroki, Izuku. And I believe that you have the strength and wisdom to make the right choice. You've already inspired so many, myself included, and you'll continue to do so, regardless of the outcome of this match."
Midoriya met Yagi's cerulean eyes, his own filled with determination. "You're right. I can't forget what's really important here. Thanks, Toshinori."
Yagi smiled proudly. "My pleasure. Now go out there and be the Symbol of Courage you are. Whether you win or lose, you'll make a difference."
As they exchanged a final nod, Midoriya walked towards the tunnel's entrance and Yagi watched him go.
He knew that Midoriya would carry the weight of his decisions with the same strength and courage that had defined him as both a man and as Captain America.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Heroes and enthusiasts, the moment you've all been waiting for is finally here! It's the final match of the Freshmen All-Star Games!" Present Mic's voice was a cacophony of excitement. "Both of your finalists have proven to be front-runners throughout the games, but now, we're about to find out who's truly the top dog among them!"
Receiving the signal, Midoriya took a deep, calming breath and stepped out of the tunnel.
"Stepping out is our first All-Star Games finalist. He's the embodiment of determination, the GI extraordinaire from the Land of the Pilgrim's Pride, the one and only 'Yo Joe,' Midoriya Izuku!"
The stadium erupted with cheers as Midoriya entered the arena. Instead of focusing on the crowd, he stole a quick glance at the suite where his classmates were. Uraraka, Hatsume, and Tsunotori waved excitedly with both hands, while Yaoyorozu, Tokage, Ashido, Kaminari, Sero, Kirishima, and Jiro all grinned and cheered. The rest of the class that was present also enthusiastically showed their support.
"And our second finalist, he's a young man as ferocious as he is composed, he's the world's scariest living thermostat! Let's hear it for Todoroki Shoto!"
It was hard to tell if Todoroki received more cheers than Midoriya, but it was certainly close.
"EEEHHH!" Several young women in the front row squealed at the sight of Todoroki.
"Todoroki-sama! Over here, over here, over here!" one girl waved frantically.
"Wow!" another girl swooned. "He has such a mysterious, cool aura around him."
"I want to have your babies, Todoroki-sama!" a third girl loudly exclaimed.
"Get ready for an unforgettable battle as these two incredible contenders prepare to face off in the ultimate showdown for glory, pride, and the title of All-Star Champion! It's gonna be a match you won't want to miss, folks, so buckle up and get ready to witness history in the making!" Mic's electrifying commentary only fueled the crowd's excitement.
"So... Does anyone think Midoriya has a chance?" One Pro Hero, his voice barely heard over the enthusiastic crowd, asked.
"Well, I thought he would've lost against that Shiozaki girl... but he proved me wrong there," another mentioned. "Same with that Bakugo student. In terms of power, he's been at a disadvantage... yet he still finds a way to win."
"It really is remarkable," a Heroine complimented. "People like Midoriya and Gunhead prove that martial arts are underrated."
"True... but I think this match will be Midoriya's stopping point," another hero stated, shaking their head. "Martial arts won't save him in the face of overwhelming power."
"Maybe so. Still, it's impressive that Midoriya made it this far either way," someone countered.
"More like lucky, if you ask me," another scoffed.
"Well, even luck is part of one's potential," a more optimistic voice chimed in.
Meanwhile, on the concrete stage, the American super-soldier and the son of Japan's Number Two Hero took their positions on opposite sides.
"You made it," Todoroki said, his voice low and almost drowned out by the crowd.
"I told you this morning I'd give these games everything I have. What about you, Todoroki?" Midoriya retorted, stretching his arms to limber up. "Are you going to give it your all?"
Todoroki's bi-colored gaze bore into Midoriya with a disturbing level of intensity. "I'll show you and everyone else that I'm beyond Endeavor."
Midnight watched the two young men, who had locked into an intense staring match, seemingly tuning out everything except each other. She, like many others, had been impressed by Midoriya's performances, but she wondered how long he could last against Todoroki.
"Are both fighters ready?" she asked, receiving two nods from the opponents, who hadn't broken eye contact. She waited a few more moments before raising her whip, then finally swinging it down. "BEGIN!"
In the blink of an eye, ice exploded forward.