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Beginning of Chapter
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The stadium was alive with fire. The smell of scorched concrete and the sound of heavy metallic clanging could be heard.
"OOOOH, BABY! LOOK AT 'EM MOVE!" Present Mic screeched into his mic, the crowd hanging onto every word. "TETSUTETSU TETSUTETSU IS THROWIN' THEM HAYMAKERS, AND BAKUGO'S SLIPPING 'EM LIKE A PRO BOXER!"
Down on the stage, sparks exploded every time Bakugo sidestepped, detonations popping at his heels to propel him away from Tetsutetsu's steel fists.
The hardened steal boy swung with all his might, each strike like an iron cannonball, but none could even brush Bakugo's skin.
"Tch... IS THAT ALL?!" Bakugo snarled, his palms already crackling.
He ducked under a wide hook, palms slamming against Tetsutetsu's jaw.
"DIE!"
A volcanic blast erupted, fire and smoke kicking up as Tetsutetsu was launched like a missile, crashing face-first into the dirt our of the arena.
The crowd gasped at the brutal finish, a few in the front rows covering their mouths.
The buzzer rang.
"WINNER, KATSUKI BAKUGO!"
Cheers followed quickly after the shock wore off as Tetsutetsu stood up, cracking his neck as he gave a thumbs up, the crowd now less shocked and relieved he was alright, and began cheering for them.
Present Mic screaming in delight. "DID YOU SEE THAT?! STRAIGHT TO THE HEAD! STRAIGHT TO VICTORY!"
Bakugo raised his hand, then whipped around and pointed it like a blade straight at the Class 1-A stands.
No... straight at Gojo.
"HEY, BLIND EYES! I DON'T CARE WHO I HAVE TO BLOW UP, I'M SAVING EVERYTHING FOR YOU!" he shouted, silencing the cheers for a moment.
The crowd erupted again, the stadium buzzing with anticipation at the one-sided declaration of war.
Gojo simply waved from the stands, smiling as if Bakugo was an amusing child throwing a tantrum and the crowd ate it up as Bakugo stomped off the stage, in anger as his casual dismissal, fists clenched and teeth gnawing against each other.
"OOOOOH, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE'VE GOT OURSELVES A RIVALRY! HONOURED ONE VS. EXPLOSIVE BOY, THEY'RE HEATING THIS FESTIVAL UP!" Present Mic shouted. The crowd and spectators all cheering for the one sided declaration of war.
Midnight's voice followed Present Mic, much calmer and relaxes as she spoke. "There will now be a one hour break before the Second Round Matches… the first of which will be Hitoshi Shinso versus Gojo Satoru."
The crowd groaned, having been excited to see Satoru Gojo in action once again, but nevertheless all agreed, a break was indeed needed.
Meanwhile in the locker rooms for Class 1-A, the students had gathered together, congratulating winners, encouraging losers.
"Momo, I hope you're feeling better." Uraraka asked as she sat with her friend.
"No no, I'm alright thank you, I'm so glad you managed to make it to the second rounds." Momo replied with a genuine smile as she hugged her friend.
Iida was pacing outside, while on a phone call, a desperate expression on his face as he hoped his calls would be answered.
Midoriya sat with Tokoyami, rubbing his head in embarrassment as Tokoyami sat, holding an ice pack to his head as the bird boy eyed him after complimenting his attack.
Suddenly, Kaminari asked a single question aloud.
"Uh, guys? Where's Gojo?" He asked, everyone else, Mina, Tsuyu to Kirishima and Shoto looked around, not finding their classmate.
Uraraka answered the question with a chuckle. "Oh yea, he went out to buy something to eat at the stalls." She scratched the back of her head.
"Hm.. are we even allowed to do that?" Todoroki asked aloud in an even and calm tone, to which the entire room shrugged, on the one hand, theu didnt know if theynwere allowed, but on the other hand, they knew that even if Gojo knows, he simply wouldn't care.
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The Honoured One strolled lazily through the bustling food stalls circling the stadium, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other balanced a skewer of piping hot yakitori.
"Mm… man, this is good," he hummed to himself, savoring each bite. "Honestly, this is the real festival. Fighting kids? Eh. Chicken thighs grilled to perfection? Now that's divine."
The vendors, initially frozen in awe at seeing the blindfolded prodigy casually buying snacks, soon gathered courage. They whispered to one another, pointing at him like he was both celebrity and myth. Some even asked for autographs.
Gojo obliged with a grin, signing receipts and napkins with a lazy smile.
"Good luck out there, Gojo!" one girl called, waving a glow stick.
Gojo waved a hand to show her his thanks, all while knowing he needed no luck, that they should give those words of encouragement to his opponents.
Gojo had wandered the stalls as though he had all the time in the world. The roar of the stadium was a muffled hum behind the walls, but here in the open walkway, all eyes seemed locked on him.
"Gojo! Over here, Gojo!"
"Gojo, who do you think is your toughest opponent?!"
"Gojo! What's your hero name going to be?!"
A sea of cameras and microphones surged forward, journalists and reporters tripping over each other just to get close.
Gojo just chewed lazily on a piece of his yakitori and flashed a smile under his blindfold. "One question at a time, people. But I'll give you this, I didn't come here to lose."
"Which event was the hardest for you?!" A reporter asked, Gojo finished his snack and threw the stick into a bin before answering the man while cleaning his fingers with a napkin from his pocket.
"None, if anything this fighting event would be the worse because its so boring just sitting there." He shrugged, reporters noting it down as he spoke.
Suddenly three figures landed lightly in front of them. Edgeshot, Hawks, and Ryukyu. The reporters and journalists all excused themselves and made way for the three Pro heroes to join Gojo
"Oh? The fan club?" Gojo teased, offering a casual handshake to Hawks.
"Ha! You're sharper than you look," Hawks chuckled, wings ruffling. "Careful though, you'll make me jealous if you're hogging all the attention. Save some for the actual Pro Heroes there buddy." He let out a laugh.
Gojo just grinned. "Can't promise a thing, they have an eye for the new generation."
Before anyone else could speak with Gojo, Ryukyu stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Ryukyu. Dragon Hero. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Gojo."
Gojo straightened, then bent into an exaggerated bow of his own, one hand sweeping out dramatically. "Whoa, the dragon lady herself. So tell me, do you actually breathe fire too, or is that asking too much?"
For once, Ryukyu broke into laughter, cheeks faintly pink. "No, not fire. Sorry to disappoint."
"Shame," Gojo said with mock disappointment, flashing a grin. "Still, dragon's pretty cool."
The journalists went wild, Ryukyu laughing, Gojo grinning like a rogue, Hawks smirking holding a laugh, even Edgeshot watching quietly with interest.
And then a small voice cut through the noise. "E-Excuse me…"
A boy, maybe seven, had pushed his way through the crowd. His pink hair was messy and cut short along the sides, his eyes wide as he clutched a crumpled festival ticket. The pros and reporters froze.
Gojo crouched immediately, bringing himself eye level with the boy. "Hey there, little guy. You lost, or you just came to say hi?"
The boy shuffled nervously before he answered him. " No... Im here with my mother. I-I wanted to ask you a question Mister Gojo…. Are you gonna be like All Might?"
The air stilled. Every mic leaned in. Reporters waited with baited breath, journalists having their pens already pressed onto the paper.
The Pro Heroes behind him looking at the scene with interest, waiting to see how he'd answer this, not even realising they were holding their breathes waiting for him to answer.
Gojo ruffled the boy's hair, smiling softly and speaking with a warm tone. "Nah. I'm not gonna be All Might... He's a special kind of hero. I'll be my own kind of hero, someone strong enough to protect your future. That's a promise."
The boy's eyes lit up. "…Then what's your hero name?"
Gojo tapped his chin, pretending to think. Then he smiled. "Don't have an answer for that yet. So just call me Gojo. In fact—" He leaned closer. "You can call me Satoru."
The boy giggled, then leaned up to whisper something into Gojo's ear. Gojo's grin widened. "Hm… that's a good idea. No idea if I have anything to pull something like that off but... Ill think about it."
The pros and reporters watched in stunned silence. Before them wasnt the smug Honoured One they saw during the race, cavalry and fighting event. This time, it was just a young man, kind and casual, giving a boy hope.
The way he reminded them of All Might was astonishing, they saw his smile in Gojo's as he smiled at the kid.
As the boy pulled back, Gojo reached into his pocket and handed him his spare pair of tinted sunglasses Uraraka gave back. "Here. Hold onto these for me. I'll come collect them when we see each other again, alright?"
The boy hugged them to his chest, nodding furiously before putting then on and looking at him with a large smile across his face.
"GOJO SATORU VS. HITOSHI SHINSO, REPORT TO THE ARENA!" Present Mic's voice blasted through the speakers, people heading turning towards the speakers as they saw others starting to head back to the stadium.
"He's gone! Woah!" The boy exclaimed, everyone turning their heads to where the boy was and saw what he meant.
Gojo was gone. Warped out of sight, leaving only stunned gasps behind. The reporters and journalists all rushed to the stadium, it was a battle for who could get there first to witness Gojo Satoru in his next fight.
Meanwhile, Hawks, Edgeshot and Ryukyu calmly walked back.
"So, I'm guessing you two sent requests to him." Ryukyu asked to two men besides her.
"I don't know about Hawks, but I know I did. A uncopyable, uneraseable, untouchable warping hero. Not to mention, kids got charisma." Edgeshot replied, Hawks following with his not too long after.
"Well then Edgeshot, may the best man win, we'll see who he interns by." Hawks let out a chuckle, already knowing the answer himself.
"Honestly, it's kind of refreshing. That might of been the best answer I've ever heard anyone give to a such a question." Ryukyu said with a smile.
"You got a point. Not wanting to be another All Might but do his own thing? Pretty sweet." Hawks said with a laugh.
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A few minutes later, the entire stadium was full once again, every seat taken, and filled to the brim. People where cheering on as they saw on the screen 'Shinso Vs Satoru', excited for the match.
Shinso stood stiffly at the edge of the stage, hands in his pockets, jaw set. The murmurs of the crowd were louder than ever.
From the stands, murmurs rippled.
"That's the brainwashing kid, right? What a creepy Quirk…"
"He won't even touch Gojo. This'll be over in seconds."
Even Class 1-A shifted uncomfortably, knowing how easily Gojo could end this.
Gojo strolled out casually, waving like he'd just come back from a lunch break. Empty snack bag dangling in his hand as he stuffed some chips in his mouth.
"Competitors ready?" Midnight asked.
Both of them nodded, standing on the edges of the platform.
"AND NOW, I DECLARE THIS MATCH STARTED!" Present Mic announced as the buzzer rang... and yet neither man did anything. They both stood perfectly still.
Shinso looked at Gojo, the boy calmly eating his chips as he faced him and then let out a sigh. "Since you know how my Quirk works, you won't talk to me. So… whatever."
Gojo tilted his head. "Nah, I don't mind chatting."
Gasps. Shinso's eyes widened. "Wait...you...how? I felt it. I touched your mind but it's… like I can't reach it...?"
"Mm," Gojo hummed. "A little trick I cooked up to deal with Aizawa. Turns out it works so well that copy and I guess now brainwashing can't affect me too."
Shinso exhaled, lips twitching. "…Figures. After seeing what happened before, I thought my quirk wouldnt work as well..."
Shinso clenched his fists in his pockets. He'd been here before the looks, the whispers, the expectation that he was doomed before he started.
But standing across from him, the so called Honoured One… it felt like walking into the shadow of a mountain.
"Honoured One... Could I asked you a question...?" Shinso asked.
Gojo chewed on his chips and nodded, "Oh yea, go ahead. I don't mind. "
Shinso exhaled, lips twitched before he spoke. "So… what do you think of my Quirk?"
Gojo shrugged. "Honestly? Pretty damn cool. Would be perfect for villain interrogation. You've got real potential, kid. And you seem pretty chill."
For the first time, Shinso chuckled. "You're stupid... Calling me kid when were practically the same age." to which Gojo only chuckled himself.
He dropped into a clumsy fighting stance. "I can't fight. But I'll try."
Gojo grinned. "That's the spirit. Tell you what. I'll play fair." He finished his chips and folded the bag then stuffed it into his pocket. "I'll fight you, without using Infinity. I'll still use it to block your quirk, but how about we have a one on one."
He said as he lifted one hand up casually, "I'll use one arm." Gojo mentioned, Shinso narrowed his eyes as he looked at him.
The crowd gasped. Dropping his defense? To fight him? Why would he do that?
In the teacher and staff stands, Aizawa narrowed his eyes. "…He's testing him. You keep surprising us Satoru..."
Shinso inhaled and waited a few seconds then rushed in, swinging awkwardly, every movement sloppy and predictable. Gojo blocked lazily with his one hand, tapping his forehead or shoulder each time like a schoolteacher correcting a student.
"Keep your weight on the back foot, you'll trip less." Tap.
"Don't look where you're about to swing, it gives you away." Tap.
"Guard your ribs, like this." Tap.
The crowd was mesmerized. "WOAH, WOAH, ARE YOU SEEING THIS?!" Present Mic screamed. "GOJO'S COACHING HIS OPPONENT MID MATCH!"
For several minutes, Shinso pushed himself harder than he ever had, sweat dripping, teeth gritted. And though every strike missed, every correction sank in.
And after a few minutes, for the first time, he looked less like a boy pretending to fight, and more like a fighter learning. Moving better, parrying and dodging Gojo's taps, showing he was somewhat adapting mid battle.
Finally, Gojo gave a hard jab into his stomach. Shinso staggered back, coughing as he grabbed his stomach, but kept his eyes steady.
"Damn... You're pretty good..." Shinso commented to which Satoru replied. "Been training in hand to hand combat with my uncle for years now. I know my stuff."
"Guess theres no way I can win…You take the victory," Shinso muttered as he chuckled. "But… thanks. For the advice. Maybe we'll talk again."
Then, with a tired smile, he spread his arms and let himself fall backward, crashing onto the field. Out of bounds.
The buzzer rang.
"WINNER GOJO SATORU!"
The stadium erupted into applausefor both men. This wasn't the cheering filled with stunned awe of Infinity. No, it was thunderous, genuine respect. A real battle against two men.
Gojo strolled to the edge, peering down at Shinso sprawled in the dirt. He smiled softly.
"Stand proud, Shinso Hitoshi."
"Next time, I'll make you fight me with both arms." Shinso replied as he closed his eyes and exhaled, hearing his classmates cheering hid name on in the background.
Satoru then turned around, walking off the stage as the crowd's cheers doubled after hearing that, chanting both their names.
Present Mic was almost in tears. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT WASN'T A FIGHT, THAT WAS A LESSON! THAT WAS A SHOWCASE OF RESPECT BETWEEN TWO FUTURE HEROES!"
Midnight nodded, stunned. "No flash. No big finish. And yet… easily one of the best matches so far."
Aizawa's eyes lingered on Shinso as he was helped up before he looked at the back of Satoru as he walked away. "... Perhaps youd make a good teacher as well one day..."
And the crowd roared on, for both the Honoured One and the boy who even though knew he would lose, he wouldn't give up.
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End of Chapter
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