...
The tension was palpable as all the students stood ready to protect Midoriya, their hearts racing with determination. Uraraka, positioned firmly at the front, raised her arms defiantly. "You stay away from Dekiru!" she shouted, her voice resolute and unwavering.
"We won't allow you to harm our classmates! Dark Shadow!" Tokoyami commanded, his stance fierce as his shadowy companion surged forward, swelling with power.
"Alright, boss!" Dark Shadow boomed in response, ready to strike.
Beside Midoriya, Shoji stepped forward, his multiple arms spreading protectively. "You protected us, Midoriya. Now it's our turn to protect you," he stated firmly, his eyes steady despite the fear swirling around them.
Weak and bloodied, Midoriya could barely keep himself upright. His breaths were shallow, and his heavy-lidded eyes reflected just how far he had pushed himself. "Shoji..." he murmured, struggling to focus as exhaustion weighed heavily on him.
Todoroki moved into position as well, ice beginning to spread from his feet, the ground crackling with frost as he prepared for combat. "We already took down that Nomu. We'll take you down next," he declared coldly, his voice as icy as the air around him.
But their opponent, a towering figure cloaked in a menacing cybernetic aura, seemed unfazed. Kaine's glowing red cybernetic eye locked onto each of them, scanning and analyzing, while his mechanical arm clicked and shifted ominously as he took a step forward.
His entire presence radiated a calm, deadly intent that made even the bravest students falter.
"I've been planning this for a long time," Kaine growled, his metallic voice laced with bitterness and rage. "Ever since I found out that bastard had a son."
Midoriya's eyes narrowed, confusion mixing with fatigue. "Who... who's he talking about?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Todoroki frowned, piecing together Kaine's words. "So, you're not with these villains, are you?" he asked, nodding toward Shigaraki and his group in the distance.
Kaine sneered, his metal mouthplate twisting into a mocking grin. "That pathetic man-child?" he scoffed, glancing briefly at Shigaraki.
"No, we're not with him. But his little USJ stunt created the perfect opportunity. My original plan was to hunt you down during your summer camp, but this...?" He chuckled darkly, flicking his gaze back to Shigaraki. "This fool's attack made everything so much simpler."
Stepping closer, his mechanical limbs whirring softly, Kaine's red cybernetic eye zeroed in on Midoriya. "When I heard about this attack on the USJ, I couldn't resist. All Might and those heroes wouldn't make it here in time."
"But we had to make sure those damn heroes wouldn't come to your rescue," he continued, anger lacing his words. "He decided to send his drones to the campus, keeping them busy while we secured the Omnitrix and you. I would love to say this was all my plan, but that coward orchestrated it all, and he did it." His voice rose with barely contained fury.
Midoriya's brow furrowed in confusion and dread. "He?"
Kaine's gaze grew colder, more calculating. "And now, here you are—battered, weakened, barely able to stand. You're the wounded creature in this hunt, Dekiru, just a breath away from your end." His metal arm transformed with a sharp click, morphing into a razor-sharp blade that pulsed with a sinister red glow.
Midoriya gasped, clutching his side, the deep wound from Shigaraki's decay throbbing with every heartbeat. His skin was pale, the Omnitrix weakly flickering between red and green, barely able to keep him on his feet.
And Kaine wasn't alone. From the shadows emerged his accomplices—SixSix and Crab. SixSix, in his imposing purple armor, exuded a silent menace as he moved with precision, while Kraab, a monstrous figure with a segmented insect-like body, clanked forward on his metallic legs, his claws snapping ominously. The sight of these two sent chills down the students' spines.
"We'll take him down together!" Kendo shouted, her fists swelling as she prepared to face off.
Tokoyami's eyes glinted with determination. "You take one more step, and all you'll meet is darkness," he warned, Dark Shadow growing larger beside him, ready to attack.
Kaine's twisted smirk only grew. "Oh, I'm so glad you asked," he spat, his voice dripping with malice. He gestured with his arm, and SixSix and Kraab dragged something behind them—five of their classmates, bound in thick metal restraints. Momo, Kyouka, Pony, Kaminari, and Ibara were chained and bloodied, their expressions a mixture of exhaustion and pain.
The sight of their captured friends hit the students like a punch to the gut. Momo's tearful gaze found Midoriya's, guilt and despair clear in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Midoriya... They were too strong..."
[Flashback]
"This is an EMP pulse." She smirked, her finger hovering over the button. "Judging by your bodies, you're all reliant on some kind of technology."
With a decisive press, the EMP pulse was unleashed, sending a shockwave through the air. Dust kicked up violently around them as the blast rippled outward. Kaine's scowl deepened as he advanced toward her, his previous confidence waning.
Kyouka quickly realized that Yaoyorozu's plan had failed. She dashed in front of her friends, her earphone jacks connecting to her boots. With a determined shout, she unleashed a powerful sonic blast. The villain continued to walk toward her, unfazed, despite the intensity of her attack.
"Come on! Increase the output!" she urged herself, frustration and panic creeping into her thoughts as her breathing quickened. But Kaine showed no sign of slowing down.
"Crap! Shiozaki! Pony!" she shouted, desperately seeking help.
In response, Shiozaki unleashed her vines, striking at Kaine, but he effortlessly morphed his arms into chainsaws, cutting through the thick vegetation like it was nothing. Grabbing what remained, he dragged Shiozaki to her feet, his grip unyielding.
He advanced toward Kyouka, and with a swift backhand, sent her flying across the ground, blood trickling from her forehead. Pony retaliated by launching her horns, but they shattered against the glass wall, rendering her attack ineffective. SixSix appeared in an instant, delivering a crushing blow to Pony's stomach that left her gasping for breath.
Yaoyorozu watched in horror as her friends fell, dread pooling in her stomach. "L-Leave them alone! Take me, kill me, do whatever you want! Just leave them alone!" she cried, desperation clawing at her heart.
Kaine's gaze was icy. "You will all be used," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Midoriya has one weakness: his constant need to self-sacrifice for complete strangers—his friends, his classmates. You'll serve as leverage for him. Nothing more, nothing less."
"A-All this for Midoriya? Wh-Why? He's done nothing to—" she stammered, her protest cut short as he seized her by the throat.
"The only reason I'm not killing you right now is that I want to see the agony on his face as he watches his beaten and bloodied friends," he growled, then slammed his fist into her stomach, forcing the air from her lungs and causing her to cough up blood.
Kaine's rage was relentless. He took Kaminari and slammed him to the ground, the impact causing him to bleed. Next, he grabbed Kyouka by the collar. "You're the one he shares a connection with," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You both have the same ideals of heroics—making people smile."
Kyouka grunted defiantly, gathering her strength. She spat in his face, her defiance igniting a dark chuckle from him. "And you have a strong will," he noted, wiping the spit away with disdain.
With a cruel smile, he pulled out a pocket knife and slashed at her forehead. The blade bit into her skin, drawing blood but not deep enough to inflict permanent damage. Blood trickled down her face, marring her features.
"Alright, boys—"
Suddenly, everyone was alerted to a massive heatwave that surged through the air. They turned in unison, eyes widening at the sight of a flaming emerald tornado spiraling through the sky.
"There he is," Kaine hissed, his expression darkening as he recognized the impending threat.
...
[Flash back over]
"I'm sorry..." Yaoyorozu's voice quivered as tears brimmed in her eyes, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
"Izuku, please don't risk your life for us!" Pony pleaded, her tone urgent and filled with fear. She had grown accustomed to calling him by his first name, a small comfort amid the chaos, but it felt like a futile gesture now.
"Pony... Yaoyorozu... Jirou, no..." Izuku's voice cracked as he looked at each of them, desperation pooling in his gaze.
But then, a scowl twisted his features, anger igniting like wildfire within him. "They have nothing to do with this! Leave them out of it!" he shouted, his resolve hardening against the overwhelming threat surrounding them.
As SixSix forced the students to their knees, the atmosphere thickened with tension.
"Now be a good boy and surrender yourself," Kraab taunted, his voice laced with sadistic pleasure.
Izuku's expression darkened as he turned to Shigaraki, who remained pinned to the ground, a twisted smile spreading across the villain's face, reveling in the chaos around him.
"Midoriya, don't fall for it! They're bluffing!" Monoma shouted, his voice trembling with urgency.
Kaine raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Monoma's protest. "SixSix," she commanded.
Without a moment's hesitation, SixSix drew his gun, the metallic click echoing ominously. The students watched in horror as he fired off a series of shots, each bullet finding its mark with brutal precision.
With each pull of the trigger, the heads of twelve villains exploded in showers of crimson, sending fragments of flesh and bone scattering into the air. The sound was sickening—a wet pop that resonated in the eerie silence that followed.
The students stood frozen, paralyzed by shock, their faces pale as they absorbed the gruesome reality of what they had just witnessed. A heavy silence hung in the air, thick with dread, as Izuku's eyes widened in horror.
Kraab's voice sliced through the stillness, sharp and menacing as he aimed the gun at the heads of the five students. His metallic arm pressed against Yaoyorozu's temple, his grip vice-like and unforgiving. "Now, why don't you be a good little hero so we can collect the reward?" he sneered, his breath hot with malice.
Without a second thought, Izuku pushed himself up from Shigaraki, blood oozing from the wound on his side, leaving a gruesome trail behind him. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he took a step forward, moving toward the villains.
'Think, Izuku, think!' he urged himself, wrestling with the fear clawing at his chest. He couldn't let them win.
As he approached, his mind raced back to Shigaraki's childish tantrums, and he swallowed hard. "Y'know something? This whole attack... the symbol of peace at the USJ? It was really stupid."
Shigaraki's attention sharpened, his scratching momentarily pausing as he focused intently on Izuku.
"I mean, if All Might had been here like he was supposed to be, you'd be so screwed right now. You're lucky he isn't." The students exchanged bewildered glances, shocked by Izuku's audacity, but Kurogiri recognized the strategy unfolding before him.
"Midoriya—" Todoroki began, but Sero raised a hand, silencing him.
"Hold on, Todoroki. Let him cook,"
"I mean, what kind of dumbass thought it was a good idea to bring that black thing you call Nomu to fight All Might and Eraser Head? One look from him, and all those quirks meant to counter All Might become useless! Boom! All Might knocks him out in one punch, and you'd be just another group of idiots who thought they could take on the number one hero and got thoroughly humiliated!"
Shigaraki's irritation swelled, and he began scratching himself more frantically, his face twisting in rage and embarrassment.
"I mean, what do I expect when the leader is a man-child who throws tantrums every minute? Oh well," Izuku continued, his confidence growing despite the imminent danger.
Todoroki could only hope that Shigaraki would lose control, watching as the villain's scratching intensified.
"Hey, Shigaraki, I have to know—how does it feel? Being taken down by teenagers? First years, no less, who haven't even completed their first week of training? Can you imagine the headlines? 'Man-child gets thoroughly spanked by teenagers!'"
That was the breaking point. Shigaraki let out a primal scream, a mix of rage and humiliation boiling over as he charged at Izuku, his arm outstretched like a weapon. "I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
The cyborg villains steadied their weapons, taking aim at Shigaraki, who, with surprising agility, weaved through the chaos as he chased after Midoriya. Gunfire erupted, bullets ricocheting off the ground and walls, but amidst the turmoil, one shot found its target, striking Shigaraki squarely in the leg.
A sharp scream escaped his lips, and he stumbled, his face contorting in rage. Blood pooled around the wound, but the man-child's fury only intensified as he glared at Midoriya.
"Midoriya!" Monoma shouted, a warning ringing through the air.
Ignoring the chaos around him, Midoriya launched himself toward the controlled dial binding the five students.
Adrenaline surged through his veins as he reached out and grasped it, yanking it free with all his strength.
Kaine, fueled by fury, quickly trained her pistol on Yaoyorozu, who was still dazed and vulnerable, struggling to process the mayhem unfolding.
Time seemed to slow as Midoriya instinctively moved in front of her. Just as the gun fired, he felt the bullet tear through his shoulder, the searing pain a jolt to his system. He grit his teeth, forcing himself to remain standing, a shield for his friends.
"Midoriya!" Yaoyorozu gasped, terror flooding her voice as she realized the sacrifice he had made.
"Stay behind me!" he commanded, his tone unwavering despite the blood trickling down his arm.
"Todoroki!" he shouted urgently, his eyes locked on the chaos ahead.
Without hesitation, Todoroki sprang into action. As he summoned his ice quirk, a frigid mist escaped his lips with each breath, curling around him like smoke.
The ground erupted as a massive glacier surged upward, forming a towering, jagged wall between them and the villains. The ice shimmered coldly, mirroring the chill of his breath and the intensity of the moment.
Shigaraki, furious and frustrated at being cut off, turned his wrath toward Bakugou, who had Kurogiri pinned beneath him. The crazed villain stretched out his hand, fingers splayed, reaching menacingly toward Bakugou, the deadly threat clear in his gaze.
"Dammit!" Bakugou snarled, releasing a powerful explosion to propel himself back, away from Shigaraki's touch.
Shigaraki could only glare hatefully at Izuku. "Kurogiri, open a portal. We're done here," he ordered, irritation simmering in his voice. Kurogiri gave a stiff nod, Shigaraki casted a final glare at Izuku as the portal swirled to life.
Bakugou, furious, launched himself forward just as Kurogiri and Shigaraki were enveloped in the purple mist. But they vanished in an instant, leaving Bakugou grabbing at empty air.
"N-No..." he muttered, his fists trembling with rage.
...
Izuku let out a shaky breath as Todoroki's ice wall settled, buying them a few seconds.
He gripped the Omnitrix with trembling fingers, his body running on sheer willpower as he spun the dial, locking onto the right alien form. Summoning every ounce of strength, he slammed down on the button, and a flash of green light erupted around him.
"Brainstorm!" he shouted, the word almost breaking as it left his lips.
The cyborg villain crashed through the ice barrier, sending fragments flying through the air. Todoroki quickly created another shield of ice, while Juzo softened the ground under the villain to destabilize him.
"Yaoyorozu! I need specific components for an EMP," Brainstorm demanded, his insectoid eyes sparking with electrical energy. "We're talking a high-voltage capacitor—10,000 microfarads minimum—a superconducting magnetic coil, a Faraday-insulated casing, and a power regulator with oscillation control."
Momo nodded, taking a steadying breath. Her body strained as she visualized each item. Piece by piece, she created the large capacitor, magnetic coil, and insulated casing, all painstakingly detailed to Brainstorm's specifications. Her breathing was labored as she finished the last component—the power regulator—and handed the parts over.
Brainstorm's brain casing crackled with energy, and he began assembling the device with rapid precision. His mind worked at incredible speed, calculating electromagnetic frequencies and discharge timing. "The capacitor will provide the burst, while the magnetic coil will amplify the pulse field," he muttered to himself. "The power regulator will prevent overload. Perfect."
As he added the final charge of One For All, the EMP began to emit a low hum, charged and ready. Just then, the Omnitrix beeped, signaling a reversion.
The green light faded as Izuku transformed back, instantly dropping to one knee, his entire body shaking with exhaustion. His breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhale feeling like fire in his chest.
His arms trembled as he tried to push himself up, only to collapse to his hands and knees, the weight of his exhaustion nearly crushing him.
Izuku's vision blurred, the Omnitrix on his wrist pulsing a dim red. 'I'm... completely out of energy... can barely hold myself up...' His legs felt numb, and sweat dripped down his face, his body protesting every movement.
Finally, he managed to stagger upright, using the EMP for support. His whole body was screaming in pain, but his gaze was fixed, his will unshakable. His hands tightened into fists, the determination burning brighter than ever.
"You think... that device will stop me?" Kraab sneered. "Your friend already tried this—it didn't work."
The girl beside him shook her head. "He's right, Greenie. We tried. It failed." Jirou said
Izuku clenched his jaw, ignoring their words as he forced himself to press the activation button on the EMP. A powerful shockwave rippled out, catching Kraab off guard as his mechanical limbs seized up. His systems overloaded under the electromagnetic pulse, and with a heavy thud, he fell to the ground, immobilized.
Izuku managed a weak smile, though his whole body felt like it would collapse at any second.
"With Brainstorm's intelligence... I tuned the EMP just for your circuits," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "You're not moving... for two days. Minimum."
Yaoyorozu watched, a blend of pride and worry in her eyes as she saw him barely standing.
'He succeeded where I couldn't,'she thought, both in awe of his strength and silently vowing to match it someday.
...
Kaine's entire body convulsed, sparks flashing from every joint as he forced himself upright, his systems crackling with defiance. His damaged circuitry sputtered to life, and with a hiss, his arm transformed into a massive, menacing cannon.
The metal pulsed, glowing an intense red, and the air around it warped with the heat radiating from the barrel. Izuku felt that stabbing pain in his skull.
"Move!" Izuku's voice rang out.
The cannon discharged, unleashing a searing beam of energy that tore forward, splitting the air with a thunderous crack. The beam collided with Todoroki's ice shield, shattering it into shards that exploded outward, glinting like glass in the blazing light. The shockwave blasted across the battlefield, driving everyone back. Izuku stumbled, fighting to stay on his feet as a stabbing pain ignited in his head, the force reverberating through his entire body.
The ground trembled beneath them as Kaine's arm shifted once more, reconfiguring into a massive, spiked mace. Veins of power crackled along its length as he raised it high, the weapon charged with lethal energy. With a roar, Kaine launched himself at Izuku, the mace ready to crush him.
Izuku's instincts flared, adrenaline flooding his veins. He activated Full Cowl, lightning sparking around him, and flipped backward just as the mace came crashing down.
The ground exploded beneath the impact, the earth shattering as Kaine's weapon left a crater in its wake. The shockwave sent debris spiraling, the air thick with dust.
Izuku hit the ground hard, his body jolting from the landing, but there was no time to recover. Kaine closed in like a storm, his speed brutal and merciless.
Izuku's hand shot toward the Omnitrix, desperate to transform, but Kaine was faster. In a blur, he drove a powerful kick into Izuku's side, hitting the weakened spot where Shigaraki's Decay had left its mark.
Pain erupted through Izuku, the force of the kick lifting him off his feet and sending him sprawling across the ground. He clutched his side, his vision swimming as he struggled to pull himself up.
"Midoriya!" Todoroki's voice cut through the haze of pain, but Izuku could barely process it. Kaine was already upon him, relentless, and cold fury burning in his eyes. Without hesitation, he slammed his foot down, pinning Izuku's hand to the ground.
Izuku's heart pounded, terror freezing him in place as he watched Kaine's heel lift, poised to crush his hand.
"No...!" Todoroki shouted, ice racing toward them, but it couldn't reach in time.
With merciless force, Kaine drove his boot down, and the sickening crunch of shattered bones filled the air. Pain surged through Izuku, a blinding, agonizing bolt that made him scream, the sound raw and desperate. "AAAAHH!"
His hand twisted beneath Kaine's weight, fingers crushed at unnatural angles, bones jutting through torn skin.
Tenya burst forward in a blur, his engines roaring as he launched an engine-powered kick with the force to shatter steel. Kaine dodged with eerie agility, his movements a flicker in the air.
But Tenya's reflexes were quicker, his leg twisting mid-strike to deliver a crushing blow to Kaine's head.
The impact sent a sharp crack echoing, the force rippling outward as Kaine's grip slipped, granting Izuku a fleeting moment of freedom.
Izuku wasted no time, flipping back with a gasp of relief. His trembling fingers reached for the Omnitrix, but pain flared through his shattered hand, every movement igniting fresh agony.
He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to push past the torment in his desperation.
Kaine's eyes flared a dangerous red, twin embers of pure malice, as his hands morphed into sleek, razor-sharp blades.
With lethal precision, he raised them, advancing on Izuku with the silent promise of death gleaming off the metallic edges.
Time slowed as Kaine's blade-like hands hovered mere inches from Izuku's face, every instinct screaming danger.
Then, out of nowhere, thick vines burst forward, tearing up from the ground and wrapping around Kaine's arms and torso with an iron grip.
These weren't just ordinary vines but tendrils of Ibara's own hair. They snaked around Kaine, immobilizing him as they squeezed with unyielding strength, his movements slowing under their crushing hold.
Izuku's gaze darted across the battlefield, locking onto Ibara. She stood firm, hands raised, her hair tendrils stretched across the distance like living chains.
...
"Midoriya needs time to transform!" Momo yelled, her voice piercing the chaos. "The most we can do is hold the villain and give him time to transform!"
The class nodded in unison, their determination palpable.
Juzo anchored his hands to the ground, as he softened the ground. The floor beneath Kaine turned into a churning, pool-like surface, sucking him down.
Ibara's vines ensnared Kaine, pulling him deeper into the liquid earth. The villain's struggles grew more frantic as he was slowly submerged, drowning in the solidifying goo.
Meanwhile, Izuku summoned every last shred of strength. His broken hand throbbed with agony, but he gritted his teeth.
With a Herculean effort, he forced his shattered fingers to close around the Omnitrix. He managed to press the button as the faceplate popped as he had turn the dial.
...
"Midoriya needs time to transform!" Momo shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "We have to hold the villain and give him that time!"
Her words ignited a collective determination among the class, their resolve solidifying into a unified front.
Juzo planted his hands firmly against the ground, channeling his Quirk to soften the earth beneath them. The solid floor shifted into a churning, viscous pool, the ground warping as it sucked Kaine down, pulling him into its depths.
Ibara's vine-like hair lashed out, entwining around Kaine and dragging him deeper into the liquid earth. The villain's struggles became more frantic as he fought against the constricting tendrils, his body slowly submerged in the solidifying goo, like a nightmare unfolding in slow motion.
Meanwhile, Izuku gathered every ounce of strength within him. His broken hand throbbed with relentless pain, but he gritted his teeth against the agony, pushing through the haze.
With a Herculean effort, he forced his shattered fingers to close around the Omnitrix, the device pulsing with a familiar energy in his grasp.
...
Suddenly, the battlefield shook with a series of deafening explosions as Bakugou rocketed forward, propelled by a mix of fury and determination.
"I don't need stupid Deku's help!" he bellowed, his voice reverberating against the crumbling structures around them.
With a fierce roar, Bakugou unleashed a barrage of explosive blasts toward Kaine, each explosion detonating with the power of a miniature grenade. The ground trembled beneath the onslaught, debris raining down as shockwaves rippled outward, scattering dust and rubble.
"No, you fool!" Ibara cried out, desperation lacing her voice.
The force of Bakugou's relentless assault sent her hair tendrils whipping back, some singed by the blast. But Bakugou, driven by his need to prove himself, pressed on, seemingly unaware of the chaos he was unleashing.
...
'"There's no way I'm relying on that damn nerd! I'll show these extras who's really the best!" Bakugou snarled inwardly, the fury twisting his expression.
As Izuku turned the Omnitrix's dial, each movement sent a fresh wave of pain through his fractured hand, but he didn't falter, as he he turned the dial, he turned again
Then, without warning, a guttural growl cut through the thick smoke. Kaine emerged, a living shadow, and with a single, devastating punch, Bakugou was launched across the battlefield. His ribs shattered under the impact, and he crashed into the dirt, body tumbling like a ragdoll. He came to a stop, blood sputtering from his mouth as he fought to breathe, broken and bruised.
The class watched, frozen in shock.
"What an idiot," Monoma muttered, disgust in his voice. "He scorched Shiozaki's vines for nothing."
...
As the black smoke began to dissipate, Kaine's arm transformed into a massive cannon-like projection, humming with raw power. Izuku was still dialing the Omnitrix, his heart racing, when Kaine shot forward, unleashing a blast that tore through the ground with explosive force. Gasps echoed from the onlookers as they widened their eyes in shock.
Momo felt her heart drop at the sight, while Jirou instinctively dashed forward, desperate to reach Izuku. Just then, a vibrant green flash illuminated the chaos, momentarily blinding everyone.
The brightness dimmed, but the beam continued to surge forward, relentless in its trajectory. Suddenly, massive spikes of pale green crystals erupted from the ground, rising up like jagged teeth. The beam struck these crystals, deflecting its path as if rebounding off a shield.
Another jet of crystals shot up from the earth, and with a violent twist, the redirected beam slammed into Kaine. His eyes widened in shock as the piercing beam sliced through the air with unyielding force, striking him head-on.
The impact sent him hurtling backward, a massive shockwave erupting from the collision. The beam's power was so immense that it vaporized the ground in its path, leaving behind a scorched and smoldering scar where once solid earth had stood.
...
Kaine shot to the side, tumbling across the ground as a dust cloud erupted around him. Emerging from the haze was Diamondhead, his crystalline form gleaming ominously in the dim light.
Kaine glared at him, fury igniting within his eyes as the two warriors surged forward to clash in a whirlwind of power and resolve.
Diamondhead's arms morphed into blade-like appendages, sharp and deadly, slicing through the air with a menacing whoosh as he swung them with lethal precision.
Kaine, lightning-quick, dodged the crystalline blade by a hair's breadth, avoiding the razor-sharp edge that threatened to bisect him. His cybernetic reflexes allowed him to react in milliseconds.
Seizing the opening, Kaine transformed his arm into a colossal fist, its metal surface etched with glowing red circuits. Unleashing a battle cry that shook the air, he launched a devastating sonic punch.
The sonic wave punch tore through the atmosphere, generating a shockwave that sent Diamondhead flying backward. The force of the blow propelled him like a projectile, his crystalline body slicing through the air.
Diamondhead jammed his blade-like arms into the ground, arresting his momentum mere inches from catastrophic impact. The ground shuddered beneath him as he skidded to a stop.
"Green, look out!" Jirou shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos like a knife.
The piercing sound of a blast resonated through the air as Kaine shot up from below, launching himself onto Diamondhead's body. In an instant, he morphed his form into a drill, digging into Diamondhead with brutal force.
Diamondhead's body convulsed violently as Kaine unleashed a devastating sonic wave through the drill, ravaging his crystalline structure like a tempest. The agonizing pain coursed through his being, threatening to shatter his very essence.
His crystalline skin began to fracture, spiderweb cracks propagating across his body like shattered glass. The sonic blast resonated within him, amplifying the torment.
Diamondhead's knees buckled, his body crumbling beneath the onslaught. He collapsed, his crystalline form splintering further with each passing moment.
His crystalline body still cracked and weakened, Diamondhead summoned every last shred of strength.
With a fierce thrust, he shot the jagged projectile toward Kaine. The crystal bounced off a nearby wall, ricocheting with a sharp clang before stabbing straight into Kaine's eye. Kaine's scream filled the air, a sound laced with agony as he reeled back, clutching his face, blood oozing from the wound.
At that moment, Ibara's vines surged forward, slashing through the air with a rustling whisper as they wrapped around Kaine to pull him off Diamondhead's battered form. Diamondhead quickly distanced himself, trying to shake off the lingering pain that coursed through his almost shattered body.
...
"I'll deliver the Omnitrix along with your lifeless body to Vilgax!" Kaine bellowed, his voice a grating metallic roar. His arm reconfigured itself, plates shifting with a series of sharp clicks until his entire forearm became a massive energy cannon. Energy surged through it, heating the air with a crackling hum, like a storm barely held at bay.
"Not gonna happen!" Diamondhead shot back, his voice unwavering despite his nearly shattered form.
As the beam seared toward him, Diamondhead braced himself, slamming his hands together to form a thick crystal cone. Light glinted off the crystal's jagged surface, and as the beam struck, the impact sent tremors through the ground, pushing Diamondhead back, his feet grinding deep grooves into the earth.
But with expert control, he angled his crystal cone, redirecting the beam's path. The beam reflected, bouncing off the crystal in a dazzling arc that flashed through the air. Kaine's eye widened, the gleam of his single functioning optic locking onto the redirected blast heading straight toward him.
"No!" he snarled, but the beam collided with his cannon arm, detonating on impact.
The blast rippled through the metal, the intense heat causing Kaine's entire forearm to glow white-hot as the metal warped, twisted, and buckled.
Steam hissed from the damaged limb, rising in thick, swirling clouds as the molten metal dripped from his arm like hot wax.
Kaine staggered, his steps unsteady as he realized the ground beneath him was turning to liquid. He looked down, wide-eyed, as Juzo crouched nearby, using his quirk to soften the ground, sucking Kaine in just enough to trap him. Before Kaine could react, the ground hardened around his feet, anchoring him in place.
Diamondhead took advantage of Kaine's momentary vulnerability, angling the reflective crystal cone once more to send the blast ricocheting back toward him.
The energy struck Kaine's arm directly, a burst of molten metal exploding from the barrel as it gave way under the impact. The metal liquefied, dripping onto the ground, steam hissing as it met the cool earth.
Exhausted, Diamondhead dropped to one knee, the Omnitrix blinking red as he reverted back to Izuku. He gasped, his voice laced with weariness. "I'm... done..."
Kaine sneered, undeterred. "That all you've got?" he taunted, metal limbs still smoldering, hot rivulets of molten metal tracing lines down his arm as it continued to ooze and hiss.
Izuku steadied his breath, managing a faint smile. "Time for a lesson..."he panted. "What happens when you cool molten metal too fast?"
Todoroki, catching Izuku's plan, immediately unleashed a wave of ice. Frost surged forward, wrapping around Kaine in a flash, ice crystals racing across his superheated metal frame.
The hiss was deafening as molten metal rapidly cooled, locking his cyborg body in place. Steam billowed in thick, swirling clouds around him as the cold forced the heated metal to solidify, immobilizing him entirely.
The battlefield stilled, the only sound a faint sizzle of steam escaping from Kaine's frozen form. His once-imposing frame now stood frozen and powerless, encased in a cocoon of jagged frost and cooled metal, a testament to the relentless fight he'd lost.
Izuku's legs wobbled, his breaths shallow and labored, as if every movement risked shattering his body like fragile glass. His vision blurred, and he nearly collapsed before Jirou quickly caught him.
"Green… are you okay?" she asked, her eyes filled with worry.
"My… my body feels like it's on the verge of breaking…" Izuku whispered, his voice trembling as he struggled to stand.
"Can you walk?" Jirou asked, her arm steadying him, though she could feel the weight of his exhaustion.
Izuku tried to take a step, but his knees buckled, and he shook his head weakly. "N-No…"
Suddenly, he felt a pair of warm arms wrap around him. Startled, he looked up to find Itsuka holding him tightly. Her hands pressed gently into his back, as if trying to shield him from everything around them, her shoulders trembling with suppressed emotion. Izuku's heart skipped a beat, feeling her soft warmth as she leaned into him, her voice barely a whisper.
"I… I'm so happy you're okay…" she choked out, her words shaking with relief.
For a moment, everything else faded. Izuku's breath caught as he realized no one, aside from his mother, had ever shown him this much genuine care. His own arms lifted slowly, almost hesitantly, as he returned the embrace, pulling Itsuka closer. She blushed, her head nuzzling into his shoulder, yet she didn't pull away. It felt safe, warm—unlike anything he'd ever felt before. Her embrace enveloped him, making him feel whole, even just for a moment.
"I'm… sorry for worrying you…" Izuku murmured, his voice softer now, touched with gratitude.
Itsuka took a steadying breath, her face still pressed against his. "We're heroes… worrying is part of the job," she replied gently.
They stayed close for a moment, absorbing the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. From a distance, Yui noticed how much Izuku seemed to need that kind of connection.
"Ahem."
Izuku and Itsuka jolted at the sound, faces instantly flushing red as they released each other, stepping back quickly.
"We… we should focus on restraining the villains," Shoto said, though a faint smile hinted at his amusement.
Izuku attempted a nod, but as he tried to step forward, his body gave out, and he collapsed, unable to move another inch.
"Green!" Jirou's voice was filled with alarm as she and Itsuka rushed to his side, each slipping an arm around him to support him upright.
"D-Deku, are you okay?" Ochako asked, worry filling her voice.
Izuku shook his head slowly, his voice weak. "No… whatever that guy did to Diamondhead… it's messed me up. My body… it feels like mush."
Tenya assessed the situation and gave a quick nod. "You and the injured should head to the plaza. We'll secure the villains before they regain consciousness."
With support on either side, Izuku took slow, heavy steps, his body sagging between Jirou and Itsuka. As they moved, he couldn't help but feel a flush creep up his face, recalling the warmth and care in Itsuka's embrace.
...
'Izuku's mind replayed the warmth of the hug, and he glanced at Itsuka, who noticed his gaze. She quickly looked away, a bright blush spreading across her face. Suddenly, something dawned on him.
"I-I-I-I-I h-h-h-hugged a-a-a g-girl… best day ever!" he stammered, his face blazing red. He assumed he'd kept that thought to himself, but the shocked silence around him quickly proved otherwise.
"Uh, dude, you totally said that out loud," Jirou chimed in, a small irritated blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"H-Huh?" Izuku stammered, turning to see Itsuka, who was hiding behind her hand, her face a deep shade of red.
"You dork," she mumbled in embarrassment, especially when Setsuna chuckled from nearby.
"S-Sorry…" Izuku said sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.
As they started walking, Tsuyu, who was helping carry Momo, spoke up bluntly. "So, you experience a villain attack, nearly die who knows how many times, get kidnapped… but today's the best day ever because a girl hugged you?"
"Yes." Izuku nodded seriously, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Itsuka's eyes widened, her face turning even redder, her heart pounding. "W-WHAT?!" she stammered in shock.
Izuku's face flushed. "I-I-I didn't mean it like that! That was… an accident! T-That's not what I meant, obviously…"
"Would you shut up, you dork?" Jirou teased, a playful smirk on her lips. Her jacks twirled as she added, "Honestly, it's ridiculous! You can face down villains without breaking a sweat, but the moment a girl is near you, you turn into a total mushball!" She leaned in slightly, her teasing laced with a hint of jealousy.
Izuku's blush deepened. "I-I-I do not!" he protested, trying to defend himself.
"Really? Because your face is brighter than a tomato, and you can't even look me in the eye!" Jirou shot back, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the warmth spreading across her cheeks. She flicked one of her jacks, the playful gesture betraying her own fluttering heart.
Izuku turned his gaze away, flustered, while Jirou smirked, clearly enjoying her little victory, though she couldn't quite hide her own blush.
...
Izuku blushed, unable to argue as they continued walking. The girl found herself staring at him, her gaze lingering. Tsuyu's heart skipped a beat at the sight of his flushed face, and her mind drifted back to when he had saved her life. Warmth crept into her cheeks, unfamiliar and startling. She quickly averted her eyes, a small frown forming as she tried to shake off the feeling.
Momo walked alongside Tsuyu, her chest rising and falling with exhaustion, dust from their recent battle clinging to her clothes. She gripped her creation staff tightly, frustration bubbling inside her as her mind replayed the last few minutes of the fight. Despite all her planning and preparation, she felt like she hadn't contributed enough.
Her gaze drifted to Izuku, who had fought with unwavering determination. His costume was stained with blood, supported by Kendo and Jirou, both of whom were doing their best to keep him on his feet. When he initially failed to subdue Kaine, he had immediately adapted to the situation, never faltering. Momo's heart sank at the realization.
'He did so much... and what did I do?' she thought, her stomach knotting painfully.
A soft blush crept across her cheeks before she even realized it. Her chest tightened as she watched Izuku, awe and admiration washing over her. 'He never lets failure hold him back... He always pushes himself, even when the odds are impossible. He just finds a way... always finding a solution...'
Suddenly, Izuku turned, their eyes meeting for a brief moment. Momo gasped, quickly looking away as her heartbeat quickened, a strange knot in her stomach transforming into butterflies.
As Jirou walked beside him, she felt her own heart racing. Her arm wrapped securely around Izuku's waist to keep him steady, their bodies pressed closely together. She stole a glance at his face; he was panting and looked ready to collapse. If he weren't so injured, he might have noticed how close they were.
Jirou quickly averted her gaze, biting her lip as warmth flooded her cheeks. Why am I getting all worked up? It's just Green... she chided herself, trying to ignore the rhythmic thump of her heart.
'Why am I feeling this way?' Jirou wondered, and just then, without warning, Izuku spoke.
"Thanks, Jirou," he said, his voice shaky.
Jirou's breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening as she quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing deeper. She mumbled under her breath, trying to shake off the feeling. "Y-Yeah, no problem…"
Meanwhile, Ochako felt her own blush creeping in, her heart pounding so loudly that she was sure everyone could hear it. Each thump echoed in her ears—THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! BADUMP! BADUMP!
Desperately, she tried to repress the overwhelming feelings, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.
'Seeing Dekiru never give up… watching him give it his all, driving toward his goal… How he fought those villains, never stopping or backing down—it's just so... cool,'
Ochako thought, her expression shifting to one of determination as she focused on calming her racing heart. But I know I've got to give it my best just like he does. I have to push these feelings down…'
...
As Itsuka carried the battered form of Izuku, her mind replayed the events of the day—how he had fought desperately to win, never once giving up. Despite being outnumbered and facing opponents with more experience, he had somehow managed to stand tall and prevail, a beacon of determination amidst the chaos.
'Watching you fight... Not giving up... Even when we first faced those guys, you never backed down. You always pushed forward,' Itsuka thought, pressing herself closer to him, feeling the warmth radiating from his body. She marveled at his resilience, a quality that seemed almost superhuman.
'I can't ignore it... The way you refuse to give up, no matter the odds, is so... awesome,' she mused, a blush creeping across her cheeks. The fluttering in her stomach was both exhilarating and terrifying, igniting a spark of courage within her.
'I want to do it with you. I want to face impossible odds by your side. I want to stand alongside you, shoulder to shoulder,' she silently vowed before closing her eyes, inhaling deeply to steady herself.
'Let me grow a little stronger... Enough so I won't be a burden to you... so I don't hold you back. I want to grow stronger with you, until I can stand as your equal,' she thought.
It's not going to be like today... I... I'm not going to let you go. I want to be with you, no matter the challenges we face... Itsuka's blush deepened at her admission, her heart pounding as if trying to break free from her chest.
Meanwhile, Toru couldn't tear her gaze away from Izuku as they continued walking, her heart doing somersaults. Quietly, she counted his adorable freckles, giggling at their diamond shapes.
With each beat, her heart raced faster, the rhythm becoming an exhilarating symphony of emotions.
How he's cute smile seemed unwavering.
He's cute hair fluttering in the air... Made her heart just beat a little faster...
How noticing how muscular he was making the girl rubb her legs as heat began to rise...
Wait a minute...
Suddenly, realization washed over her; she stopped in her tracks, her face burning red as Izuku turned to her, confusion flickering in his emerald eyes.
'N-No... Don't tell me... '
The warmth spread across her entire body, igniting a blush that made her feel giddy and confused. She shook her head, desperately trying to dispel the thought. I've had crushes before, but none felt this intense.
'I can't be falling for him—he's just... Midoriya! I mean his cool... And sure the way he always runs into danger without thinking... It's not like he's the prince charming type, I mean his cute but... But not my type...' she reasoned, panic rising as she tried to suppress her feelings, when her face felt even more hotter and the beating in her chest seemed to get louder. She just froze...
Nearby, Mina found herself stealing glances at Izuku, her crush on him intensifying with each passing moment. Her thoughts spun wildly, her heart racing like a drum, nearly drowning out everything else in her mind.
She glanced back at Izuku, and her grin faltered, the beat in her chest becoming erratic and overwhelming, almost suffocating in its intensity.
Yui walked silently beside Izuku, her gaze drifting to him, feeling a warmth growing in her chest. Despite the battle's toll, he wore a smile that lit up his face, a testament to his indomitable spirit.
As she looked at him, a strange, fluttery feeling bubbled up inside her, catching her off guard.
She let out a barely audible "mm" under her breath, her cheeks flushing as warmth flooded her face.
She struggled to maintain her usual stoic expression, but the slight tint of red was a clear indication of the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.
Time seemed to slow as they each took in Izuku. His features seemed to shine brighter; his green, messy hair danced with the breeze, and his green eyes sparkled like emeralds, radiating sincerity and kindness.
Momo struggled to maintain her composure, heat rising in her cheeks as she gazed at Izuku. Her heart raced, and she felt a fluttering sensation deep within her.
Yui's heartbeat quickened, her breath hitching as she took in Izuku's battered form. She leaned slightly closer, warmth spreading across her face.
Mina's gaze roved over Izuku's frame, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks. Her thighs tingled, and she rubbed them together, her eyes never leaving his.
As they each looked at him, their individual attractions became undeniable, each girl lost in her own thoughts and feelings for the boy before them.
...
The students' relief was abruptly shattered by a powerful shockwave at the entrance. Heads turned, catching sight of All Might as he burst onto the scene with remarkable speed, immediately taking in the battered, battle-worn surroundings. Villains lay scattered and restrained, most already unconscious. A quick scan revealed their teachers were injured but in the care of students.
All Might's gaze darted frantically around the scene, searching for threats, until his eyes found Midoriya. In a flash, he appeared in front of him, the sheer speed of his arrival making Izuku flinch.
"Eep!" Izuku yelped, startled by the pro hero's sudden presence.
"Young Midoriya, are you alright? We received your distress signal. Is everyone safe? Where are the villains?" All Might's voice was urgent, his concern palpable.
Izuku glanced around, taking in the sight of Kaine encased nearby, Kraab and Sixsix sprawled on the ground, and the flood zone villains trapped in ice."! Oh, uh...well…" he began, scratching the back of his head.
Jirou, grinning, jumped in. "If you're looking for the villains, sorry, All Might. Green here took care of them, nearly single-handedly."
All Might's eyes widened, while Izuku gave a sheepish smile. "T-That's… kind of an exaggeration…" he mumbled, embarrassed.
"You should have seen him!" Mina chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious as she mimicked Izuku's moves. "He went head-to-head with their 'Anti-Symbol of Peace'—was like bam, pow, swoosh!" Her fists flew, emphasizing each sound, making Izuku's face flush.
"Well… two villains managed to escape," Izuku admitted, a hint of shame in his voice as he looked down.
All Might glanced at the scene of destruction around them, the downed villains scattered across the battlefield. He put a reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Young Midoriya. Two villains escaping is a small loss, considering the rest. We'll find them."
All Might's face shifted between pride and guilt—pride for the strength his student had shown in such a brutal fight, and guilt for not being there sooner to protect him.
" The pros will arrive any minute, so get your stories straight," All Might advised, inspecting Izuku's injuries with a worried expression. "You need to take it easy; the rest of you, head to the plaza. I'll handle things from here. And you, Young Midoriya… try not to move. Those injuries look severe."
Izuku nodded, wincing as he shifted. But then, a low, sickening chuckle came from behind. "Heh… Toshi…" The voice was strained but darkly amused.
All Might's face went rigid, turning to find Kaine. "Kaine…" he muttered, a scowl forming as recognition dawned in his eyes.
The students' eyes widened in shock. All Might knew this villain?
Kaine's smug grin remained even as his body lay motionless. "! "Toshi… good to see you again," he rasped, defiant despite his injuries.
"Students, I'm going to need you to leave," All Might commanded, his tone brooking no argument.
"But, All Might—"
"Now." His stern warning left no room for debate. Ibara and Sero tied the villains securely before the students quickly withdrew, glancing back in awe and confusion.
When the area was cleared, All Might's face twisted with anger. "What are you doing here, you bastard? How are you even alive?"
Kaine's smile didn't falter. "Isn't it obvious? He sent me. The man you couldn't save. The only one who ever brought you to your knees. Oh, do you remember your first battle with him? The way he toyed with you, every strike bruising your bones, every hit echoing the fear across the field, as if you were nothing? Do your bones still shudder?"
"So… Vilgax is alive," All Might deduced, his voice heavy as his fists clenched, the veins on his arms taut as he tried to rein in his anger.
"Smart as ever," Kaine taunted."And as for why he didn't come himself? Well, let's just say he's still recovering. Surviving a fusion grenade—something that makes an atomic bomb look like a sparkler? Not so easy."
All Might's breath hitched, his voice lowering dangerously. "And when he recovers?"
Kaine chuckled, his tone mocking. "Then he'll be stronger than before. The next time, Midoriya's going to lose another father figure." He tilted his head, his voice laced with malice.
All Might clenched his fists tighter, a fire burning in his eyes. "That's not going to happen. I'll protect Young Midoriya with my life if I have to. Whatever Vilgax has planned, I'll make sure he never even comes close to touching him."
Kaine's smirk twisted into a dark grin, his voice soft but dripping with venom. "Do you have any idea how many 'Symbols of Peace' he's destroyed, Toshi? Across the galaxy, beings who called themselves 'peace' have died by his hand. He's feared across the galaxy for a reason. Underestimating him… that was always your mistake. A grave one, and you know it all too well."
All Might clenched his fists in silent rage, his entire body shaking as he glared down at Kaine. The silence grew thick between them, charged with fury and tension.
Kaine's smile only grew. "Oh. It should be kicking in now."
A harsh, violent cough echoed from behind All Might, causing him to turn sharply. He saw Midoriya, bent over, hacking as if his lungs were on fire. Tokoyami quickly stepped in to support him.
"Midoriya, are you okay?" Tokoyami asked, his voice filled with concern.
Izuku tried to wave it off, his face pale. "I...I'm fine, really…" But before he could finish, another fit overtook him, and this time he coughed up a thick pool of blood, stumbling to his knees. Panic rippled through his classmates as they rushed to his side.
"Midoriya! Are you alright?" Uraraka asked, dropping to one knee beside him, her face etched with worry.
Then, from across the battlefield, a mocking laugh filled the air. Kaine, still pinned but reveling in the chaos, grinned wickedly. "Took a little longer than I thought! Guess I didn't use a high enough dose, huh?"
Yaoyorozu's eyes widened in realization, guilt and horror twisting her expression. "The bullet… You laced it with poison." She remembered how Izuku had thrown himself in front of her, taking the shot meant for her.
"Give the girl a prize!" Kaine sneered.
Izuku collapsed onto the ground, his breathing ragged as blood dripped from his eyes like crimson tears. He convulsed, writhing in pain, his hands clutching his chest as the toxin tore through him. Mineta looked on helplessly, his voice shaking. "Wh-What do we do?"
Bakugou and Todoroki's faces hardened with fury, and they stormed toward Kaine. But All Might was faster. In a flash, he had Kaine by the neck, smashing him down into the ground with a force that cratered the earth beneath them. The shockwave alone sent the students stumbling backward.
"Give me the cure," All Might demanded, his voice as cold as steel.
Kaine only laughed, even as blood trickled from his mouth. "Cure? I'm the only one who knows what it is." His eyes glinted with malice. "Guess you and Izuku can say hello to his old man down in hell. Can you imagine it? His beloved father waiting for him, thanks to me!"
With a twisted grin, Kaine bit down hard on something hidden in his teeth, foaming at the mouth as his body went still.
All Might's face fell. "A suicide capsule…"
Izuku's friends gathered around him as he gasped and coughed, blood trailing from his lips. His vision blurred, and the sounds of his classmates' desperate, panicked voices became distant, fading into the background. His body trembled from the poison's effects, bloodshot eyes shedding crimson tears, as his last bit of strength ebbed away.
Finally, he closed his eyes, surrendering to the darkness, his consciousness slipping as his friends called his name.