Chapter 97: Scar of DefeatAuthor: Geraint
The arrogant guy had no idea what had happened, and it frustrated him to realize that—for the first time in his life—he'd been knocked down. That shock snapped him awake, and he glared furiously at his opponent.
"Damn you, brat! How dare you humiliate me?! I'm gonna beat your ass!"
He quickly stood up, raised his guard, and began moving his feet—finally taking the fight seriously.
Ichika stepped to the center of the ring and took his stance again.
"So, you've finally decided to take me seriously? I had high expectations of you, Champion. Don't disappoint me. Give me your best shot."
The arrogant guy felt like Ichika was looking down on him—and he rushed forward.
His eyes widened as Ichika's glove suddenly appeared enormous in his vision.
Bam!
A left jab smashed into his face, snapping his head back.
"Ugh! What the hell was that?!" He staggered but managed to absorb the punch.
Backing up, he tried to keep his distance—but Ichika's next left jab still connected and smashed into his nose, drawing blood.
Bam!
"Ugh!"
Only now did he begin to realize the kind of monster he was up against.
This brat… he already has that skill? Is this kid really an amateur?! No way! Only those who stand at the top of boxing can use that technique perfectly! Anyone can learn it—but only a few chosen ones can execute it with this much power!
Ichika threw another precise left jab that split through his opponent's guard.
Bam!
The Champion was struck again, right in the face.
From outside the ring, Mirko and the other girls watched, stunned that Ichika was out-boxing a professional with far more experience.
"Those left jabs are nasty! They're packed with power! Even if you try to keep your distance, they still reach you. I've lost count of how many times that punch's taken me down…" one of the girls muttered.
"That technique is called the Ghost Jab—or the non-telegraphic punch. It's when a boxer launches an attack without giving any indication, leaving the opponent no time to react," the gym manager explained. "There's no trick to it—just pure mastery of the basics. Once perfected, you become invincible in the ring. What you're seeing right now is the result of that perfection."
Ichika unleashed a barrage of rapid lefts, overwhelming his opponent, who had no answer. It was a complete beatdown.
The crowd watching the sparring session was in shock.
"The Champion… is being overwhelmed!"
Backed into a corner, the arrogant guy could only guard up as Ichika pummeled him—using only his left hand.
"There's also an old saying…" the manager began.
The Champion tried to counter with a wild swing, but Ichika easily evaded it with graceful footwork.
"How?!"
Ichika caught his opponent's right fist and launched a straight left.
Bam!
A clean hit to the face—his opponent dropped to the canvas moments later, unresponsive.
"A man who rules with his left… rules the world," the manager finished.
Ichika turned around in disappointment, leaving his unconscious opponent behind.
"You're just another overhyped fighter who became Champion by luck."
The crowd stood frozen—an amateur had defeated a pro boxer in one round.
Ichika hopped down from the ring, only to bump face-first into someone's chest.
"Huh? Rumi?"
"You're dazed again," Mirko said with a smirk.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about something."
"Got bored of the fight again?"
"Well, yeah…"
"How about fighting me next?" Mirko's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Huh?"
"I got pumped watching you fight! Come on!"
Ichika sighed but gave in. "Fine."
"Okay, let's go!"
Mirko wrapped her arm around his neck and dragged him toward another ring.
"Rumi, let me change first!"
Later
After their match, Mirko—now in her sportswear—lay on the canvas, panting from exhaustion.
Ichika squatted next to her.
"Rumi, are you okay?"
PantPant"Damn! I'm totally beaten up!"
"Are you satisfied now?"
"Not yet! Next time, you will be the one groveling in front of me!"
"Well, good luck with that." Ichika smiled and offered his hand.
Mirko took it, and he pulled her up. But she lost her balance and fell into his arms.
She stared at his face, dazed.
"Can you stand?"
"I-I'm fine…"
Her heart pounded as she realized how close they were.
"Ichika…"
"Rumi?"
He noticed she was acting strangely.
"Ah, no! It's nothing!" Her face turned red.
She didn't understand what she was feeling—just that she had become hyper-aware of him.
"You should take care of yourself better. I can't stay by your side for long… not until the right time comes."
"Okay…"
She turned away and jumped off the ring. Then she paused and glanced back at him.
"Ichika!"
"Hm?"
Mirko smiled, holding her long white hair back behind her shoulder.
"I had a lot of fun today. Thank you, Ichika."
"It's my pleasure."
Ichika was stunned—her radiant smile was rare, hidden behind her usual tomboyish bravado.
"Hey, wait!"
He jumped down and followed her as they walked together.
"Don't follow me! I'm heading to the women's changing room."
"How interesting."
"I'll send you flying if you try to peek!"
"Says the girl who once dragged me into the bath with her."
"You were a kid back then!"
"Hehehe… it's been a while."
Ichika casually held her hand—and Mirko didn't mind.
Back at the hotel…
"Finally!" La Brava cheered happily.
Yay! Roboco celebrated.
"Let's play another game, Roboco!"
Sure!
The two darted off to their room. Everyone else returned to their own.
Ichika entered his room, stripped off his clothes, and headed to the shower.
After bathing, he threw on plain clothes and collapsed on the bed.
Ring! Ring!
His phone rang. Lazily, he answered.
"Hello."
Ichika, where are you right now? came All Might's voice.
"In a hotel in Yokohama. I'm on a business trip."
We've found a new candidate for the next wielder of One for All.
"Who?"
Togata Mirio. He's a first-year student at U.A. He has the potential to be the next—
"I refuse."
Huh? You haven't even—
"You found him at U.A., right? So, he has a Quirk."
Yeah. His Quirk is Permeation. He can become intangible—phase through walls or the ground. Nothing can touch him.
"Except my right hand, right?"
Yes, except that.
Ichika sighed and spoke sincerely.
"You already know, Dad. It's dangerous to pass One for All to someone who has a Quirk. The power has been cultivated for over a century. It was already strong during your time. As you told me, 'The first user cultivates the power, then passes it on. Each successor refines it and passes it on again. Together, they form a crystalline network of strength, bound by hearts brave and true.'
"But if someone with a Quirk inherits it, the strain will eventually consume their life force. Only a quirkless person can truly handle One for All. Their vessel is empty—able to contain the power fully. Weren't you quirkless once, Dad? Yet you were the longest wielder.
"Maybe it's time to research the previous users. You might find something new."
Okay… I'll do that. Do you know anyone who might be a candidate?
Ichika was about to mention a name—but stopped himself. He wanted All Might to meet her naturally.
"There's no need to rush. I believe you'll meet the right person someday—just like you did with your predecessor."
Thank you.
"Anyway, we still need to settle our rivalry, All Might! Let's see who's stronger between the two of us!" Ichika said with enthusiasm.
Falcon…
(To be continued)
A/N: Canon starts next chapter. I'll fix my mistakes later.