Chapter 24-Beginning of Internships (And much more)
-Nezu's Office-
Out of the office of Principal Nezu, he was conducting a meeting with three particular students on a very serious matter. "WHAT THE HECK!" It did not seem to be going on the right foot.
The Powerpuff Girls were brought to the chimera's office to discuss a matter pertaining to the upcoming hero internships. Principal Nezu wanted to share some of his ideas with the girls. The girls sat across from the principal as he held some freshly steeped tea he had made for them. Bubbles was happy to try out the tea, being that it was from an adorable, cuddly creature. While Blossom tried to defuse the rising temper of her sister, Buttercup.
"Is there something you don't understand from what I said, Buttercup?" he asked curiously.
"You got that right, pal!" she grumbled. But before she could say anything else, Blossom, being the voice of reason, spoke up. "What Buttercup is trying to say is that we might not really understand what you have proposed very well. I, for one, would appreciate it if you would repeat what you have said, sir," she calmly stated.
"Ah, I see," he said before taking another sip of his tea. "Very well then, I shall gladly repeat what I said." He gently placed his cup down.
"You see, girls, I have been keeping a close eye on you three ever since the entrance exams. I can honestly say that I am impressed with your performance and power level." That gathered some proud smiles, cooling Buttercup's temper. "However, I have noticed that like any of my students, you do have your own weaknesses and problems that seem to be holding you back. As such, I wanted to bring it up to you three and see if you don't already know. If you are aware of it, then my next step would help in remedying it," he said calmly.
The girls turned to face each other, wondering where this could lead. "Now girls, I understand that you are all still adjusting to this world, given the slight differences in the way we do things compared to your world, I'm sure. But I must ask that you trust me on this matter, as it would help you improve," he said, giving them a small smile.
"Okay, sir," they said in unison.
His smile grew just a tad bigger. "Excellent. Now, in the beginning, I did mention that we should keep your identities a secret. It's best to avoid stirring controversy or drawing the wrong sets of people to a matter that need not be public. The very idea of three girls with 'special' powers might cause confusion and attract unwanted attention."
"Sheesh, don't we know," Buttercup replied.
He nodded. "Very true. But due to the recent stir at the Sports Festival…" That made the girls look a little sheepish. "…it seems that the public has taken a certain interest in the three of you, albeit with different reactions. That being said, aside from each of your rather 'flashy' performances, the Pros have not really seen your abilities as something to fear or question. We have many other students who have performed just as admirably," he said.
That made the girls both glad that they wouldn't be closely watched and kind of hurt their egos that they were viewed as small fish in the barrel; not that they would admit it.
"Now, let's not drift off topic. I brought you girls in, as promised, to advise you on the internships that I believe would be the best fit for you," he gestured to the pieces of paper in the girls' possession. "These forms have narrowed down the choices to one. They are nothing new, as you've already seen the listed heroes, but I have taken the liberty to properly assess the candidates and choose the ones that would benefit you girls."
"Yeah, I get that, pal. What I don't get is why I have to work with the FREAKING GRANNY!" Buttercup addressed the issue. Before Nezu could speak, Recovery Girl, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, chimed in.
"Well, young lady," she retorted sharply, "I approached Principal Nezu about being your mentor for this internship. There is still more you can learn, and I intend to teach you that."
"Oh great, while these two go off and probably learn to whoop butt, I will be here with Granny, reading some dumb boo-OW!" Recovery Girl whacked the girl's leg with her injection cane.
"Don't get smart with me, little girl. I may not look it, but I have ways to mentor kids like you, other than with 'dumb books' as you've said," the scene made the other two girls stifle their laughter, much to Buttercup's glare.
"Um, Mr. Nezu," Blossom did her best to stifle her laughter, "Though we appreciate what you are doing, I just wonder, doesn't this feel unfair to our other classmates, seeing that the Principal of all people is showing such favoritism?" she inquired.
"I see your point, Miss Blossom, but I am merely taking an active role in my students' academic lives where it seems fit. I can assure you that I only want to make sure that no unwanted disaster comes from either side," he said, unaware of the girls' unlucky history, "And besides, it would be entertaining to watch how this little game plays out," he said with a toothy grin that quite honestly made the two girls a little uneasy.
"Right…" Buttercup trailed off, glancing back at her sisters.
There was a slurping sound that made Blossom and Buttercup turn to stare at Bubbles, as she finished off her tea.
"Oh sir, may I have more, please?" she asked cheerily. "Certainly!" he obliged with a chuckle as he poured more tea.
"Honestly…sometimes I worry about her," Buttercup whispered bluntly, to which Blossom could only sigh.
The next several days went by in a flash for the majority of the students. With most of the classes focusing on internships the students didn't have much else to work on. Most of the chatter among students was where they were going and what they were most excited for. Of course, another talk of the school was the girl from class 1-A who made it all over the news.
And then it came… the day they went for their internships.
-Train Station near U.A.-
The entire class gathered at the train station with their hero costume boxes in tow. Aizawa glanced down at his phone before turning back to the students before him. "Alright, starting today, all of you will be heading out to the agencies you have chosen. Use this week to learn how to improve yourselves."
"Yeah!" Mina raised her case over her head with a bright smile.
"It's 'Yes, sir,' Ashido. Don't forget that," Aizawa stated flatly, eyeing his student.
"Yes, sir," Mina pouted at the dampening of her enthusiasm.
"Make sure you mind your manners during your internships with the other heroes!" Aizawa briefly spoke, his tone less than enthusiastic but stern. "I expect to see big differences in all of you when you return after this week. Now go," he motioned towards the platforms and watched as the teens split up.
"That goes for you too, Miss Kayama. Whether it's healing or not," he addressed Buttercup before walking away. Buttercup was already in a sour mood, which only added a bitter taste to it. Blossom and Bubbles came over.
"Oh, don't worry, Buttercup. I'm sure you will learn a lot over the week," Blossom reasoned.
"Yeah. It's even great that you will at least be close to home," Bubbles added.
"Yeah, yeah," she sighed. "Oh well, just make sure you two don't get your butts kicked by these guys, got it," she firmly told them, but there was no bite to it, just underlying concern.
"Agreed," the two sisters responded.
"Good," Buttercup said, she then looked past them, catching the scene with Izuku, Uraraka, and Tenya. She could not hear what they were saying, but understood that it was not good. "You also have a bad feeling about what Iida is doing, also?" Bubbles asked what Buttercup was thinking.
She nodded. "I wish one of us would tail him, make sure he's okay," Bubbles said in concern.
"Maybe, if time permits, I could find out how he is doing. I have his number from the class roster, and I can see if he might need a chat," Blossom offered.
"That's a great idea, Blossom," Bubbles happily said. "Wouldn't hurt a shot. Welp, better get going you two, the train is about to leave," Buttercup pointed out.
"Oh, yeah! I better find Koda," as she said that, she turned to leave, but not before pulling her sisters into a goodbye hug. "See you later, girls!" she cheerily said, running to her train cart. They both loudly said 'bye' as she went off.
Blossom turned to Buttercup. "All the best, Buttercup. Don't cause too much trouble before we get back," she teasingly said, which was met with an eye roll from her sister.
As she watched her sisters depart, Buttercup was interrupted by the voice of the R-rated hero: Midnight. "You ready to go, young lady?" Recovery Girl asked Midnight, offering a comforting smile.
Buttercup could only sigh. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," she replied, resigned to the prospect of a tedious week ahead as she followed the adult hero, already bracing herself for the impending boredom.
Blossom sat quietly as her train bounced along the tracks. She was a little nervous; although she had researched the agency, she couldn't believe she was going in alone. Nezu had pointed out her slight shortcomings, and although she understood, if she wanted to move past the fear inside herself, she knew she had to take this seriously. Listening to the intercom, she took a deep breath and sat straight as the train slowly came to her stop. She walked out through the door onto the new station platform, looking up at the tall buildings around her. "This is it…" she whispered to herself and walked forward, heading to her intended destination.
-Edgeshot Hero Agency-
Once past the lobby, she rode the elevator up to Edgeshot's office, holding the briefcase containing her costume. Blossom had read about this particular hero, and she knew she couldn't let her guard down. 'What does he have in store for me?' she thought to herself as she neared her stop. Right as the elevator doors opened, she was met by a barrage of shuriken. Blossom threw herself to one side to dodge. When she tried to press the 'close button', she realized it wouldn't work. She took a deep breath and exhaled her ice breath into the room, causing whoever was attacking to back away. She then rushed out, her hands aglow, and her mind on high alert.
As Blossom stood amidst the chaos, her heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She focused on her surroundings, her mind racing to anticipate the next move. The attacker, masked and agile, darted forward with lightning speed, their movements a blur as they closed in on her. Blossom's reflexes kicked in, and she moved with practiced agility, dodging their attacks and countering with her own telekinetic strikes. Each movement was calculated, her mind working in tandem with her body as she sought to gain the upper hand.
Something fast and thin struck at her blind side. She shook off the fading pain, summoning the shurikens from the elevator walls and using them to her advantage. She shrouded them in her pink glow, counting five in total. When she heard the attacker coming back, she made the attacker's weapons work for her. She tossed one of the stars at high speed, causing whoever it was to change direction. As the attacker lunged forward again, Blossom saw an opening. With a swift motion, she directed the shurikens toward her assailant, creating a barrier of swirling blades that forced them to change their approach.
But the attacker was relentless, their movements fluid and unpredictable. Blossom knew she needed to act fast if she was going to turn the tide of the battle in her favor. She unleashed a barrage of telekinetic strikes, aiming to incapacitate her opponent and gain the upper hand. When she raised her hands again, the attacker swatted her hands away. They aimed another chop, but she quickly ducked, did a backflip when they made an attempt to kick her. She was now in a close combat scene, and she did her best to bob and weave, analyzing the attacker's moves. When they went to throw another punch, she took the opportunity to duck once again and sent a glowing punch into the person's gut, sending them back.
"Alright, that's enough," she said, sending her telekinetic force that finally immobilized the assailant's body in a tight pink glow. She walked over to the figure and was confused to find a dummy.
"Very good, a strategist you are," a voice from behind her praised as he made his way over to her. Blossom whipped around to look at the person that had snuck up on her. He was a slim, muscular man who stood at roughly 170cm in height. He had gray hair shaped into three sharp points that covered the right side of his face and dark gray eyes. He wore a mask over his lower face, covering both his nose and mouth.
The man's hero costume adopted the appearance of a traditional ninja. With a blue mask that covered his mouth, tied at the back of his head with red yarn. A red shinobi shozoku beneath a blue robe, and both arms were covered in a thin, dark cloth that was tucked into his white forearm sleeves. There were red straps attached to his belt and his robe that extended downward. He also had a gold mask attached to his shoulder and sported a signature red scarf that featured a white patch attached to the front of it. The costume was completed with blue socks and yellow zori sandals.
"You're Edgeshot, I presume," Blossom calmly said, despite the adrenaline still reeling from seeing the Number Five Pro Hero for the first time in person.
"Yes," Edgeshot nodded to his interns. "I must say, you did well. Most panic when suddenly attacked. You made the sensible decision to try to escape first, but when that option was unavailable, your tactics to subdue your attacker were excellent."
"That's a training dummy, isn't it?" she pointed to the downed 'attacker' in the corner.
"Indeed, it is," Edgeshot nodded as he moved his left hand from behind his back to show them the five thin strings that he'd transformed his fingers into with his Quirk. "My Kugutsu no Jutsu (Puppet Technique) is one I don't often use in the field, but it's very good for training."
"A very interesting Quirk?" Blossom thoughtfully said, as she looked between the dummy and the Pro Hero's transformed hand.
He nodded, "Yours is also quite remarkable. You seem to possess two Quirks and make proficient work of both of them," Edgeshot said with interest. "Nezu did tell me that you are special, quite frankly, I was thinking he was exaggerating. But seeing your level-headed approach to one of my minor attacks, I can see where he was coming from," Blossom felt a sense of pride hearing that.
"I believe that Nezu also told you to train me, according to what you make of my weaknesses?" Blossom inquired.
"Yes, but for now, I'll give you a quick tour of the office, you'll meet the staff that keeps the place running efficiently, and then you'll be shown to your room for the duration of your stay," turning to lead the way.
"I look forward to working with you, sir," she politely said. Then suddenly he stopped to address her again.
"I see a great amount of potential in you," Edgeshot nodded to Blossom. "And hopefully, your potential will be recognized by those who truly understand its value."
His words lingered in the air, carrying an undertone of mystery and foreboding. Blossom couldn't shake off the feeling of being scrutinized, as if Edgeshot's gaze penetrated deeper than mere observation.
"Perhaps one day," he continued, his voice low and cryptic, "you will find yourself in a position where your talents are needed on a larger scale. The hero world has a way of seeking out those with extraordinary abilities."
With that enigmatic remark, Edgeshot turned away, leaving Blossom to ponder the hidden implications of his words. As she watched him disappear into the shadows, a sense of unease settled over her, the realization reminding her that her and her sisters' journey here was not going to be easy.
Midoriya, being the overthinker he was, had planned out multiple scenarios of how his meeting with All Might's teacher was going to go. He expected a beast, remembering how fearful his mentor was acting when he first presented the man's offer to intern under him. But reality sometimes overshadows our expectations.
"Who are you again?" Gran Torino happily asked.
"I'm Midoriya!" Izuku frowned in confusion at the man's question, still lost in thought, wondering why Gran Torino seemed to switch between being senile, strict, and then back and focused every ten seconds. But he knew this man must certainly be strong; he wouldn't have been All Might's mentor otherwise. Izuku took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "Show me your stuff, kid," that instantly brought Izuku's mind back to his present situation.
He watched as Gran Torino moved with incredible speed, darting around the room like a blur. Izuku's eyes widened in shock and amazement as he struggled to keep up with the old hero's movements.
Gran Torino stopped abruptly in front of Izuku, his expression serious despite the playful twinkle in his eyes.
"Alright, kid, let's see what you're made of," he said, his voice firm and commanding. Izuku quickly got over his initial shock and had a determined look to him. "Right."
Izuku immediately went to change into his new and improved hero suit, compliments of his friend Bubbles' ideas and the support class' insistence on the matter. It was a forest green bodysuit, with reinforced protection for his chest, back, arms, and legs. There were additional, subtle armor additions made of Kevlar, along with polycarbonate plates that were lightweight yet strong enough to stop small arms and rifle fire. He had a bright red utility belt with multiple pouches, and his favorite red shoes were covered with metal plates to reinforce them too. Over his lower face, he had a solid metal guard that also had a functioning re-breather system in case of gas attacks.
"Well, kid, nice duds. I wonder if you were just waiting to model this," the old man chuckled. Izuku felt a wave of nerves wash over him as he searched for the right response.
"Gotcha," Izuku thought, recognizing Gran Torino's moment to attack. Sure enough, the old hero lunged at him with blinding speed. Izuku reacted instinctively, narrowly dodging the oncoming assault. Gran Torino's momentum carried him crashing into the wall above the door, leaving a noticeable dent in its wake.
"My, you think fast, kid," Gran Torino remarked with a smirk. "Now, enough playing around! Show me what I saw on TV was not just a fluke!"
Izuku straightened into a ready stance, his nerves still present but overridden by his determination to prove himself. With a deep breath, he focused on the task at hand, ready to demonstrate his abilities to the legendary hero before him.
-Genius Hero Office ~ Tokyo-
"To be honest, I'm not a fan of yours." Best Jeanist spoke to his newest intern. The current Number Four Pro Hero was a tall, slim man with a rather long neck, and dark, heavily-lashed eyes which appeared to tilt slightly inwards. He had rather long blond hair which he had combed drastically to the left, covering his left eye. His hero costume consisted of a pair of jeans, a denim waistcoat with two large breast pockets, and a denim dress shirt with a very high collar which covered his face up to just below his nose. He wears two belts, one around his collar and one around his waist, and short dark brown boots with thick gray shafts and soles.
"Huh?" Bakugo barely resisted the urge to glare at the Pro Hero.
"I imagine that the only reason you chose my Agency…was because I'm one of the Top Five most popular Heroes, right?" Best Jeanist easily deduced why Bakugo had accepted his internship offer.
"But you're the one that sent the offer…" Bakugo was glaring now and he had a snarl forming at the dismissive tone.
"Yes! Because all I've had lately are little do-gooders." Best Jeanist pointed at Bakugo. "But you're the first in a long time who is a bit more ferocious." He ran his fingers through his blonde hair and made sure to sweep it to the left. "Part of my job as a Hero is to reform people like you." Best Jeanist took out a comb from his left breast pocket, holding it up while giving Bakugo a serious look. "Heroes and Villains are two sides of the same coin. I can see it in that glare of yours." Bakugo felt his eye twitch at the remark. "So, let's start by answering this, what is it that really makes someone a Hero?"
'I didn't come here to be lectured, damn it!' Bakugo raged in his mind at how the first day of his internship was going.
Across Tokyo, in the Hosu district, Tenya walked down the street in his hero costume, trailing behind his chosen pro, Manual. The young hero in blue turned and smiled at the teen following him.
"So, after we finish patrols in this district, we'll head east and see if anything else shows up," Manual explained to the intern.
Tenya nodded slightly as he scanned the area. "I understand. So, you walk the streets on patrol and look for crimes," he responded.
"Well, not just crimes. Being a hero means anyone could need assistance," Manual added as he glanced ahead. "I have to say, I'm surprised you chose my agency. I assumed you must have received some very impressive offers other than mine."
"It seemed like a good option for me," Tenya replied, averting his gaze from his fabricated response. "I appreciate you giving me this opportunity." His eyes darted between buildings, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man he was searching for.
Manual paused, hesitant to voice his thoughts. "You came here for the Hero Killer, didn't you?"
Tenya's heart skipped a beat at the question, his shock evident even behind his helmet. "Wh-what? What do you mean by that—"
"Hey, I understand…" Manual interrupted, exhaling heavily as he turned to face the taller student. "I heard what happened to your brother, and I would understand why you would be upset. It's… kind of obvious why you would want to come to this city after what happened. But… I will warn you now that a hero should never use his power for personal vengeance."
Tenya sat in silence as Manual continued speaking, explaining the principles of heroism, the significance of hero licenses, and the importance of using one's quirk responsibly in public. However, despite Manual's wise words, they seemed to pass through Tenya without leaving an impression. His mind remained fixed on one singular goal—to find the man responsible for his brother's plight and bring him to justice.
After Manual concluded his advice, Tenya stood upright and bowed respectfully to the hero he was interning under. "I understand, sir. I will do my best to follow your teachings," he said, his tone respectful but his resolve unyielding.
Manual offered a small smile and ruffled Tenya's head. "Well, under normal circumstances, I probably would have rejected your choice to come here. But with the recent events and the influx of heroes in Hosu, I'm confident that the villain will be brought to justice soon."
The two continued on their patrol in silence, but Tenya was facing an internal grudge within himself. 'I am sorry Manual, but I don't know what to do with this burning rage inside me. I have to seek my own justice if I am to avenge my brother.'
In the heart of the city, within an undisclosed apartment building hidden amidst the labyrinth of towering skyscrapers, HIM lounged in his darkened abode. The room exuded an aura of opulence shrouded in shadows, a paradoxical blend of luxury and darkness. Deep crimson drapes adorned the windows, casting eerie shadows that danced across the polished marble floor. The walls, painted a deep onyx hue, were adorned with twisted artwork depicting scenes of chaos and despair.
HIM reclined in a plush armchair, swirling a glass of blood-red wine between his clawed fingers. His eyes glowed with malevolent delight as he sensed a familiar presence approaching—a presence that promised intrigue and challenge.
As the door creaked open, HIM's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Ah, Hero Killer, how delightful of you to join me," he purred, his voice dripping with honeyed deceit. "Do come in and make yourself comfortable."
Stain stepped into the dimly lit room, his gaze fixed upon HIM with a mixture of distrust and contempt. He refused to acknowledge the hospitality extended to him, his focus solely on the enigmatic figure before him.
"I have no interest in your hospitality, Mr. X," Stain retorted, his tone sharp with disdain. "I am here for the answers I seek, nothing more."
HIM chuckled darkly, unfazed by Stain's hostility. "Ah, but answers are my specialty, Hero Killer," he replied, his voice laced with amusement. "Ask your questions, and I shall do my best to satisfy your curiosity."
Stain's grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, his eyes narrowing as he studied the photographs laid out before him. "Who are these girls?" he demanded, his voice tinged with urgency. "And what significance do they hold in your twisted machinations?"
HIM's eyes gleamed with delight, a wicked grin spreading across his lips. "Ah, the girls," he mused, his voice tinged with malice. "They are but pawns in a game much larger than you can imagine, Hero Killer. Pawns with the potential to surpass even the legendary All Might."
Stain's brow furrowed in anger, his convictions challenged by HIM's audacious claim. "No one is equal to All Might," he spat, his voice tinged with righteous fury. "He is the embodiment of true heroism, unmatched by any other."
HIM's grin widened, his eyes alight with sadistic glee. "Ah, but I never said they were equal to All Might," he replied, his words dripping with venomous intent. "Only that they have the potential to be... better."
With a roar of rage, Stain lunged forward, his blade aimed directly at HIM's heart. But to his shock and dismay, HIM vanished into thin air, leaving Stain to stumble forward, his blade slicing through nothing but empty space.
"Such a shame, Hero Killer," HIM's voice echoed mockingly from behind. "It seems you've missed your mark once again. But fear not, for our game has only just begun."
Stain whirled around, his eyes ablaze with fury as he searched for his elusive foe. But HIM was nowhere to be found, his laughter lingering like a sinister echo in the darkness.
As Stain stood alone in the shadowy confines of HIM's apartment, he knew that the battle had only just begun—a battle against an enemy far more cunning and treacherous than he could have ever imagined. And with each passing moment, the shadows of deception grew ever darker, threatening to consume them both in their relentless pursuit of power and control.
As Stain turned around, his demand for answers echoed through the dimly lit apartment, his voice a venomous hiss in the air. HIM's grin only widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction as his intricate plans unfolded before him like a macabre dance of shadows.
"Answers, you seek?" HIM replied, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Oh, how delightful. But do you truly believe you are worthy of such knowledge, Hero Killer?"
Stain's jaw clenched, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. He despised HIM's coy demeanor, the way he reveled in the chaos he wrought.
HIM's clawed hand rose, fingers curling as flames erupted from his palm, casting an eerie glow across the room. Stain's lip curled in disgust at the display of power, his disdain for HIM's theatrics evident in his steely gaze.
From the swirling inferno emerged a twisted creature, its grotesque form contorted with malice. Stain recoiled in horror, his disgust palpable as he regarded the abomination before him. HIM's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Stain's spine. "Meet my pet," he said with a wicked grin, his tone laced with cruel amusement. "A loyal servant, obedient to my every command."
Stain's gaze remained fixed on the creature, his contempt burning like a smoldering ember in the darkness. He longed to strike it down, to rid the world of such abominations, but he knew that now was not the time. With a dismissive wave of his hand, HIM sent the creature scuttling back into the flames, its twisted form disappearing into the abyss from whence it came. Stain watched with a mixture of revulsion and apprehension, his mind racing with the implications of what he had witnessed.
"This box," HIM began, his voice low and ominous, "holds the answers you seek. But be warned, Hero Killer, for knowledge comes at a price." Stain's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening as he braced himself for the revelation that awaited within the confines of the small black box.
"Speak," Stain demanded, his voice cold and unforgiving. "What is this price you speak of?"
HIM's grin widened, a glint of malice dancing in his crimson eyes. "Your soul," he whispered, his words like a chilling breeze that sent a shiver down Stain's spine.
Before Stain could react, a blinding flash of light engulfed the room, illuminating it with an intensity that seared through his mind like a branding iron. Guttural screams filled the air, echoing in the darkness as the world around him dissolved into chaos.
When the light faded, Stain found himself standing on the rooftop of a nearby building, the memory of what had transpired after the flash erased from his mind like a fleeting dream. With a growl of frustration, Stain turned away, his thoughts consumed by the sense of betrayal and deception that lingered in the air.
Unbeknownst to him, HIM watched from the shadows, his laughter echoing in the night as his sinister plans continued to unfold. As Stain stormed off into the night, his anger burning like a smoldering ember in the darkness, HIM turned his attention to a nearby mirror. With a twisted grin, he watched as Stain disappeared into the shadows, knowing that his message had been received loud and clear.
"Such foolish mortals," HIM mused to himself, his voice a sinister whisper in the darkness. "But soon, they shall learn the true meaning of fear. And when they do, oh, how sweet it shall be."
Chapter 25: A Red Stain on Society
The sun broke out, casting its light over the Japanese landscape. In the Yamanashi district, beyond Tokyo, Izuku Midoriya yawned as he opened the front door of his mentor's worn-down apartment building to take out the trash. His tired eyes struggled to stay open, a result of yesterday's intense sparring session—or what could be called practice if getting thoroughly beaten could be considered practice.
"Even with my control over a portion of One for All…" he mumbled to himself. "I still couldn't take Gran Torino down. Even at his age, he moves with incredible speed." His gaze shifted to the couch where—
"Still licking your wounds from the whooping I gave ya?"
"GAH!" Midoriya yelped in surprise as he flipped around to find Gran Torino standing behind him. He panted, startled, trying to regain his composure. "Oh, Gran Torino, um…yes, I'm still a little sore," he replied awkwardly.
Gran Torino simply stared at the boy, recalling yesterday's events; it had been quite eventful. When he challenged Midoriya to demonstrate his skills, he was mildly impressed. He had already seen the boy's performance at the Sports Festival, witnessing his nascent control over One for All. But he needed to see firsthand if Midoriya was truly worthy of the power.
"Well, even though I managed to land a few hits of my own, it was just exhaustion that got the best of me," the old hero acknowledged. "I suppose I need to work on my power output."
The old hero realized Midoriya was busy talking, probably about his powers. Midoriya looked back at the older man, who stared blankly for several seconds.
…
"Who are you again?" Gran Torino asked cheerfully.
"I'm Midoriya!" he replied, exasperated.
Izuku frowned in confusion at the man's question, still wondering how he could alternate between seeming senile and then sharp and focused every ten seconds. But he knew one thing for sure—this man was undeniably strong. Yesterday had proven that beyond doubt. Even though Midoriya managed to land a couple of hits and only succumbed to exhaustion, he had taken quite a few blows from Gran Torino. The old man's speed was astonishing, darting around the room at almost impossible speeds thanks to his jet quirk.
"Never mind that," Gran Torino interrupted his thoughts. "Let's get some grub!" He cheerfully strode into the kitchen.
Midoriya sighed and followed the elder into the kitchen, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw a large plate of frozen Taiyaki pastries. "Huh? But aren't those desserts, sir?" he questioned.
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with a snack in the morning. Go ahead and get them cooking!" Torino chirped, settling at the table.
"Uh…alright." Midoriya rolled his eyes as he placed the plate in the microwave. As it heated up, his mind raced.
The brief moment of silence was once again broken by his mentor. "Listen here, kid," Gran Torino's attention was now fully on Midoriya.
He sighed. "I must say, you weren't exactly what I expected when I first saw you on TV. I almost thought my old student was crazy when he chose you…" Midoriya flinched at the remark. "But, I suppose I was wrong. I'm impressed that you managed to keep up with me, even landing a couple of shots. Your control over One for All is quite impressive, considering you've only had it for a short time. Tell me, did you figure it out through your overthinking, or did my old student actually learn to be a good teacher?"
"W-well…I…" The sound of the microwave dinging saved his nerves. He took out the plate and served the 'meal' to the eager hero. "Honestly, sir, I had some help from a couple of friends at my school. They don't know the secret, but I admired their control over their powers, so I asked for their help," Izuku said, fidgeting.
Gran Torino nodded. "I see. I would say it was foolish to risk your secret like that, but I understand the end goal, especially if you can harness at least ten percent of the quirk now. No thanks to that big dope," he added dismissively.
Izuku was a bit uncomfortable. "In all fairness to All Might, sir, he did his best to guide me in preparing to use my quirk," Izuku replied, taking a bite of his snack.
"Your admiration of All Might seems to be holding you back," the old hero muttered to himself.
"W-what?" Izuku asked in confusion.
"You need to decide what kind of hero you want to be, instead of being a copy of someone else," he said gruffly, finishing off his third helping. "You have heart kid, but that can only take you so far, if you don't know who you are first," he said as he finished off his last bite. "Now, if you're finished, I'd like to beat you up some more. You'll learn something, and I'll get a good laugh," Gran Torino chuckled. 'Hopefully, you'll learn some new tricks by the end of this internship.'
Izuku fell silent. He didn't fully understand what Torino meant, but he was determined to master his quirk.
'Have to find new ways to grow,' he told himself silently.
-Endeavor's Agency-
Around noon, the training room at Endeavor's agency simmered with controlled intensity, designed to withstand the searing heat generated by heroes training their fiery quirks. It was time for his training sessions on how to properly control his fire-side. Todoroki stood at one end, while Burnin' prepared herself at the opposite side.
Burnin' was a striking figure, her blazing hair a vibrant green that seemed to flicker with an inner flame. Her eyes, a piercing red-orange, held a fierce determination that matched the intensity of her Quirk. She wore a light-gray double-breasted mini dress with orange and black accents, her outfit completed with black knee-high socks and short boots. Her mask, reminiscent of Bakugo's, added to her formidable appearance.
Todoroki squared his shoulders, his mind focused on the task ahead. He knew he had to master his fire side, to prove himself not to his father, but to himself.
She smirked, a confident curl of her lips before she launched the first wave of fiery hair projectiles towards Todoroki. The strands of green fire hurtled towards him with alarming speed. Todoroki reacted instinctively, conjuring a wall of ice to shield himself. The heat from Burnin's attacks melted the ice almost instantly, forcing Todoroki to leap sideways to avoid the burning remnants.
"You're slower than I expected, Todoroki," Burnin' taunted, her voice cutting through the crackling of flames. "Is that all you've got? Endeavor's son should be able to handle more than a few fireballs."
Todoroki gritted his teeth, frustration simmering beneath his icy facade. He focused on his left side, the reservoir of fire Quirk inherited from his father. Flames flickered, hesitant and uncertain, as Todoroki struggled to harness their power.
Burnin' didn't relent, launching another barrage of fiery hair projectiles. Todoroki dodged and weaved, his movements becoming more erratic as he tried to find an opening. The air around them grew hotter with each passing moment, a testament to the intensity of their battle.
"Come on, Todoroki!" Burnin' goaded, her voice dripping with scorn. "I expected more from the prodigy of Endeavor. Or are you just a disappointment like your old man said you were?"
Todoroki's jaw tightened, his resolve hardening as he pushed himself to the limit. He summoned a surge of fire, directing it towards Burnin' in a controlled burst. The flames licked at her defenses, but she danced effortlessly out of harm's way, her mocking laughter echoing in the chamber.
"You call that fire?" Burnin' sneered, her eyes alight with amusement. "I've seen candles with more heat than that. You're not even trying, Todoroki."
The words struck a nerve, fueling Todoroki's determination. He pushed harder, his attacks growing more aggressive as he sought to prove himself. But each attempt fell short, the fire wavering and faltering under the weight of his insecurities.
Just as Todoroki summoned another burst of flames, Burnin' seized the opportunity. With a swift movement, she closed the distance between them, her hand grasping a chunk of blazing hair. She swung it with precise force, striking Todoroki squarely in the chest.
The impact sent Todoroki staggering backwards, pain flaring where the fiery hair had struck him. He stumbled and fell to one knee, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to regain his composure.
"You're pathetic," Burnin' scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Is this the best you can do? No wonder your father has his doubts."
Todoroki clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white with the effort to control his anger. He knew Burnin' was goading him, testing his limits. Yet, her words cut deeper than any physical blow.
Before Burnin' could deliver another barb, the training room door slid open with a resounding clang. Endeavor strode in, his fiery presence filling the chamber with palpable tension. His eyes, burning with intensity, locked onto his son with a mixture of disappointment and frustration.
"Pathetic," Endeavor echoed Burnin's sentiment, his voice a low growl that reverberated off the walls. "Is this the best you can muster, Shoto? I expected more from you."
Todoroki clenched his jaw, meeting his father's gaze without flinching. He never really cared about the lofty standards set by his father, nor did he care about his present disappointment. The thing that stung the most, was that he knew that he could be better than him, he was just…falling short.
"Just get up, Shoto," Endeavor continued, his tone harsh and unforgiving. "If you can't handle the heat, how will you ever surpass me? How will you ever become the hero you I want you to be?"
Todoroki pushed himself upright, ignoring the ache in his muscles as he steadied his stance. He couldn't care less about his father's ideals for him, not one bit. He refused to let his father's harsh words break him, like when he was younger, refused to give in to the doubts that threatened to overwhelm him.
Before Endeavor could say more, a sharp beep cut through the tense atmosphere. Endeavor's communicator buzzed urgently, a call that demanded his immediate attention.
"I have to go," Endeavor announced curtly, his eyes narrowing as he glanced between Todoroki and Burnin'. "Continue the training. And Todoroki, don't disappoint me again."
With that, Endeavor turned on his heel and strode out of the room, leaving Todoroki and Burnin' alone once more in the searing heat of their battle.
Todoroki drew in a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He knew he had to dig deeper, to find the strength within himself to master his fire side. Burnin' watched him with keen interest, her fiery hair coiling around her like a protective mantle.
"Ready to try again, brat?" Burnin' asked, her voice surprisingly gentle compared to her earlier taunts. "This time, show me what you're truly capable of."
Todoroki nodded silently, his eyes narrowing with determination. He focused his mind, summoning the fire within him with newfound resolve. This time, he would not falter.
Outside the doors of the training room, Endeavor's communicator buzzed urgently. He finally answered, the voice on the other end delivering the news without hesitation. "Hero Killer Stain sighted in Hosu. Requesting your immediate presence."
Endeavor's eyes narrowed with fierce determination. Without a moment's hesitation, he responded curtly, "On my way," and cut the call abruptly.
As the communicator returned to his pocket, Endeavor's mind raced with anticipation. The prospect of facing such a formidable opponent sparked a fire within him—a chance not only to protect but to prove his strength, to show the world his dominance as the top hero.
His eyes glinted with resolve, flames flickering around him as a determined smile curled his lips. This encounter with Hero Killer Stain wasn't just another mission. It was a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal, a chance to push himself further than ever before.
From another city, in a high-rise building overlooking the bustling streets below, Edgeshot stood with quiet intensity, his phone pressed to his ear. The cityscape of Hosu sprawled out before him, its skyline dotted with the signs of heroism and vigilance.
His voice was steady as he spoke, confirming details to an unseen authority. "Understood," he replied succinctly before ending the call with a decisive click.
As he slipped the phone back into his pocket, Edgeshot's gaze swept across the training field below. His intern was in a middle of a sparring match with his sidekicks, and he watched closely.
The dojo room exemplified a seamless blend of traditional martial arts aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology, creating an immersive and dynamic training environment. Its spacious interior featured polished wooden floors and walls adorned with intricate bamboo motifs, evoking a sense of tranquility and discipline. Padded surfaces lined the periphery, designed to absorb the impact of vigorous combat maneuvers while ensuring the safety of its occupants.
Blossom found herself amidst Edgeshot's ninja-clad sidekicks, some armed with weapons while others prepared for hand-to-hand, quirk combat. She wore her hero costume, her eyes glowing with focus and concentration as she assumed a ready stance. One of the sidekicks, wielding a metal bo staff, struck first. As the individual swung at Blossom, she deftly dodged the attack, executing a backflip several feet away. In a swift motion, she delivered a telekinetic strike that knocked the staff out of their hand.
In a blink of an eye, the same ninja summoned two kunai into their hands and charged at Blossom. 'Must be a quirk ability,' she thought to herself, with her fast reflexes, she narrowly avoided being struck, but just then, she sensed a presence closing in from behind. Reacting swiftly, she bolted out of harm's way, rolling a good distance away before unleashing a blast of telekinetic energy that sent the one ninja, using a camouflage quirk to blend in, falling back.
Suddenly, without warning, Blossom exclaimed, "Oomph!" realizing her legs were entangled in wires. She looked up to see a female ninja manipulating wires extending from her wrist gauntlets. "Sorry, little girl, you're done," the ninja said confidently as she lifted Blossom up and prepared to slam her down with force. Just before impact, Blossom, surrounded by a faint pink glow, thrust her hands out, sharpening the aura to cut through the wires binding her legs. The female ninja was taken aback by this unexpected turn, allowing Blossom to land gracefully and swiftly retaliate with a powerful telekinetic blast that knocked her opponent down.
Before she could catch her breath, a flurry of smoke surrounded Blossom. "What the…" she began, only to find herself confronted by over a dozen ninja clones emerging from the haze.
"Seems like you're a little confused," each clone spoke in unison, disorienting Blossom momentarily.
"I see that this will be tricky," she muttered, her senses on high alert as she prepared to face the onslaught. As the clones charged all at once, Blossom swiftly maneuvered, fluidly dodging and parrying attacks. She remained cautious, not knowing which attacks were genuine and which were deceptive. She unfortunately was feeling the unease and pressure from the relentless pursuit, that it made her feel overwhelmed.
"Miss Kayama, you must remember what I taught you. Stay calm and use your inner sense to catch the smallest of details," Edgeshot's voice called out from a distance, reinforcing her resolve.
Blossom's heart raced as she faced the onslaught of ninja clones, each one indistinguishable from the next. Their coordinated attacks pushed her agility and reflexes to the limit as she weaved through their strikes with practiced precision. Her eyes scanned the battlefield, searching for any subtle clues or tells that might reveal the real opponent among the illusions.
Amidst the chaos, she focused inward, tapping into her enhanced senses and sharpened intuition. With each movement, she analyzed the nuances of their attacks—the timing, the intensity, the cadence of their movements. Gradually, she started to discern slight variations among the clones, subtle differences that hinted at their true nature.
As another wave of attacks came rushing towards her, Blossom instinctively sidestepped a feint and spun, releasing a flurry of frost, dispersing the clones until she managed to encase the real one.
The rest of the remaining ninjas seemed to have dodged the icy waves and were ready to charge again. Tired but ready to go for another round, Blossom was glowing in preparation, till she heard clapping from the side.
"Well done, Miss Kayama. Excellent reflexes and wonderful analytical skills you demonstrated there," Edgeshot praised, walking over to the group. He signalled his sidekicks and they bowed before they left. He turned to her, "I do have some points of where you made some crucial, as well as subtle mistakes, but we will talk about it on the way," he turned on his heels straight to the exit.
"Oh, we are going out? Where to, sir?" Blossom inquired, catching up to her mentor.
"A situation has been brought to my attention and I have decided that this will be a good opportunity to have a more hands on approach," Edgeshot explained, to which Blossom just nodded. She had an eerie feeling in her stomach.
-Later that day-
High above the city, the roof of Hosu's water tower was enshrouded by the swirling mist of Kurogiri's warp gate, the portal door forming to allow Stain to stroll through. The blade wielding killer hissed in satisfaction of being back onto his vantage point of the landscape, his tongue flicking out across his lips in anticipation. "The sun is almost down. Perfect time to begin the hunt once more." he said to himself as he heard footsteps behind. He glared over his shoulder to see Shigaraki walk through as well, before Kurogiri appeared in his normal form.
"You decided to follow me here as well, I see…" Stain grunted out.
"I just had to know… if you are so against my ideals, what kind of plans do you have in store?" Shigaraki asked in return, bringing a large grin to Stain's face as he looked out to the city below.
"I will reform this retched society. The title of hero is reserved for those who do great deeds, and yet that has been lost. This world is infested with false champions, all they care about is money and fame. And I will not stop until the world sees the truth," saying that, a sudden unease crept up his body. Stain's hand gripped the hilt of his blade and stepped forward. "Our business is done for now. And I would keep to yourself from now on. I may target all those imposters, but a criminal can just as easily fall to my blade."
Whipping out his sword, Stain leaped off the water tower and down to the roof below, bursting forward and jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Standing in the breeze, Shigaraki brought his hand up and scratched at his neck once more. "Damn him. Who does he think he is? Does he think he is actually a good guy or something?"
"Oh I don't know…" the duo quickly turned around to that familiar voice, "A mortal that believes in their ideals, long enough, can often times become disillusioned by themselves. It's one of the wonders of man," HIM appeared before them, as his Mr. X persona. Shigaraki looked all types of pissed while Kurogiri could tell something was brewing.
Red eyes glared daggers from in-between the severed hand's fingers. "What the hell are you doing here?! You didn't bother to show your clown face at the meeting concerning the Hero Killer before, so what makes you have the right to show up now?!" he spat, voice dripping with indignation and venom.
Mr. X just gave a Cheshire grin that spoke of mischief and danger, not lost on Kurogiri. "My dear fellows, I would advise that you stay around for the fun. The Hero Killer and I, had a little meeting since the last time he talked with you all," he said eyes gleaming with amusement.
"What cheat code strategies are you pulling?!" Shigaraki demanded.
Kurogiri found his voice, "What did you and the Hero Killer discuss, exactly?" his asked with intrigue.
"Oh, he just understands that there are bigger fish to fry in the grand scheme of things, but I can't say anything else," Mr. X walked away, much to the annoyance of Shigaraki. "Till next time, gentlemen," he called over his shoulder, disappearing into the fires that erupted beneath him; disappeared in to smoke.
Shigaraki clenched his fists, his irritation palpable. "What a cryptic bastard," he muttered through gritted teeth.
Kurogiri's mist shifted as he regarded Shigaraki thoughtfully. "It seems Mr X has his own agenda," he remarked calmly. "One that may intersect with ours in unexpected ways."
"I don't care about his agenda," Shigaraki snapped. "I care about taking down heroes and dismantling this society."
Kurogiri nodded slowly. "Of course. But we should remain vigilant. his games could pose a threat if underestimated."
Shigaraki glared at the spot where Mr. X had vanished. "Yeah, well, he won't catch me off guard next time," he growled, his determination renewed. He let out a small manic chuckle and looked back to his follower. "Kurogiri, bring out the nomus."
Kurogiri's eyes widened slightly to the request, but he nodded and activated his quirk once more. The portal formed in front of them, allowing the three mutated figures to walk through the gateway. One was similar to the USJ nomu but slightly smaller and no beaked mouth. The other was green and sickly thin, while the third was the height of an average adult, but tan and with wings. The creatures all hunkered out of the swirling gate and stood before Shigaraki, his eyes beaming with excitement behind the hand covering his face.
"I don't know what's worse," Shigaraki began, his voice dripping with anticipation as he surveyed the monstrous creations before him, "heroes who claim to protect and serve, or these... abominations that we've created."
The green nomu let out an eerie screech, its malformed mouth opening and closing in a grotesque parody of speech. It was unsettling, even for Shigaraki, who found solace in the chaos they brought.
Kurogiri hovered silently nearby, his mist swirling thoughtfully. "Shall I send them out to wreak havoc, Tomura?" he inquired, his voice as composed as ever despite the volatile situation.
"Not yet," Shigaraki replied, a dangerous smirk spreading beneath his hand. "Let's let them stew for a while longer. The city hasn't seen our full strength in some time."
The tan nomu shifted uneasily, its wings twitching against its sides. It was a formidable sight, towering over Shigaraki, who stood unflinchingly before the trio of mutants.
Meanwhile, HIM, in his Mr. X guise, observed from the shadows, his green eyes glinting with amusement. He had stirred the pot, knowing full well the chaos that would ensue. His own agenda remained obscured, but for now, the discord he sowed among villains and heroes alike was entertainment enough.
As night settled over Hosu City, the stage was set for another night of darkness and conflict, where ideals clashed and power reigned supreme. In the shadows, figures moved with purpose, each driven by their own desires and ambitions, unknowingly bound by the threads of fate that intertwined their destinies.
Midoriya shifted in the seat next to Gran Torino as they bounced along the train track. The hero in training looked over to the older man next to him and smiled. "I just wanted to say thanks for this, Gran Torino."
"Don't sweat it, kid. It's good to give you some in field experience, so you don't get any habits of just practicing with me," Torino responded and went back to tapping his seat. "My part of town is pretty boring, that's why we have to get out and into the big city."
Sighing, Midoriya adjusted his gloves, still getting used to the new upgraded outfit he was wearing. Since his previous one was ruined in training, the school took the liberty of upgrading it and giving him a new one; with the design ideas from Bubbles. He then looked outside the now dark sky in the window, and noticed they were passing by Hosu. Knowing where he was, Ilda immediately came to his mind.
'I hope he's doing alright… He hasn't been answering any of my messages,' Midoriya said to himself. Ever since they all went their own ways, he was worried about his friend, and wanted to help him get through this hard time.
"Hey, what's that fire out there?"
"Huh?" Both Midoriya and Gran Torino looked behind at the sudden statement from the other passengers, noticing everyone on the other side of the train staring out the windows.
Gran Torino raised an eyebrow and sat up. "Hey, what's all the commotion back-"
BOOM!
The side of the train suddenly burst open, smoke and screams filling the cabin instantly. Midoriya jumped out of his seat in shock from the hard impact. "Wh-What's going on?!"
Through the smoke, a hero crawled up from the ground, his body bruised and bloodied from the impact. He didn't even have time to crawl to his feet before a bony hand shot through the cloud of smoke and slammed into his face. Midoriya's eyes went wide as the grotesque green figure ripped through the rest of the train's wall, the familiar brain on the creature's head catching his attention. "A Nomu?! What's that doing here?!"
"Kid, stay back!" Gran Torino yelled out, bursting off his seat and rocketing through the air. The older hero kicked off the side wall and slammed the beast in the stomach and rocketed it out of the train.
"Gran Torino!" Midoriya ran after his mentor and to the opening in the train, looking to find the hero. But his eyes caught sight of what was beyond. "WH-what is going on?"
Midoriya's eyes gave up trying to find the hero who just left, only able to stare at the many fires raging in the city. Once he was able to get off the train, Midoriya sprinted down the road straight towards the fires. His heart pounded in his chest, unable to get over the fact he saw another nomu. "What's going on? Why is there a nomu here?!" He yelled to himself as he weaved through the fleeing crowds. His mind then replayed the USJ event in his head, thinking back to how close him and his friends were to dying from just one of those things.
But even though he was scared, he kept running towards the chaos. He had to see if anyone needed help.
Another loud crash rang through the air as Midoriya came closer, rounding the corner and coming upon the ongoing battle. Multiple heroes were fighting back not only the growing fires, but two different figures in the intersection. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a large dark figure coming through the fire, the nomu's bluish body similar to the one that attacked the USJ. But what shocked him even more was the one flying above.
"There's multiple nomus here? What the heck is going on?!" Midoriya gasped in shock as one of the heroes rushed and tried to tackle the larger nomu down, only for the pro to be thrown back like a rag doll. Several others were trying to strike the smaller and flying nomu with range attacks, but its speed was too much for them to hit. Suddenly one of the chunks of debris came flying his direction, the teen panicking before another hero jumped and pushed him out of the way.
"What are you doing here, kid!? Get back from here!" The female hero scolded him.
"S-Sorry! I will!" Midoriya quickly got back to his feet as the woman went back to distracting the creature for another hero to attack. The shaken teen watched in shock as the multiple number of heroes here could only hold the creatures back, none of their abilities strong enough to stop them.
"Iida! Damn it… where the hell did he go?!"
The shout from the side caught Midoriya's attention, looking over and seeing a hero in blue extinguishing flames with his water quirk. He stared at the man for a moment before he realized who it was. "Wait, the water hero Manual. That's who Iida went and served under. But he isn't here and-
Midoriya's mouth fell open in horror when it came into his mind. Why he never thought of it before completely baffled him, feeling his blood run cold in realization. "Wait… We are in Hosu, where Iida's brother was brought down… by the hero killer. Iida, don't tell me…!"
Spinning around, Midoriya sprinted down the road as fast as he could, praying he could find his friend before it was too late.
Tenya looked up into the sky to the large plume of smoke and flames that rose above the buildings, his heart beating like crazy in his chest. Even as Manual called for him to follow, he barely heard as his mind was spinning trying to figure out what was going on.
'Is… is this him?' He whispered internally as he ran after the hero. 'No… the hero killer is a stealth fighter. He wouldn't cause such an act and draw others around to find him. Something else has caused this attack.'
The troubled teen couldn't shake the feeling, though, that something bigger was happening. His eyes barely looked to the hero in front of him, his gaze shifting all around himself. But when he passed a darkened alleyway, his heart felt like it stopped beating in his chest. His feet froze on the spot as he looked down the corridor, catching the glimpse of something disappearing into the shadows.
"Was… that was…"
Tenya was beyond thinking rationally at this point. His mind blocked out all other thoughts as he stared into the lonely alleyway, unable to remove his gaze. He wasn't even sure if what he saw was real, but he didn't care, even if the hero in front turned and saw him run into the alley alone, for he would complete the task he came here for.
He would be the one to find and bring down the hero killer.
Deep in the alleyway out of view from the streets, Stain looked up to the large clouds of smoke and fire rising in the distance from him. The assassin gritted his teeth in annoyance to the sudden ruckus that had fallen over the city.
"Damn that Shigaraki. He went through this trouble just because he had his feelings hurt. I'll have to dispose of those fools later. For now, though…" His gaze drifted back to the hero he had pinned to the wall by his head, the native American dressed man bleeding from his arm. "… you will be the next fake I cleanse from this world."
The hero Native felt his entire body locked in place, his eyes trembling as he watched the sword being lifted into the air. Even so, the pinned man glared through to the hero killer. "Y-you won't get away with this. You'll be dead!"
Hissing to what he heard, Stain squeezed the hilt of his blade tighter. "If you call yourself a hero, you should choose your last words carefully."
Then, a sudden burst of sound echoed in the alley, the hero killer swinging his sword backwards to the figure trying to sneak attack him from behind. His blade connected hard into metal and causing the incoming figure to fall back. Stain glanced down to the newcomer in white armor, the figure's helmet fallen off and revealing to his surprise a young blue haired teen. "A kid?"
Crawling back up, Tenya's eyes locked onto the figure in front of him. He took in the ragged clothes over him, the blood colored rags, and the dozens of blades littered across his body. He knew for certain this was the man; he found him.
"It's you…" Tenya hissed out, his brow furrowing in anger.
Stain eyed the boy curiously, noticing the glare he was receiving before scoffing. "This is no place for kids to play dress up. Go on home now."
"I have been looking for you. You're the hero killer, aren't you…" Tenya's teeth clenched together as he crawled back to his feet. "I have been waiting to finally come face to face with-" his words were stifled by the sword pointed right at his face, the hero killer narrowing his eyes at the teen. "Your eyes are filled with vengeance. I would watch the words you say, even a child can become my target."
"Your target…" Tenya's fists clenched as those images flashed back into his mind. "You attacked my brother here in this city. And now, I am here to bring you down. I am the one continuing my brother's name. I am Ingenium, and I will defeat you!"
"Is that so…" Stain sighed in disappointment to what he heard. "In that case… Die."
Tenya yelled out in fury as he tried to burst off the ground, but his eyes went wide as the hero killer moved in unreal speed and knocked his leg back to the ground before leaping into the air above him.
"You are Ingenium's brother, I see…" Stain chuckled out in amusement. "I should have guessed by your matching costumes."
In the blink of an eye, Stain's spike-lined boot slammed into Tenya's shoulder. Iida gasped out in pain from the steel piercing his armor and laying him out flat on his back. He tried to flip around and crawl back up, but a heavy foot slammed hard into his back, pressing him flat to the concrete. Stain simply sighed in amusement to the youngster's attempt to get back up.
"I let your brother live so that he could pass on the message. Any of the impostors that walk these streets can be my next target, even one as famous as him. And I look at you now," Stain pointed the sword down towards the teen. "You are weak… just like your brother."
Tenya screamed out in pain as the sword was buried into his shoulder, piercing all the way through and to the ground below. He trembled from the searing sensation, but his glare never left his face. "My brother was an amazing man. He helped so many people, and you paralyzed him! He can never walk again! I'LL KILL YOU FOR THAT!"
"You are blinded by your anger, kid. You came all the way here to make yourself feel better, is that it? Coming after me for a personal grudge is as far away from a hero as I can tell." Stain scolded him as if he were a teacher, shifting the sword and causing Tenya to yell out. "You are nothing more than a poser in a costume."
Tears of pain and hatred fell from Tenya's eyes as he laid there, his teeth clenched so hard he almost felt them crack. "You have no right to judge me…. You are a criminal, and I will be the one to defeat you!"
"Shouldn't you be worried about saving that guy?" Stain snickered as he looked to the hero laying still against the wall. "You call yourself a hero, and yet someone is right in front of you and you didn't see him. Your anger has blinded you from what a true hero would have wanted to do."
Stain ripped the sword out from his captive's shoulder and brought it to his face. "And now it is clear you have no purpose in this world," smiling, he flicked his tongue out and licked the blood on the blade. Instantly, a powerful sensation fell over Tenya's body, every muscle in his body locking up. "I-I can't move…" he stuttered out as the hero killer stepped off his back. Against the wall, Native could only watch in despair as the teen who came was now on the ground as the hero killer raised his sword once again. "No, please not him! He's only a kid!" he pleaded.
Stain ignored the cries as he pointed the sword at his victim. "Goodbye child. Let your blood be another cleansing to this world of fakes."
"Say what you want, but that doesn't change what you are!" Tenya's screamed out. "You're still a just a killer! A criminal who hurt my brother!"
Stain was ready to end the child on the ground, but the sudden thrust knocked him clear against the wall of the alley. A grunt could be heard from impact. Tenya's mouth fell open in shock when the new figure hurriedly walked up in front of him, the red hair and outfit making his eyes go wide.
"K-Kayama?"
His classmate, the class representative, was standing in front of him, hands glowing pink as she took a defensive stance. Why was she here? "Don't worry Iida, Help has arrived!" Blossom called out as she stood between his friend and the fallen killer. 'I was just helping Edgeshot evacuate the people…I felt a familiar dark presence. Could it be-'
"Kayama… I … can't move! He licked my blood and now I can't get up!" Iida grunted out, causing Blossom's eyes to go wide.
"What?" she looked back to the now standing assassin, staring her down. 'I guess it's not HIM after all,' she internally sighed, "I read about things like that, types of quirks that need blood to work," she could not help the disgusted look plastered across her face.
Stain hissed out in annoyance and rubbed the area of his chest he got hit on, surprised by the force of the attack the kid showed. He then raised an eyebrow when he recognized the new teenager as one of the girls from Mr X's photos. "So, you are one of those All Might wannabes, huh kid?" Stain called out as he stepped forward. "You came to save your friend, but also unwittingly came to be be tested."
Blossom did not understand what he meant by that, but nonetheless glared at the opponent before her. "You must be Stain, the Hero Killer," she addressed him disdainfully. "I've read about you. You're infamous for your twisted ideology and brutal methods. But your reign of terror ends here."
Blossom's voice held firm resolve as she squared off against Stain, her hands still glowing at the ready. She had no not much to go when it came to Stain's fighting style or tricks, knowing that, facing him would be a dangerous but necessary situation.
Stain regarded Blossom with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. "Bold words for someone so young," he remarked coldly. "You heroes are all the same, thinking you can judge who deserves to live or die."
"I don't claim to judge," Blossom retorted, her eyes narrowing. "But I do claim to protect. That's why I'm here."
Stain chuckled darkly. "Protect, you say? Let's see if you can back up your words with action, UA student."
With that, Stain lunged forward, his movements swift and deadly. Blossom reacted instantly, unleashing a barrage of telekinetic strikes. Stain fluidly dodged them with his heightened reflexes and agility. He closed in, aiming his sword at Blossom's neck. She barely managed to dodge the strike, then improvised by calling upon nearby bricks and launching them headfast at the Hero Killer. Stain demonstrated his swordsmanship, slashing through the bricks that came at him.
Suddenly, Blossom surrounded Stain in a pink glow, lifting him above the ground. "Gotcha ya!" she exclaimed victoriously.
However, her victory was short-lived. Stain wildly struggled through the hold, and Blossom found it strangely hard to maintain her grip. It was then that Stain's eyes glowed with a familiar but ominous green light, causing her own glow to fade and losing her hold on him, as he landed back on the ground. A heavy silence hung in the air as Blossom was stunned by the turn of events, sensing something unsettlingly familiar.
The green glow abruptly left Stain's eyes, replaced by a sneer as he looked at her. "Kayama, get out of here…" Tenya clenched his teeth in anger. "This is my battle. It has nothing to do with you!"
Hearing that, her stunned silence left, replaced by anger. "Your battle?! You knew you would actually fight this guy?!" all Iida could do was hold his determined glare at that.
A maniacal laugh bellowed out, catching the attention of the three individuals. "You see why I've made it my mission to purge this world of fake heroes?" Stain's voice dripped with contempt as he scowled, raising his sword towards Iida. "He's nothing more than a child pretending to be a hero. He couldn't even save the hero who was clearly injured. Instead, he seeks revenge for his pathetic excuse of a hero brother."
Iida shook with rage. "SHUT UP! You're a monster! You don't deserve to live for putting my brother out of commission! I am hero and that's why I came to fight you!" Iida's voice boomed with fury, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The accusation cut deep, striking at the core of his determination and sense of justice. Stain's words were like daggers, aimed not just at him but at everything he believed in as a hero.
Blossom could clearly see the revenged filled emotion in his eyes, like dark pools of hate and pain. She suddenly felt the same presence lurking around. 'That presence, it couldn't be-' Blossom was brought out of her thoughts, the moment Stain was coming in close-up, she caught a sword coming in for her face. She held the sword with the strength she could give, her mind suddenly clouded with the fear and adrenaline flowing through her body. He leaned in, "He said that you and your sisters had something akin to potential…I think Mr X was just a fool," his words made Blossom's blood run cold, 'Mr X?!' that was the only thought that passed through her mind. As quick as a lightning, Stain thrusted the sword to the side, causing her to be caught off balance and Stain took the opportunity to grab her by the neck, moments thrashing to the break free; Stain, with frightening strength, through her against the wall. A loud thud was heard as she sprawled across the ground.
Stain grunted as he stood back and walked up to Iida. "Your moves are impressive, but you are no All Might. Why Mr X thought differently, I will never know nor care. There are a lot of false heroes crawling these streets, but you may be worth letting live. I can sense something coming from you. It will be interesting to see what you become. Him however, is only a plague that has infested this world."
Blossom was slowly coming too, but was horrified on what's to happen. Stain stood over Tenya once more, his sword raised above the teen's head, Iida's eyes flickered with fear. Just when Stain was about strike, he suddenly halted. "What…the hell?" he muttered to himself in confusion, just then a familiar voice rang through his head. "What are you doing?! Get rid of the girl first!" the sudden halt, confused Iida. Before Stain could even resist further.
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!"
The sudden scream down the alleyway brought Stain's gaze up once more, his eyes widening as he swung his sword up and shattered several ice spikes before they could land. Taking advantage of Stains distraction, a powerful punch, sent him reeling back, grunting in annoyance as two more teens ran down the alley. "More of these punks are here."
Blossom's mouth hung open in shock before relief came over her, amazed at who had showed up. "Midoriya, Todoroki!" she manage to yell out in surprise that they must have been close by.
Midoriya, wide eyed, made no delay and quickly went over to grab Blossom. His quirk activated, causing him to blitz pass Stain while he was confused.
"M-Midoriya, Todoroki?" Tenya stuttered out in disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
"Just like you, we are also stupidly going up against the Hero Killer?!" Todoroki yelled back at him as he unleashed ice spikes at the hero killer, causing Iida to grit his teeth.
Stain swiftly evaded Todoroki's ice spikes, his movements fluid and precise despite the surprise attack. He countered with a swift slash of his sword, forcing Todoroki to dodge backwards to avoid being struck.
"This is my battle," Iida's voice reverberated, laden with sorrow and determination. "I'm here to avenge my brother, Ingenium!"
Midoriya Izuku, still holding on to Blossom, had his gaze flickering with concern, moved closer to his friend. "Iida, we understand your pain, but..." Before Midoriya could finish, Todoroki's voice cuts through the tense air like shards of ice. "Do you think your brother would have wanted this, Iida? To seek vengeance instead of justice? To stupidly put your life at risk, just to get yourself killed? What would he say to that?!"
Todoroki's words struck deep into Iida's heart, stirring a tumultuous storm of emotions. He had set out on this perilous mission driven by grief and a desire for retribution, but now faced with Todoroki's piercing question, doubt crept in. Stain, observing the emotional turmoil within Iida, sneered mockingly. "Ah, the righteousness of youth," he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "But tell me, can vengeance truly be the mark of a hero?"
Without warning, Stain lunged forward with lethal precision, drawing three of his daggers from his belt. The weapons flew through the air with deadly accuracy, aimed at disrupting the heroes' resolve. Todoroki reacted swiftly, conjuring walls of ice to intercept the projectiles, but one dagger found its mark, dug in to Todoroki's arm and drew blood.
Before Stain could even come close to activating his quirk, Izuku sprang into action with remarkable agility, fueled by the power of One For All. He launched himself towards Stain, delivering a rapid series of kicks aimed at exploiting weaknesses in Stain's defense. Each strike was precise and calculated, knocking the villain back with added damaged.
Blossom, getting back to her feet, "Guys, I will get Iida and Native Hero out of here," she said, for which the others readily agreed. With mustered control, she lifted up Native Hero in a pink glow, sending him away. She was about to take Iida-
"No! I can't go until I avenge my brother," Iida protested, tears streaming down his face.
Blossom paused, her expression a mix of concern and determination. "I understand how you feel, Iida," she said firmly, her voice unwavering despite the chaos around them. "But right now, your safety is what matters most. I need to get you and Native Hero out of here, your hurt and we need to fall back. Stain is too dangerous to face alone."
Iida hesitated, torn between his desire for vengeance and the logic in Blossom's words. The battle raging around them underscored the urgency of the situation. Midoriya and Todoroki continued to engage Stain, their movements a synchronized dance of offense and defense.
Stain, undeterred by their attacks, countered with calculated strikes, his agility and skill making him a formidable opponent. Each clash sent sparks flying, the clash of quirks echoing through the alleyway. Despite their efforts, Stain seemed to anticipate their moves, his experience in combat evident in every precise maneuver.
Midoriya, his mind racing with strategies, glanced back at Iida. "Iida, you have to go," he urged, his voice laced with determination. "Your brother would want you to live. Stain won't go down easily."
Iida clenched his fists, a storm of conflicting emotions raging within him. Finally, with a nod of reluctant acceptance, he turned to Blossom. "Okay, let's get out of here," he said, his voice tinged with frustration and sorrow.
Blossom nodded in agreement, her resolve unwavering. With a focused concentration, she enveloped Iida in her telekinetic glow and swiftly lifted him from the battlefield. As they retreated to a safer distance, she kept a watchful eye on Midoriya and Todoroki, hoping they could hold their ground against the relentless Hero Killer.
Meanwhile, Midoriya and Todoroki continued to press forward, their teamwork becoming more coordinated with each passing moment. Todoroki summoned walls of ice to shield against Stain's relentless attacks, while Midoriya utilized his agility and One For All to deliver swift, calculated blows.
Stain, sensing the tide turning against him, grew more aggressive. He lunged forward with renewed intensity, aiming to break through their defenses. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a flurry of daggers, each aimed at exploiting any opening in their guard.
Midoriya's reflexes kicked into overdrive as he dodged and weaved through the deadly onslaught. Todoroki, his arm still throbbing from the earlier wound, gritted his teeth and summoned a torrent of flames to counter Stain's onslaught.
The alleyway became a battleground of elemental forces, ice colliding with fire, while Stain's sword danced through the chaos with deadly precision. Each clash sent shockwaves through the air, the sound of metal against quirk echoing through the night.
Then, a chilling sensation erupted in her body, his body tightening. Stains vision became a blur as he swayed. The same merciless voice crept back in, 'Hello Chizome Akaguro, I have grown tired of this, so I have decided that it is times to pay up,' the voice taunted, cold and tinged with amusement. Stain's eyes widened with confusion and anger. "What... what are you doing?!" he demanded, his voice strained with defiance and disbelief. "Get out of my head!" He thrashed on to the ground, feeling as if his mind was being pushed aside. 'Oh don't be like that…I warned you of the price, soooo…Step aside, Hero Killer. It's my turn to have some fun!'
"What's happening to him?" Todoroki exclaimed in shock, momentarily distracted by the unexpected turn of events. Midoriya's brow furrowed in concern as he watched Stain struggle. "Is this... due to his quirk?" he wondered aloud, his mind racing to make sense of the situation.
Before they could react, Stain's body convulsed with spasms, HIM, now fully in control, addressed the heroes with mocking delight. "Well, well, well," he chuckled, his voice dripping with malice. "It seems I have a new toy to play with," His gaze fixated on Izuku and Todoroki, who felt a chill run down their spines. Fear and dread gripped them as they unknowingly faced a creature that would be a turning point in their lives.
Blossom, hovering nearby with Iida, gasped in horror as she recognized the voice. "No... it can't be..." she whispered to herself.
Midoriya and Todoroki exchanged a glance, their faces etched with concern and confusion "What the hell is this? Who are you?" he demanded, his voice tinged with urgency and defiance.
The voice chuckled darkly, reveling in the chaos it had wrought. "Call me Mr. X," it teased, the words dripping with menace. "But you won't be around much longer to ask questions." As the battle reached its crescendo, Mr. X wielded Stain's formidable body with a supernatural grace, striking at Izuku and Todoroki with blinding speed and lethal precision. Despite their valiant efforts, the two heroes found themselves outmatched against the relentless onslaught.
Izuku's eyes widened with determination as he evaded a flurry of attacks, his mind racing for a strategy. "Todoroki, we have to..." he began, but before he could finish his thought, disaster struck.
A crimson beam erupted from Stain's eyes, casting a sinister glow that enveloped both Izuku and Todoroki. Paralysis and pain seized their bodies with startling efficiency, locking their muscles in place. They collapsed to the ground, helpless and unable to move, their minds racing even as their bodies betrayed them; the rising pain boggled their minds.
Blossom's heart pounded in her chest as she watched her friends ensnared by Stain's newfound ability. Her hands glowed on automatic, fueled by the fear for their safety. "I won't let you harm them!" she declared fiercely, charging forward, much to the warning of Iida, her voice carrying a steely resolve amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
With a focused effort, Blossom unleashed a torrent of telekinetic strikes and blasts towards Stain, now a puppet under the malevolent influence of 'Mr. X'. But to her dismay, HIM anticipated every move, blocking each attack with sword of the Hero Killer. His mocking grin widened, relishing the emotional turmoil he inflicted. "Is that the best you can do, little hero?" he taunted, his voice dripping with derision. "Your feeble attempts won't save them."
Blossom gritted her teeth, frustration mounting as her attacks continued to miss their mark. HIM's control over Stain seemed absolute, his movements enhanced by an unnatural strength and agility. Blossom's mind raced with strategies, but every move she came up with, was foiled by her own fears.
"You're weak, just like your sisters," HIM taunted, his words a calculated strike aimed at Blossom's resolve. "Without them, what hope do you have of defeating me?"
Blossom's fists clenched, pushing herself to her limits to protect her friends. She launched herself into another series of attacks, combining telekinetic blasts, ice breaths, and eye beams in a desperate bid to break through Stain's defenses. Yet HIM remained unfazed, effortlessly deflecting or evading each assault.
As the battle raged on, Blossom felt the weight of exhaustion creeping in. Her muscles burned with fatigue, her mind racing for a way to turn the tide. HIM continued to mock and taunt, reveling in the PPGS' growing fatigue. He took the this opening.
Stain's hand was enveloped in a red-black energy, "Time to say bye," shot a blast of the energy at the weakened girl. Blossom, feeling the strain in her body, decided to try and face it on. But just as the beams were about to make contact, Iida, battered but out had jumped in the way of the attack. He took the attack with a painfilled grunt, Blossom hurriedly checked over his arm and though the metal took the brunt of it, the effects were still devastating.
Blossom's eyes widened in shock as Iida took the brunt of the attack meant for her. He collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with pain, but a small smile played on his lips. "I am sorry for this…" he managed to say before darkness claimed him.
Blossom looked around at the chaos and devastation, tears welling in her eyes. She felt the weight of responsibility, of the GUILT, crushing down on her shoulders. HIM laughed wickedly, his voice echoing with malice. "You heroes are so predictable," he sneered. "Weak and easily manipulated-ARGH!" But before HIM could finish his gloating, a sudden blast of laser eye beams struck him point-blank, sending him staggering back. He recovered quickly, "Why you little brat!" his anger evident as he faced Blossom, who now floated above them, surrounded by a pink aura, her hair whipping around her in a storm and eyes aglow with growing fury.
"You will pay for what you've done!" Blossom vowed, her voice resonating with a righteous anger that burned like a beacon in the night. She summoned the debris she could call upon, unleashed a relentless barrage of telekinetic blasts and focused beams towards HIM, each attack fueled by her anger and guilt for her unknowingly hand in this.
HIM dodged and countered with his own flurry of attacks, the battle escalating into a fierce exchange of powers and wills. Blossom's resolve hardened with every strike, refusing to yield to HIM's cruel manipulations. She heightened her speed, each strike was quick and precise. Focused her powers with pinpoint accuracy, aiming for vulnerabilities in his defense…or most likely, the human form he took.
With each blow that landed, Blossom sensed HIM's borrowed body weakening. His movements became more sluggish, his once precise dodges faltering under the onslaught of her relentless attacks. Blossom saw the strain in Strain's eyes, a flicker of the possessed man's fatigue taking over.
Stain staggered back, his breaths labored as he struggled to maintain his composure. Blossom's instincts seized the opportunity, summoning her strength for a final, decisive attack. She gathered her power into a concentrated beam of energy, channeling all her resolve and fury into the strike.
The aura shot out and engulfed the puppet, twist the chaos harbinger within. The attack caused a scream to come out and that left a tired mess. "Oh well shame that you can't revel in what you could really do. A nice performance Blossom…" HIM silently chuckled, his voice contrary to the present state of the body, was still lively and unfazed, "... although little Powerpuff, it is just the beginning of the main act," a mocking smirk now came out.
Blossom's eyes narrowed, her voice unwavering as she confronted the malevolent entity before her. "We'll stop you," she declared, her tone resolute and defiant. "No matter what."
And with that, HIM departed, leaving an unconscious Stain collapsing to the ground. Fortunately for Blossom, her fatigue waned over her mind, releasing the form that she called. She turned her attention to where Stain's body lay, his form now devoid of HIM's malevolent presence. She sensed no trace of the sinister entity that had manipulated him, only the stillness of defeat.
But as Blossom's adrenaline subsided, the weariness caught up with her. Her vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness washed over her. With a sudden, overwhelming fatigue, the world seemed to spin around her. Everything faded to black, and with a soft thud, Blossom collapsed a distance from Stain, unconscious.
In the cover of the night, a lone figure stood perched atop a neighboring building, their presence obscured by the cloak of darkness. From their vantage point, they watched silently as the tumultuous battle unfolded below.