The door to Class 101-A's suite swung open with a loud bang as an unexpected guest barged in. "Izuku! Are you… oh, you're not here."
Startled by the intrusion, the class turned to see Hatsume standing in the doorway, still adorned in her distinctive armor and support gear.
"Hatsume-san?" Uraraka said, her voice tinged with confusion.
"Hey there, uh... Space Girl! Where's Izuku at?" Hatsume inquired with her usual energetic flair.
Iida felt the need to correct the situation. "He's already left for his upcoming match. If you're lost, the Support Department section is in the other direction."
"He left? Ah, shoot! I came all this way to wish him luck too!" Hatsume looked momentarily disappointed but quickly found an empty seat to sit in, conveniently next to Yaoyorozu and Uraraka.
Hatsume's presence prompted questions from Yaoyorozu, who sought clarity. "Hatsume-san, may I ask why you are here?"
Uraraka echoed the sentiment, her tone carrying a note of mild annoyance. "I don't think someone from another department is supposed to be in here."
Hatsume brushed off their concerns with a cheerful demeanor. "Oh, don't worry about it! Izuku should return here after his match. So, I thought it'd be best to stay and cheer him on from this suite. That way, I can offer him encouragement if he loses and celebrate with him if he wins!"
The casual use of Midoriya's first name didn't go unnoticed, and it left both Yaoyorozu and Uraraka bristling. There was a clear sense of familiarity between Hatsume and Midoriya, one that had developed faster than they had expected.
"Hmm..." Ashido leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "It seems like you're quite close to Midoriya. Are you friends?"
Hatsume seemed genuinely baffled by the question. "Well, yeah! He's a great friend!"
Uraraka's reaction was more subtle but telling. She felt a pang of unease. 'They're getting along so well... It took me and Izuku several months before we were this comfortable with each other.'
Ashido wasn't one to back down from a potentially juicy development. "So, just friends? No romantic feelings or anything?"
Hatsume tilted her head, completely oblivious to the implications. "I don't know about all that, but hanging out with Izuku is fun. He's full of great ideas! Can you imagine all the amazing babies we can create together?"
Mineta couldn't contain himself and did a spit take, falling out of his seat. The class turned to Hatsume with dumbfounded shock, and even Todoroki glanced back in curiosity.
"Inventions!" Uraraka quickly interjected. "She's talking about her gadgets and inventions. Don't misunderstand!"
As Uraraka attempted to control the situation, Yaoyorozu couldn't help but analyze Hatsume's response. It seemed that Hatsume didn't view Midoriya in a romantic light, which brought a sense of relief to her.
Hatsume remained blissfully unaware of the tension in the room, while the class exchanged glances. The eccentric inventor had provided some interesting insights into her relationship with Midoriya, even if those insights weren't what everyone had expected.
Hatsume, completely oblivious to the curious looks she was getting, turned to Uraraka. "Hey, Space Girl, do you have Izuku's number? Or know if he's on any DM apps?"
The group exchanged glances, recognizing Hatsume's social awkwardness but also acknowledging her friendly intentions. After a brief pause, they silently agreed to help her out.
Ashido swiftly pulled out her phone. "I'll help you get in touch!"
"Oh, you have your own chat? That's cool!" Hatsume remarked with genuine interest.
Iida couldn't help but smile. "Our group is becoming quite the team."
Asui added her own touch of humor. "More like a squad at this point. Kero."
Iida, ever analytical, pondered the group's dynamics. "I wonder if we're just right or perhaps a bit too much to be considered a squad. I'll have to ask Midoriya-kun about it when he returns."
Kaminari chimed in with a smirk. "With three geniuses on our side—Yaoyorozu, Midoriya, and now Hatsume—it's going to be quite the ride."
Jiro nodded in agreement. "Brainpower won't be in short supply, that's for sure."
Sero joined in with a playful comment. "We might just have enough talented players to take over a country!"
Present Mic's voice over the loudspeakers interrupted their conversation. "I hope you enjoyed that brief interlude, dear listeners, because it's time to kick off the Quarterfinals!"
Hatsume, her enthusiasm undiminished, turned her attention back to the upcoming match. "Alright! Enough talking! Izuku's match is starting!"
"This next match features another clash between 101-A classmates! These two contestants share roots in the U-S-of-A and know a thing or two about one-shot victories!" Mic called out as the screens lit up with two names.
"First up, she may look harmless, but those flying horns will bring you up and right back down! Don't wave a red cape in front of her! Tsunotori Pony!"
The crowd cheered as Tsunotori walked onto the stage. She did a good job of keeping her composure but couldn't completely hide the sheepish smile on her face.
"Versus! The brave warrior who's taking the whole competition by storm! The perfect accumulation of brain and brawn! Put your hands together for Yo Joe himself–Midoriya Izuku!"
Midoriya stepped onto the ring and the applause he received was a few notches louder. Various "Yo Joe" chants echoed throughout the stadium. The super-soldier paid no mind to the noise as he focused on his opponent.
"Izuku!" Tsunotori called out in English. "Let's show 'em how we do it in America! Kay?"
A small smile crossed Midoriya's freckled face as he nodded in return. "Let's make our country proud."
"Are both combatants ready?" Midnight waited for both fighters to nod. When they did, she lifted up her flogger-whip. "Then let the first match in the Quarterfinals…BEGIN!"
Tsunotori wasted no time. She detached two pairs of horns and launched them at her opponent. 'No room for playing around. I need to push him out fast!'
Midoriya kept his eyes on the approaching projectiles and gracefully leaped into the air, letting the horns sail harmlessly beneath him. Tsunotori mentally guided the horns to change course and come at Midoriya from different angles, trying to keep him on the defensive and create an opening to force him out of bounds.
The war veteran relied on his exceptional reflexes and experience to evade the incoming horns. He executed a mesmerizing combination of flips, rolls, and jumps, showcasing his incredible flexibility and reflexes to the audience, especially the Pro Heroes in attendance.
After a brief exchange of dodging and weaving, Midoriya unleashed a lightning-fast, powerful hand strike that shattered one of the horns. He continued to systematically break the remaining horns one by one, all while maintaining his acrobatic performance.
Tsunotori responded by launching four more horns at Midoriya, altering her attack pattern. Her goal was not only to defeat her opponent but also to keep him at bay. While she wasn't weak in close combat, she knew she couldn't match the super-soldier's strength up close. Her strategy was clear: maintain distance and attempt to force him out of bounds.
Midoriya responded with a relentless barrage of rapid punches, chops, and palm strikes, effortlessly shattering the incoming horns. Tsunotori, desperate to find an advantage, continued to launch more horns, trying to keep him at bay.
Meanwhile, in one of the waiting rooms, Kendo couldn't tear her eyes away from the TV screen, captivated by Midoriya's agile movements. 'Wing Chun? Is he using that martial art too?' She observed intently as the green-haired student skillfully broke the airborne horns with his bare hands. 'Maybe he truly does know every martial art.' A fascinated grin crept across her face.
Back on the field, Tsunotori grew increasingly frustrated as Midoriya continued to break her horns. 'This isn't working. I need to change my approach.' Determination welled up within her as she made a split-second decision. "Izuku, get ready for this! Thunder Horn!"
Tsunotori unleashed a barrage of horns from her head.
In the blink of an eye, Midoriya sprinted toward the oncoming salvo. The audience gasped in disbelief. Why was Midoriya charging headlong into the incoming storm of horns? Was he trying to get himself impaled?
To most, he appeared as a blur, but his superhuman reflexes and enhanced cognitive abilities allowed him to process the situation rapidly. He calculated the trajectory of each horn within the cluster, mapping out his path with precision.
As he descended, his left foot landed on one horn, and he used it as a springboard to propel himself forward, landing on another with his right foot. The sequence continued as Midoriya skillfully hopped from horn to horn, resembling someone traversing stepping stones in a turbulent river.
Tsunotori could only gasp in amazement. 'No way!'
After landing on yet another horn, Midoriya reached out, firmly grasping it. In one seamless motion, he hurled it back toward Tsunotori, who barely had time to react. The crowd watched in awe as Midoriya's unexpected maneuver turned the tide of their battle.
The equine-like girl couldn't react in time as the object struck her hard in the temple.
"AAWWK!" Tsunotori was forced to cease her attack, stunned by the hit.
Midoriya dropped and landed on his feet as all of the horns clattered to the ground. He saw his opportunity and acted swiftly. While his opponent was still reeling, he dashed forward, leaping over her. He landed behind her, his superhuman agility allowing him to do so without missing a beat. With lightning speed, he reached out and grabbed Tsunotori by her horns, simultaneously wrapping his powerful legs around her, effectively pinning her arms to her sides.
"Eep!?" Tsunotori yelped in surprise.
With nearly 110 kilograms (~242 lbs) of super-soldier added onto her back, Tsunotori immediately collapsed. Midoriya's body provided some cushioning, but her arms were firmly pinned by his thick, muscular legs, and her horns were locked in an ironclad grip.
Tsunotori squirmed, desperately trying to break free, unwilling to admit defeat. However, as Midoriya began to tighten his leg hold, she quickly realized the futility of her struggles.
"AAAWWH!" The pony-girl couldn't suppress a painful cry as the pressure increased. It felt as if she were being constricted by a python. 'His legs are like logs... It's too much!' She shouted inwardly.
Midoriya's voice cut through her pain. "Pony. Yield."
With her arms pinned and her Quirk nullified, Tsunotori had no other choice.
"I...surrender..." Tsunotori gasped out.
Midnight raised her whip. "Tsunotori has conceded defeat! Midoriya advances to the Semifinals!"
The crowd's cheers grew even louder, with chants of "Yo Joe" echoing throughout the stadium.
Midoriya immediately relaxed his legs and released his hold on Tsunotori. "Are you alright, Pony?" He extended a hand to help her up.
Tsunotori let out a relieved sigh but maintained her smile. She accepted his hand, allowing him to pull her back to her hooves. "Yeah, I'm okay," she replied in English. "Congrats on the win, Izuku! I'll be cheering you on."
Midoriya smiled warmly and nodded. "Thank you, Pony."
"And there you have it, folks! GI Midoriya secures his spot as our first semifinalist! An astounding victory yet again!" Present Mic's enthusiastic voice echoed through the stadium amid thunderous applause. "Eraser, care to share your insights on this match?"
Aizawa nodded as he considered the question. "Midoriya continues to impress not just with his power but with his exceptional strategic thinking. He didn't just win; he outmaneuvered Tsunotori brilliantly, clearly anticipating her every move. These bouts emphasize the significance of well-rounded combat training alongside Quirk utilization. There are moments where relying solely on one's Quirk won't guarantee victory."
Tsunotori listened to her professor's critique, taking it in stride.
"Well put, my bandaged buddy!" Mic responded with enthusiasm, earning an eye roll from Aizawa. "Let's not forget to give credit where it's due. Tsunotori Pony gave it her all and put on a fantastic show for us today!"
The audience responded with a round of applause, which brought a slightly embarrassed but grateful smile to Tsunotori's face. Her adorable expression endeared her even more to the crowd.
As Midoriya and Tsunotori strolled back, the topic of her potential inclusion in his combat lessons came up. Midoriya encouraged her, highlighting the advantages her equine-like physique could offer, especially her powerful kicks. Tsunotori's eyes lit up at the prospect, and she eagerly accepted his offer for lessons in kick-centric martial arts, possibly alongside Iida.
Tsunotori had taken Aizawa's broadcast critique to heart. Over the past few weeks, she had dedicated herself to honing her Quirk and body but realized that her combat skills still needed improvement. She was determined to catch up.
Upon entering Class 101-A's suite, they were met with a surprise – Hatsume Mei was sitting with their friends. Midoriya's greeting was momentarily confused. "Hatsu–uh, Mei?"
Hatsume greeted him with her usual enthusiasm. "Great job out there, Izuku! Oh, and by the way, I've joined your team!"
"Squad," Asui corrected.
Iida's curiosity kicked in. "Actually, Midoriya-kun, do we have too few or too many members to be considered a squad?"
Midoriya, drawing from his knowledge of the US Army's organization, answered, "Well, it varies, but typically a squad has around 7 to 14 members. So technically, we would be classified as a squad."
Hatsume cheered, "Izuku Squad it is!"
Midoriya sighed. "Let's not call it that." He then warmly greeted Hatsume, "But welcome to the team, Mei. Having someone with mechanical expertise will be a valuable addition."
"Maybe you can give Iida a tune-up sometime," Kaminari playfully suggested.
A few students chuckled at the remark, while Asui let out a contented croak. However, Iida was unamused, crossing his arms. "I don't understand what's so amusing about that."
Kaminari leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Wait... Can you actually get a tune-up?"