"Uraraka!" I shouted, pleasantly surprised at the sight of my two classmates. (And Toga.) One For All didn't like that name, unconsciously causing my whole body to go on alert.
All of them directed their gazes towards me, with varying degrees of surprise, relief, and excitement.
The first to react was naturally Toga, jumping off Uraraka's back to automatically get on guard.
(It was to be expected, considering she must have escaped her crime scenes often.) I sent a Blackwhip towards her position with a great deal of force behind it. She just bent her body to a degree seen in gymnasts, causing the attack to miss its target. (Her reaction is fast and without hesitation, she's good.) I recognized the risk her Quirk represented for the future. I had to knock her out right there.
I raised One For All in my body to a comfortable 55%, positioning myself behind her in a blink, and then decreased the power in my right hand to hit the back of her neck.
The effect was instantaneous. She fell to the ground without ceremony.
(I always wanted to do that.) I tied her body with the Blackwhips, checking that it wasn't all an act for her to escape. (If I hadn't measured the final blow with my hand... I could have killed her. It's not for nothing that the head is one of the most fragile areas of the human body.) One For All acted with arrogance on the matter, releasing energy in favor of Toga's death. (Hey! What's with that rare lack of empathy for the crazy girl?! I'm supposed to be the one thinking like that, not you!)
I didn't receive a concrete answer to my words, just a strange fluctuation that simulated a "I don't care."
The idea of One For All being a conscious entity not governed by the will of the previous wielders was as incredible as it was strange.
It began as a simple release of emotions into my system: anger, fear, among others.
Then it was a greater depth of the power that resided in it, allowing me to control it to a much more refined state than it was originally.
And now it was this, a consciousness with its own method of communication and feelings, whose knowledge was highly powerful due to my own memories.
It was a marvel, evolution at its finest.
So much potential... and strongly limited by its own progress.
(When this is over... I'd like to have a serious talk with you.) I put a completely neutral expression on my face, not allowing anyone on the outside to assume anything from my attitude. (We need to clarify what our future goals are and how they align with each other.) Of course, I accept, releasing a calm and regulated flow of energy. In a way, it transmitted the alliance and trust that existed between us.
I didn't doubt it. We were a team that sought to survive no matter what, but my limits are not well-accepted in this world.
I don't want to suffer repercussions when I end Shigaraki's life, whether from the previous wielders or from One For All.
If I'm going to kill him, I'll make sure that nothing and no one gets in the way of that process, be it ally or enemy.
"It's a relief to see you well, Midoriya," Tsuyu, still hanging from the tree, commented, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I turned my face to see her, changing my expression to one of relief. "Same goes for you guys. I was afraid something had happened to you." There are so many changes I can't foresee, and taking my classmates' safety for granted is impossible.
"We were close, but Ochako acted incredibly," Asui's comment embarrassed Uraraka, who denied it with her hands.
"T-that's not true! I just used my training, that's all!"
"Whether that's the case or not, you acted correctly." I didn't witness their battle, but if I take into account what I saw in the anime, then there was nothing to reproach. "Now, we must look for those who are still scattered in the forest and return to the center of the camp," I commented very seriously this time, noticing how Uraraka took a firmer and more cautious stance.
"Yes, we can't go back without the rest. There are scattered villains whose abilities we don't know." Her deduction earned a nod from me, being in full agreement knowing she wasn't wrong. "I'm sure we can do this if we go together."
"In fact, if we manage to..."
"It's not that I mind your ideas, but... can you free me first?" Asui's voice interrupted us, causing us to look in her direction.
We both looked at each other again, between embarrassed and slightly amused by the occurrence.
"I'll free you, Tsu!" Uraraka went to her "rescue," leaving me alone with the unconscious and trapped body of Toga.
(...What a thing...) Two Blackwhips came out of my fingers, using them as a support on my back to carry the villainess.
"Alright, now, what exactly do you have in mind?" Uraraka and Asui approached me again, with the latter being the one who asked the question. "I'd say our best course of action is to gather our classmates in groups of no more than three and take them to the base."
"And then go out again and resume the cycle?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow, thinking about the pros and cons of such an idea. "It would be practical for comfort... if we can have something like that in this situation, but too dangerous."
"I agree with Midoriya, but..." Uraraka looked at me intently, preparing to give her counterargument. "You're the strongest in our class, and I'm sure you can easily deal with any threat that comes our way."
The frankness and confidence in her voice overwhelmed me for a moment, surprised by the amount of faith they seem to have in me.
Maybe I didn't earn their trust through friendship like Izuku, but I did it in relation to my power.
(They don't see me as a great friend... They see me as a leader.) That was a great clarification for myself, understanding my social position with respect to them a little more. (Let's make sure their trust isn't misplaced.)
One For All came to life again through my body, limiting itself to a safe and constant 30%. A plan was already forming in my head at the same time.
"Alright, if we're going to do that, we have to form a group of at least three." I showed the exact number of fingers to emphasize my point. "Power, defense, and strategy. With that formation, we can ensure constant survival."
"Taking those factors into account, you would be the power, the defense could be represented by Kirishima, and the strategy by Iida or Yaomomo," Tsuyu commented instantly, forming a practical basis for my explanation.
"Correct. It can be varied depending on the situation, but that would be the initial idea." I gave Toga a quick look, making sure she wasn't a danger to me or the rest. "Uraraka, take away the villainess's gravity. I know it will be a constant effort for you, but..."
"Don't worry, my training must bear fruit." With the five fingers of her right hand pressed on Himiko's temple, I felt her weight become lighter than it already was. "My Quirk is already in action."
"Thanks. We should start to..."
"I finally found you," Shoto interrupted, appearing from between the bushes with a boy on his back. "It was difficult to continue my advance with this unconscious boy."
It was Kosei Tsuburaba, or as I knew him...
"The boy who was on Monoma's team," I commented, somewhat puzzled, having forgotten that detail of the original plot.
"You don't remember his name?"
"No, Tsuyu. Apart from the fact that his Quirk is a parody of the wind-style jutsus seen in 'Naruto,' I don't know anything else about him."
"...That's not nice..."
"But it's not cruel either." Ending the conversation, I approached Shoto, friendly patting his shoulder in the process. "You didn't do anything stupid. Well done," I smiled at him friendly in jest.
"Unlike you, I do have a sense of self-preservation."
"Now that's cruel."
"But kind, considering the situation."
"Using my own words against me. I taught you well, Shoto... too well..."
"Can we focus on the situation?!" Uraraka spoke, exasperated by our constant meaningless conversations.
"Yes, I'm sorry about that. Now, what we need to do is..."
"Midoriya, Todoroki? Girls?" Shoji made his appearance this time, interrupting my explanation again.
"Are you serious? Anyone else who wants to make their grand appearance?... No? Because I'll be speaking in the next few seconds..." Seeing that nothing was heard around, I continued. "Perfect. Come closer, Mezo. I'm about to explain our course of action."
"Call me Shoji. The same for you guys."
"Right. Now, this is what we'll do." I pointed to Todoroki first. "Shoto and I will be in charge of guiding the group. Shoji is quite practical now that he's here, as he'll be in the center and will warn us in case of danger. Uraraka and Tsuyu will be on the flanks. Any complaints?" No one expressed their disagreement with what was said, choosing to accept my improvised idea.
Seeing this, I took a breath for a moment, preparing for the most important and fundamental part of any plan.
Making sure it's a success.
"Alright, we'll move in a straight line with respect to the base where we've been resting." As one, we all began to walk, taking the places respectively mentioned by me. (If things happen minimally as I remember... we should run into Tokoyami with his out-of-control Quirk.) I discreetly looked at Shoji, wondering how far away he was not to have crossed paths with Fumikage.
Another variation not stipulated by me... Great.
...Just what I need in these situations...
"Tsuyu, carry Kosei on your back so Shoto doesn't have to hold back in case of danger." She complied with the order, wrapping the boy with her tongue and setting him down carefully.
"Who's the girl you're carrying, Izuku?" Shoto questioned beside me, observing the unconscious Toga with distrust.
"A villainess..."
"Her name is Toga," Uraraka added as an afterthought.
"Toga... That's a crazy name."
"You shouldn't judge people that way, Midoriya," Tsuyu criticized with a finger on her chin.
"And you shouldn't let your guard down in these situations," I returned, not accepting that my character is wrong.
"Hey, you shouldn't..."
"Everyone on alert!" Shoji's shout put us on guard instantly.
A second later, and my danger sense was going crazy.
(Don't tell me that...!) The trees began to fly near us, being uprooted. (I hate you, universe, and your disgusting fondness for complicating my life.) Without lessening my grip on Toga, I formed light shields with my Blackwhips over the rest, a technique that is still in process. (This is the most versatile Quirk of all One For All.) A strange pride was felt throughout my body, one that was clearly not mine.
"Leave this to me!" A wall of ice appeared, protecting all of us from the collateral damage and allowing me to abandon my improvised shields. "It's Tokoyami's Quirk!"
"But it's out of control!" Uraraka looked at our "enemy" with bewilderment. "We need Mr. Aizawa to stop his Quirk!"
I stared intently at Dark Shadow. It was like a dark mass that consumed everything around it.
...With nothing that could stop it...
"Go away! I'll stop him!" Tokoyami's voice sounded tired, showing the futile effort he was going through.
"Shoto! The light weakens him! Shoot a blast of fire into the sky! I'll stop the expansion of your flames!" After a nod, the mentioned one did as requested. A tower of flames that was probably seen by the entire camp momentarily blinded us.
(And so we lost the tactical advantage our position offered us. So many hours invested in video games, and I don't even know how to use them.) I kept my eyes closed until the heat was no longer felt on my skin, at which point I opened them again.
Tokoyami was on the ground, collapsed from relief and exhaustion after what had happened.
Shoto was breathing somewhat heavily. Having released so much fire at once was not yet fruitful.
The flames had spread to the trees, being the beginning of a new fire.
(Not on my watch.) I stood in front of everyone, extending my two hands as far as possible. "I call this technique... Hulk SMASH!" Giving a loud clap powered by One For All, a strong gust of wind was generated that instantly ended the problem. "It's not to praise my own abilities, but..."
Again, the Danger Sense activated, and this time it was my own power that reacted, shooting a Blackwhip towards the top of a tree.
What the hell was that?
"Well... what a curious ability you have." On said treetop was Mr. Compress, observing with curiosity. "Tell me, did you feel me use my Quirk on you? No one has ever managed such a thing."
He was wearing a light brown trench coat, over it an orange shirt. Two red gloves hid his hands, and with his left, he held a cane.
His white mask with black patterns, along with his hat, made him quite mysterious to the rest.
(When did he get so close to me? And how did he manage to retreat with the same effectiveness? If it weren't for One For All, I wouldn't have made it.) I looked at him seriously, trying to understand his unenviable speed. (If he even slightly touches me, I'll be a marble. I can't let the others get close to him... And he probably already kidnapped Bakugo.) I took note of the clear lack of explosions around. At the very least, we would have known about them.
"What course of action will we take, Midoriya?" Tsuyu asked beside me with some fear, not knowing what kind of crazy person we were facing now.
"For now, none. I'll buy time and think of something." I didn't take note of their reactions, deciding to take a careful step forward. "You have a rather dangerous Quirk, villain."
"Oh, tell me, how do you know that if you haven't seen it in action?" He leaned slightly forward, the cane he was carrying swaying like a pendulum in his hand.
"My instincts tell me, and I firmly believe in them," I lied blatantly. His head tilted to one side in interest.
"Do you believe in them more than in yourself?"
"No... even things as primitive as them can be deceived." With my gaze, I looked for some indication of the marble that would represent Bakugo, but there was nothing.
"Then what do you believe in?"
"In the people who have my trust..." The Danger Sense remained active, as a warning that something was out of place and not for the better. "And in my own power. Those are the only two things I trust."
I took a quick look at my companions, making sure none had disappeared, especially Tokoyami.
"You're intriguing, Izuku Midoriya." He stood up straight again, clapping as if it were a show.
"And you're a kidnapper."
"You have my unconscious companion on your back."
"It's for security."
We both remained silent, waiting for the inevitable move that would break the momentary peace.
A move that came from the villain.
"Anyway, I just came to give you a small warning..." With his index finger, he pointed to the West. "...Shigaraki wants to see you..." A portal swallowed him the moment he said those words, leaving us again to the silence of the forest.
...If his words are true and not a simple distraction...
"Midoriya! Are you...!" Without wasting time, I started running towards where I was indicated. "Okay?"
I have to confront Shigaraki.
Author's Note:
Hey.
What did you think of the chapter?
You have no idea how much it took me to write this. I was literally blocked and didn't know what to write to be able to publish it.
Apart from that, I updated another of my works and wrote a prologue for a possible future story.
With this, there would only be one more chapter left to finish the camp and move on to what I'm most eager to get to.
The battle against All For One.
But anyway, it's probable that I won't update until next week. I don't have too much free time at the moment.
Anyway, take care. See you.