I landed with enviable grace in front of the home I was supposed to visit. One For All vanished right after, extinguishing any tell-tale glow in the process. I checked the time on my phone; it was still early. It had taken less than fifteen minutes.
Not bad, in fact, it might be a personal record for myself. Achieving shorter times with lower percentages... that would increase the efficiency of the power released.
Of course, it's all theory until put into practice; trying to make sense of the great, seemingly limitless well of energy that is One For All is quite a challenge.
"...But if it works, I'll be maximizing the output energy with respect to the input flow..." I murmured with interest, not wanting to cut short the spontaneous and useful idea. "Didn't something similar happen with electrical currents?... Was it potential difference, maybe?... It's hard to remember."
I cursed my hazy knowledge; with how important it is to understand how energy works, forgetting something like that should be embarrassing. So, deciding on the fly, I took out my phone and entered the basic idea into my notepad app.
It would never hurt to gain extra control. I'm well aware that the more power I gain, the fewer problems will matter. Any alternative, no matter how small, can make the difference between living and dying.
"Heh... What a depressing thought," I scoffed. Death held little magic these days; it went from being a great mystery to... nothing.
It was strange, the great question, the one that commonly determined our lives. So many questions and religions existed just to clarify something impossible under mortal conditions. And now that I knew the answer, or at least a possibility of it, I had nothing but contempt reserved for it.
Living again brings problems, perfect proof that no matter how advanced you are in the face of death, you're still nobody to feel like a big deal.
I dismissed the dangerous ideas; I hadn't come here for philosophical reflections, after all. At a calm pace, I reached the Bakugos' entrance, checking one more time for any unwanted observers. When I was sure, I knocked on the door several times.
Too late, I noticed... they had a doorbell.
-(Ah... I'm an idiot.)- I smiled at my own embarrassment. Some habits don't die, despite the time that has passed.
I was about to knock a second time; it was impossible that no one was home. They had to keep a low profile; their son was kidnapped days ago, and any sighting would be counterproductive. I considered they might have made a makeshift move, but again, I saw that as highly unlikely.
-(I hope I didn't cross a large part of the city for nothing)- Considering the metaphorical scales I carried with me...
"Who's the idiot knocking? We have a doorbell for a reason..." The door was opened, to my relief, and by... "Izuku! Long time no see, you selfish brat!"
When I met Mitsuki Bakugo's gaze, I couldn't believe it. That woman couldn't be close to forty; it was physically impossible.
-(God has favorites, and you're on the list, Katsuki.)- I swore internally that I would hit the stupid teenager a little harder. "Auntie Mitsuki! Beautiful as always, right?! You should leave some for the other women."
As far as I remembered, her Quirk was part of the reason for her external beauty, giving her a strange natural nutrition that kept her skin young.
"Don't use flattery to get away with it. You stop visiting us, and the next thing we know about you is from a TV report." Annoyed, she squeezed my ears, pulling them to the sides to emphasize her point. "And what's this 'Young Symbol' business? Did Inko have an affair with All Might and I wasn't told?"
"It's nothing important." Unaffected, I removed her hands; taking hits gave one a high tolerance. "I'm just being promoted to the highest possible position, anyone can achieve it."
I feigned disinterest, tired of hearing the same crap everywhere. Seriously, couldn't some major controversy happen soon?
Maybe the League destroying a forest? That would work.
"If we follow that philosophy, then you better watch your status, brat. My son could win it sooner rather than later," she smiled arrogantly, something so characteristic of her son that it made it easy to see where the expression came from.
I wanted to laugh, I really tried. Katsuki Bakugo, that Katsuki Bakugo... as the Symbol of Peace?... Oh, man, not even getting high had side effects that big.
It was for things like this that I was grateful not to be in the explosive boy's shoes; he would have so many inherited social and psychological problems that it wasn't even funny anymore.
Besides, I wouldn't let the woman gloat. It's one thing to lose to people who deserve the position, and another thing entirely to lose to her son.
"...Anyone with my ability, of course. I'm one in a million, after all." Pretending to have been interrupted, I extended the comment, watching her mocking facade fall. Yes, only a select few people were allowed to make negative comments about me. "But you have to give points to those who try. It's the effort that counts at the end of the day... isn't it?"
I smiled. Acting confident was fun when it didn't have major repercussions.
"Of course... the effort..." Mitsuki muttered each word as if saying them were sacrilege. She had expected to find a more withdrawn boy at the door, not this.
"Anyway, I didn't come here to argue." I dropped the subject, only now noticing I had been standing outside for almost five minutes. "I need to talk to your son."
"Katsuki?" she questioned, confused, which was logical considering the time since we had last seen each other in her home.
"Unless you have a secret son..." I shrugged. "Yes, I'm looking for that boy."
"I've had my fill with one annoying little shit." She pointed towards the stairs behind her, leaving enough space for me to enter the home. "He's in his room, annoying as always. Maybe he'll yell at you a bit more."
Heh... I dare him to try.
"I'll take the advice, thank you very much." Maintaining respect, I crossed the threshold. I wanted to inspect the home where the boy was raised. However, I didn't have much time.
So, without much delay, I headed upstairs, looking at some pictures hanging on the wall. They all seemed to be family photos, of course, if you remove the general grumpiness of Bakugo and therefore of his mother.
How does someone live angry? I really struggled to understand.
The upstairs hallway was short, with only three doors in sight. Again, it was easy to know which one belonged to the explosive Katsuki; it was covered in skulls and similar stupid things. In general, it drew a lot of attention.
-(Sid Phillips is calling; he wants his style back.)- Laughing at the internal joke, I knocked on the room's door. The sound of literal silence greeted me. What was wrong with the idiot? "Great way to treat your friends. Now I won't give you the exclusive All Might autograph."
I waited patiently, but again... nothing happened. Someone wasn't in the mood for games. Which was respectable; he was kidnapped recently. It's an achievement not to have lifelong trauma.
"Alright, you want answers, don't you?" I dropped all amusement from my voice, questioning with complete seriousness. I wasn't going to waste time either. "Then open the door. This is your first and only chance."
I did a mental countdown; after ten, I would abandon the idea and go home. I wanted to clear up problems and thus look after what was important, but I wouldn't beg either.
However, the door was opened, revealing the grumpy Katsuki Bakugo I had expected. His annoyed and conceited look, coupled with his narrowed, reddish eyes, said a lot.
My visit was not welcome.
"Deku." He spat the nickname, backing away until he was on the edge of his bed. He crossed his arms when he saw me, covering the unoriginal skull print on his shirt. "You've got guts coming here."
I smiled. What kind of speech was that? It sounded so generic and boring, like a villain.
"I promised you an explanation, nothing more, nothing less." I glanced around the room; it was very tidy, which said a lot about who Bakugo was on a personal level. "How have you been dealing with your kidnapping?"
I opened the room's window, making sure no one nearby could notice any upcoming events. The cool night breeze moved my hair, a rather relaxing fact compared to the current state of things.
"Don't ask as if you care, Deku..." He sharpened his gaze, approaching slightly but dangerously. Only after that action did I notice the state of his arms. "Changing the subject is pathetic, you should know that."
-(They're bruised, even the knuckles...)- Everyone responds to trauma differently; I was aware of that. Still, hurting your body to forget that overwhelming mental pain wasn't healthy. "And evading the question is too, but we're not here to judge each other."
I considered the whole picture. I had a solid idea of how to get to Bakugo and make him really listen to every word. However, I was now doubting the original plan.
There were consequences involved but... the higher-ups could find a solution for them.
"Follow me," I exclaimed without warning, grabbing each side of the window to jump out, all under the increasingly confused gaze of the aforementioned person.
I was repeating that action quite often; it made me feel like a classic hero sneaking around to protect his identity.
I landed without any problem, lightly activating One For All to avoid any damage to my body. Small green sparks revealed its use, merging in a demonstration of control and mastery.
For a moment, I stood still, letting the silence grow. But the moment was short as I leaped as far as I could with a simple 8% of power. The speed brought with it the unparalleled vertigo, a direct product of the feeling that only these situations can generate.
One street, two, three. They were left behind, like blurs with little distance between them. The lights became straight lines, merging into a new, indistinct panorama.
Soon I began to fall, defeated by gravity and its laws. But it wasn't enough to stop the swift ascent I was leading. Two Blackwhips shot out, easily connecting with the surrounding structures. And true to the inspiring wall-crawler, like an improvised slingshot, they saved me from the fall.
Once again in the air, above any ordinary individual, feeling the fruits of a power whose only path is improvement... I found myself happy. Because I had hundreds of factors against me, but also the ability to solve them. I wasn't God, nor was I any ordinary mortal, and yet I was walking towards ascension.
I knew defeat firsthand and found only hatred for it. I felt involuntary failure, a product of my own poor performance. I hit rock bottom and received pity, all contributing to making me give up.
However, I also knew victory, the dominant pride of success, the one whose presence brought with it the confidence of a thousand warriors... and I loved the feeling.
When I fell in defeat, surrendered to a situation that was getting worse and worse, terrifying just because it could be, I understood the necessary change and sought to achieve it.
I knew glory, I knew how to reach it; it was a simple matter of forging a new path. Correct, focused, and orderly, capable of offering that glorious feeling.
I no longer acted to fill a predestined role; that simplistic thought died long ago. Now I fought in the name of triumph, of glory. It was easy to fail, but also to win.
Doubts were always there, waiting for the right moment, trying to make you back down and limit yourself. However... he who thinks too much before taking a step will spend his whole life on one foot.
-(And I'm tired of doubt, of feigning confidence when it doesn't really exist inside me...)- I gradually raised One For All's output. Each jump was higher, faster, more efficient. -(I will make the world sing praises, I will destroy every word of my detractors with deeds, and then... I will be the pinnacle for others, that enviable peak.)-
Yes. I was on the right path.
Chasing Deku... was a challenge, even if admitting it damaged his pride in terrifying ways. Besides, he had to move through alleys and shortcuts, careful not to be detected by any law enforcement officer or, worse... heroes.
His palms felt shaky, unaccustomed to holding back his explosions. He had never felt the need to regulate such a thing, and now it was taking its toll. He wanted to curse several times to vent his constant annoyance, but it would have been a waste of air.
And boy, did he need it right now.
It was hard to believe the general state of things. More accurately: it was hard for him to believe. Deku was a failure; he had always been that. Not this... this polished version of himself!
His blood boiled just by looking at the firm, vibrant figure of the one who was once beneath him. He no longer shrank into himself, he didn't stutter every two miserable words, he... he wasn't afraid of him.
When their eyes met, there was no fear, no distrust. Those feelings had changed to pure, unbridled confidence. It was almost a joke.
Nobody improved that fast in life, they just... didn't.
"Come on, Bakugo, I'd like to try and get some sleep tonight." His voice made him act, abandoning any deep thoughts waiting to surface. He would deny him the luxury of seeing him hesitate. "I imagine you recognize the area, right?"
He grunted in irritation, following behind the one who once lowered his gaze in his presence. He knew the place, damn it, he did.
It was the small forest of Musutafu.
They spent years playing there, imagining great stories about the kind of future that awaited them, exploring and trying to find hidden areas. All as naive children, far from the real world, just enjoying letting their imaginations run wild.
The last time he went there was when he was seven, wanting to show off the bigger explosions he could make. Some extras came to watch him, applauding, impressed by the "friend" they had.
Bah... they were always pathetic failures with no use in the world.
Now that he remembered... Deku wasn't following him around in those days.
"I didn't choose this place randomly, as you might suppose. I've thought a lot about the issue and how I should handle it..." Deku spoke, his voice calm and quiet, in tune with the peaceful environment. "There are many things to clarify, but I'll get to them in a few moments."
They crossed a stream, small and yet, full of memories. He knew well that if he looked up, he would see a certain log that served as a bridge.
The log where he once lost his balance, where he once rejected a friendly hand, putting pride above any existing element. A moment that, in its pathetic essence... defined his life up to the present.
Now that he was witnessing the area again in the flesh, remembering the event as it was, he could admit that it was quite pathetic. A childish event whose trigger brought with it the most egotistical thought possible.
And that completely guided how he would act in the future, feeding that negative inferiority. A feeling which, without reservation, led him to cause harm, denigrating others to create a pedestal where he and only he could stand.
"Cut the dramatics," he spat the words, annoyed by the unnecessary dragging out of things. But above all... annoyed with himself. "You promised answers!"
He wanted to grab the bastard by the shoulder, but he was faster, dodging his grip and taking a prudent distance. That made things worse; small explosions began to erupt in response.
"I never promised anything. On the contrary, you demand and expect a solution accordingly." Deku rolled up his sleeves, clenching his fists with apparent calm. Nothing in his gaze revealed the kind of thoughts he was having. "It's been that way your whole life. You got lucky with the genetic lottery, and combined with your natural behavior... well, it was a unique combination."
Green sparks began to emanate from the quirkless fake bastard; they were fast and fleeting, but he could see them without a problem. When the green eyes narrowed, he understood the next chain of events that would occur.
Deku... the son of a bitch... was going to face him.
"...But you've been noticing it for a while now, haven't you? How things end up surpassing your limits, how more powerful people leave you behind. That ideal bubble you lived in... is slowly crumbling." I met his gaze, interested in any visible change in him.
I was surprised, to be honest. Bakugo was maintaining his composure remarkably well. By this point, I had assumed there would be explosions, insults, and senseless attacks.
"Society is largely to blame. It promised to give you anything just because you asked for it, because it was your right... And the others?... Let me guess, they were 'extras dedicated to watching my rise to greatness'... How many times did you come to that 'realization'?" Sparks flew, confirmation that I was on the right track. I needed to push him to the limit first, then the punches. "But society isn't entirely to blame; we'd be being too kind to say so."
I powered up One For All. I wanted, no, I needed to show superiority. It was the only way to be heard; only the strong wield such a privilege.
"Being arrogant, self-centered, proud. All of that is in your blood. The world amplified those thoughts. However... you're a piece of shit regardless of that fact." I didn't miss his widening eyes, nor the increasing rigidity surrounding him. It was close... very close. "It's ironic, you know? Because it was those very thoughts that caused the inferiority complex that so limits your improvement."
I remained composed, calm despite the impending confrontation. I had forgotten how comfortable it was to have absolute control over a threatening and complex situation.
"You talk as if you know me, Deku..." His voice came out as a whisper, sharp and cutting. The last wall before the collapse.
The last barrier.
"I do. Remember my words to Todoroki? I spent years watching and listening in silence, with my head bowed in shameful repression." I smiled. The atmosphere was a hundred times heavier than before, and once again... that fulminating adrenaline reigned over any logic. "You don't have to and don't deserve to receive answers. You're not important, Bakugo. Right now, you're an extra with no real value..."
I spread my legs, bending both knees and positioning each arm at face level.
"But in a way, I understand that overwhelming frustration of yours, which is precisely why I know that words are useless without real confirmation." A calm washed over the ecstatic energy, like that last moment of lucidity. "So, Bakugo... come and face me."
As if triggered, propelled by his explosions and the power behind them, Bakugo launched himself at me. The speed was greater, much greater than at the Sports Festival.
Those training sessions had paid off.
-(Will he feint with his right?)- I leaned my body, trying to anticipate what his key strategy would be. The Danger Sense was drilling in the back of my mind, announcing the obviousness in front of me. -(Or not...?)
Indeed, a right palm was heading dangerously fast toward my face. The sheer speed made it clear it couldn't be a bait-style attack.
Leaning beforehand was a complete success. The resulting explosion resonated behind my left ear. If I didn't have One For All protecting my limbs in general, my eardrum would have been history.
"You've become predictable... Deku." The words, along with that characteristic deranged smile, made any relaxation disappear. Bakugo had ulterior motives. "Weren't you the one who advised me to regulate my own explosions?"
I opened my eyes wide. That bastard hadn't...
Using the recoil of his own technique, Bakugo used it as an impulse, moving backward in a full spin worthy of applause. At the same time, with his remaining arm, he sent a small but powerful explosion, gaining brief height to effectively strike my head.
A painful and swift kick was the last thing I managed to register before I started rolling on the ground. Chunks of dirt broke off due to the constant impact, raising dust all around.
I dug my nails into the ground, stopping my momentum and raising my gaze. I was surprised, quite a bit, in fact. This fight...
"Looks like I drew first blood, bastard." Bakugo appeared from behind the thin layer of dirt, maintaining that deranged smile that so characterizes him. Small explosions still flashed in his palms, waiting to attack again. "What good is studying your enemy now?"
I got to my feet, admiring the damage done to the clothes I was wearing; small tears had formed, while a light brown stained the original dark color.
This... I wanted to be angry, I really did. But this...
"Heh... you delusional bastard. Now I'm really going to destroy you." I allowed more energy to flow. I had taken things easy at first. It was a foolish rookie mistake. "I wanted to fight you for a simple reason..."
8%... 10%... 12%...
What were they but just numbers?
"Because nothing expresses one's intentions better than through punches. I wanted to put you in your place, to make it clear that my words aren't empty, and I would force you to understand, blow by blow." Slowly, that natural emotion came to the surface. An absolute and totally defiant smile accompanied it. "But in the end... I think I just wanted to fight too."
"Finally showing your true colors! That's perfect, Deku!" Bakugo moved at high speed, this time opting for an erratic and confusing movement. "I'll win! By destroying those stupid beliefs of yours!"
"I'm waiting for you, shitface!" I didn't want to be left behind, starting to jump between the surrounding trees. The legendary Gran Torino strategy was proving its true worth! -(This time... it's my turn!)-
I put all my weight on the largest trunk, precisely locating the rival bomber. It was easy, considering his tracking point was still me.
Without hesitation, I leaped toward Bakugo, raising my left arm to attack. In a direct clash, I was absolutely certain of victory.
The collision was getting closer and closer.
-(A little more... just a little more...)- I tried to register the hypothetical remaining meters, forming the second part of the move. -(Now!)-
Several Whips shot out, attaching to the trees near my current position. Simultaneously, the same thing happened with my other limb, only that one targeted the previous pillars.
A large and deformed zip line was born, a product of the poorly triangulated targets.
Or that was the idea for the inexperienced eye.
Any possible inertia died, stopping the horizontal advance and creating a vertical one. Like a deformed rubber band seeking to return to its original shape.
Bakugo passed underneath my new position. He wasn't playing with such a deviation... and boy, would I take advantage of that.
All the conjured Whips returned to their initial point, allowing me to start falling rapidly. So, maneuvering in the air, I sent one straight at the teenager's confused face.
Using it, in turn, as an anchor point and, of course... for momentum.
"Second blood... is mine!" Bakugo had no chance. The first thing he saw after turning around was a punch straight to the face.
His body was sent flying in the same way, crashing against the trunk that had served as my initial support. It was clear who possessed the true strength.
While he had barely managed scratches and dirt, a clean punch from me caused great disorientation, followed by bleeding and a broken nose.
Not to mention the giant damage to the environment... collateral damage.
"That... that was only 15%... Want to see what's next?" The energy flow increased, returning to the high levels I had been using until recently. Still, habit or not, the sensation was incredible. "Witness before your eyes... a level you won't be able to reach in the foreseeable future, one I gained by training while others enjoyed their day-to-day lives."
Electrifying green sparks flowed, natural against the perfect, fine control of the form. Accompanied by the unique and perfect power, one whose depth could barely be expressed. As magical and powerful as the fierceness of a raging sea.
"30%!" I took two simple steps, but they were enough to cover half the ground, and with it, Bakugo's eyes widened.
In an instant, the rain of attacks began.
I lifted him by the collar of his shirt, delivering a right hook to his face that disoriented him, followed immediately by the same blow in reverse. Bakugo fell again, stunned and in great pain.
However, this time he acted on instinct, seeking to avoid any short-term damage.
Using his explosions, he retreated quickly. The blood covering his face had increased, and one of his eyes was now useless. He wasn't smiling arrogantly and psychotically anymore; he wore a deep frown.
"What's wrong?... Are you scared?" Seeing him so hurt was reason enough to belittle him. His annoyance was my amusement, and vice versa.
He raised his right arm, using the other as a sight. I could see the involuntary tremor, the sore muscles. Even if he opted for precision, he would lose.
"Scared of a freak like you? I'd rather die." Confident, at the very least, he replied. His remaining eye was barely open, a faithful witness to his swift but painful defeat. "AP Shot!"
A concentrated and dangerous golden glow illuminated his right palm, increasing in intensity with each passing second. Danger Sense made its presence known, a clear alert to the concentrated power.
However, there was no problem. Such weak explosions have little effect against One For All and its advantages.
I sent a direct punch, imposing enough pressure to extinguish any detonated spark. A blizzard was generated from it, displacing trees and earth alike. I smiled with greater force; the fight was decided.
"Surrender," I ordered after the complete dispersion. This was the final and necessary step.
"...Excuse me?... What the...? What the fuck are you saying?!" Between gasps and pain, Bakugo questioned, his arms now trembling completely. In the long run, he could be permanently damaged. "I don't give up my battles!"
Pure hatred shone in his eyes, acting as a final measure of power. It was the very representation of his current limit—perhaps superior to the average, but weak for someone of professional caliber.
One explosion...
Two explosions...
Three explosions...
Four explosions...
The result didn't change... and it wouldn't.
"Y-you! You bastard!... Go down, dammit." His arms gave way, and with them... the pride and will he so fiercely protected. "I can't lose..."
He started to tear up, falling to his knees in exhaustion and frustration. The hatred, the anger, everything had disappeared.
"...I refuse to lose..."
A broken voice echoed, a paradigm so wrong for the arrogant boy.
"However... you lost." I knelt to his level. I detested open displays of failure because I knew very well how painful they were. Nothing hurt more than openly exposing weakness. "And at the end of the day..."
I sent a punch, hitting his bruised face directly. Bakugo could do nothing, only receive it like the defeated boy he was.
I am the winner.
Author's Note:
Hey.
How about that development? xD.
After about three weeks, I think, I was finally able to update this work. The truth is I was celebrating and doing nothing, I didn't even think about writing until a few days ago.
Besides, I've been reading the Dragon Ball Super manga, since I decided to buy the 19 volumes that currently make up the work (Why did I do it? No idea, I had a sudden urge to read Padre Ball and I had a lot of money saved up).
In other news, my summer is over, I'm starting my seventh (and last) year of high school to finally get my technician's degree. So I hope it's a calm one, otherwise the updates will fluctuate a lot.
I wanted to really explore the clashing personalities of both the protagonist and Bakugo, I feel that both would get along very well under different circumstances.
So developing Bakugo was more or less simple, I just put together the determining factors of the character and the rest is history (The next chapter will finalize this aspect).
With this I can close a very important point that I've been kicking down the road for a while, now many other characters will take a relative leading role and it will be noticeable to different degrees.
That will make the work a little heavier perhaps but it will have value in the long run.
Anyway, take care. See you.