I sighed, releasing any excess adrenaline or unnecessary thoughts. The power still continued to flow freely, strong and capable of pushing even further. Slowly, I allowed cold logic to take over, seeking to reflect on how everything had gone a bit overboard.
I didn't usually think much about it; I believed that any fight, at the end of the day, had a certain fundamental sense to it. Strong people learn through blows and rarely listen otherwise. Bakugo deserved the beating, yet that didn't justify the extent of it.
I could have shortened the fight, hit him and won. I had the power to do it without needing real effort. It would have avoided the environmental damage and, in the process, any danger of fire from a stray spark.
However, the message would have had no value in that situation. I would be in the same position or worse than at the beginning, dealing with an arrogant and insecure super-powered kid.
Putting everything on a scale and judging the facts... I think nothing went too wrong.
"...As long as Greenpeace doesn't come to bitch about their poor, defenseless trees... yeah, nothing went too wrong." I smiled. Did those people exist in this universe? I should look into it. "Although I didn't consider having Bakugo unconscious... Maybe I should wake him up."
The boy wasn't in danger of dying, but it wasn't right to just leave him there either. I mean... the forest is dangerous; you never know when some crazy entity willing to eat children might show up.
"Five minutes, that's all I'll wait." Decided, I looked up, observing the micro-chaos caused during our little confrontation. There were some fallen trees and others about to fall, along with many patches of burned grass. "...Now I feel guilty..."
Beating a teenager into oblivion? Yes, I could sleep soundly after that; I've been doing that for months. Damaging a protected natural area? There are limits to everything, and that crossed them.
Did I have shaky morals? Maybe, but no one could judge that aspect.
"Bah... helping doesn't cost anything." I walked to one of the few that were still stable. Part of its root was cut, and it seemed like a miracle that it was holding up, considering how close it was to falling. "Sorry to use you for support, I'll be more careful next time."
Slightly raising One For All, I pushed carefully, trying to return the tree to its original position. I didn't want to use more power and cut what little of it survived.
I repeated that process with the others, firing several Blackwhips to use as guides at times. After that, I tried to cover the patches of dirt; some rocks served as camouflage, and others... were too big.
Minutes later, the area no longer looked like it had just come out of a war zone. A positive thing. I could sleep peacefully tonight.
"Now..." I walked over to the unconscious boy. He seemed alive, so I had to wake him up. "Get up, you bastard!"
I used the practical method known to all... kicking him.
Sooner or later, it would have an effect, I was sure of it.
And indeed... it worked. I should thank Gran Torino later; his methods were excellent.
"Ugh..." he muttered through his teeth, holding the battered area with trembling hands. "S-son of a bitch... I'll kill you for that."
Ha, he even keeps his personal slogan.
"You always say it, you never do it. I'm sorry to be the bearer of holy honesty but..." I offered a hand, waiting for him to accept the help and get up. "No one will fall to you."
He grunted, looking suspiciously at the help he was receiving.
"...A very good thing, in fact." I continued without thinking, forcing him to his feet with a tug on his shoulder. "There are never few murderers around the world, so let's keep the number as low as possible."
He sat down, his legs crossed and his pride wounded. He had a contemplative look, avoiding the reading of any specific feeling. It could be self-loathing, anger, shame. There was no way to know.
"No response? You almost seem to hate me." I copied his action, crossing my legs and sighing because now came the hard part. Ironic, considering the previous fight. "...Look, I'll be direct, like... very direct, so much so that it might even annoy you. But you know what? I appreciate people like that, telling unfiltered truths."
He raised his head slightly, proof enough that he was listening. Although his eyes were still wandering, at least he wasn't going to interrupt anything.
"Any kind person would tell you that maybe you lost this battle, but not the war or similar crap... And we both know that's not the case... You lost, you gave it your all, and you failed just the same. What does that tell us?..." I waited, really attentive to the answer. Whatever it was would indicate what stage I was at with respect to Bakugo.
"...You're superior to me..." The mumble was low, almost nonexistent. But there it was, the bitter acknowledgment of the inevitable loss.
I smiled. Maybe... I could achieve a legitimate and lasting breakthrough today.
"Exactly. When it comes to physical ability, I'm way above you. Pushing your limits or other stupid things didn't change anything either. I simply... am, period." I stretched out my right arm, clenching my fist so that the energy of One For All flowed without restrictions. That action alone released a large amount of power.
I wanted to make Bakugo see how significant the difference between us was; otherwise, he would never accept the upcoming facts.
"You want to know how I have this power, how I reached and surpassed those capabilities of yours that took you so much effort to obtain. However..." I allowed the energy to flow completely, covering all areas of my body in an instant. The pure concentrated heat eliminated the minuscule fatigue I felt. "You're not ready."
Green, irregular flashes backed up the statement, leaving behind a sharp, short screech. Katsuki's expression didn't change at what he heard, too lost in raw self-loathing.
"You're strong, also intelligent, and you have a lot of potential. Still, you can't be aware of the shit that awaits you when you know those answers." I closed my eyes for a moment, reflectively. There were many problems, but they would all be solved one way or another. "We're not friends either, so there's no moral reason for me to open my mouth and give you information."
Another valid reason. Bakugo was (above all else) a bully with temper issues whose greatest virtue lay in the strange heroism he possessed.
Something also debatable, although that concept was too abstract for my taste.
I fumbled in my pocket, soon finding the most corrupt provisional license ever made... and mine, of course.
"See this? You probably recognize what it is." I held out the card, allowing Bakugo to look closely at the simple but powerful object in the eyes of the law. "After all, Aizawa spoke quite highly of it to us."
I managed to notice a priority shift, something simple to study and deduce. Pure surprise filled the boy's eyes; for a second, even his breathing shortened. I understood that I had played my cards well after that.
"A-a..." He snatched the card, incredulous, almost delirious. Cold sweat ran down his face, giving him a pale and wrong tone for someone like him. "It can't be... It's impossible!"
Brief anger flashed, perhaps revealing that arrogant and egotistical Katsuki Bakugo. However, it didn't last long, just like the great winning streak in his life.
Funny, all caused by the same person.
"It should be, but it's not. Unbelievable, right? Welcome to reality, I hope you enjoy the club." Acidic sarcasm came out in the form of words; it was involuntary but satisfying. A great way to release frustration against those who would sooner or later fall.
He looked up, meeting the mocking smile I wore. I expected screams, attacks, and even tears from a broken and bruised pride. In the end, I found the complete opposite.
Worry... and even fear... Why was I getting that?
"What have you gotten yourself into, Deku?" The question sounded genuine, tinged with a calm that didn't match the furious and annoyed teenager. I almost found it funny; I had forgotten that even the worst people could feel empathy.
Bakugo being empathetic... with me? It seemed the real body snatcher was someone else.
"To the top, or at least close to it, and this is the result. Like I said, you're not lacking in intelligence; you know how illegal this is." I took back the license, tempted to break it in a pure childish tantrum. "When you gain power, you also gain attention... and not the good kind."
One For All dimmed, considerably reducing the bursts of electricity. I felt it instantly, relaxing my shoulders in pure calm and serenity.
"Listen... if this fight happened, it was because I needed to stop the stupid and unnecessary aggression between us. You have an inferiority complex that limits you too much, blinding you to your raw, untapped potential." I began to get up, finishing with the point I wanted to convey. It would be up to him whether to accept it or not. "There's a lot of shit waiting, attentive to the slightest mistake to hit us..."
I shook my hands, cleaning off the excess dirt on them.
"It's your decision to face that or keep crying about not having the desired attention from the world..."
And I extended one, waiting for the appropriate reciprocation.
"We're not friends, much less rivals, I told you that a long time ago. I'm not willing to wipe the slate clean either. However... playing solo taught me many things..." He hesitated, looking confused at the strange depth of what he assumed was, and was, a squabble between old and bad friends. "...This goes beyond you and me, so... are you willing to fight in the name of the entire world... or will you live in weakness?"
I knew it was impossible to get a proper answer; a lot of information at once never brought lasting solutions. Still, Bakugo as an ally was worth a thousand times more than the annoying and irritating fly he usually is.
"You can only triumph up to a certain point by spitting on others, believe me, I started that way and it hurt to understand." Remembering the incident at the USJ was enlightening, a major turning point in understanding the flaws of the senseless, egocentric thinking I had.
I assumed easy situations with even better solutions, ignoring the obvious aspect of the equation... reality itself...
I played God, paid those consequences, and now I work based on them. I think... looking at it critically... I was very lucky.
It could have been a thousand times worse.
"You're not... going to talk... are you?" he questioned, his voice in increasingly low and uneven tones. His defenses still surpassed the speech he had heard.
But I smirked. It was funny to see what his priorities still were.
"Sorry, I won't. You'll have to earn the right to know those details."
I kept my hand outstretched, waiting. I knew he would accept. Arrogant or insecure, it didn't matter. An offer was better than nothing at all.
And Katsuki Bakugo was no fool...
"Then I accept." He firmly gripped the offered help, allowing me to help him stand once more. He stumbled for a few moments, his body protesting from the previous battle.
I couldn't help but widen my smile, proud to witness a positive and quick outcome. Without any incident that would involve severe punishments or worse responses.
In a way, I was starting from scratch, as I really should have, talking before acting and listening instead of assuming. Yes, I was still the same person, but now with a superior ability to connect with others in the crazy life I led.
Pushing everyone away, training until I couldn't anymore, blindly trusting in my own knowledge and powers... what did I achieve with that in the end? Great friends? A good reputation? Better chances of success?
Each aspect came in parts, revealing more disadvantages than advantages. I took one step forward and two steps back.
So this time, for the very first time... I would offer my hand with honest intentions, without any desire to gain benefits using words.
"You're not a bad person... Kacchan." The nickname came out strangely, almost wrong when expressed by my own voice. Any smile died because of it.
I met his gaze, noticing the strange and repulsive grimace Bakugo wore. We both had similar trains of thought.
"...Forget that word... forever." I promised never to utter that thing, as if it were the greatest taboo ever invented. -(Did Midoriya really say it so lightly?... It's awkward and childish.)-
"Yeah... it sounds horrible when you say it now, Deku..." he commented in agreement, quickly opting to analyze the surrounding grove. Or rather, what was left of it. Some guilt seeped through, revealing itself in his visual gestures and the pained posture of his body.
"We went a little overboard... I think," I expressed regarding his observations, putting my arm around his shoulders to serve as support. "But it was worth it. The fight was exciting, even with all the self-imposed limitations..."
We started walking, returning to the original path we had come from. The tranquility of the night's silence greatly helped our scattered thoughts, allowing for a mutual and pleasant reflection.
"It was," he replied, smiling with visible arrogance. However, now his tone of voice was more honest, even real. "Still, when we face each other again... I won't limit my explosions."
"You contained the range to prioritize damage on a single point?" I asked with interest. I knew that concept well; I used it often. Anyway, I never lost anything by learning.
"Surprised? I gained that control a while ago." He dismissed the question, forming small sparks in his right hand. He had been practicing with that concept for the Sports Festival, only managing to gain that mastery during the summer camp.
"Heh... the loser bragging, what a novelty." I punched his ribs in "jest." Perhaps applying too much force by "mistake." "I'll wait for that great battle. I really enjoyed this fight. It's been a while since I fought just for fun."
Bakugo scoffed at the words he heard, not identifying with the perspective I was presenting.
"As long as you win the fight, there's always fun, idiot. Otherwise, don't even bother trying." He smiled at the thought. Even after so many blows, he still loved a clean victory.
"You lost, and many times, by the way." I pointed at him; it was the honest-to-God truth. Every clash between us ended with me triumphing. "Maybe it's time for you to retire; you've lost your touch."
"...You piece of shit..." he muttered, restraining the urge to break an arm and blow up my face. I found his attitude amusing; he was more relaxed, but without losing that characteristic arrogance of his.
We continued walking in silence, just appreciating the natural simplicity of the forest and how it absorbed any external noise related to the real world.
Despite the blows, the general fatigue, and the current stressful situation... I felt that everything was going well. I didn't completely understand it. However, those internal pressures were gradually losing their value, becoming a foolish memory, a product of someone even more foolish.
"Hey, Bakugo... do you need to go to the hospital?" I questioned a few moments later, able to spot the exit of the "protected" area, a fact we hadn't respected much.
"What kind of stupid question is that?" Of course, he didn't take it well, raising an eyebrow in confusion and strangeness. "I'm perfectly fine, Deku. I don't require medical intervention."
I rolled my eyes. Fine, if the idiot wants to spend his next few days suffering from bruises and a body pushed to its limit, then that's his problem.
"If I hear crying or complaints, I won't be held responsible. You've been warned," I warned, forcing my way through the security fence to get out. It was time to part ways, something I couldn't wait to do. I wanted so much to rest until further notice.
Oh well... until the student dorms were set up? I don't remember how long that project took.
"Same to you, useless." Bakugo responded with arrogance, freeing himself from the uncomfortable semi-embrace as soon as he had the chance. He still limped when he walked but didn't seem to stop because of it.
I watched him walk away for a few moments, relieved to see that he wouldn't collapse soon. I could invent many excuses, and none would get me out of that scenario looking good, although it would have been fun to witness.
When I considered it sufficient, I activated One For All, clenching my palms in powerful emotion to feel that unreal feeling again. I always found it amazing and inexplicable, providing a unique and complete sense of confidence.
"Hey, Deku..." However, Katsuki's voice interrupted my next action, causing me to look back at him.
He had lowered his tone a few notches, delivering a dedicated and sincere seriousness. There was no arrogance, mockery, or anything similar. Just... complete severity, showing another side to the coin that Bakugo normally presented.
"...Even I am aware that... there are things... that I can't solve by sending an explosion." I kept my eyes narrowed, confused as to the real meaning behind the metaphor. "And that's precisely why I try to keep my distance, so if you're thinking of letting unimportant extras take control... then you're not as powerful as you think."
He said no more, walking away again to return to his home. I watched his retreat, reflecting on the curious point of view. I understood what he was trying to express and considered it something respectable and understandable.
Even Bakugo understood the risk of being linked to the mother organization of professional and well-paid heroism, emphasizing how important it would be in the future to bring them down.
I had ideas, each one more extremist than the last. Still, it was risky to put them into practice for the time being. The Hero Public Safety Commission still had some use; they kept my name on good terms with the law, overlooking many infractions I had committed. Besides, they had to control the masses after All For One's attack.
Many people want answers, they want to know what will become of All Might, his new "successor," and how everything will continue in the face of the complex panorama. In the midst of so much shit... they are useful, a factor I wanted to exploit as much as possible until I saw no more importance in them.
Yes, just like the League of Villains, they will eventually fall. There are too many sins to pay for and too little time for it to happen. In an ideal world, that would happen soon.
However, this is reality, and here one must be patient, but eventually...
They will all fall.
Author's Note:
Hey.
Yes, short chapter, and yes, it took too long.
But nobody told me that doing work internships all afternoon and then taking a university prep course would be so exhausting.
This is the first weekend where I don't have to complete any mandatory guides (Thank God) or fill out templates for spare parts for the company where I work.
And yes, they don't pay me either (They are doing me a "favor" by offering me work experience).
So don't judge the shortness of the chapter, I swear it was going to have another perspective and the advancement of the next arc.
Besides, I had to reread a few chapters because I had forgotten where I left this work and what idea I had to keep it paced.
Anyway, I don't think there's much more to add, I want to take a good nap to start the week off right. I hope you understand the difficulties of updating.
But that doesn't mean I'm abandoning the work or anything similar. Because... what kind of author abandons the best MHA isekai ever written?
Anyway, take care. See you.