Chapter Text
The crowd was still wild and on their feet, eager to see the showdown between Izuku Midoriya and Shoto Todoroki.
"I can't let him use his ice attack," Izuku planned.
"I can't let him use too much of his power," Todoroki said.
Upon the start of the match, Todoroki immediately sent an ice attack after Izuku, which he quickly countered by flicking his fingers and creating a shockwave, "Smash!"
This shockwave destroyed the ice, creating a strong chilly breeze. Izuku was now at the center if attention for many of the pros, especially the ones keeping the closest eye on this tournament.
"Good, let's see more of your power boy," Vegeta said, smirking a bit.
Todoroki had his guard up, and was quick to analyze Izuku's finger, "So he is planning to injure himself if it means counterting me."
"Nice moves kid!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "Show everyone what you're made of!"
"You better not be picking sides again," Aizawa lightly warned.
Todoroki tried again, but Izuku once again flicked his finger, taking out a bunch of the ice. All Might seemed concerned, he knew that this was something Izuku had to do to stay in it, but it will come with a price.
"Todoroki's attacks are really strong, and very fast, it's because of that speed I could never collect any data on him so I can't counterattack as well," Izuku mentally stated. "Seems like he's using an ice wall to prevent from falling out of bounds from the shockwave, good thing I only used my fingers or I'd be doomed. I just have to find a weak spot, but I don't have that many more opportunities, I have to think fast!"
"Let's continue," Todoroki said, using his ice to attack again, Izuku flicking and damaging another finger, reducing his chances of a counterattack.
"Oh crap!" Kirishima said, finally arriving at the stands. "I'm missing it!"
"Don't worry, fight's just started," Peter reassured. "Congrats on qualifying though."
Kirishima confidently smiled, giving Peter a thumbs up. "Thanks Spider-Man, I really appreciate that."
"Just call me Peter, but be ready, you're up against the King of Explosions next round," Peter said, gesturing to Bakugo.
"He'll be dead when that happens," Bakugo stated.
"Ha, we'll see when our fight comes man," Kirishima said. "Still, it's crazy that you and Todoroki have moves that can blast the whole stadium, you guys are practically at the level of The Avengers with your powers, must be pretty nice."
"Plus you don't have to pause between attacks," Sero said.
"Not as easy as it looks, dumbasses," Bakugo said. "Overuse your muscles, they'll tear apart, run too fast and you're out of breath."
Sero seemed a bit confused, "Hey Spi-Peter, do you know what he means?"
"It's exactly like he says, superpowers require stamina just like anything else, some are just more durable than others," Peter said. "When I was younger there was only so much I could do. Nowadays I have less limitations due to my quirk evolving, but it can drain fast for anyone who's still figuring their powers out."
"When I was first trying out different spells it wore me out," Twilight said. "There was a time when simply teleporting took a lot out of me. Everyone tells me I make it look easy but it's only because of how much work I put into it. My guess is that Katsuki and Shoto have been training a little longer than the rest of you, which is fine, I mean we all start at different levels after all, Izuku didn't start hero training until last year, probably why he has trouble controlling it, but it looks like he's adapting in his own way."
Katsuki snarled at the hero couple, "Spider-Man may be annoying as hell but he's on point with the quirk stuff, same with his prissy wife. That's why I had to design my suit the way I did, helps me store up more sweat than my body usually would."
"Quirks can get worn out," Mayday added. "Honestly that's the best way Izuku could beat Shoto. If he tires him out, then Izuku can get the win."
"You really think so?" Sero asked.
"If I may speak from experience," Flurry interjected. "Izuku is very good at strategizing, he's quick to analyze a situation and acts fast on it. I think whatever he's planning could work."
Down below, Todoroki readied his powers again, "So, you want a test of endurance, do you? Sorry but this is going to be over quickly!"
Todoroki sent out another beam, Izuku using his last unharmed finger to flick a power force at it. "That's all the fingers on my right hand!"
Johnny cringed at the damage he saw from Izuku's fingers, "What's with his quirk!? It's destroying his hands! Is this why he barely uses his power!?"
Todoroki created a bridge of ice and began rushing at Izuku, prompting another Smash attack. Todoroki dodged and jumped down attempting to punch Izuku. He quickly dodged but Shoto's punch had started to create more ice that trapped Izuku's leg.
"Damn, not good!" Izuku knew Todoroki was about to attack again, but at least this time he didn't have a big ice wall behind him. Clenching his fist, he sent out another Smash attack, punching away all the ice and creating a massive wind force.
The price was high, Izuku's arm was completely destroyed. To make matters worse, Todoroki wasn't even knocked out of the ring. He had created another ice wall to protect him.
"That attack was stronger than your other ones, seems like you're trying to keep me away, smart tactic," Todoroki said, making his way out of the ice.
"He's not just powerful, his judgement is at a peak, same with his mobility," Izuku realized. "Todoroki is incredible, no doubt about that."
"His arm..." Twilight said in worry, cringing a bit at the sight. "It looks so terrible!"
Peter looked very worried, "I remember when his legs were like that at the USJ. To see it actually happen though...that boy's got power but to be that injured from it is detrimental to his hero work."
Bulma looked pretty queasy from where she was as well, "That boy's arm is completely wrecked!"
"Just as I suspected," Kaiba said. "He doesn't have full control over his power, the more he uses it, the more hurt he gets."
"So it's risk vs reward?" Bulma asked.
"Exactly, in Duel Monsters it would be almost the Equivalent of sacrificing life points to make your monster stronger, it could either win you the game or leave you open for defeat," Kaiba said.
Vegeta had his own observation about Izuku's arm, "Something about his power reminds me of that Kaioken technique Kakarot uses, the more power that boy uses, the more he risks destroying his own body."
"So if he doesn't win fast, he's done for?" Medaka asked.
"That's putting it mildly," Vegeta said. "It's highly dangerous too, if he's not careful he may permanently damage his body."
"Endeavor's son is strong, that's for sure," Stark pointed out, getting the attention of his friends. "He's already got more talent than most pros."
"Weird that he uses ice, complete opposite of his old man," Rhodey said. "Still though. think he's got this won?"
"Maybe, too early to tell," Stark said.
"Of course the Todoroki kid has this one, the other boy's arm is a complete mess," Happy said. "You can't seriously think that he has a chance to win."
"I'm with Happy," Pepper added. "Honestly that green hair boy should just surrender, it's hard seeing him fight looking this hurt."
"He's still got one arm left, I don't want to count him out just yet," Stark said. "Part of being a hero is overcoming odds, let's see if Izuku Midoriya is ready to do just that."
"Aren't you going to continue?" Todoroki asked Izuku, who still looked to be in pain. "Or are you that worn out from fending off my attacks?"
Izuku looked up at Todoroki, noticing something about the boy. He was shivering, "He must be reaching his limit, I gotta keep fighting."
"I'm sorry about this, but thanks for drawing this battle out," Todoroki said, gesturing to his father. "My father is furious because I'm not using his damn fire quirk, he can see I'm able to get by without it." He took a look at Izuku's injuries. "I doubt you'll be able to continue with your arms all messed up, so let's end this."
He sent another ice attack at Izuku, many expecting this to end now, but some cheering for the boy to dodge.
"Come on Izuku! Don't give up yet!" Flurry cheered.
"It's pointless, his body's already messed up," Jiro said.
Mayday clenched her fist, "Don't lose Izuku I want to meet you in the second round! I have to experience your power first hand!"
"I'm not finished!" Izuku shouted, using another smash attack to destroy the ice, much to everyone's surprise.
"Yes! Keep fighting Izuku!" Mayday cheered.
"Alright kid! Lay it to him!" Rina cheered.
"Uh, why are you cheering for a 1-A kid?" Tsubaraba asked. "I mean I'd understand if it was Spider-Man's daughter or her cousin but why this boy?"
"Simple, I want him to avenge Franklin by completely wrecking the one that took my best friend out of the contest," Rina answered, then kept cheering. "Kick is ass Scrawny Kid!"
Fluttershy turned to Logan, "What are the odds of that boy winning?"
"It depends on not just using his power to his advantage, but finding a weakness he can exploits," Logan said, taking note of Todoroki's current state. "And I think one just popped up for Izuku."
Todoroki had managed to put up an ice wall just before falling out of the ring, glaring right at Izuku as he made his way back to the center. "You used your broken finger? Why are you taking it this far? Why not just lose while you're still able to stand?"
"You're trembling," Izuku said.
"What?" Todoroki asked, getting curious.
"It's easy to forget that quirks are physical abilities, and like any ability, they can get exhausted, like you are right now," Izuku said. "There's only so much coldness your body can take. I'm willing to bet that you make up for it with heat from your left side, but you refuse to do that now."
"He's not wrong," Johnny said, getting Midnight's attention. "If I overuse my powers my body risks succumbing to the heat. I can reach Supernova, but that might come at the cost of my life."
"Is that how you almost died in the Negative Zone a few years back?" Midnight asked.
"Oh you heard about that, yeah nearly bit the dust in there," Johnny said. "But I wasn't ready to call it quits on life just yet."
"Todoroki, listen," Izuku began. "We're all giving it our all right now, we're all trying to win and shape our futures! We all want to be number one! You really think you can do that with only half your power!? You haven't even put a scratch on me yet! So come at me with all you got!"
"Izuku needs to focus more on winning and less on tough talk," Mayday said.
"Looks like he's trying to get more of a fight out of Shoto-san," Flurry said.
"Midoriya..." Todoroki said. "Are you trying to get me to use my fire!? Did my damn father get you on his side!?" Todoroki ran at Izuku, ready to attack, "Now I'm mad!"
"Wait is that why Endeavor wanted to speak to Freckles?" Johnny wondered. "Just what is that guy up to anyway?"
Bakugo noticed the drop in Todoroki's speed, "Is the frost on his body affecting his movement? Maybe it's like the magic meter in a video game. He might be running on empty, probably from his fight against Tape Arms."
"Oh I see, get him mad enough to make a mistake and then BAM! Izuku knocks him out and takes the win," Mayday said.
"Seems kind of mean," Flurry said.
"No it's fine, my dad does that a lot, right dad?" Mayday asked.
"Hey I don't go around making people mad!" Peter insisted, getting a glare from his wife. "Ok maybe a little, but they usually deserve it!"
"Including me?" Twilight said. "You have found pleasure in intentionally provoking me."
"In my defense, you're cute when you're mad, most girls are," Peter said, most of the class just curiously staring at him.
"Peter...I swear I love you and all but you can be really immature sometimes," Twilight said.
Peter shrugged it off, "Eh, I'll take it."
Todoroki had gotten closer, "He can't beat me in close quarters, he's done!" As he got in close, he saw that Izuku made his move.
"Imagine the egg in the microwave..." Izuku muttered, powering up his fist. "It won't explode!" He was then able to land a blow on Todoroki without damaging his right arm too much, though Todoroki had froze his left as he got knocked back.
"Whoa! That's some great action folks!" Present Mic cheered.
"Nice hit Izuku!" Mayday cheered. "Didn't even break his arm that time! Maybe he's getting the hang of his powers, he just needed a little practice."
Todoroki moved in again, using his ice to attack as Izuku dodged out of the way, noticing how much slower the ice was and continued using smash attacks with his broken fingers.
"Damn, that kid's being too reckless," Johnny said. "If this keeps up we're gonna have to step in."
"You're not the only one who thinks that," Midnight said, having taken her hand off her ear. "Cementoss is ready to separate them as well, be on alert."
Johnny turned to Izuku, still looking worried, "How can he fight while putting himself though so much pain? I've never seen such determination from someone that young, not since Peter was a kid at least."
Fluttershy seemed a bit queasy from her seat, "That boy's looking really hurt."
"He has heart but he's not using his brains," Logan said. "I know Recovery Girl is here to heal the students but even she can't heal this in one go. Winning will be pointless if he can't even compete in the next round."
Rainbow Dash looked really worried for Izuku, seeing all the damage he was putting himself through, "Honestly I think they need to call this off already, that boy's arm is getting messed up. Yo Eraser, did you know about this? Shouldn't you have been able to you know, tell the boy not to be so reckless!?"
"Of course I told him, and believe it or not, he's actually not as reckless as he once was," Aizawa said. "He has better control than before, and honestly he's just trying to win the fight at his current skill level."
"Still..." Rainbow Dash said. "I know he wants to win but...even I don't think it's worth it to destroy yourself like this. It's dangerous, it's almost reminding me of my old rival Lightning Dust. What's making him this desperate to win? What's he trying to prove?"
That is something All Might knew, the hero watching the fight unfold, knowing that Izuku is just trying to show the world his true potential.
Todoroki tried attacking more, this time with a stronger attack, but Izuku planned ahead. He couldn't make a fist but he used his thumb and cheek to send another shockwave, knocking Todoroki back again.
"Wow, clever," Johnny pointed out.
Todoroki struggled back to his feet, "Why are you putting yourself through this?"
"To live up to people's expectations," Izuku said, running at Todoroki. "To be able to smile while doing something good for them! I'll do whatever it takes to be a hero!"
Todoroki stood there a moment, remembering his childhood, remembering his mother. However this distraction allowed Izuku to land another blow on the boy.
"I'm giving it my all, just like you should be doing!" Izuku shouted. "I don't know what you've gone through, you're life is so much different than mine. But you need to stop screwing around! You can reject your father all you want, but you don't deserve to be Number One if you won't use your full power!"
Todoroki again remembered his childhood, his intense training he's done since the age of five. How ruthless his father was to push him to the point of vomiting while training, and how he would hurt Shoto's mother if she tried to object.
"Please, I don't want to be like him mama, I don't want to bully or hurt people!" A young Shoto tearfully exclaimed.
"But you still want to be a hero," his mother said, smiling down at her son, gently as she could. "Just stay true to yourself."
Back in the present, Izuku rushed in to attack again, Todoroki against distracted from reliving his past. "I'm going to win this!" He punched Shoto hard again. "I'll surpass you!'
Todoroki again rembered his past, how he was never allowed to play with his brothers and sister, due to his intense training. Then the day when he overheard his mother speaking with his grandmother, seeing his mother finally at her breaking point and eventually pouring hot water on his face.
"Damn woman...what was she thinking?" Endeavor said with a child Todoroki covered in bandages. "Her actions just caused a vital setback."
"Where's mama?" Young Shoto asked, getting his father's attention.
"Since she hurt my masterpiece I had her sent to a hospital to keep you safe," Endeavor answered.
"It's your fault," Child Shoto said. "You made her hurt me!"
In the present, Todoroki struggled to stand again, "I reject his power...I will never use my left side!"
"Dammit! It's your quirk! Not his!" Izuku shouted.
This just reminded Shoto of something he heard from All Might. "A quirk is what you make of it, regardless of your heritage. That's why I always say 'I am Here', only you can decide your future."
"I never realized how much I've forgotten," Todoroki said.
"Izuku stop messing around!" Mayday shouted. "You nearly got him beat, just end it already!"
"You are not a prisoner of your lineage," Shoto remembered his mother saying as his left side started flaming up. "It's ok to use your powers."
With that the fire emerged from Shoto's left side, surprising a lot of people in the crowd, and nearby.
"He's using his fire!" Ochako shouted in disbelief. Even Tenya was amazed, remembering Todoroki's vows as well.
"Now he's using his fire!?" Mayday shouted in disbelief. "Great, now he's gotta contend with that too! You better end this now Izuku! Don't you mess up now!"
"Whoa, that's a lot of fire," Johnny said. "Man, from Iceman to me, this kid might try surpassing both of us in our own elements."
"He got him to use his father's powers," All Might realized. "Young Midoriya, were you actually trying to help young Todoroki this whole time?"
"Did he just...goad that boy into using his fire?" Bulma asked.
"Seems like it, say what you will about Izuku Midoriya, but it looks like that kid won't accept anyone less than their best," Kaiba said, smirking a bit. "I can respect someone like that, and I know a certain pair of Saiyans who would agree."
Vegeta had also realized Izuku's motives, "Getting your opponent to use their full power. It's a risky move, but a warrior's true honor comes from defeating their opponent at their best."
"You would do the same, wouldn't you senpai?" Medaka asked.
"Of course," Vegeta said. "That boy...he's reminding me of Kakarot yet again, but this comes at a risk."
"So that kid can do fire," Rhodey noticed. "Think that Midoriya kid is screwed now?"
"You said that before and he still lasted long, like I said, he's still got a chance, but he needs to act now," Stark said.
Izuku seemed relieved that he got through to Todoroki, but now he had a bigger problem.
"You fool," Todoroki's ice was melting. "I thought you wanted to win this, yet you help me realize my potential. Now who's screwing around?" Todoroki began to smile for the first time, "I want this as well! To be a hero!"
Endeavor was of course ecstatic to see Todoroki using his left side. "YES MY SON!" He began marching down the stairs. "Have you finally accepted who you're meant to be!? This is the dawning of a new era Shoto! With my blood in your veins you'll surpass me! You'll live up to the reason I created you!"
"Uh, Endeavor's quite the doting father huh?" Present Mic sarcastically said.
"Some father," Rainbow Dash said. "Sounds like he just wants his son to make up for his own failures."
Johnny glared at Endeavor, mistrust in his eyes, "Oh he'll surpass you, not just as a hero, but as a human being."
"Amazing," Izuku said.
"Why are you smiling?" Todoroki asked. "With your injuries, a hopeless chance at victory. You must be crazy. Don't blame me for what happens next."
"GET HIM IZUKU!" Mayday shouted, startling everyone nearby. "DON'T YOU LOSE! YOU HEAR ME!?"
"Hey Parker, lighten up!" Kirishima pleaded.
"I'll lighten up after Izuku decides to STOP SCREWING AROUND!" Mayday shouted again, gripping the rails a bit too tightly and forming some cracks.
Both Todoroki and Izuku began to power up, ready to attack each other. Both put off more power than usual, this causing a lot of concern for everyone nearby.
"What power!" Vegeta shouted.
"This won't end well," Stark stated.
"My senses are acting up," Peter worriedly stated.
"Hey ease up you too!" Rainbow Dash warned.
Mayday stood on the stands, cupping her hands to her mouth. "KNOCK HIM OOOOOOUUUTT! IZUKUUUUUUU!"
"Torch! Midnight! We must end this now!" Cementoss said, putting up a wall. "One of them might die!"
"Yeah his body won't hold up!" Midnight said, tearing off part of her clothes.
"I can handle the fire, you sedate them!" Johnny shouted, powering up his own flames.
Izuku rushed in past the ice attacks that Todoroki sent out. "Come at me with your full power Todoroki!"
As Izuku got close, Todoroki prepared his fire, "Thank you, Midoriya..."
Just as Cementoss put up his walls, the two created a massive shockwave, knocking away all the cement, creating a huge hust of wind.
This wind knocked away Midnight, though she was caught by Johnny. Class 1-A was shielded from the wind gust by Twilight's magic shield, Peter himself just gawking at the sight before him. Everyone in the crowd had to stand their ground as the wind blew at them.
"This is nuts!" Kirishima shouted.
"Those boys are strong!" Twilight observed.
"Did he do it!?" Mayday eagerly asked. "Did Izuku win!?
"Are you seriously still concerned about that!?" Jiro asked.
"Yeah he might not even be alive," Sero said, getting a glare from Mayday. "Just pointing it out!"
"Izuku!" Mayday shouted. "Did you win!?"
Vegeta was at a loss for words, "Their power...if they continue their training, who knows what heights they can reach."
"Think they can become as strong as a Super Saiyan?" Medaka asked.
"I don't know," Vegeta said. "It's possible, they have the potential to reach those heights. If Earthlings like The Hulk could show that potential, and with the way quirks have evolved over the years, I'd say they might be contenders to that claim."
Even the heroes outside once again seemed blown away by what they just saw.
"Man...strong kids huh?" Death Arms said.
"Yeah no kidding," Videl added.
"What an amazing fight," Gohan said, standing there in awe.
Johnny gently let down Midnight, observing the damage. "I'm glad these two are aspiring heroes, who knows what damage they could do if they turn into villains."
"Uh, what happened!?" Present Mic asked, getting up from the floor. "What caused that explosion?"
"The air around the ring was cooled down then rapidly expanded when heated up," Aizawa explained.
"Huh, so you're an egghead too," Rainbow Dash said, to Aizawa's annoyance. "Makes sense since you're a teacher."
"Tell me again about those Daring Do books," Aizawa said.
Rainbow Dash scoffed a bit, "Touché."
"Man I can't see a thing, is the match still going on?" Present Mic asked.
"Come on Izuku...!" Mayday urged. "Tell me you won!"
From the smoke, everyone could see that Izuku was out of the ring, and a complete wreck, with Shoto Todoroki standing tall inside the ring, to the surprise of many in the crowd.
"Midoriya is out of bounds!" Midnight raised her whip to the air. "Todoroki advances to the third round!"