To say Bakugo was annoyed today was an understatement. Granted it didn't take a lot to rile him up, but it had been building ever since that damn Sludge Villain incident. Deku and his monster kept one upping him, in both physical contests and hero training. He for one was sick of it. Now he was stuck with rescue training for the day. While he could spend his time saving people, the best way for that in his mind was to beat that monster and surpass him. Prove he was the strongest. That he could protect them from beastly villains like that monster.
Luckily a situation has presented itself for him to blow off some steam. He dodged a rock fist as he was brought out of his angry reminiscing. Grunting, he continued his agile dodging as the rock skinned villain grimaced at each miss.
"C'mon Da Rock! Get him!" Pyro cheered
"Focus on ya own fight bro!"
"Boys get along and beat these children already!"
"Sorry mama!/Ok! Ok!"
With new vigor the attacks began anew. However Bakugo was unimpressed. So much so at the predictability of the attacks he spared a glance at Kirishima's fight to see if he was alright, not that he cared or anything.
The manly student seemed to be on the defensive like him. However, while Bakugo was dodging slow blows, Kirishima was satisfied to just cross his arms over his face and tank the fire with his quirk. Bakugo hated to admit it but he was impressed by how much this extra was tanking. He was even pushing up at a slow but steady advance.
"Not bad, kid! But your cool hair and tough quirk are gonna burn to my flames!" Pyro complimented and roared. His flame ball barrage
"You think my hair is cool?" Kirishima exclaimed, looking up from behind his cover before bracing his arms again as he continued to push forward.
Stopping himself from letting out a chuckle, Bakugo turned back to the rocky thug swinging on him. The likeness of his opponents quirk to his allies not lost on him. Good, it was the perfect time to test out some stronger blast. Ones if he had to train against stupid hair and some he was prepping for a certain green haired rival.
Dodging one more punch Bakugo made some distance, causing his rocky opponent to stumble. His foe, slightly out of breath, growled at the action.
"Hey! Get back here blasty!"
"Careful what you wish for, Rock Face!"
"My name is Da Rock!"
With a roar the rocky man child charges forward, a heavy fist swing towards the explosive blond. The student, smirking at the forwardness and predictability at the attack, prepared his counter. Throwing both his hands behind him, his palms ignited and he was off. Like a missile he flew towards his opponent. Easily, he dodged Da Rock's haymaker. Gripping his shoulders he let off another blast, pieces of his opponents rock skin quirk flying off. With the help from the explosions, Bakugo managed to lift his heavy opponent off the ground and threw him into a building with an up and over circular motion before landing with a cocky smile.
Da Rock was not done though and rose from the rubble, soot covering his rocky frame. With a yell he began to charge, knocking down little rubble piles in his way. Bakugo gave another cock grin and stood his ground.
'Good. Time to try that new move and gear I've been cooking up! "
Blasting forward, the boy put both hands on top of each other with the palms facing out. As the villain got within range, Bakugo let loose his attack upon the rock giant's face.
"Stun Grenade!"
With a loud bang and a bright flash, the attack landed and the brute was blinded. Swiping at nothing, the giant tried to shackle off the ringing in his ears. He tried to grab the brat that blinded him, but when his vision cleared he found nothing. Nothing instead of a kind sound as something landed in his hands. It was a grenade, with no pin.
"Ah…"
*BOOM*
Black soot on his face and dazed, Da Rock was stunned for a moment. A moment was all Bakugo needed. Blasting forward at great speeds he placed himself in position for an axe kick. Spinning like a festive firework, he brought his heel down forcefully upon the top of the villain's head. The sound of cracking stone resonated across the zone as the blond landed atop his fallen foe.
Smirking, he heard more fire and impact noises from his side. Tching, he turned to his compatriot, ready to step in and win for an opponent he couldn't handle. Only to stop in surprise.
Kirishima had gotten closer, soot on his forearms as his opponent was now firing off a stream of flames. Pyro's back was against a wall of rubble, but from his panting it seemed he was running out of steam.
"All right…cool guy…take your best shot…" he panted arms thrown out in challenge
"Huh, manlier than you look!" Krishima complimented as he charged forward. Fist hardened, the boy threw an uppercut. It hit with a crack on the delinquent's chin, knocking him out cold. Looking at his hardened fist, the manly student smiled.
'Wore him down. Thanks Midoriya.'
Bakugo himself hated to admit it, but he was impressed as well.
'Took you awhile, but not bad Shitty Hair.'
With a grunt and an angry scowl, the blonde faced their last two opponents. The woman had an angry, but almost pitiful look whereas the suited man was more neutral.
"Well now, it always falls on the parents to protect their boys! Isn't that right, honey?
"Yes dear," he answered, inflating to look bigger and muscular.
"We'll have to teach these boys a lesson!"
"Yes dear."
With that, Poppa charged forth, shoulder first and knocked Kirishima back. The boy hardened in defense, but the villain wrapped him up and took him away. Bakugo grunted as he resumed his battle stance, explosives at the ready as the matriarch of the villainous family took him in. Growling, Bakugo addressed the apparent leader of this group.
"Alright bitch! How are no-names like you gonna beat All Might? Start talking!"
With that he charged, planning to blitz the matriarch. However, he fell flat against a wall of solid air.
"Such a rude boy!" she commented, a hand out and quirk active, "Did your mother forget to teach you manners!"
With that, Momma forced him back with the forcefield. Bakugo was quick and stopped his moment with some well timed blast. He charged again, this time zigzagging to keep his opponent guessing.
"My old hags' twice the woman you'll ever be!" he declared as he prepared an explosive strike once more. Momma scoffed as she sent out a rectangular force field, however panic soon set in as Bakugo swiftly changed direction and went under. Using the explosion to spin rather than attack he landed a heavy kick.
*Krack*
Only to grimace in pain as he hit something harder than his other opponents rock like skin. Momma smirked from behind a form fitting shield around her body, it shimmered as if mocking him. With another gesture Bakugo was pushed back, but before he could right himself he felt an invisible force all over his body. It pushed him onto a wall and kept him there. Her cocky smile stayed as she approached, hand raised and a chuckle in her throat.
"Nice try brat, but certain events have made me prioritize my personal safety. A mother has to do her best for her family, you know."
Bakugo growled as he tried in vain to break out, but she just applied more pressure. Tutting all while waving her finger at him.
"Naughty. Naughty. You really are overdue for some discipline."
However, Bakugo just laughed off her threats. Her pressure and insults were making him sweat more and more.
"Another thing about my mom-" it was then she noticed his palms flat against the wall, eye widening she drew back as he let loose a massive explosion, breaking the hold on him and rocketing him back towards his foe "-she hits way harder than you bitch!"
Momma was fast though and blocked with shielded arms. Bakugo kept peppering the matriarch with explosions, blitzing around at high speeds trying to crack the shell she had made. It was a battle of whose quirk would outlast the other.
At another part of the ruin city zone, Poppa charged in and threw the hardening hero with great force. Kirishima bounced off a car, getting dazed slightly. Shaking it off he stood and faced his enlarged foe.
"Pretty manly for you to fight for your wife!"
He seemed to smile at that, though the villain's guard did not drop.
"But you can't be a door mat man! Stand up for yourself!"
That seemed to irk the prison salaryman as he inflated his fist and torso, further adding to his height. Kirishima responded by hardening his hands and forearms, fingers out as knife hands ready to fight. With speed and gusto, both men charged.
Poppa moved first, using his rubber like arms he brought his large fist down upon his foe. His intent to crush him was clear as Kirishima dodged and the earth cracked where he just was. It didn't take too long for the hardening hero student to get close and begin his own attack. Slicing with his arms, he slashed at the villain's torso. Once. Twice. Again and again. However he was surprised to find his hardened limbs scored no damage. It felt like he was trying to cut through the thickest tire imaginable.
In his moment of confusion, Poppa batted him to the side with an enlarged arm. His face was pleased and cocky. Kirishima tried to stand, but the villain wasn't going to play fair. He struck with palms out, pushing the hero back. Kirishima defended and tried to dig his heels, but the strength was too much.
'C'mon! Get harder!'
Willing his quirks in his legs, the boy's legs hardened. Becoming a solid foundation and stopping the patriarch in his tracks. Surprised took his features as the boy found his footing. He chuckled as he gripped the large palms. With a mighty and manly yell he deflected the arm push and shoulder tackled the villains. He was pushed back and landed painfully against the side of a ruined building, rubble covering him in a cloud of dust. Kirishima smirked as he rolled his shoulders, keeping his forearms hardened in case of his foe's counter.
The dust permeated throughout the street, a dense fog making it hard for the hero student to see his foe. An advantage that was taken. Two arms stretched out at high speeds and began to wrap around the boy. He tried to pry them off but the wrappings were too tight for even his hardened limbs to make a dent. Like the car tire feeling from before. Now Kirishima might have been a manly physical fighter, but he wasn't stupid.
'He must be stretching his body wherever I struggle or hit. Got to find a weak spot. C'mon get harder!'
Kirishima tried to find a weak spot to maybe break the villain's grip, but it was getting futile as he began to squeeze harder to cease the boy's struggles. Grimacing, the villain began to lengthen his arms and started to slam the hero around the ruins. Like a wrecking ball he was flung around, ground cracking and rubble piles scattering. If it was not for the boys hardening, he could be hurt much worse.
After a while the patriarch ceased his pounding and brought the scratched and slightly bruised boy to eye level. Kirishima just smirked at the damage only to the skin level.
"You'll have to try harder than that to get under my skin man!"
With a frustrated grunt, Poppa began to squeeze hard. Like a coiled python the arms began to crack the redhead's hard shell. Kirishima's smirk disappeared as he tried to free himself, but the rubbery arms held him too tightly. He could feel the oxygen start to be cut off as he struggled for breath.
At that moment some rubble shifted as another person made their presence known.
"Ah! I see you've got the brat," Momma's voice commented
Back where the boys had begun the fight, Bakugo and Momma continued their stand off. Suffice to say the matriarch was getting tired of the impertinent child's assault from the explosive blond. It was time to end it. Building up energy she sent out an assault of mini shields to make space and knock the blond back. Bakugo was quick and dodged back, the barriers nearly hitting him as he landed, his red eyes locked on his opponent to see her next move.
The barriers that formed around her body shimmered in light as they strengthened once more. Attention was reserved for her clenched fist as they formed into sharp blades, ones she brandished against her younger foe.
"Alright brat! You've officially broken my patience! Prepare to be disciplined!"
"Speaking my language! Let's go!" the blond laughed.
She began to advance but stopped when she noticed the boy's pose and manic grin. He had one of his grenade gauntlets pointed in her direction, finger looped in the pin. Her eyes went wide as she changed to a defensive posture.
Bakugo just laughed. With a quick movement he pointed the gauntlet behind him and pulled the pin.
*KA-BOOM*
With a powerful explosion, the blond was off like a missile and in less than a second he made impact with the villainous matriarch.
*KRACK*
Momma's shield guard shattered as the boy knocked her down. Moving quickly he grabbed her by the face and with a windmill-like throw aided by some explosions he threw the villainous matriarch into a ruined wall with great force. She fell into a painful heap on the floor, breathing heavily as she processed what had hit her. Bakugo laughed and let off some more explosions as he approached.
"Now you ready to talk bitch?"
As he approached he felt his breath cut short. Reaching up he felt some sort of barrier around his neck. Dropping to his knees, he tried to break it. Hearing laughing, he looked hatefully at the rising villain. She was smiling sinisterly, her hand outstretched and body bloody.
"Naughty. Naughty. Naughty! Time to put you in your place brat!"
Bakugo let loose small explosions, trying to break the bonds. His efforts caused her to laugh in a sinister and maniacal way.
"You can try all you like, but the smaller the shield the greater my focus! You'll never break that! Just accept your discipline!"
This was bad. He could feel his lungs start to burn for oxygen. He focused more and cracks were starting to appear, but his progress was slow.
'I'm…not dying…here! Need…to…break…free!'
Just as he was about to pass out, a savior came from an unexpected place. Just as Momma was about to apply the death blow, long stretchy arms wrapped around her before tightening.
"What?!?"
The momentary distraction caused Bakugo to finally break her hold on him. Rubbing his throat he approached the confused villain. He shared in her confusion as he saw his savior. It was Poppa, but his eyes were blank and hollow.
"You imbecile! What are you doing? Release me at once! We usually wait till after the crime to do this!"
"He can't hear you," Her own voice answered.
With that Bakugo and the villain looked at the coming figure. It was Shinso with his facemask on and walking in control. Kirishima walked next to him, a confident look on his face as well. He lost it when he noticed Bakugo's rough state. He rushed to his side.
"You okay man?"
"I'm fine! Had her on the ropes."
"Whatever you say," Shinso commented, his voice still that of Mommas.
Bakugo rubbed his throat, his mind going to the mystery mind control the boy had. His eyes lit up in recognition of the activation requirement.
"It's your voice."
"Hm?"
"How your quirk works. They just answer and you can control them."
Switching off the mask and taking it off caused it to hang loosely around his neck, his face was impressed and cool, "Figured it out. Guess you're not as dumb as you look."
"Grr. Since it's useful I'll ignore that."
The boys then turned to the captive matriarch. The woman had stopped struggling and looked nervously at the gathered boys.
"Now boys, let's not do anything too hasty. I've still got a family to look out for."
Bakugo let an explosion loose as he approached, but was stopped by kirishima. The manly student turned to Shinso, it would seem he wanted to try it a different way before.
"Can you use your quirk? It 'll make her more cooperative right?"
"Can't make people talk yet. Still working on that sorry."
Bakugo smiled at that, explosions returning to his flexing palms, "Great! That means we do it my way!"
"Now let's not be too hasty boys! I'm a reasonable woman with a family. Surely we can work something out! These guys are crazy and I'll be happy to help if it reduce mine and my families sentence"
"No promises! Start talking!"
"Easy. When I was a little girl-"
"About your plan! How are you gonna kill All Might?"
Shinso stepped forward and leaned, "We can only control this angry Pomeranian for so long. So please make this easier."
Bakguo ignored that comment and leaned along with Kirishima as the matriarch took a deep breath to calm herself.
"Look, I swear on my family's life that I don't know the finer details. We were just told to kill some kids to throw off All Might."
"That wouldn't work idiot! None of you are even strong enough to be C-tier."
"Yeah! All Might way too manly for you guys to take on."
"Even if you killed some of us it would only anger him and make things worse for you."
"That's what I thought, but then the rude hand boy just laughed in my face and told us to leave it to him and do as we were told. He was quite rude and had no manners. But…"
"Out with it bitch!" The blond yelled, before Kirishima placed a calming hand on his shoulder. He grunted but listened.
Momma's eyes trembled with fear as she spoke slowly. "There was a big guy, less of a man, more like a beast. When we asked about him, the boy just laughed and called him his secret weapon and told us just to focus on our task."
The boy's eyes were wide at that, their minds putting together the information the villain told them. Hearing the word beast especially got Bakugo's attention.
'If they have someone like him… No! All Might is the strongest!'
The boys processed the information as Shinso walked forward, "Thanks for the tip. Now you get to take a nap."
"Wha-"
"Poppa, knock her out."
With a squeeze of her bonds the villainous matriarch was out for a while.
"What about him?"
"Poppa, tie yourself up and knock yourself out."
The other two watched in amazement as the villain did as the purple haired boy said. They then sat with the knowledge of what Momma had revealed. Bakugo was the first to move, making his way to the exit of the zone.
"Where are you going?" Shinso asked.
"Sitting around ain't gonna do shit. I'm going back to the entrance to deal with the mist guy."
"And their secret weapon? If they have a way to beat All Might?"
"He's stronger than some punk-ass villains. The best we can do is cut off their escape."
"That's…actually a good plan."
"A manly plan!"
Bakugo growled as the other joined him, his thoughts to the intel and the looming threat the villain told him about.
'Someone as strong as All Might…could they really have that?'
Then he thought about a certain green haired classmate and the monster inside him.
'You better have control of that beast Deku. For all of us. Cause-'
They heard a mighty and rageful yell. An equally disturbing yell joined it, shaking the teens to their core. Bakugo started going double time by shooting explosions behind him.
'I don't know if I'm strong enough to save everyone.'
Back in the shipwreck zone. Tsu dropped off Izuku near the opened entrance. Minet and Kaminari were waiting by the wall that separated the zone from the central plaza. It was a low wall, barely the size of Mineta, but the two boys stayed low observing. Mineta was peeking out and keeping a low profile, which was natural considering his low height and perverse nature.
"Thanks Tsu."
*Ribbit*
They joined their friends at the wall, staying low to make sure the villains could not see them. They took notice of Mineta's scared and pale expression, the two greenettes followed his gaze. They shared his dread when they spotted what he did.
In the center of the plaza a monster kneeled. While Izuku personally hated the word, it was appropriate here. The beast was the size of the Hulk. His skin black as night which made the red scars across its body stand out. He wore nothing but brown cargo pants that were torn at the cuffs. What was truly monstrous was his face. A large beak full of teeth in permanent snarl, eyes unfocused and dim and lastly an exposed brain pulsated dimly.
While the creature's appearance was startling enough, it was what he was kneeling on that caused them to pale.
It was the crumpled remains of their teacher, Mr. Aizawa. Faint movement implied weak breath signaling his life was still burning. The creature held his arm at odd angles, the bones clearly broken in multiple places. The other arm held his head down in a puddle of their teacher's own blood. The hand teenager from before was kneeling beside him, saying something with a hand on his elbow.
Izuku's focus was on the hand on his teacher's elbow when he noticed something. Skin had peeled off in flakes around the villain's hand, showing the muscle of their teacher's elbow.
'Mr. Aizawa…what kind of quirk could do that?'
'Don't know…but hand boy gonna pay!'
Just then, Kurogiri appeared next to the two causing the hand villain to converse with him. They talked loudly, seemingly unaware of the student's presence.
"Kurogiri. Did you do your job?"
"Apologies Master Shigariki. I spread some of the students, but one got out."
That gave the gathered students some hope and the now named Shigaraki some rage. He scratched his neck, flakes peeling off as he tantrumed. Kurogiri flinched at the boy's behavior.
"You idiot Kurogiri! Literally throwing the match! If you weren't our ride out of here I'd dust you right now."
The blue haired boy let out a disappointed gasp, turning away from the gathered students.
"Guess it's game over then. Let's go."
That gave the hidden students more hope. Kaminari and Mineta had a bro embrace as they silently celebrated. Tsuyu and Izuku just let out sighs of relief. However the relief faded quickly when Shigaraki's head tilted towards their position, a singular red eye gleaming from beneath the ghoulish hand.
"But first-"
With help from a portal, within seconds Shigaraki was in front of the teens hands outstretched about to grasp both Tsu and Izuku.
"-lets kill some kids as a gift for our beloved Symbol."
Izuku's mind raced. He had seconds before he and Tsuyu were turned to dust. He called on the Hulk and his anger, but the surpise of the sudden assault slowed him.
'C'mon!'
Luckily a friend came to their aid. Kaminari let loose a taser-like shock, knocking the villain back as he cursed. Tsu acted just as quickly grabbing Izuku and Minta as she and the Human Taser ran towards the entrance of the plaza. They made it as Shigaraki recovered, clenching his hands as the shock faded.
"Annoying pest! Nomu!"
The behemoth man stood and turned its empty gaze as Shigaraki, a wispy growl coming from its toothy beak. The blue haired villain then pointed toward the gathered teens.
"Kill those npc's, now!"
With a haunting howl, the beast turned and began a sprint to the teens' location, startling Kaminari and Mineta. Tsuyu began to retreat as well, but then saw Izuku standing firm. He looked back at Nomu, then to his own hands. He was contemplating before turning to face the charging villain.
"Midoriya, now might be a really good time for you to get angry. *Ribbit*" she stated, a scared tone to her usual stoic voice.
Izuku paused at that. His anger. He thought back to his quirk awakening. The way Kacchan was acting like a villain. How much it angered him. He thought back to All Might's debut before his quirk awoke. The hope it brought, but also the anger at a villain who caused the disaster. He never thought of it before, but he loathed villains. The righteous anger at them, destroying people's happy and safe lives. While he wanted to save people as a hero, he couldn't deny the anger at the people who endangered them in the first place. Be it the ones who viewed him and others as villainous or people like this villain and Nomu. They were supposed to have a normal rescue training day, instead they were fighting for their lives now.
He hated villains. Hated them all his life. No matter where they were from.
"I guess that's my secret Tsu," he said before facing his froggy friend, a sad smile on his lips and a fire in his eyes as Nomu was almost upon.
"I'm always angry."
With that he turned to face the villain. As he turned he let the righteous anger flow, transforming into the Hulk and landing a punch, surprising both Nomu and Shigaraki. Earth flew as Hulk dug in, stopping the creature in its tracks with a mighty roar.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
With a mighty shove, the creature fell back, an eerie growl coming from its beak. Hulk stood tall, a hateful glare at the beast as Shigaraki's surprise turned to intrigue.
"Well now, this is interesting…"
Hulk slammed the ground in challenge, "Hulk smash fake Hulk!"
"Well Nomu, looks like we found a mini boss," Shigaraki laughed, "Lets test your abilities. Smash him!"
With an echoing eerie yell the Nomu charged. Hulk let out a battle cry of his own as he charged as well. They made fist and pulled back. The teens and villains watched in anticipation as they prepared for the two titans to brawl.
The Hulk and Nomu's fist reared back and with great strength collided. The air exploded from the strength and the ground rumbled as some pebbles flew. Not to be out done they threw more punches, each fist meeting the others with the same explosive force. Hulk angrily focused on his opponent as he looked into Nomu's dead eyes. The beast matched him, heavy blow to heavy blow, eventually the wind pressure was too much for either to handle as they both were soon knocked back, earth and debris flying along the path.
The two beasts stood tall as Hulk growled. Shigaraki laughed, pleased with what he saw.
"Amazing! This is working out great! I was right Mini-boss, you're a great test!"
"Hulk will show you test!"
'Hulk! Wait! Something felt off about those hits from before. Might be Nomu's quirk, but I need to see more.'
"Well Hulk get you more!"
With that Hulk charged again as Shigaraki simply pointed and the Nomu let out a howl as it resumed its attack. Hulk reared back his fist and struck Nomu in the chest, dust and wind flying from the force of the punch. Once it cleared, Nomu stood unmoving. A wispy growl emanated as Hulk was confused. Nomu swiped with a yelp and a quick move of his forearm. Hulk blocked and was knocked back, angry at the attack having failed.
With a roar he charged once more. He hit Nomu in the gut. No movement, dodging a counter, Hulk hit him in the chest. No movement. Nomu swiped and Hulk dodged once more.
"Nomu tough!"
'Must be his quirk, I think I understand.'
"Not tough everywhere!"
Hulk struck at Nomu's exposed brain a shockwave emanating from the force. Nomu remained unmoved. He reared his head back and struck Hulk with a headbutt. Hulk was quick to block, but the force sent him back. Hulk grunted in frustration, green eyes alight with anger. Hulk roared and flexed in anger as Shigaraki's laugh turned maniacal.
"Guess you're just some dumb muscle after all, Mini Boss. Your strength wont work on Nomu. He was made to take out All Might! A scrub like you has no chance!"
"GRRR. Hulk smash Nomu! Then smash puny villain!"
"Well then, be my guest Mini Boss."
Hulk was just about to head for another clash when Izuku stopped him.
'Hold on! Don't you see he wants you to hit him.'
"Grrrrr…"
'I think I've figured it out. Why do your punches have no effect? He's absorbing your power. It's gotta be some sort of shock absorption.'
"Shock absorption?"
"Wow, maybe you do have a brain in there Mini Boss," Shigaraki clapped, interrupting the pair's conversation, "That's right, Nomu's got a shock absorption quirk. He was made to clash with All Might and bring an end to him!"
"Grr. Hulk smash Nomu then its handy boy turn!"
Shigaraki was taken slightly aback by that, but his confidence soon returned as he pointed Nomu towards Hulk. The Nomu charged as Hulk readied himself as he mumbled to Izuku.
'You noticed it too, Hulk? What he said?'
"Yeah!"
'Then leave this to me.'
Hulk let out another grunting roar as he charged. The two titans were about to meet for another clash, the villain confident and smug let out a sinister chuckle. Nomu's dead eyes met the Hulk's ever angry ones. Both giants reared back their fist, both aiming to parry their opponents punch.
However, Izuku's plan began to take shape. Izuku knew the Hulk's power came from anger and knew if he let him get angrier he would get stronger. It was a basic principle when he trained to control his rage. Like an attack dog on a rope leash, he kept the line taut and firm, never letting the Hulk's full power come out even for a second. Even in terms of training he kept it low, less he hurt his friends and rivals. While Kacchan viewed him as a monster, he was not going to stoop to the level of one to teach his bully a lesson.
Now a bigger bully had appeared, one who could match that current power. One that would not hesitate to kill him if he got the chance. He had to let loose some more anger, feed the Hulk's strength.
So Izuku lessened his grip on the rope only slightly.
Back in the fight, Hulk's fist began to glow with green energy. It was tiny and hardly noticeable, but both the gathered heroes and villains could tell something had changed. Both beast fist met with a crack of wind pressure, knuckle meeting knuckle. With a green flash the Nomu stumbled back, arm flying back, his punch broken. Shigaraki's red eyes went wide as the gathered heroes cheered.
"Yeah!" Kaminari cheered
"Show him who's boss!" Mineta added
Tsuyu gave a supportive nod as she noticed something and began to whisper to the other two.
Hulk gave a savage and angry smirk, pleased that he won the punch off. His fist glowed green as he observed them before clenching them as he readied to fight again.
"How'd you do that!? Didn't you listen? He has shock absorption!" Shigaraki exclaimed, hiding surprise with anger.
"Absorption! Limit to what he can take! So all Hulk have to do is-"
'I'll give you… the strength you need! All you…. need to do is-'
"-Hit him harder!/ -hit him harder!'
With that declaration, Hulk charged at Nomu. Green fist glowing slightly and crackling with energy as he began to land more punches. He hit Nomu across the face causing the villain to stumble. Hulk, pressing the attack, started to land a flurry of blows, continuing to knock Nomu backwards. Nomu found his footing and crossed his muscular arms in front of his head and chest, blocking the Hulk's heavy blows and standing firm. Despite this solid stance Nomu was being pushed back still and his block shook, but held firm.
'Trying… to tire us out.'
"Not going to work!"
Izuku let the rope loose a bit more and the glow around Hulk's fist brighted. Nomu's defense started to shake as his feet began to dig into the Earth. The Hulk's assault was never ending, the wind and dirt flew with every heavy blow. Green sparks flew across Hulk's fist as Nomu's guard broke and he stumbled. The Hulk lowered his fist, the green energy coalesced as he hit Nomu with a powerful uppercut.
"Hulk-"
Hulk then prepared to swing his other fist down, intent on ending the fight right then and there. Once more the power flowed as he brought his fist down.
"-Smash!"
The Fist made contact with Nomu as he was flung to the ground with great force. However, just as Nomu was about to land, a dark portal opened and Nomu disappeared. Hulk's fist hit the Earth and the ground cracked and crumbled from the force. Hulk was momentarily confused, he looked around for his opponent as he withdrew his fist from the crater it had made.
"Where he go?"
'That…portal…behind you!'
All of a sudden a portal opened behind Hulk and Nomu moved out fast, killing intent evident in its reared back fist. Hulk was quick to block. In an almost too perfect boxer stance, Nomu began to pummel at the Hulk's defenses. In the midst of the villain's flurry of punches, he raised back a hand and held it flat like a blade. Like a knife he finished his attack with a slash of his hand, slicing across Hulk's forearm.
"RAH!"
On instinct Hulk swung as Nomu blocked and was pushed back from the incredible force. The titans now had some distance between them, Hulk's hateful glare met Nomu's dead but sinister glare.
"RAH!"
'Hulk…wait…'
Hulk roared as he went in for another clash, ignoring his other halves' protest. He swung and another black portal enveloped Nomu as he also reared back for a counter attack. Hulk was ready though and struck behind him just as Nomu appeared, their fist cracking against each other. Hulk readied another punch, but once again Nomu teleported. He struck where he thought he was coming only to hit air. Hulk was about to turn again when Nomu came through at his back once more, legs extended hitting Hulk in the back. With a crack and a painful bending impact Hulk went flying across the ground. The Earth tore as he stopped his momentum with his hands. He stood, growling at Nomu. Though his gaze went to the Shigaraki and Kurogiri on the sidelines.
"No fair! Hand Boy and Mist Man cheating!"
Shigaraki just shrugged, his smugness at the forefront, "Villian."
Hulk growled as the glow faded from his fist. His other half tightened the rope and became clearer.
'So not only is Nomu tough, but Kurogiri is extremely good with his portals.So that's how they would beat All Might.'
"Overwhelm him with puny portals and students in danger. Annoying…"
'We'll need to fight both of them.'
"Hulk will handle it."
'Very well. Smash them good.'
Izuku made his decision and loosened the rope once more as the green glow took Hulk's fist again. He roared into battle as the Nomu let out a shriek and ran to meet his green adversary. Their fist met in clashes, the wind pressure exploding as the beasts continued to parry one punch with another over and over again. As Hulk built up power, the portal reappeared and swallowed Nomu. Hulk redirected his fist and met the Nomu behind him, their punches continued to be evenly matched.
Nomu teleported again, but instead of turning to punch again Hulk went low. Opening his fist, he grabbed a handful of Earth and threw it towards the villains like a powerful grapeshot blast. Kurogiri's eyes went wide for a moment before he chuckled and opened a portal in front of himself and Shigaraki, swallowing the attack.
Hulk growled as Nomu reappeared with the fast moving rubble. Hulk blocked, the rocks pattering against his forearms. Nomu once again sliced at the green goliath with chops and knife hands. Slashes appeared across Hulk's arms as he was once again forced back. Hulk once again growled, frustration evident on his angry features.
"Fast with portals. Annoying!"
'Yeah… and with these wounds… we won't last long…'
Hulk let out a growl in agreeance as he looked at the slashes on his arms. The big one from before and the small ones from the recent brawl. Hulk could still feel the pain on his back from Nomu's attack as well. His anger rose at the thoughts of these wounds.
"Stupid Nomu thinks he can hurt Hulk. These are nothing!"
'Yeah…but they are gonna slow us down…if only we could…'
Izuku and Hulk were both in agreement. These wounds hurt them and they hated it, more than they could even say. How dare the Nomu wound them and hurt them and their teacher. Both took on a surprise look as the green glow spread across the wounds. The blood dried up and the wounds closed one by one, even the pain in his lower back faded to nothing as he healed. The glow subsided and Hulk stood there, good as new.
Hulk looked at his hands and arms, checking them over before clenching his fist with a savage grin. Izuku was amazed, the analytical part of his brain alight.
'So we can heal…if we get angry…enough…good to…know.'
"Heh. Hulk unstoppable! Puny Nomu better watch out."
Shigaraki watched and scratched his neck at the scene he just witnessed, "Now who's the one cheating, hero?"
Hulk just growled and cracked his knuckles before he charged at the villain. Shigaraki simply nodded his head towards the goliath as Nomu raced out to meet him. They met, hands grasping each other in a test of strength. They pushed, feet digging in the ground as the Earth cracked and rumbled. They were up to their ankles in dirt as their arms were now fully extended, growling at each other hatefully.
With great strength and a blast of pressurized wind, their grips broke with a loud bang. They regained their stances as they drew back their fist and once again began to match each other blow for blow rapidly. With a growl, Nomu disappeared in a portal once more and Hulk guarded for a moment. Nomu exited from the left with an uppercut, breaking Hulk's guard and slashing his chest. Hulk just growled as he landed a blow as his scar healed and knocked Nomu back as the avian beast was consumed by another portal.
Hulk thought to throw rubble again, but knew Kurogiri was too smart for that so he had a simple plan, smash Nomu and outlast him with his new healing then deal with the puny League leaders.
Nomu reappeared and Hulk punched this time, catching Nomu in the stomach. The beast was breathless, but was quickly teleported again. Nomu tried the right, Hulk blocked then swiped as Nomu teleported again. Nomu appeared above Hulk, arms raised and hands clenched together ready to crush the green giant overhead. Hulk reacted faster and grabbed Nomu's leg and with a roar and a heave he slammed the monster on the ground with a crack. Hulk then readied a punch, but was forced to let go as Nomu was teleported once again. Nomu charged from a new portal, arms crossed over and hands like knives, and cut Hulk with a cross attack. Hulk recovered quickly and as he healed he punched Nomu across the jaw. They reset in their original positions, both winded but still ready to fight as they glared at each other.
The hero students watched in amazement, however Shigaraki watched with anger and impatience. Scratching his neck he let out a frustrated groan as his itching reached its peak.
"Grrr, why are you still alive!?!? You mean to tell me this green brat is as strong as All Might!?!? This is bullshit!"
"Master Tomura, please calm yourself," his misty compatriot pleaded, "We must-"
*BOOM*
Just as the mist villain was about to suggest a plan of action, a figure rocketed from a hiding place nearby. He made contact with Kurogiri and slammed him down on the ground with another explosion, hands clasped on a metal collar that was barely visible through the smoke. With a victorious smirk, Bakugo gazed at the villain now pinned under his hand.
"Let your guard down! Rookie mistake! I'm guessing this metal part is attached to your body! If you don't want to get blown to pieces then surrender!" he commanded
"Such violence boy and you are becoming a hero?" the mist man grumbled.
"Shut it! Unless you want to be blown to pieces!"
Shigaraki watched, his anger enough to match the Hulks as he saw his compatriot captured. He flexed his hands and got into an attack pose ready to strike. However, Bakugo tightened his hold as his compatriots flanked him, Kirishima on his left arms hard and ready and Shinso on the right arms tangled in his scarf in a pose that reminded him of the teacher he just fought. Shinso spared a worried glance that was quickly relieved before returning to steel at the villain.
"Try it, loser." Bakugo threatened.
Shigaraki grumbled before remembering he had a hostage himself and based on the purple haired students reaction it was a good hostage to have. He turned to retrieve that broken but alive teacher only to once more freeze in anger at what he saw.
There the students from the flood zone, making off quickly but carefully with the broken hero. Tsuyu carried him from the head and Mineta from the feet as Kaminari was on watch standing between the villain and the students. He let off a duel shocking middle fingers as he and the others retreated to a safe distance. Shigaraki's scratching reached a fever pitch as he furiously scratched at his neck. He turned to Nomu, his last card to play.
"What are you standing around for!?!? Kill them all!"
Nomu roared as he charged at the gathered heroes, but before he could make contact Hulk stood in the way and punched him back with another glowing punch.
"Hulk not done with you yet!"
Nomu roared as they charged at each other for the final clash. Green sparks flew as fist met and punches were thrown at each other, neither giving an inch. Bakugo tightened his hold and yelled out.
"C'mon Deku! Don't disappoint me!"
The others let out vocal encouragement as Hulk growled at the first comment.
"Hate him calling Hulk that name!"
'He knows…trying… to make us…angrier…Kacchan…'
"Hmph…"
The green glow over took Hulk's fist as the anger lowed, the green light tracing Hulk's veins. Although the glow was brightest in his fist and forearms, a faint one traced all along his body. Izuku's grip on the rope was loose enough to up the power, but tight enough that he wouldn't lose control. Thought that proved difficult with his emotions running high. Worry of failing, his love for Momo and above all his anger at the villains ruining their day and attempting to harm them. The rope was loose but secure, however he could feel it slipping minute by minute.
'Time…to…end this!'
With a burst of energy, Hulk broke Nomu's guard one more time causing the beast to stumble. The green goliath lowered his arm and fist, the glow growing very intense and struck Nomu in the stomach with an uppercut. Nomu caught the fist, but Hulk lifted with a roar and threw Nomu over his shoulder crashing into the earth creating cracks along the ground. Nomu's grip broke as the wind was knocked out of it. Nomu reached up to attack, but Hulk was faster and currently held the upper hand. He then transferred the glow to his legs, the energy intensifying there as he brought his foot down and stomped hard on Nomu's extended arm, crushing it flat. Bone cracked and like a balloon popping blood splatter beneath as Nomu howled in pain. Hulk wasn't done yet and brought the foot down for another stomp, this time on Nomu's chest, cracking bone as blood sputtered from Nomu's mouth before the creature went limp. Seeing his opponent was done, Hulk roared in victory to the relief of the gathered heroes.
Breathing heavily the goliath turned to shanking Shigaraki, the hands making it hard to tell what he was thinking, but Hulk knew the boy was still probably angry and close to a meltdown, "Surrender hand boy and Hulk only smash you a little."
Shigaraki leaned his head back, body still shaking as he put his hands on his head. However, instead of angry muttering he began to laugh. Starting with a small chuckle before launching into full maniacal laughter. It disturbed the students and made them feel a growing dread. Hulk grunted, angry at the unexpected reaction.
"Grrr. Why hand boy laugh!?!"
'Why…unless…'
Shigaraki halted his laughing slowly as he rustled back his hair. His red eyes looking at the Hulk's green ones, a sinister glare and though a hand cover his face one could feel the villainous smirk beneath.
"You idiotic dull creature. Nomu was made to kill All Might. Did you really think killing him would be that easy? You-"
As the villain monologued, Hulk felt a sharp pain in his thigh. Grunting and growling he looked down and his eyes went wide with what he saw. Nomu had reached his other arm over and had impaled Hulk's leg, blood running down his pants. He could feel the bone had fractures. Before the giant could stumble back, Nomu withdrew his hand and struck again this time high and into Hulk's side. Hulk let out a painful gasp as he felt his organs impaled. Nomu grabbed a handful of muscle and some of the organs and withdrew again. Hulk stumbled back as he clutched the hole in his side.
Nomu stood, laughing a sinister hollow laugh. He looked at his crushed and mangled arm before the sound of cracking filled the arena. To the shock and fear of the gathered students the Nomu's arm fixed itself, the beast flexing his fingers good as new.
"-should have gone for the head!"
Hulk was breathing heavily, clutching his side as he glared hatefully at the Nomu.
"Nomu heal fast too! Thought quirk was shock absorption!"
'I did… too…unless Nomu…has multiple quirks!'
"Impossible!"
'Who…could…do such a …thing…make such…a monster?'
"Don't care. Heal Hulk! Need to get back in it."
Izuku nodded, luckily the added anger of an enemy that refused to go down could be used effectively here. However, when Izuku tried to heal his body, the weakness was apparent from the start. It was going too slowly.
"What taking so long?" Hulk asked, trying to hide the pain.
'This isn't…some minor… cuts and… bruises'
"Grrr"
Shigaraki laughed sinisterly, "Aw what's the matter? Can't keep up? Good! Let's keep it that way!"
The hand-covered teen pointed and Nomu yelled out its ghoulish battle cry as he charged. Hulk was forced on to the defensive as Nomu pounded on his crossed arms. Normally this wasn't a problem for Hulk, but the fracture in his leg broke and he was forced on one knee. Nomu threw a wild and powerful haymaker and Hulk attempted to intercept with a straight jab of his own. Nomu was faster though and changed tactics, catching the punch with its arms and with a twist and a scream of pain from Hulk the arm was dislocated.
Hulk, in extreme pain and wild anger, threw his other arm in a flailing backhand, trying to make Nomu go away, but the monster caught that one too, this time with one hand. With a chop from the other at the Hulk's elbow and a sickening crack the arm broke and hung loosely with its partner at Hulk's sides.
Hulk breathed heavily in pain and anger as he threw a headbutt. One Nomu responded with a fist, dazing the goliath. Nomu cracked his knuckle and gave the same hollow sinister laugh. Hulk, dazed and out of it, gave a hateful glare as he spat up some blood.
"Puny…Midoriya…"
'Trying…big guy…trying…'
He really was, but memories of his awakening plagued him and he kept the grip on the rope. He tried to expend some energy to heal, but Nomu's assault began. With heavy blows and extreme force the Nomu treated Hulk's head like a punching bag. Blood spattered as the green goliath's head snapped back and forth, Nomu never letting up, hurting Izuku's concentration. He felt the pain and frustration, but couldn't help. His healing was too slow. On the one hand he couldn't lose control, but on the other his friends could die.
'Need…to save…Hulk… need to save…them…sorry…'
Nomu continued his assault, the Hulk's face looked like a green and purple leaking bruised watermelon. He breathed heavily, but refused to fall, consciousness hanging on by a thread as Nomu finally stopped.
The gathered heroes watch in a stunned fear. Bakugo's grip tightened in disbelief as Shigaraki laughed.
'No. This isn't how it's supposed to be! I'm supposed to surpass you Deku!'
The villain's laugh reached a fever pitch as he let out his final command, red eyes looking hatefully at the hero that nearly spoiled the fun.
"Now tear his head off! Make an example of him."
Nomu gripped Hulk's hair and pressed down on his skull. He began to pull with great strength. Hulk, though weak, looked hatefully at his would-be killer. He spat blood in the eye of Nomu earning a harsher pull. Inside Izuku felt the end approaching.
'Sorry…everyone…All Might…Mom…Kacchan…Momo…'
As if on cue a small projectile of plasma concussive force hit Nomu's, singing it slightly. Nomu let out a grunt of pain from the precise impact as he turned to the source. The other gathered heroes and villains turned to the source of the attack.
It was a female figure shrouded in red body armor with gold along thighs, midriff and upper arms. She stood her ground strong like the iron she was encased in, glowing blue accents thrummed with power. The blue was focused on the outstretched palm she just fired and the center of her chest. Behind her stood a horrified, but resolute Jiro holding a staff sparking electricity. Even beneath a stern looking helmet, one could feel the anger and sternness behind the glowing blue eyes.
"Get away from him!" a metallic female voice ordered.
Nomu threw down the goliath as he glared at this new opponent. Shigaraki let out a groan of annoyance as his scratching returned only slightly.
"More mini-bosses! This level is bullshit!"
He looked to his compatriot still held hostage, a frustrated sigh left him. He knew he was running out of time.
"Nomu. Kill her quickly."
Nomu let out its eerie battle howl as it charged. The armored female's suit powered up. She levitated off the ground slightly, hands open at her sides to stabilize. She then flew forward as well, ready for combat.
On the ground, Hulk breathed laboriously. His wounds were too much and he was healing too slow. He flitted in and out of consciousness, bruised and swollen eyes struggled to remain opened. When focus returned for a moment, he gazed at the armored female in recognition.
"Mo… mo…?"
Darkness then swallowed him.