The aftermath of the Nomu battle echoed through Hosu. Three Nomus—defeated. Dozens of lives saved. Media outlets were already buzzing about the mysterious student who fought alongside Endeavor.
Ron's name was everywhere.
> "U.A. Student Destroys Two Nomus!"
"Who Is Ron? The Copy Hero Rises!"
In the shadows of a crumbling hideout, Shigaraki Tomura stared at a tablet displaying the footage. His red eyes narrowed, hands twitching as the screen replayed Ron's devastating attacks—fire, explosion, regeneration, and One For All-enhanced strength.
Dabi leaned against the wall behind him, arms folded.
"He's not slowing down. The kid's already stronger than half the Pro Heroes."
Shigaraki didn't speak at first. Then he reached up and scratched his neck violently, drawing blood.
"I don't like him."
"He's dangerous," Kurogiri said, appearing beside them in a swirl of mist. "But also… useful."
A new voice crackled from a speaker on the wall—dark, powerful, and cold.
All For One.
"He has potential beyond even me… and that is exactly why we must take him before the heroes fully realize what he is."
Shigaraki's lips curled. "And if he refuses?"
"Then we break him."
---
🏫 Meanwhile – U.A. Dorms
Ron returned to campus after the patrol, his body slightly sore but already healing thanks to Super Regeneration.
His system chimed.
> [Quirks Stored: 10]
[New Passive Ability Unlocked: Adaptive Combat Mode]
Ron raised an eyebrow. "Adaptive what?"
> [System Explanation: Quirks now combine automatically in battle to respond to threats. Fusion allowed. Reaction time improved by 42%.]
He grinned. "Now we're talking."
Just as he entered the common room, he noticed something odd—Midoriya, Todoroki, and Bakugo were all staring at him silently.
"What?" Ron asked, amused.
Midoriya finally spoke. "You fought Nomus. With Endeavor."
"I did."
"And you copied their regeneration?"
"I did."
Bakugo stepped forward. "Then what the hell are you now?"
Ron's smile faded for just a second. He looked down at his hand as fire and black lightning danced across it.
"…I don't know yet," he said. "But I do know this—I'm just getting started."
---
🌑 In the Dark
Shigaraki placed a photo of Ron on the table.
His voice was low and cold.
"Send Toga. And Dabi. I want to see if the Copy Hero bleeds."
---