---
The Nomu roared as it charged again, ground quaking under its monstrous feet.
Ron stood still, body glowing with a faint electric hum. One For All pulsed through his muscles, Explosion primed in his palms, and the new addition—Super Regeneration—knitted together any damage in real-time.
He welcomed the beast's fury.
"Everyone," he barked without turning, "get back to the entrance. Help is coming."
"But—" Midoriya hesitated.
"Go. I'm not asking again."
Todoroki's ice spread to block enemy reinforcements, and Bakugo growled but followed the others. Ron was alone with the monster.
And that's just how he wanted it.
---
The Nomu lunged.
Ron met it halfway, leaping into the air with an Explosion-powered boost and smashing his fist into the Nomu's jaw. The impact echoed through the USJ dome.
Nomu reeled back, healing before it even hit the ground.
Ron followed up, launching a barrage of fiery punches and engine-powered kicks. The creature fought back just as fiercely, its strikes heavy enough to crush steel.
For every hit Ron landed, Nomu countered.
For every bone cracked, Ron's regeneration mended it.
> [Regeneration active.]
[OFA at 45%.]
"Let's push it further," Ron muttered.
He focused—OFA: 60% Full Cowl.
Power exploded from his body. Lightning danced along his limbs as his speed doubled. He vanished and reappeared behind the Nomu mid-blow, striking its back with a wind-shattering punch.
The beast crashed into a collapsed building zone.
But it stood again, roaring louder.
Ron's breath came harder now.
Even with regeneration, OFA's strain was no joke. But he'd fought battles like this in his previous life—just not with this kind of power.
"This thing was made to kill All Might," Ron murmured, watching its recovery. "But I'm not All Might."
"I'm better."
---
Across the battlefield, Kurogiri watched with concern.
The plan was falling apart.
"He copied it… the regeneration," he said aloud. "He's more than just a mimic."
From the shadows, Shigaraki scratched his neck furiously.
"He's ruining everything! Why is he here? Who even is this kid!?"
---
Ron landed in front of the Nomu again.
"Round two," he said, and slammed his palms together.
Explosion lit up beneath the Nomu's feet, blasting it into the air. Before gravity could reclaim it, Ron used Engine to dash skyward, fists ready.
"OFA: 100%—just this once!"
His arm glowed white with crackling force as he delivered a sky-splitting uppercut to the Nomu's chest.
The monster didn't just fall.
It cratered.
Smoke and dust engulfed the plaza.
Silence.
Then…
The Nomu didn't rise.
> [Target incapacitated. Copy available.]
[Nomu's Strength Quirk (Stacked Muscle Reinforcement) copied.]
Ron dropped to one knee, gasping. Sweat drenched his shirt. His arm was broken—but already healing.
"Damn… that was close."
---
And then, a chill ran down his spine.
He turned his head toward the sky.
A shadow moved across the clouds.
Far away… something ancient stirred.
All For One had just watched his Nomu fall.
---