Chapter 96:
It was time for the final match, and while things were drawing to a close, interest hadn't waned in the slightest. All eyes fell on the screen as the two teams took the stage. Class A, with Izuku, Minoru, Ochaco, and Mina. And Class B with Hitoshi, Neito Monoma, Yui Kodai, Nirengeki Shoda, and Reiko Yanagi.
It was clear that after the last four matches, Class B had become more cautious of their opponents. The assumption that Class A, who had constantly been wrapped in trouble and had delays in their education, had been a major miscalculation on their part. Just because they were behind in their lesson plans didn't mean they were behind in combat experience. The fourth match had been especially eye-opening to this when they saw Katsuki cooperating with his teammates, when every single person assumed he would act on his own.
When the match started, Sakura was certain of one thing. Izuku was going to be the main target. Among his teammates, he was the greatest threat, regardless of his predictability. If they had any hope of winning, they would need to find a way to remove him from the picture in some form. So far, it didn't seem like anyone else had the same power to match Izuku's.
"They're going after the nerd first." Katsuki declared beside her, glaring up at the screen.
"Of course, but they should know by now not to be reckless either. Since Izuku has realized this as well. Though Hitoshi is also on their team."
Katsuki said, "You and that mind guy are friends too," as if she'd given him an edge. She and Hitoshi rarely discussed classmates, and his main training partner was their homeroom teacher. Who would question Shouta about prepping the competition? He'd likely accuse them of making excuses instead of addressing their own weaknesses.
Sakura nodded, keeping her eyes on the flickering screens, focusing now on Hitoshi and his team. "He's the first one I trained, so he won't be easy to take down either. And Aizawa's been teaching him too,"
Hitoshi might not have held a strong opinion of himself and his power, but Sakura had shared with him on more than one occasion how to utilize his ability to the fullest. He was yet to understand the full extent of his mind control, and just like everyone else here, he had a lot of experience to still gain.
"If that nerd actually loses to this guy, I'll clobber him." Katsuki had pressed his jaw tight now, his shoulders straightening.
"Why's that?"
"That purple head doesn't have anywhere near the same experience or training that we've had. It doesn't matter if you taught him a couple of times; that's no excuse to lose."
Sakura pressed her lips, giving Katsuki a grin that made his skin crawl because he knew that some form of insult wrapped in sweet words was about to be delivered. "It's more than possible for a total dead last loser to catch up to an absolute genius and surpass them. That's what true resolve is capable of."
Somehow, that just made Katsuki more sick, because when he looked back at the screen, it was Izuku he was focused on now.
Even when he was nothing more than a quirkless crybaby, Izuku defied him. Not only him, but the status quo of power, something that didn't sit right with Katsuki's ego. Although now, he was at a point where he couldn't look down on anyone, because if he did, he might lose the chance to get stronger.
And that would be his own undoing.
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Izuku's team seemed to have taken the same design from Katsuki's, with Izuku taking the lead while the three kept a formation close behind but still at a distance where they would be out of sight. While Ochaco and Mina had the ability to follow a little ahead, that would leave Minoru in the background and exposed.
The plan was to use himself as bait to lure out Class B, but when the confrontation started, it was Monoma who made an appearance first. Communications were officially cut between Class A because of Hitoshi, and it didn't take long for things to become hectic.
Izuku's team seemed to have taken the same design from Katsuki's, but they were moving far more coordinated. Instead of chasing after one person to keep up, they had placed Izuku at the front (likely on his suggestion). He had already figured out most of his opponents' assumptions and analyzed their likely approach.
Izuku took point, his shoulders squared and eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, every potential ambush point. Behind him, Ochaco, Mina, and Minoru moved together, close enough to support each other, far enough to react.
It wasn't ideal, honestly. Ochaco and Mina had the mobility to scout ahead, to use their quirks for aerial advantage and tactical positioning. But that would leave Minoru exposed and ready for capture.
They couldn't afford that. Izuku wanted to aim for a flawless victory, just as his rival had achieved.
"Stay sharp," Izuku murmured. Glancing around into the darkness created by the steel pipes, a maze of shadows. They knew Hitoshi was out there somewhere as well and would have to keep their words to a minimum. Not to mention Monoma, who could copy any quirk, meaning there would be two chances of getting caught up in that ability. It only took one response to the wrong person.
"Midoriya!" The person who called him, the voice wasn't one that had come from any of his teammates. That's what happened before something went flying across the area. Izuku barely dodged.
One second, the path ahead was clear. Next, a container was flying through the air directly at his face, spinning end-over-end with enough force to crater concrete.
"Well, that was to be expected," Izuku followed the voice quickly to find Monoma standing on one of the pipes, hands in his pockets, wearing a wide smile.
'They're not wasting time,' Izuku pulled his finger behind his thumb, firing an air force shot back at Monoma. He jumped to another pip, the Air Force blast missing him by inches.
"Oh my, was I spotted?" Monoma's voice dripped with false dismay, one hand pressed dramatically to his chest. "And here I thought I was being so careful!"
Izuku said nothing. Didn't rise to the bait. Just kept moving, kept his eyes locked on Monoma while maintaining awareness of his surroundings. If Monoma had copied Shinso's Brainwashing, any verbal response would be fatal. But they soon found that wasn't the only quirk he had.
Bolts and screws erupted from hidden caches around the battlefield, flying at Izuku from three different angles. Poltergeist. Monoma had copied Yanagi's quirk and was using the industrial setting's abundant loose objects as ammunition.
Izuku twisted in mid-air, using Full Cowling to boost his speed, dodging the projectiles by inches. One screw grazed his shoulder, tearing his costume. His teammates had vanished from sight as well, but he heard one of the girls give a cry out in alarm.
Monoma had copied his teammates quirk's and that was enough to keep Izuku busy, from Kodai her size quirk that allowed her to alter the size of whatever she touches, and Yanagi poltergeist that let her control nearby objects and Shoda's quirk twin impact that would activate a second remote strike after an objects impact. This gave Monoma the ability to take whatever was laying around and on these grounds there were quite a few. He could shrink it, throw it adjust its size, speed and impact.
Ochaco, Minoru, and Mina were also being confronted, lured away from Izuku. They were being hit with the same attack, but had three opponents to deal with. And there was no sign of Hitoshi.
But that didn't mean he wasn't near.
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The match didn't take too long. Monoma had been keeping Izuku busy while Ochaco, Minoru and Mina engaged with Shoda and Kodai and Yanagi.
Sakura found this match to be the most riveting in her opinion. While neither group was that well-rounded, they had made the most of their quirks despite the odds. It was intense. The three class A students were able to restrain their opposing team by working together to combat the quirks that had objects flying at them from all angles. It was clear that Class B's team consisted mainly of long-distance fighters, which was a paradox to Class A, who were all actually close-combat combat, as their quirks required short distances for maximum effects. But they were able to restrain them with Minoru's quirk.
However, the three didn't back down, even with their powerhouse out of their hands and occupied. Minoru had set out his spheres to clear a pathway and also create an area that no one would attempt to attack, lest they wanted to get stuck. They were able to subdue their opponents once they managed to actually get in close, each giving the other an opening for that opportunity. Something they had picked up after training together with Sakura.
This gave way to no problem for Izuku. He was left to deal with Monoma and Hiotshi on his own. Hitoshi had been hiding in wait. But Izuku already predicted that and had been staying aware despite facing Monoma. Although he had four quirks on hand, it wasn't enough to take Izuku on in close-quarters combat. Which is why Monoma attempted to get Izuku to speak to him, trying to distract him. Nothing worked, though, and Izuku eventually started closing in. He picked up on Monoma's pattern of attack and was able to maneuver through the obstacles. When he had closed in, that's when Hitoshi couldn't stay in the dark any longer and pounced from the shadows.
He came up from behind Izuku, managing to wrap his scarf around his wrist that was about to throw a knockout punch to Monoma. He pulled Izuku away, and the two began to engage in a scuffle.
That's when Sakura's teachings shone through, not just on Izuku but on Hitoshi as well; however, Hitoshi couldn't keep up with Izuku's speed and power. When he attempted the same throw-over move that Sakura taught him, it didn't work a second time on him.
But there were clear similarities in their movements, the way they would throw a punch or kick that was swift and sharp, while minimizing wide movements to conserve energy. Something they had learned from the same person. Shouta had been working on his own style with Hitoshi's to incorporate a new form of fighting that was unique to him with his scarf. But Monoma was also attacking from a distance, throwing off Izuku with heavy objects expanding without warning and colliding in double impacts with forces he had to either dodge or counter.
Izuku was being overwhelmed by them and their strategy, and it seemed that things were going to end badly. Especially when Hitoshi nearly got Izuku to call out when he thought he heard Ochaco's voice.
They were keeping him at bay, whenever Izuku attempted to go for Monoma, Hitoshi would step in from a short range to prevent that from happening and when Izuku was on the verge of taking down Hitoshi in some form that's when Monoma would deliver a powerful strike from a distance that would throw him off balance and give Hitoshi the chance to either counter attack or step away to recover.
At that point, they were going to outlast him; clearly, they were trying to whittle him down.
Doing something that even surprised Sakura.
He drew out his black whip, wrapping it around Monoma and Hiotshi. He flung them together, and they collided into unconsciousness. When they were woken up, they were in a cage.
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The end of the final match was a bitter conclusion for Class B, ending with only a single win. Even so, they weren't poor losers, well, except for Monoma, who wouldn't stop his rants until his classmate knocked him over the head. And of course their homeroom teacher was worse for wear when he addressed the team, commenting far more gently on their loss than Shouta would for his class's win. Which was what happened as well.
But Hitoshi was the one taking things the hardest. Commenting how this lesson had been so eye opening for him to realize just how far behind he was trailing from the rest of them. It was as if he thought he had been chasing their silhouettes when in reality all he could see was the ground where they're footprints laid. The only way he knew where they were going but now idea how far he still had to follow. Shouta put an end to that pity act by trying to strangle it out of Hitoshi with his scarf, reminding him that this teacher did not allow his students to bask in self loathing. Not when there was more productive uses of their time.
"We still have much to analyze from these fights. But I'd say in all probability that Shinso will join the hero course in your second year."
Hitoshi seemed stunned by that statement. He had turned to stone when Sakura patted his head.
"You did well today."
He looked at his hands as if they were filled with his doubts, clenching them into his fists. "I'm not strong enough to stand against any of you yet."
"You mean with us," Sakura corrected, flicking at his forehead. Her hands raised to her hips, both of them watching the two classes standing in front of their homeroom teacher's taking in their critics and listening with open ears and willing thoroughness. No doubt everyone was going to reflect on how they had done this day against their competitors and were likely going to start comparing how they had improved or where they could further advance.
"Have you been teaching Midoriya?"
"I've been helping."
That made sense. Hitoshi had picked up something different in the way he moved, and it wasn't just because of the time that had passed between them. There was an attempt at mirroring some movements that he recognized as Sakura's.
"He's gotten stronger,"
"Then you just have to get stronger, too."
"I intend to."
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This was not going to be the last time they dealt with Class B. The night after the joining training, they had turned class A's dorm into a party. Coming around to discuss their training together and heckle.
The common room was packed. They were filling the couches, and the mats and chairs, Sato had gotten to baking for everyone, and Momo had brewed some of her premium tea that no one knew the name of. The room was filled with the chaos that came from thirty-plus teenagers in one space.
Sakura even caught wind of Denki, starting a circle to tell everyone about the bell test. He was quite the storyteller, though, and didn't even need to exaggerate to make the scene sound worse than what it actually was.
"….and then just when we thought we got her, BAM, she's flipping over a football field of dirt and burying all of us under it!" Kaminari was saying, his hands gesturing wildly as he recounted Sakura's training exercise to a captivated audience of Class B students. "Just completely on her own, against all of us!"
"She did what?" Kendo's eyes were wide.
"It was terrifying," Minoru said, shuddering at the memory. "Some of us got too intense and tried to kill each other," He gave a distinct look over at Katsuki.
"Ha!?"
Across the room, Eijiro was pestering Tetsutetsu with questions about how he had improved so much in his abilities and how he himself was so far behind.
Pony was attempting to teach Ochaco some English phrases, with limited success and maximum laughter.
In the kitchen, helping Sato prepare another batch of cookies. Sakura was pointedly trying to tune out the increasingly embellished retelling of her training methods.
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Eri held Sakura's hand as she guided them through the hallways. Eri seemed a little nervous, and Sakura asked if she was doing all right. Eri said yes, but Sakura decided to explain to her once again what they were doing today.
"He's just going to do a little check-up on your quirk, and then it'll be done."
Eri didn't know why, but she was feeling nervous about this. Although she was always nervous when it came to dealing with her quirk she didn't like it she had a few episodes where her quirk would be ready to overload and Sakura or Shouta would need to come in to help calm her down when her horn grew too big. But Eri didn't want to stay that way forever, and Sakura always assured her that she could do it and this was going to be the first step to learning to control her quirk. But Eri just wished she could have been feeling more brave, because she doesn't want to hurt anyone anymore. Or herself.
Sakura nodded. "Don't worry, Eri. It's going to be just fine."
That's when they saw Shouta standing with Mirio and Izuku and Monoma.
"The bad part of UA."
"Who told you that?" Sakura asked.
Mirio confessed that he told Eri.
"Why would you-
But then Sakura looked at Monoma, laughing rather maniacally while denying those words, and just couldn't defend him.
"Never mind." Sakura patted Eri's head as she stayed beside her.
They all watched in anticipation as Monoma stooped down to Eri's level, holding out his hand and instructing her to touch it. She looked at Sakura briefly, who nodded, and reached for him. Their hands connected, and that's when a little protrusion peeked out of Monoma's head on the side where Eri also had her horn.
"How about it, Monoma?" asked Shouta.
He held a hand over the horn. "It's a blank."
"What does that mean?" Sakura asked. "A blank?"
"Sometimes when I copy quirks, I draw a blank. This means I can't use it, such as a stockpiling quirk. I can copy the nature of a quirk, but a quirk that requires you to charge it in some way... For example, Fat Gum's quirk stores fat, so while I can copy the quirk, I won't have that stored fat to make it effective."
"Oh." Sakura trailed off, glancing at Eri.
"So why copy?" asked Mirio.
"Even if Eri can activate her quirk, she still can't control it, and that can be dangerous for her and those around her," Shouta explained in a pragmatic tone.
Eri looked down with a slight pout. Sakura patted her head gently, leaning down. "Hey, hey, it's alright."
"But but it's-
"It's going to be fine." Sakura took Eri's hands, having her look into her eyes. "Listen to me, Eri. We're going to start training you to handle your quirk together, alright? I'll make sure nothing bad ever happens to you ever again. Remember? I promised."
Eri nodded, wiping her eyes.
"This is your power."
Izuku looked at his hands. Just like Eri, he also had a lot to learn about his own power, and he had Sakura to thank for getting this far now. He was sure that if anyone would be able to teach Eri to get a hold of this wonderful power, it would be her.
Just then, Nezu walked in unexpectedly. Shouta and everyone greeted him. "Principal Nezu, what brings you here?"
Nezu seemed to have a rather turbulent look in his eyes. He glanced over at everyone. "I heard that you would all be here. I just got off a call with Centipeder."
Ears perked at the name of Nighteye's sidekick. He had taken over the agency with Bubble Girl since Nighteye had been out of commission.
"What? Did something happen?" Mirio asked. His usual smile was gone, and his demeanor had grown cold. Despite losing his quirk, Mirio still held a smile on his face.
Nezu looked between them all. "Sir Nighteye has woken up."
That's all for now Folks. I hope this read gives you a breather from any tough times, and that 2026 will be your new best year! I've been working on new and old stories, and I'll be sharing them very very soon, so keep an eye out.
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EARLY CHAPTERS FOR MEMBERS NOW: BUYMEACOFFEE
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter (97, 98, 99, 100)
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter (43, 44, 45)
-Crossroads of Fate chapter (34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
-Through the Looking Glass chapter (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
- (Bleach crossover) Kunoichi amongst Reapers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
-Commission: Demon slayer x My hero academia (PART 1 & 2)
- Kunoichi amongst Benders (Avatar x Naruto crossover) (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi