Fifteen minutes had passed since their laughter faded into the hollow streets of Shibuya. The air had grown quieter but it wasn't suffocating like before. It was a silence filled with a shared understanding and a cautious kind of camaraderie.
During those fifteen minutes Yuji decided to tell Izuku what he was doing before running into him. Izuku in typical fashion, felt bad for sidetracking him but Yuji assured him that it's no sweat.
"So yeah...that's pretty much what I was doing before I ran into you" Yuji walked a step ahead, his hands tucked into his pockets, glancing around as he spoke.
"Trying to find your team?" Izuku hummed thoughtfully beside him
"Yeah it's because of Gojo, he's actually my sensei but he's been...sealed inside the Prison Realm" Yuji nodded
"Sealed? In a Prison Realm?" Izuku stopped mid-step as he repeated it slowly.
"What does that even mean?" Izuku knew what it meant to be sealed but the phrase Prison Realm carried an unnatural weight.
"It's exactly what it sounds like. It's a cursed object from what I understand and once it's closed there's no getting out. He could be in there for who knows how long" Yuji's expression darkened
"Who could even do something like that?" Izuku's eyes flickered in disbelief.
"Someone who's planned for this very thing to go the way he wanted. Gojo-sensei's the most powerful sorcerer in all of Japan and probably the world" Yuji's hands tightened into fists at his sides.
"The strongest sealed away in some cursed object? Monsters running free, The idea of sorcerers...just how far does this go?" Izuku listened quietly
The implications were staggering to say the least, a powerful force taken off the board with enemies closing in and innocent lives caught in the crossfire. It mirrored the situation back home all too well, his mind briefly flashed to his original mission where his world was drowning in chaos and now he had been dropped into another just like it.
A familiar frustration twisted in his chest. Is this what it meant to be a hero? To never have a moment to breathe? to always be running toward another battlefield or another disaster? It felt endless. He had already accepted that fate and he shouldered it willingly but to be thrown into another war, let alone one that wasn't even his own.
So the question remained. Was this really where he was supposed to be? He wanted to believe that this was just another trial or another hardship he had to endure before he could return to his world and finish what he started but what if it wasn't?
Despite his feelings on the situation he couldn't afford to hesitate, his world may be suffering but so was this one. So if there was a chance to make a difference in this world then Izuku wouldn't hesitate to try.
"Itadori! You're wasting time!" Yuji stopped and Izuku turned sharply as the voice echoed from the small earpiece attached to Yuji's ear.
"Geez, you sure picked a great time to chime in Mechamaru" Yuji sighed.
"Mechamaru?" Izuku's brow raised
"Enough introductions, you've already lost precious time. If you're done trying to kill each other then get moving. We still need to warn the others about Gojo's sealing" Mechamaru said with urgency
"Yeah yeah we're going but before that, you might want to explain what the main objective is to this guy. He's strong as hell and if he wants to help then he needs to know what we're up against" Yuji said while subconsciously pointing at Izuku
"Alright listen up whoever you are. I don't have time to explain every little detail so I'll make this brief" The earpiece crackled
"Cursed spirits and Curse Users have set up a massive operation to tip the balance of power in their favor. The centerpiece of their plan? The sealing of Satoru Gojo, the only man capable of stopping them outright or at least capable of giving us the edge to stop them" Mechamaru continued.
"There are multiple battlefields across the city. We have allies fighting inside the enemy's territory but communications are spotty at best. If we don't spread the word about Gojo's sealing we're going to start losing people fast"
"So they planned this from the start..." Izuku clenched his fists.
"Obviously" Mechamaru snapped back
"And now that we've lost our biggest asset, the rest of us are left to pick up the pieces. The enemy may be stronger or even more organized and they already have a head start. If you really want to help then keep up and don't slow Itadori down" Mechamaru finished
"I don't know how much help I'll be but if there's a chance to stop more people from dying then I'm not standing aside" Izuku met Yuji's gaze. There was no hesitation left in either of them.
"Guess that means we're officially working together" Yuji smirked.
"If you're done becoming friends then start moving" Mechamaru's voice cut through the moment.
"Let's go Deku" Yuji said as he picked up the pace and Izuku followed
Both boy began sprinting through the silent district in sync and they didn't have time to waste. Yuji didn't know exactly where Team Nanami was but he had an Idea cooking in his head on how to get them to meet up.
"So what's your deal man? You fight like a sorcerer but there's no cursed energy coming off you. That power of yours gives me goosebumps" Yuji glanced over mid-run
"How much should I even tell him? it won't be so bad if I tell him a little bit right?" Izuku didn't answer right away.
"I'm...not exactly from here" After a few long seconds he spoke.
"Well you are from the country si-" Yuji blinked.
"No, I mean not from this world or maybe not from this timeline. I'm not even sure anymore" Izuku's tone was honest.
"Where I'm from people are born with power, abilities they use in everyday life. Some people use them to hurt others and some use them to protect" He finished
"So you're one of the ones who protect I'm guessing" Yuji said, trying to piece everything together.
"Yeah, we're heroes. It's who I am and what I chose to be and I'll save anyone I can" Izuku said simply, his eyes still sweeping the street.
"You kinda remind me of Nanami" Yuji said with a grin
"He's the kind of guy who says he's just doing his job but he always does more than that. Always steps in when people need him" There was a mix of admiration and understanding in his tone and Izuku knew that feeling all too well.
"You look up to him don't you?" Izuku asked.
"Kinda hard not to. He's strong, smart, and always knows what to do. He told me once that I shouldn't be so reckless with my own life" Yuji recalled
"Sounds like someone worth listening to" Izuku absorbed that quietly.
"Yeah well, I kinda don't always listen when I should.." Yuji gave a small chuckle
Before long they arrived at an intersection but they both sensed something unfortunately familiar. Four twisted low grade curses slithered out from the debris, each grotesque and malformed in its own way.
Izuku and Yuji locked eyes for a split second, a silent agreement passing between them. Yuji wasted no time as he began launching himself at the nearest one and drove a heavy punch into the chest of the nearest curse, sending it staggering backward. At the same time Izuku dashed in from the right, wrapping Blackwhip around the curse's legs and yanking it off the ground.
"Yuji take it!" Izuku called out.
Yuji reacted instantly by jumping up to it before bringing his fist down in a brutal overhead strike. The curse crumpled beneath the impact, causing its form to disperse into nothingness. Afterwards Danger Sense flared like a flashbang inside Izuku's mind.
"Behind me!" He pivoted instantly, arm snapping up just in time to intercept another curse lunging for his back.
His fist cocked back with the golden light flaring to life but it began to sputter and flicker before fading away. The blow still landed and the sheer physical force sent the curse crashing through a wall but it wasn't enough to destroy it. It's body collapsed halfway before dragging itself upright again with blood dripping from its maw.
"I got it!" Yuji's voice cut through the static of the fight. Yuji sprang into action and crushed it's skull with an axe kick.
"You good? That thing was able to tank your punch" Yuji said while jogging up to Izuku
"Yeah, I'm fine. My power is just acting strange" Izuku blinked, flexing his hand as faint smoke drifted from his knuckles.
"You mean that light thing? I guess it's acting up huh?" Yuji rubbed his chin
"It's like something's interfering with it" Izuku finished
"Well whatever it is, it still packs a punch. So I wouldn't be too worried about it and hey, maybe my friends will be able to help you figure it out" Yuji scratched the back of his head.
"Thanks Yuji" Izuku sighed while Yuji nodded and scanned the street.
"We need to get up there. It's going to take us forever to find my friends if we run everywhere. So if I can call out as loud as a can from a tall enough building, I should get their attention" He pointed to a nearby office building that seemed high enough.
"That could work and I can get us up there" Izuku followed his gaze, tilting his head slightly.
"How exactly are you planni-" Yuji turned to look at him with a doubtful squint
Izuku reached out his arm and Blackwhip shot from his arm and coiled around Yuji's waist before he could react.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Hey wait a minute!" Yuji barely got the words out before Izuku crouched, the ground beneath him cracking.
"Hang on Yuji" Green lightning arced across his legs, the faint hum of power building in the air.
"N-NO N-" Yuji tried to get out of it but didn't have a choice.
He jumped and the world blurred right before Yuji's eyes. The force of the leap sent a shockwave through the street, scattering loose paper and dust as the two shot skyward. Yuji on the other hand was flailing all over the place from the speed and wind.
"Y-You....could've....w-warned....me first!" Yuji's yell echoed the whole way up.
The wind tore past them before he activated Float, causing the momentum to ease into a controlled descent. The pair drifted gently down onto the rooftop, Yuji landing on his knees before flopping flat on his back, arms spread wide.
"You and your superhero launch jumps are gonna give me a heart attack one day" Yuji groaned, pointing weakly at him.
"We got up here fast didn't we?" Izuku rubbed the back of his neck
"Yeah yeah...remind me not to complain about running next time" Yuji shot him a sideways glare that softened into a reluctant grin.
Izuku walked up and offered a helping hand which Yuji accepted without complaint. Yuji and Izuku stepped toward the edge of the rooftop, peering out across the empty and quiet sprawl of Shibuya.
"Alright, lets see if I can get their attention" Yuji didn't waste another second. Cupping his hands around his mouth he took a deep breath and shouted with everything he had.
"NANAMI!!!"
"NANAMI!!!"
"NANAMI!!!"
"GOJO IS IN TROUBLE!! HE'S BEEN SEALED!!!"
Yuji stopped and let his voice echoed throughout the city. It may not have been the best plan but it's better than running around everywhere.
"That should carry a good distance right?" Izuku glanced at him as the echo died away.
"Yeah, If they're close they'll definitely hear it" Yuji said while leaning against a metal vent
For a few moments neither of them spoke. The wind whipped the railings at the edge of the buildings while carrying bits of paper into the air, It was strangely calm.
"Guess all we can do now is wait it out" Yuji rubbed the back of his neck and broke the silence.
"That's fine. It does gives us a moment to breathe for now and I'd say that we need it" Izuku nodded before stepping beside him.
Izuku stood there in comfortable silence while taking in the moment while allowing his thoughts to drift off. Yuji on the other hand seemed like he was trying to come up with something to say but was having trouble wording it in his head.
"How...how do you do it?" Yuji said while watching Izuku out of the corner of his eye.
"What do you mean Yuji?" Izuku matched the gaze.
"Back there when we fought you read me like a book. It's like you knew what I was gonna do before I did it. You don't even use cursed energy but you fight like a veteran sorcerer"
"You're asking how I fight?" Izuku tilted his head slightly, considering the question.
"Kinda? I guess Im asking how you're able to be so skilled and far ahead, especially since we're the same age. You just make it look so easy" Yuji rubbed the back of his neck
"Well I've always analyzed fights ever since I was a kid, I practically studied heroes as much as I did with homework. From how they positioned themselves, what their moves were, what they prioritized, what worked and what didn't. I wanted to understand why they won you know? What truly makes them a hero" Izuku's gaze fell to his gloved hands.
"Eventually analyzing became like a sixth sense in a way. I did it without even thinking abou tit and it ended up becoming one of my tools in and out of fights. Every bit of movement and every shift in an opponents weight is like...seeing a pattern unfold" He paused as his thumb brushed over the worn knuckles of his glove.
"But" Izuku continued quietly
"That only gets you so far. You can read a fight sure, maybe even predict the next move your opponent will make but you can't control it. Sometimes trying to read everything can slow you down or just get in the way of actually fighting and I've learned that the hard way" He smiled faintly, remembering his fight with Kacchan after the license exam.
"But that doesn't mean it isn't effective or you can't use what you've analyzed from others. Adopting aspects from how they do things and making it your own can come in handy. So I guess in the end...it just stuck with me" Izuku chuckled light heartedly
"That's just one aspect though. I may be super strong and someone once said that it's easy for someone like me because I was blessed. The truth is...I've been blessed by others, I've only gotten as far as I have because I had others there to help me strive towards my goal"
"Is there another reason why you asked me though?" Izuku could tell there was something more to his question.
"The reason why I asked is because..." He hesitated for a moment
"...All I've wanted since becoming a sorcerer was for people to have a proper death. To keep the people close to me safe so that when my time comes..." He stopped while staring down at his hands.
"When it's my turn to...pass on it's surrounded by people who actually care that I lived" Yuji's voice grew shakier.
"But ever since I became a sorcerer, it's like every time it really mattered...I wasn't strong enough" He clenched his fists.
"Junpei...he was my friend. He didn't deserve what happened to him and I tried..god, I tried but it didn't matter!" He laughed under his breath but it was empty and bitter.
"I keep telling myself that next time will be different, that I'll be stronger, faster, better. But no matter what I do it feels like I'm still just...not knowing what to do when it comes down to it..."
"So when I saw how you fought...how calm you were, how you knew what to do without a second thought...I just thought that maybe you figured out how to stop feeling like that. Like you're always one step behind what people need you to be" Yuji looked up again but it sunk back down again
"...You know" Yuji started quietly
"When my grandpa was still alive he said I should help people. He was the only family I had and the only one who ever gave a damn about me" Yuji's voice wavered
"I didn't even get to say goodbye properly and now...after everything it's like that promise he made me keep just gets heavier every day. I keep trying but...but sometimes I feel like I'm failing him. Like no matter what I do I'll never be enough" Yuji's voice broke but that's when Izuku turned to Yuji and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're not failing him Yuji. You've kept his words alive I'm sure of that" Izuku's voice was sincere.
"You've carried his promise through every fight, every loss, and through every time the world tried to break you. That's not failure Yuji that's strength" Izuku tightened his grip
"There's something my mentor once told me" Izuku began before letting go of Yuji's shoulder
"There can be any number of people in the world calling for help but we wouldn't know. There will always be people beyond our reach, people we can't protect no matter how hard we try"
"That's why we have to stand tall and keep moving forward. Because even when we can't save everyone, we can still inspire others to act so maybe they'll reach someone we couldn't"
"So I like to think being strong isn't about how hard you hit or how many battles you win. Heroes don't exist because they're invincible, they exist because they keep standing even when it hurts. Exactly like how you have Yuji" The faint hum of the energy began to stir around Izuku, that same golden radiance from before.
"You've lost, you've hurt, and you've doubted yourself but you're still here. You're still fighting to protect others when no one would blame you for giving up" The golden light grew, spiraling gently around him as it caught in the wind. Izuku's voice carried warmth, power, and something far deeper than conviction.
"Even after everything you've been through, whether that be all the pain, all the failure, all the despair, you never once stopped trying to give people a proper death. So you..." Izuku pushed his finger against Yuji's chest and the golden light followed.
"...without a doubt have the heart of a hero in my eyes" The light sunk into Yuji's chest.
"Heh...thanks Deku..." Yuji wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
The glow around them faded to a gentle shimmer, leaving the rooftop quiet again. Yuji stared out at the city below as the weight in his chest had lessened, if only a little but Izuku could still see the lingering doubt behind his eyes.
"You know, Yuji you're not as different from me as you think" Izuku stated
"Really?" Yuji said with a sniffle
"When I was younger...I didn't have any powers" He smiled faintly, though there was no humor in it.
"In a world where almost everyone's born with power, I was one of the few who wasn't. People used to tell me I'd never be a hero or that I'd never be good enough and for a long time...even if I didn't show it, I believed them"
"Then one day I was given a chance. Someone believed in me when I was about to give up. They gave me power, one I didn't fully understand...one I felt I wasn't deserving of even after all the hard work I put in. Yet even after that I couldn't stop thinking there were others more deserving" He flexed his hands as if remembering every scar that came with the power he carried.
"Fast forward a few months and a battle happened but we lost in the end. My 2nd mentor was hurt pretty bad and after everything that happened I..." He hesitated
"I left my friends behind..." Izuku admitted
"The people who stood by me through everything, I thought I was protecting them but what I've come to realize is that I was just running away. I thought being a hero meant carrying everything by myself" Izuku turned his gaze toward Yuji with an earnest expression.
"You said you wanted to protect people right? To save them from pain? I get that. I truly do but if you try to do it all alone and bottle things up inside then it'll eat you alive. It's not easy but you don't have to bear it all by yourself. None of us do" Izuku shook his head.
"You've been through a lot, you know that?" Yuji saint with a faint smile
"You have too" Izuku chuckled softly
"But maybe that's what makes us the same. We both know what it's like to break, to lose, and still choose to keep fighting anyway" Izuku looked up at the night sky.
"Yeah, guess we really are the same" Yuji joined him in looking up.
Izuku turned toward Yuji with a small but resolute smile tugging at his face as he raised his hand and extended a fist toward him.
"Huh?" Yuji was caught off guard
"No matter what happens we'll both become what we strive to be and if one of us starts to fall..." His smile grew
"...the other will be there to pick them back up" Izuku's voice was calm but firm.
Yuji looked at him for a second with surprise at first but then slowly smiled back. The exhaustion in his eyes softened and instead replaced with something hopeful.
"We'll both become heroes in our own way" Izuku nodded once with his hand still extended.
Yuji's grin widened as he lifted his own fist, bumping it against Izuku's. The soft thud echoed faintly in the quiet air between them, more powerful than any words could have been.
"You know what Deku? for a guy who dimension hops, you're alright" Yuji laughed lightly under his breath.
"I'll take that as a compliment" Izuku chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.
After a few minutes of thinking Izuku took a few steps away, putting a little space between them as he glanced around the rooftop.
"Well since we've got some time before your friends find us...maybe I can give you a few pointers" He said while turning back with a spark of determination in his eyes
"Pointers?" Yuji questioned
"Yeah and maybe a few lessons too" Izuku reached into one of the pouches on his utility belt and pulled out a small, worn notebook
"You're kidding, right? You carry that thing everywhere?" Yuji raised a brow, half laughing.
"You'd be surprised how much it helps. I did tell you that observation and analysis is part of how I got this far" Izuku smiled faintly while flipping the notebook open.
"Alright, fine. Guess I really am getting a crash course from another world's hero, huh?" Yuji groaned good-naturedly as he stretched his arms.
"You're not the only one trying to get stronger" Izuku looked back at him, the faintest trace of pride in his voice.
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[Act 4: Allies and Little White Lies]
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"Na-na-na-na-na-na-mi!!"
"Na-na-na-na-na-na-mi!!"
"hey there..." Megumi tried getting Yuji's attention with the keyword being tried
"Na-na-na-na-na-na-mi!!"
"I said "hey" moron!" Megumi's expression turned annoyed as he was ready to smack Itadori
"Na-na-"
SMACK!
"GAH!! Fushiguro? What was that for?!" Yuji staggered forward before whipping his head around while rubbing his head.
"You were yelling loud enough to wake the dead and you didn't see us standing right here?" Megumi exhaled sharply through his nose.
"OH Kento-dude! and wait who are you?..OW, seriously that stings!" He switched hands, massaging the other side of his skull.
"Feels like someone beat the brakes off me twice today..." Yuji muttered
"Someone...?" Megumi raised a brow.
"Uh...long story like very long story" Yuji froze for half a second.
"Does he really refer to Nanami like that?" Ino crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at Yuji's way of addressing Nanami.
"Itadori" Nanami cut in
"Nanami! Sir!" Yuji straightened like a soldier snapping to attention.
"Explain the situation" Nanami said simply.
"Uh...so- I was with Mei Mei and Ui Ui and-"He stopped, face twisting. There was no way he could explain everything clearly without sounding like a lunatic. Instead he reached up with both hands and peeled Mechamaru's drone from his ear.
"Actually...I'll let Mechamaru explain" Yuji said while plucking the tiny disc from his ear
"As Yuji had already shouted earlier, Gojo has been sealed but one of my surveillance drones within the station confirmed the one responsible...Suguru Geto" His tone devoid of emotion yet carrying an underlying weight.
"Geto did? and you're certain of this?" Nanami was more confused at this information than anything else since he thought Gojo had disposed of Geto a while ago.
"That's not all, he was assisted by multiple of those special grades. Their goal was to lure Satoru Gojo into the station, overwhelm him with civilians to limit his movements and seal him using the Prison Realm" Mechamaru continued
"If that's the case then it would be faster to get to him through the subway from the neighboring stations"
"Its an emergency..so please multi-task" mechamaru seemed to say in a somewhat sarcastic manner but it was urgent all the same
"Guess this isn't the time for complaining" Nanami's gaze sharpened
"There's somethings only a first grade sorcerer can manage. I'm just going to step outside and take care of this with Ijichi. so during that time, I want you three to deal with the veils keeping sorcerers out" He then looks over to Ino as he walks to the rooftop door.
"Team Zen'in should be inside this veil currently, if you're able to meet up with them please relay the situation and request their immediate help but i'm sure they already know thanks to Itadori's shouts" He turned to leave.
"There's one last piece of intel you need to hear" Mechamaru's voice crackled again, stopping him in his tracks.
"Go on" Nanami paused in response.
"You or rather WE have a new ally and he might be able to help" Mechamaru said.
"New ally?" Megumi brows furrowed
"A boy, codename Deku. He isn't a sorcerer but he fights with the precision and experience of a seasoned one. His movements are calculated and he adapts to opponents at a pace that is... abnormal" Mechamaru continued.
"If you want more information then you should ask a certain someone here" Mechamaru said bluntly
"You know something don't you? You said it felt like someone beat the brakes off you twice when I smacked you earlier" Megumi caught the brief shift in Yuji's demeanor.
"I mean...yeah" Yuji hesitated
"That someone was this Deku guy wasn't it?" Megumi stared.
"Uh-huh" Yuji nodded
"You lost to a civilian?" Megumi pinched the bridge of his nose and exhaled.
"He's not a civilian! He's a countryside tough but humble sorta guy who just happened to be trained by some old mountain hermit! He's like...like if a bouncy ball had muscles and homework and a...OH and a golden power up mode!" Yuji protested.
"Of all the nights for this to occur..." Nanami sighed deeply.
"He's not our enemy and he's strong like really strong" Yuji's expression turned serious
"At first I thought he was a curse...then a curse user and so yeah we kind of fought but only because we didn't trust each other. If he was a real threat, I wouldn't be standing here right now and he fought like hell to save people" Yuji continued.
"And where is he now?" Megumi's gaze sharpened.
"He went to scout ahead like ten minutes ago" Yuji looked off to the side.
"Then he should be back soon and when he does we will decide what to do" Nanami studied and adjusted his tie before walking over.
"Alright, since we have some time let's go over something. Firstly we barely know anything about that Deku guy and he clearly isn't a sorcerer so what exactly are we dealing with Itadori?" Megumi crossed his arms
"Well he's really strong" Yuji stretched his sore shoulder.
"Obviously genius, you got your ass handed to you but we need details" Megumi gave a blank expression
"Should i tell them about how he's from a different world with powers?...eh he'll probably explain it to them when he gets back" After his thought he was trying to put their fight into words.
"For starters he's crazy fast but I think he can change his speed. He's got some kinda whips coming out of his back and hands, black, flexible but strong as hell. His punches also hurt like hell too and just like his speed he can change how much damage he does I think"
"What about cursed energy?" Megumi questioned
"That's the weird part, he doesn't have any cursed energy from what I could see or sense" Yuji added
"That's impossible, without cursed energy no one can enhance their body to that degree"
"It's not entirely impossible" Nanami corrected
"You think he might be hiding it Nanami?" Megumi questioned
"I wouldn't go that far but a Heavenly Restriction sounds appropriate. It is a high possibility, a body is stripped of cursed energy in exchange for overwhelming physical ability. Which would explain his exceptional strength, speed, and reflexes. Those alone would align with the handful of Heavenly Restriction cases recorded" Nanami replied.
"If that's the case then he's like Maki in a way" Megumi rubbed his chin
"Perhaps, although his power seems far greater than typical physical enhancement. His lack of cursed energy still supports the idea though" Nanami said.
"Jeez these guys are really thinking this through huh? By the way...who are you again?" Yuji had walked over to Ino and nudged him with his arm.
"Uh yeah...names Ino" Ino was confused by the whole situation
"Okay but what about the whips? You don't get extra limbs with a Heavenly Restriction" Megumi crossed his arms
"True but that could fall under another category known as a Binding Vow" Nanami conceded.
"That's when someone forces a rule on themselves right?" Megumi raised a brow
"Correct. A self-imposed condition that yields a supernatural effect and If Deku created a vow in the past intentionally or not it could allow the manifestation of those whip like abilities in exchange for something" Nanami clarified.
"But what would he give up to gain something like that?" Megumi grimaced at his own question.
"That part is unclear but if he truly has no cursed energy, yet still displays abilities resembling a technique and physical enhancement beyond known sorcerers..." Nanami subconsciously clenched his fist.
"Then Deku is an anomaly we cannot afford to ignore" Nanami said while looking into the distance.
"Mechamaru. You mentioned that he adapted and fought like a seasoned sorcerer, correct?" Nanami asked
"Yes. His ability to analyze in real time is beyond that of a typical fighter. His reaction speed suggests calculative processing rather than just physical reflexes. In essence, he learns while he fights" Mechamaru responded
"I noticed how he kept adjusting to my fighting style. The first time I hit him clean he immediately changed the way he blocked. By the time I tried the same move twice, he was already countering it like he'd seen it a hundred times before" Yuji spoke up
"Once he figured out Itadori's fighting style he countered in every way possible. Every strike he performed was aimed at crucial points on his body to wear him down and make his body give out" Mechamaru added
"If he adapts on the fly, he won't expend more energy than needed. Which would explain why he didn't waste unnecessary movements to bring Itadori down. That kind of mindset isn't very common even among sorcerers" Nanami adjusted his glasses.
"Which makes him even more dangerous" Megumi frowned.
"Why are you saying it like that? Dangerous doesn't always mean bad, Fushiguro" Yuji huffed
"What It does mean is unpredictable" Megumi shot him a sharp look.
"You're saying he held back right? That means he had more and we don't know how much "More " truly is! If we miscalculate this even a little, if we assume he's on our side without knowing what he's fully capable of then we're screwed!" Megumi shot back as he walked over to Yuji
"Just who's side are you-"
"Enough, Megumi" Nanami stepped in front of Megumi
"Even after putting together what we do know about this Deku person, I believe that he isn't our enemy. If he wanted to he could've ended Itadori's life or possibly even drawn out Sukuna if he was with the enemy. I understand your frustration but this isn't how we deal with things" Nanami said firmly
"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind..." Megumi was still skeptical to say the very least.
"Oh hey, looks like he's back" Yuji said while looking over to a different building
"So Yuji's allies heard him after all..." Izuku pushed off the rooftop with Full Cowl and dropped down.
Upon landing, the sparks of lightning from his full cowl struck the ground before fading as it turned off. The sudden power radiating from One For All made Megumi tense while Ino took a step back while reaching for his mask.
"About time you got back, sure took your time huh? Anyway this right here is-" Yuji grinned while presenting.
"Kento Nanami and you must be the non sorcerer Itadori was mentioning" Nanami introduced himself while walking up to Izuku
"Yeah..I'm Deku. I ran into Yuji earlier and I've been helping where I can" Izuku straightened slightly.
"We got that much but what are you exactly?" Ino asked
"I'm a hero and...I'm not exactly from around here" Izuku hesitated for just a beat as he met their eyes, first Nanami's then Megumi's then Ino's.
"A hero?" Ino repeated with a dry chuckle.
"So what? Did an old mountain hermit train you to "save the world" or something? I gotta say, that's a first for me" Ino's voice was filled with skepticism
"And when you say "not from around here" what exactly do you mean by that?" Megumi narrowed his eyes.
"It's...complicated but I'm telling the truth" Izuku rubbed the back of his neck while letting his gaze drop slightly.
"Itadori may trust you but that fact alone does not mean we should. Although I can at least acknowledge that your actions have not contradicted your words" Nanami stepped closer
"With that being said, If you're going to be joining us you can start off by reporting what you've seen while scouting ahead"
"Ok so we're just going to ignore everything we just talked about? I mean think about it, if he was able to do all the crazy shit you were saying then shouldn't we be way more cautious?" Megumi muttered as he pulled Yuji to the side.
"I mean...he seems like a chill guy" Yuji seemed to have spaced out while looking at the night sky.
"I'm going to punch you..." Megumi said in return
"Right, I was scouting ahead and there's someone moving underground, heading somewhere or trying to find something in Shibuya" Izuku said as he remembered everything like a flashback
Izuku went from rooftop to rooftop before he eventually spotted something in the distance. Once he was close enough to get a better look it turned out to be a lone figure walking down the empty street.
Izuku instinctively dropped lower to mask his presence and narrowed his eyes to watch carefully. The way this man moved was different but the most obvious thing was how he didn't seem lost or afraid like a civilian.
"Is he another sorcerer? Maybe he's the one Yuji was talking about earlier" Keeping his distance, Izuku followed.
As he tailed the man from the rooftops, he couldn't help but notice something odd about the man. This person gave off an oppressive weight that felt like he was dragging the atmosphere down with every step.
The potential sorcerer walked at a calm pace far below, navigating the streets with purpose but Izuku kept his distance. He couldn't afford to get too close especially since he didn't know who this guy was but something about him felt off.
"Could you describe him?" Yuji held out Mechamaru as he spoke
"He had long stringy hair tied into two high ponytails that pointed upward and outward with traditional looking clothing. He was walking alone but he caught on to me following him" Izuku recalled.
A faint wisp of golden energy curled around his limbs as he jumped to the next roof with One For All. His quirk began to act unnaturally, It felt like his body was being dragged against itself or like two conflicting forces which caused his momentum to falter.
"What's going on?!" His thought was interrupted when his foot missed its intended landing spot, throwing his balance off.
His heart leapt into his throat as he quickly adjusted his positioning before slamming a hand against the concrete ledge and flipping onto a lower rooftop with a rough landing. His boots scraped against gravel as he skidded to a stop.
His arms tingled slightly as a lingering sensation of energy thrummed beneath his skin. He clenched his fist and started to sit himself up, trying to get a read on the strange shift but before he could process anything a sharp, agonizing spike from Danger Sense spiked in his skull.
Izuku barely had time to react before his body instinctively threw itself to the side as a streak of crimson blood sliced through the air. Meanwhile down below at the entrance of a subway station, the man stood motionless as he scanned the buildings.
"So he controls blood" Nanami stated
"That would be Choso" Mechamaru made a noise of confirmation.
"Wait who?" Yuji blinked at the response
"Choso, he's one of the individuals that's aligned with Geto's group. He was present when Gojo was sealed, before one of my drones was destroyed I saw him there. As for that beam of blood it's his cursed technique known as Blood Manipulation which just so happens to be the same as Kamo's" Mechamaru's voice was matter of fact
"OH its that weird guy that keeps his eyes shut" Yuji remembered him from the exchange event
"So he's with the people responsible for this mess" Izuku's fist clenched
"We don't know what their next move is but if he was patrolling alone then that must mean they're confident in their plans" Mechamaru stated.
"That aligns with what we know but our priorities remain the same" His eyes shifted to Ino, Yuji and Megumi.
"You need to lift the veil that's preventing sorcerers from entering. If we can accomplish that then our reinforcements can pour in" Nanami reminded them.
"So we just knock it down right?" Yuji cracked his knuckles.
"It's not that simple doofus" Megumi shot him a look.
"While you three deal with that I'll be heading towards Ijich"s location to rally with him. I had planned on going alone but due to our unique circumstances I would like for you to accompany me" Namami finished while turning to Izuku.
"Me?" Izuku was slightly caught off guard by the gesture
"You held your own against Itadori. Not only that but you have mobility, power, and a tactical mindset. If Yuji's words are to hold any merit then yes, you" Nanami stated flatly
"Then I'll help anyway I can" Izuku nodded
"As I stated before, if you run into Team Zenin make sure to brief them immediately" Nanami turned back to the others.
"They probably already know what's going on from Itadori yelling earlier" Megumi exhaled sharply. "
"oh...my bad?" Yuji rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile
Still, if we meet them I'll let them know the details" Ino said while he crossed his arms.
"Then we move" Nanami nodded once before turning away.
"Hopefully we can regroup later and mop the floor with some curses again. I'll be sure to put those pointers to good use as well" Yuji walked up and fist bumped Izuku with a grin.
"I look forward to it" Izuku smiled back while completing the fist bump.
Izuku followed Nanami with his mind already shifting into mission mode. Whatever was happening with his power he'd figure it out later since right now, there was work to be done. Once the duo got back to the ground floor Nanami led the way with a steady but unhurried pace.
The dimly lit streets of Shibuya stretched before them with that familiar silence once again. Izuku walked slightly behind Nanami while glancing around at the streets, his mind was still processing his encounter with Choso, the changes he was feeling within himself, and now being paired with Nanami who seemed like he was a veteran sorcerer.
"You don't seem worried at all and that's because of experience isn't it?" After a few minutes of quiet, Izuku decided to break the silence.
"Worry is unnecessary. We have an objective and we will see it through. That is all" Nanami kept his gaze forward as he spoke.
"That's a logical way to put it as Mr. Aizawa would say" Izuku nodded slowly in return.
Silence wasn't the only thing that filled the streets before them, there was a noticeable tension in the air. It wasn't coming from the city either and Izuku had felt it long before they made it out of the building.
Nanami halted first and Izuku took two more steps before realizing Nanami was no longer beside him. Izuku then turned slightly with his brow raised as he noticed the heaviness in the air.
"Nanami?..." Izuku's posture became somewhat rigid at the turn of events.
Nanami stared at him with an unreadable expression behind his glasses. He adjusted them slowly but the gesture felt like the last calm moment before a blade drops.
"Deku, a moment If you wouldn't mind" Nanami's sudden change in demeanor made Izuku stop and turn around completely.
"You've offered a convenient story, this...countryside upbringing that Itadori believes is one that I do not" Nanami's brows furrowed.
"Well I-" Izuku began
"I'm not someone you can fool so easily" Nanami cut him off while reaching behind his back to draw his weapon.
"Tell me the truth and nothing but the truth. Now..." Nanami pointed his weapon at Izuku.
Izuku would've been on the defensive or even ready to retaliate but one thing was clear. Danger sense didn't activate which meant Nanami wasn't trying to bring any harm to him. The tension was palpable sure and Nanami was one scary sorcerer when he wanted to be but all he wanted was honesty in this moment.
"...I know that your not trying to hurt me Nanami" Izuku didn't back up or raise his hands
"You'd be correct in assuming so. I have no desire to cut you down especially after you showed mercy to Itadori. Although if I did then you would likely be unable to dodge" He holstered his weapon
"I'll take your word for it" Izuku lowered his arms with a nervous smile
"Then if you would be so kind as to speak the truth. Trust needs built if we're going to work together so who are you really?" Nanami stepped closer
"I'm not from the countryside, Kyoto, Shibuya, or even Japan...well this Japan anyway. What I mean is that I'm not from this world at all, so a different Japan all together" Izuku said with hand gestures.
"I'm a hero in training from another timeline...or reality or dimension. One where 80% of the people are born with quirks, one where we fight villains and one where we save people" Izuku continued.
Nanami's gaze remained steady with his mind processing Deku's words. A hero from another world, the statement alone was absurd at face value but he had learned long ago to categorize information rather than dismiss it outright.
"I know how that sounds but I don't even know why I'm here. I was on a mission and fell into a trap but that's when weird things started to happen then all of a sudden I'm here"
"What about the strength Yuji informed us about? The techniques? Those black tendrils?"
"It's a Quirk I was born with in my world, it's called...Stockpile. It enhances my strength throughout my whole body and those tendrils are a side effect of excess strength not being contained. They can be difficult to control if my emotions aren't in check though so I make sure to not over do it" Izuku was sheepish when it came to talking about One For All, especially since All Might told him not to tell anyone...yet again he did write that letter to all his friends telling them the truth about his quirk.
"Your abilities resemble that of a cursed technique rather than a quirk but I assume there are fundamental differences" Nanami noted
"He's lying about his power but he's not entirely untruthful either. It's more of a white lie than anything else so I'll let it pass for now" Nanami was confident in Izuku having his reasons for it.
"I dislike unknowns but I dislike dishonesty even more. That being said, your explanation while difficult to believe does fill in some gaps and provides a level of trust" Nanami stated
"Therefore I have no reason to believe you are lying now. Your presence here is already unnatural as is and your abilities are unlike anything I've encountered in my years as a sorcerer. If you are truly from another world, it makes sense why you would also lack cursed energy but still possess an overwhelming presence" Nanami continued
"Thank you Nanami" Izuku bowed slightly
"No need to thank me but we need to continue with our objective swiftly. We've wasted too much time already so if you must ask anything then ask on the way" Nanami said firmly while walking ahead at a quickened pace.
The duo walked in mutual silence for a while, staying on guard at every turn. Izukus danger sense was quiet save for the occasional prickle but nothing else came from it. Eventually Izuku had questions of his own that he wanted to ask Nanami.
"Now that things have slowed down and having allies in this world then maybe I can finally understand what happened here. The information from the family I saved was useful but it had a lot of missing pieces" Izuku's mind fired on all pistons once he remembered one of his goals
"I can tell that you want to say something. You are free to ask me as I stated earlier" Nanami could feel the questions building up as they walked.
"Where are the people? The whole city looks like it's been abandoned or like the people vanished. From what I heard there was an evacuation to get civilians out" Izuku asked first.
"There was in fact an evacuation but unfortunately there were some civilians that were lured into Shibuya Station or just too stubborn to leave. Ultimately the ones closer to center of Shibuya were trapped within a barrier as part of a coordinated attack meant to isolate sorcerers from what I guess" Nanami explained.
"But there was a cover story for the evacuation right? Why not tell them the truth?" This was the one of the burning questions on Izuku's mind.
Every since that family told him their suspicions of a cover up he had assume something fishy was up, hell who wouldn't. But why lie about what warranted an evacuation? Not only that but the presence of that void like creature from earlier wasn't just an everyday villain or hallucination, it was a monster plain and simple.
"The existence of curses and sorcery is hidden from the public and it always has been. If people knew what lurked just outside of there ability to see then the panic would be uncontrollable" Nanami's steps slowed slightly.
"So they're lied to? Everyone is kept in the dark?" Izuku grew somewhat annoyed by the answer but Nanami didn't argue.
"It's not ideal but this is the system we have in place and we solve the problem before the public realizes there was even one to begin with. I agree that it may cause some suspicion and maybe some adverse side effects like that family you found. I assume they questioned the evacuation story and went back correct?" Nanami's response quilled Izuku's rising frustration due to him not dismissing the cons to their methods but acknowledging them.
"I do admit it's not pretty in the least but tonight things are different. This attack is unlike anything we've ever seen. A mass operation with dozens of coordinated curses and curse users on multiple fronts. So having civilians completely removed from the equation was and is almost impossible" Izuku absorbed Nanami's words grimly.
"Then...what about the monsters? Why are they here? They don't feel like random villains. Yuji mentioned the word "curses" so i assume that's the title given to them" Izuku continued his questioning.
"He's correct. Curses are manifestations of fear, hatred, and violence born from negative human emotions. This negativity can also harbor in places like cemeteries or hospitals due to the large quantity of negative emotion that pools within those areas. On top of that, curses in the city or near a large populist will naturally be stronger and smarter while ones from the country are weaker and more simple minded"
"Wait so those things were people's fears made real?" Izuku's eyes widened.
"In a manner of speaking, yes" Izuku shivered from the answer.
"Now that I think about it...the curse I fought earlier used my fear against me. Those manifestations of the family grabbing me must've been apart of its power then..." Izuku didn't understand how the system of this world worked but his was piecing together what he could.
"Now I have a question for you" Nanami cut into Izuku's brainstorm
"O-oh sure, what's your question?" Izuku perked up and walked next to Nanami
"Considering the theme of your questions and that you aren't from this world I would ask if you know what cursed energy is or even techniques for that matter" Nanami inquired
"I might understand what techniques are. Earlier you said that my power resembled techniques so I immediately thought those were like Quirks. Other than that I don't even know what cursed energy is"
"I see. If that is the case then your lack of understanding cursed energy makes sense but there is still one thing I wish to confirm" He glanced sideways.
"You mentioned during your earlier scouting, there was a golden fluctuation in your power. What exactly was that?" Nanami questioned
"I don't know exactly" Izuku admitted.
"When I first landed in this world I didn't even notice it but after a while it became the reason I could see curses at all. Almost like something inside me woke up but when it flickered in the middle of a fight, it dropped and Yuji had to finish the curse for me" His fingers flexed unconsciously.
"You are working with a power that does not naturally belong in this world, yet it is responding to the conditions of this environment. That could explain why it has begun fluctuating" Nanami theorized
"Yeah... Something's definitely happening to it but I don't know how to control it yet. When I faced a curse to save a family I ran into, this golden fluctuation is what killed it I think... "
"That feeling when your power shifts it's a sign that your "quirk" may be attempting to interact with cursed energy on its own. Given that you aren't a sorcerer, it could mean that your body is trying to bridge a gap it was never built to cross" Nanami was quiet for a moment before responding
"...Can that even happen?" Izuku's eye's widened
"In theory? No. In reality? After tonight, I am no longer comfortable saying anything is impossible" Nanami continued
"What exactly is Positive Energy?"
"First we start with cursed energy" Nanami began
"Cursed Energy is born from negative emotions much like curses. Sorcerers learn to control that energy to shape it into techniques or apply it in various ways. Additionally without control it leaks and dissipates so for example Itadori's technique Divergent Fist happens because his Cursed Energy lags behind his physical attacks which means he has more raw power than control" Izuku absorbed this information quickly, his mind already analyzing how it compared to his own abilities.
"As for someone like you who does not possess an innate Cursed Technique, your energy if you have any would not function in the same way and yet you exhibit something akin to Positive Energy which is highly unusual." Nanami continued.
"Positive energy is opposite to Cursed Energy, naturally" Nanami explained.
"It is normally only produced through Reverse Cursed Techniques which are incredibly rare but your power, if what you described is accurate then seems to generate it naturally"
"Is it because of my positive emotions? My will to be a hero? or maybe the convictions of the previous wielders?" Izuku delved into theory
"I assume since you arrived here you never had Cursed Energy leak out of your attacks or an accidental activation besides that positive energy?" Nanami studied his expression before speaking again.
"No not with the cursed energy" Izuku shook his head.
"Then you are at a severe disadvantage. You lack the fundamental understanding of how energy functions in this world" Nanami didn't press further but he observed Izuku with sharp eyes.
"Then how do I learn?" Izuku said with determination
"We do not have time for a full lesson but I will give you something to work with" Nanami considered this for a moment.
"Cursed Energy is about flow and control. It is constant, drawn from emotions mostly negative ones but what you seem to have is a force that operates differently. He lifted a hand and clenched it into a fist.
"Now imagine a pool of negative feelings in your stomach which flows through the rest of your body, one must realize that they exist in the world with their entire mind, body, and soul as one. That's how one channels their cursed energy but remember to keep tabs on your emotional state as If you wish to control cursed energy you need to control your emotions"
"This sounds a lot like how I channel One for All in Full Cowling and how Blackwhip reacts to emotion.." Izuku though as he absorbed every word he spoke.
"Even if you're body is only producing this positive energy for the time being, I highly believe that you can regular cursed energy with practice much like how Itadori did when he first started" Nanami compared
As they walked Nanami glanced at him, noting the thoughtful expression on his face. The boy was absorbing everything like a sponge but he needed more than just theoretical knowledge. If Izuku was going to grasp cursed energy properly he had to understand how techniques worked in a practical sense.
"What can I do for now? Izuku nodded seriously.
"Since we're discussing the fundamentals it might help if I explain my own technique. You seem to learn quickly through observation and analysis so this should give you a better understanding of how cursed energy is applied in combat" Nanami started
"Yeah that would be really helpful" Izuku straightened up
"My technique is called the Ratio Technique. It allows me to forcibly create a weak point on my target by dividing any object into ten equal parts and striking at the seven to three ratio point. This guarantees that my attacks deal critical damage regardless of the opponent's durability." Nanami held up his short blunt cursed tool, the blunt edge gleaming under the city lights.
"So it's like a precise targeting system? You create weak points instead of finding them naturally, kind of like an ultimate move that guarantees a clean hit no matter what. That's insane!" Izuku's eyes widened slightly as he processed the explanation.
"A fair way to put it. It's efficient, reliable, and leaves no room for wasted movement" Nanami gave a small nod of approval.
Izuku's mind was racing. Ratio Technique reminded him of something akin to pinpoint strikes in hero combat, except this ability actively created vulnerabilities instead of exploiting existing ones. It was a fascinating application of cursed energy.
"Could it work on anything else? Like buildings or other objects?" he asked.
"It has its limitations" Nanami admitted.
"The technique applies to whatever I am physically striking so if an opponent moves unpredictably or if I miscalculate I may not always land a decisive blow. However, it works on non-living structures as well. I can cut through walls and obstacles using the same principle" Nanami added
Izuku's thoughts immediately went to how he could incorporate something similar into his fighting style. If he could apply cursed energy in a way that enhanced his own strength and precision, maybe he could develop a technique that functioned in a similar manner.
"I assume you're already thinking of ways to break it down into something you can use" Nanami glanced at him.
"Yeah It's kind of a habit of mine. Back in my world I studied different Quirks and fighting styles constantly. A Cursed Technique is kind of like a Quirk right? or maybe an ultimate move? It's something unique to the user but also something that can be honed and improved" Izuku grinned sheepishly.
"That's a reasonable comparison. However unlike your Quirks, cursed techniques are not always something one is born with" Nanami agreed
"Some inherit them through bloodline while others develop them through sheer talent and control over cursed energy. But at their core they are still structured applications of power. Learning to harness one's own energy is the foundation of every technique" Nanami added
"One of those techniques can be a guaranteed win condition. Imagine a sorcerer expanding their Cursed Energy outward not just flowing through their body but shaping the world itself into an extension of their technique. That is what we call a Domain"
"A Domain?" Izuku perked up at the term.
"A highly advanced manifestation of Cursed Energy. While some use them to create protective barriers, the strongest sorcerers can craft fully realized spaces where their techniques become absolute. Inside a Domain, a sorcerer's technique is guaranteed to hit their target no matter what" Nanami elaborated
"That's insane...it's like changing the rules of a fight entirely" Izuku's mind was already conjuring ideas
"Precisely. However casting a Domain is not something just anyone can do. It requires an immense amount of skill not to mention control and even among sorcerers only a few are capable of fully expanding one" Nanami said.
"But a domain is absolute once it's cast and If you are caught inside one your chances of escape are almost zero" Nanami remembered when he was caught inside Mahitos domain
"Then...if I ever get caught in one what am I supposed to do?" Izuku exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of those words.
"Your best bet would be to try and avoid it entirely. If you are to encounter it there is one method, a countermeasure called a Simple Domain. It creates a protective layer of Cursed Energy to nullify the guaranteed hit effect of a Domain Expansion" Nanami considered him for a moment before speaking.
"So it's like a defensive technique? A way to push back against a full Domain?" Izuku immediately latched onto the idea.
"In certain aspects I would say but executing it in combat requires extreme precision and focus but even then it's not a perfect defense. It may protect against a Domain's effects however it does not stop the sorcerer themselves from overwhelming you with sheer power if they have it"
Izuku absorbed the information carefully. His mind was already racing with possibilities. If he was going to survive here, he needed to understand Cursed Energy, its techniques, and the threats that came with it.
"I'll keep that in mind" Izuku said, determination settling in his voice.
"If I'm going to fight in this world then I need to be ready for anything" Nanami gave him a brief nod.
"The boy has incredible resolve. On top of that he can absorb information within seconds and come to a tangible theory or perspective. However, in terms of how he will turn out in the future remains to be seen" Nanami thought
Izuku clenched his fist, thinking back to the strange flicker he had felt earlier when fighting the curses and when following Choso. His power was shifting so maybe he's meant to use cursed energy whether he liked the thought of using Negative emotions or not and maybe there was something deeper waiting to be unlocked like a Domain.
"For now just focus on observing your Cursed Energy. Do not rush the process. Learn its flow and-"
"Wait..." A sudden chill ran down Izuku's spine and His Danger Sense flared.
"You feel it too I see" Nanami being perceptive as ever caught the shift in Izuku's posture and subtly reached for his blade.
A hiss echoed through the streets and from the alleyways before three grotesque curses slithered into view. Their bodies were twisted masses of limbs and jagged teeth, their forms writhing unnaturally. One had long gnarled arms that scraped against the pavement as it moved with its glowing yellow eyes locked onto them with hungry intent.
"This will be your first lesson in applying Cursed Energy in a practical sense" Nanami stepped forward without hesitation
"I suppose class is in session Deku" He glanced at Izuku, noting how the younger fighter instinctively lowered into a battle stance
"Then let's get started" Izuku's eyes flickered with determination as he nodded.
"Watch closely" Nanami lifted his blade and without another word he dashed forward
The first curse lunged at him but he swiftly side stepped at the right moment and with a single calculated slash, Nanami bisected its torso. Cursed Energy was imbued along the edge of his weapon as the cut took effect, severing the creature beyond mere physical damage. It screeched before its form dissipated into nothingness.
"Ratio Technique" Nanami stated simply.
"As my earlier description implied, I created a weak point and a single strike is all I needed to eliminate my opponent" He then gestured toward the remaining curses.
"You however must learn to coat your attacks with Cursed Energy. Remember what I've said and put it into practice while I distract the last one"
The second curse lunged at Izuku so acting on instinct he dodged to the left and sent out a tendril from Blackwhip. Once it grabbed onto the curse Izuku pulled it towards himself and drove his fist into it's torso. A small shockwave erupted from the impact, sending the creature skidding backward but it wasn't destroyed and Izuku frowned.
"Your strength is overwhelming but you're still relying purely on physical force. You're dispersing too much energy outward. Remember, Cursed Energy must be imbued not merely unleashed" Nanami observed him critically.
"Imbue my attacks...maybe I can imagine the egg in the microwave again..." Izuku adjusted his stance.
He closed his eyes for the briefest moment, recalling Nanami's words about the flow of negative emotions from his stomach and the control he needs to use it. He envisioned it and instead of letting it explode outward he pulled it inward, directing it toward his hand.
The curse lunged and Izuku shot forward on instinct he met it head on once more. The curse swiped at him with a jagged limb whistling toward his head. Izuku transitioned into a slide. He slid across the ground with one palm braced against the asphalt but as he rose, he twisted his hips and reeled back his arm.
FWOOSH!!
A small emerald flame engulfed Izuku's arm as he drove a tight hook into the curse's rib like structure. The attack rippled through the monster's side, folding its body inward and sending it skidding across the street in a jagged tumble before the curse scrambled upright again.
"Keep pressure Deku and don't let it reset" Namami called out.
"Right!" Izuku vanished from his spot in a burst of green lightning.
Before the curse could rise fully, Izuku was already above it, air cracking as he dropped a Wyoming Smash infused with cursed energy into the back of its skull. The cursed energy he had imbued into his fist was flickering and unstable but it was enough to make the creature's skull buckle under his punch before being exorcised.
"Good work. You're beginning to grasp the concept of it now" Nanami nodded approvingly as he swatted his curse away.
"I think I felt it that time..." Izuku shook his hand out
"That was a step in the right direction but don't mistake progress for mastery, you still have a long way to go but you'll get the hang of it" Nanami sidestepped the curse he was distracting and with one clean sweep of his Cursed Tool he cut it in four, killing it.
"Yeah... I'll get better. I have to" Izuku flexed his finger
"Good. Keep that mindset but don't mistake progress for mastery" Nanami studied him for a moment before giving a small nod.
"Now come on, we still have a job to do" Nanami said while flicking the blood off his weapon and sheathing it.
After another 10 minutes of walking they had nearly arrived at their location. Nanami walked at a steady pace while allowing his eyes to scan their surroundings just in case. Izuku followed just a step behind with his own gaze flicking between the buildings and alleyways.
"We should be close now. Ijichi should be just around this corner" Nanami said, his voice calm and measured.
Izuku nodded but kept his focus forward. His thoughts drifted back to their earlier conversation about cursed energy. He could still feel the faint traces of something stirring within him, an unfamiliar sensation coiling. The way it had flickered earlier, the way it reacted when he fought those curses, his body was adjusting to it like One For All.
"I'm meant to use cursed energy, whether I like it or not" The idea of cursed energy unsettled him since cursed energy came from all forms of negativity.
He had always been fueled by hope or by his unwavering drive to save people. Could he even use cursed energy properly if it wasn't born from those emotions? He couldn't help but question it but as they turned the corner time something was off.
Izuku's left eye seemed to snap toward a disturbance in his peripheral vision. Izuku's eyes snapped to the side just in time to see a figure sneaking up toward someone who he believed to be Ijichi with a blade ready to swing.
A figure with a twisted smile and a blade gleaming under the dim streetlight. Their posture relaxed and casual as if they were about to tap a friend on the shoulder. But the intent was murderous, just pure delighted murder.