THIRD PERSON POV:
The man, clad in black and with hands plastered all over his skinny form, scratched his neck as he exited the portal. Aki immediately recognized him.
Aki (thoughts): This is the guy who broke in earlier. It has to be. The malice I feel right now is the same as before. It's doubtful that two people on the same day have such strong hatred and malicious intent. It's practically radiating off of him.
The rest of the class was still in shock.
Kirishima: Real villains?! There's no way!
Iida: I don't believe it... How did so many of them get into a U.A. facility as secure as this one? It doesn't make any sense!
Yaoyorozu stepped forward.
Yaoyorozu: I agree with Iida. Thirteen, why aren't the alarms going off?
Thirteen made a thinking expression.
Thirteen: Good question, I'm not sure myself...
That made the class rep and vice rep gasp in surprise.
Todoroki narrows his eyes at the villains who all walk towards the staircase.
Todoroki: Is this their only target? Or is the whole campus under attack? Either way, if the alarms aren't going off, one of these villains must have a Quirk that can interfere with communications. They picked this time to attack deliberately. When a class was being taught, they're fools for trespassing here. But they've thought this out. They must have some sort of concrete goal in mind. But what?
Aizawa, who had already instructed Thirteen and jumped to engage the villains finally reached them.
Villain 1: Whose this guy?!
Villain 2: Who cares?! If he thinks he can take us alone, he's dead!
Some villains with projectile Quirks were in the vanguard and got ready to shoot at Aizawa. Only...
FWIP
CRASH
Aizawa's scarf lashes out and wraps around both villains.
Villain 1: What the hell?! I tried shooting but my Quirk isn't working!
Villain 2: Neither is mine!
Another villain spoke up from the side as Aizawa slammed both villains he had currently in his binds to the ground. Incapacitating them.
Villain 3: Those idiots! That's Erasurehead! He can cancel out your powers just by looking at you!
Meanwhile, back at the top of the staircase, Aki stood and watched as Aizawa moved. But he was pulled from his trance when his classmates and Thirteen began running away.
Aki (thoughts): Damn... I wanted to see him fight some more.
Aki turns as well and runs to catch up with his classmates. When suddenly...
FWOOOOOOM
A purple portal-like apparition appeared on the floor in front of Thirteen, who led the pack. Aki's eyes widened when he sensed it. He instantly went to get in front of his classmates but stopped himself.
Portal man: There is no escape for you.
Aki (thoughts): Did that thing just talk?
Eyes appeared on the purple portal as more purple energy came out.
Portal man: Allow me to formally introduce ourselves. We are the League of Villains. I'm sorry to interrupt your class time. But we figured a place such as this would be perfect for All Might to take his last breath. Don't you agree?
Everyone gasped at that as the villain revealed his and his comrades' purpose there. Todoroki said they must have some goal in mind, but killing All Might? That troubled them. Not because they thought these guys were capable of such a thing. But because that meant they were crazy enough to think they could. And that made them dangerous.
Midoriya: K-kill... All Might?
Midoriya muttered in shock and fear.
Uraraka: No way... There's no way they could do that!
She shook her head frantically
Todoroki: So that's their purpose here.
His eyes were narrowed and his lips were pursed in slight shock.
As his classmates all reacted in shock, and disbelief, Aki was calculating.
Aki (thoughts): This guy is their way in and out. That much is obvious. None of them thinks these villains can really kill All Might. But I don't know about that.
Aki's mind flashed to the strange creature he saw leave the portal earlier.
Aki (thoughts): That thing is like a poor man's Youpi. It's easily the strongest one of them. You'd think that'd mean it has an insane ego but it hasn't even moved... I can still sense it standing there.
The portal's eyes then looked around.
Portal man: But it appears he is not present at the moment. Unfortunate. It appears there were some circumstances we could not foresee. Oh well, my role is the-
BOOM
CRACK
Suddenly Bakugo and Kirishima exploded forward in an attempt to attack the villain.
Kirishima: You didn't really think we were gonna let you stand there and talk did you?
Bakugo: Choke on my smoke!
Aki: No! Get back, you idiots!
Aki shouts as he tries to get through his classmates to pull those two back.
Aki (thoughts): Damn it! Thirteen was preparing to attack! I could sense it! But now her attack will get delayed so she doesn't hit those two!
Kirishima and Bakugo look back at him.
Kirishima: Huh? What do ya mean man?! We can't just let this guy sit there and talk about killing the symbol of peace!
He points a hardened arm at the portal man.
Bakugo: Should blast him into hell while we've got the chance.
Aki bristled.
Aki: Just get back!
He couldn't outright say they were in Thirteen's way. That would clue the portal man in. But unfortunately, they were too slow.
Portal man: As expected of U.A. students I suppose.
Both boys turned. Thirteen pointed a finger at the portal man.
Thirteen: You two need to move!
They looked back to see Thirteen preparing to attack.
Portal man: It's too late. I'll send you all to my comrades, and your deaths!
The portal man then engulfed the class in a massive dome of purple energy. Iida was quick enough to grab two people, Uraraka and Ashido, and pull them out as well as himself. Aki gritted his teeth.
Aki (thoughts): Fuck! I could dodge this easily, but if I do it'll be way too suspicious given the fact I'm in the middle of everyone. Gonna have to let this hit me...
As he thinks that, his world flashes purple. And then he feels a falling sensation.
_________________________________
Aki looks down and sees a mountainous terrain around him.
Aki: Wait. I'm not falling?
He questions. He'd felt a falling sensation.
Aki (thoughts): Guess that's just how the warping works.
Just then, his senses alerted him to others nearby. He ran over to a small cliff's edge and saw three of his classmates surrounded by villains.
Aki (thoughts): Yaoyorozu, Jiro, and Kaminari. These villains are super weak though. They could handle it... I should just leave them.
Kaminari: My whole freaking life just flashed before my eyes! These guys are terrifying!
Kaminari ducks out of the way of a large villain attempting to punch him. The three are all backed into a corner.
Jiro: Can't you just zap 'em all already?!
Kaminari: Some teammate you were! I told you I can surround my body in electricity but if I try and shoot it, it goes all over the place! You two would end up caught in the blast! I'm basically useless here! So I could use a weapon Yaoyorozu!
Jiro: Tch... You're such a damsel in distress.
Yaoyorozu: Focus you two! We need to deal with these enemies quickly.
The villains began closing in and Kaminari shouted.
Kaminari: I'd focus better with a weapon!
"You three should stop arguing while people are trying to kill you."
A voice calls out before suddenly...
SLAM
Aki appears. Having jumped from the top of the small cliff above their current position and punched the villain closest to them in the face.
Yaoyorozu: Kunihara!
She smiles. Jiro blocks a strike from a villain. Kaminari cheers.
Kaminari: Yeah! We're saved! He can teleport us out of here!
Aki suddenly dodges an attack and jumps back so now he's cornered with them too.
Aki: Think again. I can only teleport 50 meters. And I can only take one person at a time. They'd eat us alive before I could get us all out.
Kaminari moaned.
Kaminari: Man! Seriously?!
He tried backing away but his back hit the wall as the villains all began to close in again.
Jiro: Tch... Just... Be a human stun gun!
She says to Kaminari as she kicks him towards a villain.
Kaminari: AHHH!!! YOU CRAZY LITTLE-
He crashed into a villain and then shocked said villain.
Kaminari: Hey it worked! I'm super strong!
He flashed a thumbs-up.
Aki: Yaoyorozu, make me a katana like Jiro's.
She nodded and instantly made it for him.
Yaoyorozu: Alright... But why not use the one on your back?
Aki blinks.
Aki (thoughts): It's too damn sharp... If I grazed these weak villains with it they'd turn into human sushi. Obviously can't tell them that though.
He grabs the katana she made him.
Aki: It's fake. It's to make me look cool.
He bites the bullet and lies and makes up a very embarrassing excuse.
Jiro: Seriously?! That's so lame!
She exclaims as she looks over at him briefly. Aki then blinks in front of Kaminari (he spread NTCs out already) and goes to block a villain with arms made of rock from hitting Kaminari.
CLANG
Sparks fly as metal hits rock.
Rock Villain: That stupid little toy sword is nothing to my stone hands! Now die brat!
The rock villain then swung at Aki. Aki hops back.
Aki: Spread out you three. We need space so Jiro and Kaminari can get the most out of their wide area attacks.
Jiro: Good call!
She says as she runs to a group of villains and uses her Quirk to shoot sound waves at them.
Kaminari: Gotcha!
He dashes for another villain. Yaoyorozu was already at a safe distance. Aki then got into a stance.
His stance was formal and traditional. It had no clear openings or weaknesses. It was fundamentally sound.
Aki (thoughts): I'll go with Kunihara style. It's so basic-looking it won't make anyone suspicious. But my style is too deliberate-looking. It would raise unnecessary questions.
The rock villain laughed at him.
Rock Villain: What are you supposed to be?! Some kind of mini samurai?! You're dead kid!
The rock villain dashes forward. Cocking his arm
back to go for a large haymaker. Aki narrows his eyes.
Rock Villain: NOW DIE!
His fist flies towards Aki's face as Aki continues to stand there and watch while in his stance.
CLANG
Then, in a flash of movement, Aki parried the strike with a quick upward slash. Leaving the villain exposed. Sparks flew and Aki wasted no time.
SLASH
SLASH
SLASH
Three quick slashes, one diagonal, one horizontal, and one final vertical cut to the body of the villain.
Aki: Only your arms are made of rock. You've over-relied on that and neglected training your core. So it's like cutting butter.
Jiro, who heard this, made a shocked face.
Jiro (thoughts): DID HE JUST CALL A VILLAIN FAT?!
The villain falls, unconscious. Aki only inflicted shallow cuts, so the villain won't die or have any lasting injuries.
Aki flicks the blood from the blade with practiced ease. Before more villains attack him from all sides. They all dash for him. Quirks flaring up with power. He narrows his eyes as they do.
Aki (thoughts): Need to buy time... Yaoyorozu is trying to make something large. I can sense it. And her combat is suffering as a result.
Behind him, Yaoyorozu strains as she uses her staff to fend off villains while focusing on making something. Kaminari zaps all the villains he can but it's like they're never-ending. And Jiro uses sound waves to take out some villains here and there. As well as blocking strikes with the katana Yaoyorozu made her.
At the same time, Aki dances around the villains and inflicts shallow slashes to their exposed bodies as he does. A block here, a parry there. Images in his mind flashed of him and his father sparring in similar ways to how he fights now. Aki was never quite able to get his movements as fluid and graceful as his father though.
And then finally...
Yaoyorozu: It takes me a while to make something this large!
She exclaimed as the back of her costume tore and a large blanket appeared from her back.
Yaoyorozu: Kunihara, Jiro! Come here!
The two instantly stopped fighting and ran over to Yaoyorozu.
Aki: Got a plan?
Kaminari who was still zapping villains pointed at himself.
Kaminari: Hey! What about me?!
Yaoyorozu nodded.
Yaoyorozu: This is an insulated blanket! So no need to hold back Kaminari! You two, get under here with me.
She says and they both do so. Only for Jiro to see that Yaoyorozu's chest was exposed.
Jiro: Whoa! You're looking a bit overexposed there!
Jiro immediately looked at Aki to see if he was looking but he wasn't. As a matter of fact, he didn't even seem to care. He was just staring at nothing.
Aki (thoughts): I need to keep my senses sharp. If any of the villains survive this we need to protect Kaminari. Chances are his Quirk can have negative effects on him if overused.
Suddenly, his senses flared and he was tackled by Jiro.
Jiro: Don't you look at her!
Aki groaned in annoyance.
Aki: What are you doing?!
Jiro: Yaoyorozu! Make another costume quickly!
Yaoyorozu who was blushing furiously now nodded and did just that.
(A/N: I'm committed to making sure this stays fully canon accurate unless something calls for a change. And in this scene, most of you probably know that Momo did not react to her costume being destroyed. But I imagine it's because it was just Jiro who saw. Now that there's a boy there too, she's flustered. Just wanted to explain that real quick)
Jiro put her hands over Aki's eyes.
Jiro: If you look you're dead!
Aki deadpans.
Aki: Even if I wanted to I can't look. You're covering my eyes.
Meanwhile, outside the blanket. Kaminari wipes sweat from his brow and smirks.
Kaminari: Now that I don't have to worry about my friends! You're fried villains!
Electricity explodes out of him and the villains step back.
"Shit! What do we do?!"
"He'll annihilate us with that much!"
"Someone just kill him!"
But it was too late.
Kaminari: INDISCRIMINATE SHOCK! 1.3 MILLION VOLTS!
He shouted as the electricity shot out in every direction. The villains felt as though their brains were zapped by Zeus himself as the electricity coursed through them without mercy. Kaminari immediately incapacitated every villain present.
Or so it would seem...
Kaminari: Duhhhhh....! Huhuhuh!
Kaminari had officially entered stupid mode as he wandered around flashing two thumbs up. Yaoyorozu finished making her costume and Jiro finally got off of Aki.
Aki: Tch...
He sat up and glared at her.
Aki: Don't do that again.
Jiro scoffed.
Jiro: Oh relax. You're fine.
Aki sighed.
Aki: Whatever... Let's just get out from under here.
Yaoyorozu nodded.
Yaoyorozu: Yes, let's.
The three of them crawled out from under the blanket and went to check on Kaminari. Who was pacing around while flashing several thumbs up over and over.
Kaminari: Hehehehh...
Aki: Good lord... Guess his quirk fried his brain.
Jiro stifled a laugh. Holding a hand over her mouth.
Jiro: I can't... He looks so stupid...
Yaoyorozu stayed on task.
Yaoyorozu: We need to secure these villains quickly you two.
Jiro: Sure thing, can you make restraints?
Yaoyorozu nodded and did just that. Aki however, was looking around with narrowed eyes. Yaoyorozu finished making the restraints and handed them to both Jiro and Aki. But Aki didn't even acknowledge her.
Yaoyorozu: Uhm... Kunihara?
Jiro rolled her eyes.
Jiro: Hey scatter brains we need your help.
But Aki wasn't listening.
Aki (thoughts): Why are my senses so dulled right now? I know I sense something. But what? Is it even hostile? I don't like this. I need to keep my eyes-
Just then, a flood of malice hit Aki like a bag of bricks. His eyes widened and he lunged for Kaminari.
Aki: Shit Kaminari move!
Kaminari's head snapped over.
Kaminari: Duh?!
He exclaimed in his stupid mode.
??? DON'T TRY ANYTHING!
Aki skidded to a stop as the other two looked over.
Yaoyorozu: Another villain?!
The villain pointed at Aki.
Villain: Drop the sword kid! Or I'll fry him!
Aki pursed his lips and quickly tossed the sword aside and held his hands up. Jiro and Yaoyorozu quickly did the same and the three stood there with their hands up as the villain pressed a hand to Kaminari.
Villain: I feel a sort of kinship with electric types you see. I don't wanna kill him. But I will.
Kaminari's eyes widened and he mumbled incoherently in his stupid mode.
Aki flicked his wrist ever so subtly.
Jiro scoffed and smirked.
Jiro: Relax man. You don't need to go kill the idiot.
She started to move her earphone jack as she spoke.
Aki: Jiro stop.
Aki says suddenly. She bristles and side eyes him.
Jiro: What the hell man?! Now he knows I was gonna attack!
The villain's hand sparked as he pressed his hand harder against Kaminari.
Villain: Shut it brats. I already knew you were attacking. I was gonna say something but it appears the little boy did it for me.
Aki narrowed his eyes.
Aki: Don't...
Aki begins to speak and suddenly the villain feels a strange sense of foreboding and he begins to sweat.
Villain: H-hey! Don't m-
SMASH
Aki: Call me that!
Suddenly, and without warning, Aki appeared behind the villain and launched a hook to the villain's liver.
The villain's entire body shut down and he dropped Kaminari who was caught by Aki. The villain tried in vain to get his breath back. His shallow breaths echoed in the rocky terrain.
Jiro: Good lord!
Yaoyorozu: Oh my...!
Both Jiro and Yaoyorozu flinched when it happened. Their eyes widened and their hands lowered slowly.
Jiro: Damn Kunihara...
She smirked as she walked over.
Aki set Kaminari down and walked back to the sword Yaoyorozu made. He picked it up and mysteriously, like it was a habit, flipped the sword into a one-handed reverse grip. Yaoyorozu immediately picked up on this and narrowed her eyes.
Yaoyorozu (thoughts): Why is he holding it like that all of a sudden?
Aki walked over to the villain and held the sword over him. Not pressing it to his throat out of fear that'd make these two suspicious.
Jiro also had grabbed her sword and stood next to him holding it over the villain as well. Yaoyorozu grabs the bindings she made and stands over the villain.
Jiro: Didn't think a little boy could drop you like that did you?
A tick mark appeared on Aki's face.
Aki: Don't call me that.
She smirked at him.
Jiro: Quit being a damn baby.
Yaoyorozu kneeled and started tying the man up.
Yaoyorozu: Kunihara, I noticed you hit him in a very specific spot. Was that on purpose?
Her voice was low and hesitant. Like she wasn't sure she should ask. Aki narrowed his eyes before responding.
Aki: Yeah. I hit him in the liver. That's why he can't breathe. It wasn't actually all that strong a punch.
Jiro's eyes widened.
Jiro: Seriously? It looked like a punch from hell. The human body really has that many weak spots?
Aki nodded.
Aki: Yup.
Jiro shook her head as she grabbed some bindings from Yaoyorozu and started restraining the villains.
Jiro: Where'd you even learn that stuff...?
Aki: Health documentaries.
He spoke as he grabbed some bindings from Yaoyorozu as well and began tying up the villains. As he does Yaoyorozu stares at him with pursed lips and a furrowed brow.
Yaoyorozu (thoughts): It's a perfectly reasonable explanation, even if a bit strange. So why..? Why do I have this feeling he's lying?
Aki of course sensed her stare
Aki (thoughts): Is she suspicious? No probably not. No way someone her age from this world and background could tell anything was off.
Aki incorrectly assumed Yaoyorozu wasn't onto him at all. Which is partially correct. A person from another world who wields a completely separate power and is already a professional and has been for years is quite the leap to make. Her thoughts weren't anywhere near that. But she had a sinking feeling. Her instincts told her he was lying.
Yaoyorozu (thoughts): Kunihara is a very strange person. He doesn't seem afraid or nervous at all about any of this. The way he performed during our quirk test... That math problem he solved, the battle training. And now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever seen him change his facial expression, it's always blank. No Momo... It's not polite to make up conspiracies about classmates...
She shook off her thoughts and got back to tying up the villains.
_________________________________
A couple of minutes later, the trio had finished typing up every villain for the police and heroes to get once they'd arrived. The three stood there with Kaminari wandering nearby. The sounds of distant battles fill the air. Yaoyorozu then looked toward the center plaza.
Yaoyorozu: We need to return to the center plaza. I'm sure you've noticed that large villain has begun moving.
Jiro backed up.
Jiro: W-wait you're not saying you wanna fight that thing right?!
Yaoyorozu: No, that would be foolish. But we should make sure no one is in trouble.
Aki walked away briefly and grabbed Kaminari and pulled him over to the other two.
Aki: Grab on. I'll get us closer. Then we can run. I'll drag spark plug over here.
He points at Kaminari who flashes two thumbs up.
Kaminari: Yay!
All three just shook their heads at Kaminari.
Jiro: How long is he gonna stay like that?
Aki shrugs.
Aki: Don't know don't care. Grab my shoulder.
Yaoyorozu narrowed her eyes.
Yaoyorozu: I thought you could only teleport one person at a time.
Aki blinked.
Aki (thoughts): Shit... In all the commotion I forgot I made that excuse...
He passed Kaminari to Jiro.
Aki: Yeah, I'm taking you first then coming back for these two.
CRASH
A massive crash rung out through the entire building and all of them whipped their heads to the center plaza. All three began running, Aki having grabbed Kaminari in the process. They instantly abandoned Aki teleporting them closer first and just began running as soon as they heard it.
Aki (thoughts): That big ass villain gives off zero malice in its attacks. It just slammed something to the ground but I felt nothing. I clocked it the same time those three did. Something about that guy is off.
All three dashed hopped and sprinted their way through the rocky terrain. Aki has picked Kaminari up bridal style. But even Jiro couldn't make a comment about it.
Soon enough, they made it to the center plaza. Nearest the entrance to the mountain zone. They hid behind a fake rock nearby and took in the sight before them.
Yaoyorozu and Jiro both gasped in shock. And even Aki was troubled by what he saw.
Aizawa was on the floor. The large villain atop him grabbed an arm before...
SNAP
Yaoyorozu and Jiro looked horrified and their hands flew to their mouths to cover their gasps of shock. Aki narrowed his eyes.
Yaoyorozu: W-what's happening? Mr Aizawa is okay right?
Jiro: Is that guy... Gonna kill Mr Aizawa?
The hand villain stood nearby. Like a commander watching his soldier destroy an enemy.
Hand villain: You can erase Quirks. That's very annoying, but not that impressive. When you're faced with truly overwhelming power, you may as well be a Quirkless child.
The villain taunted Aizawa he groaned and lifted his head and glared at the hand villain.
Aki (thoughts): No...! Stop you idiot!
But Aki could only watch as...
SLAM
The large villain slammed his hand down on Aizawa's other arm. Snapping it instantly.
Aizawa: AHHHHHH!
He screamed in pain and the three with Aki winced. Even Kaminari in his stupid form was able to comprehend what was happening...
Their teacher was being slaughtered. And they couldn't do anything.
But Aki was calculating.
Aki (thoughts): Why don't I sense any malice from the big guy? But the hand guy has it practically radiating off of him... Calm down, Aki. Think clearly and calmly about your opponents and all the information you've been given and build a profile. Just like Bisky taught us. The big guy may not be a guy at all. He didn't move at all at the start and while I didn't see it it's a logical conclusion to come to that the hand villain ordered him to move and that's the only reason why the big guy is moving. It's like an empty husk. Only capable of following orders. Which means if you take out the hand villain it has no commander. A pawn without its king. But there's always the chance that thing could also be programmed to kill anything that attacks its commander. There's also the possibility I'm wrong about all of this and it's something completely different.
Aki's mind raced and raced as he tried to make sense of the situation based on what little information he had. Despite his rapid thoughts all of this thinking had occurred in a mere fraction of a second.
The large villain then grabbed the back of Aizawa's head. And slams it into the ground. Shattering the stone.
Aki could sense classmates nearby. But he wasn't sure how to handle that new information.
Aki (thoughts): I can sense some others nearby. From the water area. They're also watching. If we could all group up maybe we could...
His thoughts are cut off as the purple warp villain appears.
Portal guy: Tomura Shigaraki.
Shigaraki: Kurogiri, did you manage to kill Thirteen?
Aki had to resist the urge to deadpan.
Aki (thoughts): Did that Kurogiri guy really say the hand guy's full name? Shigaraki huh? I'll remember that.
Kurogiri: The rescue hero is out of commission. However, there were students I wasn't able to disperse, and one of them managed to escape.
Shigaraki's head snapped over.
Shigaraki: Huh?!
He growled in anger and scratched furiously at his neck.
Shigaraki: Kurogiri... You fucking idiot!
Shigaraki seethed with anger.
Jiro and Yaoyorozu watched on in horror still. Kaminari who was beginning to come to was also staring in horror. But the news that a classmate had escaped made them all feel the tiniest bit of hope. Aki however hadn't changed his expression at all. Something Yaoyorozu once again picked up on. But she didn't have time to think about it right now.
Aki (thoughts): He's losing it...
Shigaraki: If you weren't our way in and out of this place I'd tear every last atom from your body!
He suddenly stopped scratching.
Shigaraki: We don't stand a chance if dozens of pros show up. It's game over. Back to the main menu.
Aki narrowed his eyes at the wording. Cataloging that information for now.
Shigaraki slumped.
Shigaraki: And I really looked forward to finishing this today... Whatever, let's go home.
All those who heard that were surprised. Even Aki seemed a bit surprised by that.
Aki (thoughts): He's... Just gonna leave?
Aki noticed the hand villain turn his head slightly.
Shigaraki: Before we leave... Let's make sure the Symbol of Peace is broken!
Suddenly, a wave a killing intent struck Aki like a gunshot. And he exploded into movement. He vaulted the rock and hurled an NTC towards Tsu. At the same time, Shigaraki dashed for her.
Shigaraki grinned manically as his hand reached for Tsu's face. All Midoriya, Mineta, and the others could do was watch. He shouted in delight.
Shigaraki: Let's make All Might suf-
BLINK
Suddenly, and with zero warning, Aki appeared. His eyes glowed with malice and were fixated on Shigaraki's wrist. It had all happened so fast that those who were with Aki didn't even have time to question what he was doing. He'd moved so quickly. Aizawa, who had forced himself past his limit to cancel Shigaraki's Quirk widened his eyes. Even the large villain couldn't react in time.
Shigaraki widened his eyes and looked over. Aki, who was still holding the sword Yaoyorozu made, lunged for Shigaraki. The blade cleaved through space and seemingly, time itself as everyone felt like the world was in slow motion. But yet they couldn't move. The sword was held in the same one-handed reverse grip Yaoyorozu had seen earlier. His overhand slash roared down towards Shigaraki's wrist.
After what felt like decades. It happened...
SLICE
Aki sliced at Shigaraki's wrist. However, lady luck was on Shigaraki's side that day when...
SHATTER
The katana suddenly shattered in an explosion of metal. Aki widened his eyes and looked to see that Shigaraki still had his hand. Only a small red cut was left.
Aki (thoughts): Shit! The sword wasn't strong enough and I used too much power!
The sword which had already been used and was hastily made in the first place wasn't built to handle anything near Aki's powerful slashes when he goes all out. And it shattered when he tried to use his true strength.
Before anyone could fully process what had happened Aki who had jumped to reach Shigaraki's properly spun midair and slammed his leg into the villain's stomach and sent him away. He only skidded a couple of meters back though. Since now Aki was in his right mind to control his strength.
Shigaraki clutched his stomach as Aki had on instinct still used Ryu, so the kick hurt quite a bit even if it didn't really cause all that much damage. The large towering villain looked confused. Looking between Aki and Aizawa. As if its brain that ran only on instinct wasn't sure what to do. Keep pinning Aizawa or kill the person who attacked its master?
Shigaraki: You little...
Shigaraki seethed at Aki who then landed and tossed the hilt away. The clang of the hilt hitting the ground awoke everyone from their trance.
Midoirya: K-Kunihara!
Midoirya stood up with wide eyes. Tsu looked shaken but grateful as she watched on. Mineta was terrified. Yaoyorozu, Jiro, and Kaminari had now stood up from behind the rock.
Jiro: What the hell is he doing?!
She whispered yelled to the other two.
Yaoyorozu: It shattered...
Yaoyorozu muttered to herself while staring at Aki.
Aizawa slowly looked up at Aki.
Aizawa (thoughts): A sword... And it... Shattered? No. Shigaraki's Quirk must've done it.
Aizawa was under the impression that Shigaraki's Quirk was the cause of the katana's destruction. Since all he had to go on was that Shigaraki could destroy things that came into contact with him somehow.
Shigaraki scratched his neck with one hand and held his stomach with the other.
Shigaraki: Nomu... Kill him!
Nomu growled and began to move before...
BOOOOOOOMMMMM
A massive boom rang out throughout the entire facility and everyone stopped. Even Nomu and they looked to the top of the staircase.
All Might stood at the edge of the top of the stairs. And his face was furious.
All Might: Do not fear students... I AM HERE!
Aki took the chance as everyone was distracted and ran back to the rock he'd been hiding behind earlier. Jiro, Yaoyorozu, and Kaminari were still standing there looking at All Might. He stood next to them like he hadn't just tried to mutilate a villain. Shigaraki looked up at him and smirked.
Shigaraki: Ah... Looks like our game's getting a continue.
The remaining villains looked frightened.
Villain 1: It's All Might...
Villain 2: Never seen him in person before.
Villain 3: He's huge...
All Might began to walk down the staircase.
Villain 4: There's no time for this. If we just strike-
Before he can even finish his sentence. All Might vanished and reappeared.
SLAM
He incapacitated the villain before quickly dispatching the rest and grabbing Aizawa. He stood at the foot of the stairs cradling Aizawa who was seemingly passed out unconscious.
All Might: I'm sorry Aizawa... I should've been here.
All Might looked at his colleague's injuries and felt a tang of guilt. But then he felt anger. Anger at the villains for doing this. He turned and dashed yet again.
In an instant, all the students in the center plaza were picked up and placed at the foot of the stairs as well as Aizawa. Aki included.
Everyone gasped in awe. Even Aki blinked in surprise.
Aki (thoughts): Damn he's fast... I could track him with sight but even then he was just a blur. He'd give old man Netero a run for his money.
All Might: You all need to go back to the entrance! And take Aizawa with you! He's hurt badly!
Mineta: W-we're saved!
He cheered and pumped his fist with a little hop.
Tsu: Ribbit...
Yaoyorozu held her hands over her chest.
Yaoyorozu: Thank goodness.
Jiro scoffed and crossed her arms.
Jiro: Bout time.
Kaminari who had fully recovered from his stupid form sighed in relief.
Kaminari: Thank god you're here All Might!
Midoriya stared up at him.
Midoirya: Y-you... You saved us.
Aki merely kept staring at Nomu.
Aki: You need to be careful. That thing is named Nomu and it's strong. Don't let your guard down.
The way he spoke was so cold and empty it was like he was ordering All Might. Or like speaking to an equal on the battlefield. All Might, sensing the graveness in Aki's tone. Nodded but kept up his smile.
All Might: I've got this Young Kunihara! But the warning is appreciated!
Aki nods and grabs Aizawa and hoists him easily.
Classmates: Huh?
All his classmates looked at him in surprise.
Aki (thoughts): Oops... I shouldn't have done that so easily.
He then pretends to stumble.
Aki: A little help would be nice.
Midoirya and Kaminari come over and help carry Aizawa and all of them begin making their way up the staircase. As they do All Might and Nomu began fighting.
Aki and the others all walked up the staircase as All Might and Nomu started going at it. As they did Mineta spoke up.
Mineta: Kunihara you're insane! You teleported in and kicked that Shigaraki guy away like it was nothing!
Yaoyorozu then spoke up.
Yaoyorozu: It was incredibly reckless.
Tsu scratched her cheek.
Tsu: I suppose I should thank you...
She smiled at him and he kept looking at the ground with a blank face.
Aki (thoughts): I moved as soon as I felt his killing intent. I didn't have any time to think and I ended up making a massive mistake. I tried to cut Shigaraki's hand off. That's probably a really big no-no in this world even for heroes.
Jiro twirled her earphone jacks absentmindedly as she spoke up as well.
Jiro: Any clue why the katana Yaoyorozu made exploded like that?
Midoirya spoke up.
Midoriya: I think it's because of that villain's Quirk. When he touched Mr Aizawa a bit of his elbow disintegrated.
He pointed at Aizawa's elbow which was indeed missing flesh and had the muscle itself exposed.
Yaoyorozu: But the villain didn't touch the sword.
Midoriya: He may not have to. Maybe his Quirk can detect dangerous things and select what to destroy.
Aki's eyes widened subtly as he realized that an excuse had just been made for him.
Aki: Probably. I was just carrying that thing and I moved before I could think to put it down. I went to kick him and it just exploded even though I didn't use it.
He knew he moved so fast that there was no chance any of them saw him swing the sword.
Kaminari: Man that's a scary Quirk... What if it'd targeted you?
Aki: I'd be dead.
Aki simply answered the question with no qualms and didn't even change his expression. Before anyone could respond to his blank statement...
CRASH
A massive crash comes from the center plaza as the group makes it to the top of the stairs. They set Aizawa down and those already up there walked over.
Uraraka: Deku! You're okay!
She smiled with tears in her eyes.
Ashido also cried.
Ashido: Everything's gonna be okay now that All Might's here!
Sato suddenly pointed.
Sato: Look! All Might just German Suplexed that dude!
They all looked down at the fight. They all watched the dust cloud that had been formed. Expecting to see All Might triumphantly posing. But when the dust settled...
The students gasped in shock and fear.
Midoirya: A-All Might!
Kaminari: Shit! They got him!
Sato: Sneaky villains and their dumb tricks!
Midoirya suddenly started walking down the stairs while staring at All Might, his expression grim and terrified.
Midoirya (thoughts): They all think he's gonna be okay... But that thing is targeting All Might's weak spot. And he shouldn't even be using One For All right now! I read the news on the way to school and saw he'd been active in taking down villains, and when Mr Aizawa asked Thirteen why All Might wasn't here, she held up 3 fingers. That was probably to indicate All Might was past his limit! I'm the only one who knows! He's in real danger!
As Midoirya thought, his expression grew more and more grim. And he slowly walked down the stairs like he was in a trance. No one noticed because they were too worried about All Might. However, one person noticed.
Midoirya flinched when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder.
Aki: You'll get yourself killed. Don't do anything stupid Midoriya.
Midoirya flinched.
Midoirya: K-Kunihara?! I-I wasn't...
Aki gave him a look that said 'save it'.
However, Nomu began to dig its claws into All Might's weak spot, which made Midoirya jump into action.
Midoirya (thoughts): No! All Might you can't die! There's so much I still need you to teach me!
Aki clicked his tongue.
Aki (thoughts): Great... Now I need to get involved again.
He flicks his wrist.
Meanwhile, down in the center plaza, All Might struggled in Nomu's grip as Kurogiri attempted to pull him deeper into his portal.
Kurogiri: I'll force your body into the portal and then close it! Ripping you in half! I'll enjoy tearing you to pieces, symbol of peace.
All Might groaned and struggled to pull Nomu's hand away from his weak spot.
Shigaraki was practically giddy with excitement at the scene before him.
Shigaraki: Yes! Tear him to pieces Kurogiri! Keep your hold Nomu! This is going per-
BLINK
Time froze. In one instant All Might was on the ropes, Midoriya charging in with no plan to try and save his mentor. The next, someone stood right next to where All Might and Nomu tussled in the portal. All Might suddenly felt a strong and firm hand on his shoulder before...
BLINK
He felt his world change and he groaned in surprise.
All Might (thoughts): I'm... Not stuck anymore?
He quickly stood up and saw Aki standing there next to him. He also saw the Nomu groaning in confusion as Kurogiri attempted to free it from his portal. The sudden move caught everyone off guard.
Meanwhile, Shigaraki scratched his neck furiously as he glared at Aki.
Shigaraki: You again..! You're really starting to piss me off!
Kurogiri quickly shouted as he sensed Shigaraki's rage.
Kurogiri: Calm yourself Tomura Shigaraki! Focus on the task at hand! Do not let anger cloud your judgement!
Shigaraki stopped scratching.
Shigraki: You're right... Now that I think about it... Master would really like that Quirk of his.
Shigaraki pointed at Aki.
Shigaraki: Nomu. Disable the brat.
Aki shivered as he sensed an attack coming. It felt eerily similar to when Pitou attacked Kite.
Nomu screeched and suddenly launched itself at Aki. All Might sprang into action.
All Might: You didn't really think I would just let you do that did you?!
Shigaraki smirked.
Shigaraki: Kurogiri.
All Might's eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen.
All Might: NO!
He yelled and stopped on a dime before turning back and launching for Aki. At the same moment, a portal opened next to Aki. His gaze was one of abject terror as his head turned. Only to see the hulking body of Nomu charging for him.
CRASH
Back on the stairs, those from Class 1-A who had made it back watched on in horror.
Kaminari: No way... You don't think that guy...
Kaminari shook as he spoke. The rest of his classmates weren't doing much better. Yaoyorozu had a hand over her mouth. Jiro looked shaken to the core as did Ashido and Uraraka. Sero and Sato exchanged weary glances. Midoirya who had still been running down the stairs began to charge One For All to try and save Aki somehow.
However when the dust cleared...
Aki stood there, uninjured. But he still looked terrified.
All Might: I will not let you... HARM MY STUDENTS!
All Might stood protectively in front of Aki in a blocking stance. Having taken the whole brunt of Nomu's sudden attack which was meant to shatter the limbs of Aki to disable his movements to make capture easier.
Aki stumbled back and fell on his ass. Panting in fear.
Aki: Holy shit I almost died...
All Might and Nomu then started to exchange blows yet again.
All Might: Get out of here now!
All Might yelled as he fought. Aki wasted no time and sprang up. He turned and darted for the stairs.
Kurogiri: Foolish...
FWOOOM
Kurogiri's portal appeared in front of Aki. Who got ready to dodge out of the way on pure instinct. Only...
???: DIE!
Someone shouted and an explosion rang out throughout the building. Bakugo had arrived. The portal in front of Aki suddenly vanished.
Bakugo: Got your real body this time you smoky bastard!
Bakugo held Kurogiri by the metal plating around his neck.
???: AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Someone shouted from above Shigaraki as they landed and tried to hit the villain. Only for Shigaraki to easily dodge. But that left him open.
Aki, seeing the opportunity, began to run for Shigaraki. Deliberately lowering his speed though. Aki went to punch him in the back of the head.
Shigaraki: Too slow!
Shigaraki glared over his shoulder and dodged at the last second.
KRRRKKKTTT
Suddenly ice came out of nowhere and roared toward Shigaraki. He put his arms up instinctively and was frozen on the spot.
Shigaraki: Damn brats!
A bit of frost nicked Aki and the person who tried to punch Shigaraki from above, who landed and Aki saw was Kirishima. Who quickly ran towards Aki and the two began to create distance.
Kirishima: Man that was gonna be so cool if I landed that!
Aki scoffed.
Aki: Maybe don't yell before attacking next time.
Kirishima: Damn it! That's a good point! Man, this ice is cold! Couldn't you have aimed better Todoroki?!
Kirishima shouted over his shoulder at the half-and-half boy who stood on the other side of the plaza.
Aki brushed the ice off of himself.
Todoroki: The villain has been dealt with. That's all that matters.
Shigaraki chuckled.
Shigaraki: Oh I'm dealt with am I?
He touched the ice.
CRRRKKKTTT
The Ice crumbled away like it hadn't even been there.
Shigaraki landed in a crouch and looked up.
Shigaraki: You kids are getting annoying.
Kurogiri: Tch...
Meanwhile, Kurogiri tried to make a portal. Only to be met with sparks.
Bakugo: Try it and I'll blow you to bits! They'll be cleaning you up for weeks!
Kirishima looked over.
Kirishima: That isn't very heroic Bakugo!
Shigaraki looked over the current situation. All Might and Nomu in a stalemate since Nomu was still focusing on Aki. It was still focused on the order, 'disable the brat.' But it's so strong and tough All Might couldn't do anything but wear it down. But luckily it wasn't attacking back. For now... Aki and Kirishima standing next to Bakugo who was crouched over Kurogiri. Todoroki off to the side having just arrived from the landslide zone. And Midoirya watching on like he's trying to figure out how to insert himself and be useful.
Midoirya (thoughts): These guys... They're all so amazing! They're keeping up with and even beating these villains! But I can't control my power... If only I could... Then I could also be helping!
He unfortunately saw no way to currently insert himself as his power was basically useless in a drawn-out battle like this.
Shigaraki stood up and dusted himself off.
Shigaraki (thoughts): The heroes'll be here soon. That means even if we kill All Might a quick escape will be necessary, so I need Kurogiri...
He looked over at Nomu whose gaze was fixated on Aki but was unable to make it past All Might.
Shigaraki: Nomu. Free Kurogiri.
Nomu screeched and used its full power yet again. Dashing for Bakugo.
All Might: No!
He dashed right after him.
BOOM
CRASH
Dust erupted as did a massive shockwave. Midoirya was blown over to his other classmates as a result. And the group all sat and watched the dust cloud. When it cleared, Nomu sat crouched holding Kurogiri, Bakugo nowhere in sight.
Midoirya: K-KAACHAN!
Aki rubbed his ears.
Aki: Loud...
He muttered before Bakugo spoke.
Bakugo: I'm right here dumbass!
Midoirya flinched.
Midoirya: K-Kaachan?! You dodged him?! That's amazing!
Bakugo: What? No I didn't you damn nerd.
Kirishima stepped up.
Kirishima: Wait then how are you here?
Todoroki gasped and looked over towards where All Might had ended up.
Todoroki: Isn't it obvious?
Aki blinked.
Aki (thoughts): Wait these guys really didn't know All Might's the one who did that?
All Might stood in a blocking pose yet again panting and coughing. Having been launched into a wall by Nomu.
All Might: These are children! Yet you didn't think to hold back?!
Shigaraki walked over to Nomu and Kurogiri and stood side by side with them. Holding his arms out.
Shigaraki: Well I didn't have a choice now did I? He was threatening my cherished companion. Besides, these kids are no angels. That small one?
A tick mark appeared on Aki's forehead.
Shigaraki: He tried to-
Aki: DON'T CALL ME THAT!
Aki yelled suddenly.
Aki (thoughts): He was about to tell them I tried to cut his hand off... Good thing I stopped him.
Shigaraki scoffed and looked over.
Shigaraki: A wannabe hero so insecure he can't handle a little dig at his height? Pathetic.
He looked back at All Might.
Shigaraki: That fiery-looking one threatened Kurogiri. Threatened to kill him mind you. Why do you people prance around acting like you're the good guys? Who gets to decide which acts of violence are heroic and which are villainous? You think you're the symbol of peace? You're just a government-sponsored instrument of violence! A broken toy. Nothing but an NPC pretending to be the final boss!
Aki (thoughts): As I thought. This world functions mostly on black and white morality as opposed to understanding the true complexities of human nature. There's so much nuance in every situation. It's never going to be just one or the other.
An image entered Aki's mind.
Aki (thoughts): I know what can happen when a moral compass like that is left unchecked. It's like a whole world full of Gon's. I love him, but his lack of morality was something I never wanted to acknowledge since he's such a kind person deep down. But when he was faced with a truly complex moral situation, he lashed out. And I was forced to watch as my negligence of his immaturity bore fruit in the form of his slaughtering Pitou.
All Might growled at Shigaraki's words.
All Might: You're nothing but a lunatic. Criminals like you... You always try and make your actions sound noble. But admit it, you're only doing this because you like it, isn't that right?!
Aki (thoughts): All Might has a point. Shigaraki seems like the type to just wanna see the world burn. They're always the most dangerous to deal with. Those who just want chaos. Like Hisoka but even worse. At least Hisoka wanted more than just chaos. And his actions had some rhyme and reason to them. But at the same time, I don't like how quickly All Might dismissed Shigaraki's words. Because Shigaraki has a point as well. All Might definitely hasn't figured out the type of person Shigaraki is by this point. At least not fully. Which means that he's likely to dismiss a villain who actually believes the things Shigaraki was preaching. That kind of black and white thinking is so immature that it's a wonder he's almost 50 with decades of experience. Guess it goes to show how different this society is...
Todoroki side-eyed his classmates.
Todoroki: We've got them outnumbered.
Midoirya nodded and put his fists up in a fighting stance.
Midoirya: And Kaachan was able to find the mist guy's weakness.
Kirishima activated his hardening on his arms.
Kirishima: These guys may act super tough, but we can take em' down now with All Might's help! Let's do this, you guys.
Aki: No.
Aki suddenly called out as he was already walking away.
Aki: We'll just get in his way. Don't get in over your heads because you took down some street thugs.
They all stared over at him, surprised at how eager he seemed to leave this to All Might.
Bakugo: Tch... Like you're one to talk! Don't go ordering me around shorty!
Kirishima: Yeah man we got this!
All Might stepped in front of them and put his arm out.
All Might: Young Kunihara is right! You four need to leave with him!
Midoirya: B-but you're hurt! You're bleeding and you're almost out of-
He gasps as he realizes what he was about to say and stops himself. Aki stopped and turned, looking over his shoulder at Midoirya. His brow furrowed.
All Might: It'll all be okay! Just go watch a pro at work!
He gave them a thumbs up as he faced Nomu again.
Shigaraki: Nomu, Kurogiri. Kill him. I'll deal with the kids.
All Might held his side.
All Might (thoughts): I barely have a minute left in this form... My power is declining much faster than I thought it would. It must be because I gave One For All to Young Midoirya.
Shigaraki dashed for the kids. Aiming for Aki first. Who hadn't actually walked that far away in case he needed to jump in.
Kirishima: Looks like we're fightin' anyway! Heads up guys.
They all start to step forward and Aki holds his arm out.
Bakugo: What are you doing?! That guy is coming right for us.
Midoirya's eyes widened.
Midoirya: He wants us to trust in All Might...
Aki nodded.
Aki: Brace yourselves. When those two go at it, Shigaraki won't be able to get to us. The shockwaves and wind pressure will be too much. We should create distance.
He says as he hops back and begins backpedaling away, keeping his eyes still fixed on the villains just in case. His classmates soon followed and they began making distance.
All Might (thoughts): It's not like me to complain and make excuses! I'm no quitter! I am this world's symbol of PEACE AND JUSTICE!
All Might launched himself at Nomu and Nomu did the same. Both reeled an arm back and slammed their fists into one another. Just as Aki had predicted, the resulting shockwave sent Shigaraki flying away.
Shigaraki: Are you slow or something?! I said one of his powers is Shock Absorption!
All Might grinned as he and Nomu exchanged lightning-fast punches.
All Might: Yeah what about it?!
The resulting wind and shockwaves caused Aki and the others to be blown back even despite retreating.
Midoirya: He's gonna fight that brain guy on his own?!
Kirishima: They're so fast!
Even Todoroki and Bakugo had wide eyes as they watched the Symbol of Peace battle the ferocious monster. Aki hadn't changed his expression like always, but his thoughts were anything but calm.
Aki (thoughts): He's even faster than I thought... I don't think Killua in Godspeed could keep up. Even old man Netero wouldn't be able to! I can barely track the fight with my eyes!
All Might yelled again as the punches got faster and faster.
All Might: YOU SAID HIS POWER WAS SHOCK ABSORPTION NOT NULLIFICATION! THAT MEANS THERE'S A LIMIT TO WHAT HE CAN TAKE RIGHT?!
All Might speeds up but so does Nomu. Punch after punch fly from both sides, blurring together in a cascade of chaos and destruction. Nomu is able to land another blow onto All Might's weak spot. Forcing the hero back a step.
All Might growled in defiance and pushed Nomu back.
All Might: SO YOU WERE MADE TO DEFEAT ME?! EVEN AT 100 PERCENT OF MY POWER?!
Nomu grunts in confusion as it starts to lose ground.
All Might: THEN I'LL HAVE TO GO EVEN FURTHER!
All Might roars as he punches Nomu back. The creature goes flying. Stone and debris flying everywhere.
All Might leaps after him.
All Might: A real hero...
Nomu leaps up to meet All Might. The two behemoths collide in midair before All Might blocks and counters. Sending Nomu to the ground where he bounces.
All Might: WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY FOR JUSTICE TO BE SERVED!
All Might lands and grabs Nomu under his arm and grunts in effort as he spins once and launches the creature and himself into the air. Before throwing Nomu down to the ground.
An earth-shaking BOOM echoed throughout the building as more dust and debris flew. The students sat and watched, awestruck by the power on display.
All Might lands in front of Nomu who had stood up after the fall.
All Might: Now for a lesson...
All Might stands tall and his muscles grow even larger.
All Might: You have heard these words before, but I'll teach you what they really mean!
He reels his fist back.
All Might: GO BEYOND!
He slams it into the stomach of Nomu.
All Might: PLUSSSSS ULTRAAAAAA!!!!
A deafening shockwave ripped through the building as Nomu was launched into the air. He flew... And flew... Until...
BOOOOOOMMMMM
The hulking monstrosity was sent out of the U.S.J. and continued to fly. The clouds parted as it did.
Those who witnessed it were frozen with looks on their faces that resembled deer in headlights.
Kirishima: Holy...
Bakugo: Fucking...
Aki: Shit...
Even Aki was a bit awestruck and shocked at the display of power, even if his expression didn't portray it.
Todoroki: Unreal... I've never seen brute force like that before.
Aki (thoughts): I have... I don't know who would win in an all-out brawl, but All Might just showed power far beyond what Youpi was capable of without Nen. Maybe even with it. No wonder people worship him...
His mind flashed to when All Might had yelled Plus Ultra.
Aki: So that's what it means...
He spoke under his breath and only Midoirya caught it.
All Might stood triumphant as the dust settled.
All Might: Back in my heyday... Just 5 blows would've been enough to defeat that villain. But today it took over 300 mighty punches!
Aki (thoughts): Guess I got a little caught up in the hype... The old man was capable of way more than 300 strikes in a minute like All Might just did. But if All Might in his prime really could've dealt with that thing in 5 hits... Then I don't see how anyone stood a chance against him back then.
All Might's smile burned bright as he turned to face the villains.
All Might: You've been bested villains! Give up and surrender now. We all have things to do don't we? We should hurry this up.
Shigaraki seethed in anger.
Shigaraki: He... cheated! He cheated!
He scratched his neck furiously.
Shigaraki: What the hell... What's going on here? He's as strong as he's always been! God damn it! Was I lied to?
The villain muttered to himself while glaring at All Might.
All Might: What's wrong?!
All Might cut off Shigaraki's muttering.
All Might: Why aren't you attacking? Aren't I just an NPC pretending to be the final boss? Here's your opportunity to prove it! Come take it, if you dare!
The students who continued to watch on were still slightly stunned.
Bakugo: This is intense...
Todoroki crossed his arms and sighed.
Todoroki: We never should've doubted him in the first place. As we should've expected, he can handle them. We have no reason to fight now. Kunihara was right from the start.
Bakugo, Todoroki, and Kirishima began walking away. But Aki and Midoirya stayed put.
Kirishima: Hey come on you two! Just like you said Kunihara, we don't wanna get in his way!
Aki didn't budge. He kept his blank unreadable expression focused on All Might.
Bakugo: Hurry it up you two! Shorty! You're the one who said we should retreat! And quit just standing there Deku!
Aki: He's bluffing.
Aki suddenly spoke under his breath. Midoirya gasped and looked over.
Midoirya (thoughts): W-WHAT THE?! HOW DOES HE KNOW THAT?!
Kirishima shouted again.
Kirishima: Come on you guys!
The three of them stopped. Todoroki walked up to Aki and Midoirya. Bakugo and Kirishima remain a few steps away.
Todoroki: Why aren't you two leaving?
Aki: Look at All Might.
Aki's voice was cold and focused. And his words came out like a command. They all looked at All Might but saw nothing wrong.
Kirishima: Huh? What is it, man? He's just standing there looking badass as usual!
Bakugo pointed at Aki.
Bakugo: You're seein' things you schizophrenic shorty!
Midoirya (thoughts): That's how he knows? He noticed the steam? No... That can't be it. It's blending in with the dust. If you didn't know to look for it there's no way you'd realize that was steam.
Midoirya looked closer to try and see what Aki was seeing. Only to widen his eyes when he realized.
Midoirya (thoughts): His muscles... They're twitching erratically! That's how Kunihara knows! But still... How did he pick up on that in such a tense moment? He's really observant.
Shigaraki groaned and growled in anger as the scratching got worse.
Shigaraki: If only Nomu were here! He'd rip you to pieces!
Kurogiri quickly stepped in.
Kurogiri: Calm yourself Tomura Shigaraki! Do not fret. Look at him. He's clearly weakened.
Shigaraki gasped and looked at All Might closely.
Kurogiri: The children appear to be frozen in fear! And look! Our underlings are recovering! We likely have a few minutes before his reinforcements arrive, if we work together, we can do this! We haven't missed our chance to kill All Might!
That made Aki instantly move.
Aki: I'm frozen in fear am I?
He stepped forward.
Midoirya froze.
Midoirya (thoughts): What is he doing?!
All Might goes to shout at Aki to tell him to get back. But he can't. He feels the urge to cough and is forced to swallow blood to avoid revealing his weakened state to the villains.
Shigaraki glared at Aki.
Shigaraki: You..! You're the worst of them! You're a damn nuisance! Now move! I've got a symbol to kill!
Aki stares at him blankly.
Aki: And if I don't? What are you gonna do about it?
Shigaraki bristled in rage at the tone.
Shigaraki: I'LL TEAR YOU TO PIECES THAT'S WHAT!
He threw his arms out as he spoke, like a child throwing a tantrum.
Aki: You can't make it anywhere near me. I'll just teleport away. And you're far too weak to keep up. Who's to say I won't run you ragged while you try to get me? Until you're so tired you can't resist arrest. You seem like the type to fall for that. But luckily for you, I can't do that.
Shigaraki looks like he's about to explode.
Kurogiri: Calm yourself Tomura Shigaraki! He's provoking you on purpose!
Aki: Is that what I'm doing? Maybe I'm stalling for backup. Maybe I'm just taking this chance to get a good look at a real man-child in the flesh.
Shigaraki: Tch... YOU LITTLE...
Kurogiri: Tomura Shigaraki no!
Shigaraki sprinted for Aki, hand out and ready to kill him. Aki didn't change his expression as he already sensed the pros arriving along with Iida. He knew he'd be fine. Unfortunately...
Midoriya: GET AWAY FROM HIM!
Midoirya screamed as he used One For All to jump for Aki.
Aki: No stop you idiot!
Shigaraki's other hand shot out towards Midoirya.
Shigaraki: FINE THEN I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!
His hands reached for both boys. Aki's senses narrowed and he temporarily forgot about the pros arriving at that very moment, his survival instincts kicking in. He took a step back and reached for the sword on his back. However, before he could unsheathe it...
BANG
A loud bang hit everyone like a grenade and a bullet tore through Shigaraki's hands. The same bullet hits both.
BANG
BANG
BANG
Several more shots followed as the villains who were recovering were hit with bullets. Everyone gasped and looked up at the top of the staircase.
???: I apologize everyone. We were quite late. But I gathered all the teachers here as quickly as I could.
A small rat/bear creature stood at the top of the stairs with his arms behind his back.
Midoirya, who had face planted seconds before after no longer having a target to hit, looked up.
Midoirya: I-it's Iida! And the pros!
Iida suddenly appeared and shouted.
Iida: YOUR CLASS REP HAS RETURNED! AND I'VE BROUGHT REINFORCEMENTS!
All the teachers then appeared.
Aki (thoughts): Did they time that so they could pose?
Kurogiri wasted no time. Having seen his companion lose control put him on edge, now that the pros were here he didn't wait for an order. And before anyone could react, he used his warp gate to swallow Shigaraki and then he began to warp them both.
Shigaraki: I may have failed this time All Might... But your days are NUMBERED! I WILL KILL YOU... SYMBOL OF PEACE!
His voice rang out through the building as they disappeared.
Aki scratched his head as he began walking away.
Aki (thoughts): Guess that's done with...
As he makes his way towards the stairs he blinks.
Aki: Oh right Midoirya.
He turns around and begins to walk over, hands in his jacket pockets.
Aki: Hey you okay Midoirya? That was super reckless you know?
All Might (thoughts): I'm glad he's looking out for his friend... But wait... IF HE SEES ME LIKE THIS...
Midoirya quickly realized the same thing. He put his hands up.
Midoirya: Kunihara wait! D-don't come over here.
He kept walking anyway, thinking Midoriya was refusing help because he didn't want to seem weak. Suddenly, Aki was alerted to something coming for him. Not an attack per se, but something resembling one. So he stopped dead in his tracks. A second later...
CRRRRRRRRRTTT
The cement on the ground suddenly formed into a wall in front of him. Aki looked over at the one responsible.
Cementoss: Please go back to your classmates at the front gate young man. Let us take care of the injured.
Aki's face gave away nothing but he nodded and turned. Seeing Bakugo Todoroki and Kirishima waiting for him.
Aki: Why are you guys still here?
Bakugo scoffed and crossed his arms.
Bakugo: Shitty hair wanted to stay to make sure you and Deku didn't get yourselves killed!
He pointed at Aki.
Bakugo: And where do you get off calling other people reckless! You could've gotten yourself killed!
Kirishima laughed.
Kirishima: Damn Bakugo you don't pull punches in the battlefield or with your friends huh?
Bakugo snapped back.
Bakugo: You're not my damn friends!
Aki groaned at the headache forming.
Aki: I was gonna teleport away at the last second. I would've been fine. I was baiting him to buy time for the teachers to get here.
Bakugo: You could've screwed it up!
Todoroki narrowed his eyes as the boys ascended the stairs.
Todoroki: That's clever, and cunning. You were able to make a call like that in this situation?
Aki side-eyed him.
Aki: Yeah. Why? It's not that big of a deal. Any of you could've done it. He's childish and immature, so attack his ego and he'll lose focus. Thus buying time.
Todoroki: Hm.
His gaze betrayed his blank reply. His mind was clearly reeling and going over every little thing about what Aki had said.
Bakugo: Tch... You stupid fucking nerd. If you were stronger you could've just beaten him up!
Aki's shoulders slumped.
Aki: I'll consider that for next time...
Bakugo shouted back.
Bakugo: Don't get smart with me!
Kirishima laughed heartily and the boys made it back to their classmates.
Todoroki (thoughts): He says it's not a big deal, and it wouldn't be, for a pro. My old man talked all the time about how to find and exploit opponents' weaknesses, though he was mostly obsessed with raw power. The way Kunihara spoke just now... Reminded me of Dad. Attacking an opponent verbally to make them lose focus and buy time... It's simple in theory but all of us were freaking out. Even I was feeling it. Now that I think back... Kunihara never actually changed his expression once during the time I saw him. Like none of it even registered with him. Maybe he just has trouble expressing himself...
Aki and the others were then escorted out by police. And they had all officially survived their first encounter with villains.
(A/N: Would you all like longer chapters like this? Or shorter ones that can spilt things up more)