Dekiru 10: The Symbol Of Peace And The Protector Of Earth

Chapter 30: Explosive Confrontation! Part 2: BOOM!

"AND FOR OUR SEMI-FINALS! WE HAVE THE BOY WHO COMES IN WITH A DETROIT SMASH! THE SHAPE-SHIFTING, TRANSFORMING TEENAGER WHO LEAVES THE ARENA IN SHAMBLES-IZUKU MIDORIYA!!" Present Mic's voice thundered across the stadium, prompting an eruption of cheers from the audience.

......

Izuku stepped out into the blinding light of the arena, the roar of the crowd screaming his name reverberating in his ears. From the opposite tunnel, Katsuki Bakugou emerged, his sharp glare locked onto Izuku like a predator zeroing in on its prey.

In the Hero Course seating area, Class 1-A and their friends rose to their feet, cheering with all their might.

"Do your best, Dekiru!!" Ochako called out, cupping her hands around her mouth.

"You've got this!!" Itsuka shouted, her fists clenched in excitement.

"Don't let him rattle you!" Momo added, her voice firm with encouragement.

"Show that explosion jerk who's boss!" Toru and Mina hollered in unison, their enthusiasm contagious.

As Izuku strode forward, his focus wavered momentarily when a voice rang out from the crowd, cutting through the sea of noise.

"Kick his ass, Izuku!"

Izuku's steps faltered, his head snapping toward the stands.

'Was that...?' His thoughts churned for a moment, but he quickly shook them off, forcing his focus back to the task ahead as he approached the arena.

......

"AND ON THE OTHER SIDE, WE HAVE KATSUKI BAKUGOU, WHO-LET'S BE HONEST-MOST OF US ARE SECRETLY ROOTING AGAINST!" Present Mic's teasing remark earned a mix of laughs and cheers from the spectators, while Bakugou's glare deepened.

With his hands buried in his pockets, Bakugou marched to the center, radiating unrestrained aggression. On the sidelines, Midnight shifted uncomfortably, her unease apparent as she tapped her earpiece.

"Aizawa, are you absolutely sure about this?" she asked, her voice a mix of worry and frustration. "These two fighting... it's like lighting a match near a gas leak. This could go south fast."

Nezu's calm yet firm voice replied first. "Your concerns are noted, Midnight, but this is precisely why the match must happen. The S.A.C.T. is already watching Midoriya closely, and this fight is an opportunity to alleviate-or confirm-their concerns about him. However, there's another reason this match is vital."

Midnight frowned, her unease growing. "What other reason?"

"We need him to see it for himself," Nezu explained, his voice quieter but more deliberate. "Midoriya is a remarkable individual, but he's carrying a burden he refuses to acknowledge. The rage, the frustration-it's all there, simmering beneath the surface. He tells himself he's fine, but we know he's not. This match might be the only way for him to realize that for himself."

Aizawa's voice joined in, steady and pragmatic. "Midoriya's not a danger to anyone, but bottling this up isn't healthy. If this fight helps him confront what he's been suppressing, it's worth the risk. He's strong, but even he needs to recognize when he's not okay."

Midnight sighed heavily, reluctant but understanding their reasoning. "Fine. But I'm keeping a close eye on this, and if anything looks like it's going too far, I'm stepping in."

"Are you both ready?" Midnight asked, her voice clear and authoritative.

......

"Back at the Battle Training, you said you weren't afraid of me. I saw it then, and I see it now-both of us know you lied," Katsuki sneered, bending his knees as he prepared himself for the fight. "You better pick a good form, because I'm going to prove that Quirk or not, you're still just a useless waste of space. No capture tape, no teachers to stop it, and no Levin to protect you-you're a worthless ass!"