Shikigami Dance: Naruto/BNHA Crossover - Chapter 24

WARNING: Gore, death, suicide baiting

***

(Flashback: Two weeks before…)

Haru entered the office where Best Jeanist had summoned him.

“You wished to speak to me, sir?”

The hero motioned at the couch opposite from where he was sitting, “Sit down.”

Haru did as he was told, “Is this about the USJ?”

Best Jeanist tapped a finger against his forehead, “I wanted to ask you about the seal first. Show it to me.”

Haru sat down and pulled back his hair. The dark symbol appeared and his mentor studied it carefully.

“Interesting,” Best Jeanist murmured, “It’s starting to visibly unravel.”

Haru frowned, “Yes. I noticed when I checked it this morning. My guess is that my new healing ability caused my usual chakra flow to be disrupted. Since I have no information on the technique, that must mean it was never expected to come into the equation at this time or even at all. Either way, it looks like the deterioration of the seal has been accelerated. My chakra reserves were suppressed to avoid this but using such a high-level Jutsu must have forced my reserves open,” he flexed his finger experimentally, “I have to retrain my body to adapt since there is much more power to control.

Best Jeanist nodded, absentmindedly messing with his slicked hair, “I see. Any new information?”

Haru thought hard for a moment and the number four hero waited.

The teen furrowed his eyes, “It was something about a scroll.”

Best Jeanist leaned forward, “A scroll?”

Haru nodded, “I remember that the scroll with my birth information was found with my mother before she died. There was meant to be a second one.”

Best Jeanist leaned back again, “I know which one you’re talking about.”

Haru stiffened, “You do?”

“Your adoptive-” Haru’s eyes narrowed not liking the way that was said, causing the hero to correct himself, “Your parents gave me the second scroll in secret for safekeeping. It was one of the things I decided to keep from the higher-ups. I suppose we can discuss that another time, but first, what happened at the USJ?”

Haru told his mentor everything that had happened from meeting across Tenko (otherwise named Shigaraki) the night before, the villain’s infiltration, his battles with Kurogiri, Shigaraki, and Nomu, and all the information he had gleaned about them.

“Why did you try to kill Shigaraki?”

“He… he ordered Nomu to kill Katsuki,” he let out a trembling breath, “I wasn’t fast enough to save him. Even though All Might got there in time, I was so angry. At that moment I hated everything. I hated Tenko. I wanted to kill him… no… I wanted to erase his existence. I was just so full of rage. It felt wrong, but I wanted to do it!”

He felt a hand on his shoulder and clutched it desperately.

“Love is something we all feel, Haru,” Best Jeanist ‘s voice was soft, “It gives us our greatest strengths, but also our greatest weaknesses. It’s good that even though you were trying to kill them, you were fighting the internal battle. Treat this event as a reminder that you are not infallible.”

Haru trembled, wrapping his arms around himself, “There’s something else…”

The hero noted the paleness of Haru’s face and the trembling of the eyes, recognizing the symptoms of whenever Haru recovered an implanted memory.

The seal on Haru’s head was rudimentary at best. Whoever created it was both highly intelligent, skilled, and blessed with luck. Even so, there were few flaws. The seal’s main purpose was to slowly feed Haru essential information concerning his potential abilities. One drawback was that a few memories of the creator were trapped inside by accident.

Haru still hadn’t recovered from the nightmares of death and destruction that he had seen he was younger.

“Was that what triggered your rage?”

Haru looked up at Best Jeanist, “I saw something from dad’s memories…”

Best Jeanist’s eyes widened, “What?”

***

(Land of Rain… Many years ago…)

Nagato and Yahiko stood helpless, confronted by members of both the Leaf and the Rain Anbu Black Ops. Konan was kneeling on the ground, tied up and unable to move as a kunai was held at her throat.

The Hidden Rain leader, Hanzo, glared at the two Akatsuki, furious that their believed betrayal of his village.

Standing nearby, Danzo watched with secret satisfaction. He had noticed the stability being brought as a result of the peace organization. It had been initially disturbing as its ideology was not only dangerous for him, but it was popular among the general population. Such a group had to be removed from the picture before it became a problem.

It had been a simple task to produce false information on their betrayal to Hanzo’s. The Hidden Rain’s leader was so bent on protecting his war-stricken village he’d eliminate any threat without question. Now the troublesome Akatsuki would be dealt with.

Hanzo brought the kunai closer to Konan’s throat, “Yahiko…” his deep voice rumbled with the. distant thunder, “You are the leader so you must die. If you resist, this woman will be killed.”

Konan glared at her captor, hiding away the fear in her eyes.

Yahiko gritted his teeth while Nagato could only stare in horror as the woman he loved was kneeling so close to death.

“You! The red-haired one. Use that to kill Yahiko. Then I will spare you and the woman.”

Nagato stared at the weapon helplessly, his unawakened Rinnegan eyes trembling.

Konan shook her head violently, “Don’t do it, Nagato! Never mind me! Both of you, escape!”

The young man felt as if his heart was being pulled apart. He couldn’t do either. He loved Konan too much to desert her, but Yahiko was his closest friend. The three of them had grown up together, survived together, fought together. He couldn’t make this choice.

“Nagato.”

Nagato flinched and looked over at Yahiko, who gave him a sad smile

“Kill me.”

Nagato caught his breath in disbelief.

“Nagato!” Yahiko’s tone was stern.

Konan tried to drag herself away from Hanzo’s iron grip, “No!”

“Hurry it up,” Hanzo demanded, “Do you want this woman to die?”

Nagato slowly and hesitantly reached down and pulled the kunai from the ground his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan where they’d all survive. If Yahiko fought by his side, he was sure he’d be able to save Konan.

He held the kunai in his hand, staring at it a moment.

He looked up at Konan’s terrified face, “Konan…”

He turned to his friend, “Yahi–”

The sound of a knife stabbing a body sounded across the rainy cliffs.

Nagato looked in horror as his friend forcefully impaled himself on the kunai in his hand.

Yahiko gave his best friend one last smile, “You are… the savior.. of this world… I know… you can… do it.”

Yahiko’s body slumped off of Nagato’s frozen figure, hitting the wet ground with a soft splash.

Konan went berserk as she struggled to free herself, “YAHIKO!”

Nagato remained in shock, staring at the dark clouds in the distance.

Hanzo gave a smile of satisfaction behind his mask, “Kill them.”

A flurry of kunai and shuriken were flung by both the Leaf and the Rain forces.

Nagato suddenly raised a hand, creating an invisible force that deflected all the weapons. Not giving the shocked enemy time to recover, he moved to Konan’s side, causing Hanzo to retreat out of caution. Moving as if in a trance, his eyes burning and pulsing to the beating of his heart, Nagato picked up Konan’s sobbing figure and leaped away.

He did not escape unscathed. Hanzo raised his hands in a sign and summoned a series of paper bombs from the ground that attached themselves to Nagato’s feet, exploding after he jumped.

The young shinobi didn’t even feel the pain, however, as he untied Konan and placed her next to Yahiko’s dead body.

Hanzo narrowed his eyes, “You… those eyes,” he realized too late he had made a mistake on who to kill first.

Danzo calmly backed away from the oncoming battle, murmuring to his Anbu, “Kill him.”

Multiple members of the Leaf’s Root Anbu followed his command and jumped at the wounded shinobi

“Summoning Jutsu: Gedo Statue!” Nagato slammed his hand to the ground.

There was a rumble and a massive roar as the sentient Gedo statue burst from the ground swinging one of its long arms to smack to oncoming ninja away crushing their bodies.

Konan’s amber eyes widened at the being she saw only once before and had never hoped to see again, “That is…”

Hanzo furrowed his eyebrows, “What is that?”

Konan tried to sit up, “Nagato, don’t use it!”

Not listening to her, Nagato screamed in rage, his whole being focused on his enemy.

A chakra receiver slid from the statue and stabbed him in the back, connecting him directly. Several more of the black rods followed, causing Nagato to cry out in pain, but his eye never left Hanzo’s figure.

The Gedo statue opened its mouth, letting out a dragon made of purple chakra. With a roar, it lowered its head, moving too quickly to dodge. The shinobi who made contact never knew what hit them, their chakra and souls ripped from their bodies.

In less than a minute all the remaining Rain ninja were dead, excluding Hanzo, who watched with a grave expression. Danzo and his remaining Root had long fled.

The dragon slowly pushed itself closer to the Hanzo’s lone figure, its chakra body hissing as the rain hit its scorching surface.

“So, you were the real leader in the shadows,” Hanzo observed, “I’m surprised you possess the Rinnegan.”

Nagato’s eyes hardened as he screamed once again. The dragon raised its head opening its jaws for a final strike.

Hanzo raised his fingers in a seal of confrontation. His body flickered just before the dragon hit the ground, destroying the cliff he had been standing

***

Haru sat dry-eyed after telling Best Jeanist the details of the received memory.

“I still haven’t been able to process it. When I woke up after the incident, I didn’t even remember it. It only hit me later in the middle of the night.”

He felt the cushions next to him sink as Best Jeanist sat beside him.

“I’m not going to ask if you are okay. It’s obvious you’re not.”

Haru rested his forehead against his clasped hands, “That memory… It made me realize how much pain can change a person. At the USJ, I was just like that.”

Best Jeanist leaned back against the couch, “Haru. Tell me again, why do you want to be a hero?”

Haru turned his head, “I want to help create peace in our society. To be a pillar. The pillar that supports the next Symbol of Peace.”

“What makes you so sure that there will be the next Symbol of Peace?”

“Nothing. I just believe there will be.”

Jeanist gave Haru a small smile from behind his collar, “Peace isn’t easy Haru. It takes several things and the cooperation of many people,” he placed a hand on Haru’s head, fondly roughing the boy’s hair, “It takes the mind, the body, and the heart. There are no shortcuts or room for despair. That’s what makes many people into villains, wanting to take the easy way no matter the cost or having lost all hope in humanity,” he pulled his hand away, “Never forget that, Haru.”

The boy slowly nodded his head, “Sure.”

The hero clasped his hand over his knee, “Now. Before I go, I need to tell you something important.”

Haru blinked, “Yes?”

“You are to win the sports festival, using whatever power you have at your disposal.”

Haru jolted, “What? I’m only supposed to have one Quirk! I can’t show everything in front of live tv!”

“The Hero Commission thinks this would be for the best. Due to your accidental slip up, it’s best to get the general public used to your abilities in case your secret leaks out.”

Haru fidgeted, “Still…”

“Personally, I believe you need this. You can’t hide in the shadows anymore. You have the support of multiple people including your family, your classmates, and myself,” Best Jeanist smiled mischievously, “If can prove yourself capable of controlling your abilities, I will give you the scroll.”

Haru blinked, then frowned, “I hate it when you guilt trip and then blackmail me.”

The hero chuckled, “You seem to do that all the time.”

Haru smirked, “Well, you’re the one who taught me in the first place.”

“Will you do it?”

“Fine.”

***

(Present: UA Sport’s Festival…)

Two weeks had passed and the sun rose to herald the dawn of the UA sports festival.

Everyone from Class 1A was now dressed in the school’s gym uniform, waiting to enter the arena.

“Ah, man!” Ashido whɨnėd, “I was totally hoping I could wear my costume.”

Ojiro looked up from where he was stretching, “At least everyone will be in uniform. That’ll keep things fair, right?” he said comfortingly.

“I wonder what they have in store of us in the first round,” Hagakure asked no one in particular, obviously nervous.

Tokoyami sat calmly in his seat, “No matter what they’ve prepared, we must persevere.”

Shoji nodded agreement, “Right.”

The door opened to reveal Haru. He was dressed in a gym uniform and a pair of slim black boots, the newest modification of his hero costume. His bright red hair pulled back messily with a hair tie.

“Okay everyone, showtime! We’ll be entering the arena soon, so make me proud!”

Iida stood up stiffly, “Yes, class rep!”

“Relax Iida.”

“Yes, class rep!”

Haru raised an eyebrow as he looked at the class secretary, noting the teen was a stiff as a wooden board.

“Iida, at ease.”

“Yes, class rep.”

Iida placed his hand behind his back and braced his legs in the at-ease position.

Haru sweatdropped. ‘I tried.’

Mineta was busy writing the kanji for man and ‘swallowing’ it to calm himself down.

“You too, Mineta. You’ll be fine.”

To his surprise, the small student actually calmed, “Okay!”

Haru looked around, singling out two of his classmates in particular, “Jiro, Kaminari, you guys ready?”

The two teens sent him confident smiles. During the two weeks of training at the Shuei-Gumi, they had all trained hard. Much to their surprise the yakuza actually had good trainers among them.

Kaminari flexed his arm, “Hell yeah! I’ve got some new skills I can’t wait to try out.”

Jiro twirled a throwing dart in her earphone jack and flung it at the target hanging on the wall, gaining a perfect bulls-eye, “Same.”

Uraraka laced and unlaced her fingers from where she sat next to Tsuyu, “They seem pretty confident.”

The frog girl nodded knowingly, “Considering they trained under the same people as Haru, it makes sense.”

Sero ġrȯȧnėd, “Aw! That just makes me more nervous!”

Haru was about to encourage them when he saw Todoroki approach walk up to Izuku.

***

(Play: My Hero Academia Season 2 OST – From Me To You: youtu.be/A_jdP_oAMZE)

***

“Midoriya.”

Everyone looked up in surprise as the resident ice prince broke his usual silence.

The freckled teen turned to face the recommended student, “Hey Todoroki, what’s up?”

Todoroki’s heterochromatic eyes pierced into Izuku’s soul, “From an objective standpoint, I think it’s fairly clear that I’m stronger than you.”

Izuku tensed but didn’t deny it, “Um… yeah.”

Todoroki didn’t stop staring him down, “You’ve got All Might in your corner helping you out,” Izuku caught his breath, as the bicolored haired teen continued, “I’m not here to pry about what’s going on between you two, but know that I will beat you.”

Denki raised an eyebrow, “What’s with all these declarations of war lately?”

Kirishima got up and placed a hand on Todoroki’s shoulder, “Yeah, what’s the big deal? Why are you picking a fight all of the sudden and right before we get started?”

Todoroki shook off the redhead’s hand, “We’re not here to be each other’s friends,” he turned and walked towards the door, “Don’t forget, this isn’t a team effort.”

Izuku’s eyes were glued to the floor, “Wait a sec, Todoroki,” something in his voice made the taller teen pause, “I don’t know what’s going through your head or why you think you need to tell me that you’ll beat me,” the room was completely silent, “And yeah… of course you’re better than me. In fact, you probably have some of the most potential out of anyone in the hero course. That’s why you got in so easily.”

“Hey Midoriya, maybe you’re being a little hard on yourself, and us,” Kirishima said.

Izuku shook his head, “No. He’s right, you guys. All the other courses… they’re coming for us with everything they’ve got!” he clenched his hand into fists, “We’re all going to have to fight to stand out,” he lifted his gaze to lock eyes with Todoroki, “And I’ll be aiming for the top too.”

Todoroki didn’t show any emotion, “Fine.”

The dramatic music that no one had realized had been playing suddenly stopped.

‘Is someone…?’

Haru cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention, “Sorry…”

Everyone sweatdropped as he exited the music app on his phone.

Todoroki eyed the carefree class rep with the same intensity he had Izuku, “‘Sometimes the people who laugh the most are the ones hiding the most pain.’”

Haru paused at the words, remembering that he had said the exact same thing a couple of weeks before. He straightened up, meeting Todoroki’s stare.

“No one is immune to pain, Todoroki,” the younger Bakugo’s tone was solemn, “Even people who live the most blessed lives bear burdens just that same as those who aren’t.”

“You are from a famous clan, possess multiple Quirks, and are backed by Best Jeanist,” Todoroki pointed out, ignoring Haru’s statement, “You’re the one I want to beat most of all.”

“And what will gain you what?” the blunt question caused Todoroki’s eyes to widen slightly as Haru’s expression remained cold, “Approval? Fame? Self-appeasement?” Haru’s eyes were lit up with his inner fire, “My goal was never to be number one, Todoroki. It’s something that I hold closer more than anything.”

The intercom dinged and announced that the students should now enter the arena.

Haru walked past Todoroki, not sparing him a glance.

Katsuki stood by the door, having silently watched the whole proceedings.

“I’m gonna beat you today.”

It wasn’t the usual bragging tone Katsuki used. It was calm, showing how deadly serious he was.

Haru gave his older brother a smirk, raising a clenched fist, “May the best man win.”

Their forearms bumped together in acknowledgment. The fight for the top began.

***

(Sports Festival Stadium…)

[HEY!]

The crowd cheered in response as Present Mic yelled out across the stadium.

The Voice Hero grinned at the rare enthusiastic response he was getting and took full advantage of it, [MAKE SOME NOISE ALL YOU RABID SPORTS FANS! GET THOSE CAMERAS PREPPED! THIS YEAR, WE’RE BRINGING YOU SOME OF THE HIGHEST PERFORMANCES IN SPORTS FESTIVAL HISTORY, GUARANTEED! I ONLY GOT ONE QUESTION BEFORE WE START THIS SHOW… ARE YOU READY?]

He was greeted by more raucous cheers from the spectators in the overcrowded stands.

[Lets me hear you scream as our students make their way to the main stage!]

The crowd cheered again straining to see the approaching silhouettes of the exiting students.

The members of Class 1A slowly made their way to the light at the end of the tunnel as firework boomed over the campus as the festival came to an official start

Present Mic’s voice sounded out again, [Welcome to the UA sports festival, where up-and-coming heroes put everything on the field as they fight for the chance to achieve full-flight fame and celebrity! This first group is no stranger to the spotlight! You know them for withstanding a villain attack! The dazzling students lighting your TVs with solid gold skills! THE HERO COURSE STUDENTS OF CLASS 1A!]

Haru resisted the urge to bomb the announcer box as he walked out onto the field with his class.

‘Is he trying to get us killed? If not by the other courses, then villains trying to prove themselves strong?’

By the looks on his classmate’s faces, they shared similar sentiments.

Izuku just looked sick, “I didn’t know there would be so many people.”

“I hope we’ll still be able to give our best performance even though all these eyes are watching us,” Iida commented, “I suppose it’s just another aspect of being a hero we all have to learn to get used to.”

Kirishima had a nervous grin on his face, “Present Mic sure did talk us up a lot. Kinda makes me nervous,” he looked at Katsuki who was walking in front of him, “How are you feeling man?”

Katsuki had a dark grin on his face, “I’m not worried. Makes me want to win this thing even more.”

And, Mic decides to make life much worse as he introduced the other classes, [They haven’t been nearly getting as much screen time, but this next group is still chock-full of talent. WELCOME HERO COURSE CLASS 1B!]

Haru gave Monoma and Shiozaki a wave as they enter the arena with their class.

[Next up, general studies classes C, D, and E, support classes F, G, and H, and finally business classes I, J, and K! Give it up for all of UA’s first-year contestants!]

The crowd cheered in answer to the DJ’s yells.

Haru popped a vein. If Present Mic was ever asked to be a diplomat, he’d start a war within an hour.

All the students gathered in front of a large platform where Midnight stood. The R-Rated Hero snapped her whip (Haru knew that probably wasn’t what it was called and preferred to stick with the ‘ignorance is bliss’ philosophy)

[Now the introductory speech!] Midnight’s voice over the speakers caught the attention of everyone, especially the males in the crowd.

Kirishima looked at the heroine uncomfortably, a tint of pink on his cheeks, “Um, someone should talk to Ms. Midnight about what she’s wearing.”

Denki nodded in agreement, a similar color on his face, “Yeah that costume should come with a warning.”

Tokoyami didn’t look phased at all, “Is that apparel really appropriate for a high school game?”

Haru gave an awkward chuckle as an unbidden image popped into his mind, “Don’t worry, her costume used to be much worse.”

He deadpanned as the boys stared at him, “Oh, come on! I’m a teenage guy too!”

Mineta gave him a thumbs up but stopped when Haru sent him a warning look.

Midnight’s whip snapped, bringing everyone’s attention back to her, [Silence everyone!] she snapped the whip again, [And for the student pledge, we have… Haruko Bakugo!]

Wait, what?

Haru stopped himself from slumping, knowing that a camera was probably focusing on him at that moment.

Izuku blinked as Haru walked to the announcer stage, “Haru-chan’s the first-year rep?”

Sero grinned, “I guess he did finish first in the entrance test.”

A girl from another class sighed in annoyance, “Only for the hero course exams.”

Izuku looked abashed, “Oh, right.”

The purple-haired student who had to challenge them the other day spoke up, “Doesn’t matter which exam he took. Unlike everyone else, he got a perfect score on the written exam,” the members of Class 1A jolted in shock at the news, not aware of the fact.

Also…

Did the guy who declares war on them just defend Haru?

“I don’t care, I think he’s cute,” said another girl no one could identify.

Kaminari winced as Jiro stabbed him with her earphone jack for no particular reason, “Ouch! What was that for?”

A look of slight irritation was on the girl’s face, “Your face annoyed me.”

Sero hissed at them to be quiet as Haru ascended the steps and stopped at the microphone.

The redhead could feel the eyes of all the students boring into him. These were the same student he had reprimanded not once, but twice for their behavior. He had broken down, showing vulnerability in the worse way possible.

He took a deep breath.

[I just want to say…] the air was so thick you could slice it with a knife, [We will all try our very best,] there was a stir of shock at the matter of fact statement just spoken, [We, the first-year students, will show you all that we are all here as equals! We will show we are the rising generation ready to take hold of our futures and stand up no matter who we are, where we come from, or what Quirk we have. We will prove that despite our differences, we are all still the everyday heroes that will bring a smile to everyone,] Haru raised his clenched fist over his head, [We will all, go beyond, Plus Ultra!]

He was greeted by several enthusiastic yells from some of the students until the whole student body joined in for a Plus Ultra.

From somewhere in the stands, Best Jeanist smiled. ‘Well said, Haru. Now show the world what you got. No holding back.’

Haru descended the platform, his hands in his pockets.

Katsuki gave him a disgusted look, “Oi, what’s with the bullshit?”

Haru’s eyes flicked a glance at his sibling as he walked back to his place, “Motivating everyone to work hard. Managed it better than you would’ve. You more likely would have just blatantly said you’d win and flip us the bird.”

Katsuki snorted, “You’re such a pansy.”

Haru grinned, “Nah, I’m just nice.”

“You’re a diehard sadist.”

Haru raised his hands in admission, “Guilty as charged. Don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret.”

“Take me seriously for once, dammit!”

“Since when did I not?”

“Without further ado, it’s time for us to get started!” Midnight announced “The first game is what you call a qualifier! This is where you’re gonna start feeling the pain. The first fateful game of the festival!”

A holographic screen appeared behind the heroine, making the show of ‘randomly selecting’ a challenge.

“TAH DAH!”

[Obstacle Course]

“So, it’s going be an obstacle course,” Izuku observed.

[All eleven classes will participate in this treacherous contest.] Midnight explained, [The track is four kilometers around the outside of the stadium,] she cracked her whip, ŀɨċkɨnġ her lips seductively, [I don’t want to restrain anyone in this game. As long as you don’t leave the course, you’re free to do all that your heart dėsɨrės!]

‘This will definitely end well…’ Haru’s inner thoughts were dripping with sarcasm.

[Now take your places!]

***

(Play: Boku no Hero Academia Season 2 OST – Obstacle Course (Shougai Butsu Kyouso): youtu.be/aONLy_Dkwhg)

***

The students all gathered in front of a red gate with a row of green lights lit up to signal the start of the race.

Haru lingered at the back of the crowd, his eyes glassy as he observed them in a trance.

‘Kagura Shingan: The Mind’s Eye…’

In an instant, Haru could see every individual in the stadium and their surroundings. His sensory, now charged to the fullest extent, gave him an edge on any information to be gathered. True it restricted his use of chakra, but he felt he could do well without needing his origami too much.

‘Everyone will try and force their way through the tunnel. I could try flying, but it’s best not to give away anything during the first round.’ Haru let a small smile pull at his lips. ‘This will be fun.’

The first light turned dark…

Haru shut his eyes, focusing his chakra, causing the air around him to shift slightly.

The second light went dark…

The students tensed, their breath bated in anticipation.

The third light went dark…

[BEGIN!]

Haru’s eyes snapped open. ‘Now!’

He blasted from where he had been standing, leaving a clear imprint on the ground from the pressure released from his body.

With fluid movements, he weaved through the masses and attached his feet to the wall, using his chakra to run up and along its surface.

Now above the struggle, he sped past the swarming competition below, his boots tapping lightly on the cement.

Present Mics voice sounded out over the stadium, [AND WE’RE OFF TO A RACING START! HOW ABOUT SOME COLOR COMMENTARY MUMMY MAN?]

Haru internally grinned in amusement at Aizawa’s tired voice, [How did you talk me into this?]

Present Mic continued on, completely nonpulsed, [WHAT SHOULD WE PAYING ATTENTION TO DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE RACE?]

[The doorway…]

A chilly wind was the only warning given an instant before ice coated the entire inside of the tunnel, freezing everyone in place.

“Apologies,” Todoroki called out running past everyone.

Haru smirked at the attempt to slow him down and detached from the wall to avoid the climbing frost.

Just for the heck of it, and in an attempt to piss Todoroki off, he landed on the ice once before jumping up and performing a perfect quadruple salchow on the ice.

[WHAT? SOMEONE JUST PERFORMED A QUADRUPLE SALCHOW ONTO TODOROKI’S ICE! WAS HE WALKING ON WALLS A MOMENT AGO? IT SEEMS THAT WE AN EXPERT ON ICE, FOLKS, CLASS 1A’S HARUKO BAKUGO!]

[Bakugo has trained his Quirk to be very versatile to overcome the downsides he experiences because of it,] Aizawa sighed, [When it comes to flexibility, gymnastics, and martial arts, he’s one of the best in his class.]

[Showing favorites, Erasure?]

[I should be asking you that.]

Deciding to stop fooling around, Haru channeled his chakra to run on the ice. Elsewhere, other members of Class 1A had avoided the big chill and were using their Quirks to get across as well.

Unknown to all of those present, Haru was keeping an eye on everyone’s actions, his subconscious analyzing the skills and Quirks being used.

The sound of an explosion boomed as Katsuki blasted himself after the Todoroki, “I won’t let you get away so easily you icy-hot bastard!”

Haru flickered to his brother’s side, “Language!”

Katsuki popped a vein as Haru flickered away again, the younger Bakugo nimbly keeping ahead of his older sibling.

“You get back here, Haru!”

Todoroki glanced over his shoulder, “I didn’t expect so many people to dodge that. Especially those from other classes.”

“Sometimes making the first move does that to you,” Haru’s voice sounded beside him.

Todoroki looked around, seeing the redhead easily keeping up.

‘He’s fast.’ The bicolored-haired boy thought. ‘He isn’t even breathing hard.’

Mineta’s voice sounded close behind them, “You think you’re so cool, but I’ve outsmarted you! Ha! How pathetic Todoroki!” the small boy bounced off his balls push himself in the air, “Eat this! my special attack!”

Haru swept his arm in a slash motion, his Origami bȧrėly plucking the boy away from the robotic arm that almost smashed him into the ground.

Haru found himself staring into the single red eye of a one-pointer robot.

[Target acquired. Terminate.]

Haru bent backward to avoid a swing from the machine, his back nearly touching the ground.

[OH! ENEMIES HAVE SHOWN UP OUT OF NOWHERE!] Present Mic yelled, [I BET WE’RE IN FOR A TREAT HERE! A TEST ON STRENGTH AND CUNNING, IT’S A ROBO INFERNO!]

Haru sighed, “Guess there no other way around it,” he stretched out his hand, “Shikigami Dance: Fueguchi One!”

The chainlike weapon shot from his arm, decapitating the one-pointer.

Haru jumped in the air, dodging an attack from a two-pointer, “Hah!”

The Fueguchi One twisted on itself, slicing through the robot and a pair of three-pointers.

A dark shadow loomed overhead as a zero-pointer slowly rolled up.

‘Just perfect… Where do they get the funding for these things?’

Todoroki glared at them thoughtfully, “So this is what the other students faced in their entrance exams,” a wave of ice shot up, encasing the giant robot without a problem, “They obviously went through a lot of trouble, but I wish they prepared something a little more difficult. Especially since my dear old dad is watching.”

Haru blinked, “Impressive.”

Todoroki blew out a chilly breath, sending a white cloud of frozen vapor from his lungs. Without even stopping to view his work, the ice user ran past the obstacle with no opposition.

The other student was overjoyed on someone taking care of the problem for them.

“Dude, he’s stopped the robots!”

“Quick, between their legs, so we can get through!”

“Careful now,” Todoroki called back, “I froze it off balance on purpose.”

The zero-pointer ġrȯȧnėd and crumpled from its own weight, crashing to the ground amidst the screams of those who were standing too close.

[THAT WAS TODOROKI OF CLASS 1A PULLING AHEAD TO AN EARLY LEAD WITH A DEVASTATING DISPLAY! AMAZING! HE’S ONE WE SHOULD WATCH! IT ALMOST SEEMS UNFAIR!] Present Mic looked to Aizawa, [THOUGHTS?]

[His attack was both offensive and defensive…]

[NO WONDER HE WAS LET IN ON RECOMMENDATION! HE NEVER EVEN FOUGHT THOSE ROBO INFERNOS BEFORE, BUT THEY DON’T STAND A CHANCE AGAINST HIS JAW DROPPING MOVES!] Mic was in his element, [THE FIRST YEARS ARE OF TO ONE HECK OF A START AND IT’S ONLY THE FIRST ROUND! TALK ABOUT A COOL OBSTACLE COURSE. WE’LL CONTINUE TO BRING YOU LIVE UPDATES AND PULSE POUNDING ACTION THANKS TO THE CAMERA ROBOTS PLACED AROUND THE COURSE! THE STAKES ARE HIGH! WE’VE A WHOLE SCHOOL OF TOP NOTCH STUDENTS TRYIN GOT BE HEROES, BUT DO THEY REALLY STAND A CHANCE AGAINST THE REMAINING?]

The stunned students stared in horror as even more robots, including half a dozen zero pointers, rolled up to stop them. Panic was beginning to ensue.

“We have to fight these?”

“Oh my gosh, there are people trapped underneath that frozen robot!”

“You think we should help them?”

“Are people seriously gonna die here?”

There was a pounding of metal before Kirishima’s hardened body shot up from underneath the wreckage, “I’M ALIIIIIIIIIVE!”

[IT’S KIRISHIMA FROM CLASS 1A! WHAT A HARDCORE DEBUT FOR THIS ROOKIE!]

The redhead growled in anger as he stared off at the figure running in the distance, “Todoroki, I can’t believe you pulled something like that. Geez, anyone but me would have been killed!”

A steel fist pounded its way through the metal, accompanied by an angry voice, “Class 1A really is full of jerks!” Tetsutetsu burst out of the debris, his body turned to steel from his Quirk, “I’ll smash that ice guy when I get my hands on him! Anyone other than me would have been killed.”

[TETSUTETSU FROM CLASS 1B WAS ALSO STUCK UNDERNEATH! WHAT ARE THE ODDS?]

A sound of shredding metal was heard and the center of the zero pointer’s body was forcefully ripped apart as Haru’s winged floated out, a pair of students under each arm, “Todoroki…” his voice sounded dangerous as his Rinkaku Kagune flailed about in agitation, “I am so going to beat your ȧss later for that.”

[BAKUGO WAS ALSO TRAPPED UNDERNEATH! WHAT’S WITH THAT FORM?]

Haru carefully set the two students down, “You okay?”

Still shaky, the two students nodded in the affirmative.

The younger Bakugo straightened up glancing behind at his fellow students, “Would like to stay and help, but I have a score to settle.

His body distributed itself into a kaleidoscope of buŧŧerflies and sifted through the robots.

“Get back here!”

Katsuki used his explosions to blast himself over the zero pointer’s heads, sliding down the back of one.

[CLASS 1A’S KATSUKI BAKUGO IS ROCKETING OVER THE OBSTACLES! YES, YOU HEARD RIGHT, MY FANS, TWO OF OUR STUDENTS SHARE THE SAME SURNAME. WHY, MAY YOU ASK? WE ARE SEEING A TRUE TO LIFE, SIBLING RIVALRY THIS YEAR!]

Katsuki landed with a grunt seeing Sero and Tokoyami following close behind.

“I thought you’d just blast your way through them,” Sero teased, using his tape to swing himself away from a robotic arm.

There was a crash as Iida used his engine-powered legs to destroy one pointer and use it as a springboard to push past the blockade.

Jiro and Kaminari were close behind, the girl using her jacks to deactivate the robots with sound, the boy using his electricity to shock anything that got near him.

Uraraka used her Quirk to destroy several of the machines along with Yaoyorozu who did the same with a long-range cannon she created.

Izuku picked up a piece of scrap metal from the destroyed zero pointers, using it as a weapon and then deciding to carry it with him.

***

Todoroki found himself at a wide chasm with only wire cable connecting the pinnacle-shaped islands dotting the expanse.

Haru reformed his body directly behind the bicolored-haired boy.

“So, they want us to cross?” Haru asked rhetorically, “Okay…”

Present Mic voice rang out, announcing the details of the next obstacle, [FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THOUGHT THE FIRST OBSTACLE WAS EASY, LET’S SEE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SECOND ONE! IF THEY TAKE A SPILL, THEY’RE OUT! IF THEY WANNA PASS THIS TEST, THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET CREATIVE! IT’S, THE FALL!]

Todoroki jumped on the first cable using his ice to slide across.

[LOOKS LIKE SHOTO TODOROKI IS SKATING BY EASILY! OH? HARUKO BAKUGO IS RIGHT BEHIND HIM!]

Todoroki snuck a quick glance to see Haru running along the length of the cables, still retaining that unhuman balance.

‘He’s not flying for some reason. Why? Does he have a time limit or does his Quirk have a longer cooldown? Is there something I’m missing?’ There was a boom as Katsuki appeared close behind them, screaming in rage. ‘And he’s finally getting fired up. Took him long enough.’

***

In the audience, lots of speculation was going on concerning the leading runners, especially among the heroes watching.

“The dude in first place is so far ahead of the main group!”

“His Quirk is really powerful, but it’s his natural athletic talent and keen judgment are what is putting him in first place.”

“Well, I’m not surprised. He’s the son of Endeavor after all.”

“Wait, for real?”

“Wow, everyone will be fighting to have him as a sidekick for sure.”

“Still, let’s not forget the two guys behind him, hard to think they’re brothers.”

The redheaded one has a weird Quirk. I still can’t figure out what it is except it controls paper.”

“That can’t be all it is!”

“The blonde guy has an explosion Quirk. That’s really powerful.”

“I remember seeing them in the news a few months back. I even heard that Kamui Woods, Backdraft, and Death Arms offered them internships if they got into UA! ”

“Really? Are people after them already?”

“They must be really strong!”

***

Not knowing (or caring) about the stir they were causing; the three leading runners had arrived at the third and final challenge.

[AND NOW, WE’RE FINALLY APPROACHING THE LAST OBSTACLE. EVERYONE HAD BETTER TREAD CAREFULLY, YOU’RE STEPPING INTO A MINEFIELD! IF YOU LOOK CAREFULLY, YOU CAN SEE WHERE THOSE BOMBS ARE BURIED. SO, KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE GROUND FOLKS!]

Haru deadpanned. ‘Minefield? Really? Is this whole race designed to kill someone?’

[BY THE WAY, THOSE MINES WERE DESIGNED FOR THE GAME, SO THEY MIGHT BE LOUD AND FLASHY, BUT THEY’RE NOT ALL THAT POWERFUL. JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU WET YOUR PANTS!]

‘How nice…’

Haru glanced at the screaming red skulls on the warning sign, “Charming place,” he said sarcastically, “I must get the name of who’s decorator.”

Todoroki started cautiously stepping across the minefield.

Katsuki had a feral grin on his face, “It’s over,” he blasted after the recommended student, “YOUR FIRST DECLARATION OF WAR WAS TO THE WRONG PERSON!” he threw an explosion at Todoroki as he passed by.

[JUST LIKE THAT, A NEW STUDENT TAKES THE LEAD! THE CROWD UP HERE IS GOING CRAZY. THERE’S NOTHING THEY LIKE BETTER THAN AN UPSET! LOOKS LIKE THE REST OF THE COMPETITORS ARE CATCHING UP TOO!]

A shadow passed overhead as Haru flew by, attracting the attention of Todoroki and Katsuki.

“Oh no, you don’t!” Katsuki shot himself in the air, tackling his brother.

His hand slipped through as Haru’s body dissolved into paper.

‘A clone!’

Haru’s figure flickered directly above the ash blonde and tried to land a falling dropkick on his brother’s exposed back.

Katsuki twisted away just in time, causing Haru to fall to the ground, landing directly on a mine. With a boom and a cloud of pink smoke Haru’s body exploded into a cloud of paper, revealing itself to be another clone.

Katsuki and Todoroki glance around hurriedly. Their eyes widened when they saw the younger Bakugo already a good distance ahead having taken advantage of the distraction.

[WHOA! WHILE OUR TWO LEADERS WERE FIGHTING, HARUKO BAKUGO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET AHEAD USING HIS PAPER CLONES!]

A massive blast shook the ground as a pink mushroom cloud rose from the back of the field.

[WHAT’S WITH THAT HUGE EXPLOSION IN THE BACK? THAT WAS WAY MORE POWERFUL THAN IS SHOULD BE!] the smoke cleared, revealing Izuku’s figure flying over all the other contestants’ heads on the piece of scrap metal salvaged from the robots at the start of the race, [INCREDIBLE! WHAT JUST HAPPENED? WHATEVER THE CASE, CLASS 1A’S IZUKU MIDORIYA IS SUDDENLY IN HOT PURSUIT IN FIRST PLACE! STRIKE THAT! THE LEAD IS HIS!]

Izuku’s mind was racing. ‘I dug up the untouched mines and used them to push myself over everyone’s heads, but there’s more force than I expected. And… I didn’t think about how I was gonna land!’

Katsuki glared at the green-haired boy, “Deku! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he shot off after his former friend.

Todoroki stomped his right foot, creating an ice path in front of him as he also took pursuit.

The two quickly ran, nearly catching up as Izuku lost momentum and began to fall.

To everyone’s shock, Izuku planted both feet on their backs and slammed the scrap metal on the ground directly in front of them, where it landed directly on the land mine. The blast sent Katsuki and Todoroki flying back while Izuku was propelled forward.

Unable to break his fall, Izuku braced himself, prepared to eat dirt.

To his surprise, he felt someone’s arms grab him, their heels skidding backward from the force of the catch.

“Good job, Izu, but you shouldn’t kill yourself just yet.”

Izuku’s eyes opened to see Haru smiling, no… laughing, amusement written all over his face, “Haru-chan?”

Haru spun on his heel, pushing Izuku into a run, “We’ve got a race to finish. Show me if you can beat me this time.”

Izuku got a feral look in his eyes, one that reminded Haru of Katuski, “Right!”

The two dashed off, neck to neck.

[IN A STUNNING MOVE, IZUKU MIDORIYA HAS PUSHED TO THE FRONT OF CLASS 1A. HARUKO BAKUGO DECIDED LAST MINUTE TO LEND A HELPING HAND! WHAT SPORTSMANSHIP! ERASURE HEAD, YOUR STUDENTS ARE AMAZING! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TEACHING THEM?]

[This has nothing to do with me,] Aizawa stated, [Each of them is powered by their own drive to succeed.]

[THERE YOU HAVE IT! ERASURE HEAD IS A TERRIBLE TEACHER!]

[I’M WHAT?]

[WHO WOULD HAVE IMAGINED AT THE BEGINING OF THIS RACE THAT THE CLIMAX WOULD BE A NONSTOP MEGAMIX OF SURPRISES!]

Haru felt Katsuki and Todoroki closing the gap behind and created a wall of paper as he and Izuku ran into the tunnel back into the stadium.

Since he didn’t reinforce it, the two broke through easily, but it served its purpose of delaying them.

Now it was just Haru and Izuku running, no Quirks, no powers. Just straightforward running.

***

(Play: This Is Me-Greatest Showman: youtu.be/2EjSy89-tAw)

(Why not?)

***

(Two years previously…)

There was a thud and Izuku’s back slammed against the wall of the dim and empty gymnasium. The figures of eight teenage boys loomed over him as he trembled.”

“Useless Deku,” the leader, dark-haired boy with vibrant pink eyes, “Think you have a right to even breathe the same air as us?”

Izuku didn’t answer, not bothering to get up from where he had been thrown. There were no protests, no half-hearted jokes, not even the usual flinching. It was all just dull acceptance.

The leader squatted in front of the fallen boy, “If you ask me, Bakugo goes too easy on you. I think that’s something we should rectify. A Quirkless person like you has no business here. Just do us all a favor and kill yourself already.”

A click of a footstep echoed across the abandoned gym from the entryway.

The bullies hurriedly looked over, afraid they had been caught by a teacher.

Instead, it was only a slim, redheaded boy with amber-colored eyes.

“Get. Away. From. Him.”

The leader tilted his head back a ċȯċky look on his face, “Or what?”

Haru’s body flickered from sight causing the bullies to look around in confusion.

“I am willing to overlook this just once. Just leave him alone, walk away, and never interact with him again.”

They all jumped realizing Haru was crouching in front of Izuku.

One of the other boys scoffed, “Or what. You’ll run and tell the teachers? Run back to your big brother and cry, little boy?”

“Yeah, just mind your business before we have to damage that pretty face of yours,” another smirked threateningly, “And keep quiet about this. If we get in trouble, we’ll know who told them.”

Haru gave a chilly look that made the bully step back, “I won’t repeat myself. Do as I say and you all can just live your normal miserable lives without any extra pain.”

The leader’s face lit up with anticipation, “You messed with the wrong people, Bakugo,” his eyes glowed red as he activated his Quirk: Trauma. He locked eyes with Haru, intending to send him into a nightmare within his mind.

Haru gave him a disgusted look, “Are you done?”

The leader’s eyes widened, “W-what? No one can resist my Quirk!”

Haru turned back to Izuku, “Sorry, Izu.”

He placed a couple of fingers to Izuku’s forehead, placing him in a Genjutsu. With deliberate slowness, he stood up and turned around. The bullies felt the air in the room grow heavy with dark intent.

“A weakling like you has no business challenging me,” Haru’s voice was sickeningly sweet, “You’ve used up your chances for mercy. Now you all will learn the hard way.”

He backhanded the leader across the face, causing him to spit blood.

A pair of the bigger boys jumped in from behind and grabbed Haru’s arms, holding him in place.

The leader smirked, “You may be strong, but I know you need your hands to form mumbo jumbo hand signs to use your Quirk. We’ve got you where we want to.”

Haru gave him a blank look, “Who said I need both hands?”

Several of the bullies’ eyes widened.

“What?”

Haru’s right hand shifted into a series of hand signs, “You people never learn.”

Several paper blades shot from Haru’s arms, slicing the hand of the boys holding him, causing them to scream in pain as they were forced to let go.

Haru turned his palm upward, drawing all the bloody pieces of paper over it, “Just so you know, I don’t require hand signs for basic uses of my Quirk,” there was a menacing rustle as a pair of wings appeared from his back. “The suffering you have caused shall be paid back tenfold.”

. . .

Izuku woke up a short time later.

“Are you okay?”

The green-haired boy blinked his bleary eyes in confusion, slowly realizing he was being carried piggyback, “Wha?”

“You’re safe now, Izu,” Haru turned his head to give his friend and reassuring smile, “They won’t bother you again.”

Izuku ducked his head, burying his face into Haru’s shoulder, “Sorry…”

“You did nothing wrong!” Haru snapped.

A tear trickled down the injured boy’s cheek, “If I wasn’t born Quirkless, I wouldn’t be so useless. I guess I really am a Deku.”

Haru’s fingers gripped tight to Izuku’s legs, bruising them as he stopped in his tracks.

“Don’t. You. Dare. Believe. That.”

Izuku raised his head slightly, “But…”

Haru kept his face turned away, “Izu. Human worth is not defined by what others feel but from what we as individuals feel. If we let others define us, then what are we?” he released a heavy breath, “One day, you will shine brighter than the brightest star, Izu. I don’t just believe that, I know. A day will come when everyone will see that light you carry inside yourself. Please… don’t let go of that light.”

Izuku took this to heart and held on to that hope.

He never questioned what his friend did to stop the bullies, but he was never bothered by anyone other than Kacchan again. He never even heard of how eight students had been brutally beaten within an inch of their lives or the legend of an angel of death that would become attached to his school for generations to come…

***

A few months before the UA entrance exams…

“C’mon, Izu. Get up!”

Izuku panted on the ground, his body sore from the exercise regimen he was being put through.

Haru squatted on his heels poking his friend’s freckled cheek, “You dead?”

Izuku ġrȯȧnėd.

Haru nodded satisfaction, a small smile on his face, “Hallelujah. Now let finish this run. Need to train those legs.”

He helped the green-haired teen up, patting him on the back.

“How are able to run like that, Haru-chan?” Izuku grimaced, “You seem to never get tired. Your Quirk enhances your movements too, so there’s no way I can catch up.”

Haru’s smile dropped and he looked at Izuku seriously, “I don’t use my Quirk for shortcuts, Izu. I train my body too.”

Izuku lowered his eyes, “You’re so much better at things than I am. I honestly feel a little jealous.”

Haru ruffled Izuku’s hair, “I really not that great. I have weaknesses too,” he pulled his friend along as he began to jog, “For example, my body is insanely light. Being able to turn my body into paper may sound cool, but makes me weak in hand-to-hand combat. I’m unable to gain the weight and muscle to overpower people.”

Izuku blinked, “But I’ve seen you train, you’re practically a master at martial arts.”

Haru smiled a grim smile, “Did you notice anything in particular about my fighting style?”

“Um… you move really fast and use your legs?”

“Bingo. If I threw a punch at someone without using my chakra, I probably wouldn’t hurt them much. I switched my fighting style to make use of the strength in my legs. I had to train my speed and flexibility to bypass those who are stronger than me.”

Izuku stared at his friend in wonder, “I had no idea…”

Haru chuckled, “So I trained. I trained and keep training. That’s my secret and it’s going to become your secret too,” he grinned, “Don’t you feel it. That feeling you get when you run. The rush of the wind, the adrenaline, the speed. It’s addictive.”

He picked up speed, leaving Izuku behind. The green-haired boy also started running, calling out for Haru to wait.

Haru glanced over his shoulder, “I can’t wait to race you, skill for skill. Let’s see who’ll win at then.”

***

(Present…)

‘We’re here, Izu… the race to see how far you’ve come. Skill for skill.’ Haru glanced at his friend from the corner of his eyes, seeing Izuku doing the same. ‘Let’s see who’ll win this time!’

One last burst of speed discarding all caution or competition. One last burst of adrenaline. One last stretch until they crossed the finish line.

[IT’S A REALLY CLOSE CALL! BARELY AN INCH, BUT OUR WINNER OF THIS RACE IS…. IZUKU MIDORIYA!]