Chapter 46: Battle for Tokyo
Enji stared at the gathering of heroes that had accompanied him into the war zone that Tokyo had become. Despite having no real authority over any of them it was clear that all eyes were looking toward him to lead the mission to reinforce the capital.
I just want to know where the hell All Might is.
A crackling sound filled Enji's ear before being quickly replaced by their pilot's voice. "Ten minutes till drop."
"Copy." Enji answered as he gave his companions one last look and stood, all eyes turning to look at him as he did so. He stared back for a long second before giving them all a stiff nod. "The pilot just told me that we are ten minutes out from the city and we need to get ready." He paused as more than two dozen heroes and a handful of interns straightened in their seats.
"We all know why we're here and where we are going but, unfortunately, we don't have any idea what the situation is going to be like on the ground. The HPSC is still out of contact and the HeroNet seems to be dead as well so we are going to be jumping in almost blind." Enji stared at each pro hero in turn as he spoke. "While we are lacking any official channels of communication, social media and the hero forums are still active and for once have been providing a useful source of information."
More than a few chuckles echoed through the cargo plane.
"What we do know is that creatures similar to what attacked U.A. more than a month ago are wreaking havoc on Tokyo. We know that one was called a Nomu so we're going to call them that to make our lives simpler." Turbulence rattled the plane causing Enji to pause temporarily. "We also know that these Nomu have appeared across the whole of the city and are attacking from both the ground as well as the sky. From the images I've seen it appears that none of these creatures are the same except for their exposed brains. It might be a weakness we can exploit but we won't know until we fight them."
Enji motioned toward himself and a few of the other pro heroes. "Any hero with flight capabilities or ways to negate falling will be jumping out as the plane flies over Tokyo. The whole city needs our help so we won't be going in groups but in ones and twos so we can more evenly spread out our numbers."
He turned toward the clump of interns that had seemingly congregated together toward the front of the plane. "All interns will not be jumping regardless of their ability to fly or negate their fall. None of you will have jump experience and this is not the time for you to be gaining it." He fixed them all with a hard look, only letting up after each of them had given him some form of acknowledgment.
"The interns and any hero that can't jump with us will remain on the plane until it lands on the south side of the city. After you land you will be on your own to decide where you can go to help. I know that some intern and hero pairings will be separated during this so please make sure that each intern has a pro hero with them after you land."
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"I hope everyone is ok." Pony whispered as she shifted in her seat. "Has anyone heard from them?" Seeing everyone, but Shoto, shake their heads in response she nervously tapped her hooves on the metal floor. "I hope they're all ok." She repeated.
"I'm sure they'll be fine." Tetsutetsu answered, giving Pony a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "My brother in hardness is down there and nothing will stop him."
A startled laugh escaped Yosetsu. "Please don't say it like that."
"Say it like what?" Tetsutetsu cocked his head to the side as he looked across at Yosetsu. "Kirishima is manly enough to keep everyone safe and with a Quirk like his he should make a stiff opponent."
The smile that had already been tugging at the edge of Emily's lips fully formed as a laugh slipped out.
"What?" Tetsutetsu turned toward Emily. "What did I say now?"
"Nothing. Just that Kirishima is going to be hard to handle and stiff to fight." Dark Shadow chortled, causing a few pro heroes around the group to smirk as well.
Deciding to save her classmate, Emily turned toward Fumikage and Dark Shadow. "Where's Hawks?"
"He took off the moment we heard that the city was under attack." Fumikage calmly answered as Dark Shadow nodded along behind him.
"Said something about being able to make it there in time and just took off. Fumi almost fell over due to the shock wave."
"He just took off?" Pony asked. "How fast can he fly?"
"I'm not sure but after spending a week with him I can say that he wouldn't have left if he didn't think he could do it." Fumikage crossed his arms in front of himself. "He'd just started teaching us how to fly."
"You can fly now?"
The groups all turned toward Shoto, shocked that he had spoken at all.
Fumikage stared at Shoto for a second before slowly nodding his head. "We managed to find a way for Dark Shadow to be worn like a suit of armor."
"And if we do it right I can turn my claws into wings so we can fly." Dark Shadow added with more than a little enthusiasm.
Staring at the pair, Emily pulled up her holo-pad and started to take notes. "How much protection does the armored form give you?"
"We haven't really tested it yet." Fumikage admitted as he scratched at the back of his head. "We managed to get the technique down yesterday."
Their conversation came to a stop as a siren rang through the cargo bay and the ramp at the rear of the plane slowly lowered and the glow of a burning city became visible.
"[Well I think you're going to have time to find out…]" Pony muttered as they all stared down at the still raging battle.
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A fully feral smile dominated Rumi's face as she brought her heel down on yet another Nomu, caving in its skull, leaving the creature lifeless. I should feel bad but this is the most fun I've had in ages.
"I don't know where these bastards came from but I FUCKING LOVE IT!" Kendo shouted as he pummeled his opponent into a literal paste. Black blood coated the man from head to toe but he seemed unconcerned as he dashed toward his next victim.
Rumi stared at her companion for a second before throwing her head back and laughing. "Glad I'm not the only one enjoying this."
"Undead creatures that can take a punch?" Kendo scoffed as he took off down the street at a full sprint, shouting over his shoulder. "What's not to love?"
Rumi watched the man go before shaking her head and returning her focus to the area around her. At last we got something from him before this shit storm started. Now where the fuck are my kits? Staring down the street she quickly spotted Izuku and Ochako fighting in nearly perfect sync as they fought their way through what appeared to be a pack of self replicating Nomu.
Lacking a current opponent of her own, Rumi was content to watch as the couple tore their way through the dozen or so replicas of the Nomu. Pride filled her as she watched Izuku duck under a Nomu's attack, giving Blood Dragon an opening to chomp the creature in half. His duck quickly became a roll as he launched himself toward a group of Nomu that had gotten behind Ochako. A cry of 'Solar Rush' saw that threat taken care of without a single action needed from Ochako.
Ochako, for her part, was a ball of destruction as she bounced from one target to another. Some were sent floating into the air while others crumpled under their increased gravity but none of the Nomu clones survived her onslaught for long. The ever present glow of One for All bathed the area around the pair in shades of violet and pink as they systematically worked their way through the horde and toward the prime Nomu at its center.
Crack
The sharp sound of a gunshot caused Rumi's heartbeat to quicken and her eyes to dart toward her kits, both of whom were on the ground. A wave of relief washed over her as both of them stood once more and, after what appeared to be a quick check-in, proceeded down the street once more.
Thank the gods… Rumi let out a breath a moment before she began to scan the nearby rooftops. If it wasn't them then what were they aiming for? Despite her gaze turned upwards, Rumi noticed something at the street level that gave her the answer.
The cloned Nomu were dead.
Cautiously, she started forward toward her kits once more only to hear yet another gunshot. Ready for it this time her ears quickly swiveled around and pinpointed where the shooter had made their nest.
Looking up once more, she caught the slight glint of a gun-barrel.
JSDF? Another shot rang out even as the thought passed through her mind, causing Rumi to spot something. Or rather not spot something. Where was the muzzle flash?
Her eyes narrowed as she stared up at the mystery sniper. Whoever they are at least they're shooting these fucking Nomu and not my kits. She started to move once more only to yet again find herself stopping as a faint sound reached her ears.
Twisting around on instinct, Rumi gathered her legs under herself and launched into the air. A rush of adrenaline flooded her veins as she sailed through the air and toward the sniper's nest. Locked onto her new target, she barely managed to catch a glimpse of purple and pink as she flew past the sniper and toward the trio of flying Nomu.
I can say hello after these bastards are dead.
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"Damn it." Ochako hissed as the Nomu's secondary set of arms swung around and blocked her attack. Digging deeper into One for All, she braced herself as the primary arms attacked in retaliation, only for Blood Dragon to dart in front of her and absorb the attack.
Taking advantage of the creature's distraction, Izuku ignited his boots and landed a powered roundhouse kick to the Nomu's now exposed side.
Seeing the stumbling Nomu, Ochako willed Blood Dragon to attack as the dashed forward. The Quirk's jaws seized the Nomu by the shoulder while she delivered an empowered punch to the creature's sternum. Twisting her hand around, she transitioned from a punch into an open handed strike, all five fingers brushing against the creature.
Blood Dragon let go of its prey a half second before the Nomu's bones snapped and it fell to the pavement, lifeless.
"Good thing none of them have shock absorption like the one at the USJ." Izuku panted as he came to a stop next to Ochako.
"I'd just float them." Ochako answered as she recalled Blood Dragon back into her body through the cutout portion of her costume.
"And then you'd have to maintain that." Izuku countered as he stared at Ochako's exposed shoulder blades. "We really need to get you a new costume."
"Why are my muscles distracting you?" Ochako innocently asked, flexing her back as she did so.
Izuku's cheeks gained a dusting of red before he nodded. "Yes. But that's not why." He motioned toward her exposed skin. "It's just a giant weak spot that you don't need to have."
Ochako shrugged. "Fair" She turned away from Izuku and back toward the fallen Nomu at their feet, its bright green skin already turning black. "What do you think these things even are?"
"I don't know." Izuku answered as he nudged the Nomu with the tip of his boot. "But I'm not sure I really want to find out."
"All Might seems to think that they're created by All for One…" Ochako's voice trailed off as she looked at her partner.
"Then they have to be human." Izuku finished, a shiver running down his spine. "I'd rather not think about that right now to be honest." He looked over his shoulder and toward the carcases of two more Nomu. "We've taken out five of these things already." He turned toward Ochako. "Counting the four we saw Miruko deal with plus the two that mystery sniper shot we've seen just shy of a dozen of these things running around."
"And yet there's nothing from the HPSC or on the HeroNet." Ochako sighed as she adjusted her gauntlets. "I don't want to know what that means for the rest of the city."
"We can only help those around us and hope that the others are safe." Izuku replied as he watched Ochako mess with her gear. He nodded toward the equipment. "How are you on bullets?"
"One full set left, ten shots in total." Ochako answered as she rolled her shoulders. "They're not as helpful against these Nomu as I thought they would be."
"Well you did design them as a non-lethal option." Izuku shook his head. "And Nomu are more than capable of taking a hit."
"Still I might want to talk to Mei about having options outside of rubber." A small smile flitted across Ochako's face. "And I'm sure I can convince a certain analyst to help me figure out what's going to work and what won't."
"I'm sure you could." Izuku chuckled as he stood upright and turned toward the street. "Ready to keep going?"
"Of course."
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An involuntary grunt escaped Itsuka as her fist blocked the Nomu's attack, the spikes along the creature's ram like horns digging into her skin. Wincing, she closed her right hand around the matching horn while mirroring the action with her left. Pivoting in place, Itsuka spun in place twice before, with a frustrated scream, she let go of the monster's horns, tossing it through the air like a shot put.
Panting, Itsuka watched as the Nomu crashed into the front of an already damaged building. Her eyes remained glued to the creature while she muttered under her breath. "Come on, stay down this time."
Her hopes were dashed not even a second later as the ram-like Nomu shook itself like a dog and lumbered back onto its feet. Its blank eyes immediately locked onto Itsuka before it lowered its head and charged her once more.
Shit… Itsuka took the second she had to quickly roll her shoulders and raise her hands into a defensive stance once more. "Come on you bastard."
The Nomu bellowed in response as it dropped to all fours to close the last half meter that separated it from its target.
Horns slammed into enlarged hands once more as the two opponents settled back into their contest of strength and will. Itsuka's right foot slowly slid back a few centimeters before she forcefully twisted her leg into an even more solid stance, halting the movement. Fury bordering on hatred burned in her teal eyes as she seized the Nomu and once more tossed it into the air.
I can't keep this up.
The thought had barely passed through Itsuka's mind when a mighty roar rattled the windows around her and the Nomu she had sent flying was plucked out of the air.
Fury was quickly replaced by awe as she watched Ryuko carry the Nomu off. Another roar filled the air as Ryuko's talons sank deep into the creature's reinforced skin causing blackened blood to fall like rain on the streets below the pair. Hardly pausing in her flight, Ryuko tore the creature in two before letting the halves drop lifelessly to the ground below.
"Thank you sensei." Itsuka whispered to herself as her shoulders sagged and she let go of Big Fist. Staring down at her hands Itsuka couldn't help but shutter slightly as the deep bruises and puncture wounds she saw. Despite her defense and her own enhanced durability the Nomu's horns had done their job well.
I need some gloves. No better yet gauntlets. Itsuka ran a hand through her hair, quickly undoing and redoing her ponytail, as a chuckle escaped her. I'm sure 1-H can think of what to make and then Midoriya can look at it and tell them what to add. Her chuckle quickly became an audible laugh. I'm sure I'll end up with tasers along my knuckles or something.
A wave of air washed over Itsuka snapping her from her thoughts and nearly undoing her fresh ponytail. Looking up she quickly spotted Nejire landing near her. "Everything ok Whirl-Chan?"
Nejire nodded her head enthusiastically as she sprinted over to Itsuka. "I'm fine. Sensei told me that you were beating up on a sheepy Nomu and that she stepped in to stop it but you were looking hurt and might need some help. SO I had to get over here to make sure that my kohai was going to be ok."
Nejire tilted her head to the side as she stared at Itsuka's hands, her curiosity the only warning Itsuka was given before Nejire grabbed her by the wrists and dragged her close. "Oh no! These don't look good at all! I can't have my kohai going on like this! How are you going to punch these nasty Nomu or pull the nice civilians out of the way if your hands are hurt?" Reaching into a pouch at her side Nejire pulled out a small aerosol canister and quickly began to spray the entirety of Itsuka's hands.
Immediately a wave of relief washed over Itsuka as she watched, wide-eyed, as the wounds on her hand began to close. "What is this?"
"Yuyu had this made for me." Nejire's voice was quiet as she moved the canister to Ituska's other hand and continued to apply the medicine within. "When I was learning how to fly I kept scraping my knees or hands or elbows or… well just my body in general and she wanted to help." A faint smile danced across her lips. "She kicked down the door to the support department and forced them to get something that could cure bruises and scrapes."
"Turns out they did a little too good of a job though the downside is that it's really bad for your skin." Nejire's serious mood vanished in an instant as, with a smile, she put the canister away.
"I…" Itsuka opened and closed her hand a few times, finding that while the puncture wounds still hurt overall her hands were in much better shape. "Thank you."
"Of course." Nejire flashed Itsuka a grin before the spirals of Wave Motion reformed in her hands and she took to the air. "Let's go, my little kohai, there's still people to save!"
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"Fucking hell." Kaina whispered to herself as she sighted in on the same Nomu for the third time. The air was torn by the sharp crack of gunfire as she put a fourth bullet into the monster, the braided hair projectile hitting it right where its eyes should have been. "Stay down damn it."
Despite her hissed command, the Nomu stood and once more started down the street, picking up and using a fallen lamppost like a club as it went.
A morning of basically torture to get most of my memories back and what do I get as a reprieve? Unkillable monsters… Reaching up Kaina pulled out another wad of hair and, with a motion born of countless hours of practice, began to shape it into a deadly projectile with one hand. I need to get to Nezu and the Court.
Kaina slotted the projectile into the hole in her palm as the organic scope attracted to her right eye zoomed in on the still rampaging Nomu just in time to see it disappear behind the shadow of a shorter building. Fighting back a growl she began to pan her rifle back and forth, waiting for the creature to reemerge.
A moment passed before the faint outline of the monster's shadow could be seen. Just a little bit- Suddenly Kaina ducked under the roof and forced her body to roll to the side, trusting the sixth sense that was screaming in the back of her mind.
Her instincts saved her as less than a second after her roll a large globdule of putrid yellow liquid splashed across her previous location. Acrid smoke started to billow as the acid began to eat away at the concrete, dissolving the small lip she had been using as a stand to nothing right before her eyes.
New priority! Choosing risk over caution, Kaina popped her head over the edge of the roof and scanned the half dozen streets that were laid out before her. Now where is it…
Her eyes wandered for a moment before quickly spotting a squat toad-like Nomu with a wide toothless mouth crouching on all fours, the creature's bulbous eyes appeared to be searching the rooftop she was on.
Searching for her.
What I wouldn't give for a mobility Quirk right now… Settling into a crouch, Kaina activated Rifle and willed the organic scope into place once more. Lifting her arm, she propped her elbow on the ledge, the shortened barrel aiming down at the Nomu below her.
It only took a moment for her to zero in on the creature's brain before, with a mental impulse, the crack of Rifle filled the air once more and the toad-like Nomu's head exploded. Moving without thinking, Kaina reloaded Rifle and waited for the Nomu to regenerate and resume its rampage. Only it never did.
So they all don't have regeneration? The sound of a fight from the other side of the roof tore her from her thoughts as her feet automatically brought her over. Looking down she spotted two young heroes fighting side by side as they made their way through a horde of Nomu. Scanning the legion of monsters it was clear that they were all the same and appeared to be replicating themselves despite the dozens that were falling to the two heroes.
Expanding Rifle into its full form, she propped her weapon on the lip of the building all while her scope scanned the surging mass of Nomu. Now where are… A smile split Kaina's features. Got you.
Crack
Kaina's smile remained in place as a smaller Nomu, hidden in the middle of the cloned horde, fell over dead. Almost immediately the horde dissolved into a mud-like substance, leaving the way clear for the two heroes down below.
The pair only hesitated a moment, glancing around for a second, before they started down the street once more. It was only then that Kaina recognized them. U.A. students? In the middle of this shit show? That's not- A crash from below stopped her thoughts as the eyeless Nomu from before broke through the first floor of a nearby building and into the path of the two students.
"Damn it." Kaina hissed as she swung Rifle around and quickly fired off a shot. "Those kids are going to-"
Kaina tucked into a roll once more as a shriek filled the air behind her. Twisting around she struggled to bring Rifle to bear on the trio of flying Nomu that were quickly descending on her. Rifle barked once, taking down the lead Nomu, before Kaina dismissed her Quirk, ready to fight hand-to-hand. Glaring up at her opponents she drew a short serrated blade from its hidden sheath on her leg. She twisted the blade around into a reverse grip a second before a white blur shot past her.
"LUNA RING!"
All at once the two attacking Nomu vanished in a spray of blackened bloody mist and the white blur settled into a visible form of a woman with rabbit ears.
"Damn those two weren't tough at all." The woman sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Looks like the kits are getting all of the good fights today." Shaking her head she looked over her shoulder and flashed Kaina a quick but feral smile. "You don't look like a hero and you're shooting these fucking Nomu so you can't be a villain." She raised an eyebrow. "So who are you?"
Realization overtook Kaina as she recognized exactly who had literally jumped in to save her. Slowly stood up and faced the current number five hero, schooling her features into a neutral position despite the dread forming in her gut. "Kaina." She stuck out her hand. "Pleasure to meet you Miruko."
"Kaina huh?" Rumi replied as she shook Kaina's hand, looking over her shoulder as she did so. "Where's your rifle?" Her grip tightened as she raised an eyebrow, her eyes shifting back to Kaina's face. "Unless you don't need one."
Seeing Kaina's lack of reaction, Rumi continued. "You know someone using a Quirk like that could really get in trouble with the HPSC. Then again…" Rumi's grip tightened even more. "I think the HPSC would have more than one reason to be angry given I'm currently talking to someone who supposedly died over a decade ago."
"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." Kaina calmly responded, her grip on the knife in her left hand shifting ever so slightly.
Rumi's grip on Kaina's hand loosened slightly as her eyes darted to the blade in the sniper's left hand. "Easy there. I just want answers." She nodded toward the street below, the sounds of Izuku and Ochako fighting a Nomu echoing up to them. "You're clearly fighting these fucking monsters and I'd rather be helping my kits than duking it out with you. So give me a one sentence answer to why I shouldn't kick your ass and move on?"
"Nezu knows."
Kaina's blunt and immediate answer caused Rumi to take a step back and raise an eyebrow. "The rat knows you're alive?"
"I have gaps in my memory and he helped set up everything to get them back provided I work for him." Kaina gave Rumi an expectant look. "So if you want information ask him because I'd rather be putting these freaks down than spilling my guts."
The background sound of battle filtered its way up to the rooftop as a tense silence dominated the space between the two women. The air between them continued to stretch on for a long moment before Rumi's shoulders shook and a rough chuckle escaped her.
"Well I guess I had better take it up with the rat once we make it out of this shit show." Rumi flashed Kaina a feral smile as she settled into a slight crouch. "Keep shooting these Nomu just make sure you don't hit my kits." She gave Kaina a wink before leaping into the air and back into the fray.
Shocked, Kaina just stood there and watched her disappear until a roar of pain from below shook her from her stunned state.
Right survive first, question what the fuck just happened later.
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"The situation on the ground is unknown but we are not going in totally blind. We know that there are pockets of civilians fighting back against these monsters and that there are still heroes within the city doing the same."
Hisashi nodded his head as he stared at the commanding officer in front of him, a dozen men and women in uniforms similar to his own doing the same.
"I know some of you haven't seen combat in some time but we're going to be treating this as an Omega level threat." The commanding officer fixed them all with a stern look. "Quirk use is allowed and shoot to kill. We're getting reports that these monsters are hard to put down so don't let your guard down until you know that it's not getting back up."
The soldier to Hisashi's right raised their hand. "Is there anything else you can tell us, sir?"
"Not much other than all of these 'Nomu' have exposed brains and have a variety of Quirks. From what intel we've been able to gather expect regeneration, flying and fire Quirks to be the most common but it appears these monsters run the whole gambit." The commanding officer stared at the display in front of her for a second, a hand reaching up to tap her ear, before nodding her head. "We've been given the go ahead. I want everyone in position, we jump in five."
The words had no sooner left his mouth before the gathered soldiers stood and lined up facing the rear door.
Two by two the group held onto the railing above, waiting for the red light in front of them to turn green. "So Wildfire, how's retirement treating you?"
Hisashi looked over to his right, a grin appearing. "Better than active duty has been treating you Pan."
"And here I thought you wouldn't recognize me." The man laughed, a pair of curled horns sticking out of the flight helmet he had on.
"It's the barnyard smell." A woman in front of Hisashi laughed as she shot him a wink.
"Look, just because drying my legs is a pain in the ass doesn't mean you can make fun of me for it." The man named Pan answered, his voice sounding like an exaggerated pout.
"Hey I offered to use my Fire Breathing on them to see what would happen." Hisashi chuckled as he put his own helmet on.
Pan let out a barking laugh. "If I wanted to be a roasted goat I'd just ask our lovely CO out to dinner."
"And I'd still turn you down." The woman in question at the back of the group responded, causing the rest to chuckle before a siren filled the cabin and the ramp started to lower. "Enough chit chat. You know your zones. Drop, meet your squads and let's clean up this mess."
The reply of 'Sir yes sir.' greeted the command a half second before the light shifted from red to green.
"GO GO GO!"
Two by two the squad jumped out, their wing-suits deploying the second the wind hit them. Ten seconds after they had started all thirteen members of the Special Forces Heroics Group were airborne and descending on Tokyo. Splitting off into two groups, Hisashi looked around at the men and women at his side, an all too familiar feeling of tension taking hold of his gut.
Weaving between buildings, the squad angled their suits to increase maneuverability and decrease speed until, as one, they flared their suits and deployed their parachutes. Hisashi couldn't stop a grunt from escaping as he bent his knees and rolled into his landing.
Slapping the release on his parachute, Hisashi popped out of his role and swung his rifle into position. Looking over his shoulder he spotted the five other members of his squad doing the same. "Squad report."
"Siren, ready."
"Pan here, limbs still intact, squad leader."
"Cosmos, ready to get to work."
"Phoenix, ready and waiting."
"Zephyr, ready. Just give the command sir."
Reaching up, Hisashi removed his helmet before quickly replacing it with a headset and eyepiece. "Alright, let's move."
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Haruo's tail whipped around and, with an ear shattering crack, snapped against the Nomu's ape-like face. His tail spines carved a bloody path down the creature's face as its head snapped to one side with a sickening crack. Roaring, Haruo took an aggressive step forward as he watched the Nomu's wounds stitch themselves closed almost immediately.
With a roar of its own the Nomu met Haruo's charge, one hand catching the pro hero's clawed fist while the other cocked back and decked him. Stumbling, Haruo didn't have time to reorient himself as the Nomu quickly followed up its first attack with a savage right hook, keeping him off balance.
Using his tail once again, Haruo whipped it around and forced the Nomu back a step. A pain filled roar tore itself out of Haruo as his dorsal spikes began to glow a neon blue.
Sensing the danger, the Nomu started forward once more, its hand curled into a pair of massive fists that collided with Haruo's head a millisecond before his 'atomic' breath erupted from his mouth. Knocked back, the attack gouged out trenches in the pavement instead of ending the fight.
Haruo let out a roaring shriek as his arms twisted up to seize the Nomu's shoulders. His claws fully extended, the four fingered hands tore strips off the creature forcing it back a step. Once more Haruo's scales started to glow but this time instead of unleashing his breath his head darted forward and clamped down on the beast's wounded shoulder.
Having been ready to avoid the longer range attack, the Nomu failed to react in time and let out a bellowing cry of pain as Haruo's serrated teeth sank deep into its skin. Black blood spilled from the wound as Haruo ground his teeth together, cutting deeper and refusing to give the Nomu a chance to regenerate.
Lashing out, the Nomu swung fist after fist into Haruo's side as it sought to free itself from the pro hero's grasp.
Enduring the pain, Haruo's tail twisted around to grapple the Nomu's right arm while his clawed hands dug themselves into the creature's chest. Using his superior position, Haruo forced the Nomu to the ground. His right foot stomped forward and pinned the creature's still free left arm, fully immobilizing the monster.
A sickening snap echoed around the devastated ruins of what had once been a building as Haruo applied even more pressure using his tail and leg. The pro hero leaned back for a moment as his scales started to glow neon blue once more, an ever increasing whine of energy filling the air around the pair.
Twisting his head around, Haruo's eyes glowed the same blue as his scales as he opened his jaw and fired 'atomic' breath onto the trapped Nomu. The acrid stench of burning flesh and boiling blood invaded his senses as the continuous stream of 'atomic' fire fought against the monster's regenerative capabilities.
Haruo felt himself getting lightheaded as the seconds passed until, with a final spur of effort, the neon blue flames burned through the monster and into the concrete below. Cutting off his attack, Haruo swayed slightly as he stared down at the charred corpse beneath his feet, ready to react if the creature was still alive. A long second passed before, with more than a little satisfaction, Haruo turned his head skyward and bellowed out his victory.
Stepping down, Haruo felt a wave of tiredness wash over him as he looked around the immediate area. Really let myself get into it with that one… He shook his head slightly before spotting Setsuna locked to a standstill with a Nomu of her own.
How'd I not notice? Stomping forward he brought a clawed hand down on the second Nomu's head. The creature had hardly hit the ground before he brought his right leg down and crushed the monster's skull under his heel.
Setsuna flashed her mentor a quick smile before panting out. "I had him."
A full body chuckle escaped Haruo as he stared down at his intern. "I'm sure you did." He gave her a concerned look. "How are you feeling?"
"Bruised." Setsuna replied as she reattached one of her arms and part of her torso. She looked past Haruo and over toward the charred Nomu corpse behind him. "How are you?" She turned back to Haruo.
"I'm fine." Haruo lied as he held a hand to his side, feeling the broken ribs that he knew were there.
Setsuna fixed him with a pointed look. "Bull shit. I know my fight had nothing on that mother fucking kaiju battle you were having."
Haruo stared at Setsuna for a moment before sighing. "I have some bruised ribs and a few cuts but nothing I can't fight through."
"Right…" Setsuna stared at the pro hero for a moment before a massive shit eating grin split her features. "Well I guess we finally have a definitive answer."
"Answer?" Haruo asked as he stopped scanning the area around them and looked back at Setsuna.
"Yeah, an answer on who's better: Godzilla or King Kong." Her smile literally floated off her face alongside an inquisitive eyebrow. "Or are you going to lie to me and say that your inner daikaiju fan wasn't freaking out at the chance to fight a giant ape?"
Haruo stared at Setsuna for a long moment before a faint blush appeared on his scales. "It was kinda fun."
Setsuna, in response, threw her head back in a laugh before a scream in the distance caused her to stop.
Turning as one, the pro hero and intern shared a quick look before starting down the street and toward the ongoing battle.
++++++++++++++++++++
"Look at that view." Yawara whistled as he came to a stop. "And just think, it's only going to get better the further we go." He looked over his shoulder and gave Kashiko a blinding smile. "How're you holding up?"
"I've been better." Kashiko grimaced as she came to a stop next to Yawara. "I thought I was in shape but I'm starting to think otherwise." She chuckled slightly as she began to lightly massage her left thigh. "
Ryuko threw an arm around the younger woman's shoulders as she joined the pair. "Don't worry kitten, you can just spend more time with us and we'll get you into hiking shape."
"What she's not telling you is that it took us being posted here for years until she was able to get this far without being winded." Tomoko gave Kashiko a wink while ignoring Ryuko's shocked look until the other woman leaned in and whispered.
"Ragdoll! You can't just out me like that! The kitten needs to think that I'm cool."
"Then you shouldn't whisper so loud when she's standing right there." Came Shino's reply from behind her two teammates, causing the pair to jump.
"Not you too Mandalay!" Ryuko lamented as she turned back toward Kashiko. "Don't listen to them, kitten. I've always been able to do this hike."
"Of course sensei." Kashiko bit her lower lip in an effort to stop herself from laughing. "I wouldn't dream of thinking that any of the Wild Wild Pussy Cats would be unable to hike up a mountain."
Ryuko preened under the complement, missing the slight sarcasm in Kashiko's voice. "That's a good attitude to have kitten."
Forced to hide her smile, Kashiko dipped her head into a nod. "Of course."
Shino, on the other hand, didn't express such restraint and let out a chuckle as she turned away from the group. "I promised that I'd give Yuito a call before we got out of service so if you'd just give me a minute." Pulling out her phone she took a few steps and turned her back to the rest of them
"Don't even think about it." Yawara growled, causing both Tomoko or Ryuko to stop in their tracks.
"Think about what?" Ryuko asked, her tone and posture giving off the very picture of innocence.
"Think about messing with Shino while she calls her brother." Yawara bluntly responded before turning to look down at Kashiko. "So the week is almost over. How've you liked your internship?"
"I've loved it." Kashiko responded as she shifted to address the three members of the group that were still standing together. "Between learning more about what Chart can do and seeing all of you working together I've never been more hopeful for the future."
Tomoko tilted her head to the side as she stared at her intern. "What do you mean?"
"Well it's just…" Kashiko trailed off as she scratched awkwardly at her cheek. "Before I got into U.A. I didn't really have any friends. So picking up and attending a college on the other side of the country seemed like a no brainer. New me and a new start kinda thing." A small smile formed as she continued. "And once I got there I met a great group of friends who didn't accuse me of using my Quirk to stalk them and just accepted the quiet nerdy girl into their group."
"But this week started with me thinking that it would all be over too soon." Kashiko turned away from the others and looked out toward the landscape below her. "Everyone got an internship and it scattered us across Japan and, well, I haven't really talked to any of them this week." She sighed. "I know that we've all been busy but it just sucks not being able to talk to the people I've become friends with."
She turned back toward Yawara, Ryuko and Tomoko. "But being here and seeing the four of you acting like friends even after all of the years you've been together as a team. It just… it gives me hope that I won't lose my friends after we graduate."
Silence greeted Kashiko as she finished speaking, the three pro heroes looking at each other for a moment before Yawara nodded slowly.
"I'd argue that we're a unique case." He looked over his shoulder at Shino who was currently glaring at her phone and walking further away from the group. "Most groups don't last more than a few years and you never know what'll happen."
Tomoko nodded along as Yawara spoke. "I think Shino is the real key." She too looked over to where the last member of the group had vanished into the trees. "While I know we don't seem to have a leader, she's the one who takes charge when it's needed and we all know that she'll have our backs."
"We sort of have that." Kashiko chuckled. "Himiko started calling us the Izu-Crew right before we left for our internships and I can't say that her name choice is incorrect."
"Izu-Crew?" Ryuko raised an eyebrow. "So that's going to be your group name?"
This time Kashiko didn't hide her laugh. "No, I don't think that will be a group name. I don't even see us all being in the same team after we graduate."
"And why not?" Tomoko asked, her curiosity genuine.
"Because we all want to do different things." Kashiko sighed as her eyes took on a distant look. "Midoriya does analysis, I know Himiko wants to go underground, most of the group seems to want to be spotlight heroes while others are probably going to fill the role of beat heroes. And that's not even taking into consideration the 1-H crew being in support." She shook her head. "And then there's me wanting to do rescue. We're all just too different for a group to work together."
"So then don't be a group." Ryuko responded, causing Kashiko to turn to look at her. "We work as a group because we're four friends that wanted to be rescue heroes. But if everyone wants something different like you said then form an agency."
"Ryuko is right." For once. Tomoko thought to herself before continuing. "If you establish an agency then you can cover all aspects of hero work instead of focusing on one and leaving the others behind."
Kashiko stared at the two women. "You can do that?"
"It's not common but there's no rule saying that you can't." Yawara shrugged. "Most heroes establish an agency under their own name and then just focus on a certain aspect of being a hero. If you work together and make a more general agency you could all work together."
Kashiko was silent for a moment before a soft chuckle escaped her. "Gods Mei's going to be pissed if this interferes with her idea for her own company."
"Just make her an offer to be the exclusive provider of support gear to your new agency." Tomoko offered with a grin.
"An offer?" Kashiko's shoulders started to shake as she laughed. "We won't need to offer since she's not going to give us a choice."
The three pro heroes had hardly started to laugh at Kashiko's comment when a red faced and panting Shino broke out of the treeline.
Hands on her knees, Shino stared at the group before panting out. "We need to go! We have to get back to base!"
The worry and panic in her voice stopped any argument that any of the group may have had and it was only a half second before Tomko asked the question that they were all thinking.
"What happened?"
"Tokyo is under attack." Shino replied as she stood upright once more, having caught her breath. "Yuito is in the middle of it and says that the city is basically a war zone."
Stunned, the group stared at Shino once more before Yawara shook his head and started forward. "Then we better get moving. It was two hours to get up here but we were taking our time. We need to rush back and get into the rescue truck."
Tomoko and Ryuko both nodded before they started forward as well, the three pro heroes starting to jog back down the mountain, leaving Shino and Kashiko alone for the moment.
Seeing the slight look of panic on Kashiko's face, Shino took a step forward and placed a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Are you going to be ok Sekigai?"
"Yeah." Kashiko shook her head and on instinct pulled up Chart, her mind desperate to check if her friends were ok. Realizing what she'd done she quickly dismissed the Quirk and gave Shino a timid smile. "We should get going."
Shino gave her a quick smile before the pair started after the other members of their group.
++++++++++++++++++++
"On your left!" Izuku shouted as he ducked under the trunk of the elephant Nomu in front of him. His boots flared to life as he took to the air, causing the Nomu's follow-up attack to strike empty air.
"Got it!" Ochako shouted in response as she jumped over the waving chainsaw of a green Nomu. Twisting in the air, she let Blood Dragon wrap around the monster as she brought a One for All empowered punch down on its exposed brain. A wet thud followed the attack as Ochako forced Blood Dragon to let go of the Nomu as it slumped to the ground, only for it to stir into motion.
"Damn it!" Ochako hissed as she lept back from the Nomu's arms, the blades on its chainsaws missing her by centimeters.
Behind you. A familiar voice whispered, causing Ochako to duck as an enlarged fist from the elephant Nomu swept through the air where she had been standing just a moment before.
Unbidden and with a roar of fury, Blood Dragon twisted around Ochako to bite down on the chainsaw Nomu's skull just as the creature started to stand. Blackened blood spilled out of the Quirk's mouth as it started to shift back toward its creator as she tried to avoid the elephant Nomu's attacks. Gritting her teeth, Ochako ducked under the elephant Nomu's trunk only to be caught by its left hand.
Ochako's Celestial Shroud started to glow brighter as she dug deeper into One for All, desperate to fight off the crushing pressure of the Nomu's fist.
"URAVITY!" Izuku shouted a second before a blur of black and green descended from the sky. "SOLAR FALL!" Izuku's voice cracked as he shouted at the top of his lungs, the repulsors on his boots glowing a bright yellow as he brought his right foot down on the Nomu's left arm.
The snapping of bone filled the air as the attack landed, lessening the pressure on Ochako just enough for her to slip from the creature's grasp and onto the ground. Tucking herself into a roll, and ignoring the screaming pain her ribs were giving her, Ochako dashed forward once more.
Reaching out she slapped an open palm strike against the creature's leg, willing its gravity to increase ten fold. As she did this a resummoned Blood Dragon snaked through the air just above Ochako's shoulder and darted forward to tear at the Nomu's already damaged left arm. The Quirk made quick work of the damaged arm, tearing the appendage off with a mighty heave of its head.
Roaring in pain, the vents along the Nomu's spine started to expel steam as its muscles started to swell and grow.
Move Ninth! The Sixth user's voice shouted once more, causing Ochako to slap her own thigh and remove her gravity. Shoving off, she shot through the air while at the same time Blood Dragon gently grasped Izuku in its jaws and followed suit.
The couple barely made it into the air before, with a frustrated roar, the Nomu doubled in size and slammed its newly regrown left arm into the ground where Ochako had been standing.
Slipping out of Blood Dragon's grip, Izuku activated his boots as he hovered next to Ochako. He nodded toward the blood Quirk.. "How much time do you have left?"
"Not long." Ochako answered as the pair stared down at the enraged Nomu. "Why?"
"I think we need to try something new." Izuku answered as he gave her a pointed look.
A million words passed unspoken between the pair in the space of a second as she met his eyes. Ochako shook her head. "No."
A crash echoed from below, causing the pair to turn away from one another, as the Nomu grabbed a car and turned skyward toward the two hovering heroes. Shoving off Blood Dragon, Izuku pushed himself away from the oncoming vehicle while forcing Ochako to do the same due to her lack of gravity.
The pair barely spared the missed attack a glance before Izuku hovered back over to Ochako. "Yes."
Ochako, for her part, glared at Izuku before reaching a hand out. "I swear to the gods if ya break yourself doin this…"
"Then you can tell me I told you so as many times as you like." Izuku answered as he grasped Ochako's hand. Pulling him closer, Ochako forced Blood Dragon to wrap itself around Izuku as she tripled his gravity. Letting go of his hand, she twisted around in the air before reeling Blood Dragon back and pitching Izuku forward.
Wind whistled past Izuku's ears as the combination of Blood Dragon's strength mixed with his increased gravity sent him plummeting toward the Nomu. Keeping his feet together and tucking them underneath him with bent knees he spun once in the air before bringing his heels down.
"COMET'S FALL!"
The reinforced heels of Izuku's battle boots screamed in protest as the repulsors fired at the last second, adding further power behind the attack. A loud cracking sound replaced everything else as Izuku's heels collided with Nomu's exposed brain, causing the monster's head to snap forward.
Closing his eyes, Izuku felt the power in his boots fail against his increased gravity.
"RELEASE!" Ochako's shout came not a second too soon as Izuku turned what would have been a bone-breaking fall into a tight roll. His relief was short lived though as the Nomu he had just hit started to stir once more. Wincing in pain, Izuku pushed himself to his feet just in time to see a blur of pink, violet, and red crash into the still recovering Nomu.
"RYUJIN STRIKE!"
Her face pulled back into a feral snarl, Ochako's fist was intertwined with Blood Dragon as the pair slammed into the elephant Nomu, cratering in its already damaged skull.
Immediately Ochako dismissed Blood Dragon as she tucked herself into a roll, coming to a stop next to Izuku. Izuku, for his part, started forward once more only to see that the monster's wounds were no longer stitching themselves closed as it lay motionless on the ground.
"Finally." Izuku sighed in relief as he extended a hand toward the still prone Ochako.
Panting, she gave him a grateful smile as she took his offered hand. "Good news, I can hold Blood Dragon for five minutes now."
A startled chuckle rocked out of Izuku's body as he stared down at his girlfriend who quickly laughed as well until the pair had devolved into fits of laughter. A long moment passed as they regained control over themselves, Izuku running a hand through his hair as he stared at the massive remains of the elephant Nomu.
"Well that could have gone better." He reached into his pouch and pulled out a pair of gummies, popping one into his mouth before offering Ochako the other.
"Thanks." Ochako muttered as placed a loving kiss onto Izuku's cheek a moment before slugging his arm. "We're neva doin Comet's Fall again."
"Why not?" Izuku asked innocently, a smirk dancing across his face. "It worked didn't it."
"Yes it worked but we nearly-"
A loud crash followed by a child's scream cut Ochako off. Turning as one the pair quickly spotted a small girl with white hair dashing out of an alley, a towering Nomu with multiple mouths hot her heels.
Moving in tandem, both Ochako and Izuku took off. Desperate to get between the little girl and the Nomu behind her.