Chapter 6

Akira didn't think about Sakura Inoue, nor did he know what she thought of him. He was now at home.

He spent his time at school and at work, and the days passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, the sludge incident arrived.

A huge explosion and flames lit up the sky. Akira was resting at home that day, but rushed to the scene as soon as he heard the commotion. He wanted to confirm if this was indeed the sludge incident.

A crowd surged toward the explosion site. Akira suddenly spotted a thin, emaciated figure among the onlookers—Toshinori Yagi. This confirmed that it was truly the sludge incident.

So, Katsuro was in trouble?

Akira saw this as an opportunity to check if the world followed the same pattern as in the anime. Sometimes parallel worlds could change due to environmental or human factors.

"Is he holding a child hostage?!"

In the narrow alley crowded with onlookers, heroes like Crimson Fist, Arbor Knight, Mt. Gale, and Flame Shield were present. In this environment, Mt. Gale's ability was less effective, and Flame Shield faced limitations due to the nature of the fight.

Crimson Fist clenched his hands in frustration as he watched the green sludge monster devour its captive. "What a cowardly act!"

His punch landed on the sludge like striking cotton, unable to exert any force, and his right hand got stuck, rendering him immobile.

"What is this? Can't get a grip?"

The sludge monster lashed out, sending Crimson Fist flying into a nearby shutter door, creating a gaping hole.

Everything unfolded just as it did in the anime. Akira observed from the sidelines, knowing he couldn't draw attention to himself. The professional heroes would need to find a solution.

"Stay back!" the sludge creature shouted, brandishing its tendrils to keep the heroes at bay.

"Arghhh!" Katsuro's muffled yells could be heard, his hands producing more explosions that only fueled the chaos.

The heat and shockwaves forced everyone to shield their faces, yet the situation remained dire.

"What raw power! What a treasure," the sludge creature gloated. "With this Quirk, I can finally exact revenge on that guy!"

The sludge tightened around Katsuro even more fiercely. Panic spread among the spectators, as none of the professional heroes were suited for this challenge.

Akira's eyes caught a glimpse of Toshinori Yagi leaning against a pole, breathing heavily. The situation weighed heavily on his conscience; if only Midoriya hadn't held him back earlier, the sludge wouldn't have escaped, and none of this would be happening. But now, Toshinori couldn't muster the energy to transform.

"It's humiliating, absolutely humiliating!" Toshinori thought as he clenched his shirt over the large scar hidden beneath.

"Midoriya's here too?" Akira noticed Izuku Midoriya in the crowd, alarmed by Katsuro's predicament.

Akira was a bystander, hearing the crowd murmur about All Might's absence and the lack of effective heroes. Toshinori, guilt-ridden, could only watch helplessly.

Then, Midoriya suddenly broke through the crowd and dashed toward the sludge monster and Katsuro. Gasps filled the air—what was this boy thinking? Was he suicidal?

"Stop, kid! It's too dangerous!" Crimson Fist shouted, astonished that someone would take such a reckless risk.

The sludge monster turned its eyes on Midoriya, who pushed forward regardless. Katsuro, weak and struggling, caught sight of his childhood friend running toward him and muttered, "Deku, you idiot."

An unexpected warmth flickered in Katsuro's chest—Deku, the one he'd often pushed around, was now risking everything to save him.

But the sludge monster acted quickly, ensnaring both Katsuro and Midoriya.

"It's almost complete. Just a bit more!" the monster cackled.

"No, this isn't right. My presence must have changed the timeline," Akira thought, glancing at Toshinori, who was trying to will himself into transforming but was too slow. If he didn't act soon, Katsuro and Midoriya could die.

"I can't wait any longer." Akira slipped into a secluded corner and raised his left hand, summoning an invisible force that spread out immediately.

The sludge monster felt a sudden tightness, as though its ability to breathe was restricted. It wasn't suffocating, but the effect was enough to slow its actions.

"What's happening?" The monster scanned the crowd nervously.

Sweat beaded on Akira's brow. His current air manipulation level was low, so he couldn't maintain it for long. All he could do was buy time.

Just as his strength began to falter, a familiar figure dashed forward.

All Might! He had finally transformed!

"Apologies, young man, I'm late!" All Might's booming voice filled the street as he leaped into action, delivering a mighty punch.

"Detroit Smash!"

With a thunderous impact, the sludge monster was scattered into pieces, splattering across the alley. A powerful gust swept through, signaling All Might's victory. Katsuro and Midoriya dropped to the ground, exhausted and dazed.

Dark clouds gathered above, and raindrops began to fall, smothering the fires and blanketing the city in a surreal, somber calm.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the symbol of peace stood triumphant. For them, All Might had done the impossible once more.

Akira, drenched in rain, took a deep breath. No one could tell if the water streaming down his face was rain or sweat.