chapter 19 : Fight on!

Nomu's monstrous hand tightened its grip around Aizawa's already mangled arm, causing a sickening crunch as bones snapped under the pressure. Aizawa's face contorted in pain, his body trembling with the force of the attack. The sound of breaking bone echoed in the air as the Nomu's immense strength proved overwhelming. Aizawa gritted his teeth, his vision blurring as he fought to endure the excruciating pain. The Nomu's cold, lifeless eyes bore into him, its grip unyielding and merciless.

Shigaraki's taunting voice cut through the tension, his words dripping with disdain. "You can erase quirks, a respectable ability, but there's nothing to it in the end. After all, when faced with overwhelming might, you might as well be quirkless in that situation," he sneered.

Aizawa's body trembled with the effort to break free, his anguished shout echoing as he strained against the iron grip of Nomu. "GHWAAAAAHH...!!!" he cried out, the pain coursing through him as his arm throbbed and his resistance seemed futile.

The relentless pressure continued as Nomu pressed Aizawa down against the unforgiving ground, each second feeling like an eternity as the battle reached a dire climax. The scene unfolded in a chaotic dance of power and struggle, with Aizawa's strength waning against the overwhelming might of his adversaries.

Aizawa's mind raced as pain radiated through his body. "He's snapping me like a twig...!!" his thoughts raced, a mix of disbelief and realization washing over him. He glanced at Shigaraki, his logical mind struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of power before him. "Looking at any part of his should've been enough to erase his quirk..! In other words. This is his base power!? He's damn near All Might's level!!" The gravity of the situation settled heavily on his shoulders as the weight of his adversary's strength became evident.

Nomu's grasp tightened, his inhuman strength evident as he effortlessly lifted Aizawa's head. Blood trickled down, staining the ground as a chilling reminder of Aizawa's vulnerability. With a force that seemed almost supernatural, Nomu thrust Aizawa's head back onto the unforgiving surface, creating deep cracks that radiated outwards like a shattered mirror. The ground itself seemed to tremble under the sheer power of the impact, a stark representation of the dire situation Aizawa found himself in.

Amid the chaos and danger, Midoriya, Tsuyu, and Mineta submerged themselves in the water, using it as their shield to hide from the nightmarish scene that was unfolding before them. Only their heads remained above water, their eyes wide with shock and fear as they witnessed their beloved teacher being brutally beaten by the monstrous Nomu. The very sight was enough to send shivers down their spines, the reality of the situation sinking in like a heavy weight.

Trembling with fear, Mineta's voice quivered as he managed to speak through his terror, "This is too much! Akira, Midoriya...you gotta be having second thoughts now, right?" His emotions overwhelmed him, and he found himself on the brink of tears, his hand instinctively covering his mouth to muffle his distress.

Beside him, Asui's concern was evident as she uttered a quiet "Ribbit," her expression mirroring the mix of fear and worry that gripped them all. Midoriya, normally quick to react, was left speechless and stunned, his thoughts racing as he tried to process the horrific scene playing out before his eyes.

Amidst the turmoil, Akira's gaze shifted from the struggling Aizawa to his classmates, his expression resolute as he thought, 'All Might should have been here by now. Why is he late?!' Taking in the sight of his shaken friends, he knew action was needed. With determination burning in his eyes, he addressed his classmates, his voice firm and unwavering, " I'll go and rescue Aizawa sensei...only after they've made the first move!!"

Midoriya being confused at what he hears asks," Akira ?wait for 'First move' ,... wait you don't mean!!!?"

" Yes ... Just focus on them , when they're distracted, I'll make my move!!"

A shadowy, mist-like figure began to take shape behind Shigaraki, slowly forming into a recognizable figure. The voice that emerged from it called out Shigaraki's name, "Shigaraki Tomura." Hearing the voice, Shigaraki immediately recognized it as Kurogiri's and turned to face the apparition.

With a mixture of curiosity and urgency, Shigaraki inquired, "Kurogiri... then is Thirteen dead?" The question hung in the air, the gravity of the situation evident in his tone.

Kurogiri's response was measured and calm, "I've incapacitated her. However, I'm afraid the students whom I could not scatter impeded me, and he was therefore able to escape with his life."

Shigaraki's agitation was palpable as he scratched aggressively at his neck, frustration and anger simmering beneath the surface. He retorted, "...huh? Huuuuh—"

Continuing to scratch, his voice grew more intense, "Kurogiri, you... if you can't be a proper warp gate, then our plans will crumble... there's no doubt that if they throw dozens of pros at us, we can't win. It's game over. Ahhh... it's game over... FOR NOW."

As his emotions churned, Shigaraki's voice took on a more aggressive tone, "Shall we hop back?"

Mineta's confusion was evident in his expression as he tried to process the unexpected turn of events. He turned to Tsuyu, his voice laden with uncertainty, "Hop back? Wait, isn't 'hopping back' your thing?" His bewilderment was clear, his words reflecting the bizarre situation.

Tsuyu responded with her usual calm demeanor, "That sure is what he said..."

The weight of the moment seemed to lift from Mineta's shoulders, replaced by a mixture of relief and joy. His voice shook as he released a few tears, his words conveying his emotions, "Yaaay! We're saved! We're saved!" The overwhelming sense of danger seemed to have taken a surprising turn, offering a glimmer of hope.

However, Tsuyu's expression remained cautious as she considered the situation further, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Yes, but..." Her uncertainty lingered as she sensed that there might be more to the situation than met the eye.

Suddenly, Tsuyu felt a hand on her chest and she looked to her side to find Mineta hugging while still having his hand on her.She reacted to the sudden turn of events by forcefully pushing down on Mineta's head under water, her voice revealing a hint of unease, "This is a tad unnerving, Midoriya..."

Midoriya's agreement was tinged with a sense of confusion, his brow furrowing as he contemplated the situation, "Yeah... they came and practically did nothing, and now they're pulling back so easily...? And speaking of earlier, Akira..." He turned his attention to the determined individual beside him, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern, "Are you sure you can do it?"

Akira's response was laced with his characteristic arrogance, "Hmph. I'll leave it to you when I'm done, and then..." He looked towards the imposing figure of Nomu, a sudden red glow emanating from the hollow hole on his mask. This peculiar phenomenon caught Midoriya's attention, his curiosity further piqued. Akira continued with unwavering determination, "I'll fight on!!" His resolute words echoed through the tense air, affirming his commitment to the coming battle.

Shigaraki's attention pivoted towards Akira's group, his gaze unwavering and his tone dripping with malice, "Actually, before we go back, why don't we use this opportunity to take... the symbol of peace's pride down a notch!"

With astonishing speed, he materialized before them, his hand lunging toward Tsuyu's head, but his attack was met with an unexpected resistance. His touch yielded no effect, leaving him baffled for a moment. He commented with a mixture of surprise and frustration, "... You really are a cool guy, Eraser Head!"

Aizawa's battered form raised itself, determination gleaming in his bloodshot eyes. A crimson light emanated from those eyes, a signal that his quirk had been activated. The timing was impeccable – just as Shigaraki's hand reached towards Tsuyu's face, Aizawa's quirk, Erasure, came into play. The sinister intent of "decay" was thwarted, its manifestation silenced under the power of Aizawa's ability. The tense moment was broken as Aizawa's quick thinking saved his students from the brink of disaster, showcasing the indomitable spirit of a true hero.With a brutal force, Nomu viciously slammed Aizawa's head against the unforgiving ground once more, leaving the pro hero disoriented and battered. Despite Aizawa's resilience, the overwhelming might of Nomu was proving to be an overwhelming challenge.

Midoriya gazes at Akira standing beside him, raising his index finger as a signal, reminding Midoriya of their unspoken understanding. In that moment, Midoriya's thoughts race, realizing the formidable threat before them.

His mind races with thoughts, "If that's what he meant from earlier... No, no, no! Compared to the villains we faced before, these ones are on a whole different level. Asui is captured! Akira, if you're going to act, now's the time. But after you make your move, we need to escape!"

Summoning his courage, Midoriya lifts his hand and adopts a resolute stance, confronting Shigaraki. With a determined voice, he demands, "Le... Let go of her!!"

Shigaraki's gaze narrows as he observes Midoriya, who is now preparing to strike. With a chilling command, he addresses his monstrous companion, "Nomu."

Midoriya channels all his strength into a powerful punch, releasing his quirk with a focused determination. As the force of his attack subsides, he finds himself surprised by his own realization, 'My arm isn't breaking! Could it be? Have I unlocked the ability to adjust the power output at a time like this? That smash was definitely head-on!'

As the gust of wind settles, Midoriya is shocked to find the formidable Nomu standing right in front of him, his fist caught by the monstrous creature's grip. Midoriya's thoughts race, 'What happened... when did he... Huh? It had no effect on him???'

Midoriya's mind races as he pieces together the grim puzzle before him. A realization dawns upon him, and his thoughts echo with urgency, "No way... This is how they're planning to face All Might... using this monstrous Nomu!"

Simultaneously, Akira flickers from their sight, reappearing near Aizawa and carrying him. With a swift movement, he places Aizawa above the plaza where they had first stood and says, "I'm going to show a glimpse, so rest here..."

As Akira observes the unfolding scene before him, he witnesses the menacing Nomu about to tear Midoriya's arm off, while Shigaraki remarks, "Nice punch there. You called it 'smash'... you a fan of All Might?" Akira's attention then turns to Tsuyu, who's in imminent danger as Shigaraki places his hand on her, ready to activate his "decay" quirk.

A wry smile tugs at the corners of Midoriya's lips as he realizes the unintended consequences of his actions. He takes a deep breath, ready to face the chaotic situation that lies ahead, and his thoughts swirl with a sense of determination, "So my arrival did have some effect on this world, huh... Glad to see that... explains why they brought a whole lot more cannon fodder here... and also why All Might hasn't arrived yet... So it's indirectly my fault! Well, I guess I'll let loose for a while then!"

In a flash, as Shigaraki's hand hovers close to Tsuyu's face and Nomu's grip threatens to tear off Midoriya's arm, the three of them vanish into thin air, leaving behind three stones that had been held in their grasp. Just as suddenly, they reappear near Akira, their astonishment evident in their stunned expressions and speechless state.Akira's eyes are a mesmerizing fusion of the Rinnegan and Sharingan, a testament to his extraordinary power. His Rinnegan, coloured purple with its three tomoe and distinct pattern, radiates an air of ancient wisdom and incredible insight. The Sharingan in his other eye boasts the familiar red hue and three tomoe as well, reflecting his exceptional prowess in combat.

With his onyx hair falling gracefully around his face, Akira exudes an aura of cool and composed strength. His sharp features and intense gaze give him an air of mystery and allure, making it impossible to look away. His attire, a blend of dark hues and modern design, accentuates his enigmatic presence, while his determined expression hints at the depths of his character. In him, a sense of authority and power coexist with an intriguing complexity that leaves an indelible impression.Akira's lips curve into a fleeting smile, revealing a glimpse of the confidence that resides within him. But just as quickly, he raises his mask to cover his face, his eyes glinting with determination. His gaze shifts towards the villains below, his focus unwavering. In that instant, his smile vanishes, replaced by a resolute expression that speaks of his unwavering resolve to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Akira's form shimmers and then reappears at a calculated distance away from Shigaraki, Nomu, and Kurogiri. His movements are swift and precise, his presence both elusive and imposing. Standing there, he surveys the scene with a composed demeanor, ready to engage in the battle that lies ahead.

Midoriya's curiosity is piqued as he finally glimpses Akira's true appearance and takes in the power emanating from his unique eyes. Tsuyu's cheeks flush at the memory of Akira's face, finding it impressive. Meanwhile, Mineta expresses his surprise at why someone so handsome would choose to conceal his looks.

With a single commanding gesture, Akira's hand held high, a wave of energy seems to emanate from him. The surrounding villains, caught off guard, suddenly find themselves trapped in a shared illusion. As if moved by an unseen force, each and every one of them crumbles to the ground in unison, their movements synchronized in a mesmerizing display of his control over their senses. It's a stunning demonstration of his power, leaving the area shrouded in an eerie stillness as the fallen foes remain ensnared within his genjutsu.

Shigaraki's brows furrow in confusion as he turns to Kurogiri, his voice tinged with bewilderment, "What in the world did he just pull off?"

Kurogiri's misty form wavers as he responds with uncertainty, "I'm at a loss as well. It seemed like a mere hand movement, but was it a manifestation of his quirk?"

Shigaraki's fingers twitch as he clenches his hand into a fist, his determination unwavering, "It doesn't matter what he did. We've come too far to let a single surprise throw us off course."

Midoriya's mind races as he observes the astonishing scene unfold before him, 'Wait, what just happened? All of those villains fell to the ground simultaneously as soon as he raised his hand... Could that be another one of his incredible abilities?' The thought sends a shiver down his spine as he comprehends the sheer power Akira possesses, leaving him in a state of awe and anticipation.

Shigaraki grinning , with frustration as he demands, "Who the hell are you? That was completely unexpected !"

Akira's concealed smirk blooms with satisfaction as he relishes Shigaraki's inquiry.

Akira's thoughts echo with amusement, "Ah, finally. I've been waiting for someone to ask that. And to think that it's Shigaraki of all people... Hahaha!"Akira's concealed smirk blooms with satisfaction as he relishes Shigaraki's inquiry. His voice drips with an undeniable sense of arrogance as he delivers his response, "Who, you ask? A mere form following the function of what, I must say. And as for what I am, well, that's quite simple. I am nothing more than a man in a mask! Or is that the correct line, I wonder? Hold on a moment, let me check my l notebook." With theatrical precision, he extracts a small notepad from his robe, his every movement adding an air of drama to the scene, only to find himself interrupted just as he is about to proceed further.