Win Or Save P.2

Yo~sha!

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As All Might's voice echoed across the training ground, he announced the final match with enthusiasm. "Bakugo Katsuki and Denki Kaminari will play the villains! Izuku Midoriya and Toru Hagakure, you are the heroes!" The class watched with bated breath, knowing this match would be intense—especially with Bakugo involved.

Bakugo walked toward the building, his movements tense but purposeful. His expression was unreadable, though an internal storm raged within him.

Memories of his childhood with Izuku played on a loop in his mind—the times they won All Might Hero cards together, the moments they shared as they watched All Might's first televised rescue, and how they used to pretend to be All Might themselves. Was it all a lie? Bakugo wondered his emotions a tangled mess of nostalgia and anger.

No, stop. Bakugo mentally shook the memories away, irritated that such thoughts were clouding his focus. I don't need this. I just need to win.

He turned to Kaminari, who was nervously fidgeting behind him. "Take the bomb to the top floor. I'll deal with those two myself."

Kaminari raised an eyebrow. "Uh, don't you think it'd be smarter to stick together? You know, teamwork and all that?"

Bakugo shot him a deadly glare, leaving no room for debate. "I don't care. Just do what I say. Stay out of my way."

Kaminari sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. "Alright, alright," he muttered, grabbing the mock bomb and heading for the stairs. Why did I get stuck with him...?

Bakugo slouched down against the building outside, his eyes narrowing as he thought about the upcoming battle. Deku... He clenched his fists. I'm going to crush you.

Meanwhile, outside the building, Izuku paced back and forth anxiously, his mind racing as he tried to strategize. He couldn't stop thinking about what Bakugo might be planning. Is Kacchan going to try and work with Kaminari? Or is he going solo?

Toru Hagakure watched him from nearby, her invisible form only betrayed by the floating hero costume she wore. She tilted her head and asked, "Midoriya, what are you doing? You're gonna wear yourself out before we even start!"

Izuku didn't answer directly. Instead, he turned to Toru with a question of his own. "Do you think Bakugo would try to team up with Denki?"

Toru thought for a moment. "I mean, even Bakugo, for all his anger, knows a 1v2 fight isn't the smartest idea, right?"

Izuku shook his head, a serious look on his face. "Bakugo hates that kind of victory. He doesn't want to win just by outnumbering someone. He wants to win as fast and as strong as possible... just like All Might."

Toru blinked, surprised at how well Izuku seemed to understand Bakugo's mindset. "Wait, how do you know that? I mean, I know you two grew up together, but—"

Izuku's eyes softened, and he was about to launch into a long story about their shared past, how they idolized All Might together, and how everything had changed between them. But before he could start, Toru quickly waved her hand, stopping him mid-thought.

"On second thought, I don't need the whole backstory," she said with a nervous laugh. "Let's just focus on the match, okay?"

Izuku nodded, snapping back to the present. Right... focus. His mind continued to work overtime, analyzing every possibility. He knew Bakugo well enough to understand that he wasn't going to hold back, especially in a match like this.

Aizawa's voice cut through the air as he made the final announcement, signaling the start of the match. "Heroes and villains, the final match has officially begun!"

The clock started, and Izuku's heart raced as he prepared for what was to come. His body tensed as he considered his options, while Toru, calm and collected, stood ready to move.

"I'll try to distract Bakugo," Izuku said quickly, formulating a plan. "If you can stay invisible and sneak past, you might be able to get to the bomb while he's focused on me."

Toru nodded. "Sounds good. Just... be careful, okay?"

Izuku gave her a determined nod in return. "I will."

Denki Kaminari, now on the top floor with the bomb, set it in place, but he couldn't shake the unease in his gut. Bakugo's crazy if he thinks he can take both of them on by himself.

He sighed and activated his quirk, charging the air around him with electricity. "Well, guess I better be ready, just in case."

Back outside, Bakugo stood waiting, arms crossed, his patience wearing thin. Come on, Deku. Show me what you've got. His fingers twitched with anticipation, tiny explosions crackling in his palms.

Izuku and Toru moved in, carefully approaching the building. Izuku could feel his heartbeat thundering in his chest as they reached the entrance.

Then, without warning, Bakugo exploded into action—literally.

He launched himself from the side of the building, explosions erupting from his hands, sending him barreling toward Izuku with incredible speed. His eyes were locked onto his target, and his expression was one of pure determination.

"DEKU!!" Bakugo roared as he charged forward, his palm crackling with a fierce explosion aimed directly at Izuku.

Izuku barely had time to react, dodging at the last second as Bakugo's explosion sent debris flying everywhere.

The match was on. Bakugo wasn't holding back, and Izuku knew it. He quickly adjusted his stance, mentally preparing himself for the onslaught. I have to be smart about this. I can't let him overwhelm me.

Bakugo, relentless as ever, immediately followed up with another explosive attack, sending shockwaves through the ground as he tried to close the distance between them. "Stop dodging and fight me, Deku!"

Izuku, his heart pounding, knew he couldn't afford to go head-to-head with Bakugo in pure power. I need to keep him distracted. Toru should be able to sneak past while he's focused on me.

Toru, staying invisible, quietly made her way toward the building, trusting Izuku to keep Bakugo occupied long enough for her to reach the bomb.

But Bakugo wasn't going to make it easy. With every step Izuku took, Bakugo was there, pressing the attack harder and harder, his explosions growing in size and intensity.

"Come on, Deku! Is this all you've got?!" Bakugo taunted, his rage bubbling just below the surface. "You think you can beat me with those weak moves?!"

Izuku's mind raced, trying to think of a way to turn the tide. If I use One For All, I'll hurt myself... but if I don't, Bakugo's going to overpower me.

He gritted his teeth, dodging another explosion. I have to find a way...

...

Bakugo kept up the relentless assault, explosions erupting from his palms as he charged at Midoriya again and again. But Izuku, in between dodging and blocking, noticed something strange—Bakugo wasn't attacking with full power. He was keeping a careful distance, about a meter away from Izuku at all times, and his blasts, though forceful, weren't his strongest. He's stalling... Izuku realized.

But why?

Izuku's mind raced. Logically, Bakugo should be trying to finish this quickly and go support Kaminari. If they worked together, they could win easily, Izuku thought. But that's not what Bakugo was doing. He was staying here, dragging the fight out.

Bakugo, as if reading Izuku's thoughts, suddenly spoke, his voice low and full of determination. "Don't even think about Pikachu, Deku. This fight is between you and me. It always has been."

Bakugo's eyes were cold, but his emotions were barely restrained beneath the surface. "I'll prove it here, once and for all. I've always been the strongest. You were nothing before, and you're nothing now, even with that quirk."

Izuku's breath caught in his throat. This isn't just about the match. This is about our past.

Bakugo's words stung, but they also made things clear. Kacchan isn't trying to win this match for the team. He's trying to settle the score between us.

The gap between them suddenly felt much larger than just a meter.

Bakugo's grip tightened as he prepared another blast. His palms tingled with the familiar heat of his quirk, but he wasn't using his full power on purpose. I don't need to win by overpowering you, Deku. I just need to show you that you can't touch me.

In Bakugo's mind, this was about more than just being stronger physically. I need to remind you where you stand. You've always been beneath me.

Izuku saw the conviction in Bakugo's eyes. He's not holding back out of fear of losing... he's doing this because he needs to prove something. Izuku clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his past with Bakugo pressing down on him.

Izuku's thoughts swirled with memories of their childhood—their rivalry, Bakugo's growing resentment, and how everything had changed after Izuku got his quirk. I didn't mean for things to get this bad... but I won't let him define who I am anymore.

Izuku looked straight at Bakugo, his resolve hardening. I may have been nothing before, but now... I have a chance. I have a purpose.

Stepping forward, Izuku braced himself. He had to find a way to turn this battle in his favor without getting too injured. Bakugo's keeping his distance for a reason. If I can get in close, maybe I can disrupt his rhythm.

"I'm not the same kid you used to push around, Kacchan," Izuku said, his voice steady. "I won't just stand by and let you win because you're stronger. I've trained for this, and I'm going to give it everything I've got!"

Bakugo smirked, though his eyes stayed cold. "Then show me, Deku! Show me what you've got!"

Izuku charged forward, closing the distance between them. He knew he had to get inside Bakugo's attack range—Bakugo's explosions were most effective at a distance, and if Izuku could get close enough, he might be able to land a solid hit.

But Bakugo wasn't going to make it easy.

With a growl, Bakugo unleashed a series of explosions, forcing Izuku to dodge to the side. But instead of retreating, Izuku kept moving forward, weaving between the blasts with surprising agility.

Just a little closer... Izuku thought, gritting his teeth as the heat from Bakugo's explosions sang the air around him.

Bakugo's eyes narrowed. What's Deku doing? Trying to close the gap? He was prepared for this. If Deku wanted to fight him up close, then Bakugo would gladly oblige. I'll crush him here.

Izuku saw the opening. Now! With a burst of energy, he propelled himself forward, aiming for Bakugo's side.

But just as Izuku closed the distance, Bakugo's eyes flashed with realization. He had been waiting for this moment.

"Too slow, Deku!" Bakugo roared, spinning on his heel and unleashing a massive explosion at point-blank range.

The force of the blast sent Izuku flying backward, crashing into the ground several meters away.

Bakugo stood tall, breathing heavily, his arms still smoking from the explosion. But despite the overwhelming power he had just used, there was no satisfaction in his eyes.

Why... why does it feel like this isn't enough?

He glared down at Izuku, who was struggling to get back on his feet. This should feel good. I'm winning. But... it's not enough.

Memories of their past continued to flood his mind, but now they were accompanied by doubt. Deku... you were always a weakling. So why does it feel like you're not the one losing here?

Bakugo clenched his fists again, the anger boiling inside him. I can't let him think he's changed anything. I have to show him... I have to prove it.

Without waiting for Izuku to fully stand, Bakugo charged again, explosions lighting up his path. He was going to end this, once and for all.

As Bakugo barreled toward him, Izuku gritted his teeth and planted his feet firmly on the ground. He was hurt, but he wasn't finished yet.

Kacchan still doesn't understand... Izuku thought, a mix of frustration and determination building in his chest. It's not about who's the strongest... it's about what we're fighting for.

With one good hand and a determined heart, Izuku prepared to face Bakugo's next attack, ready to show him just how far he had come.

...

The battle between Izuku and Bakugo raged on, the tension between them palpable. As Bakugo unleashed another barrage of explosions, Izuku found a moment to speak between attacks, his voice strained but determined.

"Kacchan… you're still just fighting for yourself," Izuku said, his breath coming in labored gasps. "But I'm here because of the kindness of others. They're the reason I can stand here as more than the useless Deku you used to know."

Bakugo, mid-attack, paused for a brief second, narrowing his eyes. Izuku's words stung in a way he hadn't expected, but he shook it off, masking his reaction with a scoff. "What the hell does that even mean, Deku?" Bakugo growled, his voice low and full of disdain. "You think being a hero is about leaning on other people?"

Izuku opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, Bakugo propelled himself forward, using his explosions to launch himself at high speed. With a brutal knee to Izuku's chest, Bakugo sent him crashing backward, the force of the blow knocking the wind out of him.

Bakugo stood over Izuku, glaring down with intensity. "If all you can do is rely on others, how are you a hero? Heroes are the ones people rely on. They save others, not the other way around. How are you supposed to save anyone if you always need someone to save you?"

Izuku, still reeling from the blow, gasped for air, struggling to find his footing. But even through the pain, he managed to force out his response. "Even… even heroes need help… sometimes."

For a brief moment, Bakugo froze, his face twisting with a mix of emotions. Then, without warning, he let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "That's exactly why we're different, Deku."

Bakugo's eyes burned with a fierce, unwavering conviction as he continued. "I don't need anyone's help to be a hero. I don't need a pep talk, I don't need encouragement. I get stronger on my own. And that's the difference between us."

Observation Room

Back in the observation room, Aizawa and All Might watched the fight unfold on the screens in front of them. Aizawa's sharp eyes remained focused on Bakugo's every move. "He's maintaining control, at least," Aizawa muttered, clearly relieved that Bakugo hadn't fully lost his temper despite the intensity of the battle.

All Might, however, seemed more concerned. "Why is he holding back?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "It's clear Bakugo isn't fighting at full strength."

Aizawa didn't take his eyes off the screen. "He's wasting time. Whether he admits it or not, Bakugo's dragging this out on purpose." Aizawa shook his head slightly, his tone flat. "But why? I don't think he even knows."

The rest of the class watched with bated breath, each with their own reactions to the intense showdown.

Ochaco winced visibly as Bakugo's knee connected with Izuku's chest. She could feel every blow, knowing how much Izuku was enduring. "I just hope Deku can keep going…" she muttered quietly, her hands clenching into fists.

Momo Yaoyorozu sighed, her gaze steady. "This match is rather predictable. Bakugo is clearly overpowering Midoriya in raw strength. Unless Midoriya has something up his sleeve, I don't see how he can turn this around."

Iida Tenya, ever the optimist, interceded. "Izuku Midoriya has been known to surprise us before. He may have a trump card, something Bakugo isn't expecting." His words were encouraging, but even he sounded unsure.

Meanwhile, in the back of the room, Shoto Todoroki sat silently, his eyes glued to Bakugo's movements. He watched how Bakugo used his explosions to boost his speed and strike with precision. That's clearly an old move, something he's practiced over and over. Todoroki's mind raced with thoughts. Bakugo was this strong before UA even started? That kind of training and discipline… it's no wonder he keeps himself around people like Kurokami.

But Todoroki's thoughts drifted momentarily to Kurokami. The memory of the final moments before he was knocked out in their fight still lingered in his mind, an unsettling feeling creeping up his spine. Kurokami… Todoroki still couldn't quite place what it was about him. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness—it wasn't just the power, but something else. Ominous.

...

As Bakugo wrestled with the thoughts swirling in his mind, he struggled to pinpoint why he was holding back. Did he actually want to be friends with Deku? That couldn't be it. Deku had already made his position clear—he'd lied, kept secrets, and played Bakugo for a fool for years. But as Bakugo fought, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure it out.

Izuku, sensing Bakugo's hesitation, took the opportunity to act. Charging forward, he grabbed Bakugo by the shoulder and threw him into a nearby wall with all his strength.

"I never meant to lie to you, Kacchan!" Izuku shouted, his voice filled with emotion. "The circumstances just weren't in my favor!"

Bakugo got up almost immediately, the impact barely affecting him. His body was bruised, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. He dusted himself off, his face still unreadable, but his thoughts were clearer now. It didn't matter. Deku's excuses didn't matter. The betrayal still stung, and no words would change that.

Bakugo clenched his fists, the sparks of his quirk crackling in his palms. No. It wasn't about the lie anymore. It was about Deku's attempt to just walk back into his life, acting as if nothing had changed. But Bakugo realized something at that moment: He needed to free himself from Deku. The burden of their past was holding him back, and it was time to break free.

Izuku, noticing Bakugo's sudden shift in demeanor, asked, "Kacchan, is something wrong?"

Bakugo didn't answer right away. His eyes narrowed, and his voice was steady when he finally spoke. "I'm ending this now. Hit me with your strongest attack, Deku, or die."

Izuku blinked, confused by Bakugo's sudden demand. "What... what do you mean?"

Bakugo's gaze was cold, unwavering. He ignored Izuku's question. "Go full power. Use that stupid quirk of yours, or you'll die here."

Izuku's heart raced as he realized Bakugo was dead serious. Bakugo untied the gauntlets strapped to his arms—the massive grenade-like devices that stored his sweat for an explosive final move. But they had another function, one far more important to Bakugo at this moment.

Restraint.

Without the gauntlets, Bakugo's power was fully unleashed. The air around him crackled with tension as he prepared to unleash a blast far beyond what Izuku had ever faced.

Izuku's confusion melted away as the gravity of the situation sank in. He didn't have a choice. Kacchan wasn't going to hold back anymore.

Taking a deep breath, Izuku activated One For All, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through his veins. He focused on controlling the energy, making sure to minimize the damage to his arm. He couldn't afford to break his bones this time.

Bakugo pointed his palm at Izuku, the familiar orange glow of his quirk darkening as he built up the explosive energy. This was a move Bakugo had used countless times against Kuro during their sparring sessions. But Deku… Deku would get a weaker version.

Izuku braced himself, the tension rising as the two stared each other down, the battlefield silent except for the faint crackle of Bakugo's quirk and the hum of One For All.

The Final Clash

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still.

Izuku wondered, even as they were about to collide if this fight was the way to reconcile with Bakugo. Was this really what they needed? Could a fight like this solve everything between them?

But Bakugo wasn't thinking about reconciliation or their past anymore. He felt free, finally untethered from the weight of their rivalry. Deku was his own person now. And for Bakugo, that meant he didn't have to care anymore. He could let it all go.

The two charged at each other, their bodies moving on instinct.

Izuku's fist, charged with One For All, aimed upward, while Bakugo's palm glowed with the heat of his impending explosion.

The Observers

In the observation room, All Might and Aizawa watched the fight with sharp eyes. The tension in the room was thick, and it was clear that this clash was more than just a practice exercise.

All Might, his concern evident, leaned forward slightly. "Should we step in? This could get dangerous."

Aizawa, more focused on the dynamics of the fight, shook his head. "At worst, Izuku breaks his arm. But using One For All at that level already risks that." Aizawa paused, glancing at the screen with a calculating look. "Besides... Bakugo's been holding back this whole time. He's outclassed Midoriya by a chasm."

In the room with the other students, reactions were mixed.

Eijiro Kirishima, who had won his match earlier, watched the confrontation with awe. "This is... manly!" he shouted, eyes gleaming with admiration. "They're giving it everything they've got!"

Iida Tenya, ever the pragmatist, sighed at Bakugo's decision to go for a one-hit finish. "Bakugo's decision to end the fight in one blow... it's risky but effective. It's clear he's trying to settle this once and for all."

Momo Yaoyorozu, however, noticed something different. Her analytical mind focused on Izuku's form. "Midoriya's punch... it's not aimed directly at Bakugo. His trajectory is angled upwards."

Ochaco Uraraka, who had been watching with one eye open, was now fully alert. "Do you think he's planning to shoot his punch upward instead of straight at him?"

Momo nodded thoughtfully. "It's possible. That would minimize damage to Bakugo and reduce the impact on Midoriya's body. It's a clever move, especially given the circumstances."

...

As the dust settled, the result was clear: Bakugo had won.

Bakugo's costume was torn at the side, but he stood tall and mostly unharmed, while Izuku lay on the ground, too injured to move, his body marked with slight burns. Izuku groaned, trying to push himself up, but his strength had left him. I couldn't... fix things with Kacchan after all... the thought weighed heavily on his mind.

Bakugo, standing over Izuku, felt... calm. It was a strange, unfamiliar feeling. He wasn't elated or triumphant like he usually was after a victory, but he wasn't angry either. He just felt... okay. This was it. The release he had been searching for.

No more Deku. No more worrying or caring about their rivalry, no more feeling like he had to prove himself to someone else. Bakugo looked up, noticing the massive hole Izuku's punch had created. The floor above them, and the one above that, had been pierced clean through, leading up to the roof. From that vantage, Bakugo could see Toru and Denki still fighting.

A perfect victory, Bakugo thought to himself, placing his hands behind his back. He had finally gotten what he wanted—or so he thought.

Toru Hagakure was in a battle of endurance. She had been trying her hardest to sneak by Denki Kaminari and reach the bomb, but Denki's quirk made him an incredibly difficult opponent for her. Every few seconds, he unleashed a surge of electricity, forcing her to retreat and avoid getting zapped.

It was a game of stamina now. How long can I outlast him? she thought, carefully inching closer to the bomb, trying to avoid Denki's attacks.

But just as Toru got within reach of the bomb, something unexpected happened. She saw a face—Bakugo's face—appear right in front of her.

"DIE!" was the last thing she heard before Bakugo, who had suddenly appeared through the hole in the ceiling, aimed his palm directly at her and unleashed a powerful explosion. He held back enough to avoid seriously injuring her, but the force was still more than enough to knock her out.

Toru, now visible due to the smoke clinging to her singed hair, fell to the ground. Though her quirk rendered her invisible, the scent of burnt hair and the faint outline of smoke betrayed her presence. Bakugo smirked at the sight. The smell of victory.

Denki, who had been using his quirk sparingly to conserve his stamina, was shocked by Bakugo's sudden arrival. "Dude… where'd you even come from?" Denki asked, clearly relieved but also completely exhausted.

Bakugo didn't answer. He didn't need to. The fight was over.

Just then, All Might's voice boomed over the loudspeaker, bringing the match to a close. "Bakugo Katsuki and Denki Kaminari have won!"

In the observation room, the class watched the conclusion of the match in stunned silence. Eijiro Kirishima pumped his fist, impressed by Bakugo's sheer strength and determination. "Man, that was intense! Bakugo's on another level!"

Iida, though still focused on the rules of heroism, couldn't help but admit Bakugo's strategy was effective. "He's incredibly powerful, no question. But... his methods remain too aggressive for most hero scenarios."

Momo nodded in agreement. "His overwhelming force and tactical use of explosions worked well in this match, but in a real situation, his recklessness might cause more harm than good."

Ochaco, meanwhile, watched Izuku's defeated form on the screen, her heart sinking. She had seen how much Izuku had tried, but it wasn't enough. "Deku…" she whispered under her breath, feeling a mix of concern and sadness.

Bakugo stood tall, looking down at Toru's unconscious form, then back at Denki. The victory was his, but the feeling he expected—the overwhelming satisfaction—just wasn't there. He didn't feel the rush of adrenaline or the sense of triumph he had always chased after. Instead, he felt... hollow.

Denki gave him a weak thumbs-up. "Nice job, man. You're like... a one-man army."

Bakugo didn't respond. His mind was elsewhere, still trying to process the emptiness he felt after winning. His thoughts flickered back to Izuku, lying defeated below them. Is that it? Wasn't this what I wanted?

Back on the lower floor, Izuku lay on the ground, his body aching from the fight. His mind was racing with conflicting thoughts. I couldn't fix it… The distance between him and Bakugo felt insurmountable. Even though they had fought, even though he had given everything he had, it felt like nothing had changed. Kacchan still hates me… and I still couldn't reach him.

He clenched his fist, frustrated with himself. But even in defeat, Izuku knew he couldn't give up. He had come too far and fought too hard to let this be the end.

As All Might and Aizawa made their way down to assess the situation, All Might couldn't help but feel concerned for both Bakugo and Izuku. "They both have so much potential... but there's still so many issues between them," he said quietly to Aizawa.

Aizawa, ever pragmatic, nodded. "But sadly, UA isn't a daycare..."

All Might sighed. "In this situation, I wish it was."

...

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[Auther: Yo. The "Win Or Save" arc hasn't been completed, I've started the arc with Kuro and Todoroki but I haven't named it yet. Feel free to give me a name, I'll use it if it's good. Or shout out, who gave me it, if I don't.]