-3rd Person POV-

As he descended to the entrance hall, Tatsuya's footsteps echoed against the walls, the sound mingling with the solemn atmosphere that hung heavy in the air. His heart sank as he witnessed Izuku being taken away by the robots on a stretcher, his adoptive brother's prone form a stark reminder of the perilous nature of their chosen path. All Might stood nearby, his typically vibrant demeanor muted by worry, his gaze fixed on Izuku's motionless figure with a sense of somber resignation.

The wolf boy's instincts propelled him forward, urgency coursing through his veins as he hurried to be by his adoptive brother's side. But before he could reach Izuku, All Might intercepted him, a solemn expression etched across his features. "He's unconscious, Young Akiba. For now, please go back to your—"

"Forget it!" Tatsuya's voice cut through the air like a blade, his eyes ablaze with determination as he locked gazes with the pro hero. "I'm not going anywhere until I know he's alright!" His words carried the weight of unwavering loyalty and fierce protectiveness, a testament to the depth of his bond with Izuku and his unwavering resolve to stand by his side through every trial and tribulation.

When All Might realized that Tatsuya was not backing down, he sighed, and the tension between them eased. The uneasy silence followed as the two struggled to find words to say while walking to the makeshift office. The Number-One Hero glanced over to see Tatsuya's ears drooped as he held a guilty look on his face from giving Izuku the idea to charge the power of One for All all over his body, which the wolf boy thought was how Izuku ended up damaging his body the way he did.

As they approached the door, Tatsuya's steps faltered slightly as All Might's hand gently settled on his shoulder, halting his movement with unexpected tenderness. The wolf boy turned, surprise flickering across his features as the pro hero ruffled his hair with a paternal gesture.

A mixture of confusion and discomfort washed over Tatsuya, his muscles tensing at the unexpected contact. "W-what are you-?"

"I don't blame you for being concerned about your brother, Young Akiba." All Might's warm and reassuring voice broke through the awkward tension, his smile a beacon of comfort amidst the uncertainty. "It implies that you value your friends and family so much." His words carried a gentle understanding, a recognition of the deep bonds that tethered them all together in times of adversity.

The corridor fell into a hushed stillness, the weight of All Might's words lingering in the air as Tatsuya absorbed their significance. A flicker of realization danced across his expression, a silent acknowledgment of the truth in the hero's observation.

With a small, grateful smile, Tatsuya met All Might's gaze, a glint of appreciation shining in his eyes as he reached out to grasp the door handle. "Thanks." His voice, though soft, carried a depth of sincerity, a quiet gratitude for the wisdom and support offered by the Symbol of Peace himself.

When Tatsuya swung open the door, he was met with a scene that clenched his heart with worry. Izuku lay on the bed; his face contorted in pain, his left leg bearing a sizable burn where the fabric of his pants had been singed away. Recovery Girl hovered nearby, her expression stern as she tended to the injuries of the broccoli boy, wrapping his arms in tight bandages.

"The bones in your right arm were shattered. I'm afraid it'll never be the same as it was before," Recovery Girl's scolding tone filled the room, eliciting gasps from Tatsuya and All Might as guilt washed over the wolf boy's features once more.

"I need to remove the bone fragments, or they'll get stuck in your joints. I'll heal you afterward," she sighed, her gaze shifting to meet All Might's as Tatsuya leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, his attention fixed on the conversation unfolding before him.

"You lit a fire under this child and pushed him too hard. Look at what he's done to make you proud... I don't like it one bit; you're going too far, you hear? You and the boy. Don't praise him for what he's done today," Recovery Girl's reprimand was stern, her words laden with concern for Izuku's well-being and frustration at the perceived recklessness of both mentor and student.

All Might's gaze shifted to Izuku, his expression a mixture of concern and regret as he absorbed the nurse's reprimand. Beside him, Tatsuya's remorse deepened, his features clouded by a shadow of guilt that seemed to weigh heavily upon him. In the quiet aftermath of Recovery Girl's scolding, the air in the room grew heavy with unspoken tension, each occupant grappling with their own thoughts and emotions.

Suddenly, the serene atmosphere of the nurse's office was shattered by the unexpected intrusion of the outside world.

"Midoriya/Deku!" The door swung open with a jolt, revealing the concerned faces of Iida, Tsu, Hagakure, Uraraka, and even the typically irreverent Mineta.

Startled by the abrupt entrance, All Might coughed out blood as Tatsuya's gaze snapped to the doorway, both eyes widening in surprise.

"Are you okay?" Uraraka's voice was laced with genuine concern as she hurried to Izuku's side, her eyes darting between him and All Might. She turned towards the frail pro hero, unaware that it was All Might's true form, and gave him a slight bow. "Oh. It's nice to meet you, sir," she said politely, her demeanor respectful despite the chaos of the moment.

"Uh, yeah..." All Might replied with evident awkwardness as Recovery Girl commented that Izuku was not in the state for visitors.

"Hey, you guys," Izuku strained, evidently exhausted from the fight. "Shouldn't you be watching the matches?"

"The stage was far too damaged," Iida explained as he pointed at the door with his thumb in a robotic manner while Uraraka looked at the broccoli boy in worry. "They're taking a quick break to repair it now."

"That match was the scariest thing I've ever seen in my life, Midoriya," Mineta stated in a nervous tone as he pointed a trembling finger at Izuku. "What pro's gonna want a sidekick that hurts himself?"

Tatsuya bristled with anger at Mineta's words, his muscles tensing as he prepared to intervene. However, before he could make a move, Tsu gave the pervert a wet willy with her tongue. "Now you're just rubbing salt in his wounds; probably not a good time," she chided, her tone neutral yet pointed.

"Hey, I'm just speaking the truth—" Mineta faltered in his attempt at justification as he glanced nervously at Tatsuya. The wolf boy's glare was so intense that it sent a shiver down Mineta's spine, his bravado evaporating in the face of such palpable hostility.

"Don't listen to him, Midoriya. You did great out there!" Hagakure affirmed, her words a beacon of support amidst the uncertainty.

"You're much too noisy! I know you're worried, but I've got to focus on surgery now," Recovery Girl stated as she began to escort the group out of the room.

"Surgery?!" The word echoed through the group like a sudden thunderclap, eliciting a chorus of startled exclamations. Mineta's face paled visibly, his eyes widening in fear, while Iida's frantic arm movements betrayed his escalating panic. Uraraka and Hagakure exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mirror of disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.

"Go on. Get out of here," Recovery Girl urged, her voice carrying a note of finality as she gently but firmly guided the group towards the exit. Despite their protests, the elderly hero remained resolute, her actions leaving them with no choice but to comply. Before they could question why Tatsuya was staying inside, she shut the door on them.

"I'm sorry..." Izuku's voice trembled slightly, drawing the attention of both All Might and Tatsuya as they turned to look at the broccoli boy. His gaze was fixed on the ceiling, a shadow of regret clouding his eyes. "I couldn't do what you asked of me. If I had just stayed quiet, maybe I could have beaten him. But, I..."

"You did something more important than winning, Midoriya," All Might interjected gently, his voice carrying a note of reassurance as Tatsuya approached, his expression unreadable. The Number-One Hero pondered over Izuku's words, trying to decipher their significance.

"I suppose so. When I saw Todoroki in his first match, he seemed... troubled. I wanted to understand why, but I lost sight of what mattered most. I made an even bigger mistake, though. During our fight, I was overcome with frustration..." Izuku's voice faltered, emotion thickening his words as he struggled to maintain composure. "I failed to see the bigger picture or what it would truly take to win, even with Tatsuya's guidance. I'm sorry..."

"The outcome of the match may not have been what we hoped for, but recognizing your missteps is a vital part of growth," All Might reassured, his words carrying a comforting weight as a tear escaped Izuku's eye. His mentor's encouragement offered a glimmer of solace amidst the turmoil of disappointment.

---------------------------------------------------------

-Tatsuya's POV-

There was nothing else to be said as I patted Izuku's head with a small smile, hoping to cheer him up even a little before walking out. I quickly took a silent breath to calm my nerves as my eyes met with everyone else's. Not one second later, Uraraka got in my face as the others walked up to me.

"Akiba! How bad is it? Should Deku be in a hospital instead? What if something goes wrong—" Uraraka's panic was evident as she kept firing questions without giving me a chance to answer.

Although it was heartwarming to see how much she cared about Izuku, the relentless questioning was beginning to wear on me. I tapped her temples with both hands to grab her attention.

"He'll be fine," I reassured with a small smile as I looked her dead in the eye, making her nod.

I was ready to head to my waiting room to prepare for my upcoming battle after all of Uraraka's concerns had been eased, but Tsu interrupted me before I could go very far. "How can you be so composed when your best friend is in such pain, ribbit?"

I knew Tsu cared about her friends despite her constantly emotionless face, but that didn't change the fact that I didn't expect that type of question from her, of all people. With my back turned to them, I took a deep breath as it took me a moment to think of an answer.

"Because somebody has to be. Izuku was so frustrated about his defeat from Todoroki, and me being worried around him while he's upset won't help him feel any better," I thoughtfully answered as I turned around to look back at the frog girl. "Besides, I know for a fact that he won't let this stop him from achieving his dream of becoming a hero. He'll bounce back stronger than ever."

My composure seemed to have impacted the group, my words hanging in the air as a brief silence settled over us. I interpreted their quietness as a sign that they accepted my response, and then I shifted my gaze to Iida.

"Iida, I'll see you at the next match. And I won't be holding back," I declared before turning around to walk to the waiting room.

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-3rd Person POV-

The silence lingered in the hallway, the echo of their interactions reverberating through the air. Tatsuya's steps were measured as he turned the corner, the corridor leading him to a new section of the venue. The atmosphere held a mix of anticipation and tension, each step carrying him closer to the upcoming matches that would continue to shape the course of the tournament.

"We need to get back to our seats, ribbit. Good luck, Iida," Tsu addressed Iida with a wave, then turned to retrace her steps back towards the bleachers.

Uraraka and Mineta followed suit while Iida robotically waved at them before walking in the opposite direction to his waiting room. However, Hagakure didn't move as she kept a worrisome glance in the direction Tatsuya walked since she saw in his eyes that something was troubling him.

Unbeknownst to the rest, as Tatsuya moved out of their sight, his smile morphed into a frown. The silence resonated with his contemplations about recent events, mirroring his introspection about the time leading up to the sports festival. It all triggered his recollection of a question Hagakure had asked him after the announcement of the sports festival.

"What's your reason for becoming a hero, Akiba?"

Since the conclusion of Izuku's match with Todoroki, the words of the broccoli-haired boy had made him recall a particular memory of the past in Tatsuya's mind. The vivid recollections painted a clear picture in his thoughts, evoking a sense of nostalgia that he hadn't fully explored until now.

***

It was a typical day in Musutafu, like any other. The kids were in uniform going to school while the adults headed for their workplaces or bought stuff at the store. Some would say it was the standard way to live for many people, but that came from the views of people with privileged lives.

In one particular place, people would come across this building, which was home to many orphans and children who, for various reasons, could not be cared for by their biological families. They would run around and play inside or outside the place while adults or teens would volunteer to make sure they were taken care of.

Sure, things were not the best for these children since they still needed the love of a parent, but they still had each other and the love the volunteers gave them.

However, the same couldn't be said for our young protagonist, as the wolf boy was once again subjugated to another round of teasing and name-calling by the other kids because they had animal features. Despite the trauma he went through at the hands of that yakuza, the poor kid was still confused as to why they would say those mean things when they didn't even know him.

He kept his melancholy away from everybody else by hiding in his room until Midnight visited one day. Her hero costume looked a bit suggestive, so she put on some civilian clothes. As she entered, Tatsuya's tear-stained face betrayed his emotional turmoil, and without a word, he flung himself into her arms.

"Tatsuya?!" The tackle caught her off guard, but the shock passed as soon as she heard the boy sobbing, and she began to speak in a motherly manner. "What's wrong?"

"I-it's the other kids... T-they keep saying mean things, just like... j-just like...!" Tatsuya's voice faltered, choked with emotion as he buried his face against Midnight's stomach, his tears soaking into the fabric of her shirt.

As Tatsuya poured out his heart, Midnight's empathetic understanding surpassed the need for further explanation. With a tender gesture, she knelt down, enveloping the distraught boy in her comforting embrace, holding him close like a mother soothing her child. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here now," she murmured softly, her gentle touch tracing soothing patterns along Tatsuya's back and through his tousled hair, encouraging him to release the burden of his pent-up sadness.

With a gentle yet firm grip, Midnight lifted Tatsuya from the floor, cradling him in her arms as she carried him to the nearby bed. Settling on the edge of the mattress, she provided a safe haven for him to find solace. In the quiet sanctuary of the room, the rhythm of Tatsuya's sobs gradually softened into trembling breaths as he found refuge in Midnight's comforting presence.

"Feeling better, sweetie?" Midnight's voice, like a soothing melody, reached Tatsuya's ears, offering reassurance and comfort. Slowly, he raised his head from her embrace, his reddened eyes meeting hers in a silent exchange of understanding. With a gentle nod, he acknowledged the easing of his distress, a sigh of relief escaping his lips as he delicately wiped away the remnants of tears from his puffy eyes with the back of his hand.

"I don't... I don't understand why people keep saying mean things about my ears and tail..." Tatsuya confessed softly, his voice laden with the weight of confusion and hurt. He cast his gaze downward, unable to meet Midnight's eyes, as if afraid of confirming his own fears. "Am I... Am I really a freak like they say I am?"

"No!" Midnight's response was immediate, her tone sharp yet filled with gentleness, a blend of disbelief and empathy resonating in her words. She took a deep breath, her voice measured as she sought to convey her message with care. "Tatsuya, I know this is terrible for you, and I'm sorry you're hurting so much, but if someone feels you're not good enough because of how they see you, they don't know how life is."

"Huh?" The wolf boy sniffed again, lifting his head to meet Midnight's soft gaze, a flicker of curiosity replacing the shadows of despair in his eyes.

"They don't see a brave young kid who will do big things someday. Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn't make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, who you choose to be, that defines you," Midnight softly assured as she placed a hand on the boy's head and patted it.

Tatsuya wasn't fond of people touching his ears, but he couldn't deny the comfort the gentle head pats brought him. Despite his initial discomfort with physical contact, he found solace in Midnight's gestures. Her compassionate demeanor and reassuring words acted as a balm to his wounded spirit, coaxing a hesitant wag from his tail. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes about the impact her kindness was having on him.

As memories of his father flooded his mind, Tatsuya felt a newfound sense of clarity wash over him. He vividly remembered his hero's voice saying that a Quirk was defined by its wielder, irrespective of their background. Meeting Midnight's gaze again, those words took on new meaning for him. "Even if... Even if I were to become a hero just like you?"

As Midnight pondered Tatsuya's question, she noticed a transformation taking place within the young boy. Despite the weight of his past struggles, a newfound determination gleamed in his eyes, revealing a deep-seated desire to find his place in the world, to rise above the doubts that plagued him.

With a reassuring smile, Midnight reached out, her fingers finding their way to the soft fur behind Tatsuya's ear. At her touch, a subtle shiver ran through him, a reflexive response to the gentle caress. Despite his initial apprehension, he found himself leaning into her touch, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about the comfort and reassurance he found in her presence.

As Midnight's hand continued its soothing motion, Tatsuya's demeanor visibly softened. A sense of contentment washed over him, easing the tension that had knotted his muscles. His tail swayed with renewed vigor, a silent testament to the warmth he felt in her company. In response, Midnight couldn't help but emit a soft, heartwarming giggle, her own spirits lifted by the sight of his newfound confidence and inner peace.

***

Lost in his contemplations, Tatsuya remained oblivious to his surroundings until he found himself back in the waiting room. The cadence of his thoughts was abruptly interrupted by Present Mic's announcement, signaling that his and Iida's match was imminent. He wanted some alone time to think of a strategy to defeat the turbo-legged boy, but now he didn't have much time to do that.

"Eh, I'll improvise," Tatsuya thought, arriving at the gate and patiently awaiting the announcement of their names over the loudspeaker. "Not the wisest idea, but I'll have to make do with what I have on him."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sorry for the wait, sports fans! Let's get on with the second match of the second round!" Present Mic announced as Iida and Tatsuya walked up to the ring with matching serious expressions.

Akin to Yaoyorozu, Iida was fighting for the expectations placed on him as the second oldest son of his family. On the other hand, Tatsuya was focusing on putting his emotions on the mental back burner as he didn't want to be distracted from his fight.

"Although his opening game wasn't particularly entertaining, that doesn't mean he lacks talent! From the hero course, Tenya Iida! Versus... the beast that left the audience in awe of his abilities! Also from the hero course, Tatsuya Akiba!" The combatants got into fighting stances as they waited for the match to start.

"Begin!!"

The instant Present Mic gave the signal, Iida bolted toward the wolf boy with astonishing speed, bridging the gap in less than a second. With the turbo-legged boy unleashing his signature kick, Tatsuya managed to raise his hands just in time to shield himself. Though he successfully blocked the attack, the force behind it was formidable, sending the wolf boy skidding back.

Determined to prevent Tatsuya from mounting a counterattack, Iida charged forward once more. Yet, the wolf boy evaded just in time, rolling away before another powerful kick could connect. Swiftly, he spun around, attempting to sweep his opponent's leg out from under him. However, Iida leaped over the sweep, bringing his leg up to deliver an ax kick.

Like earlier, Tatsuya was able to bring his hands up to block the kick. Capitalizing on this defense, he swiftly turned the situation into a counterattack. He seized Iida's oncoming leg with one hand and simultaneously delivered a well-aimed punch to the turbo-legged boy's stomach, using the momentum to rise from his defensive stance. Executing the punch with precision, Tatsuya released his grip on Iida's leg, causing his opponent to recoil slightly.

Before Tatsuya could launch another punch, Iida's remarkable speed allowed him to swiftly maneuver behind the wolf boy. With a firm grip on Tatsuya's shoulders, Iida initiated a push, attempting to force him out of the ring. Recognizing his opponent's strategy, Tatsuya countered by digging his heels into the ground to halt his backward movement. However, Iida's rapid momentum prevented Tatsuya from securing a strong foothold to impede his progress.

"Look at that speed! Could this be the end for Class 1-A's alpha?" Present Mic's commentary echoed through the arena, his voice tinged with anticipation as he speculated on the outcome.

"I guess even with pro-level martial arts, it's nothing compared to Iida's speed," Kaminari flatly commented, still a little sore about Tatsuya's lecture on underestimating his opponent.

"Come on, Akiba..." Hagakure implored with unnoticeable apprehensiveness, her voice barely audible for anyone else to hear as she gripped both hands tightly, her fingers intertwining with each other.

As the boundary line drew nearer, a sense of urgency overcame Tatsuya. Fueled by desperation, he executed a last-resort maneuver to extricate himself from the impending predicament. With forceful determination, the wolf boy slammed his foot onto the ground, abruptly halting his motion. The sudden halt caught Iida off guard, causing his grip on Tatsuya's shoulders to loosen.

Despite his own halted momentum, Iida's body continued moving forward due to inertia. Utilizing the residual external force, Tatsuya leaned forward slightly before swiftly recoiling to deliver a decisive headbutt. The impact resulted in Iida's nose bleeding as his glasses were shattered upon contact.

With Iida momentarily disoriented by Tatsuya's assault, the wolf boy capitalized on the opportunity. Swiftly, Tatsuya forcefully drove his elbows backward, creating enough space to separate himself from his bewildered opponent.

With a rapid pivot on his feet, the wolf boy spun around and unleashed a powerful haymaker, connecting squarely with Iida's face. The impact propelled Iida backward several meters, showcasing the effectiveness of Tatsuya's counterattack.

"I take it back, folks. Akiba breaks out of Iida's grasp and begins his counterattack!" Present Mic commented as Iida got up and rubbed his bloody nose to soothe the pain as Tatsuya ran at him.

"There's no other choice. I have to use 'that!'" Iida thought, using his enhanced speed to encircle Tatsuya, creating a dizzying spectacle.

He refrained from closing in on Tatsuya, aiming to disorient him. Although it didn't produce the level of disorientation he desired, as the wolf boy cautiously surveyed his surroundings to anticipate Iida's next move, the strategy managed to affect some of their classmates in the stands.

"My eyes..." Sero faltered, struggling to keep up with Iida. Next to him, Kaminari and Mineta weren't having any better luck, their eyes swirling in confusion as they attempted to capture a clear image of Iida zipping around Tatsuya at a dizzying pace.

"I can't keep up with him," Tsu admitted, her voice tinged with resignation.

As Tatsuya scanned his surroundings, trying to anticipate Iida's next move, the turbo-legged boy's mufflers emitted small flames. The flames grew in size, shifting from their usual orange hue to a vibrant blue.

"Recipro Burst!" The declaration of Iida's technique reached Tatsuya's ears, alerting him to the turbo-legged boy's imminent charge. With Iida coming at him from behind for a flying kick, hoping to seize victory before his engines could stall, Tatsuya braced himself.

Predicting the impact that would land at the back of his head, the wolf boy swiftly lowered his stance, pivoted on his heel, and then explosively rose, channeling his energy into a devastating uppercut aimed squarely at Iida's abdomen.

The force behind Tatsuya's punch struck Iida with overwhelming impact, stealing his breath and sending him hurtling dangerously close to the boundary. While Iida struggled to regain his bearings, Tatsuya capitalized on his opponent's momentary daze. Swiftly positioning himself between Iida and the line of bounds, the wolf boy firmly grasped Iida by the waist.

With determination burning in his eyes, Tatsuya executed a skillful maneuver. He expertly positioned Iida to the opposite side, then deftly bent him backward. Seizing the advantageous position, Tatsuya gripped Iida's head and drove his knee forcefully into his opponent's back. Without missing a beat, he followed up with a powerful kick, sending Iida hurtling out of bounds.

"Iida is out. Akiba wins the match!" Midnight's announcement resonated throughout the arena, accompanied by the wave of her whip in Tatsuya's direction. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing in the air, while Class 1-A engaged in animated conversations about the outcome of the match.

"And just like that, Akiba wins again," Sero commented with a hint of smugness, contradicting Kaminari's earlier statement.

"Still, that last move he did was scary..." Mineta stated while sweating nervously. "What pro's gonna want someone so aggressive?"

"The hell you say, loser?!" Bakugo exclaimed, thinking that Mineta's statement was meant for him.

"Maybe he needed to wrap it up quickly since Iida nearly got him out?" Ojiro suggested, his words prompting a moment of reflection among the group as they processed the intensity of the match.

Ashido was able to catch Hagakure's subtle gesture—a hand on her chest, released in a sigh of relief. This brought a devilish grin to her face as she watched the panting wolf boy approach Iida.

"You alright, Iida?" Tatsuya held a hand to his classmate with a sheepish expression. "I'm sorry about your glasses."

"Yes, I'm fine," Iida murmured, his voice barely audible over the lingering echoes of the match's intensity. He offered a faint apology to his brother, a gesture of reassurance as he accepted Tatsuya's hand and allowed the class representative to help him up from the arena floor. "Don't worry about the glasses. I expected them to be destroyed!"

"Really?" the wolf boy asked, looking at him in slight disbelief. "Shouldn't you be worried about not being able to see without them?"

"No need, I have a sufficient amount!" Iida affirmed, his words spoken with a sense of determination that spoke volumes about his resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

"Oookay?" Tatsuya's response carried a palpable undertone of awkwardness, his attempt to navigate the conversation with Iida tinged with uncertainty. Sensing the need for a change of subject, he swiftly redirected the discussion. "Anyway, you did great, man," he commended, offering a genuine compliment to his classmate in an effort to ease the tension that lingered between them.

"You think so?" Iida asked, a flicker of doubt betraying his outward façade of confidence.

"Hell yeah, those kicks felt like I got hit by bricks," Tatsuya said, his words infused with admiration. "I would've been eliminated from those or when you were shoving me to the boundary. I'm looking forward to a rematch!"

"I won't lose next time!" Iida extended his hand out for a handshake.

"Counting on it, Iida!" Tatsuya retorted with a smirk as he returned the gesture, earning the approval of the crowd and Midnight as she wiggled her body in a similar fashion to when she did the same action after the tiebreaker.

A pained hiss escaped the wolf boy's lips, his grip on his right arm tightening. The relentless impacts from Iida's kicks were now making themselves known, sending throbbing waves of discomfort through his body.

"Something wrong?" Iida asked, his tone laced with genuine concern as he observed Tatsuya's subtle signs of distress.

"Those kicks sure were something, alright," Tatsuya admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of admiration despite the lingering discomfort. With a grimace, he shifted his weight, attempting to alleviate the throbbing ache that radiated from his arm. "I think we both need to see Recovery Girl," he suggested, recognizing the necessity of seeking medical attention to address their injuries before they worsened.

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-Tatsuya's POV-

I massaged my aching arm while making my way through the corridors to the nurse's office. I couldn't help but think about my next match since my next opponent was Todoroki. This will be the rematch he's been waiting for since combat training. However, my contemplation was abruptly cut short when I turned a corner and locked eyes with Bakugo.

I stopped dead in my tracks as I caught his resting bitch face change into a scowl. Uncertain of his intentions for being here, I speculated whether he was perhaps seeking some time in his waiting room before his match with Kirishima.

Despite Bakugo's aggressive stance, I remained steadfast, refusing to be drawn into his hostile confrontation. The air crackled with tension as he advanced towards me, his fiery demeanor matching the intensity of his glare. Sensing the impending confrontation, I attempted to sidestep him, but my movement was abruptly halted as he seized me by the collar, his grip tight and unyielding.

"You helped Deku hide his Quirk the entire time, laughing behind my back!" Bakugo's accusation rang out, his voice sharp and accusatory. His words echoed with bitterness, a reflection of the resentment he harbored towards both me and Izuku. Despite the gravity of his threat, I met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to cower in the face of his aggression.

"When you and I fight, I'm going to blow your damn tail off; they'll be cleaning your fur up for weeks! And by then, you'll learn that you, the damn nerd, and Icy-Hot are all nothing but nameless extras! YOU GOT THAT?!" Bakugo's voice dripped with venom as he issued his ominous warning.

This little fool... He thought he could intimidate me with his unheroic intentions. It made sense why he was mad after seeing Izuku's fight with Todoroki, combining that with his reaction after Izuku threw that ball in the Quirk assessment. Well, there were a few things wrong with that...

"You couldn't be more wrong," I began, my voice steady despite the tension crackling between us as I swatted his hands away and met his glare with one of my own. "I'm not sure what he told you after combat training, but his body couldn't handle the backlash of his power at the time."

"And once he finally shows you what he's got, can you honestly accuse the poor guy of keeping everything under wraps when you've been strutting around like an arrogant, self-centered douchebag to him and everyone else?" I retorted, my words imbued with slight exasperation. Despite my frustration, I maintained my composure, refusing to stoop to Bakugo's level.

"I don't exactly know where you think you can get off on that, but then again, I don't think I even want to know." With a weary sigh, I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on me. "I don't have time to deal with your bullshit right now. Let me focus on kicking Todoroki's ass, and then we can talk about your excessive ego."

I didn't need to use my nose to gauge the Pomeranian's anger after that argument as I walked off. He was probably fueling his rage at this point with my words from Aldera replaying in his mind, but I didn't give a care. As much as I wanted to teach him some manners, I would have to do it in an official match. And after I make the icy-hot bastard kiss the pavement, I'd have the perfect chance to do just that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recovery Girl's comforting voice filled the room as she assessed the condition of my arm with a practiced eye. "Good news is, it's not as bad as it seems," she declared, her gaze focused intently on the injured limb. "You got lucky; it's just a big impact and not a broken bone."

Relief flooded through me at her words, dispelling some of the anxiety that had gripped me since the end of the match. "So, I should be able to fight the next round without any problems?" I asked, hopeful for a positive response.

With a nod of confirmation, Recovery Girl offered reassurance. "Mmhm, but would you please not beat up the contenders so badly?" she gently admonished, her tone laced with a hint of humor as she gestured towards Iida, who lay on a nearby bed, his face cleaned up but still sporting a fresh pair of glasses.

"Considering who my next opponents are, I can't make any promises with that," I replied honestly, my voice tinged with resignation. Recovery Girl's disappointment was palpable, evident in the soft sigh that escaped her lips as she absorbed my words.

"You shouldn't hurt her feelings like that! Apologize!" Iida's scolding tone rang out in the room, accompanied by his trademark air-chopping gestures.

I met Iida's reprimand with a blank expression, a hint of sarcasm coloring my voice as I responded. "Have you heard of this thing called being honest?" I retorted, a touch of dry humor lacing my words. "It's Todoroki and Bakugo we're talking about here. With those two powerhouses, I need to give it everything I got."

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-3rd Person POV-

As Recovery Girl was healing Tatsuya, the bracket matches resumed with Tokoyami facing off against Shiozaki.

The thorn-haired girl started the match by attacking from a distance, but Dark Shadow sliced through them like ribbons as he charged toward her. Shiozaki continued to attack, but Dark Shadow was relentless as he closed in, making her have to defend herself, similar to how she did with Kaminari's attack. Still, the sentient Quirk sliced through that as well. The last hurdle was a bit more challenging since so many vines were making that wall compared to just a couple of strands.

After slashing through all those vines, Dark Shadow managed to get close enough to grab Shiozaki and place her out of bounds, giving Tokoyami the victory.

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The excitement has not shrunk in the slightest as the match between Kirishima and Bakugo kicked off. They were trading blows, with Bakugo throwing explosions and Kirishima powering up his offenses with Hardening. The redhead was able to tank the explosions thanks to his hardened skin and threw a punch at the ash-blonde, cutting into his cheek as Tatsuya and Iida walked back to the upper stands, finding a slightly battered broccoli boy watching the fight while muttering something about Kirishima's Quirk.

"Midoriya! I take it your surgery must have gone well. I'm glad!" Iida exclaimed as the two walked out of the corridor.

"Yeah, thank you. And congrats on your win, Tatsuya," Izuku praised, earning a nod in thanks from the wolf boy as he stared at the bracket, looking a little lost in thought.

"Todoroki's your next opponent," Iida pointed out to Tatsuya, making Izuku glance at him. "Maybe you can learn from Midoriya's fight."

"Yeah, but there's also the fight from combat training. There is a chance Todoroki will use his fire again," the wolf boy trailed off, holding back a thought, and an annoyed scowl started to form on his face. "Or maybe... maybe he wouldn't."

As Izuku and Iida engaged in their conversation about Ingenium, the wolf boy could hear Tetsutetsu cheering for Kirishima. The hardhead had Bakugo on the defensive, throwing fierce punches left and right. While the audience witnessed the ash-blonde's retaliation with a barrage of explosions, Tatsuya could tell something was different.

He noticed that Bakugo's attacks were more aggressive than he normally would be. While the average person might assume that the ash-blonde needed to fight harder to break through Kirishima's defenses, Tatsuya could discern that Bakugo's scent carried a hint of anger that wasn't as intense as before. The reasons behind this revelation became clear to him as Kirishima's durability began to deteriorate due to overusing his Quirk. Bakugo relentlessly continued his explosion barrage, exploiting Kirishima's weakening defenses.

When Kirishima finally gave in to the onslaught, Bakugo seized the opportunity to deliver the killing blow and knock him unconscious. "Kirishima has been knocked out. Bakugo is the winner!" Midnight announced.

Although it wasn't as boisterous as during the previous games, the crowd nevertheless cheered loudly. All the while, Tetsutetsu was making his disappointment pretty clear to his class.

"With that vicious carpet bombing, Bakugo advances to the third round! Ladies and Gentlemen, our final four!" Present Mic announced as the screen showed the semi-finalists.

Bakugo stepped out of the arena, his aggressive aura still radiating even after the match had ended. His hands crackled with residual energy as he shot a brief, intense glare toward Tatsuya in the stands. The wolf boy met his gaze head-on, his eyes narrowing in response. The tension between them was almost tangible as the ash-blonde's hands sizzled with leftover sparks, and Tatsuya bared his teeth, a low growl emitting under his breath.

"Tatsuya, you alright?" Izuku asked, sharing a concerned glance with Iida on behalf of the wolf boy.

"Peachy," Tatsuya replied flatly, turning to walk back into the corridor. "Now, if you two will excuse me, I need to go prepare... I got some tail to kick!"

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A/N: As I promised, here it is! I apologize if it looks rushed on some parts, but I wanted to be able to post one last chapter before 2023 rolls around. Thanks again for all your support!

Also, I wanted to show all of you something that I've been working on behind the scenes...

(Insert Peter Griffin's "Tada!")

This badass commission was done by Frenchguts on Reddit! I recommend checking his profile; it has really good MHA art content.

I hope you beautiful readers enjoyed the chapter! Feel free to leave ideas, comments, feedback, etc., in the comments. Any constructive comments are welcome and greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter!