Text Back (Katsuki Bakugou x Reader)

Tooth and Nail

"It's gonna be hard to follow up that last match! But not to worry! These next two are nothing to scoff at!" Present Mic revived the crowd. "You may recognize him as the speedster from cavalry battle! The machine with never-ending surprises, Iida, Tenya!!!"

The audience shouted with hunger for more destruction as your opponent waltzed onto the freshly done battlefield. You had forgotten how loud they were since last time.

You were scanning the area to distract yourself when your name was introduced. Your chest lurched with anxiety. "Let's not forget our lady of the evening! She's been toughing it out with the big dogs since the start of the festival! Give it up for, (l/n), (y/n)!"

You strode into the stadium with a million eyes on you. You ignored their fervent stares and focused on Iida who was composed but still vigilant of you.

If what Izuku said during the cavalry battle was anything to go by, it was highly likely that Iida was willing to do it all in order to stay in the competition. You couldn't blame him. Standing out and on your own was hard enough with the massive number of students the school was spotlighting.

But that didn't mean you could let it slide. You had your own reasons for being there and a lot of support from them as well. You couldn't let those who had gotten you this far down now.

"Iida," You nodded. He returned the acknowledgement with one of his own. "(l/n)...I'd like to preface this battle by asking if you have any ulterior motives seeing as how that was Hatsume's strategy, however, upon closer deliberation I trust this won't be the case?"

He must have been referring to Hatsume's advertisement and essential forfeit in his earlier fight. He did end up looking a bit dim after that which was what he was probably avoiding. "I'm just here to fight, Iida, that's all there is to it. No tricks from me."

"Even though we're opponents, I appreciate the honesty. But I believe the comradery will have to end here," Iida replied curtly.

You breathed in and took your stance. Seeing him now, this was going to be a lot more mentally exhausting than you had anticipated. Sure, his quirk wouldn't physically kill you like Kaminari's, but somehow you preferred that to an opponent who could actually strategize.

"You've all waited long enough! Let's settle it! Who will be reigning victorious and moving on to the third round!? Ready! Set....! START!!!"

From the moment the last syllable was shouted, Iida had disappeared from your view. And yet before you could scour your surroundings, you felt a hard shove against your back. Your body began to move on its own, propelling itself at lightning speed towards the deadly white line.

No, not on its own. The firm grasp of Iida's hands on your shoulders brought you to your senses. In an instant, you ignited your palms downward, rocketing out of his hold. Once in the air, you flipped yourself towards the center of the field. Perhaps being airborne was the best method against him right now.

You spoke too soon as Iida suddenly launched himself into the sky and revved his engine leg into a kick. The blow landed in your ribs, emitting a painful grunt from you as you went plummeting into the dirt.

Fuck, those legs of his were no joke.

You hacked out the dust that had found itself in your mouth and forced yourself to stand. Good thing too because Iida did not waste time in closing in on you. This time, however, you were prepared.

He was in front of you in flash and you responded with several blasts from your hands. Not expecting the attacks, they managed to throw him onto his back a couple feet.