Chapter 14

21 2 1
                                    

All Might stood firm, his broad frame filling the air with an intimidating presence. Despite the beads of sweat on his brow and the wisps of steam rising from his skin, his gaze remained unwavering, fixed on the two villains ahead—Shigaraki and Kurogiri. His muscles tensed, but he kept his composure, his body exuding a strength that belied the exhaustion coursing through him.

Shigaraki, however, was not so composed. His face twisted with rage and disbelief, his fingers scratching frantically at his neck, so hard that thin rivulets of blood began to streak down his pale skin. "No! No, this isn't right!" he muttered, his voice growing louder with each word, filled with a venomous mix of anger and frustration. "All Might was supposed to be weaker! They said he couldn't fight back, but that kid... that kid ... they cheated! This is all a lie!"

His words echoed off the damaged walls of the U.S.J., bouncing back to him as if mocking his despair. Around him, the other villains who had been knocked unconscious began to stir, their eyes blinking open, but they seemed hesitant, uncertain. They could feel the fear in their leader's voice, and it made their resolve falter.

Sensing the shift, All Might seized the opportunity. He straightened his back, filling his lungs with air, and spread his arms wide, as though inviting them to try him. He puffed out his chest, the steam rising more prominently now, yet his face held a smile that radiated confidence."What's wrong, villain?" All Might taunted, his deep voice booming across the facility, each word heavy with authority. "Why aren't you attacking? You talked a big game about clearing this level... Where's that confidence now? Come on, face me if you dare!"

Shigaraki flinched at the words, his fingers digging deeper into his neck. His movements were erratic, like a cornered animal, his breaths coming out in short, frantic bursts. "If only the Nomu were still here... it would have crushed you, All Might... it would have finished you in a heartbeat..." he muttered, almost to himself, his voice trembling with frustration and fear.

Beside him, Kurogiri remained calm, his mist-like form swirling with a steady, dark energy. His voice was smooth, almost soothing, a stark contrast to Shigaraki's panicked demeanor. "Tomura Shigaraki," he said, stepping forward slightly, "look at him closely. All Might has taken damage. He is weakened, though perhaps not as much as we anticipated, thanks to that boy. But the Nomu did its job. All Might is alone now, and the students... they are paralyzed with fear. The other villains are beginning to stir. This is our best chance... We can still kill All Might."

Shigaraki paused, his scratching slowing as he processed Kurogiri's words. His wild eyes began to narrow, focusing, and a wicked smile spread across his lips. "Yes... Yes, you're right," he whispered, his voice darkening with renewed malice. "The big boss is right there..."

The villains around them started to rise, their groans of pain giving way to growls of anger and determination. Their confidence seemed to return in waves, bolstered by Shigaraki's words. The tension in the air grew thicker, like a storm on the horizon, charged with an almost palpable electricity.

Across the field, the students—Todoroki, Bakugo, and Kirishima—watched the scene unfold. Kirishima still held Ryo's unconscious body in his arms, his face a mask of concern. "All Might can handle those guys," he muttered, glancing from the villains back to his friends, "but we need to focus on the ones waking up!" His grip on Ryo tightened, reluctant to put him down, yet knowing he had to help.

Todoroki nodded, his expression as calm and focused as ever. "Keep Ryo safe, Kirishima. We'll handle the rest," he replied, his voice steady.

But it was Midoriya who seemed the most affected. His eyes were wide, fixed on All Might. He could see it, the faint, almost invisible tremor in All Might's stance, the way the steam was rising faster, thicker. "All Might..." he whispered, panic edging his voice, "he's reaching his limit... He can't hold on much longer. If Shigaraki attacks now..."

MHA: Yellow Flash of U.AWhere stories live. Discover now