Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 26: Spear and Shield - Red Riot

The early morning air carries a sharp chill, but Kirishima barely feels it through the adrenaline coursing in his veins. It’s 8:00 AM, and the heroes are already gathered outside the Police Station, each receiving detailed information about the underground facility of the Shie Hassaikai. As he stares down at the map of Eri's location and the Shie Hassaikai’s quirks, Kirishima’s heart pounds. He’s never faced anything like this before. This is the real deal.

Excitement mixes with anxiety as he stands beside his classmates, Izuku, Ochaco, and Tsuyu. Kirishima’s scales tense, prepared for whatever might come. When Izuku turns to him, noticing his eagerness, Kirishima flashes a grin, determined to show no fear. But beneath that smile, his dragon instincts stir uneasily. This mission is far more dangerous than anything they’ve faced before.

Nearby, Ryukyu comforts Tsuyu, who looks as nervous as Ochaco. Kirishima understands their worries. This isn’t just training anymore; it’s an actual rescue mission, with lives on the line. He remembers the look on Fat Gum’s face when they first talked about the Quirk-destroying bullets—how deadly serious he was. That memory ignites something fierce within him. Kirishima clenches his fists, his scales hardening reflexively.

He’s ready. He has to be.

As they prepare to head to the Shie Hassaikai’s hideout, Kirishima wonders aloud about Gran Torino’s absence, only to learn from Sir Nighteye that the League of Villains had disrupted the old hero's plans. Kirishima frowns but shakes off the worry. Right now, Eri needs them more than anything.

Shota Aizawa walks up to Izuku, speaking in his typical low tone. "You understand what fighting alongside me means?" His question is pointed, laced with gravity. Kirishima watches the exchange with growing unease. This isn’t just another fight—they’re about to storm a criminal organization. Izuku gives a determined nod, but even Kirishima feels the weight of what Shota is implying. Everything is on the line here.

As the clock ticks closer to 8:30 AM, they stand before the Shie Hassaikai headquarters. Kirishima feels the tension in the air, thick and heavy. Every breath he takes feels charged, his dragon instincts sharp, his scales rippling beneath his skin, ready for battle. When the massive gates fly open and Rikiya Katsukame charges out, Kirishima’s heart leaps into his throat. The villain is huge—easily twice his size. But Ryukyu steps forward, transforming into her dragon form, intercepting the attack with ease.

For a moment, Kirishima is frozen, staring at her in awe. She’s a dragon like him—powerful, fearless. Is this what I could become? The thought ignites his determination further.

"Move out!" Fat Gum's voice booms, pulling him from his thoughts. Kirishima snaps back to reality, following the group as they storm into the headquarters. His mind races, his body on high alert as they charge deeper into the labyrinth. When Sir Nighteye uncovers a hidden passage, and they descend into the underground complex, Kirishima feels like they’re diving straight into the jaws of a dragon.

The walls twist and warp, shifting as though the building itself is alive. It's Mimic’s doing, and even Fat Gum seems concerned. Kirishima's scales twitch nervously. This is a villain who can manipulate everything around them. When the floor suddenly gives way beneath them, Kirishima instinctively hardens his scales, bracing for the fall.

They land in a large hall, and before they can regroup, three figures appear from the dust—members of the Eight Bullets. Kirishima’s eyes narrow. These guys are dangerous.

Tamaki steps forward, his voice steady but filled with determination. "I’ll handle them. You go ahead."

Kirishima’s heart clenches. Tamaki is going to face these powerful enemies alone? Every instinct in him screams to stay and fight, but Fat Gum places a firm hand on his shoulder, giving him a look of trust. "He’s got this."

As they continue down the passage, Kirishima’s thoughts stay on Tamaki, but Fat Gum’s words resonate with him. “The mark of a true man is to trust the ones who have your back.”

Kirishima repeats Fat Gum’s words in his mind, forcing himself to trust Tamaki. He tightens his fists, heart pounding, as they continue deeper into the Shie Hassaikai's labyrinth. The underground passages twist and warp unnaturally under Mimic’s control, but Kirishima pushes forward, determination fueling his every step. His heart is still heavy with the knowledge that this mission means more than just saving a girl. It’s about proving to himself that he’s strong enough, that he can stand beside the heroes he admires, especially Bakugou.

Suddenly, the wall shifts violently, and before Kirishima can react, a chunk of it is hurtling toward Aizawa. Without thinking, he leaps forward, activating his Hardening, but Fat Gum is quicker. He pushes Aizawa out of the way, only to be hit himself. Kirishima, caught up in the same move, crashes into Fat Gum, his body getting swallowed into the hero’s absorbing Quirk.

For a moment, everything goes still. The shock of being inside Fat Gum’s body is disorienting, and Kirishima struggles to regain his bearings. When he finally stumbles out, Fat Gum is already standing, brushing himself off.

“You okay, kid?” Fat Gum asks, his voice calm, even in the midst of chaos.

Kirishima blinks, trying to steady himself. "Yeah... I’m fine."

Fat Gum’s face is serious for a moment, but then he smiles. “Good, because we’re gonna need you.” He glances at the walls around them, still warping and shifting under Mimic’s control. “Looks like we’re in for a fight.”

Kirishima straightens, determination flaring back to life. His dragon instincts roar within him, urging him to stand strong, to fight. This is what he’s been training for. He thinks of Bakugou’s words at the Sports Festival—how Bakugou believed in him, pushed him to be unbreakable. That memory gives him the strength he needs, the motivation to push forward.

No matter what’s ahead, Kirishima knows one thing for sure: he won’t break.