𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 055

CHAPTER 55: Strategic Shifts

The battlefield sprawls before you, filled with the echoes of combat and flashes of quirks clashing in the distance. You, alongside Midoriya, Ochaco, and Sero, crouch behind broken rubble, voices low as you quickly formulate a plan.

"I think we should split them up," Midoriya says, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes. "Draw their attention to one of us-create an opening for the others to strike."

You nod, though your thoughts still linger on what just happened. That entire moment with Camie-her using your face, your voice, your mannerisms-it gnawed at you. Not just because of Midoriya, but because of how violating it felt, how easily trust and familiarity could be twisted into a weapon. It had been too close. Too personal.

"I'll draw them out," you say, keeping your voice even. "Use my quirk to mask the field, lead them into the fog."

Sero's already nodding. "Perfect. I'll be ready to trap anyone that tries to run."

"I'll back you up," Ochaco adds. "If things get messy, I can lighten the load-literally."

You take a slow breath, steadying yourself. The frustration is still there-soft, burning-but before it can twist too tightly around your thoughts, Midoriya's hand brushes against yours.

The contact is brief. Intentional, maybe. Reassuring, definitely.

You glance at him, and he meets your gaze with that unwavering determination of his-the same one that's pulled you forward more times than you can count. It's not a smile, but it doesn't need to be. His presence alone is grounding.

The weight on your chest lightens, and your breath evens out. He doesn't need to say anything-you understand each other well enough. You give him a slight nod, your focus sharpening again.

With a final glance around, you take a deep breath, stepping forward to execute your part of the plan. Raising your hands, you summon your quirk, feeling the water in the air respond to your call. A dense mist begins to form, swirling around you, hiding your movements. You maneuver through the fog, positioning yourself as bait while subtly leading the rival students into your trap.

As the mist thickens, footsteps and murmurs grow louder within its depths. The shadows of approaching opponents flicker within the haze, and you can feel their presence drawing closer. From behind the cover of the mist, you spot Midoriya moving in position, crouched and ready to strike, his gaze sharp and focused.

Just as the rival students start to emerge from the mist, you step back, giving Midoriya the signal. He charges forward with precision, catching them by surprise. They barely have time to react as he sweeps in, striking them at their weak points.

One of the enemy students calls out, "What's going on? Who's in there?" You allow a small smile as the disorientation spreads among them. This is where your team shines-not just in power but in strategy.

From above, Sero launches his tape to restrain one of the students who tries to break away. "Got you!" he exclaims, securing the rival in place.

"You handled that perfectly, Mizushima!" Midoriya calls out through the mist, his voice edged with relief and admiration. There's a spark in his tone that catches you off guard-subtle, but sincere. In this moment, it's more than just a shared mission-it's trust, teamwork, and the unspoken bond growing between you. You're not just classmates out here. You're allies, side by side in the heart of battle.

As the number of enemies dwindles, your eyes lock onto a familiar figure-Camie from Shiketsu-darting swiftly across the field. Her movements are fluid and calculated, and before you can react, she hurls a projectile aimed straight at Midoriya.