My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope (DC x MHA)

Regrouping

Kai didn't waste a second. The moment the battle began, he launched himself at Nine with a sonic boom, the sheer force of his takeoff cracking the ground beneath him. The students watched in awe as their teacher—Superman himself—closed the distance in an instant, his fist glowing red-hot as he prepared to strike.

Nine barely had time to react. He raised an Air Wall, but Kai's fist smashed through it like glass. The impact sent Nine skidding backward, his boots digging deep trenches into the dirt. He gritted his teeth, realizing immediately that even weakened, Kai was a powerhouse.

But something was off.

"Slower than usual..." Katsuki muttered under his breath, narrowing his eyes. He had seen Kai in action before, and while he was still strong, there was a noticeable delay in his movements. It wasn't just experience that let Nine react in time—it was Kai's weakened state.

Nine noticed it too. He smirked. So the rumors are true. He's not at full strength.

Raising his hand, Nine activated his Weather Manipulation Quirk. The sky darkened in an instant, swirling with ominous clouds. Thunder rumbled, growing louder as electricity crackled through the air.

"Kai, move!" Kara shouted, but it was too late.

A blinding bolt of lightning tore down from the heavens, striking Kai directly. His body convulsed as the sheer voltage coursed through him. The explosion of energy sent a shockwave outward, causing a massive blackout across Nabu Island. The town below was plunged into darkness, streetlights flickering off as the electrical grid short-circuited.

Kai dropped to one knee, smoke rising from his body. That one, he felt.

Nine grinned. "I see it now... You're weaker than you used to be."

Kai clenched his fists, his body aching. He was still strong, still faster than almost anyone else—but he wasn't at his peak. And Nine, with his stolen Quirks, was taking full advantage of it.

Nine prepared to strike again, but suddenly, he staggered, gripping his chest as his body convulsed in pain. His cell degeneration disease was flaring up, stopping him in his tracks.

Kai saw the opening. He pushed through the pain and rushed forward, ready to finish Nine off. But before he could reach him, Nine generated kryptonite

"Let's see you handle this, Man of Steel," Nine sneered as he threw the rock.

The Kryptonite chunk slammed into Kai's shoulder, embedding itself into his skin. Pain flared through his body like wildfire. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath as his strength drained away.

"KAI!" Kara screamed, trying to rush toward him, but Chimera had recovered.

The monstrous villain snarled and charged forward, ready to finish off the weakened hero. But just as he was about to strike, a massive flock of crows swarmed the battlefield, blocking his vision.

Koda, his hands clenched into fists, used his Anivoice Quirk to command the birds. "Go! Blind them!" he shouted.

As Chimera stumbled back, swiping at the birds, Mezo, Tsuyu, and Ochaco sprang into action. They dashed toward the wounded Izuku and Katsuki, quickly gathering them up, along with the frightened Katsuma and Mahoro.

"We've got you!" Tsuyu said as she lifted Katsuma onto her back.

Ochaco touched Katsuki and Izuku, using her Zero Gravity to make them weightless so Mezo could carry them both.

Nine, still weakened from his disease, turned to Slice. "Get after them!" he ordered, his voice strained with frustration.

But Slice, who had been observing the battlefield, shook her head. "No. They're trapped on the island either way. Right now, we need to retreat so you can recover."