My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope (DC x MHA)

Defend the Island

The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the island. A tense silence filled the air as the villains—Nine, Slice, and Chimera—stood at the entrance, their expressions hardened with determination.

Slice had already scouted ahead, confirming that the ruins of the ancient castle had been abandoned, forcing them to change their approach. They had one goal: take Katsuma, no matter the cost.

As they prepared to move forward, a sudden rush of wind swept through the area, followed by a shadow descending from above.

Kai landed in front of them, hovering just slightly above the ground, arms crossed over his chest. His black and white-accented suit shimmered under the sunlight, and his piercing gaze locked onto the villains.

Slice and Chimera instinctively took a step back, the presence of Superman shaking them more than they cared to admit.

Kai exhaled sharply. "You should give up. There's no way you're getting past me." His tone was calm yet absolute, as if he were stating an undeniable fact.

Nine, unfazed, took a step forward. "You stand in the way of progress, Superman."

Kai arched an eyebrow. "Progress?" He scoffed. "Enlighten me, then. Why are you doing this?"

Nine's expression darkened. "I want to change the world. A world where the strong rule over the weak. Where power dictates one's place." His voice was resolute, filled with conviction.

Kai let out a disappointed sigh. "That's it?" He shook his head. "Pathetic."

Nine's eyes narrowed. "Pathetic?" He scoffed. "For someone who stands at the pinnacle of strength in this world, you misuse your power. You play protector, shielding those who should be standing for themselves."

Kai chuckled softly, causing Nine to glare.

The villain continued, voice laced with disdain. "Those students of yours—they believe they can defend the people, yet they cower behind you. You shoulder the burden alone, don't you? Just like before... against Doomsday."

Kai's expression remained unreadable as Nine smirked. "No one helped you then. You almost died alone, fighting that monster. How much longer can you carry this weight, Superman? How much longer before you break?"

For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. Then—

Kai laughed.

It wasn't mocking or bitter. It was genuine, almost amused.

Nine's smirk faltered. "What's so funny?"

Kai shook his head, a small smile on his face. "You don't get it, do you?" He stepped forward, his presence alone causing the ground beneath them to feel heavier. "I'm never alone."

Nine's eyes widened slightly.

Kai looked up at the sky, then past the villains—toward the ruins where his students were. Where his family was.

"That's why I can carry the world on my shoulders," he said, voice filled with unwavering confidence. "Because I know—I don't have to do it alone."

At that moment, the wind picked up again, the morning sun fully rising behind Kai. His cape billowed, and the iconic emblem on his chest seemed to shine even brighter.

Nine clenched his fists, realization dawning upon him.

Superman wasn't a symbol of strength because of his power.

He was a symbol of hope—because of those who stood with him.

Nine's expression twisted into a smirk as his right hand began to change. The veins on his arm pulsed with a sickly green glow, his fingers twitching as energy crackled along them. Then, his entire hand reinforced itself with Kryptonite energy, the glow intensifying as the deadly mineral coursed through his body.