Powerless - A My Hero Academia/ DC Crossover

Chapter 24: Contestants and Casualties

During the first round.

Todoroki made his way towards the arena. He and his classmate, Sero, were the last fight of the first round. He was still pondering Midoriya's victory over Uraraka. He was foolish to let her get the drop on him like she did. It could have very well cost him the match. Still, Todoroki knew that he would prevail. Even if he was fighting his friend, there was no way Midoriya would lose.

But even he had to admit he was surprised by Midoriya's new equipment. He knew that he favored explosives, but these new gauntlets could give him a significant edge against the other competitors. They seemed to be more versatile, projecting the explosions outwardly from his hands, allowing for better control of the blasts. Not only that, he could use them at close range, allowing him to get in closer to his enemy to deal devastating damage. But Todoroki wasn't worried. Ever since the battle training, Todoroki had underestimated him. Not anymore. He would beat him with his mother's quirk, quickly and efficiently. He would show everyone, especially him that he did not need his quirk to --

Todoroki froze. "What do you want?" He spat angrily. At the end of the hallway, leaning against the wall, stood a powerful, towering figure. Easily over six-feet tall, his powerful, muscular frame was made even more intimidating by the billowing red flames that pulsated across his body. His face, and shoulders in particular roared with orange flame, but even they were too weak to hide the scowl he wore.

"You're acting disgracefully, Shoto," said Endeavor. "If you had simply used the power in your left side, you would have had an overwhelming victory in both of the first rounds. Instead, your stubborn impudence has allowed you to be bested by that quirkless boy twice now."

"That quirkless boy was trained by Batman," said Todoroki.

Endeavor snorted. "Hardly an excuse," He said. "It's time to stop this childish rebellion of yours. You have a duty to surpass that imbecile All Might. Continuing to limit yourself will only result in more defeats."

Todoroki continued walking, past his father, without looking at him. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" Said Endeavor. "You're different from your siblings. You are my greatest masterpiece."

Todoroki clenched his teeth. He hated that name. Constantly bragging about his "greatest creation" or "wondrous masterpiece," reduced to nothing but a trophy and a tool in his father's eyes. It disgusted and angered him. "Is that all you have to say to me, you bastard?" Todoroki snarled. "I'll win this match and advance using only Mom's quirk. I won't give you the pleasure of seeing me use yours."

"Even if that works for you in this tournament, you'll soon find the limits of that power," said Endeavor.

"Enough standing around!" Shouted Present Mic. "Let's welcome our next competitors, the last of the first round!" The four corners of the arena erupted in roaring flames as the crowd cheered. "He's got skills, but at the expense of some really creepy-looking elbows. From the hero course, it's Hanta Sero!!"

"That was uncalled for," said Sero, stretching his arms.

"Verses an early frontrunner in the competition who's way too strong for his own good," continued Present Mic. "Someone who had rightfully got into the hero course based on recommendations. It's Shoto Todoroki!"

Uraraka and Iida sat on the edge of their seats. She wished that Deku was here to see this, but he and Ojiro were preparing for his next match. Uraraka couldn't help but notice something seemed to be off with Todoroki. "Iida," she said, nudging her friend. "Does Todoroki look. . . different somehow?"