Red

Chapter 4

The students had since changed into their gym tracksuits. They were blue with white and red detailing. Led by Professor Aizawa, Class 1-A arrived at the outdoor arena. Ten white rings on the ground acted as their own mini arenas.

"Find your partner and go to a ring," Professor Aizawa instructed. "I'll be going around and checking on progress. As a reminder, these are sparring matches"—he eyed particular students, one being Katsuki—"not death matches!"

Katsuki claimed a ring and watched Ochako approach. He was calm on the outside but pumped up on the inside. If she was his soul mate, fine. He wanted to see how they fit together sparring. That mattered to him. He already knew what her magic was like, though. She needed to make physical contact. He was eager to get a firsthand experience with it. It would be refreshing compared to the other classmates he typically sparred.

"We start the second you enter, Round Face," he told her.

She stood just outside the white circle. "Why'd you pick me?" she asked.

"Actions speak louder than words."

"Don't go easy on me."

"When have I ever gone easy on anybody?" He grinned like a madman. "Show me what you got, Round Face!"

That only spurred Ochako. He wanted a fight, fine. She'd give him a fight he wouldn't forget. She charged into the ring, heading right for him. Basic spells wouldn't cut it against Katsuki. She had a plan she needed to execute.

When she was close enough, he led with a right hook just like she knew he would. Unfortunately for her, her reaction time wasn't fast enough. An explosion fired from his right palm, and she took the hit. A smokescreen cloud of dust kicked up. Crimson eyes on alert, Katsuki spotted a shape move amongst it. He stepped forward to reach Ochako but discovered it was her jacket. She had applied her magic to make it float! He grinned.

Ochako emerged from the dust behind Katsuki. He blocked her with an explosion spell and sent her backward. She hit the ground rolling, but got back on her feet. She charged again, determination burning in her eyes. He liked that look.

"Too slow!" he shouted, winding up his left arm. It was a bigger explosion than last time.

"Not done yet!" she shouted. There was still some more to go before she could pull off her plan. He wouldn't know what hit him!

She was relentless, and he was merciless. The pattern was brutal.

By now, the entire class watched. Nobody could look away. It was unsightly.

"Stop toying with her!" Tenya shouted.

"He knows her strength," Professor Aizawa said to those who cared to listen, having not looked away from the two. "His caution shows that he recognizes her as a worthy opponent."

Ochako grinned. "Almost ready. Thanks, Bakugo. Thanks for not dropping your guard."

She had her own set of weapons, thanks to Katsuki. With the constant attacks and smokescreens, she had amassed a collection. Debris curtsey of his attacks now floated above him. Not only did he now notice, but so had others in the class.

"It's a meteor storm!" Izuku shouted in awe.

With one word on Ochako's part, it headed right for Katsuki. She had him now!

Instinct guided Katsuki. He raised his left hand and braced it with his right. Channeling his magic, he focused and released a massive explosion. He remained grounded in place, but Ochako was blown back by the force.

In one attack, he had destroyed what she had gathered.

"I knew you had some kind of plan..." Katsuki said.