Protecting Him

Chapter 26. Sore Winner

"Ashido Mina is out of bounds! [L/name] [Name] moves to the second round!" Midnight announced.

It felt nice fighting without my immunity quirk. I felt somewhat normal, and yet unsatisfied. Even without four quirks, I still manage to be what he build me up to be. My body reacts before I do. I threw Mina out of bounds, it all happened so fast, even the crowd was shocked. Similar like Shoto and Sero's fight I ended the battle quickly.

Mina congratulated me like the good friend she is. I nodded briefly, feeling a bit ashamed; I'm not sure why I felt that way but I did. Not to mention, I felt something odd with my body. Maybe it's these cuffs? No, but that shouldn't affect my mind. My head feels a bit heavy since the hit Mina managed to give me, thus knocking me on the ground.

Mm? I'm overthinking things. Now that I think about it, I didn't train at all, I spent my time searching things about Tenko, it must be that. My body is tired, my mind exhausted from overthinking. Then these cuffs are weakening my quirks.

I shake out the concerning thoughts I had and walked off. I met with Ochaco who looked worried. Well she is battling against Katsuki, he's a strong opponent but so is she. She should know that.

"Hey."

"Ah hi [Name]!" she greeted me with her usual bubbly self. "Congrats on winning."

I placed my hand at the back of my neck and sheepishly smiled, "Thanks."

"You're really strong despite having those nullifying quirk cuffs." She pointed out. Her smile faltering a little, and her tone becoming a little concerning.

I sat next to her and patted her head. Usually pats on the head, hugs, a bedtime story, calm Hiro down and cheer him up, I hope this helps Ochaco feels better.

"You're strong too, and I'm not just saying it to be nice nor is it an opinion. You're a strong young girl with a great quirk. Don't let yourself be intimidated by Katsuki, he's mostly all bark. But you should know..." my voice became serious meaning what I was going to tell her was no joke and she needed to take it into consideration, "Katsuki isn't going to go easy on you or no one, but there's a reason for that."

"Because he pledged to be number one?" she asked curiously.

I shook my head somewhat, "Mm yes and no. He said so but keep in mind he won't go easy on his opponent if he sees them worthy. Like I said before you're powerful, you and Izuku beat him and Iida back in the hero and villain exercise remember? He knows you're no joke. So, be confident you have a chance to be victorious."

She took her hands and wrapped them around mine, taking me by surprise, "You're right [Name]! Thank you!"

"No need to thank me." I awkwardly replied.

"Seriously though! You have a way with words, like a professional motivation speaker. You're a great and caring person."

"I've never been told that." I voiced out my shock. "Back then people only acknowledged me as awkward and even gloomy. Never motivating or caring. Yet, lately I have been caring..."

"Hm?"

"Oh nothing." I shook my head, "Just rambling my t—NGH!" I suddenly pitched forward.

"[Name]!" she called out worriedly to me.

"I'm okay..." I breathed out tiredly, "Just felt a little pang on my head, due to lack of sleep." I flashed her a smile –my usual counterfeit smile. "Anyway, you can do this, and whatever happens remember you'll be a hero no matter what because that's what you want."