Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Team A II
Happy New Year to everyone!
---
Toji was intently studying the building map. His eyes darted quickly between the details. The bomb might be near the fifth floor, and the possible routes to get there were clear: two main entrances through the doors, three ventilation shafts connecting different areas, and a wide window facing a back alley. He could see the risks of each option, but he still needed to know who he was working with.
Without taking his eyes off the map, Toji asked brusquely, "Hey, you. What can you do?"
Izuku, who had been trying to follow the map analysis without much success, looked away nervously. "W-what do you mean?"
Toji sighed and rolled his eyes. This is going to be harder than I thought, he thought before clarifying impatiently, "Your quirk, your skills, your weaknesses... whatever you can bring to the table. I need to know now."
Izuku took a moment to process the question, clearly uncomfortable. "Ah, well... uh, my quirk... I don't know exactly how to explain it..."
Toji ran a hand over his forehead, frustrated. The kid not only seemed inexperienced but also spoke like he was giving a speech in the middle of class. "Be direct. We don't have much time," he snapped, keeping his tone firm but not raising his voice.
Izuku took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "O-okay, sorry. I can concentrate a large amount of energy into my limbs and release it. That lets me hit really hard, but it can also cause collateral damage if I don't control the direction well. Oh, and... if I overdo it, I can hurt myself."
Toji looked at him with a mix of interest and exasperation. "Strong hits. Fine. Anything else? How far can you send one of those punches?"
Izuku thought quickly. "If I hit the air, I can create a shockwave, but I don't have full control over its range."
Toji nodded, though his expression wasn't entirely satisfied. At least he's somewhat useful, he thought. He pointed to the window on the map. "We could use that shockwave to break a window near the fifth floor from down here. It's faster than going through the doors and less narrow than the vents. But there's a problem."
Izuku looked at him curiously, though still a bit nervous. "Problem?"
Toji pointed to the areas surrounding the building on the map. "The explosion from that wave will make noise. If someone's guarding the bomb or waiting for us, they'll know exactly where we are. Can you do it without alerting half the world?"
Izuku lowered his gaze, feeling useless. "No... I don't think I can control the noise. When I hit hard, there's always a loud impact. I'm sorry..."
Toji scoffed, crossing his arms. "Typical. You have something that could be useful, but you don't know how to use it without messing everything up." He looked at him sharply, as if calculating something. "Listen, if you can't control it, then do it on my signal. I'll handle the stealth part inside; you just need to create a distraction when I tell you to."
Izuku swallowed and nodded with determination. "Yes! I'll do my best."
Toji turned his attention back to the map, his mind already working on the plan. With this rookie, I'll have to shoulder most of it. But at least I can use him as a noise maker when necessary. His gaze hardened as he began marking the route to the window. "Stay close to me and don't mess up, got it?"
"Got it!" Izuku replied firmly, though his insides were filled with doubt. He knew he was far from perfect but would do everything he could not to let him down.
Toji continued studying the map while Izuku, thinking of Bakugo, tried to organize his thoughts. Finally, the young man interrupted.
"Kacchan... will probably come for me."
Toji looked up with an unimpressed expression. "Kacchan? Who the hell is that?"
Izuku hesitated, nervous about what he was going to say. "He's... Bakugo. My frien... former classmate, the blond with spiky hair, the one who's always angry. If he's nearby, he'll definitely come after me. And if he acts like always, he'll try to fight."
Toji closed the map with a sharp motion, pocketing it as he let out a snort. "If the explosive comes after you, it'll be easier to handle. Change of plans." He adjusted the bracelet on his wrist and added, "We'll go in directly. If he's stupid enough to confront us head-on, he's dumber than I thought."
Izuku nodded, his face still reflecting some nervousness but resolved to follow Toji's lead. As they walked toward the building, the young man broke the silence again. "Fushiguro-san, about Kacchan..." he began, his voice somewhat shaky at the mention of his childhood companion.
Toji turned his head slightly, signaling him to continue. Izuku then started talking quickly, describing everything he knew about how Bakugo fought, from his aggressiveness and direct style to the details of his quirk. Although Izuku avoided mentioning their personal relationship, he did his best to convey information that could be useful in the confrontation.
Toji listened silently, absorbing every word without interruption. His expression remained impassive, though his eyes showed he was processing each detail attentively. Finally, when Izuku finished speaking, Toji simply nodded.
"Good. That's enough. Stay alert and stick to the plan. I'll deal with him." Then he added more seriously, "If the speedster shows up, do whatever you can to keep him occupied. Remember, it's not about winning—it's about completing the objective."
Izuku swallowed hard and nodded again, mentally preparing himself. He seems to have everything under control... but I need to give it my all too. I can't let him down.
Without further words, they moved toward the building, ready to face what awaited them.
Once inside, it didn't take long for the alarm to blare, followed by All Might's powerful voice announcing the start of the test: "The test has begun!"
Toji barely raised an eyebrow at the announcement, adjusting the bracelet on his wrist again as he gave Izuku a calculating look. "Alright, you know what to do. We'll split up for now. When the blond shows up, let me know. I'll take him out immediately while you go for the bomb. If the speedster's with him, distract him and keep him busy as long as possible. I don't think it'll take me more than two minutes to deal with that idiot," he added confidently, clearly referring to Bakugo.
Izuku quickly nodded, though he couldn't help feeling a mix of nerves and admiration. Toji's planning ability is incredible, he thought. And that confidence... I wish I could have even a fraction of it.
The two parted ways without further words. Izuku began advancing through the hallways, scanning every corner for clues about the bomb or their enemies' positions. However, it wasn't long before a shout echoed through the building, freezing him in place.
"DEKU!"
The enraged shout from Bakugo made Izuku tense. Turning his head, he saw him at the end of the hallway, eyes bloodshot and an expression of uncontrollable fury.
"Where's the other extra?" Bakugo demanded, clearly referring to Toji, as his gaze seemed to pierce through Izuku.
Izuku swallowed and raised his fists, readying himself. But before he could respond, Bakugo clicked his tongue in disdain. "Doesn't matter. I'll find him later. Right now... DIE!"
With a roar, Bakugo charged at Izuku, his quirk crackling in his hands as he prepared to unleash an explosion. Izuku reacted instantly, ducking and quickly touching the device in his ear.
"Now, Fushiguro-san!"
Suddenly, one of the hallway doors flew off its hinges, crashing against the wall with a deafening sound. Bakugo stopped in his tracks, his eyes fixed on the cloud of dust and splinters forming beside him. Before he could process what was happening, something—or rather, someone—leaped through the debris.
It was Toji, wearing a sharp, knife-like smile. In his hands, he held chains that wrapped around the dark-haired man's body.
"Hey," he greeted casually, though his tone was loaded with mockery.
Bakugo barely had time to react before Toji shoved him into a nearby room, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. Izuku, seeing how Toji moved Bakugo away, knew he had no time to waste.
He quickly got up and started running toward the stairs. I trust Fushiguro-san can handle Kacchan, he thought with determination. Now, his focus was entirely on the mission. He had to find the bomb and ensure the plan succeeded.