A tense silence filled the air as Deku and Reiji stood across from each other in the dimly lit hallway.
Reiji's golden eyes burned with anticipation, his smirk unwavering. Across from him, Deku clenched his fists, sweat forming on his brow.
Uraraka had already been eliminated. It was now one-on-one.
A normal hero would have given Deku time to prepare.
Reiji was not a normal hero.
Without a word, he vanished in a burst of Hellfire.
Deku's instincts screamed. Move!
He barely dodged as Reiji's fist tore through the air, the heat searing his cheek.
Reiji was already on the move again, teleporting above him.
"Too slow."
Deku had no time to think. He activated One for All: 5%, his body glowing with green lightning as he jumped back just as Reiji's foot slammed into the floor, shattering the tiles beneath him.
Deku's breath hitched. He's relentless.
Reiji didn't stop.
A kunai, engulfed in flames, shot toward Deku.
Deku barely managed to deflect it with his forearm, feeling the burning heat radiating from the chain.
[He's not just using brute strength—he's reading my movements, setting traps mid-fight!]
Reiji flicked his wrist, pulling on the chain.
Deku saw the movement but it was too late.
The chain tightened around his wrist, yanking him forward.
Reiji's fist smashed into Deku's stomach, sending him skidding across the ground.
The impact knocked the wind out of him, but he forced himself to stay standing.
Reiji tilted his head. "Still conscious? Impressive."
Deku coughed, wiping his mouth. "I won't… go down that easily."
Reiji smirked. "Good."
He vanished again.
Deku's heart pounded. He's everywhere. His teleportation is unpredictable.
But then—he noticed something.
[Wait… his teleportation. He always leaves a trail of Hellfire behind when he moves.]
His eyes widened. That was it!
The next time Reiji teleported, Deku focused—watching the flicker of flames left in his wake.
There!
Reiji reappeared to his left, arm already cocked for another brutal strike—
Deku moved first.
Before Reiji could react, Deku drove his fist into his side.
The impact sent Reiji flying into a nearby wall, cracking the concrete.
The room shook from the force.
Deku gasped for air, his entire body aching. That one punch had drained him.
But…
Reiji was laughing.
Through the dust and debris, Reiji stepped forward, wiping blood from his lip.
His golden eyes gleamed with pure exhilaration.
"You finally landed a hit," he said, rolling his shoulders. "Took you long enough."
Deku's stomach twisted.
He had hit him with a full-powered attack, but Reiji looked unfazed.
[What… is this guy?]
Reiji exhaled. "This was fun, but it's over."
Deku's body tensed.
Reiji raised his hand, summoning Hellfire, preparing to end it—
BOOM!
A loud alarm blared throughout the building.
[Villain Team Wins!]
Deku's eyes widened.
What?!
Then it hit him.
Momo had remained at the bomb site the entire time. While Deku and Uraraka were occupied, she had simply waited out the match, ensuring that the heroes never completed their objective.
Reiji glanced toward the main hall, where Momo stood composed and victorious.
His smirk widened.
"She played the long game," he muttered. "Smart."
He turned back to Deku, who was still gasping for breath.
Reiji extended a hand.
Deku hesitated for a moment… then took it.
Reiji pulled him to his feet. "You fought better than I expected."
Deku swallowed hard. "But… I still lost."
Reiji's golden eyes gleamed in amusement.
"Then get stronger."
Deku's breath hitched.
Reiji wasn't mocking him. He wasn't being cruel.
He was pushing him forward.
For the first time, Deku realized—
Reiji wasn't just an obstacle.
He was the standard Deku needed to surpass.
The students watched in awe as Reiji and Deku walked out of the training area.
"That was insane," Kaminari whispered.
Kirishima nodded. "That guy fights like a damn warlord."
Meanwhile, Bakugo clenched his fists, his teeth grinding in frustration.
He had never seen Deku pushed that far.
And worse…
Reiji had overpowered him with ease.
Bakugo's blood boiled.
[No way in hell am I letting him stay above me.]
From the observation room, All Might and Aizawa watched the students exit the training grounds.
Aizawa exhaled. "So, what do you think?"
All Might's eyes lingered on Reiji, watching how the other students subconsciously gave him space.
"… He's an anomaly," All Might said. "He doesn't fight like a hero, but he doesn't fight like a villain either."
Aizawa nodded. "He's a predator."
All Might's gaze hardened.
"If he ever decides to stop holding back… we might not be able to stop him."
Later that night, Reiji sat in his penthouse, overlooking the city.
His system flashed a notification.
[Battle Performance Analyzed.]
[New Passive Skill Unlocked: Killer Instinct – When engaged in extended combat, your perception and reaction speed increase.]
Reiji smirked. "Now we're talking."
He leaned back, watching the city lights.
This world wasn't ready for him.
But soon…
They would be.
End of Chapter 6.
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