The crowd was still buzzing from Reiji's complete domination in the first match.
His victory over Kirishima had set the tone for the tournament—this was his battlefield.
But now, it was time for the next match.
Todoroki Shoto vs. Shoji Mezo
Todoroki stepped into the arena, his heterochromatic eyes cold and calculating.
Shoji followed, his multiple arms flexing, ready for battle.
The crowd cheered, eager to see what U.A.'s most versatile combatant could do against the son of Endeavor.
Reiji watched from the sidelines, leaning against the railing.
[Let's see how strong you really are, Ice Prince.]
Midnight raised her hand.
"BEGIN!"
The Battle Begins
Shoji immediately dashed forward, using his speed and multiple limbs to close the gap.
Todoroki didn't even move.
FWOOOM!
A massive wave of ice exploded from his foot, freezing the ground instantly.
Shoji's eyes widened.
[Too fast—!]
Before he could escape, his entire lower body was frozen solid.
The crowd gasped.
"W-WHAT?! IT'S ALREADY OVER?!" Present Mic shouted.
Todoroki simply stood there, expression unreadable.
"I don't need to use my full strength to win this."
Shoji struggled against the ice, but it was too thick.
He couldn't move.
Midnight sighed, shaking her head. "Shoji Mezo is unable to continue. Winner: Todoroki Shoto!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Todoroki simply turned and walked away.
As he passed Reiji, he briefly glanced at him.
Reiji smirked. "That all you got?"
Todoroki didn't respond.
But his fingers tightened slightly.
The Tournament Continues
The next matches played out one by one.
Bakugo vs. Kaminari: Bakugo wrecked him immediately, dodging Kaminari's electricity and knocking him out cold.Deku vs. Shiozaki: Deku struggled but won by outmaneuvering her vines.Iida vs. Hatsume: Iida won, but Hatsume used him as a product advertisement.Tokoyami vs. Momo: Tokoyami defeated Momo quickly with Dark Shadow overwhelming her.Tsuyu vs. Tetsutetsu: A close fight, but Tsuyu won by trapping him in a grappling move.Sero vs. Shinsou: Shinsou won using his Brainwashing Quirk.
The final eight were set.
Quarterfinal Matchups:
Reiji vs. TokoyamiTodoroki vs. IidaBakugo vs. TsuyuDeku vs. Shinsou
Reiji grinned. Things were heating up.
After the First Round
Back in the waiting room, Todoroki suddenly stepped in front of Reiji.
The room went silent.
Reiji raised an eyebrow. "Something you wanna say, Ice Prince?"
Todoroki's fists clenched.
"I know what you are now," he said, his voice quiet but firm.
Reiji chuckled. "Oh? Do tell."
Todoroki's heterochromatic eyes burned with emotion.
"You're a monster. But unlike my father, you enjoy being one."
Reiji's smirk widened.
He leaned in slightly, his golden eyes gleaming.
"You're right."
Todoroki's breath hitched.
Reiji's voice dropped to a whisper.
"The difference between us, Todoroki… is that I don't pretend to be something I'm not."
Todoroki's fingers twitched.
[He's not even denying it.]
Reiji tilted his head. "So? What are you gonna do about it?"
Todoroki's jaw tightened.
"…I'm going to defeat you."
Reiji grinned. "Then hurry up and get to the finals."
He turned, walking away.
"Otherwise, you'll just be another stepping stone."
Todoroki watched him go, his entire body tensed.
[No. I won't let you win.]
He looked down at his left side… his fire side.
And for the first time…
He considered using it.
End of Chapter 15.
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