Chapter 55 - 4-5

Chapter 4: From Tourist to Hostage

TheOfficialLieDetecor: Nope sorry! Both Ben and Rex with both be in class A, maybe I should have put them in different class but I didn't want to go back and forth with different classes but don't worry class B will participate in USJ

Ben and Izuku froze, their eyes widening in unison as they took in the monstrous EVO before them. The sheer size of the creature, combined with its destructive aura, sent a chill down their spines. Instinct kicked in for Ben as his hand shot toward the Omnitrix, the familiar green dial popping up with a mechanical click. The silhouette of Four Arms flickered into view, ready to be selected.

Before Ben could act, Izuku's voice broke through the tension. "Hey, look! It's Mt. Lady!" he exclaimed, his tone tinged with excitement and relief.

Ben blinked, confused, until a massive shadow loomed over them.

POW!

The ground shook violently as a thunderous punch collided with the EVO's central head. The force of the blow reverberated through the air, sending a shockwave that shattered nearby windows and knocked over light poles. The EVO's enormous body lurched backward, momentarily stunned, before it was hurled through the air like a ragdoll.

As it spun out of control, the creature lashed out in desperation. Its dragon head unleashed a torrent of fire, scorching a wide swath of the street and setting nearby cars ablaze. The flames roared and crackled, adding to the chaos as the EVO's armored form slammed into a row of buildings, toppling them like a house of cards. The ground trembled beneath the impact, and a cloud of dust and debris shot into the sky.

Ben's head snapped toward the source of the punch, his eyes narrowing as he took in the figure standing tall amidst the destruction.

Yu Takeyama, better known as Mt. Lady, stood with one fist still raised, her imposing figure radiating confidence. Her towering form dominated the battlefield, her magenta eyes locked on the EVO with unwavering focus. Her long, voluminous blonde hair billowed slightly in the wind, framing her determined expression. The purple and tan skintight bodysuit she wore glistened in the sunlight, its orange accents catching the light.

As the EVO stirred, its wolf head snarling in rage, Mt. Lady planted her booted foot firmly into the ground, causing the pavement to crack beneath her. Her powerful stance exuded authority, her gaze unflinching as she prepared for the next strike.

Mt. Lady smirked, hands on her hips as she cast a confident glance toward the two boys. She adjusted her pose slightly, ensuring the best angle for any onlookers-or cameras. "Stay back, boys. We'll protect you!" she called out, her voice dripping with charm as she gave them a playful wink.

Ben's eye twitched, at the implication. The thought of him, Ben Tennyson-the guy who's saved the universe more times than he could count-needing to be rescued was almost laughable. Almost.

"I don't need-" he began, but his words were cut off as a fiery blast erupted from the EVO's dragon head, barreling toward them with blistering heat. The air warped around the flames, the roar of the fire deafening as it scorched the ground in its path.

Ben barely had time to react before he felt himself yanked backward. Wooden tendrils coiled around him and Izuku, pulling them out of harm's way just as the fire engulfed the spot they'd been standing moments ago. The intense heat lingered in the air, and the acrid smell of burnt asphalt stung their noses.

Izuku's eyes sparkled with awe, undeterred by the near-death experience. "Kamui Woods!" he exclaimed.

The wooden tendrils gently placed the boys at a safer distance, revealing the lean and composed figure of Kamui Woods. He stood poised, his wooden appendages retracting as he nodded toward Mt. Lady. "Focus on containment," he said curtly.

Mt. Lady, however, flipped her hair with a flourish, casting a sidelong glance at the onlookers who had begun to gather at a safe distance. She offered a dazzling smile, clearly reveling in the attention. "Containment? Please, Kamui, leave the heavy lifting to me. After all, who else can stop something this big?" she teased.

Ben folded his arms, his brow furrowed and an annoyed twitch tugging at his eye. "Total attention hog," he muttered under his breath, watching as Mt. Lady soaked up the cheers.

Meanwhile, Kamui Woods swung gracefully through the chaos, his wooden tendrils shooting out like whip-like vines, propelling him from one structure to another. His voice rang out. "Lacquered Chain Prison!"

From his outstretched arms, a barrage of wooden tendrils exploded forward, twisting and intertwining in mid-air before wrapping tightly around the EVO.

The beast thrashed violently, its three heads roaring in defiance as the makeshift prison locked it in place. The chains groaned under the pressure, creaking as the creature's massive claws scraped against them, but Kamui's grip held firm.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Kamui Woods wrestled the monstrous entity into submission.

"Yeah, take that EVO down!"

"Kamui Woods, you're amazing!"

Ben's eyes darted toward the crowd, their cheers feeding into the spectacle. He rolled his eyes, muttering sarcastically, "Guess I'll just stand here while they handle everything."

Mt. Lady, however, wasn't about to be outdone. Spotting the immobilized EVO, she took a confident step forward, her grin widening. "Alright, time to wrap this up with style!" she declared. She crouched low, her massive frame tensing like a coiled spring.

The EVO let out a bone-rattling roar, its dragon head spitting a burst of fiery breath that incinerated the air around it. The flames licked at the edges of its wooden prison, but before it could break free, Mt. Lady launched herself forward with a booming shout:

"Canyon Cannon!"

Her kick came crashing down with earth-shaking force, her massive heel colliding directly with the beast's central head. The impact was cataclysmic. A thunderous shockwave rippled outward, nearly shattering nearby windows and sending debris flying through the air. The ground beneath them cracked and cratered from the sheer power of the attack.

The EVO's body was hurled backward like a ragdoll, its massive frame hurtling through the air before slamming into a distant building. The structure groaned under the impact, chunks of concrete and glass raining down as the beast collapsed in a heap, motionless. Dust and smoke billowed from the wreckage, settling over the battlefield like a shroud.

The crowd fell silent for a beat, stunned by the sheer display of power. Then, as the smoke began to clear, their cheers erupted once again, louder and more fervent than before.

"She's incredible!"

"Mt. Lady for the win!"

Ben watched as Mt. Lady basked in the adoration of the citizens, her confident smile widening with every cheer. The spotlight was hers, and she didn't shy away from it.

"Whoo hoo! That's Mt. Lady and Kamui Woods for you!"

"They make it look so easy!"

"Mt. Lady is still new, but she's already incredible!"

"She's got the power and the looks! Total package!"

Ben's jaw tightened as the voices of the crowd reached his ears. He couldn't help but feel the knot forming in his stomach, a pang of longing and frustration twisting inside him.

The praise, the rush, the adrenaline-he missed it. Two years out of the game, and it already felt like a lifetime since he'd been the one saving people, hearing those cheers.

"Future top ten heroes, no doubt about it!" someone exclaimed, adding to the growing wave of enthusiasm.

Ben clenched his fists at his sides, glancing down at the Omnitrix. The faint green glow of the dial felt like a reminder of what he used to do, of what he could still do.

"Tennyson?"

Izuku's soft voice broke through Ben's spiraling thoughts. He blinked, his gaze snapping to the green-haired boy beside him.

"Huh?" Ben muttered.

"You okay?" Izuku asked, his wide eyes filled with concern.

Ben hesitated for a moment, the weight of his feelings pressing down on him. Then he forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay," he said, his voice carrying a hint of strain.

Izuku turned to Ben with a confused look before they felt a rush of wind, the citizens and Ben looked up too see

Izuku and Ben both turned their heads in unison as a sudden rush of wind swept through the air. The crowd, too, looked up in unison, their faces reflecting a mixture of awe and curiosity.

Above them, a sleek, spider-like ship hovered, its metallic legs clicking as it drifted down from the sky. The hum of the engines broke the previously tranquil atmosphere, cutting through the silence of the city.

"Whoa, Providence agents..."

"Yeah, but don't they have some shady dealings too?"

Izuku's eyes lit up. "Providence... They're a global military organization created to handle EVOs, right? They neutralize the dangerous ones, using high-tech gear and strategies. I've read about them-they've been involved in some huge operations worldwide, taking down some of the most dangerous EVOs. They're led by White Knight, right? He's the one who calls the shots." Izuku's voice sped up as his excitement grew. "They're super efficient, with specialized agents who know exactly what to do. If you've got a problem with an EVO, Providence is the one you call!"

Ben watched Izuku, eyebrows raised as the boy rattled off information. "Uh, calm down there, bud."

Ben sweatdrop.'Talk about an info dump.'

Izuku blinked, realizing how much he was rambling. He blushed. "S-Sorry, I just get carried away when I talk about heroes like this."

The Providence scout ship's landing gear touched the ground with a muted thud, dispersing a cloud of dust. The ship's hatch hissed open, releasing a burst of steam, and a squad of Providence agents emerged, their black-and-white uniforms sharp and professional.

Their visored helmets concealed their identities, making them look even more intimidating as they moved with practiced precision.

The agents approached the EVO, one signaling to the others. In a flash, they surrounded the creature, using specialized restraints to neutralize its threat. The beast thrashed and roared in an attempt to fight back, but the agents were too quick, their movements coordinated and controlled. Within moments, the EVO was subdued, no longer a threat.

The The agents hoisted the restrained EVO with practiced efficiency, securing it tightly as the ship's engines hummed to life. The craft hovered for a moment, its powerful thrusters kicking up dust, before it ascended smoothly into the sky. Within seconds, it was a mere speck in the distance, leaving the crowd murmuring in awe and unease.

Ben watched the ship vanish,"Talk about the ultimate clean-up crew."

Izuku placed a hand on Ben's shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Hey, we should probably get going to the mall. We've still got a lot to see."

Ben perked up, his stomach growling audibly. "Oh, right! Let's move. But please tell me there's food involved wherever we're going. I'm starving here."

Izuku chuckled, giving a knowing smile as he started walking. "Don't worry. I know just the place."

Ben grinned and followed, quickening his pace. "Good, because I could eat a horse after all this excitement."

...

Ben's eyes were wide, his mouth practically watering as he stared at the steaming bowls of ramen Izuku had just set on the table. The cozy shop in the mall was filled with the aroma of savory broth and fresh ingredients, making Ben's stomach growl loudly.

"Okay, I know I probably sound like a total weeb right now," Ben said, his voice tinged with awe as he picked up his chopsticks, "but geez, anime does not do this justice. This looks incredible."

Izuku chuckled softly, adjusting his own bowl as he picked up his chopsticks. "It's even better than it looks. This place is one of my favorites. You're in for a treat!"

Ben didn't need any more encouragement. He dove in, slurping the noodles with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Oh man," he said between bites, his words muffled by the food. "This... this is insane! Why does everything taste better in Japan? What do you guys put in the water?"

Izuku laughed, watching his new friend devour the meal with the kind of passion only Ben Tennyson could bring to food.

...

Ben and Izuku strolled through the bustling mall, Ben's eyes lighting up as he took in the vibrant displays of Japanese hero merchandise. Every corner seemed to celebrate some larger-than-life figure, from posters to action figures and even hero-branded snacks.

"You guys really love your heroes, huh?" Ben said, running a hand along a shelf filled with All Might figurines.

Izuku perked up, his excitement practically radiating. "Oh, does America not have this much branding for their heroes?"

Ben shrugged, glancing around. "I mean, sure, we've got our fair share, but Japan's on a whole other level. You guys have the highest number of heroes. America's more about quality over quantity."

Izuku nodded eagerly, clutching his notebook out of habit. "The heroes in America are incredible! I've taken notes on a few of them-Captain Celebrity and Star and Stripe, for example."

Ben groaned audibly at the mention of Captain Celebrity, earning a confused look from Izuku.

"What's wrong?" Izuku asked, tilting his head.

"Nothing, it's just..." Ben rubbed the back of his neck, clearly annoyed. "Captain Celebrity isn't exactly what I'd call an ideal hero. He's all about the cameras, showing off, and hogging the spotlight. Kinda like your Mt. Lady pro."

Izuku blinked, processing the critique. "Oh... yeah, he has been involved in a lot of scandals, hasn't he?"

As they wandered toward a holographic directory, listing all the stores in the massive mall, Ben scanned for any signs of the Sumo Slammer merchandise. Meanwhile, Izuku's attention snapped to a familiar voice behind them, one that sent a chill down his spine.

"You sure it's here, dude?"

Izuku stiffened, paling. His grip on his notebook tightened as a second, sharper voice rang out.

"Don't doubt me, extra. I didn't ask for your damn opinion."

Ben, oblivious to the tension, kept his eyes on the map. "Hey, Izuku, you said there's a whole Sumo Slammer section here, right? Where is it?"

Before Izuku could respond, the sharp voice interrupted again, this time with venom. "Get the hell outta the way, extras."

Ben turned, nonchalant, and saw the speaker-a blond teenager with spiky hair and a glare that could melt steel. His two lackeys flanked him, one of them cracking his knuckles and the other smirking. Ben raised an eyebrow but dismissed them with a wave of his hand, looking back at the map.

"Yeah, whatever. Wait your turn," Ben said without so much as a glance.

The blond, clearly not used to being ignored, growled. "Deku." The word dripped with disdain as he locked eyes with Izuku, who trembled under the intensity of his glare.

"K-Kacchan..." Izuku stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bakugou's red eyes narrowed. "You and your extra friend need to leave. Now."

Izuku flinched, his shoulders hunching. "R-Right... S-Sorry, K-Kacchan. B-Ben, l-let's go..."

But Ben didn't move. He barely acknowledged the tension, still studying the directory. "No," he said flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Izuku's eyes widened in alarm. "B-Ben, p-please-"

Bakugou's glare intensified. "The hell did you just say?" he snarled, stepping closer.

Ben finally turned, his expression cool and unbothered. "I said wait your turn, like everyone else."

Bakugou's fists clenched, sparks crackling in his palms. "You think you can ignore me, you damn extra?"

Ben shrugged. "I'm doing it right now. Buzz off."

The lack of fear in Ben's tone made Bakugou's blood boil. One of his lackeys, the one with rocky, morphing hands, stepped forward with a sneer. "Oi, Deku, if you don't get your buddy to move, we're gonna have a problem."

Izuku shook his head, his voice barely audible. "N-No..."

"What's that? Speak up, loser." The crony smirked before swinging a rocky fist toward Izuku.

Izuku braced himself, but before the blow could connect, Ben stepped in. With practiced ease, he caught the attacker's arm mid-swing. The air seemed to shift as Ben shifted his weight, flipping the much larger boy over his shoulder and sending him crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. The crowd nearby gasped, a few even cheering in surprise.

Ben straightened, brushing off his hands like it was nothing. He glanced at the crony sprawled on the floor and then back at Bakugou, his green eyes narrowing.

"I said wait your turn."

The tension in the air was palpable. Izuku stood frozen, his heart pounding as Bakugou's palms began to smoke, thin tendrils rising from his hands. Everyone in the vicinity held their breath, their eyes darting between Ben and Bakugou.

"Move, or I'll kill you, you damn extra!" Bakugou growled, his voice dripping with malice. The threat was punctuated by the sound of his quirk sparking to life, tiny bursts of heat and smoke billowing from his palms.

Ben didn't flinch. He took a single step forward, folding his arms casually as he closed the distance. Now he stood toe-to-toe with Bakugou, so close that the latter could've easily unleashed an explosion point-blank.

"What, is that supposed to scare me, sparkles?" Ben said, his tone light but cutting. The nickname earned a few muffled chuckles from onlookers, which only made Bakugou's glare intensify.

Izuku's stomach sank. He knew Bakugou wouldn't take that lying down. His childhood bully thrived on intimidation, and being mocked like this would only fan the flames.

Bakugou's lip curled into a snarl. He wasn't stupid-he couldn't just blow up some random kid in the middle of a crowded mall, but there was no way he'd let this "extra" walk away unscathed. His crimson eyes locked on Ben like a predator sizing up its prey. "You're dead!" Bakugou shouted, lunging forward with a clenched fist crackling with energy.

The explosion came fast, but Ben was faster. He ducked under the wild swing with fluid ease, the blast missing him entirely. Before Bakugou could recover, Ben surged upward, delivering a precise overhead punch that slammed into Bakugou's face with a satisfying thud. Not giving him a chance to counter, Ben grabbed his shoulder, twisted, and tossed him backward with surprising strength.

Bakugou stumbled into his lackeys, their bodies colliding with a table nearby. Plates of food went flying, noodles and sauce splattering across their uniforms as they crumpled into a heap. A murmur spread through the small crowd gathered around the scene, a mix of shock and awe at how easily Ben had handled the infamous Bakugou.

Izuku's mouth hung open. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Ben had just taken down Bakugou-a guy who had been bullying him for years-like it was nothing.

Bakugou scrambled to his feet, his face red with both anger and embarrassment. "You Quirkless, useless Deku!" he spat, pointing a trembling finger at Izuku. "You think your little extra friend is gonna protect you?!"

Izuku flinched at the words, his heart sinking further. He opened his mouth to respond, but Ben spoke first.

"Wait." Ben turned to Izuku, raising an eyebrow. "You're Quirkless?"

Izuku froze, his breath catching in his throat. He hesitated, dread pooling in his stomach. Ben wouldn't want to associate with him anymore-not once he knew. After a tense moment, Izuku nodded silently, his eyes cast down to avoid Ben's gaze.

Ben's reaction wasn't what he expected. A grin spread across his face. "Cool. Me too."

The words hit Izuku like a ton of bricks. His head snapped up, eyes wide in disbelief. "W-What...?"

Bakugou and his lackeys stared at Ben as if he'd grown another head. "You're Quirkless?" Bakugou barked, incredulous.

"Yeah," Ben said with a shrug, his smirk never faltering. "Well, I used to be. But-"

"Hey, you kids!" a stern voice interrupted. A mall security guard pushed his way through the crowd, his expression a mix of suspicion and annoyance.

Ben blinked, turning to see the guard approaching, and Bakugou's instincts kicked in. "Let's get out of here!" he hissed to his cronies.

Ben and Izuku sprinted through the bustling mall, weaving between startled shoppers and dodging kiosks as they made their escape. Behind them, the shouts of security guards echoed louder and louder.

"Ben! You're Quirkless?!" Izuku shouted, his voice barely audible over the commotion. His eyes were wide with disbelief, but his legs kept moving. "And you're still aiming to be a hero?!"

Ben glanced over his shoulder, a cocky grin plastered on his face. "Uh, yeah!" he said, ducking under a row of hanging banners. "Well, I used to be Quirkless, but-"

"Hey, you kids! Stop right there!"

The sharp command made them both skid to a halt-only for a moment. Turning their heads, they saw more guards rounding the corner ahead, cutting off their escape.

"Go, go, go!" Ben yelled, grabbing Izuku's sleeve and pulling him in the opposite direction. They bolted down another corridor, their shoes squeaking against the tiled floor as the crowd parted like the Red Sea.

"Used to be?!" Izuku panted, barely keeping pace with Ben's natural agility. "Wait, you have a Quirk now?!"

"Technically, yeah!" Ben shouted back. He sidestepped a mall directory just in time, while Izuku narrowly avoided crashing into it. "It's... complicated! But I've had it for about five years now!"

The sound of heavy boots pounding against the floor was getting closer. More guards appeared from another corridor, their radios crackling with orders.

"Split up!" Ben shouted, but before they could act on the plan, a wall of people blocked their path. Thinking quickly, Ben grabbed Izuku by the arm and pulled him to the side, leading him through a narrow gap between a shop display and a vending machine.

The two burst out into the open mall atrium, eyes darting for any possible escape. Spotting the entrance to the train station ahead, Ben yelled, "There! Run for it!"

With renewed urgency, they sprinted toward the station, the automated doors beginning to close. "Faster, Izuku!" Ben urged.

Izuku pushed himself harder, his breath ragged. The doors were nearly shut when they leaped through the narrow gap, landing on the train's floor just as it sealed behind them.

The train began to move, and Ben rose to his feet, panting but grinning. He turned to the fuming mall cops still on the platform and gave them a mock salute. "Better luck next time, boys!"

One of the guards ripped his cap off and threw it to the ground in frustration as the train pulled away.

Izuku, still catching his breath, stared at Ben, his curiosity impossible to contain. "Five years ago?" he managed to ask between gasps. "What do you mean? How did you-"

Ben plopped into an empty seat, still grinning as he shrugged. "It's a long story, but yeah, I'm not Quirkless anymore. Turns out life's full of surprises, huh?"

Izuku panted as they made their way further into the train car, his chest heaving from the sprint. "S-So you're a late bloomer?" he asked, his voice shaky but full of curiosity.

Ben nodded casually. "Yep. I don't really tell people, but yeah, Quirk didn't show up for a while." He glanced at Izuku and raised an eyebrow. "That's why you got all weird earlier when I asked about your Quirk, huh?"

Izuku's heart skipped a beat. He looked down, gripping the strap of his bag tightly as they found seats. "Y-Yeah..." he admitted softly. Meeting someone else who'd been Quirkless was a shock. But Ben... he was so different. Confident, fearless-even when standing up to Bakugou and his cronies.

Trying to shake his swirling thoughts, Izuku asked, "S-So those martial arts moves... are they part of your Quirk?"

Ben tilted his head, giving Izuku a look that screamed what are you talking about? "Uh, no," he said flatly. "How would that even work?"

"Well," Izuku began, his muttering tone creeping in, "there are Quirks that can mimic martial arts techniques, or some that grant combat skills instinctively, and-"

Ben quickly clamped a hand over Izuku's mouth, silencing him before he could spiral into a full muttering spree. "Whoa, slow down, dude," Ben said with a chuckle. "Sorry to disappoint, but that's not my Quirk. Not even close."

Izuku blinked, flustered as Ben removed his hand. "Mmh? Then how did you take down Kacchan and his..." He trailed off, realizing he'd accidentally used Bakugou's nickname in front of someone who wasn't familiar with it.

"Kacchan?" Ben repeated, furrowing his brow. "That's his name? Weird."

"O-Oh, uh, no," Izuku stammered, waving his hands nervously. "His real name is Katsuki Bakugou. 'Kacchan' is just a nickname I gave him when we were kids..."

Ben tilted his head, processing this. "Wait, so 'Kacchan' does it mean, like, 'jackass blonde' or 'sparkle dumbass' or something?"

Izuku gasped, shaking his head wildly. "No, no, no! It's not an insult! I swear!" He took a deep breath to steady himself. "In Japanese, we use honorifics to show familiarity or respect. The '-chan' part is something kids often use for close friends. I just combined it with his name, Katsuki, and it became Kacchan."

Ben blinked, taking a moment to absorb that. "Wait. So... it's like a cutesy pet name? For the guy who was trying to blow you up?"

Izuku flushed, looking down at his hands. "I-I mean, we were close when we were little..."

Ben looked at him with a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Uh... Izuku, dude, why do you have a nickname for your bully?" He leaned back, arms crossed, giving him a skeptical look.

Izuku's face turned bright red, his hands flailing in front of him as he tried to explain. "N-No! Kacchan isn't my bully!" he stammered, his voice cracking a bit. "We just... We've been friends since we were kids."

Ben gave him a deadpan stare. "Uh-huh. And I'm supposed to believe he's your friend when he's out here trying to barbecue you in public?"

Izuku shrank into his seat, mumbling, "H-He's not always like that..."

Ben sighed, shaking his head. "Alright, look. If he tries pulling that crap again, just point him in my direction. I'll be happy to give him another lesson in humility."

Izuku fumbled for a change of topic, his face heating up. "W-Wait! So, if your moves aren't from a Quirk, how did you take him down so easily?"

Ben wasn't entirely comfortable with Izuku calling him 'Kacchan,' but he wasn't going to make a big deal out of it, especially since they'd just met. He shrugged and smirked. "Just some good ol' martial arts, thanks to Gwen Tennyson," he said, clenching his fist. "I'm sure you've got some martial training too, right? With all your beach workouts?"

Izuku scratched his head awkwardly, eyes darting to the side. "Uh... not really. I've just been focusing on my body conditioning."

Ben blinked, the realization hitting him like a truck. "Wait, hold up. You're planning to take the hardest hero exam in the country... without any combat training?"

Izuku flinched, his face heating up. "W-Well, I've been focusing on preparing my Quirk instead..."

Ben tilted his head. "Your Quirk? So... you're not Quirkless?"

Izuku shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Ben's gaze. "N-No, I'm not... well, I won't be, in a couple of months." He seemed hesitant to share more, unsure why he was telling Ben this. Maybe it was because he understood what it felt like to be Quirkless.

Ben narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical but deciding not to press. "Uh-huh. Look, no offense, but you've got two months to figure your stuff out, and trust me, a Quirk isn't gonna solve all your problems. You need to learn how to fight, Izuku. A Quirk's just a tool-it's only as good as the person using it."

Ben walked through the train, scanning the seats. He noticed a girl sitting with a bag on the adjacent seat. A petite, fair-skinned girl with a slender build. Her dark-purple hair was chin-length, with an asymmetrical fringe that framed her face, and she had triangular onyx eyes that were framed by long lower lashes. Her most prominent feature, though, were the flexible, plug-like earphone jacks hanging from each of her earlobes.

Ben seemed a bit taken aback by the girl's appearance, but his gaze was broken when she looked up and noticed him staring.

"What do you want?" the girl asked flatly, her voice cutting through the moment.

Ben and Izuku both flinched. "Is this seat taken?" Ben asked

The girl glanced down at her seat. "Nope,"

Dismissing him with a wave of her hand.

"Mind if we sit here?" Ben asked, gesturing to the empty seat.

"Go ahead," she said, casually moving her guitar bag to the side.

Ben took the seat next to her while Izuku sat next to him. Ben was already excited to continue their mission. "So, please tell me there's somewhere else we can get Sumo Slammer merch? I'm not in the mood to get chased by mall security again," he said.

Izuku pulled out his phone. "There's another store at a mall near the Endeavor agency... but we'll have to take another train to get there," he said.

The girl raised an eyebrow, eyeing them both curiously, but said nothing, already piecing together their nerdy vibe.

"You guys aren't seriously going all the way to some other store just for Sumo Slammer merch, are you?" she asked, her tone dry and almost amused.

Izuku blushed, his embarrassment clear as he fumbled for words. "W-Well... uh..."

Ben grinned at the girl's obvious judgment. "At least we don't eavesdrop on other people's conversations. That's kind of rude," Ben retorted, keeping his tone light, though a hint of sarcasm slipped through.

"Touché," she replied flatly.

"I'm Ben Tennyson," Ben introduced himself, his usual cocky charm coming through.

"I'm Izuku Midoriya..." Izuku mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper, blushing as he awkwardly waved. He was still adjusting to the idea of talking to a girl for the first time outside of school activities.

The girl raised an eyebrow, giving Izuku an appraising look. "And this is Izuku Midoriya," Ben added, gesturing to his friend.

Izuku awkwardly waved again, trying not to freak out. "H-hi..." he said, his voice squeaking slightly.

"Jirou Kyouka," she said, introducing herself in return. She glanced at them both before adding, "So, I'm assuming you're out of town?"

Ben chuckled. "That obvious, huh?"

"Well, you did give me your first name, so I figured it out," she said with a small smirk, but her voice was still as blunt as ever.

"So, where are you headed?" Ben asked, genuinely curious.

"To the mall," she replied nonchalantly. "Just need to get some new guitar strings."

"You play music?" Ben asked, leaning in slightly, his curiosity piqued.

"Yeah," she said simply, looking unbothered.

Ben grinned. "Well, if you want, you can join us on our quest for the Sumo Slammer store."

Jirou raised an eyebrow at him. "Really? A 'quest'?" She chuckled, clearly not buying into Ben's over-the-top enthusiasm.

"Yeah, got a problem with that?" Ben shot back with a smirk.

"No, I don't mind," she said, glancing at them both. "But if we're making a detour, I want to stop by the City of Gold first."

Midoriya blinked, confused by the sudden mention. "S-So, I guess that's a yes, then?" he asked, his voice still nervous but relieved to have confirmation.

Jirou nodded. "Yeah, you guys seem pretty cool," she said, crossing her arms with a slightly approving look.

Ben smiled, relieved. "Awesome, I think this might actually be a good day."

But his optimism was short-lived. The train car's atmosphere shifted dramatically as four masked, heavily armed men suddenly marched into the car, guns aimed at the passengers. People screamed in fear, and one of the men shot his weapon into the air.

The man's gunshot rang out with a deafening crack, the bullet ricocheting off the roof of the train car.

The sharp sound shattered the tensionless air, and a wave of panic rippled through the passengers, who instinctively huddled together in fear. The metallic sound of guns being cocked echoed.

"Try anything, and we won't hesitate to blow some brains out!" the man shouted, his voice cold and threatening.

Another masked man signaled to the tallest of his comrades. "Alright, tie them up!"

Ben's expression soured, the gravity of the situation hitting him all at once. He looked at the masked men and sighed internally.

'Correction, today's gonna suck'

Chapter 5: The Train

The teens were tied together using coarse rope and shoved toward the rear of the bullet train car with the other terrified passengers. The once-pleasant hum of the train was now overshadowed by the tense murmurs of hostages and the sharp commands of the hijackers.

Ben groaned as he struggled, squished between Jirou and Izuku. "Yep, this day's just getting better and better," he muttered sarcastically, wincing as the ropes dug into his wrists.

Izuku, in contrast, was muttering up a storm, his voice low but frantic. He seemed to be cycling through every possible scenario, listing pros and cons, potential pro heroes that would arrive, etc.

Jirou raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly toward Ben. "What's with your friend? Is he always... like this?" she whispered.

Ben smirked nervously. "Oh, you know, that's just Izuku. A living encyclopedia of worst-case scenarios."

Before Jirou could respond, one of the masked villains barked from the front of the car. "Oi! Keep yer traps shut, or I'll show ya what a bullet sandwich tastes like!" His gruff, croaky voice carried, and Izuku instantly stopped muttering, shrinking into himself.

Ben's eyes flicked to the next train car through the open door. His gaze caught sight of two villains fiddling with something on the walls. Their movements were methodical, and the faint sound of adhesive meeting metal reached his ears. A sinking feeling settled in his chest.

Leaning toward Jirou, Ben lowered his voice further. "Hey, Jirou. You see those guys in the next car? What're they up to?"

Jirou frowned, her earphone jacks twitching slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you've got super hearing, right? I'm guessing those jacks aren't just for show." He gave her a pointed look.

She scowled, her tone dripping sarcasm. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, genius." But despite her grumbling, she angled her earphone jacks subtly toward the other car, her brow furrowing in concentration.

Faint noises filtered into her heightened senses: the sound of metallic clicks, adhesive being pressed, and two gruff voices.

"Yeah, yeah, stick that one right there. We gotta finish settin' the bombs before we get close to Endeavor's building," one of the villains said in a deep, raspy tone.

Another voice, higher-pitched but no less menacing, chimed in. "The second this train hits his agency, boom. Everyone on board, gone. Everyone inside the building? Ashes. Betcha that hothead bastard won't see it comin'."

Jirou's face paled slightly as she relayed the information to Ben in a low whisper. "They're planting bombs. They aiming to blow everything up and I don't think they planning on negotiating."

Ben's jaw tightened, his mind racing. "Great," he muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A bunch of two-bit Bond villains with an actual Bond plan. Perfect."

Ben glanced down at the Omnitrix on his wrist, the green glow faint under the dim light of the train car.

He knew better than to use it here-especially here. Transforming in public, caught in the act, would be the worst possible move. The America government had been clear: one screw-up, and his chance to get his provisional hero license at U.A. would be gone. Worse, he'd be sent straight back to America to face the consequences for his past vigilante work.

His stomach churned at the thought, but the escalating danger in the train car kept him grounded.

As Izuku overheard the villains' plan, leaned in and whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "This is worse than I thought. Earlier, I saw on the hero news during lunch-there was an EVO attack nearby. Most of the local pros were called to the scene..." His voice dropped even lower as a grim thought struck him.

'And... All Might's time limit probably ran out already.'

Ben winced. "Great. So no cavalry."

He looked at the earphone jacks dangling from Jirou's ears, recalling how she'd extended them earlier. A spark of an idea formed in his mind, rough but promising. "Okay," he said, "I think I've got a way to get us out of this mess."

Jirou raised an eyebrow, her skepticism clear. "You've got a plan? Seriously? In case you missed it, they have guns. Probably quirks, too. This isn't some cartoon. We're better off waiting for the pros to save us."

Ben shook his head, his green eyes locked onto hers. "Look, I get it. But the pros aren't coming. Not in time, anyway. If we just sit here, we're toast. Trust me I gotta plan."

"And you want me to trust you? Dude, I just met you." Jirou's tone was sharp, edged with the frustration of someone cornered. "Midoriya, back me up here! Talk some sense into your friend!"

Izuku hesitated, his wide eyes darting between Ben and Jirou. His heart pounded in his chest, fear gnawing at him, but... there was something in Ben's determination that felt infectious.

"I-I mean," Izuku stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, "it... couldn't hurt to try... r-right?"

Jirou gave him an incredulous look. "Seriously?!"

Ben leaned closer, his voice calm but urgent. "Look, I know it's a lot to ask. But I've been in situations like this before." He paused, "If we play this smart, we can stop them before anyone gets hurt. I just need you to trust me, just this once."

Jirou glanced at the passengers huddled together, fear etched into their faces. She grit her teeth, her natural pragmatism warring with her gut instinct to stay put. Finally, she sighed in frustration."Fine."

Ben smirked.

"It's official. I'm gonna die on a train with crazy people," Jirou muttered under her breath, her tone laced with both panic and resignation. "Alright, Tennyson, what's the plan?"

"Simple," Ben whispered, leaning closer. "All I need is to reach my watch."

Both Izuku and Jirou glanced at the device strapped to his wrist. It didn't look like an ordinary watch-sleek, alien, and glowing faintly green. It practically screamed "not from around here."

"And then what?" they both asked in unison, their voices hushed.

Ben's smirk widened. "You'll see. Once I activate it, everyone will be safe. Trust me. My... uh, quirk is tied to this."

"Like a support item?" Izuku asked.

"Something like that," Ben replied casually. His gaze shifted to Jirou. "I noticed your... uh, earlobes-"

"Jacks," she corrected sharply, her frustration evident.

"Right. Earjacks," Ben continued, unbothered. "Can you use them to press the button on my watch? When the rings pop up, slam it down hard."

Both Jirou and Izuku exchanged a look, uncertainty etched across their faces. "And what happens after that?" Izuku asked hesitantly.

Ben's smirk turned into a grin, exuding confidence. "Blink, and you'll miss it."

Jirou groaned, clearly torn between skepticism and the lack of better options. "This is the dumbest thing I've ever done. If this gets me killed, I'm haunting you!"

"Deal," Ben replied with a wink.

With a resigned sigh, Jirou extended one of her earjacks, the cord-like appendage snaking carefully toward the watch's faceplate.

"Here goes nothing," she muttered, tapping the button with a soft click.

The Omnitrix's faceplate sprang open with a sharp whirr.

"Okay, now push it back down—quick!" Ben urged.

Kyoka gave a curt nod, her earjack darting in again. The moment it pressed the faceplate shut, the Omnitrix snapped closed—

and a blinding green flash burst out like a flash bomb, lighting up the room in an instant.

"What the hell is that?!" one of the villains barked, spinning toward the source of the light.

"What the hell is that?!" one of the villains barked, spinning toward the burst of green light.

Jirou shielded her eyes—

Then came a thunderous whoosh.

Ben was gone.

The ropes that had bound him lay in tatters. The space where he'd been was empty.

"What the—" a villain began, only to be cut off as his body was launched across the train car, crashing into the opposite wall with bone-jarring force.

The remaining villains froze, weapons trembling in their grip.

"Stay alert!" the leader barked. "Whatever that was—take it down!"

They raised their guns, aiming at the afterglow of the green flash—

But before a single trigger could be pulled, their weapons were yanked away in a blur.

The sound of snapping metal filled the air as firearms were shredded, pieces clattering uselessly to the floor.

"What the hell is going on?!" another shouted, panic creeping into his voice.

A split-second later, the train car exploded with motion. A deafening crack-crack-crack echoed as bodies were hurled off their feet one by one, slamming into walls, windows, and steel benches with brutal force.

"Where is he?!" a voice shrieked, cracking with fear.

The answer came in the form of a black-and-blue blur streaking through the car. It moved faster than the eye could follow, zigzagging between the villains with impossible speed. One by one, they dropped like flies, groaning in pain as they collapsed to the ground.

The largest thug tried to stand his ground—

Only to be smashed face-first into a window. The glass spiderwebbed under the impact before he crumpled, unconscious.

The car was a wreck, villains sprawled across it, groaning or out cold.

Then they heard a soft sliding sound, like a ball rolling across the floor. Their gazes snapped toward the center of the car.

In the center of the wreckage stood a sleek, velociraptor-like figure. Its tail swished behind it, and its glowing visor pulsed faintly as it surveyed the scene.

The passengers stared in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

The figure straightened, placing clawed hands on its hips.

"XLR8," the figure said coolly, sliding off his visor.

Izuku's breath caught, eyes widening in sheer awe. The vigilante standing before him wasn't just any hero—he was the fastest vigilante in America. Speeds clocked at over 500 mph in his debut year, and now? Rumors said he'd pushed past Mach 3, maybe even faster before his disappearance.

Izuku could hardly believe what he was seeing. Before him stood one of the most mysterious figures/Heroes to emerge in the last five years.

And that figure… was Ben?!

XLR8 tilted his head slightly, with a smirk Izuku could barely process it.

Before anyone could speak, XLR8 became a blur of black and blue streaks. A gust of wind ripped through the car, ruffling hair and scattering loose papers. In what felt like less than a heartbeat, the ropes binding every hostage snapped cleanly, falling to the floor in perfect slices.

"Wha-?" Izuku muttered, his brain struggling to catch up.

A few hostages gasped, their faces lighting up with recognition.

A man near the back of the car whispered, "It's him... XLR8. That vigilante from America... part of that gang of mutant vigilantes or something..."

A younger passenger frowned, confused. "Wait, XLR8? What's that? Who is this guy?"

Another, an older woman clutching her chest, added shakily, "I... I thought he was just some urban legend. Didn't they disappear a couple years ago?"

"H-How the hell did he turn into XLR8?"

Jirou, however, had no hesitation. She sprinted toward XLR8, "Holy shit, dude! That was... that was punk rock!" she exclaimed, "You took out those villains in the literal blink of an eye!"

XLR8 turned his head toward her, the reflective blue visor catching the dim light of the train. A smirk played across his face, his sharp teeth glinting faintly.

"Told you not to blink," he said with a smirk.

Izuku stumbled forward, still trying to piece his thoughts together. His heart was pounding in his chest as he pointed a shaky finger at the Omnitrix on XLR8's chest. "T-Tennyson... you're..."

XLR8 gave him a knowing look, his smirk widening. "Every single one of those alien heroes you've been geeking out about," he said, his tone playful but proud.

Before Izuku could respond, XLR8 slid his visor back down with a smooth motion. "Now, if you'll excuse me," he said with a low chuckle, "I've got some cleanup to do."

Both Jirou and Izuku jolted at XLR8's casual tone.

"Hold up—you're seriously going after those guys? Alone?" Jirou blurted.

XLR8 glanced at her, visor glinting. He gave an easy shrug. "Someone's gotta."

And in the next instant, a gust of wind marked his sudden movement to the far end of the train car. He was already crouched by the door, peering through the narrow window, eyes narrowing as he tried to make out the threats on the other side.

Jirou hesitated, shooting Izuku a look. Then, with a soft curse under her breath—"This guy's gonna get himself killed…"—she found herself moving. In a few strides, she crouched beside XLR8.

He tilted his head toward her sudden presence. "Jirou, what are y—"

"Shut up a sec," she cut him off, already plugging her earjacks into the wall panel. XLR8 blinked, confused, but didn't interrupt.

Moments later, she winced slightly as her sensitive hearing picked up the faintest sounds from the other car. "There are five of them," she said quietly, unplugging her jacks. "Two or three of them have guns."

XLR8's turned his head toward her, a smirk curling across his face. "Good to know."

Without hesitation, he gripped the door and peeled it open. The metallic screech caught the attention of the villains in the next car, all of whom snapped their heads toward him.

"Oi!"one of the villains barked, his scowl deepening. "A hero? What's he doing here?"

Another, a hulking man, stepped forward with a menacing grin. "Doesn't matter. Let's cut him down!" He raised a rapid-fire machine gun, the metallic click of the safety disengaging filling the air.

XLR8's smirk faltered for a split second as the villain opened fire.

The train car erupted in chaos. Bullets tore through the space in a deafening hailstorm, ripping into seats and ricocheting off the walls.

But for XLR8, the world shifted.

Time slowed to a crawl, each bullet hanging in the air like a raindrop frozen mid-fall. Panicked hostages, bound and trembling, looked locked in place, moments from certain death as the bullets-dozens of them-were heading straight for the passengers.

"Not on my watch," he muttered under his breath.

And then he moved.

A black-and-blue streak shot through the train car, zipping from hostage to hostage in a blur.

The first hostage vanished from their seat before the bullet could reach them, reappearing in the safety of the previous car. Then the second, then the third.

To the hostages, it was like teleportation. One second, they were staring at certain death; the next, they were in a completely different space, unharmed.

The bullets slammed into empty seats, shattering fabric and wood, but finding no targets. The villains stared in confusion, their weapons still firing as they tried to track the blur.

"What the hell is happening?!" one of them shouted, his voice cracking in panic.

Another villain screamed, "I can't see him! He's too fast!"

XLR8 didn't stop. He moved so quickly that the villains couldn't even comprehend what was happening until it was too late. Within seconds, all the hostages were safely out of harm's way.

The streak of color halted for a split second, revealing XLR8 standing at the center of the car. His visor glinted ominously as he cracked his knuckles. "Alright, boys. Now it's just us."

The villains barely had time to react before the blur returned, weaving between them. Guns snapped in half, their metal casings crumpling like paper under the force of XLR8's strikes. The villains' limbs twisted unnaturally as they were sent flying into walls, each blow landing with bone-shaking precision.

The hulking man with the machine gun raised his weapon again, but XLR8 was faster. He zipped forward, his claws slicing through the weapon's barrel in a clean cut. Before he spun and slammed the villain with his tail the villains head smashed into the ground before his eyes went white.

Before the man could process what had happened, XLR8 spun in a blur, his tail whipping through the air as it connected squarely with the villain's head, slamming him into the ground with a bone-jarring impact.

The man's head hit the floor hard, his eyes rolling back as unconsciousness claimed him in an instant.

By the time the blur stopped, all five villains were sprawled across the train car, groaning in pain.

Jirou and Izuku peeked out from behind the door, their jaws slack as they took in the scene.

Jirou was the first to speak, her voice trembling with a mix of awe and disbelief. "Holy shit. That... that was insane."

Izuku nodded slowly, still staring at the aftermath. "He... he saved everyone. In literal seconds."

XLR8 rolled his shoulders before vanishing in a blue blur, zipping to the next train car with Kyoka trailing behind as fast as she could. Her earjacks plugged into the walls, feeding him updates between breaths.

"Next car-four armed!" she called out.

"Got it!" XLR8's voice echoed as he blasted through the connecting door.

The moment he entered, chaos erupted. The confined space of the train car turned into a battlefield as bullets ricocheted off walls and seats. XLR8 zipped between them, the world moving in slow motion as he dismantled the villains. One moment, a gunman was aiming; the next, his weapon was shredded, and he was sent hurtling into the ceiling. Another villain swung wildly, but XLR8 ducked under the attack, sliding across the smooth floor before spinning to trip him with his tail.

Kyoka entered cautiously, her breath hitching as she saw bodies sprawled across the car, groaning in pain.

"Next car-three more, mutant quirk user included!" she yelled.

XLR8 nodded and darted forward, flinging the doors open. The mutant villain snarled, his body stretching like rubber as he tried to ensnare the speeding hero. But XLR8 zipped around him in tight circles, creating a disorienting whirlwind. When the mutant lunged, XLR8 slid under him, pivoting on one foot before delivering a spinning tail strike that sent the villain crashing into the wall, unconscious.

Kyoka jogged to catch up as XLR8 skidded to a stop, claws sparking against the metal floor. The train's rocking and constant motion made every move feel more precarious, but XLR8 didn't miss a beat.

By the time they reached the next car, XLR8 skidded to a stop, the balls of his feet sparking against the polished floor. Kyoka and Izuku jogged up, both slightly out of breath but still in awe of the carnage left behind.

XLR8 panted slightly, his visor glinting under the flickering overhead lights as Izuku stared at him with wide eyes.

"The message boards... they weren't exaggerating. You're just as fast as All Might in his prime," Izuku said, voice filled with awe.

XLR8 gave a small smirk. "Appreciate the compliment, but save the fanboying for later."

He zipped toward the far end of the car but came to an abrupt stop halfway, his body tensing. Kyoka and Izuku exchanged confused glances.

"Uh, Tennyson? What's the hold-up?" Kyoka asked, her tone sharp but laced with concern.

XLR8 raised a clawed hand, gesturing for them to stay back. His eyes narrowed behind the visor as the door to the next car began to bloat and bulge unnaturally. The edges glowed an ominous orange, and droplets of molten metal sizzled onto the floor like fiery raindrops.

"Move!"XLR8 shouted, vanishing in a blur.

Before Kyoka or Izuku could react, XLR8 zipped back to their side, scooping them up just as the door exploded off its hinges. Flames roared through the car, tearing through seats and engulfing everything in their path. The heat was suffocating, the air filled with the acrid stench of burning plastic and metal.

In the blink of an eye, they were crouched behind the door of the previous car, XLR8 keeping a sharp eye on the wreckage, while Izuku and Kyoka stayed close.

The sound of crackling flames and the smell of smoke filled the air, but before they could breathe a sigh of relief, a gruff voice echoed through the fire.

"Oi, oi, oi!" The man's voice was rough, each word laced with irritation. His breath came out in puffs of smoke. "The hell have you kids been doin', beatin' up my boys?"

XLR8 and Izuku exchanged a brief look, their minds racing with tactical options. XLR8's attention snapped to the doorway, watching as a lanky figure stepped into the scorched wreckage.

The man stood around 5'10", with dirty, coal-black hair and a massive burn scar covering the left side of his face.

The scar twisted like an angry mark, leaving his features marred and hardened, and for a split second, both XLR8 and Izuku thought of the infamous Two-Face from Batman.

The man stomped into the smoke-filled car, the remnants of the door still sizzling behind him.

"So, you the boss of these thugs?" Kyoka asked. She peered around the door cautiously, trying to get a read on the situation.

Izuku's eyes darted around as he analyzed their options-he couldn't rely on brute strength, not here. The air was thick with smoke and heat, making it harder to breathe.

The villain inhaled sharply, flames licking from his mouth as he sucked in air like a furnace. "Couple of kids?!" His voice cracked with disbelief, the words heavy with fury. "My boys were beaten by a bunch of bitch-ass kids?!"

lIzuku's body trembled, his heart hammering in his chest like a drum. The villain's fire breath scorched the metal door, causing it to tremble under the intense heat. His legs shook beneath him, threatening to give way as he tried to steady himself. Fear gripped him, his mind racing with the overwhelming sense that he wasn't ready for this-not yet.

XLR8 stood firm, his sharp gaze locked on the villain, but there was no hiding the tension in his posture. "Listen, knock off the Two-Face routine, give it up, or we'll have to get rough with you like we did with your boys," he called out, his tone steady, but there was a flicker of uncertainty beneath the bravado.

He couldn't afford to move too much in the cramped train car, not with the flames raging. If he tried anything too fast, he'd be reduced to ash before he could react.

Izuku, still shaken, noticed the edges of the metal door starting to give way under the villain's blast.

Another wave of fire shot through the car, illuminating the space with an orange glow that made the air feel even hotter. He clutched his arms around himself, trying to fight the panic that surged through him.

"You damn kids should've just stayed out of it," the villain growled, flames curling around his lips as he inhaled. "Could've had an easy death, quick and painless. But now? Nah. Now, I'm gonna make sure you all burn."

Izuku swallowed hard, his breath shaky, his mind racing to keep up. His legs were like jelly, but he had to hold it together-there was no way out now.

"So, you weren't planning on just taking the hostages and running?" Jirou asked, her voice steady, but there was a bite to it.

The villain snorted, smoke billowing from his nostrils as he grinned cruelly. "Nah, princess. We ain't here for no quick snatch and grab. We're here to make a damn statement. And bodies stacked high enough? That leaves a bigger point than you can imagine."

Izuku felt his stomach twist. His fingers tightened around his arms as his nerves started to overload. This wasn't just about fighting back-it was about surviving, about protecting everyone. He could barely breathe through the heat and smoke, but he couldn't let them down. Not now.

XLR8's eyes widened as he sensed something building, the intensity of the villain's flames escalating.

He didn't need to be told-the villain was about to unleash something catastrophic. The heat in the room seemed to double as the villain sucked in another breath, preparing to release the next deadly torrent of fire.

Izuku, driven by desperation, grabbed the edge of the burning door. His hands shook violently, but he managed to tear it from its hinges, the metal sizzling under his grip. His heart was pounding in his ears, but something inside him snapped into focus. He wasn't going to let this villain get the better of them-not when so many innocent lives were at stake.

"TENNYSON!" Izuku yelled, the words tumbling out before he even realized it. His voice was strained, full of urgency. The next blast was coming, and XLR8 needed to move.

In an instant, XLR8 grabbed the door with one swift motion, his fingers barely feeling the heat before the metal was ripped free. With the flick of his wrist, he held it like a shield in front of him, the edges glowing red from the intense flames. The villain's fire roared, the heat distorting the air around him, but XLR8 didn't hesitate. His legs coiled, and with a burst of speed that seemed to warp reality itself, he shot forward, his body blurring like a comet.

The flames tore through the air around him, but he didn't flinch. The door held firm as XLR8 blasted through the inferno and slammed into the villain.

With a sudden shift, he was on the villain in a blink, slamming the door against his massive chest. The force of the impact sent the villain flying back, his body crumpling against the scorched metal, before slamming to the ground with a sickening thud.

Izuku's breathing was ragged, his legs trembling, but the rush of adrenaline kept him upright. His hands, red and slightly blistered from handling the scorching metal door, trembled at his sides. XLR8 glanced at him, noticing the burns.

"Hey, good job, dude," XLR8 said, giving a thumbs up. His tone was casual, but there was an edge of sincerity in his words. Izuku blinked, surprised, before a small, nervous smile crept onto his face.

"Th-Thanks," he stammered, his heart still pounding.

Jirou, walking alongside him, patted his shoulder. "You didn't freeze up, Midoriya. That's more than most would've managed."

They stepped cautiously through the charred remnants of the train car, the air thick with the smell of scorched metal and smoke. XLR8 moved ahead, his keen eyes scanning for any remaining threats. They reached the door to the final car, the hum of the bullet train beneath their feet faintly audible now that the chaos had momentarily died down.

Jirou crouched and plugged her jacks into the wall, her face tense with concentration. Izuku and XLR8 stood nearby, both on edge. After a moment, Jirou unplugged and stood. "I think it's just the conductor," she said hesitantly.

XLR8 nodded. "Alright, let's finish this."

With a quick movement, he opened the doors and rushed inside, his body blurring into motion. The train car was eerily quiet, save for the hum of the train speeding along the tracks. XLR8 skidded to a halt, his eyes scanning the space. His gaze landed on a man tied to a chair in the center of the car, his mouth gagged with a strip of tape, his head hanging low.

Izuku and Jirou cautiously entered behind him. "Something's not right," Jirou muttered under her breath, her earjacks twitching. Her gaze darted around, unease prickling at her senses.

XLR8 stepped closer to the bound man. "Hey, don't worry, we'll get you-"

"Tennyson, wait!" Jirou suddenly hissed, her earjacks snapping upward like antennae. Her head whipped up, and her face went pale as she pointed to the ceiling. "Look!"

Izuku followed her gaze, his blood running cold. Taped to the roof of the car, stripped down to his underwear and visibly terrified, was another man. His uniform and conductor's cap left no doubt: this was the real conductor.

XLR8's eyes narrowed. "Aw, crap."

Before he could react, the bound man jerked his head up, his eyes burning with malice. The faint click of a mechanism echoed as the gauntlet on his hand hissed to life. With a guttural growl, he cocked his arm back and unleashed a devastating shockwave punch.

The force struck XLR8 with brutal precision, the air itself seeming to shatter around the impact. His lithe frame was launched like a ragdoll, crashing through rows of seats with an ear-splitting crash. Sparks and debris rained down as he skidded to a stop at the far end of the car, groaning as he rubbed his head.

Izuku's eyes darted to the gauntlet, his analytical mind kicking into overdrive despite his fear. "That gauntlet... Is it some kind of support item?"

The man stood slowly, his figure towering as he cracked his neck. His gauntlet hissed again, glowing faintly as he clenched his fist.

"You kids think you can just waltz in here and ruin my operation?" His voice was a guttural snarl, dripping with venom.

Jirou's heart pounded as she pulled Izuku back behind her. XLR8 staggered to his feet, shaking off the impact.

XLR8 groaned as he got back to his feet, brushing off some debris. "Should've seen that one coming," he muttered.

The villain chuckled, his gauntlet hissing faintly as he cocked his fist, sending a small ripple of energy through the air. "You should have, chico. But it's okay-you learn now, eh?" His voice each word dripping with mockery.

He tilted his head, stroking his chin as his sharp eyes locked onto XLR8. "So... what did you do to my men, hm? Left them in pieces, sí?"

"Oh, you know, nothing too dramatic," XLR8 said casually, shrugging as if discussing the weather. "They tried to kill me. I humiliated them. Left them wishing they'd picked a different line of work. You know, the usual."

The villain smirked, stepping forward with an almost lazy confidence, his movements unnervingly fluid. "Ah, muy interesante. A hero, no? One with speed, like un rayo." He motioned vaguely with his gauntlet, the glow intensifying for a moment. "We didn't think anyone could keep up with the train. Were you just a lucky passenger, or do you think you're fast enough to stop me?"

XLR8 took a step forward, his tail flicking behind him in irritation. "Fast enough? Buddy, I'm the fastest thing you'll ever see."

The villain raised a brow, his smirk widening. "Fast, sí... but predictable." His tone dropped, a dangerous edge creeping in.

His eyes seemed to shimmer as his Quirk activated, the world slowing in his perception. XLR8 shifted slightly, preparing to move, but the villain's focus was razor-sharp.

"You move before you think, chico. Every little twitch-your claws, your tail-it all tells me where you'll go." The villain raised his gauntlet, clenching his fist as it emitted a sharp hum. "And I see it all."

In a blink, XLR8 darted forward, closing the distance in a blur of motion. But before his claws could strike, the villain sidestepped, twisting his body effortlessly as if he had seen the attack hours ago. XLR8's claws raked through empty air, and the villain's gauntlet came down with a thunderous shockwave punch, sending the speedster skidding back into a row of seats.

"Carajo, so predictable," the villain mocked, shaking his head. "You think moving fast makes you untouchable? But speed without control, without thought..." He tapped the side of his head. "Is nothing."

XLR8 groaned, pushing himself upright again, but the villain was already closing in, his movements unnervingly precise.

Izuku and Jirou watched from the doorway, panic creeping into their expressions. Izuku's analytical mind raced, taking in the fight. "He's not just seeing XLR8 move-he's predicting his movements before they happen!"

Jirou's jacks twitched as she tried to process the situation. "Then how are we supposed to stop him?!"

XLR8 darted forward again, trying to outmaneuver his opponent. This time, he shifted directions mid-move, zigzagging unpredictably. But even then, the villain pivoted perfectly, sidestepping each attempt like a matador dodging a charging bull.

XLR8 skidded to a stop, his claws sparking against the floor as he steadied himself. His visor gleamed as he locked eyes with the villain, a determined grin spreading across his face. "So you can see all my moves, huh?"

The villain sneered, flexing his gauntlet-clad hand as faint ripples of energy coursed along its surface. "Sí. Your speed is nothing to me, chico. You're out of your depth. This is no place for niños." His tone was mocking, but his eyes were sharp, studying XLR8's every twitch as Izuku and Jirou instinctively backed away.

XLR8's grin widened. "We'll see about that." He shifted his stance, his claws digging into the floor for traction. Then, he inhaled deeply, his chest rising, making the villain raise a suspicious brow.

Without warning, XLR8 became a blur, spinning rapidly on the balls of his feet. The speed of his rotation sent powerful gusts rippling through the train car.

The howling winds grew in intensity, rattling the walls as the pressure increased. Windows shattered in a cascade of glass, and debris swirled through the air as the vortex took shape.

Jirou and Izuku pressed themselves flat against the wall, shielding their faces from the onslaught. The tornado filled the narrow space, roaring like a beast unleashed.

The villain braced himself, squinting against the violent winds as his feet slid slightly on the shaking floor. His eyes darted, struggling to keep track of XLR8's form within the chaos.

"Maldito velocista!" he spat, frustration flashing across his face.

The tornado surged forward, tearing through the car like a freight train. With a growl, the villain charged into the vortex, his gauntlet cocked back.

"You think this can stop me?!" he roared, driving his fist forward with a shockwave that disrupted the spinning winds for a split second. But his strike hit nothing but air.

His eyes widened in surprise, and before he could react, XLR8 dropped from above, claws glinting in the fractured light. With a speed too fast to track, XLR8 delivered a crushing right hook, the impact cracking through the car like a thunderclap. The villain staggered, his body crashing to the ground, but XLR8 didn't stop.

In one fluid motion, XLR8 blurred past him, his tail snapping out to grab both Izuku and Jirou. "Hang on!" he shouted, his voice almost lost in the roar of the tornado.

The vortex intensified as XLR8's speed funneled the winds, dragging the villain into its heart. His body slammed violently against the walls and ceiling, each impact echoing with bone-jarring force. Sparks flew from his gauntlet as he flailed helplessly, unable to predict or counter the relentless storm.

Finally, as the winds began to die down, the villain was hurled across the car, crumpling to the floor in a heap. Smoke and dust settled, revealing XLR8 standing tall, his tail flicking behind him as Izuku and Jirou stumbled to their feet.

XLR8 blurred into motion, closing the gap between him and the villain in an instant. Before the man could react, XLR8's tail coiled tightly around his torso, pinning his arms to his sides. "Jirou, Midoriya-get his gauntlets off! Now!"

Jirou blinked, her face heating up slightly at hearing her first name used so casually. He's American. It probably doesn't mean anything, she reminded herself, shaking off the thought. With a determined nod, she rushed forward alongside Izuku, both of them dodging stray kicks from the struggling villain.

The man snarled, thrashing against XLR8's hold. "Get off me, you damned lizard freak!" His voice was laced with fury, but the tightening grip of XLR8's tail forced a wheeze out of him.

"Yeah, no. You're not going anywhere," XLR8 quipped, his voice calm but firm as his tail tightened further, cutting off the man's air. "Better save your breath while you still can."

Jirou and Izuku closed in, their hands fumbling with the gauntlets. Izuku's fingers burned slightly as he gripped the hot metal, but he pushed through, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Jirou, pull here!" Izuku instructed, pointing to a latch on the side of the gauntlet.

"I see it!" she replied, her tone sharp as her jacks extended, helping her pry it open. With a loud snap, the first gauntlet came off, clattering to the floor.

The villain growled, trying to twist free, but XLR8 jerked him back with a sharp tug of his tail. "Keep struggling, big guy."

"Damn kids," the man spat, his voice hoarse from the constriction.

The second gauntlet finally came loose, and Jirou tossed it aside, wiping sweat from her brow. Izuku stumbled back, panting from the effort.

"Got 'em off!" Jirou shouted.

XLR8 grinned. "Perfect."

With a sudden burst of movement, XLR8 whipped his tail around, launching the villain like a cannonball.

The man slammed into the far wall of the train car with a sickening crack, the impact reverberating through the room. He crumpled to the floor, coughing up blood.

The villain groaned, slumping into a seated position. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, smearing blood across his face. "You win..." he muttered, his tone carrying a grudging respect. His head lolled back against the wall, his chest rising and falling heavily. "Beaten by a bunch of kids. The hell's this world coming to?" He let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head weakly.

XLR8 dusted off his claws, stepping forward. "Guess you didn't see that coming, huh?"

Izuku and Jirou exchanged a look, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins. For a moment, silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of the train car's faint hum.

"Alright, Izuku, Kyoka, can you get the conductor down?" XLR8 asked, glancing toward the man still taped to the ceiling.

Jirou's face turned crimson, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Uh, dude, maybe don't use a girl's first name so casually? It's kinda... embarrassing." Her voice was laced with a mix of annoyance and shyness.

XLR8 tilted his head, his visor reflecting her flustered expression. "Oh, sorry," he said nonchalantly, scratching the back of his neck with one claw. It was clear he didn't think much of it. "Forgot you guys take first names seriously."

"It is a thing," Jirou muttered under her breath, shooting him a glance before moving to help Izuku.

"Still don't get what the big deal is," XLR8 remarked as he approached the villain, his tone casual, almost conversational.

The villain chuckled weakly from where he slumped against the wall. "Ah, young love," he mocked, his gruff voice dripping with sarcasm. Slowly, he fished a lighter and cigarette from his pocket.

Izuku glanced back, frowning as he helped Jirou lower the conductor. "Uh, what are you doing?"

"Having a smoke," the villain replied nonchalantly, flicking the lighter to life. He inhaled deeply, the orange glow briefly illuminating his scarred face. "Might as well enjoy it, you know?"

XLR8's visor tilted slightly as he stepped closer. "Yeah, no. That's not happening," he said, ready to swipe the cigarette away.

The villain exhaled a cloud of smoke, smirking through his bloody lip. "Relax, kid. Just a last smoke."

"Last smoke?" Izuku repeated, his brow furrowing as a strange tension filled the air.

A faint, rhythmic beeping suddenly echoed through the train car. All heads snapped toward the source-the villain's belt, where a small timer blinked ominously in sync with the sound.

Jirou's jacks twitched, her expression morphing into horror as she detected faint electronic pulses reverberating throughout the train. "Wait... oh no. The bombs!"

see we've got about two minutes before it hits Endeavor's agency and-boom," the villain rasped, weakly gesturing with his hand as if mimicking an explosion.

XLR8 didn't hesitate. He grabbed the man by the collar and slammed him into the wall hard enough to make it groan. "Call it off. Now."

The villain coughed, blood dripping from his split lip as he let out a hoarse chuckle. "You really think they'd trust us with a dismiss code? Nah... this was always a one-way trip, kid."

XLR8's visor narrowed, his tail twitching with frustration before he slammed the villain into the wall one last time, knocking him unconscious. "Coward," XLR8 muttered, dropping him like dead weight.

"Oh, crap!" Jirou exclaimed, her jacks picking up the faint but insistent beeping sounds coming from every car. Red dots blinked ominously from the sticky bombs planted all around them. "They're everywhere!"

Izuku's eyes darted around in a near panic. "Tennyson, what do we do?!" he asked, his voice trembling.

"There's no way the heroes can get here in time!" Jirou added, her hands gesturing wildly toward the timer. The display glared back at them: 1:56... 1:55... "We've got less than two minutes!"

XLR8 took a slow breath, glancing at the countdown, then back at the others. "Alright," he said, flexing his claws and rolling his shoulders. His tone carried a determined edge. "This better work."

Before they could ask what he meant, he was gone in a blur.

The wind roared as XLR8 zipped through the cars, his movements too fast for anyone to track. In one motion, he grabbed Izuku and Jirou, depositing them in a safer car filled with hostages.

"Stay here!" he barked before disappearing again, his form nothing but a streak of blue blur.

XLR8 didn't stop moving as he scooped up hostages, villains, and even debris, relocating them into the rear cars. People cried out in shock as they were whisked away at impossible speeds, the world around them blurring before they realized they'd been moved.

"Stay here!" he barked to the hostages as he zipped away again, his tail whipping behind him.

Kyoka and Izuku stood pressed against the wall, cramped with people "What is he doing?!" Kyoka shouted.

Izuku's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. "He's... he's clearing the train!"

The train cars emptied one by one as XLR8 darted through, his body a blur of motion. He shoved villains and hostages alike into the final cars, stacking them tightly together. By the time he skidded to a halt, panting heavily, the rest of the train was empty, save for the explosives.

"What's your plan?" Jirou asked, her voice tight with urgency. Around them, murmurs of fear rippled through the rescued passengers as they stared at the blinking bombs.

XLR8 didn't answer immediately. Instead, he tore open the back door of the train car. The wind howled as it whipped past them, the outside world blurring in a dizzying rush. His visor caught sight of a helicopter hovering nearby, its cameras locked on the speeding train. A few pro heroes were on the ground, chasing the train as best they could, but they were nowhere near fast enough.

XLR8 glanced back at the frightened crowd. "Alright, women and children first!" he barked, his voice steady yet urgent. He raised his claws to quiet the growing murmurs. "This train's heading for an unintended destination-and we're making a quick evacuation."

The passengers froze, the weight of his words sinking in as their eyes darted to the flashing red lights and ticking bombs.

"You all need to get ready," XLR8 said, his tone more commanding now. "Stay calm, hold on tight to whoever's with you, and trust me. I'll get every single one of you out of here before this thing goes up."

A small child stepped forward, her wide, teary eyes staring up at him. She reached out and tugged on his tail hesitantly. "You're not going to throw us out, are you?" she asked, her voice trembling with innocence.

XLR8 blinked, then crouched down, his tail curling slightly to match her height. "Throw you out? Nah," he said with a reassuring smile. "XLR8 doesn't do that. I'm just gonna drop you off nice and safe. You'll barely even notice it happened." He winked, giving her a thumbs-up.

The girl's lip quivered, but she nodded, clutching her mother's leg tightly.

"That's the spirit," XLR8 said, standing back up and addressing the rest of the passengers. "Alright! Here's the deal: I'm running every single one of you out of here before we're blown to kingdom come. Stay ready, stay calm, and trust me. This'll all be over before you know it."

The murmurs turned into nervous nods as the crowd braced themselves, fear still etched on their faces.

XLR8 rolled his neck, stretching his legs and tail as he inhaled deeply. "Alright. Let's do this."

And in a blink, he was gone.

The mother and child barely had time to process the rush of air and blur of blue light before they found themselves standing on a sidewalk, the sound of distant traffic replacing the chaos of the train. The mother staggered, clutching her child tightly as she looked around in disbelief. "W-We're safe?" she stammered, still processing how fast it had happened.

Before she could even finish her thought, XLR8 was back inside the train, his claws already grabbing the next pair of passengers. The wind whipped through the cars as he darted in and out, a whirlwind of motion too fast for most to comprehend.

One moment, people were bracing against the walls of the train. The next, they were blinking in shock as they appeared safely on solid ground.

XLR8 didn't stop, didn't hesitate. The world was a blur around him, his focus razor-sharp. He scooped up an elderly man with ease, depositing him next to a couple he'd just evacuated. Another trip, another few passengers saved.

Inside the train, Izuku and Kyoka watched in stunned silence, the sheer speed and precision of XLR8's movements almost too much to follow. It was like watching a living lightning bolt, zipping back and forth faster than their minds could fully register.

Before the mother could even process what happened, XLR8 was back on the train, his tail brushing past her shoulder as he zipped through the cars. He darted between rows of seats, grabbing groups of passengers two, three, even four at a time. His claws gently hooked onto collars and sleeves, ensuring no one slipped from his grasp as he raced out and back in a matter of seconds.

The train remained a blur of motion, hurtling down the tracks at breakneck speed, but to XLR8, it was manageable. His world slowed as he moved in and out, clearing each car. With every trip, more people vanished from the train and appeared safely along the tracks.

"I don't believe it," the reporter gasped, clutching her microphone tightly as she leaned against the window of the news helicopter, the camera trained on the black-and-blue blur racing in and out of the bullet train below. "The Mustafu Bullet Train, hijacked by villains with ties to Overlord, is being evacuated-and not by a team of heroes, but by one man! Who is he?"

The cameraman adjusted the lens, his voice shaking as he tried to track the blur. "I-It hasn't even been a minute... and he's already rescued over 600 people?! How is this even possible?!"

The broadcast caught the attention of pro heroes and civilians alike, their breaths hitching as they watched the live footage in stunned silence. The blur streaked back and forth, moving too fast for the camera to track properly. Every second, another group of terrified passengers appeared on the safety of the tracks or sidewalks, far away from the doomed train.

The helicopter tilted slightly, providing a better view of the speeding train and the black-and-blue streak weaving through it. The reporter's voice cracked with excitement. "This could very well be the debut of a new hero-one who rivals even the greatest legends. Are we witnessing the rise of a future top-ten hero?"

The pilot glanced down at the chaos below. "He's doing what an entire team of heroes couldn't have pulled off in time... If this isn't hero material, I don't know what is," he muttered, adjusting the chopper's position for a better angle.

"Wh-Who..Who the hell is this guy?!" The camera man shouted.

In a blur, XLR8 dashed back inside the train, inhaling sharply as he caught his breath. His body ached from the constant movement, but he couldn't afford to slow down now.

Izuku's voice snapped him out of his focus. "Tennyson, are you okay?"

"Yeah... just... Yeah." XLR8 panted, trying to steady himself. The adrenaline coursing through his body helped him ignore the burning sensation in his legs and arms. He looked around the damaged train car, hearing the low hum of the train's engines sputtering.

Then, a sharp beep echoed through the train, followed by a loud, mechanical voice crackling from the speakers.

Beep... Beep... BOOM!

The first bomb detonated with a thunderous roar, shattering windows and tearing through the train's structure like paper. The shockwave rippled through the air, making the entire train jolt violently. Screams erupted as passengers were thrown off their feet.

The second explosion followed almost immediately, the force tilting the train dangerously to one side. The steel wheels screeched against the tracks before losing their grip entirely. Sparks erupted as the train began to tilt off the rails, its body groaning in protest.

XLR8 watched in slow motion, his advanced senses picking up every detail of the destruction. Flames engulfed the nearby cars, a wave of fire racing down the length of the train. Twisted metal and debris flew like deadly shrapnel, scattering in all directions.

He spotted the final group of passengers trapped in the last car, their terrified faces illuminated by the approaching inferno. XLR8's heart pounded in his chest. He had seconds-less than seconds-to act.

"Great... just what I needed," he muttered dryly, though his body was already moving.

The train tilted further, its weight pulling it off the rails completely. With a deafening crash, the front cars slammed into the ground, causing the entire train to buckle. One car after another crumpled like an accordion, the explosions ripping through each section.

XLR8 inhaled sharply, steeling himself for what was about to come. With a crackling sonic boom, he launched forward like a bullet, his movements invisible to the naked eye. The air itself seemed to ripple and scream in protest as he sped into the chaos.

Passengers and tied-up villains alike vanished in the blink of an eye, reappearing moments later, disoriented and gasping on the ground outside. XLR8 didn't stop. His legs burned like fire, the strain of his speed pushing him to his limits, but he kept moving, faster and faster.

Another BOOM echoed as he created another shockwave, the force knocking pedestrians off their feet and rattling nearby windows. The onlookers shielded their eyes as the blue blur streaked by, their faces turning to confusion and awe as rescued passengers seemed to materialize out of thin air.

XLR8 dashed back toward the wreckage, running vertically along the side of a nearby building, leaving cracked glass in his wake. He smashed through a window and barreled through the train as the explosions roared behind him, a wall of fire consuming everything in its path. Flames reflected off his visor as he zipped past them, his heart pounding like a drum in his ears.

Outside, the crowd covered their faces against the shockwaves, staring in stunned silence as XLR8 darted back and forth.

Another group was saved-then another. The speedster's legs screamed in protest, his body begging him to stop, but he didn't. He couldn't.

CRACK!

The ground shook as XLR8 skidded to a brief halt, stumbling slightly before straightening. He bent over, hands on his knees, his chest heaving as he sucked in desperate breaths. His black visor caught the reflection of the train collapsing off the rails, explosions rippling down its length like a fiery domino effect. The wreckage plunged toward the ground, a chain reaction of destruction that consumed the entire structure.

In the distance, cameras zoomed in, their lenses capturing the moment XLR8 straightened up. His tall frame cut a sharp silhouette against the inferno.

Then, the crowd held its collective breath.

Jirou. Izuku. The villain. Still in the train. Still in danger.

XLR8's balled feet scraped into the concrete, and his tail swished as he dropped into a runner's stance.

CRACK. CRACK. BOOM!

He was off.

The sound of his launch echoed like a cannon blast, shattering windows and forcing the crowd to shield their ears. The ground trembled as XLR8 tore through the street, moving so fast that the air around him fractured in concentric waves. He became a streak of blue light, a human missile screaming the street.

Inside the train, flames engulfed the walls as the final explosion began to tear it apart. XLR8 zipped into the crumbling car, the sheer force of his entry creating a miniature shockwave that extinguished some of the fire around him. In one smooth motion, he wrapped his tail around Jirou, scooped up Izuku with one clawed arm, and slung the unconscious villain over his shoulder with the other.

Time seemed to slow as the fire roared toward them, a tidal wave of destruction. XLR8's legs pumped furiously, propelling him forward just as the explosion reached the spot they had been. The force of the blast slammed into him from behind, but he didn't stop.

The shockwave carried him out of the wreckage like a comet, flames licking at his heels. His claws dug into the street as he skidded to a halt, shielding the others with his body. The force sent him tumbling into a parked bus, the impact denting the vehicle and nearly tipping it over.

XLR8 groaned as he leaned against the crumpled bus, his chest heaving, smoke rising from his frame. Jirou and Izuku stirred in his arms, coughing but alive.

The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, but XLR8 barely heard them.

"Just another day," he muttered to himself, standing tall despite the tremble in his legs.

The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing through the streets as XLR8 stood with Izuku, Jirou, and the villain in his arms, panting heavily from the intense exertion. The rescue had been quick, clean, and near-miraculous in its precision. For a moment, it felt like the world was still, frozen in admiration of the speed that had just saved countless lives.

Heroes from all across the area gathered near the wreckage, exchanging looks of surprise and impressed acknowledgment. Cameras flashed in rapid succession as journalists pushed forward to capture the scene. The air was thick with excitement, the buzz of excitement sweeping through the onlookers.

"Dude..." Jirou groaned, still dazed from the shockwave and the rough landing, clutching her head as she sat up on the bus. Her voice was barely audible over the rumbling applause of the crowd.

A woman from the crowd, her voice filled with awe, called out. "Can't believe you saved everyone! That was amazing!" She was joined by a few more enthusiastic fans, who snapped photos and waved at XLR8 from a distance.

Kamui Woods stood nearby, nodding thoughtfully as he admired the speed of the unknown hero. "Impressive. A new hero in town, huh?" His arms were crossed, but there was no mistaking the respect in his tone.

Death Arms, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow with a half-smirk tugging at his lips. "With that kind of speed, he might put all of us out of a job," he joked.

The laughter of a few nearby heroes confirmed the lightheartedness of his remark.

Mt. Lady, towering over the scene, was far less pleased with the turn of events. The cameras, which had mostly followed her and her usual heroic grandeur, now swiveled toward XLR8.

Her lips curled in annoyance, She straightened up, subtly puffing her chest as the crowd continued to cheer. Even if XLR8 had stolen her moment, she wasn't going to let that stop her from enjoying the attention. Her hand rested on her hip as she shot a quick glance at the cameras, giving them a smile that could melt ice.

"Don't mind me," she muttered under her breath with a slight huff, "Just another speedster trying to steal my spotlight."

The applause continued, the crowd's adoration for the new hero unwavering.

The cameras flashed faster as they zoomed in on XLR8, the unmistakable shape of the Omnitrix on his chest now captured in close-up.

News anchors and reporters began to call out, their microphones reaching for him as they tried to catch his attention, asking questions about his identity, his motives, and his origin.

XLR8 groaned as he tried to push himself upright, his legs trembling from exhaustion. The Omnitrix on his chest began to emit a loud, rhythmic beeping.

"Uh-oh," XLR8 muttered, trying to move, but his body betrayed him, too spent to react in time.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. BWOOO!

A brilliant red flash burst from the Omnitrix, illuminating the area and forcing the crowd to shield their eyes. Izuku and Kyoka flinched, raising their arms against the light. When the glow faded, the sleek, alien figure of XLR8 was gone. In his place stood a 15-year-old American teenager, looking around awkwardly. His expression twisted into one of dread as he realized just how much trouble he was in.

For a moment, silence hung in the air. No one moved. No one spoke.

A pedestrian finally broke the silence, his voice shaky. "Am I... Am I seeing things? He's... a kid?"

Another person gasped, their hand covering their mouth. "No way. That can't be right."

The murmurs spread quickly, disbelief thick in the air.

"Was that... XLR8? No... It's just some boy!"

"He's so young..."

"How is this even possible? That speed, that power-how could he do all this?"

The pros were no better, frozen in a mix of shock and confusion.

Mt. Lady's eyes went wide, her jaw slack. "He's a kid..." she whispered, staring at Ben in disbelief. "That's who saved everyone? That's who took down an entire train of villains?!"

Kamui Woods shook his head slowly, his voice low. "I... I don't believe it. This teenager... he was the one behind all of that?"

Death Arms stepped forward, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "You're telling me this kid moved faster than any of us, evacuated over six hundred passengers, and stopped a train full of villains? All in under a minute?"

"That's insane," another pro muttered.

The crowd's voices swelled as confusion and awe rippled through the onlookers. Pros exchanged glances, pedestrians whispered amongst themselves, and the tension was palpable.

Ben chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck as he backed away slightly, trying to make himself less of a spectacle. Izuku and Jirou had managed to stand, both glancing at him nervously, unsure of what to do next.

From within the crowd, a man squinted, his expression shifting from confusion to shock as something clicked in his mind. His eyes widened.

"O-Oh my god..." he muttered, his voice trembling.

Ben's stomach sank. He knew that look. He'd seen it before, and it always spelled trouble.

The man pointed, his voice growing louder. "I know you... I know who you are!"

Ben raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing nervously. "Uh... Gee, that's great, but, uh... You guys wouldn't mind handling the cleanup from here, right? I'll just, uh, head out-"

Before he could move, Mt. Lady stepped in front of him, folding her arms and glaring down at him.

"Oh no, you don't, brat," she said sharply, blocking his path. "Do you even have a hero license?"

Ben froze, his mouth opening and closing as he scrambled for an answer. "Uh... Yes?"

Her skeptical glare deepened as she glanced at Death Arms and Kamui Woods, who both shook their heads.

"Listen, kid-"

A loud gasp from the man in the crowd cut her off. Everyone turned to look as the man stepped forward, pointing at Ben with wide eyes.

"You're... You're all of them, aren't you?"

The murmurs stopped. The air grew still as the crowd processed his words.

"All of who?" Mt. Lady asked.

The man's voice trembled as he spoke, half in awe, half in disbelief. "You're America's infamous vigilantes."

A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.

"Wait, you mean those so-called heroes? The ones who tore through America fighting villains and saving people?"

"No way!" another voice exclaimed. "They were unstoppable! They outran police, outsmarted military traps, and took down some of the most dangerous villains in the country!"

"And you're saying... they were all this kid?"

The murmurs turned into a frenzy of voices.

"I remember hearing about them! They saved that bridge in San Francisco from collapsing-Four Arms fought that mutant freak, Kevin, wasn't it?"

"Didn't one of them melt create fucking fire tornade 30 feet tall? Flames hotter than Endeavor's, they said!"

"Yeah, and wasn't one of them strong enough to go toe-to-toe with one of America's top ten heroes? Wrecked him in broad daylight!"

"And don't forget when the literally took on military force SACT was it?"

The crowd's shock turned to a mix of awe and fear as the pieces fell into place. Ben gulped, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead as the pros began to close in, their expressions unreadable.

The cameras zoomed in on Ben, their lenses capturing every detail of his face. He could feel the weight of countless eyes fixed on him, their collective gaze boring into his very soul.

His stomach twisted, a knot of anxiety forming and spreading as the reality of the situation began to sink in.

"Aw, man..." he muttered under his breath.