Chapter 86: CounterAuthor: Geraint
As Ichika ran out of the alleyway, he quickly pulled up his hood and launched a flying kick at a large villain covered in rock.
<
"Uugh!!"
The villain collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"A kid…?"
Seeing the situation resolved, Ichika immediately fled before anyone could recognize him.
Just as he passed by a nearby building, he sensed a killing intent—and the structure suddenly exploded.
"Huh?"
BOOOOOOOM!!!
Reacting instinctively, Ichika shouted:
"Shazam!"
A bolt of lightning struck from the sky and hit him—but at the same time, a powerful shockwave blasted through the area, demolishing multiple buildings.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
A man emerged from the rubble, clapping slowly. He wore a suit and an industrial mask that obscured his face.
"You reacted well. As expected from the fearsome Captain Falcon."
Ichika rose from the debris, still in his child form. Blood trickled from his head, and his bruised body was barely covered by his ripped jacket. Only his pants remained intact.
"You sneaky old bastard," he muttered, his glare fierce.
"Is that any way to speak to your real father?" the man chuckled.
"Sorry, All for One—but the only man I consider my father is All Might. You lost that right long ago."
"Oh, don't worry. I don't want your affection. I only want your Quirk. I'm taking it back."
"It was never yours to begin with."
All for One's arm enlarged, aiming his palm toward Ichika.
"Shazam!"
Lightning shot from the sky again—only to suddenly veer away, avoiding Ichika entirely.
"Huh?"
"I came prepared, Falcon."
Ichika glanced up and spotted Nine standing atop a building in the distance.
"I see… so you really are useful against me," Ichika muttered. "I'm impressed."
Despite the situation, Ichika remained calm.
"What now? Ready to submit?"
"No… you should be the one submitting."
"All this arrogance, even when cornered."
"It's not arrogance. I love this kind of thrill—the kind of fight where I can lose. It makes me feel alive."
Ichika casually removed the weights from his arms and legs.
Thud!
The ground trembled beneath the heavy mass.
"What?!"
All for One was stunned. Every weight Ichika dropped sent vibrations through the earth.
"Let's end this. I'm tired of hearing that you're still breathing."
"Tch. I never liked you, Falcon!"
"Trust me. I'm very happy not to be liked by you."
As All for One prepared to unleash a shockwave, Ichika suddenly vanished.
Thud!
"Ugh!"
Ichika reappeared behind him, delivering a powerful strike.
<
"I... I miscalculated…" All for One murmured, stunned.
Ichika charged again, his fist blazing with fire and lightning.
"Falcon—"
But as he threw his punch, his arm disappeared into a black void.
"What the—?!"
All for One had warped space using Kurogiri's Quirk, and his own arm had transformed into a chainsaw.
Ichika tried to pull back, but it was too late.
RIP!!
All for One slashed off Ichika's right arm.
"AAARRRGHH!!"
Ichika screamed, falling to one knee, his vision hazy and pale from blood loss.
"Damn… I really messed up. I forgot about Kurogiri's ability…"
"You'll die in minutes from the toxin. Any last words?"
Despite the pain and hopelessness, Ichika smiled—a terrifying, cold grin that froze All for One in place. For the first time in a century, he felt fear.
All for One stepped back instinctively.
Ichika swung his left fist in a heavy counter and smashed it into All for One's chest.
Thud!
"Ugh!"
All for One was sent flying.
Ichika rushed forward, leaping high above his enemy.
"Heel of Shame!"
His axe kick crushed All for One's face, shattering his mask.
BOOM!
Ichika landed on his chest, staring down with cold, unwavering eyes.
"We're going back to hell, All for One."
"Uuuuugh—"
"FALCON!!" All for One screamed.
"Ugh… aaah…"
Ichika suddenly vomited blood.
"This is… my final trump card… All for Nothing…"
All for One's eyes widened in horror as he sensed a strange power surging from Ichika's severed arm.
"W-What is that?!"
"Take this—Dragon Shell!!"
Ichika's severed arm erupted in blue flame and regrew. He slammed his new right fist into All for One's face.
BOOOOM!!
The ground shattered, massive cracks spreading around the impact zone.
Ichika raised his fist again, now imbued with lightning and fire.
"This time, I'll make sure you stay dead."
"Falcon Punch!!"
BOOM!
All for One's body stopped moving—but Ichika wasn't finished.
"Falcon Punch!"
BOOM!
He pulverized the villain's head.
"Not enough…"
BOOM!
Another blow. Ichika vomited more blood but refused to stop.
BOOOM!
As he raised his fist one more time, a hand grabbed his wrist.
"Huh?"
Through his blurry vision, he recognized the person he admired most—not just a rival, but a father.
"Dad…"
"Ichika!"
All Might caught him as he collapsed.
"Are you okay?! Speak to me!"
Ichika forced a weak smile.
"Looks like… I'm out of extra lives, Dad…"
"Don't say that! I'll get you to the hospital—hang in there!"
All Might lifted him and ran, ignoring All for One's motionless body.
Best Jeanist and other Pro Heroes arrived moments later.
"Leave the rest to us! Go—get Falcon to the hospital!"
"Thank you!"
All Might sprinted with all his strength.
On the way, Ichika tried to stay conscious.
"It's useless, Dad… I won't make it."
"Don't say that! We're almost there!"
All Might was panicking.
"Dad… I leave everything… to you."
"Ichika!"
"Tell Rumi I love her… haha… I-I'm being greedy in my last seconds… I love everyone in Might Tower… our home. Tell them… I'm sorry…"
Ichika lost consciousness. His body fell limp in All Might's arms.
"ICHIKA!!"
At the hospital, doctors rushed to check him. Their faces fell.
"I'm sorry, All Might," one said softly. "He's already… gone."
"…No."
All Might collapsed to his knees as grief overtook him.
A doctor placed a hand on his shoulder as he mourned.
(To be continued.)
A/N: I'll fix my mistakes later.