Chapter 21: Chapter 20 The Last Day
As All Might stood tall, his trademark grin plastered across his face, both Midoriya Izuku and Akira felt a sense of anticipation mixed with unease. The proposal of teaming up against the legendary Hero seemed both thrilling and intimidating.
"All Might, are you sure about this?" Akira asked cautiously. "You're not exactly… someone easy to go up against, even for two people."
All Might chuckled, his booming laughter echoing through the training area. "Nonsense, boy! This is the perfect opportunity for both of you to grow. Remember, a Hero must always be prepared to face challenges greater than themselves."
Midoriya clenched his fists, determination flashing in his eyes. "If this is the kind of training it takes to be a true Hero, I'm ready!"
Akira smirked, his confident demeanor returning. "Alright then. But don't complain if you end up with sand in your hair."
All Might pointed to the training field. "Let's not waste time. Show me what you've got!"
---
The trio moved to an open area specially designed for intense training sessions. The ground was reinforced to withstand the devastating impacts of Quirks, and the surrounding walls were lined with shock-absorbing materials.
Midoriya and Akira stood side by side, strategizing briefly.
"Midoriya, you're still struggling with controlling *One for All*. Try to focus on smaller bursts of power instead of going all out," Akira advised, his tone calm and measured.
Midoriya nodded, his expression serious. "Got it. What about you?"
"I'll distract him with my sand. You look for openings. If we work together, we might actually land a hit," Akira replied confidently.
"Begin!" All Might announced, his voice commanding.
---
Akira wasted no time. He raised his hand, summoning a swirling wave of sand from the ground. The grains moved with precision, forming into a massive hammer that swung toward All Might with incredible force.
All Might dodged effortlessly, his speed far surpassing what either of them had anticipated. "Good! But you'll need to be faster than that!"
Meanwhile, Midoriya charged forward, activating *One for All* in his legs. He leapt high into the air, aiming a kick at All Might's midsection.
All Might raised his arm, effortlessly blocking the attack. "Not bad, Midoriya boy, but your movements are still too predictable!"
Midoriya landed and stumbled slightly, but Akira was already in motion. Using the momentary distraction, he sent a flurry of sand tendrils toward All Might, attempting to bind him in place.
"Oh?" All Might's smile widened as he flexed his muscles, breaking free from the sand restraints with sheer strength. "Clever, but not enough!"
---
The battle continued, with Akira and Midoriya trying to outmaneuver their mentor. Akira's Sand-Sand Fruit abilities provided excellent crowd control, while Midoriya's bursts of *One for All* added unpredictability to their attacks. However, All Might's experience and raw power kept him one step ahead.
"Focus on timing!" Akira shouted as he launched another attack. This time, he created a sandstorm to obscure All Might's vision. "Midoriya, now!"
Through the swirling sand, Midoriya appeared, his arm glowing with the energy of *One for All*. He aimed a punch directly at All Might's chest.
But All Might anticipated the move, sidestepping at the last second and grabbing Midoriya's arm mid-punch. "Not bad, but don't telegraph your attacks!"
As Midoriya was thrown gently to the ground, Akira took the opportunity to strike. He condensed his sand into a sharp spear and hurled it at All Might, aiming for his blind spot.
This time, All Might had to use more effort, twisting his body to avoid the projectile. "Now we're talking!" he exclaimed.
---
After an hour of intense sparring, All Might finally called the session to an end. Both Midoriya and Akira were exhausted, breathing heavily as they collapsed onto the ground.
"Well done, both of you!" All Might said, his voice full of pride. "You've shown excellent teamwork and growth. Keep this up, and you'll both be incredible Heroes someday."
Akira wiped sweat from his forehead, a satisfied grin on his face. "Thanks, All Might. But next time, we'll actually land a hit."
Midoriya nodded, his determination undeterred despite the setbacks. "I'll work harder! I'll master *One for All*!"
All Might placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "That's the spirit. Remember, the path of a Hero is filled with challenges, but with effort and heart, you'll overcome them all."
As the three left the training field, the weight of tomorrow's Hero entrance exam hung in the air. For Midoriya and Akira, this was just the beginning of their journey to becoming true Heroes.