ALL NOVEL Chapter 60: Chapter 55
"Aren't you worried at all?" Hirayama Yuta turned to look at Akira.
Akira chuckled. "Worried? Of course, I'm worried. But I believe he'll be fine."
Akira deeply believed in his statement. Originally, Midoriya Izuku was destined to be the protagonist of this world. Akira's presence had caused subtle changes, but Midoriya's innate luck and determination remained unshaken.
On the ring, Midoriya Izuku looked timid, his unease obvious. The crowd around the stage murmured loudly.
"Isn't this kid a high schooler?" a spectator questioned in disbelief.
"My daughter's his age. What's he doing here?"
"How did someone like him even get in?" another chimed in.
Someone in the audience explained, "Minors aren't supposed to be here, but it's not hard to get in with a referrer. I've seen a few high school students here recently."
Listening to the chatter, Akira suddenly remembered why someone like Himiko Toga could easily show up in a place like this. She must have connections or was brought in by someone influential.
Midoriya stood on the brightly lit ring, squinting into the intense light that contrasted sharply with the dark audience area. He couldn't see the crowd but could clearly hear their voices.
While he pondered, his opponent, Hotaishan Da, entered the ring.
"Kid, don't you know stepping into this ring might cost you your life?" Hotaishan said with a grin that felt anything but friendly.
Midoriya, standing firm, responded, "Please guide me well."
Hotaishan laughed mockingly. "I won't kill you. You should just step down now and go crying to your mom."
While quirks in this world weren't judged solely by age, Hotaishan assumed Midoriya's power couldn't be that impressive, given his apparent inexperience.
Akira watched closely. While this challenge seemed premature, he believed the experience would be valuable for Midoriya.
Midoriya suddenly launched the first attack. Without activating One For All, he relied on his physical strength. He needed to learn how to control his power to avoid injury.
Hotaishan, caught off guard by the sudden move, scowled. "You brat! You'll regret this."
Midoriya's punch landed on Hotaishan's arm, which instantly expanded like a shield. The strike had no effect.
"Tickling me now?" Hotaishan sneered, charging toward Midoriya.
Midoriya quickly realized Hotaishan's quirk was *fat accumulation*, allowing him to enlarge and shape his body fat into defensive or offensive forms.
Suddenly, Hotaishan's arm transformed into a giant hammer, swinging down toward Midoriya with destructive force. Instinctively, Midoriya dodged, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. But Hotaishan's follow-up punch sent him flying dangerously close to the electrified cage surrounding the ring.
Akira tensed. If Midoriya hit the power grid, he'd be incapacitated instantly.
"I think this is getting dangerous. Are you sure this was a good idea?" Hirayama Yuta whispered nervously.
Akira didn't flinch. "It's risky, but sometimes the only way to grow is through adversity."
On the ring, Hotaishan raised his massive hand again, aiming to grab Midoriya. "Enough running, kid. It's over."
Midoriya, breathing heavily, clenched his fists. His fear began to melt away, replaced by resolve. If he didn't use One For All, he'd be caught and possibly killed.
As Hotaishan's hand reached for him, Midoriya suddenly lunged forward, channeling his power carefully into his fist. He struck with precision.
Hotaishan's face contorted in shock as his arm fractured under the force. The thick fat he'd accumulated was useless against the concentrated blow. The impact hurled Hotaishan backward into the electrified cage. Sparks flew as his body convulsed from the shock, and moments later, he collapsed unconscious, smoke rising from his body.
The audience erupted into cheers and gasps of astonishment.
"Well done!" Hirayama Yuta exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
Akira smacked the back of Hirayama's head. "What are you cheering for?"
"What? What'd I do?" Hirayama protested, rubbing his head.
"You bet on Midoriya winning, didn't you?" Akira asked, smirking.
Hirayama hesitated. "Uh… maybe a little?"
"How much?" Akira pressed.
"Not much… just 50,000 yen."
Akira raised an eyebrow. "How much *exactly*?"
"… 100,000 yen," Hirayama finally admitted.
Akira chuckled. "So confident, huh?"
Meanwhile, Midoriya stared at his hand in astonishment. For the first time, he felt like he was beginning to grasp the true essence of controlling One For All. His victory wasn't just about defeating his opponent—it was a step closer to mastering his power.