Most of the people who stepped forward were recently well-known Pro Heroes:
the "Dragon Hero" Ryukyu, the "Strong Shield Hero" Don Last, and the "Armored Hero" Gaimusha.
Among them, Ryukyu was originally ranked among the top Heroes. The moment she appeared, she drew countless eyes.
"Wow, isn't that Ryukyu? I heard her Quirk lets her turn into a massive dragon!"
"Strong Shield Hero Don Last… I've heard of him for years. Didn't expect to actually see him in person!"
"Tsk, tsk… so many Heroes gathered at once. Looks like Shina Etsuha really is a dangerous monster."
Even members of the League of Villains and the Hassaikai shrank back slightly—they clearly recognized the Heroes who had stepped forward.
One observer muttered to himself, "Ryukyu… the ninth-ranked Hero, along with those other two rising stars… This time, it's inevitable."
Shigaraki Tomura narrowed his eyes.
"So many Quirks…"
Moonfish trembled beside him. "My lord, please remain calm!"
Shigaraki Tomura had grown at an astonishing rate. Unlike One For All, which required careful cultivation, the dominance of All For One was overwhelming. After several days of taking Quirks for himself, he was now far stronger than before.
Even in the past, his strength had been considerable—he had been capable of holding his own against Shouta Aizawa using his Quirk alone. But now, after fully adapting to All For One, his power had reached an entirely new level. His growth was so rapid that even his own allies felt a trace of fear.
"Of course I know," Shigaraki Tomura sneered. "Is the Nomu prepared?"
"Everything is ready," Moonfish replied in a low voice. "Kurogiri is on standby. Hosu City is about to receive quite the surprise."
"I see."
Shigaraki Tomura nodded, a cruel glint flashing in his eyes.
All Might…
Now that you're here in Hosu City, you'd better be ready to accept the 'gift' I've prepared for you.
"All Might, let us assist you in eliminating this kid."
Ryukyu spoke coldly as she stepped forward, standing beside All Might.
"This… Miss Ryukyu, perhaps I should handle this alone?" All Might hesitated, clearly troubled.
He hadn't come here to defeat Etsuha.
His real intention had been to talk—to find a way to bring him back.
In fact, All Might even had a second plan.
He would deliberately hold back… allow Etsuha to escape… then pursue him afterward and talk things through in private. If necessary, he could later claim that Etsuha had been accidentally killed in battle.
As long as he controlled the narrative, the outcome could be managed.
But what he hadn't expected…
…was for so many Heroes to appear behind him.
Now, his plan had become much harder to execute.
"This is an official order," Ryukyu said sharply. "All Might, what's there to hesitate about? Let's attack together and take him down immediately!"
Don Last added, "That's right. I just spoke with Endeavour—his Quirk has been completely destroyed. I don't know what method Shina Etsuha used, but anyone capable of that… cannot be trusted!"
Gaimusha said nothing, but his killing intent locked firmly onto Etsuha. His stance made it clear—he was ready to strike at any moment.
Etsuha, however, remained silent.
"Move!"
Ryukyu's eyes sharpened. The wing-like structures at the sides of her head expanded rapidly, and her body transformed midair, taking the form of a massive dragon.
At the same time, Gaimusha charged forward.
Clad in a full suit of metal armor, he moved with surprising speed. With a loud shout, he closed the distance in an instant.
"Armor Shock!"
He poured all his strength into the attack, aiming to slam into Etsuha and send him flying.
But Etsuha didn't even try to meet him head-on.
The moment he sensed the charge, he stepped lightly—frost instantly spread across the ground.
Gaimusha's footing slipped.
Before he could react, he lost balance completely—
Bang!
He slid forward in an awkward sprawl, ending up right in front of Etsuha.
Before he could recover—
Etsuha kicked him.
Gaimusha was sent flying, rolling across the ground like a discarded object.
At that moment, Ryukyu descended from above.
Her massive claws swept down, generating a powerful gust of wind. Cold light glinted at her fingertips as she struck.
"…What a weak dragon."
A trace of disdain flashed in Etsuha's eyes.
Ryukyu's dragon form was imposing—but largely superficial. While her raw strength might exceed his slightly, her movements were far too clumsy. In real combat, that was a fatal flaw.
Facing the enormous claw, Etsuha activated the Body Flicker Technique.
In an instant, he appeared above Ryukyu's head.
Bang!
No one—except All Might—could clearly see what happened next.
Etsuha's kick landed.
Ryukyu's massive dragon form was blasted backward like a cannonball. A visible dent appeared on her head—shaped like a footprint.
"GRAAAH!!"
Ryukyu let out a pained roar, her body trembling from the impact.
Even she had been overpowered in a single strike.
"…Looks like it's my turn."
Seeing this, All Might knew he could no longer stand by.
The moment Ryukyu was knocked away, his speed exploded.
With a thunderous boom, his massive figure cut through the air like a streak of light—
—and appeared directly behind Etsuha.
"So fast!"
The crowd gasped.
All Might had vanished from sight entirely. No one present could follow his movement.
"Etsuha, listen," All Might whispered quickly, his voice low and urgent. "In a moment, pretend to lose. I'll send you flying—use that chance to escape!"
Then, raising his voice, he shouted:
"TEXAS SMASH!!"
—Puff!
The "Etsuha" in front of him instantly transformed into a log of wood.
All Might: "…"