"Fight me. For real."
It was the evening of the day we finished the entrance exams. The boy who lives across the street—my "lackey"—had come to pick a fight, wearing a look of grim determination. Only his eyes remained defiant, though he seemed to have lost a bit of his usual composure. He stood there, palms crackling with small explosions. You fool, you'll be hauled off if someone reports that. Honestly, what a handful…
Normally, I would have said, "Very well! I accept!"
However, life is rarely that simple. I was expected home as the guest of honor for something called an "Exam Celebration Party." When I'd returned from the testing site, my parents and Himiko were already busily preparing. I couldn't just brush that aside. My father and mother were ready to start, and Himiko had baked a massive cake for the occasion. It was covered in a mountain of strawberries; I knew it would be delicious. Truth be told, I was itching to get inside and devour that cake.
"I refuse. I am busy today."
Standing at the front door, I gave Bakugo my answer. I felt a pang of guilt—I do like to indulge a child's request when I can—but Himiko had priority. She was first in line. Had he asked a little earlier, I might have humored the boy, but alas.
"Hah? What'd you say?"
"We are having a party. It cannot begin without me. Give it up for today."
If he could have accepted that, I might have rescheduled. But I knew this one wasn't the type to settle for "later."
"I won't take up much of your time. Fight me, you damn midget."
"Hah?"
I thought he'd grown a bit more civil lately, but I see how it is.
Was his quiet behavior since spring merely because he was a student focusing on exams? The moment the tests are over, he reverts to this? I had hoped that after being rescued during that sludge incident by Midoriya—the boy he looked down on—he might have reflected on his own conduct. I see I was mistaken. You still intend to carry on with that attitude, do you?
Fine. Middle school graduation is fast approaching. Before this boy becomes a high schooler, I shall beat some sense into that spirit of his.
"If you're looking for a fight, boy, I shall provide it."
"…Heh. You should've just said that from the start. Follow me."
"Very well. …Oi! I'm stepping out for a moment! Forgive me, but start without me!"
I shouted into the house so they wouldn't be alarmed by my sudden disappearance. At least this way they won't worry. The lackey said he wouldn't take much time, and I have no intention of dallying myself.
I shall crush him in an instant. Explosions or whatever else, I care not. You don't scare me in the slightest, you brat.
◆
Listen here, you wretch. You told me you wouldn't take much time, yet here we are boarding a train. You're mocking me. You are wasting a significant amount of my time.
Perhaps I should have beaten some sense into him from the very beginning. I thought he was improving naturally, but to challenge me now? His head is still full of cobwebs. I feel utterly swindled.
…And where exactly are we, lackey? What? The base of Mt. Fuji? The Sea of Trees?
You brat… bringing me to a place like this. It's already gone dark.
"So, what is it you want to do, dragging me all the way out here?"
"…Isn't it obvious? I'm here to settle things with you."
"Anywhere would have sufficed. The local park would have done just fine."
"If we did it there, someone would've stopped us. I want to go all out."
So he chose a place where no one would see. I suppose it can't be helped. He doesn't know how to cast a "Curtain," after all. If he used his Quirk in public, he'd be reported immediately and it would become a police matter—or a "Hero" matter.
His Quirk is a flashy thing. Explosions erupting from his palms and all that.
"Tell me, boy. Why do you want to fight me so badly?"
"…Before I get into U.A., I have to know. I have to know if I can actually beat you. I'm sick and tired of being called a 'lackey' and a 'boy' by someone like you…!"
"You are no match for me. Give up on graduating from those titles."
It is his business if he wants to win against me. It is his business if he wants to challenge me. I won't stop him. But can this boy not read the room? Does he not realize he needs to be humbled before he can truly understand the gap in our strength? I didn't think he was that much of a fool… but perhaps I overestimated him.
"---Just how much..."
"What is it? Why is your voice trembling? Are you cold?"
It is still winter, after all. Being cold is only natural. But unlike me, he's dressed in heavy layers. I, on the other hand, have been freezing for some time now. My hands are like ice. Boy, give me that warm jacket of yours. You are my lackey, after all.
"JUST HOW MUCH ARE YOU GONNA LOOK DOWN ON ME, YOU BITCH?!"
"…Don't raise your voice. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. That is precisely why you are still a 'boy.' At this rate, you'll never graduate from being a lackey."
"WHA—?!"
"I apologize for neglecting your training while I was busy with my own studies. You are my subordinate, after all. I should have looked after you properly…"
In the end, despite making him my lackey, I hadn't really done anything for him. I had transferred just before spring break, and once that ended, it was nothing but studying. And since he had been quiet since the sludge incident…
Hmph. This is no good. I prioritized my own affairs and neglected the child. I suppose I shall play along to his heart's content today. The party and the cake will just have to wait.
"Very well. Consider this a reward for your service. Come at me, boy. I shall show you the true difference in our power."
"That was my plan from the start, you damn midget!!!"
Ho? He uses his explosions to propel himself? A decent amount of momentum.
"DIEEEE!!!"
Ah, that big right swing is a mistake. It would be easy enough to dodge or block, but… let's see.
I think I'll take this one head-on.
Cough. It's quite smoky. And loud. And bright. I suppose that's to be expected when a large explosion goes off right next to one's face.
"---Huh?"
Don't stop moving just because your attack didn't work. I am virtually unscathed. I reinforced myself with Cursed Energy at the moment of impact.
With my current reserves of Cursed Energy, the damage I take can be kept to a minimum. Conversely, the damage I deal can be maximized.
"Have you had enough? This is the gap between us. As long as you remain on that side, you will never defeat me."
That was the first time I'd ever taken a direct hit from a Quirk. It seems Cursed Energy blocks them just fine. Though, my cheek is a bit singed and my hair is a mess. Himiko and my parents are going to be furious. This really does look like I've been in a common brawl.
"What now? Do you wish to continue? If so, I'll play with you as long as you like."
"Tch… damn right I'm continuing!!"
Good. His fighting spirit hasn't wavered. He isn't the type to break easily. He's the type who will keep challenging the wall until it gives.
The only shame is that his strength doesn't quite match his willpower yet. If he could learn to handle Cursed Energy, he'd make a fine sorcerer.
Now, boy. I'll keep you company until you give up. Ah, I suppose I should drop a "Curtain." If those explosions keep going off, people are bound to come looking.
Afterward, I continued to take his explosions until the boy could no longer move. It took quite a long time for him to admit defeat. By the time we finished, it was very late. Furthermore, the kimono I was wearing was scorched and torn—a total disaster.
Returning home so late in such a state naturally led to a severe scolding. The house across the street was in an uproar as well; the boy had persisted until his palms were literally bleeding.
Oi, Himiko. Don't cry. I'm perfectly fine. Though my Cursed Energy has been depleted quite a bit.
Managed to squeeze in a fourth update! Thank you all for the poll responses. According to the results so far, "2nd Year General Education" is the most popular choice for the next stage. I'm excited to see where this goes!