Midoriya and Ochako got up again. Refusing to give up but each time they tried, a variation of the same loop would occur. Tokoyami would prevent Midoriya from using his quirk and Aoyama would stop or distract Ochako Uraraka long enough for Tokoyami to drag her and send them both back into the corner.
But each time Midoriya and Ochako got back up. Tired, breathing heavily, bruised, and battered yet charged right back at the villain team unwilling to accept defeat.
"This is torture," Yoayorozu commented grimly.
"And with the fight taking place in such close proximity to the bomb, Midoriya is unable to fully utilize the destructive nature of his quirk or takeout Aoyama without the possibility of damaging the bomb and failing the objective.
Whereas Yuuga Aoyama's quirk allows him to provide cover even beside the bomb." Momo evaluated.
Kirishima added. "And because of [Dark Shadow], Tokoyami's fighting style is very adaptable so Uraraka can't get in close to use her quirk on him."
Dante nodded. "To use your environment to single-handedly pin down two difficult opponents is simply incredible." Dante praised. "That's why I hate fighting against calm and collected people like Tokoyami."
Calvin chuckled, "This reminds me of the day we met."
Dante smiled briefly, "Hmm…. good times."
"Huh, what does that mean?" Momo asked.
Dante glanced at her but revealed nothing.
"Are you alright?" Momo asked Dante.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"I don't know, you seem different than usual. I don't know how to describe it, it's like you're less energetic and animated... And have become more solemn." She explained.
"Yeah, I also felt that way, what's wrong dude?" Kirishima agreed.
Dante smiled lightly at the two, "It's nothing, really. It's just… just that my quirk requires me to focus a lot more to use."
Listening to his explanation they felt that there was more to it but sensing his unwillingness to talk about it the two reluctantly let the issue go.
Calvin frowned knowingly but shook his head deciding to hold back.
The fight between teams A and D had grown more intense, time was running out and it was looking like it would be team D's victory. The hero team were bruised and batted, standing on their last leg breathing heavily. In contrast, the villains were in pristine condition with light spots of perspiration.
The villain team continued their previous tactics but as Yuuga Aoyama shot a laser from his belly button he cringed as a painful sensation pulsed from his navel. He had reached his limit, his bellybutton started to ache as though it were splitting in two. He could no longer provide backup support. The drop in cover fire did not go unnoticed by the hero team. They stood hunched, weak, their legs trembling under their own weight, their costumes soaked, as they shared a determined look – digging deep, drawing from the last ambers of their reserves - they exploded forth.
Tokoyami occupied with keeping this tenacious team at bay was unaware of his teammate's current state and was taken by surprise as Midoriya recklessly lunged at him while Uraraka tried to slip past him.
Tokoyami turned to stop her but just as he did, Midoriya's index finger rolled into a flick - his hand pulsed with red crackling energy. Midoriya took aim at Tokoyami or so he thought but rather Midoriya was aiming at Yuuga Aoyama further in the distance.
Sensing imminent danger Tokoyami's instinct spiked as he instinctively loose [Dark Shadow] savagely at Midoriya. Tokoyami immediately realized that his attack could seriously injure his unprotected classmate and forcefully pulled away [Dark Shadow] at the very last second but it was too late. The shadow narrowly grazed yet snapped at Midoriya's arm - his aim faltered, his flick launched at the ground, breaking the concrete floor with ease.
[Dark Shadow] also slammed into the floor as Midoriya fell to the ground clutching his broken arm in agony.
Before [Dark Shadow] made even contact with Midoriya, Uraraka was already past Tokoyami closing in on the bomb. She then easily slipped past the weakened Aoyama, finally making contact with the bomb. The match was over. They had won. She smiled ecstatically, they had fought so hard and desperately, and now, they had finally won. They had been rewarded for not giving up. But her joyful mood was by a loud bang – the shattering of concrete followed by the roaring screams of her teammate.
….
The match ended in Team A's victory although Team D fought well for villains, with the only casualty being Izuku Midoriya's broken arm and finger. Lucky for him Tokoyami had altered the course of his attack when he did otherwise he would have gotten more than just a broken arm.
After sending Midoriya to the infirmary, All Might took the time to evaluate the actions of each team and give feedback. Reminding Uraraka that while they fought valiantly, their determination was moving.
They simply kept charging at the problem with the same strategy while time was running out until it got solved. In other words, their victory could be attributed to luck. Of course, he made sure not to mention that he just urged them to try out different solutions.
"You both showed heart and unbreakable resolve. But don't rely on heart alone. In battle, thinking differently can save lives. Sometimes charging forward again and again isn't bravery—it's tunnel vision. Remember: your minds can be just as powerful as your quirks."
All Might then declared Tokoyami the MVP for his quick thinking and excellent display of skills.
After that, All Might announced reaching into the boxes, "Alright, next teams facing each other are...
Team F, Kyouka Jirou and Calvin Knight playing the role of heroes, and Team C, Tenya Lida and Sero playing the villains."
"Oh cool." Cheered Sero while stretching his limbs, "It's my turn now. This could be good."
He then turned to his opponents and greeted, "See you out there guys." Then left.
"While I don't align with villainy I will do my very best to secure victory." Lida pledged solemnly before following.
Dante teased Calvin, "Looks like you're in for a fight. Be careful not to get knocked out too early."
Calvin snorted, "Ha ha, very funny." Before he too left the monitoring room.