Chapter 104 Explosion V/s Explosion
"DADADA...."
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
"Click!"
The door to the lounge swung open, revealing Yaoyorozu Momo, panting slightly.
"Bakugo's match is about to start! Won't you… go watch?" Momo asked, her breath still a bit erratic from running.
Akira blinked, his eyes still half-closed as he processed her words. "No way, so soon?" he muttered, surprised. It hadn't even been half an hour since his match had ended, and now they were already heading into the third match.
"The second match didn't have anyone from our class, so I didn't really pay attention, but those fighters were impressive. They finished their battle in just a few minutes," Momo explained, sensing his disbelief.
Akira nodded, stretching as he stood up lazily. "It doesn't matter much. Bakugo can't miss this one."
Momo rolled her eyes at him, knowing exactly what was on his mind. She wouldn't have come to remind him otherwise. "Then let's go," she said, sighing.
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**The Stadium**
The middle ring had collapsed during the second fight, but it had been quickly repaired in time for the next battle.
As the beacons flared up from the four corners of the arena, Present Mic's voice boomed across the stadium.
"Everyone, thank you for your patience! The next competitors are Bakugo Katsuki from Class A and Monoma Neito from Class B!"
The audience erupted in cheers as Bakugo and Monoma made their way to the ring.
Bakugo walked with his usual cocky swagger, hands stuffed into his pockets, eyes narrowed with disdain at Monoma.
"It seems like we're destined to meet again, huh? A Class A guy," Monoma called out with a smirk, breaking the silence.
"Looks that way," Bakugo responded, his grin feral. "And I'm not gonna make it easy for you."
"Is that so? This time it's 1v1, and your teammates can't bail you out," Monoma retorted, his tone brimming with confidence.
Monoma, always cautious, had copied his squad leader's Quirk—Big Fist—before the match began, ready for any surprises.
Bakugo barely acknowledged Monoma's words, scoffing as he looked him over. "You have no real skills other than talking, huh?"
Monoma's grin only widened. "That's a weird compliment coming from you, Bakugo."
With that, the two of them lunged at each other.
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**The Battle**
Monoma sprang into action first, rushing at Bakugo. When he was within range, he leapt high into the air, his right arm swelling rapidly to enormous proportions, ready to deliver a devastating blow.
In an instant, the colossal fist descended, aiming straight for Bakugo. But Bakugo, ever alert, dodged it with ease, jumping back just in time. The fist slammed into the ground with a deafening "Boom!" The shockwave cracked the cement beneath the ring.
Without wasting a beat, Bakugo retaliated. His palm crackled with black smoke as he activated his Quirk.
"Take this!" he roared, unleashing an explosive barrage aimed at Monoma.
Monoma dodged nimbly, but as soon as he did, he countered with a punch from the side. His enormous fist shot toward Bakugo, who narrowly managed to block it, but the impact sent him staggering back several steps.
Monoma grinned at his success. His arm returned to its normal size, but his palms glowed faintly, still charged from Bakugo's attack.
"Haha, looks like this is going better than I expected," Monoma said, eyeing his glowing hands with pride. He had successfully copied Bakugo's Quirk, a huge advantage in this battle.
Bakugo, now back on his feet, sneered. "You really think you can use my Quirk against me, you fake?"
Monoma's grin faltered, but he wasn't deterred. "You'll see, Bakugo. I've got your power now."
Akira, watching from the sidelines with Momo, crossed his arms. "Looks like things are heating up. Monoma's copying Bakugo's Quirk... But that doesn't mean he's as dangerous."
Momo glanced at him. "Do you think Bakugo will win?"
"Of course," Akira replied confidently. "He's not going to let someone like Monoma take him down, especially with his own Quirk in play."
Back in the ring, Bakugo's temper flared. He had enough of Monoma's smugness. With a growl, he launched himself forward, moving faster than before.
"You're dead now!" Bakugo shouted as he charged, ready to end this.
Monoma barely had time to react before Bakugo leapt into the air, launching himself into an all-out attack.
"Durian-Big Bang!"
---
**The Audience's Reaction**
The explosion shook the stadium, a massive burst of energy erupting from Bakugo's final attack. The crowd gasped in awe, watching the aftermath.
Present Mic's voice rang out across the stadium again. "And that's it! Bakugo Katsuki takes the win, advancing to the next round!"
The audience roared with excitement.
---
**Backstage**
Meanwhile, Akira leaned back in his chair, relaxing. "Another easy win for Bakugo," he mused, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "This battle's just getting started, though."
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