Konata Doesn't Want To Be The Female Lead

"Attacking others when they're caught off guard—such behavior is not befitting of a hero."

At the stairwell, Tokoyami Fumikage observed the battlefield between Midoriya Izuku and Bakugo Katsuki from afar, his expression grave.

That knee strike from Bakugo had clearly caused significant damage to Midoriya. The fact that he was still holding his stomach said it all. Even if Midoriya was barely managing to stand, Tokoyami doubted he could last much longer.

If Midoriya fell, their chances of winning would drop to zero.

Tokoyami's Quirk, Dark Shadow, allowed him to control a shadow creature residing within his body. The darker the environment, the stronger his ability—but also the harder it became to control. In contrast, brighter environments weakened him, and Bakugou's explosive Quirk, which produced intense flashes, was the perfect counter.

"It's all up to me now. I have to find the mock nuclear weapon before Midoriya collapses. Konata's Quirk isn't something she can control perfectly yet. In this kind of tight, maze-like terrain, my Dark Shadow should have the upper hand… I have to move fast!!"

Without hesitation, Tokoyami dashed up the stairs. With the knowledge of Konata's Quirk and Dark Shadow's ability to block electrical attacks, his priority was to locate the mock weapon hidden somewhere in the building. If he could just get eyes on it, victory would be within reach.

"You've finally come."

As he moved through the hallways, a low voice greeted him.

"Already set traps ahead of time, huh…"

Tokoyami reacted quickly, halting in his tracks and releasing Dark Shadow from his body.

"You really shouldn't have come."

Konata tugged her cap down to shadow her eyes, her tone serious as she began to slowly approach.

"But you came anyway."

Tokoyami: "..."

He had to admit—for a moment, he was completely thrown off.

"If you dare step into my domain… then be ready to face me head-on, Tokoyami Fumikage!!"

As she stepped forward, Konata sharply lifted her head, revealing her eyes under her cap.

"I've been prepared for that since I stepped in here. The moment I crossed into your domain, I cast everything else aside."

Standing against the wall with Dark Shadow guarding him, Tokoyami's tone was solemn. The two had clearly synced into the same dramatic wavelength.

"How laughable. You don't even know what kind of existence you're up against, do you? Marching in here without a trace of caution… you're too naïve."

Another step forward—Konata stood proudly.

"My life alone is enough to write an epic. I've had tea with the red-white shrine maiden of legend. I've chatted with the oldest of kings. Black★Rock Shooter once stood as my sworn enemy. I've fought side by side with the black swordsman, Kirito. Athena, goddess of wisdom, once fell by my hand. The Reaper of Black, Lee Soon-shin, once bowed in defeat to me. I challenged the Queen of the Sky, Ikaros. I dueled the man-slayer, Himura Kenshin. I survived the cursed blade of the Mononoke Slayer and battled the one-winged angel, Sephiroth. Not even the strongest black sword in the world could push me to my limit. The silver maid of time's dimensional rift couldn't hold me down either! Let me show you mercy and reveal your opponent's true name—ranked third among the Seven Rulers of Academy City… the Railgun!!"

"..."

Awkward silence.

Nobody knew why, but even though this wasn't supposed to be a competition, Tokoyami felt like he had already lost—in some strange, abstract way.

Meanwhile, the observation room had fallen completely silent. The split screens were displaying the battles between Bakugou vs. Midoriya on one side, and Konata vs. Tokoyami on the other.

After hearing Konata's ultra-chuunibyou speech, the once-busy observation room became dead quiet.

"Ahem… If Konata and Tokoyami actually fight, her Quirk won't have any real advantage in a narrow space like that. The dark corridors of the building will greatly boost Dark Shadow's power…!?"

All Might began to comment while pretending to take notes, but didn't even get to finish his sentence before the situation took a sudden turn.

"Use your Quirk already!! Or are you saying… I'm not even worth that to you, damn nerd!!"

Wiping away the sweat about to drip into his eyes, Bakugo growled at the barely-standing Midoriya.

"You think just predicting my moves is enough!? You seriously plan on fighting me in that pathetic state!?"

"It's not like that…"

Midoriya raised his head, eyes unshaken.

"Kacchan… I've always admired you. You've been better than me at everything. You're amazing. But exactly because you're so amazing… I wanted to catch up to you. I don't want to be that useless Deku anymore… I've finally earned the right to stand on the same starting line as you. There's no way I'll let myself give up now…"

"…Ha?"

With an exaggerated grin, Bakugou yanked a trigger on his custom support gear and sneered.

"If you're still too scared to use your Quirk—then I'll beat it out of you!!!"

"Bakugo! Cease this at once—your attack is too dangerous!!"

All Might's urgent voice rang through the earpiece.

"As long as it's not a direct hit, he won't die!!"

Bakugo didn't hesitate—he pulled the trigger.

"BOOM!!!"

A thunderous explosion rocked the building.

"The hell!?" Konata stumbled from the shock. She hadn't even finished her dramatic pose when the whole floor shook beneath her, nearly sending her sprawling.

"Do these guys even care if the building collapses!? Don't they know people are still up here!? If this place comes down, I'm totally gonna be the firs—uh…"

Realizing something, she turned toward Tokoyami with an awkward smile.

"How about we… start over? Sneak attacks are so against the rules, you jerk!!!"