Bloodcurdle

The street seemed to freeze under Stain's gaze. The cheers vanished.

Even the civilians who had been chanting Yuto's name lowered their voices. Hero Killer: Stain.

He was not a Nomu. He was not a creature built by the League.

He was a man who had hunted Pro Heroes and survived.

Mineta's voice shook. "Yuto, maybe we should run. If even Pro Heroes are afraid of him, what are we supposed to do?"

Kirishima clenched his fists. "I'm backing you up, Yuto." Midoriya nodded. "Me too."

Momo looked serious. "You just fought the Nomu. A direct fight against Stain is too risky."

Todoroki stepped forward. "You've done enough. Let us handle this one."

Bakugo cracked his palms. "You think we're running because some knife freak showed up?"

Stain's crimson eyes swept over them.

"This society is diseased," Stain said. "Too many people call themselves heroes while chasing money and fame. A true hero is someone worthy of sacrifice."

His blade pointed toward Yuto.

"Let me see whether you deserve that name."

Stain jumped. He moved before anyone could argue.

He crossed the street like a shadow. Steel flashed. Blood spattered. One slash.

Two. Three.

Before anyone could react, blood marked several fighters.

Todoroki tried to raise ice.

Stain was already past him.

Bakugo exploded toward the Hero Killer and was cut across the arm before his blast could land. Kamui Woods sent branches after Stain, only for the villain to slip through the gaps and open a shallow wound along his side.

Then Stain licked the blood from his blade.

Bloodcurdle.

Their bodies locked. They fell where they stood, still conscious, unable to move.

The crowd screamed. Within seconds, most of the fighters had been stopped.

Only Yuto remained standing freely.

Stain landed several meters away, blade dripping red.

"Bloodcurdle," Yuto said. "By ingesting blood, you paralyze the target. The duration depends on blood type. Longest to shortest: B, AB, A, then O."

Stain's eyes sharpened. "You learned that from one exchange?"

"I knew enough to recognize it."

For the first time, Stain's expression changed. Interest became caution. Yuto drew his swords.

"I know words won't reach you," he said. "So I'll defeat you."

The civilians stared. The Pro Heroes stared.

Even Stain went still for half a breath. Then he smiled.

"Then prove you deserve to be called a hero."

The battle was about to begin.

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