Cherreads

Chapter 14 - what if deku was a mercenary

Full Name: Izuku Midoriya

Alias: The Black Swordsman or The 100 Man Slayer

Age: 26 (at the start of My Hero Academia)

Quirk: Quirkless

Titles: The Black Swordsman, The 100 Man Slayer, Mercenary, Soldier of Fortune

Allegiance: independent

Background:

Izuku was 14 when he discovered an abandoned government bunker in a desolate part of Japan. Inside, he found highly advanced weapons and armor created for the Quirk Wars that had ravaged the world 250 years prior. These weapons and armor were designed to combat Quirked individuals and were stored away after the war. The artifacts included an incredibly advanced version of the Berserker Armor, the Dragon Slayer sword, and anti-quirk firearms.

At the time of his discovery, Izuku was struggling with the death of his mother, which left him emotionally scarred. In a desperate bid to survive and get stronger, he underwent invasive surgeries to wield the armor and adapt to the weapons, particularly the Berserker Armor, which required modifications to his body. The AI system embedded within the armor helped him through his training, pushing him beyond normal human limits, making him a near unstoppable force.

Over the years, Izuku became known as the Black Swordsman, a ruthless warrior who could slay hundreds of enemies in moments. His reputation grew among mercenaries and those who knew of his prowess, though very few could stand up to him in combat. He returned to Japan after his long journey and became a recluse, focusing on honing his skills and maintaining his weapons and armor.

---

Berserker Armor (Highly Advanced Version)

The Berserker Armor, a relic of a past war, is an extremely advanced and intricate piece of technology that enhances its user's strength, speed, and endurance while sacrificing the user's humanity for the sake of overwhelming power. Below is a breakdown of the armor, with detailed descriptions of its components.

Helmet (Headpiece)

The helmet of the Berserker Armor is designed to resemble the head of a fierce, primal beast, though not a skull, as you specifically requested. It has angular, sharply designed edges that suggest a predator's face. The eye slits are narrow and deeply cut into the structure, resembling a hunting creature's gaze. These slits allow Izuku to see through them, though they feel like the armor's "eyes" are staring through him, constantly aware of everything around him. When fully activated, these eye slits glow a soft, crimson red, adding to the sense of wrath and danger radiating from the wearer. The design of the helmet flows seamlessly into the neck, leaving no trace of a separate collar. The entire headpiece is made from a hyper-durable, darkened material that looks like a mix of matte black ceramic and carbon fiber, ensuring maximum protection while being incredibly lightweight.

Torso (Chest, Back, Shoulders)

The torso of the armor is composed of layered, interlocking plates that provide both rigidity and flexibility. The chest piece features reinforced panels designed to withstand high-caliber impacts and extreme temperatures. These plates are formed from a special alloy created for combatants who might face highly destructive Quirks. The sides of the torso armor are lined with advanced hydraulic systems, helping Izuku enhance his speed and agility by reducing the drag of heavy armor.

The back features a fur cape made from the pelt of a Class 9 Quirked animal, providing additional protection while also serving as a symbol of the beast-like power the armor grants. The cape is not just a cloth; it's woven with the fibers of the animal's fur, making it extremely durable while still offering the appearance of a flowing cape in battle.

Arms and Hands

The arms are encased in segmented plates, each joint augmented with advanced shock-absorbing mechanisms. These mechanisms allow for maximum mobility without sacrificing protection. The forearms have hidden blade mounts—sleek, arm-mounted blades made for rapid strikes. These blades are used for slashing or stabbing, and are not firearms but simple, deadly edges that emerge from the armor's arm plating. The forearm armor also has small compartments for advanced tools, like the retractable wrist blades that Izuku uses in combat.

Legs and Feet

The legs are reinforced with a combination of flexible joints and shock-absorbing materials, making the armor extremely responsive and allowing Izuku to move with unnatural speed. The joints are enhanced with reactive servos that adjust to the force of impacts, distributing pressure to protect his legs from excessive strain. The boots are made from the same advanced material as the armor, featuring magnetic soles that give Izuku enhanced stability on metal surfaces and a perfect grip in slippery environments.

AI Interface

The armor is equipped with an AI that acts as a personal combat strategist, adjusting to Izuku's physical needs in real-time. This AI is integrated into the armor's core and helps him make faster decisions in combat, boosting his reaction time and reflexes. The AI was initially developed to train soldiers during the Quirk Wars but has since adapted to function as a guide for the armor's wearer.

---

Weapons

Dragon Slayer Sword

The Dragon Slayer is a massive, heavy sword designed for extreme durability and power. It is slightly curved, with a jagged edge and a reinforced spine that allows it to cleave through nearly any material. The blade is made from a rare, heat-treated metal that retains its sharpness even after repeated impacts. The sword is used both as a slashing weapon and a defensive tool, capable of deflecting incoming attacks with its sheer size and weight.

Wrist-Mounted Blades

The wrist-mounted blades are concealed within the forearm plating, extending outward when needed. These blades are designed for close combat, featuring a sleek, sharp edge capable of slicing through enemies with precision. The blades are made from a combination of lightweight alloys and advanced ceramics, making them both durable and fast in their deployment. These blades do not fire anything; instead, they are used for quick, deadly strikes in close-quarters combat.

Anti-Quirk Firearms

Izuku's arsenal includes various high-powered, anti-Quirk firearms that are not attached to his armor. These firearms are weapons of devastating power, designed to combat Quirk users. The guns come in different configurations—hand cannons, sniper rifles, and shotguns—all modified to use specialized ammunition designed to nullify or severely damage Quirk-based abilities. These weapons are highly effective against opponents with destructive Quirks, but they require expert precision to use effectively.

---

Izuku's Reputation

Izuku is a feared and respected mercenary. His skills and the sheer destructive power of his armor make him a force to be reckoned with. His titles—The Black Swordsman and The 100 Man Slayer—have spread far and wide, cementing his legacy as a killer of countless enemies. Despite his monstrous appearance and reputation, Izuku is haunted by the memory of his mother's death, leading him to often avoid forming close relationships with others.

Character reactions

All Might:

When All Might first laid eyes on Izuku, there was an immediate tension in the air. The sheer presence of the man was overwhelming, and All Might could feel the faint rumble of power that emanated from him even without him moving. The Berserker Armor, an awe-inspiring sight, seemed to pulse with an aura of untamed violence, the fur cape draped across the back like a reminder of the beast Izuku had become. His glowing eyes, cruel and intense, locked onto All Might's, and the former symbol of peace couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine. It was as if standing before Izuku was like standing before an ancient predator—untouchable and bound to end everything in its path.

Aizawa:

Aizawa, ever the pragmatist, studied Izuku intently, not with fear, but with a sense of calculated caution. The Berserker Armor wasn't just a suit of enhanced armor; it was an extension of the individual it bound to. There was no sign of mercy in the way Izuku stood. The Dragon Slayer sword alone was a statement—its sheer size and design spoke of someone who had faced and conquered the most dangerous of enemies. Aizawa knew that facing Izuku in battle would be a task unlike any other. He didn't need to ask about the strength of the armor; he could feel it.

Uraraka:

Uraraka couldn't help but shudder at the sight of Izuku, but it wasn't just the appearance that unnerved her—it was the palpable absence of warmth in his presence. His eyes were distant, colder than anyone she had ever seen, as if the man before her had forgotten what it meant to be human. The Berserker Armor, with its advanced technology and brutal design, made him look like something otherworldly. While his actions might not yet speak of it, she could sense the deep sorrow and rage that simmered just beneath the surface.

Bakugo:

Bakugo stared at Izuku with a mix of astonishment and begrudging respect. There was no denying that the man before him was dangerous—a walking embodiment of rage and power. The Berserker Armor was a statement in itself, the intricate details of the design showing how far technology had come, melding with a human body in ways that felt unnatural. Izuku's eyes were the most unsettling, burning with intensity, as though he were ready to rip through anyone who dared challenge him. Bakugo felt the need to prove himself against Izuku, but a small, nagging doubt in the back of his mind whispered that it might be more than just a physical battle.

Todoroki:

Todoroki observed Izuku from a distance, studying the way his figure moved inside the Berserker Armor, noting how the armor seemed to flow seamlessly with his body, as if it were an extension of his very being. The advanced weaponry, like the anti-quirk guns he carried, made Todoroki's blood run cold. This wasn't just a mercenary—it was a force of nature. Todoroki could tell that the suit had been designed to counter quirks like his, and that realization filled him with both intrigue and wariness. He understood the weight of having such power, and for the first time, he questioned if he could even stand against someone like this.

Midnight:

Midnight, always fascinated by the darker, more mysterious sides of people, found herself both repelled and intrigued by Izuku. The Berserker Armor was the ultimate embodiment of destruction—its sheer violence practically radiated off of him. His glowing eyes were like burning coals, and the fur cape seemed to remind her of some ancient warrior. Midnight could sense that this wasn't just a man; it was a weapon, a walking catastrophe. She knew that beneath the surface, there was a history of pain and loss that shaped Izuku into what he had become. There was no room for softness or mercy in this version of him.

Endeavor:

Endeavor felt an instant recognition, even if he didn't understand the full extent of it. Izuku was a perfect weapon, a human-powered juggernaut built to destroy anything in its path. The Berserker Armor resembled a war machine, its design cold, methodical, and ruthless. He could sense the heat and power radiating from the armor, an intensity he could not ignore. The fur cape, once belonging to a class 9 quirk animal, signaled that this wasn't just some regular fighter. Endeavor's mind immediately went to strategy—how could one fight someone who seemed prepared for anything, with the armor and weapons at his disposal? But there was something more beneath the surface—a raw, untapped fury in Izuku that even Endeavor knew he couldn't easily control or predict.

Nezu:

Nezu regarded Izuku not just with caution, but with a deep and analytical concern. His brilliant mind immediately calculated the implications of such a man existing. The Berserker Armor, with its integration of high-grade technology and almost organic viciousness, was clearly something designed to fight against the worst-case scenarios. The guns, the blades, the armor—everything about him was a countermeasure. And yet, what disturbed Nezu more than the weapons was the psychological weight Izuku carried. The glowing eyes were not filled with madness, but with purpose—cold, relentless purpose. Nezu understood that if pushed, Izuku wouldn't hesitate. He wouldn't protect. He would erase.

Shigaraki Tomura:

Shigaraki found himself both enraged and slightly awed by the presence of Izuku. The sheer power exuded from the Berserker Armor was unlike anything he had seen. The fact that Izuku could wield such power so effortlessly only irritated Shigaraki further, as if he had become everything he despised—a living, breathing symbol of raw strength. The anti-quirk weapons didn't faze him as much as the aura of violence and destruction that came with Izuku. It was clear that he was a man forged in blood and rage, and Shigaraki could tell that Izuku had nothing to lose. His body might have been human, but everything else about him seemed to have transcended that limit.

All For One (AFO):

When All For One first crossed paths with Izuku, there was a moment of recognition—something almost predatory in the way he looked at him. The Berserker Armor was built for someone like him: an unstoppable force, designed to counter the most powerful quirks. AFO's eyes narrowed as he appraised the weaponry Izuku carried—the anti-quirk firearms were of particular interest. They were a direct counter to his own abilities, and AFO knew that Izuku was more than just a mercenary. He was a symbol of everything that had been built to challenge him. But beyond the armor and weapons, it was Izuku's eyes that unsettled him the most. They were a mirror of the madness and destruction that AFO himself had cultivated, a reflection of the twisted ambitions that mirrored his own. The challenge this man represented was unlike any other.

More Chapters