#superstrength

Death Arms: Core Flaws

1. Only in It for the Money (at least at first)

He openly admits he became a pro hero because it was a good-paying job, not originally out of noble ideals.

This practicality makes sense in the hero economy of MHA (heroes do get salaries), but it sets him up as lacking the kind of “ultimate conviction” that characters like All Might or Mirko have.

He does grow over time, but this mercenary origin makes his early arc morally shaky compared to other, more driven pros.

2. Abrasiveness / Harshness (Good Is Not Soft → Verging on Hypocrisy)

In the very first chapter, he chews out Izuku for charging in against the Sludge Villain, mocking him as “useless.”

While he has a point (a Quirkless boy charging in would’ve just gotten himself killed), he fails to show empathy or notice the courage behind the act.

Later, after his retirement, he realizes that Izuku’s “reckless charge” was the purest form of heroism — exposing his earlier criticism as both hypocritical and shortsighted.

3. Can’t Take Criticism / Heroic Fatigue

Public negativity eats away at him.

Quote: “One loud heckler easily drowns out ten fans.”

Despite being battle-hardened physically, he’s thin-skinned emotionally. He internalizes the public’s disdain, letting their anger erode his pride and motivation.

This leads him to retire, showing that he lacked the mental resilience to endure long-term societal scorn (contrast with Endeavor or Hawks, who press on despite the same hostility).

4. Screw This, I’m Outta Here! (Ten-Minute Retirement)

He quits during one of society’s darkest hours, almost mimicking Yoroi Musha’s abandonment.

This choice makes him appear cowardly — retreating from duty when things matter most.

Unlike Yoroi Musha, though, his feelings are sympathetic (burnout, depression, exhaustion) rather than selfishly vain. Still, to civilians, the nuance doesn’t matter: his retreat feels like betrayal.

5. Hypocrisy

His lecture to Izuku (“don’t interfere, leave it to us pros!”) clashes with his own later actions, where he himself becomes the one who can’t handle the pressure and runs away.

He represents the problem of heroes who overvalue rules/protocol while undervaluing genuine courage — exactly what Izuku symbolizes.

His growth comes only after realizing Izuku was right all along. But the hypocrisy taints his early image.

6. Fragile Self-Worth

Death Arms ties his sense of self too closely to public opinion.

Being booed, doubted, or criticized makes him feel like a fraud, despite his genuine track record.

This fragility makes him vulnerable to quitting not because he can’t do the job but because he feels unappreciated.

This reveals a dangerous truth: he needed validation more than he realized — without it, his conviction crumbles.

7. Short-Sightedness

Early on, he’s a strictly literal, “muscle first” hero: Beat the enemy → Save the hostage → Follow procedure.

He fails to see beyond procedure into the symbolism and emotion of heroism — which is what All Might and Izuku represent.

Because of this short-sightedness, he can’t inspire people the way true top heroes can. So when backlash arrives, he has no symbolic presence to cushion him — just his fists, which aren’t enough.

Narrative Function of His Flaws

Humanizes hero burnout: Shows the toll of constant negativity and backlash. Unlike Yoroi Musha (secretly selfish), Death Arms represents the common working hero who was genuine but collapsed under stress.

Foil to Izuku: He mocked Izuku’s rash bravery, only to later become inspired by it, completing a small redemption loop.

Cautionary Tale: He illustrates how Quirks and strength are meaningless without mental resilience, conviction, and empathy — the soul of heroism.

✅ Summary of Death Arms’ Flaws

Practical, not passionate → Motivated by salary, not ideals.

Abrasive/hypocritical → Harshly criticizes Izuku, later proves guilty of worse failings.

Easily demoralized → Can’t endure public criticism (“one heckler drowns out ten fans”).

Quits prematurely → Retires when society needed him most.

Fragile ego/self-worth → Needs validation, can’t function under sustained doubt.

The way, in any other situation, they'd be fine.

In any other situation, their power would rip through these bindings and they run.

Superspeed, but the doors locked. What now? Put them in a particle accelerator, good luck doing your stupid 'fazing through walls' trick now.

Ice powers? Their partners dying of hypothermia. Stuck in a too hot room. Stuck in an absolute zero room, no way to make it colder. Can't freeze the lock, its already as cold as its going to get.

Heat powers? Same thing, put that fucker in a volcano. Good luck finding your way through 8,000 feet of lava. Or an incinerator, yeah, just try and melt that lock off. Oh whumpee? They have a fever and your emotions are haywire, hope you can get that water to them without it evaporating.

Superstrength? Fighting a cotton powered villain. What are they gonna do, punch their way through pillows?

It's so fun.

It's funny if its for mundane things too.

Yeah, of course superstrength can move your entire apartment belongs in one trip. What's that? You want help building a bookshelf from Wal-Mart. They've never seen a screwdriver in their life.

You want a coffee run? Okay, but you better fine with no coffee left in the cup afterward. Just because they can run faster than light, doesn't mean liquid stops obeying physics.

Want the lights a different color? Just ask. You want them to fix the wiring in your remote? Why would they know anything about that?

Tonight, while trying to convince my toddler to sleep, he crushed my throat, pocked my eyes, put fingers in ears. Who can forget the hands dashing over ears from the other night? And that time he slept in our bed and we got kicked and punched and woke to butt or elbow to the head.

A kid with super strength would be accidentally deadly, all while giggling happily.

"(Y/N)!"

"Got it!!" You punch the door in, and they all stare. You ripped the metal right off its hinges.

"Damn girl." Mikey says with a laugh.

Raph is smirking at Leo's awed expression. They all know you're strong, but he guessed sometimes they took it for granted.

"Let's get going." Leo collects himself, moving forward. You nod following behind, and Leo scolds himself.

"Focus Leo, no time to get distracted by her strength."

He didn't know why, but it was so damn attractive to him.

"Leo, wait!" You take his hand, right before an onslaught of bullets go off.

"I'll get us some cover." You rush to pick up the steel door you'd just recently broken. Lifting it, you use it as a shield, moving in. The turtles move with you, and it's not long before the criminals begin to run out of bullets. When that happens, the boys go to work. You laugh at the many grunts of pain you hear from the other side.

Mikey dusts his hands off.

"When are they gonna learn that crime doesn't pay?" You drop the door with a smile.

Most of them are either unconscious or tied up.

"I'm sure they'll get the message after today. " Raph and Donnie sheath their weapons, and you send Leo a smile.

"Good job Leo-sensei!" It's a joke, but it makes him a bit flustered, and he tries to laugh it off, turning so you don't gauge his reaction.

Raph can only imagine the struggle.

"Let's get moving." So you just follow, unaware of Leo's little struggles.

~~~~

The cops were on in ample time. By the time they got there, said criminals were basically gift wrapped. You stood with the boys on the roof of a building nearby.

"You know, I feel like a superhero standing here just looming over everything mysteriously. " You wiggled your brows, and Leo held back a smile. Mikey was laughing at you.

"We shall call ourselves, Mikey's crew!"

"No we ain't." Raph slapped Mikey behind his head, and you giggled, jumping down. You stumbled, and Leo reached out to assist. You smile when he helps you upright.

"Thanks."

"No problem. " Raph takes a step back, nudging his brothers.

"Check it out." He whispered. You turned, and they straightened, making you raise a brow.

"Why are you guys acting weird?"

"No reason!!" Mikey hummed. You couldn't question him, because they were already on the move. You didn't question it, just kept moving. By the time you get back to the lair,Leo is giving his usual run through of your patrol. At the end they all disperse, going about their own little things. You tuck your clothes into your bag, about to head out, but Leo stops you.

"(Y/N)." you face him, wearing a smile. Since your talk, you felt closer. Leo understood you, and you did him. It was smooth sailing now that you both were on more steady ground.

"What's up?"

"I just wanted to say good job out there. You did really well." You nudge his arm.

"So did you."

It's true. He often didn't give himself enough credit. He was a great leader.

"Hey, we're about to watch a movie, wanna join?" Mikey calls.

Leo looks like he's about to object for you. But you take his arm. "I'd like that. I do need a break from all these school assignments. I think a night off will do me good. "

So you drop your bag on the side, running to Mikey to see the selection of movies. Leo just observes from his spot. He isn't sure when he'd become so infatuated with you. It's possible that after you both had that little heart to heart, he had a new respect for all you did.

All that you've achieved. He'd admired you. That's what he told himself. But even before that, feelings were there. With each day that buzzed by, it was getting harder for him to pretend. He had no idea where you stood. As far as he knew, you just saw him as a good friend. The last thing he wanted was to cause a rift, especially for something as selfish as love. But wasn't he allowed to be selfish sometimes?"

"What do you think Leo?"

He blinks.

"Sorry, what did you say?" You shove his hand playfully with a grin.

"Pay attention will you, it's down to Free guy and Venom. "

"Come one Mikey, we've seen Venom like six times!" Raph complained.

"Free guy it is!" You cheer. So you gather around the television. Donnie starts the movie, and Mikey is running around getting drinks and snacks. Leo sits on the couch, and you do as well, right next to him. He looks down, and your cheeks flush slightly. He offers a smile, in which you return, just as the movie begins.

At the very start, they seem hyped, but it dies down as the movie progresses. It takes you a moment to realize that a few of them have fallen asleep. You can hear Mikey snoring on the floor. You giggle under your breath. It's obvious that they've been a little tired. Leo however is still awake, and he seems pretty invested in the plot.

You're not sure if he realizes that you're awake. You take in every reaction he has with the changing scenes. The little kiss in particular catches your attention. He swallows, and so do you, unconsciously. You lick your lips, eyes straying. Of course you imagine it. Leo holding you close in a similar situation.

The movie continues and when the credits roll up, Leo finally takes in his surroundings.

"What the.." you laugh.

"You just noticed they all passed out, I thought you were a ninja?" You tease. He scratches his head. "Guess I should have expected it. " The shifts have been constant, nothing they couldn't handle, but still, it did take a toll.

"You guys deserve a break too." Looks like you weren't the only one who was going through a short burnout period. You stretch your arms.

"So what was your favorite part?" You ask. He looks a bit thoughtful, and you slid a little closer.

"I guess the bridge scene. I really liked it. What about you?" His eyes train on you, and you admire the gleam as he waits for your reply.

"I guess it would have to be...the first kiss.." The last part is somewhat of a whisper. There's a brief change, and maybe it's your brain, but the room feels significantly warmer than before. Your fist clench into the couch, and you take a shallow breath, leaning a little closer. Leo looks a bit frozen with every inch that you get closer. You pause for a moment. There's a quick flash of doubt, Leo can tell. You look down, and it seems like you're going to retract. You open your mouth to speak.

"Leo I'm sorry I-"

He inhales, moving in and claiming your lips before you can form the apology. You squeak at the action, then hum at how soft his lips feel. How good the kiss feels. Your hand reaches up, fingers resting gently on his chest. His mouth opens, and his tongue slips in. You moan, taken aback not only at how unexpected the kiss is, but how good he is at it. Leo's hand slides into your hair, and it causes tingles to rush through your body. You're pulling and grabbing at each as if it'll be your last. Leo lets out a sound that hits you straight to your core.

You both pull apart when you hear a loud yawn. Mikey stretches, and you pant, creating some space and doing your best to look less flustered that you are right at the moment. Leo clears his throat, and Mikey opens his eyes.

"Damn, did we sleep through the movie?" Raph groans at the voice, waking up.

"Keep it down would ya." He grumbles. Donnie rolls over, stretching as he adjusts his glasses. He looks over at you.

"Are you alright (Y/N), you look a little red. Are you cold? Did Mikey hog the sheets again?"

"Did not!" You shake your head, calming yourself.

"I-I'm fine. J-Just a little tired. I'll head home, see you guys tomorrow!" You speed away before anything else is said. Leo's longing eyes follow you, his heart still strumming, lips tingling. He could still taste the cherry of your chapstick. The carmel on your tongue from the snack you'd munched on during the film.

"Damn it.."

He muttered the words, and his brothers sent him a look.

"I'm heading to bed."

Nothing else was said.

"I guess they both didn't really like the movie." Mikey stated. Donnie and Raph just smiled.

~~~

"Crap, crap! I kissed him! Well he kissed me but I kissed back!!!"

You were losing your mind. Did that really happen, or did you imagine it. It felt real, but still.

"He's such a good kisser..."

You caught yourself, groaning.

"Damn you Leo!!"

Why did he have to be so perfect? It was bad enough that you were struggling to keep your feelings in check, why did he have to kiss you and get your hopes up. That kiss could have meant anything. Maybe it was out of pity. He didn't want you to feel rejected. If that was the case, you'd feel crushed.

But it didn't feel that way.It felt so passionate, loving. There's no way he could have been faking that, right?

The knock at your window makes you jump. You move slowly, sliding the curtains. The sight of the blue clad turtle makes your heart race. You raise the window, and he voices his thanks, climbing inside. You close it, and Leo straightens. He's a lot closer than you predicted, and you have to look up to meet his eyes. He gulps when he realizes the lack of distance.

"(Y/N) I-"

"You regret it."

It slips before you can stop yourself. You look away, shaking your head as you take a step back, trying to laugh it off.

"Sorry that came out way more desperate than I thought it would." You need some distance, and you try to do that, but Leo stops you.

"Please don't do that." He backs you against the wall, and your words become lost.

"L-Leo.."

"I don't regret it. Not at all. I want to kiss you again. I want to see that look on your face when you're breathless because of me. I want to taste you again, more than anything." Every word that slips from his lips makes your cheeks become redder. His hand is braced on the wall, no escape.

"I've been trying so hard to keep it together, you have no idea. His hand slides down the wall, and he takes a step back.

"Since you've joined us I've always been a bit..distracted. You're so strong, willful and confident. A little feisty. " He smiles, and it warms your entire body.

"But the longer you were here, the closer you got and it just...it sort of scared me because I was constantly worrying about losing you."

There's a moment of clarity that hits you.

"Is..is that why you benched me before?"

He runs a hand over his head.

"If anything were to happen to you it would crush me so I..I overreacted."

Your smile is so bright. You honestly thought he was just being his usual protective self. But that wasn't it.

"You're-"

"I'm in love with you."

Ooooof!

The final blow, right through your heart. You rush forward, and this time, you're the one who initiates the kiss. Leo lets out a small sound of surprise, but before long he melts into the kiss, wrapping his hand around your body. You're once again pressed to the wall, and you moan at the slight force when your body connects with the hard surface.

Leo has you trapped there in the most heavenly way. You want to be closer, you need it. You push against him slightly to shed your jacket. Leo assists, pulling it off hastily before he's holding you. The skin contact is like fire. Your hands secure around his neck, and loe parts for a brief second to take a heavy breath. You pant, brows knitted. You try to reconnect, but he chuckles, keeping just out of reach.

"Leo!" You whine.

"I'm glad that you're so eager..but we should.." He's still trying to catch his breath.

"We need to slow down." His hands run down your shoulders, and your lips quiver.

"I mean..we don't have to."

You say. His sapphire stare is so empowering. Having his complete attention all to yourself. You've never been a very greedy person, but now, you wouldn't mind having him all to yourself forever. He closed his eyes.

"Stop looking at me like that." You grin.

"No clue what you mean Sensei~"

He growls under his breath, lips grazing your neck. You sigh, closing your eyes and enjoying the soft kisses he leaves.

"You're such a troublemaker."

He nips at your skin, electing a soft moan.