Anthozoa

**Anthozoa** (アンテョゾア, *Antyozoa*?) is the Quirk used by Frenemy.

## Description

Anthozoa allows the user to produce and manipulate a wide variety of coral and sea anemones from anywhere on their body using polyps. The mass of this marine life can be increased at will, allowing the user to immobilize targets by surrounding them with enlarged anemone tendrils or coral branches. In a similar manner the user can rely on this method to extend their reach. Hard coral can be used to produce jagged bludgeoning weapons, armor and shields. Soft coral and sea anemones can be used as protective padding to cushion the user. All the marine life is coated in a thin layer of mucus which dries out overtime. This quirk excels in saline water, as it keeps the marine life healthy.

Similar to the marine life itself, this quirk also grants the user a number of stinging cells embedded within their skin. It is through these cells that the user can inject a highly toxic venom into targets which make physical contact with them. Immediate effects usually result in a mild burning or itching sensation. If left untreated however, the venom can cause paralysis as well as respiratory or heart failure. The venom is water soluble, quickly contaminating and spreading within fluids.

### Weaknesses

The quirk only allows the user to manipulate marine life which have come from their own body, meaning those found naturally cannot be controlled. Additionally the marine life must remain physically attached to the user in order to be manipulated. Once it has lost contact with their body, it becomes a “wild animal” defaulting to its own survival instincts.

Unless grown and maintained under the ideal warm salt water conditions, the marine life will begin to deteriorate as time progresses. As the mucus layer dries out, the marine life continues to weaken. In a terrestrial non-aquatic environment, the corals are only able to survive for up to eight hours. The sea anemones can temporarily sustain themselves by withdrawing their tendrils into the main body, but are ultimately only prolonging the inevitable.

Since the marine life generally sustains itself using nutrients supplied by the user’s body, an overproduction of marine life in too short a time period can lead to increased fatigue. As the mass of the marine life increases, the user is further encumbered by its added weight. This forces them to break off or withdraw components of it to maintain their mobility. Naturally occurring corals and anemones also create a potential threat to the user, as they will often attack the foreign marine life generated by the quirk.

The functionality of the toxic cells is largely dependent upon physical contact. A secondary requirement however, is that the microscopic barbs containing the venom must be able to pierce their target. If the barrier is too hard then the toxin cannot properly be administered, diluting its effect.

## Usage

Frenemy's mastery of this quirk allows for the rapid production and growth of marine life even outside of optimal conditions. Capable of wielding a myriad of species simultaneously, Frenemy is able to surprise opponents with their varied structures. The soft bodies of corals and sea anemones make it possible to harmlessly bounce away debris and weaken explosives by wrapping around them. The corals can be used to form canals which funnel liquid along the surface to extinguish fires and redirect hazards.

Broken fragments of hard coral become hazardous terrain as they litter the environment and slow grounded movement akin to caltrops. Using these fragments or connected growths as weapons, Frenemy can parry attacks and deliver hard strikes. By using anemone tendrils as additional appendages, Frenemy can arm themselves to keep up with multiple opponents or overwhelm a single target. Underwater the anemone tendrils can be used to adjust swimming trajectory or anchor to rocks. In the optimal conditions, Frenemy can grow tendrils powerful enough to lift and effortlessly throw steel shipping containers.

### Named Super Moves

* **Seabed Springboard** (海底飛び板, *Kaitei Tobiita*?): The user forms a platform of soft corals and sea anemones beneath their target creating a somewhat elastic surface. This can be used either as a trampoline to increase vertical distance or as a cushion to soften the landing from a high altitude.

* **Nettle Skewer** (蕁麻疹串刺し, *Jinmashin Kushiza*?): The user forms a sharp coral branch with which to impale the target. Upon contact the coral launches its venomous barbs to release toxins into the fresh wound.

* **Coral Cannonball** (珊瑚砲弾, *Sangohoudan*?): Frenemy creates a ball of spongey coral large enough to surround their entire body. In this state Frenemy can roll around and reduce physical damage.

* **Coral Colossus** (珊瑚コロソスス, *Sangocorosusu*?): Frenemy surrounds their body with an armored suit comprised of different corals and sea anemones. The bulky exterior protects Frenemy from damage while the enlarged tendrils serve as whip-like appendages. The mass of the suit greatly increases physical damage and reach, however its large size makes jumping difficult which forces Frenemy to climb instead.

* **Great Saline Barricade Barrage** (偉大塩性バリケード雨あられ, *Idaishio-seibarikēdoamearare*?): This is a cooperation technique executed in unison by Frenemy and Assault Diver. Frenemy generates a massive coral reef around their bodies to form as a porous shield. After doing so, Assault Diver launches a near endless barrage of salt particles through the gaps in the reef. The openings simultaneously allow Assault Diver to launch projectiles and reaccumulate ammunition while Frenemy's corals sting any target that approaches the pair. It is most effective when used in an aquatic environment.