Denki: What's he doing?
All Might: HE CHECKING THE ROOMS, WHILE KEEPING HIS WEAPON READY SHOULD ANYONE SEEK TO SURPRISE HIM.
It was strange to All Might though. The way he was checking the rooms and keeping himself out of sight, wasn't how any normal hero student would do it. Rather it was as if he was a seasoned soldier who had done this countless times.
All Might: "Interesting."
Optimus had just finished checking the last room.
Optimus: "Not down here either. Higher then."
He moved to the stairs, keeping his blaster up and his body calm. Which was a lot harder than it seemed. This silence, this tense feeling in the air, reminded him much of the battles on Cybertron, one such instance being when he and his fellow had to sneak through the Kaon Prison Complex to rescue Zeta Prime.
He shook his head, trying to clear the memory from his mind. Guess his meditation didn't help much after all. Seems he'll need to work on it more.
As he was ascending the stairs he saw something thrown towards him. He quickly aimed his blaster and fired. The objects were destroyed.
Minoru: Aw man! I was sure I had you!
Optimus pointed his blaster at the source of the voice. Minrou flinched as the blaster was pointed in his direction but soon gulped and began to assume his villain persona.
Minoru: I mean, welcome to my lair hero! You were foolish to come here alone! You stand no chance of stopping the villainous Grape Fruit and his harem of Femme Fatels! I would suggest rolling over and dying now to save yourself the embarrassing defeat.
Optimus... was at a complete loss. He didn't know Minoru well, but he was sure he wasn't normally like this. And what in the name of Primus a 'harem' or 'femme fatels'?
More Earth phrases he would need to research later.
He then recalled that All Might said that to win this exercise, the students needed to immerse themselves in the role of both heroes and villains. It seems Minoru was doing exactly that. Then Optimus should do the same. But he was going to do it his way.
He then put away his blaster.
Optimus: Must we do battle Grape Fruit?
Minoru: Huh?
Minoru certainly wasn't expecting that sort of question. Why didn't he want to fight? Was he a coward?
Optimus: I do not know what it was that led you down this path of villainy, but I do know that every being possesses the capacity for change. And I believe that you can too. I know you must have suffered much in your life, but there must be better ways than by endangering innocent people. Please stand down, tell me where the bomb along with your partner is, and let us find a way to move forward. Together.
Eijiro: Why is he just standing there?
Mina: Yeah come on OP! Flatten that little pervert!
Tsuyu: Why did he put away his weapon? That doesn't seem smart.
Toru: Looks like they're talking. What are they saying what are they saying?
Kyoka: I don't know.
All Might, who was able to listen to their conversation thanks to his earpiece, was astonished by what he saw. Never before had he heard of a hero trying to end conflict in this training exercise by asking the villain to stand down. But the more he thought about it, the idea itself was brilliant. Perhaps he should have that be a hidden condition in future classes.
Minoru looked at Optimus in confusion. Was this guy so afraid to fight real people that he covered that with the excuse of not wanting to help him?
Minoru had to admit though, that if that was his strategy, it was working. He was brought up to not want to fight. To stand down and go along with Optimus' ideas. Suddenly, playing the villain didn't feel right anymore.
But then he remembered his reasons for wanting to fight this guy and shook his head. He needed to beat Optimus Prime! If he did, then he would claim the status of Class 1-A's top dog! All the ladies would fawn all over him after that, especially Yaoyorozu.
He wasn't blind. He could see the real reason why she wanted to fight this stud. She had the hots for him! It made him hate the Prime even more. Barely two days into the school year and he's already got the hottest girl wrapped around his metal fingers!
Minoru: Nice try Hero! But I won't fall for your self-righteous act! I will never surrender, especially not to a coward like you!
Optimus seemed to look regretful. Even though this was an exercise, he hoped his plea would be able to reach Minoru enough for him to stand down so no one, mainly Minoru, would get hurt. But it seems he was too fixed in his 'villainous ways'. He then looked at Minoru with a determined expression that made the midget flinch.
Optimus: So be it. I gave you a choice to end this peacefully, and you refused. Now live with the consequences.
He then redrew his Ion Blaster and opened fire. Minoru was surprised and barely dodged all the blaster bolts.
Denki: Whoa he's shooting him! Is he trying to kill him?!
All Might: NOT TO WORRY! YOUNG PRIME'S WEAPONS ARE STRICTLY NON-LETHAL! AT WORST, YOUNG MINETA WILL SIMPLY GET A CONCUSSION FOR A BOLT. "I hope."
Minoru was scrambling to dodge the blaster fire. His small size helped and using his balls as a springboard helped him to bounce around the hallway. Optimus' blaster stopped to cool down and that's when Minoru took his chance.
Minoru: Take this! Grape Rush!
He then began throwing multiple sticky balls at the Prime who moved into the other room to dodge. He held his now cooled-down blaster and waited for the barrage to stop. When there was a pause he leaned out and opened fire. Minoru dodged and continued to throw the balls on the ground.
Optimus then stepped out completely from the room into the hallway and opened fire. His blaster hit the ground next to Minoru, and the impact sent him flying back, ceasing his assault.
Optimus moved to check on him but found he was stuck. He looked down at his feet and saw they were stuck to the balls Minoru threw to the floor. It was then that he realized Minoru's plan.
Minoru: HAHA! You fell right into my trap hero! I'm sure you didn't know this but my balls can stick to any surface. But I don't stick to them, I just bounce off them. I wouldn't even dream of breaking free. It's impossible to do so! No one has ever managed to escape my sticky grape trap! It's over Hero! "I did it! I beat the stud! Hot ladies, here I come!"
He began walking to the hero, pulling out his capture tape.
Optimus tried to lift his feet, but the balls held him in place. He had to admit, Minoru had him, a well-thought-out plan on the fake villain's part. But Optimus had a way out of this. He fired into the ground and caused the ground to give way and he fell through the floor.
Minoru was surprised and ran to check on the Prime. The hole dropped Prime to the second floor, but the dust from the debris clouded Minoru's vision. He felt his heart beating faster as he moved to step away when a hand shot out to grab his leg.
He felt his heart beating faster as he moved to step away when a hand shot out to grab his leg
Minoru screamed in terror as he was pulled down the hole. used his Quirk and stuck the balls to the floor before he fell completely through the hole. He felt his body almost torn in two as he held onto his lifeline with a death grip.
After a few tense seconds of struggling, the floor the balls were sticking to was torn up and Minoru fell through the hole with a scream of terror.
He landed on the floor with a hard thud and a boot stomped on top of him. He looked up and saw Optimus aiming an Ion Blaster down at him. Minoru gulped as the blaster was aimed at him.
Optimus: This did not need to end in violence, but you forced my hand. Now tell me: Where is Momo and the bomb?
Minoru was terrified of the person standing over him but managed to gulp the lump down his throat.
Minoru: I-I-I won't t-tell you a-anything, h-hero!
Optimus' gaze only narrowed as his blaster charged up.
Minoru: 5th floor! Norwest corner of the building! Across the hall from the room with a window! Please don't kill me!
Minoru whined, the tears falling from his face. He stopped as he then felt the sound of tape and felt it wrapping around his leg. He looked at the appendage and saw the Prime wrapping capture tape around his leg.
All Might: MINORU MINETA FROM TEAM 'C' HAS BEEN CAPTURED!
He looked at Optimus and saw that he had a grateful, if regretful expression on his face.
Optimus: Thank you Minoru. I am sorry it had to come to this.
Optimus then got up and walked away.
Minoru: Yaoyorozu's waiting for you! She has the whole floor rigged with traps No way you can beat what she has planned for you.
Optimus stopped. Minoru had a point. From what he gathered due to his interactions with Momo, she seemed to be a calculating person who tried to prepare for every expected outcome. So the only way to beat her was to do the unexpected. He looked out the window and got an idea.
Momo wiped the sweat off her brow as she finished the last line of her defenses against Optimus. It wasn't that long since her perverted partner was eliminated, so she got to work on finishing the traps she had for him.
The stairs leading up to the fifth floor were filled with trip wires that when tripped, her signature matryoshka dolls would explode. Not in a flaming explosion but with either glue or any other adhesive to trap Optimus in place.
If he made it up the stairs, he would need to contend with two automatic tennis canons, shooting tennis balls at 110 miles per hour. Nothing lethal, but it would certainly leave a mark.
She then had each of the rooms rigged with different traps in place should he try and search them.
The final touch was a canon directly in front of the door to where she and the bomb were, triggered to fire a soccer ball the second the door creaks open.
And, even if he managed to make it through all that, he would need to get past her and her trump card before he got to the fake bomb.
She then looked at the timer she made when the countdown started. Less than 5 minutes remaining. She had a feeling all those traps wouldn't be able to stop him, but they would at the very least slow him down. Hopefully, until the timer runs out.
It was a foolproof plan. She took every possible entrance into account, even choosing one of the windowless rooms. No way would he be able to sneak past her and her traps.
She pulled out a high-calorie protein bar to eat to help replenish her lipids just in case when she heard something. A sort of rumbling. And it was coming from the ceiling.
CRASH!
The roof caved in, forcing Momo to move back at Optimus dropped from the ceiling and landed on the ground. He stood up, tall and proud as he gazed at her.
Momo was speechless as stared at him.
Momo: H-How did you get around all my traps?
Optimus: I knew you were expecting me to come from either the stairs or even a window, which was why you chose this room. So I chose to attack from someplace you wouldn't expect me.
He then pointed upwards.
Momo: From above? But how did you get up there?
Optimus: I climbed.
It's the truth. Optimus had exited the building and used his Energon hooks to help scale up the building. He then moved over to where he believed the room would be and broke through the roof.
Momo narrowed her eyes. Once again, she underestimated him. All her hard work, all the energy and time she spent creating those traps, wasted. It made her blood boil.
Optimus: We do not need to fight Momo. Simply stand down and let us resolve things peacefully before more innocent lives are lost in this madness.
She was a bit surprised at his words but figured he was just playing his role as the hero, trying to get her to lower her guard. She narrowed her eyes. She wouldn't surrender, even if all her hard work amounted to nothing, she wouldn't just give up. Using her Quirk, she created a metal staff and got into a Bojutsu stance.
Optimus realized her intentions and sighed. Soon though his gaze got serious and he transformed his right arm into a sword and got into a stance.
Optimus: Very well. Let's end this.
The two combatants stared at each other for a long moment before Optimus made the first move. He lunged at her, swinging his sword horizontally for her to block with her bo staff. She shoved the blade away, striking at his head, but he blocked her attack.
The two stared into each other's eyes, at that moment acknowledging each other as warriors, and then the duel began in earnest.
If only it could be called that.
Since her first creation, Momo had been hard at work learning how to use the items she created to the best of her abilities, which included weapons. She practiced with swords, nunchucks, and sai, learning several techniques with each of them, but the one she spent the most time with was the bo staff. Since making her choice, she was then tutored by the best teachers money could buy, and she had a lot of money. They had all taught her so much, and after all these years of training and finding her style of fighting with Bojutsu, she could confidently say no one here at U.A. could hope to match her when it came to wielding a weapon.
Until now that is.
She could tell from Optimus' stance that it wasn't his first time wielding his sword. On his first strike, he knew how to swing, on his second he knew how to defend, and on the third, he knew how to fight. Better than her.
This was less of a duel and more a dance, a dance he was leading with Momo struggling to follow along with. It was ironic, that the high-class young lady was being led around by a normal commoner in a dance. Oh, some of her father's friends would faint if they saw her.
But it was the truth, from the beginning Optimus had complete control of the fight, directing it to wherever he wanted it. Controlling the pace of their strikes, the moments where they could breathe. Everything was under his control, and Momo was struggling to keep up as she felt the pace increase. It wasn't helped that she was exhausted from using her Quirk so much just before this dance.
For Optimus, he was surprised. With Quirks and how powerful they were, he wasn't expecting someone to take the time to learn how to use and fight with a weapon unless it was required of them. But Momo had proven him wrong on both accounts.
When he saw her create that staff, he thought she was just hoping to take him off guard and try to buy herself a few seconds while she created something. But he was surprised when she reacted fast enough to block his opening strike, and quickly move to counter. He could tell from just those two strikes, and the look in her eyes, that she knew how to use her staff. So, acknowledging her unspoken request, Optimus decided to cut loose a bit and the two engaged in a duel.
Optimus started slow, for him at least. He wanted to get a feel for where Momo was in her skill. She was no beginner, maybe even close to a master. But she was tired, he could tell from how much her arms were straining from his strikes and how heavily she was breathing. He did recall she uses her lipids for her Quirk and she mentioned traps, so she must've been exhausted from all that. But Optimus wouldn't do her a disservice by going too easy on her.
Deciding to test her adaptability, Optimus swung his blade up with all his strength, his Cypertronian blade slicing her metal staff in half, much to her shock. He then delivered a spartan kick that sent her rolling backward and hitting the wall. He jumped and moved to stab her in the face but she moved her head just in time as his blade stabbed through the wall.
She recovered as she created a handheld taser moved moved to strike him. He grabbed her hand with his free hand and disarmed her with ease. He then dragged his sword through the wall to strike but she rolled under the blade as it passed overhead. The moment he took his sword from the wall, she had finished making another metal staff, this one being made from stronger metals.
Optimus: "If I take any longer, then the bomb will go off. Time to end this."
And for that brief moment, he stopped holding back.
He was a whirlwind of speed and grace. His blade struck with laser-focused precision. Momo barely lasted five seconds before she was so overwhelmed by his swordsmanship that her staff was knocked from her hand. She began to create another one but stopped when his blade was at her throat. His blue eyes, which were usually so kind, were staring directly at her as if daring her to make a move.
Optimus: This has gone on long enough. Stand down, now.
Momo had to admit, he beat her, and she admired him for that. But if she was going to go down, she was going to go down fighting.
She had enough lipids for maybe two more creations, which was enough. She created a flashbang, pulled the pin, and threw it directly at the Prime, forcing him to cover his eyes, she had already made the mask to cover his face from the blinding white light.
While Optimus was blinded she grabbed her fallen bo staff. She then moved to strike the back of his head. If she used enough strength the attack could either stun him or incapacitate him.
He then grabbed the staff before it could hit him. At first, she was surprised he recovered from the flashbang so quickly but saw that his eyes were still shut.
Momo: "He predicted where I would strike."
Her astonishment was short-lived as he gripped the pole with both hands, lifted her over his head, and slammed her down to the ground. Momo groaned as she had landed on her side, thankfully not on her back. Optimus threw the staff away and looked down at her, his eyes now recovered from the blinding light.
Optimus: This duel is over. You have lost.
Momo tried to stand back up, but she was too weak to do so. Her lipids were exhausted and even if they weren't, she couldn't think of anything to use to surprise him. He had completely defeated her. Now all that was left was to wrap the capture tape around her and he would win.
Only he didn't. Momo saw that he was walking away from her and moving to the bomb.
Momo: What are you doing?
Optimus: Defusing the bomb.
Momo: What's the point? You already beat me. Just wrap the capture tape around me and you'll win.
Optimus: Perhaps in this exercise, but not if this was real. Simply defeating the villains will not result in the bomb's deactivation. Stopping the villains should be secondary to ending the more immediate threat to people's lives. Besides, that was the condition All Might had given me to win.
Momo's eyes widened. What he said made sense. But that was for it he couldn't take down both of them, which he did. But if his goal was the bomb then...
Optimus moved to touch the bomb when he noticed something. The bomb was covered with a thick metal sheet that prevented one from touching it directly. He noticed purple balls sticking the metal to the bomb. He looked back at Momo with wide eyes.
Optimus: What have you done?
Momo couldn't help the prideful smile on her lips.
Momo: "So that's what you look like when you're shocked." I knew that because of your disadvantage of being alone, you would maybe aim to touch the bomb to win. So to keep that from happening, I created the metal sheets and had Mineta use his Quirk to keep them sticking to the bomb, so even if you sneaked past us, you wouldn't be able to touch the bomb. And since that's your condition to win, it seems you lose, hero.
Optimus was impressed. Momo was extraordinary, being able to come up with a backup plan like this, to turn a handicap into a way to achieve victory. That took true innovative thinking. However, he wasn't just gonna sit back and lose.
Optimus: Very clever Momo. However, I will not just stand here and give up. Not when so many lives are on the line.
Momo was in slight awe at the level of conviction in his voice.
Optimus then grabbed the metal sheet and pulled it. The metal creaked but wouldn't budge, after several seconds of trying, Optimus pulled back and took several deep breaths.
Momo: I told you, it's no use. You have less than a minute. You've lost this battle hero.
Optimus didn't pay her any mind as he looked at his hands. He had less than An idea soon came to him.
Optimus: "Haven't practiced this move as much, but what better time than the present to try it out."Energon Surge!
The Energon in his blood began to glow bright, making his veins appear blue and his dark blue hair grew brighter. Momo was surprised by the powerup, finding it beautiful even. Optimus then moved back to the bomb. Using his Energon-enhanced strength, he ripped the sheets from the bomb.
All Might: HERO TEAM WINS!
Inside the monitoring room, everyone was in awe of Optimus' victory.
Eijiro: He took on two people and managed to pry that steel from the bomb! So manly!
Rikido: I can't believe he won the exercise all by himself. I mean someone like Todoroki I can see winning solo, but Prime?
Kyoka: Well he did score first place on the Assessment test yesterday.
Denki: Man I'm glad I wasn't the one going against him.
Mashiro: His skill with a sword is incredible. Even Yaoyorozu's Bojutsu was incredible.
Mina: It was like they were dancing. With OP leading.
Tenya: As expected of Prime. I knew he would triumph despite the odds placed against him.
Ochaco: Way to go Optimus! And you too Yaoyorozu and Mineta!
All Might was giving the Prime a silent congratulations. But his mind was focused on one moment specifically. The moment he pried off the doors, All Might saw the veins on his arm glowing blue, much like how Young Midoriya would glow red with One For All. He began to wonder if there was a connection.
Shoto himself was in awe of the battle. Optimus Prime fought with incredible skill, intelligence, and power. He was a force to be reckoned with. And Shoto needed to beat him. If he did that, then he would prove he could be a hero with just his ice.
Katsuki's expression was unable to read as his hair covered his eyes. He clenched his fist in frustration.
Momo was speechless. That was her trump card. The last desperate move she could pull to stop him. And with nothing but his raw strength, he forced it aside. It was incredible! And it made Momo feel like a failure.
Momo now hung her head in defeat. She tried her hardest. Used everything she had to try and beat him, yet it wasn't enough. Was she really that weak? Was she that usel–
Optimus: Are you okay?
Here negative thoughts immediately ceased as she looked up and saw Optimus' hand outstretched to her. She stared at his hand and then up to his face to see a concerned expression on his face. She took his hand and he helped pull her to his feet.
Momo: Yes, I'm fine. Thank y–
She didn't as her legs suddenly gave out and she would have fallen had Optimus not grabbed her.
Optimus: Momo?! Are you okay?! Do you need a doctor?! I can take you to Recovery Girl immediately!
Momo: "How can he go from trying to destroy me to showing such concern for me?"
Momo thought with a blush.
Momo: N-No need for that Optimus! I'm fine! Truly! Just lost the strength in my legs. Also, I used all my lipids so I'm very weak at the moment from lack of food.
Optimus breathed a sigh of relief.
Optimus: I'm glad you're okay. Will you be able to walk?
Momo took a tentative step forward but was barely able to move before gravity took her, with Optimus catching her. She blushed in embarrassment.
Momo: Not likely. Guess I'll need to wait for the Med bots to carry me back. You can go on ahead.
Optimus didn't feel comfortable leaving Momo here alone, even if it was safe. Then he got an idea. Something he saw once in an Earth movie.
Optimus: I believe I have a solution.
Momo: A solution? What is–W-Wait?! What are you doing?!
Momo suddenly screamed as her whole face burned red.
Optimus: I am carrying you. Is there a problem?
Momo: N-No. Not exactly a problem per se. Aren't I a little... heavy though?
Optimus: Not at all.
Optimus had decided an easy way to get her back to the monitor room was to carry her himself. It would save time, plus he was strong enough to lift her without any difficulty. Plus he had worked enough with Ratchet to know how best to hold someone who was injured or exhausted. It made sense and was logical.
The only problem, or at least for Momo, was that he was doing the famous Princess Carry!
To be carried like a Princess was a fantasy every young girl wished for, and Momo was no exception. As she got older, that wish soon devolved into a silly childhood fantasy. But now it was happening for real and all Momo could do was blush and look embarrassed.
At that moment, Momo couldn't help but feel how strong his arms were as he held her with them. Nor notice how broad and sturdy his chest seemed as he held her close to him. A small smile found its way onto her face.
Momo: "I guess it isn't so bad to live out silly childhood fantasies."
Optimus himself started to feel his heart rate accelerate for some reason, but Optimus paid it no real mind.
Optimus: "Perhaps my body is still calming down from the use of the Energon in my blood."
As they were walking back, Minoru couldn't help but bite his lip in frustration as he watched Prime carry off Yaoyorozu like a Princess.
Minoru: "I'm gonna kill you Optimus Prime! This I swear!"
After Teams C and K returned All Might had concluded the class, rushing off to who knows where. The students changed out of their hero costumes and hung out in the classroom.
Save one explosive bomber.
Katsuki: "Finally the day's over."
Today had not gone the way Katsuki Bakugou had envisioned. He was sure he would establish his status as the top dog in the school, put Deku in his place, and wow everyone with his Quirk as he did throughout elementary and Middle School.
But nothing had gone according to plan. First, he lost the first mock battle of the school year, to Deku of all people.
Then he got a front-row witness to both IcyHot's and Robo-Boy's power, and that further dampened his mood. It was a real eye-opener. He thought with his Quirk and the amount of effort he put into mastering it, he would have no competition like always. But those two. Icyhot had a power that could counteract his own Quirk while Robo-Boy's skill far surpassed anyone in class, even his own. They were the real deal.
But what irked him the most was that Deku, that lying piece of crap, didn't even need to use his Quirk, at least directly against Katsuki, to win. Just one use and he managed to help his team win the whole match.
Katsuki: "Just go home Katsuki. Just go home, murder a bunch of germs in your teeth, and don't think about–"
Izuku: Kacchan! Wait up!
Katsuki: "Are you kidding me?!" What?
While he was fuming on the inside, his vocal words sounded unnaturally calm, which unnerved Izuku, who had his arm in a sling. Izuku's lip was trembling, wondering if he should even be saying this.
Izuku: "I haven't told anyone this secret. Not even my mom." I have to tell you something. Maybe then, you'll understand what's been going on. I wasn't hiding my Quirk from you. It was given to me by someone else. Recently.
Katsuki perked up at that. A Quirk was given to Deku?
Izuku: But I can't tell you who it is, so don't ask! Sounds crazy, I know. It's like something out of a manga or comic book. Only it's real. The thing is, I don't really have any control over this power yet. I haven't figured out how to make it my own, but I'm trying. That's why I didn't want to use it against you in the exercise. But in the end, it was the only way that I had a chance of winning. I've still got a lot to learn. I know that. That's why I'm here. You'll see. I'll work until I have full control of this narrowed Quirk. And I'll finally beat you with my own power!
Throughout his whole explanation, Katsuki was shaking in unbelievable rage, it only growing with Izuku's every word. Izuku seemed to realize that he trailed off from what was his original meaning of chasing after him, to clear up the misunderstanding that Izuku was tricking him.
Katsuki: How dumb do you think I am?
His question caused Izuku to gasp.
Katsuki: 'Borrowed power'? Don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. You already made a fool outta me in that training exercise. So? Did you come here to rub it in? I lost. And to make matters worse it was to you. I already lost once when I came second in the exam to Robo-Boy, but that's not enough. When I was watching that ice guy, and when I saw Robo-Boy take down two people on his own, I realized I couldn't beat either of them in a head-to-head fight. Crap! I even agreed with what that girl said about launching a full-scale attack indoors. My attack was so stupid! Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! Enjoy that win, Deku. You won't get another! I'm just getting started! Got that?! I'm gonna end up the Number One Hero, no matter what!
Katsuki had tears in his eyes as he laid bare all his insecurities since coming to U.A. But this loss managed to light a fire in him. He would get better! He wouldn't fall behind his classmates! He'd become the greatest hero ever!
Izuku seemed to acknowledge Katsuki's determination and nodded. The blonde glared at Izuku for a moment before walking away.
Katsuki: You'll never beat me again you loser. Don't even try.
???: Yes he will.
Both Izuku and Katsuki turned to see Optimus standing at the entrance, a stoic look in his blue eyes.
Izuku: O-Optimus?
How much did he hear? Did he hear the part about his Quirk being given to him?
Katsuki: You got something to say Robo-Boy?
Optimus: My name is Optimus Prime, try and remember that, along with the rest of your classmates Katsuki Bakugou. As for what I said, Izuku will surely beat you next time.
Katsuki: What makes you think that loser stands a chance against me?
Optimus looked toward Izuku and smiled.
Optimus: Because he fights for others. He risks his body, his health, and his very life, to protect others. Fighting for others, especially those dear to you, can give you the strength to do the impossible. I've seen it done many times throughout my life.
Izuku was in awe of Optimus' words. The Prime then turned to Katsuki and frowned.
Optimus: But you. You fight for nothing. That is why you will never win against Izuku, or anyone else with a desire to protect others.
Katsuki glared at the Prime who stood unflinching at his gaze.
Katsuki: Whatever. I'll beat you to Robo-Boy. Just watch as I'll make you eat your own words.
He then continued on his way. Izuku let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding.
All Might: THERE YOU ARE!
Both Izuku and Optimus were blown to the side as All Might came bursting through and placed his hands on Katsuki's shoulders.
All Might: BAKUGOU! I FOUND YOU! JUST SO YOU KNOW, PRIDE IS AN IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE TO HAVE. BUT WHILE YOU CERTAINLY HAVE THE ABILITIES OF A PRO HERO, THERE'S STILL PLENTY YOU HAVE TO LEARN!
Katsuki: Let go of me, All Might. Right now.
All Might was confused at the rejection as he looked down at Katsuki who covered his eyes. The blonde looked at the hero, tears lingering in his eyes.
Katsuki: Save your speeches. I'll be more famous than even you, and I'll do it without your help.
All Might didn't exactly know what to say. Usually, when something like this happened, he would say just a few encouraging words and everyone would feel better. Guess that didn't help much compared to teaching.
Optimus: All Might, sir?
The Number One Hero turned to see both Optimus and Izuku there.
All Might: AH! YOUNG MIDORIYA AND YOUNG PRIME! SORRY, I DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE.
Izuku: No worries! Were both okay.
All Might: THAT'S GOOD. WHILE I HAVE YOU TWO I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME FEEDBACK. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF CLASS TODAY?
Izuku: It was amazing! Minus the pain in all. But being able to be taught by the Number One Hero was such a blessing I'll cherish for a long time.
All Might expect such a response from Izuku, given that he was a hero fanboy. But he really wanted to know Optimus' opinion, since he would give him an unbiased one.
All Might: GLAD TO HEAR IT YOUNG MIDORIYA! AND YOU YOUNG PRIME. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF YOUR FIRST HEROICS CLASS? DID I LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS?
Optimus was silent for a long moment as he pondered his answer.
Optimus: I have to be honest. For a class on heroics taught by the Number One Hero... I am very disappointed.
Both Izuku and All Might flinched at his statement. He was disappointed in a class taught by the Symbol of Peace.
All Might: W-WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUNG PRIME?
Optimus: You came to class almost completely unprepared to teach, having to rely on a script to answer everyone's questions. I know sometimes teachers will need notes to work off of, but that you shouldn't need to rely wholly on a script to teach a class, else it isn't you teaching the class, but a piece of paper.
He got him there. He did mean to study the lesson plans Nezu sent him, but he was so busy training Midoriya to receive One For All that he had no time. He'd thought it'd be okay if he just copied the lessons onto a script to not appear completely lost.
Optimus: Then there was how you were planning to organize the team battles, specifically with me. You assured me that you would have a plan for how to handle there being a team of only one. But you put off thinking about the problem till the last minute and scrambled to find a solution when it was time for me to fight.
He was right. All Might was so used to following the lesson plan for 20 students, that he never thought about what to do if he had 21. So he just went with whatever popped into his head when the moment called for it.
Optimus: Third, there was how you handled the matter with Izuku and Katsuki. You knew that Katsuki held extreme animosity towards Izuku and tried multiple times to attack him. Yet knowing that, you still pitted them against each other. I understand not wanting to show favoritism to any of the students, but you disregard the safety of everyone in that exercise. Especially when Katsuki unleashed his attack. Instead of stopping the exercise, you let him off with a mere warning, when his actions, in a real-life scenario, could kill innocent civilians.
All Might was sweating now. He knew he should've stopped the exercise after Katsuki's attack, but he wanted to give Young Midoriya the chance to face and defeat his childhood bully.
Optimus: And finally, is your favoritism for Izuku.
Both users of One For All flinched at Optimus' statement. All Might tried to wave him off with a laugh.
All Might: HAHAHA! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUNG PRIME? I DON'T HAVE ANY FAVORTISM FOR YOUNG MIDORIYA. HE'S JUST MY STUDENT. SAME AS YOU ARE.
Optimus: All Might.
His tone caused the Number One Hero to freeze.
Optimus: I know you may have more experience being a hero in this world than me. But don't think of me as an idiot. I can see you have some sort of relationship with Izuku. A strong, personal one at that.
Izuku tried to stop Prime's train of thought.
Izuku: Now wait! We really don't have a–
Optimus cut him off by raising his hand.
Optimus: I do not care what the truth of your relationship is. Whether you two are master and apprentice, father and son, or even just a hero and his fan, it's none of my business.
Both Izuku and All Might sighed in relief.
Optimus: However, remember this All Might. Izuku is not your only student. You have an entire class, and entire school of young men and women who all look up to you, and want to learn from you. Don't focus so much on Izuku that you end up neglecting them.
All Might... had no words to say. Optimus Prime was able to easily pick apart all his flaws as a teacher after only one day of class. It was both impressive and scary.
Optimus then bowed.
Optimus: I apologize if my words were blunt and offensive. But I wanted to give you my honest opinion since you asked. I hope you take these words to heart and work to improve yourself, All Might. I know you have a lot to teach us.
And with that Optimus moved to turn in the direction of the dorms. Izuku and All Might watched him leave. Izuku then turned to his mentor.
Izuku: All Might. Don't let what Optimus said get you down too much. It's only your first day after all.
All Might held his hand up to stop his protege.
All Might: DON'T YOUNG MIDORIYA. PLEASE DON'T DISCOUNT WHAT HE SAID. EVERYTHING HE SAID WAS RIGHT AFTER ALL.
Izuku was shocked by All Might's admittance to criticism as the Pro bowed his head and had a depressing chuckle.
All Might: HEH. I THOUGHT MY FOUR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE BEING A HERO AND OUR TEN MONTHS OF TRAINING WOULD HAVE PREPARED ME FOR TEACHING A CLASS HOW TO BE HEROES. BOY WAS I WRONG. I JUST FUMBLED THROUGH THE LESSONS AND REACTED TO ANY PROBLEMS THAT CAME MY WAY LIKE A HERO. BUT THAT ISN'T HOW A TEACHER IS SUPPOSED TO ACT. THEY SHOULD ALREADY HAVE A PLAN IN CASE THINGS GET OUT OF HAND LIKE TODAY. AND I SHOULDN'T FOCUS ALL MY ATTENTION ON YOU YOUNG MIDORIYA. IF I DO THAT, I'M FAILING 20 OTHER STUDENTS WHO ARE DEPENDING ON ME TO TEACH THEM EVERYTHING I KNOW.
Izuku: All Might...
However, the Number One Hero soon clenched his fist, and a brilliant smile full of determination was on his face.
All Might: WHICH IS WHY I MAKE THIS PROMISE, HERE AND NOW! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD, I WILL STRIVE NOT ONLY TO CONTINUE BEING THE NUMBER ONE HERO IN THE WORLD BUT ALSO WORK TO BE THE NUMBER ONE TEACHER IN THE WORLD! I WILL TEACH NOT JUST YOU YOUNG MIDORIYA, BUT EVERYONE IN U.A. HERO COURSE HOW TO BECOME THE BEST HEROES IN THE WORLD! I PROMISE YOU!
Izuku began to tear up at his hero's words. Glad to hear that he's trying to become even better than before.
Off to the side, unbeknownst to the two, Nezu had a pleased expression on his face.
Nezu: "You even managed to get All Might to work harder than he already does. Well done."
He then looked off in the direction of the dorms.
Nezu: "I look forward to seeing what other changes you will bring to our school, Optimus Prime."