"Let's hear from Yaoyorozu," said All Might, folding his arms as the class settled into attentive silence.
Momo Yaoyorozu stepped forward, posture composed, her voice calm and precise.
"From the hero team's perspective, Midoriya's approach was highly efficient. He reached the third floor quickly and intentionally drew Bakugo away from the stairwell, which allowed Uraraka to reposition without interference."
Her gaze moved briefly across the class before returning to All Might.
"He also accounted for Bakugo's temperament. By provoking him, he ensured Bakugo would focus entirely on him rather than the objective." She paused slightly. "Given their history, that outcome was likely anticipated."
She adjusted her stance, then continued without breaking rhythm.
"Bakugo's speed is a critical factor. Midoriya needed to create distance to maintain control of the situation. The strike he used wasn't simply offensive. It disrupted Bakugo's momentum and created an opening. From there, the plan follows naturally. Midoriya advances to the fourth floor and draws Iida's attention, while Uraraka approaches from outside and secures the device."
All Might nodded, a broad, approving smile spreading across his face. "Excellent analysis."
There was a note of genuine pride in his voice, though his eyes lingered thoughtfully for a moment.
"Um… I'd like to add something," said Ochaco Uraraka, raising her hand.
"Go ahead."
"If Midoriya couldn't keep Bakugo on the third floor, he planned to lead him up to the fourth," she said. "Then he'd hold both Bakugo and Iida in place while I secured the device."
Her voice softened at the end, and she lowered her gaze slightly.
"In both versions… he was the one taking all the risk."
A quiet pause settled over the room, the weight of that statement lingering.
Yaoyorozu spoke again, her tone measured.
"That highlights a weakness in the plan. In real combat, relying on a single person to bear that level of risk isn't sustainable. Even if the strategy succeeds, it places too much burden on one teammate."
She crossed her arms lightly, thoughtful rather than critical.
"That said, the willingness to take responsibility like that isn't inherently negative. In the right context, it can become a strength."
All Might cleared his throat, gently shifting the mood.
"We'll revisit that point later. For now, let's continue."
—
Elsewhere, Izuku Midoriya lay in the infirmary under Recovery Girl's care.
Sleep came quickly.
And with it—
that familiar presence.
"You again?" Izuku said, his guard rising instantly. "I'm still dealing with what you did last time."
The figure chuckled, unconcerned. "You're making it sound worse than it was."
It reached toward him.
Izuku flinched and covered his face with both hands, stepping back. "No. Not happening."
"Alright, alright." The figure waved a hand, amused. "If you're going to be like that, I'll give you something instead."
The space around them shifted, as if reality itself had been nudged aside. A motorcycle appeared—solid, detailed, unmistakably real.
Izuku blinked. "A bike? I can't even use one yet."
"That's not what it's for."
The figure tapped a symbol near its center.
With a sharp mechanical sound, the machine folded in on itself. Panels shifted, joints locked into place, and in seconds, it stood as a humanoid construct. Metal settled with precise, deliberate motion.
"This is Mach Pegasus," the figure said, resting a hand against it. "It's meant for emergencies. Think of it as backup."
Izuku stared, caught between curiosity and unease.
"Come here," the figure added. "It needs to register you."
Before he could refuse, his body moved forward on its own.
A mechanical voice broke the silence.
"Voice registration in progress. Please speak."
Izuku hesitated. "Uh… hello?"
"Registration complete."
The immediate response made him jerk back slightly. "That's… yeah, that's unsettling."
—
Izuku's eyes snapped open.
The unfamiliar space dissolved, replaced by the clean, sterile ceiling of the infirmary.
Nearby, All Might stood speaking with Recovery Girl.
"This is the third time he's ended up here," she said, her tone firm but controlled. "At this rate, even my Quirk has limits. His body needs proper recovery time."
All Might's shoulders tightened. "I understand. But he needs to gain control of that power quickly. Otherwise—"
She cut him off with a sharp glance. "You're pushing him too hard."
Silence followed, brief but heavy.
All Might looked away slightly. "I don't have much time left. I can feel it."
Recovery Girl exhaled, unimpressed. "Your condition isn't my concern right now. The student in that bed is."
She stepped forward and pulled the curtain aside—
—and paused.
Izuku was already halfway out of bed.
For a moment, no one spoke.
He scratched the back of his head, offering a small, awkward smile. "Uh… hi."
All Might blinked. "Midoriya? You're already awake?"
Izuku glanced toward the window, then back at them.
"School's over, right? I figured I shouldn't stay here any longer than I have to."