We Have To Fight Who?!
Class 1A
"And that concludes class for today," Said Aizawa as he turned to exit the class, "Now remember that the finals are just a week away now and come in two phases, written and practical. I'm certain you've kept up with your studies but be sure not to fall behind on your training. Good Luck, you'll need it." It was hardly five seconds after their sensei closed the door that the ones who hadn't been studying decided to state their dilemma.
"We've hardly even looked at our text books!" Mina and Kaminari both exclaimed at the same time, though Mina was able to seemingly laugh about it while Kaminari was expectedly freaking out.
"Yes we have been kept surprisingly busy this semester," said Tokoyami in his usual, unconcerned tone of voice. Sato and Koda agreed with the bird-headed student, restating how the school wouldn't pull any punches. Mineta was, surprisingly, unconcerned because the little grape head had somehow managed to get in 9th place in the class midterms, a fact which frustrated both Mina and Kaminari to no end.
"Hey don't worry about it, there's still time for us to study," said Midoriya who for once wasn't nervous about something school-related. Then again, Clay recalled he'd placed fourth at the midterms, no doubt thanks to his ever impressive note-taking.
"You know passing is far easier if you just pay attention in class," Todoroki pointed out.
"Ah you don't have to cut us down like that," said Kaminari as he sulked a bit.
"Clearly it's not everything though," Clay said, deciding to add his thoughts to the matter, "If it was, you wouldn't have placed 5th in the midterms."
"I find that comment a little ironic given that you ranked behind me," Replied Todoroki.
"And I ranked higher than either of you," said Slade as he leaned back in his seat, "And yet I still only reached the 3rd rank in the class. Why, because no matter how hard I study I can't seem to fully grasp English grammar. So we all have our strengths and weaknesses."
"How did you wind up in the 6th spot in class anyway Clay," questioned Tsuyu, "I thought Japanese was a second language for you."
"Oh Japanese has never been the problem," said Clay as he produced a few floating cloud kanji in the air with his quirk, "I actually think it's quite an artistic language. It's math that's been the biggest pain in my academic ##. Even when I have the problems in English it still throws me for a loop sometimes and then add on the fact that I need to translate from Japanese to English before even attempting a problem. If not for Uncle setting me up with the translations during testing, I probably wouldn't have even gotten all the way through the math section before time was up."
"Yeah but that just means you have a handicap," Said Mina, "For us we're failing in our native language for goodness sake!"
"Well if the two of you want, I could help you out on studying the important topics," suggested Momo. Kaminari and Mina accepted this offer immediately, and given the fact that Momo had come in 1st during the midterms, they were in good hands. Jirou, Ojiro, and Sero thought so too because they asked for help shortly after, all of them having a problem in one field of study or another. For whatever reason, this put a spark in Momo's eyes. "Of course, we can hold a study session at my residence! I'll just need to call mother and have her prepare the great hall, and then it'd be best if we had some tea as well. My family normally drinks Wedgewood, but we can make accommodations for nearly any taste. I'll make it my personal mission to help you all become model students!"
"Heck, maybe she should just teach the class," said Clay as he shifted his cloud kanji to say something along the lines of 'Yaoyorozu Sensei.' "She's definitely more enthusiastic about it than my Uncle."
"Hey how fancy is Momo's home anyway?" Questioned Uraraka in a bit of a whisper.
"Super fancy," Clay, Slade, and Jirou all answered at the same time.
U.A. Lunch Room
"So we know what the written exam is going to be all about," said Iida as most of the class sat together eating lunch.
"It'll be pretty much everything we've learned so far this year all wrapped into a few big tests," said Midoriya, "So the only thing that's really driving me crazy right now is what the practical exam will be."
"Have you managed to get anything out of your Uncle about what it'll be?" Jirou asked Clay.
"Nothing too crazy I hope right?" Added Uraraka, who was understandably nervous given that she wound up 13th out of the whole class.
"Ah, the only other thing I could really get out of him was that it would put us in situations that wouldn't suit our quirks," said Clay as he rubbed the back of his head, "But in the past it's usually been a combat exercise."
"Well that tells us a whole lot without telling us anything at all," commented Slade as he took a few bites of his own food.
"Well maybe it's like a comprehensive test of all the different types of hero work we've-GAH." Midoriya's sentence was cut short by someone bumping the back of his head with their elbow.
"Oh sorry," said a rather annoying blond student, "Your head's just so big I couldn't help but bump it."
"Oh hey," said Clay as he pretended not to recognize the 1B student, "Who are you again? Oh wait I got it." Clay used his quirk to write out a phrase in Japanese which roughly translated to 'Dick Head.'
"How clever," remarked Monoma, "But at least I don't go around having run-ins with villains like the hero killer. I must say your class doesn't seem to be satisfied unless they're the center of attention, just like in the sports festival."
"And just like in the sports festival," said Slade as he turned around and 'accidentally' planted a higher density foot on Monoma's, "You're just spouting hot air to make yourself look better."
"But I d-don't need to d-do that," Replied Monoma as he tried to keep his speech steady through the pain in his foot and watery eyes, "You see everyone's noticed your class has a knack for getting into trouble, ouch, and we're all just worried that you'll drag us into one of your messes one d-GAAAH!" The 1B student was finally silenced thanks to a quick chop from Kendo.
"Oh Kendo," remarked Iida as everyone noticed that Monoma seemed to be out cold.
"Sorry about him guys," said Kendo, "Not much of a heart in this one. Anyway, I happened to overhear your little dilemma about the practical exam. I heard from a guy a few grades up that it'll be combat against robots, kinda like it was at the entrance exam. I know it's kind of cheating to ask about it but I thought 'oh well.'"
"But that can't be right," Midoriya wondered out loud, "Unless information gathering is part of preparing for the final exam, if that's a possibility then it means we may have missed an important detail somewhere." The green-haired student continued his classic muttering, causing Kendo to look at him with a good bit of confusion.
"Does he always do that?" Questioned Kendo as Midoriya continued to mutter uninterrupted.
"You get used to it after a while," Said Clay as he switched his cloud kanji to say 'mutter' over and over again, "Though one can never predict when it's gonna start up."
"K-Kendo," squeaked Monoma weakly, "Why are you giving away a strategic advantage to these idiots? We could actually pull ahead of them this t-GAAAAH!" The perverse blond was swiftly knocked out again by another chop from Kendo.
"The only idiot around here right now is you," said Kendo as she drug her classmate away.
"Okay, her I like," said Slade as he turned back to face the rest of the class.
"She's kind of like class 1B's big sister or something isn't she," remarked Kirishima as they managed to eat the rest of their lunch in relative peace.
Class 1A
When Kaminari and Mina heard the news that they would probably be going up against robots for the practical exam, they were relieved and surprisingly excited. Clay understood to a degree why they'd be excited. Neither Mina nor Kaminari had great control over their quirks so it would be difficult for them to fight against people without causing serious injury. But against robots, they could basically go crazy.
Of course, their happy mood was quickly dampened by Bakugou. "It shouldn't matter if it's people or machines," remarked Bakugou, "You two morons should get better control of your quirks!" Kaminari wanted to protest that statement only to be silenced by a glare from the explosion quirk user.
"That's rich coming from a guy who can't even maintain an inside voice," Quipped Clay, "Seriously you got two settings, irritated growling or angry yelling. And let's not even talk about your own self-control issues."
"Blow it out your ## Cero," replied Bakugou as he moved to leave, but turned back long enough to glare at Midoriya. "And as for you, I don't know what the heck's up with your power, but seeing you jumping around like that's really pissed me off. But this time around we'll get individual scores which'll prove how much better I am than you! And Todoroki, that goes for you and the two pretenders, so just you wait!" With that final statement, Bakugou slammed the door shut on his way out.
'And now the finals have gotten him worked up,' thought Slade, 'I'm starting to think this guy can't do anything without turning it into a competition.'
The Yaoyorozu Residence
"Remind me again how I wound up agreeing to this," questioned Clay as he, Slade, Jirou, Mina, Kaminari, Sero and Ojiro all stood outside of the large gate to the path that led up to mansion of Momo's family.
"Because you know how to tutor someone in a foreign language," Jirou reminded him, "And you know the best way to tutor Slade, who's here to help with the math tutoring."
"Yeah that's why you wanted me here," said Clay, "but why did I think it was a good idea in the first place?"
"Because Jirou and I asked super nicely," Said Mina with her trademark Ashido grin.
"I'm not sure I'd describe threatening to add acid marks to my list of burn injuries as asking nicely," Clay pointed out.
"Oh that was just Jirou's idea for a little extra incentive," said Mina with a dismissive wave, "But seriously, Kaminari and I need all the help we can get at this point."
"And Momo can only teach so many people at once," Said Jirou as she reached for the speaker, "So try to be a team player here." Jirou's hand was just hovering over the button when Momo's excited voice suddenly rang out.
"Hello everyone! I've been waiting for you, please come in!" Said Momo as the gates opened inward remotely, permitting them entry into the mansion. As before, Clay, Slade and Jirou felt extremely out of place, a feeling which was shared by everyone else until Momo came in, wearing a long red shirt and shorts, pushing a tray of tree. "And how is everyone today?" Said Momo with the biggest smile they'd ever seen on her face.
"We're wonderful now," said everyone happily, suddenly not caring that they were in a mansion. 'She's practically glowing with happiness,' thought Clay, 'never thought I'd see anyone this excited to be tutoring.' From that point onward, the study session commenced. Momo was able to answer just about every question asked to here while Clay and Slade helped out anyone having trouble with math or grammar. Clay even used his quirk to form letters and numbers in case they ran out of room on the board.
Before they knew it, the week had passed and it was time for the written exams, which stretched out through three class days.
Class 1A: Third Day of Written Exams
"Alright pencils down and papers to the front," said Aizawa as exam time came to a close. 'Whew finally,' thought Clay as he got ready to hand his paper up. He'd just managed to finish his written exam barely five minutes before time was called, and then it had been an exercise of trying not to change any answers and potentially making his score worse.
Mina and Kaminari were both thanking Momo over and over again for tutoring them. Obviously they weren't sure quite yet how well they'd done but at least they'd gotten through it, even managing to answer all of the questions without leaving anything blank. But it was the next exam that had Clay nervous as the moment they'd turned all of their papers in, Aizawa instructed them to get into costume and head to specialized testing grounds made specifically for the practical exam.
Practical Exam Area
'Well this can't be anything good,' thought Clay as they stood at the entrance to the exam area. All of class 1A was gathered and in costume and standing before them was every one of their teachers. "Alright, it's time to commence the practical test," said Aizawa, "Be sure to remember that this is a separate test and you can fail it. So if you want to go to camp this summer, try not to make any stupid mistakes."
"Any idea why 'all' of the teachers are here?" Jirou whispered to Clay.
"I don't know but I feel like they're not here just to watch us take the practical," replied Clay.
"I imagine you've all been trying to gather information as to what the practical will be this year," continued Aizawa.
"Is it those big robots like the ones at the entrance exam?!" Questioned Kaminari and Mina excitedly.
"Actually, recent events have led us to change this year's exam to something completely different!" Said an excited voice from inside of Aizawa's scarf before the business-suit wearing, mouse-like form of Principal Nedzu popped out of it. Everyone was rather surprised at the principal's presence and at the fact that things were changed. "While the tests will involve hero work they have a new focus this year, namely teamwork and combat against actual people."
"And that means what for us exactly," Asked Kirishima as he voiced the question that was on everyone else's mind.
"It means for the practical, all of you will be working in pairs and your opponents shall be one of our esteemed teachers, isn't that wonderful!" Replied Nedzu happily.
"Incredibly, wonderfully, fabulously terrible," remarked Clay as everyone else could only voice their disbelief that they were about to go up against their teachers.
"Moreover," Aizawa continued for Nedzu, "Your partners and opponents have already been chosen for you. The matches were made based on various factors including fighting ability, grades, and even interpersonal relationships. For example, Slade and Momo will both be a team," this comment caused the two students to glance in slight confusion at each other, "Against me."
"Ah $ %," Said Slade, not feeling too great about the way their teacher was grinning.
"Another team we have will be Midoriya paired with Bakugou," Aizawa said. This caused them both to glance at each other with expressions of disbelief. What was more unbelievable was their opponent who came dropping seemingly out of the sky.
"I AM HERE! TO FIGHT!" declared All Might, "So if you want to win you'll have no choice but to work together!" The number one hero wore his trademark smile as he said this. Though this time around, that smile promised a world of pain for the two students who were going up against him.
"Now I think it's best we announce the rest of the teams as well as the order and opponents they'll be fighting," said Nedzu. The first match was Sato and Kirishima against Cementoss, then Tsuyu and Tokoyami against Ectoplasm, followed by Ojiro and Iida against Power Loader. Slade and Momo got the fourth match against Aizawa while Clay was, to his surprise, partnered up with Uraraka against Thirteen. Mina and Kaminari would get the pleasure of taking on Principal Nedzu himself while Koda and Jirou took on Present Mike.
Hagakure and Shoji were pitted against Snipe while Mineta and Sero got the pleasure of facing Midnight. The last two matches were Todoroki and Aoyama against Hound Dog and, as if saving the best for last, Midoriya and Bakugou would get the final match against All Might.
"Each of you will have thirty minutes to complete the exam," explained Nedzu, "To win you must accomplish one of two goals. Either place these specialized cuffs on your opponent, or one or both of you manage to escape the combat stage."
"So we can just get out of there and we win," Said Hagakure, "Is that really an okay thing to do?"
"That's right," said Present Mike as he tipped his sunglasses, "But this won't be like the start of the year, you'll be taking on those who are on a whole other level!"
"Aren't you just the announcer though," Jirou pointed, despite Koda's protests.
"Oh come on now, have a little respect girl!" Seethed Present Mike.
"The purpose of this exam is to simulate a real battle," Explained Thirteen, "Strange as it may seem, think of us as villains."
"Just like in the real world," Snipe said as he picked up where Thirteen began, "If you run across and enemy and think you can take 'em, then you fight."
"However," Said Aizawa, "If you find you're outmatched, a smart move is to retreat and find back up. I'm sure Todoroki, Midoriya, and Iida can tell you all about that." The three students tensed up a little at this, remembering their encounter with Stain. 'So we choose the one we think will win the day,' thought Clay, 'fight or flight.'
Exam Monitor Room
Clay stood in the monitor room with Midoriya as Uraraka walked in. The monitor room itself was being manned by Recovery Girl, who was on standby to deal with any injuries which would most likely occur. "Oh hey Deku, you're in here too," said Uraraka.
"Oh yeah," replied Midoriya, "It's not every day you get to see the teachers fight, and against students to boot. Plus, Kacchan doesn't really want to talk strategy."
"He's got it in his head that he can actually beat All Might," said Clay, who was currently leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, "But the truth is he doesn't stand a chance by himself. Honestly the only bit of good news is that All Might's wearing those weights designed by Hatsume to limit his movements like the rest of the teachers. Despite all of that, the only real strategy for you two in my opinion is to play hide and seek until you reach the gate."
"I doubt Kacchan will want to do that though," said Midoriya, "He's always hated the idea of running and he won't listen to me."
"Then you have two options, at least the way I see it," said Clay, "One, you either let him find out the hard way that he's no match and leave him behind while All Might's beating him into the ground or-."
"But we're supposed to work together," said Midoriya, interrupting Clay, "I can't just leave him behind."
"Then that's your other option," said Clay, "If you think you can, make him listen, even if you have to slug him across the face." An uncomfortable silence followed his statement. After a whole minute, it was Uraraka who finally broke it.
"Uh Clay, we still need to talk strategy," said Uraraka, "We've got our match to think about too and I'm open to ideas here." Clay's expression softened a little before he spoke.
"Well our situation is a little better, but not by a whole lot," said Clay, "In all of U.A. there are three teachers I'd hate to go up against. The first is All Might for obvious reasons, he outclasses me in both quirk and physical ability, heck just those massive shockwaves would be more than enough for him to disperse anything I throw at him. Second is also relatively obvious, My Uncle due to his ability to erase my quirk and he outclasses me in hand to hand. And the third teacher is Thirteen."
"Why would you hate to go up against Thirteen when they're more of a rescue hero?" Questioned Uraraka.
"Because any frontal attack by me would be useless," explained Clay, "No matter what shape my quirk takes, how much I divide it to attack from multiple angles, or how much of it I generate all Thirteen has to do is suck it up with black hole, and the same goes for any debris attack you could create with your quirk. Uncle knew what he was doing when he paired us up against this particular opponent."
"You're not really getting my hopes up here," said Uraraka, "Do you have any actual plans?" Clay was about to answer that question when the screen lit up. Kirishima and Sato's match against Cementoss had begun. Their approach was pretty straightforward as they charged through the simulation cityscape and straight towards Cementoss.
The pro hero and teacher reacted by using his quirk to form several stone walls. Kirishima responded by using his hardening quirk while Sato consumed sugar to boost his strength temporarily. They broke through wall after wall with incredible ferocity as they attempted to close the distance between them and the cement hero.
"Wow," commented Uraraka, "If they keep going like this, they'll win for sure."
"If they really can keep going like this," said Midoriya, getting a questioning look from Uraraka. "It's true they've got great quirks, but they have their limits to how long they can keep them going."
"Cementoss, on the other hand," Clay picked up for Midoriya, "Is capable of manipulating that entire street and likely more, and with his experience making a wall is child's play. In a battle of attrition, I'd say he's got the upper hand."
"And Aizawa sensei knew that when he paired them up against him," Uraraka realized, "That means he purposely paired us against teachers we'd have a hard time with."
"And if we want to pass," said Midoriya, "We'll need to recognize our own weaknesses and find ways to overcome them."
"That's right on the money," said Recovery Girl suddenly as she turned in her chair towards them. "In order to pass this test, you'll need to look at your compatibility against your opponent. You'd all best think carefully about who you're up against, otherwise you'll end up like these two." Her point couldn't have been any clearer as they watched Kirishima and Sato tire themselves out before being overrun by a blob of cement, rendering them both unconscious. A horn sounded then as a voice over the intercom declared the match over.
"If their battle was that one-sided," said Uraraka as she looked at Clay and Midoriya, "What are we gonna do when it's our turn?" 'That's a good question,' thought Clay, 'One I don't actually have an exact answer to.'
The practical exam has been revealed and the odds are not looking good as they watch the first team fail. With the factors favoring the teachers of U.A., our heroes are gonna have to try a slightly more unorthodox approach. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I promise more action to come in the next one. As always, feel free to leave a comment or review on what you liked/disliked or if you have a neat idea to improve the story. Be sure to stop in next time as Slade and Momo take on their homeroom teacher. 'Til next time.