A/N: I do not own Transformers or My Hero Academia
Brainwashing or Leadership
Midnight: You have 15 minutes to assemble a team! Begin!
With the timer counting down now, the top 42 students began to assemble and work to form their teams. Optimus observed the teams being formed. A lot of people were sticking with people from the same Class, as he expected.
He saw what appeared to be Katsuki and Eijiro teaming up. Such a team made sense, given that since the USJ, it seems those two have grown closer, maybe even become friends. Which kind of relieved the Prime. It seems Katsuki wasn't so arrogant in thinking he was above things like friends.
He then looked at Shoto and saw him paired with Momo, Denki, and Tenya. Optimus frowned in worry. The two students who got in on recommendations would be a formidable pair, along with Tenya, who would allow them great mobility. He couldn't factor in how Denki fit into his strategy, but he had a feeling he wouldn't like it when he found out.
He then saw Izuku, who was with Ochaco, and that Support Course Student, Mei Hatsume if he remembered. He smiled as he saw that Izuku seemed to be getting a team together. He was worried that because of the amount of points Izuku had, no one would be willing to partner with him, given he had such a large target on his back. He was glad to see he was wrong. It looked like there were only three of them, so Optimus moved to support them.
Optimus: Izuku? Ochaco?
Both his classmates looked at him and smiled.
Izuku: Hey, Optim–
Mei: It's you! Metal Man!
Izuku and Ochaco were shocked that Mei seemed to recognize Optimus as she ran up to him with stars in her eyes.
Mei: Nice to see you again! Are you here to give me your arms now?!
Izuku and Ochaco paled at her words. From their short interactions with Mei, since she volunteered herself as a part of their team, they could say with absolute certainty that she was a strange one. One who didn't know the concept of personal space, much to Ochaco's ire, and one who could be very literal in her words. So when they heard her ask for Optimus' arms, they couldn't help but worry.
Optimus: Mei, I told you, I would let you examine my Quirk after the festival.
Mei slumped at that, frustrated that her new obsession would need to be put on hold for a few more hours.
Optimus then turned to Izuku.
Optimus: I have to say, I'm relieved Izuku. I was worried that no one would want to partner with you because of your number of points. I'm glad to see I was wrong.
He looked at Ochaco and Mei with a pleased smile before focusing on Izuku.
Optimus: And if you would be willing, I would be glad to join you.
Izuku's eyes widened and he was filled with a renewed sense of hope. When Tenya refused to join him, he was panicking because a crucial form of the strategy he came up with would be missing. But with Optimus here, that place could be filled now! However, as he thought about it, he thought back to Tenya's words when he refused to join him.
Tenya: (Flashback) Since this all started, I've been losing to you. Please don't take this as an insult. You're a great friend, but if I continue to follow you, I'll never get stronger. Bakugou and Todoroki have challenged you already, but they aren't the only ones who see you as a rival.
With that conversation in mind, Izuku made his decision.
Izuku: I'm grateful you want to help me Optimus, but I'm going to have to decline your inclusion into my team.
Ochaco, Mei, and even Optimus looked at Izuku in surprise. Ochaco was panicking because he was refusing such a huge advantage that was being handed to them on a silver platter, while Mei was upset she wasn't getting to be around her latest guinea pig. Optimus' surprised expression soon became neutral as he stared down at Izuku.
Optimus: May I ask what your reason is for this?
Izuku: Look, I'm grateful for everything you've done for me since starting U.A., even the time before that. But I realized, I can't keep relying on you for everything. My dream goal is to become the greatest hero in the world, who saves everyone with a smile on his face. And I can't achieve that dream if I always rely on you, I'll never grow. Besides, I also want to beat you.
Izuku glared at Optimus with a fierce expression, that resembled the glare he gave Todoroki at the start of the Festival. He was determined not to fall behind Optimus, and eventually work to surpass him. Eventually, after a long moment of staring, Izuku felt his confidence fade away as he began nervous again.
Izuku: I mean don't get me wrong! I'm glad you're my friend and I hope nothing I said changes that. I just want the chance to stand on my own! Do you understand?!
Optimus: I understand.
Izuku stopped panicking and looked at Optimus to see a proud smile on his face.
Optimus: There is nothing wrong with wanting to learn how to stand on your own, so long as you don't forget that you have others who can help you should you need it. I will respect your wishes not to team up.
He then held out his hand.
Optimus: I wish you luck, my friend.
Izuku smiled as he took Optimus' hand and shook it.
Izuku: Me too.
And with that, Optimus turned and walked away to find another team to join.
Ochaco: Deku, why would you refuse his help?! With him on our team, we could have easily won the Calvary Battle!
Mei: Yeah, you're lucky Ten Million! If all eyes weren't on you for this event, I would have packed up and joined Metal Man.
Izuku seemed to think about it for a moment before looking at Optimus' retreating form. While it was true he was turning down a significant advantage, he couldn't help but stay true to his choice.
He wouldn't admit this aloud, but while he was grateful to Optimus and all he had done to help him since coming to U.A., he couldn't help but feel envious of the Prime. He was so much stronger and more confident than he was. He even had thoughts that maybe Optimus deserved One For All more than he did. Which was why he couldn't ask for his help in this event or even the rest of the Sports Festival. He needed to prove to himself that he was worthy of receiving All Might's power.
And to do that, he had to beat Shoto Todoroki, Katsuki Bakugou, and Optimus Prime.
Optimus: "He's grown so much in such a little time. I'm proud of him."
Optimus thought with a smile. While he was surprised that Izuku refused his help, he was also happy to see him wanting to stand on his own. While it was never wrong to accept help from others, one shouldn't be wholly reliant on others as well, lest they become a burden.
But while he was glad to see Izuku stand on his own, that also left the Prime with his own problem. He didn't have anyone to team up with. Most of the students were already paired in groups of four. That included his classmates and Class B. He couldn't participate on his own. Maybe he could find a team of 3 or two to partner up with? Or maybe someone else who was by their lonesome?
?: Hey, you! Optimus Prime, right?
Optimus turned to face the familiar voice, and his eyes widened when he saw Hitoshi Shinso, the G.E. student who declared war on Class 1-A before the Sports Festival. Optimus was curious to see how he managed to get into the top 42. He recalled seeing a bunch of students carrying him. Wonder how he pulled that off?
His classmates Mashiro and Yuga flanked him. But for some reason, the two had a haze look in their eyes, almost like their minds were someplace else.
Hitoshi: It seems you don't have a team yet. Kinda surprising given your character and all, especially since you came in fourth. But hey, this is a blessing for both of us. Want to join my team?
He asked with his hand outstretched and a smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes. Optimus' eyes narrowed as he glanced at the outstretched hand. Something was fishy about this whole situation. Especially given how both Mashiro and Yuga seemed so out of it that they didn't even try to help Hitoshi convince Optimus.
But, desperate times call for desperate measures. He saw that most of the students were already paired up, and the ones remaining were people he knew next to nothing about. So he would need to take a gamble. He moved to shake Hitoshi's hand.
Optimus: Very we–
He didn't finish as all of a sudden his mind soon went blank as he lost all control of himself.
Hitoshi: Gotcha!
Hitoshi smirked in victory. He managed to get one of the strongest students in Class 1-A under his control. He felt guilty about doing this, especially to Prime, given how the Freshman Rep was nice to him, outside of that whole thing where he got all angry when he declared war on them. But he had to do this, to fulfill his dream of getting into the Hero Course and becoming a hero.
He turned his back on Prime and was about to order the three under his control to get in formation for the Calvary Battle when he felt someone grab onto his forearm and yank so hard it would have ripped his arms clean off if he was any weaker. He cried out in pain and was about to ask the three to attack, but he froze when he saw who grabbed him.
A very angry and free Optimus Prime, if the clear look in his bright blue eyes was any indication. Blue eyes that were glowing bright and hot with rage.
Optimus: What. Did. You. Do?
Hitoshi couldn't say a word as his voice died in his throat as he stared at those blue eyes. Eyes that felt like they could just kill him with a glance if he stared too deeply into them.
Hitoshi: H-How did you–ARGH!
He cried out in pain as the grip on his arm tightened, threatening to break it with just the smallest amount of pressure. But that didn't stop him from feeling more shocked than he ever had before in his life. How was this possible?! Never before had someone managed to break free from his Quirk, at least not without outside stimulus! So how did this guy manage to break free?! And so quickly as well?!
Optimus: What did you do?!
Hitoshi: I-I used my Qurik! I used my Quirk on you, okay?!
Hitoshi cried out in fear. Optimus stared at him for a long moment before he finally released the boy, who rubbed his hand. Optimus soon crossed his arms and looked at Hitoshi.
Optimus: Explain. What is your Quirk?
Hitoshi thought of trying to put the Prime under his Quirk again but soon thought better of it. If he could break out of his control in an instant, then there's no way Hitoshi would be able to keep him under his control for long. So, with a sigh, he decided to tell the truth.
Hitoshi: Brainwashing. My Quirk is called Brainwashing. It allows me to control anyone who responds to something I've said.
He saw Optimus' eyes widen in shock and felt a knife twist in his stomach. He was used to such a look, he'd seen it most of his life by now. But why did it hurt so much seeing it on his face? Optimus calmed down and looked at Mashiro and Yuga.
Optimus: And these two?
Hitoshi: I used my Quirk on them too. The best thing about being in the General Course is that our Quirks aren't as well known as you Hero Course students. Gives us an edge. They were completely unprepared for it.
Optimus was silent for a long moment, and the silence was killing Hitoshi. Optimus then asked a question.
Optimus: Why did you resort to such methods? Why take away their free will?
Hitoshi scoffed and had a self-deprecating smile on his face.
Hitoshi: You wouldn't understand. Someone like you who was born with such an amazing Quirk. All my life people have been saying how dangerous of a villain I would be because I have such a villainous Quirk. Even saying such things right to my face. My whole life, I've been judged because of my Quirk, people seeing me as nothing more than a villain in the making, without even getting an attempt to know me! It's sickening! Not passing the Entrance Exam was the final straw. So I decided if they want a villain, then I'll give it to them! I'll use whatever underhanded tricks and schemes it takes to make it to the top! I'll step over all of you if that's what it takes!
Hitoshi was breathing heavily as he finished off his rant. He looked back at Optimus, who didn't seem phased by his words, which angered him, but soon, the Prime asked a question.
Optimus: Is that what you want?
Hitoshi: Huh?
Optimus: Do you truly want to be seen as the villain everyone sees you as? All because of your Quirk? It seems to me such a title has caused you nothing but pain. So why would you seek to validate those claims about you?
Hitoshi: No! I mean...
He trailed off.
Optimus: If that's the case, then why are you in U.A.? Why are you competing so hard in the Sports Festival? Why do you wish to become a hero?
Hitoshi looked to the side when asked that question. Why did he want to become a hero?
Hitoshi: You can't help the things your heart longs for.
That was the truth. Despite all the pain he's been caused, and how much he envies those with strong and flashy power, he still wanted to be a hero. It was his dream, for as long as he could remember.
Optimus: I see.
Optimus was silent for a moment before he spoke.
Optimus: Ask me again.
Hitoshi: Huh?
Optimus: Ask me to join your team again. But this time, be sincere and do not use your Quirk.
Hitoshi was in disbelief. This guy was just asking to be mind-controlled again! He could easily put him under his spell once again, only this time be more careful to make sure he didn't break free. He was leaving himself wide open for it! But for some reason, Hitoshi couldn't do it. Because if he did, then he would just be proving all those bullies right. That he was a villain.
Plus, he couldn't do that when Optimus looked at him with those eyes. Most people stared at him with fear or contempt after knowing what his Quirk could do. But Optimus looked at him with sympathy and... understanding. Something no one besides his family has done for him.
So, taking the biggest leap of faith in his life, he bowed his head and pleaded from the bottom of his heart.
Hitoshi: Please... please join my team!
He knew it was a hopeless endeavor. He knew that Optimus would say no. He would be too wary to join up with someone with such a villainous Quirk. He would take away the other two he had under his control. That would leave him with no one to partner with, meaning he would fail the Calvery Battle and be expelled from the Sports Festival. Probably for the best. Something scum like him des–
Optimus: Very well. I will join you.
Hitoshi's brain froze at his words. Slowly, almost fearfully, he lifted his head from his bow to look at Optimus' face, to see if there were any signs of lying or deceit, but he found none.
Hitoshi: What?
Optimus: I said I will join you for the Calvary Battle.
Hitoshi couldn't believe his words. He was sure his ears were playing tricks on him.
Hitoshi: I-I don't... Why?
Optimus: Because you asked.
Hitoshi blinked in disbelief. 'Because he asked'? That's why he was willing to partner with him.
Hitoshi: B-But I tried to use you?! Brainwash you! I have a villain's Quirk!
Optimus: Says who?
Hitoshi blinked at his question.
Optimus: Do you recall what I said at the beginning of the Sports Festival? There is more to you, than all of us than meets the eye, whether we have a Quirk or not. In my eyes, there is no such thing as a 'heroic' Quirk, or a 'villainous' Quirk.
Hitoshi seemed to be in awe of Optimus' words.
Optimus: While I do frown upon taking away someone's freedom, I am not as naive to not see the benefits of such a power as yours. You could use your power for extraordinary things, such as calming down panicking civilians, getting a villain to release a hostage, or even turning themselves in. While I do wish the latter would be usually left to one's agency, I too realize that sometimes one must take drastic measures so that the innocent are not caught up in a villain's path.
Optimus looked directly into Hitoshi's eyes as he said this next part.
Optimus: I do not believe that you, or anyone else, should be judged good or evil simply because of what Quirk you have. Power is not inherently good, nor is it evil. It is how one uses their power that matters. And I can tell, despite your words and previous actions, that you truly wish to be a hero. And I believe you can.
Hitoshi was stunned. Someone believed in him. For the first time in his life, someone believed in him. Believed that despite how easily he could use his Quirk for malicious deeds, he would use it to help others. That he could become a hero.
He didn't even acknowledge the tears falling from his eyes until they were trailing down his cheek. He quickly moved to wipe his eyes off his tears. He soon felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked to see Optimus looking at him with a comforting expression.
Hitoshi: Thank you.
The young man gave the Prime a bright smile, a genuine one. One that Optimus returned before he frowned and looked to the others, who were still under control.
Optimus: Now it is time to free these two.
Hitoshi looked confused.
Optimus: I will join you, but I will not tolerate people being here against their will. If you wish to continue to team up, you will release them, and ask if they genuinely wish to join with us.
Hitoshi seemed hesitant, but he soon nodded in agreement. Optimus was right. He couldn't just force people to ally with himself. He needed to act like a hero, not a villain.
So, by applying enough physical pressure, Hitoshi released both Mashiro and Yuga from his control. Both students looked slightly confused about where they were.
Mashiro: Huh? Where am I?
Yuga: Oh mon? What happened?
Hitoshi looked to the side in shame before Optimus moved to walk up beside him.
Optimus: Allow me to explain to you two.
And so Optimus told them how Hitoshi had placed both of them under his mind control, causing Mashiro to glare at the brainwasher, who looked away in shame. Optimus then told them how they had a talk where Hitoshi decided to release them from his control.
Hitoshi: –I'm sorry for what I did, honest. I hope you can forgive me and help us in the Calvary Battle. Please?
Hitoshi bowed to the two of them. The two looked at each other, before looking at Prime to make sure he was genuine. Optimus nodded yes. The two were silent for some time before Yuga spoke first.
Yuga: Oui! I'm in!
Hitoshi looked shocked.
Hitoshi: Really?
Yuga: Of course. After all, where else would I go with this much time left to choose teams? Besides, by standing with Optimus, I'll be able to make myself sparkle even more!
All three sweat dropped, but Hitoshi was thankful nonetheless, as was Optimus. The Prime then turned to the other student.
Optimus: What about you Mashiro?
The young warrior looked conflicted for a long moment before he sighed.
Mashiro: I'm sorry, but can't join you.
Hitoshi didn't seem all that shocked as he sighed.
Optimus: May I ask why?
Mashiro: I just can't partner with someone like him.
Hitoshi flinched as he knew he was referring to him.
Mashiro: Look, I'm glad he released us, and that he apologized, but that doesn't mean I can forget what he tried to do to me. That he was just gonna use the two of us like a puppet. I just can't let it go! My pride won't allow it. I can't forgive him. At least... not now.
Hitoshi looked down in shame. He felt a comforting placed on his shoulder and looked to see that it was Optimus. He looked at the young man, making sure he was okay before turning to Mashiro.
Optimus: Freedom is your right. If you wish not to partner with us because of Hitoshi's actions, then we respect your decision. I wish you luck in the Calvary Battle.
He held out a hand to Mashiro. The boy with a tail took it and gave him a firm handshake.
Mashiro: You too, Prime, Aoyama.
And with that, he turned to try and find another team. Hitoshi then let out another sigh.
Hitoshi: Well that went better than expected. Thought he would try to hit me for controlling him.
Optimus. It may not have been an easy thing to do, but I am proud of your actions Hitoshi. Letting both Mashiro and Yuga choose their freedom took great courage. Well done.
Hitoshi had a bashful smile on his face at Optimus' praise.
Yuga: Oui, merveilleux! But we still face the problem of being a team of three.
Before Optimus could say anything, a new voice shouted out to them.
?: Oi! I found you! And you don't have a full team yet! Perfect!
The three turned and saw someone from Class B approach them. He was muscular, had silver hair, and a big toothy grin that reminded Optimus of Eijiro. He soon recognized him as one of the students who declared war on Class A before the Sports Festival. He recalled he was very loud and passionate, much like Kirishima.
Optimus: Hello there. I am Optimus Prime from Class A. May I ask what your name is?
He asked holding out his hand for the other student to shake, which he did with great enthusiasm.
Tetsutetsu: I'm Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu from Class B! Nice to meet you in person Prime! Glad I found you!
Optimus: A pleasure to meet you as well Tetsutetsu. However I have to ask, why are you looking for me?
Tetsutetsu: Because I want to join you and your team!
This shocked the three of them. Here they were, wondering if they would be able to find a teammate, and now the universe has dropped in their lap. Maybe it was looking to repay Optimus for all he's done.
Tetsutetsu: I was originally gonna team up with a bunch of pals from 1-B, but I knew I had to team up with you when I saw you without a full team!
Optimus: May I ask why?
Tetsutetsu: Because you're manly!
Optimus sweatdropped. This boy reminded him so much of Eijiro, and both of them reminded him of Warpath.
Hitoshi: Is that all?
Hitoshi asked in disbelief.
Tetsutetsu: Yeah!
Tetsutetsu's expression then became more thankful as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
Tetsutetsu: Well, actually, I'm mostly doing this to pay you back for helping me in the Obstacle Course.
Optimus: What did I do?
Tetsutetsu: Oh yeah, it would have been hard to notice, but you saved me and a bunch of my classmates from getting crushed when Todoroki made that Zero Pointer fall on us at the start. I mean, I would have been fine, thanks to my manly Quirk and all!
He then flexed his right arm and it completely turned to steel.
Tetsutetsu: But that still would've slowed me down a bunch if I had been trapped. I also heard how you helped a bunch of people from the other classes, including my own like Pony and Kodai. So think of this as me paying you back for all the help you've given others.
Optimus smiled at Tetsutetsu's genuine desire to repay him. Of course, the counterpart didn't need to do anything to repay, for Optimus was glad to help others. But Optimus had a feeling, like Eijiro and Warpath, that the moment Tetsutetsu set his mind to something, he was determined to accomplish it. So he relented.
Optimus: Very well. Welcome to the team Tetsutetsu.
Tetsutetsu had a large toothy grin as he pumped his fist in excitement.
Tetsutetsu: Awesome! Let's win this thing!
Optimus: Are you all ready?
Optimus asked his team, Team Prime (the name gave him a nostalgic smile) as he sat on them, all their headbands wrapped around his head. Optimus (195) was the rider with Tetsutetsu (165) acting as the horse. Hitoshi (80) and Yuga (5) took up the right and left wings respectively.
Team Prime: 445 Points.
Hitoshi, Yuga, & Tetsutetsu: Yeah./Oui!/LET'S DO THIS!
Optimus smiled as he looked out at the field and saw all the other students were ready and raring to go
Present Mic: Now let's go! Counting down to the start of the brutal battle Royal!
It was now time for the Calvary Battle to begin. All the possible teams had been formed and arranged accordingly for this free-for-all. Optimus' team was no different as they arranged themselves.
All: THREE...
Optimus: Good...
All: TWO...
Optimus: Well then, Team Prime...
All:...ONE!
Midnight: START!
Optimus: LET'S ROLL OUT!
For the next 15 minutes, it was a bloodbath! So much so that there were times the TV had to cut away to commercials because it was too brutal.
As Optimus predicted, everyone made a mad dash for Team Midoriya, intent on stealing the Ten Million Points. Thankfully Team Midoriya was able to combine Ochaco's Zero Gravity Quirk and Mei's gadgets to take to the sky and avoid most of the teams for a good first few minutes.
Team Prime instead focused on the other teams and stole headbands from them. He had to admit, he was impressed with some of the strategies his classmates came up with. Especially Minoru, who used his smaller size to his advantage as he and Tsuyu hid inside Mezo's multiple arms. It truly was a stroke of genius, one he wouldn't have expected from the pervert.
Optimus was giving out orders like he was back in the trenches on Cybertron during the war. His three teammates couldn't explain it, but they just couldn't help but follow his commands. For a second, the three wondered if it was Optimus with the brainwashing Quirk instead of Hitoshi.
Other teams tried to take their points, like one that had a girl with green vines for hair. She tried to attack and take the points from Optimus' head long distance with her vines, but the Prime's instincts never failed him as he easily dodged and quickly cut down the vines with his sword.
Other teams tried to sneak up on them, but Hitoshi's quick thinking allowed him to say something that managed to catch the team off guard enough to respond and place the teams under his control. Before meeting Optimus, he would have ordered them to hand over their headbands, but he simply did this as a way to stun them, not wanting to be unfair. Optimus was proud of his actions.
Yuga did great at striking from a long distance with his navel laser, Optimus assisting him with his Ion Blasters. They didn't hit anyone directly with his shots, even though he easily could, but he did fire some blasts at the feet of the carriers. Enough for them to stumble but not fall, as that would be against the rules. This allows them to scare off any attackers from getting too close while reminding them they wouldn't be safe by staying far away.
Tetsutetsu proved his worth by tanking much of the long-range attacks aimed at him like a pro. Optimus was certain that if he was born on Cybertron during the war, he would have made a fine Wrecker. He came up with the glorious(?) plan of charging straight into another team. Optimus surprised his team by going along with the idea. Tetsutetsu let out a battle cry art his order, fully transforming himself into metal and charged. Their action caught the team off guard, causing them to frantically move out of the way, lowering their guard for Team Prime to take their headbands, just as Optimus planned.
It seemed that Team Prime wasn't the only one who decided to forgo the Ten Million. Another team, comprised completely of 1-B students, also followed the same strategy. But instead of going for everyone, this group seemed to target Class 1-A specifically.
Tetsutetsu told Optimus the one leading the team was a young man named Neito Monoma, the Vice-Rep of 1-B. According to Tetsutetsu, Neito had become very much obsessed with overthrowing 1-A and tried to rally as many of his classmates to his cause. Though most of his efforts were curbed by their Class Rep, Itsuka Kendo, who would chop at his neck and knock him out, at least, that's what Tetsutetsu said.
Team Prime had come into a brief conflict with Team Monoma:
Neito: Well well, what do we have here? A member of Class 1-A, its Rep no less, lording over students from other classes and having them carrying him like he's some king. Typical Class 1-A behavior, thinking you're better than everyone else. Well, We of Class 1-B will prove that we are the superior class!
After that and some other choice words, Optimus immediately decided he did not like this person. Why would he personally want to trample over others who are just working towards the same goals as he is, to become a hero? Why must he make it a bloodthirsty competition?
If it was only that, then Optimus would just treat Neito with indifference, but no, what truly made him dislike Monoma, was that he reminded Optimus too much of Starscream. For a second, Optimus had feared that like him, Starscream had reincarnated into this world as a human, as he did, and that he was Neito in disguise. But he quickly put thoughts aside after looking in his eyes and saw no trace of the Decepticon.
Despite that small miracle, to have a human act so similar to Starscream caused nothing but a headache for the human Prime. While he did support the idea of Starscream coming to their side if that's what he truly wished, even he could barely stand the Seeker and his ego. Primus how Megatron put up with the traitors con for so long was beyond him.
Thankfully, Neito didn't seem to share Starscream's desire to hurt innocents, nor to break the rules in any way that would compromise his place in the Sports Festival. Team Prime was able to move away from Team Monoma without losing any points thankfully, even stealing some of their lower-level points, as Neito seemed keen on challenging Team Bakugou.
Optimus would normally advise against such action, but he decided not to. Not like Neito would even listen to him anyway if he was anything like Starscream.
It was halfway through the round when things started to get even more intense as Team Todoroki decided to get serious. Shoto started by having Momo create an insulated blanket, as soon as he saw it, and Denki began to spark, he realized what the Ice and Fire Quirk user had planned.
Optimus: Everyone brace!
His team did so and Denki unleashed a massive output of electricity that shocked everyone on the field. Optimus and Tetsutetsu took the worst of it, the latter because of his metal skin and the former because of his biology. Cybertronians didn't do too well against Electrical attacks, and despite being human now, the sting of electricity still greatly hurt the Prime.
Team Todoroki followed up on that by freezing the ground, trapping most of the teams, including Team Prime. Tetsutetsu was able to break free of the ice after recovering from his stunned state, and Optimus used his blasters to shoot at the ice at Hitoshi and Yuga's feet. They were freed just in time, as Team Todoroki was about to grab their headbands.
Optimus' instincts took over as he leaned his head back like in limbo to dodge the attempt from Shoto's left hand. He then followed up by transforming one of his hands into an Energon Hook and without looking, used it to hook onto one of the headbands in Shoto's possession. For the briefest of moments, he felt an intense heat on his metal arm before it suddenly disappeared.
He came back up and looked at his prize to see a low-point headband, probably from one of the other teams Shoto stole from. He looked at the boy and saw he was staring down at his left hand with a horrified look on his face, like he had committed a grave sin, before he turned to face Prime, glaring darkly at him.
Optimus: "What happened? Did he just–"
He had no more time to ponder as he was alerted by Katsuki's shouting and turned to see Team Bakugou charge them. Tetsutetsu and Eijiro ended up butting heads as the two teams collided. Katsuki tried to reach for the Optimus had on him, which was enough to place Team Prime in second behind Team Midoriya, but Optimus fought him off, knocking away the blonde's palms before they could hit him.
Katsuki: Gimme your points, Robo-Boy!
Hitoshi: Seriously, why do you have to be such a Mad Pominarea?
Katsuki: Shu–
Katsuki didn't finish as he was placed under Hitoshi's brainwashing, allowing Team Prime to escape from Team Bakugou.
Optimus would have congratulated Hitoshi but heard a loud noise, like an engine going into overdrive, coming from where Teams Midoriya and Todoroki were. He looked to see Tenya move in an incredible burst of speed from his engines, carrying his team to Izuku's, and in the blink of an eye, Shoto swiped the ten million headbands, moving his team to first.
In the remaining minutes, Team Midoriya tried to steal it back, with several unsuccessful attempts that resulted in them only getting one of the lower points headbands. However, when they did, Optimus caught sight of flames beginning to form on Shoto's left arm before they died.
Optimus: "Seems even he cannot afford to hold back in times like this."
It was an all-out war for the last minute. Every team scrambling to grab the ten million-point headband. Team Prime was trying to stay alive amidst the chaos, keeping the headbands they had while taking headbands from others.
Present Mic: TIME'S UP!
And with that, all action on the field ceased as the adrenaline left the teams. Izuku looked crushed for some reason.
Present Mic: Now let's take a look at our top four teams! In the first place, Team Todoroki!
Team Todoroki, instead of looking proud, looked rather relieved. That made sense since they barely won. Another second longer and they would have lost the ten million.
Present Mic: In second place, Team Prime! Special shout-out to these guys! Since the beginning, they haven't lost a single headband and managed to steal at least one from all the other teams!
The crowd went wild, more so than for Team Todoroki who came in first. Hitoshi, Yuga, and Tetsutetsu looked in awe at the crowd cheering for them, before turning to look at Optimus. The three had to acknowledge, that without his leadership, they wouldn't have made it this far, and accomplished something too grand as stealing a headband from every team without losing one of their own.
Present Mic: In third place, Team Bakugou!
Katsuki wasn't taking it well.
Present Mic: And in fourth place, Team Midoriya!
Izuku cried a geyser of tears that managed to create a crater in the ground that shocked Optimus.
Optimus: "Do humans usually cry that much?"
Optimus decided to put that thought to the side for the moment and walked over to his green-haired friend.
Optimus: Izuku?
The boy stopped crying and turned to Optimus, who held out his hand to him, a proud smile on his face.
Optimus: Well done my friend.
Izuku returned said smile and gripped his hand in return.
Izuku: You two.
This scene caused many watching to smile, except two boys. Katsuki, because he was still furious that he lost, and Shoto, who glared at both Optimus and Izuku before looking down at his left hand.
Shoto: "I said I never use this to attack. But as soon as I was overwhelmed, I broke my own promise, twice even."
He then clenched his fist in anger.
Shoto: At this rate, he'll win, and I'll become exactly as he wants me to be.
He then returned his focus to Optimus and Izuku, who looked ready to leave for lunch. They had an hour-long break before the final round. Good. That would give him enough time for what he had planned.
Shoto: Prime. Midoriya.
Both boys turned to Shoto.
Izuku: Hey Todoroki.
Optimus: Is something the matter?
Shoto's eyes narrowed.
Shoto: We need to talk.
It was time to find out who these two really are.