I Am Ironman (MHA)

[Third Person's PoV]

"Let the Practical Exams begin!" Principal Nezu announced enthusiastically, flashing a wide grin and throwing up a peace sign as he winked at the assembled students. His chipper demeanor contrasted sharply with his appearance—still jarring to some—now that he stood eye-level with the rest of the faculty, thanks to Tony and his present towards Nezu. Despite the change, Nezu's energy was as electric as ever.

The students whispered among themselves, eyes occasionally drifting to the pint-sized principal who now wasn't quite so pint-sized.

Aizawa looked as unbothered as usual. His tired gaze swept across the class, who were already dressed in their hero costumes—everyone except for Tony and Melissa, who could just summon them with nothing but a thought. Folding his arms across his chest, he addressed them coolly.

"This exam can still be failed," he warned. "If you want to attend the training camp, then don't mess this up. I won't hesitate to fail you."

Jirou blinked, glancing around at the lineup of instructors. "Isn't this… like, practically the entire staff?" she asked awkwardly, starting to count under her breath.

Aizawa sighed, already anticipating where this was going. "Knowing you lot, you've probably been snooping around, pestering people for hints. Maybe you think you have a vague idea of what's going to happen—"

"Oh, we already know what's going to happen!" Mina interrupted with a bright grin. "We're gonna be fighting you guys, right?"

Silence followed. Not the stunned kind—just the awkward, resigned kind.

Aizawa, Nezu, Present Mic, and All Might all turned slowly to stare at one particular student.

Tony Stark gave a mock salute, knocking the side of his head playfully and sticking out his tongue. "Teehee," he said, clearly unapologetic.

The class broke into muffled snickers, barely containing their laughter.

Aizawa pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. "Tony, what did we say about hacking into the school systems?"

Tony straightened up and replied in a mock-serious tone. "To do it in moderation."

"That's not what we discussed at all," Aizawa muttered, already regretting the conversation.

"I'm sorry," Tony sighed dramatically, "but it's just way too easy."

A shiver passed through a few of the more tech-savvy teachers who were more aware of how strong their security systems were. 'This place has the best security system in the world…' many of them thought nervously.

Nezu gave a theatrical sigh and shook his head, clearly disappointed. "I was really hoping to see your anxious little faces when we revealed the twist. Ah well," he added with a pout, "the surprise is ruined."

Everyone exchanged sheepish grins, the atmosphere lightened for a moment—until Nezu's tone shifted.

"But yes, as you've guessed, this exam will not be against the usual combat robots. From now on, we're focusing on realistic, dynamic scenarios—ones that simulate real battles against living, thinking opponents. From here forward, it's blood versus blood."

A hushed tension spread through the air.

"You will be pairing up and facing off against a member of our faculty," Nezu continued, motioning toward the row of teachers. "Your partners and your opponents have already been decided. We took into account multiple factors—your fighting styles, your grades, your teamwork, your quirks, and your equipment." His eyes briefly flicked toward Tony and Melissa. "Every detail has been analyzed."

The students leaned in, listening closely.

"So," Nezu said, lifting and clapping his hands together, "without further ado—"

"Wait!" Tony interrupted, raising his hand.

Nezu blinked. "Yes, Tony?"

"I just counted the number of teachers here. There are only ten. With how many of us there are, shouldn't there be at least eleven opponents?" Tony asked curiously.

Nezu's eyes gleamed. "I'm glad you noticed."

A low murmur spread through the students.

"You see," Nezu began, "as much as I hate to admit it... I knew my staff would have trouble going up against you, Tony. To be honest, I don't think they stand much of a chance."

Tony scratched the back of his head, feigning bashfulness. "Aww, you're gonna make me blush."

"That's why," Nezu continued with a mysterious smile, "I called in a special favor."

Suddenly, the air shifted.

It grew hotter.

"What the—?" Denki muttered, tugging at his collar. "Is it me, or is it getting warm in here?"

The heat intensified, causing sweat to bead along foreheads. Even the metal on some hero suits began to feel uncomfortable.

Then, heavy footsteps echoed across the courtyard. Flames danced in the air as a massive figure strode through the crowd like a blazing juggernaut. Fire curled from his shoulders and boots, and a thick, fiery mustache burned brightly on his face. His dark blue costume shimmered with heat, accented with red and orange flame motifs that pulsed like a heartbeat.

Everyone stared.

Even Tony stared in disbelief.

Todoroki's eyes widened as he whispered, "...Father?"

And then, in unison, the class erupted:

"ENDEAVOR?!"

Endeavor marched forward, the flaming aura around his body casting waves of heat across the area. As he joined the rest of the teachers, his heavy boots echoed against the ground, each step commanding attention. His intense blue eyes scanned the crowd of students with calculated scrutiny, analyzing their posture, confidence, and weaknesses without saying a word. He finally stopped and crossed his arms, the fire around him flaring slightly as if reacting to his mood.

Tony covered his mouth, failing to contain the wide grin spreading across his face. "Oh, this just became a hundred times better," he muttered, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"First match!" Aizawa announced, his tired voice now laced with a hint of excitement. "Todoroki and Yaoyorozu… you're up against me."

His jet-black eyes suddenly turned a menacing shade of red beneath his messy hair as he flashed the two students a rare and unsettling grin. Shivers ran down the spines of several students nearby.

Todoroki stepped forward with a sharp inhale, eyes flickering between Aizawa and Endeavor. Yaoyorozu glanced at him, concerned, but quickly steeled her expression.

"Next up—Midoriya and Shield," Aizawa continued, scanning the crowd.

"And your opponent is… ME!" All Might announced with booming enthusiasm. His trademark smile beamed with power as a surge of pressure filled the training field, his overwhelming aura making the ground feel just a little heavier.

"Awesome!!" Melissa cried out, fists clenched in excitement.

Midoriya, however, paled. He swallowed hard, his limbs trembling as his mouth opened slightly. "A-All Might…?" he stuttered.

Melissa slapped him hard on the back, jolting him forward with a yelp. "Come on now, man up!" she said, practically vibrating with excitement. "Don't hold me back! I've always wanted to go all-out against Uncle Might!"

Midoriya tried to steady his breathing as he nodded stiffly, still visibly shaken.

"Following that—Stark and Bakugo," Aizawa declared, checking his clipboard.

"WHAT?!" both shouted in unison, disbelief and irritation flashing across their faces.

Their heads snapped toward one another. "Why the hell am I paired up with him?!" they growled simultaneously.

The moment hung awkwardly in the air before they processed the echo, both grimacing.

"Ugh, why are you whining?" Tony snapped, arms folded. "You should be thanking me. With me carrying you, victory's practically guaranteed. You'll just slow me down if anything."

"You bastard!" Bakugo exploded, his hands sparking. "The only one getting in anyone's way is YOU, you cocky tin-can-wannabe!"

"If you two don't stop bickering and actually work together, you won't stand a chance of passing this exam," Endeavor said coldly, his gaze hard and commanding.

"Huh?!" Both boys turned their ire toward the towering Pro Hero, glaring with equal intensity.

Tony stepped forward, cocking his head arrogantly. "Even with this walking explosion liability, I could take you down with one hand tied behind my back."

"You little—who the hell are you calling a liability, you quirkless extra?!" Bakugo shouted. "And like hell I need to team up to beat you! I don't need anyone to take down the number two hero!"

The tension between the three was palpable. Sparks of literal and metaphorical heat crackled through the air as they glared each other down, not one of them backing down.

All Might leaned slightly toward Nezu, speaking in a hushed tone. "Are we sure it was a good idea to bring Endeavor into this?"

Nezu, still forcing an optimistic smile, sweat beading down his forehead inside the suit, murmured, "...I was sure at first. Now? I'm starting to have some very serious doubts."

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