Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Speechless
[Third Person's PoV]
The next day…
Like previously, Tony and Melissa both got off their motorcycles and began walking to school together with their fingers interlocked.
Immediately, they were bombarded by the shutter and blinding light of cameras flashing in their faces. They grabbed their sunglasses and continued walking as reporters started asking them questions.
"Oh wow, it's Anthony Stark!"
"I heard you've been accepted into U.A. Do you have anything to say about it?"
"Are Stark Industries and U.A. High collaborating?"
"What is your opinion of All Might working as a teacher?"
"Are you one of All Might's students?"
"As everyone knows that you are quirkless, did you bribe U.A into letting you in?"
Tony lowered his sunglasses and stared right at the man who asked that.
"Uh oh," Melissa muttered with a sigh.
"Did you really just ask me that?" Tony asked, raising an eyebrow.
Everyone fell silent. They all heard the sound of the man gulping slightly and watched intently, waiting with bated breaths.
"Tell me, do you think I made Stark Industries what it is today by bribing people? I'll answer that question for you: I didn't. Stark Industries stands as a beacon of innovation and hard work. I've faced challenges, skepticism, and countless obstacles. But I didn't overcome them by simply throwing money at them; I did it with my mind, my determination, and my vision.
"Being quirkless doesn't make me less capable. If anything, it's pushed me to work harder, think smarter, and innovate relentlessly. You see, power isn't just about physical abilities or flashy quirks. True power lies in resilience, intelligence, and the willingness to push beyond limitations.
"When I applied to U.A., I didn't ask for special treatment. I submitted the same application, took the same exams, and faced the same scrutiny as every other student here. And I got in because I earned it.
"Never underestimate someone because they're different. If anything, it's our differences that give us strength. So, to anyone who doubts me or thinks I don't belong here because I'm quirkless, remember this: it's not the quirks that define us. It's our actions and our relentless pursuit of excellence.
"I didn't bribe my way into U.A. I fought for it, just like I fight for everything else I believe in. And if you still doubt me, then watch closely. Because I'm just getting started."
The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by the many flashes of light that could have blinded someone.
Tony put on his glasses and strutted forward, holding Melissa's hand in one hand and a gift bag in the other. "No more questions, Tony Stark out," Tony said as he threw up a peace sign.
The reporters kept trying to ask him questions, but Tony ignored them and headed inside. "That bastard… asking if I bribed myself in. Who does he think he is? I should get him fired for such nonsense," he grumbled.
Melissa giggled as she went on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Well, I thought you were wonderful out there. I thought you were going to curse that guy out publicly. I got worried."
"Oh please, I still have a reputation to uphold."
"I should be the one saying 'oh please.' You would totally do that and not care if the entire world was watching."
They soon arrived at the giant door of class 1A, where they found the others already seated. They were the last two to arrive, but luckily class hadn't started.
"Here," Tony said, placing the gift bag on top of Hagakure's desk.
"Huh?" she asked in surprise. "Already? I thought it would have taken longer…"
Hagakure excitedly reached into the bag and found a metal case similar to the ones where the others stored their suits. When she opened it, she saw a beautiful black outfit with long, fingerless gloves and little bags that attached to the thighs.
As soon as Hagakure touched it, it turned invisible. "Woah!" She released it, and it reappeared before she grabbed it again and it disappeared once more.
She immediately stood up and hugged both Melissa and Tony. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" she repeated a thousand times.
The others were curious and watched. Melissa then started describing the material and the effect her suit had. "It is made from unstable molecule fibers, a unique material only Tony has been able to make. It's the perfect material for any hero suit because it can adapt to various environments and powers.
"For your suit, it synchronizes with your quirk, allowing it to become invisible whenever you do. It also provides enhanced durability, flexibility, and temperature regulation. Plus, the little bags on the thighs are for carrying any small tools or gadgets you might need."
"Not to mention the shoes are made from sound-dampening material so you don't have to worry about making noise when you move. You also see the black rings; they are connected to strong black wires that are extremely durable, so you should be able to capture people rather easily now as well. You don't have to worry—they turn invisible too," Tony said with a proud look.
All of a sudden, they heard loud crying from in front of them. "I don't know why you guys are doing this for me, but thank you!"
"I'm sorry, but it's just weird that you are naked all the time," Tony said awkwardly, unsure of how to comfort her.
Melissa just hugged Hagakure, and then Aizawa walked in and saw the other girls jump in to comfort Hagakure.
"What's wrong with her?" Aizawa asked.
"I'm afraid it's because I'm too handsome. It just brings some women to tears. Sigh, maybe I do have a quirk, and this is it," Tony lamented.
Aizawa just stared at Tony while the others covered their mouths, trying not to laugh in front of him.
"In your seats, everyone, class is about to begin," Aizawa said, choosing the best course of action possible: to completely ignore Tony.
Tony felt it was a shame he didn't get any reaction from Aizawa. 'I suppose no reaction is a reaction in itself,' he thought.
"I have seen and reviewed all of the footage from your battle training with All Might. You all did well. Except you, Bakugo. Grow up. You are talented; stop wasting it on being childish and throwing temper tantrums."
Bakugo clicked his tongue, looking irritated at being singled out. But what irritated him further was that he knew he deserved it.
"Now then, onto homeroom business," Aizawa said with his usual apathetic look. "You will be picking a class president…"
'A completely normal school activity!' they all simultaneously thought.
Everyone soon raised their hands and started shouting to be picked. Even Bakugo seemed enthusiastic about being elected.
"Let's do this the old democratic way. We will put it to a vote, and the one with the most votes wins. To make it more interesting, you guys can't vote for yourselves," Tony said as he leaned back in his chair.
"But we don't really know each other well enough to carefully select who we believe would be a good class president. Ribbit," Asui pointed out.
"That's what makes it interesting," Tony smirked.
"Let's do it!" Kirishima cheered.
"It sounds fun," Mina nodded.
Everyone soon started agreeing, finding the idea acceptable. "Since everyone has agreed, we will write our names on a piece of paper, we will count them at the end, and the one with the most votes wins," Tony added.
...
Everyone looked at the votes…
Tony Stark - 10
Melissa Shield - 5
Momo Yaoyorozu - 4
Midoriya - 2
Bakugo - 1
"I thought we agreed on no voting for yourself, Bakugo," Tony teased.
"How the hell was I supposed to know you were actually following such an idiotic rule!? Plus, the one I believe has a chance to lead is me, dammit!" Bakugo shouted in embarrassment.
Tony walked up to the podium and put his sunglasses on. "Is it better to be feared or respected?"
Everyone looked at Tony curiously, waiting for him to continue.
"I say, is it too much to ask for both?" Tony said as he leaned on the podium. "A hero must walk a fine line between fear and respect. Those who should fear you will do so, and those you aim to protect will respect you. Fortunately for all of you, I can handle both perfectly.
"In this role, I promise to be a leader who embodies these qualities. I'll be someone who can strike fear into the hearts of villains and command respect from allies and peers alike. But it's not just about power or authority. It's about responsibility and empathy. A true hero understands the weight of their actions and the impact they have on others.
"I will ensure that our voices are heard, our needs are met, and our potential is realized. Together, we'll push the boundaries of what it means to be a hero. We'll train harder, learn more, and grow stronger. We'll support each other through every challenge and celebrate every victory.
"As your class president, I'll fight for what is right, not just what is easy. I'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to create an environment where we can all thrive. Because at the end of the day, being a hero isn't just about the powers we wield or the battles we fight. It's about the difference we make in the world and the legacy we leave behind.
"So, let's stand together, united in our pursuit of greatness. Let's show the world what it truly means to be heroes of U.A. High. Thank you. And Plus Ultra, everyone!"
Tony started waving like a prince as he held his chest and spun his hand side to side.
"We've created a monster," Melissa muttered with a heavy sigh
Everyone just stared at Tony with their mouths agape, wondering if they had really chosen correctly.
Even Aizawa, who was lying on the ground wrapped in his sleeping bag, stared at Tony's backside strangely before choosing what was best for his state of mind and needed sleep: ignoring him as always.
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