Operation Ice Prince: Todoroki's Hero Smackdown (UA War Game)

Villain Mode, Activated

Todoroki's point of view untill said otherwise....

Me: So, let me get this straight. You want me to be the villain.

Aizawa: Yes, Todoroki, I think you'll manage.

Me: Yeah, sure. Why not. No pressure at all, just... destroy all my classmates. Alone. Easy.

Right. So, here we are. Aizawa announces this "hero-villain" exercise like he's asking me to pass the salt, and surprise, surprise, I'm the villain. Alone. Sole villain. The rest of the class? Oh, they get to be heroes. How convenient. Sure, put the guy with unresolved daddy issues and dual personalities in the villain role. Real original, Aizawa.

What am I supposed to do? 

Object? 

It's Aizawa. 

You don't argue with the man who can make Bakugo sit down with a glare.

So, here I am. Stuck being the bad guy. It's not like I don't understand why they picked me. I'm the obvious choice: half-hot, half-cold—literal internal conflict. I'm a walking billboard for identity crises. But still, a solo mission? Against everyone? That's a bit much, even for me.

Me: You do realize there are, like, 18 of them, right?

Aizawa: You'll manage.

Me: Right. No big deal.

I say that out loud, but inside? I'm already trying to figure out how long I can hold out before Bakugo inevitably explodes in my direction. The guy has a permanent vendetta against me, no against Izuku and me. And it's not like the rest of the class will go easy either. They see me as the strong, silent type who never breaks a sweat. Which is true, but also... I'm only human. Well, mostly.

And just when I think things can't get worse? Enter Midoriya, looking like death warmed over. His face is pale, eyes glassy, and his nose is red from what I assume is a nasty cold.

Me: You look like you've been run over by a bus.

Izuku: *sniff* I'll be fine. It's just a cold.

Me: Right. You'll be great in a fight....losing it.

Aizawa, of course, takes pity on the poor guy and decides to let him sit this one out. Not that I blame him—Midoriya's practically a walking germ factory right now...no make it a dead person—but still. It leaves me in a bit of a situation. The one person who could have provided me with some semblance of sanity during this is out, benched, and probably contagious.

But, in a turn of events that could only happen in Midoriya's life, Aizawa lets him help me plan. So now I get to be the villain and play babysitter to a sniffling Midoriya.

Me: Can we reschedule this? Maybe wait until Midoriya's not about to collapse?

Aizawa: No.

Me: Of course.

So that's that. The stakes are set: Todoroki versus the entire class, and my backup is a guy who can barely breathe without wheezing. What could possibly go wrong?

I head to Midoriya's room after class, because apparently, this is where my life is now. His room looks like the aftermath of a tissue tornado. Midoriya's sitting on his bed, laptop open, and surrounded by notebooks. His determination to help is admirable, I guess. But it's also kind of... concerning? Shouldn't he be resting?

Me: You should lie down. Maybe sleep for a few days.

Izuku: No, no, I'm fine. I've been thinking about your ice quirk—

Me: Of course you have.

He's barely coherent, but the kid's mind is always working. He starts rambling about terrain control, using my ice to create barriers, fire to force them into specific zones. It's all smart, tactical stuff—stuff that makes me wonder if I should be worried that this sickly, germ-infested guy is still smarter than half the class combined...including me.....

Izuku: And you can use fire to keep them from pushing you into corners. Just—sniff—just make sure not to overuse it, because you'll need to conserve energy.

Me: I know.

Izuku: Right. And psychological warfare is key—make them feel like they can't win. You know, like Bakugo does.

Me: I'm not Bakugo.

Izuku: No, but you're better. You've got ice and fire. He only has explosions.

I raise an eyebrow at that. Did Midoriya just casually compliment me? I'm not sure what to do with that. It's not like I need validation, but... it's nice to hear, I guess. Whatever. Not important.

He goes on and on, clearly in his element. Even when he's on death's door, the guy can't stop strategizing. It's exhausting just listening to him, honestly. But I nod along, making mental notes of his plans. It's not like I don't know how to fight my classmates, but having Midoriya's input makes it easier. He's the guy who analyzes every angle, predicts every move. He thinks ten steps ahead while the rest of us are just trying to figure out what's happening in the present.

Me: You really should get some sleep, Midoriya.

Izuku: I'm fine! Just a little longer—

Me: No, seriously. Go to sleep. You're not even going to remember half of this conversation tomorrow.

He laughs, but it's a weak, tired sound. I watch him for a moment, and then—because I'm not completely heartless—I stand up and close his laptop for him.

Me: We'll go over the rest tomorrow. Sleep. Now.

He nods, clearly too tired to argue anymore, and I leave his room with a sigh. I can't help but feel bad for the guy. He's sick, probably miserable, and yet here he is, trying to help me win a stupid exercise. I guess that's just Midoriya for you—always giving 150%, even when he shouldn't.

Meanwhile, I'm left to figure out how to play the villain convincingly. It's weird, honestly. I don't want to be the bad guy. Sure, I have my moments of being cold (pun intended), but being the villain? That's not me. I'm just trying to make it through this school year without imploding.

And now I have to pretend to be the very thing I've spent my entire life trying not to become. No big deal, right?

Except... maybe it is a big deal. Maybe it's exactly what I need. If I'm going to do this, I'm going all in. I'll play the villain role perfectly—stoic, ruthless, untouchable. I'll use Midoriya's plans, set up my ice traps, and make sure no one can even get close. They think they can beat me? Let's see them try.

Me: Game on.