A Wolf Among the Sheep

Truth And Reconciliation

Class A arrived outside the support studio, with trepidation and eagerness to see their new gear. Many of them had problems with their previous costumes, and this was supposed to be the upgrade to make them better. Still... their two teachers lead them forward, to the metal door. It was extra reinforced, a sign that they improved their workshop from the first time. Still, Izuku didn't enter first. He let the teachers do so. Fortunately, there was no explosion. Not this time. Instead, Powerloader met them directly, but... for once, he was not alone. Sure, his students were all ready and waiting, but there was a new guest. A very short individual, with a long, elegantly maintained beard, and wearing forging gear. Stuff that Izuku recognized as something Erika would wear when she was forging her own equipment. It created a pang of sadness that he hid well beneath his stoic exterior.

"Welcome, Class A." The professor warmly greeted them. "You have certainly had a crucible of your own to strengthen your skills. But today is about your gear. We're responsible for that, but to fully ensure it's up to your needs, we need to speak with you about it." Gesturing to the Dwarf next to him, he introduced him. "This is my mentor. As my main priority is the support gear, and many, if not all of you requested armor. He is my superior in this regard... So he helped me make the best armor for each of you based on your ideas. Each of the support students understands the armors they have been given, and will work to your needs. Alright, here are the assignments..." He listed off names, and the named students went to those they were assigned to. "Izuku Midoriya, you are to go to Mei Hatsume."

He groaned to himself, but didn't complain verbally. First impressions were everything. Still, before he could go over, Powerloader himself called him over.

"Midoriya... your armor in particular needed a special touch. Durin Arkenstone personally made yours, to try to bring it to the same level as your blade." That got a raised eyebrow. He hadn't ever given it up for analysis. How would he know? Well, that answer was clear in a few seconds, "After reviewing the camera footage from the event, as well as accounts and descriptions by others... it's clear that your blade is remarkable."

"Tis made from lost techniques, from before the rise o' quirks." The dwarf stated matter of factly. "Damascus steel. Very durable, exceedingly sharp... but impossible to recreate. Hell, humanity lost it far, far before they even invented the first engine."

Now that was actually shocking. His sword was the only modern make of such a unique material?

"Still, even tho' I can't recreate it, I tried forging armor akin to it in appearance, with as much durability as I can muster. I shouldn't keep you waiting." He gestured to the pink haired girl, who stood by, with a mix of boredom and irritation on her features. When he approached, her facial expression changed, but her eyes did not. While they looked interesting, with the crosshairs in the middle, clearly a vision based quirk, but her personality leaked through just as clearly. Today did not excite her, nor interest her in the slightest.

It was best to get the bullshit out of the way first. Clear communication is required. And if she was not going to give him her honest words, then this would be pointless.

"Welcome! I'm Mei Hatsume, although you probably already know that..."

"You nearly injured me last time we met."

She withered under his sharp gaze, eyes widening as she realized that this wouldn't go like any other expected meeting. "Um..."

"It's clear that you're unhappy and don't want to be here. Why?"

Looking down at the set of armor on her table, she sighed, "Because this is boring. It's just pieces of metal. No technology, not even analog! There's nothing to possibly invent here, and every one of your class wants just that! No tech, no gear..."