MHA: Hands on, Quirks Up!

The press conference was held in the auditorium at UA. Dozens of reporters packed in close, cameras and recorders aimed squarely at the raised platform at the front of the room.

Principal Nezu stood atop the podium, small in stature, but carrying a presence that filled the space. To his right was All Might, in his muscular form but wearing a black suit. Gone was the booming laughter; this version of him was grounded.

"Thank you all for coming," Nezu began, his usual chipper tone now grounded with a weight that instantly stilled the room. "As many of you have already heard, U.A. experienced a serious and unprecedented attack."

A quiet ripple of murmurs ran through the assembled press, but Nezu raised one paw with practiced calm.

"I ask that you hold all questions until after our statement," he said, voice steady. "We'll address as much as we can, as openly as we can."

He took a brief pause, then continued.

"Yesterday afternoon at approximately 1:00 PM, one of UA's specialized training grounds, the Unforeseen Simulation Joint, was invaded by a coordinated group of villains who identified themselves as the 'League of Villains.' At the time, one of our first-year hero course classes was undergoing a rescue training exercise under the supervision of two faculty members, Eraserhead and Thirteen."

Nezu's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued.

"The attack was made possible by an individual with a warp-type Quirk, later identified as Kurogiri. This individual circumvented all campus-level security measures and brought with him a large number of hostile individuals. Their goal was clear: to inflict damage, cause panic, and target our students."

At that, All Might stepped forward.

His usual smile was gone. The room held its breath.

"This was a calculated act of terror," he said, voice deep and resonant. "They didn't just come for U.A., they came for the next generation of heroes. They came for the hope we're building."

He looked directly at the reporters now, his tone firm.

"They attacked our students. But those students stood their ground. They worked together. They fought not just to survive, but to protect each other. And thanks to their courage, our staff, and rapid reinforcements, we stopped the attack. Every student returned safely, and all but two of the assailants are in custody."

All Might stepped back. Nezu folded his paws over the podium.

"We will now take your questions," he announced. "Please raise your hand."

A forest of hands shot up. Nezu pointed to a sharp-dressed man in the second row.

"Principal Nezu," the man began, voice crisp, "how do you justify continuing field training exercises when the environment clearly remains a target?"

Nezu's ears twitched as he gave a small nod. "An understandable concern, this incident highlighted vulnerabilities in our current structure. However, halting hero training in response to villain aggression would only benefit the villains. Our students must be prepared for danger, that's the foundation of what we do. We train them to stand when the world's darkness wants them to fall."

Before the murmurs could settle, a voice toward the left cut in.

"All Might," a woman asked, "you've stood for peace and security for years. What does it mean when villains storm the country's top hero school under your watch?"

All Might leaned forward toward the microphone. He didn't raise his voice. "It means the villains are afraid. They wanted to shake the foundations of peace. But what they found were students who refused to be shaken. This wasn't just an attack on a school, it was an attack on the future. And the future stood its ground."

A reporter in a grey vest stood next. "Then, why were students left to confront villains directly?"

Nezu stepped in smoothly. "The two pro heroes on site acted immediately, and tried to prevent the students from having to fight. However, the villains' strategy was to isolate and overwhelm. Despite that, our students adapted, regrouped, and pushed back. No one faced this threat alone."

Another hand rose.

"What steps is U.A. taking to ensure that this never happens again?"

Nezu's voice remained composed. "A comprehensive internal audit is already underway. We're enhancing surveillance systems and upgrading response protocols. I must decline to go into specifics for security reasons, but rest assured, we take this breach very seriously."

"All Might," another journalist chimed in, "will this affect your ability to continue teaching, or act as a pro hero going forward?"

All Might's gaze didn't waver. "Quite the opposite. My role as a teacher and as a symbol of peace is more important now than ever. This attack fuels my resolve. I will stand beside these students not as a symbol, but as a mentor. And as long as I can move, I will protect them.

From the rear of the room, a more pointed question came.

"There are rumors circulating that this attack wasn't about the students, rather you were the real target. Can you confirm or deny that?"

The room hushed. All Might's shoulders squared.

"It's possible. But even if I was the target, the villains failed. They failed because our students stood tall. And because the spirit of heroism can't be killed. Not by fear, not by force."

From the right side of the crowd, a woman adjusted her mic and leaned forward.

"Principal Nezu," she began, eyes narrowing slightly behind her glasses, "what do you say to the parents watching this? Can they still trust U.A. with their children?"

"I say this," Nezu's began, his tone softer than before. "Every student in that class showed the heart of a hero. U.A. has learned hard lessons and is implementing changes to ensure safety. If you entrust your children to this school, know that they are in the care of the most dedicated heroes and faculty working tirelessly to protect them."

Finally, a softer voice rose.

"All Might, what message would you give to the students directly, if they're watching this now?"

All Might smiled for the first time, his voice holding warmth.

"Stand tall. You've shown the world who you are. I'm proud of each and every one of you."

Nezu gave a final smile, closing the session. "Thank you all for your time. U.A. will be stronger than ever moving forward. We're not retreating."

The network would call it a victory by resolve. But for those in the room, it was a reminder. 

The peace they defended was fragile.